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 FIRST PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 THE 
 
 RECIPROCITY TREATY: 
 
 ITS ADVANTAGES 
 TO THE UNITED STATES AND TO CANADA. 
 
 I 
 
 By ARTHUR HARVEY, Esq., 
 
 FELLOW OP THE STATISTICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, ENGLAND | STATISTICAL 
 CLERK, FINANCE DEPARTMENT, QUEBEC. 
 
 « ♦i.^''.*:?^^*^::;^-*, 
 
 ^^'^^.. 
 
 
 
 QUEBEC : 
 PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO., ST. URSULEJ STREET. 
 
 18G5. 
 
Montreal, Gth July, 1865. 
 
 GENTLEMEN,-We have examined the Essays---twelve in num- 
 boi-placcdin'our hands, as having been called forth by your 
 ottor of prizes fc" the two best Essays on '' Reciprocity-its 
 advantage's to the United States and Canada; ' -- ^^^^-^^d he 
 the first prize to the Author of the Essay marked Kb.b and the 
 second prize to the Author of the Essay bearing the motto, Let 
 Commerce flourish." . . 
 
 Several other Essays possess considerable merit, and are, lu our 
 
 opinion, worthy ot publication. 
 
 We are, vour very obedient servants, 
 
 L. H. IIOLTON, 
 
 kobert esdaile, 
 Peter Redpath. 
 
 Messrs. W. B. Cordier & Co., 
 
 Proprietors Trade Rev lac. 
 
 Tn reference to the above we beg to state that the writer of 
 the Essay marked F.S.S. (first prize) is Arthur Harvey, Esq., 
 
 ^^'^''- W. B. Cordier & Co. 
 
 F 
 
 the 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY: 
 
 ITS ADVANTAGES 
 TO THE UNITED STATES AND TO CANADA, 
 
 in num- 
 
 by your 
 ity — its 
 L'ord the 
 and the 
 
 :o, <' Let 
 
 e, in our 
 
 ILE, 
 
 LTH. 
 
 writer oT 
 ey, Esq., 
 
 &Co. 
 
 FOR nuiuy years after the United States had established their in- 
 dependence, their trade with the Colonies which continued to 
 own allegiance to the British Crown was subject to most galling re- 
 strictions. Partial relief was allbrdcd by the convention negotiated 
 in 1830, by Mr. McLane, President rlacksoa's Minister at the Court 
 of St. James J and a further step towards freedom in commerce 
 was taken in 1846, when the American Grovernmcnt secured the 
 enactment of a drawback law. The bcnclicial results of these 
 measures led to the introduction into Congress, in 1S4S, of a Kill 
 for Reciprocal Free Trade with Canada in certain articles. It 
 failed to become law, but attention having been thus directed to 
 the subject, the Senate, in 1851, requested the Secretary of the 
 Treasury to communicate to it all the information he could gather 
 relating to the commerce of the Provinces with the States. Mr. 
 Corwin selected Mr. Andrews to collect and tabulate the statistics 
 bearing on this Trade ; and that gentleman's report, transmitted to 
 the Senate in August, 1852, had a most ini[)ortant influence on 
 the subsequent action of the British and American Governments 
 and Jjcgislatures. 
 
 Mr. Andrews reported : 
 
 " That the free navigation of the St. liawrence was greatly de- 
 sired by all those Western States bordering on the great Lakes, as 
 their natural outlet to the Sea. 
 
 " That the free navigation of the St. John would 1:^ of great 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSaY. 
 
 advantage to the extensive lumber interest in the North Eastern 
 portion of the Union, and that the repeal of the New Brunswick 
 export duty on American lumber floated down that river would be 
 but an act of justice to the lumbermen of that quarter, upon whom 
 it pressed severely. 
 
 '' That without a free participation in the fisheries near the shores 
 of the Colonies, the American deep-sea fisheries in that region 
 would become valueless. 
 
 " That it would bo wise to place the border trade between the 
 TTnited States and the Colonies on a different basis, and under the 
 influence of a higher principle, so as to mature and perfect a com- 
 plete system of mutual exchanges between the different sections of 
 this vast continent— an achievement not only wise and advantageous, 
 but worthy of the high civilization of the country." 
 
 After much correspondence between the Governments interested, 
 and many debates in the American and Colonial Legislatures, in 
 which some opposition to freedom of trade was shown by the Penn- 
 sylvania manufacturers and the Maine lumber interest, and much 
 c,">nosition to admit Americans to the coast fisheries was displayed 
 I • the Maritime Provinces, the British Government gave the 
 harl of Elgin full powers to negotiate a treaty in accordance with 
 these views, and Mr. W. L. Marcy having been named plenipoten- 
 tiary by the President of the United States, the Reciprocity Treaty 
 was drawn up. {a) It was ^' done in triplicate at Washington, on 
 
 (a) The Keoiprocity Treaty consists of seven articles : 
 
 Article I gives the inhabitants of the United States, in common with th« 
 subjects of Her Britannic Majesty, the liberty to take fish, of every kind 
 except shell fish, on the sea coasts and shores, and in the bays, harbours 
 and creeks of the British North American Provinces. 
 
 Jrticle II gives similar privileges to British subjec'' in An'^rioan waters. 
 
 .Article III stipulates that the following articles, being the growth and 
 produce of the British Colonies or the United States, shall be admitted into 
 each country respectively, free of duty_i 
 
 Grain, Flour and fJreadstuff^ of all kinds ; Animals of all kinds; Fi^h, 
 smoked and salted meats ,-OmtTJn, wool, seeds and vegetables , Undried 
 frtiits, dried fruits ; Fish of ail kinds; Products offish, and all other crea- 
 tures living in the water ; Poultry and eggs ; Hides, furs, skina or tails, 
 undressed ; Stone or marble in its crude or unwrought state ; Slate ; But- 
 tw, cheese, tallow ; Lard, horns, manures ; Ores of metals of all kinds ; 
 Cotil ; Pitch, tar, turpentine, ashes ; Timber and lumber of all l^iqds, round. 
 
 grind- 
 tVictur 
 
 Jrt 
 navig 
 uicaiij 
 with 
 jesty. 
 Michi 
 to ur 
 nic A 
 inhal 
 8hall 
 John 
 
 ./)• 
 t!ie t 
 part") 
 
 Ar 
 and 
 
 M 
 
E^astern 
 inswick 
 rould be 
 n whom 
 
 le shores 
 t region 
 
 reen the 
 nder the 
 3t a com- 
 ictions of 
 itageous, 
 
 iterested, 
 iturey, in 
 he Penn- 
 nd much 
 displayed 
 gave flic 
 mcG with 
 lenipotcn- 
 ity Treaty 
 ingtoD, on 
 
 jn with the 
 every kind 
 s, harbours 
 
 :(in waters, 
 growth and 
 mitted into 
 
 nds ; Fl'sh, 
 3 , Undried 
 other crea- 
 18 or tails, 
 Slate ; But- 
 all kinds ; 
 .r\d3, round. 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY.— PRIZE ESSAY. 5 
 
 the 5th of June, 1854." It went into effect in Canada on the 
 18th October, and was put into full operation in the States by the 
 President's Proclamation of March 16th, 1855. 
 
 For several years afterwards, nothing but satisfaction was ex- 
 pressed at the working of the new arrangements ; but when the 
 fiscal necessities of Canada rendered an increase in its revenue ne- 
 cessary, and heavier duties were levied on manufactured goods, the 
 frontier towns of New York State, whose .exports of such articles 
 began to decline, complained that the spirit if not the letter of the 
 Treaty was being broken. Each successive increase in the Cana- 
 dian tariff was made the pretext for renewed complaints. The 
 American Government began to act less liberally than they were 
 wont towards Canadian merchants. Heavy consular fees began to 
 be exacted on imports from Canada. Proof began to be demanded 
 that our exports of grain were " the growth and produce of Cana- 
 da," and much of the carrying trade we had begun to enjoy was 
 thus cut off. The Legislature of the State of New York reported 
 that the action of the Canadian Goveriiment was unfair, and re- 
 quested its representatives in Congress to picter-t the interests of 
 the Republic from the "unjust and unequal system'" said to prevail. 
 And although this statement was ably answered by Mr. Taylor and 
 
 hewed, sawed, unmanufactured in whole or in part; Firtwood, plants 
 shrubs and trees ; Pelts, wool; Fish oil ; Rice brooms, corn and bark; 
 Gypsum, ground or uuground ; Hewn, or wrought or unwrought burr or 
 grindstones ; Dye stuffs ; Flax, hemp and tow, unmanufactured ; Unmanu- 
 factured tobacco ; Rags. 
 
