The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-02-20

Treaties being consluereu III beCTet ses-
sion, the public is good deal in the dark
concerning the provisions Of the reciprocity
treaty with Mexico now pending in the
Senate. Some Of the Washington cores
pondents claim to have definite informa-
tion, and what they tell in general way
being about what we should expect to find
in measure Of that kind, 1t is probable
that they are in the main right
But a strong pressure is brought to in
d,ce the Senate to withhold lis approval Of
the meas ure, let It contain what it may, on
tle principle that any reciprocity treaty is
in the direction Of free trade and, for this
reason, is against the policy and interest Of
the United States. Mr.. Wharton Barker,
of Philadelphia, has advanced this view in
a letter to Senator Mitchell, Of Pennsylya'
mia. "Those who believe" says Mr.. Bar
ker. that our commercial relations should
be settled on any general principle must
oppose treaties OF commerce. There can be
no lust reasons for extending to one coun'
try fayors which are withheld from others. u
Mr.. Barker is protectionist He publishes,
It is believed at considerable cost to him
self, a weekly paper, The American, largely
devoted to the exposition and champion
ship Of the protective policy. In our judge
msnt he has in his Mitchell letter planted
himself on ground which can not be held
To make the meaning entirely plain
inyoIyesa brief declaration Of principles.
The IxrELLIoEScER iavors what is called
a "high tariff" judiciously laid, because IT
creates and maintains home industries.
In the United States the industries Of
the United States are to be preferred before
the industries Of any other country.
A nation depending on other nations
for its manufactures being always poor
na.ion, the true policy Of the United States
i, 10 establish its industrial, as it has esLab'
li.hed its political, independence.
The manufacturing countries Of the
oil world had flom seven to ten
centuries the start Of US in industrial de-
We opment, for which reason We must
foster our industrial development by
" .ely contrived artificial conditions, and
the 10 we embody in customs regulation.
The policy OF England, from which we
hive most to fear, is to declare commercial
wr where there is chance for conquest
destroy native industries by undertaking at
a loss, crush out competition and enjoy the
ma ket; being forewarned We can not be Sc
insane as to invite the enemy in.
To-day tariff above tie revenue level
is our protection. The time may come, the
conditions having changed, when our full
est protection will be found in free trade /;
aad when that time comes, free trade, or a
treaty Of reciprocity, whether with one ma
ton or all nations, as shall most conduce
to our welfare, will be the true national
policy.
A tariff for protection being means, We
can contemplate a condition Of affairs in
which reciprocity or absolute free trade
nigh, be a better means. This generation
must make sure OF the present, and, so far
a. it can, make wise provision for the
future.
With these views, which we know to be
honest and believe TO be correct, we are
able to look With favor on reciprocity
treaty with Mexico, provided it be treaty
advantageous to this country. 1t may also
be advantageous to Mexico, and SO be
reciprocal in its results rs well as in its
provisions. 1t is easily imagined how the
greater benefit may be with us, as between
ourselves and England it would be with
England. Mexico is Just waking from three
centuries Of slumber; If she will allow us to
do her manufacturing for her on good
terms 1t Is quite agreeable to our policy Of
protection to accept the commission.