New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-23
GERMAN TARIFF RATES.
Reichstag Votes to Ertend Recipro-
cal 4rran cement to June 80, 1907.

Berlin. Feb 22-The Reichstag to-day passed
the first and second readings. without amend
ment. OF the governments proposal to extend
reciprocal tariff rates to the United States until
June 80 1907.
Chancellor Won Bulow opened the debate and
said that. although the United States the
principal exporter Of agricultural products and
raw materials, German agriculture was not so
much interested I'm a commercial treaty with
the United States was German industry and
commerce. which suffered through the high
American tariffs and by obstacles IN the Ameri-
custom houses. Germany in giving notice
Of the termination of the agreement of 1900 with
the United States had proposed a treaty after
the pattern Of those concluded with European
States.
The Chancellor said that he placed a high
value good political relations between Ger
many and the United Stats, which were a bless
ing TO both lands, but it would be deceptive to
believe that he would buy political friendship by
the sacrifice OF Germany's economic interests.
The grounds Of the governments proposal were
that a tariff war which must only be resorted
TO in case Of necessity would damage not only
Germanys shipping interests. but other impor-
tant departments OF industry. Although the
United States would be injured in its exports,
which had grown considerably. the advantage
We are therefore forced" said the Chance-
lor ito ask Parliament to consent to this pro-
posal. so that we may continue in peace with
the United States. The note Of Secretary Root
TO Ambassador Sternburg on Tuesday shows
that the United States has the same desire for
friendly commercial and political relations that
we have. This note says that as soon as the
German conventional tariff has been granted TO
the United States for the period expiring June
80. 1907, the President will publish a proclama-
ton granting Germany a continuance Of the ad-
vantages of Section of the Dingley tariff. He
hopes that the prospect of certain alterations in
the customs regulations may be regarded as
proof Of the earnest wish of the President TO free
the American customs administration from the
Mr. Root hopes, further, that the bill extending
the conventional rates to the United States will
give time for establishing a permanent basis
for mutual commerce under conditions favora-
bic TO both. Mr.. Root trusts that the present
feelings Of mutual friendliness will continue to
exist and that the two countries will come to an
agreement. because both Of them truly desire to
be friends"
The leaders of the various Parliamentary
schwerin-Loewitz, Conservative, said:
After ell is said. must still regard this
measure as a surrender TO the protective tariff
policy Of the United States. We refuse to sign
the capitulation."
Herman Nfolkenbuhr. Socialist. remarked:
Although we are Free Traders we consider
the proposal to be necessary, and accordingly
support st."
Herr Kaempf. Moderate Radical, said:
"Nine-tenths Of German industry, German
trade and German shipowners hold this pro-
vlsioral act 90 be necessary, and we cannot do
other than vote for IT."
Dr. Herald, Centre party, remarked:
THE new bill is a complete break with what
we had decided upon. But we know that II takes
time 10 come TO a agreement and for that
reason only do we consent to the temporary
plan
Dr. Paasche National Liberal, announced that
he would support the bill.
The bill was voted by an immense majority,
the negatives coming from only parts OF the Ma
tionalsts and Conservatives.