CANADIAN RECIPROCITY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 277, 13 April 1911, Page 5

CANADIAN RECIPROCITY

A "FAVORED NATION" DECISION. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Washington, April 11. Deciding a whisky duty case, the Customs Court incidentally held that the so-called most-favored nation clause existing in commercial treaties between the United States, Britain, and other European Powers, did not restrict the United States effecting reciprocity with Canada. Whisky importers claimed that the same duty was payable on English whiskies as on French, but the court rejected the claim, holding that the favored nation clause did not apply to England. In consequence of this decision political circles declare that America will not be compelled to grant other nations the concessions made in the reciprocity agreement, citing the above as proof of the contention. Lord Selborne recently declare" that, .according to the most-favored "H"" treatment, twelve countries were entitled to receive from Canada the same treatment that was conceded to America. The latter would doubtless be surprised if she had to share concessions with twelve others. DELAY IN CANADA. Ottawa, April 11. It is considered improbable that the reciprocity agreement will pass Parliament before Sir Wilfrid Laurier leaves for London on May IS. THE DEMOCRATS' DECISION. THE BILL TO BE PASSED. Received 13, 12.5 a.m. Washington, April 12. A democratic caucus in the Lower House decided to pass the Reciprocity Bill first, and later to pass a Bill amending the tariff, so that fanners' necessities would be placed on the free list. The Reciprocity Bill will be unaltered. AN INSPIRED STATEMENT. NO OTHERS NEED APPLY. Received 13, 12.5 a.m. London, April 12. The Associated Press has published an inspired announcement to the effect that a European Government, whose name is not given, has raised the question that if Canada benefits under reciprocity it will be extended to other countries in accordance with the favored nation clause. The State Department replied that reciprocity was a bargain, the United States receiving concessions in return for concessions, and other nations would not secure the benefits of reciprocity except a special agreement were made.