The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-01-26
He Also Says . Majority of the People
Are Anxious for Annexation to
the United States.
CHINESE EXCLUSION URGED
T.. j. LIVERNASH BEFORE HOUSE
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
gntimation that the Pacific Coast VIII
Go Democratic IL the Kahn Bill
be Not Passed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.-Colonel Tasker
Bliss. the United states army officer de-
tailed collector OF customs at Havana,
was before the ways and means committee
to-day concerning Cuban reciprocity In
opening his statement he disclaimed au-
thority as a sugar expert and said his
knowledge was confined to that of an OBJ
server for three years in an official posi-
tion dealing with the trade of Cuba. This
had led him TO hope that if there was any
change in the tariff it would be such an
adjustment as would throw into the hands
OF the United States the large amount
OF Cuban trade now taken by foreign
countries. Speaking first of the condition
of the Cuban sugar industry, he said it
was greatly depressed. The Havana banks
were refusing further credits to the plant
ers. and when this occurred il was a sure
evidence OF the distress of the planta-
tions. He roughly estimated the sugar
industry OF the island at 500, 600. Co., and
said about three-fourths of the people were
dependent in one way or another on the
sugar industry.
Chairman Payne asked Colonel Bliss to
specify what advantages the United States
would gain from Cuba, and Mr.. Payne also
called attention to the low tariff rate Cuba
imposed against the United States.
Colonel Bliss said the average ad valorem
rate was about u per cent, and he pre-
sented tables tending to show how a tar
iff readjustment could throw practically
all OF the Cuban trade into the hands of
the American producers. At present he
said, Cuba bought $66,OO0O0O, of which the
United States furnished $2S.475.OOO and the
balance of about $3T, 900 GOO came from for
eign countries. On many articles. such
es Sresh beef, railroad iron and other spe-
cined articles. the United States had a
practical monopoly of the trade. But on
many other articles totaling about $780, o.
600. the United States had but 100000
OF the trade. by reasonable modih-
cation of the Cuban tariff, said Colonel
Bliss, lat least IS per cent. of this trade
can be thrown 10 the United States"
Colonel Bliss submitted a list of articles
on which "A differential of about SO per cent.
favorable 10 the United States as against
other countries, would give US the trade.
In reporting on this 10 the War Depart
ment the condition had been imposed upon
him not TO reduce the revenues OF Cuba.
Under such circumstances he thought Ii
would be necessary first TO raise Cuba :
tarln rates for the purpose OF revenue
and then readJust them with sufficient
differential TO give the United States con-
troll of the trade. This he put forward only
tentatively as one of several plans proposed
TO the War Department.
The mernters OF the committee ques-
toned Colonel Bliss on the details OF the
proposed REIMBURSEMENT In the course or
the examination Representative Newlands,
Of Nevada, suggested that. without our POI
Htical control of Cuba, there might be
servile labor TO compete with American
labor. He added: Are the Cuban people
prepared to come into political relations
with the United States2'
Il think great majority OF the Cubans
are ready 10 come in" Colonel Bliss re-
piled.
''As a Territory or as a Slater" asked
Mr.. Newlands
They would be glad to come in
State or Territory or under the military
authority, almost any way in order 10
come under the authority OF the United
States"
IF invited 10 come in first as a Territory,
then State. would this be accepted?'
II think IL would"
Continuing on this topic. Colonel Bliss
said he thought commercial union with
Cuba would postpone political union. Per-
sonally ne was not convinced OF the wis
dom OF annexation The feeling in Cuba
was one OF readiness 10 accept any condi-
tons the United States might impose.
Asked whether there was much poverty
and distress among the Cubans. Colonel
Bliss said there was not. But the cOndi-
tion was Ike that or a bank about TO break
and the people did not know what would
sssome OF them three months hence. Col.