The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-06-14
WE SHOULD BE GENEROUS
Cuba is Weak and Needs Our Aid,
Says the President.
SHE HAS DONE WHAT WE ASKED OF HER
We Expect Her to Accord Us Exceptional Treat
ment Politically and We Should Give
Her Exceptional Treatment
Economically.
Economically.
(By the Associated Press.)

(By the Associated PreSS.)
Washington, June 13-The President
day sent the following message to Con-
gress:
ITO the Senate and House of Represcn-
tatives:
Il deem it important before the ad-
journment of the present session of Con-
gress to call attention to the follow
ing expressions in the message which in
the discharge of the duty imposed upon
me by the Constitution I sent to Con-
gress on the first Tuesday of December
last.
Elsewhere 1 have discussed the ques-
tion of reciprocity. In the case of Cuba
however, there are weighty reasons of
morality and of national interest why the
olicy should be held to have a peculiar
application, and | most earnestly ask
your attention to the wisdom, indeed, to
the vital need, of the providing for a
substantial reduction in the tariff duties
on Cuban imports into the United States.
Cuba has in her constitution affirmed
what We desired. that she should stand,
in International matters, in closer and
more friendly relations with us than with
any other power; and we are bound by
every consideration of honor ard cxpe- i
diency to pass commercial measures in
the interest of her material we'll l. ing
This recommendation was merely Civ
ing practical effect to President McKin-
ley's words, when, in his messages of De
cCmber 5th, 1898, and December 5th, 1899
he wrote:
1T is important that our relations
with this people (of Cuba) shall be of
the most friendly character and our com
mercial relations close and reciprocal
We have accepted trust the
fulfillmcnt OF which calls for the sternest
integrity of purpose and the exercise of
the highest wisdom. The new Cuba yet
&c arise from the ashes of the past must
needs be bound to rG ~ ties of singular
intimacy and strength if it's enduring wei
fare is 30 be assured. The great
est blessing which can come to Cuba is
the restoration OF her agricultural and
industrial prosperity.
Yesterday, June 18th, I received by
cable from the American Minister in
Cuba. most earnest appeal from Pres
ident Palma for Legislative relief before
it is too late and his country financially
ruined
"The granting of reciprocity with Cuba
is proposition which stands entirely
alone. The reasons for it far outweigh
those for granting reciprocity with any
other nation. and are entirely consistent
with preserving intact the protective sys-
tenn under which this country has thrived
so marvelously The present tariff law
was designed to promote the adoption of
such a reciprocity treaty, and expressly
provide for a reduction not to exceed 20
per cent upon goods coming from par
vino ha arie
on the same articles unchanged as regards |
ell other countries. Objection has been
made to the granting Of the reduction On
the ground that the substantial benefit
would not go to the agricultural pro-
ducer of sugar, but would inure to the
American sugar refners. In my judg
ment provision can and should be made
which will guarantee us against this pos
sibility; without having recourse to a
measure Of doubtful policy, such as
bounty in the form of a rebate.
The Question as to which if any of
the different schedules of the tariff ought
most properly to be revised does not en-
ter into this matter in any way or shape.
We are concerned with getting friendly
reciprocal arrangement with Cuba. THIS
arrangement applies to all the articles
that Cuba grows or produces. 1t is not
in our power to determine what these
articles shall be; and any discussion of
The tarif as It affects special schedules,
or countries other than Cuba, is wholly
aside from the subject matter to which
| cali your attention.
"Some of our citizens oppose the low
ering of the tariff on Cuban products,
inst 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 vent their fears proved baseless
as regards Hawaii, and their apprehen-
sions as to the damage to any industry
of our own because of the proposed meas
ure of reciprocity with Cuba seems TO
me equally baseless. In my Judgment
no American industry will be hurt. ana
many American industries will be bene-
fitted by the proposed action. 1t is TO
our advantage as nation that the grow
ing Cuban market should be controlled
by American producers The events foi-
lowing the war with Spain, and prospect
i've building of the Isthmian Canal, rem
der it certain that we must take in The
future far greater interest than hith-
erto in what happens throughout the
West Indies, Central America and the