 .ir/u7c ir extends to the inhabitants ot tiie United States the right to 
 navigate the River St. Lawrence and the canals in Canada, used as the 
 means of communicating between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, 
 with their vessels, boats and crafts, as freely as the subjects of Her Ma- 
 jesty. It also gives to British subjects the right freely to navigate Lake 
 Michigan. By tliis article the Government of the United States engages 
 to urge upon the State governments to secure to the subjects of Her Britan- 
 nic Majesty the use of the several State canals, on terms of equality with the 
 inhabitants of the United Stales. It also stipulates that no export duties 
 shall be levied on lumber cut on American territory, floated down the »St. 
 John and exported from New Brunswick. 
 
 . Irtirlc V states that the treaty 'S to continue in force for ten years from 
 the time of its going into ett'ect, after which it shall terminate on either 
 party's giving ore year's notice. 
 
 Article VI provides for the extension of the Treaty to Newfoundland; 
 and 
 
 Article VII makes the arrang-ements for Its mutual ratification. 
 

 THE RECIPllOCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 the Chamber of Commerce of St. Paul, Miimesota, (a) aud rofated 
 by Hon. Mr. Gait, (/>) theu, as now, Finance Minister of Canada, 
 who pronounced it " unjustifiable," a resolution introduced into 
 Congress, in January 18G5, was carried and the J^rcsident was en- 
 joined to suspend the existing Treaty (r). Notice was according- 
 given in London on the 17th March, 1865, aud information thereof 
 reached the Governor General at Quebec on the ord April. 
 
 (tr) "We venture tilt' further statement that all i>;irlies to this Treaty 
 "have hitherto observed its stiiuilations in j:,'ood liiilh. The Americans 
 "possess and enjoy tiieir eularg-ed ri;:^lits in the Hriti-h fisheries of the 
 " North-Eastera coast, and the free navi-jation of the St. Lawrence; neither 
 "Government has iuterruptod tlic exchanges of the free list i)rescrihed l)y 
 " the third Article ; while upon a subject ;)ur[)oscl\- excluded from ihe pro- 
 " visions of the Treaty ; viz. : the Tariffs of the United States and the ad- 
 " jacent Provinces in respect to articles of ni uiuf.icture ami foieign pro- 
 eductions, there is no legitimate ground of complaint in any (luarter. Prior 
 " to 1861, the duties by the Canadian Tarilf were cDnsiderably eularged 
 ''after 1854: but recently the American scale of duties luis l)oeu advanced 
 *' in astill greater proportion. In both cases the changes have been en- 
 " forced by financial necessity, and do not contiict with the Treaty of 
 "1854." — Memorial of the Chamber of Commerce, .St. Paul, Minn., .Ian. 
 l1th, 1862. 
 
 (h) " To allege that the i)olicy of this Government has been avowedly 
 
 "to damage our neighbors is an injurious imputation whi<li was scarcely 
 
 " to be expected from the rei)resentatives of a nation whose cominerciiil 
 
 " policy is itself so exclusively national and restrictive. ' " * Ifcom- 
 
 " plaint can justly be made of the infraction of the spirit, and, it nniy be 
 
 " added, letter of the Treaty, it rests with Canada to be the com])Iainant. 
 
 " • « • It is a subject of deep regret to the undersigned that thr t'oiu- 
 
 " mittee on Commerce should have framed their report and recommenda- 
 
 " tions in a spirit of accusation and com[)laint, rather tiuui upon a correct 
 
 '•appreciation of mutual advantages in tlie jiast inducing further progre.v-; 
 
 " in the same direction in the future." — Report of .Mr. Giilt, .Viarch ntli.lSGi. 
 
 (c) In Congress, January 18th, 1865, Joint Resoluii'^n : — 
 
 '' Whereas it is provided in the Reciprocity Treaty concluded at Wasli- 
 
 "ington, the 5th of June, 1854, between the United State.?, of the one part, 
 
 '•and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, of the other pari, 
 
 " that this treaty ' sliall remain in force for ten years from ihe date at 
 
 " which it may come into operation, aud further until the exjiiration of 
 
 '• twelve months after either of the higli contracting parties shall give no- 
 
 " tice to the other of its wish to terminate the samr,' and whereas it ap- 
 
 " pears by a proclamation of the President of the ruilcd Staler, bearing 
 
 "date sixteenth March, 1355, that the troaty came into operation on that 
 
 " day ; and whereas, further, it is no longt'r inr tiie interests of the United 
 
 •' States to continue the same in force : Tiierefore, 
 
 /f^so/i'ffZ by the Senate and House of IJepresentatives, &c. : — "Thatiio- 
 " lice be given of the termination of the Reciprocity Treaty, according lo 
 " the provisions therein contained for the termination of the same, and the 
 "President of the United States is hereby charged with the communica- 
 " lion of such notice to the Government of the United Kingdom of Great 
 "Britain and Ireland'" — Jpproi'ed, January 18th, 1865. 
 
ro luted 
 
 Canada, 
 
 ccd into 
 
 was en- 
 
 ■ording- 
 
 thereof 
 
 is Treaty 
 mericans 
 it'S of the 
 neither 
 cribed by 
 m ibe pro- 
 id the a<l- 
 ^n piM- 
 i-ter. I'fior 
 cularged 
 ailvanced 
 c been en- 
 Treaty of 
 ^liiiii., .!au. 
 
 iivo-iVCiUy 
 as scarcely 
 commerciitl 
 * Ifcom- 
 , it may be 
 )rji])Iaiiiaiit. 
 it thr <."oni- 
 comnienda- 
 »ii a currect 
 ler progress 
 inth,lSG2. 
 
 I at Wasli- 
 lie one part, 
 other pari, 
 :he date at 
 xpiration of 
 all give no- 
 ereas it aji- 
 ,te:-, bearing 
 tioii on that 
 r the United 
 
 -" That 110- 
 u'cording to 
 inic, and the 
 comma nica- 
 )in of Great 
 
 THE RECIPROCITV TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. I 
 
 It is perhaps allowable hero to take a rapid .survey oi' the regions 
 most interested in the Treaty, which are, y/y.s//y, those beside the 
 Lakes, their natural outlet by the S* Lawrence and their artiiiciai 
 one by the Hudson ; and, secondly, the North-Kastern iStatea and 
 Provinces. 
 
 The basin of the Lakes has, for the la- f two decades, presented 
 a spectacle of matorial progress uuoxainpl d in the history of the 
 world. Cities whoso very names wori' not marked on the maps 
 from which, as school boys, wo learned geograpliy, now count their 
 population by tens of tliousands ; and the Atlantic seaport, to which 
 their trade converges, already boasts of far more than a million of 
 souls (rt). Nor have the rural districts, admirably adapted by soil 
 and climate for the support of a dense population, lagged behind. 
 They have attracted an unprecedented tide of immigration, and on 
 looking at tlie census (/>) it would seem that a region must have 
 
 (a) The increase Vtelween the last two censii,-! of the chief cities on the 
 Lakes and tlair outlets is as follows: — 
 
 I'Ol'l.r.ATIO.V. E3TI.MA.TE1>, 
 
 18J0. 1800. ISC5. 
 
 Milwaukee 20,001 45,24G 70,000 
 
 Chicago 29,90;'. 109,'_'0O 180,000 
 
 Detroit ::i,019 4.-j,Gl!> (!0,()00 
 
 Bniralo 4-V201 81,129 lU0,00o 
 
 Rochester :3G,40:i 48,204 00,000 
 
 New York and r.rooklyn 012,385 1,073,312 1,250,000 
 
 1852. 1801. 
 
