New-York tribune., 1897-07-29
TILE RECIPROCITY PROVISIONS.

The reciprocity features of the new tariff are
so numerous. and changed form so many times
and so greatly in the progress OF the bill through
the two hOusa as and the conference that much
confusion and misunderstanding about them are
natural They differ radically from the reel
pyocity clause of the tariff OF 1890. and are far
more extended in scope and possible effect than
any similar provision ever enacted The tariT
of 1890 provided that on and after January ],
1892 if any country producing sugars. mo
lasses. coffee, tea or hides should Impose upon
United States products duties or eXactl0ns
deemed by the President unequal and unreason-
able. he should suspend the free admission OF
the articles above named from that country. and
they should be dutieble at rates fixed in the act
This was for the purpose Of securing reciprocity
treaties which We're thereafter negotiated with
several countries All these treaties were blunt
ly abrogated. without notice 10 or consent Of
foreign Powers Interested. by Section lO4 OF
the Wilson acl--a performance which has not
reflected credit upon the United States Govern
ment.
The new law does not touch imports of sugar
or hides in lis reciprocity provisions. which are.
nevertheless. drawn that they may by treaty
be- made applicable even 10 these or any other
duties imposed, or as 10 the entire duties on
articles not natural products of the United
States for such articles imported from any coun-
try may under treaty with that country. duly
ratified by the Senate be placed upon The free
list for specified time not exceeding five years.
As is usual in the Senate. prolonged argument
about the cOnstitut0nality of the provision
buried out Of sight the enormous latitude of con
thn inf nv. IN vi-i.n
t. the treaty-mal;ing pOwer-thc President and
the Senate. II is evident that the removal of
fifth Of the duties on the chief products import
ed by the United States from many foreign
countries would be TO them powerful induce
ment 10 grant special favors TO American trade.
and perhaps even more the entire removal OF
duties for five years on other products not natn-
raj 10 this country. Whether such provision
could b- so used by President and Senate hos
tile TO the monetary or industrial policy Of the
Nation az completely to break 1t down without
assent Of the House is point not AZ present
needing discussion.
Section I. the substance Of which has just
been given Is by far The most important Of the
reciprocity provisions. Section first provides
that duties may be reduced by about quarter.
TO fixed figures named. on argOlS, crude tartar.
or wine lees. brandy and other spirits, all spar
king and SIN wines and vermouih. and paint
lngS drawings and statuary. whenever the Pres
ideni by commercial agreement with countries
producing such articles may secure reciprocal
and equivalent concessions in favor Of the United
States. He also receives power 10 revoke such
suspension Of the regular duties whenever salts
fled that such an agreement * not executed by
the other party 10 it. II does not appear that
the consent Of the Senate is required 10 agree
meuiS under This clause On the face Of things
It looks toward a negotiation wiki France. which
might be of great advantage 10 American farm
er>. especially 10 producers of grain. meats and
tobacco. \ second provision directing invest
cation In regard 10 the effect of reggie contracts
and other imped dmens 10 sales Of American
tobacco In foreign countries was adopted by
The. Senate bn dropped in conference Obvious-
ly. its purpose is covered by other provisions
The same section provides third mode of
action respecting any country producing coffee
poses duties or other exactioms deemed recpro-
cally unequal and unreasonable in view Of the
admission Of these articles free OF duty by the
United States. The President is empowered in
that ease 10 suspend for such time as he shall
deem Just the free admission Of these articles
from that country, and during suspension duties