New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-03
CANADIAN REVELATIONS.

HulLan nature. including its political phases,
is pretty much the anne the world over. That
may not be the most important revelation made
by the British-American Conference at Quebec,
though in some respects ii Is OF supreme inl-
pOrance: but ii is 1T any rate one OF the most
significant and interesting. To judicious CD
servers il was not necessary, and 1t Is not rev,
for they have all along been we'll aware of the
fact and this new evidence Is not so much
demonstration as a cOrroboration. But IT should
make powerful and convincing appeal to those
who have not observed judciously. and who
have perhaps imagined that in our National pro-
tective policy we are governed by principles
and motives unknown TO the rest OF the world.
and that other nations are more generous and
catholic in their policy than we.
The speclfic theory or charge. or whatever
vou NAV cali il, has been Systematically Iut
forward. and widely believed that our rrOtec-
tive policy Is selfish; that the British policy Is
unsclish: that we are moved by nothing hut
desire for gain: that our British brethren aim
only at the general welfare Of all the world
and that nothing but our Chinese wall or
protective duties separates us from our neigh
bors nj the North. And when the conference
opened al Quebec. and representatives. of Am"ri-
can industries made appeal for regard for their
Interests these latter We're unsparrey de-
nounced for their sordld marplotry, while the
Canadians were represented as standing ready
for the fullest and freest commercial union,
without ever thought Of selfish gain. If that
had been true. the contrast would have been IN
some RESPECTS to our discredt. But II was not
true and ii is not true.
For nothing is more marked In the proceed
ings at Quebec than the earnestness and zeal
with which Canadians seeking to protect
their own interests The conference is visited
by representatives of Canadian industries, and
piled with arguments and appeals against any
too wide opening of the doors between the two
Nations. When free trade In lumber Is pro
nosed. II IS opposed by Canadian lumbermen.
when reciprocity is suggested. 1t is antago-
nlzed by Canadians When abolition Of export
duties is discussed. the Canadian demand for
their retention becomes loud and unmistakable.
II Is no exaggeration TO say that the most
serlous problems TO he solved and the most
sorious difficulties to be overcome by the con
ference in the adjustment OF trade relations are
vg.ose raised hy Canadian interests in behalf OF
Canadian welfare.
This is said without the slightest reproach to
enc Canadians. and is not in the least degree 10
fhpir discredt II does not mean that they are
sordld or cantapkerOus. II means simply that
they adhere 10 the sound and humane principle
that charity begins at home. that man who
does not provide first for his own household is
worse than a heathen: and that, In like man
ner. II is the duty Of government to consider
first Of all the welfare OF It's own land ana
people That has been the rule OF every sue
cessful government and Of every prosperous M
ton There was time when England was The
most strictly and extremely protectionist coun'
FRY IN the world II was to her advantage to be
40. Ten she became free trade country, be-