LONDON PRESS OPINION

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13012, 30 January 1911, Page 3

LONDON PRESS OPINION

EFFECT ON IMPERIAL PREFERENCE.

(Received Jan 28, 5.5 P-m.) London, Jan 28.

"The Times" states that America remits partly or wholly 91 per cent of Canadian imports, and Canada concedes. 34 per cent. The former United States concessions were not as coiv siderable as they now scorn to be, and they strikingly indicate the change or spirit since tho elaboration of tho Pavno law. Canada has not made any concessions, which need greatly alarm manufacturers, while- agricultural and other sections have reason to be gratified America will not admit paper until Canada, has remitted the duty on pulp. Tho agreement will P™babl y pass at Ottawa with more, difhculty than in tho American Senate. Though Mr Fielding, the Canadian Minister of Finance, says that if necessary the British preferential rates will be altered in order to secure equnlitv of treatment, "The Times considers they must fall short of British innnniactiirers' original position. Tho '-Daily Mail" states that the real effect of the treaty is that Canada mortgages the natural resources upon which her future industrial de\elopment depends in order to satisiy n limited demand for a few cheaper ii.v materials. The "Standard" declares that the r"rr«ii--iit emphasises tho necessity i"-- |)i-es--:ng tho Imperial propaganda with" renewed energy. In the last two vnrs our place has been definitely liken by America. The agreement is •v' new departure' in Canadian national development, and the consequences are likely to be serious to British trade. . , . c The, "Morning Post" says that it England wants food she must be prepared to pay more now that Canada has an alternative market. It remains to 'be- seen whether the Canadian manufacturer will permit a lower rate, on British imports. The agreement not being a treaty requires only a bare majority to puss Congress The "Daily Telegraph" remarks that Britain refused to negotiate tor preference, but another Power gladly seized the opportunity. The ratification of the agreement may become a real setback to the ideal of Imperial preference. Tho "Pall Mall Gazette" states that the agreement has a long way to travel before it is finally endorsed. As an evidence of goodwill it is the triumph ofscntiinent, and will not be robbed of its value, even if the outcome is unsubstantial. 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 the door, has no claim to utter reproaches when the Dominion knocks at the door of others. The "Spectator" -declares that the agreement amounts to frectradd in i-lini pioducts. A.n obvious outcome is tint America will give Canada advantages she withholds from Britain, Uus new reciprocity must postpone the hope of Imperial preferemce. Fishermen at Gloucester, America, half masted their flags as a demonstration against the concessions to Canada.