The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-07-28

were u TO a SUCCESSFUL close at
he state department late this after
noon, when Ambassador Cambon, in
behalf of France, and Commissioner
Kasson, in behalf of the United States,
affixed their signatures to the treaty.
1t is by far the most important treaty
concluded under the reciprocity pro-
visions Of the Dingley law and the
only one affecting the trade with a
large commercial nation. The negotia-
lions were marked by rather sharp
Inc long continued discussions, which
continued up to the time the sigma
lures We're placed on-the document. In
the end a spirit Of compromise pre-
vailed and each side yielded something.
AS a whole both sides express satisfac-
ton with the general result secured,
for while the compromise necessitated
some minor sacrifices the general effect
of the treaty will encourage commerce
between the two countries.
The concessions granted by France
embraced most of the articles in what
is known as the French minimum tar
if. This comprises GA heads, the rates
being on an average about 20 per cent.
below those in the general tariff of
France. It was found necessary, how
SfSAy ~ ~ OtOoN -
agrarian interests to except from this
minimum list about t~Wenty-fOur arti-
cleS, chiefly agricultural products. The
French ministry was obliged to pay
heed to this sentiment, and, in turn,
M. CambOn made the exceptions a on
dition of closing the treaty. It was on
this point that the negotiations were
in doubt for several days, and it was
only by compromising on the extent of
the exceptions that an agreement was
made possible.
s. Beside the reductions given to this
country the treaty is important in n
tinuing a number of minimum rates
which would nave been abolished il
the treaty had not been concluded. The
most important of these articles are
petroleum n mineral oils. At present
these oils enter Franc on the minimum
rate, but had tOday'S treaty failed a
rate would ave been imposed making
a difference of duty amounting to
about $4,000, 900. The same is true as to
cotton, which is one of the chief artl-
cles of shipment from the United
States to France and enters duty free.
Had the treaty failed a heavy duty
would have been imposed upon Ameri-
can cotton. The same is true of cop
per, rubber, and many classes of ma
chinery.
France secures important conces-
sions on over 100 of the chief products
sent by France to this country. The
Dingley law allows not to exceed 20 per
cent. reduction as a basis of reciproci-
=. ty, but the full 20 per cent. is not al
' lowed on all the articles covered by
the treaty. On some Of them the re-
duction is 5 per cent; on others 10, and
others Is and up to 20 per cent. The
list would have been larger, and the
percentage of reduction greater in
some cases, had it not been for the re-
l%uctance Of COMMISSIONS Kasson to
permit exceptions from the French
minimum list. This was the main
cause leading UP to the omission of
champagne from the list of important
French products included IN the treaty.
While quite DESTROYS of securing a re-
duction of duty on this class of wines,
the French authorities were not ready
to grant the large lumber of reduc-
tons asked as an offset for the pro
posed reduction on this particular ar
ticle. AS a result the regular rates
will be maintained on sparkling wines
coming to this country.
The treaty will result in placing the
produces of the United States on the
same Basis in France as products of
Greae britain and Germany. At pres
ent .ese countries have the minimum
Ere ch rates, while. the American
gods, with few exceptions, have had
to pay the maximum rate.
The negotiations ended today were
begun nearly two years ago by M. Pa
t~enotre, then ambassador from France.
The French treaty is the last of the
instruments of this kind, n the
treaty work under the Dingley act 10
now brought to a close. Six treaties
have been made, all, a " that with
France, relating to British West India
stands.
ALGER AT HIS OFFICE.
Secretary Alger returned to Wash
ington today and was in his office
early. Soon after his arrival Assistant
, Secretary Meiklejohn Joined him and
they had a consultation regarding mat
tiers in the department and the turn
ing over of the department to General
v Ayers successor.
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn will
be in charge until Mr.. Root qualities on
August 1st, Secretary Alger expecting
to be absent in the interval.
TROOPS FOR THE PHILIPPINES.
The war department has ordered
troops A, c, D, E. F, K, l. n NJ, of
the Third cavalry, to proceed to Seat
tie to be embarked for the Philippine
islands. These troops go from the fol-
lowing posts: Fort Myer, Va; Fort
Ethan Allen, VT; Jefferson barracks,
Mo-, and Fort Sheridan, Ill. Each OF
the troops for the Philippines is to be
recruited to 120 men by the transfer
OF recruits from a Francisco.
THE ITALIAN LYNCHINGS.
The Italian charge d'affaires, Coun
V1ncl, called at the state department
today and had a talk with Mr.. Hill,
assistant secretary of state, concern
ing the louisiana lynchings. He sub
mitted nothing further from the Ital-
ian authorities, and evinced satisfac-
ton with what had been already done
by the officials here. Thus far, there
has been no suggestion that indemnitv
or other form of reparation would be
expected, the representations having
been confined to securing full 1nfor-
nation on the subject.
WORK ON OUR COAST DEFENsEs.
General Wilson, chief Of engineers.
has been receiving reports from the an,
4gineer officers upon the fortifcation