The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1903-11-06
CANADA'S FUTURE.
Former Postmaster General Smith
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Fitchburg, Mass, Nov. 5. Former
Postmaster General Charles Emory
Smith was the principal speaker at the
annual banquet of the Fitchburg Mer-
chants association held at the John
sonia tonight. Some 225 members of
the association were present and their
guests also included United States Sen
ator George F. Hoar, former Governor
John D. Long, and Rev. E. A. Horton
of Boston, each of whom spoke briefly.
Mr. Smith in his speech spoke of Mr..
Chamberlain's fiscal policy and the
future of Canada. He said in part:
'Mr. Chamberlain's plan proposes to
put a ring fence around Great Britain
and then give a tariff preference to her
colonies. We cannot be unmindful that
this policy may have serious concern
for us, but II we keep our rightful trade
weapons in our hands we need not fear
the issue. 1t has special interest for
US in its bearings on Canada. Canada,
is our third best customer. Mr.. Cham
berlain would detach her from this con-
ttnent and bind her more closely in Inn
perial bonds. But have we not strong
er cards to play than England? Will
Canada be content to sacrifice her own
interests for the interests of English
manufacturers? Will she consent to re-
nounce her own right of independent
action for the sake of an empty imper-
ial connection?
For five years Canada has given a
preferential rate to England. Yet in
spite of it our exports to Canada have
grown faster during that time than
England's exports. That fact shows
the natural commercial connection. We
do not seek the annexation of Canada.
We would not trammel the political
freedom or aspirations of our neighbor
If the two countries which stretch
along side by side for 5000 miles shall
ever come together it will be with free
and full consent by the natural law OF
gravitation, hut while politically dis
tinct, the two American lands of kin
dred blood and law may we'll have close
commercial relations. Why should they
not in mutual interest have an intelli-
gent and statesmanlke system Of broad
reciprocal agreement?
"There is another vital consideration.
British Imperialism has its burdens If
Canada is to divorce herself in both a
political and commercial sense from
her own continent and bind herself
with England, she must pay the cost
"She must contribute to fleets and
armaments. She must accept the
chances of European conflicts. She
must be prepared to face attacks upon
her invading outposts. But why should
not Canada understand that, so long
as she keeps out of European wars, the
United States will not permit any Eu-
ropean war to be extended to this con-
tinent? We have drawn a circle around
the American continent and made the
Monroe doctrine its dominant law. No
extension of European power within
that circle will be allowed. 1t is but a
deduction of that doctrine that no Euro
pean war shall be suffered to wage it.
self within the American realm. Here
i'll lies the true safeguard of Canada in
consulting and protecting her own inde-
pendent interests, free fro mimperial re-
strains and burdens, and it will be wise
and we'll for her to understand and
appreciate the broad American spirit"