Omaha daily bee., 1909-08-17
FRANCE AND NEW TARIFF LAW
United States Officials Deny Any Dis.
elimination Against that Nation.
REASON FOR MISUNDERSTANDING
Reciprocity Treaty with France Ex-
pires October 80, a Date Fixed by
New Law-Others Expire at
Date Fixed by Treaties.

WASHINGTON, Aug. l6.-If there has
been any discrimination against France in
the application OF the provisions of the new
tariff to that country, officers of this gov
ernment are not aware Of it. They are
quite confident that the impression which
saems to obtain In some quarters in France
that such is the case is founded upon a
complete misunderstanding of the facts.
These may be simply stated from the point
of view Of the executive of this govern
ment.
In the first Place Frarce, together with
Switzerland and Bulgaria, had reciprocity
arrangements with the United States under
the terms OF which certain of their prod
ucts were admitted to this country at con-
siderably reduced rates compared with
those that were paid by countries which
did not enjoy such arrangements. But
other countries mostly in Europe. seeing
the advantage that the three countries
named were enjoying. entered into similar
reciprocity treaties with the United States.
In their case, however the precaution was
taken to state in the body of the treaties,
or agreements. the exact period of the
legal notice required to terminate them-a
course not followed in the arrangements
with France, Switzerland and Bulgaria.
Alleged Determination Explained.
In enacting the new tariff congress di-
rected the president to have regard to the
stipulated periods in terminating the re-
| ciprocity arrangements with the various
countries and also provided that where
there was no stipulated term-six months
from April 30 was to be regarded as the
date of termination. This action was duly
| communicated by the State department to
France Switzerland and Bulgaria, the ex-
| ecutlve branch OF the government being
absolutely bound by the direction of con-
| gress in this matter. At the same time II
is stated that the president is entirely will
! ing to consider carefully any representa-
] tions in the nature of a protest that may
be made. Indeed there is reason to believe
| that exchanges on the subject already
have taken place.
II may be interesting to know just what
effect the application OF the new tariff
would have upon the commercial relations
between France and the. United States pre-
suming the normal course was followed
and also what might be the results of
tariff war brought about through the ap
plication by both countries Of punitiv,
maximum rates.
Probable Effect of Tariff War.
The balance Of trade with France was II
our favor during the fiscal year of 1905
showing exports of Sll6,O0O,OOO as agains
imports of Sl12,OOO,OOO a reversal of con
ditions in the previous year, when Frencl
imports amounted to S12S,OOO.OOO as agains
exports to that country Of S1ILOOO,OOO. Eacl
country will suffer from a tariff war be
tween France and the United States anC
reprisals be made by applying the maxi
mum rates Of the respective tariffs. Tn,
maximum rates of France show large in
creases over the minimum or conventions
rates, while the minimum rates OF thi
country also show material increases il
the articles covered by the reciprocity
agreement. America would feel the eff