New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-05
SAN DOMINICAN RECIPROCITY.
EUROPEAN GOVERNMENTS TRYING TO BULLY
THE LITTLE NATION.
FRANCE, GERMANY, ENGLAND AND ITALY SEEK
TO ENFORCE THE MOST FAVORED NATION
CLAUSE" on HER.
IeY TELEGRAPH To THE rprpryK-T

TO ENFORCE THE MOST FAVORED NATION
CLAUSE on HER.
rsr TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrpuSkI
Washington, May 4.-Presldent Henreaux Of San
Domingo, In a recent message to the Dominican Con-
Qress entered into frank and interesting discussion
Of the serious diplomatic problem forced his Gov
eminent by the operations Of the reciprocity
ment between san Domingo and the United States
France. Germany England and Italy. 1t seems, seek
Ing to overcome the commercial advantages gained
by the United States by the negotiation Of last years
West Indnn and South American reciprocity treaties
have endeavored to enforce on the tiny san DOMINICAN
Republic construction Of the most favored nation
clause" In Its several treaties which would give to these
four European Powers the same trade privileges and ex
emptons which are now enjoyed under the agreement
of last summer by the United States.
President Henreanx says to the Congress that he
has far continued to maintain the right Of San
Domingo to enter into a special compensatory trade
agreement with the United States. without violating
the spirit letter Of the "mOst favored nation clause
in its treaties with other nations and In this position
he adds. he has the support and encouragement OF the
Government at Washington But as he ntinates,
san Domingo cannot though convinced OF tho correct
OF Its own construction Of the most favored
nation clause" hold out against the combined de-
mands Of England France. Germany and Italy, ana
he tells the Congress that 1t will be well to be pre-
pared for an Enforcement by these four Powers Oh
their unjust but forcible claim.
The situation is interesting one. because 'he
theory insisted upon by the four European countries
assils the validity OF nearly all the reciprocity agree
mcntS which have been concluded In the last two years
by the United States
LII his message, after reviewing the operations OF
the reciprocity agreement during the brief time 1t has
been In force. President Henreaux says:
Other countries alleging the principle OF the treat
ment Of the most favored nation and invoking the IN
nrinH
celebrated with them have since the appearance OF ne
decree confirming the treaty Of reciprocity win me
gratutousy for the products OF their respective
countries the same conces sons which have been ac
corded TO the American products In virtue OF the com
pensating advantages which the United states has con
fSdeS t9 us Tn Ln first nsG9 a seekSs ssch
treatment, was France afterwaTd followed Germany
soon afterward Great Btoin and last Italy and this
Government had to think from the course the
negotiations were taking that the idea OF combined
action. in order to give unity TO such Claims might
a Ss SS % rcoived BY our Paris
and Berlin from the A1 ts of fSe Oh INC
The Republc of Domingo has demonstrated to
and all the nations mentioned through the chhhne II
has judged 10 be good. that whatever may be the
ideas in which is expressed the theory Of The treat
ment Of the most favored nation In the treaties with
those nations, It IS not able nationally as principe
Of nernatona law to apply or "ndeE n,1nf Il IN
the treaty which has been in force between ourselves
and Great Britain since 1850 which recaP1ateS tins
egs rcspecting commerce and nav CATION, conceding
griui,ousy with accord that which Is nncedeS TO
Others. with compensation. II compensation may nave
6eeR h@d ~, same c0ucc,on O., N. constituent part
OF Article XXX Of the treaty made with France In
la52 and It Is Identical with that which other nations
have held between themselves, from very ancich
times, from which commercial relations began 10 as
sumo attitude Of importance between civlIlIed
reopcs upon n% footing Tin Of e% Which rySs 'Is
Governments We have sustained ms doctrlhe as
poss Is St essn rnee has not admitted ITS
sion. shutting her eyes to The strict letter OF Arice
her. More or less. also do Germany aud It,ly and
Great Britain appear TO ask only 50 much as We may
be able to concede to the Others.
AS was natural. have communicated 70 tho
Cabinet Of Washington the claims to which NE treaty
Of reciprocity with The United S'aes has mve rs
and the application which give 10 the principle 81
the same time to be informed If, In te opinion Of Of
that Cabinet we are or are rot In srlor beSnuse !"
has we %re able sea to Natter orScs with The ca
the Government Of the United states believes US to
be In the right, II we can indge BY the signs whcN
reach us Of her appreciation and attentions and Tor
the reasons expressed, Is able to parnopa" IN our
opinion with greater from the fact that there Is
precedent In existence for action sasmuch as me
"a treaty with The Hawaiian Islands in virtue of whc'
she admits tho sugars, coffee rice and other products
exchange for equal exemption Of list Of articles
Of American manufacture and OF other privileges III
Now at that time the Republic Of san Domingo had
In force t. caty mnde with the United state In 1r",
and existing footing OF me most IPTlNt Ic'I
procity and the commerce Of san Domingo could not
obtain FOR the products OF our soil the privilege; when
those OF that most favored nation possc,s''' because
the Republic Of Domingo did not give 10 the United
States the compensation which It's products possessed
In the Islands before named: nor were those nations
that had treaties with the king Of those Islands VIII
the guarantee OF equal treatment with the most
favored nation admitted Is II known u even theV
claimed to enjoy such privileges. And. Us the mat
ter has assumed perempory character 1t IS, rs we
have already explained very far from the minds of
tho Government 70 seek or 70 sustain conhicts
AS these abovc-named great Powers are those who
have Fixed and arc able TO determine the character
OF positive international right. II would be ridiculous
on our part. fatal overnight, because We believe
ourselves to In possession ~ the truth to resist
as the principle % these times. We have expressed
what Judge to DC our rights, bnt we onght not 10
90 further. ard for this reason. as summary, We say
that II the Governments which appear claiming right
contrary 10 the criterion OF tho Government of san
Domingo shall decide the point as Judgment definite
preston OF wills superior and powerful seeking
only I'm the belief that are not able 10 dcny %
ourselves that the before named principle OF me
treatment OF the most favored nation remain DEFINED
doctrine Of public night; as II IS unocrS.ooo 10
day and as II Is 10 be settled for the future
Then. arriving At that point. we shaii nave 10
seek within the limits Of our own sovereignty INC
economic measure necessary 10 avoid the rilnons con
sequences 10 our finances which will arise from the
c-afujtOus concessions which will he required In favor
Of me generality o. nations with which We have made
treaties OF commerce. Tho Government reserves nn'!l
that time the proposition to the National representa-
t,yes OF the legislative resolutions which VIII he The
most practical TO avoid the disturbance Of our revenues
RETIREMENT OF COMMODORE MCANN.
Washington, May 4.-COmmodore william p. Nc
A.. min ind Drtid