The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-04-29
THAT GERMAN TARIFF.

WASHINGTON, April 2s.-A considerable
number Of American newsps pers are dis
playing apprehension lest the new German
tarih result In a disastrous commercial
war between Germany and tho United
states. Respectable authorities here can
zee 10 ground for alarm or excitement.
Germany wants no such war, IA doing
nothing 10 provoke such a struggle, and
will 20 far and concede much 10 avoid Il.
Our purchases from Germany viii not be
affected by the new law. We can still buy
whatever we need from her, and buy Il on
the same old terms, affected only by our
own tariff rates. Nor will the new rates
nave serious influence on any very great
amount Of our sales 20 Germany, even
though no Arrangement be made by which
we secure the advantage Of her con-
ventional rates. There Is no proper ground
Tor fearful cries that II the present arrange
ment Is denounced and no new arrange
ment made by which we secure the con-
ventional rate a great and disastrous tariff
war will be inevitable.
Germany no more wants a tariff war
with us than we want one with her, for
sentimental as we'll as for commercial
reasons. Notwithstanding the sppre-
tensions and predictions at the time OF his
assumption Of power, the Kaiser has shown
no disposition 10 quarrel with his neighbors,
and he assuredly has neither desire nor In
tent to sever friendly relations with this
country. Germany has now adopted
new system In furtherance Of her domestic
interests, just as we have established a
policy for the protection Of ours. II that
policy bars out few million dollars worth
OF our merchandise from her territory, 30
does our policy bar millions Of dollars worth
OF her merchandise from our markets
We might regret the loss Of the trade;
but unless II can be shown, which II cannot
be, that the new policy displays malice
toward us or unfair discrimination against
our goods we have no proper ground for
resentment or retaliation. 1t should be
borne in mind that we have no inal!enable
mortgage OF claim upon or any inviolable
right 10 any trade with Germany that Is
any greater than her right TO sell us her
wines or the products OF her mills at Chem
nitz TO the injury or the destruction Of
our domestic industries.
Much the larger part Of our sales 10 Ger
many will not be affected by the new rates
Something like 90 per cent. Of our total
sales will still enter her ports free Of duty.
part Of the remainder will enter at the
present rates. On some goods the rate Is
reduced. On only a comparatively small
part Of that which we now sell is there an
increased rate. The line most affected Is
foodst uffs, and even we're we TO lose the
market for the few millions which we now
sell in that department the loss would not
be noticed The goods would be eaten
at home or sold elsewhere. Germany now
buys only about one-third Of per cent. Of
our products Of field and farm.
There is a growing impression here that
no reason exists for Mysteries over the
matter. A new arrangement can prob
ably be made, with no great difficulty, by
which we shall come in on the ground floor
ami even II it is not made, the loss will
be difficult Of location In our national bal
anOa Rhaata