The morning call., 1891-01-19
RECIPROCAL TREATY.
Effect Of the AldTiCh Amendment to the
Tariff Bill.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1S.-Hon. John w.
Foster, who has represented this Govern =
ment as Minister to Mexico and also to
Spain, is naturally well informed in regard
to the interests of the United States, both
at home and abroad. Foster was asked
what he thought was likely to be the prac-
teal result of the reciprocity provision
known rs the Aldrich amendment. He re-
piled that lie had very little doubt that its
effect would be very beneficial TO the en-
largement of our foreign commerce on this
hemisphere, it offers such great advantages
to the sugar and coffee producing countries
that they cannot fail to avail themselves Of
the privileges of this largest and best mar
ket Of the world for these products.
If an emergency arises will the Presi-
dent reimpose the duty on sugar and coffee,
named in the Aidrich amendment?"
There is not the slightest doubt about
it," answered Foster. "The Presidents
duty is made imperative under the law.
Congress has made a most liberal offer of
reciprocity Of trade, and if any nation con-
cerned does not accept it, as to that nation
there is no other alternative than TO impose
the duty prescribed by Congress-" This
reciprocity provision Foster regarded as a
most popular and ccmmendable feature of
the new tariff act, and in its practical opera
tion most likely to give general satisfaction.
1t IS Tree from the Constitutional Ob1ec-
tiOn which has been urged against recprOc-
lly by means OF treaties, as il Is simple IN
Its operation and Is brought about by re-
sponsible legislation bearing upon the ma
tons concerned only SO long AS dictated by
their mutual interests 1t is a policy which
he believed would 90 far to reconcile the
conflict In th- country between protection
and free trade, and would be favora6y re-
ceiVed by our neighborS and would prove TO
be the most beneficial outcome of the Inter
national American Conference.
Foster said that the Shipping Bill now
pending in the House was paiuly a neceS-
sary part OF this great reciprocity pro-
gralnnle, and with its passage we would be
| placed in the most advantageous position to
establish and maintain commercial su-
premacy on this hemisphere. Without the
aid proposed American shipping can never
successfully compete with the subsidized
shipping of other nations, and whatever re-
/ ciprocity of trade may be established under
the provisions of the Mckinley tariff Will
then have TO be conducted in foreign ships
Our shipping is now the only great indus
trial interest which is not protected by legis-
lation. The bill referred to is in entire har-
mony with the protective system and ahsO-
lutely necessary to the proper enforcement
OF reciprocity. OF trade, as our commerce
with our neighbOTS should be carried on I'M
der the American flag
Yes, there is n strong feeling in the Ha-
waian Islands in favor of annexation to
! the United States, Notwithstanding the weak
| policy the United States has pursued III the
racine Tor many years past" said naval
| officer who has made visit to the Islands.
The reciprocity treaty with Hawaii has
! produced this effect in a great measure, and
! tnere is every reason why the United States
| should acquire these Islands commercial
and navaI-and 1t will end in that if our
| Government Is wise enough to foster and
| cultivate the fapIiuu ~