The Washington herald., 1910-02-25

The United States Is facing tariff war
with Canada which viii be begun thirty
four days from to-day, unless the Ottawa
government makes haste to prove to the
State Department that the Dominion does
not discriminate against the United
States in favor of France
Under the Payns-AidTich tariff law. IL
the State Department should remain idle.
the maximum rates win automatically go
into effect on March 81. and the American
and Canadian manufacturers viii both
feel the result. The Canadian newsps-
pers are full Of the subject. which ap-
parently concerns them much more than
It seems to concern the government IN
asmuch as no reply has been received to
the nots sent by the state Department
to the British Embassy last week, calling
the attention OF the British government
20 the fact that time is growing short.
and asking what Canada proposes TO do
10 show that there is not discrimination
in favor OF France.
Might Hold Her Wood Pulp.
II tariff war with Canada should
come. the United States would feel it in
many directions. and it has been inti-
mated that the Canadian government
might prohibit the expectation 10 this
country of wood pulp as a step In the
game. The note sent to the British En-
bassy here. stating the position Of the
United States, was forwarded by a.
Mitchell Inness, who is in charge OF the
British Embassy during the absence OF
Mr.. Bryce, direct TO the Ottawa authori-
ties, and not through the London foreign
office
Inquiries at the state Department IN
dicate that officials there are in a recep-
tive attitude.
1T should not be necessary to say
Huntington Wilson. the Assistant Secre-
Jary OF state. said yesterday, that the
President, the government, and people
of the United States. have peculiarly
friendly feeling for the neighboring Do
minion of Canada, and that, naturally.
we have hoped a way might be found to
give Canada the most favorable tariff
treatment which our law allows.
Under our new tariff law the maximum
schedules are automatically applied after
March 81 TO the products OF any country
which has not shown that it does not
unduly discriminate against the United
States. To avert the automatic applica-
ton of the maxim tariff the President
issues a proclamation II the Secretary of
state has been enabled 70 advise him
that there is not in a given case undue
discrimination.
This is a question Of facts. and of
facts precisely, in the possession of the
authorities of each country. So in the
case OF all the governments represented
IN Washington. their diplomatic represent
atives have laid before the Department
of State their proposed treatment of
American products. and when there were
any questions at issue these have been
the subject Of exchange of views and
negotiations.
The case Of Great Britain proper and
Of many British colonies has been quite
simple. and the proclamations have al
ready been issued.
Canada Must Negotiate.
in the case of Canada. there will be
need of negotiations. The Secretary OF
State has been considering the question
VI SEAiGAllS EA ptflE 10 OILdWa TO gather
useful information on the subject, and
as evidence OF the candid and concilia-
tory attitude OF this government, # was
plainly intimated in the memorandum
that the United States had no wish 10
stand on ceremony. and would be glad
to meet the desires Of Canada, so far as
possible, as to all matters of procedure.
1t would seem a great pity If through
mere lack OF effort 20 reach an under
standing our maximum tariff should go
into operation against Canada, with
which we desire TO foster q great and
growing commerce. to which natural
conditions contribute. and which should
be as large a factor in the prosperity
Of Canada as in the commerce of the
United States.
I do not see what more can be done
10 show our disposition toward Canada
in this matter"