 Hamilton 14,112 19,090 25,000 
 
 Toronto :10,775 44,821 50,000 
 
 Kingston ll,58r< 13,74.^ 15,00(> 
 
 Montreal and suburbs 00,000 101,002 120,000 
 
 — From Census of United States and Canada. Estimates, from Reports 
 of Boards of Trade, &c. 
 
 (6) The population of these State.s and ot Canada is thus given in the 
 
 official census reports : poi-ulation, k.stimatej,>. 
 
 1850. 1800, 1865. 
 
 WisQonsin 305,391 775,881 1,000,000 
 
 Michigan 397,054 749,113 900,000 
 
 Illinois 851,470 1,711,951 2,000,000 
 
 Indiana ,, 988,410 l,;i50,428 1,500,000 
 
 Ohio 1,980,329 2,339,502 2,500,000 
 
 Pennsylvania 2,311,780 2,900,115 3,000,000 
 
 New York 3,097,394 3,880,735 4,250,000 
 
 1852. 1801. 
 
 Canada 1,842,205 2,507,057 2,900,000 
 
 To these should, perhaps, be added : 
 
 Minnesota 0,077 172,023 250,000 
 
 Iowa 192,214 074,913 800,000 
 

 8 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 been iu some way connected witli the Lakes to maintain its rela- 
 tive position amongst the States and Provinces of this Northern 
 continent (a). The value of real estate and personal property in 
 Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New 
 York and Canada, increased from $3,000,000,000 in 1850, to nearly 
 §7,000,000,000 in 18G0 (b). 
 
 (a) All the States did indeed increase absolutely between 1850 and 1830. 
 but not in the same relative proportion. An interesting table, published 
 in Mr. Kennedy's report on the census, pnge 120, ehews that New York, 
 Pennsylvaniff and Ohio remained in their proud position at the head of 
 the list ; that Illinois advanced from the 11th to the 4th ; Indiana from 7th 
 to 6th; "Wisconsin from 24th to 15tb ; Michigan from 20th to 16th. But 
 even energetic Georgia lost two places and became eleventh ; Virginia de- 
 clined from 4th to 5th ; Massachusetts from 6th to 7th, and Kentucky, 
 Pennsylvania, &c., lost caste in comparison with their North- Western sis- 
 ter States. 
 
 (6) Value of Real Kstate aa given iu the census returns : — 
 
 1850. 1860. 
 
 Wisconsin $42,056,595 $273,671, CG3 
 
 Michigan 59,787,255 257,163,983 
 
 Illinois 156,265,006 871,860,282 
 
 Indiana 202,650,264 528,835,371 
 
 Ohio 504,726,120 1,193,898,422 
 
 Pennsylvania 722,486,120 1,416,501,818 
 
 New York 1,080,309,216 1,843,338,517 
 
 Canada 300,000,000 550,000,000 
 
 $3,008,280,570 $6,935,270,061 
 
 (The census of Canada gives the value of farms only, viz,; — 
 
 1852 $263,516,192 
 
 1861 466,675,384 
 
 An addition has been made for city property and personal estate.) 
 
 The increase in lands improved was as follows : — 
 
 1850. 1860. 
 
 Wisconsin, acres 1,045,499 3,746,036 
 
 Michigan 1,929,110 3,419,861 
 
 Illinois 5,039,545 13,251,473 
 
 Indiana 6,046,543 8,161,717 
 
 Ohio 9,851,493 12,665,587 
 
 Pennsylvania 8,623,619 10,463,306 
 
 New York 12,408,964 14,376,397 
 
 Canada 7,307,950 10,855,854 
 
 51,252,723 70,940,231 
 
 51,252,723 
 
 Increase in ten years, acres 25,687,508 
 
 The increase in agricultural productions is shown by the foUo-Vi^ing 
 table, of which the details are interesting, since they prove that New York 
 and Pennsylvania grow less wheat than formerly, and depund more on 
 other regions for sustenance. 
 
 No 
 Lorii 
 c'ial 
 hand 
 1860 
 State 
 
 ■•1 
 -1 
 
-1 
 
 4 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 9 
 
 its rela- 
 
 Northern 
 
 operty in 
 
 inia, New 
 
 to nearly 
 
 Oand 18C0. 
 published 
 ew York, 
 e head of 
 
 na from 7 th 
 6th. But 
 irginia de- 
 Kentucky, 
 
 iVestern sis- 
 
 860. 
 
 67\,CGi 
 
 163,983 
 
 ,860,282 
 
 ,835,371 
 
 ,898,422 
 
 ,501,818 
 
 ,338,517 
 
 ,000,000 
 ,270,061 
 
 16,192 
 75,384 
 ■state.) 
 
 1860. 
 1,746,036 
 5,419,861 
 $,251,473 
 1,161,717 
 J,665,587 
 >,463,306 
 i,376,397 
 
 ),855,854 
 
 5,940,231 
 1,252,723 
 
 5,687,508 
 he folloA.'ing 
 lat New York 
 (and more on 
 
 The improved lands increa.sed from 51,000,000 acres to 77,000,- 
 
 000, and the grain raised shows a similar increase, viz : 
 
 1850. 18C0. 
 
 Wheat grown, bus. (a) 83,500,000 127,000,000 
 
 . Corn '' " 217,000,000 .^26,000,000 
 
 Oats " " 104,000,000 152,000,000 
 
 (rt) WnEAT (iUOWN— 1850. 18G0. 
 
 Illinois, bushels 9,414,575 24,159,500 
 
 Indiana, " 6,214,45S 15,219,120 
 
 Michigan, " 4,925,889 8,313,185 
 
 New York, " 13,121,498 8,681,100 
 
 Pennsylvania " 15,367,691 13,045,231 
 
 Wisconsin, " 4,286,131 15,812,625 
 
 Ohio, " 14,487,351 14,532,570 
 
 Canada, " 15,756,493 27,274.779 
 
 83,574,080 127,038,110 
 Indian Corn raised — 
 
 Illinois, bushels 57,646,984 115,296,779 
 
 Indiana, '• 52,964,363 69,041,591 
 
 Michigan, " 5,641,420 12,152,110 
 
 New York, " 17,858,400 20,061,048 
 
 Pennsylvania," 19,8.^5,214 28,190,821 
 
 Wisconsin, " 1,98,^,979 7,505,290 
 
 Ohio, « 59,078,o?5 70,637,140 
 
 Canada, " , 2,090,09^^ 2,591,151 
 
 21. ',104,149 320,141,930 
 Oats grown — 
 
 Illinois, bushels 10,087,241 15,336,072 
 
 Indiana, " 5,655,014 5,028,755 
 
 Michigan, " 2,866,056 4,073,098 
 
 New York, " 26,552,814 35,175,133 
 
 Pennsylvania," 21,538,156 27,387,149 
 
 Wisconsin, " 3,414,672 11,059,270 
 
 Ohio, " , 13,472,742 15,479,133 
 
 Canada " 20,369,247 38,772,170 
 
 103,955,042 152,310,780 
 
 Nor did the progress of the States stop even when the Rebellion began. 
 Lorin Blodget, in a remarkable pamphlet on " the Commercial and Finan- 
 cial Strength of the United States," 1864, shows that the "quantities 
 handled " in 1863 were " more than thirty per cent, over the quantities of 
 1860," and givos the following table of "Domestic Exports of the Lo\'al 
 States " : 
 
 In 1859-60 , $173,759,604 
 
 1860-61 201,651,554 
 
 1861-62 , 213,069,519 
 
 L862- 305,884,998 
 
 Ha adds, " we have a right to claim that alraoat the entire advance 
 
10 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 m 
 
 The railroads which now traverse these countries in every direc- 
 tion have sprung- into existence as if by magic. In 1850 there 
 were but 3,500 miles completed ; in 1860 there were 17,000 (a). 
 The tonnage of the lakes, which was but 215,787 tons in 1850, 
 was 450,000 tons in 1862, (Z>). As might naturally be expected 
 from such an increase in the meabs of transportation, the commerce 
 of the Lake region has increased in proportion. To give one item 
 only. The movcixiect of grain eastward, which was about 26,000,- 
 000 bus. in 1850, reached the enormous amount of 137,772,441 
 bus. in 1862, (c) and 138,798,074 bus. in 1863. 
 
 in value from 1860 to the close of June, 1863, was a legitimate and 
 reasonable increase, caused by no inflation or depreciation of tlie currency. 
 Compare the address of the Illinois delegates of 1863 to the Governor 
 General of Canada : " With one-tenth of the arable surface under cultiva- 
 " tion, the product of Wheat of the North-western States in 1862 is esti- 
 " mated at 150,000,000 bus., and of Indian Corn at 500,000,000 bus." 
 
