New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-02-06
INSIST ON RECIPROCITY
Progressives Want State DeIega.
tions Urged to Work for It.
lNSURGENT CAMP DIVIDED
Believed to Have Come to the
Parting of the Ways on Cana.
dian Agreement Question.
from The Tribune Rlreau. I

Washington, Feb. discrimination OF re-
luctant legislators to take up for considera-
ton the Canadian reciprocity agreement
will not be lacking-outside the effect that
may be expected from the forthcoming
speeches Of President Taft and Secretary
Knox-according TO reports received In
Washington of a favorable attitude toward
the measure in various parts OF the coun-
try. One OF the most interesting communi-
cations on the subject is a letter of the
secretary OF the recently organized Pro-
gressive Republican League OF Michigan to
Governor Osborne and the Governors of
several other states urging state delega-
tons in Washington to work for the reci-
procity agreement. This letter is, In part.
as follows:
tariff. which is in NJ wise aItagonistic 10
the Republican principle OF protection, but
We are firmly of the opinion that the
passage OF this measure will be good bust
ness, and good business is undoubtedly
good craftsmanship. This bill should be
passed If It falls IT VII fa n because rhs
and the Aldrich tariff are shown up as
hypocrtical dcnarcRues They lave been
bowling for revision: here il is. They have
they got into power: they have the power
now. President Taft has put the power
into their hands. II remains to be seen
whether they will use II for the benefit OF
the country at large or whether they will
show themselves TO be reformers only for
the sake of getting Office. In one event
In the other they will be covered with such
Contemnt as must |ostrov their influence
among their local followers.
This cutspoken support OF the reciprocity
programme is particularly interesting in
view Of the fact that the insurgent camp
Is divided on the agreement. Senator Jona-
than Bourne and his league CT Progressives
purpose 20 oppose It for the profession OF
the farmer Senator William Alden Smith.
Of Michigan who has apparently gone over
to the insurgent camp also looks upon 1t
with unalloyed disfavor. II is generally
believed that insurgency has come to the
parting OF the way on the question, unless
there Is some hasty reconsideration OF the
early opinions on the agreement. There Is
suspicion that an effort Is being made by
Senator Bourne's Salvation Army 10
drown the still, small voice OF conscience
in the matter OF Canadian reciprocity by
sounding clarion calls to its loyal followers
TO support the proposed constitutional
amendment 10 provide for the election OF
Senators by direct popular vote.
Many OF those who oppose the reciprocity
agreement in the House concede that 1t viii
PASS but the Senate would not he likely 10
permit tie passage OF measure of so much
Importance until after opportunity was had
for full debate. There will be no chance
FOR such debate this session. Senate Lead
ers. however, are extremely anxious that
there shall be no extra session. Some 81
them fear that the calling Of Consress after
March would arouse sentiment throughout
the country In favor Of general revision Of
the tariff. These Republican leaders say
that the temper of the country at the pres
ent time is such that a tariff revision ses-
sion might menace the principle OF protec-
ton. Whether this fear will weigh heavily
enough to cause the Senate TO act upon the
reciprocity agreement IL doubtful.
Moet OF tie Democrats OF the House are
believed TO be IN favor Of the Canadian
agreement, but TO determine this question
absolutely a caucus has been called for to-
morrow night to frame party policy with
respect to the question.