Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-07

AU G. L s II "A,
SATURDAY MORNING. May 6. 1870
THE CANADIAN POLICY.

IIllS COuillIN pCNttooC ooi " -
not allow it monopoly of our markets. i:
not very well supported in the New Do
minion Parliament, and may trouble the
Ministers to enforce it. There was a fierce
debate over it at Ottawa on the 9th, and
the vote at the clrse was not encouraging
to the friends of the measure. The tariff
being under discussion, a resolution was
moved adding flour and meal to the free
list, which was opposed by the Govern
ment and led to the discussion of reciproci-
ty and retaliation Sir Francis Hincks
said reciprocity would be advantageous to
both countries. and the Canadian govern
ment had endeayored to obtain it, but
without success. Mr. Mackenzie, tn,
leader of the opposition. said the Govern
ment policy was only dictated by momen-
airy exigencies and was an insane one.
The tax which was to bring the United
States to its knees was only $4,000. He
said the Ministry were trying to break up
the Union of the Provinces, and were de-
ceving the people in regard to American
negotiations. Other members of the oppo-
sition spoke in the same strain. The de-
bate was continued as follows:
Sir George f. Cartier replied that the
tariff would moderately protect the coal of
Nova Scotia. the coarse grains of Quebec,
and the wheat and salt of Ontario. As
for New Brunswick, although none of its
productions were protected, it would bene-
fit from trade encouraged by the tariff.
The only way to get reciprocity was to
keep the Americans out of the fisheries
and protect coal.
Mr. Holton bitterly attacked the Govern
ment, sunk to the depths of degradation
and infamy. He thanked God that he had
common sense enough to keep him from
favoring such shame and humiliation as
the Ministry assumed before the country.
The retaliatory policy entered upon by
Canada was a complete surrender of the
whole position of the States it was found
ed upon unsound economic doctrines, and
would utterly fail of producing good in
any direction whatever.
Sir A. r. Gait attacked Government and
promised to review them later. They had
no fixed policy as to the ''retaliatory" pol
icy; it was either intended to produce rev.
enue, or to encourage trade between the
various Provinces. If it produced the one
it could not produce the other. 1t was
dangerous in every respect, and the money
consideration was too insignificant to be
considered Sir John A. Macdonald re-
piled holly that Mr.. Gait had himself first
proposed protective duties on flour and
wheat He appealed to the rural members
to support the national" policy. [Cries
of mo, no."] They had Inundated them
selves to obtain reciprocity and had failed.
There were still fittul advances from the
States; they met these readily, but the
transactions were all confidential. They
would no longer be the playthings of the
politicians of the United States, but would
have policy of their own. The fisheries
had been left at the mercy of Americans
year after year; the interests of the coun-
try had been sacrificed. He had counsel
led Cancellation, but now the voice of the
people called for retaliation. The opposi-
ton might sneer, but if hen or a chicken,
or pound of cheese or butter could not
be allowed to enter the Uuited States with
out a heavy duty, Canada could also do
the same thing. If there is to be war OF
tariffs, let it come!
Sir A. T. Gait replied that it was absurd
to think the American people could be CO.
creed by trumpery duty of four cents a
buslel ON wheat. 1t was dangerous pol
icy TO inaugurate-that as retaliation with
regard to the fisheries Now that these
negotiations for reciprocity We're over, the
House should know something of them
When he and Gov. Rowland were in
Washington. they had never exceeded
their Instructions. had never acted so as to
humiliate the country, nor had they ever
been in communication with the British
Government He suggested that, as the
Ministers had changed their minds thrice
already, they had better take half an hour
TO see If there were any other changes.
The House divided on the amendment,
which was lost by 50 to 1875 abscntees
"a majority for the Government of nine.
The tariff at first introduced was carried
by 8S to Ga majority for the Govern
ment of "a.
The monthly report of the Bureau of
Statistics contains, besides other valuable