The San Francisco call., 1899-11-26
RUSSIAN TREATY
MAY Be REVISED
Forecast of Pen ding Ne
gOtiatiOnS.
LITTLE PROGRESS MADE
DIFFICULTIES OF RECIPROCITY
FOR A BASIS.
Indications Are That There Will Be
Formidable Objections to the
French Treaty in the
Senate.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25.-Relative TO
the statement attributed to Count Moura-
vieff. the Russian Minister of Foreign Az
fairs. that the propriety OF remodeling the
trade treaty of 1892 between the United
States and Russia was now under consid-
Grafton. It is learned that about two
months ago this movement was initiated
by the Russian Embassy here The sue
cess OF the French Government in nego-
uating a reciprocity treaty was probably
the incentive TO the Russian move. From
the number and scope Of 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 power OF the
President. II began to appear that Euro
pean nation unfortunate enough TO be
omitted from the list Of privileged nations
would be at a great disadvantage in con-
tinuing its trade with the United States.
This fact first dawned upon the German
Government. and it has been endeavoring,
thus far without success, TO obtain re-
ciprocity treaty. the obstacle being the
uncompromising attitude OF the German
agrarian interests against the United
this promises TO be modified by the
Reichstag in the future. Russia was the
next power 10 see the advantages OF re-
modelling ner trade arrangements with the
United States and the hrst overtures IN
that direction were notes about two
months ago. The matter has not moved
very speedily, and II is not yet possible TO
forecast the exact form the new arrange
ment will take.
1t may be. as indicated by Count
Mouravieff. a revision OF the trade treaty
OF 1882. or the two Governments may de-
eide 10 frame pure reciprocity treaty
under the general terms OF the Dingley
act. such as was made with France,
though owing 10 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 executive and so be free OF
special limitations as 10 scope. 1t is sur
missed that the deliberate progress being
made in the present instance is due in
part TO the difficulty OF finding articles OF
sia which may adVantageously be made
the subject OF diminutions in duties. This
is owing 10 the fact that both parties are
TO great extent agricultural countries
and the necessity OF protecting such
products as well as the producers Of raw
material. In view OF this the basis OF ex-
changes Will be difficult 10 reach.
The indications OF rather formidable op-
position 10 the approval by the Senate
OF the French reciprocity treaty has given
some concern 10 the officials OF the State
Department who have had much to do
with its negotiations. This treaty was
perfected with the greatest difficulty, and
was in itself regarded as the means Of
restoring the good Will and cordiality be-
tween the United States and France.
which had undergone a severe strain
during the last two years.
It's failure. II is said. would be most un-
fortunate and the officials are prepared to
show 10 the Senate by statistics that
the United States has secured all of 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. pre-
pared itself on a large scale for the de-
fense OF the treaties and arrangements
which must go before Congress during the
approaching session. The only question
still open is whether II shall lump all OF
these arrangements and treaties in a gen
eral argument and statement or shall
make each the subject Of separate repre-
sentations. Because OF the number OF the
treaties and arrangements which have
been negotiated since the adjournment OF
the last Congress, number far in excess
of the most sanguine advocates of reel
procity arrangements in the State De-
| partment, II would appear that the latter
! course would impose great labor upon
/ the department and II may be from con-
sideration OF this fact that the conven-
/ tions will be turned into the Senate en-
! masse and left 10 rely for support upon
| the strong representations which the
| President will make upon this subject
| in his annual message.