New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-10
AVERTS A TARIFF WAR
GERMANY TAKES ACTION.
Offers to Enter Into a MOdus
Viuendi scith This Country.
rFrom The Tribune suresu.1

Washington. March 9.-The German Ambassa-
dor to-day informed the Secretary Of State that
he had been authorized by his government TO
enter into modus vivendi for the purpose OF
preserving the status OF the tariff relations be-
tween Germany and the United States. In other
words the United States VIII continue 10 enjoy
Germany's minimum tariff schedules for period
yet TO be determined. but something less than
a year from next June. when the existing modus
viii expire This action is taken a result q
the negotiations conducted by the North Com
mission. which led TO an agreement on the basis
FOR a treaty, and as a further result of the as
surance Of the Secretary of State that the ad-
Yninistration Will 90 everything in its power
90 obtain for Germany reciprocal concessions
from the existing tariff
The President ami the Secretary of State now
expect TO conclude treaty substantially in &C
cord with the basis reached by the North Com
mission. This convention will probably lac sub
rnitted 20 the Senate soon as Congress as
sembles in December. Whether or not the Pres
ident and Secretary Root actually believe that
the Senate can be induced 10 ratify such n
treaty is not known. The mast achievements of
the President might lead TO the belief that, il
he regards the subject Of sufficient Importance.
he can create a public sentiment which will lead
The Senate 10 accede TO his wishes. Neverthe
less, those in position TO know declare that It
treaty with Germany or with any other nation
through the Senate.
Senator Spooner was the only influential MEM
Der of the Committee on Foreign Relations who
was prepared TO uphold the administration in
its reciprocity policy. and now shat he has re-
signed Senator Lodge becomes The really DOM
snant force the committee. Mr. Lodge Is
disposed 10 be reticent regarding his attitude
toward this policy. He IS known 10 favor
maximum and minimum tariff for the United
States. but those most familiar with his views
believe his powerful influence will be thrown
directly against the policy of granting any spe-
clal concessions. to Germany Mr.. Lodge, who
IS keen student Of foreign affairE believes that
the industrial development of Germany, into
which the Kaiser has thrown his whole heart
and energy will produce a situation where Ger
many win be compelled TO come to the United
States for her food products. and, entertaining
this view it is reasona BILE assume that he will
see little reason why the United States should
make special concessions 10 gain a trade which
must come to II in any event Moreover. MI
Lodge is understood to fear that special conces-
slons 10 Germany might complicate the trade
relations of the United States and Great Britain.
In the mean time, however. the administration,
with the assistance OF the Secretary OF the
Treasury, Will make certain changes in tho adj
ministration Of the Dingley law which Will ma
terialy benefit German exporters. and greatly
facilitate the business Of that large class Of
Americans who import German goods This is.
OF course. all that can be done until Congress
meets again.
But even should the Senate refuse or demon
strate its intention to neglect to ratify the Ger
man treaty, the administration viii not give