The San Francisco call., 1901-12-03
URGES PASSAGE
Of TARIFF BILL
Chancellor Won BuloW
Opens the Debate in
the Reichstag.

BERLIN, Dec. 2.-"This bill is the most
important that has been before the house
for long time, but it does not imply
any deviation from the policy in regard
to treaties of commerce." said the I'M
perial Chancellor, Count Won Bulow, at
the opening of the debate on the tariff
bill in the Reichstag to-day. "On the
contrary the Federal Governments are
firmly resolved to pursue a policy with
commercial treaties in the future In the
interest of German industry, while, of
course. upholding the just rights of Ger
many"
The Chancellor then proceeded to say
that the bill had been carefully prepared
upon material furnished by experts in
the various branches of trade and indus
try. On these branches the imperial
authorities had built up the present bill
and submitted 1t to the Bundesrath.
which practically agreed on the measure
as long ago as July. The bill took into
were especially deserving of considera-
ton, and more particularly agriculture.
But it was also intended to remedy de-
fectS that the existing tariff displayed in
respect to commerce and industry. The
Federal Governments were fully prepared
for heated conflicts, but he (the Imperial
Chancellor) was convinced that the new
tariff offered a basis affording good pro-
lection to agriculture, industry and trade.
He hoped that in the ensuing discussions
sense of confidence in the Government
would prevail.
Emperor Approves the Bill.
The Chancellor's remarks were greeted
with cheers. Continuing, the Chancellor
said:
The Emperor has approved the bill, which
is the result of several years comprehensive,
careful labor; which is the outcome of the
requirements of German economic life, and
which is Intended. while giving, so far as pos
sible, equal consideration to all interests, to
lection manifested by the agriculturists the
justice of which, within the limits prescribed
by one regard for the commonweal, cannot be
disputed
The measure also Is intended to furnish a
better weapon for future commercial treaty
TRe bill. therefore is not departure from
the policy of tariff treaties.
The statement caused exclamations
from the Leftists.
'Wait a moment" retorted Count Won
Bulow, land see which way the hare
runs next" After a short pause he con-
tinued:
firmly resolved in the interests Of German ex-
port trade, to pursue this policy in the future
as in the past, and to decide, according to our
own Judgment, upon the limits of what we
can grant without abandoning vital German
1t is now the business of this exalted house
to examine the bill and pass it to law The
Federal Governments are conscious of the far
reaching Importance of the task before them,
so far as the economic life of the nation is con-
cerned and Of the unusual difficulties attend
ing the reorganization Of our customs system
with the Federal Governments I am convinced
it Is in a particularly difficult position, while
industry and commerce during the last de-
cade have shown much more favorable devel-
opment
Protection for Agriculture
In view of the high Importance of agriculture
for the nations power and sustenance it should
be afforded every measure of protection COM
patible with the conditions OF our general eco
nomic life. Germany is both an industrial and
an agrarian state. We must have regard for
the millions of hands. employed in the factories
and in traffic on land and sea- 1t should be
the earnest endeavor of every responsible
of the international exchange Of goods and Sc
cure foreign treaties on acceptable conditions
thus promoting the well being of the great
masses of the population.
We shall have to conduct our debates and
attendant domestic conflicts, which certainly
will not be lacking before foreign ears LET
US remember throughout the conflicts and party
differences that we are dealing in our own in
terests with the national egotism which is
our perfect right, and let us not forget that
to other countries by demonstrating in the
speeches and resolutions the paramountcy of
the general welfare and general idea.
The appearance of DR.. Won Thielman
Secretary of the Imperial Treasury, was
the signal for an uproar that was contin-
ued throughout his address. He urged
forbearance upon the part of those who
were dissatisfied, pointed out the care
with which the tariff measure had been
drawn up and assured the house that il
would facilitate negotiations with Rus
sia and other countries. He said that in
spite of higher duties on cereals the Gov
ernment hoped to come to an understand
fng with the United States.