Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-07-19
TARIFF QUESTION
And the Central American
Commercial Representatives.
They Have lust Finished a 40 Day.
Tour Of the States.
Part d Then Warmly Fayss Preiscllen-
Others Is Bitterly 0pposs.

Philadelphia, July 18.-The CONNER
cial representatives of Mexico, Central
and South America who, last night, re-
turned from their 40-days' tour Of the
industrial centres Of the country. as
sembled. today. at the Philadelphia
Commercial museum and held SYM
postum on the subject of reciprocity.
The meeting was Of a parliamentary
nature and number of speeches were
made. several Of the delegates express
ing decided views on the tariff ques-
tion. A general discussion Of the sub
ject followed. DR.. Gustave Neiderlein.
scientific director Of the museum, pre-
sided.
The most pronounced free trader Of
the party. Arthur S. H. Hitching, Of
Rio de Janeiro, had this to say: II
beg first to signify my sincere thanks
for the exceeding kindness which and
the other delegates have met in all
cities which we have visited in this
country. We have been received in
your chambers of commerce, your uni.
versities. your clubs and your homes,
and on every occasion we have been
struck with the wonderful advance
ment which every branch has shown
us.
ReciprOcity-if 1t was as easy be-
tween nations as between individuals
would undoubtedly be a just definl-
ton OF fair and friendly trade, but cir
substances often, almost always,
create difficulties which prevent a
practical realization Of such a DISPOSE
ton.
tSnk
vantages Canada is giving to Great
Britain are legislative plumbers and
time will prove it. They are opposed
to the broad and liberal laws which
secured to England her extensive for
eign trade, with this view, cannot be-
lineve that their reciprocity (for such
1t is) will last for long, and it would
be still more difficult to have excep-
tional laws favoring the many nations
on the American continent. Europe
must necessarily be sought after both
by North and South America. and it
would be inconsiderate to propose any
legislation that would exclude exist
ing equality whereby all nations are
treated alike.
Il have heard much OF the Munroe
doctrine but surely such ideas cannot
apply to trade. Let us. gentlemen,
forego all petty notions that are not
based on sound reasoning and let us
cireumscribe our desires within a pos
sible scope. We have seen on our tour
that the United States produce ma
and many Of the articles which /
we import at present from other coun-
tries and we have noticed that these /
states also import many things similar
70 what We buy in Europe.
II must say, however, that the majority
)f your manufactures, although in most |
ways fitted for our markets, are too high
priced and there will be no increasing for L
eign trade until there lis a reduction in
the general scale of prices.
We have seen how your factories en-
oioy the most advanced machinery. but
'hese machines are exported. copied and
m some cases improved on; others are
hereby enabled to compete with you by
Using your own Inventions, by reduced
material. You are favored with home
'aised quantities of much of the raw ma
erial used, do not enhance its cost if il |
las to go abroad.
your workmen are very skilled .h,rt |
10 not under-rate the foreigner. and to
I'll your advantages add what free trade
AN alone secure-a permanent and en-
international commerce which |
Wiz ensure TIC IuluTe OF every workman ]
n this wonderful country. This is what
understand by reciprocity. and my most
arrest wish Is that in such an example
We in our country will find lesson and
IN incentive to do likewise"
Mr.. Hitchin's views were for the most
'ar. seconded by Carlos Lax Klett, an ex-
ensive exporter of wool and hides from
he Argentine Republic. but Mauro Fer
landez. former minister of finance OF
costa Rica, Central America, made a
trong plea in favor of protection. He ,
eclared that the question came down to
contest between the necessity Of the !
which was protection, and the
splration OF the scientist-free trade
THE United States Is right to protect ;
er industries until she can walk alone"
C exclaimed. "for In some political re- j
poets she is still a baby
The meeting hereupon resolved itself
ntO a debate between the free traders
nd the protectionists of the party
Capt. j. COrdeira da Graca, engineer
nd naval officer of Brazil, made another :.
rec trade argument, characterlzing the ]
resent tariff bill as a monstrostty.
Other addresses of general character
1ere made by ALEXANDRA Garland of |
lima. Peru; Henry s. Price OF Columbia.
nd Antonio r. Delafino of Caracas, :
'enezuela.