The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-04
British Elections and Canadian Tariffs.

'E~he JOurna Is OTTAWA correspondent gives
l. our readers an interesting study Of the effect
of the British elections upon Canada's financial
policy. His view of. the matter is interesting and
new. The British elections. have resulted in an en-
phatic declaration in favor Of free trade. While
Mr. Chamberlain was reelected, his success due
to his personal popularity and local conditions Gen
orally thruout the United Kingdom the voters have
expressed themselves opposed to the tentative
protective policy Of the Balfour government and
decidedly in sympathy with the traditional free trade
policy Of the country.
This disposes Of Mr. Chamberlain s imperial fed
Grafton scheme with it's plan Of preferential tariffs
by which the colonies were to enjoy the trade of
Great Britain on mores Favorable terms than
to be accorded to other countries outside the empire
Canada expecting to profit at the expense Of the
United States in the sale Of her agricultural products
to the mother country and had already extended to
Great Britain preferential concession of 12 per
cent and later of Is per cent in her tariff regulations
Now, however, that the mother country has refused
to- ecprocate, Canada is forced to adopt that policy
which will be most to her advantage, regardless Of
any effect it may have upon Great Britain. -
This leaves Canada in a position to make as
liberal tariff regulations with respect to trade with
her next door neighbour with whom she has the
largest commerce, with Great Britain or any
other country, and raises the question whether there
may not be opportunity to revive the move
ment TOR Canadian reciprocity. Our correspondent
thinks that while Canada will never humble herself
to ask for any better tariff regulations the part
of the United States toward Canadian trade she
would be inclined under present conditions to con-
slider proposals from Washington for the lowering
OF the tariff fences between these two countries.
There is, however, likely to be good deal of
politics mixed up in it. Sir Wifrid Laurier plays
politics all the time and with wonderful skill. He
will not fail to make the most out Of the present
situation politically and in order to do SO he may
choose to continue the present condition Of things
protesting on the side zeal for protection in
the interest Of Canadian manufacturers and decar-
ing his willingness on the other to enter into nego-
atons with United States for lower tariffs in the
interest Of the consumers whenever the United
States is ready to do business. Against this strad-
ding position neither high tariff low tariff adj
vocates would have cause for complaint.
This may be the correct view So that altho any
hope Canada may have had of discrimination in her
favor and against the United States in the markets
of England has been dssipated by the British cleo
tons, and altho there may be more general dis
position to establish freer trade with the United
States, that condition of things be brought about
only by the United States taking the initiative If
. We want to form new commercial alliance with
Our Lady Of the Shows we III have to ask her We
ought to do it and do it now. 1.