BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1901-12-05

At the reciprocity convention held in
Washington last Weeka feeling developed
which, it is believed, was hardly contemplated
by those who called the meeting. So far as can
be judged from the applause which greeted the
speakers and from the character Of the &c.
neral talk among delegates the sentiment was
strongly against any radical reciprocity at
this time. So far as the reciprocity treaties
are concerned the feeling seems to be almost
unanimous that they should not be ratified.
Resolutions were passed declaring against
the treaties, and recommending that the
President and congress 60 slow in the way
of legislation.
Some of the more earnest members of the
convention denounced any attempt at reci
procity whatever, but apparently they were
not in a majority. The feeling among ma.
nufactures present seems to have been that
the time has come when some consideration
must be given to the sentiment of the ceun.
try in favor Of some tariff modification in
harmony with the latest stage Of industrial
developments. How to meet this sentiment
and how most wisely to pave the way for
future commercial arrangements is the pro.
blem which engaged the attention OF the
more influential among the delegates.
Two propositions are now before the
people and it is not unlikely that one Of
them may meet With approval. Many ma.
of . commission to be composed of tariff
experts to consider the whole question from
every point Of viet0. The plan is to have
the committee study industrial conditions at
home and abroad, SO as to be in position
to recommend what arrangements, il any,
should be made to enlarge the worlds mar
kets for American products without injury
to any American industry. Such q COM
mission would be ia session for several years
and the idea is that any legislation which
should result from its recommendations
would continue in force for q sufficient
period to give assurance of stability to all
interests. The theory of the proposition for
commission is that the greatest menace to
business prosperity lies in the possibility Of
frequent changes in the tariff, and that
whatever notifications are made or what
ever arrangements are entered into should
continue for at least ""decade and, il pos.
sible, for two.
Another proposition is that department
of commerce and manufactures shall be
created to take charge Of this question.
One function Of the department would be
to keep constantly in touch with industrial
conditions, with the view to the establish.
ment of as permanent tariff as possible.
OF course, in both these proposals the idea
of maximum and minimum duties is en-.
bodied, for the general feeling seems to be
that any permanent reciprocal arrangements
must have some recognition Of that kind.
As Republican senator's and representa-
tives arrive in Washington il becomes clear
that there will be pronounced feeling in
congress against any form Of reciprocity
which interferes with the protective idea.
Senator Foraker declares laconically that
eve must have no reciprocity at the OK.
pense Of protection"
Representative Oushman Of Washington
is more picturesque in his expression.
"The circle is already completes" he says,
"even during my brief career. The political
merry -go-round has finished its trip and
we are asked to purchase another ticket.
So they are talking about tariff revision
again. 1t was during my observation OF
public events, back when Mr.. Harrison was
President, that the Democrats began to-
sgitate for free trade. They got what they
were after when Mr.. Cleveland was elected
in 1892 and the country suffered Free
trade having proved failure, the Democrats
started for free silver and their party scent
IN the Hovil fh.k niha oos,,o thin he