The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-06-22
Sen. Fairbanks Great Opportunity.

It is reported that Senator Charles War
rem Fairbanks Of Indiana Is surprised at
the testimony his mail box bears to the
widespread interest in reciprocity with
Canada AS chairman Of the American
section Of the International Joint High
Commission he Is the recipient Of many
letters urging him to exert himself to
bring about reciprocity with Canada.
The senator should take a hint from
his correspondence and seize a rare OPP
portunity.
It is generally believed that Senator
Fairbanks is an ambitious man and as
pires some day to be president.
Nowadays we expect our presidents to;
be identified with some particular policy.
either as originators or adopters, Or, If
they are not such. they must have some
distinctive qualities that appeal to the
nation. Mckinley was synonymous with
protection and rode into the White House
bodiment of the national virtue Of strenu
ousness and that virtue will elect him to
the presidency in 1904.
If Senator Fairbanks aspires to be
president he must identify himself with
some political speciality. So far he has
not done so. He is only 81 years old, and
he has behind him most honorable ca
reer. He has really been in politics only
ten or twelve years. but already he is one
Of the most influential and most respected
Of the United States senator's. He has
done we'll so far, but to insure further
progress he must stand before the people
as the champion of some particular polit-
ical idea Up to this time he has justly
or unjustly borne a reputation as a. man
who made a specially Of concealing his
opinions. For a beginner that was well
enough but as veteran the senator must
do better. He must cease to be mega
tive and become a positive force.
What better speciality, then, can he
choose than the Improvement of COM
mercial relations between the United
States and Canada? The task lies ready
to his hand. His craftsmanship of the
American branch of the high commission
opens the door for effective work. The
movement in the United States for Can
adam reciprocity lacks only a. powerful
national leader to become a force that all
parties will have to deal with. During the
last two or three years the way has beer
prepared for the leader. The special de.
mand for reciprocity is strengthened b,
the general demand for tariff revision
A good way to begin tariff revision ir
conservative fashion is to let down some
of the tariff bars between the United
States and Canada.
The time has gone by when It was
fashionable for Americans and American
statesmen to ignore Canada. We neet
now statesmen who will cultivate tina
country, and make up for the natural bu
grave mistakes Of their predecessors
For 5000 miles our frontier marches will
Canada's. Friendly relations with her ar
Of more Importance to us than with an,
Britain.
Yet there is at Washington no states
man who teaches and breaches the i'm
provement of relations with Canada
Why should not Senator Fairbanks he
come that man? There Is a place In his
tory for the statesman who will seize tn
opportunity that now offers. If Senate
Fairbanks does not seize it some one wi
come after him and win the laurels tina
might have been his. The situation
UNDUE. Without a leader great popu
lar sentiment In favor Of improved rela
lions has grown up with Canada. T
make the ideal real, this sentiment nov
needs practical and forceful leader.
he makes a success of it, as he should Ii
the end, because nature will find a way
to establish correct trade relations be
tween the United States and Canada.
will make him great and enroll his nam
among the constructive statesmen Of tn
nation.
Senator Fairbanks now has the oppor
tunity Of a life time. Will he seize It?
The Peoples Church.