New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-12-11
ECONOMIC GRAVITATION.

The British Colonial Office has contrived to
draw its North Atlantic dependencies into
quarrel which cannot be readily patched up.
Newfoundland, after failing to obtain adequate
protection from the Imperial authorities against
the ancient treaty rights of the French, received
proposals for Reciprocity Convention from
Washington 1t was anxious to accept the offer,
but England in response to the wishes OF the
Dominion Government inteipOsed its veto. In
retaliation for the Intervention of Canada New
foundland enforced its Bait Act against the
Maritime Provinces. Not only was bait refused
to Canadian fishermen, but trade in frozen her
ring which was essential TO their commerce with
the West Indies was broken up. Canada, which
had been offering free market for Newfound-
land fish, has retaliated in turn by imposing
duties on the characteristic products of the island.
This is a game at which two can play. New
foundland has promptly increased the duties on
all imports from Canada 800 or 400 per cent.
The result Of this tariff war between these Brit
ish dependencies will be to throw the food sup
plies of the island almost wholly into the hands
of American exporters. 1t will also impart a
new impulse to the annexation movement in New
foundland.
Atlantic fishing colonies illustrates the inevitable
result of placing artificial restraints upon the
natural force of gravitation toward large mar
ket. Newfoundland is one of the oldest English
colonies, hut its material interests are bound up
with the American market. The Imperial con-
nection is useful in promoting loyal sentiment,
but it is a positive disadvantage in retarding
the development of the islands resources and
trade. The Anticipated treaties with France
prevent local control and jurisdiction over the
seaboard The jealousies and ambition OF Can
ada stand III the way of the negotiation OF ad-
vantageous commercial conventions with the
United States Canada, for the selfish interest
of protecting its own trade, has sought to
divert to an inferior market commerce
which naturally belongs TO the United States.
The resistance offered by the Dominion
has only increased the attractive power
of the American market. Newfoundland, as it
finds its material interests sacrificed to those OF
the Dominion, is rapidly drifting into an ire
sistible annexation current. A commercial move
ment has been started which promises at no dis
tant day to carry Newfoundland into the Ameri-
can Union.
Thele is much that is suggestive in the present
attitude of Newfoundland toward England and
the Dominion. The situation in the North Is
sufficiently pelplexing to induce England to be
very cautious in resisting the demands OF the
United States for Reciprocity with tho West
Indian sugar islands. The influence of gravita-
ton toward the American market is strongly felt
in that quarter. Canada with an inferior mar
ket has sought to counteract this mighty force,
but the British West Indies know where their
interests lie. If England closes against them
the only market where their produce can be
sold, their economic ruin, begun during the
emancipation period, will be completed