St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-04-04
WHITELAW AT HOME.
Our Minister to France Is
Again on His Native
Heath.
ur. Reid Says the Reciprocity
and Extradition Treaties
Are Signed.
He Thinks the French Gov
eminent Steadily Gain
ing in Stability.
IF Nominated for President
He Wouldn't Decline
the Honor.


His arrival has been looked forward to
with much interest in view of the I'M
Outstanding that he had resigned his
post, and consequently he was be-
Seiged by a host of newspaper reporters
as soon as the vessel reached her pier
Mr.. Reid talked freely concerning
intern ational affairs. He had with
him the reciprocity and extradi-
ton treaties between the United
States and France. The obtaining of
the signature of NJ. Ribot, minister Of
foreign affairs for France, and the at
taching of his own TO the treaties was
the last official act of Mr.. Reid. In
speaking of the treaties Mr.. Reid SAID:
The signing Of these treaties COM
pletes III all but few details every
matter of negotiation pending between
the two countries. 1t only remains for
the United states senate and The French
chamber of deputies to ratify
them, thus bringing to sue
cesSfu issue these questions that
have been in many respects attend
ed with much difficulty, owing largely
to the difference between the methods
of practice in France and the United
States. The French civil law code and
the English common law system. which
is the accepted practice in this country,
has rendered it no easy task to make
terms describing certainS kinds Of
crime synonymous. In many instances
there was nothing in the French code
by which we'll defined crimes could be
properly indicated. This neceSsitated
great deal of legal finesse, and the nego-
tiationS have required much thought and
labor. In fact | thought, when L went
to Paris, would enjoy needed rest, but
l found that there was vast amount OF
labor in connection with my duties.
The reciprocity treaty will doubtless be
avaSt benefit to both countries, although
the trade in The articles affected by it is
not as great as might be supposed. The
French do not get great deal OF sugar
and molasseS from us, much of their
supply coming direct from Martinique
and other West Indies islands"
Has the lifting Of the embargo from
American pork created ali increase in
the quantity eXported?"
sit has, doubtless" he replied, "al-
though there have been some COM
plants about the methods of inspection
by American shippers. The fact is there
was great prejudice against this artl-
Gle, and the administration in raising
the embargo had to encounter strong
opposition. To placate this feeling they
made the Inspection rules very strict.
This feeling is diminished and the rules
will doubtless be relaxed. The duties
on pork are high, being 200 per cent.
But whenever preached the subject to
them / was met with the very reason
able answer that they were only carry
ing out the system Of protection lnau-
gurated by our own government
What is the sentiment in regard TO
prOtectiOnw
There is very strong protection
party in France, and the policy will, l
believe, have favorable result on the
nations commerce. The trouble is that
the French government has made the
mistake of endeavoring 10 reach at one
leap what has gradually been building
in the United States Ior nearly cen
tury. For instance, they have advanced
duties ilt some cases as high as 400 per
cent, without moments warning, and
the result has been to disturb CONNER
cial relations. This is especially true
as between France and Spain"
''H0W do the Parjsans regard the re-
cent dynamite explosions which have
taken place i'll that city?"
They have occasioned considerable
excitement, but have not succeeded i'll
creating such terror as has been re-
ported 10y the newspapers. 1t is gener-
ally understood that their object is to
brighten magistrates from doing their
duty In administering justice to an
archists convicted of crime. ParisianS
take the matter rather lightly. and even
make jokes OF it by sending their
friends imitation bombs for the purpose
of frightening them. 1t is often
No.
stored to power his firm hand would do
much towards quelling the spirit of law
leSSneSS that now exists. The French
people, as a rule, are contented with
their country and their government.
they are today the most prosperous
people in Europe"
''What Is your opinion of the stability
of the present governments"
From what | can see it is constantly
gaining strength. 1t is certainly much
stronger than when | first visited
France. twelve years ago. The recent
attitude of The pope, advising Catholic
subjects Of France to support the con-
stituted authorities, has had the effect
of attaching tie clerical party TO the
cause Of the republic, although hitherto
they have sympathiZed with the mon
archistS. Parties in France are not as
we'll defined as in this country, but are
divided into numerous factions. Mon
archists are party opposed to the
present form of government. and III this
country would DE looked upon as were
the Tories in the revolution, or would
be considered as traitors"
"What do you think OF the chances OF
the success Of your party III the next
campagn?'
Il have always observed that the
Surest way to put Republicans on their
mette is TO give them scare. The
revolution in congress at the last elec-
ton has thoroughly aroused them, and
! believe that history will repeat itself,
and, taking lessons Of adversely TO
heart, they will make vigorous and
winning fight 1t will be stout con-
test. but think the Republicans will
carry the election this fall"
Mir. Reid said he had seen his name
mentioned as a presidential candidate.
but thought it more OF mark of friend
illness on the part Of newspapers than
anything else.
Il have come home more for the sake
of resigning than to seek office" said
Mr.. Reid
But IN case your name should be put
forward as a candidate, in what way
would you view lt?"
ain the event of such contingency
! can hardly conceive of any American
great enough to refuse such an honor.
! would think. however, such posi-
bility is very remote"
''What do you think of President
HARRISBURG
81 think he has given the country a
clear, wholesome administration. one
which intelligent men ofs either party
can indorse. His settlement of various
international questions has been wise
and statesmaniikr, and has given gen
eral satisfaction. During his term of
Office the business interests of the coun-
try have not suffered. While do not
think he has adaptability that would
render him personally popular, he has
popuIarized his administration by his
official acts"
Mr. Reid had pleasant trip over,
there being but one stormy day ehcoun-
tered. At quarantine, however. they
were subjected to some annoyances.
During the night the steamer Massilia,