CANADIAN RECIPROCITY

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13411, 8 May 1912, Page 5

CANADIAN RECIPROCITY

DEBATE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

HON J. BRYCE DEFENDED

GOVERNMENT'S POLICY UNAL-

TERABLE,

(Received May 7,-10.15. p.m.)

Londoßj'M ; ay 7.

Speaking in the House of Commons.. Mr H. P. Croft (U.) asked whether the Government would reconsider Imperial preference in order to defeat Mr Taft'? design to make Canada an adjunct to America.

Mr Asquith replied that Messrs Taft's and Roosevelt's letters were private. The Hon J. Bryce had no knowledge of the contents. Nothing in the correspondence would mako the Government alter its policy regarding preference. Mr Bryco only saw the Hon W. S. Fielding in order to learn the facts, and only gave his assistance when asked. The Canadian people would resent in-, terference, and the Hon Mr Bryoe's action inspired confidence in Canada. He would support the policy of the present Government, which was equal to its pro-

deeessors

Mr Croft moved for an adjournment of the debate, and accused tho Government of supporting American-Canadian reciprocity, wherein it was illinformed. The Hon Mr Bryce had not kept the Government in touch Avith the negotiations. It was essential that after the Canadian verdict on the quostion that he should be promoted to another sphere of usefulness.

Sir Edward Grey repudiated as unfair the attacks on the Hon J.-Bryce, who did nothing whatever to induce Canada to accept Mr Taft's proposals. He was not present during tho negotiations. He asked: Did the critics think that the Hon Mr Bryce ought to have stopped the negotiations? If the Hon Mr,Bryce had shown reluctance in his support of the Canadian Government it would have been difficult to resist the demand for a separate diplomatic representation.