The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-03-23
Letters for Its Renewal Pour
ing on Congress.
The West Especially Favorable
to It's Adoption
MIR. SEARCH'S POSITION
President of the National Asse-
citation of Farmers
Takes Strong Grounds Along
This Line.

WASHINGTON, March 23.-Letters
from persons interested in the re-en-
actment of reciprocity laws continue
to be received by the subcommittee
of the ways and means committee on
reciprocity and commercial treaties.
A Communication from the National
Association of Farmers, signed by it's
president, T. C. Search, OF Philadel-
phia, is considered by the sub-commit-
tee as one of the most important that
has yet come to hand. Speaking for
the interests represented by this asso-
citation, Mr.. Search says he desires to
present arguments bearing upon the
advantages of reciprocity as a general
principle ia international trade.
He refers to what he regards were
the benefits derived from the act of
1890, and says that it requires but a
glance at the conditions under which
the treaties of commercial reciprocity
were negotiated to reveal how much
was gained by this country and how
little was given in return. The vary
ing effects of trade with Brazil under
the treaty and after it's repeal are
cited. 1T is in our dealings with Gu
ba, however" says President Search,
''that the benefits of reciprocity have
been most strikingly shown.
Under three years of reciprocity,
our trad9 with Cuba reached the high
est poins ever touched, showing an in
CREASE Of Ss, 100000 in exports and
Sl4, 900. GOO in imports. Upon the pass
age of the customs law of 1894, which
compelled the abrogation of the
treaty. Spain Immediately retaliated
by increasing the duty on -four to 81. IS
per 22e pounds, which caused a great
falling off in our exports of that
article.
Mr.. Search argues that reciprocity
commends itself as a sound and judi
cial business principle; that 1t should
be considered upon a strictly non par
tiSau political basis; that practical APP
plicatton demonstrated the ability of
reciprocity treaties to extend and en-
large our foreign trade under exceed
ingly favorable conditions; that they
have rendered valuable service in eff
fectinR more cordial relations between
the United States and other nations;
that reciprocity treaties, particularly
with IsRtin-American countries, are
necessary as a matter of self-protect-
ion, for treaties of this character are
being, or have been. negotiated be-
tween European governments and the
South American countries.
I'm behalf of the enormous indus
trial interests represented by this
association the letter concludes, 81
desire to urge, with all possible en-
pnaSlS, Ine necessity IOr Such treaty
relations with foreign nations as shall
insure the utmost possible favor to
American products in the markets of
the world"
Other replies favoring reciprocity
have been received from various sec
Glons of the country, the West being
well represented.
Replies favorable to reciprocity were
also received from persons interested
in manufacturing carpets, flour,
drugs, street ears, engines, iron, steam
generators, linseed oil, mattresses,
silk, harvesters, tricycles, etc.
The Cleveland, Ohio, Chamber of
Commerce, Sioux City Commercial
Associa ton, Milwaukee Chamber of
Commerce and other commercial
bodies replied in favor of reciprocity.