The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-12-03
coMMERcIAL RELATIONS.
The Policy OF Reciprocity IN later
national Trade

COMMERCIAL RELATIONS
The POLICY OF Reciprocity IA later
national Trade
The failure OF action by the Senate at
its last session upon the commercial con-
ventIons then submitted for its considera-
ton and approval, although caused by
the great pressure of other legislative
business, has caused much disappoint-
nerc TO the agricultural and Industrial
interests of the country. which hoped to
profit by their provisions The conven-
1ioIlal periods for their ratification hay
ing expired, II 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
era! 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 cf Trinidad ard with
Denmark on behalf Of the Island of St.
Croix. These viii be early communicated
TO the Senate Negotiations with other
Governments are il progress for the in
provement and security OF our commercial
relations
TIC 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 II full
effect.
his Government desires TO preserve
the most just and amicabIe commercial
relations with all foreign countries, IN
moved by the Industrial rivairies neces-
sarily developed in the expansion Of inter
national trade II IS believed that the for
eign Governments generally entertain the
same purposes, although in some instan-
ces there are clanorous demands upon
them for legislation specifically hostile
to American interests Should these de-
m2ndS prevail I 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 fer the United States.
but for the other participating countries.
II IS gratifying that the Latin-AmeFiean
States have evinced the Iiveliest interest,
and Inc fact that an international Ameri-
can Congress will be held in the Civ of
Mexico while the exposition is in progress
encourages the hope Of a larger display at
Buffalo than might otherwise be practic-
able. The work OF preparing an exhibit of
nat N-an1
1ory progress under the direction Of diff
Serent officials Of the Federal Government.
and 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 TIE Latin-American countries.
all OF which are now active members Of
the International Union The Bureau has
been instrumental IN bringing about the
agreement for another international Amer
lean congress, which is to meet in the Civ
OF Mexico in October, 1891 The Bureaus
future Tor another term Of ten years is
assured by the international comDaet- but
the congress will doubtless have much to
do with shaping new lines OF work and
general policy Its usefulness to the in
ferests Of Latin-A american trade is widely
appreciated, and shows a gratifying de-
xelcpmeRt
The Consular Service.
The practical utility of The consular
service in oHtainizg a wide range OF in
formation as to the industries and eon-
merce Of other countries and the oppor-
tunitias thereby Afforded for fntro5ucinp
sol NJ
IN advance Of the notable expansion Of our
Foreign trade, and abundant evidence has
been furnished, both at nome and abroad
O. the fact that the consular reports. in
gliding many from our diplomatic repre-
sentativeg- have to considerable extent
pointed out ways and means Of disDosing
q a great variety Of manufactured goods
which otherwise might not have found sale
abroad
Testimony of foreign observers 10 the
commercial efficiency of the consular
corps seems to be conclusive. and our own
manufacturers and exporters highly ap-
Preeiate the value Of the services rem
dered not only in the printed raports. but
also IN the individual efforts Of consular
ofieeFs 10 promote american trade An
increasing part OF the work OF the Bureau
OF Foreign Commerce whose primary duty
II IS to compile and print the reports. is
10 answer enquiries from trade organiza-
tons, business houses, etc, as TO c0Rdi-
tons in yaTious parts Of the world. and.
aot"fit outstanding the snaslness OF the
force employed, the work has been 50 sys-
1elnatize<1 that responses are made with
such pTomDtitude and accuracy as to elicit
1atterinS eneoHiuRas. 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
usTy, 1888, continues TO give general sat
tsfaetioz-
TIE Ell aHrcr-