THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1045, 7 February 1911, Page 5

THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN'S VIEWS. FOOD PRICES. GREAT DIVERSION OF TRADE. Ar Tclccraph—Press Association--Copyrlcht. London, February 5. Mr. Austen Chamberlain, speaking at tho Birmingham Jewellers' Association dinner, said tho Canadian-American reciprocity agreement: would have the greatest eft'ect on commercial history since tho foundation of tho German flollverein. If it were ratified, ho feared tho result would bo a great' diversion of Canadian trade to tho south. Tho agreement exposed Britain to tho new and eager competition of tho United States. Food prices, which had been kept low in Britain by bountiful Canadian harvests, might be increased by tho American demand. Tho men who shrank from tho best bargain ever offered a commercial nation for fear of raising bread by a farthing, might seo their policy raise bread by half-peunies and pence. RESULTS MAY BE COLOSSAL. London, February 5. Tho "Standard" gives details of tho schedule of tho Canadian agreement with America, which nro moro extensive and far-reaching than tho telegraphed summary indicates. Mr. W. A. Howins, secretary of tho English Tariff Commission, says tho results will possibly bo colossal. Ho denies that tho agreement means a death-blow to preference, which.is now moro urgent than ever, "BRITAIN'S SO-CALLED BREAD TAX." (Rec. February G, 11.30 p.m.) London, February G.. Tho "Daily Mail" says tho' United States offers Canadian farmers sevcnpenco half-penny a bushel for wheat moro than they cau obtain in Canada. British preference only amounts to threepence. Clearly Britain's so-called bread tax is definitely and finally extinguished. Tho sooner Unionists let their constituents know this tho better. Protection of manufactured goods and a further lowering of duties on British manufactures within tho Empire would appeal strongly to tho Canadian and British people. An increase in tho prico of food in Britain is inevitable.. Tho "Daily Chroniclo" declares it will bo a sordid vulgar protectionism incapablo of an exalted appeal.