The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-18

European countries L nave devoted
all my time, my capital and my en-
ergy to the introduction of American
products in my country and Portugal.
Although three years ago l was called
'anti-patriotic it begins to appear that
I was not wrong in my ideas. America
has arrived at that point where she
must seek foreign markets. My people
called me anti-patriotic because l was
inclined to wrest them from German
and French tutelage, thinking that be-
ing forced to follow behind others the
best way was to follow behind the mas
tiers and not the apprentice.
THE great American people do not
hold grudges but are willing to lend
their assistance wherever it is found
necessary for the good of a people. 1
believe that a reciprocity treaty be-
tween Spain and the United States
would be of the utmost Importance to
both countries, each having products
essential to both, not common in both
countries. An equitable adjustment of
the tariff would work no hardship to
either country. / think we should have
a reciprocity treaty purely from philan-
thropic purposes along philanthropic
lines. Whatever the difficulties may
have been between the nations in the
past need not prevent the present or
future generations enjoying the most
friendly relation. Spain is not a manu-
featuring nation, neither does she pro-
duce agricultural products sufficient to
properly supply her people. While on
the other hand she has many products.
not common to the United States which
if admitted would greatly add to
SPANS prosperity. Such a treaty would
be a living monument to the greatness
of the American people under the Pc
culiar circumstances which now exist
between the two nations. Therefore per-
NIT me to take the liberty to send you
enclosed $500 for my membership in
your League, if it is permitted, and
would to God. that I might be able to
form a similar league in my beloved
country. 1 believe that if our people
cn1 oarfr. IL I~1@4
such a league could be created in
Spain. I am making a tour in the
United States, to secure some machin-
cry for expectation to Spain, and
data as you may have to my office at
home.
81 am Sir. Yours truly,
u. F. NILLALTA,
Barcelonoa, Espana."
Mr.. Hulit has also recently received
a letter from J. A. Kasson, whose home
is in Des Moines, but who was desig-
mated by President Mckinley to formu-
late some of the reciprocity treaties
which the United States contemplated.
Mr.. KaSson is well versed on the sub
he was elected as director of the Re
ciprocity League. His letter is in ac-
ceptance of that post. He says:
Il have to acknowledge receipt of
your note of the % ult., inform ing me
of my election to membership of the
board of directors of the Western Reel
procity league.
while thanking you for the obIigins
personal expressions with which you ac-
company the notification, I beg to adj
wise the league that 1 accept the honor
they have offered me, with high appre-
citation of the work they propose to do
for the industrial advantage of our
country generally, and of the western
states particularly.
Notwithstanding our enlarged ex-
ports of manufactures, our agricultural
exports are in value more than double.
The agrarian interests of Europe are
organized against the continuance of
this agricultural export trade of ours,
and are resolved to grievously burden
where they cannot exclude it. The only
means of obtaining security against
this warfare is found in reciprocity
treaties which secure fair play for at
least term of years. Our flour trade
is especially threatened alike in Europe
and South America.
In respect to manufacture of iron
and steel and cotton, it is absurd longer
to call them infant industries needing
the guardianship of a high protective
tariff. They have invaded the world
with their products in competition with
the world. A careful investigation of
Industrial schedules shows many indus
tries in like condition of healthy indie
pendence, many of their proprietors are
rapidly becoming millionaires, out of
can consumers. 1t is not the industry
that den ands high protection. it is the
accommodating millions of the propri-
etors. This is especially true of the
eastern interests which have created
the principal opposition to the reciproc-
ity treaties pending in the senate We
must give fair play in exchange for fair
play.
1.-The prosperity of other states and
colonies is necessary for our own in
creasing prosperity. The poverty of
neighbor does not increase our own
profit Excessive selfishness is a con-
tagious disease. Europe is catching it
from us. Delay in applying the proper
is dangerous