Evening star., 1901-04-22
WARNING TO AMERICA|
Worlds Alliance Against United
States No New Idea.
ADMINISTRATION NOT srARYLEl
One Effect of Ignoring the Reci.
procity Treaties.
POLICY IN THE FUTURE

The warning to America" conveyed in
the London Spectators comment on Ad-
mfral Count Canevares suggestion of a
world alliance against the United States
attracts attention at Washington, but in
it no idea is presented which is new OF
startling to the administration Among
those most familiar with our foreign rela-
tions there is no suggestion that the Spec
tator eNaggerates the delicacy of the situa-
tion with which this government has to
deal in its progressive movement as a COM
petitor for the worlds commerce OF late
there have been frequent admonitions of
the growing hostility abroad excit ed by the
commercial activity in this country, 1t is
fully realized by this government that the
disfavor with which the Monroe doctrine
and the American tariff system are viewed
by our industrial and commercial rivals has
been increased by our awakened interest in
interna ational affairs. the development of in
dustrlal combinations in this country for
the purpose of competition in the world S
market and the adoption of a national
policy which is interpreted by all the
powers to indicate an ambition on our par
to attain commercial and industrial suprem-
acy.
The Monroe Doctrine.
I, The difficulty of maintaining the Monroe
doctrine when conditions impel this gov
ernment to acquire sovereignty over terri
tory far beyond the sphere of influence to
which, by implication, we might be as
sumed to have limited ourselves by the ex-
clusion of European influence from this
continent, is appreciated by those high in
authority. as is also the probability that
some sacrifice of high protective tariff must
be made in the interest of our export trade.
This government is not ignorant Of the fact
that there is a strong disposition abroad to
retaliate upon us for our entrance into the
struggle for the oriental trade, by an as
sault upon the Monroe doctrine and an at
tempt to rapidly advance European in
terests within this hemisphere. 1t is fully
believed that all that is awaited is an OPP
perfume occasion for one or more of the
powers to dispute the authority of the Mon
roe doctrine. The ingenuity Of our diplo-
macy is being exercised to prevent that oc-
casion from arising. The most direct source
of irritation through which might develop
an alliance Of the powers In a war against
the commercial aggression oS this country
Is the hard and fast system OF high protec-
tive tariff dues. Serious consideration Is De-
ing given to the question of TIE feasibility
of adopting more flexible tariff system,
which would enable us to 0<ss.' i..3re equit-
ably with other governments .sna to NIKE
adjustments which would facilitate the w
trance of the abundant products of our
manufacturing enterprise into foreign mar
kets
Effect of Ignoring Reciprocity Trea-
ties.
1t is felt at Washington that much of
the grumbiing which is now heard from
Europeans who begin to feel the pressure
of our trade competition would have been
avoided had the Senate treated the re-
ciprocity treaties less contemptuously. The
State Department Is conscious of the fact
that the governments with whom these
treaties were made silently resent the man
ner in which the Senate ignored them. In
addition to the disappointment of the ex-
pectation Of benefit to be derived from the
measure of reciprocity provided for, the
governments interested may feel that they
have been Sighted by the failure of the
Senate to take any action whatever with
reference to the treaties.
Would Have Smothered Irritation.
1t was felt by the administration that
the reciprocity provision In the tariff act
afforded means of smoothing away some
of the irritations to our trade relations
with foreign governments. Therefore, to
the failure of the treaties is attributed the
more rapid development of trade hostil
ity than would otherwise have been antic
ipated. The selfish interests of trade are
not expected to be blind, but conciliation
by reciprocal concession might be calcu-
lated on to render less active for a while
the natural European hostility to the pro-
gressive policy of this country. 1t is felt
lIldt tile ullncullleS Oh tIle S1ludtlOi IldNe
been increased by the lack of harmony be-
tween the Senate and the State Depart
ment on this subject, and that the ulti
mate result may be some radical depar-
tures-perhaps after earnest contention be-
tween the conflicting interests In the coun-
try-from the present tariff policy. Though
there is little hope of the revival of the re-
ciprocity treaties in the next Congress
with better prospects of favorable action,
the bureau Of the State Department
through which the treaties were negotiated
is still kept in existence, and the effort is
being made through extensions to preserve
the treaties for the Senate to consider next
winter. The Russian treaty, by the adop
tion of which the retaliatory measure
which Is now irritating the two govern
ments could have been avoided still lies
in the State Department, it having been
deemed useless to send it to the Senate to
be included in the group of failures last
winter.
Administrations Policy.
1t will not be the policy Of this govern
ment to adopt a course Of retrogression on
account OF the hostility excited abroad by
our Industrial and commercial activity, but
some radical measures OF adjustment Of
trade relations to accord with new condi-
tions In this country may. 1t Is believed.
become necessary.
The suggestion is made that the Presi-
dent during his tour will take occasion
while speaking In manufacturing commu
mites to discuss in guarded way the de-
STABILITY Of adjusting trade relations with
foreign governments in way to be suited
to our present Industrial advancement.
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RUSSIA'S RETALIATORY TARIFF.