The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-08
He Sees No Prospect Of a Compromise e
at Present, but Hopes an Agree
ment VIII BE Reached.
REDUCTION OF DUTY PLAN
THE BEST SOLUTION OF THE TROU-
BILE, MIR. STEELE SAYS.
Beet Sugar Men Unwilling to Meet
the Others Half way-Confer-
ence and Reply to Payne.
special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, March 1.-The Repub-
Iicans of the House see no solution at pres
ent of the controversy over the Cuban reci-
procity plan of the ways and means COM
mittee," said Representative Steele to the
correspondent of the Journal tonight. 1.-The
contest has assumed phase which is de-
cidedly unsatisfactory from a Republican
standpoint We should do our best to solve
this vexatious question, rather than trying
to see which can win in a long contest. The
Republicans of the ways and means COM
mittee did not relish the position in which
they were forced I think a majority of the
Republicans of this committee would rather
not have raised the question. But it came
to in a way that could not avoid
1t was a legacy of the administration of
President Mckinley. We know that he is
on record in favor of improving the trade
relations with Cuba and of doing every
thing possible to improve the material con-
dition of the island and give the new re-
public a good start. Following this came
the message Of President Roosevelt, in
which he recommended that reciprocal
trade relations with Cuba be established.
All this came to the committee, backed by
a strong sentiment I'm the country favor
able TO measures which would effect better
trade relations with Cuba.
1--WE took this under consideration, and
after looking at the subject from all sides,
concluded that 20 per cent. reduction un-
der the conditions mentioned in the bill
would be the most equitable. We do not
want TO harm any American industry and
disposed to think that a 20 per cent
reduction will not damage the sugar-beet
interests of this country. In exchange we
have the satisfaction of knowing that Cuba
will enforce our exclusion and naturaliza-
tion laws. This is matter of the greatest
Importance to us. We must look into the
future in considering legislation bearing
upon Cuba.
I'VE must consider the necessity of all
branches of the administration working in
harmony. 1t is no light matter to reject
the Presidents advice in any important
matter. That is not the way the Repub-
licans have merited the confidence of the
country in the past. We should work to-
gether for the best interests of ALL and
not try to arouse differences. 1 am sure
the position of the ways and means COM
mittee should not be considered an individ-
ual matter. 1t is the best solution we could
find The supporters of the sugar beet
take an absolute stand. 1t does not seem
10 me that that is quite fair. We are
willing TO meet them in conference and
come to the wisest agreement which is
possible.
LAS the matter now stands. | do not see
any indication of a compromise being
reached but | still have hopes that those
who are dissatisfied with the conclusion
of the ways and means committee will meet
with the representatives of the committee
and arbitrate their differences In the end
we are all willing To abide by the verdict
of the majority Of the Republicans and
hope that the two sides will go together
and try to reach agreement which will
be reasonably satisfactory TO all Repub~
licans."
a large number of the Republican repre-
plan of Cuban reciprocity held a private
meeting at o'clock this afternoon in the
committee room of Mr.. William Alden
Smith IL was not intended TO assemble
the full strength of the opposition, but
rather TO have representatives from each
State delegation. Those present numbered
about thirty-fve. The standing of mem
bers from the several States was fully
canvassed. and later II was asserted that
this canvass showed that a majority could
be mustered against the ways and means
proposition The meeting did not how
ever go into the various opposition plans
Ii was stated that as between the TaWnev
rebate plan and the postponement plan
the latter gaining strength Mr.
Tawney manifested no desire TO insist on
his plan. and said IL had served TO develop
the sentiment for postponing any action