Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-10
CALLS IT "vEILED TREASON
Sir John Macdonald Opposes Unrestricted
ReciprOcaty with the United States.

| CALLS IT "vEILED TREASON"
Sir John Macdonald Opposes Unrestricted
RsciPrOcity with the United States.
Sir John Macdonald, the Canadian premier,
has issued an address to the electors Of Canada
in which he presents the issue to be contested
at the coming general elections. He says: "As
in 1882 and again in 1887, SO in 1891 do questions
relating to the trade and commerce Of the
country occupy the foremost place in the pu b.
lie mind. Our policy in respect thereto is to-
day what il has been for the past thirteen years,
and is directed by firm determination to fos-
ter and develop the varied resources Of the Do
minion by every means in our power consist
ent with Canadas position as an integral por-
tion of the British empire. To that end we
have labored in the past, and we propose to
continue in the work to which we have applied
ourselves OF building upon. this continent I'M
DER the flag Of England a great and powerful
nation"
THE EVILS OF RECIPROCITY.
Sir John then refers to the growth and pros
perity Of Canada under the natir ral policy.
Dealing with the policy Of the opposition, lie
says Disappointed by the failure of all their
predictions, and convinced that nothing is to
be gained by further opposition on the old
lines. the reform party has taken u new de-
parture and has announced its policy to be I'M
restricted reciprocity, that is Gas defined by its
author. Mr. Wiman. in the North American Re-
view few days ago. free trade with the United
States and a common tariff with the United
states against the rest of the world. The adop-
tion of this policy would involve among ether
grave evils: discrimination against the mother
country.
ANNEXATION RESULT.
ut would, in my opinion, inevitably result in
annexation Of this Dominion to the United
States. The advocates of unrestricted reci-
procity on this side Of the line DENY that it
would have such an effect, though its friends
in the United States urge as the chief reason
for its adoption that unrestricted reciprocity
wonid be the first step in the direction of polt-
cal union" -
APPEAL TO THE VOTERS.
Sir John continues: II have pointed out to
you few of the material objections to this
scheme OF unrestricted reciprocity to which
Mr.. Laurier and Sir Richard Cartwright have
committed the liberal party but they are not
| the only objections nor. in NV opinion are they
the most vital For a century and q half this
country has grown and fourished undert the pro-
| tecting egis 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 loyal band of British subjects.
| who gave up everything that men most prize
and we're content to begin life anew in the
wilderness, rather than forego allegiance to
| their sovereign. To the descendants Of these
| men and OF the multitude OF Englshmen, Irish
men and Scotchmen who emigrated to Canada
| that they might build up new houses without
ceasing to be British subjects-to you Cam
adians-I appeal and ask you what you have
| to gain by surrendering that which q, your
| 10 pnCf pha
question which You will shortly be called upon
to determine resolves itself into this: Shall we
endanger our possession of the great heritage
| bequeathed to us 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 American Union?'
HE WILL OPPOSE THE YELLED TREASON
Il commend these issues to your determine
ton ard 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 unworthy Of the proud
distinction you enjoy of being numbered among
the most dutiful and loyal subjects of our be-
loved queen: As for myself, my course is clear.
British subject was born, British subject
will die. With my utmost strength, with my
latest breath will l oppose the yelled treason
| which attempts, by sordid means and merce-
nary proffers. to lure our people from their
allegiance. During my long public service of
nearly half century have been true to my
| country and its best interests and l appeal
with equal confidence to the men who have en-
trusted me in the past and to the young hope
of the country, with whom rest it's destinies for
the future, to give me their united and strenu-
GUS aid in this, my last effort, for the unity Of
the empire and the preservation of our COM
mercial and political freedom"
PREMIER MERCER RIDICULEs THE EPrrHET.
Premier Mercier Of Quebec arrived at Mon
tresl yesterday to take charge Of the provincial
| organization for the Dominion elections He
promises TO carry the province for unrestricted
reciprocity. Replying to Sir John Macdon-
| aid address to the electors Of Canada he says
| it is ridiculous to claim that reciprocity is
velled treason and means annexation. Sir
Johns policy, he says, is one of statu quo.
which means poverty for Canada. Imperial
federation, Sir Johns pet dream, 10 treason
He holds that the address is unworthy of a
statesman and will be great disappointment
to the members of what he styles dying
party" r.