The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-14
GrRuANI,s NEw TARIFF.

WAsHfNuToN. March lJ.-Germany' tota
foreign commerce little exceeds that O
the United states. Her exports however
are below those OF this country, while he
imports are considerably greater than ours
and the balance of trade is against her. In
its total volume German commerce ha,
nearly doubled in the past twenty-five
years
just how far this increase is attributable
TO her adoption of the protective system
it is not possible to say The increase has
been co!ncident with the operation of that
system; but other factors of Importance
appear and some measure. a least, of the
Increase is due to them. Probably the most
notable Of these is the scientific and sys-
tomato method in which Germany has gone
about her business. There has been none
of the haphazard and spasmodic policy so
! characte rstic Of American pract ces. She
i has stud d trade and trade condiu1 ns, both
domestic and foreign; has fitted and trained
men to such foreign business, and has pur-
sued that business with an active and ag-
gressve energy which would have brought
results in any case. The extent Of those
possible results. in comparison with her
actual attainment and the part played by
method in its relation to the part played
by the protective policy. are matters of
pure speculation German opinion Oh the
point varies even more widely than Amer-
can opinion varies on the broad issue of
protection.
Germanys new tariff is the result OF
combination OF trade method and protec-
tive policy. She plans protection for her
home industries on n basis which will not
handicap her exports and proposes 10 make
those who want TO compete for her domes-
tic trade pay for the privilege of doing so
In the coin Of special opportunities in their
own markets. The new tariff gives special
attention to the conservation of her agri-
cultural interests. The duties on wheat
corn, rye, -four and beef are about doubled
This is a matter of Importance TO the United
States, and may easily make a considerable
difference in our sales unless we are ready
to trade with her on the basis of her con-
yentional tarin. Even in that case. the
stimulus which her increased rate will give
to her home production must result in
decrease OF American sales.
1t Is possible that there is a special time
liness in Germany's action. 1t may and
should have the effect of squirting the Amer
lean Congress into better advised action
on questions affecting our tariff and our
foreign commerce. Next to Great Britain
Germany isour best customer. and there are
many reasons for the maintenance of the [
most cordial relations with her. political |
and social. as well as commercial Any
strain on commercial relations would in
react on the social and the pc
liucal. The ties of trade are very close in
the world to-day. The Kaiser has already
l,t,stsr, e u.
recent instructions 10 the German + nbassy
n Washington.
Our sales TO Germany during the caen-
lar year 1901 amounted 10 sl93, g52 .s3s.
dore than half Of that is quite unlikely TO
)e affected by her tariff About soi 600 eco
vas represented by raw cotton upon which
iermany imposes no tariff, and about si3,-
700 900 was copper, line in which the
n!ted States fairly holds q first mortgage.
houFh not an exclusive monopoly She
fought from va about 81 900 600 worth Of
mineral oil a line in which Russian compe-
ition is always an interesting possibility
Compared with the preceding years our
ales of food products 10 Germany fell t
realty. as didthose to other countries; but {
he loss Of that trade or its material reduc-
on through the operation Of the new tariff :
'uAd IIdh' an dl'IHetldble uHeTence IN 1
ur business. On such items as cotton s
ned OIL oil cake. turpentne. naval stores
nd other items for which Germany is an =
Important outlet, we shall doubtless he y
bic to hold our own Briefly, it might il
. said that trade Of approximately sl25.-
y 600 a year or about fye-eigh,hs Of our )
resent sales to Germany. belongs 10 us !.
1der the operation Of economic laws which y
70 not likely to be influenced by tariff f
langes. But we mny be Obliged to take /
'tion in order TO hold fair share OF the J.
m4ining three-eghths
Although the Chamberlain plan is not -
st now in the most promising condition,
e agitation Of the matter in England r
upled with Germany recent legislation, y,
'ints clearly TO the fact that it IS high time /
at the United States should apply itself n
an intelligent and systematic study of {
reign trade and the place which this
untry should take in that trade. Il II
time that we initiate Germany in her
plication OF system and method in our &
relations with the rest Of the
rid