The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-12-25
RECIPROCITY WITH CUBA
Senate Committee VIII Take Up
Treaty After the Holidays.
susTsg RATIFIED svJANuARY 81

Treaty Makes Liberal Provision For
Importation Of American Goods to
Cuba. and In Return United States
Agrees &c Reduction Of 20 Per Cent.
Washington. Dec. 2O-Friends of the
reciprocity treaty recently negotiated
between the United States and Cnba
have been assured by members of the
senate committee on foreign relations
that the treaty VIII be taken up BY
mat committee as soon as practicable
after the Christmas holidays. There
were several conferences on the subject
AT the capitol yesterday. which resulted
IN this understanding. The terms of
the treaty require that it shall be rati-
ned before the 31st day of January. and
It's supporters appreciate the naeessitv
Tor expedition in getting it out Of the
committee in order to avoid the neces-
siiy OF an extension of time.
The treaty makes more liberal pro-
vision for the importation of Ameri-
can articles into the republic of Crba
than has been stated heretofore there
being provision for reductions IN some
cases OF as much as 90 per cent in
others OF 30 per cent. and in stiu 9TH
ers of % per cent On all American
grown or American made articles ev-
cept tobacco imported into cuba and
not specified in the %. 30. and 40 per
cent classes there is to be a uniform
tarin reduction of 20 per cent.
In return the United States arrees To
Uniform reduction of 20 per cent
without exception on all importations
from Cuba The new island republic
does not agree to any reduction on to-
bacco grown in the United States or in
the territory OF any OF its possessions
and imported into Cuba.
There is specific declaration tn the
effect that the rates fixed for each NJ
the two countries by the other shall no
preferential in favor OF each marty 70
the convention as against all other
countries. There also is a provision
against discriminating tax on the ar
ticles affected in the country of their
origin. In case either country cha-ras
It's tarin rates so as 20 deprive tho
other of the advantages granted the
other country is TO have the PRIVILEGE
OF abrogating the treaty. No sDo.i6c
provision is made for a SUBSEQUENT 70
duction of the Cuban duty so as to Iet
American goods in at lower rates bv
the regular methods OF LEGISLATION
rather than by treaty. but there is a
clause under which il this reduction is
made the Cuban government may re-
open negotiations TO secure moiia-
cation OF the treaty. II provides for
such change only in case the Cuban
tariff should be so reduced rs To make
the reduction unreasonable from a en-
ban point of view.
The treaty is to go into effect 10
days after its ratification by the an
thorities of both countries.
The president has concluded thar r.
VIII not be necessary 10 send the Cuban
treaty 10 the house OF Representatives.
Il is said that the house may satisfy
tseh by passing upon the reciprocitv II
proposition incidental TO the consid- n
ration of some legislation which will n
he necessary To give effect TO the
reaty though that document will be
atified solely by the senate If ratified \
{ all in WASHINGTON.
Treaty Sent to Cuban Senate.
Havana. Dec. 2O.-Presidenf Palma
ent the Cuban-American treaty 10 the
enate yesterday. with a message urg.
lg that early action on il be taken.