St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-09-06
o4NAD1AN CoMuERcIAL RECIpRoc-

The Montreal Jo,a7la, of Commerce takes
umbrage at what it is pleased to call the
'cool proposition of the st. Paul Jobbers'
Union to take possession of Manitoba, basing
its criticisms upon the series of re solutions
passed by the Union. The Journal Of Com
merce absurdly chrages that the st. Paul job
bers in their advocacy of reciprocal CONNER
cial relations with Manitoba contemplate the
annexation of that Province TO the United
States; and further charges that some Of the
Manitoba newsp apers would sympathize with
a movement in that direction. The absurd
ity of these allegations OF the Manitoba jour
nal, is born OF narrow, contracted ilIiber
al views. The st. Paul JobberS' Union is not
a band of organized political propagan dists
having in view the disturbance OF ex;sting
territorial boundaries. Having an eye to
business, their simple and sole aim is to en-
large the sphere of trade by the establish
ment of proper reciprocal relations with the
Canadian provinces generally, and not with
Manitoba alone.
The Manitoba journals take pointed issue
with the positions of the Montreal paper, and
warmly second the suggestions Of the job
bers' Union, in seeking closer and just re-
ciprocal trade relations between the states
OF the Northwest and the Canadian Provinces.
The Winnipeg Free Press says, complete
reciprocity between the two countries is what
they, 0he Jobbers Union) desire, and what
the people on this side of the line also desire,
believing that while the wiping out of the
customs line would confer peculiar benefits
to the Northwest, it would have good effect
on Canada as a WHOLE
The Free Press further says, in reply to the
alarmists who are raising the cry that ulti-
mate annexation is aimed at, asserting that
annexation would make US richer il pocket,
and would impoverish us in every other
way" that the fear of annexation, and the
consequent change of political institutions
are entirely groundless, and adds: Com
mercial union presents way by which we
can still retain our own peculiar institutions
and yet profit by the greater richness in
pocket Our resources would be developed
our population would be kept at home; dis
content would be rooted out and satisfaction
with our lot would take the place of gloom
in every way, in fact, would we be benefited
And all the while we need give up nothing
that we now really prize; but rather would
be able to hold on to everything the more
closely"
The severe protectionists discern in this
proposition for commercial union, break
ing down of all barriers to a healthy trade
between the countries, and that the sacrifice
of Canadian independence, is figment
that no man can indulge without first tax
ing leave of his senses. Reciprocal trade
relations can easily be adjusted, if the two
countries are SO minded with equal and
exact justice to both, and without any in
fringement ON existing political systems in
either country.
The Free Press quotes for the benefit OF
that high protectionist publication. the Mon
treal Journal Of Commerce, the following ex
tract from an editorial in the Philadelphia
American, one Of the most, if not the most
intensely protectionist paper in the United
| States:
Canada is not farther off than before she
adopted the policy of doing the best sh,
could for her own development, but far near
er. Her political struggles are watched II
| InlS country Dy the lTlenuS Oh the protective
policy, and with hearty satisfaction in thu
success Of the Conservatives. The prospec
of closer relation between the two coun
tries, therefore, is brighter since our neigh
Dor has taken This step. We feel that W,
stand on the same ground, and are laborins
for the same end, as well as fighting thu
same enemies. We are working together t.
make our continent all that God meant TO
it, when He endowed it so richly in all ma
tn raj resources and brought to it the mos
energetic and industrious people of tn
world. The proposal for commercial unioI
is based on the supposition that we hav,
this common purpose, and that we mean
while remaining Independent countries, Il
put no obstacles in each others way. It in
wolves no sacrifice of national dignity or in
dependence on either side but the fulles
recognition of autonomy on both"
These are weighty words and worthy of tn
candid and thoughtful consideration Of ever
Intelligent, liberal minded man on eithe
side of the lines.