New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-06-25
BIG TRADE WAR PREDICTED.
FRANK A. VANDERBILT THINKS EURO
PEAN NATIONS WILL COMBINE
AGAINST THE UNITED STATES.
tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

Washington. June 24-Frank A VanderIip
formerly Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
has returned from long trip abroad fully con-
WINGED that Europe is preparing for a tre-
mendous commercial war against the United
States. Mr.. Vanderlip visited every country in
Europe and carefully sounded the governmental
and commercial leaders on their attitude toward
the United States. He went armed with letters
of introduction from the highest sources in this
country TO representative men in all parts of
Europe. and had extended interviews with lead
in all lines of thought.
Possibly the religious feeling OF more than a
half century ago which prompted the Holy
Alliance under the manipulation Of the crafty
Metternich was more bitter against than is
the feeling of commercial rivalry to-day. but /
doubt it, said Mr. Vanderlp this evening. IF
the whole Of Europe had been back OF the Holy
Alliance as the whole of Europe is back Of
the feeling that the Old Worlds trade supremacy
is seriously menaced. undoubtedly would
have had trouble when proclaimed boldly
our Monroe Doctrine as a defiance 70 European
aggression in this hemisphere But it is ex-
tremely dubious, however that religious feeling
is ever powerful a cement among distressed
nations is the stern realization that COM
merce is slipping away from people that for
centuries have dominated the world through
that agency. Therefore. think IT not only pos
sible but highly probable that Europe and
will agree TO binding terms Of trade combina-
tion against within the next few years. and
that the result will be the most gigantic and
stubborn commercial war in the history of the
world. AS most Of our commercial treaties ex-
pire in 1903. look for the real beginning of the
war then in refusal of most Of the Continental
nations TO renew those conventions.
AT the present moment Austria, which never
did like US. is leading in the movement against
the United States. and / found Goluchowski
head of the ministry Of that country our bit
terest and most outspoken foe. Obviously. the
other ministries of the Old World including
even that of England, are artfully encouraging
Goluchowsh in his course Of opposition, with a
view of drawing fire before they openly de-
clare themselves. For the immediate future our
trade prospects were never brighter in Europe.
There has been almost a total crop failure in
Germany. and from that country will have
this year bigger demands for our cereals and
other foodstuffs than before. The ag-
ricultural outlook is only little better in
France than in Germany, and even in England
the crop yield is not very promising. AS long
as these conditionns prevail the European
statesmen and hnanciers who plotting a
trade war against us will not openly avow their
hostile intent but as soon as the Continent
covers from its present agricultural depression
7 confidently believe the tOcsin OF will be
sounded. In Russia there are loud professions
Of friendship for the United States. and one
hears many expressions in admiration Of our
commercial development and methods. The Rus
SLAMS are modelling their tariff system after
ours and In a few years will try TO apply IL
with vigor and severity against all nations alike
but particularly against the United States.
1--WE can meet Europe's onslaught with
courage and confidence" Mr.. Vanderlip con-
timed I'VE outstrip her now in every mate
rial resource. in labor saving machinery and in
the rapidity with which surplus capital ls
accommodating Add TO these advantages a pa
triotic citizenship and an intelligent working
class and who can doubt for instant that we
will win the battle? When II is over the sceptre
az mower will be In hands. and then the
problem will be TO keep the distracted hordes
~ Furone from overrunning this continent and
10 prevent the desperate monarchies OF the old
world from acts of territorial aggression In
South America upon which they are already
looking with covetous eyes"