Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-04-20
CATTLE PRICES AND POLITICS.

CATTLE PRICES AND POLITICS.
Shippers were active" is a phrase
that cattle men like to see in their mar
ket reports. 1t makes a strengthened
market for livestock, often at advanced
prices, to have the buyers for export
account taking considerable number
market reporter in the Breeders Ca
zette has stated that But for a wide
open export outlet the cattle trade
would not be enjoying it's present de-
gree of prosperity. A buyer of good
judgment and conservative disposition
expressed the opinion that We're the
export outlet to be suddenly closed a
decline of $3.50 per cwt. all along the
line would be precipitated."
A recognition of this truth suggests
a matter in politics which is being
urged by the American Reciprocal Tar
iff League, known as the vitalization OF
section of the Dingley tariff law. At
present England is practically the only
European market open to our surplus
meat products. We have some business
with Germany but will have that shut
off soon if we fail to accept her invi-
tation to make a reciprocal treaty with
her. Other rich markets in Europe
now closed to American meats could
be opened in the same way.
Now, a reciprocal treaty to become
effective must be ratified by two
thirds vote of the United States SEN
ate which, at present is Impossible
and will continue to be impossible SO
long as great number of senators
are sent to Washington to represent
trusts. railroads, and the great syndi-
Gated interests Of the east. So patent
is this to President Roosevelt that he
has told the leaders of the American
Reciprocal Tariff League that he Will
not waste his time negotiating reel
nrocitv treaties that must have the
ratification of the senate.
Section 4 of the Dingley law pro-
yided for the reduction of certain
schedules not to exceed 20 per cent in
return for trade concessions from other
countries. These schedules were plac-
ad high enough to afford such reduce
tions without loss Of necessary protec-
ton or injury to the home industry.
President Mckinley accepted the law
in GOOD faith and negotiated the treat
les which were smothered in the SEN
ate and for seven years the people of
this country have paid tribute to the
protected industries 20 per cent higher
than the trainers of the Dingley law
considered necessary for adequate pro-
tection while the livestock interests
of the west have had their foreign
markets curtailed in retaliation.
tt is now proposed by the livestock
men that congress pass bill author-
izing the president to make certain
specific reductions in these schedules
without the consent of the senate or of
congress wherever he can secure fav-
orable reciprocal treaties in return. In
effect it would vitalize section of the
Dingley law Representative Curtis,
of Kansas, has introduced the bill. Ex-
Governor Packard, of Marshall county,
secured the unanimous adoption Of a
resolution by the Marshall county re-
publican convention requesting Con-
gresham Cousins to vote for such
hill in the interests Of the livestock
growers of his district and this resolu-
ton will be presented to the district
convention called to renominate Mr..
Cousins for congress. 1t is understood
that Mr. Cousins is a confirmed stand
patter and will not consent to reci-
procity in any form, but it is hoped
that if the farmers of his district will
make it clear to him that they want
the reciprocity, promised them in the
Dingley bill, and in repeated republic
can Platforms made effective by giving
the president authority to make trade
agreements under the limitations of the
Dingley law. but Independently of the
senate, Mr.. Cousins will do what he
can to represent the livestock interests
of the west.