The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-14
Text of the Message.

II is stated that the Presidents positive
declaration in his message to-day as 10 the
duty of Congress probably will end his ac-s
tive efforts to bring about reciprocity The
message follows:
ITO the Senate and House OF Representa-
tives-I deem il important. before the pres
ent session of Congress adjourns to call
attention to the following expressions in
the message which, in the discharge OF the
duty imposed upon me by the Constitution,
i sent TO Congress on the first Tuesday OF
December last:
Elsewhere l have discussed the question
OF reciprocity. In the case OF Cuba how
ever, there are weighty reasons OF morality
and of national interest why the policy
should be held 10 have a particular appli-
cation, and L most earnestly ask your at
tention TO the wisdom. indeed 10 the vital
need of providing for a substantial reduc-
tion in the tariff duties on Cuban imports
into the United States. Cuba has, in her
Constitution, affirmed what desired.
that she should stand. in international
matters, I'm closer and more friendly rela-
tions with us than with any other power;
and we are bound by every consideration
of honor and expediency to pass CONNER
cial measures in the interest of her ma
terial we'll being.
This recommendation was merely Civ
ing practical effect to President McKin-
leys words, when. in his messages OF Dec
5, 1898, and Dec. s. 1899, he wrote:
- 1t is important that our relations with
this people [of Cubal shall be OF the most
y
lations close and reciprocal. We
have accepted trust, the fulfillment OF
which calls for the sternest integrity of
purpose and the exercise of the highest
wisdom The new Cuba yet 10 arise from
the ashes of the past must needs be
bound to US by ties OF singular intimacy
and strength III its enduring welfare is 10
be assured. The greatest blessing
which can come to Cuba is the restoration
of her agricultural and Industrial pros
perity.'
APPEAL FROM PALMA
Yesterday June l2) 1 received by cable
from the American minister in Cuba a most
earnest appeal from President Palma for
Legislative relief before il is too late and
the [hisI country financially ruineo'
THE granting Of reciprocity with Cuba
is a proposition which stands entirely alone.
The reasons for it far outweigh those for
granting reciprocity with any other ma
tion and are entirely consistent with pre-
serving intact the protective system under
which the country has thriven so marvel
ously The present tariff law was designed
TO promote the adoption of such reciproc-
ity treaty, and expressly provided for re-
duction not TO exceed ~ per cent. upon
goods coming from a particular country.
leaving the tariff rates on the same arti-
cles unchanged regards all other coun-
tries Objection has been made 10 the
granting OF the reduction on the ground
that the substantial benefit would not 20
TO the agricultural producer of sugar. but
would inure 10 the American sugar renners.
In my Judgment provision can and should
be made which will guarantee against
this possibility without having recourse 10
a measure Of doubtful policy. such as .
bounty in the form OF a rebate.
THE question 20 which, N any, Of the
different schedules OF the tariff ought most
properly be revised does not enter into this
matter in any way or shape We are con-
cerned with getting a friendly reciprocal
ARRANGEMENT with Cuba. This arrangement
applies 20 all the articles that Cuba grows
or produces. IL is not In our power 20 de-
termine what these articles shall be. and
anv discussion OF the tariff as II affects spe-
cial schedules or countries other than Cuba
is wholly aside from the subject matter 10
which l call your attention.
Some OF our citizens oppose the lowering
OF the tariff on Cuban products just as three
years ago they opposed the admission OF the
Hawaiian islands lest free trade with them
might ruin certain OF our interests here.
In the actual event their fears proved base
less as regards Hawaii. and their apprehen-
sions as 10 the damage 10 any industry OF
our own because Of the proposed measure
OF reciprocity with Cuba seem 10 me equally
! baseless In my judgment no American in
dustry Will be hurt and many American In
dustries will be benefited by the proposed
action II is 20 our advantage as a nation
that the growing Cuban market should be
controlled BY American producers.
IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY.
"The events following the war with Spain
and the prospective building OF the 18TH
mian canal render IL certain that we must
taEa Ia the future a far greater interest