New-York tribune., 1902-02-03
naval defence or tariff

either in diplomacy. naval defence or tariff
policy.
There is. indeed. the possibility OF the passage
OF a new tariff with strongly marked protective
features in response TO agrarian agitation; but
this measure, while # will restrict the importa-
tion OF American food products, will not be
aimed against the United States alone, but
against Russia Austria-Hungary. France and
other countries as we'll. The agrarian agitation
is not. in a strict sense, an anti-American move
ment, as it is often assumed to be in the United
States. The agricultural interests of Germany
are seriously endangered by importation of for
eign products Some OF them have been already
destroyed: others are threatened with ruin, and
the agrarian movement in defence Of German
agriculture is not which can be logically
attacked from any country where there is
protective tariff for the promotion and develop
ment Of home industries. Even il this tariff be
enacted there will be no valid ground for COM
plant from American producers; but the chances
Of a successful political coalition for securing
SIS passage are declining every month. The
Socialists and National Liberals are against 1T
because it will largely increase the cost Of living
Of the working population in factory towns and
in the mining belt; the deputies from Hamburg
and other mercantile centres are denouncing any
attempt to restrict commercial exchanges or to
interrupt the operation of reciprocity conven-
servatives are finding fault with the meagreness
OF the protective features and beginning to ask
their leaders whether it is worth while to make
strenuous efforts for securing the adoption of
what is hardly more than beggarly half meas
ure for the defence Of German agriculture. The
hard times are bearing heavily against the pro-
posed tariff, with its increased burdens upon inn
ported food. It's advocates are unable to sug-
gest any combination of factions groups by
-xhf N.v7 he Irad for
The German Emperor has been disposed 10
have the legitimate grievances Of the agri-
cultural classes redressed, II there be any prac
ticable method of effectng a tariff compromise
He has not set his heart upon having the policy
carried out. He has displayed serious concern
in the misfortunes OF the agricultural classes,
and directed his ministers 10 adapt themselves
so far as possible to the urgent requirements Of
increased protection for their interests: but the
tariff is not his personal policy as the crea-
ton Of navy has been If it were 1t
would be adopted without doubt, for the pot-
ical leaders of the Rechstag have learned that
he must be allowed TO have his own way in any
matter in which he is directly and personally
interested They offered resistance TO his naval
programme. but they could not thwart his
wishes. The struggle ended by his getting more
money for the navy than he demanded at the
outset. He has an infexibIe will. and consum-
mate tact in arranging ways and means and
in overcoming resistance, and his popularity has
steadily increased with every year OF his
reign. The mission OF Prince Henry to the
United States is an enterprise Of his own. The
motives for il are probably many, but he is per-
sonally identified with It. and that is enough for
his loyal subjects. who accept his judgment
final on every question Of foreign relations. He
likes Americans. has singled them out for special
honors and delicate consideration on many
casions. is we'll informed respecting the cond-
tion Of their navy and their material progress,
and from sheer anliability is anxious to pay
them handsome compliments and to their
good opinion as sagaCious sovereign who acts
from enlightened self-interest and knows what
is going on in the world. There may be ulterior
motives for the exceptional interest which he
is taking in the naming OF his yacht by the
daughter Of a fellow sportsman, and in the
special mission of Prince Henry in America; but
probably characteristic good nature and sin
cere regard for the people OF the United States
are at the bottom OF the matter. In any event.
there are cogent reasons why Americans should
look at the Emperor and Prince Henry through
their own eyes, and not through English or
French spectacles and gracefully accept neigh
borly and friendly acts in a spirit Of comfy and
good will INF