New-York tribune., 1911-03-06
STRONG RECIPROCITY HOPE |
Continued from first page.

taken to-day there would be practically
solid opposition by the CONSERVATIVES
and only three defections from the LID
eral ranks, so that ratification by ma
jority of over forty would result.
In official circles the fear has been ex-
pressed that the incoming Congress-
being largely Democratic, Will not IN
dorse the reciprocity legacy left II by
the expired Republican House, but VIII
seek to exact a substitute radically dlf-
ferent. Such action, 1t Is said would
disturb seriously conditions In Canada
and embarrass the government in the
work Of promoting reciprocity.
Status Of AgricuIturists.
The feeling which is developing among
the agriculturists against the campaign
which manufacturers are pressing In op-
position to ratification Of the trade agree
ment with the United States is indicated
by letter given to the press to-day by
james Bower, president of the Cana
dian Council Of Agriculture. This or
ganization Is the most extensive in can
ada, having a large membership ana
representing more invested wealth and a
greater amount Of production than any
other body. not excepting the Manufact-
urers' Association. The farmers ap-
reared before the government and asked
for reciprocity with the United states.
they expressed satisfaction when the
81 made
known. They arc now preparing to con-
denim the efforts to prevent Parliament
from making that agreement effective.
In his letter Mr. Bower, speaking for
the Council OF Agriculture, says: After
listening to the debate on reciprocity in
the House of Commons during the last
two weeks, and also having read the
reports in various newspapers opposing
reciprocity, | have been impressed with
the notable persistence on the part OF
those interested in protection in their
effort to mislead the public. 1t is very
plain to ME that a determined effort Is
being made to manufacture public opin-
ion adverse to reciprocity.
Sitting in the gallery of Parliament
daily watching the conduct and hearing
the words of the members the question
IS constantly forcing itself on my mind,
What effect would a law allowing OF
heir recall have on these members? 10
me one thing is sure, knowing as l do
the temper and wishes of the farmers or
the Dominion as expressed through our
farmers associations, demand for re-
call would be very quickly made TO
those who, in defiance of their constitu-
ents wishes, are answering to the beck
and call of the protected interests. 1t
is evident that these men are depending
on being able 10 divide the people, as
they have always done. on party lines.
They do not seem TO realize that party
politics is giving way to practical poll
tics. How far they may be right re-
mains to be seen, but in the mean time
the real desire of the people IS to a
great extent being ignored.
The farmers know that they are the
backbone of the country, and they know
that any policy that makes for perma-
nent progress on a sure foundation must
be made adaptable to the requirements
of the farmers, who in the nature of
things must for all time be the greatest
producing and consuming class Of Can
ada"
Prime Minister Ldurler ana MS CdDl-
net held an all-day meeting, and it is
understood that they devoted much time
t. consideration of the status and posi-
bilities OF the reciprocity matter both in
Canada and the United States. Several
Of the ministers subsequently expressed
themselves confident that Congress
would ratify the agreement soon after
April 4.
Sir Wilfrid Laurer will speak on the
measure on Tuesday. There is much
curiosity as TO how the Premier will deal
with the bitter opposition which it Is
conceded has been developed by efforts
of the extreme protectionist element in
Canada