The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-29

rel with half the nations Of Europe, ID
something which Republicans would eagerly
welcome. But the proposition for the re-
establishment Of such duties was met, the
moment 1t was preached after the election
OF Mckinley, by such variety Of objections
ana threats on the part Of European gov
ernments, that there has been q deal of
questioning es to whether such re-establish-
ment Is now practicable or polite. It Is
contended that law imposing heavier duties
on goods imported in foreign bottoms would
Vloiate practically every commercial treaty
now In existence between the United States
and foreign powers. II the discrimination
should take the form of, say a 10 per cent
reduction In the tariff on goods coming to
us In our own ships, there would be not
only considerable loss of revenue, but such
action on our part would be met by counter
vailing legislation abroad. So long as our
legislation relates to imports of foreign prod
ucts, so long Is the game of discrimina-
ton held to be one at which both sides can
play, with no particular advantage to either
IL may be that such contentious lack suffi-
clent foundation to Justify an abandonment
Of the discrimination idea; but they have
naturally induced a good deal of hesitancy
ABOUT embodying the idea In legislation. We
oont want TO enter into commercial quarrels
without Bs&6g sure we are going to come out
winners
Mr.. Hills proposition of an export bounty,
however, deals only with the products Of
our own land. 1t interferes with the oppor-
tunlties of European manufacturers in our
markets In no way whatever; that is mat
Ter II leaves in statu quo. On the other
hand, 1t would give to American products
seeking Asiat1c markets, an advantage they
DO not now possess and which cannot, in
those markets, be met by any countervaiIing
hHr EIIrn
1t may affect the commerce of Europe with
our Atlantic seaboard, European nations can.
not complain. for all of them have been in
the habit of encouraging their own shipping
interests by means of subsidies similar in
effect If not in form. OF all the propositions
offered, Mr.. Hills seems the least likely to
involve any tariff complications with foreign
powers.
AS to the extent of the burden imposed
upon the people, the discriminating duty,
especially in the form of a rebate, would in
Volve burden as heavy as, if not heavier
than, the proposed bounty on exports We
have no means at hand for determining the
average value Of an Oriental steamships cargo
Of 5000 tons at one of our Pacific ports. For
the purpose of an Illustration, however, sup
pose such cargo be valued at the moderate
figure of $780, COO, or $40 per ton. The duties
on such cargo, at an average of 80 per cent,
would amount to $105OOO. rebate of 10
per cent on account of the cargo having been
brought in an American bottom" would
then cost the United States treasury $4,000.
Mr.. Hills proposed cargo subsidy of 81 per
ton would amount to only 10000 on 5000
tons. 1t would also have the effect, which
discriminating duty would not have, Of en-
couraging American farmers and manufac-
turers by increasing the demand for their
products; taking the wheat exports of the
Pacific coast out Of the European market.
and so stiffening prices. The cost of either
system for Strengthening our merchant
marine being practically the same, the choice
would appear to lie, even from the ultra pro-
tectionist standpoint. in favor of the cargo
subsidy as against the discriminating duty.