Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-16
NO PLAN TO ANNEX
Secretary Knox Declares Trade
Pact Is Not Political.
FEAR OF FARMERS ABSURD
Nothing But Profit for Them, He
Says, in Reciprocity.
LAUDED BY JAMES J. HILL
Northwestern Railway Magnate
Says There Should Not Be In Con-
gress One Opposing Vote.s
FEAR OF FARMERS ABSURD
LAUDED BY JAMES J. HILL

ol11Auop 1O-ScIIcldlS "a
State Philander c. Knox and James j.
Hill joined hands last night in urging the
adoption by Congress of the reciprocity
agreement with Canada. Both spoke at a
banquet given by the Chicago Association
of Commerce. Nearly 1000 persons, rep
resenting almost every big commercial
and industrial enterprise of the city, as
well as commercial and municipal organi-
zationS from score Of western cities,
listened and applauded.
Secretary Knox related the history Of
trade agreements between the two coun-
tries from 1916. when Canada removed
it's difrerential duties against the United
States and placed it on par with Great
Britain. 1.-THE aim and purpose of the
agreement which has been negotiated are
to promote better trade relations and to
cement and strengthen friendly intercourse
between the neighboring nations" he
said.
Mr.. Knox took the ground that though
the people of the United States and
Canada are "a substantially homogene-
Gus people, with deep moral and racial
reciprocities." the benefits Of the proposed
commercial reciprocity with Canada
ought not to be obscured by the fear of
relations too cordial and conceivably dan
gerous to the great Canadian loyalty to
England"
No Politics in Treaty.
Mr.. Knox declared that while migra-
lions proceeded as constantly and as
freely between Canada and the United
states as between two states Of this
COUNTRY, and while the two peoples have
5een welding together for two centuries
there was not the slightest probability of
ranlif ico1 rho
absorption"
1T is probably more true today than
ever before" he continued. that the
weight of sentiment, both in Canada and
the United States. while desiring closer
relations in all other respects, Is crystal
LIKED in a belief that the present political
separation is desirable and will lead to
the best development of each nation and
to better and more satisfactory relations
between them.
In the higher atmosphere and broader
aspects of the situation, it is certain that
if there should be any great world move
ment involving this continent, Canada
and the United States would. as a mat
ter Of course, act In the most perfect con-
cert in defense of the common rights of
a common blood and civilization"
Benefits for Present Status.
Declaring, however. that the reciprocity
proposition was economic. not political"
Mr.. Knox asserted: THE United States
recognizes with satisfaction that the Do
minion Of Canada is a permanent North
American political unit and that her au-
tonomy is secure. The United States ap-
preciates the advantage to the common
welfare Of the continent that Canada con-
tributes her own strength plus the
strength Of Great Britain
Speaking of objection to the bill. Mr..
Knox said:
THE principal complaints against the
measure come from the politicians who
have been endeavoring to persuade the
farmer that his interest in the protective
tariff is based on the tariffs on agricul-
eral prosperity of the country, or they
are heard from some local special. inter-
est
Hill Praises Agreement.
The agreement was an example of con-
structiye craftsmanship in contrast with
many subjects before Congress. accord
ing to Mr.. Hill. 1T is fashioned to large
national ends he said. land inspired by
a policy that the greatest minds of the
country have approved.
There ought not be one vote in Con-
Gross or one voice In the country against
an arrangement worth more than armies
and navles Every man in public life
either knows or does not know the true
value and effect of reciprocity. If he
does not know he is not fit for the re-
sponsibility he assumes. If he does know
and yet opposes, he is willing to sacrifice
the most important interests of his coun-
try and to close the greatest opportunity
open TO it in years for the sake of some
private political advantage.
ANY opposition to a project so adj
vantageous to the American people is SO
extraordinary that the nature and cause
of 1t should be considered first.
1T comes from three sources, two of
which may be summarily disposed of.
Such of the monopolistic combinations as
ind their power TO overcharge the people
imperiled by reciprocity are naturally
against 1t. These and all similar OBJ
jectors are entitled to no consideration.
Says Farmers Are Misled.
"As little worthy to be heard are the
men in public life who regard this meas
ure as merely a grindstone on which to
whet the AK of political fortune.
Such of our farmers as oppose the
treaty either believe ignorantly or have
been made to believe that it's effect would
be to lowersthe price of farm products
This hue and cry centers about the eff
feet of reciprocity upon the prices of
wheat and barley grown in the United
States. If we dispose of the claim that
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