The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-12-04
COMMERCIAL AGREEMENTS.
Congress Urged to Give Reciprocity
Treaties Full Effect.

The failure of action by the Senate at its
last session upon the commercial conven-
tons then submitted for its consideration
and approval, although caused by the great
pressure of other legislative business. has
caused much disappointment to the agri-
cultural and industrial interests of the
country. which hoped to profit by their pro-
vision. The conventional periods for their
ratification having expired. it became
necessary to sign additional articles ex-
tending the time for that purpose. This
was requested on our part. and the other
governments interested have concurred
with the exception of one convention. in
respect to which no formal reply has been
received.
Since my last communication to Congress
on this subject special commercial agree
ments under the third section of the
tariff act have been proclaimed with
Portugal. with Italy, and with Germany.
Commercial conventions under the general
limitations of the fourth section of the
same act have been concluded with Mica
aqua, 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. Croix. These
will be early communicated to the Senate.
Negotiations with other governments are
in progress for the Improvement and Sc
curity OF our commercial relations.
The policy of reciprocity so mani
testify rests upon the principles of inter-
national equity and has been so repeatedly
approved 10y the people of the United
States that there ought to be no hesita-
ton in either branch of the Congress- in
giving to 1t full effect.
This government desires TO preserve the
most just and amicable commercial re-
lations with all foreign countries. unmoved
by the industrial rivelries necessarily de-
velOped In the expansion of international
trade. 1t is believed that the foreign gov
ernments generally entertain the same pur-
pose. although in some instances there are
ciamorous emand upon them cor Iegis-
lation specifically hostile to American IN
terests. Should these demands prevail
shall communicate with the Congress with
the view OF advising such legislation as
may be necessary 10 meet the emergency.
The exposition OF the resources and prod
ucts OF the western hemisphere TO be
held at Buffalo next year promises i'm
portant opportunities not only for the
United States but for other participating
countries. II Is gratifying that the Latin
American states have evinced the ~liveliest
interest. and the fact that an international
American congress Will be held i'm the City
of Mexico while the exposition Is in prog
ress encourages these people TO a larger
display mt Buffalo than might otherwise
be practicable. The work of preparirg an
exhibit OF our national resources is making
satisfactory progress under the direction
OF different officials of the federal govern
ment, and the various States OF the Union
have shown q disposition toward the most
liberal participat ton In the enterprise.
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-Amcrican countries. all OF
which are now active member OF the In
tcrnatfonal Union. The bureau has been
Instrumental In bringing about the agree
ment FOR another international American
congress, which Is 70 meet in the City OF