Daily Kennebec journal., 1911-03-06

nation in London IT June, or II tie
canadian Parliament shall Continue to
filibuster up to the time OF the pre-
mier's departure. ii is doubted wheth-
]. er ratification will be attempted in the
absence OF Laurier.
The present opposition in Parlia-
ment is encouraged by an energetic
campaign being conducted by manu-
featuring interests opposed TO the
measure. Space for anti-reclproclt!
articles is being bought in the leading
5 newspa pers, both Liberal and consef-
vative, boards of trade arc boine
sounded and where it Is found tina,
condemnatory resolutions will succeed
meetings are arranged and such reso-
lutions are adopted. The latest de-
velopment is an anti-reciprocity league
now being formed in Montreal when,
10 be extended to other industrial CEN
ters. No expense is being spared to
forward this movement and to develop
1t to proportions which will impress
the supporters Of reciprocity. The
annexation spectre was laid by the
Monk resolution which compelled the
opposition and the government affirm
in declaration that reciprocity did not
Annexation talk is practically tabooed.
Its place has been taken by eXpositions
of the theme that reciprocity will seri-
ously disturb existing prosperous con-
ditions In Canada and in way no man
can foresee.
A prominent Liberal member said to-
day that if the pockets OF the people
were as empty now as they were a
few years ago. any man who condemn
ed reciprocity would be iobbed. 'i'eo-
pIe," he said. seem to be satisfied with
present prosperity and comparatively
indifferent To q prospect of gaining
more money"
The motive Of the manufacturing op-
ponents of reciprocity, it is held, was
stated to Parliament with a frankness
which they are now said 10 regret by
il. Il. Ames. Ames is a Conservative
member from Montreal, who has large
manufacturing interests.
This agreement carries the out
works OF protection" he said, "and if
it be ratified the citadel itself win soon
fall
He said it was absurd To suppose
that the farmers. with their products
on the free list would be long content
TO let the manufacturers continue the
enjoyment of protection which the
Washington agreement By its terms,
does not touch.
There is some evidence that this at
titude Of the manufacturers is already
developing sentiment among farmers
in Canada, who are we'll organized and
who at the close OF last year demanded
a. fba Canadian the full
est measure Of reciprocity with the
United States in farm products in or
der that they might obtain access TO
the great neighboring markets. The
chief officers Of that organization are
now In Ottawa and have given inter-
Views endorsing the reciprocity agree
ment and denouncing the manufac
furers' opposition TO II. The farmers.
II is said. will be heard from emphat-
icelly at no distant date.
Both sides of the House concede that
reciprocity debate has yet many DAYS
10 run. Some Of the conservative mem,
bers say they will block further pro-
gress until the special session of Con-
sress has taken final action Affirming
or rejecting the agreement. 1t is pre-
dicted, however. in other quarters that
this prospect may be changed by the
speech which Premier Laurier is pre-
pairing for delivery on Tuesday.
The latest canvass Of the situation
shows that were vote on rhe measurA
10 he taken todav. there would b"
practically solid opposition by the Con-
scryatives and only three defcctions
from the Liberal ranks. so that ratifi-
cation By majority of over 20 would
result In official circles the fear has
been asserted that tho incoming Con
gress being largely Democratic will not
endorse the reciprocity left it by ihr
c;epired Republican House. but viii
seek 10 exact substitute radically
different.
Sucn action. it is affirmed, would
disturbe seriously conditions in Cam
ada and embarrass the government IN
Tho work &C promoting reciprocity.
Ottawa, Ont, March 5.--Thc feeling
that is developing among the agricul-
turaiists against the campaign which
manufacturers are pressing in oppasi-
'tion to ratification of the tIadc agree
m;ent with the United States. is indi-
Gated by a letter given Ia tn" press
today 10y James Bower, president of
the Canadian Council of Agriculture.
This organization is the most exfensiy.
in Canada, having large member
ship and representing more invested