IN TROUBLED WATERS THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24, 30 January 1911, Page 7

IN TROUBLED WATERS THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT.

BILL IN AMERICAN CONGRESS. PROBABLE REJECTION BY SENATE. By Telegraph — Press Association.— Copyright (Received January 30, 8.50 a.m.) NEW YORK, 29fcli January. On Saturday the United States House of Representatives referred the. Reciprocity Bill to the Committee of Ways and Means. The Bill will be considered- as a whole. , It cannot be amended. The House of Representatives is* expected to pass the measure, but the-; Senate will probably defeat it, im spite of President Taft's energetic efforts on behalf of the agreement. An extra session of Congress is considered probable. OPINIONS DIVIDED. PROBABLE WEAKENING OF THEIMPERIAL BOND. OTTAWA, 29th January. Opinions on the Reciprocity agreement show a cleavage. On one hand it.is-re-cognised that the cost of living will be; reduced, and on the otter hand it is. thought the agreement may result in. a weakening of Imperialistic* bonds. CONCESSIONS ANALYSED. LESS FAVOURABLE POSITION OF BRITISH MANUFACTURERS. LONDON, 28th January. Referring to the tariff reciprocity agreement between Canada and the United States, The Times states that America remits, partly or wholly, 91 per cent, of Canadian imports, and Canada concedes 34 per cent. The former's concessions are not as considerable as they seem "to be, but they strikingly indicate the change in spirit that has taken place since the elaboration of the Payne Law. Canada has not made concessions which need greatly alarm manufacturers, while as regards the agricultural and other sections there is reason to be gratified. America does not admit paper until Canada remits the duty on pulp. The agreement will probably be passed by the Canadian Legislature, but there will be more difficulty in getting it through the American Senate. Though Mr. Fielding, the Canadian. Minister of Finance, says, if necessary, the British preferential rates will be altered in order to secure equality of treatment, The I'imes considers that such treatment must fall short of thei British manufacturers' original position. The Daily Mail states that the real effect of the agreement is that Canada mortgages its natural resources upon which its futnre industrial development depends in order to satisfy the limited demand for a few cheaper raw materials. PRESS OPINIONS. BRITAIN MUST PAY MORE FOR FOOD. AGREEMENT HAS A LONG WAY 11 TO TRAVEL. LONDON*, 29th January. Tho Standard declares that the agreement emphasises the necessity for pressing the Imperial propaganda witn renewed energy lest in "a few years Britain's place be definitely taken by America. The agreement is a new departure in Canadian national development, and the consequences are likely to be serious to British trade. The Morning Post says if England wants food ishe must be prepared to pay more, now that Canada has an alternative market. It remains to be seen whether the Canadian manufacturer will permit a lower rate to Britisk imports. The agreement, not being a treaty, requires only a bare majority to pats Congress. The Daily Telegraph remarks that Britain refused to negotiate for preference, but another Power gladly seizes the opportunity. The ratification of this agreement may become a real setback to the ideal of Imperial preference. The Pall MaU Gazette states that the agreement has a long way to travel before it is finally endorsed. The evidence of goodwill and the triumph of sentiment is not robbed of its value 6ven if the 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 the manufacturing industries. Britain having bolted and barred the door, she hg,s no claim to 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 ivithholds from Britain. This new reciprocity must postpone the hope of Imperial preference. DIVERSION OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC. LIKELY TO FLOW SOUTH. OTTAWA, 28th January. The Canadian railway president declares that the current of traffic, hitherto East and West, will now flow South, through the United States. The wheat interests generally expect to expand their markets. AMERICAN VIEWS. . A STEP TOWARDS ANNEXATION. FISHERMEN DESPONDENT. NEW YORK, 28th January. The Evening Star (Washington) states that it is thought ihat in time 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 be full reciprocity and exchange of citizens and products, and steady Amerieanisation. The advocates of a protective tariff in the United States intend to bitterly fight the reciprocity proposals! It is reported that President Taftwill not hesitate to take the extreme step of submitting the agreement to the Democrats when they are in power. Fishermen at Gloucester, Massachusetts, half-masted their flags as a demonstration against the concessions to Canada.