The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1901-11-22
THE RECIPROCITY CoNvENTIo.N

~ ESPITE the efforts of the opponents of the
protective system to get control of the re-
- ciprocity convention that has just closed its
session in Washington, their failure was complete
Some speakers indeed there were who protested
against what they called ultra proectionists," but
their following was not strong enough to dominate
the convention After full and fair discussion the
victory ior protection and that form OF reciprocity
expressed in the Philadelphia platform was COM
plete.
AS an expression of the sentiment of the majority
the convention adopted two resolutions the sub
ject The first recommends Congress to maintain
THE principle of protection for the home market and
TO open up by reciprocity opportunities for increased
foreign trade by special notifications of the tariff in
special cases, but only where it be done without
injury to any OF our home interests OF manufacturing
commerce or farming" The second resolution
recommends that in order to ascertain the influence
OF any proposed treaty on home interests Con-
gross should establish "a reciprocity commission
charged with the duty of investigating the condition
OF any industry and reporting the to the Execu
tive and to Congress for guidance in negotiating re-
ciprocal trade arrangements"
The two resolutions are in harmony with the prn-
ciple of reciprocity IS expounded and advocated by
the Republican party. The declaration by the con-
vention that reciprocity should be undertaken "only
where it be done without injury to any of our
home interests of manufacturing commerce or farm
ing" is virtually the the declaration in the
platform: eve favor the associated policy of rec-
procy so directed as to open our markets on favor
able terms for what We do not ourselves produce in
return for free foreign markets"
The recommendation in favor Of the establishment
Of a reciprocity commission would be we'll worth
adopting should it be decided to enter upon any e-
tensive reciprocity arrangements Mr. Kasson has
done about as we'll perhaps, as any other single
Commissioner could 90 in arranging such treaties,
but the result of his work has given no satisfaction
the country. If such trade arrangements are to be
made with foreign nations the terms proposed and
the various schedules Of duties suggested should be
subjected the scrutiny of body of experts repre-
senting the country whole and capable of esti-
mating with approach to accuracy the effect
the treaty would have upon the interests of the differ
ent sections of the Union Congress has not time to
undertake that work and ought not to be left solely
to the agents of the State Department If then we
have policy of reciprocity the proposed COM
mission would appear desirable from every point of
view.
1t is by means certain, however that ii is worth
while to undertake any extensive reciprocity system
The more carefully the proposals for such system
are considered the complex and the more per-
picking do the difficulties attending it appear More
over, there remains always the objection raised by
Senator Hoar that such treaties would have the ef-
feet of taking tariff regulations out of our own
hands and subjectng them the influences of foreign
nations. The country at present is prosperous and
It will be at this time wisdom on the part of Congress-
TO let we'll enough alone. There is no use in dis
turbing condition which is satisfactory alike 70 in
dustry and to trade