Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-04
COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
Countries with Which Special Agreements
Have Been Proclaimed.

Since my last communication to the
congress on this subject special COM
mercial agreements under the third
section Of the tariff act have been pro-
claimed with Portugal, with Italy and
Germany. Commercial conventions
under the general limitations of the
fourth section of the same act have
been concluded with Nicaragua, with
Ecuador, with the Dominican republic,
with Great Britain on behalf of the
Island Of Trinidad, and with Denmark
on behalf of the Island of. st. Crpix.
These Will be early communicated to
the senate. Negotiations with other
governments are in progress for the
Improvement and security Of our COM
mercial relations.
The policy of reciprocity so manifest
ly rests upon the principles Of interna-
tional equity and has been SO repeated
ly approved by the people Of the Unit
ed States, that there ought to be no
hesitation in either branch Of the con-
gress in giving to it full effect.
This government desires to preserve
the most just and amicable commercial
relations with all foreign countries, un-
moved by the industrial riyalries neces-
sarily developed in the expansion Of
international trade. II is believed that
the foreign governments generally en-
terrain the same purpose, although in
some instances there are clamorous de-
mands upon them for legislation specif-
cally hostile to American interests
Should these demands prevail / shall
communicate with the congress with
the view OF advising such legislation as
gency.
The exposition Of the resources and
products OF the western hemisphere to
be held at Buffalo next year promises
important results not only for the Unit
ed States but for the other participat-
ing countries. 1t is gratifying that
the Latin-American states have evinced
the liveliest interest. and the fact that
an international American congress
will be held in the City Of Mexico while
the exposition is In progress encour-
ages the hope Of larger display than
might otherwise be practicable. The
work of preparing an exhibit Of our ma
tional resources is making satisfactory
progress under the direction of differ
ent officials of the federal government,
and the various states Of the Union
have shown a disposition toward the
most liberal participation in the enter
prise.
The bureau Of the American repub-
lies continues to discharge with the
happiest results the important work Of
promoting cordial relations between
the United States and the Latin-Amer-
lean countries. all of which are now
active members of the international
mental in bringing about the agree
ment for another international Ameri-
can congress which is to meet in the
City of Mexico in October, 1901 The
bureaus future for another term Of
ten years is assured by the internation-
al compact, but the congress will doubt
less have much to do with shaping new
lines Of work and general policy. It's
usefulness to the interests of Latin
American trade is widely appreciated
and shows gratifying development.
The practical utility of the consular
service in obtaining a wide range OF
information as to the Industries and
commerce OF other countries and the
opportunities thereby afforded for In
PRODUCING the sale Of our goods have
kept steadily in advance of the nota-
BILE expansion of our foreign trade, and
abundant evidence has been furnished
both at home and abroad, of the fact
that the consular reports including
many from our diplomatic representa-
tives. have to considerable extent
pointed out ways and means Of dispose
ing of a great variety of manufactured
goods which otherwise might not have
found sale abroad.
Testimony of foreign observers to
the commercial efficiency Of the consul
Jar cogps seens TO be conclusive, ana