The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-24
DIFFERENT VIEWS
 ON RECIPROCITY Underwood and Johnston
 . Analyze Effects THE EFFECT FOR 1912 Johnston Thinks Defeat Helps Demo- crats, But Underwood Thinks
 That It Will Have Little Influence

Senator Johnston and Congressman Un- derwood hold contrary views as to what reciprocity with Canada would have ac-
 ccmplished, and the two distinguished Alabamians differ, too, as to the effect which the defeat of the proposed meas ure by the Canadians will have on the
 political campaign of 1912.
 Congressman Underwood was ardently
 in favor of reciprocity. Senator John
 ston was opposed to reciprocity, but voted
 in favor of the agreement in the Senate
 because the caucus had agreed to give it support.
 According to Senator Johnston the man
 ufacturers of Canada defeated reciproc- ity. While admitting that the Cana dian manufacturers had certain effect on the issue Congressman Underwood holds that the death of reciprocity is due directly to the battle cry of the con- seryatives that reciprocity meant the
 union of Canada and the United States.
 The defeat of reciprocity, according to Senator Johnston, puts President Taft
 "in a hole," discredits his sagacity as politician and ranks him in the class of amateurs in national leadership Con- gressman Underwood cannot see wherein the defeat of measure by the voters
 of another country can effect the position of the contending forces of this country. Other Points of Difference The two Alabamians differ, too, as to what reciprocity was, and differ as to the
 purpose of those who framed the meas ure. Congressman Underwood contends
 that reciprocity was nothing more nor less than trade agreement, which would have been of benefit to both Canada and the United States. Senator Johnston holds that reciprocity was framed for the purpose of admitting pulp and print
 paper free into the United States, and that President Taft, by his efforts to
 bring about reciprocal relations between the two countries was endeavoring to appease the magazines. which have re- gently been lambasting the actions of the
 chief executive. He holds, too, that had
 reciprocity been passed it would have benefited the people very little, as they
 would have had to pay the same prices for flour, beef and the like.
 Both leaders, however, feel that the democrats will win the presidential elec- tior next year. Both feel, too, that the defeat of reciprocity will have no effect on the downward revision of the tariff
 Congressman Underwood being of the opinion that the defeat will be an in- I q
 diate, though careful, revision. He be- lieves that the people will demand re- vision since the defeat of reciprocity. and it naturally follows that he holds that the democrats will profit in the cleo ton. indirectly, as a result of that de- feat.
 Effect on Local Prices The action of President Taft in veto- ing the free list and wool bills. 1t is be- lieyed. Is proof to the people that he is not seriously inclined to reduce the cost of living. Congressman Underwood
 is of the opinion, therefore, that the peo-
 pie will put in power that party which will carefully and judlciously revise the tariff.
 While eastern markets have already reported an increase in the prices of necessities, no effect of the defeat of
 Canadian reciprocity has been felt as yet in Birmingham. While within the past few days coffee and sugar have gone up in prices, S. w. Lee, president of the Alabama Grocery company, con- tends that these prices were not affected
 by the defeat of reciprocity. Sugar and coffee have advanced to figures higher than they have attained for many years, however, and the prices of other necessi- ties are on the upward grade. All this means, according to politicians who have discussed the matter the de- feat of the republicans next year. It Is generally the empty dinner pail, they say, which brings about the defeat of the political party in power.