The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-23

The present enthusiasm manifested in Re-
publican ranks for Hon. James G. Blaine is
no doubt due in some extent TO the fact that
he. by his superior intellect. has completely
overshadowed the President and showed
most strfkngly how far the subordinate is to
the chief. But II is peculiarly significant IN
that it is mainly due to the reciprocity clause
in the Mckinley law. instigated by Blaine ana
inserted in the bill after much discussion and
opposition, which clause is conceded to be
the only redeemabe provision in the law ana
the only one which has saved 1t, and the he-
publican party with it, from utter and uni
versal opprobrium.
1t Is a feather in the cap of the Democracy
that this is so. and that the single feature OF
this measure which has met with any public
approval at al is the one which seems 10 APP
proach somewhat to tho Democratic doctrine
of tariff reform. This should be highly en-
couraging TO the friends Of good government
inaSmuch as it foreshadows the downfall OF
the present monopolists' tariff and promises
the return TO power of the Democracy with
its principles Of opposition TO class legislation
and fayoring the greatest good to the greatest
number
The inadequacy Of protection, per Sc, TO
accomplish these desirable results, is clearly
seen upon little reflection. A contempt
rary. speaking OF the Spanish reciprocity con
tract. calls attention TO the fact that under
the treaty between Great Britain and SPAN
the products of Great Britain and tho British
colonies are entitled TO admission INTO Cuba
and Porto Rico on precisely the same terms
which are accorded 10 all other nations. Hence
the new treaty Of reciprocity with Spain can
give to the export trade of this country
no favors in Cuba and Porto Rico which do
not belong also TO the export trade Of Great
Britain and her colonies In cOnsentlng TO
admit certain products of the United States
into its West Indian islands at reduced rates
Of duties the Spanish Government did not
bind itself by any means 10 maintain discrm-
mating duties against other nations II could
not do 30 without violating the faith Of troa-
ties and commercial comfy, as well as dis
eliminating against the interests of its own
colonies.
With the exception Of Brazil. " continues
our contemporary. there is not an independ-
ent State in South America that has not trea-
ties with other countries containing the
most favored nation clause This is what
serves to explain she repulses Secretary
Blaine has encountered in his efforts to OBJ
tain partial favors in trade with South
America The most favored nation clause
makes a wreck of his reciprocity policy. This
provision, which is embodied ia nearly all ex-
isting conmercnl treaties, was expressly de-
signed TO defeat favoritism and discrimina-
tons in trade which are hostile to the COM
mercial spirit Of the age Though Il partial
treaty containing some special favors has been
obtained through intriguing with the royolu-
tionary Government Of Brazil. what guaran-
tee is there that popular sentiment III Brazil
would permit such an arrangement to on-
dure?"
Here is clearly shown how inadequate pro
lection is to accomplish what the people
want, and, in fact. it is shown to be but de-
fusion and q snare to catch the thoughtless
and unwary The people do not want limited
free trade with any country, nor will they be
deceived into countenancing system Of re-
ciprocity which is of no real benefit 10 them
in the way of increasing the commerce Of the
country but is only beneficial in reducing, TO
some extent the prices of certain nocessaries
Of life The campaign of education inaugu-
rated by President Cleveland has brought
forth good fruit in opening the eyes Of tho
voters 10 their true interests and enabling
them to quickly discover imposition, and hr.
Blaine. therefore, can no more succeed before
the country upon his platform Of delusive re-
cprocity than can Mr.. Harrison with his
views of protection TO monopoly.