The Valley Virginian

Secretary Blaine has addressed a letter to the President suggesting an amendment to the pending tariff bill authorizing him to declare the ports of the United States free to the products of any American nation upon which no export duties are charged, so long as such nations shall admit free to its ports the manufactures and products of the United States. In transmitting the letter to Congress, the President heartily commends the policy outlined and presents strong arguments in behalf the suggestion. Reciprocal trade relations between the United States and the South American States would open a vast market for our manufactures and farm products, and contribute largely to the prosperity of the countries so effecting exchanges. The application of the policy existing among the States, of free commerce, to the friendly South American States would bring about not only friendly trade relations, but bind the countries more closely together in every respect. The adoption of the suggestion of Mr. Blaine would have the effect to open the markets for American products to 50,000,000 people, including Cuba, whose trade is now diverted from this country by reason of unwise laws, enacted, it is true, with no reference to the point named by Mr. Blaine, but none the less restrictive upon American commerce.