The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-07-26
FAIR TRADE vs.. FREE TRADE

The Chicago platform denounces the rec
iprocity clause of the Mckinley tariff as a
"sham reciprocity" on the ground that it
can do our producers no good. because of
the alleged similarity of products of the
countries with which treaties have been
made with those of the United States
The Democracy are exceedingly stupid
in their childish attempt at this late date to
impose on the people with the assertion
that Mr.. Blaine's successful policy of reel
procity in non-competing products is but
free trade in a modified form, for any
workingman who can read understands
that sugar, molasses and coffee, which
form the basis of most of the reciprocal
agreements. would be subjected to duties
under q revenue or free trade tariff, and
can be free only under protective tariff,
which does not levy duties for revenue
only.
The Cleveland and Vest type of Demo-
cratic tariff expounders inquire, if limited
reciprocity in non-competing articles is a
good thing, why not unlimited reciprocity
everywhere with everybody and every
thing? The complete answer to this is
that unlimited reciprocity in competitive
products with Canada and Great Britain
does not pay, while limited reci-
procity in non-competitive articles
with Southern countries does pay.
Limited reciprocity in non-competing
products is profitable because it does not
destroy the home market, while unlimited
reciprocity or free trade with Canada or
Great Britain in competitive products
would not pay because il would obliterate
our home market or force Us to maintain
it at the cost OF competitive cheap labor in
wages and diet.
The difference between reciprocity un-
der the Mckinley tariff and free trade is
the difference between fair trade and free
trade. Far trade, which is our Blaine
reciprocity policy. favors commerce that is
beneficial, while free trade permits COM
merce that Is destructive. Fair trade
takes into account the varied conditions
of countries and OF people. and sees that
on account of these conditions neither
party to the transaction gains any
all differences and everywhere acts by the
rule of the strongest. Free trade. it is
claimed, has made Great Britain pros
porous, but on the other hand We can
point TO Turkey and japan, many OF
whose industries have been ruined by the
competition resulting from treaties OF
free trade with England.
The Mckinley tariff is a fair tariff since
ii protects both the producer and the con-
sumner. and rs reciprocity clause, which
secures all desirable commerce on prefer
entail terms, stands not for Tree trade. but
for fair trade. which Is entirely consistent
with the latest economic philosophy OF
our American policy of protection ia
American industries and American labor.
The Canadian Manufacturer did not deem
the reciprocity OF Blaine "a sham" bat
declared that most forcible illustration
of the benefits of a high tariff policy
''is shown where the United States
has forced Brazil, Spain. Germany and
other countries to show special tariff
| tavors. where before hostile tariffs on
Grated 10 largely exclude American pro-
ducts; and from this Canada might take
| a profitable lesson"
Brazil has always found the United
| States her best marke. for hides, sugar,
coffee, etc. but she has always Imposed
| heavy duties upon American dour, bacon,
lard etc Under her system Of protection
| the United states was able 70 say to Brazil,
| I'VE propose to admit certain of your pro-
ducts free. and wlIl do SO II you viii admit
/ certain Of our products on the same terms
| II ven 90 not 30 this, then We Will levy q
/ heavy duty upon your produces.
! Brazil acceded To the bargain. The same
! lever ovened Cuba; snd now Germany has
/ concluded that If she desires 10 sell mill
( ions If dollars worth Of beet sugar 20 the
! United States, sending il there duty free
! she must change her mind about Ameri
can hog products, accept the inevitable
and rccip-oca,e at the diciat!on Of Mr.
! blaine
THIS Canadian protection organ cor.
! reet.y describes oar reciprocity po,lcy SIS
standing Tor some Of the benefits Of rro
| lection and some Of the means by which
| protection may be made 20 advance lor.