The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-04
DISCRIMINATION OF GERMANY.
Many Obstacles Thrown in the Way
of American Trade.

Our relations with the States of the German En-
pire are in many respects typical of condition OF
things elsewhere found in countries whose produc-
tons and trade are similar TO our own. The close
rivalries Of competing industries the influence of
the delusive doctrine that the internal develop
ment OF nation is promoted and its wealth in
creased by policy in which undertaking TO
serve It's home markets for the exclusive use OF its
own producers necessarily obStruct their sales in
foreign markets and prevents free access to the
products of the world: the desire to retain trade
in the timeworn ruts regardless of the memorable
laws of new needs and changed conditions of de
mand and supply, and our own hating hardness in
inviting free exchange OF commodities and by
this means importing our footing in the external
markets naturally open to u.s. have created situa-
ZION somewhat injurious TO American export inter
"sJs' not only IN Germany, where they are perhaps
most noticeable, but in adjacent countries.
The exports affected are largely American cattle
ana other 1000 productS, the reason assigned for
unfavOrahle discrimination being that their
sumption is deleterious 10 the public health This
IS all the more irritating in view of the fact that
European State is jealous of the excellence and
Whole soneness OF its exported food supplies the
United States nor so easily able on account OF in
herent soundness to guarantee these qualities Nor
are these difficulties confined to food products
designed for exploration. Our great insurance
companies, for example, having built up vast
business abroad and invested large share OF their
gains in foreign countries in compliance with local
laws and regulations then existing, find them
selves within narrowing circle OF onerous and
ioreseen conditions. and are confronted by the
cessity OF retirement from field thus made profit
aoLe II, indeed, they are not summary expelled,
as some OF them OF late have been from Prussia,
1t is not TO be forgotten that international trade
cannot be one-Sided. Its currents alternating
and its movements should be honestly reciprocal.
Without this 1t Is almost necessarily deEenerated
into device to gain advantage a contrivance 10
secure benefits with only the semblance OF
turn. In our dealings with other nations ought
TO be open-handed and scrupuIously fair.
This should be our policy producing Nation,
and It plainly becomes us people who love
generosity and the moral aspect OF National good
faith and reciprocal forbearance. These consdera-
tons should not, however, constrain us 10 submit
10 unfair discrimination, silently acquiesce
IN vexatious Intolerance to the enjoyment of our
share or the legitimate advantages OF proper trade
relations. If an examination OF the situation sug-
geSts such measures part would involve
restrictions similar TO those from which we SUI
fered the way to such course is easy. 1t should,
however, by no means be lightly entered upon,
since the necessity Tor the inauguration OF such
policy would be regretted by the best sentiment OF
our people and because it naturally and logically
might lead to consequences Of the gravest char
acter.
l take pleasure in calling your attention 10 the
encomiums bestowed the vessels OF our
navy, which took part IN the notable ceremony of
the opening OF the kiel canal. 1t was fitting that
this extraordinary achievement OF the newer
German nationality should be celebrated in The
progress of American exposition OF the latest
DEVELOPMENTS of the worlds naval energy.