San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1889-09-12
Reciprocity with Mexico.

The subjects of the Window rules
for the clearance of silver-lead ores,
the differential duties recently impos-
ed on the cargoes of Mexican vessels
in the United States and the new du-
ty to be levied by Mexico on live
stock and fresh meat continue to be
discussed with much interest in COM
mercial circles. 1t is generally assert
ed that nothing but a recip-
rOcity treaty can place the COM
mercial relations of the two re-
publics on a satisfactory basis, and
such treaty will inevitably result
from the recent acts ofthe two govern
ments. We have already stated these
views and we think that reciprocity
treaty between the two countries
which has long been desirable, is now
more desirabl than ever. But treaties
can not be arranged without long and
tedious negotiations, and just here is
where the shoe pinches. While diplo-
mates are celebrating over the terms
of a treaty the business of Americans
and MeXicans will be suffering and
the natural current of trade may he
changed.
We think that the present unpleas-
ant conditions are wholly due to mis-
apprehension on the part of Mr.. Win
dom. We feel sure that he was not
aware of the hardships which his new
rules would cause in this country and
it is clear that his ordering the impo-
sition of differential duties on the car
goes of Mexican vessels was owing to
an error, although it must be confess
ed, very natural one to commit I'M
der the circumstances. The new rules
may be amended 50 as to remove their
Objectionable features; indeed customs
collectors are invited to make sugges-
tiOns for their improvement and
therefore certain alterations in them
can and should be made. The
order imposing differential duties
was issued under the impress
sion that Mexico was levying dis
eliminating duties on the cargoes
of American vessels, but this is an
error. No such duties are collected.
Some years ago the Mexican Congress
provided that goods brought to the
ports of the country in Mexican bot
toms should be allowed reduction OF
two per cent of the duties chargeable
on them. Mexico is practically with
out merchar tnavy and although this
discriminating law still stands unre-
pealed it is almost imperative. In the
United States there is law authoriz-
ing the president to exempt by pro-
clamatiOn the vessels of countries
which do not discriminate against the
American flag from the effects of the
law of 1865, reenacted in 1888. AS
Mexico does not discriminate against
American vessels and as Secretary
WINDOWS order was issued under an
impression that it did, there is no
reason why President Harrison should
not exempt Mexican vessels from the
duty provided for under certain cir
cumstances, although he is not COM
PEELED to do so.
Now it seems to us that pending the
negotiation of reciprocity treaty,
the best thing that can be done is to
place the trade relations between the
two coun tries on the same footing
they were on three months ago. If
Mr.. WINDOWS rules are modified so as
to remove their Objectionable features,
if Mexican vessels are exempted from
the payment of differential duties by
proclamation of President Harrison
and the recently decreed Mexican du-
ties on live stock and fresh meats are
repealed much inconvenience, annoy
ance and actual loss to citizens of
both republics will be averted. 1t
appears that such a solution of the
present unsatisfactory trade relations
between the two countries is not only
possible, but also desirable. 1t also
seems proper that the government of
the United States should take the
initiative in bringing about this set
Element.