The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-13
4 SUSPICIOUS POLICY.

Nothing shows more clearly the general dis
trust in which Mr.. Blaine j. held than the
strong suspicion which is entertained that in
the new policy Of reciprocity which he has so
earnestly advocated. and which he is now on
the eve Of putting into actual operation in
connection with Brazil. he is actuated as much
by desire to advance indirectly his own pr
waite interests Of pecuniary nature az TO pro-
mote his Presidential aspirations.
Looked az from a general standpoint, 1t
would appear that the Secretary is convinced
that in reciprocity he has found a means of
removing that soreness Of feeling caused by
the passage Of the Mckinley bill. which did 50
much TO defeat the Republican party in the
November elections. 1t is evident that be
recognizes that the American people a. a mass
are not prepared to press the protective sys-
ten to point rs extreme as that which was
reflected in the tenor and spirit Of that bill,
and he. therefore. with Characteristic shrewd-
ness. seizcs upon reciprocity IA a way Of es-
cape from an untenable position. and seeks to
so far identify himself with it that he must in
evitably receive or dictate the next Republi-
can Presidential nomination.
How popular is this scheme Of reel
procity with the leading journals Of the Re
publican party is shown in the attitude Of
such organs as the New York Tribune. which
accepts the policy Of the Secretary with en-
thusiasm, aud affirms that all the Republicans
in Congress will support it without reserva-
ton. II is really one of thefew grounds upon
which the slightest hope Of the success Of the
Republican party in the next Presidential
election can be bas,1
Apart from his Presidential aspirations and
his desire to save his party from absolute ruin
by the growing opposition to high tariff Mr..
Blaine may have more private reasons than
those that are purely political in promoting
closer commercial association with the South
American Republics 1t Is suspicious
fact that rs soon as this question Of recipro-
city became a practical one, at once there
started into existence a number Of subsidy
schemes by which the private interests OF the
owners Of transportation lines between the
ports Of the United States and the ports OF
Brazil were to be immensely fostered. If the
subsidy bill now under discussion becomes a
law new lines will be established which, with
the pecuniary assistance Of the
National Government, must become
highly profitable 20 their stockholders
At thebottom Of this proposed subsidisingof
steamships there Turks fixed determination
on the part Of private parties to use the funds
in the Treasury to their own advantage as far
~ circumstances will permit. Whether Mr.
Blaine and his nearest friends would directly
participate in the pecuniary bonanza Of this
policy is now a mere surmise incapable Of
being substantiatel. One thing, however. Is
fully known namely, that reciprocity with
the South American Republics would have
a powerful influence in giving form 70 the
colossal scheme of trans-contincntal rail
road to be constructed from the mouth Of the
Magdalena river in Columbia. down the
whole length Of the South American CONT
nent.
Among the leading promoters ofthis scheme
are men who stand in the closest personal
and business relations with the Secretary Of
State. This fact alone would seem TO Justify
the increasing degree Of suspicion with which
the zeal of Mr.. Blaine in pressing the policy
OF reciprocity with the Republics to the
South Is regarded in the popular mind.