Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1911-04-28
CANNON OPPOSES
RECIPROCITY BILL

Washington, April 20. - Former
Speaker Cannon, in the Hous of Rep
resentatives today vigorously attacked
Canadian reciprocity. Aided by q large
map OF the United States and Canada
he played the role of a Schoolmaster TO
a crowded floor and filled galleries.
Mr.. Cannon assailed the proposed
agreement as dangerous TO American
trade inimical to the best interests of
American farmers and certain to re-
suit in depreciation of American farm
lands.
Not since the war with Spain and
all that followed ii has there been con-
sidered by the House of Representa-
tivcs so important a bill as the n
nov pending" he declared. ON the
action of the House rests the wellbelng
and the prosperity Of all the people or
the United States. Is 1t proper on
slight consideration TO vitalize into law
an agreement that affects the prosper
ity of every home in the land?'
Charges Secret Dealing.
MIR. Cannon declared that the treaty
had been made in secret. The
try, the Senate and the House had
actually nothing to do with the prepa-
ration Of the agreement With Canada,
he said.
NO member of this House. declared
Mr.. Cannon, had opportunity to know
anything about it until the House re-
ceived notice in the presidents mes
sage. accompanied by the bill itself that
it was expected to BASS the measure
Mr.. Cannon reviewed the develop
Ercnt Of middle and western America
during the last century.
Il am not an old man." he sale amid
the laughter Of the House, but | can
remember when this country had but
: - .CtI nm ;,f,o niiGnTS NnU- IT mas close
to 100. 900, 1000"
immigration and development had
brought rich new lands into cultiva-
ton, he said, railroads and cheap
freight rates had placed them in touch
with the great eastern markets, and
the value OF New England and New
York farm lands had gone steadily
down, unable TO meet the competition.
The opening of new Canadian lands
with American markets open to their
produce would have today the same
effect on the west, he believed.
Mi. Cannon declared that the in
nUerCc Of the cheaper Canadian farm
lands would be felt as keenly in the
south as elsewhere if the tariff re
strictiOns ON farm products were re-
moved.
"What is this bill going to do to
u.s." he asked. They say there's no
danger to our wheat from a market
open 10 Canada. The president says
il will reduce the cost of living with
out impairing the farmers market. The
president is a great man; | have great
respect for him; l voted for him and
| apprehend | will vote for him again.
But ( would like TO see him demon
strate how it will not impair the
farmers prices and yet will reduce the
cost Of living"
AS to reciprocity. Mr.. Cannon said
he would act on his WI judgment.
The presidents duty is to veto my
action, not to dictate it, he declared,
and continued:
The practice has grown through
many administrations of the president
having congress on his hands, but l
propose to walk in the shadow of my
own Judgment. 1t is up to us TO say
whether we shall continue to develop
our own country from east TO west, or,
without compensation, throw open our
markets to all the additional products
". 4 great new country"
Canada, Mr.. Cannon said, a all
ways been knocking at the gates of
the United States for entry without
tax into American markets.