The Washington times., 1903-11-17
FayorS Its Passage as Re-
deeming the National
Pledge to Cuba.
ATTACKS GENERAL WOOD
Stevens of Minnesota, the
Former "Insurgent, Still
in Opposition.

Representative Mcclellan of New
York. who viii leave Congress at the
close OF the called session TO become
mayor Of the American metropolis, de-
hvered his valedictory on the floor OF
the House today. He expressed IN \
half-hour speech. his well known views
on Cuban reciprocity. and Democratic
applause attested his popularity at fre-
quent periods In his discourse The most
interesting portion Of his speech was
devoted to an attack or General Wood,
and it called forth unbOunded applause
from the minority side.
Two years ago. Cuba vas on the
verge Of bankruptcy" he said in this
connection. THAT she has escaped ruin
IS not due to any effort on our part
That she has been able to exist at all
during the last two years IS because OF
two reason: First, the change in her
government; second, the marketing Of
an increased amount Of tobacco and sE-
gar.
General Wood Araigned-
In 1902 he continued. the spectacu-
lar and eXtravagant rule OF General
Wood. having saddIed upon Havana for
ten years the infamous gambling ma
nopOly Of the SOciedad Anonima Jad
Alai. gave place TO the conservative.
economical, sensible and business-hke
administration OF President Estrada
Palma, who has proved himself an ex-
ecutive OF the very highest order In
der President Palma, the cost Of gov
ernment IS over 100000 per annum less
than it was under General Wood.
Regarding the bin itself. ne said:
Now, al last, after years Of waiting
after the spectacle OF an insolent lobby
practically dominating the Congress. va
propose to partially fulfill our pledge &c
Cuba by giving her this two-penny
measure Of relief. that is warranted rot
TO offend the susceptbilities OF the most
sensitive trust in existence
Solemn Promise to Cuba.
I've have made a solemn promise to
Cuba If a Republican majority. ii It's
might is only willing to partially keep
the promise. the blame and the shame
rest with the Republican party.
This bill is but partial fulhliment
Of our obligation. but as We are con-
frOnted with the alternative Of either
not fulfilling that obligation at all OF OF
only fulfilling II IN part. there should
be no difference of opinion upon this side
of the chamber as TO the necessity OF
enacting the bill"
Knapp for the Bill
Mr.. Knapp (Rep.. y. " addressed
the committee in favor OF the measure
Having established Cuba as republic.
he said. the United States cannot aban-
don the island to its cate, but must
foster and protect Cuba. Reciprocity. he
said. is a Republican policy; it Is n o
inconsistent with protective tariff
Mr.. Stevens (Rep., AIian.) followed in
opposition TO the bnl. He declared that
IN his opinion the peL5ing measure
would retard instead Of promoting and
increasing trade between the United
States and Cuba. He discussed at length
the importation Of sugar from all coun-
tries
AIr. Stevens was one Of the beet sugar
Insurgents who in the last Congress
Joined with the Democrats in adding
an amendment 20 the Cuban tariff bill
to remove the differential on refined
sugar which caused the measure TO fan
OF action in the Senate
There are a number Of beet sugar
/ factories in Mr. Stevens district.
Before taking up the Cuban reeiproci-
" bill in the House this morning, the
oath of Office was administered TO Rep
resentatve Fowler (Rep-. \. " and
Representative Brundidse Dem, ArlS-).