Omaha daily bee., 1884-12-02
TARIFF AND FOREIGN TRADE.

In the course Of this communication refer.
ence has more than once been made to the
policy of this government as regards to the
extension of our foreign trade. 1t seems proper
to declare the general principles that should,
in my opinion, underlie our national affairs in
this direction. The main conditions of the
problem may be thus stated: We are a peo-
p e in mechanical pursuits and fertile in in
~vention. We cover a vast extent of territory
rich in agricultural products and in nearly all
the raw materials necessary tor successful
manufacture. We have q system of prod c.
tive establishments more than sufficient to
supply our own demands. The wages of labor
are nowhere else 80 great. The scale OF living
of our artisan classes is such astends to secure
their personal comfort and the develop.
nent of those higher morals Eand
intellectual qualities that go to the making of
good citizens. Our system of tax and tariff
legislation is yielding a revenue which is in
excess of the present NEEDS of the government.
These are Clements from which it is sought to
devise o scheme by which, without unfavor-
ably changing the condition of the working
man, our merchant marine shall be raised
from its present enfeebled condition and new
markets provided for the sale, beyond our
borders, of the manifold fruits of our indus
trial enterprises. The problem is complex,
and can be solved by no single measure of in
novation or reform. The countries OF the
American Continent and the adjacent islands
are for the United States the natural market of
supply and dema d. 1t is from that we should
obtain what we do not produces or 10 not pro-
duce IN sutficiency, aud it is to them that the
surplus production of our fields, our mills, aud
our workshops should flow, and under condi-
tions that will equalizs or favor them in com.
p~arison with foreign competitors.
ToUR FAITHS OF POLICY
seem to point to this end.
First "A series of reciprocal commercial
treaties with the countries of Americh which
shall foster between us and them an unham,
pgred movement of trade. The conditions OF
these treaties should bs free admission OF such
merchandise as this country does not produce
IN return for ADM 5sion free, or unde. "a favor
ed scheme of duties, OF our products. The
benefits of such exchange to apply on these
goods carried under flag of the parties to the
contract. The removal on both sides from
| vessels 30 privileged of all tonnage dues and
national imports 80 that their vessels may ply
unhindered between our ports and those OF
the contracting parties, though without In
fringing on the reserved home coasting trade
The removal or reduction of burdens on thu
exported products of those countries coming
within the benefits OF the treaties, and tn,
| avoidance of the technical restrictions anC
penalties by which our intercourse with thos'
countries is at present hsmpered.
SeCOnOly-lh establishment OF tnt COilsuIa
service of the United States on a salariec
footing permitting the REIMBURSEMENT Of con
su ar fees, not only as respects VESSELS unde
the national flag, but also as respects vessel
Of tho treaty nations carrying goods entitled
to the benefits Of the treaties.
Thirdly:-The enactment Of measures t
favor the construction and maintenance OF
steam carrying marine under the flag OF tn
United States
Fourthly-Th establishment of an uniform
Currency basis for the countries of America
30 that the coined products OF our mines ma,
circulate on equal terms throughout the whole
system of common wealths. This would re-
auire q monetary union Of America whereof.
the output OF the bullion producing cOuutrie
and tue circulation of those which yield Meth
ar gold nor silver could he adjusted IN con
formity with the population, wealth and com
mercial useds OF each. As many of the coun
tries furnish no bullion to the C jmmon stock
the surplus production Of our mines an'
miners might thus be utilized and @ step take.
toward the general demonstration OF silver
To the accomplishment Of these ends 30 far a
they can be attained by separate treaties tn
negotiations already concluded and now II
progress have bsen directed and tho fayo
With which this enlarged policy has thus ia
| been received warrants tho belief that is OF
~erations will ara long embrace all or nearly a.
| the countries Of this hemisphere, 1t "a by n
means de irable, however, that this policy III
der consideration should be applied to thea