Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-11-24

ON THIS So>Tt>ENT-uAMrEkEDf II MAkINa
TREATIES NJ THr LIMITATIONS OF THE x'KrS-
LEY BILL
Mr.. Ryan. L. s. minister 10 Mexico. who has
been in this country for a short while. left to-
day FOR New York to take the steamer for Mex
leo. Just before his departure he talked inter
estinGly with STAR reporter about the rela-
tions Of this government with Mexico. and Incl
dentally with all the nations south Of the United
States
Mr.. Ryan entered upon his duties in the
diplomatic service with the hope that . treaty
might be made with Mexico which would be
to the advantage of both countries. bringing
them into closer relations both commercially
and socially. The policy Of Congress has, how
ever undesignedlv. thrown obstacles in the way.
ana ne chances are that no treaty will he made
al TINS time. Under the terms OF the reci-
procity clause in the Mckinley bill this country
might retaiiate upon Mexico or do what
amounts 10 the same thing-place duties upon
goods now admitted free-if a reciprocity treaty
similar 70 those that have been made with
other countries under the terms of the Nckin-
ley hlii Nere not entered into. The conditions
are different however. Mexico getting no
special advantage out of the free list as it
stands. and for that reason no proclamation re-
storing duties on such free importations as
r
Ryan thinks none will he
PROTECTIVE PRINCIPLES DON'T APPLY
Il am an earnest protectiouist." said Mr..
Ryan to STAR reporter. but do not think
that the principles Of protection apply 20 our
intercourse with other countries on tins CONT
heht III there were no customs houses be-
tween this country and the republics south OF
Us, II would be worth hundreds Of million. OF
uolars To U.s. Absolute free trade on this
continent would be greatly TO our advantage.
ana AZ the same time. 10 the advantages Of the
her republics participating in IT, This con-
oluon Is lmpracticable at this time. however.
az All of those other countries are in need Of the
revenues derived from their customs duties IL
Is practicable 10 50 adjust the matter as 60 give
us IN return for liberal concessions 10 those
countries an advantage which would be Of value
TO us and at the same time not mat riallv reduce
the revenues Of the other countries OF course
all things should be brought about by
reciprocity treaties. The basis of our
reciprocity treaties with other countries of this
continent should not be narrow and restricted.
Ii was my ambition when I went 20 Mexico 20
pring the two countries much closer together,
socially and commercially 1 hoped 20 bring
about reciprocal agreement which would be
OF great advantage. and did not believe that
the same policy which would properly apply TO
our relations with European countries would
be applied there. The restricted character Of
the reciprocity clause in the Mckinley bill has
however. operated TO hamper us in coming to
any agreement with Mexico, and the President
has not felt that. since Congress has declared
specifically what should be the basis of our re-
ciprocity treaties, he could well depart from 10
and make broader treaties. though il might be
to the advantage Of this country. thus nv
hands have been practically tied Practically.
the reciprocity clause in the Mckinley bill
restricts the concessions we can make 70 the
continuance OF coffee. sugar and hides on the
free list. Hides alone would count at all with
Mexico. and that does not amount TO enough to
form basis fO- concessions 81 any value ON
the part OF Mexico. The NeNicans are friendly
enough and willing enough % enter into some
sort OF reciprocal trade arrangements with the
United States. but If the continuance OF the
free admission of hides h. all we can offer We
cannot expect much In return. especially when
we place duty on their silver lead ores Thus
the Mckinley bill, while proposing reciprocity,
has put limitations on IL winch preclude any
thing being accomplished in that line with
Me1lco. Internationally Congress has tied
our hands"
MExIoos FEELING TOWARD rHTs PEOPLE.
Speaking Of the feeling Of the people OF
Mexico toward the United States. Mr.. Ryan
said: Most Of the people in Mexico are fairly
friendly toward us. They are not gushing over
us and, perhaps, do not think more of us than
OF any other people. but they are friendly.
There class violently antagonistic TO the
United States. Those composing il are the inn
perialists, who dislike the republican institu-
tons IN their own country and regard this
country rs the great champion OF republican
ism. Others there who regard this
country with the greatest admiration and are
earnest in their friendship. The majority-you
NAV say the government-fee.s neighborly and
friendly toward us. without any extrayagance
OF sentiment. There is no sentiment in the
country which would make il difficult for us TO
81
and in dealing with Mexico and other countries
south of US We can afford TO be very liberal and
not require too much from them in return for
concessions We might make, for any foothold
our commerce gets in those countries will be to
benefit 10 them"