New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-06
FIGHT ON FRENCH TREATY
A LIVELY CONTEST AHEAD IN THE
SENATE-STRONG OPPOSITION
TO RATIFICATION.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNs.l ]

[BY TELEGRAPH TRIBUNEl
Washington. March "a spirited contest Is
expected in the Senate when the motion made
by Senator Aldrich in executive session to refer
the French reciprocity treaty to the Committee
Finance Is taken up for consideration. The
friends of the. treaty will sturdry oppose the
motion, but they do not include ar the mem
bers of the majority of the Committee on For
eign Relations. which recommended the ratiica-
tion. Although 1t was announced at the time
that the report from that committee was
unanimous it appears that two of the Repub-
lican members absent, both of whom it
is asserted opposed to ratification and in
favor of its reference to the Finance Com
mittee. Chairman Aldrich and the majority
Of that committee opposed to the rati1ca-
tion OF the treaty. and will make a sturdy fight
against 1T unless the reference is made
Senator Adrich favors modification of the
existing tariff law so as to provide as the tariff
laws of France and other Continental countries
of Europe do. for maximum and minimum rates
OF duty. After that is done. in his opinion it
will be easier for the United States to negotiate
commercial reciprocity treaties with foreign
countries fair and just basis This opinion
is shared, ii is understood. not only by most of
the Republican members of the Finance Com
mittee. but also by many other Republican SEN
ators, and the French treaty is regarded by
them as good example of what a commercial
reciprocity treaty ought not 20 be.
1t is asserted that the statement furnished by
Special Commissioner Kasson to the Committee
on Foreign Relations does not carry sufficient
information and facts which to base a cor
rect Judgment to the wisdom expediency
Of the provisions of the proposed French treaty
This statement was printed in confidence for the
use of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and
1t is understood that Senator Aldrich will move
TO have the seal of secrecy removed and the
document published. 1t is understood to con-
tain a confidential statement by a Chicago
manufacturer of agricultural implements in
favor of the ratification of the treaty. in which
the author not only assumes to speak for all
similar manufacturers throughout the United
States, but also undertakes to give reasons why
manufacturers engaged in other lines of indus
try-hosiery and knit goods. gloves, boots and
shoes etc-should not object to ratification.
The only other manufacturers confidential
is that of the American Smelling Company,
which wants to extend its market in France for
one of the by-products of its industry, and is
therefore in favor of ratification. 1t is assert
ed that none of the numerous protests and
memorials in opposition to the ratification have
found a place in Mr.. kasson's communication to
the Committee on Foreign Relations
AS the French treaty will lapse by it's own
terms unless 1t shall be ratified and the ratif1ca-
tions exchanged by the 24th of the current
month, IL is expected that effort will be made
to secure favorable action by the Senate at an
early day, especially it is understood that
France is awaiting such action before dsposing
of the subject.