The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-08-31
RECIPROCITY FIGHT IN CANADA.

NIX ~ tt'tiif ~ tSNAbNe
vigorous campaign is in Canada over
TIE Reciprocity pact. agreement with which
las recently been enacted by this country.
So NIlfrid Laurier. The Prime Minister and
header Of the Liberal party is the stump in
aeAslf ef the measure. Opposing him IS the
Conservative leader and oue Of the Dominions
ssroaeest men. Mir r. l. Borden. who is making
81 equally aggressive fight to defeat the bin.
G-ea. crowds ara reported as attending the
meetings ard interest is at fever heat Both
sides as usual are claiming the victory.
The arguments urged against the bill have
to 10 Win threo general contentious. First.
thai the agricultural interests of the United
States are 50 far advanced, and so consider
able. that free trade in the products of the
farm would result in this country swapping
Canada with food products to the great disad-
vantage Of that country.
Second, that such measure would prove
destructive Of the manufacturing interests and
progress of the Dominion. The opposition as
sorts that it has been the policy OF the Canadian
government not only to encourage production
OF raw material but its manufacture into the
II reciprocity prevails. the raw material will
be sold to the United States, there TO be manu-
featured The claim is also made that hundreds
of thousands of dollars now invested in manu-
featuring enterprises in Canada by United
States capitalists will be withdrawn and their
mills closed
The other conspicuous argument is that
i. is that this Reciprocity bill Is but en-
tering wedge to final annexation. Concerning
this. Mr.. Borden has said. 1T brings Canada
to the parting OF the ways. turns her from tbs
path of Canadian unity and British connec
tion. and leads her along the way to Wash
ington" In reply 10 this the Premier says
'This talk OF annexation Is simply beneath Thu
contempt and beneath the attention Of seriou
people. II I were privileged to address 81
American audience / would say to them, w
want to trade with you. but II the price "
are to pay for it is the sacrifice of our man
hood. keep your trade"
It will be observed that the argument en-
ployed against the bill in Canada is much tn
same. IN particulars, that which WA
posed TO originate with a lobby maintained b
the trusts. The Montreal star, however, deuie
that the anti-reciprocity campaign is finance
by American trusts and offers a reward c
$4,000 to any person, or persons, who can trac
the origin of the fund.
But TO believe this is not difficult. II wa
practically demonstrated that certain interest
were maintaining a bureau here for creattn
public sentiment against the measure MI
Taft openly asserted that opposition TO IL her
originated in political manipulauons. Il is nt
unreasonable to think that the same Interest
= would continue their efforts TO boSK tie pa4
sage Of the measure beyond the border. .awn
bern defeated here.
Al this time. It ia not possible to forecai
the vote. Certainly considerable opposition HI
developed. led by strong and influential mel
To our minds the election will be close an
neither side can yet claim the victory wit
auy degree Of confidence.