TREATIES OF COMMERCE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 388, 2 August 1897, Page 2

TREATIES OF COMMERCE.

ENGLAND DENOUNCES THEM. A TRIUMPH OF FREE TRADE. (Per Press Association. —Copyright I. London, July 30. The British Government has denounced the treaties of commerce at present existing with Germany, and the denouncement of the Belgian treaty is expected to follow. The Times, commenting on this decision, believes it to be the precursor of many similiar movements tending to the material consolidation of the Empire. Only seven or eight of the present articles of British export will be affected if the German tariff is increased, and such an impost must be regarded as a moderate price to pay for the direct and more valuable indirect advantages which will accrue. The Westminister Gazette claims it to be a triumph of Freetrade which disposes of Mr Chamberlain's Zollverein proposal. It hopes the colonies will abolish duties hostile to Britain and follow Canada's example. Many other papers compliment Sir Wilfred Laurier on the fruits his speech, made at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce on June 12th, has borne. The denunciations of the treaties will be enforced on July 31st, 1898. The Daily News says the denouncement of the treaties is a far-reaching event, and alone will make the year memorable in the history of the Empire. There will be only two beneficiaries under Sir Wilfred Laurier's scheme, viz., Britain and New South Wales. It will be best, however, if Germany and Belgium admit Canada's goods on favorable terms, receiving reciprocal advantages. The action of Canada in her tariff reform has secured a termination of treaties which have been tying the colonies hand and foot and preventing closer union on equal terms with Britain. Germany, acting only in her own interests, may grant Britain the most favored nation treatment.