The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-11-24
TRADE WITH CANADA.
We Are Selling Hsr Three Times
rs Much as Great Britain
Sends.
However, for Political Reasons, the
"Joint High Wont Meet for
q Year Yet.
from Tho journal Bureau, Colorado Building,

FROM Tho Journal Bureau, Colorado Building,
Washington,
Washington, Nov. 24.-An official
report, just issued by the Canadian
government, and forwarded to the
state department at Washington by
the American consul at st, Johns,
Quebec, shows that during the past
fiscal year Canada bought from the
United States dutiable goods to the
value of $21,048,350, and from Great
Britain goods to the value of only $S,-
$4,000. This wide difference be-
tween Canada's trade with the United
States and with the mother country,
notwithstanding the trade preferen-
tial in favor of the latter and the
tariff restrictions against the former,
Will form the basis Of a good deal of
argument for those on both sides of
the line who think that a reciprocity
treaty between the two countries
ought to be formulated at the earliest
moment. If the trade of Canada
with the United States is almost three
times as large as with Great Britain,
despite the handicaps, what would 1t
be IL these handicaps were removed
The principal goods imported by
Canada from the United States were
breadstuffs, machinery, manufactures
of iron and steel, leather goods, paper
goods and agricultural implements.
The total for each of these lines Is up
wards of $1,000,000, and for some of
them it is upwards of $4,000, 900, not
ably agricultural implements
Canada, for various reasons, among
them loyalty to the British empire,
has been trying for years to discour-
age trade with the United States. AS
one means of encouragement, she
gave Great Britain preferential of
33 1-3 per cent on certain goods, and
as another, she erected tariff wall
against this country. But, in spite of
these things, American trade has
steadily increased In Canada, and is
increasing.
This leads naturally to the question
of when the joint high commission is
likely to meet for the drafting of
reciprocity treaty. The answer is
probably not until after the presiden-
tial campaign In this country. If then.
The, president, while standing for re-
ciprocity on principle, and favoring
treaty with Canada for special rea-
sons, does not want anything done in
the coming session Of congress, that
will give the democrats any larger OPP
portunity than they will normally
have to emphasize the fact that the
existing tariff is too high. AS it is,
the indications point to red hot
tariff debate during the whole Of the
special session, practically, and if the
joint, high commission were to be
called for sitting in the winter, for
the preparation of another treaty to
be put alongside those which have for
SO long a time been slumbering in the
senate committee on foreign relations,
the democrats might almost be able to
make the tariff an issue in the presi-
dental campaign. So, for tactical
reasons, the president and his chief
advisers do not want the joint high
commission to meet within the next
twelve-month.
Whether it will be possible to ac-
complish anything after that, is one
OF the uncertainties Of the future.
Meanwhile, Senator Fairbanks, Of In
diana, chairman Of the American
branch OF the high joints, is per-,
fectly willing to proceed. He under
stands that II he could secure the pre-
paration and ratification Of satisfac-
tory trade treaty with Canada, Ne
would send his stock up a good many
notches, and possibly make himself
available as q presidential candidate
In 1908; but he is too good politi-
clan to urge the matter at a time
when the other leaders of his party
are against 1t.
two countries will continue to in
crease. With a proper trade arrange
ment, Canda would soon be far and
away our best customer. The west
ern part of that country is filling up
with former American citizens, who
have taken to their new home fond
ness for American institutions and
wares. Reciprocity would probably
double our trade with that country In
a single year, in the opinion of ex-
perts here, and In ten years would
bring the two countries so close to-
Rether, commercially, as to make the
political gulf separating them lns1g-