Reciprocity With Cuba

Our reciprocity, with retaliation upoii onr own pwple if l4r cannot get other nations to open the? markets to us, seems likely to put us into a pretty mess in regard to Cuba. Soon after the tariff bill was paesed Secretary Blaine made overtures to the Spanish government for a reciprocity arrangement between the United Statos and Cuba. To these overtures the Spanish government replied that Spain's existing treaties with other nations cernid not be abrogated in less than a year, and no intimation was given that an effort would be made to abrógate them. If those treaties hold it will be impossible for Spain to open np the Cuban market to the United States and maintain a tariff against the treaty nations. Here is an article in the treaty between Spain and England: "In the event of the commerce of the American possessions being opened to foreign nations, his Catholic majesty promises that Great Britain shall be admitted to trade with those possessions as the most favored nation." A similar treaty exists between Spain and Grermany. Here is the first article of it: "There shall be among all the states of the two high contracting parties full and entire freedom of comruerce and navigation. The subjects of each of thein shall enjoy in the territory of the other the same rights, privileges, favors, imrrnrnities and exemptions that are now enjoyed, or may hereafter be enjoyed, in the matter of commerce and navigation by the subjects of the most favored nation." As long as these treaties last Spain cannot give as more favorable terms of trade in Cuba than she gives to England and G-ermany. While the Cubans are anxious for complete freedom of trade with us it is highly probable that many will insist npon the same terms of trade as those which may be granted to tis. It would be decidedly to Germany's interest to interpose an objection to an arrangement for admitting Cuban sngar free into the United States as it has begun itself to sell us large quantities of sngar. The value "f Gennan sngar imported into the Uniied States rose from $5,814,407 in the fiscal year 1889 to $16,098,224 in 1890. Germán sngar constitnted 15.90 per cent. of the total importe of sugar in 1890 and Cuban sngar 38.61 per cent., having a valué of $39,099,670. What, the-i, will be the result if Cuba cannot give us reciprocity? Our curious tarüf law directs what the president shall do, "He shall have the power, az 1 it shall be hls duty, to suspend" the free sugar clause of tbe McKinley act. He is to have no choice in the matter; he is compelled by law to re-impose the sugar tax on Cuban sugar, nearly 39 per cent. of our imports. Was there ever any thing so amazing? Retalíate upon other people by taxing ourselves. And this they cali ' 'reciprocity. " When this is done there will be some vigorous kicking in this country.