The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-12
WHY SIR JOHN OBJECTS.
USBEsTRICTED RECIPROCITYMEANs
ANyExATIOy.
lie IL Bitterly Opposed to II For This Reason
and Because IL Means Determination
Against the Mother Country-An Appeal to
Canadians.

Canadians.
TonoyTo. or. Feb. o.-Sr John Macdon-
aid has published an address TO the electors OF
Canada, in which he says: "As in 1882 and
again in 1887, so in 1891 do questions relating
20 the trade and commerce Of the country oc-
cupy the foremost place in the public mind.
Our policy in respect thereto Is to-day what IL
has been for the past thirteen years, and IS
directed by a firm determination TO foster and
develop the varied resources of the Dominion
bv every means in our power consistent with
Canada's position as an integral portion Of the
British empire To that end we have labored
in the past, and we propose to continue IN the
work 10 when we have applied ourselves, OF
building upon this continent, under the Nag
of ENGLAND. n great and powerful nation
Sir John then refers 10 the growth and
prosperity of Canada under the national
policy, and takes credit to his Government.
for building the Canada Pacific railway.
Dealing with the policy Of the opposition he
saws Disappointed by the failure of all Their
predictions. and convinced that nothing is ~
be gained by further opposition on the Ola
lines. the reform party has taken new de-
parture, and has announced its policy To- be
unrestricted recprOcity that IS (as defined
by its author. Mr.. Wiman, in the North
American Review few days ago., Tree trade
With the United States and a common tari
with the United States against the rest of the
world. The adoption Of this policy would in
volve, among other grave evils. dscnmna-
ton against the mother country. 1hls fact IS
admitted by no less parsonage than Sir
Richard Cartwright, who. in ms speech at
Pembroke October q, 1890 Is reported 10
have said: Some men whose opinions re-
spect entertain objections to tins lunrcstncf-
ed reciprocity proposition. They argue and
argue with force. that it will be necessary Tor
us. if we enter into such an arrangement. 10
admit goods Of the United States on more IA
vorable terms than those Of the mother
country, nor do deny that this Is an obJec-
ton. and not n light one
1T would. in INV opinion. inevitably result
in annexation Of this Dominion 10 the United
States. The advocates of unrestricted reel
procity on this side of the line deny that It
would have such an effect, though ITS friends
in the United States urge rs the chief reason
for its adoption that unrestricted reciprocity
would be the first step in the direction of po-
ltical union" Sir John continues u have
pointed out TO you few Of the material OBJ
jectiOns TO this scheme of unrestricted reel
procity TO which Mr.. Laurier and Sir Richard
Cartwright have committed the Liberal par
ty: but they are not the only objections. nor.
in my opinion. are they the most vital. For
century and half this country has grown
and fOurshed under the protecting Hgls of
the British crown. The gallant race who first
bore TO our shores the blessings Of civilization.
passed by an easy transition from French TO
English rule, and now form one Of the most
law-abiding portions OF the community.
These pioneers were speedily recruited by the
advent Of a loyal band of British subjects,
who gave up everything that most men prize,
and were content TO begin life anew in the vii
derness. rather than fOTego allegiance TO their
sovereign.
IN ~ I L ~. Il
the multitude of Englishmen, 1rlshmcn and
Scotchmen who emigrated 10 Canada that
they might build up new houses without
ceasing 10 be British subiccts-tO you. Cana
dians-I appeal, and | ask you what YOU have
TO gain by surrendering that which your
fathers held most dear Under the broad
folds of the union jack we enjoy the most
ample liberty TO govern ourselves as We
please, and at the same time we participate
in the advantages which flow from assOcia-
ton with the mightiest empire the world has
ever seen. Not only are we free to manage
our domestic concerns, but, practically, we
possess the privilege of making our own
treaties with foreign countries. And. in our
relations with the outside world, we enjoy
the prestige inspired by a consciousness Of
the fact that behind us towers the majesty of
England. The great question which you will
shortly be called upon to determine resolves
itself into this: Shall we endanger our pos
by our fathers, and submit ourselves to direct
taxation, for the privilege of having our tariff
fixed at Washington, with the prospect of
ultimately becoming portion of the Amerl-
can Union?' | commend these issues to your
determination and to the judgment of the
whole people Of Canada. with an unclouded
confidence that you will proclaim TO the
world your resolve to show yourselves not un-
worthy of the proud distinction YOU enjoy of
being numbered among the most dutitul and
loyal subjects of our beloved Queen.
AS for myself, my course is clear. A British
subject was born, n British subject will die.
With my utmost strength. with my latest
breath, will oppose the yelled treason which
attempts. by sordid means and mercenary
proffers. to lure our people from their allesi-
ance During my long public service of nearly
half century have been true to my .coun-
try and its best interests, and appeal with
equal confidence to the men who have en-
trusted me in the past and TO the yonng hope
of the country, with whom rest its destinies
for the future, to give me then united and
strenuous aid in this, my last effort for the
unity of the empire and the preservation Of
our commercial and political freedom"