Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-01-29
Ut 13''-'slE TIT
TWO LIARS YEA r
Vermont and Reciprocity.

The Boston Journal accuses Vermont Of tax
ing selfish and sectional view Of the BeeipTo-
city question. She finds in Canadian oompe'l-
tion with her own products an argument against
proposition obviously favorable to the country
st large. Her production Of and traffic III wool
and grain would be seriously inju.ei BY the free
introduction Of these articles from the Proyin-
ces. Yet, we are told. she ought to assume the
burden with plelsur,, as concession to the
general interest Of the nation. Furthermore,
the Journal saws that Senator Morrill, was so
we'll aware of the illiberal character Of his con-
.tituepts OPP -ition, 90 the Reciprocity Treaty,
that he prudently ignored it altogether and at
tackel the proposed measure On other and far
different grounds The last charge Is a. uncom-
,limentary to Mr.. Morrl's character as it j. IN
sulting to the intelligence Of the Senate. We
hardly think that body mad been langu shing IN
darkness till the Journal lifted the wool that the
adroit Vermont Senator had pulled over its
eyes Ofseveial arguments against the PROPOSE
ton Mr. Morrill, exercised a perfectly honorable
privilege in choosing the most available. But
the Journal suppo,e- that Senator Morrill, con-
cealel the real objections Of his State &c tA- treaty
because they could ust bear scrutiny, !; mistakes
the man and the people he represents
Our Legislature passed resolutions against
Reciprocity because they deem it hostile TO Yer
mont interests. We're there no other objections 20
the measure these would fully justify her oppo-
sition. Her motives have not been concealed.
and need no apology. The interests Of one = te
ought ue.er To conf .ct with the general iateres
Of the nation, nor Is there any danger that tu'
interest 4 a State viii override that # the M
ton. Under our system e. ch STATE must be
either with the majority ami support, or W ia ;he
minority and submit to, eve act that Is passed.
In theory an advantage Of the majority is the
advantage Of the whole, and opposition t.
measure can proceed 10 further than to its en-
actment Vernon, opposes Reciprocity, as Mas
sachusetts opposed the Embarsl, with tins faci
distinctly in view.
But it Is mistake TO suppose that Yer
mont gains nothing by a Reciprocity trea-
". The lumber trade is large and grow
ing business in this section Of the State. The
great sources of supply for our dealer- are
the Canadian forests. The present duty ou lum-
Der Is Of course, to some extent, an obstacle 60
its importation, and affects correspondusly the
prosperity OF those concerned IN the trade. But
the lumbermen Of the northwest c.am0r for
protection to their interests They wish to ex-
clude Canadian lumber from competition with
their own. This IL perfectly natural ami per-
fectly proper on their part; Congress thought
50, aud imposed duty on imported lumber
and Vermont gracefully accepted the situation.
The same spirit that leads cur lumber dealers
to sink their own concerns in the greater mt,r-
ests Of the State, viii move the State herself TO
sacrifice, at the proper time, her advantage 70
the general welfare Of the nation.
After reading the rebuke Of Vermont for OPP
posing, we looked anxiously FOR the motives Of
Massachusetts in Advocating, reciprocity. Here
they are, as given by the Journal itself IN ths
very article on which We have been comment
ing:
One thing at least IS clear, Boston has lost by
the abrogation Of the Treaty one third Of its
trade with the Provinces, and Il deeply interested
in its recovery. It Is well, therefore, that MS
merchants are moving. Let their voice be heard
in the grand council OF the nation.
No one can doubt that the course of Boston in
the matter is dictated BY the mast exalted spirit
Of disinterested patriotism.