THE TARIFFS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 777, 29 March 1910, Page 7

THE TARIFFS.

CANADA AND UNITED STATES. CONFERENCE AT WASHINGTON. A . FRIENDLY, UNDERSTANDING. By Telegraph-Press ABSociatlon-Oopyrleht. New York, March 27. After a conference at tho White House between Mr. Knox (United States Secretary of State), Mr. Pepper (who recently acted as special American Commissioner to. Canada with regard to tariff matters), tho Hon. W. S. Fielding (Canadian Minister for Finance), and Mr. G. P. Graham (Canadian Minister for Railways), Mr. Knox announced that formal negotiations had been concluded, giving assurance that a friendly understanding between, the United States and Canada would.be reached immediately. THE AGREEMENT. FURTHER TROUBLE AHEAD. By Tcleeraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. March 29, 1.15 a.m.) Ottawa, March 28. In return for the concession of the minimum under the. Payno tariff, Canada will extend by Order-in-Council the international rate of a dozen items of American exports, which compete with French products entering at reduced rates, including cotton seed, oil, manufactured Bilks, some wines, and fruits. The agreement provides that legislation shall be obtained at Washington for a mutual reduction of duties on articles of natural exchange. The London "Times''" Washington correspondent states that Canada gives apparently no exclusive concessions, but maintains the right to concludo reciprocity treaties. On the other hand, the Americans may argue that they have practically, obtained compensation for the French treaty. Both sides promised to do their best to concludo reciprocity agreements in certain . products, but this will only be obtainable by treaty, which a Protectionist Senate must ratify. There may also be trouble with the House of Representatives. Tho projeot is almost hopeless, except for the fact that the Republicans may well bo anxious to get credit for making a breach in an unpopular tariff wall, while Sir W. Laurier and Mr. Fielding must be congratulated. . Great' credit attaches to President Taft, for his diplomacy alone saved, American, and to a less extent Canadian, , commerce from a severe blow, and the Republicans from a serious blunder.