Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-14
TRADE WITH GERMANY
Secretary Root Gives Earnest
Study to Tariff Relations.
WO PROPOSE VS.
POSSIBLE ATTEMPT TO REACH A
MoDUs vIvENDI.
Joint Commission Suggested to Report
Basis Of q Treaty to the
Two Governments.
T W o PROPOSE ONS

Secretary Root Is giving earnest atten-
ton at present to the tariff relations be-
tween Germany and the United States, as
brought into prominence by double COM
munication from the German foreign office,
first through Ambassador Sternburg here,
and second, through the representations
made directly by the foreign office to Am
bassador Tower in Berlin. The Secretary
hopes to have some concrete proposition 20
submit to Congress in the approaching ses-
sion, but it Is evident that 1t cannot be pre-
sented much before the next calendar year,
as a number of conferences will probably
be necessary between the executive branch
and individual legislators as a preliminary
to the execution of Secretary Roots plan
to submit only such a treaty or proposal as
is reasonably certain to secure the approval
of at least a majority in Congress, per-
haps two-third vote in the Senate.
A Modus Vivendi.
In this state of uncertainty as to the date
upon which at the very earliest final APP
prevail by Congress of the executive scheme
might be expected, and the fact that but
106 days remain before the present tariff
arrangements with Germany will expire by
limitation and be replaced by maximum
tariff rates on United States imports, 1t is
mediately to reach modus vivendi or pro-
visional arrangement which shall prevent
an open rupture or tariff war between the
two commercial giant nations of America
and Europe pending the conclusion of ne
gotiations for a new treaty. Ordinarily the
executive branch Of our government Is very
loath to enter upon such semi-treaty rela-
tons because of some douBS> as to the con-
stitutional power of the President to do SO.
But in the present instance the Germans
themselves have pointed out that another
door is open in the shape of section of
the Dingley act. That section authorizes
the abatement of duty by the United States
on several articles largely imported from
Germany, namely argos, still Wines YER
mouth, works of art and certain classes of
literature.
In return Germany has granted the
United States minimum duties on its goods
Imported into Germany. 1t is that arrange
ment which is to be terminated March 1
next.
Germany's Proposition.
Now one of the German propositions Is to
provide modus vivendi on the basis of a
new arrangement between the two
countries under this section 8, with this
difference from the present arrangement;
that while the American concessions shall
remain the same and apply to the same
articles above enumerated. Germany in
stead of granting the United States mini
mum tariff rates all imports shall limit
10 certain articles the extension OF Hllfll-
mum rates. That is proposed on the theory
that the advantages conferred under the
present arrangement are entirely unequal
and that Germany can strike a balance
only by considerably restricting the mini
mum tariff list as applicable TO American
goods.
If the executive is willing to accept such
a modified arrangement Germany will sus-
pend the application OF the new treaties
next March so far the United States Is
concerned until the Senate or Congress has
had an opportunity to act. 1t Is realized
that there IS not sufficient material In hand
on either side for really satisfactory
treatment of this important subject, hence
the German proposition to create joint
tariff commission to make study of pres
ent and probable future conditions and
submit the results in the shape of a report
to the two governments as basis for
final negotiations and the completion OF a
treaty. The President has full power TO
do these things. under section OF the
Dingley act without reference to Congress,
and the only question is one of expediency.