DEBATE CONTINUED.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 47, 25 February 1911, Page 5

DEBATE CONTINUED.

■ «■» RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT. CANADA AND UNITED STATES. MR. BRYCE'S HELP. By Telegraph.— Press Association. — Copyright. OTTAWA, 24th February. , Tho debate on the reciprocity agreement is being continued in the House 'of Commons. It has been pointed out that the British Foreign Secretary, Eir Edward Grey, had stated that Mr. Bryce, • the - British Ambassador at Washington, was not instructed to participate in the reciprocity negotiations. Nevertheless, the Canadian Minister had cordially acknowledged the Ambassador's help. IN OPPOSITION. AN EXPRESSION OF LOYALTY. OTTAWA, 24th February. Following a vqto in the Manitoba Legislature opposing reciprocity, and demanding Imperial preference, the whole House rose and sang the National Anthem. [Official circles in Washington are, on the whole, fairly sanguine about the outcome of the negotiations, stated the Washington correspondent of The Times last month. At the Ottawa meeting in November Canada is believed to have made it clear that she was ready for nothing more than a limited reciprocity of natural products, and to have refused to listen to the American proposal, which, embraced certain manufactures as well. As tho American proposal was based on categorical instructions, the V/ashington negotiation! had then to be suspended. Nothing tfiat has happened since can be interpreted to indicate- any marked change in the Canadian attitude. Hence the inference is (Jravm that if the authorities really see * a possible conclusion of tile agreement in the near future, it must be because in the last resort they are ready to accept the Canadian project. From the point of view of the Administration there is much to be eaid in favour of a fiscal arrangement with the Dominion, however meagre it may be. Ther y e can be no doubt as to the gratification which the public would feel in seeing a measure so much calculated to promote the spirit of international neighbourliness. The Tariff Reformers would feel thafc the Administration had subscribed to their principles in a tangible way, and, as recent elections show, their pleasure would outweigh politically the disappointment of the American manufacturers at being left out in the cold. While the outlook is obviously beyond the scope of prophecy, it is felt here that reciprocity in stock, hay, fish, and some other natural products, but not in coal, is about as much as can be achieved. The only manufactured articles that it is thought may stand any chance of being put on the free list are- agricultural implements. The situation ill respect of pulpwood, depending a«i it does on provincial legislation, would also seem to be destined to remain in statu cmo.]