Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-18
THE UNITED STATES AND FRANCE.
DiBgiey Tariff Biil-Retaliatory
Duties-Arbitration taIlism.

PARIS. April l5.-The Dingley tariff bill
has aroused considerable antagonism IN
French mercantile circles, where Il Is
pointed out that the measure may lead
10 a policy disastrous in its effects on
certain French industries. Some repre-
sensations of this nature having. already
been made TO members or the french
Government. the Associated Pres sent
TO NJ. HanotauX, the French Foreign MIN
lister. a number OF questions bearing on
the tariff situation and the relations OF
the two republics. The French Foreign
Office returned the following written re-
ply; 49,, .. uoss,na
ton will succeed without any doubt in
drawing closer the bonds which unite
France and the United States, by alb
staining from over-taZing importeai
French goods. such a. sparkling and stu
wines, brandles. silks woollens, gloves,
works o. art etc. To shut out OF the
United states by quasi-DrOhibltlFe tarl1s
the product Of French industry and art
VIII evidently have a contrary effect. II
is 10 be hoped this viii not eventually be
AT the present time there are no dir-
ferences between the two great republics
They are bound together by too many
memories and traditions for veritaDle
spirit OF hostility TO grow up, between
them. The solution OF small current
questions, which give rise to negotiations
between the two countries. is. however
Sometimes rendered difficult by the argu-
mentatiye spirit OF the American state
Department
"Although France has no ground for
complaining OF the diplomatic and consul
lar representation OF the United states
there is. nevertheless, reason for stating
that she has been surprised at the aIti-
tude Of certain American conSulS. one
Of them, admitted to exercise his func-
tions in one Of the great ports Of France
seems quite recently 10 nave undertaken
the task of disparaging the prbduct OF
French vineyards. Incorrect statements,
denied after inquiry by competent au-
thorities. have been reproduced in Official
reports by the agent In question, ana
made public in administrative documents:
Another agent. who had also exercised
the functions OF Consul In one OF the great
towns Of France. spoke OF French wines
in the course Of a lecture delivered in the
United states-in the most unfayora BILE
agents represented French wines as
watered. aduiterated. mixed with plaster
OF Paris. and composed OF all sorts OF
noxlous Ingredients. Cases such as these
denote the deplorable tendencies and
want OF prudence Of certain American
a.ent8"
In reply to the question whether France
would retaiiate in case the tarin on
French goods should be very much raised
swcr 10 that is that France prefers 70
believe tfat Congress will examine the
question with complete impartiality. and
that 1t will pronounce In the broadcast
spirit OF GOODWILL and justice upon any
proposals TO charge high duties Oh French
Imports"
In rcoiy TO a question as TO arbitration
the following was said France loves
peace. and devotcs herself 10 preserving
H. She Is consequently In no way hostile
10 measures. the object OF which Is In a
general way 20 safeguard peace. But be-
fore p-onouncing on an agreement such
as the one proposed between Great Bril-
tain and the United states. France would
prefer TO wait the anal action or the
Senate; and see the result OF the expert
rnent N any Is TO be made
In answer 10 a question as to what CO.
oreration France would give TO bring
nbout an International bimetall!c confer
ence. NJ. Hano;aux said: The co-cpera-
ton which France would give the United
States In the assembling OF a monetary
conference would naturally depend upon
the Ftate Of the relations between ne
two countries. As regards bimetalism
itself. opinion in France seems uncertain
and very much divided"