The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-19
Calls on People of Canada to Rise Superior to All
 Party Ties
THE OUTLOOK IS
 FILLED WITH HOPE"
Borden Says That Canada Cannot Have Reciprocity and Remain Part of the British
 Empire

l Halifax. N. s.. September lS.-R. l.. Borden. the opposition leader. issued a final appeal to the people of Canada to- night to defeat reciprocity. The appeal. | in the form of signed statement, de- cares the people now understand they are called upon to determine not mere question of markets but the destiny of Canada
 | lie appeals to liberals and conservatives alike and says he speaks not as a party leader but as a Canadian citizen, whose hopes are bound up with the hopes of his 1 country.
 | While he says the outlook is full of hope he believes that we are in truth l standing at the parting of the ways and | he begs the people to cast a soberly con sidered vote flor the preservation of our heritage, for the maintenance of our com | mercial and political freedom. and for the permanence of Canada as an autono- nous nation within the British empire.p l MT Borden's statement follows:
 "To the people of Canada. as this cam paign closes and the solemn duty cone fronts us of deciding for all time the most momentous question ever submitted | to the Canadian electorate, l declare with perfect sincerity to my fellow countrymen that the outlook is filled with hope.
 People Show Keen Attention
 The keen attention which the people have given to the discussions of tho question has made the few weeks of this campaign far more revealing than months of ordinary debate
 Throughout this dominion the elec- l torate now understand that they are called upon to determine not a mere ques- don of markets. but the future destiny | Of Canada, perhaps of the empire. Even frcm the economic side the reciprocity compact is but a step In greater pi ocess. On either side of the boundary line it's advocates realize likewise per fsetIy that in Its final outcome this treaty l,rndoubtedly means the commercial union ! with the United States. The chief mag : istrate of our powerful neighbor on the south has warned in language of un- mistalsable import that the consummation of this treaty will foverer prevent the consolidation of our empire. With pro found insight and clear vision he has made the memorable declaration that # Canada accepts this compact. she can never become a part of that great lm- peral commercial band, which. as he | al lticipates, will reach from England around the world to England again.
 we must make our choice between rec iprocity within the empire and reciprocity l with the United States. and let us never | forget that Canada cannot become fiscally and commercially part of the united States, and remain politically party, and ar important part of the British empire. thar a | conpact will result in prematurely dis sipating those abounding resources which | we hold not alone for our own use and profit, but in trust also for those who are to succeed us Are We not bound in honor to transmit free and unimpalred to our descendants the marvellous heritage which our forebears won and held in the face Of difficulties and obstacles?
 "Will the people of Canada willingly decree that so splendid an inheritance shall pass into the hands of others than ,l their own?
 Power Increased
 'sThe relations created by this com mart will increase three fold the power of the United States over our commercial destinies Lees than two years ago by the threat of prohibitory duties they forced our government to alter our tariff. Do not imagine that the spirit which compelled this unwarranted concession to
  morrow of its first great success. If ws accept this compact we must anticipate | likewise a renewal of the attempt. Whera | is our guarantee that the renewed pres- sure will be met in any firmer rasnion | than before? It is our duty to maintain the most friendly relations with the great neighboring nation. but l ask you to believe that such relations can best be assured If we preserve in fullest measure our present financial independence and autonomony fiscally. Tn all, do not forget the momentous choice you make Is Tor all time
 If the tariff of the two countries are interlocked by this treaty, be assured that the stronger party will always carry the day.
 At the Parting of the Ways "I believe we are in truth standing at this time at the parting of the ways. This compact made in secret and without mandate points indeed to new path. We must decide whether the spirit of Canadianism or contnentalism shall prevail on tho western continent. l, Canada is now the mistress of her destiny She commands both the Att Ilantic and the Pacific oceans. She holds the highways of the world. Out side of the United Kingdom she is the most important unit of the whole Brit ish system which extends beyond every
 
 governs no less than one-fifth of the entire human race.
 with Canada's rapidly increasing population, the marvellous material re- sources, her spirit of hopefulness and Il energy, she can place herself within a comparatively brief period in the highest position within this mighty elm pre. This is the path upon which we have proceeded. This Is the path from which we are asked to depart.
 q do not believe the spirit of Cana dians will sanction any such departure. The response that have met in every province fills me with the most pro- found gratitude. and the liveliest hope as to the result The same spirit anil mates Canada now as that which in- spired the men who founded this con federation. That spirit Is one of faith in our country; our institutions and oulselves
 it's of a past filled With splendid achievements: 1t is crowned by the highest and most con fident hope of . fvtrra fho Sp1epdor of which xva m n