The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-23
FAvORING RECIPROCITY.
Question on which All Politicians
ShOuld ARxee.

WASHINGTON. March 22.-Letters from
persons interested in the re-enactment OF
reciprocity laws continue 10 be received by
the subcommittee OF the ways and means
committee on reciprocity and commercial
treaties. A communication from the Ma
tional Association Of Manufacturers. signed
by its spresident, Theodore c. Search. or
Philadelphia. is considered by the subcom-
mittee one Of the most important that has
yet come TO hand Speaking for the inter-
ests represented by this association, Mr..
Search says he desires TO present arguments
bearing on the advantages of reciprocity as
a general principle i'm international trade.
MY view of this NATTER" he says, "is taken
from purely business standpoint, without
regard to any political considerations. for
there is probably no feature Of our tariff
system. past or present, that has come so
near as reciprocity TO being a purely busi-
ness matter. To this fact may be attributed
the enthusiastic support which the principles
OF reciprocity have received from men OF
widely differing political views"
He refers TO what he regards were the
benefits derived from the act OF $780, and
says that ii requires but a glance at the
conditions under which the treaties of COM
mercial reciprocity were negotiated 10 reveal
now now mIcn Il,a was gained by this country; and
ing effects of trade with Brazil under the
treaty and after Its repeal are cited. 1T
is in our dealings with Cuba, however"
says President Search. that the dement's of
reciprocity have been most strikingly shown.
Sugar, which forIned the largest item In our
list conditioned on the reasonable treat
ment OF AmericanEp products in those coun-
tries from which sugar was imported in the
tions Cuba would not have looked to the
United States for her supply of breadstuffs,
etc. but. in order 10 control the trade OF her
West India colonies, Spain imposed a duty
Of nearly $3.50 per barrel on American -four
Under the reciprocity treaty which Secretary
Blaine negotiated with Spain, the duty on
flour was reduced TO 81 per I'D pounds: large
breadstuffs; the duties on fifteen leading
commodities were reduced one-half and about
forty items were added TO the free list"
Under three years OF reciprocity, ii is
stated, our trade with Cuba reached the
highest point ever touched. showing an
increase of ss,00o,G0 in exports and $4,000 90
in imports. on the passage Of tho customs
law of 1894, which compelled the sbrogation
OF this treaty, Spain Immediately reta.iated
by by ncreasing ,he duty on -four to s per
off In our exports OF that article.
II wish to give particular emphasis to
the importance OF our relations with Cuba
Search says, because that island Is our
nearest and best customer to the southwark
procity the United States was assured the
practical control OF the Cuban trade" +.
President Search argues that reciprocity
commends itself as a sound AMI judicial
business principle; that IL should be con-
sdcred upon a strictly nonpartisan political
basis: that practical application demon
strated the ability Of reciprocity treaties 20
extend and enlarge our foreign trade under
exceedingly favorable conditions; that they
rendered valuable service in effecting more
cordial relations between the United States
and other nations; the reciprocity treaties
possibly with Latin-American countries
are necessary as a matter or self-protec-
tion, for treaties of this character are be-
ing or have been negotiated between Eu-
ropean governments and South American
s'In behalf OF the enormous Industrial In
terests represented by this association"
the letter concludes. II desire to urge with
all possible emphasis the necessity for such
treaty relations with foreign nations as
shall insure the utmost possible favor TO
American products I'm the markets OF the
world"
other replies fayoring reciprocity hsvs
been received from various sections OF the
country the West being well represented.
Replies favorable to reciprocity were also
received from persons interested IN manu.
featuring carpets. -four. drugs. street cars.
engines, iron. steam generators. iinseed oil,
mattresses silk, harvesters. tricycles. etc.
The Cleveland. o.. Chamber OF Commerce.
Sioux City Commercial Association. NIL
waukee Chamber OF Commerce and other
commercial bodies replied in favor OF reci-
procity.