The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-10-31
WHEAT PLAN STIRS
CANADA'S OFFICIALS
Minister Rogers Open Minded
on Advantages Of Free
Trade With T.. s.
pREMIER'S PLEA FOR WEST

WINNIPEG, Oct. 30.-Problems in con-
nection with the transportation ard sale
~ tho gigantic grain crop Of western
Canada were discussed here by the Hon.
Robert Rogers, Minister Of Public Works,
who is In Winnipeg. Mr.. Rogers Is one
Of the most influential members Of the
Canadian Government.
AS TO free wheat. 1t is undoubtedly
q great problem which. like everything
else. has two sides to 1t. Speaking for
myself, 7 have an entirely open mind as
TO the wisdom OF the Government taking
action. AS has been suggested by some
that We should. There are many argu-
mcnts that can be used favorably on
both sides OF the question.
"Thc argument often advanced that II
would be an interference with our gem
eral tariff laws Is not regarded by me
as being tho most serious obstacle. cs-
pcciaily when we see our milling COM
p2nics making enormous fronts.
Whether the profits have been made by
the advantage of having the tarir that
exists to-day or whether they have been
made by ordinary everyday gambling
~ V'''b ~
rs the public IL concerned. 1t Is .uiii-
cient TO know that any firm which Is
able to make such enormous proftts as
some milling companies record is placed
beyond the bounds Of being reasonably
entitled to much consideration in ar
irving at fixed conclusions
What I fear is that the adoption OF
free wheat would have. in all probs-
hility. u detrimental effect srather than
n beneficial ono OF the grain producers,
in that we would Join our production
with tina of the United States in one
COMMON hanne to find its way to the
markets of the world.
No Eject ON water Hates.
"I do not share the argument put
forth for free wheat that II would have
the cncct. IL adopted. Of reducing the
lake and ocean tonnage Neither would
Il affect lake or ocean tonnage rates,
either from Canadian or American ports.
I hope to have an opportunity while
West TO meet many who have we'll de-
fined views on the question.
The shipments OF wheat alone by
lake from Fort william and Port Ar
thur last week represented 12.712,s62
bushels. BY comparing last weeks ship
mcnts from Fort william and Port Ar
thur with the total eNpor OF wheat and
-four from all American ports II will
he noted hat considerably more wheat
was shipped in a week from these
Canadian lake ports than the whole
world has ever taken delivery OF in any
one week Of both wheat and flour from
the whole of North America.
"Thc Government is prepared to I'M
dertake to transport over tho Transcon-
tinental Railroad from wheat centres OF
the West to the ports Of ST. John
Halifax at least 10000 bushels a day.
and 1 am hopeful We will be able to do
this at a reasonable rate"
Presenting tho claims OF western Can
ada, the Hon.. T. e. Norris. Premier
Of Manitoba, waited upon the Hon. w.
T. White, Minister Of Finance, at OF
tawa this week and asserted that the
arguments for FREQ trade in wheat never
before were so strong as they are to-
dav. He urged hat the Canadian du-
ties on wheat and wheat products on
tering Canada from the United states
he removed in order that advantage
might be taken OF the offer OF the Will
son tariff act OF free entry OF Canadian
wheat and wheat products Into the
United States. Premier Norris said that
since the crop began to move Winnipeg
wheat prices had ranged from y to II
cents lower than those prevailing in
Minneapolis.
Market TOT Damp ""e~S'
A special advantage Of opening the
United States grain market, Mr.. Nor
ris commended, would be that the large
quantities Of damp wheat, which could
not be sent East, would find a ready
market south of the line, where II would
be put through a drying process and
made excellent milling wheat. The
Canadian milling interests, Whose profits
last wear were immense, would suffer
little by the change. while the farmers
would benefit to the extent Of millions.
Mr.. White rave an attentive hearing.
hut did not promise any action. 1t Is
believed that Parliamentary legislation
would be required TO abolish the duties.
and It is being urged that a special
session Of Parliament be called TO deal
with the matter.
The Mutual Transit Company OF Du-
hith has notified the Canadian North
ern Railway Of Winnipeg that 1t will be
unable to handle n more grain this
fall, as its space has all been taken
I'm 20 the end OF navigation.