The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-02-13

the treaty has consequently been less reciprocal
in its advantages than its promoters designed 1t
to be. These points established, the wisdom of
Congress in abrogating the treaty became appa-
rent. And we contended that in any new ar
rangement as between this country and the
British Provinces, due regard should be had, not
only to the enforcement of genuine reciprocity,
but to the peculiarity Of our position in view of
the Indebtedness and taxation resultlngl from
the war.
Whatever expectations the Provincial dele.
gates may have cherished touching the expiring
treaty a brief period OF observation at Wash.
ington appears to have convinced them of the
hopelessness of any effort TO secure ITS renewal
on the old basis, or with anything like strict
adherence to the old form. 1t is Reliable to
their Judgment and candor that, instead OF
wasting time and strength and temper in a vain
attempt to controveTt the general conviction ex.
pressed by the Secretary of the Treasury in his
report, or TO induce a reversal by Congress Of
its action in the premises they at once acqui-
esced In the Judgment that had been pronounced,
and addressed themselves TO the question in its
practical relations TO the future. Wisely allow
ng the present treaty to go by default, and
passing over the many vexatious issues which
have entered into the controversy in reference
to past intercourse, they applied themselves to
this single problem-0n what plan may the
commercial intercourse between the United
States and the Provinces be hereafter conducted
with the greatest advantage to all parties
Had Messrs. Galt Rowland, and their CO.
delegates pursued different course, their
mission would have been a signal failure. They
would have been brought into Immediate COLI
sion as well with the ultra protectionist con-
tending for an abstract principle, rs with the
great BODY OF moderate men, who see IN protec-
ton mainly an incident generated by financial
necessity, and whose aim is to cultivate eX-
tended trade, with no other restrictions than
those which may be necessary to shield from
unequal competition our heavily burdened in-
dustry. BY adapting themselves promptly to
the sltuaton-by recognzlng the logic OF ne
Of Tl,Ase
the delegates aveTted no inconsiderable
amount of hostility, and secured for their pro-
positions a degree OF favor that would other
wise have been denied them.
What are these propositions? They come 20
us IN an official shape in the memorandum sub
mtted by the delegates to the House Committee
of Ways and Means, after q series OF heightened
conferences with that body. Here is the docu-
ment brief and suggestive:-
"The trade between the United States and the
British Provinces should, 1t is believed, under Ord
nary circumstances, be free in re erence TO their
natural productions; but internal taxes excep-
tonaly exist IN the United States, it is proposed
that the articles embraced in the free of the Kec
pTocity treaty should continue TO bo exchanged,
subject only 10 such duies rs may be equivalent to
that internal taxation. 1t is suggested that both
parties may add certain articles TO those now in the
said lst.
with reference to the Fisheries, and the naviga-
tion OF the internal waters of the continent, the
British Provinces are willing that he sting regu-
latLns should continue in ettec Sbut Canada is
ready TO enter into engage ments, with the view or
the assurance be gwen that the trade OF the Western
States will not be diverted from its natural channe,
by legislation And If the United states are not
prepared to consider. at present, the gen raj open.
ing of their coasting trade t would appear desirable
that, regards the internal waters the continent,
no distinction should be made between the vessels
OF the two countries.
"If the foregoing points be satisfactorily arran qed
Canada is WI lng 10 adjust her excise duties uuon
spirits, beer, and tobacco upon the best revenue
standard which may be mutually adopted after full
consideration OF The subject, and # 1t be desired to
treat any other articles in the same way, the dlspO
ston OF the Canadian Government Is TO give every
facility IN their power to prevent lclt trade.
with regard TO the transit trade it is suggested
that he same regulations should exist both sides
and be defined by Jaw.
canada is also prepared to make her Patent Laws
similar to those of the United States"
1t is understood that the Canadian representa-
uves are prepared upon one or two other points
to make concessions designed to obviate objec-
tions arising out of the present system. This
memorandum seems to have been intended
simply as the basl5 of negotiation; and con-
sdered this light, we must confess that its
liberality and its appreciation of our national
and all attendant considerations are thro wn
aside; there is neither need nor room tor further
discussion concerning them. We start afresh
and unincumbered, with an evident disposition
on the part OF the provinces to meet us ON the
ground OF genuine reciprocity.
Glance again at the details of the above memo
randum, and they will be found in many par
| tCuIars to harmonlZe with requirements which
| have for months past been urged by those who,
! Ike ourselves, were dissatisfied with the work
! ing of the treaty.
1t has been contended that the taxation to
| which, since the war, every branch of industry
| and trade is subjected renders necessary the
eXaction OF uuties in some measure correspond
| ing to the burdens borne by our own products
! whether OF the farm, the forest, the mIne or the
| workshop. Free competition, hoWsoever admi.
! rable in theory, presupposes a certain equality
in the conditions of production; and this Ger.
! tainly does not exist as between Canada and
tins country in our present circumstances.
| Therefore it has been suggested that the arti.
cles now admitted free from the provinces
should be subject TO duties not coIrespon ding to
the internal taxation which falls upon the same
| articles when produced by our own people. The
| suggestion has been indorsed by our boards oi
! trade and others opposed to the treaty as it Isl
and really 1t seems TO meet the equity of the
case.
Well, that for which our people have con
! tended is unreservedly conceded by the provln
clal delegates. ut is now proposed u they say,
that the articles embraced in the free list oil
the Reciprocity treaty should continue 10 be eX
changed, subject only to such duties as may be
| equivalent to that internal taxation which eX
| ceptionally exists in this country" What more
could be desired on this head? What moro is
| needed, in fact, 10 prevent recurrence OF the
hardship and injustice OF which our lumberers
wool-grOwers, and Others have with more or les:
reason complained, and to secure a continuance
on iair terms, OF the large trade which the treaty
has undoubtedly developed?
In one particular, and one only, NAV more be
sought, ana even this, we think Is covered by
another sentence in the memorandum. The free
list, so called, ought TO be so extended that il
shall open the provincial markets to certain o.
our manufactures; a change not difficult OF &C
complishment, if We interpret Alright the sugges
tion OF the delegates, "that both parties may aAC
certain articles 10 those now in the said list. ,
The precise articles to be embraced in thus ex
tension Of the list are proper subject of nego
tiation.
Moreo yer, we are offered such an adiustmen
off Tho of- At,ff