Evening star., 1901-11-19

Whatever action we may take will have
direct bearing upon the welfare of sill our
Industries, and not alone our manufactur-
ing interests but also our entire commerce
at home and abroad. The influence of ta!s
convention will extend even further, for
other nations are watching eagerly for tbs,
outcome of our deliberations.
Meet for Harmony.
THE specific work that lies before us is
to ascertain what the manufacturers of
the United States, represented in this
gathering, think about reciprocity ard to
give definite form and expression 20 their
views. 1t Is the duty of this convention to
harmonize as far as shall be possible the
widely differing opinions represented in this
body and to reduce to clear and forCefui
expression such principles as we hold in
common. We are here to harmoniYe our
views, not to emphasize our differences.
Il apprehend that when we come to know
and understand each other better we shall
find that our differences of opinion are real
ly much less than we now imagine and that
there are many points upon which all of US
can agree without difficulty.
Il take 1t we are all agreed as to certain
general propositions such as these:
THAT some of the duties embraced In our
present tariff are no longer needful for the
existence of the industries for whose protee-
ton they were imposed.
That many of our industries have reached
stage in their development where the
home market alone cannot absorb their en-
tire product, and consequently new outlets
are necessary for their continuous opera
tion and the steady employment OF their
operatives
"That the establishment of more cordial
commercial relations with other nations by
means of an exchange of tariff concessions
would enlarge the foreign outlets of those
industries for which increased export trade
is necessary
Piles of commercial reciprocity could be
made without injury to any of our indus
tries the consequent expansion of our for
eign trade would be beneficial to all our
commercial and industrial interests.
Il judge that We are pretty well agreed
as to the truth of these propositions. The
problem with which we have to deal is the
practical application of them.
Coffee and Tea.
Coffee and tea are about the only great
staple articles of commerce which we do
not produce, and If reciprocity be limited
to the use of these two commodities a
basis for negotiations We cannot expect to
make much progress. To insist upon strict
adherence to such principle in making ap-
plication of reciprocity is virtually to op-
pose it's use in any practical form.
I'VE are a progressive people and l be-
lieve that our ideas Of commercial reci-
procity are broadening somewhat as our
range of vision widens. The reciprocity
that is wanted today is a reciprocity that
means something and promises something
In the shape of tangible advantages for our
commerce, not merely expressions Of kind
sentiment toward all the business world,
but an actual giving and taking of conces-
siOns that will open wider for us the mar
kets of the world and broaden the distribu-
tion of our products.
There are two elements which will pre-
sent themselves here, as they always do
,Ir,, 0P os%
down to practical details of It's application.
One is the positive assurance which some
of us have that the duties upon our neigh
bors' goods can be reduced without harm,
and the other is the equally firm belief that,
we can concede nothing of what we now.
have without inviting ruin and destruction
Perhaps the one Is over bold while possibly
the other is over timid. There are some
earnest and sincere men of pronounced
views who argue that we should make con-
ceSsions that would broaden our markets
even if this should mean disaster to some
industries on the principle that the end to
be sought is the greatest good to the great
est number. 1 have yet to meet the man
who is willing to allow the destruction of
his business for the good of a greater num-
ber of his fellow manufacturers, and am
sure that such policy would not be ac-
cepted by this convention.
The Two Sides.
1.-The strongest advocates Of reciprocity
are those who see a chance to gain some
advantage; the most determined opponents
are those who fear injury from its appli-
cation. A better understanding between
these two elements and considerate re-
gard by each for the welfare of the other
are absolute necessities If we are to make
any progress toward agreement upon the
principles and the practical application Of
reciprocity. I am confident that such a
spirit will prevail in this convention, for
those
sen from among the most representa- tive
of our manufacturers and that means men
of broad views sound judgment and con-
siderate action.
"And now, without encroaching further
upon time that is all too brief for the
work that lies before you, let me plead
finally for spirit of liberality in all that
may be said done in this convention.
Let recognize, every man of us, that
our neighbor's right to live and to pros
per 1s as great as our own, and, too, that
ours are no greater than his. Let US get
together in a spirit Of perfect frankness
and freedom and make an honest effort to
find common ground upon which all of
us can stand in harmony and unity. If
we can enter our work with such a spirit
as this am sure we can accomplish some
thing that will abundantly justify this con-
vention."
Vice Chairman Chosen.
Without division the convention elected
the following vice chairmen: General Will
lam F. Draper of Massachusetts,, T. L.
Hickman of Georgia, Charles H. Harding
of Pennsylvania, James Deering of Illinois,
Titus Sheard Of New York city, Robert ].
Morgan of Ohio. Messrs Edward H. Sand
bourn Of Pennsylvania and E. P. Wilson of
Cincinnati were chosen secretaries. :.
The one other matter of business consid-
cred in the morning was a resolution ex-
tending the greetings Of the convention to
President Roosevelt and pledging to him
the support Of it's delegates.
recess was then ordered until o'clock
On reconvening the delegates entered upon
a discussion Of commercial reciprocity as
applicable to our relations with the Span
ish-American countries. Tonight's session
Is expected to dispose Of that phase of the
subject.
Succeeding Programs.
The program for the remainder of the
convention follows:
Wednesday, November 2O-9:3O am, dis
cussion Of commercial reciprocity as appli-
cable to our relations with European coun-
tries; 2 pm, continuation Of the mornings
discussion; 8 p.m discussion of commercial
reciprocity as applicable to our relations
with Canada.
Thursday, November 21-9:3O am, gem
eral discussion of commercial reciprocity