 («) Railroads in the Lake States and Canada : — 
 
 New York, miles - 
 
 Pennsylvaniii, " 
 
 Ohio, " 
 
 Indiana, ** 
 
 Michigan " 
 
 Illinois, " 
 
 Wisconsin, *' 
 
 Canada, " 
 
 1850. 
 
 1860. 
 
 1,403 
 
 2,702 
 
 822 
 
 2,542 
 
 575 
 
 2,999 
 
 228 
 
 2,126 
 
 342 
 
 799 
 
 110 
 
 2,868 
 
 20 
 
 922 
 
 12 
 
 1,974 
 
 3,512 
 
 16,932 
 
 Cost of same $132,220,000 $723,579,641 
 
 (h) Tonnage of 1850, from Andrews' Report, page 52. That of 1862 
 from Report Chicago Board of Trade, 1863, p. 59. The nationality of the 
 craft was : — 
 
 American, tons 301,997 
 
 Canadian, *' 88,896 
 
 Value $ll,364,10r 
 
 " 2,607,500 
 
 450,803 $13,971,600 
 
 (<•) The amount of grain sent eastward depends much on ihe abundance 
 of the harvest. We have no ligures for the period between 1850 and 1856, 
 but the following table shows the quantity sent eastward in each year, 
 excepting those in that interval — (Flour converted into Grain included) : — 
 
 1850, bushels 26,000,000 
 
 1856, 
 1857, 
 1858, 
 1859, 
 1860, 
 1861, 
 
 
 57,707,769 
 44,111,299 
 58,872,560 
 44,354,225 
 , 78,639,426 
 ,120,741,851 
 
ry direc- 
 )0 there 
 
 000 (a), 
 in 1850, 
 expected 
 ommerce 
 
 one item 
 ; 26,000,- 
 r,772,441 
 
 imate and 
 J currency, 
 e Governor 
 er cultiva- 
 862 is esti- 
 bus." 
 
 1860, 
 2,702 
 2,542 
 2,999 
 2,126 
 
 799 
 2,868 
 
 922 
 
 1,974 
 
 16,932 
 579,641 
 
 ^hat of 1862 
 aality of the 
 
 ,364,10r 
 ,607,500 
 
 ,971,000 
 
 le abundance 
 50 and 1856, 
 in each year, 
 included) : — 
 
 1,000,000 
 ■.707,76'> 
 tilll,299 
 1,872,560 
 1,354,225 
 3,039,426 
 ),741,851 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 11 
 
 This wonderful progress is not to be attributed to any one cause : 
 the exodus from Ireland, Germany, and Norway, the adoption of a 
 Free Trade policy by England, the expenditure of about $1,000,- 
 000,000 on railroads and canals — all these have powerfully con- 
 tributed to make the lands around the lakes attractive to capitalist 
 and laborer. But not the least among such causes, and one which 
 especially concerns commercial men, has been ih enactment of the 
 Reciprocity Treaty and the freedom of trade which these regions 
 have consequently enjoyed. 
 
 The Lakes and their connecting rivers have a coast line of up- 
 wards of 4000 miles — half British, half American. At numerous 
 points Canada and the States actually indent each other. Here 
 Canadian, there American railroads and canals offer to the joint 
 commerce of the two countries the shortest transit, the cheapest 
 and most rapid means of conveyance from East to West, Here 
 
 1862, " 137,772,441 
 
 1863, " 138,798,074 
 
 1864, " 100,607,384 
 
 The above figures are from a paper read by the author before the Literary 
 and Historical Society, Quebec, supplemented as to 1863 and 1864 by those 
 in the report of the Montreal Board of Trade, 1864, from which we ta^o 
 the annexed table, showing the manner in which this grain reached the 
 Eastern States and Provinces in 1863. 
 
 Received at 
 
 Flour, brls. 
 
 Western Ter. Baltimore 
 and Ohio R. R 
 
 Western Ter. Penn. Cen- 
 tral R. R 
 
 Detroit 
 
 Toledo 
 
 Dunkirk 
 
 Buffalo 
 
 Suspension Bridge 
 
 Genesee 
 
 Oswego 
 
 Cape Vincent 
 
 Ogdensburgh 
 
 Montreal 
 
 Total 
 
 Wheat, bu. Maize, bu. 
 
 750,000 
 
 850,000 
 1,060,026 
 1,126,260 
 
 620,230 
 2,9'( 8,089; 
 
 775,0(90 
 1,5001 
 
 115,292 
 24,236 
 
 475,465 
 1,193,286 
 
 1,774,726 
 
 6,U14,130 
 
 86,905 
 
 21,240,348 
 
 Other 
 Grain, bu. 
 
 338,295 
 
 1,705,096 
 
 191,035 
 
 20,086,952 
 
 85,000 
 
 8,785,4251^2,676,367 
 206,856|/ 81,698 
 * 1,057,299 
 862,544 
 
 600,299 
 5,509,M2 
 
 9,969,384 44,482,831 
 
 26,990,-76 
 
 450,000 
 
 1,800,000 
 681,523 
 795,933 
 
 11,789 
 8,385,945 
 1,50 0,00 1 ► 
 
 25,000 
 2,364,169 
 
 15,730 
 
 25,000 
 1,413,958 
 
 17,469,047 
 
 i 
 
 > 
 
12 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 CanadiaD, there American markets are the best or the most con- 
 venient for the people of the neighbouring districts to buy or sell 
 in. It has been permissible since 1855 for the inhabitants of 
 either side of the frontier freely to use the facilities afforded by 
 the other, and a trade has grown up which, though before Recipro- 
 city it never exceeded $13,000,000 per annum, now averages 
 about $40,000,000, surpassing what the entire foreign commerce 
 of the States was for several years after the beginning of their 
 government. («) 
 
 If we now turn to the Eastward we shall see an entirely different 
 scene. The North-eastern communities, living under a less genial 
 sun, and possessing a less fertile soil, look to the sea for a great 
 portion of their harvest. The value of the deep-sea fisheries of 
 
 (a) Statement of the trade of the United States with Canada : — 
 
 Imports Exports 
 
 from Canada, to Canada. 
 
 1849 1354,234,721 
 
 1850 $4,285,4T0 5,930,821 
 
 1851 4,956,471 7,929,140 
 
 1852 4,569,969 6,717,060 
 
 1853 5,278,116 7,829,099 
 
 1854 6,721,539 17,300,706 
 
 1855 12,182,314 18,720,S44 
 
 1856 17,488,197 20,883,241 
 
 1857..*. 18,291,834 16,574,895 
 
 1858 11,581,571 17,029,254 
 
 1859 14,208,717 18,940,792 
 
 1860 18,861,673 14,083,114 
 
 1861 18,645,457 14,361,8;)8 
 
 1862 15,253,152 12,842,504 
 
 1863 18,816,999 19,808,718 
 
 The above figures are from Mr. Chase's letter to the House of Represeu- 
 tatives, January 28th, 1864. 
 
 It is remarkable how closely they agree with the Canadian returns. The 
 last nine years sum up thus : — 
 
 Iraporta from Exports to 
 
 Canada. Canada. 
 
