Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-12-26
No Agreement to Govern Trade
Relations Will Exist after
January 1.
SITUATION UNPRECEDENTED
Government Officials Can Only
Conclude Conditions Will Re-
main Unchanged unless
Determinations Occur.

Washington, Dec. o2.-The termination
OF the Russian treaty. abrogated by
Congress because OF Russia's attitude
upon the passport question which be-
comes effective January /. leaves the
tive nations. for the first time in 10 years,
without an agreement to govern their
trade relations and presents a situation
unprcC edented.
Except as a consequence of war. the
United States has never before under
taken to continue on friendly terms with
another nation in the absence Of any
treaty relations. after it has once en-
ioyod tina. connection. Naturally the
great business interests of both countries
have displayed anxiety TO know upon
what footing they may continue their
operations after December 81 But a. far
as the Washington government is con-
ccrncd. ii has not been able to secure
much enlightenment. and officials have
been obliged to deny requests for special
Information from inquirers. The result
Of many months careful considcrat ton
of the subject has left the officials them
selves in the dark. except as to the broad
conclusion that the statu quo so far
as it relates to trade may remain un-
changed provided neither country does
anything that might he regarded as dis
criininatory against the other
RUSSIAN CONSCLS LOSE RIGHTS
It appears that the sole effect of the
termination of the treaty as to the United
States, so far as can be now forecast
will be to deprive Russian consuls OF tn.
ip al, int 4. Of
dying in America. and to deal with
disputes between the captains and crews
of Russian vessels in American ports
The great volume of trade between tn.
two countries Is expected 10 remain un.
impaired though there are some ind!ca
tons that the Russian government con
templates some changes in its tariff law:
that may unfavorably affect tho i'm.
portation of agricultural implements
machinery. hardwares, and perhaps, cot
ton.
Representatives OF the Russian govern
mcnt, however. have stated that tn,
maximum Russian tariff duties will no.
apply automatically to imports from
America but that they can only be pu
into operation through the AFFIRMATIVE,
action of the Russian government. Thil
point has been surrounded with muct
doubt. and now that It has been cleared
away the continuance of trade relation!
on the existing basis is practically as
sured Notwithstanding the lapse of tn,
treaty.
The basis for this statement is founC
in a careful study of that convention It
self
BARS AMERICAN HEBREWS.
Article !, for instance guarantees recip
rocal liberty of commerce and naviga
tlon. which being already assured by thu
principles of international law. are no
subject to interruption. In this same ar
ticlc is the publication to citizens of on
country TO sojourn and reside in an
other ION condition of their submitt!n
to the laws and ordinances there prevail
ing which II has been held directly at
fects American Hebrews In Russia
Hence these hereafter may not ente
Russia on any condition unless the Rus
sian government so wills Il,
Article II concerns the exemption O
vessels from tonnage and lighthous
dues. So far as the United States is con
cerncd under its statutes, with or with
out a treaty. such duties could not b
levied upon Russian vessels as long a
Russian law exempted American yes
sells from such dues.
Article III provides that Russian good
may be imported to the United States Il
Russian vessels without paving highe
duties than IL they were imported i
American vessels, and vice versa. Thi
condition will continue 10 exist unde
statutes, at least so far as Russian ship
are concerned.
Article VI confirms minimum tariff
rates to Russian imports into Americ
and vice versa. The lapse of this articl
Is completely covered by the special rect
procity arrangement between AmeriC
and Russia under the terms OF tn
Payne Aldrich act which will continue (
existence.
TWO PROVISIONS BARRED.
Article VIII confirms the right I
maintain consular offices but It has al
. ready been held, that this is an interna
tonal law act which consequently wi
not lapse with the failure of the treat,
, One section of this article. however. az
thoriaes the consuls to take jurisdict!o
of differences between the captains an
crews OF their own vessels. a right e>
, tended In article IN to the privilege
calling for the assistance of the loo;
authorities In making arrests. and bot
of these provisions are totally lost by III
expiration of the treaty. More importar
4 perhaps is the accompanying loss OF III
+ right of consuls to administer the estate
, or deceased citizens OF their own cour
| tries. Hereafter. such administratio
| Will be according to the local laws OF III
I habitation Of the deceased.
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