New-York tribune., 1902-10-17
GERMAN CRANCELLOR'S PLEA
PROTESTS AND CHEERS GREET HIS
VIEWS on THE TARIFF BILL.

Berlin. Oct 16-rhe Reichstag AZ its session
to-day entered on the discussion Of the Tariff
bill, beginning with the schedules relating 70
wheat and rye
ChanceAlor Won BulcW recommended fhat the
bin be passed as drawn up by the government
saying that the House committees proposals
increasing the minimum tariff would render we
conclusion or new treaties impossible. Ine
tariff proposed by the government he added
was the extreme limit IL Germany wished 70 or
tain from other countries greater concessions
than she now enjoyed.
The Chancellor began by thanking the mem
bers OF the tariff committee for their zeal which
he hoped had laid the basis for Germany's future
fiscal and economic policy. Then. in behalf OF
the federal governments, he enumerated the
considerations which guided them in framing
the bill The object IN view was 10 afford 70
agriculture increased protection. and ar the
same time il was intended not only TO retain
the home market for Germany's highly de-
veleped industries, but also 10 develop as muoh
as possible the sale OF German products abroad
thus serving the interests of trade generally
II was desirable for trade agriculture ana
industry that commercial treaties extending over
long periods should be concluded, but they
should he based on full reciprocity, while safe
guarding Germsny's legitimate interests. The
speaker skesched the fiscal and economic condi-
tions of Europe and the United States. and said;
We must strengthen our potico-commerciaI
arrnor. as 10 enable 10 meet our opponents
as equals in the economic arena.
The Chancellor pointed ont that the new tariff
specialized 10 greater extent than former
tariffs. and said this was intended TO afford
an effective weapon in the negotiations for
treaties. The tariff also provided Increased
duties on articles considered important from
political and commercial standpoint. These in
creases offered sufficient scope for negotiations.
The federal governments regarded most Of the
apprehensians regarding the minimum rates pro-
vided by the bin as unfounded- The chief CON
Germ OF the governments was the advancement
OF national interests at large No lack of So
Icitude for agriculture was shown in the BILL
and the fear that the passage Of the measure
would lead to increased cost OF living for the
working people considered baseless
The governments. the Chancellor declared.
would never consent 10 discriminate against
others in favor of working people They must
steer a middle course between the interests OF
all. between the interests Of the agri-
culturists and industrialists. whose respect
i've success necessary TO the vel
fare of each other. The proposed agrarian
duties would not harm the industriallsts but
the increase in the minimum rates would make
il impossible 10 conclude the treaties. The fed
eral governments have already gone TO the eX-
freue limit, entirely agreed Inal tHey couIu
neither raise the minimum tariffs nor extend
them 10 other articles than those already pro-
Vided for in the bill II the bill were rejected
the government would be Obliged to continue
the existing treaties TO negotiate new ones
on the basis of the old tariffs, in which case
n was doubtful II German trade, especially ag-
riculture, would benefit II would under the
new bin.
The ChaneeIIor's remarks caused violent pro-
tests and made him appeal TO the House not
10 disturb the course Of the proceedings or
bring about their suspension by artificial means.
Ii would. he declared, be laying an axe TO the
roots Of the parliamentary system II the matter
were not discussed in proper seriousness ana IN
a practical manner. The rejection Of the bill
would involve great Disadvantages 10 all, es-
\ pecally 10 agriculture
The Chancellor concluded, amid cheers and
protests by making q final appeal 20 the
House 20 once again give evidence Of that patri
otism which IT had so often displayed. in
der that an understanding might be speedily
reached.
Herr Gothein (RadicaD said the bin provided
a defensive arrnor so heavy that n would only
make the fight harder: other States would in
crease their duties and this process would be
without end. In the interest OF industry. he
said, II would be wiser 10 extend the existing
treaties The wretched condition OF agriculture
was due mainly TO mismanagement
Herr Won Kardorff Qmperialist) declared on
behalf OF his party that il would insist upon the
proposals OF the tariff committee.