The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-24

sired. 1t Is in truth, measure which exclusively
concerns the Inhabitants OF the frontier; AMI earnestly
hope senators representing States which far removed
from It, and which cannot be affected by the proposed
measure, VIII consent that the wishes OF The parties i'm
medaely Interested shall furnish the rule OF their inter-
course with each other.
have endeavored TO show, Mr. President, that the
Canadian government has aetei with great berality to-
wards US, and that by recprocally removing the duties
on the agricultural productions OF both countries emu
meraed IN the bill, we do no injury 10 any interest bat
create "a mutual benefit.
was very much surprised 10 hear the senator from
Maryland Mr. PEARcEl say that there was no reel
pocy in the proposed arrangements that the bill is de-
luslye II Il pass not dollars worth OF any OF thase
products will be exported from the United States TO Can
ada" The senator could not have examined this subject
with his accustomed care Let me convince HIM that he
has not done 50 In 1871 we exported to Canada So,
JS3 barrels of -four and 500 $50 bushels OF wheat, with
a duty Of about nine cents bushe on the importation
6l,375 bushels OF other grains.
Mr. PEARCE | will thank the senator TO state
whence he derives his information. do not find II in
the public documents.
Mr. DIX. have obtained the information from the
custom. house statistics OF Canada, to which have re-
ieed furnished at my request by the officers OF the Ca
madam government.
We also sent into Canada 9l3 $50 lbs of allow, with
duty of per cent, Qhe very large export resulting
from the very low duyD 2s01) lbs. of butter, with
duty OF 81 80 per cwt; ,i5S oxen, with duty 81
head ao bushels 81 potatoes with duty OF 10 per
per bushe; 6s0y barrels OF sailed meats, chiefly pork
with duty OF 81 30 the cwt
The duty sheep is nearly prohbitory 1t is, at or
ulity prices, about 10 cent he may be said
OF the duty most other animlls Now, do not hes
ilate TO say that the export of most of the enumerated
products may be very greatly increased by the removal oil
the duties upon them and satisfied that the
tor from Maryland will find, on more careful examina
ton of the subject that he has entirely Inexperienced
the operation OF the bill upon the agricultural interest OF
the country.
And now | wish to notice. in the briefes manner the
amendment proposed by the senator from Vermont, Mr.
PHELPS The effect OF the amendment, if adopted, must
be defeat the Ii cannot be accepted by Can
ala. The articles the amendment proposes to make
cprocally free are hats boots shoes, and other manufac
lures of leather, cotton and wooIen fabrics These
all manufactured articles. The bill contcmpates free
exchange of certain agricultural products. The amend
ment changes the whole character of the bill Ii extends
to class OF imports which Canada must rely for
enue Ii would be Just unreasonable in her TO ask
10 receive her furs free OF duty.
But the duties these articles, though duties
are exceedingly moderate. They within the range
of those proposed by Gen Hamilton IN his celebrated
port manufactures shortly alter the organization of
the federal government The duty on hats is u per cent
boots shoes and manufactures OF leather OF all kinds
an average duty not exceeding 10 per cent and on man
ulactures OF cotton and wool "a per cent These duties
not only moderate, but low; and without reference
10 the departure OF the amendment from the general poll
cy OF the BILL 1t Is unreasonable to ask their abolition
Residcs the same dutes are imposed on like products
OF British manufacture. The mother country has adj
vantage in this respect IN Canada and ought
not TO ask an "a ivantage over her.
1t is quite manifest that the anenlment must defeat
the bill aud en,reat senators not to give their sup
port II the bill is not acceptable TO them, trust they
will, at least consent to manifest their opposition TO 1t
by direct vote.
now come to an objection to the bill which consider
proper to notice, though regret to be na Ter the
sy OF making any reference 10 it. The senator from
Virginia Mr. HUNrER] terms this bill = OF
quasi annexation, because the advantages which
urged arising from it to relate such pro-
ject in the future" Mr. President, if this had
any such object, we might reasonably count upon the
support OF the senator from Virginia if there were no other
ground of objection 1t is but four years since every dem
ocratc vote in this body from the northern, oheaslern
and northwestern States cast for tae annexation OF
Texas Ii Canada should desire to unite herself to us,
not expect the same unannity among demo
cratic friends In another quarter or we to understand
that annexation Is only to be counenance when IT can
be made at one extremity OF the Union, and be opposed
at the other? That even freedom OF intercourse is to be
discouraged and repellel, because 1t may by possibility
lead TO such result in the future? hope the int nation
OF the senator from Virginia is not to be 50 understood
II II is, 1t is well that we know now IN what manner our
cooperation in the annexation of Texas and the aclu-
sition of Florida is likely to be reciprocated.
Me-. HUNTER said The gentleman from New York
objection 10 il. | stated the fact without com
nent on II, or innang either approval condem-
nation OF it. said that such must be lis purpose, for
that the best arguments uryei III ts favor seemed 10 be
based upon some such prospect in the future
Mr. DIX am aware that the senator did not con-
ment upon the ntimatlon he made, though understood
him to make 1t By way OF objection to The bill. But |
am happy that he does not wish it so 10 be received
While on this subject desire to say that 50 far as am
concerned, 50 far as concerns those with whom ,hls
measure originated, such design ever i'm lgned
until it suggested by those to whom ii TO be
unacceptable | believe Though | am not sure) this
pro position originally from Canada, from the liberal
party in Canada though IL cordially acqulesced in
side by those Supposed they had the deepest
interest in i Among the fist by whom was publicly
suggested, if remember right, the Secretary OF the
Treasury. lie has twice recommended it but that was
undoubtedly because he regarded it as commercial ar
rangemen which would be beneficial to both parties
know personally many of the pro nInent men in
Canada know they are strongly opposed TO separa-
ton from the mother country. Ihey desire uaon with
England first, independence next, annexation to the
United States last OF all. They desire free exchange OF
products with us, because they believe The existing
strictions upon commerce are preudicia to both
countries; and they desire nothing more What the
feeling with the great body OF the people in Canada
have no means of knowing. That they desire free
commerce with US there is no doubt Beyond that
know nothing OF their opinions or wishes.
For myself, | have heretofore spoken freely on this
subject | would neither be forward in counting the
annexation of adjacent States, backwari in acce ling
to it. | would neither make overures repe them,
without good cause. believe large enough for
all the purposes of security and strength; but should
not fear further extension, would decline ii when
circumstances renIef ii convenient TO ourselves or
others.
Mr. President, this consideration has been urged, and
urged directly, "a an objection to commercial freedom
between the United States and Canada
have recently heard it from the ntlibera party in
Canada, who are for restrictions on commerce.
They in favor OF existing restrictions well new
upon the ground that free intercourse lead to
political unon between Canada and the United States
The Board of Trade in Montreal, in petition TO the
Queen, the 18th December last, prayed for renewal
OF the discriminating duty American grain in favor OF
colonial grain and of the assigned was, that
had led TO growing commercial intercourse with the
United States, giving TO which il daily