Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-04-07


have Just az good reasons for oppos-
ing higher rates on their imports from
canada as we had for wanting cheap
lumber, which constitutes the raw
material for so many of our Indus
tries. We consequently look for the
application of common sense to the
question of closer trade relations with
canada In place Of abstract theories
upon which the people have so long
boon fed.
Now the avoidance of the necessity
of applying the maximum tariff to
lumber and other Canadian products
in which New England in particular
IS Interested, was reached through n
compromise, and It may be helpful for
our readers to discuss this matter a
little more in detail
In return for the extension of the
minimum tariff rates of the United
states over Canadian imports, Canada
gives important reductions in thirteen
tariff schedules covering articles
which are exported from the United
States. Tho most important conces-
sions made to tho United states arc
those which affect the miscellaneous
articles OF American export which paid
20 per cent. ad valorem under the So
called Omnibus clause" of the Ca
madam tariff and now pay only liz
per cent. ad valorom. Included in
this class are cottonseod oil. importa-
ton of which to Canada from tho
United States exceeds $500 900 annual
| ly; vegetable and other oils besides
cottonseed oil, mineral waters, drugs
and dyes, lime. sausage castings,
spongos, manufacturers of straw and
wax. glycerlnc and camphor gums,
magnesa, bicarbonate of soda and
miscellaneous breadstuns.
The list of reductions to the United
states also includes dates. figs.
raisins. prunes, currants. almonds and
othcr nuts. toilet soaps, perfumes and
toilet preparations, dressed leather.
photographs, chromos. engravings,
pictures, artificial flowers and fcath-
ers, chinaware, porcelain and window
glass, in all which there is either ac-
tive or prospective competition with
the products of France and tho other
countries to which Canada extends
her Intermediate rates.
These concessions must be approved
by the Dominion Parliament before
they become effective, but the sub
stantial majority IF the government in
Parliament assures approval almost
| az soon as the government proposals
the schedules affected by the proposed
reductions shows that Canada has
the face" of the Taft administration
that her concessions in no way inter-
fere with her home Industries. and
that the trade benefited by the low
cred duties represents not more than
$1,000, 900 in a total Of 81 so, 900, 600 Of
exports. Yet this is sufficient to per
NIT Mr. TAFT to say that Canada is
favorably disposed toward American
commerce and Is therefore entitled to
the minimum rates of the Payne
Aldr!ch tariff
That our government had no time
to spare in reaching temporary
agreement with Canada becomes evil
dent when it is recalled that the time
for the application of the maximum
tariff expired April |. AS a matter of
fact, however, our maximum tariff
does not now apply to a single for
eign country.
The maximum minimum theory
thrust aside the tariff treaties, ana in
| exchange we have agreements. Under
the treaties the tariff relations could
not be severed without six months
| notice. The agreements carry tho
promise of the United states that tho
maximum rates will not be applied
without ninety days notice. The Unit
ed states gets no assurance from the
other countries. They may at amy
time change their tariff rates.
The maximum tariff was boosted t.
% per cent. ad valorem with Canada
in view. Yet the article of which the
United States complains of Canadian
production is not mentioned in the
| agreement entered into by Minister
Fielding and President raft. This ar
ticle Is pulp wood.
In explanation the tariff officers of
our government say that this Qucs-
tion could not properly enter into the
present agreement, as the only mat
tiers involved had TO do with the dis
elimination against American goods.
1t is Interesting to look at the mat
ter from Canadian standpoint. Ac-
cording to an ottawa correspondent
Premier Lauriers ability t. phrase
current sentiment is again manifested
In his statement: is not peace with
our neighhor worth all the feathers
in creation?"
An estimate made by the Canadian
customs experts shows that the con
ccSsiOnS will meop a reduction of