Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-05

opposition to reciprocity. To be sure, ii
is being utilized by politicians, subverted
to their own selfish ends, but after all II
is a national sentiment entitled to re-
spectful consideration.
Annexation Not Real Fear.
The real. genuine, basic fear of the con-
servatiye element in Canada IS not OF
annexation: 1t is of diversion of Canada
commercial interests from a west to east
direction to a north to south direction;
from Great Great Britain to the United
States 1t is apprehension that financial,
industrial and finally political ties with
the mother country may thus be loosened.
1t is fear that Canada may lose her in
dividuality, her British tone, her SYM
pathy with the imperialistic policy Of
England.
At least such is the argument OF the
or not, it is presented in this chapter as
their side of the case in explanation OF
their attitude.
Canada's new political life may be said
to have commenced in 1861, when con1ed-
GRAFTON took place. The British North
America act. which is Canada's constitu-
ton, first united Ontario, Quebec, New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 1t provided
also for the subsequent union Of Prince
Edward Island and British Columbia, to-
gether with the vast territories between
British Columbia and Hudson bay and
extending from the United States boun-
Diary to the Arctic ocean. The province
of Manitoba was formed in 1870; British
Columbia came into the confederation In
1871. and Prince Edward Island In 1873.
Rich Neighbor to South.
Canada in 1871 found herself whit a
population of 3.lOOO 600. Her border from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, over 3,OU
miles. touched the United States at every
point. Settlement constituted only a
fringe along a small part Of the border.
To the south was a population ten times
as great, comprising the same races.
speaking the same language and living
under practically the same institutions
The trend of all influences was toward
north and south trade rather than east
and west. Canada's first task was TO re-
sist these influences, and she set about
to construct the magnificent system or
east TO west railways which now bind her
provinces together and furnish a con-
Meeting link with the mother country.
The British North America act declared
that the intercolonial railway was "es-
sential to the consolidation of the union
of British North America This princi-
through the agreement with British Co
lumbia 1t was made an essential part
Of the Union that the Canadian Pacific
railway should be built.
Made Part of Compact.
In the agreements between the govern
ment and the intercolonial railways
clauses we're inserted specifically requir-
Ing the companies to encourage and as
far as possible insist upon the trans
portation Of freight to Canadian ocean
points, to the end that development OF
trade should be entirely through Cana
dian channels.
The policy of protection to Canadian
industries, including farming and farm
products. was established in 1873 by the
Macdonald government. Even at that
time many Canadians believed that reci-
procity with the United States was the
cure for depressed trade conditions. and
to quiet this fear the government insert
ed in the national policy act a clause pro-
viding for reciprocity in natural and
farm products should the United States
make similar provisions. OvertureS to
the United States were unsuccessful.
In 1896 the Laurier government came
into power and the following year par
lament repealed the clause III the act of
1879 under which reciprocity with the
lished. and confirmed the national policy
OF protection.
In lsys a preference of - per cent was
granted to Great Britain. which in 1909
was increased to 33 1-3 per cent. In 1899
Sir Winfrid Laurier acknowledged the
people were not In favor OF reciprocity.
Reciprocity Not Issue.
In the general elections OF 1900, 1904
and 1905 reciprOcity was not an Issue.
The government went to the country and
succeeded on it's record of the develop
ment Of Canada by railways, canals,
steamships. British preference and de-
velopment of east and west trade.
But apparently the Limit Of develop
ment in this direction has been reached
and the ambitious Canadians are rebell-
ing against the tariff wall which prevents
freer intercourse with friendly nation
TO the south, anxious to barter and trade
with them.
Tremendous natural influences are at
work against which political theories are
unable TO contend.
The pull of north and south trade
against the attenuated and long -draw
out sixteen-wire gauge east and west
haul is making itself felt.
Tie Canadians see spirit Of revolt in
this country against excessive tariffs.
They note that the United States has
built itself up through system OF pro-
lection until protection in the opinion of
many Of her citizens Is no longer needed
to such excessive degree.
Is there not similarity between the
progressive spirit in the states and this
same unrest in Canada making for lower
ing Of tariff walls and freer commercial
intercourse where natural conditions are
favorable?
Tories and Standpatters.