Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-11-29

and expect to compete tn England in the
market of the Argentine Republic The
proposition Is absurd. have been layicg
the very foundation Of the eaitice we hope
to build by reciprocity.
Mr.. Blaine recognizes the Importance
of these shipping bills in this regard, As
you will see by consulting his published
letters, though be gives reciprocity the first
place in the obtaining of a market for our
production
do you agree with the secretary of
state 10 his views as expressed in the letters
you refer to-
II do in the msin. That we have delio-
eratelg and extrsyagantly wasted chances,
In making coffee. tea, etc, free, is undoubt-
eddy true. The same result might have
been reached by process which would
have opened the markets of Spain Mexico
and all the South and Central American
republics to an enormous list of our manu-
fixtures, and the products Of our farms.
Before INDUCING in criticism of this lesisia-
ton il ought 10 be remembered
tlat Mr.. Blaine had givea more thought
to our relations with the countries
south Of US than any other American states
man; also that the attempts made during
the aimiusration of President Arthur for
closer trade relations with these countries
has failed because of the refusal of the
House TO act fsvorably, by legislation
required to carry out the provisions of the
reciprocal treaty made with Mexico, ratified
by the Senate; also that like treaty with
Spain was Withdrawn by Mr.. Cleveland and
no, again submitted. Again, the M ekinley
bill has saving clause, authorizing the
President TO restore duties under certain
contingencies. and while this does not by
any means give US the position we should
have held il these articles referred to had
remained on the dutiable list. il does, to q
certain extent, strengthen the President and
his secretary Of stale in any negotiations
they may enter into with these republics.
Again, believe that the recent Con-
gress of American nations has immensely
improved the relations between them ard US.
has increased greatly the knowledge Of and
respect for each other, and that no more OPP
perfume time has ever offered than this for
negotiations looking TO closer relations. In
the deliberations of that Congress Mr..
Blaine was most prominent figure, COM
mendug himself wonderfully to the dele
gates by his intelligence, his courtesy and
his evident desire to promote the general
good"
Didn't you have something to do with
the creation of that Congress-"
eyes introduced the first bill provii-
ug for ii, had it referred to the Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations of which
was member, reported 1t favorably, and
1t passed the Senate, but failed in the
House At the next session | again took
charge of the bill it again passed the Sen
ate the House also passed a bill with simi
lar provisions; on my motion conference
committee was appointed, whose report was
accepted by both Houses. IL lie fair TO say
however. that the suggestion of such 3
conference came from Mr.. Blaine when ht
was secretary of STATE under President
Garfield
"For these and other reasons | believe
that something will be accomplished, witdir
the next two years, Of material benefit tC
Us 10 the opening up of practically new
markets for our products. We ought
to supply our neighbors with nearly
al! the manufactured goods they
need, and no longer permit Ger
many. France and England to furnish them
four fiftbs of all they use; bat still iusis
that the commerce and mails between them
and us must be carried in their and ou'
bottoms. or all reciprocal treaties will be
failures
How about reciprocity with Canada?"
~ am not especially enthusiastic over
such proposition. The relations between
the people of Csnsda and ours are agree
able enough, indeed somewhat cordial, but
her government has been hostile for years
and its conduc: of affairs. so far as they
la To hos hnpn OrnsslE II The
oulrages perpetrated upon our fishermen
have been without excuse. Still this ought
not to prevent US from making any far aud
reasonable business arrangement with oui
northern neighbor if one is possible. Bri
is it:
II doubt it greatly. Canada wishes tc
sell US the products of the farm. the mines
and the forests, and for these. if the e1por-
ts;ion was free TO the United States, the
market would be unlimited; but wha
would cur farmers, mine owners and lum.
bernien have for compensation? A mar
ket for our manufactures, which woulC
/ so increase such enterprises here as &c
create an increased demand for their prod
ucts? Very likely, If we were dealing with
/ Canada alone. We are not. A treaty Of
recipr Jcity must be negotiated with Great
! Britain, and is It possible that she woulC
consent to Canada receiving our maDufac
lures free from duty while hers were duti
sble2 | do not believe she would and i
! not, and the price Of such a treaty shoul,
be the free admission also of English goods
where would be cur benefit? Dolly a yer,
/ limited reciprocity treaty seemsto me posi-
BILE with Canada, so limited as to be of littl,
use TO either country.
Let the House pass the two shipping
bills, the President and the secretary o
state negotiate reciprocal treaties with tn
countries lying south of us. and, in N.
opinion. the business interests Of our coun
try, of farm, factory, forest and mine, vii
be wonderfully nrnmn ted -