Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-17
Reciprocity Teaties and Arrange
ments Concluded.
EFFORTS TO EXTEND OUR COMMERCE
Present Week Closes the Period
Fixed by the Dngley Act.
WHAT HAS BEEN DON.

The present week closes the period of
two years prescribed by the Dingley tariff
law within which reciprocity treaties may
be negotiated, and as result there is
much activity in those foreign quarters
having reciprocity negotiations pending.
The most important negotiation is that on
the Franco-American treaty. Last week
the negotiations had reached rather crit
ical stage, as neither side was quite salts
fed with what had been given. But today
the prospects have frightened materially,
and it is said in high official quarters that
there is every prospect of final and salts
factory conclusion of the negotiations.
Three treaties with Great Britain relating
to the West Indian colonies of jamaica
Bermuda and British Guiana, also remain
to be signed. The treaties were concluded
some time ago between Mr.. Kasson and the
British charge, Mr.. Tower, but the formal
1ty OF signing them was deferred until the
British foreign office and the three colonies
had expressed approval. 1t is understood
that MIR. Tower is now prepared to proceed.
and that the final formalities will be carried
out within the next few days
treaty with the Argentine republic also
IS likely to result. These negotiations have
been carried on in Argentina by our misis-
ter, Mr. Buchanan. Unofficial cable adj
vices from there indicate that the treaty
Is closed, and that Argentina secures con-
cessions on sugar, hides and WOODS, and
that the United States received concessions
On canned goods, certain food products and
timber.
Provisions of the Dinsley Act.
The negotiations now coming to a close
are under section OF the Dingley act,
which provided that within two years from
the date of the act DULY "a. 1890 reciproc-
ity treaties might be negotiated on q basis
of 70 per cent reduction of the duties in
return for trade concessions granted by
foreign governments. Another section of
the act gave authority for reciprocity ar
rangements.' not having the full force of
treaties, and limited to still wines cham
payne. brandy, vermouth, argols, painting,
statuary and prints. AS the reciprocity
work was in addition to the ordinary work
OF the State Department it was entrusted
10 special commissioner appointed by the
President. Mr.. John A. Kasson, who was
ties.
The treaties negotiated are those already
referred TO and that for the Barbados,
making six in all.
Reciprocity Arrangements.
Besides these treaties, reciprocity ar
engagements have been concluded with
France and Portugal. and such an arrange
ment is pending with Italy. The Italian
agreement is so far advanced that it will
days.
The German Negotiations.
The German negotiations have not ad-
vanced perceptibly of late, and there is no
likelihood that treaty will be concluded
within the two-year period. This is to
some extent offset, however, by the view
taken at the State Department that the
treaty-making power exists even without
the formality of a special law, SO that ne
gotiations may proceed after the two-year
period expires. AT the same time the Brit
ish, French and other governments con-
Quoting negotiations have been extremely
anxious to conclude within the two-ye ear
period so as to come strictly within the
law.
Mr.. Kasson's Work.
Commissioner kasson's work has been
extremely arduous within this period as
upon him have fallen all the details OF the
work, as well the diplomatic negotia-
lions. 1t has told on him severely of late,
and he will probably take a vacation when
the present negotiations are closed. While
there IS a desire among the officials that
he shall continue in charge of further recf-
procity negotiations, it is understood that
ne does not wish to continue in the work
and that he is likely to retire to private life
Within the next few months.