The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-09-17
rHE OUTLOOK ron CUBAN RECl-
PROCITY.

WASHINGTON, Sspt. le-It now seeans
almost certain that an extra session OF
Congress will be called on Nov. Q. The call
has not yet been issued. but the ofncial word
has practically been pledged. Tho special
purpose Of the session ia consideration Of
our TRADE relations with Cuba, and. pos
s!ble, action upon the question. Should
that be disposed Of. other matters are
pending
II il fair to assume that few days will
be spent in organizing, few in maneu-
wiring for position, perhaps a few in fill
clustering; and it is quite likely that the
legislators will take recess during Thanks
giving week in order that they may return
to their homes and in company with their
respective families thank the good Lord
for the many mercies which have crowned
the year. But the due observation OF these
various political. domestic and religious
oeremonials will still leave a few odd days
for the transaction Of national business
before the opening Of the regular session.
During those days 1t is to be presumed that
Congress- will again tackle that Cuban reca-
procity question, which has for many months
been sore disturber Of our political peace.
What will Congress do with it'
That which was perhaps the strongest
argument in favor Of q generous policy
toward Cuba is no longer an active factor.
That consisted in the presentation OF Cuba
dire needs and in the declaration Of our
responsibility for their relief. Though
very much poorer than most Americans
now suppose them to he. the Cubans arc
not Immediately threatened with economic
distress and financial disaster. They have
quietly and patiently pulled themselves
together, faced the misfortune which con-
virtually conquered it. They are getting
along as best they can. but they are getting
along. Their self-congratulation upon and
public announcement OF the healthy oondi-
ton OF their national treasury has created
a mistaken belief in the general prosperity
of the people. They are not now suffering
but they are far from prosperous. The ar.
g,lInent OF dire need and American respon-
sibility will have little or no place in the COM
ing discussion,
The issue will turn upon the point OF
American, and not OF Cuban, interests. In
former discussions the noise Of the CAM
paign has been made by the beet sugar
interests OF the United States. 1t now
seems probable that this factor will have
little or no prominence. 1t is generally
admitted that the proposed treaty. limited
az it is to brief term. will be OF less injury
to them than would a continued agitation
with it's disturbance Of market conditions
1t is currently reported that the active op
position of the beet sugar interests will bt
withdrawn.
Although these interests were generally
supposed to be the controlling force in the
opposition heretofore. such is not at all the
fact. Behind the noise and the moderation
Of that element there stood another group
less noisy but more effective, really dom
mating the situation. This consisted OF thost
who opposed any break in our present tarif
barriers. They feared that treaty will
Cuba would be breach in the walls through
which would follow treaties with France
Newfoundland. the Argentine. Canada, ane
perhaps with others, to the entire derange
ment OF our present tariff system. Thu
group has been, and still is. the effective
force in opposition to the Cuban treaty.
The strength which this element vii
develop in the coming session cannot nov
be measured. New influences, partly polit
ical and partly economic. have arisen. At,
tention is called to the declaration OF thu
Republican national platform Of 1880
virtually pledging protection to American
sugar producers. Mr.. Roosevelt's atti
tu,le is held to be violation Of that pledg'
of his party. Yet. as President, he has
committed himself unalterably to Cuban
reciprocity. and as members OF the part!
of which he is now the official head TN
Republicans in Congress are supposed tc
follow his lead.