New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-23
FRANCE IND AMERICAN PORK.

Elsewhere Is printed tne ulOre luiPorIdnV paris
of the recent debate in the French Senate con-
corning the admission of American pork and
the rate of duty to be levied on 1t. The vehe-
mence of the discussion, the extreme bitterness
of all the Right and of no inconsiderable part Of
the Left, the persistence shown in repeating all
the old exploded ISLANDERS about the unhealth-
fitness of American meat products and the reso-
Lutte determination Of the great majority on both
sides not to permit a lower duty than Germany
and Italy have fixed reveal in some measure the
difficulties against which Minister Reid has had
to contend In his prolonged struggle for this
great commercial interest. 1t is proper to OBJ
serve that the whole contest for the opening OF
the European markets to American pork has
hinged upon the negotiations in France. In
deed, the Government of that country was
known to be absolutely committed to the with
drawal of the provision, and the Chamber OF
Deputies had published its adhesion by vote OF
three to one before any other country had taken
the first step toward compliance with our de-
mand When it was seen, however, that the
French Government was resolved upon favor-
able response, and that it was strongly supports ted
by the Chamber, and that the withdrawal OF the
prohibition was absolutely assured and ques-
ton only Of time the other nations had notice to
act An opportunity to hurry in ahead was
afforded by the adjournment of the French
Parliament in July, leaving the question open
between the Chamber and the Senate until the
October session. Germany was MT slow to ap-
preciate the advantage afforded her by this sit
uation, and Denmark and Italy followed Ger
mapy's example from motives in each case pecu-
liar and cogent.
In this state of facts the French Senators who
were opposed to granting the American demand
were able to build up strong case, at least in
support of the proposition to levy taIif no lower
than that of Germany and Italy. IL was re-
ported abroad, moreover that Germany had re-
ceiyed liberal trade concessions from us as an
nduoement to lift the prohibition and this state
ment. however far from the fact, had every other
than tendency to induce France TO do for moth
ing and at low duty what Germany had been
paid to do and at high duty. The resoute
position of the French Government in forcing the
debate upon the unwilling Senate and the brill
fancy and strength Of the Ministerial arguments
will be profoundly appreciated by the American
Government and people. 1t is recognized that
the course they pursued in dealing with this
especial feature Of their general tanh scheme
was unusual and distinctly intended as mark oil
favor to the United States. The American peo-
pe are quick to perceive the significance OF such
| facts and prompt to show their appreciation OF
| them.
Considering all the circumstances OF this in
teresting struggle, there can be no question that
American interests have come OUT OF it exceed
ingy well. 1t has been much fiercer, much more
difficult and prolonged than in any other coun-
try. In Germany Denmark and Italy we had
to deal, not with Parliament in which the Gov
eminent was numerUusly and bitterly opposed
but with the Government alone. 10 obtain
therefore, from France, in view Of all these
peculiar embarrassments, as much as has been
obtained from other countries where no embar
easements were encountered, is great success
Minister Reid is fully entitled to the congratua'
tons he has been so generally receiving from the
American press and people.