 $145,329,914 $153,334,720 
 
 Exports to Imports from 
 
 U. States. U. States. 
 
 Our own returns sum up to.... ...$141, 704,418 $183,611,249 
 
 Something should be added to the Exports both from Canada and the 
 States for " short returns," and the figurea would then correspond to a 
 nicety which almost proves their correctness, and is highly creditable to tho 
 Statistical oSicers of both countrjes ' 
 
 
THE RECIPKOCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 13 
 
 lost con- 
 ly or sell 
 litauts of 
 )rded by 
 Recipro- 
 averages 
 jommerce 
 of their 
 
 different 
 
 ess geaial 
 
 or a great 
 
 heries of 
 
 sports 
 
 Canada. 
 
 }34,'724 
 
 930,821 
 
 029,140 
 
 717,060 
 
 82&,099 
 
 300,706 
 
 ,720,S44 
 
 ,883,241 
 
 ,574,895 
 
 ,020,254 
 
 ,940,792 
 
 ,083,114 
 
 ,361,858 
 
 ,842,504 
 
 ,808,718 
 
 of Reprcseu- 
 
 rcturns. The 
 
 lorts to 
 
 mada. 
 
 ,334,720 
 
 )rts from 
 
 States. 
 
 5,611,249 
 
 nada and the 
 respond to a 
 cUtable to the 
 
 Massachusetts, in 1860, * (a) was no less than $9,300,412, of Maine 
 and Connecticut over $1,000,000 each, and that of the British 
 Provinces $8,000,000, (6). The tonnage engaged in fishing, ex- 
 clusive of whaling, is not stated in the American returns, but it 
 probably equals that of the Provinces, which is about 100,000, 
 worth, at low estimate, $4,000,000, 
 
 The population of these countries has not increased with great 
 rapidity, but the trade ot the States with the British Possessions 
 has increased, under the operation of the Reciprocity Treaty, from 
 $8,000,000 to $16,000,000 per annum (c). 
 
 [(. j Kennedy's Preliminary Report on the Census, page 188. 
 Value offish caught by United States fishermen : — 
 
 Mackerel and cod fishery, includ- ) Maine $1,050,75.5 
 
 ing, it appears, hake, her- > Massachusetts 2,774,204 
 
 ring, &c ) Connecticut. 
 
 281,189 
 
 $4,106,148 
 The statistics of the fishing industry of the United States, as given in 
 the census, arc very incomplete. The total value of fish is given at 
 $12,925,092, which includes $7,521,588 value ot products of the whale 
 fishery. The only other important figures relate to the mackerel, cod and 
 herring fishery, given above. 
 
 (6) The following figures show the extent of the fishiug industry of the 
 Lower Provinces : — 
 
 Value of fish caught, (from the census tables of the several Provinces, 
 1860) :— 
 
 Newfoundland — seals excluded |4,440,000 
 
 Nova Scotia — cod, mackerel, herring 2,562,000 
 
 New Brunswick — cod, mackerel, herring, alcwives 
 
 and hake 388,235 
 
 Prince Edward Island— cod, herring and mackerel. . . 272,532 
 Lower Canada — (estimated) 700,000 
 
 $8,362,767 
 
 {(■) Population of the North Eastern ^Vtlantic States and Provinces, 
 1850 and 18(j>) :— 
 
 States— 1850 I860. 
 
 Maine 58i,8i3 626,952 
 
 Massachusetts 986,450 1,221,464 
 
 Connecticut 363,099 451,520 
 
 New Hampshire 317,450 
 
 '2,247,818 
 Provinces — 
 
 Newfoundland 122,638 
 
 Nova Scotia 276,117 
 
 New l^runswick 193,800 
 
 Piinco Edward Island 71,496 
 
 325,579 
 
 2,625,515 
 
 124,288 
 
 330,857 
 
 352,047 
 
 80,857 
 
 664,051 
 
 788,049 
 
14 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 Until the passage of the Reciprocity Acts of 1854, the Ameri- 
 cans were excluded, in terms of the Convention of I818, from the 
 right to fish within three miles of the sea-coast of New Brunswick, 
 Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Canada. Neither could 
 they legally resort to all parts of the Newfoundland shore. Since, 
 however, mackerel can only be caught within that limit, (a) where 
 also the best kinds of other fish are often to be found, the fishermen 
 from the States were frequently led both clandestinely to evade 
 and openly to defy the terms of the International agreement. 
 When detected and caught, their vessels were often confiscated . 
 and, just before the negotiation of the Treaty, the Imperial Gov- 
 ernment sent out a fleet of armed vessels, (h) while the Colonics 
 
 Trade of the United States with the Mairitime Provinces : — 
 
 Imp. from them, Exp'ts to them. 
 
 1849 13,869,543 
 
 1850, $1,358,992 3,618,214 
 
 1851 1, "736,651 4,085,'783 
 
 1'752 1,520,330 3,791,956 
 
 1853 ::, 272,602 5,311,543 
 
 1854 2,206,021 7,266,154 
 
 1855 2,934,420 9,085,676 
 
 1856 3,822,224 8,146,108 
 
 1857 3,832,462 7,637,587 
 
 1858 4,224,948 6,622,473 
 
 1859 5,518,834 9,213,831! 
 
 I860 4,989,708 8,623,214 
 
 1861 4,417,476' • 8,383,755 
 
 1862 4,046,843 8,236,611 
 
 1863, [estimated] 5,000,000 11,382.312 
 
 From the letter of the Secretary to the Treasury, January 1864. 
 (a) " Our fishermen cannot go through another summer Avithout involv- 
 ing themselves in serious difficulties with the British Provinces. . . Not 
 that war will ensue, unless the fishermen are quieted, but I believe there is 
 danger of bloodshed. T/icre arc ??o mackerel left on the shores of the United 
 States, and that fishery cannot be successfully prosecuted without going 
 within three miles of the shore, so that unless we have this privilege to 
 enjoy the shore fishery without annoyance, the mackerel fishery will' be 
 broken up, and that important nursery for American seamen will be de- 
 stroyed."— Speech of the Hon. Amos Tuck, of New Hampshire, in House 
 of Representatives, 1854 
 
 "Accounts dated the l7th instant, from Port Hood, mention that all the 
 " United States craft fishing along the Nova Scotian coast ' are detained 
 " ' by the Steamer Devasteition, for alleged informality in their papers, and 
 "'any vessel attempting to leave will be fired into.'"— Extract from 
 Quebec Mercury, September, 1852. 
 
 {h) "A circular letter Lag been sent to the Governors of the several 
 Colonies, announcing that Her Majesty's Government has resolved to send 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 15 
 
 he Ameri- 
 1, from the 
 Brunswick, 
 ither could 
 re. Since, 
 ,, (a) where 
 ,e fishermen 
 y to evade 
 agreement, 
 confiscated . 
 iperial Gov- 
 hc Colonics 
 
 'is to them. 
 3,869,543 
 3,618,214 
 4,085,'783 
 3,791,956 
 5,311,543 
 7,266,154 
 9,085,676 
 8,146,108 
 7,637,587 
 6,622,473 
 9,213,831! 
 8,623,214 
 8,383,755 
 8,236,611 
 11,382.312 
 1864.' 
 
 itbout involv- 
 ces. . . Not 
 selieve there ia 
 !s of the United 
 without going 
 9 privilege, to 
 ishery -will be 
 in will bo de- 
 liire, in House 
 
 ioQ that all the 
 
 ' are detained 
 
 iiv papers, and 
 
 -Extract from 
 
 of the several 
 ^solved to send 
 
 themselves fitted out six cruisers, fully armed and manned, to 
 prevent further aggiessions. There was an additional cause of 
 irritation in the misunderstanding which existed as to the precise 
 meaning of the Convention — the provincial authorities contending 
 that the line from which the marine league was to be measured, 
 was, not the coast-line, but one stretching from headland to 
 headland. The Reciprocity Treaty happily brought these disputes 
 to an end. American fishermen coming northward ceased to be, 
 and to be regarded as thieves ; and were no longer liable to be 
 chased from one secluded port to another. They now ply their 
 honest calling in an honorable way. Fleets of fishing craft, owned 
 in Maine and Massachusetts, now visit, unhindered, every New 
 Brunswick island, every Nova Scotian bay ; while, preceding the 
 advance of spring, they pour in almost countless numbers through 
 the gut of Caaso, the side gate to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and 
 take home full cargoes from the Bay of Chaleurs and Canadian 
 waters. A return laid before the Canadian Parliament last year 
 gives some important iaformation on this score. It shows that 
 the value of ti.sh taken in our waters by American fishermen, 
 which was but $280,000 per annum previously to 1855, rose at 
 
 a small force of armed vessels and steamers to North America to protect 
 the fisheries against foreign aggression. The Colonial Governments have 
 titted out six cruisers, fully manned and armed, which have sailed for the 
 best fishing grounds, and there is imminent danger of a collision. The 
 colonial cruisers threaten to make prize of every vessel " fishing or pre- 
 paring to fish," within certain limits, which the colonial authorities contend 
 are within three marine miles beyond a liue drawn from headland to 
 headland, and not three miles from the shores of the coast, which our 
 citizens contend is the true reading of the convention." — Andrew's Report, 
 page 36, 
 
