The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-06-03

THE BOARD OF TRADE SPEAKS.

special meeting of the Board of Trade was
held yesterday morning to take into consldera-
ton the matter of a reciprocity treaty with
Canada. President Woodman called the meet
ing to order and stated the object for which
it was called.
A communication from the Oswego Boar1 of
Trade accompanied by resolutions strongly
in favor of reciprocity, was read and ordered
on file.
The President spoke of the consistent action
of the Portland Board on the subject, and said
an expression of its opinion is needful to-day.
Mr.. A. X. ShurtleM offered resolutions re- af-
frlHing the resolutions passed by the Board in
1866
A discussion ersued 1t was suggested that
proper pressure by petitions should be brought
10 Dear upon Senator Hamlin, who is supposed,
because of representing the lumber interests of
the eastern part of the State, to be opposed to
treaty.
Mr.. L. G. Hersey seconded the motion,
warmly supporting the projected treaty, but
expressing doubts if we should be able to OBJ
stain as favorable terms as were embodied in
the old treaty.
Nh. q. E. Jose suggested the omission of
certain structures which he thought the reso-
lutions contained
Mr.. c. II. Haskell thought the objection of
Mr. Jose had weight. He had but little faith
in the success of the movement for the re-
newal of the treaty, for our Christian states
men are too much interested in grain and lum-
Der and wood. The treaty was overthrown be-
cause of dislike to the Southern nclinations of
Canada That feeling of dislike is passing
away. We need Canadian lumber. Still
there will be serious opposition to the treaty.
1t will be better to drop these dead resolutions,
which smell of the dead treaty, and adopt live
resolutions, being careful not to touch upon old
sores.
Mr.. M. N. Rich believed in adhering to the
record of the Board, The old treaty is what
we want. 1t was abrogated through spite
mainly. That feeling has passed away, and
the treaty can now be renewed. He thought
that the amendment of Mr.. Jose was good
one, but favored simply re-affirming the reso-
lutions of 1866
Mr. j. b. Brown thought that Canadian feel
ing was misunderstood. The present Liberal
ministry is pledged to its renewal. So the feel
ing of the lumber interest in this state is mis-.
understood. That interest will not oppose the
treaty. The trouble is that our people don't
understand what reciprocity or free trade be-
tween the states means. If the boundary line
could be abolished it would be great thing for
Portland Before the abolition of the treaty
our trade with Canada was large, and the faces
of Canadian merchants were familiar in
our streets. The renewal of the treaty will
bring back that trade.
Mr. W. S. Dana thought there was reason in
The amendment of MI. Jose. The matter
might be left to committee, and that COM
mittee should act at once. He had letter
from Mr.. Edward Russell of Boston. stating
that no time was to be lost. Maine and es
pecially Portland, is deeply interested in reci-
prOcty. The advantage is quite as great for
Canada, particularly for her fishing interests.
Prompt action should be .aken.
Mr.. Hersey moved and Mr.. Haskell seconded
the motion, that the matter be referred to a
committee consisting of Messrs. Shurteff, Rich
and Jose. The gentlemen declined serving,
and the resolutions as amended by Mr.. Jose
were adopted They read as follows:
Whereas, The Board of Trade of the city of
Portland has several times given its unanimous
and earn est expression in favor of an amicable
reciproc ity treaty between the United States
and the British North American Provinces, and
Whereas, The subject of a treaty is now en-
gazing the attention of Congress, therefore,
Resolued, That the Board does hereby reaf-
firm so much of the resolutions unanimously
adopted in 1866 as is expressed in the follow
ing;viz
ResotUed, That it is the opinion of this
Board that it utters the prevailing senti-
ments of not only this city, but the State of
Maine generally, in declaring that liberal
reciprocity treaty, based upon just and AMIGA
BILE principles, between the British American
Provinces and the United States. is demanded
by every consideration of wise craftsmanship
Resolved, That these resolutions be published
in the daily papers of this city, and that the
Secretary transmit copies thereof to each of
the members of Congress from this state, and
that they be earnestly requested to aid, as far
as possible, the establishment of renewed recip-
rocal relations between ourselves and Canada
The Board then adjourned. The liveest in
terest in the subject matter vas expressed by
those present, and the conviction unanimously
expressed that the renewal of the treaty would
be of immense advantage to Portland