Las Vegas daily optic. [volume] (Las Vegas, N.M.) 1880-1908, 1905-08-04

vailing duty imposed by the United
States on Russian sugar and has now
adopted a maximum tariff which in
creases the retailiatory rates of duty,
and which will no doubt entirely check
our export trade with that country.
Our total exports to Russia In 1904
We're $31 200, 900, as against imports
of $4,000, 900.
The Republic Of France after the
passage of the Mckinley act, adopted
a high protective maximum tariff and
a minimum tariff with the result that
during the last six years our exports
to France have shown no increase ex-
cept in a few limited articles on which
France gave the United States reduc-
tons In duties in exchange for certain
slight reductions granted by the Unit.
ed States under section 3 of the
Dingley act, and 1t is noteworthy that
our exports to France covered by this
reciprocal agreement have increased
from 1898 to 1908 by 46 per cent.
Italy granted Us reductions under
her minimum tariff on a limited num-
Der of exports with the same result
las In the case of France, namely, that
our exports of the few articles on
which Italy grants us her minimum
rates have shown a very large in
crcase, whereas our exports of such
articles as are subject to the maxi
mum rates have not increased mater
tally.
In Switzerland, which republic has
always been a good customer of the
United States, we shall be subjected
to the maximum rates of duty under
the new Swiss tariff shortly to be
put in force.
The Merchants association of New
York. after carefully considering the
conditions with which II trade Is
threatened, have adopted the subjoin
ell resolutions, which we commend tc
your serious consideration.
II appears to us that the time has
come when the United States should
adopt a policy of reciprocal trade
agreements. In accordance with the
lest words Of President Mckinley. fol
the purpose OF preserving and extend
ing our export trade and gaining more
outlets for our growing agricultural
and manufacturing products.
With this end in view We should
seek to establish reciprocal trade re
|~lations not only with the countries O
Europe. but also with IL immediate
ncighbors on the north and on tn
south.
The most striking illustration OF thu
benefits that follow the cultivation o
better trade relations by reciprocal
tariff reductions can be witnessed II
the extraordinary growth OF u ex
ports to the island Of Cuba. which, !
is estimated by the bureau OF stats
tics of the department Of commerce
and labor, will during the fiscal yea
ending June 30th, 1906, reach the tota
, Of s3S. O00. 900, showing a very larg'
) Increase as compared with the pre-
, vious fiscal year. and a much large
increase as compared with the fisca
| year Immediately %antedating the rec
; ~procity convention with Cuba. tn
: fact also Is significant that, wherea
: orr imports from Cuba have increase
: 80 per cent. our exports to Cuba hav
n gained so per cent since ~reciprocit
was adopted.
The business interests OF the Uni
ed States should take prompt and az
tive steps, both collectively throug
their trade organizations and ind
: vidually. to impress upon the pres
dent Of the United States and his AZ
visors the important necessity thf
exists for the negotiation OF recipr'
city treaties with our neighbors an
y our principal customers abroad. an
to urge upon senator's and represel
J. tatlves In congress that such reclpr
CITY treaties should promptly be raj
II fled, in order to preserve II pre-
d ent trade and enlarge 1t. When ONT
# lost or taken from us 1t cannot be 7
covered except with great difficulty.
r. We trust that we may count upt
:. your cooperation in this movement
and would ask you to inform the Nc
%clants' association Of New YORK
% any action that you take. We won
D. also ask you to forward copies to
;: of any letters that you may send I
I. or receive from, public officials who
YOU address on the subject.
a., Yours very truly,
Y. Committee on Reciprocity Treatit
THE Merchants Association Of Ne
York.