New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-30
THE TARIFF OF JAMAICA.
ACTION OF UNITED STATES GIVES
SATISFACTION,
NEED OF RECIPROCITY TREATY URGED
PETITION TO MR.. CHAMBERLAIN -


LARGE TRADE WITH THIS COUNTRY.
Kingston. Jamaica. April aO-Now that the first
flush of excitement has Gained down over INC so
called "ultimatum' OF the United states 10 ,ne
Jamaican Government with respect to the tarin'
nonuar opinion begins to recognize the fact that
instead of being an evil the action OF the WASH
ington authorities bids fair TO prove blessing In
disguise.
Calm discussion shows in the first place tnat
the contention Of the United States Is unassailape.
Whether Intentionally not. there can be no DOUBT
that tho Jamaican tariff In effect under the new
bill will still more diferentiate against American
imports in favor of those from the mother couh-
try This being now admitted II Is recognized 'hat
the colony cannot afford 10 continue such nscai
policy II the United States chooses to ADOPT re-
taliatory measures. That this will be done seems
evident from the representations made by Mr.. Dent.
although the precise nature Of those representa-
tIons is not generally known.
Discussing the American proposals. The Clean
err" which is credited with rejecting the Govern
ment side Of all questions makes this sgnincai''
observation: ut might even be a good thing for the
Legislative Council TO push through tarin "h'cn
America would consider hostile. In order 70 pro
woke retaliation and rouse England 10 action on
our behalf when she would be compehen ethe'
TO come to terms with the hard bargainers' OF 10
allow Jamaica herself TO enter into rec'proo'''
treaty with the United States
VALVE OF TRADE WITH AN
"rbe Daily Telegraph and Anglo American Her
aid" saws: THE critical stage in our trade rea-
,,ons with the United States at which we nave
r,,od demands the clearest vision and the calm
oct and sanest Judgment possibleif this colony IS
TO derive good and not evil from the present CON-
The paper then proceeds TO argue that me iac.s
of the complication and their bearings should pe
suffered These facts 1t briefly catalogues as io'-
Although British politically Jamaica Is american td ian
Yelop along geogra phica lines; the United SITES
better o ver can be- the United states produces
everything that Jamaica uses and can take every
thing n IN er nto ermanent trade relations with
Jamaica which would place this island on a nnrn
cal Preferential terms were arranged Jamalca
would gain enormously and become enc OF me mT se
PROSPEROUS countries. the only losers beng tne
manufacturers Of England. II IS added thai tneTs
is reason Why the people 81 n
ae betWeen the United States and jamaica
the balance of trade is overwhelmingly In favor OF
Jamaica This the American Government Is nSe Toy
ddive t to trade Jamaica could not live a month
n the American markets were closed 10 heI. uls
p ot Tesscbed since cuba and Porto Rico can
more than amply supply such products as Jamaica
now supplies.
RECIPROCITY TREATY NEEDED
"Tbe Telegraph's" conclusion from these premises
is that the question of reciprocity IS therefore OF
infinitely more importance to Jamaica than 1t Is
TO the United States and a treaty is absolutely
necessary II the island is to be saved from bank
ruptcy and ruin. -. =,
maica and It is believed. of the local adminsua-
ton also According to the Colonial Secretary the
whole question must be settled between the nome
governments and 1t is thought that Jamaca's con-
fention on the lines set forth will be submitted
n no rio covered possibly by strongly worded
and urgent resolution from the Legislative Council