Canada Self-Rellant.

Southland Times, Issue 19727, 30 January 1906, Page 2

Canada Self-Rellant.

A SPIRITED, SPKECH. Per United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright, OTTAWA, Jun. 29. Received 29th, 9.34.1 p.m. A speech made by Mr Sydney Fisher, Canadian Minister of Agriculture, pt the MncKenzio Club, Montreal, though it is understood that ho was only expressing his own. views, has attracted widespread attention. Ho / remarked that it was a calumny to say, ns had been said during the British elections, that unless Canadian products were granted preference in the Motherland's 'markets, Canada would be liable to separate from the Empire. Canadian formers- did not demand and did not want preference for thiir food products. "The motherland, under existing conditions, absorbs all the food products wo can send, paying profitable pniecs. We do not send more .because the productive capacity of Canada’s agricultural population is unable to produce it,” Personally, as a funnier and Minister, he was rather glad that Britain had decided not to give Canada preference. Canadian agriculture did not require prefence because the farmers were able to beat their rivals at every point. Received 29th, 11.47 p.m.;

Mr Fisher continued : "Therefore they would not ask the Motherland to burden herself for the benefit of the Canadians or others. Wo gave preference because it suits ourselves. If he were au elector in Britain he would be a Libcnal and a freetrader. The best way to strengthen the Empire was to give an absolutely free bund to each port and whenever coaimon objects demanded 'general consideration tlum let trusted leaders meet in conference. As free trade was Britain's economic necessity so freedom from milil-, nrisin is ours. To make Canada strong lor herself and the Empire let nothing make us swerve. Our work is to gain population, prosperity mid wealth. li we wish our ties within the Empire to be strong make them clastic and loose so that they may not snap as a straightened cord is apt to do.”