THE STATES AND CANADA

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 226, 30 January 1911, Page 5

THE STATES AND CANADA

BIE GEORGE REID'S OPINION.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright, London, January 27.

The Morning Post comments on Sir George Reid's statements that if reciprocity with the Mother Country could be arranged, Australian opinion would heartily welcome it.

THE CANADIAN AGREEMENT.

London, January 27.

The Post ridicules the Liberal statement that the dominions are turning from Imperial reciprocity, fearing it Biay ;mean death to their autonomy. Though Canada has avoided the entanglement of a treaty, the new agreement •with the United States will not tend to cheer Britishers. The reciprocal free list is not of vital importance, since it mainly affects articles wherein Britain does not compete, but manufacturers of tin-plates are apparently going to lose the present preference. Of far greater significance is the fact that Canada is realising that the American market is more promising. The agreement will give America a leverage to force the door further at a later-period.

•VARIOUS OPINIONS. Ottawa, January 27. x The Conservatives express the opinion that British Columbia's fruit industry will probably be ruined by reciprocity. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's supporters express satisfaction at the agreement.

Politicians at Ottawa think the reciprocity bargain a good one in view of what is .usually granted by the United States.

THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT. ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT. Received 29, fi.s p.m. London, January 29. The Times states that America remits partly or wholly 91 per cent, on Canadian imports, and Canada has conceded 34 per cent. The former concessions are not as considerable as they seem to be, and strikingly indicate the change in spirit since the elaboration of the Payne law. Canada has not made concessions which need greatly alarm manufacturers, while the agricultural and other sections liaye reason to be gratified. America will not admit paper until Canada remits the duty on pulp. The agreement will probably pass at Ottawa- with more difficulty than in the American Senate, though Mr. Fielding, Canadian Minister of Finance, says that, if necessary, British preferential rates will be altered in order" to secure equality of treatment.

\The Times considers that this must fall short of the British manufacturers'

original position. The Daily Mail states that the real effect on Canada is that she mortgages lier natural resources, upon which her future industrial development depends, in order to satisfy the limited demand of a few for cheaper raw material.

Tha Standard declares that the agreement emphasises the necessity for pressing the Imperial propaganda with renewed energy. In the last few years our place has definitely been taken by America. The agreement is a new departure in Canadian national development, and its consequences are likely to be serious to 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 the Canadian manufacturer would permit a lower rate for British imports. The agreement not being a treaty required only a bare majority to pass Congress. • The Daily Telegraph remarks that Great Britain refused to negotiate for preference, but another Power gladly seized the opportunity, and the ratification of the agreement might become a real set-back to Imperial preference. New York, January 28.

The Evening Star, Washington, states that in time, thoush Canadians may turn towards annexation as the most to be desired of all political boons, the isolation and humiliation of colonials will not be forever endurable. Meanwhile there are full reciprocity, exchange of citizens and products, and steady Amerioanisation.

"A TRIUMPH OF SENTIMENT."

A BLO\V TO DIPERIAL PREFERENCE.

Received 29, 5.5 p.m. London, January 28. .'' The Pall Mall Gazette states that the agreement has a long way to travel before it is finally endorsed. This evidence of goodwill i.s a triumph of sentiment, and will not be robbed of its value, even if the outcome is unsubstantial, and is a tribute to Canada's growing nationality. The agreement will increase Canadin cost of living, and deal a severe blow to manufacturing industries. Great 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 the agreement amounts to free trade in farm products as the obvious outcome. America gives Canada advantages that she withholds from Great Britain, and this new reciprocity must postpone the hope of Imperial preference. Fishermen at Gloucester, America, halfmasted their flags as a demonstration against the concessions to Canada.

THE COST OF LIVING. Received 20, 5.5 p.m. Ottawa, January 28. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's supporters point out that the cost of living is likely to fall in Canada as a consequence of larger importation of foodstuffs. DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC PREDICTED. Received 29, 5.5 p.m. ... , Ottawa, January 28. ; The Canadian railway presidents do-

Clare that the current of traffic hitherto east and west will now flow south through the United States., Wheat interests generally expect to expand their markets.

A BITTER FIGHT EXPECTED. Received 29, 5.5 p.m. New York, January 28. Advocates of a protective tariff for the United States intend to make a bitter fight against the reciprocity agreement. It is reported that Mr. Taft will not hesitate to take the extreme step and submit the agreement to the Democrats when in power.