The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-02-22
Connecticut Industries Victim of Economies Reprisals Declares Congressman Wm. Citron

various countries in order to re- duce or eliminate their restrictions on the products of our farms and factories.
 This program is intended to re- vive our foreign exports, to re- open world markets, and to find easier channels for the disposal of our surplus products. It was formulated in order that our in- dustriaI resources and labor might be directed, by business men, in the most profitable channels con- ducive to American standards of living and efficient production.
 Its policy is to foster an intelli- gent and enlightened application of the protective principle, so as to make possible maximum op- portunity of employment, pur- chasing power and production, and it was promulgated for the mitiga- ton of unfair, discriminatory and war-breeding trade restrictions which are injurious to these na- tions as well as to us.
 To such a constructive and far sighted program we see the politi- cal opposition raising all sorts of misrepresentation in an attempt to confuse our people about the policy of the Administration.
 Out west they have tried to raise the cry, through the voice of Sen ator Capper, that "the farmers of the west are being sold down the river for the benefit of the manu lecturers of the east"
 In the Canadian Parliament, the opposition to a trade agreement with the United States claimed that Canadian manufacturers could not compete with the low wage-paying factories of the U. s.
 In England there is already op- position to any trade agreement with this country, and over there the cry is that they do not want British industry thrown to the wolves"
 Agreements
 So far, sixteen agreements have been made, and they have re- suited in increased trade and ex- ports. Every agreement is con- cluded only after extensive hear ings and careful weighing of the best interests of our country.
 President Roosevelt stated in his message of March 2. 1884, when he first asked Congress for authority to negotiate reciprocal trade agreements: "The successful build . ing of trade without injury to American producers depends upon a cautious and gradual evolution of plans"
 I believe the conduct of our State Department has been cau- tious and careful. The President further stated in that message: "The exercise of the authority which I propose must be careful ly weighed in the light of the lat est information, so as to give as- surance that no sound and inn portant American interest will be injuriously disturbed"
 On April 14th of this year, hear ings will start on a proposed trade agreement with the United King dom. While certain Republicans are finding fault even before hear ings are held, sound business men are preparaing factual information for submission and suggestions as to how we can improve this com- merce.
 Speaking to a group of textile manufacturers in Rhode Island the other day, member of the State Departmnt's Trade Agree ment Unit assured his listeners that the pending trade agreement with Great Britain would not in jure their industry and that the textile portions of the pact would not be approved if textile conces- sions asked by Great Britain threaten to harm American mills.
 As reported February 18th in the press, he stated: Washington seeks to stimulate foreign trade by negotiating trade agreements but does not seek to injure the New England textile business. Washington asks you to give def mite information. It is your duty to assist Washington in this im- portant matter. PessmiStic state ments will not help"
 Any manufacturer, any official or member of a labor union, or any employe or interested person has a right to be heard, and the Committee for Reciprocity Infor- nation welcomes you.
 Congressman Smith
 If you have any interest in this subject, there is no better indi- vidual to help you in this connec- ton than the Congressman of this District, Honorable J. Joseph Smith, of Waterbury. The entire Connecticut delegation in Con- gress is concerned with the pro- motion of Connecticut's industrial welfare, and I know their cooper ation and service are at your dis posal.
 It is extremely interesting to note how the agreements which have alfeady been made have helped Connecticut exports. We manufacture such things as radio apparatus, the export volume of which increased 11.9 percent in