The Mathews journal. (Mathews C.H. [Court House]) 1903-1937, 1911-10-12
WHY RECIPROCITY
WAS DEFEATED

In the last CommOner, Mr.. Bryan
discusses the defeat Of reciprocity in
Canada as follows:
The overthrow OF the Liberal gov
eminent In Canada on the reciprocity
issue ends the hope OF the treaty at
this time, and probably for years.
The natural result Of the rejection
by Canada of the overtures made by
the United States viii be an increase
In the tarin in Canada and a disin-
clination en- the part of the United
States TO take up the subject OF recip-
all that has occurred, unfortunate for
two reasons that the subject was
brought forward:
In the first place 1t has given pro-
tectionists of Canada a chance TO ap-
peal TO any anti-American prejudice
that exists there-and il must bS
admitted that there is such preju-
dice. 1t is greater in quantity and
more intense than was supposed, has
been studiously famed for partisan
purposes until IL has developed into a
flame which it Will require time 10
extinguish.
Unless there is a real and active
feeling against the people Of the
United States il is difficult to under
stand how the people of Canada could
have attached as much Importance as
they did to Speaker Clarks declara-
ton in favor OF annexation. He said
In supporting the reciprocity meas
ure: I am in favor OF the reciprO-
city treaty because 1 hope to see the
day when the American flag will float
over every square foot of the British
possessions clear to the North Pole. -
his was a very indiscreet utter
ance for one occupying a position of
authority, and was at once condemned
by the friends of reciprocity in Can
ada, and it was kept before the peo-
pie Ca me dominion.
A few American papers were unwise
enough 60 advocate anneXation-sOme
may haze done so with the hope of
defeating reciprocity, and all such
editorials were reproduced.
President Tafts speeches were con-
strued as rejecting upon Canadian at
tachment to Great Britain. The car
tocns represented the President as
trying to force the American flag
down the threats of the Canadians.
The cartoons Of the President were
anything but respectful. and the Lam
guage employed in denouncing him
was worse than the cartoons.
The protected manufacturers used
the same coercion which has been so
successfully employed in the United
States.
The st. John Telegram. the morn
ing of the election the fol-
lowing:
WARNING TO ALL VOTERS!
With the idea Of intimidatinc
voters in their employ. members
OF conservative business houses
in this city yesterday circulated
personally among their men the
following infamous circular. SUD-
piled from Tory headquarters in
Toronto and printed in black
type:
This Firm is Opposed TO Re
ciprocity or any measure that
would injure British Connection
or the Industries and Farming
Interests of Canada"
Men Of st. John. this sort or
thing should be resented at the
polls.
Every mans vote is his own
sacred right and property. BE
men, Vote your own wayl Do
not be inundated in exercising
the sacred right Of manhood suf-
frage.
The second reason for regrettine
that the reciprocity agreement was
brought forward (now that il has
failed) is that it turned attention
away from the real reason for tariff
reduction and laid emphasis upon the
idea that tariff tax hurts the FOR
EIGNER instead of the consumer at
home.
In the discussion on both sides of
the line the question seemed to be
which gets the most benefit from the
reductions made by the Other?" The
insurgents opposed the treaty on the
ground that we were giving Canada
more than we were getting-at least
that the farmers were. and the Cana
dams opposed 1t on the ground thar
they were getting the worst of the
trade. Even the fact that the Uniteo
states ratified the agreement was
urged as proof that Canada would
lose more than she gained
Whenever reciprocity agreement
IS proposed the balancing of benefits
is necessarily the paramount cues
ton. The Democrats favored the
Taft-Laurier agreement BECAUSE IT
MADE a BEGINNING AT TARIFF
REDUCTION.
Now that ii has been rejected il is
the part of wisdom to proceed with
tarin reduction FOR THE BENEFIT
OF OUR OWN PEOPLE without
waiting for the aid or consent of ann
other nation.
Protectionists in this country will
use Canada's action as an excuse for
opposing reductions, but Democrats
VIII not, out of spite permit CON
tlnued eXtortion by the tariff barons |
or this country merely because the |
tarin barons of Canada are to be per
United to continue their impositions
on our northern neighbors.