CUBAN PARCEL POST

We have a temporary parcel-post convention with Cuba.  The advantage of it is all on our side.  During 1926 we shipped twelve times as many parcels, weighing twenty-four times as much, as we received.  This convention was made on the understanding that we would repeal an old law prohibiting the importation of cigars and cigarettes in quantities less than 3,000 enacted in 1866 to discourage smuggling, for which it has long been unnecessary.  This law unjustly discriminates against an important industry of Cuba.  Its repeal has been recommended by the Treasury and Post Office Departments.  Unless this is done our merchants and railroads will find themselves deprived of this large parcel-post business after the 1st of next March, the date of the expiration of the convention, which has been extended upon the specific understanding that it would expire at that time unless this legislation was enacted.  We purchase large quantities of tobacco made in Cuba.  It is not probable that our purchases would be any larger if this law was repealed, while it would be an advantage to many other industries in the United States.

INSULAR POSSESSIONS

Conditions in the Philippine Islands have been steadily improved.  Contentment and good order prevail.  Roads, irrigation works, harbor improvements, and public buildings are being constructed.  Public education and sanitation have been advanced.  The Government is in a sound financial condition.  These immediate results were especially due to the administration of Gov.  Gen. Leonard Wood.  The six years of his governorship marked a distinct improvement in the islands and rank as one of the outstanding accomplishments of this distinguished man.  His death is a loss to the Nation and the islands.

Greater progress could be made, more efficiency could be put into administration, if the Congress would undertake to expend, through its appropriating power, all or a part of the customs revenues which are now turned over to the Philippine treasury.  The powers of the auditor of the islands also need revision and clarification.  The government of the islands is about 98 per cent in the hands of the Filipinos.  An extension of the policy of self-government will be hastened by the demonstration on their part of their desire and their ability to carry out cordially and efficiently the provisions of the organic law enacted by the Congress for the government of the islands.  It would be well for a committee of the Congress to visit the islands every two years.