 One of the most serioua consequences of this habitual invasion of the 
 terms of the Convention of 1818 was, that the American fishing vessels 
 were obliged to place themselves in difficult and dangerous positions to 
 avoid detection. In 1851 over 100 vessels were driven ashore on Prince 
 Edward Island in a gale, and over 300 lives lost. The fleet braved the 
 storm rather than run for port, and thus confess their infraction of British 
 rights. 
 
 "The return of mackerel this year will fall short one-half of the quantity 
 "taken to this date last year. This is attributed muinly to the vessels 
 *' being obliged to keep fnrthor from the shore than heretofore. Another 
 " cause is their being prohibited from fishing in the Bay of Chaleurs, where 
 " full fares could have been obtained"— Prom the Gloucester Telegraph, 
 September, 1852. 
 
16 THE RECIPROCITY TREAT T — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 once to $632,400 in that year, and reached no less a figure than 
 $1,265,700 in 185G. It then gradually declined to $410,000 in 
 1860. When the rebellion commenced the war navy of the States 
 needed and obtained the services of many fishing vessels and 
 their crews, and the value of the fish taken fell to $250,000 annually ; 
 but there is little doubt that, now their country no longer needs 
 their services, the fishernion, if allowed, will again come north in 
 the same numbers as bofore(rt). It was at one time feared that 
 the influx of American fishing vessels would seriously injure the 
 fisheries, and deprive the fishermen of the Provinces of their 
 means of support. This apprehension has not been realized to 
 any great extent ; and any injury that may have resulted in th's 
 respect has been more than counterbalanced by the increased 
 energy which the competition of the Americans has taught their 
 cousins to employ (/>). As a proof it may be mentioned that the 
 value of the fish taken by Nova Scotians and New Brunswickers, 
 which was $2,110,750 in 1850, reached no less a figure than 
 $2,950,235 in 18G0 (c). 
 
 The fisheries of the lakes cannot compare in value with those of 
 
 (a) Statement of the number of American vessels engaged in the fisheries 
 of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, in Canadian waters, &c., &c.: — 
 
 No. of Vessels. Tonnage. JJ'^; ^^ v^fV'f 
 
 ° Crew. Fish taken. 
 
 1852 2oO 18,200 3,400 $ 294,000 
 
 1853 220 15,400 3,000 27G,000 
 
 1854 234 10,380 3,220 280,800 
 
 1855 334 23,380 3,580 632,400 
 
 1856 47G 3G,320 6,600 1,265,700 
 
 1857 452 31J640 6,240 1,053,000 
 
 1858 453 31,710 G,170 634,500 
 
 1859 380 2G,G00 6,160 528,000 
 
 1860 370 25,900 4,980 459,000 
 
 1861 356 24,920 4,840 416,400 
 
 16G2 274 19,180 3,740 267,000 
 
 1863 235 16,450 3,230 249,750 
 
 Return compiled by Mr. Whitcher, Fisheries Branch, Crown Lands De- 
 partment, 27th June, 1864. 
 
 (b) Vide speech of Hon. Charles Fisher, of New Brunswick, dolivered at 
 Toronto, 1864. 
 
 (c) These figures relate to the cod, herring and mackerel li^lierieg. Tiie 
 total value of all kinds of fish taken in New Brunswick was $118,531 in 
 1860, as against $331,328 in 1850; and the census compilers state in 1861, 
 that ''a considerable portion of the catch of oi" the past year has not been 
 reported." 
 
Y. 
 
 THE HECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 17 
 
 figure than 
 
 i41G,000 in 
 
 f the States 
 
 vessels and 
 
 [)0 annually ; 
 
 onger needs 
 
 me norHi in 
 
 feared that 
 
 y injure the 
 
 ces of thdir 
 
 realized to 
 
 ilted in th's 
 
 le increased 
 
 taught their 
 
 led that the 
 
 runswickers, 
 
 figure than 
 
 fvith those of 
 in the fisheries 
 
 Value of 
 'ish taken. 
 $ 294,000 
 
 27G,000 
 
 280,800 
 
 632,400 
 1,265,700 
 1,053,000 
 
 634,500 
 
 528,000 
 
 459,000 
 
 416,400 
 
 267,000 
 
 249,750 
 yn Lands De- 
 
 i, delivered at 
 
 fisheries. The 
 
 3 $318,531 in 
 
 state in 1861 , 
 
 has not been 
 
 the ocean, although they are of the annual value of about $^50,000 
 (a). The Reciprocity Treaty does not, in terms, apply to these 
 inland waters, but, owing iu great part to its existence, Americans 
 have not been uiolested while fishing in Canadian waters, where 
 the best fisheries arc*. It may therefore be considered as one of 
 the incidental advantages of iiie Treaty to the Americans that they 
 ha^e been allowed freely to take on our lake shores fish worth 
 about ;$2r)0,000, while the Canadians have had tho benefit of the 
 market of the States for their catch, of which about $75,U00 worth 
 has been annually exported across the border. 
 
 It would not be difficult to occupy, in treating of this branch of 
 the subject, the few columns allowed for the discussion of the 
 whole. Suffice it, however, to remark further, that a good supply 
 offish — a necessity of life to the members of at least one numerous 
 creed — is of no little consequence to the health and comfort of all 
 classes. Without reference then to the export trade in fish, it follows 
 that every measure which enlarges the field of the fisherman's calling 
 must be advantageous to the whole community. Moreover, (without 
 alluding to the reciprocal trade in fish and flour between the States 
 and the Maritime Provinces, of which hereafter,) it is evident 
 that, since the fisherman is a consumer, not a producer of vegetable 
 food, every measure which encourages the fishing industry of the 
 East benefits the farming community of the West, as well as the 
 forwardin'j; and commercial interests of the middle States. 
 
 We need not, however, look to such indirect effects to see the 
 enormous advantages of which the Treaty has b?en productive to 
 the agricultural interests of the States and of Canada. Under the 
 clause which permits the iVee importation into either country of 
 most of the raw products of the other, the trade in these articles 
 between Canada and tho States, which was only same 810,000,000 
 
 (a) The white-fish taken in the lakes in 1860 by the Americans, was given 
 as $587,479, of which i?250,4G7 was the result of the industry of Michigan. 
 — Census, p. 188. 
 
 The value of the fisheries to Canadians, vide census, was about $150,000. 
 This is probably an under-statement, as it does not tally with the export, 
 tables. 
 
 3 
 

 I :.t 
 
 !• J 
 
 18 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 in the best years before the Treaty, has expanded to an average of" 
 $23,000,000 per annum. 
 
