The Washington times., 1903-11-12
CUSTOMS DUTIES CAN
ONLY BE CHANGED BY
AN ACT OF CONGRESS
Ways and Means Commit
tee Will Meet Tomorrow
to Consider the Measure.
Early Report Expected.

Representative Payne of New York.
Republican floor leader. chairman OF the
Ways and Means Committee, introduced
the bill TO carry into effect a conven-
tion between the United States and the
Republic Of Cuba. signed on the 18th day
of December. in the year 1902"
It provides that whenever the Presi-
dent of the United States shalt receive
satisfactory evidence that the republic
of Cuba has made provision to give full
effect to the articles Of the convention
between the United States and the re-
public of Cuba, he IS hereby authorized
to issue his proclamation declaring that
he has received such evidence. and
thereupon. upon the tenth day after
exchange Of ratification OF such con-
vention between the United States and
the republic Of Cuba, and so long as
the said convention shall remain in
force. all articles Of merchandise being
the product or the soil or industry OF
the republic Of Cuba. which are now
imported into the United States free OF
duty. shall continue to be so admitted
free Of duty. and all other articles Of
merchandise heir< the product OF the
soil or industry OF the republic Of Cuba
imported into the United States shall
be admitted at reduction of 20 per
cent Of the rates Of duty thereon.
Imports OF Sugar
The rates Of duty herein granted by
the United States to the republic OF
Cuba. are. and shall continue during the
term OF said convention. preferential in
respect TO all like imports from other
countries: Provided. That while said
convention is in force no sugar imported
from the republic Of Cuba. and being
the product of the soil or Industry OF
the republic of Cuba, shall be admitted
into the United States at a reduction Of
duty greater than 20 per cent OF the
rates Of duty thereon as provided by the
tariff act of the United States, and no
sugar. the product Of any other foreign
country shall be admitted by treaty or
convention into the United States. while
this convention is in force. at a lower
rate OF duty than that provided by ehe
tariff act of the United States.
Provided further, That nothing here
ir contained shall be held or construed
as an admission on the part of the
House of Representatives that customs
duties can be changed otherwise than
by an act Of Congress. originating ia
said House
To Be Reported at Once.
Section of the bill provides that so
lcng as said convention shall remain in
force no additional fees or charges shall
be imposed on the articles imported ex-
cepting the consular fees for issuing
shipping documents. which shall not be
higher than those charged on similar
merchandise from other countries; that
articles from Cuba shall receive. On
their importation into The ports of ths
United States. treatment equal TO that
which similar articles shall receive on
their Importation into the ports OF
Cuba and that any national or local
taxes or charges upon articles imported
from Cuba shall be imposed without
The Ways and Means Committee will
meet at 1880 tomorrow morning TO con-
slider the bill, and expects to report. it
to the House tomorrow afternoon.
The Committee on Rules is expected TO
grant a rule prohibiting any and an
amendmenes. so as 10 prevent the aboli-
ucn of the dinerential on refined sugar
as a rider to the bill