Whereas by a memorandum of an agreement executed at Madrid on the 13th
day of February, A.D. 1884, by and between the duly authorized agents
and representatives of the Government of the United States of America
and of the Government of His Majesty the King of Spain, satisfactory
evidence has been given to me that the Government of that country has
abolished the discriminating customs duty heretofore imposed upon the
products of and articles proceeding from the United States of America
imported into the islands of Cuba and Puerto Rico, said abolition to
take effect on and after the 1st day of March next:
Now, therefore, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by section 4228 of the
Revised Statutes, do hereby declare and proclaim that on and after the
said 1st day of March next, so long as the products of and articles
proceeding from the United States imported into the islands of Cuba and
Puerto Rico shall be exempt from discriminating customs duties, any such
duties on the products of and articles proceeding from Cuba and Puerto
Rico under the Spanish flag shall be suspended and discontinued.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of
the United States to be affixed.
[SEAL.]
Done at the city of Washington, this 14th day of February, A.D. 1884,
and of the Independence, of the United States the one hundred and
eighth.