The times., 1899-06-11
RECIPROCITY BETWEEN
AMERICA AND FRANCE
The Work Upon a Treaty Now
in Progress.
Delegate Charpenfier Talks About
Its Provisions.
Increased Commerce Rnd Better
Trade Relations Are Expect
ed to Result. L.r. -.

| 1t is now certain that a Franco American
reciprocity treaty will be agreed upon be-
| fore the end OF July. NJ Charpentier the
special reciprocity delegate from France.
has arrived in this city and has begun the
work of preparing the technical portions
of the treaty in relation to schedules. The
first conference with Hon. John A Kasson,
| the American representative in the reci-
procity sessions, will be held early in this
week. ~ q. - ~. 49, .
| Tariff agreements with other countries
were provided for by clause in the Ding
| ley law which statesN that other nations
should send delegates to this country to
confer with delegate appointed by this
Government and agree upon SONG tariff, SO
that a reciprocity treaty might be pre-
pared The clause states that such treaties
must be agreed upon by July "a. 1899, and
it is expected that trade relations with
France will be definitely settled by that
date.
NJ Charpentier stated in an interview.
last night that no time would be lost by
| the French representatives in preparing
such treaty as might -meet-with the-ap-.
provai of both nations. Ambassador Cam
bon and NJ. Taigny will conduct the diplu--
matte phases of the negotiations.
| I'VE are anxious for better trade rela-
tions with America" said Delegate Char
pentier. I'VE realize as does this nation
that this can be done through such a
treaty. and We only ask that the right be
done. AT present France has a Complicated
| system. There are two separate tariffs,
the maximum and the minimum, and it
would take columns to explain Their work
| ings.
We desire the nainimSim tariff in the
treaty with America. as 1t will avoid many
complications and will be favorable to
both nations. This would result in in
creased commerce and in better trade re-
lations. l capnot say more about the
| treaty until after a conference with Mr..
/ kasson, who will be in the city on Tues
day. have been sent here by my Gov
ernment to bring about better trade rsla-
| tions with America il possible, and have
no doubt but that this will be accom-
| plished."
The renewal of active negotiations for a
| Franco-American reciprocity treaty is re-
garded as an event of much importance in
diplomatic circles. 1t is expected that
such treaty would not only better trade
relations. but would bring about a better
feeling and closer relationship betwesn the
| two nations. The outcome of the negotia-
| tions VIII be awaited with interest By
other foreign powers who regard the mat
ter as having deep meaning.
NJ. Charpentier is an expert on CONNER
cial and trade relations. and has given the
matter much study. He was the French
Consul General for Porto Rico during The
Spanish American war. and has held many
high official places.
Upon his return to Paris he was at once
selected to come 10 this country and aid
in the pending treaty negotiations and his
| expert information will prove of great
value. a.a. 3-. s..
The Jamaican tariff commission, which
has been appointed to confer with this
| Government anent the preparation OF
reciprocity treaty. will arrive here on Tues
| day. and will be engaged in. the work~of
agreeing upon tariff schedules at the same
time the French representatives. -
NJ. Charpentier is at present stopping at
the French Embassy, but has leased fiat
and will remain here with his family.