The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-10-15
RECIPROCITY COMMISSIONER.
President Mckinley Appoints Hon.
j. 4. kaSson of Iowa

j. 4. kasSon of Iowa.
Washington, Oct. 1.-THE President has
decided to appoint a special commissioner
with pIenary powers to carry into effect
the reciprocity provisions of sections
and of the tariff act approved July "a,
1897. 1t was found. upon making an in
vestgation of the matter, that the regu-
lar force of the department of state Is at
present so overcrowded with pressing bust
ness that serious delay in carrying on,
the expressed wish of congress would in
evitably follow, if, in addition to the usual
routine work of the department. its OH
examinations, and negotiations essential
to carry forward the will of congress. as
expressed in the sections above referred
TO- Moreover the pressure for early and
consistent action In the arrangement of
measures of reciprocity has been very
great from foreign countries, as well as
from our own citizens.
The interest of the President In reciproc-
INA is especially keen, and during his con,
nection with the tariff legislation of 1890,
while chairman of the committee on WAYS
and means of the House of Representa-
ciprocity provision was conclusive of his
determination to foster and promote
American industry and commerce by this
means.
In view of these facts, the President has
designated the Hon. John A. Kasson OF
Iowa as such special commissioner, with
Chapman Coleman of Kentucky as secre.
tary, and John Ball Osborne of Scranton,
Pa, as assistant secretary.
The commissioner Is charged partcu-
larry to look after the agricultural inter,
est, both north and south, not forgetting
the large and constantly Increasing man.
ufacturing interests east of the Ale
ghanies.
Mr.. Kasson has had a varied experience
in diplomatic negotiations and has shown
much ability in all with which he has
been connected. He was minister to Aus
trla, from June Il, 1877, to May, 1881; min
lister to Germany from July A. 1884, to
March l, 1885. He was also one of the
commissioners to represent the govern
ment of the United States at the con-
ference held in Boston concerning Samoan
affairs and is one of the signatories of
the Berlin general act, concluded June
"A, 1889. He was then commissioned as
special envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary, his commission bearing
date March IS, 1889. Preceding his dip
lomatic service, Mr. Kasson was for many
years a member of the ways and means
committee of the House of Representa-
tives and in that place became thoroughly
familiar with all aspects of the tariff
question and the debates on that subject.
Mr.. Coleman has also been connected
with the diplomatic service of this gov
ernment For a number of years he was
secretary of the United States embassy at
Berlin, where he entered the service as
second secretary He is a deep student
of economic questions and a llnguist OF
more than average ability. He is mas
ter of the German tongue, both written
and spoken. lie was strongly recommend
ed to the President as consul general at
Berlin. Because of his experience, he is
expected TO render valuable. service to
Mr.. Kasson.
Mr.. Osborne halls, as has been stated,
from Scranton, Pa, and has studied the
subjects that will necessarily arise in con-
siderng the questions covered by sections
3 and 4 of the tariff law. His father, it
is understood Is a warm personal friend
of the President, but is neither directly
or collaterally connected with him.
1t is expected that the commission viii
be speedily organized and promptly begin
its important labors 1t viii be esta blish-
ed in the department of state, where suit
able quarters have been assignedeby direc-
ton of Secretary Sherman,