Arizona republican., 1901-10-16

The Chicago Tribune of october
 12th, commenting on the editorial ex- | pressions on the re- THE ciprocity problem call
 RECIPROCITY ed forth by the te!e-
 PROBLEM. graphic inquiries of
 that paper, finds cause
 for congratulation in the unanirnity of the sentiments expressed. It says: The symposium is more or less rep | resentative of the republican and in- dependent press of the whole country, | but most notably of the middle west | The utterances of these editors may safely be taken as voicing the senti- ments of the majority of their readers. | In a discussion of reciprocity the opin- ions of democrats need not figure, since they take exception to the funda- mental system of protection. upon which the reciprocity idea is based. The most striking feature of this collection of editorial opinions is the almost complete unanimity in favor or reciprocity. Along with this sentl- ment goes a strong conviction that the problem is difficult and should De handled with caution. The writers ex- press this feeling of cautiousness in varying degrees. ranging from a mere mention of difficulties to an expres- sion of fear that practical obstacles are too great to be surmounted. Oniy one editor in the group suggests that ''it might be a mistake to broaden our policy of reciprocity at this time" Two or three say they cannot see satis- factory solution of the problem. Three fourths of the whole number are more or less squarely in favor of the McKin- ley policy as outlined in the Buffalo speech and most of these call for the ratification of the treaties now pend ing.
 It is gratifying to note how gener- ally these spokesmen of local public opinion insist that the reciprocity ques- ton should be treated solely with view to benefiting the nation as a whole. One (The Arizona Republican, remarks that the senate must rid itself of the spirit of local selfishness which has. been allowed to defeat the treaties thus far negotiated. Another says the country needs reciprocity where it is more beneficial than protection, and protection where it Is more beneficial than reciprocity. A paper that always has been strongly protectionist Is now in favor of a modification of the tariff. ''believing that the time has come when more attention can be paid to revenue and less to fostering gigantic industries" The consensus of opinion, however. is most nearly represented by the editor who says: We want q sys- tenn of reciprocity that will encourage international trade and enough tariff to protect American industries" This is supplemented admii ably by the writer who says a tariff Is wall and reciprocity treaties are gates in the wall. If the nation is to have great and permanent foreign commerce 1t must see to having the necessary gates. Reciprocity gives the benefits of free trade without its disastrous effects on home industries.
 As fair indication of the attitude of the republican and independent press and majority of the people this symposium has its significance for the president and for members of the senate. It appears to indicate that the public desires the ratification of the pending reciprocity treaties and the negotiation of the pending reciprocity treaties and the negotiation of others. desiring only that the subject be han dled carefully and in a broad spirit or patriotic business wisdom.