 People do not buy and sell unless for mutual profit, and when 
 we look at this enormous increase of trude, we must infer that the 
 gains of those concerned in it have been increased in proportion. 
 It is indeed difficult to over-estimate the influence of this enormous 
 volume of commerce in building up the fortunes of commission 
 merchants, railway sharoholders, steamboat and ship owners, and 
 their dependents, as well as of tlic farmers themselves (a). We 
 
 (a) Free imports into United States from Canada under Reciprocity 
 Treaty. From Secretary Chase's returns: — 
 
 Half year to June, 1855 $ 5,350,500 
 
 Year 1855-56 15,927,185 
 
 " 1856-57 16,456,788 
 
 " 1857-58 10,475,133 
 
 " 1858-59 11,444,330 
 
 " 1859-60 16,210,128 
 
 " 1860-61 10,300,377 
 
 " 1861-62 14,293,922 
 
 ♦' 1862-63 12,807,364 
 
 !' 1863-04 (Estimated) 13,0«0.000 
 
 " 2^ of '64 do 6,500,000 
 
 Total trade under the Reciprocity Treaty for ten years. .$139,305,727 
 
 Free imports into Canada under Reciprocity Treaty. From Canadian 
 Trade .nd Navigation Tables: — 
 
 Year 1855 $ 7,725,572 
 
 " 1856 8,082,820 
 
 '' 1857 8,642,044 
 
 " 1858 5,504,615 
 
 " 1859 7,106,116 
 
 " I860 7,069,098 
 
 " 1861 , 9,98(1,937 
 
 " 1S62 14,430,626 
 
 •' 1863 12,339,367 
 
 *' 1864 (Estimate) 12,000,000 
 
 $ 92,941,195 
 Add exports, from above „ 139,365,727 
 
 Total trade both ways $232,306,922 
 
 Excess of imports into the States $40,424,532 
 
 From Secretary Chase's report, pages 16-18, it appears that the total trade 
 with the Maritime Provinces, under the Treaty, tor the first ten years of 
 its continuance, was : — 
 

 THE KECIPIIOOITY TREATY. — PRIZE Ef^SAY. 
 
 19 
 
 average of 
 
 and when 
 r that the 
 )roportion. 
 
 enormous 
 omraissiou 
 i^ners, and 
 
 (a). We 
 
 Reciprocity 
 
 'J50,L>00 
 927,185 
 456,788 
 475,133 
 444,330 
 210,128 
 300,377 
 293,922 
 807,364 
 ,060.000 
 ,500,000 
 
 306,737 
 
 n Canadian 
 
 725,572 
 ,082,820 
 642,044 
 ,564,615 
 ,106,116 
 ,069,098 
 ,980,937 
 ,430,626 
 ,339,367 
 ,000,000 
 
 ,941,195 
 ,365,727 
 
 ,306,922 
 
 ,424.532 
 
 le total trade 
 ten years ot" 
 
 gain an insight into the reciprocity of this beneficial influence by 
 observing the course in which it is conducted with respect to the 
 leading articles of exchange. 
 
 In 1863 we imported irom the States 4,210,900 bushels of 
 wheat, and exported thither 1,400,000. The imports were chiefly 
 at Kingston (3,175,055 bushels), and at Sarnia (78,795 bushels). 
 The exports were principally across the lakes. We also imported 
 225,439 barrels of flour, and exported 490,000. Converting these 
 into their equivalents in bushels of wheat, we find that our imports 
 of this cereal from the States were 5,338,095, and exports thither, 
 3,850,000. Now we did not import the balance, 1,488,095 bush., 
 because we needed it for food, for wc had a fine surplus of our own, 
 and exported to Europe and the Colouiv.. 1,494,384 bushels of 
 wheat, and 2,783,150 barrels of flour; together, 8,909,304 bushels 
 of wheat. But it helped to feed our internal commerce, made up 
 15 per cent, of our foreign export of this article, and increased the 
 business of our millers — since the fiirures show that what we im- 
 ported as wheat, we exported chiefly as flour. Besides, sectional 
 benefits resulted: for the price of wheat was rendered uniform in 
 all accessible parts of the country. On the other hand, the price 
 of flour was somewhat reduced to the people of the Northeastern 
 States, who received a portion of their supplies by our cheap 
 freight routes, while the American merchants and forwarders 
 
 Add the trade with 
 Canada, as above. 
 
 Imports into U, S. 
 
 $ 35,501,000 
 
 , .. 139,305,727 
 
 Imports into Provinces 
 
 $40,000,000 
 
 92,941,195 
 
 Total trade under the 
 
 Treaty §174,865,727 $132,91L1?5 
 
 The U. S. Tarifl' on the principal articles mentioned iti the Schedule at- 
 tached to the Reciprocity Treaty, was on An'mals, 20 per cent. ; Gutter, 
 20 ; Pork, 20 ; Fish, 20 ; llggs, ZQ ; Pelts, liO ; Wheat, 20 ; Flour, 20 ; 
 Barley, 20 ; Oats, 20 ; Rye and Corn, 20 ; Vegetables, 2o ; Fruits, 20 ; 
 Lumber, Timber and Wood, 20 ; Wool, 30 ; Clover and Grass Seeds, 30 ; 
 Coal, 30. 
 
 The present United States Tariff is considerably higher, although feAv 
 of the above articles are specified in the tarifl'. It only mentions — Coal, 
 $1,25 per ton; Seeds, Garden, 30 per cent; Sheepkins, 20; Tobacco, un- 
 manufactured, 35 cents per lb. ; Wool, unmanufactured, if less value tliau 
 12 cents per lb., 3 cents, 21 cents per lb., 6 cents. 
 
20 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 enjoyed the beaefit of the trade with the Maritime Provinces, 
 which consume annually about the same quantity of breadstuflfs 
 which we export to the States. In 1863 the Lower Provinces im- 
 ported from the United States flour and wheat to the extent of 
 3,615,232 bushels ; our exports to the S' tes being, as above given, 
 3,850,000 (u). 
 
 Looking now at the coarser graiuvS, we perceive that we exported 
 ^2,260,438 worth of barley and rye, while we imported only 
 S75,793 worth. Similarly, the exports to the United States of 
 oats amounted to $2,097,688 ; the imports to but 317,637. But, 
 on the other hand, we imported Indian corn to the value of $975,- 
 014, and exported only §39,807 worth. Thus we sec that the 
 Treaty has had the beneficial effect of enabling the farmers of 
 Canada and the United States to use their lands in raising just that 
 kind of produce for which their soil and climate are best adapted 
 — the Canadians growing oats and barley, the Amcricaos corn. 
 The consumer has consequently had the advantage of cheaper 
 prices than if the farmers of Illinois had been driven to raise oats 
 and those of Canada corn. So with animals. We exported live 
 animals worth $2,390,799^ importing to the extent of 8520,835; 
 but we imported meats worth 81,238,923, and exported only to 
 
 (a) Compare Hon. Mr. Ilowland's report to the Executive Councii on 
 
 Intercolonial Trade, 1861. Also, speech of Hon. T. Ryan. (Parlimentary 
 reports, 1865,) 
 
 The figures for 1863 arc the following : 
 
 Imports of wheat and Hour from the United States into — 
 
 Barrels. Bushels. 
 
 Newfoundland, flour 216,595 :^ 1,082, 9?5 
 
 New Brunswick, wheat 15,157 
 
 Flour 217,420 =^ 1,087,100 
 
 Nova Scotia, flour 286.000 =^ 1 ,430,000 
 
 Total bushels 3,6 1 5,232 
 
 Exports of wheat and flour from Canada to United States — 
 
 Wheat 
 
 Flour, barrels 490,000 
 
 .Bushels. 1,400,000 
 " 2,450,000 
 
 (o) 
 
 Total, bushels 3,850,00 
 
^ 
 
 THE KECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 21 
 
 Provinces, 
 breadstuflFs 
 
 ovinces im- 
 extent of 
 
 ibove given, 
 
 we exported 
 ported only 
 ed States of 
 ,637. But, 
 uc of $975,- 
 ;ec that the 
 3 farmers of 
 ing just that 
 )est adapted 
 ricaos corn , 
 of cheaper 
 to raise oats 
 xported live 
 f 8520,835; 
 irted only to 
 
 ire Council on 
 (Parlimentary 
 
 Bushels. 
 
 :l. 
 
