The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-08-16
RECIPR PROCITY.
National Conference Begins Its
Sessions in Chicago.
VIII Discuss Amendment of the
Dingley Law.
ARE FOREIGN CONSULS.
In Attendance from All Over
the World.
Delegates Welcomed to the City
by Mayor Dunno.
ARE FOREIGN CONSULS.

Chicago, Aug. -16.-The national
reciprocity conference today began a
two days session at the Illinois theater,
SIX hundred delegates from all parts
OF the county having assembled to dis
cuss reciprocity with other countries.
amendment of the DingIey tariff law
alterations of the interstate commerce
laws and kindred matters The west
sent large delegation, the stock rails
ing and farming industries of the west
being especially well represented. A
notable feature of the conference was
the attendance of foreign consuls resi-
dent in Chicago, representing nearly
every country in the world. The con-
ference was called to order at 1915
by A. D. Sanders of Chicago. He said: :
"The establishment of fairer trade
relations with foreign nations is mat
ter that affects directly the prosperity
of every farmer, stock grower and ex-
porter in the United States. One by
one the European governments are
Tightening the coils intended to stran-
gle the American export trade in agri-
cultural products and manufactured
goods. We are today face to face with
d new prohibitive German tariff de-
signed to keep out every pound of
American breadstuffs and provisions.
Retaliation has been tried at tremend-
GUS cost to our producers and manu-
facturers and is a failure. The long
roll of delegates attending this con-
vention. it seems to me, supplies proof
at once convincing and complete that
| there is a real demand from the busi-
ness interests of this country for con-
gressional attention to the needs of our
foreign commerce..
1.-The committee of arrangements
has tried to make this conference an
absolutely nonpartisan one. Moreover,
we have no pet plan of bringing about
the desired result. We distinctly dis
claim any attack upon the protective
tariff principle, or upon any particular
interest. We believe that our great
basic industry, agriculture, the back
bone of all our prosperity, cannot safe
ly be neglected further and that it's
welfare at this juncture can be assured
by suitable congressional action with
out detriment to any other legitimate
american industry. 1t IS idle to say
that nothing can be done. Where there
is a will, there is way"
Wilder's Remarks.
Mr.. John Wilder, president American
Manufacturers association, who was Sc
lected as temporary chairman, said:
"Individualism must give way to as
sociation of interests. We shall gain
nothing as the result of these delibera-
tions and discussions unless the desires
of separate associations to see their par
ticular needs brought forward and ad-
vocated, give way to a full, free and
unselfish discussion of the needs of the
whole country. With this element safe
guarded this conference will become a
means of assistance to the entire coun-
try and from it must spring the inspira-
ton to our legislative bodies which shall
make it possible for them to claim wise,
just and sane laws. governing our recip-
rocal relations with other nations"
William r. Corwin of New York was
chosen secretary pro tenn of the con-
vention, and Mr.. F. Larabee of Iowa
assistant secretary pro tenn.
Governor Deneen of Illinois was intro
duced by Chairman Wilder At the
conclusion of the applause which greet
ed him, Governor Deneen said:
f'It has not escaped the notice of the
American people that several of the ma
tions of continental Europe are raising
up discriminating and prohibitive tariffs
! against the products of our fields and
factories. They call us the American
peril and seek to quarantine against
u.s. What are we to do about it? Shall
we resort to the law of the talon or meet
proffered concessions with concessions :?
Such are the questions which you are
met to consider. It is not too much to
say that the nation hopes that out of
| this conference will come suggestions
and recommendations which will meet
with the approval of our president and
the congress and lead to the enactment
of laws and the negotiations and ratifi-
cation of treaties which will not alone
merce we already have but to enlarge
it"
Following Governor Deneen's address
Chairman Wilder introduced Mayor
Dunno who welcomed the delegates in
| behalf of the city.
Governor Mickey Talks.
Governor J. H. Mickey of Nebraska
| addressed the convention. The peo-
pie of the trans Missouri country he
| said, feel great interest in the reci-
the conflicts which the citizenship of
decade will not be fought upon the
fields of battle, but rather in the COM
mercial arenas; that it will be a con-
fiict of diplomacy which will determ-
inc whether or not American products
of the farm and factory are to receive
the same concessions abroad as are
guaranteed to the most favored ma
ton.
"At present" ne said, 1--WE seem to
be confronted with a foreign conspir-
acy against the products of American
brain and Drawn. The tariff which we
have hedged about many of our in
dustries for their protection is alleged
in some instances to work unreason-
able hardshipS upon the commerce of
certain nations and hence a degree of
retaliation in force and in prospect
threatens to seriously cripple our COM
merce abroad The questions are
Can we offset the threatened calamity :?
/ What is the best method of procedure
and when determined will we adopt
it %
Chilli T.ahns.