The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-04

German Restrictions on American
Trnde Used as an Argument.

German Restrictions on American
Trnde Used as an Argument.
Our relations with the states OF the
German empire are, in some aspects, typi-
cal of a condition of things elsewhere
found in a country whose productions and
trade are similar TO our own. The close
rivalries of competing industries; the in
fuence Of the delusive doctrine that the
internal development of a nation is pro-
NOTED and it's wealth increased by policy.
which in undertaking to preserve it's home
markets for the exclusive use of its own
producers. necessarily obstructs their sale
in foreign markets and prevents free ac-
cess to the products of the world. The de-
sire to retain trade in timeworn ruts re-
needs and changed conditions of demand
ana supply, and our own hating hardness
In inviting a freer exchange of commodi-
ties TIES ana Importing our footing in the ex,
created a situation somewhat injurious to
American export interests not only in Ger
many, where they are perhaps most notice
able. but In adjacent countries The exports
affected are largely American cattle and
other food products, the reason assigned
Tor unfavorable. discrimination being that
their consumption is deleterious to the
public health. This is all the more irritat-
ing In view of the fact that no European
state is as jealous Of the excellence and
wholesomeness of it's exported food sup
plies as the United States, nor SO equally
able, on account of inherent soundness, to
guarantee those qualities.
Nor are these difficulties confined to our
food products designed for expectation Our
great insurance companies, for example,
having built up vast business abroad and
invested a large share of their gains in
foreign countries in compliance with the
local laws and regulations then existing
now ind themselves within narrowing
circle OF onerous and unforeseen conditions
and are confronted by the necessity of re-
tirement from the field, If, indeed. they are
not summarily expelled as some of them
nave lately been from Prussia. 1t Is not
to be forgotten that international trade cam
not be one-sided. Its currents alternate
ing and its movements should be honestly
reciprocated. Without this most necessary
principle 1t degenerates into device to gain
advantage or a contrivance to secure bene>
fits with only the semblance of a return.
In our dealings with other nations we ought
to be open-handed and scrupulously fair.
This should be our policy as a producing
nation. and II plainly becomes US as a people
who love generosity and the formal aspects
Of national good faith and reciprocal for
bearance. These considerations should not,
however, constrain US to submit to unfair
discrimination nor to silently acquiesce In
vexatious hindrances to the enjoyment or
our share of the legitimate advantages or
proper relations. If an examination of the
situation suggests such measures on our
part as would involve restrictions similar
to those from which we suffer, the way to
such a course is easy 1t should, however,
by no means be lightly entered on, since
a policy would be regretted by the best
sentiment of our people, and because IL
naturally and logically might lead to conse>
quences of the gravest character.
take pleasure in calling to your atten>
ton the encomiums bestowed on those ves>
sells of our new navy which took part In the
notable ceremony OF the opening Of the
Kiel canal 1t was fitting that this extraor>
binary achievement of the newer German
nationality should be celebrated In the pres
ence of Americas exposition of the latest
developments OF the worlds naval energy.