CANADA AND AMERICA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 8 May 1912, Page 5

CANADA AND AMERICA.

THE ATTACK ON MR BRYCE.

DISCUSSION IN THE HOUSE OF

COMMONS

BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, May 7. In the HousG of Commons, Mr H. Page Croft asked whether the Government would consider Imperial preference, in order to defeat President Taft's design to make Canada an adjunct of America.

Mr Asquith replied that the TaftRoosevelt letters were private. Mr Bryce had no knowledge of their contents. There was nothing in the correspondence to make the Government alter its policy regarding preference. The Canadian people would resent interference. Mr Bryce's action was inspired by confidence in Canada. He would support the policy of the present Government equally with that of its predecessors.

Mr Page Croft moved the adjournment. He accused the Government of supporting the American-Canadian reci, procity, on which point it was illinformed. Mr Bryce had not kept the Government in touch with the negotiations essential after the Canadian verdict. He should be promoted to another sphere of usefulness.

Sir E. Grey repiidiated the unfair attacks on Mr Bryce, who did nothing whatever to induce Canada to accept President Taft's proposals. He was not present during the negotiations. He asked: Did the critics think Mr Bryce ought to have stooped the negotiations ? If Mr Brvce had shown reluctance to support the Canadian Government, it would be difficult to resist a demand for separate diplomatic representation.