New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-26
OVERTURES FROM RUSSIA.
BETTER TRADE RELATIONS WITH THE
UNITED STATES SOUGHT.
FORM OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS AS
YET INTERCHANGEABLE DEPARTMENT
SHOWING ANXIETY FOR THE
RECIPROCITY TREATY
WITH FRANCE.

Washington Nov. 25.-Reative to the state
ment attributed to Count Muravief. the Rus
sian Minister Of Foreign Affairs, that the pro-
priety Of remodelllng the trade treaty of 1882
between the United States and Russia now
under consideration, it is learned that about two
months ago this movement was initiated by the
Russian Embassy here The success Of the
French Government in negotiating a reciprocity
treaty probably the incentive for the Rus
sian move. From the number and scope Of the
reciprocity agreements and special treaties
which have been drawn up under the terms of
the Dingley Tariff act, besides those which are
nearing the point of conclusion under the broad
constitutional powers of the President IL began
to appear that a European Power unfortunate
enough to be omitted from the list of privileged
nations would be at a great disadvantage in
continuing its trade with the United States.
This fact first dawned on the German Govern
ment and 1t has been endeavorng. though 80
far without success, to obtain reciprocity
treaty. the obstacle being the uncompromisng
attitude Of the German agrarian interests
toward the United States meat and provision
trade. though this promises to be modified by
the Reichstag in the near future.
NO CONCLUSION YET REACHED.
tage Of remodelling her trade arrangements with
the United States, and the first overtures in that
direction were noted about two months ago
The matter has not moved very speedily, and 1t
is not yet possible to forecast the exact form the
new arrangement will take. 1t may be, as lndi-
Gated by Count Muravieff, a revision Of the
trade treaty of 1892 or the two governments
may decide to frame purely reciprocity treaty
tha ,oIa
as was made with France. although. owing to
the expiration OF the term allowed by the act for
the completion Of such agreements and treaties
this one may be drawn UP under the reserved
powers Of the President and so be free of spe-
cial limitations as to scope.
1t is surmised that the deliberate progress be-
ing made in the present instance is due in part
10 the difficulty Of finding articles of trade be-
tween the United States and Russia which may
advantageously be made the subject Of diminu-
tions in duties This is owing to the fact that
both nations are to a great extent agricultural
countries and are under the necessity OF protect
ing such products as we'll as the producers Of raw
material In view OF this the basis or exchanges
will be difficult to reach
OPPOSITION TO THE FRENCH TREATY
The indications Of rather formidable opposition
to the approval by the Senate OF the French
reciprocity treaty have given some concern to the
officials of the State Department who have had
much to do with its negotiation. This treaty
was perfected with the greatest difficulty. and
was in itself regarded the means Of increasing
the goodwill and cordially between the United
States and France It's failure now 1t is said at
the State Department would be most unfortu-
nate. and the officials are prepared to show to
the Senate by statistics that the United States
nas secured all the advantages from a purely
economic point Of view that could be expected
having regard to fair treatment OF France.
The state Department has In fact. prepared
itself on a large scale for the defence OF the
treaties and arrangements which must go be
fore Congress ct the approaching session The
only question still open is whether 1t shall unite
ALL these arrangements and treaties in a general
argument and statement or shall make each the
subject OF separate representations Because OF
the number OF the treaties and arrangements
which have been negotiated since the adjourn
mont Of the last Congress- number far In ex-
cess Of the most sanguine advocates OF reel
proclty arrangements ia the State Department
II would appear that the latter course would I'M
nose great labor on the Department and 1t may
he from a consideration Of this fact that the
conventions will be sent to the Senate en- masse
and left to rely fer support on the strong repre-
sentations which the President will make on TINS
subject in his annual Message