The Detroit times., 1910-03-31

WASHINGTON. March 30.-Presi-
dent Taft signed the proclamation ac-
cording the minimum tariff rates 20
Canadian imports this afternoon. At
the same time the basis Of agreement
between the two governments was
announced by Secretary OF State
Knox.
Canada accords to the United States
the intermediate rate on thirteen num-
bers, including about 40 articles OF ex-
port from the United States and the
blanket clause imposing rate VI
1I.6 per cent on commodities not
otherwise enumerated in the Canadian
taiff list. In addition the United
states proposes TO take up later. the
question OF reciprocal trade arrange
lnents
In his statement. issued simultanc-
oGsly with the signing OF the procla'
nation. Secretary Knox includes an
analysis of the concessions obtained
by the United States and the notes
which passed between The state de-
partment and the president and the
CerGdian ministers.
II Is explained In the analysis that
the two and one-half per cent reduc-
ton below the Canadian minimum
tariff extended to France under the
Frenco-Canadian treaty did not enter,
OF itself. into the negotiations. That
reduction was extended 10 France In
return for similar reduction on Can
adian imports TO that country, and
the president did not construe 1t as
a discrimination because the United
States offered lao similar reduction In
return
But the same reduction was extend.
ed 10 other countries, notably Swift
zerland. Austria-Hungary. Spain and
Japan. who compete with the United
States in Canadian markets, under
old treaties made with Great Britain
containing most favored nation
clauses. BY process Of elimination
th.Y tariff conferees decided on by the
list OF products in which the United
States completes with these countries
and in the final negotiations these
products we're accorded the same rate
when imported from the United States
that they are given when imported
from Switzerland. Austria-tIungary.
Spain and Japan.
In addition the United States gets
the benefit OF the Canadian omnibus
Or blanket clause Of tho tariff law.
which will reduce al. articles hereto
fore imported into Canada from the
United States from 20 To II IL per
cen, ad valorem.
In connection with Secretary
Knox's statement there was made pub
lie letter written by the secretary
to w S. Fielding the Canadian minis.
ter OF finance. at the conclusion Of
the tariff conferences. at the instance
" President Taft, In which the presl-
dent proposed negotiations looking to-
ward the establishment of closer trade
relations between Canada and the
United States. The letter says in
part:
II am gratifed that the recent len
denotes toward q more perfect under
standing between our respective coun'
tries, manifested so conspicuously In
the maturing adjustments of boundary
waters. fisheries and the long-stand-
ing differences Will not be affected by
the irritations which would have re-
suited from our failure TO agree upon
the tariff question.
The president is confident that
the policy OF broader and closer COM
mercial relations with Canada Will re-
ceive the hearty support OF the large
majority of the people of the United
States. and he has learned with much
satisfaction OF the existence OF SINH
lar sentiment in the Dominion.
Let me then take this opportunity
TO express. by MS direction. the de-
sire of the president that your gov
eminent will find 1t convenient to take
uc with this government, at such time
and in such manner as may be mu
tually satisfactory. the consideration
of a REIMBURSEMENT of our trade reia-
tons upon the broader and more lio'
pral lines which should obtain be-
tween countries so closely related geo.
graphically and racially as indicated
bv the president i'll his recent public
utterances."