New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-15
Downward Tariff
Revision Issue in
Canadian olitics
Movement for Reciprocity With
United States Gains in West
ern Provinces
BY S. ROY WEAVER
Toronto. Aunnst II.


madam politics, no matter how
the nominal issues may be de-
:ided, tariff reduction appears 70 be
certain to emerge. With it may come
IN increase in the British preference
md reciprocity with the United States.
The reslignment of political factors
makes inevitable a considerable reduc-
ion in the protection now extended to
Canadian manufacturing industries.
The recent convention of Western
Liberals held in Winnipeg passed
.arifY resolution fairly representative
IF tho demands Of the people Of the
prairie provinces. who now hold the
balance of voting power in the Domin-
on. The resolution reads:
% That the British preference be
increased TO 80 per cent of the gen
eral tariff, with q view TO ultimate
free trade with England.
(2) That wheat, wheat -four and all
other products OF wheat be placed
upon the free list.
az That the following articles be
placed upon the free list:
(s) Farm implements and machin-
cry, with repairs for same.
(b) Farm tractors and internal
combustion engines, with repsirs for
Same.
(c) Mining, hour, sswmill and log
ging machinery, with repairs for
same.
(d) Rough and partly dressed lum-
Der.
(e) Illuminating, lubricating and
fuel oil.
~ Cement
(g) Fertilizers.
~ Fishing lines, cordage, swivsls
and metals for fishing spoons.
az That fruit, staple foods and
food products (other than wheat
four, domestic animals and food
therefor, including oats, barley and
flax, be admitted into Canada free OF
duty when coming from and being
product Of any country admitting like
Canadian articles into such country
free of duty.
(5) That substantial reductions be
made in the general tariff on all ar
ticles imported into Canada, except
ing Injuries.
Fight for Protection
The passing Of the resolution occa-
ioned q clash between delegates from
British Columbia and those from the
provinces Of Alberta, Saskatchewan
md Manitoba. Free trade sentiment
" the prairie predominated, although
he British Columbia representatives
ought hard for protection for their
'ruit and lumber industries against
United States competition. The resolu-
ion as adopted Is practically the tariff
platform of the Canadian Council Of
Agriculturs, representing the Western
farming interests, but out Of considers
ion for the prejudices and memories
If Eastern Canada specific reference 10
has been avoided. The In
.ention, however, is obvious.
Eastern Canada can no longer blink
he fact that the prairie provinces are
'trongly and aggressively free trade In
sentiment. Opposition to the protec-
i've policy Of the present Federal gov
,rnment is one Of the principal planks
II the powerful grain growers asso-
.iations. And the West, as voting
factor, will exert far greater influ-
.nce from now on than IL has done in
he past
Ontario Less Powerful
Ontario Is almost as strongly pro-
.ectionist as ever, but the dominating
position in the confederation which
his province has held for years has
been seriously impaired by the grow
ng importance of the West Western
canada has had a grievance, in that its
ow tariff desires have been ignored or
by Dominion administra-
ions which in the past have been con-
rolled by Eastern Canada. Dema-
yogues have exploited the prejudices
'esulting from geographical differences
and popularized the pastime Of de-
bouncing the ministry at Ottawa as the
.ool of Eastern capitalists. The new
situation gives the West a
power which it will not be slow to
use in order to enforce it's demands.
IL is an open secret that Sir Robert
Borden. in his negotiations with the
political leaders, looking to a
coalition government under him as
Prime Minister, was prepared TO make
important tariff concessions. Had the
ssue been only. or largely, fiscal one,
agreement would not have been diff
,ult. The prospect Of tariff revision
downward is not seriously changed by
since then in the election
campaign situation. In so far as there
remains hope of alliance between the
government and any rep
group of Western voters,
,uch An arrangement must provide for
, lower custom tariff. The provision
,f free wheat was only the beginning
81 the concessions to Western sentl-
nent. II Sir Wilfrid Laurier should
be returned 10 power, as the head OF
liberal administration, he, too, would
De dependent upon the Western mem
,ers, who would demand tariff reform
IS the price of their support.
The revision probably would be more
drastic if made by a Liberal govern.
nent dominated by the West than II
effected by a coalition ministry IN
which Ontario still exerted powerful
influence. But only the extent OF tariff
reduction will be determined by party
fortunes in the coming election: that
he scale of protective duties now in
force will be lowered nationally is
necessary consequence of the growing
political power of Western Canada.
Ironclad Monopoly Keeps