New-York tribune., 1902-03-19
DECISIVE VICTORY FOR CUBA.
REPUBLICAN, CAUCUS ADOPTS THE WAYS AND NEANS
COMMITTEES LIMITED RECIPROCITY PLAN.
CUBAN LEADERS HERE.
TAMAYO AND CAPOTE SAY 40 PER CENT
CONCESSION Is NEEDED - TO
CONFER WITH PALMA

DR. Diego Tamayo and Dr. Domingo Mendes
Capote two of the most prominent public men
Of Cuba were passengers yesterday on the
steamer Mexico from Havana DR.. Tamayo Is
the Cuban Secretary OF State and head Of the
National party. DIR. Capote is president of the
constitutional convention and leader of the Re-
publican party of Cuba. Botn men were mem
bers Of the Cuban commission which called on
President Mckinley in relation to the Platt
amendment
They came here on the invita- tion Of General
T. Estrada Palma. President of Cuba who
met them the pier The object Of the visit
is 10 confer with General Palma in regard to
the policy Of the new government which the
Cubans about TO organize. 1t is believed
that thcre viii he some important state ques-
tions settled by this conference.
Secretary Tamayo was emphatic when seen
last night the Hotel Endcott on the point
that he was not mere in his official capacity, and
that he should not 60 10 Washington in behalf
of the Cuban reciprocity measure now before
Congress The Cubans will remain here a week
and then return to Havana
General Palma. who dined with Dr Tamayo
and Or Capote last night, in explanation of his
invitation 10 them to come TO this country. said
TO Tribune reporter. Before going TO Cuba
/ want to become acquainted with every detail
Of the existing conditions. and to obtain opn-
IONS representing every element of the island
as to the policies best to pursue"
Secretary Tamayo and DR.. Capote speak little
English, hut in excellent CastiliaI; they ex-
pressed some decided views on what the United
States ought to do in the way Of reciprocity
with Cuba. All Cuba, they assert. is waiting
with great anxiety the disposition of the tariff
question by Congress. They believe, too, that
this body holds in its hands the prosperity Of
the island
But it should be borne in mind said Dr..
Tamayo, that the United States is under
tain obligations to Cuba. We acceded to every
thing asked Of us and accepted the Platt amend
ment Are we not entitled 10 some compensa-
uon?' DR.. Tamayo did not. while discussing
Cuban affairs, speak a high official, but only
as a Cuban who is well acquainted with the
sentiments and attitude OF his fellow country
men. He speaks with the slow, studied manner
common with diplomats.
"Of course" he continued, I'VE depend
great extent on the sincerity Of the American
people. Now. the matter of obligation is only
one phase Of the question. Another is the ben
eft that accrues 20 this country through a
ciprocal tariff with Cuba, and which is great
necessity to her welfare and future wellbeing.
For instance, Cuba bought SI1 OOn0O0 worth OF
goods in Europe last year. II these could he
purchased in the United States under more ad-
vantageous conditions It would naturally
proximity OF this country to Cuba. Otherwise
the trade could not be secured because il is not
a question of sentiment, but OF business.
What We need is a tariff reduction on sugar
OF from 33 to 40 per cent. Nothing less would
do any good Unless get that, cuba must
pass through terrible economic crisis and
many hardships In the mean time the planters
will have to cut of their orders for goods from
the United States, and also live on native food,
which will lessen American importatiOns.
In regard to tobacco. only the cheaper grades
need a reduction Of tariff. Cuba. however, has
gone through than crisis. and has
overcome every difficulty. Cuba formerly grew
coffee, and when that ceased 20 be profitable
commodity, the planters raised sugar instead.
So. if the sugar industry is now to be destroyed
because Congress refuses to grant relief, then
the planters will be compelled TO grow some
thing else. and find a market elsewhere, where
there be a favorable exchange. Without
a market here for Cuban sugar no one VIII care
to invest in the country. and the crisis | speak
of cannot be prevented"
Regarding the election Of General Palma 10
the Presidency and the reported opposition To
him. Dr. CaDote said: General Palma is the
most popular man in cuba. There really
no serious opposition to his election. The whole
country is ready TO accept him"