RECIPROCITY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1038, 30 January 1911, Page 5

RECIPROCITY.

CANADA AND UNITED STATES. THE NEW AGREEMENT. EFFECT ON BRITISH TRADE.. PRESS OPINIONS. (Rec. .January 29, 5.5 p.m.) Uy Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. London, January 26. Referring to tho tariff reciprocity agreement between Canada and the United Stales, tho "Times" states that America remits, partly or wholly, ninc-ty-ono per cent, of Canadian imports,, and Canada concedes Ml per cent. Tho former's concessions aro not as considerable as they seem to be, but they strikingly indicato .tho change in spirit that has taken place since tho elaboration of the I'aync Law. Canada has not liiado concessions which need greatly alarm manufacturers, while as regards the agricultural and other sections there is reason to lie gratified. America does not admit paper until Canada remits tho duty on pulp. Tho agreomont will probably lio passed by (he Canadian Legislature, but there will bo mo-re difficulty in getting it through tho American Senate.

Though Mr. Fielding, the Canadian Minister of Finance, • says, if necessary, the British preferential rates will bo altered in order to secure equality of treatment, tho "Times" considers that such treatment must fall short of tho British manufacturers' original position. Tho "Daily Mail" states that the real olTcct of tho agreement is that, Canada mortgages its natural resources upon which its future industrial development depends in order to satisfy the limited demand for a few cheaper raw materials.

Imperial Propaganda, Tho "Standard" declares that tho ajrreement emphasises tho necessity for pressing tho Ilnperial propaganda with renewed energy lest in a few years Britain's plaeo be" definitely taken by America. The agreement is a new dcpartu.ro in Canadian, national development, and tho consequences aro likely to bo serious to British trade. . Tho "Morning Post" , says if-England wants food sho must bo prepared to pay more now; Canada has an alternative market. It remains to be seen whether the Canadian, manufacturer will permit a lower rato to British imports. Tho agreement, not being a treaty, requires only a bare majority to pass Congress. Tho "Daily Telegraph" remarks that Britain refused to negotiato for preference, but another Power gladly seizes tho opportunity. , Tho ratification of this agreement may becomo a real set-back to tho ideal of Imperial prefcrcnco,' Canada's Growing Nationality,

The Tall Mall Gazetto" states that the agreement has a long way to travel beforo it is finally endorsed. The evidence of goodwill- and the triumph of sentiment is not robbed- of its valuo. oven if tho outcome is unsubstantial. It is a tribute to Canada's growing nationality. The agreement will increase Canadians' cost of living, and deal a severe blow to tho- manufacturing industries. Britain having bolted and barred the door, she" has, no claim fo utter reproaches when the Dominion. knocks at the door of others.

The "Spectator" declares ' that the] agreement amounts to free-trade-in farm products, which, is the obvious ' outcome. America gave Canada advantages she witholds from Britain.,', This, now reciprocity must postpone the hope of Imperial preference. The Dominions and Imperial Reciprocity. The "Morning Post" comments on Sir George Reid's statement that if reciprocity with the Mother Country could'be arranged Australian opinion would heartily welcome it. : Tho "Post" ridicules tho statement mado by Liberals that the Dominions wero turning from Imperial reciprocity, fearing that it would moan death to their autonomy. Though Canada had avoided- the entanglement of a Treaty, her now agreement with the United States would not, says the paper, tend to cheer Britishers. The reciprocal freo list is not of vital importance, since it mainly affects articles in which Britain docs not compete, but tho manufacturers of tin-plates were,' apparently, going to lose. , Of far greater significance is the fact that Canada is realising that the American market is more promising. Tho agreement will give America a leverago to force the door further at a later period. CANADIAN OPINION, THE COST OF LIVING. Ottawa, January 28. The Canadian railway president declares that the current of traffic, hitherto East and West, will now flow south, through tho United States. Tho wheat interests generally expect to ■ expand their markets.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier's supporters, who express satisfaction with the agreement point out that the cost of living is likely to fall in Canada; as a consequence of. tho larger importation of foodstuffs,

Politicians at Ottawa think the reciT procitv bargain with tho American Government good, .in view of what is usually granted by the "United States. The Conservatives express tho opinion that British Columbia's fruit industries will probably be ruined by the agreement.

UNITED STATES POINT OF VIEW. POSSIBILITY OF ANNEXATION DISCUSSED. Now York, January 28. The "Evening Star" (Washington) states that it. is thought that in timo Canadians may turn towards annexation as the most to be desired of all political boons. The isolation and humiliation of colonials will not be for ever endurable. Meanwhile there should 1)3 full Reciprocity and exchange of citizens and products, and steady Americanization. The advocates of a protective tariff in the United States intend to bitterly fight the reciprocity proposals. It is reported that President Taft will not hesitate to take the extreme step of submitting the agreement to the Democrats when they arc in power. Fishermen at Gloucester (America) halfmasted their flags as a demonstration against tho concessions to Canada.