The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-04-17
EUROPE MUST
DEFEND HERSELF
European Agricultural Congress
CounseIs Conservative Action
Against America.
MID pn-Ec -~0 n,~D
OUR DUTIES TOO HiGH
Suggested That European Countries
Combine Before Attempting Any
Commercial War With This
Country.


the first meeting of the European agri-
cultural congress yesterday opened with
the presentation, i'll the name of Julius
Rubinek, Hungarian deputy, of a pro-
posal to establish an accord between
the European nations for the purpose
of checking oversee competition, espe-
cially that of the United States, by ap-
plying higher duties to American prod
ucts.
Count Won Schwerin Loewitz present
ed and explained his proposition for a
European zolverein, adding that he
wished Europe to defend herself, not
only against the United States, but
against all other European states.
He wished to find practical means of
securing a nearly commercial union Of
the European countries.
Signor Luzatti, who has been three
times Italian ministry Of the treasury,
and who is considered the highest Ital-
Ian authority on questions of commerce,
expressed his establishment that in
presence Of high tariffs just voted by
Germany and Switzerland, and the tar
iff now being prepared by Austria
Hungary, any one dare suggest a Eu-
|ropean customs union to oppose Amer
lean competition. Is there hope for a
European agreement, he asked, before
declaring war on the United States?
United States Commands Respect.
It would be ridiculous to threaten
war, he said, without an understanding
among the allies. Even the renewal of
the present European treaties was diff
ficult The existing tariffs were SO
enormous that they were threatening
to put Europe back economically to the
middle ages. How was it possible un-
der such conditions to fight the United
States, of which he must speak with
respect? Her greatness imposes pru-
dence, while her force commands re-
spect Italy, especially, cannot take
the matter too lightly. as she not only
sends goods to America, but men who
are going to seek their liberty, work
and prosperity. The present threat was
not serious, because a customs union
was impossible among the European
nations.
If it was possible America would de-
fend herself, and how could Europe
compensate herself for the damage that
America could do?
Signor Luzzatti, in closing said:
Let us abandon the idea of an
| European league against anyone, and
advocate a conference Of the repre-
sentatives of the whole world to take
measures against the trusts and
leagues which are perturbing the later
al equilibrium of the markets.
| M. Meline declared that it was I'M
possible to establish the same duties
throughout Europe. which had such
different products and needs.
Were Quite Extraordinary
| America. is such an extraordinary coun.
| try" he said, that am frightened when
I think of what she may become when she
has reached the height of her develop
ment, but If some American products
| threaten us others are absolutely indis-
pensable to us. If her production in
creases her population also increases,
thereby increasing the home consumption.
We must study a legitimate organization
Of defense, not zollvereign, which would
be war. 1t will be imprudent to adopt
1.-THE proposition before the congress, which
is an unnecessary threat and an unripe
measure" Nj
| Baron Riepenhausen, a member of the
reichstag, said that the greatest threat
| of the United States was for the Euro
! pean industries, but agriculture was also
menaced. The fact that Europe exported
men to the American continent was no
reason for sparing America Germany
had exported 100000 men who were now
| fighting Europe worse than the Americans
/ themselves.
| In conclusion he proposed that a com
mittee of twelve, representing France
| Italy. Austria and Germany be appointed
to study the best way for Europe to figh,
American competition.