The Indianapolis times., 1934-03-02
BROAD TARIFF
POWER ASKED
BY PRESIDENT
Trade Reciprocity Will Help
Industry and Farming,
Roosevelt Hopes.
Rn Inifcd Press

WASHINGTON, March 2.-PreSi-
dent Roosevelt this afternoon asked
congress speedily to grant him power
to enter into reciprocal trade agree
mentS, which he hopes will expand
foreign markets for American in
dustry and agriculture.
Instead of the present system un-
der which tariffs can be adjusted
only by long-studied tariff commits
sion or congressional action, Mr..
Roosevelt requested power to enter
into three-year agreements with
foreign nations.
To countries which would lower
their duties or grant increased
quotas on this country's products, he
would grant reciprocal treatment.
The President in a special mes
sage pointed out that in this time of
trade wars and battles for dWindling
markets, the United States is one of
the few countries which does not
have power to enter into quick re-
ciprocal understandings.
Trade Essential to Recovery.
The President viewed expansion
of foreign trade as an integral part
of the whole recovery program.
Decline of United States exports
in 1893 to 80 per cent of the 1929
value, he said, has meant idle
hands, still machines, ships tied to
their docks, despairing ram house
holds and hungry industrial fami-
lies"
With these arguments and plea
for "early action" Mr.. Roosevelt
thus placed before congress one of
the most controversial issues 1T has
faced in his administration.
He acted against the advice of
some who feared the question would
lead to protracted and bitter de-
bate and thus disrupt plans for
comparatively early adjournment.
But Mr.. Roosevelt felt the ur-
gency of the situation more than
Warranted these risks.
He cautioned, however, against
expecting quick results, but said L
hope in time that definite gains will
result to American agriculture and
industry"
Exports Vary With Imports
He said it was a fact, that full
and permanent domestic recovery
depends in part upon a revived and
strengthened international trade
and that American exports can not
be permanently increased without
corresponding increase in i'm
ports"
When this country buys more
goods from other countries, he
pointed out, their purchasing power
is increased and this in turn spells
increased opportunity for American
sales
Denying arguments of those who
have contended that this country
must adjust itself permanent to a
policy of economic nationaliSm, the
President expressed confidence that
tariff adjustments would bring eX-
panded foreign markets for many
AGRICULTURAL and industrial products.
Bill Ready for Introduction
Thus, he said, the United States
can "be spared in part at least the
heartbreaking readjustments that
must be necessary if the shrinkage
of American foreign commerce re-
mains permanent" ."
Assistant Secretary of State Fran
els B. Sayre, who sat in the house
gallery while the message was read,
said the bill to carry out its recon-
mendations was ready for introduc-
ton.
The measure has two main pro-
visions: Authorizing the President
to enter into trade agreements with
foreign nations and to modify i'm
portant restrictions as necessary to
make such bargaining agreements.
1t would permit flexible tariff
changes up to so per cent, but would
not permit transfer of dutiable i'm
ports to the free list or vice versa.
Speaker of the House Henry T.
Rainey termed the tariff. message
the most important message sent
to congress by the President" Mr..
Rainey said the tariff power dele
CATION to the President was I'M
doubtedlv constitutional.