The Columbus journal., 1911-04-12
CONGRESS GETS
TAFT'S MESSAGE
Brief Document is Transmitted to
Country's Lawmakers.
IS ALL ABOUT RECIPROCITY
President Tells Of Negotiations Lead
ing to the Canadian Agreement,
and Asks Early Action Con-
firmine the Pact.

Washington. April 5.-President
Iaft's message to the end congress
ID extraordinary session was trans
n!tted to both branches Of congress
today. The message in full was as
follows:
To the senate and house Of repre-
sentatives: transmitted to the six
ty-hrst congress on January 9th. last,
ne text Of the reciprocity trade
agreement which had been negotiated
under my direction by the secretary
II state with the representatives of
the Dominion of Canada. This agree
nent was the consummation of ear
nest efforts extending over a period
Il nearly a year. on the part of both
governments to effect a trade ar
rangenent which. supplementing as
t did the amicable settlement OF vari-
gus questions OF a diplomatic and 20
iitical character that had been
-eacfed. would mutually promote
.Oilnie,ce and would strengthen the
friendly relations now existing.
The agreement In its intent and In
rs terms was purely economic and
commercial. While the general sub
!ect was under discussion by the COM
missiOners. felt assured that the
sentiment of the people of the United
States was such that they would vel
come a measure which would result
In the increase of trade on both sides
II the boundary line. would open up
me reserve productive resources of
canada to the great mass Of our own
consumers on advantageous condi-
ions and at the same time offer q
broader outlet for the excess products
II our farms and many of our indus
:ries. Details regarding a negotiation
II this kind necessarily could not
De made public while the conferences
we're pending. However. the full text
If the agreement with the accom-
oanying correspondence and data ex-
planning both its purpose and its
scope became known to the people
through the message transmitted to
congress.
Approved by the People.
1t vas Immediately apparent that
he ripened fruits of the careful labors
Of the commissioners met with wide
spread approval. This approval has
been strengthened by further consid-
Grafton OF the terms of the agreement
in all their particulars. The volume
If support which has developed shows
that its broadly national scope Is
fully appreciated and Is responsive to
the popular will
The house Of representatives of the
Sixty-first congress. after the full text
Of the arrangement with all the de-
tails in regard to the different provi-
siCns had been before II. as they were
before the American people. passed
The bill confirming the agreement as
negotiated and as transmitted to con-
sress. This measure failed Of action
In the senate. In my transmitting
message of the Goth Of January. l fully
set forth the character of the agree
nent and emphasized its appropriate
Jess and necessity as a response to
he mutua! needs of the people of tho
two countries. as well as its commoa
l now lay that message
and the reciprocal trade agreement.
As integral!y a part of the present
message. before the Sixty-second con-
xress ard again invite earnest attGn-
ton TO the considerations therein ex-
pressed.
Early Action 10 Urged.
am constrained In Difference to !
popular sentiment and with a realiz-
Ing sense of my duty to the great |
masses OF our people whose welfare Is
to urge upon your considera- !
ton early action on this agreement
In concluding the negotiations the |
that the two coun- |
tries bound themselves to use their |
utmost efforts to bring about the tar. !
In changes provided for in the agree !
ment by concurrent legislation at |
and Ottawa. I have felt |
Il my duty. therefore. not to &C. !
luiesce in RELOCATION Of action until |
the opening Of the congress in De-
but to use my constitutional
and convoke the Sixty |
second congress in extra session in
order that there shall be no break of
In considering and acting |
upon this most important subject.
WILLIAM II. TAFT.
The White House, April 5. 1911.