The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1892-01-15
nln rREER TRADE MOVEMENT.


Jaeque st Cere, the well-intormed Paris
correspondent Of the New York Herald,
represents the recent change in the COM
mercial policy OF Germany as "a long step
In the direction OF free trade" Tho repub-
liean organs have been. .elamoring about II
as a triumph of the Mckinley bin, and by
persistently putting forward the arrange
ments made with this country and omit
ting all reference 10 those made with Italy
and Austria, and those In progress with
Belgium, Holland and Switzerland, and In
contemplation on the part of Spain, they
have no doubt succeeded In creating an
impression among their resders that the
policy of nigh protection In this country is
bringing the world by degree. down upon
It's knees to us. The press of Germany,
Austria and Italy declare the new policy to
be In the interest of cheaper living, and the
almost universal favor with which Il Is re-
celved shows that the people have awak-
ened to the folly of suPposing high tax
alton to be promotive of prosperity.
Strong pressure has been brought to bear
upon England to join the continental trade
eague, but she perslstently holds aloof,
and throws her markets open to all the
world. granting no iavors and asking
more, Her policy will prevail In the end,
and the unnatural protection doctrine will
be consigned to a bourne from which there
will be no return, We do not mean tha,
there Is any likelihood that the civiliEdd
nations generally will adopt the English
free trade doctrine In Its entirety, and
abollshing duties except upon one or two
articles which are not necessaries, depend
for revenue upon direct taxation. While
this In theory may be the correct way OF
raising a revenue, not many governments
are prepared to resort to It; and revenue
tariff win continue for long time TO come,
for the reason that no simpler and no more
equitable way of raising money for public
uses can be designed. rhe action which
this country will take at the presidential
will have a profound effect upon election
the trade policy OF every other nation. A
verdict for tariff reform will give the
movement for freer trade an impetus all
the world over. II, on the other hand,
this country declares for high protection,
and thus puts Itself In antagonlsm to the
growing sentiment abroad, 1t may be ac-
cep,ed as challenge by foreign govern
ments to a commercial war. The govern
ments of England, Germany, Austria,
Italy, Spain, Belgium, Holland and SwItz-
erland are committed to the policy OF
freeing trade of all needless shackles, and
their influence wherever II extends will be
exerted to that end. The economists OF
Europe coneede the commanding position
which this country will occupy In regard
to foreign commerce under a more Sn-
lightened trade policy. With the abundant
supply of raw materials, among which
food products are a principal factor, and
with the remarkable skill OF American
mechanics, there Is every reason to be-
lieve that the United States may easily
take the frs place In the great commercial
rivalry now in progress the world over II
soupGer principles prevail at home. The
European nations are strengthening them
selves for the struggle by reducing the
cost of living to their people. II will be
wise policy for this country to follow their
example.-Seattle Telegraph.