Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1901-06-13
RECIPROCITY TALK.
Manufacturers Agree on the Means
TO Secure Foreign Trade.
SPEECHES AGAINST A HIGH TARIFF.


Detroit, Mich, June G.-Commercial
reciprocity was the theme which the
Manufacturers National association
discussed yesterday. Widely diverg.
ing views were expressed ut times,
but when self-interests were laid
aside and the good Of the manufac-
turing Of the country was considered
in the aggregate the delegates were
agreed that reciprocity was the only
means by which the foreign trade Of
the American manufacturer could be
safeguarded During the discussion
Of the presidents report, Gen. With
ington, Of Jackson, Mich, said he
thought the businessmen of the
country and not the politicians should
have the most to say about the tariff
laws. He was in favor Of the tariff
revision, although he had hitherto
been in favor Of high tariff. W. L.
Saunders, vice president Of the lnger-
sol Sergeant Drill company, of New
York, agreed with Gen. Wilmington.
He said o high tariff was not only un-
necessary, but hindrance and dan.
ger to our business. "0ur Russian
sugar controversy said he, SHOWS
how we may be legislatcd against by
other nations"
William Il. Wood, manufacturer OF
ice tools, said II he looked at the mat
ter from selfish point of view he
would declare for absolute free trade,
but he agreed with the others that .
protective policy was the best. T. s.
Barnett, head Of the Barnett Leather
company, said leather men wanted
free hides, enabling them to bring
raw material into the United States
and ship out finished leather. $. L.
Smith, of Detroit, called attention to
the fact that the farmers of the west
were power the manufacturer
would have TO consider lie warned
the association that II through high
tariff and retaliation abroad the
doors there were shut against the
American farmer the manufacturer
would have the farmer to settle with.
James s. Taylor said that while
American manufacturers were clam
oring for the open door in China
they should not shut the door Of the
United States.
When the committee on resolutions
presented its report ut the opening
Of the afternoon session another live
" discussion was preclpltated A
Resolution recommending that the
matter Of requesting the next con-
gress to speedily adopt the river and
hnrbor bill now in hand be referred
to the executive committee for action
was passed. A resolution declaring
section OF the Dingley tariff law,
relating to the assessment of counter
vniling duty on Russian sugar, was
inimical TO the best interests of this
country, and asking congress to re-
peal or modify II was passed. The
resolution requiring congress to pro-
hibit free distribution Of blackleg
virus to cattle dealers provoked a
long and hot discussion. II was final
ly made to read that the national as
ISOLATION disapprovcs Of the United
States government entering into the
manufacture Of any article which has
passed the experimental stage for
free distribution.
Al adjournment hour the question
OF passing resolution looking to-
ward the calling Of a reciprocity con-
vcntion for the purpose Of taking ac-
ton that will effect all internal
treaties now pending or to be exc
cuted was under discussion and will
doubtless he passed to-day.