The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1911-04-07
THE MESSAGE
WAS VERY BRIEF
Ceniined Exclusively 10 Reciproc-
ify Agreement with Canada

4. ~
Washington, April 6.-President
Taft yesterday transmitted TO con-
gress a message urging early action
OH the reciprocity agreement with
Canada. He stated that he based
this message upon difference to pou-
lar sentiment and duty to the great
masses OF the American people. The
message follows:
To the Senate and House Of Repre-
sentatives:
transmitted to the 61st congress,
on January 26, last. the text of the
reciprocal trade agreement which
had been negotiated under my direc-
ton by the secretary of state with
the representatives Of the Dominion
OF Canada. This agreement was the
of earnest efforts, ex-
tending over period OF nearly a
year, on the part OF both govern
ments to effect a trade arrangement,
which, supplementing as IL did the
amicable settlement OF various ques-
tons of diplomatic and political
character that had been reached.
would mutually promote. commerce.
and strengthen the friendly relations
now existing.
( The agreement In its intent and in
les terms was purely economic and
commercial While the general sub
iect was under discussion by the com-
missiopers 1 felt assured that the
sentiment of the people OF the United
States was such that they would well
come measure which would result
in the increase OF trade on both sides
OF the boundary line. would open up
the reserve productive resources of
Canada to the great mass OF our own
consumers on advantageous condi-
tons. and at the same time offer al
broader outlet for the excess pro-
ducts OF our farms and many OF our
Industries. Details regarding al
negotiation OF this kind necessarily
could not be made public while the
conferences were pending. When,
however. the full text OF the agree
ment with the accompanying cor
respondence and, data explaining
both its purpose and its scope became
known to the people through the
message transmitted TO congress. i'll
was Immediately apparent that the
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 agree
ment in all their particulars. The
volume Of support which has devel-
oped shows that It's broadly national
scope is fully appreciated and is re-
sponsive TO the popular will.
The house Of representatives Of
the sIst congress, after the full text
OF the arrangement with all the de-
tails In regard 10 the different proyis-
ions had been. before IL, as they were
before the American people. passed a
bill confirming the agreement as
negotiated and as transmitted to con-
gress. This measure failed OF action
In the senate.
In my transmitting message OF the
26th Of January. ! fully set forth the
character OF the agreement. and en-
phasized Its appropriateness and
necessity as response to the mutual
needs OF the people OF the two coun-
tries. as we'll. as its common advant-
ages now lay that message and
the reciprocal trade agreement. as
integrally part Of the present mes
sage. before the SD congress. aud
again invite earnest attention to the
consideration therein expressed.
am constrained In difference TO
popular sentiment and with a rcaliz-
ing sense Of my duty 10 the great
masses OF our people. whose welfare
Is involved, TO urge upon your con-
sideration early action on this agree
ment IN concluding the negotia-
tons the representatives OF the two
countries bound themselves to use
their utmost efforts 10 bring about
the tafiff charges provided for In the
agreement by concurrent legislation
at Washington and Ottawa. have
felt II my duty. therefore. not to
acquisce In RELOCATION OF action until
the opening of the congress in De-
cember. but to use my constitutional
prerogative and convoke the ED con-
gress in extra SESSION in order that
there shall be no break OF continuity
in considering and acting upon this
most important subject.
tsignedl WILLIAM n. TAFT.