Russia’s Tariff and Diplomatic Thanks
“Diplomacy,” as international scheming is popularly called, has been illustrated again. Russia had been enforcing a high tariff upon certain classes of American goods, in retaliation for certain American tariffs on Russian goods. But that government has called off the tariff of retaliation. This is given out with considerable pomp as a tribute to the United States for the work of President Roosevelt in bringing about peace. But back of this display of gratitude is the fact that the policy was an injury to Russian trade—merchants, mechanics, and farmers finally were bitterly complaining about it. However, the United States Government will be “diplomatic” enough to accept the concession on its face, and overlook the real cause. It would not do to allow the Russians to outdo us in the international game of gentlemanly deception.