The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
CANADA RESENTS
 ANNEXATION TALK
Supporters Fear That Reci- procity Will Be
 Jeopardized

Ottawa, Ont, February 1.-The con
 tfnued talk of annexation. kept alive by the opposition journals today, is causing deep resentment in Canada and according to some of the leading supporters of the government may
 jeopardize the reciprocity measure now before parliament. While the liberals have accepted the message of Presi- dent Taft to Representative Mccall as the true sentiment of the Washington administration the wave of feeling that has been aroused in the dominion can not be ignored and 1t Is understood thai Sir Wnfried Laurier early next week will make a statement which will set at rest forever the idea that annexa- ton of Canada by the United States is possible.
 In some quarters the disavowal oi President Taft and Secretary Knox do not carry conviction and the opposl- tion press is carefully fostering the idea that they are the utterances or adroit and clever men working with the ulterior motive of annexation which Messrs. Clark and Bennett were too frank to conceal.
 The bulk of Canadians do not know MT. Clark or MT. Bennett or MT. Knox and they are unable to form indepen- dent judgment as to the value of their utterances. It is recognized that the reciprocity agreement is popular throughout Canada and will, produce material results. But the sentimental feeling overshadows it and the sug- geston from the south that the agree ment is the first step toward depriv- ing Canada of autonmy is resented Members of the government. according to well established policy, refuse to have their names used on the subject but one of them said tonight:
 "The government is determined to put that. agreement through speedily if it can be done. but If we are going to be bothered by talk of annexation we will throw the whole proposal over board and go on with independent de- velopments.
 Another leading liberal said:
 We can do better with easier trade conditions between Canada and the United States. but if there is a feeling south of the line that the trade agree ment is the first stop toward annex alton, we can get along without the agreement"
 While 1t is recognized that anneXa- tion talk in the United States has not reached a stage where 1t can be taken seriously, the fact that 1t was begun by American public men has been suf- flcient to provide the opposition with strong card against the government.
 The Manufacturers association, one of the strongest organizations in Can ada although not affected by the terms of the agreement. has taken alarm from the idea that free trade in agricultural products will lead to free trade in manufactured articles and has organ ized a movement against the measure. This, 1t is said, has been followed by a curtailment of credit by few Can adian banks apprehensive of the re- suits of the American competition Sir Wilfried, 1t Is said, also will serve mo- tice on these financial institutions that If they become overcautions the gov ernment will advise that other banks take up the accounts and the result will be only loss of business by the timid ones.
 The intensity of feeling developed against reciprocity among the minority within 48 hours is indicated by the fact that a condemnation of the agreement which was first published as a page display in a Montreal paper, is being given publicity throughout Canada at advertising rates.
 Parliament will not resume consider alton of the agreement until next week. It Is stated that Clifford Sifton, for merly minister of the interior under I.aurier. and chairman of the conserva- tion commission. will come out in par lament with denunciation of the