Speech #580002789

I think. At all events the bill is still in the Committee on Relations with Cuba. Let me read a part of it: That for the purpose of securing reciprocal trade relations with Cuba. the President is hereby authorized. as soon as may be after the establishment of an independent government in Cuba and the enactment by said government of immigration. exclusion. and contractlabor laws as fully restrictive of immigration as the laws of the United States. to enter into negotiations with said government with a view to the arrangementof a commercial agreement in which reciprocal and equivalent concessions may be secured in favor of the products and manufactures of the United States by rates of duty which shall be less by an amount equivalent to at least 20 per cent ad valorem upon such products and manufactures than the rates imposed upon the like articles when imported into Cuba from the most favored of other countries. Now. I wish to read and call attention to the bill which is before the Senate.