The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-06-17
THE RECIPROCITY STRUGGLE

The presidents message has had no
modifying effect upon the asperity, of the
factional contention over the proposition
to give Cuba the minimum of relief which
is embodied in the house bill. The presi
congress to do its duty. ,aE+1 &~-t B.: I
He is willing to proceed Ito the negotia-
ton of reciprocity treaty enbodying
20 per cent reduction, and this can be ac-
complished within a week, for Quesada,
the Cuban minister, is now in Washing
ton ready for such IN negotiation, and,
meantime, the trade balance is steadily
increasing against Cuba; while congress
is and has been practically doing all it
can to prevent the facilitation of trade
between the two countries. The beet
sugar men, few days ago, were favor
able to the negotiation of reciprocity
treaty because they had an idea that it
would take a long time to negotiate one,
and that it could only be brought in next
December and be defeated by the senate.
The president can do quicker work than
that in negotiating with Quesada, and, If
the belligerents are willing to unite on
such treaty, they can have it before the
close of this month. tss
Between the factions supporting the re-
bate plan, which is sustained by ten sena-
tors, and the Spooner compromise plan
support ed by forty -four votes, and the
other divisions there isssmall prospect of
a change of heart to solidarity on any
plan. The beet sugar faction are ready
for any combination which will defeat
any measure which favors reciprocity. If
they could secure the democratic strength
in the senate they could mass fifty-two
votes, which would be seven more than a
majority but they have not been able to
do that. Meantime the curious spectacle
is presented of men who voted for the
Dingley tariff law, which makes ample
provision for reciprocity treaties with
concessions, up to 20 per cent, actually
fighting a law placed upon the statute
book by the united vote Of the republican
party in 1897. 1maEssra
The situation suggests the rather un-
comfortable conclusion that the majority
In congress is not, by reason of the oppo-
sition of the minority of it's own members,
able to effect 20 per cent reduction of
tariff duties to apply to solitary coun-
try; at least that minority has succeeded
in delaying action on a specially meritor-
ious case and one in fulfillmenty of what
amounts to national pledge to relax the
rigidity of tariff schedules.
1t is evident that the trend of CONNER
cial sentiment in this country is, not along
such lines. There is not the slight est
hope for effecting reciprocity, which be-
gets an increase Of trade, through the
democratic party. In 1894 they proceeded
I to wipe out all the reciprocity provisions
Of the Mckinley tariff law, which had
proved most advantageous to our flour
and other branches Of our trade The re-
publican party, after embodying excellent
reciprocity provisions in the tariff law of
1897, has declined to ratify. a single treaty
negotiated by Mr.. \Kasson under those
provisions of the law, This is not record
{ the great republican party should make.
It remains that the Industrial and BUSH
ness forces of the country, which have de-
clared their views through many CONNER
cial organizations, are organizing under
the init iative Of the National Reciprocity
league for the promotion of our foreien