The National tribune., 1892-06-30
RETALIATION RECOMMENDED.

RETALIATION RECOMMENDED.
Last week President Harrison sent state
paper to the Senate, which was in answer to a
resolution of Fob "a last, calling for informa-
ton relative to what had been done to promote
reciprocity negotiations with Canada. In his
comm unication President Harrison says that
his answer to the resolution was delayed at the
suggestion OF the Secretary of State, until the
conference of the Sd Of Juno took place be-
tween the British Minister. Mckenzie Bowel.
and George L. Foster. Gen. John w. Foster
also was present on behalf of our Government
at the request of Secretary Blaine. This con-
ference could not agree. It was stated by Mr..
blaine and confirmed by Gen. J. w. Foster,
that the Canadian Commissioners who attended
the conference, and who were also members OF
the Canadian Cabinet, would see to the with.
drawal of the discrimination now eaforced
against American shippers through tho Cana
dian canals. But tho Canadian Conan issioners
now say that this staten eat does net conform
to their understanding of whab was agreed
upon. and that tho only ASSURANCE they had in
tended to give was that tho complaint OF tho
United States should be taken into considera-
tion by the Canadian Ministry on their return
to Ottawa.
The President SAYS that while this mi5un-
Outstanding is unfortunate the more serious
phase Of the situation is that, instead OF re-
scinding the discriminating canal tolls OF
which this Government complains, the Cana
dian Ministry, after the return of the COmmis-
sioners from Washington on April d, reissued
without any commun cation with this Govern
ment the order continuing the discrimination,
by which rebate Of 10 cents ton is allowed
upon grain going to Montreal, but not to
American ports, and refusing this rebate even
to grain going to Montreal il trans-shipped at
an American port.
at was intended to give to consumers in the
United States, to our people engaged in rail-
road transportation, and to those exporting
from Our ports, equal terms in passing their
merchandise through these canals. This ab5o-
Lutte equality of treatment was the considera-
tion for concessions on the part OF this Gov
eminent made in tho same article Of the treaty
and which have been faithfully kept. 1t is a
matter of regret that the Canadian Government
has not responded promptly to our request for
the removal of these discriminating tolls. Tho
papers submitted show how serious the loss
inflicted is upon our lake vessels and upon some
Of our lake ports.
ain view of the fact that the Canadian Com
missioners still contest with US the claim that
these tolls are discriminating, and insist they
constitute no violation of the letter or spirit
Of article 81 Of the treaty, it would seem appro-
pirate that Congress, If the view held by the
Executive is approved, should with dclibera-
ton and yet with promptness take such steps
as may be necessary to secure the just rights of
our citizens. In view Of the delays which have
already taken place in transmitting this corre-
spondence to Congress, l have not felt justified
in awaiting the further communication from
the Government of Canada which was sng-
gested in the recent conference. Should any
proposition relating to this matter be received
it will be Immediately submitted for the con-
sideration Of the Senate; and if forwarded
within the time suggested will undoubtedly an
ticiDate any final action OF Congress-