The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-01-31

or two. at least, would probably elapse be-
fore the ottawa and Washington Govern
ments could agree upon counterweiRht TO
the great privileges granted by the WILSON
bill TO Canadian producers. In the mean
time n great change might have come over
public opinion. and over the composition OF
parties in both Houses Of Congress.
change so decisive and emphatic that even
the present Executive might be forced into
submission to the public will.
The only safe course. however, for the
friends OF annexation In the Senate Is to
insist upon striking out all the provisions
OF the WILSON bill which relate to Cana
dian products. Such a course ouGh. TO DO
rs acceptable to all Democrats who are
faithful TO the traditions Of their party. as
it would be TO the Republicans. The De-
mocracy has not always been committed TO
the principle Of tariff for revenue only, as
It undoubtedly Is to-day. In times past 1t
has repeatedly arrayed Itself on tho side OF
protection to q greater or less degree. But
ut all times since it's creation by THOMAS
JEFFERSON the Democratic party has been
n Jealous advocate OF national expansion.
The Louisiana Territory. Florida, Texas.
Oregon. and the vast tract stretching FROM
the eastern border Of New Mexico to the
Pacific represent the successive Democratic
steps toward the fulfllment OF the annexa-
ton programme. II is those achievements
which have given the party Its great hold
upon the people. OF the present Demo-
cratic Senators, not few are keenly senst-
tive to the historical impulse toward extern
sion, and strongly DESTROYS that their party
record should eliminate In the acquisition
OF British North America. These Senators
have 1t In their power to produce a state OF
things in Canada even more conducive to
political fusion than that which existed In
1854. They can give irresistible momentum
to the current which, In Quebec. already Is
setting toward annexation. They can
arouse corresponding demonstrations Of
popular feeling In Ontario. Nova Scotia,
Manitoba. and British Columbia simply by
striking out the clauses Of the WILSON bill
which give for nothing privileges for which.
soon or later, the Canadians would gladly
pay the price Of political union.
The candid supporters OF the WILSON bill
acknowledge that it will be detrimental to
that great section OF our working popula-
ton which Is employed In manufacturing
industries. They claim. on the other hand
that the measure will signally promote the
welfare of the American farmer. II they
are really acting In his interests. they are
In duty bound to cut out OF the WILSON bill
those provisions which admit. duty free.
many OF tho natural products of Canada.
while largely reducing the duties upon
others. Most OF those provisions arc
strokes levelled not at the manufacturers.
but at the farmers Of the United States.
They are. therefore. anomalies. inconsistent
cies. excrescences. that cannot be recon-
ciled with the professed purpose OF the bill.
The agricultural interests Of the whole belt
of States adjoining the Canadian border i'm
peratively demand the excelsior OF those
clauses OF the WILSON bill bearing on Ca
madam products. BY removing these fea-
lures. which obviously contradict the osten-
sible purpose OF the bill. not only will the
farmers throughout the northern tier OF
States be relieved from disastrous competi-
ton. but the one formidable obstacle to the
triumph OF the annexation movement
throughout the Dominion Of Canada will
be swept away.