Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-07
REGIE CONTRACTS.
MIR. SWANSON TO sECRETARY-oF-
STATE HAY,
AND The REPLY OF The LATTER
This Government Powcrless to En-
force the PrOvisiOns Which the
Virginia Congressman Says Would
Advance tho Tobacco Interest.

DANVILLE, VA, April 6.-(Special.)-
Congressman Swanson, OF this district.
on the goth OF March, addressed COM
munication TO Secretary-of-State Hay on
the subject of the reggie tobacco con-
tracts. with which the trade was made
fully acquainted in newspaper publica-
tons several months ago. Before leav-
ing Washington for his home, at Cha
than, Mr.. Swanson discussed the subject
with the Secretary, and the letter of the
3Oth ultimo is supplementary Of the con-
versation then held. The reply of Secre-
tary Hay, under date Of the Sd instant, Is
rather disappointing, inasmuch as it prac-
tically states that this government Is
powerless to enfore the provisions which
Mr.. Swanson pointed out would be of adj
vantage to the industry Of this section.
Mr.. Swanson in his letter to the Secre-
tary. said In part:
II write TO urge you. when a CONNER
cial treaty Is made with Spain, to include
in the treaty provision granting to to-
bacco the right to be imported into that
country like other agricultural products
free from any governmental monopoly.
There are also difficulties threatening
the tobacco industry in Japan. l under
stand that Japan is at present contem-
plating making the sale of tobacco a gov
ernmental monopoly, as is the case in
France and i'm some other countries. This
action on the part Of Japan would be a
serious blow to the tobacco industry of
my section. as we at present export there
a great deal.
IF the japanese Government pursues
the course Of purchasing and selling all
OF the tobacco imported into Japan it will
finally result In the introduction of this
system of governmental monopoly in to-
bacco in all of the countries Of the orient.
/ therefore urge you to take such steps
as you can to induce the government of
Japan TO treat tobacco as IL Is treated in
England and in Germany-that is. to i'm
pose a tariff, and not 10 create govern
mental monopoly
IF L can be OF any service, or if you
desire any further information on the
subject, ! would be delighted 10 go TO
and discuss the matter more
fully with you, and L will also take with
me men engaged in the tobacco business
who can intelligently and fully explain
the situation To you"
Secretary Hay replied as follows:
Department of State
washington, April 3, 1899.
Dear Sir,-I nave your letter of the
10Th Of March, which / have read with
great interest and attention. l thank you,
not only for the letter, but for the infOr-
nation which you gave me orally in con-
yersations which we have had on the
subject of the tobacco regie. We cannot
Dut recognize the advantages of the open
market for our own tobacco, and this
government would be glad to use its in
iuenCe against the Introduction Of mo-
lopolies and the maintenance of those
already existing, so far as it is possible,
II accordance with international usages,
out the question. as you know, belongs
,hiehy to the domain of the internal
policy OF each government, and, in that |
)oint of view. foreign Intervention might |
pc even prejudicial 10 existing interests |
If our people.
Your letter will be preserved for fur |
her consideration when negotiations are |
Initiated with Spain.
VERY truly yours,
(Signed) John HAY.
Hon. Claude y. Swanson. Chatham,
"a"
While this matter is Of interest as touch
ne the export OF tobacco from other |
POINTS in the State, IL has excited I'M
sual attention in this city which has
uilt up a large export trade that is con-
family increasing. Several Danville to-
accOnists are now in the old world, |
mong them an exporter who is opening |
p business with Japan, which country |
e VIII visit before returning to this
Ountry.