CANADA AND THE STATES.

Mataura Ensign, 30 January 1911, Page 6

CANADA AND THE STATES.

THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT. WORLD-WIDE COMMENT. BY ELECTRIC TELECiIAI'II. COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED ra.::i'S AUfJOCIATIO-W LONDON, Jan. 23. The 'Pall Mali Gazette' states that the Canada-America agreement has a long way to travel betore it is finally endorsed. The evidence of goodwill is a triumph of sentiment that will not be robbed of value even if the outcome is unsubstantial, and it is a tribute to Canada',s growing nationality. The agreement will increase the Canadian cost of living and deal a severe blow at manufacturing industries. Britain; having bolted and barred her door, lias no claim to titter reproaches \, hen the Dominion k.iocks at tno uoors of others. '(he 'Spectator' deduces that the agreement amounts to freetrado in farm products, and the obvious outcome will be that America will give to Canada the advantages that she withholds from [Britain. Tin's new reciprocity must | postpone the hope of imperial preferjence. 'The Times' states that America rej mits partly or wholly 1)1 per cent, of the duties on Canadian imports and Canada concedes 3-1 per cent. The former concessions are not as considerable as they seem to be. The agreement strikingly indicates the change of spirit since the elaboration of the Payne law. Canada has not made concessions that need greatly alarm manufacturers, while the agricultural and other sections have reason to be gratified. America will not admit paper unless Canada remits the duty on pulp. Th« paper concludes that the agreement will probably pass at Ottawa "out there will be more difficulty in the American Senate though MiFielding (Canadian Minister of Finance) says that if necessary the British preferential rates will be altered in order to secure equality of treatment. 'The Times' considers that this must fall short of British manufacturers' original position. The 'Daily Mail' states that the real effect is that Canada mortgages her natural resources, upon which future industrial development depends, in order to satisfy a limited demand for a few of the cheaper,raw materials. The 'Standard' declares that the agreement emphasises the necessity for j pressing Imperial propaganda with reI newed energy. During the past few years our place has been definitely taken by America. The agrement is a new departure in Canadian national development, and its consequences are likely to be serious for British trade. The 'Morning Post' says that if England wants food she must be prepared to pay more. Now that Canada has an alternative market it remains to be seen whether Canadian manufacturers will permit a lower rate on British imports. The agreement, not being a treaty, requires only a bare majority to pass Congress. The 'Daily Telegraph' remarks that Britain has refused to negotiate for preference but another Power has gladly seized the opportunity. Ratification of the agreement may become a real setback to the ideal of Imperial preference. A BOLD PROPHECY. NEW YORK, Jan. 28. The 'Evening Post' (Washington) states that in time the thoughts of 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 is full reciprocity and exchange of citizens and produce and steady Americanisation. RESULTS IN CANADA. OTTAWA, Jaii. 28. Canadian railway presidents declare that the current of traffic has hitherto been from east to west but will now flow South through the United States. Wheat interests generally expect expansion of markets. Sir W. Laurier's (Prime Minister) supporters point out that the cost of living is likely to fall in Canada as a consequence of large importation of foodstuffs. AMERICAN OPPOSITION. NEW YORK, Jan. 28. __ Advocates of a protective tariff in the United States intend to make a bitter fight against reciprocity. It is reported that Mr Taft will not hesitate to take an extreme step and submit the agreement to the Democrats when in power. WHAT FISHERMEN THINK. LONDON, Jan. 28. Fishermen at Gloucester, America, half-masted their flags 'as a demonstration against the concessions to Canada.