Norwich bulletin., 1911-12-08

IfieS m connection W1ln the 0pplica- tion. by series of proclamations, of the minimum tarin of the United States to importations from the sew eral countries. and ] stated that in it's general operation section 2 of the new tariff law had proved a guaranty of continued commercial peace, although there were. unfortunately. instances where foreign governments dealt ar- bitrarily with American interests with in their jurisdiction in q manner in- furious and inequitable. During the past year some instances of discrimi- natory treatment have been removed. but regret to say that there remain few cases of differential treatment ad- verse to the commerce of the United States. While none of these instances now appears to amount to undue dis crimination in,fme sense of section 2 of the tariff law of Aug. 5. 1909. they are all exceptions to that complete de- gree of equality of tariff treatment that the department of state has con sistently sought to obtain for Ameri- can commerce abroad.
 While the double tariff feature of the tariff law of 1909 has been amply justi- fled by the results achieved in remov- ing former and preventing new undue determinations against American com merce, it is believed that the time has come for the amendment of this fea- ture of the law in such way as to provide a graduated means of meet ing varying degrees of discriminatory treatment of American commerce in foreign countries as well as to pro- feet the financial interests abroad of American citizens against arbitrary and injurious treatment on the part of foreign governments through either legislative or administrative measures.
 It would also seem desirab ble that the maximum tariff of the United States should embrace within its pur- view the free list, which is not the case at the present time, in order that it might have reasonable significance to the governments of those countries from which the importations into the United States are confined virtually to articles on the free list
 Record of Highest Amount of Foreign
 Trade
 The fiscal year ended June 90. 1911. shows great progress fin the develop
 
 worthy as marking the highest record of exports of American products to foreign countries. the valuation being in excess of $2.Oo0 100000. These ex- ports showed a gain over the preced- ing year of more than $30o,Ooo,00o. Crying Need For American Merchant
 Marine.
 I need hardly reiterate the convic- ton that there should speedily be built up an American merchant marine. This is necessary to assure favorable trans portation facilities to our great ocean borne commerce as well as to supple ment the navy with an adequate re- serve of ships and men. It would have the economic advantage of keep ing at home part of the vast sums now paid foreign shipping for carrying American goods. All the great com mercial nations pay heavy subsidies to their merchant marine, so that it is obvious that without some wise aid from the congress the United States must lag behind in the matter of mer- chant marine in its present anomalous | position
 of American Banking to For
 eisn Countries.
 Legislation to facilitate the extension 1 Of American banks to foreign countries ' Is another matter in which our foreign . trade needs assistance.
 Improvement of the Foreign Service.
 The entire foreign service organiza- lion is being improved and developed with especial regard to the require ments of the commercial interests of the country. The rapid growth of our foreign trade makes it of the utmost importance that governmental. agen- ,ies through which that trade is to be aided and protected should possess a nigh degree of efficiency. Not only should the foreign representatives be upon a generous scale in 10 far as salaries and establishments Ire concerned, but the selection and Advancement of officers should be def iitely and permanently regulated by aw so that the service shall not fail % attract men of high character md ability. It is my ear nest conviction that the enactment nto law of the general principles of he existing regulations cannot fail to .ffect further improvement in both )IdHcneb oI the foreign service Dy pro riding greater inducement for young nen of character and ability to seek career abroad in the service of the and an incentive to those lready in the service to put forth ,reater efforts to attain the high tandards which the successful conduct f our international relations and commerce. requires.
 I therefore again commend to the avorabla action of the congress the nactment of law applying to the diplomatic and consular service the rfncipIes embodied in section 1753 of he revised statutes of the United tates in the civil service act of Jan 6. 1888, and the executive orderS of une 27, 1906. and or Nov. %. 1900. In s consideration of this important sub set l desire to recall 10 the attention f the congress the very favorable re- ort made on the Lowden bill for the of the foreign service by he foreign affairs committee Of the ouse of representatives. Available