The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-04-01
CONGRESS SHIRKS
TARIFF REFORM
MAXIMUM AND ~ MINIMUM
TARIFFS PROBABLE.
Republicans Divided into Two Classes
Some Oppose Reciprocity-Others
Regard 1t AS Impracticable--Non-
competitive Products Used AS Catch
Phrase-Country Wants Trade.
From The Journal Fureau, Colorado Building,

From The Journal Fureau, Colorado Building
Washington.
Washington, April 1.-The policy of
inaction Of the present session Of con-
gress, especially in affairs affecting the
tariff, seems likely to get It's members
into habits of mind from which they
may not easily be aroused.
Republican members from the
northwest who regard the protective
tariff as a provision OF expediency
which should be modified to suit the
times, have become wearied by the
studied Indifference of the ways and
means committee Of the house, and
especially of its chairman. Serene E.
Payne, toward every proposal, no mat
ter how meritorious, which might aft
feet the tariff. r a.. =. s.is3rII r.
One of these members referred to
committee while Representative
Tawney, himself a republican men,
Der of 1t, speaks of Mr.. Payne as
chairman Of the committee on the ad-
journment of the house.
This Is the atmosphere which sur
rounds the Canadian reciprocity pro-
posal Republicans In Congress may
be practically diyided into two. classes:
Those who otltwardly and sauarely
oppose it, and those who feel sure it
cannot be accomplished. i
Opposition in Senate. 49,,
Any one who has observed the diff
culties of getting Cuban reciprocity,
after so prolonged a fight, cannot re-
gard the prospects Of a trade with
Canada as very promising In the pres
ent composition Of the United States
senate.
The fact that in the census period
between 1890 and 1900 the factory
cities of New England and the east
gained most rapidly. in population
with few exceptions, OF any cities IN
the union does not support the view
the country Is on decline, however
much greater might be it's growth with
a larger range Of tributary country
Under our general tariff, manufac-
turing should theoretically be con-
Quoted more profitably near the grea
centers of consumers. Chicago ant
St. Louis are aided by very cheaI
steam-produCing COAL which Is at the
basis of manufacturing, While New
England is shut off by the same tariff
from the supplies which nature ma!
put beside her.
1t Is, of course, illogical to discuss
a proposal Of trade extension on thu
basis Of whether q country, or a sec
ton like New England, is now pros
porous.
A good proposal should not b.
discouraged because a section is get
ting on pretty we'll now. Practically
speaking, however, most Of our tarit
proposals are discussed on this basis
When times are good there IS n
popular relish for tariff changes. TIL
Canadian reciprocity project is al
ready under discussion here on tn
basis of whether or not New Bingham
and Minnesota need tonic: Tn
prevailing republican view Is tina
they cannot have one.
Canada's Attitude.
What the attitude of the Canada
government would be toward a com
mercial treaty with us seems some
what obscure. Outwardly, Sir VIII
frid Laurier does not seem anxious
move in the matter. The Alaska
boundary which so long obstructe
reciprocity, is now settled, but tn
wounds which it left have not bee
healed.
IT is of course possible that Canad
may be acting on the principle whic
Senator Hoar has so often laid dow
that a country which desires rec
iprocity with another should kee
rather quiet about it lest advantage
taken of it's zeal by exacting sever
terms in the trade.
The latest catch-phrase which he
worked it's way into reciprocity di:
cussion is the stipulation that tt
nroducts shall be non-compet1tiv
but the number of. non-competin
articles in this wOr1u Is tdt1er SIna
The exchange of Florida oranges an
icebergs would not make gre;
volume of international trade.
yet the United States is givir
very practical evidence In other, d
rections that 1t wants trade. .-.
seems willing to pay people to ri
the international blockade by carr,
ing. it on, yet the standpat polio
makes it extremely difficult to- el
courage the exchange Of commodiu
such as the ships might bring.
Probable Action. ~
The isthmian canal Is anotner gre
American enterprise for increasil
commerce, and our expenditures
connection with 1t are being used
an argument of first importance f
the establishment thru subsidies of
,. merchant marine to take advantage
it's short cut. 49,. -.
1t seems to be generally agreed tn
inethe first congress of the new a
ministra on the whole tariff squesti
will be taken up. Then Mr.. Love
ing's drawback scheme will have
hearing. -, - : ,,~,.s., 49,
The next reciprocity move of
general nature. if any is made, W