New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-08
THE VALUE OF RECIPROCITY
ADVANTAGES OF THE UNITED STATES
UNDER TIE TREATY.
THIS GOVERNMENT NOW IN A POSITION TO
DICTATE TERMS TO CUBA AND PORTO
uco-PRosPECTs OF AN INTER
AMEpTCAN RANK


Charles R. Flint one of the United States dele
gates 70 the Pan-American Congress, member OF
the well-known firm of Flint IL Co, in the South
American trade, and treasurer of the New-York
Commercial Company Limited, which deals on
large scale with Brazil and is the largest importer
of rubber and other goods from that country into
the United States, by Tribune reporter
Yesterday in reference to the reciprocity treaty
lust concluded between Brazil and the United
States.
Mr. Flint expressed himself strongly in APP
proval of this convention, which he characterized
as the most important event in the commercial
history of the United States for many years lie
thought that it would be of immense benefit 10
both countries, and would give new and strong
impetus TO our manufacturing and agricultural In
terests Mr.. Flint said that he was greatly i'm
pressed with the shrewd craftsmanship and far
sightedness of Mr.. Blaine in perfecting thus the
first treaty of reciprocity with country like
Brazil, with its immense possibilities, both as
consuming market of products and as sugar
producing country. This was, in Mr.. Flints opln-
ion, master stroke. which gave us the key to
the position as it were in dealing with Spain
The United States occupied now q vantage ground
from which they could almost dictate their own
terms to Cuba and Porto Rico, the prosperity OF
which was entirely dependent on their retaining
the American market for their sugar, and those
islands would have TO grant us such reciprocity
as we would in fairness be entitled to- or go into
bankruptcy revolution
with this advantage. what, in your opinion.
should be done ?" Mr.. Flint was asked.
81 should say to Cuba. Admit all our products
free of duty"
"And if she did not?"
IF she did not I'd build wall and shut her
hot oh bar to
Gould Brazil supply us with sugar?'
mot Immediately, perhaps, but with reciprocity
her sugar-production will develop wonderfully
1t is now only about 100000 tons, whereas we
consume over 100000 tons. About $780,
900 tons are imported to the United States from
Brazil; the rest goes 10 Europe or is used at
home In competition with Cuba and Porto
Rico in the production of sugar Brazil has, under
this convention, advantage of 40 per cent.
which means rapid and vast increase in her
port supply.
IT was the original purpose of this treaty to
benefit few interests such as -four and petroleum,
but Mr.. Blaine has extended and expanded it till
it covers almost every industry and product in
this country The balance of trade with Brazil
has been strongly against us. Our importations
have averaged about $40, 600. 900 annually. while
our shipments have been only about 100000.
n difference of S6l OOO,O 900 in Brazils favor.
Europe has supplied her with cotton goods TO
the value of 10000, 900, while we have sent
her only about $500, 900 worth. Under the treaty
all this will be changed"
" Have rot the effects of the treaty been
ticipstcd by merchants trading with Brazl?"
"No for the reason that the terms of the
treaty Were wholly unknown. But since the
conditions have been placed before them, mer-
chants have entered into large transactions, de-
iveries to be made after April l, when the treaty
goes into effect
will not this increased trade bring about
revival Of shpping?"
Not unless Congress does something. We shall
continue to use English bottoms. There are three
things that we have always needed TO give us CON-
plete and satisfactory commercial relations with
Yrazil-Teclprocity, transportation and interAmer-
lean banking facilities. Reciprocity have
AS to transportation, you know as much about
that do. Congress must act before we can
accomplish much in that direction. AS to bank
ing facilities, have been practically without
them. Our balance of trade with Brazil we have
adjusted entirely through European banks. The
importation of rubber from Brazil amounts TO
over Sl5,GO0000 annually. and have no hesita-
tion in saying that 90 per cent of that sum is
paid through European banks We must have an
Ater-American bank to prevent the transfer of
all this money to Europe"
institution"
They depend on the Speaker. Mr. Reed. Such
bank recommended by the Pan-American
Congress, favored by Secretary Blaine in his
report TO the President, recommended by Mr.
Harrison in his message to Congress, and the
Committee on Banking and Currency have re-
ported unanimously in favor of it. The chair
man of that committee has asked Mr.. Reed for a
day f for its and the mater is
that Mr.. Window spoke of in his address before
the Board of Trade and Transportation. few
minutes before his DEATH was the need of such
bank"
Here is what the Secretary of the Treasury
said three minutes before death laid its hand upon
him
Il will close by merely calling your attention
to ore other thing which / deem very important,
both to commercial and financial interest viz,
the passage of the bill now pending In Congress
for the establishment of an international bank to
facilitate our exchanges with Mexico and Central
and South America. New-YOrk Is destined at no
distant day to become the financial as we'll as
the commercial centre of the world and such an
institution would. in my Judgment he a long
instrumentalty for the promotion of commerce
with those countries. Give us direct and ample
transportation faciliies under the American flag,
and controlled b. American citizens; a currency
sound in quality and adequate in quantity; an
international bank TO facilitate exchanges and q
system of reciprocity carefully adjusted within
the lines of protection: and not only will our
every American industry will be quickened and
our whole people feel the impulse of new and
In conclusion Mr.. Flint said "Mr Blaine said
to me day or two ago, in reference TO this
convention, II enables us to sell watch springs
thing in a nutshell. Every trader will appre-
ciate the force of that remark"
Il fear the average American does not.
Well it means simply this We sell manu-
factured articles in exchange for products.
The average profit on raw products is per cent.
On manufactured articles il is 0 per cent Under
this treaty we make the 10 per cent, and Brazil
makes but .. That will soon put the balance
Of trade in our favor"
"Will the Brazilans appreciate that?"
"The treaty is signed
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TARIFF.