A DISCOUNT ASKED FOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 14011, 16 September 1909, Page 2

A DISCOUNT ASKED FOR.

Mr. Cockshntt (Toronto) seconded the motion. He outlined the growth ol the preferential movement in Canada., Never in the history of the world was there amalgamated under one gov. eminent so many states and so inner wealth as were found to-day under the British flag. The consolidation o$ the Empire was the greatest question ot modern times. ShbuW they pass it down that it was beyond the wit of man or 'his genius* to devise ways and means by which It oouM be done? He thought not. They must work for it, live for it, and strive for it. No one m the congress dared to say that the position of Britain was as far in advance of America and Germany as it was twenty^five years ago. Britain was purchasing more than she was selling. She was on the wrong track. It was the exports of a. country that must show in the final analysis— that which was in the pocket at the end of the year. Let them within the Empire (rive a little better discount to their brethren in Australia^ Mew Zealand. South Africa, or Britain than wns given to America, Germany, or Russia. Since last congress, Canada had negotiated two foreign trade • treaties, if not more — onp 'with Prance and 1 one with Japan — in whioh she was giving more advantage^ to those two nations than she was giving, to her sister states. Would anyone tell him that it was more proper to negotiate * treatjr with one's most dangerous commercial rival than with one's own people f Would anyone say they could make treaties with all the foreign nations, but not amongst their own family P Delay was danger ons. Now was the time to strike the blow. The whole of the colonies and the. Mother Country seemed to be ready for it. Why ask the United States or Germany what they thought of itf Follow what they did, and what they thought waa best for themselves in the matter of trade. Britons must hare a regard for their own oitisens first, arid retain for the benefit of their own race and flag and empire that grand heritage with which Providence had ! blessed them. • .