The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-07-25
Reciprocity Between Canada and the
United States

The American Congress adjourned June 2Sd, with
out taking action on the proposed treaty Of ~reciprOc-
ity with Canada. 1t viii doubtless be brought up
again in December. The following from an inAuen-
tial journal Of New York State, (the Rochester Dem
oerGt and CbyoaieIe,) will show how the subject was
viewed in that quarter, before the adjournment Of
Congress
Negotiations have for Q time been in progress
at Washington for a new reciprocity treaty with
Canada, the United States being represented by Sec
rotary Fish, and Sir Edward Thornton. the British
Minister to this country, and the Hon. Geo. Brown,
senator Of the Canadian Dominion, acting as Joint
plenipotentiaries on the part Of Great Britain. The
negotiations had their impulse in a consideration Of
that portion Of the treaty Of Washington relating 10
the fisheries, and a suggestion, from Canadian
sources, whether it would not be better if this single
matter Of business was merged, as formerly, in s
treaty Of commercial reciprocity. The negotiations
are understood to be reaching a conclusion ~satisfac-
tory to both countries, and it is somewhat definitely
stated that the treaty viii soon be arranged, if il has
not already been so arranged. The New York
Chamber Of u ct its meeting Wednesday,
passed resolutions unanimously requesting the Senate
10 favor the proposed treaty, and, as this is a BODY
having great commercial weight, its recommends
tons will undoubtedly be respectfully regarded.
1t may be safely assumed that neither Secretary
Fish will prepare, nor the Senate ratify, such a treaty
upon any sentimental notions of the blessings Of free
trade. The United States cannot afford to indulge in
any such luxuries IN defiance of its plain business
interests. This is not the policy Of the administra-
ton nor is it, we believe, the wish of the people.
The Canadian treaty viii be looked upon merely in
the light of q commercial transaction, to be entered
upon if it shall be for our material interest, to be
declined, if it shall appear to be to our disadvantage.
So far as We have been able to analyse the statistics
of trade between the Union and the Dominion we
have not gained by the termination of the former
treaty stipulations.
1t is asserted that the fisheries, provided for by
the treaty of Washington, but which We must nav
for, should be assessed at an annual rental Of
$1,000. 900, but under reciprocity their value would
be merged in the general regulations. There is a
variance between American and Canadian figures as
to the balance of trade, during the time the former
reciprocity treaty was in force, viz, from 1854 to
1867, but by both satisfies the balance was in our
favor, according to the one being $50, GOO, 900 and
by the other S95 900, 900. Since the close of the
treaty it is alleged by the Canadians that the aggre-
gate balance of trade against US has been S5I, So
900.
There are other figures presented, bearing directly
or indirectly upon the main question, which it is
not necessary at this time to ~numerate. Our neigh
bors claim that in offering to conclude a new treaty
they are eyincing considerable generosity, and that
their offers should be received in q friendly spirit ;
but nations doing business with each other must be
more or less selfish, and this treaty viii become oper-
alive if, upon the whole, we think our interests are
thereby to be advanced. There is no other reasona-
bic method of examining this subject. The treaty
will doubtless be made public, in a few days, and its
provisions can then be more intelligently discussed
than at this time.