The Washington times., 1902-07-26
Ready to Discuss Boun-
ties in Trust Confer
enCe of Powers.
DOES NOT INVITE CONGRESS
Circular Letter, Expressing Willingness
of Cars Government to Participate
in International Talk on Syndicates,
Reccived-Not an Anti Trust Move.

Russia is perfectly willing to confer
with ether pcwcrs Tor the purpose of
dcgis!ng means 20 check syndicates in
nucncing the -ornational markets, but
shc IS unwilling to accept the ccnelu-
siors CT the Brussels conference, be-
causo they are confined to the one com
moGity-sugar This attitude is eN'
plainc3 and set forth in document re
yeiycd by the state Department yester-
day from the United States embassy at
ST. Petersburg.
This circular note IS devoted 20 a de-
tailed argument justifying The Russian
rebate on sugar exports, and demon
straJing mat the Brussels conclusions
are not applicable. In its course the cx-
pression OF willingness to enter into a
conference with the other powers on the
subject Of trusts IS made.
Does Not Invite Conference.
The text OF The note shows that
the attitude and proposition Of
Russia have been very much exag-
gera;od, the note not containing any di-
rect Invitation TO the powers to confer
as to aRti-trust measures. but merely
a suggestion that if the conclusions OF
the Brussels sugar conference aimed A.
the alleged Russian export bounty On
sugar are to be accepted they should
have dealt with the broader subject of
International trade relations with ref
erence 10 the effect on them OF traae
combinations.
The Conclusion of the note, which
contains the entire suggestion Of Russia
End shows how greatly the matter has
been exaggerated. is as follows: But
If it were shown that an Intervention Of
this character by the government in the
conditions of industry is obroxious to
the interests of international trade or
commerce, that even such protection Of
home prices proves a disturbance to the
free action of international competition.
the Russian Government would readily
enter jointly with the other powers.
into discussion of the various meas
ures that could be conducive in check
ing the several means Of influencing in
ternatlonai markets.
Should be Wide in Scope.
1t would not, however, be inclined to
consider an agreement on this point. un-
less the question should be put in such
way as to cover the whole Of its scope.
That is to say. if there were undertaken
an examination not only of the results
OF direct measures by the government.
such as the creation OF bounties or the
control of the production. but also the
essence of various syndicates trusts
tolerated and protected by the govern
ment, and unless the general convention
should have for its object not only su-
gar, but also other leading staples of the
international trade of the present DAY.
In taking the position above ex-
plained. the imperial government hopes
that the foreign governments will make
no difficulty in taking it as an ey-
preston of its full consent to partici-
pate in any joint action of the powers
which would aim to protect international
prices against artificial falls in regard
10 sugar as well as ether merchan-
disc"
Sugar Bounty Question.
This Government does not regard the
Russian note as a proposition to par
ticipate in a conference for the control
OF trusts and combinations generallv.
No response to the note will probably
be made, although It is too early vet TO
make a definite statement to that effect.
The Governments action from present
indications will content itself with the
acknowledgment Of tbe receint Of the
note made by the Amer ican ambassador
at ST. Petersburg