The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-23
Strong Representations to the
Ways and Means Committee.
SENATE CUBAN RESOLUTIONS.
Indians Holding OfIice to Come Under
Civil Service Rules.
A Proclamation From the President as
10 Indian wards-General Forecast
OF Congressional PROCEEDINGS for the
Week-The House Appreciation
Bills.

washington City, March s.-Let.ers
from persons interested in the re-enact-
ment OF reciprocity laws continue 10 be re-
ceived BY the subcommittee OF the ways
and means committee on reciprocity and
commercial treaties. One from the Amer
lean National Association of Farmers.
signed by its president. T. c Zarich. Of
Philadelphia. is considered by the sub
committee one of the most important that
has yet come 10 hand. Speaking for the
interest represented by this association.
Mr.. Zarich says ne desires to present ar
guments bearing upon the advantages of
reciprocity as a general principle in trade.
My View OF this matter" he says. is
taken from a purely business standpoint,
without regard TO any political considers
ton, for there is probably no feature OF
our tariff system. past or present. that has
come SO near as reciprocity to being a
purely business matter. To this fact may
be attributed the enthusiastic support
which the principles Of reciprocity have re-
ceived from men of widely differing poiit-
ical views"
He refers TO what he regards were bene-
fits derived by the act Of 1899. and says that
1t requires but glance at the conditions
under which the treaties Of commercial re-
ciprocity were negotiated 10 reveal how
much was gained by this country and how
little was given III return. The varying ef-
fects OF trade with Brazil under the treaty
and after its repeal are cited.
''ii Is in our dealings with Cuba. how
ever" says President Zarich. that the
benefits of reciprocity have been most
strikingiy shown. Sugar. which formed
the largest item in our imports from Cuba
was placed upon the free list conditionally
upon the reasonable treatment CT Ameri-
can products in those countries from which
sugar was imported into the United States.
Under normal trade conditions Cuba would
have looked to the United States for her
supplies of breadstuffs. etc. but In order
to control the trade Of her West India col
onies Spain Imposed duty of nearly $. 80
per barrel upon American -four. Under The
reciprocity treaty which Secretary Blaine
negotiated with Spain. the duty on flour
was reduced 10 81 per 30 pounds: large re-
ductinns were made In the duties on other
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, it IS
stated. our trade with Cuba reached the
highest point ever touched showing an In
crease OF s.. .00o.0Io in exports and $i4o00uO
IN Imports. Upon the passage of the Gus
toms laws of 1874. which compelled the alb
rogation OF this treaty. Spain immediately
retsAated by raising the duty on hour TO
~ - itT ~ pOuIlS. WHICH tduSf0 great
falling OF In our exports OF that article.
II wish to give particular emphasis to
the importance of our relations with Cuba
under the reciprocity treaty" President
Zarich says. because that island Is our
best customer 10 the southwark. With the
advantages enjoyed under reciprocity the
United States was assured the practical
control of the Cuba trade
Mr. Zarich argues that reciprocity COM
81. ~ a.,,A al h.ss
principle: that II should be considered up
on strictly non-parisan political basis.
that practical application demonstrated
the ability OF reciprocity treaties TO ex-
tend 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: that reciprocity treaties.
particularly with Latin-American conn
tries. are necessary as a matter of self
protection.
I'm behalf OF the enormous Industrial
interests 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 10
American products in the markets of the
world
Other replies favoring reciprocity have
been received from various sections OF the
country, ahe West being we'll represented.
Replies favorable 20 reciprocity were also
received from persons Interested in manu-
featuring carpets. -four. drugs. street cars.
engines. iron, steam generators. linseed oil.
mattresses. silk. harvesters. trtcycies etc.
The Cleveland. O. Chamber Of Commerce.
Sioux City Commercial Association Mil
waukee Chamber OF Commerce and other
commercial bodies replied in favor OF re-
ciprpciSY