Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1893-08-07
FROM DER THE SEA
Russia and Germany Still Split
ting Very Fine Hairs
OVER The RECENT TARIFF
Triple Alliance Treaty Sos Affecscd ~
It--Cenerai News Notes Prom
foreign Ceaters.

BERLIN. Aug. Although the Russo
German war has only been in active
operation i've days. there already are
signs Of abatement Of the spirit Of hSs'-
tlity on both sides. Several ST. Peters
burg papers. inspired by the Russian
foreign Office. attack the policy Of Az
gression upon German commerce as
initiated by H. Wlite the Russian finance
minister. without the full sanction OF
theimpefial eonEcil, Through what knosi-
edge Of certain Of tho cars advisors
Minister Witte IL charged with under
estimating Germany's strength in fore
ing the customs war. while open regret
Ia expressed that any action was taken.
Germany. argues the Cologne Gazette.
began the attack 10y introducing DIFF
ferential tariff. then Russia after long
suffering replied in defense Of her own
interests by merely imposing the mix
imum tariff upon German imports.
Overlooked Fact.
The Gazette here oyerlooks the fact
that the duties ON foreign ships enter
ing Russian ports are raised 10 such an
enormous figure az 10 he almost equiya-
lent TO blockade. The tone Of tho ar
ticles. however, breathes peace. They
conclude by asserting that Russia does
not wish 10 increase the complications
that exist. but aims now. as formerly. at
u harmonious settlement ofinternational
questions.
Another indication that the customs
war will soon terminate is the fact that
mutual agreement has been entered
into not TO engage in grain freight war,
which was dreaded 10y commercial men
as being certain 10 exasperate everyone
concerned in international trade Some
Russian government organs lament OF
excuse the situation, and the German
press follows the same course. The gen
eral opinion OF the business
world here is that sturdy re-
solutions should be adopted not
To give in until Russia shows willing
ness 10 reduce her tariff. Tho Gazette
commenting upon Russia's abrupt
change Of front from negotiating treaty
10 hostile action dangerous TO Russian
interests. publishes tables showing the
former aud the existing duties and CON-
pairing them with the German tariff on
Russian goods
Triple Alliance Treaties Imperative.
The figures prove that the German
tariff amounts on an average 10 only %
per cent Of the value Of goods imported.
and in some few instances to 80 per cent;
whereas the Russian duties before the
war began varied 100 per cent and are
now raised TO an impracticable height.
An agreement does not ut all disturb
official circles here. Austria has Il right
% arrange whatever commercial rela-
tons she chooses. The trade between
Russia and Austro- Hungary is the
inerest nothing when compared with the
International trade between Russia and
Germany. The triple alliance treaties
do not touch upon commercial questions,
Germany can do without Russian grain
and the sum OF official opinion il that
the Russo Austrian treaty. il it IL ever
concluded will not imperil the sentiment
Of the Russo German tariff troubles in a
manner satisfactory TO Germany. Ii is
hoped that when the reichstag reas
sembles the government will be able tc
announce that Russia has recovered hel
| senses.
Rumors are current on tho bourse that
/ Russia is trying 10 raise from Pari.
bankers loan of 100000 ruhles at
per cent.