The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-06-29
CANADIAN RECIPROCITY.
Belief that the Dominion Is Anxious to Take
the Duty OF Lumber.


the Duty on Lumber.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, June 2S.-An Ottawa
special to the New York Sun this morn
ing says that the Dominion government is
about to propose to the government of the
United States an arrangement for unre-
stricted reciprocity in the interchange of
lumber and lumber products. The dispatch
seems to be based on official news. and con-
veys the impression that the first step to-
ward the arrangement has been taken by
the Dominion authorities. The British
legation attaches are naturally non-com-
municative on this subject. and the State
Department positively refuses to give any
information whatever Oh the subject.
Their reticence leads to the belief that the
plan has been broached by Sir Julian
Pauncefote, and this idea gains color from
the fact that Sir Julian had long inter-
view with the President day or two ago.
Anything which may be done towards re-
ciprOcal exchange of lumber or any other
products between the two countries must,
of course, be accomplished in the form of a
treaty, and In the present state OF feeling a
reciprocal treaty could not secure the nee
essary votes for ratification in the Senate.
Members of the Senate committee our
relations with Canada, who have recently
returned here, say that the sentiment Of
the country. as far as they could ascertain.
is against reciprocity at present, except
along the border; but there is no doubt that
a treaty having for its object simply the
unrestricted interchange of lumber prod
ucts would meet with very general approval
among the Senators from the Western
States, and in view or the fact that such q
treaty would probably provide for the free
expectation of logs from the Dominion, It
would be quite likely to receive more or
Gro tat nff fha
States of Michigan, Minnesota and Wis
c0nsin in the upper house.
Tho Export Duty to BE Reduced.
OTTAWA, June 2S.-The Dominion govern
ment. in view of the friendly attitude as
sumed by the American government in the
preliminary negotiation now in progress
for an adjustment of international disputes,
has decided to reduce the export duty on
pine logs from So to 81 per 1000 feet, board
measurement. This new arrangement goes
into effect on Monday. For months past
the Canadian lumbermen. alarmed at the
threats of discrimination against Canadian
lumber, have been clamoring for the COM
plete removal of the export duties existing
at present, which is paid into the Canadian
Treasury by American lumbermen operat.
ing In Canada. The duty was first imposed
as the result of the demand of the Canadian
Lumbermen's Association. which imagined
that Canadian forests would soon be de-
nuded. Prior to the increase OF the duty
in November last, millions Of logs were
annually towed across the great lakes TO
mills on the American side. Operations
since then have been restricted, but 10 is
believed that the industry W VI be revived.
1t is learned on the best of authority that
the conferences between Secretary Blaine
and Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British
ambassador at Washington. in regard to
the fishery questions, have proved OF very
important character, and there will be i'm
portant announcements shortly. Already
the Canadian government. through the
usual diplomatic channels. has expressed n
| Willingness to remove the import and ex-
port duties OH all classes of lumber and
woods. provided the American authorities
| do the same. satisfactory termination
of the negotiations is anticipated.