Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1901-10-17
The President and Reciprocity.
Philadelphia Press,


Philadelphia Press.
The discussion over reciprocity in the
month that has elapsed since President
Mckinley crystallized the sentiment of the
land on this issue by the last and greatest
speech of his life has shown general
agreement on the principle of reciprOci-
ty and vide differences as to its details.
In this, as in so much else, the country
knows what it wants, but does not know
how to get it. Every one is agreed that
the development of our industries and the
demands of our export trade have reached
point where certain concessions in du'
ties are wise in order to obtain trade with
certain countries; but few agree as to what
these concessions should be. The treaties
negotiated by Mr.. Kasson and transmit.
ted to the Senate by Secretary Hay have
all failed of ratification because objections
existed in the Senate to specific changes.
These treaties are today little more than
basis for future negotiations. They can.
not be taken up as they stand. Their
amendment would only require new nego'
tiation. They show what can be done
abroad. They do not show what can be
accepted by Congress. They represent
past conditions. Much since has altered
in the condition of foreign manufacturers
and in the pressure OF our exports.
New treaties must be prepared and new
conventions negotiated. This work pri-
marily falls on President Roosevelt, Secre-
rotary Hay and the present administration
but this labor does not rest upon them
alone. The treaties negotiated by Mr..
Kasson considered too little the influences,
convictions and conditions thew must face
in the Senate.
A reciprocity treaty is not, like many Of
our foreign compacts,a IAN agreement which
can be wisely left exclusively to the Presi.
dent, the Foreign Affairs Committee OF
the Senate and the Senate alone. Wider
interests must be considered. A wider
range of counselOrs must be sought. A
reciprocity treaty affects domestic produc-
ton and the domestic market as we'll as
international trade. 1t is idle to suppose
that any reciprocity treaty can go into ef'
feet with which Congress is not fully sat-
isfed. Such a treaty to be successful,
must, in the nature of things, be the joint
product of the National Executive and
Legislature.
The experience of the last two years
renders this clear, and this experience will
guide the negotiations whose fruit will be
laid before Congress. President Roose.
welt will not work alone. The views Of
the Republican party as whole will be
considered. Conference will be constant
with the leaders of the Senate and House.
All interests will be borne in mind. Such
treaties as are negotiated will be drawn
with knowledge of congressional opinion
and conviction.
In no other way can success be secured
and in no other way can treaties be laid be-
fore Congress which will not only meet its
views but avoid injuring some American
interest. What is needed today, there
fore, is not criticism of past treaties, de-
mands f% this or that step or protests
against proposed changes; but full, careful
discussion, Which will place President
Roosevelt and bis administration in posi-
ton which will enable the State Depart.
ment to negotiate reciprocity treaties sat
isfactory to Congress, free from injury to
any American interests and calculated to
promote our foreign trade where it is to.
day obstructed.