The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-04
COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
The Policy of Reciprocity in Inter-
national Trade.

national Trade.
The failure of action by the Senate at
its last session upon the commercial con-
ventions then submitted for its ccnsidera-
ton and approval, although caused by
the great pressure of other legislative
business, has caused much disappoint-
ment to the agricultural and industrial
interests of the country, which hoped to
profit by their provisions. The conven-
tional periods for their ratification hav
ing expired, it became necessary to sign
additional articles extending the time for
that purpose. This was requested on our
part, and the other Governments interest,"
ed have concurred with the exception Of
one convention, in respect to which no
formal reply has been received.
Since my last communication to the
Congress on this subject special CONNER
cial agreements under the third section Of
the tariff act have been proclaimed with
Portugal, with Italy, and with Germany.
Commercial conventions under the gen.
eral limitations Of the fourth section of
the same act have been concluded with
Nicaragua with Ecuador, with the Domin-
lean Republic, with Great Britain on be-
half of the Island of Trinidad, and with
Denmark on behalf Of the Island of St.
Croix. These will be early communicated
to the Senate. Negotiations with other
Governments are in progress for the i'm
provement and security Of our commercial
relations.
Tho policy of reciprocity so manifestly
rests upon the principles of international
equity and has been SO repeatedly APPROX
ed by the people of the United States that
there ought to be no hesitation in either
branch of the Congress in giving to it full
effect.
This Government desires to preserve
the most just and amicable commercial
relations with all foreign countries, I'M
moved by the Industrial riyalries neces-
sarily developed in the expansion Of inter-
national trade. 1t is believed that the for
eign Governments generally entertain the
same purposes, although in some instan-
ces there are clamorous demands upon
them for legislation specifically hostile
to American interests. Should these de-
mands prevail l shall communicate with
the Congress with the view of advising
such legislation as may be necessary to
meet the emergency.
The Buffalo Exposition.
The exposition of the resources and
products Of the Western Hemisphere to be
held at Buffalo next year promises impor-
tant results not only for the United States,
but for the other participating countries
1t is gratifying that the Latin-American
States have evinced the liveliest interest
and the fact that an International Ameri-
can Congress will be held in the City of
Mexico while the exposition is in progress
encourages the hope of larger display at
Bufaio than might otherwise be practice
able. The work OF preparing an exhibit of
our national resources is making satisfac-
tory progress under the direction of DIFF
ferent officials Of the Federal Government,
end the various States of the Union have
shown disposition toward the most lib
erai participation in the enterprise.
Bureau of American Republics.
The Bureau of the American Republics
continues to discharge. with the happiest
results. the important work of promoting
cordial relations between the United
States and the Latin-American countries,
all OF which are now active members of
the International Union. The Bureau has
been instrumental in bringing about the
agreement To- aus-ee- international Amer
ilh1 so srasf RA-ec to meet in the City
q &eA.e3 J. oaso5 r, 1901 The Bureaus
1--4-e ieF i;iu --e- term OF ten years Is
sesgred b the inla national co,upact hut
90 VIII ziasliiEg uew lines Of work and a
general pgtcg S usefulness to the in
teffsazs q Ll' e american trade is widely
aFIsFscisie1 sre shows gratifying de-
..-cpmenu
The Consular Service,
The practical utility OF the consular
service In obtaining wide range of in
formation as to the industries and Conn.,
merce Of other countries and the oppor-
tunities thereby afforded for introduc;rg
the sale of our goods have kept steadiIy
IN advance OF the notable expansion of our
foreign trade, and abundant evidence has
been furnished, both at home and abroad
Of the fact that the consular -~---. =,
GLIDING many fro-c uaf diplomat. e
sents'T'a. have TO q considerable MT
pointed 7lt rays and means OF ~ ng
-, 49,. ~ Lla DDS
49, --.it--- p 2 . 7t sale
ery Of foreign obscl1a.s 10 the
commercial efficiency OF the c3nsalar
90 aeliis 10 Be conclusive and our own
' - AZ -trefs aud exporters highly ap-
gf-''l@te thn ss.iuc of the services rem
d.rSd not only in the printed reports. but |
also IN the Individual efforts of consular
oncers 70 promote American trade. An |
increasing part Of the work of the Rr-ear |
OF Foreign Commerce, whose primary dutv
1t is to compile and print the renorts &c
to answer enquiries from trade orpaniza-
tons, business houses, etc., as to condi- |
lions In various parts Of the world. and
Notwithstanding the smallness of the
force employed. the work has been so sys-
tematized that responses are made with
such promptitude and accuracy as to elicit
nattering enconiums. The experiment of |
printing the consular reports daily for i'm
mediate use by trade bodies, exporters.
and the press. which was begun in jan
uary. 1898. continues to give general sat-
isfaction.
THE FINANCES.