The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-15
Signor Luxxatti's Speech at the Inter-
national Agricultural Con-
gress at Rome.
CUSTOMS UNION IMPOSSIBLE
AND HIGHER DUTIES ON AMERICAN
PRODUCTS IMPROBABLE.
NJ. Meline Also Opposed to a Zollver-
Elm, Which Would Mean War
Cigarette Tobacco Corner.

ROME, April 14.-The discussion at the
to-day with the presentation of the name
of julius Rubinek a Hungarian deputy,
who was unable to- attend, of a proposal to
establish an accord between the European
nations for the purpose Of checking over
sea competition. especially that of the
United States, by applying higher duties to
American products.
Count Won Schwerein Loeweitz presented
and explained his proposition for an Euro
pean zollverein. adding that he wished
Europe to defend herself not only against
the United States but against all other
non-European countries. He also wished
to find practical means Of securing an
early commercial union OF the European
countries.
Sig. Luzzatti, who has been three times
Italian minister of the treasury and who
is considered the highest Italian authority
on questions of commerce, expressed as
tonishment that, in the presence of the
high tariffs just voted by Germany and
Switzerland and the tariff now being pre-
pared by Austro-H Hungary. any one dare
suggest an European customs union to op-
pose American competition. Is there hope
fore declaring the United States ?
II would be ridiculous to threaten war; he
said, without an understanding among the
allies. Even the renewal of the present
European treaties difficult. The ex-
listing tariffs were so enormous that they
were threatening to put back Europe eco-
nomcally to the middle ages How was IL
possible under such conditions to fight the
United States, of which he must speak
with respect? Her greatness imposes pru-
dence, while her force commands respect
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. IL IL were possible.
America would defend herself and how
could Europe compensate herself for the
damage that America could do? He hoped
that the commercial treaties would be re-
newed. for they, containing the most IA
vored nation clause, alone might lead to a
sort of European customs union.
Signor Luzzatti asked IL the responsibility
for the much condemned trusts lies on
those states" he exclaimed. who have no
representative here to demonstrate that
their sins are not worse than ours. Let us
abandon the idea OF an European league
against any one and advocate a conference
of the representative of the whole world
to take measure against the trusts and
leagues which are perturbing the natural
NJ. Meline declared that II was impossible
TO establish the same duties throughout
Europe which had such different products
and needs. America is such an extraordi-
nary country" he said. that am fright
ened when ! think OF what she may become
when she has reached the height OF hel
development. But II some American prod
ucts threaten US. others are absolutely in
dispensable to II her production in
creases, her population also increases
thereby increasing the home consumption
We must study a legitimate organiza tion
OF defen&e. not a zollverein. which would
be war. II will be imprudect TO adopt the
proposition before the Congress. which Is
an unnecessary threat and an unripe meas
ure.''
Baron I3iepenhausen. a member OF the
Reichsta&.; said the greatest threat Of the