The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-03-23
BENEFICIAL TO ALL.
Exporters Are Anxious 10 Have Reclpro-
city Laws Again in Force.

WASHINGTON, March 23.--Lettors from
reciprocity laws continue TO be read by the
subcommittee OF ways and means on reel.
procity and commercial treaties.
A communication from the National
Association of Manufacturers signed by
its president, Theodore &. Search, OF
Philadelphia, is considered by the sub
committee one Of tho most important that
has yet como TO hand. Speaking for the
Interests represented by this association.
Mr.. Search snys he desires to present argu-
ments bearing upon the advantages OF
reciprocity ms u general principle In inter
national trade.
"My view of this matter" he says, "is
taken from puroly business standpoint
without regard to any political considera-
tions, for there Is probably no feature OF
our tariff system, pnst or present, that
has come so near rs reciprocity 20 being n
purely business 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 1890, and
says that IL requires but a glance at the
conditions under which the treaties OF
commercial reciprocity were negotiated to
reveal how much was gained by this coun-
try and how little was given In return.
The varying effects OF trade with Brazil
under tho treaty and after its proposal are
cited.
1T Is In our dealings with Cuba, how.
ever" says President Search, that tho
benefits OF reciprocity have been most
striklngly shown. Sugar, which formed
the largest itcm in our imports from Cuba,
was placed upon tho free list conditional
upon the reasonable treatmentof Amerl-
can products In those countries from which
sugar was imported into the United States.
Under normal trado conditions, Cuba
would have looked to the United States
for her supply OF breadstuffs, etc, but in
order TO control the trade OF her West
India colonies, Spain imposed duty OF
nearly $3.50 n barrel upon American -four.
Under the reciprocity treaty which Mr..
Blaine negotiated with SPAIN the duty
on flour was reduced to 81 per 22O pounds;
larger reductions were made in the duties
on other breadstuGs; the duties on 10
leading commodities were reduced one
half, and about 10 items were added to the
free list"
Good showing Undcr Reciprocity.
Under three years of reciprocity, IL Is
stated, our -four trado reached the highest
ever touched. showing an increase of IS
000,0 900 in exports and $l4,000.0J0 in Inn
ports. Upon the passage of tho customs
law OF 1894, which compelled the abroga-
tion of this treaty, Spain Immediately re-
nj toll hxti lt,s,v
$40 per 22O pounds, which caused great
falling off in our exports OF that article.
II wish TO give particular emphasis tn
the Importance OF our relations with
Cuba under the reciprocity treaty." Presi.
dent Search said, "bocause that island Is
our nearest and best customer to the
southwark. With the advantages enjoyed
under reciprocity, the United States was
assured Of the practical control of the
Cuban trade"
President Search argues that reciprocity
commends itself rs IA sound and judicial
business principle; that 1t should be con-
sidered upon strictly non-partisan politi-
cal basis; that practical application demon
strated the ability of reciprocity treaties to
extend and enlarge our foreign trade under
exceedingly favorable conditions; that
tncy TcnutTtu NiluaDle sefNlCc In cIIcCtlnW
more cordial relations between the United
States and other nations; that reciprocity
treaties. particularly with Latin American
countries. are necessary as a matter Of
self-protcction, for treaties OF this charac-
ter are being, or have been, negotiated be-
tween European governments and the
South American countries.
'In behalf of the enormous industrial
interests represented by this association"
the letter concludes, II desire 20 urge with
all possible emphasis the necessity for such
treaty relations with foreign nations as
shall ensure the utmost possible favor 10
American products in the markets OF the
world"
Replies favorable to reciprocity have
been also received from various sections OF
the country; from parties interested In
carpets, flour, drugs, street
cars, engines. iron, steam generators. lin.
seed oil, mattresses, silk, harvesters. trl.
cycles, etc. The Cleveland Chamb,r of
Commerce. Sioux City Commercial asso.
citation, Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce
and other commercial bodies replied In
favor OF reciprocity.