Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-07-24

ducts.
WASHINGTON, July 14.-The follow.
ing letter from Secretary Blaine has
been received today by Mr.. Frye:
BAR HARBoR, Me-, July II, 1890.
Dear Mr.. Frye: have just received
intelligence. from the highest CONNER
cial authority In Havana that Ameri.
can -four, under the new duties impos-
ed by Spain, cannot reach the Cuban
market under cost of S11 .46 per barrel
= counting the shipping price in New
York at 81 80 per barrel. Spain holds
the market for herself and is able to
send European flour at Price which
totally excludes the American -four
from the markets of Cuba and Porto
Rica. Other articles of American
growth are likewise taxed by Spain to
the point of prohibition. This one
sided commerce will seriously injure
the shipping routes which are still in
American hands largely IL not exclus-
lively.
1t would certainly be very extraordi-
nary policy on the part of our govern
ment just at this time to open our mar
ket without charge of duty to the enor-
nous crops of sugar raised in the two
Spanish islands. Cuba and Porto Rica
furnish the United States with nearly
or quite one-half the Sugar which we
consume and we are far larger consum-
ers than any other nation in the world.
To give free market to this immense
product of the Spanish plantations at
the moment Spain is excluding the
product of American farms from her
market would be policy as unprece-
dented as it would be unwise.
Our trade with the American repub-
lies, as well as with the West India is
lands, has been for years in most un-
satisfactory condition. The aggregate
balance of trade with all Latin-Ameri-
ca is heavily against US. A single illus
tration will suffice. Since we repealed
the duty on coffee in 1872 we have i'm
ported the products of Brazil to the ex-
tent of 1921 ,806, 900 and have sold to her
only $l56, 135 900 ofour own products.
The difference 1885,, ,871 ,000) we have
paid in gold or its equivalent, and Bra
zil has expended the vast sum in the
markets of Europe. You can readily
see how different the result would have
been If in return for the free admission
of Brazilian coffee in our markets we
had exacted the free admission of GER
tain products of the United States in
the Brazilian market. To repeat this
error with sugar Ito an amount three
times as large as with coffee) will close
all opportunity to establish reciprocity
of trade with Latin-America.
The charge against the protective
policy which has injured it most is
that its benefits go wholly to the man
ufacturer and capitalist and not at all
to the farmer. You and 1 well know,
that this is not true, but still it is the
most plausible and therefore the most
hurtful argument used by the free
trader. Here is an opportunity where
the farmer may be benefited-primari-
ly, undeniably, richly benefited. Here
is an opportunity for Republican con-
gress to open the markets of 10000, 900
people to the products of American
farmers. Shall we seize the opportuni-
ty or shall We throw it away.
l DO not doubt that in many respects
the tariff bill now pending in the sem
ate is just measure and that most of
its provisions are in accordance with |
the wise policy of protection. But
there is not section or a line in the
entire bill that will open market for
another bushel of wheat or another bar
rel ofpork. If sugar is placed on the
free list without exacting import trade
concessions in return we shall close the
1oor for profitable reciprocity against
ourselves. think you will find some
hints on this subject in the
presidents brief message of July 19
With as much practical wisdom as was
'ver stated In so short space.
Our foreign market for breadstuffs
,rows narrower. Great Britain is ex-
'rting every nerve to secure her bread
upplies from India and the rapid ex-
'ansion of the wheat area in Russia
,ives us powerful competitor in the
markets of Europe. It becomes us
therefore, to use every opportunity for
he extension of our market on both of
he American continents. With near
y $lOO, 900, 900 worth of sugar seeking
'ur market every year, we shall prove
ourselves most unskilled legislators if
We DO not secure large field for the
ale and consumption of our bread
tufts and provisions. The late confer
nee of American republics proved the
xistence Of common desire for closer
elations. Our congress should take
he work where the International con-
erence left it. Our field of ofcommercial
evel0pment and progress lies south of
IS. Yours sincerely,
JAMES G.. BLAINE.
Hon w p FRYE TT g Sonoto