The DeSmet leader. (DeSmet, Kingsbury Co., Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1890-09-20
Three Reciprocity Propositions.

Three Reciprocity Propositions.
Three reciprocity propositions have
been introduced in the senate within
few days, sayst the Chicago Inter Ocean,
each by Senator OF special promin-
ence. First came the oneproposed by
Mr.. Aldrich of Rhode Island, who has
charge OF the tariff bill Then came
Senator Sherman's followed by the one
introduced by Mr.. Hale but attribut-
ed to Secretary Blaine. All these are
independent of the statement mad by
the representative of Brazil, Minister
MendOnCa, as to what his government
would do in return for the free sugar
provision OF the Mckinley bill. 1t is
worth while to carefully consider what
these several propositions reall y are.
Mr. Aldrich's proposition is IN the
nature of an amendment to the tarlh
bill, specifically exempting from duty
sugar, coffee, tea, and hides, all but
the first named being already on the
free list. In 30 doing the amendment
declares that such exemptions are
made with a view to secure reciprocal
trade with countries producing these
articles.
Those countries are given until July
] , 1891, in which to reCiproCate. The
sugar duties rs now levied must be
restored, also the duties on the other
articles named, as they obtained
prior to free-listing. Fhe,, President
is authorized and required to make
these restOrations i'll the case OF any
country which after that date "impOs-
| es duties or other exaCtions upon the
agricultural or other products OF the
United States which, III view of the
free introduction OF such sugar, Inolas-
ses, coffee, tea, and hides into the
| United States, he may deem to be re-
| CiprOCally unequal and UNJUST" 1t
will be observed that this proposition
covers three great staples OF imports
which have already been placed on the
free list and is in that sense retroac-
tive in it's practical workings.
Mr.. Sherman's amendment does not
antag0nizc the Aldrich amendment,
but goes farther and in an opposite,
direction geographically. He propos-
es first, that If Canada will take
Canadians coal in the same way.
This means, practically, that II
Ontario and Manitoba are allowed
free trade in our soft coal then New
England will be allowed to buy, duty
free the hard coal of the Canadian
seaboard. Against this proposition
the anthracite interest of Eastern
Pennsylvania will fight bitterly, as the
Curtailment OF the coz trade in New
England would not be Offset by the en-
largement OF that tradein Ontario and
the far Northwest. Mr.. Sherman =
amendment also provides for meeting
Canada half way as regards general re-
ciprOcity by the appointment OF a
commission to arrange a general
scheme Of reciprocity, to be submitted
to Congress for approval.
The Sherman proposition differs
fundamentally from the Aldrlch pro
position. The latter covers only such
articles as this country wants free
trade in any way, and is really getting
something for nothing instead o.
giving it. We do not want to levy
any duties on sugar, coffee, tea, ol
hides, out of regard to the interest O
our own consumers Of those products
and will only do it as it may be neces
sary to prevent the producing COun
tries from taking advantage OF us
In the case of Canada the proposition
|, is thoroughly reciprocal in character
, 1t is not necessary to discuss TIN
/ Sherman amendment on it's merits
1t is no new departure, and has nC
necessary connection with the new
aspect OF the old reciprocity question
| The Hale amendment may be broad
ly but fairly stated as authorizing tn,
l President, without any further legisla
ton, to establish Pan-AmeriCan fret
trade. This would be giving the exc
cutive, or, to be more exact, the Secre
l tary OF state, q carte blanch to adjus
e the tariff in the new world. Upon de
bate Mr.. Hale was obliged to modn.
somewhat his loose generalization
Senator Sherman pointed out tn
: real scope OF the amendment, where
< upon 1t was explained that it was no
p intended that it should go so far as
really did. Mr.. Hale will modify
somewhat; still the general idea will
3 no doubt, be retained.
4 To adopt the principle OF the Hal
a amendment would be radical revolu
ton. 1t would be surrender by Cor
gress OF one OF its most impOrtan
l. functions, so far as concerns NORTH
n Central, and South America. MI
4 Sherman contemplates ~ desirabl
s reciprocity with Canada, but he doe
4 not propose to give the President an
Il authority TO decide the matter. III
n would have n joint commission al
;, pointed To devise a treaty ofreciproc
e ty, but it could not 60 into effect with
Il out first securing the assent OF Coz
j gress. This is difference OF thegreat
+ est gravity.
: Mr. Hale should bear i'm mind that
3 however great the confidence in Genel
q al Harrison and Secretary Blaine, hi
e amendment would be an authorizatio
4 fraught with peril. March 5, 1s9;
is not far of, and no prescience ca
J. forecast who will be President an
Il Secretary of state, and however desi
x able may be Pan-American reciproc
d ty, the proper order Of procedure
n for Congress, and not the executive {
~ any of its departments, to hold tf
reins OF absolute authority. tt
Aldrich and Sherman amendment
put all the power into the hands I
n the President which the Constitute
Dt contemplates or that consideration
10 Of public policy would permit.