The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-15
Appointed Special Commissioners with
PIennry Powers to Negotiate
Reciprocity Treaties.
WELL-KNOWN TARIFF EXPERT
WHO HAS HAD EXPERIENCE AS LEG
ISLATOR AND DIPLOMAT.
Two Secretaries to Assist Him-Rus-
sia's Method of Protecting Seals
Free Delivery for Attica.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1.-THE President
has decided to appoint special commits
sioner with plenary powers to carry into
effect the reciprocity provisions of Sections
and 4 of the tariff act approved July "A,
1897. 1t was found. on making an investi-
cation of the matter, that the regular force
of the Department of State is at present so
overcrowded with pressing business that
serious delay in carrying out the expressed
wish of Congress would inevitably follow if,
in addition to the usual routine work of the
department, its officers were required to per-
form the special examinations and negotia-
lions 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 ar
rangement of measures of reciprocity has
been very great from foreign countries, as
well as from our own citizens. The in
terest of the President In reciprocity is es-
pecially keen, and during his connection
with the tariff legislation of 1890, while
chairman of the committee on ways and
means of the House of Representatives, the
inclusion in that law of reciprocity pro-
vision was conclusive of his determination
to foster and promote American industry
and commerce by this means.
In view of the above 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 commits
sioner is charged particularly to look after
the agricultural interests, both North and
South, not forgetting the large and con-
stantly increasing manufacturing interests
east of the Alleghenies.
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 Austria
from June IL, 1877. to May, 1881; minister to
Germany from July 4, 1884, to March, 1885.
He was also one of the commissioners to
represent the government of the United
states at the conference held in Berlin con-
corning Samoan affairs, and is one of the
signatories of the Berlin General Act, con-
cluded June IA, 1889. He was then commits
stoned as special envoy extraordinary and
minister pIenipotentiary, his commission
bearing date of March Is, 1882 Preceding
his diplomatic service Mr.. Kasson was for
many years member of the ways and
means committee of the House of Repre-
sentatives and in that place became thor
oughly familiar with all aspects of the tariff
question and the debate on that subject.
MIR. Coleman has also been connected with
the diplomatic service of this government.
For 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 eco
nomic questions and a. lingust of more than
average ability. He is master of the Ger
man tongue, both written and spoken He
was strongly recommended to the President
for appointment as consul general at ,Ber-
lin. Because of his experience he is expect
ed to render valuable service to Mr.. Kasson
in dealing with these important negotia-
tons.
Mr.. Osborne halls, as has been stated,
from Scranton Pa, and has also studied
the subjects that will necessarily arise in
considering the questions covered by Sec
lions and of the tariff law.
1t is expected that the commission will
be speedily organized and promptly begin
its important labors. 1t will be established
in the Department of State where suitable
quarters have been assigned by direction Of
the secretary of state.