Telegram-herald., 1891-07-25

The adverse reply OF the Congress oil
VeneEue!a 10 the propositions OF the
United States. looking toward recipro-
city, is the first cheek which the move
ment has received since the enactment
CT the new tariff law. The refusal OF
Venezuels, however, Is not based on
any reluctance 10 make arrangements
for the promotion OF trade between the
United States and that country, but on
an apparently sure CONVICTION that the
acceptance of the terms suggested
would Involve = loss OF revenue whic a
the republic could not afford, and
whicn could not be easily made up
elseShere. This does not by any means
preclude further negotiations, but
rather calls for them, inasnuch indeed
as the refusal was accompanied by the
warmest expressions Of friendship.
THIS case of Venezu!a we'll illustrates
the true principles OF the protective
policy and reciprocity. 1t is not ques-
ton OF writing down list of products
1AN 1hDid1sAy S0iSlsAiS W CaSh {" t@-C
of .arlH duty, but it is study of
circumstances, and conditions, and
effects aud . selection of such rate of
tariff duty in each instance as will con-
duce 10 the best interests of the coun-
try. AS no two countries are alike IN
conditions. circumstances, resources
and necessities, so can no two tariff
systems and schedules be alike. This is
one point invariably overlooked by
those who are frantic for free trade in
the United States, just because il works
we'll in England. Venezuela must be the
Judge Of It's own interests and cannot be
asked, or expected TO sacrifce her
real interests for trade relations with
US. Unless such relations are
mutually advantageous. they do not
constitute reciprocity. Herein lies the
genuine spirit OF reciprocity-mutuai
advantage. There is strong element
of selhshness in protection, IN eager
outlook for the main chance, while in
reciprocity there must be mutual con-
cessious. This must not be forgotten
In the further negotiations with Vene-
zuela.
II has already been suggested in Ad-
ministration circles that q resort be had
20 the club OF retaliation provided in
the Mckinley act. Venezuela could
scarcely afford TO have her exports to
this country placed on an unfavorable
footing. As compared with those of
other countries of Latin America. I'M
ports from Venezuela IN 1888, amount
ed to $40, ,o5l ,250. of this total, all but
ss,245 was admitted without the pay
mept OF any duty. We took f.om Ven-
ezuela in that year 50 ,363, 500 Of coffee
and s9l7. 600 of hides. Under the reel
procity clauses Of the tariff, if Venezu-
ella we've not to enter into reciprocal re-
lstions with tins country, the President
would be empowered u impose duty
OF cents pound on the coffee im-
ported from that country, and one
half cent pound on Venezuela hides.
Thus would put restriction upon Ven
ezuelsn exports to this country which
would seem to be fully as serious a
matter As the proposed concessions in
duties upon our exports to Venezuela,
which now amounts to but little more
than 81 600, 600 per snnum. This would
bring n powerful influence TO bear upon
that republic, and il is to be hoped that
!. NAV never have TO be resorted to.
Reciprocal relations should be the out
growth of comfy and not of force. And
yet, should Venezusla prove to be OBJ
stinsts the United States might, in JUS
tice 10 the other countries who have
accepted reciprocal relations, be con-
strained to fall back upon those retail.
istory provisions. Those countries would
have moral right to demand such sc-
ton Of US 10 view Of this. any finieal
disposition on the part of Venezuela
might lead to unpleasant relations. In
justice 20 that republic, however, IL
must be admitted that go far its action
does not appear TO be inst'gsted by any
fsetious spirit.