The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-06-14
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Asks Special Economic Concessions to
Cuba in Form of Reciprocity.

The President yesterday sent to Con-
gress the following message urging ac-
ton on bill for the relief of Cuba:
To the Senate and House of Representa-
tives:
l deem ii important before the ad-
tournment of the present session of Con-
gress TO call attention to the following
expressions in the message which in the
discharge of the duty imposed upon me
by the Constitution l sent to Congress
on the first Tuesday of December last:
Elsewhere l have discussed the ques-
ton of reciprocity. In the case of Cuba.
however. there are weighty reasons of
morality and of national interest why
the policy should be held TO have a
peculiar application. and most earnest
y ask your attention to the wisdom. in
deed to the vital need. Of 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 and OK
pediency to pass commercial measures
in the interest of her material well-be-
ing
Practical Effect of McKinley's Words.
This recommendation was merely Civ
ing practical effect to President Nc
Kinley's words, when, in his message
of December 5. 1898. and December ).
1892. he wrote:
1T is important that our relations
with this people (of Cuba) shall be of
the most friendly character and our
commercial relations close and recipro-
cal. We have accepted a trust.
the fulfllment of which calls for the
sternest integrity of purpose and the
exercis, of the highest wisdom. The
new Cuba vet to arise from the ashes
of the past must needs be bound to Us
by ties of singular intimacy and strength
II its enduring welfare is to be assured.
The greatest blessing which can
come to Cuba is the restoration OF her
agricultural and industrial prosperity"
Yesterday, June u, l received BY
cable from the American minister in
Cuba most earnest appeal from Presi-
dent Palma for Legislative relief be-
fore II is too late and (his) country f.
nancially ruined
Stands Entirely Alone.
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 arc entirely consist
ent with preserving intact the protec-
tive system under which this country
has thriven so marvelously. The pres
ent tariff law was designed to promote
the adoption of such reciprocity
treaty, and expressly provided for a re-
duction not to exceed 20 per cent upon
goods coming from a particular country,
leaving the tariff rates on the same ar
ticles unchanged as regards all 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-
Queer of sugar, but would nure to the |
American sugar refiners. In my judg- |
ment provision can and should. be |
made which VIII guarantee us against |
this possibility; without having re- |
course to a measure of doubtful poll |
cy, such as a bounty in the form OF |
rebate.
The. question as to which II any of
the different schedules of the tariff !
ought most properly to be revised does |
not enter into this matter in any way |
or shape. We are concerned with get |
ting a friendly reciprocal arrangement |
with Cuba. This arrangement applies |
10 all the articles that Cuba grows or
produces. 1t is not in our power to de-
termine what these articles shall be:
and any discussion OF the tariff as it |
affects special schedules, or countries
other than Cuba, IS wholly aside from /
the subject matte: 20 which | call your
attention.
Some OF our citizens oppose the low
ering OF the tariff on Cuban products. 4
Just as three years ago they opposed
the admission Of the Hawaiian Islands.