New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-23
ONE or THE ROCKS AHEAD.

Reciprocity is already looming up rs one OF
the most dangerous rocks ahead Of the Demo
cratic craft which Mr.. Cleveland is 10 steer
during what threatens 10 be stormy passage
Of four wears The subject has been discussed
by our staff correspondent in series OF letters
from Cuba. The policy has been shown 10 be
highly beneficial 70 the island and equally adj
yantagcous to the United States y CONNER
cial revival has been brought about in the
Spanish West Indies and great good wrought
by the Intervention OF tho American Govern
mcnt in their affairs. In consequence OF the
negotiation of the two chief sugar treaties the
exports of the United states nave been IN
creased $4,000, 600 in a short period. WITH
this fresh light upon the practical operation oil
Reciprocity it will not be premature 70 forecast
the endorsements of Mr.. Cleveland and the
Democracy in dealing with this question.
The Democratic party in H. recent canvass
took strong ground against the sugar bounlie'.
which were granted 10 Louisiana planters and
to beet and sorghum producers when direct
protection by the tariff was withdrawn. II
would seem to be committed 10 the policy Of
suspendng these bountics. But if it attempts
10 do this il will be called upon by the LouiSi-
ana DllIlltlS 10 lfNlplf llit uNlfN Vl sugar III
their interest. That will involve direct Pro-
lection by the tariff of a single class OF pro-
ducers at the expense Of the great body Of
CONSUMERS. That is policy which the De-
mocracy has denounced in mmcasured terms.
such reputation of its pledges would be- clear
~ indefcmsiblc, since the Louisiana planters
are utterly unable to supply tao American mar
kct with the immense amount o! sugar Ic-
quircd for consumption. The restoration OF the
sugar duties would raise the price of one OF
the most largely imported articles Of food. il
would involve taxation Of the many for the
benefit of the fcw-a policy for which the De-
mocracy has oppressed adherence a, unequal
and unjust
The Democratic party has also condemned
the Reciprocity policy as a sham and a
fraud and is consequently under obligations
to repeal the sugar treaties. If It restores The
duties on sugar either in response to the Loui,i-
ana demand for Protection or Oh the spcclOus
plea that the revenues must be- increased. it Will
abrogate the whole series Of Reciprocity con
vcntionS. But if it adopts that course it will
rcpldiatc principles which 1t has been loudly
proclalming Every one Of those treaties has
removed restrictions upon international cX-
changes and 10 that extent the whole Recl-
prOcity policy has been movement in the dl-
rcctiOn of Free Trade The rcimpOsiton Of
the sugar duties aud the abrogation Of the
treaties will involve the restoration Of restric-
tions upon trade with three European counties
and thirteen republics or groups of island, on
this continent. The Democracy has been clam
oIing for reduction Of taxation on the noccS-
sarics of life and advocating policy by which
American exporters might compete for " the
worlds trade TO increase the cost of import
I'd food supplies at home and abroad and 10
restore tariff barriers against intcrnationa cx-
change will be an anomalous method of redeem
ing It's pledges.
The Democratic party has had a great deal
to say about the inlquity of tariff trusts" for
regulating prices. II it SmaShcs the Reciprocity
treaties by the rclmpOStlon OF the sugar duties
il Will arm the refining trust with more abso-
lutte power % regulate the price of sugar than
is now enjoyed Nothing would be more help
ful to the trust than the removal Of raw sugar
from the free list. There could be no more
fragrant reputation Of Democratic pledges tLan
tariff legislation in favor of trusts.
Finally. Democratic morasis have been most
severe in condcmning "a barren and nm
Christian Policy Of economic hostility D. foreign
nations" But how will they be able to justify
the abrosatlon Of treaties by which the imported
food of the West Indies and other countrie,
has been cheapened and their prosperity re-
vived? Cuba is an apt illustration The col
lapse OF Reciprocity will be cruel and wanton
blow aimed against misgoverned and plum
defed industrial community, which is absolutely