The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1896-03-25
THE RECIPROCITY POLICY
LETTERS FOR ITS RENEWAL ARB
POURING IN ON CONGRESS,
Mr.. sEARCH'S POSITION
The President Of the National Associates
of Farmers Takes Strong Ground
for Its ReadoptiOn--The West
Also Favorable-CommersIaI
Organizations Are Heard
From on the Matter.
Mr.. sEARCH's POSITION.

WASHINGTON, March Ss-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 its
president, I. 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 in international trade.
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 country and how
little was given in return. The vary
ing effects of trade with Brazil under
the treaty and after its repeal are
cited. at is in our dealings with Gu
Odt hOWONGIs says LICblhNAb 0GdICnf
"that the benefits of reciprocity have
been most strikingly shown.
Under three years of reciprocity,
our trade with Cuba reached the high
est point ever touched, showing an in
crease Of Ss,OOO,0O0 in exports and
Sl4, 900, 600 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 S4. IS
per 220 pounds, which caused great
falling off in our exports of that
article.
Mr.. Search argues that reciprocity
commends itself as a sound and judi
ciRl business principle; that 1T should
be considered upon a strictly non par
| tisau political basis; that practical ap'
| plication 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 ef
| fecting more cordial rela lions between
| the United States and other nations
that reci iprocity treaties, particularly
| with LRtin-American countries, are
necessary as a matter Of self-proteot'
ion, for treaties of this character are
| being, or have been. negotiated be-
tween European governments and the
South American countries.
"In behalf of the enormous indus
trial interests represented by thi
association" the letter concludes, 90
desire to urge. with all possible EN-
phasis, the necessity for such treat,
relations with foreign nations as shall
insure the utmost possible favor t.
American products In the markets o
the world"
Other replies favoring reciprocit
have been received from various sec
tlons of the country, the West beinl
well represented.
Replies favorable to reciprocity wer
also received from persons interests
in manufacturing carpets, -four
drugs, street cars, engines, iron, stear
generators, linseed oil, mattresses
silk, harvesters, tricycles, etc.
The Cleveland, Ohio, Chamber @
Commerce, Sioux City Commercia
Association, Milwaukee Chamber c
Commerce and other commercial
bodies replied in favor of reciprocity