Omaha daily bee., 1889-03-21

The proceedings In the Canaulah par
lament Tuesday will prove somewhat
discouraging to the advocates OF COM
mercial union both in the United States
and the Dominion. 1t was demonstrated
by the vote on resolution favorable to
closer trade relations with this country
that the party opposed TO the surrender
of Canada's Independent commercial
position is still largely in the majority,
and while it.may be true that some in
roads have been made upon its strength
since the agitation became general and
earnest, it is evident that years may
elapse, unless unloolSed-for conditions
arise, before it can be overcome. 1t is
clear that a majority OF the Canadian
people at present believe in the policy
Of commercial independence and have
faith in the future of the country under
the operation OF that policy. Protec-
tion has not, indeed, produced the re-
suits that were promised. Ii 1T has
brought advantage to some sections it
has been drawback to others. But
there has been "a moderate growth OF
aggregate prosperity, not necessarily
due to this policy, since it was entered
upon, and this is sufficient
to maintain the faith and
zeal of its supporters. The nationa
feeling is also strong. The argument
that commercial union means political
union appeals to the patriotism of the
people. They are naturally apprehen-
sive of any alliance that might lead to
the complete domination Of the greater
country, of whose political institutions
and methods they have not yet acquired
the highest admiration. The sentiment
of loyalty to the British government
also has its influence. Although tho
fiscal policy Of Canada is not favorable
| TO England, that is felt to be in the ma
ture of family affair, supplying no
| justification for joining hands with Eng
lands commercial rival and thereby
more seriously crippling her trade on
| this continent.
1t is not to be supposed, however, that
this one discouraging blow will put n
| end to the agitation for commercial
union. The party in Canada favorable
| to this policy cannot be so easily put
| down, and those who advocate it in this
| country are quite as earnest. 1t is said
| that the resolution which passed the
house of representatives near the close
| of the last congress, declaring that the
| United States will consider PROPOSE
! tion for commercial union whenever
| the government of the Dominion
| of Canada has declared desire
| to establish it, is to be revived in
the next congress, and it is thought the
administration will be found favorable
| to the policy. This, however, may de-
pend great deal upon what is devel-
| oped in the meantime regarding Cana
dian feeling, and this may be very ma
terially affected in one direction or the
other by the result of negotiations re-
| specting the fisheries and other matters
which must soon receive the attention
of the administration. One thing is
obvious, the idea of political union must
be abandoned if anything is to come of
| efforts for commercial union. With all
due Difference to some distinguished eX-
ponents of this idea, it is clearly waste
of time to advocate it, and urging it will
assuredly retard the growth, both in this
country and in Canada, of the healthier
and more practicable tendency toward
freer commercial relations. The an
nexation OF any part of Canada would be
approved by a very small number of the
American people, and undoubtedly such
proposition would be overwhelmingly
rejected by the people OF the Dominion.