The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1882-04-01
A WISE AMENDMENT.

We have before referred to matter OF
much moment TO the people of this state
and of great interest to us, the subject OF
trade regulations with our neighbor, Mexi-
co, and have urged the necessity for thor
ough Investigation and speedy action in
the premises, Some difficulties have lately
occurred on the border from the increasing
intercourse between the two peoples, which
before were not known, and the sooner the
proper understanding is had, the better for
all concerned. SENoR RoNEBo is in Wash
ington for the purpose OF framing recipro-
cal treaty, but 1t strikcsus that an ordinary
treaty, such as we have with other ma
tons, is, for certain patent reasons, not
exactly the means which should be
resortod to for settling the troubles
of the future In the southwest.
our relations with Mexico will be necessa-
rily closer than with any other people and
continue TO grow annually in extent and
Importance. Many questions and emergen'
cies will arise which cannot now be fore
seen, and for which, therefore, no adequate
or specific provision can be made. Under Il
formal treaty, alone, as a consequence,
these new complications must give trouble
or put both nations to the expenditure OF
much time and money in amending or alb
rogating the treaty. In other words, the
general nature and innexibllity Of treaty
would hardly Nv sufficient to reach the
many shifting circumstances which con
stantly enlarging interests and inter
national communication and commerce
would certainly give rise to. 1t seems
however, that the senate committee on
foreign relations have appreciated this diff
Guilty and propose to provide. II remedy, OF
adopt plan which will reach the case. A
resolution was introduced by Mr.. MORGAN
to provide for reciprocal trade regulations
with Mexico, and this resolution has beer
now reported back favorably, but with tn,
amendment that these regulations are to b,
made, not by treaty, but by legislation
the committee having adopted the view
originally suggested by Mn. MORGAN, tina
any arrangement between the two coun
tries ought to be made the statutes o
each. This is taking practical step il
the right direction, and we are gratihe,
that the senate is attending to this impor
tant matter BY wisely determining
through reciprocity treaty, certain gen
eral and controlling provisions which sinai
cover the whole ground and then author
izing and fixing the force and scope o
statutes to be enacted from time to time il
each country us emergency may demand
as we understand the meaning of tn,
amendment, the entire trouble will be oh
waited. II is matter of but few hours {,
apprise either government of the passag,
of particular statute under the treaty by
the other, and their validity can be de
tcrmined by the stipulations of the treaty
just as our own local acts are valid or in
valid MS they conform to our constitutions
some trouble and confusion must necessa
rily arise, but more of il will probably b,
avoided by this method than any other
We trust the subject will not be allowed /,
rem Tin quiet, but, that recognizing it
weight and significance, it will bo pushc,
to an early settlement, and that regula
commercial and social intercourse I'M
der fixed and liberal statutes vii
begin at once between Mexico an,
Texas. lftherc is to be bonanza in TIN
Mexican trade, the sooner We begin to re
hold of it the better, but as matters nov
stand those who would gladly enter int,
competition for the rewards, are dcterrc,
by the uncertainty of both their capital ant
profits. Wise regulations, therefore, mad,
by statutes which can be changed as cir
cumstances demand, are what is mos
badly and Immediately needed.