The record-union., 1897-07-19
They Hold It at the Philadelphia CONNER
Ciai Museum.
Some of the Delegates Express De-
cided Views on the Tariff Cues
tion-Arthur S. Hitchings of Rio
Janeiro Expresses the Opinion
That Reciprocity Cannot Exist
Without Free Trade-Our Ma
chinery Is Too Costly to Hold
the Market.

PHILADELPHIA, July 1C.-l lie
commercial representatives of Mexico,
Central and South America, who last
night returned from their forty days
tour of the industrial centers of the
country, assembled at the Philadelphia
Commercial Museum and held a SYM
postum on the subject of reciprocity.
The meeting was of a parliamentary
nature and a number of speeches were
made, several of the delegates express
sing decided views on the tariff ques-
ton. A general discussion of the sub
ject followed.
DR.. Gustav Neiderlin, scientific direc-
tor of the museum, presided. By way
of Introduction he said:
"The United States Congress is now
passing the tariff bill and in the amend
ments a special power is given to the
President to lower the tariff quotations
~ per cent. for each article which
can be included in the treaties of reci-
procity. The question of reciprocity is
the most difficult in the worlds econo-
my, and our institutions have been es-
tablished with the aim to come nearer
the solution of this $3.50 problem
The most pronounced free trader of
the party, Arthur S. Hitchings of Rio
De Janeiro, has this to say:
L beg first, to signify my sincere
thanks for the extreme kindness which
1 and the other delegates have met
with in all the cities we have visited in
this country. We have been received
in your Chambers of Commerce, your
universities, your clubs and your
homes, and on every occasion we have
been struck with the wonderful ad-
vancement which every branch has
shown us.
Reciprocity, if it were as easy be-
tween countries as between individuals,
would undoubtedly be a just definition
of fair and friendly trade, but circum-
stances often, almost always, create
difficulties which prevent practical
realization of such a disposition That
friendly countries should be inclined to
make it a system is natural, but 1 do
not think it can exist without free
trade, and I would be wrong in hold
ing out prospects whicn would indicate
any treaty by which Brazil would bind
Itself TO favor one country more than
others.
Il believe that the exceptional ad-
vantages Canada is giving Great Brit
ain are legislative blunders and time
will prove it. They are opposed to
the broad and liberal laws which Sc
cured to England her extensive foreign
trade. With this view | cannot be-
lieve that their reciprocity (for such it
isl will last for long, and it will be still
more difficult to have exceptional laws
favoring the many nations on the
American Continent. The interests of
producer or manufacturer find an ont
let and consumption within their re-
spective or united boundaries. Europe
must necessarily be sought after both
by North and South America. and if
would be inconsiderate to propose anv
legislation that would exclude existing
equality whereby all nations are treat
ed alike. Such legislation would inter-
fere with production, for it would lead
to surplus stock and exact quantities
for barter would be required instead
of progressive increase, which only
greater and greater intercourse with
the whole world can foster and regu-
late
Il have heard much of the Monroe
doctrine, but surely such ideas cannot
apply to trade. Let us, gentlemen, fore
go all petty notions that are not based
on sound reasoning. and let us circllrn-
scribe our desires within a possibility
We have seen on our tour that the
United States produce machinery and
many of the articles which we import
at present from other countries and we
have noticed that these States also i'm
port many things similar to what we
buy in Europe. I must say. however
hot t1,f,,o ,irN.4-
although in most ways fitted for our
markets, are too high-priced and there
will be an increase in foreign until there
is reduction in the getneral scale of
prices. You have to appreciate vour
dollars, which have hitherto been so
easily earned; you must make their pur-
chasing power greater so that cheaper
liz ing will follow and more contentment
E.ut with protective duties and inflated
currency such results cannot be at
tained and it was my pleasure in the
intercourse with your countrymen to
find that the majority agreed in the be-
lief that protection has concluded it's
good work; that its permanence will be
effectively possessed, and that your cur
rency requires without delay to be
placed beyond the reach of politics or the
manipulation of silver trusts
I'VE have seen how your factories en-
ploy most advanced machinery bur
these machines are exported, copied and
in some cases improved on. others are
hereby enabled to compete with Won bv
using your own inventions, by reduced
price of labor, and untaxed cost of raw
material. Competition is wholesome for
it corrects over production but Won re-
quire to produce more for the emnlov-
ment of your skilled worknen and Won
just find markets wherein to disnose Of
your goods. and all this necessitates an
altered system. You are favored with
home raised quantities of much of the
raw material used. Your machinery is
most effective, but do not expect TOO
much of it. Your workmen are very
skilled, but do not underrate the for
eigner and to ally your advantages add
what free trade can alone secure a ner-
nlanent and engrossing internatio
commerce which will insure the future
Of every workman in this wonderful