Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1920-10-08
WORLD BACK TO
NORMAL SOON
Speakers at Brussels Meet Pre-
dict Return to Competition
in Few Years.
TARIFF QUESTION DISCUSSED
Manager of LIoyds' Bank Says "Let Us
Not Only Dwell Together in Peace
but Let Us Also, Deal Freely
and in Harmony"

Brussels, Oct. 4.-Distinct and null
tiplying signs of economic improvement
are seen in countries most shaken by
the great war, and optimism over their
future is felt, according to speakers
at the International conference in SEES
sion here.
Some of those who spoke before the
conference declared that in few
years the world will return to active
competition between sellers, and that
the present contest between buyers
will pass.
Charles. Wauters, Belgian minister
OF commerce, asserted the temporary
advantages enjoyed by countries al
lowed to export freely will turn to
their disadvantage as a result of pro-
hibitive rates Of exchange.
Let US not only dwell together in
peace and unity" said Henry Bell,
manager of Lloyds,, bank, London. .'but
let us also deal together freely and
in harmony
Mr.. Bell disclaimed any intention of
raising a controversy, but said the
question of free trade arose immedi-
ately in connection with a discussion
of the situation.
He referred delegates to the confer
ence to the declaration of the supreme
economic council against the artificial
barriers to international commerce,
and expressed the hope the conference
would make it clear that behind all
questions of international trade was
the question of durable peace.
1T is a great error" he declared,
ito consider the success of one nation
in trade detriment to others. Com
merce is not form of conflict, but, on
the contrary, it is that which should
bind nations together"
The expression free trade" was
mentioned only rarely, and the trend
of the greater part or the discussion
was toward the beating down of bar
riers of international trade.
Japan is for commercial liberty and
fair play; we must have freedom Of
exchange" was the way M. Mort. a
Japanese delegate, put it.
Don Jose Figueras, speaking for
Spain, said the greatest freedom of
trade should prevail, but that nothing
should be done without unanimous
resolution of the conference
Fazllbhoy Currisnbhoy of India diff
fered from the British delegates on
the tariff question. He contended that
countries should be left to decide the
question in the light of their own in
terest. He declared that there was a
strong current of opinion in India in
favor of a system of protection.
Ferdinando Quatriere for Italy went
further than the previous speakers. He
was in favor not only of "the greatest
freedom for international commerce"
but also for "the pooling of raw mate
rails, coal and foodstuffs."
The necessity of simplifying trans
port regulations was mentioned by
several of the speakers at intervals
during the discussion Of international
trade.
Armenian, Hungarian, Argentine and
Uruguayan official reports were pre-
sented, but the conference seemingly
has got beyond the period where it is
interested in statistics, and apparently
iss impatient to see results from the
work of committees.
The full session apparently will be
adjourned from Saturday to Wednes-
day in order to give the delegates full
time for work in committee.