Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1903-01-01
OPPOSE IT STRONGLY
Cuban Reciprocity Treaty is Again
Causing Much Anxiety.
OTHER COUIRlES BEING CONSIDERED
Germany. Ever DESTROYS for the Extsnsion
Of Her Foreign Oommerce. Would De-
mAnd Concessions Similar 70 Those
Accorded Cuba

mAnd Concessions Similar 20 Tno3e
Accorded Cubs.
Washington, Dec. 30.-Considerable
opposition Is developing to the ratifi-
cation OF the Cuban reciprocity
treaty now pending in the senate. 1t
Is not taking quite the form that the
opposition to the Cuban legislation
took last spring, but 1t is sufficient
in substance to give concern to the
friends Of the treaty.
From time to time, a. opportunity
offers, the president is discussing the
matter with senators, particularly
those who are known to have object
ed to the enactment Of legislation ex-
tending tariff concessions to the Gu
ban republic. Several weeks ago 1t
appeared that the treaty, when pre-
sented to the senate, would be rat-
fed without difficulty, but some SEN
ators now are taking as strong
grounds against the treaty as they
took against the legislation proposed
at the last session Of congress. These
senators are of two classes, those
who are opposed on principle to any
tariff tinkering," and those who rep
resent states whose products may be
affected by the concessions extended
to Cuba by the pending treaty.
Senators of the first class might.be
induced to support the treaty, mas
much as it does not involve, in their
view, an attack on the system of pro-
lection, were it not for their appre-
hension that the ratification of the
Cuban treaty may lead to demand
from other countries that they, too,
be accorded special tariff concessions
by the United States. 1t has been
indicated to the president that in the
event of the ratification of the Gu
ban treaty a demand may be expect
ed from Germany within 80 days for
concessions similar to those accorded
Cuba. The most distinct desire OF the
German emperor, it il pointed out,
In for the extension Of the foreign
commerce OF his empire. He, OF
course, regards Cuba as q na'Non for
eign to the United States, and so far
as that point is concerned, on all
tours with Germany. II tariff con-
cessions are granted to Cuba, Ger
many, under the most favored nation
clause, will request that she be given
similar concessions. That request
NAV take the form almost OF o de-
mand. If it be not granted, the fear
is expressed that Germany may ini-
tate legislation that will be inimical
to the Industrial development Of this
country, SO far as Germany is con-
cerned, even If it should not curtall
American commerce already estab-
lished in Germany and its possessions.
The President, in conference with
Senator Scott, of West Virginia, dis
cussed the reciprocity question in all
it's phases. The president, it is I'M
derstood, believes that the pending
treaty with Cuba will be ratified. He
desires that it should be ratified as
promptly as possible and with as lit
lie friction as may be. He sees in the
proposed ratification no possible as
sault on She tariff system of this
country and believes that would be
simply the redemption of promise,
direct or implied, made to the Gu
ban people when they were in the
throes of the organization OF their