The Detroit times., 1911-09-14

A
though, the divergent lines the
two parties have pursued with respect
to II interest the observer OF Canadian
development. The direct result OF the
hard times following upon the denun-
citation OF the reciprocity arrangement
with the United States OF 1854 was the
overthrow OF the liberals, the estab-
| lishment OF the federation. and. with
Il. the return TO power OF the conserya-
| tives, who proclaimed the doctrine or
protection.
MaeDnaId's "NatIonai Policy"
A government scandal caused the de-
feat OF the Conservatives in 1872, bait
they came again. into power a few
years later. and, in 1883, Sir John Mac
Donald, their premier, formulated and
had enacted into law what Is known
as the national policy" This policy
! had as It's chief object the increase OF
duties on importations for the purpose
OF developing native industries, but
also provided for wide measure OF
reciprocity with the United States. II
was declared that this policy was
bound TO make Canada as prosperous
as the United States. TO develop II
promptly into a great nation.
For few years the policy worked
well. heavy investments were made,
and numerous factories established.
But Canada lacked a market. and over
production followed AS a result OF
the internal competition many enter
prises went to the wall. The senti-
ment which developed caused In 1884
a modification. still by the Conserva-
tives, who remained In power
Liberals Tariff Features.
The Liberal party secured control
Of the government in June. 1895. on q
free trade platform and other issues.
But following an exhaustive govern
ment inquiry a new tariff was intro
duced and adopted In 1897, which had
these features:
1. Reduction Of duties OH many nee
essities and stap.s commodities.
2. Addition OF numerous articles TO
the free list.
8. Reduction OF duties on iron
and steel and various raw materials.
4. Simplihcation Of classification
( of articles.
s. Substantial preference TO the
products of Great Britain over those
of the rest OF the world.
: The elections of 1900 and 1904 con-
frmed the tariff and other policies
OF the Laurier government. Another
tariff revision was made in 1907.
whereby there was Encouragement
and numerous notifications OF duties.
Three classes were created-the gen
! eral tariff. the intermediate tariff.
which was slightly lower than the
general rates, and British preference,
which was increased. Negotiations
with France, Belgium, Holland, and
} Italy caused the extension OF inter
mediate rates 10 their imports.
! Aldrich Bill Results.
! As a result of the adoption of max
imum and minimum rates in the Aid
rich tariff law the intermediate tarin
( was applied 10 American goods, and
Canadian products were admitted at
minimum rates into the United
States.
An examination OF the Laurier tariff
reforms demonstrates they are
strange children of free trade party.
The changing tariff policy OF the
Iaurier ministry indicates an EFFORT
to keep abreast of the changing
tariff sentiment Wholesale reduc-
J ton OF duties has not been attempted,
save in the proposed reciprocity
agreement; and, because they did net
believe Canada would support such
action. the Liberals declined President
Taft's original proposition for free
trade between the two countries.
The excuse made has been the ne
cessity OF providing revenue with
which to assist the producing inter
ests of the country to build necessary
public works, including railroads, to
encourage manufactures, and TO pro-
mote immigration.
The Conservatives see In the main
tenance of high duties the vindica-
ton of their principles, and because
of Il and its necessity. and because
OF their claim that the bonds Of the
empire are I'm danger OF being loosen.
ed. they are lighting desperately the
approval OF the reciprocity agreement.
President Taft is right: Canada -
at the parting OF the ways.
/ why do men fear everlasting pun