The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-27
CANADIAN COMMERCE.
Trade-The Tariff Question Discussed by
American Delegates-Competton
for the Grain Trade with
tho United States

the Convention on behalf OF the United States dele
gates. lie believed reciprocal trade relations be-
tween Canada and the United States to be neces-
sary to both countries. While he was Of the opin-
ion that both countries could exist without re-
ciprocity he considered Canada the natural outlet
for the great trade OF the West and for that reason
reciprocity would be mutually advantageous
The Board then proceeded to the question on the
Official recommendation tOnnage-and Mr..
Plimsoll's bill was moved by Robert Marshall, OF
st. John, N. b. the folio wing being the substance
OF the resolution THAT an address be presented
to the Governor General, urging the adoption Of
such measures may seem necessary to prevent
any legislation that may be proposed in Ottawa in
consequence of the report OF the Royal Commission
recently held in London prejudicaIly affecting the
tonnage OF the Dominion or Canada.
Captain Dorr, OF Buffalo. spoke in favor Of the
resolution, which was UNANIMOUSLY adopted.
Hon. T. L. Jones moved the subject OF conside-a.
tion-speedy railway communication between
Montreal and the maritime provinces.
Mr. White, OF Montreal stating that this Board,
having had q communication from the Secretary
OF the International Board OF Trade referring TO a
resolution passed by that body calling the atten-
in the Dominion waters common to vessels OF both
countries, and that the Executive Council be in
structed TO bring the subject under the notice Of
the government with view to meet if possible
the suggestions OF the International Board or
Trade. Carried.
committee was appointed to consider the joint
reports OF the Kingston and Toronto Boards Of
Trade on the best mode OF equipplng passenger
steamers with view to the better protection Of
The Board then proceeded to discuss the tariff
question. The following resolution was offered by
Mr. MCPHERSON, Of 81. John, and seconded by MIR.
Mitchell, OF Montreal:-
That duty Of fifteen per cent !, fair and reasonable
Mr.. Gillespie, of Toronto made motion, which
was seconded by Mr.. Elliot OF Toronto, that the
duty be increased to twenty per cent ad valorem.
Major Walker moved an amendment to the
amendment that this Board approves Of the incl
dental protection to home manufacturers OF fifteen
per cent ad valorem, and is Of the opinion that,
in the event OF an increase in the revenue being
required, 1t should be raised by the increase OF
duties on articles that are Injuries not neces-
saries; and that this Board Is further OF the
opinion that perseverance in the fiscal policy Of
the country is most important alike to commerce
long discussion followed, in which a number Of
members took part.
Brown, Of Hamilton. said he was instructed Dy the
Board OF Trade OF Hamilton TO bring before the
Board tine b OF snip canal at saus Ste
work was a commercial as well as national neces-
sity, he moved seconded by Mr.: Pe2nock) THAT
lance to the Inhabitants OF the Dominion tnat
canal should be built at Sault St. Marie, and that
work as soon as means are at Its disposal"
Mr.. McLennan, OF Montreal, considered there
was danger that the country was undertaking too
much for its resources II the canal was a COM
merclal necessity we should strain point to con.
struct It, but he thought we would stultify our.
necessity, when we were endeavorlng to obtain
reciprocal trade relations with our neighbOrs. The
refusal OF the Americans to allow our troops to
pass through the canal was not from any unwill-
ingness to accommodate Canada, bus from the fact
Wa c To p
when 1t was ascertained that permit would have
10 come from the Governor OF Michigan. When
application was made to the Governor by tele-
graph permission was Immediately granted. AS
he did not consider there was a pressing necessity
for the canal at present he would move that Mr..
Browns resolution be laid on the table.
Major Walker thought the country could afford
to have an unbroken line OF communication be-
tween our waters, without having to depend on
our nelghbors. There was commercial necessity
underlying this scheme, and national necessity
for such a canal may occur again IN the event Of
another insurrectiOn in the Northwest He would
vote for the resolution.
Mr.. Rowland, OF Prince Edward Island, spoke
In favor OF the scheme
MIR. Keelor, OF st. Catharines, thought the meas
did not think the country was suffering
from want OF the canal yet while they were
suffering for want OF the eniarging OF the St. Law
renee canals, deepening Port COborne harbor and
the adoption OF the Erie level OF the Welland
Canal The question being put to the Board, the
amendment was lost, and the original motion car
red without division.
Mr.; White, Of Montreal, read paper on the
double liabilities clause OF the act relating to bank
stock, tracing the whole history of the matter and
advocating the repeal of the clause.
=, The next question before the meeting was that
the excise and customs duties upon petroleum oil
be considered; also the duties upon articles used
in It's production and manufacture.
-. Ill
favor OF the repeal OF the present law, which. If
allowed to remain IN force, would ultimately com
pei many OF the rehners to leave the country,
A resolution was then put and carried memorial.
izing the Legislature to remove the excise tax
from petroleum Oil.
Mr.. Roberts, OF Montreal brought under the no.
tice OF the Board certain anomalies caused by the
different systems OF examination adopted at the
different ports OF entry, goods being subject to
heavier duties in some ports than others.
A resolution was then adopted drawing the at
tentlon OF the government to the necessity OF
uniform system.
MIR. James Young. OF Toronto, introduced into
consideration the Flour and Grain Inspection act,
ana advocated change In the denomination OF
certain grades OF flour; also some regulation In
inspectors ices. The question was referred to
Mr. Fairweather. of st. John, n. b.. extended a
hearty invitation TO the Board to visit that CITY,
Several other gentlemen spoke in favor Of the
4 resolution nominating st. John as the next
place OF meeting for the Board was then put and
carried without division.
Mr.. Ogllyie seconded by Mr.. Neelon) moved that
this Board heartily approves OF the adoption of the
Genital system. and that the Board do all in its
power to secure its more general adoption
throughout the Dominion In buying and selling an
kinds OF grain. The motion was carried unani-
mously.
In the afternoon session the first question taken
up was reciprocal trade relations.
Thomas White said he believed all present de-
sired the renewal OF reciprocity notwthst anding
the progress Canada had made since the abroga-
of DO provinces OF Canada had increased seventy
seven per cent. He proceeded to snow by elabo.
rate STATISTICS the amount OF rade done by Great
Britain, the United states and Canada In the last
seventeen years, including the years during which
the treaty was IN existence. With respect to the
United States, he thought it would be
OF the greatest benefit TO both that
country and Canada to reestabsh re-
cpr0city on broad basis, although
either could prosper without 1t. lie
moved resolution, which was seconded by Adam
Brown, OF Hamilton, TO the effect that desira-
bic at once TO re establish reciprocity treaty be-
tween Canada and the United states ON a COM
prehensive basis.
Mr. Adam Rrown concnrrad In ,ho .ox..~,. -,
the previous speaker
Hon. Joseph hawley, OF Detroit, said the ques-
ton was one OF importance which could
not be over estimated, and beheved that
In due time the contamination they ali
desired would be attained. lie could not of
course, say when that would be. Prejudces
existed on both sides but these would be got over
ana both would then look upon the measure as one
OF mutual advantage. The natural wish on the
part OF the business men OF the United states that
Q Recommendation be made W the government Of