The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1902-02-06

The national Republican platform Of
1896 declared as follows regarding reci-
procity:
Protection and reciprocity are twin
measures Of Republican policy and go
hand in hand. Democratic rule has
recklessly struck down both, and both
what we produce; free admission for
the necessaries of life which we do not
produce; reciprocal agreements Of mu-
tual interest which gain open markets
for us in return for our open market to
others. Protection builds up domestic
industry and trade and secures our
own market for ourselves. Reciprocity
builds up foreign trade and finds an
outlet for cur surplus"
In pursuance of this plank in the
platform section of the Dingley act Of
1907. partly as an antidote to it's high
protective features and partly as an ef-
fort to keep the party true to its
pledges, gave to the president Of the
United States, by and with the advice
and consent OF the senate. within the
period of two years after the passage
Of the act authority to enter into COM
nerciRl treaties with foreign countries
by which our duties might be reduced
as much as 20 per cent and certain nat
Hral products not of this country might
be put upon the free list In return for
eonpensating reductions allowed to
this country.
Under this section President McKin-
ley appointed Hon. John A. Kasson,
who. previously on the ways and
means committee. had acquired con-
siderable experience with tariff sched-
ules. He at once set about his task
and in short time had succeeded IA
formulating treaties with France, the
Argentine Republic, Danish West In
dies and British West Indies. The
two frBt named were the most impor-
tsnt. France agreed to make an aver
age reduction of about 80 per cent on
about 600 articles. We agreed to make
an average reduction Of 6.S per cent
On about 200 articles. France, although
a protective country, had tariff far
lower than ours. yet she allowed US
substaRt advantages, while we, hav-
ing an exaggerated protective tsriff.
only made slight reductions on few
schedules. The most important con-
cession was on cotton knit goods,
which were reduced from "a to sly
per cent. Cheap imitation jewelry
was reduced or 10 per cent. French
silk was admitted at 81 instead OF 90
per cent. and there were slight reduc-
items In the paper schedules.
Te the Argentine Republic in return
for very advantageous terms we
granted 20 per cent reduction on wool.
To the West Indies. who favored
amens ether articles American canned
goods. we lowered the bars on tropical
fruits.
1T was a glorious effort to increase
our commerce and to gain an outlet
for our surplus product.
When these matters became public,
there WAS frightened cry from de-
pendent prOtectionists. Manufactur-
ers asserted that the reduction on cot
ten knit goods meant irreparable in
Jury. A paper factory in Lee. Mass. was
In an agony OF despair at the prospect
Of reduction in the paper schedule.
The gentle shepherds from Ohio, pas
turing sheep on hundred dollar an acre
land. aud OF the Rocky mountains,
where government ranges can be had
for nothing. raised mighty shout at
the enormity OF 20 per cent reduction
on wool. Under the Dingley act the
dner Andeap heecps were practically
prohibited. and the reduction would be
welcome to manufacturers. California
protested because West Indian fruits
were to compete with her own.
The most amusing objection came
from novelty factories In Providence
and AttlebOro. which are supported
by kindly disposed customers who
charitably tax themselves some 65 per
cent. They addressed the New Eng
land congressman nv follows: "a
SHOULD the French treaty be rati-
ned the home market will again be
crowded with foreign made goods, and
to compete with the same labor which
enters largely into the production
must necessarily be the sufferer.
I'm 1897 we petitioned for tariff
OF rs per cent. The enactment OF the
DIngley bill fxed the rate Mt G5 pei
cent which does not fully reach the
point OF equalization.
ITO now infringe on that percentage
even per cent would be blow at la
bOr and the persons dependent on the
Jewelry industry. We earnestly ap
peal to you to use your utmost endeav
sf TO have the treaty rejected"
The Home Market club. our indus
TRIAL mentor. not believing that Presi
deat Mckinley was guilty of suct
heresy until his last message to con
greEa. began to pass resolutions. Il
thought that the wool reduction wal