Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-02-17
EASTERN TIMES.
Bath, Thursday, Feb. IL, 1853.
Reciprocal Trade.

The recent difficulties on the fishery ques-
ton, appear likely TO bring about not only The
settlement, permanently, of that vcxations sub
ect, but the establishment of a system of recip-
rocal or free trade with the British Provinces
Mr.. Everett, in the report from the State De-
partment recently laid before Congress, SAYS
the attention Of the Departmental has been given
10 the subject with diligence; and it is very
evident that that gentleman is in favor of an ar
rangement by which the benefit of the fisheries
on the coast and shores of the British PROVING
es and the United States can be equally en-
joyed by the fishermen of both governments
1t is understood that the British government is
desirous for reciprocal trade between the Prov
lnces and the United States in certain natural
productions, and will concede 10 MS in the set
Element of this question the free navigation of
the river ST. Lawrence and the Weland canal.
The democrats have generally favored the
plan of reciprocal trade with the neighboring
British Provinces, because it is evident that
benefits will be enjoyed by both parties TO the
agreement and without deiriment TO either, as
system of heavy duties is superseded by the
liberal democratic system Of free and fair trade.
II is a favorable sign to find gentlemen of the
4 party that has stood forth the oppOser of the
liberal doctrines of the democratic school, the
sworn enemy of free trade in all its aspects,
going in for reciprocal trade with Canada with
a jealous good will. Mr.. Everett who has in
other matters given proof of his democratic
sympathies, is one and Hon. Abbot Law
renee, on the question of reciprocity in the
Canadas, is another. The latter gentlemen is
now in Washington exerting himself with full
force for the accomplishment Of this object.
Reciprocity would give start to trade, and
would especially stimulate and develop Ameri-
can enterprise, because that is the enterprise
always ready for development. 1t would make
the Provincials nearer neighbors than ever,
and wake up their dormant business energies to
their own and our advantage. The advantages
of reciprocal treaty with British America are
well described in an article on the subject in
the Boston Post as follows
The confirmation of reciprocal treaty
would be the grealesI triul phi this age has
witnessed Of liberal and natural legislation
1t would give us a large aud growing mar
ket for our manufactures, and consequently,
for COTTON, wool, and other raw materials
for our rice and tobacco, and in fine, for all
articles that we produce and that Canada
does not. On the other hand, il would give
us ashes, lumber, gypsum, &c. &C.. at
lower price than those that now prevail.
while it is admitted that our markets need
all they can get of these leading articles
Canadian lumber already completes TO a
heavy extent with our own, and the consum-
ers and NOT The government should have
whatever advantage naturally results from
this competition. 1t will not be many years
ere the Canadian ports will be The chief de- /
pendence of the Atlantic lumber markets.
This fact, we believe, is thoroughly under |
stood in The great lumber State OF New York /
which is fully in favor of reciprocity. Then |
again respecting breadstuiIs and provi- |
sions. Some districts of Canada would un-
doubleday increase their sales of these 2rod- |
ucIs IN the American markets; but with a
removal of the provincial duties, we should |
largely extend our exports of The same arIi-
Giles to New Brun swick, Newfoundland No |
va Scotia, ana Lower Canada, and 10 such /
an extent as 10 sell 10 the provinces, upon |
The whole, far more than we should buy, un-
der the most favorable circumstances.-
Moreover, our purchases Of Canadian wheat
and flour would I've, chiefly, for export, aud
this wheat and -four, even now, completes
freely with our own, in the foreign market. !
Reciprocity, in fine, would TO no section |
of the country the slightest injury, while il /
would give an impetus and an aid 10 many |
OF the most important interests of The whole |
II would be a measure, also, which would |
give 10 the British provinces such start as I
TO make their Irade-already large-two I
times as valuable within few years. 1t
would regenerate and vitalize the whole
northern country,and add smother field for the
development of American enterprise and in
dusiry. No wonder the provinces call for
reciprocity al almost any Price. 1t would
inoculate them with the full spirit of the |
American character. Ii would give US a
good bargain, and ii it gave our neighbors,
nso, a good one, SO much the better for
them.
And when the great measure Of reciproci- |
~ is successfully carried through-as car
ried through il will be-when a man on one |
side of an imaginary line can barter with /
man on the other for a COW or an OK, for |
wheat or for oats, without both parties pay !
ing heavy tax to the respective govern /
menIs. hundreds of miles away-we shall /
feel that heavy blow has been dealt by |
common sense and liberaIty upon that an
tiqne, artificial, unjust and oppressive sys-
tenn, that does not allow TWO people to trade !
fairly and freely, ifthey chance 70 dwell Oh
different banks of the same river.