New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-10-17
RECIPROC(TY IA EUROPE.

A week ago we published very able letter
from a correspondent in Paris on the subject
of Protection in Europe, showing that the
Mckinney act was in harmony with the tariff
system of Europe and out of gear only with
the revenue tariff of Great Britain. This morn
ing we direct the attention of our readers and
of the Republican press to companion letter
from the same hand on the question of Reel
procty in Europe. IL demonstrates that Reel
procity as it is known OH the Continent is
grounded upon Protection and is impossible
under Free Trade that 4 series OF important
treaties has been negotiated on give-and take
principles that are inspired by the ruling idea
embodied in the Reciprocity policy of the present
Administration, and consequently that the
Mckinley act, with the treaties concluded
under the Aldrch Amendment fits in with
the prevailing tariff and reciprocity systems
of Continental Europe The Democratic party,
which Gcnounccs Republican Reciprocity as q
sham and Protection as unconstitutional and
system of robbery, is aIraying itself on the side
of England against Continental Europe, as well
as the world.
1t is important that the Republican press
should emphasize these views, because the
Democratic party is constantly imposing upon
the credulity OF unrctiecting men, 1t inyeiGhs
against the protective system a. a Chinese wall
which separates our people from other nations
and is an nsnrmountable barrier OF exclusion
whereas in reality England is tho only great
country with whose revenue system that OF
the United States is not in harmony. Ii also
repudatcs Reciprocity on Protection lines as a
cheat and a humbug when it is now embodied
in the international practice of all great nations
except England. Lord Salisbury's plain warn
ing that i, was impossible for England, which
under Free Trade had given away its markets. t,
make commercial treaties, has not been needed
by the Democratic press At time when the
Continental Powers are negotiating twelve
year reciprocity treaties, and the United states
has made most advantageous commercial ar
rangcments with European and Southern ma
ton, for the extension Of its trade, the Demo
cratic policy is TO take the country ont of the
circle OF reciprocity alliances and TO reduce IT
10 the hclplcssncSS of free-tradc England.
Republican Reciprocity does moi satisfy our
friends the enemy because it is not based upon
Free Trade. But reciprocity on Frce-Tradc
lines is clearly impractcablc, aS England has
u
has a protective tariff that Il is in a fair
position 10 offer to other nations concessions
for specific imports in return for exceptional
treatment of its own exports. a nation which
breaks down its Protective system and gives
away its markets to all corners is in no posi-
ton ~ obtain any fayors from other countries.
Lord Salisbury Acknowledged this frankly and
without reserve. yet the Democratic party,
through It's platform and lis press, advocates
for the relief Of isolated England the abroga-
ton Of all those treaties by which the United
States is brought into harmonious relations
with all tho great nations of the world. Was
there ever such folly known?
We ask impartial readers 10 bear in mind
the fact that the European Continent is strongly
Plotcctionist and has entered into reciprocity
arrangements like those recently negotiated be-
tween Germany, Austria Hungary, Italy, Swift
zcrand and Belgium, by which the question OF
Free Trade outside Of England is effcctually
disposed Of for a long period. Then let them
decide for themselves whether this is a good
time for the United States to abandon Protec
ton and Join isolated England in its i'm
practicable Free-Tradc policy against the world.
and 10 abrogate reciprocity treaties which bring
our tariff system into harmonious relations with
Europe. Is it not the part both Of enlightened
self-intcrest and patriotism to perseyere in the
worlds policy Of Protection against English
Free Trade, and to adhere steadily and con-
sistcntly to the Reciprocity policy which is
grounded upcn Protection, and which promises
to enlarge, both in Europe and on this CONT
nent, the commercial influence OF the United
States? Let England, if it chooses, give away
its markets and get nothing in return, but, like
Continental Europe, let us bring the full weight
of our market TO bear in determining inteIna-
tioDal exchanges and get fair equivalent for
every concession.