The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-09-25
MONDAY, SEPT. 25, 1911.
THE CANADIAN E

In its leading editorial of Saturday
the Winnipeg Free Press, a strong
Liberal organ. under the title of Fac
ing the Facts" says:
Nothing is to be gained by the cher
ishing Of illusions. The suggestion Of
the Toronto Globe that the people of
Canada rejected reciprocity in a titful
mood which will be followed by speedy
repentance, with fruits meet for repen-
lance, is one that the Liberals should
not entertain. By doing SO they are
only laying up disappointment for
themselves.
In thousands Of individual cases it
is no doubt true that doubts as to the
wisdom Of having voted against reci-
procity under the pressure Of a STAN
pede will arise; but the result, par
ticularly in Ontario, makes it plain
that it was not sentiment, but business,
which dictated the rejection of reci-
procity. The annexation DOGGY and
the loyalty cry helped the movement
along, no doubt; but it owed its real
strength to the determination of par
ties, able to give effect to their will,
to settle the fiscal policy of Canada,
at least for a period of years, as un-
compromisingly protectionist. They
trample into the mud all the influences
favorable to a low tariff; and they sue
ceeded beyond their expectations.
The argument which the business
interests used to justify their COM
bined onslaught upon the government
was set forth with admirable brevity
in a recent issue of the Toronto News,
which led the newspaper fight against
the agreement. 1t said:
They know that manufacturers rec
ognize that if the government sue
ceeds in the election it will be at the
mercy of the free trade element, and
that the farmer deprived of his pro-
lection will not continue protection to
the manufacturer. Under continental
free trade at which Washington aims,
factories would close all over the
dominion, the farmers home market
would be immensely impaired, thou
sands of workmen would be thrown
out of employment and forced ulti-
mately to sacrifice their homes in Can
ada and seek employment in the in
dustrial centers of the United States.
eff We take the first step which is
reciprocity In natural products, we
must take the second step, which is
reciprocity in manufacture. The
action Of the western grain growers,
of the Ontario Farmers association,
OF many Liberal candidates in this
contest. proves that they will not long
er tolerate a government which
breaches free trade and practices pro-
lection, and that if these elements
now continue Sir Wilfred Laurier in
power the price will be exacted."
This was the view taken by the
manufacturing centres Of Ontario. 1t
was the anti-reciprocity majorities in
the small towns which occasioned the
landslide throughout the province. On
tario ts the great manufacturing Sec
ton of Canada; and the factories find
their most profitable markets in the
growing west. The theory that reci-
procfty in natural products would be
followed by reciprocity in manufac-
lures was accepted by them as true.
They had visions of losing the profit
able western markets to manufacture
. 40 SAA0 "S6SSAu 0loIC0 dllu VI Ueluk
obliged to compete in the eastern mar
kets with the highly specialized prod
ucts Of the adjoining states. This view
OF The matter was pounded into their
Workmen. Thus, Mr.. Crossen of the
Cobourg Car works, in a published let
ter, declared. that reciprocity would
require him to move his works to Win
nipeg to hold his western business;
and Harry Cockshutt of Brantford,
made the anne statement with respect
to his business at a public meeting
in Brantford.
Ontario is politically the most
powerful Of the Canadian provinces
and will remain 81 for a long time to
come. II it is unanimous in any mat
ter of public policy, or practically so
it can enforce its will upon parliament
Ontario is strongly protectionist; and
is likely to remain so. Not with its
consent will there be any modification
in the tariff looking to a freer inter.
change of goods with the United
States.
The elections are thus a complete
triumph for protection . What, then
Is the future of the Liberals? The
party has burnt its bridges so far az
support from protectionists is con.
cerned. 1t will never be trusted agair
by them. There appears to be nothing
left for it but to take the other road
and follow it persistently. The Lib.
erals will be forced, by circumstances
II not by inclination, to take up theil
old position on the tariff. This i'm,
doubtedly will involve absence from
power for a long period. unless some
thing unexpected transpires to shak,
the power Of the Borden ministry
This is a fact that might as we'll b,
faced.