The sun., 1901-11-21
VISITORS TO The PRESIDENT.
BIG DELEGATION FROM TIE
RECIPROCITY CONVENTION
Present . Memorial Representing the
Conventions views-Senator Elkins
Talks In Imposition 10 Reciprocity
Reform Club Opposes subsidy Bili.

Reform Club Opposes subsidy Bill.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2O.-A committee
from the National Reciprocity Conven-
tion, now in session here, had an inter-
view with the President shortly before
p. NJ. to-day for the purpose Of pre-
senting q memorial. ostensibly represent
ing the views OF the convention In regard
to reciprocal trade relations between the
United States and other countries. The
President. In receiving the memorial, told
his visitors that he was deeply Interested
In the work of the convention and that he
was glad that such studious attention was
being devoted to so large n subject.
Senator ElSins Of West Virginia, who
was one of the Presidents callers to-day,
was most outspoken in his opposition to
reciprocity as it Is being generally dis
cussed by its friends at this time. He
said:
Il want 10 say that | am against the
view OF reciprocity which seems 20 be
uppermost at this time. j am opposed
to all reciprocity that operates against
our home markets. Three of my obJec-
tions are these: First this IL not the rcci-
procity OF which Blaine was the advocate.
His theory contemplated ciprocity with
South America and the West Indies. IT
was a Pan-American proposition. IL did
not contemplate reciprocity with Europe;
Second, | do not believe the tarih should
be revised through the treaty-making
power. for that was not intended by the
founders Of tho Government. Third, IN
the case Of Europe II would be difficult TO
satisfy every country. II we could make
n treaty with one country of Europe, we
might offend another. Why should we
ratify the pending treaty with France
and not ratify similar arrangement with
81. hat n
friends of oursi Moreover. We were never
40 prosperous as we are now. There are
not cars enough to move our products
from one part OF the country to another.
Let well enough alone. that's all l have
TO say.
spent in receiving visitors who wished
10 talk on the subject Of reciprocity. the
President received Secretary Hitchcock
and II. c, Kercns Of st. Louis. They repre-
sent the rival factions Of Missouri Repubh-
cans who are engaged in bitter fight re-
earoiing the Federal appointments in that
State. II Ia thought that this contest
NAV involve the question of Mr.. Hitch
cocks retirement from the Cabinet. The
fight at present centres around the APP
pointments of Collector Of Customs ana
an Appraiser Of Merchandise al the Port OF
St Louis. Neither Mr.. Hitchcock nor Mr.:
Kerens would say what was the result oi
their interview with the President, but MT
Kerens said no action would be taken In
regard 10 the appointments until fun hear
ing had been given to both sides.
The ship subsidy question was brought
before the President to-day in the form
of memorial presented by the Tar'ff
Reform Committee Of the New York Re
form Club This memorial consisted of
a long argument in opposition to the Frye
bill. 1t represents that, the proposed
legislation "has admittedly been devised
and actively pressed mainly by those in
tcrested 10 receive the Government BOUNTY Y
proposed. on conditions which they them
selves have framed" The memorial pro-
ceeds 10 enumerate large number Of sup
posed objections 10 the Subsidy bill as II
was urged before the last Congress.