The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-03-26
CUBAN RECIPROCITY.
The Power Of the Administration
Makes Itself Felt.

Washington, March 1S.-The adyo-
catees of Cuban reciprocity scored
decisive victory tonight at the confer
ence of the Republican members of the
House of Representatives, the PROPOSE
tion of Chairman Payne, of the ways
and means committee, for 20 per cent
reduction of duty, With the Sibley
amendment limiting the duration of
the reduced rates to December l, 1903,
being adopted by vote Of S5 yeas to
81, nays. This result was reached at
11.30 O'Clock, after protracted de-
bate, followed by series Of exciting
roll-calls. The first test was when
Mr.. Payne concluded the speech-mak-
ing with a motion for the previous
question on all pending propositions.
This motion prevailed-78 to 56. A
vote was then taken on substitute,
offered by Representative Dick, Of
Ohio, in behalf of those opposing the
reciprocity plan, offering in its stead
plan of direct payment to Cuba COW
ering several years. This was defeat
ed--57 to 70. An amendment by Mr..
Morris, of Minnesota, to take off the
differential on refined sugar was de-
feabed-50 to u. The ways apd means
rroposition for reciprocity, with the
siibley amendment limiting its dura-
ton, was then agreed to-85 to 81.
While the voting was in progress quite
number of those who oppose the ways
and means plan left the chamber.
At the opening of the conference
Chairman Payne made statement
frankly confessing that nothing had
been accomplished in settling the
differences, that each side had adhered
firmly to its original position.
MIR. Payne said that the position Of
the ways and means committee now
was in effect that presented by Mr..
Sibley at the last conference, namely,
for 20 per cent. reciprocity, limited to
December, 1908.
Representative Dick, of Ohio, pre-
sented a resolution, representing the
views of the conferees who had repre-
sen Ted the element opposing the ways
and means committee, as follows:
.sThat the President be authorized
to enter into commerciael agreement
with the Government of Cuba, when
the same shall have been organized
and established, whereby in consider
alton Of such reduction of duties as
shall be satisfactory to the President
on goods, wares and merchandise, the
growth OF product of the United
Sta 5es, imported into Cuba, he shall
agree to pay each year for three years
TO the Government of Cuba sum Of
money equivalent to 20 per centum of
the duties collected and paid into the
treasury of the United States on
goods, wares and merchandise, the
growth or product of the island of
Cuha, imported into this country
II. support of this resolution Mr..
Dick submitted formal statement
declaring that the plan proposed
would afford relief both to the Gov
ernnlent and people Of Cuba without
injury to any domestic industry in
this country.
A general discussion followed,
which was brought to close by Mr..
tion. Voting was then begun.
The Payne resolution as adopted to-
night gives tie genera. form of a bill
authorizing the President to negotiate
commercial agreement with Cuba
for reciprocal and equivalent conces-
sions, by which the rates of duty
shall be reduced at least 20 per cent.
ad yalorem on all articles imported
frorn Cuba into the United States.
It also provides that the United
States immigration and exclusion laws
shall be enacted by the Government
of Cuba as a preliminary to reciproci-
ty. The Sibley amendment, which is
adopted as a part of the Payne resolu-
ton, recites that the foregoing 20 per
cent. reduction "shau be limited in
its duration and effect to the first day
of December, 1902