The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-01-01

CUBAN TREATY NENACED
Considerable Opposition Developing
Among Senators.
FEAR OTHER NATIONS DEMANDS

1t is Said If Reciprocity Treaty With
Cuba is Ratified Germany viii ASK
for Similar Concessions Within
Thirty Days.
Washington. Dec. 30.-Considerable
opposition is developing to the ratifca-
ton Of the Cuban reciprocity treaty
now pending in the senate. II is not
taking quite the form that the opposi-
ton to the Cuban legislation took last
spring. but it is sufficient in substance
70 give concern to the friends of the
treaty.
From time to time, as opportunity
offers, the president is discussing the
matter with senators particularly those
who are known TO have objected TO
the enactment Of legislation exteding
tariff concessions to the Cuban repub-
lie. Several weeks ago it appeared
that the treaty, when presented TO the
senate. would be ratified without diff
Guilty; but some senators now are TAX
ing as strong ground against the treaty
as they took against the legislation
PROPOSED at the last session of con-
gress. These senator's are of two
NAfe-'tf''f's AhRrf " iO dAtf opposed on nrln-
ciple TO any tariff tinkering' aud who
those who represent states whose pro-
ducts may be affected by the conces-
sions extended to Cuba by the pending
treaty.
Senators of the first class might be
induced 20 support the treaty. mas
much as it does not involve. in their
view. an attack on the system of pro-
lection. We're il not for their apprehen-
sion that the ratification OF the Cuban
treaty may lead TO demand from
other countries that they. too, be ac-
corded special tariff concessions by the
United States. IL has been indicated
TO the president that I'm the event of
the ratification of the Cuban treaty. a
demand may be expected from Ger
many within 90 days for concessions
similar to those accorded Cuba. The
most distinct desire OF the German en-
peror. IL Is pointed out, IS for the ex-
tension OF the foreign commerce of his I
empire II IL be not granted. the fear
Is expressed that Germany may iui-
tiate legislation that will be inimical
to the industrial development of this .
country. so far as Germany is con
cernod. even II it should not curiail .
American commerce already ostab- .
lished in Germany and its possessions. /
The same argument is applied to
other countries. Germany being used 4
simply as an example Of what may be
expected of all of the great foreign /
nations with which the United States I
has extensive commercial relations.
Yesterday tie president had an
hours conference with Senator Scott.
OF West Virginia, during which they
discussed the reciprocity question in
ali its phases. Senator Scott is offer
Ing no captious opposition TO the Gu
ban treaty, but he is particularly de-
sirous that nothing should be done /
which in the end might result in din /
culties arising out of our present tariff
policy.
The president. it is said believes
that the Cuban treaty will be ratified.
He desires that it should be ratified as
promptly as possible and with as little
friction as may be. He sees in the
proposed ratification no possible as
sault on the tariff system of this coun-
try. and believes that it would be sim
ply the redemption of a promise. direct
or implied. made to the Cuban people
when they were in the throes OF the
organization Of their government In
this view the president is supported by
large majority of the Republican SEN
ators. While some trouble is antici-
pated in effecting the ratification of /
the treaty. ii is believed generally that
ratification will not be delayed seri-
ously.