The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1906-05-03
SEEK AMERICAN TRADE.
Protection of Home Industries Does
Not Mean Unfair Discrimina-
ton Against Foreign.


The recent adjustment OF tariff mat.
tiers between the United States and
Germany by which all occasion for
friction In the interchange OF products
has been disposed OF is eminently sat
isfactory. considered from either an
economic or a political point of view.
Everything that tends 10 make more
harmonious the relations between ma
lions is 10 be welcomed, and the better
understanding that is one OF the re-
suits OF the negotiations in question
Is not the least gratifying feature.
And there is another point. II can
not have escaped the attention OF
those obseryant OF world movements
that II Is much easier for the United
States 10 reach such understandings
than was the case formerly. From
time to time there arise little differ
ences, but they are always readily
disposed of when frankly considered.
The truth is, says the Troy Times,
that the nations OF the earth have
come to a deep appreciation OF the
value Of American trade. The idea
that the advantages are all on one
side and that severe restrictions upon
the admission TO foreign countries Of
American products is beneficial 20 the
domestic interests OF those countries
has been eifectually disposed OF by eX-
periences that have proved the oppo-
site. This does not involve discussion
OF the principle OF protection TO home
industries, for the United States. hav-
ing adopted that policy. has neither
the desire nor the justification for op-
posing II when tried elsewhere. Pro
lection. adjusted to the varying re-
qulremonts Of the nations that adhere
20 the system, unquestionably Is pro
ductive OF good. and the fact that II II
80 generally practiced is its vindica-
ton.
But production OF home productions
does not mean unfair discrimination
against those OF foreign countries. The
continental nations OF Europe, with
Canada on this side OF the ocean and
far-of Australia. all have protective
tariffs Of one kind or another, yet
that fact does not prevent American
goods from having a large sale there
any more than the Dlngley protective
tariff prevents enormous imports from
other countries into the United States.
The truth is that there are many
things in other parts Of the world
that We want and which Il r. 20 our
advantage to buy. and the United
States IS a market which few nations
would care 10 lose. while the articles
obtained here are the most satisfactory
10 foreign purchasers. That Is the
secret of the worlds unwillingness 20
get up tariff wars" or any other sort
OF commercial disagreement
A breezy writer on this subject puts
a thus: Americans are hardly
aware OF the position secured by their
country during the years since the
civil war The habits OF mind which
grew out OF our subordinate position
when we were divided by slavery and
cramped by its ally. free trade. sim
cling 10 us, and we hesitate 10 count
up the elements OF our strength and
influence. The America OF yesterday
fas a farming country. with a small
accumulation OF material wealth as
the outcome OF centuries OF saving and
toll. The America OF today Is the
most populous. the wealthiest and the
most powerful among the civilized
nations. We are the first mnnufae-
turing country OF the world, and OF
our immense exports IS per cent Is
manufactures, where ten years ago
Il was but 20 per cent There
Is no country in the world which can
afford to try issues with us In a con
fiict OF tariffs. No country Is so Inn
portant 70 US as We are to H."
That may seem oyer-enthusiastic
and self-assertive. but II does not ex-
aggerate. Nor does IL imply any but
the frIendliest and fairest spirit to-
ward contemporaries. IL recognizes
the situation as II Is. and shows that
other countries need us In their bust
ness and that our trade and good Will
are valuable.