The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1919-04-11
THE OWOSSO TIMES
EDMUND o. DEWEY. PROP.
Ov Osso, MICH. APRIL II, 1919.
Washington Letter.

Washington, April 3.-The Repub-
lean Publicity Association, through
its President, Hon. Jonathan Bourne,
Jr., today gave out the following
statement from its Washington Head
quarters:
"That Canada contemplates an en-
tire revision of her tariff in the very
near future was made public some
days ago, and it was stated that Great
Britain will come in for preferential
treatment possibly even more pro-
nounced than that which she is now
receiving from her richest dependency
under the present Canadian law. If
Canada and Great Britain choose to
exchange commodities on free trade
basis, as between themselves, that is
the business of no nation. 1t is fam
lily matter, ordinarily.
"That further determinations in
favor of British goods will have more
or less effect in curtailing our sales
to Canada, is to be expected. That is
the purpose of Canada's dual tariff
policy. Our trade. with our northern
neighbor has made seven-league
strides since the European war began,
both in imports from and exports to
that country. During the. calendar
year 1918, our imports from Canada
totaled $403, 100000. Last year i'm
ports totaled $452, O00, 900 and exports
1887 ,0OO, 900, much of the latter be-
ing due partly to war orders and part
ly to inability to purchase freely in the
British market. Canadian competition
in our market for the next few years
will be chiefly in agricultural products,
wheat especially.
"When we come to consider Cana
da's tariff policy in connection with
the proposedsfesgue of0nations, howe
ever, we are confronted with a propo-
sition which seems inconsistent: Ar
ticle of the league, covering admis-
sion of States to the league, requires
the assent of not less than two-thirds
of the States represented in the body
of delegates, and shall be limited to
fully self-governing countries, includ-
ing dominions and colonies This, Of
course, covers the four great self-gov-
erning dominions of Great Britain
Canada, New Zealand, South Africa,
and Australia. Hence, the English
body of delegates would have five
votes to one vote Of any other coun-
try. We have the word of Andrew
Bonar Law, government leader in the
British House of Commons, that no
agreement would be entered into at
Paris which would interfere with the
full control Of the United Kingdom
or the dominions over their own Gus
toms duties. And Article 81 of the
league markes provision through the
instrumentality of the league to Sc
cure and maintain. freedom of transit
and equitable treatment for the COM
merce of all States members of the
league. Here we arrive at the
astonishing proposal that Canada
shall have voting power in the league,
but mRy discriminate in favor Of
British trade, while it seems certain
that thy tariff which Britain may
adopt Twill contain determinations in
favor of her four self-governing do
minions. And again we have Bonar
Laws Sword for it that England is to
returns to the protective policy and
that imperial preference would be put
into effect at the earliest possible mo-
ment. : Further, he says: 1T is not too
much to say that we would not have
gained the victory but for the help of
the dominions. Therefore, any meas
ure increasing the productive power |
and man power of the dominions is a |
good thing for Britain as we'll as the |
empire And our total export trade |
to the four British dominions last |
year was valued at 81 ,032, 000, 900, or
one-sixth our entire foreign sales.
"How would the people Of the Unit
cd States like the idea of empowering |
five members of the league to rec
or advise or decide with
respect to our tariff matters, yet able
to effect favorable determinations as
amongbt themselves? Why does Mr..
Wilson approve that proposal?ne,
Warrington, April 3.-The .Repub-
lican Publicity Association, through
It's President, Hon. Jonathan Bourne,
Jr., today gave out the following
statement from its Washington head
quarters: ~ IL
"If President wilson's frame Of
mind y the same now that it has been
IN theapas six years, he will expec.
Congries to cooperate with him by
his leadership and yielding
70 hisfjudfnaent where their opinions
liter from his upon public questions.
Fhs \ gic Of the situation, however,
'equirTs him to'coloperats with Con-
(Continued on psge g., |