 1,082,9(5 
 
 ■■'i 
 
 15,157 
 
 \ 
 
 1,087,100 
 
 *• 
 
 1,430,000 
 
 1 
 
 3,t315,'232 
 
 1,400,000 
 2,450,000 
 
 3,850,00 
 
 the extent of $256,527 (a). The Canadian farmer who grows oats 
 breeds horses and cattle, and the American who grows corn con- 
 verts it into pork. The exchange permitted by the Treaty, and 
 always beneficial to both, was never more so than during the recent 
 war, when the command of the Canadian horse and cattle market 
 was of *he utmost value to the American people, and the hard 
 time.i in Canada made our farmers welcome the American buyers 
 with more than their usual cordiality. Nor must the article w^ool 
 be overlooked. Before the Treaty, we exported to the States 
 about $100,000 worth of wool per annum; in 1863 the amount 
 had risen to $974,000. The money is of the utmost value to our 
 farmers , the wool, which possesses valuable qualities not to be 
 found in the fleece of the American sheep, is of the utmost value 
 to their manufacturers " (A). 
 
 («) Imports of meats from the United States- 
 
 1855 $1,019,714 
 
 1856 . 1,417,771 
 
 1857 903,264 
 
 1858., 544,366 
 
 1859. 
 
 601,454 
 
 1860 $56fi,991 
 
 1861 500,991 
 
 18(52 1,040,269 
 
 1863 1,238,923 
 
 Exports of animals to the United States. 
 Animals for food — 
 
 §862,590 
 
 490,853 
 
 692,833 
 
 787,582 
 
 1859 1,235,546 
 
 Horses — 
 
 1855 $491,493 
 
 1855. 
 
 •1856. 
 
 1857. 
 
 1858. 
 
 1856. 
 1857. 
 1838, 
 1859. 
 
 323,964 
 467,321 
 417,154 
 778,657 
 
 1860 $1,090,334 
 
 1801 729,679 
 
 1862 597,492 
 
 1863 1,925,719 
 
 1860 ?n57,411 
 
 1861 667,315 
 
 1862 664,083 
 
 18G3 1,465,080 
 
 Our exports of meats, and our imports of live animals are comparativelj 
 iniraportant. 
 
 (6) Exports of wool from Canada to the United States — 
 
 1850 
 
 1851. 
 
 1 852 . 
 
 1853. 
 
 1854. 
 
 1855, 
 
 1856. 
 
 $;5(),860 
 79,136 
 74,000 
 
 165,000 
 30,339 
 
 275,375 
 
 313.061 
 
 1857 $270,000 
 
 1858 
 
 1859 
 
 1860 
 
 1861 
 
 1862 
 
 1863 
 
 342,798 
 400,232 
 401,894 
 424,930 
 
 724,815 
 074,153 
 
 " Our entire crop would scarcely supply the American worsted manufac- 
 Uirers. Our 'combing wool' is worth twenty cents per lb, moro than the 
 5ne American wools." — ^cics\)apcr paragraph ^ 1865. 
 
22 
 
 TJIE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE E.-.<AY, 
 
 Turning from the produce of the farm to that of the mine, we 
 find other illustrations of the mutual advantages resulting from 
 the Treaty. Coal is one of the articles free from import duty. 
 Pennsylvania, which sold 5,000,000 tons per annum at the epoch 
 of the Reciprocity Treaty, yielded in 18G0, 11,869,574 tons of 
 anthracite, and 2,600,000 tons of hituminous coal. Ohio gave in 
 the latter year 1,130,000 tons, all bituminous, liut the bituminous 
 coal of Pennsylvania and Ohio is so far West that Boston and 
 other North-eastern cities have to depend upon Nova Scotia for 
 their supplies, (a) That colony yielded only 100,000 tons per 
 annum, until of lat?, owing to the mining monopoly held by a 
 powerful corporation. Now, however, this monopoly has been 
 destroyed, and the report of the Nova Srotia Commissioner of 
 Mines shews that 420,351 tons were brought to surHice in 1863, 
 and 406,699 tons in the first three (garters of 1864. Most of this 
 was exported to the States. Ohio is, however, within easy reach 
 of Upper Canada, and we have imported an increasing quantity of 
 coal thence; in 1863, 103,547 tons, worth $518,846. (/>) Now, 
 
 (a) Tons shipped to the United States from Nova Scotia — 
 
 TONS. 
 
 1849 92,000 
 
 1850 98,000 
 
 1851 80,000 
 
 Mines in operation — 
 
 1850 4 
 
 1864 20 
 
 In 1863, exports of coal to the United States — nearly — 
 
 Tons 300,000 
 
 Valued at §679,43(5 
 
 (h) Imports of coal from the United States into Canada — 
 
 Value of coal imported in 1851 (from United States) $38,652 
 
 — AhdrcK-'s Report^ p. 431. 
 
 TONS. VALUK. 
 
 "855 80,000 $326,512 
 
 '856 84,000 385,361 
 
 1857. 
 1858. 
 1859. 
 1860. 
 1861. 
 1862. 
 1863. 
 
 94,816 400,297 
 
 70,097 242,7(10 
 
 78,557 237,776 
 
 79,88(i 304,079 
 
 171,561 458,665 
 
 .105,905 437,391 
 
 103,547 548,846 
 
TEIV, RECIPROCITY TREATY, — PRIZE ESSAY 
 
 
 as wood becomes annually scarcer, coal is becoming more and 
 more indispensable, and since, from the position of the coal beds, 
 the permission to import it reciprocally free of duty materially 
 reduces its cost to the consumer in New England on the one hand, 
 and in I'pper Canada on the other, the withdrawal of that per- 
 mission would not only be injurious to the commercial and manu- 
 facturing interests of both, but one of the mosf cruel injuries to 
 the whole population of the two countries wliich could possibly be 
 inflicted Ity the recklessness of their ruk'ih. 
 
 The trade in other minerals is only just beginning to be devel- 
 oped, and as yet consists chiefly in the ores of copper and iron, 
 many tons of which are exported to the United States (a), where 
 our copper ores are much sought after, since they act as a flux in 
 smelting those obtained from American mines. 
 
 The lumber trade is of equal importance to Canada with the 
 trade in grain ; but, contrary to the usual impression, it does not 
 appear to have been so beneUcially affected by the Reciprocity 
 Treaty. Great Britain remains the consumer of by far the greater 
 portion of our annual export, the States taking little from us save 
 plank and boards, which they bought in large (juantities before 
 the Treaty, and will continue to buy if it should not be renewed. 
 
 Compare speech of Mr. Townsend, of Ohio, Iloiise of Represeutatives, 
 1853: — "The coal imported from Nova Scotia and -New Bruaawick is 
 liig-hly bituminous. • ♦ * Some factories in the East are now lying 
 idle because they cannot, without paying a high duty, obtain a certain 
 amount of Pictou coal, which they lind it beneficial to use in connection 
 with that from Pennsylvania. « • ♦ Now the (juestion is : sliall we, by 
 legislation preventing competition, compel the millions who want coal, 
 and must have it, to pay an extra and exorbitant price in order that a few 
 brokers owning coal stocks may realize enormous profits ?" 
 
 (a) Ores of metals imported into the United States from Canada f.Sec. 
 Chase's return) — 
 
 TONS. VALUE. 
 
 1855-56 '2G,;{72 §19,2 IJ 
 
 1856-57 3,231 42,824 
 
 1857-58 6,289 236,858 
 
 1858-59 2,733 226,086 
 
 1859-60 6,681 360,714 
 
 1860-61 12,267 392,314 
 
 1861-62 40,799 373,658 
 
 1862-63 4,915 260,229 
 
 (This statement of tons is evidently incorrect. The values are probably 
 more reliable.) 
 
24 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY.-- PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 The amount of our export of lumber to the States has indeed 
 increased considerably, but not much faster than the trade with 
 England(a), or than the increase of the population of these regions 
 and the denudation of the American forests would lead us to 
 expect. The truth is, that although the lake cities may I'or a time 
 be supplied by Michigan lumber, the Atlantic States must have 
 ours, for which they must pay us what it costs us to procure it, 
 and a reasonable profit besides. If they put a duty on it they but 
 enhance the price of house building, and consequently of house 
 rent, in every one of the E:istern citie.-^, of which public injury a 
 few lumber manufacturers in the well-nigh exhausted limits of 
 Maine will alone reap the temporary benefit(?>). The restricted 
 interpretation given by the American Government to the clause 
 affecting lumber has no doubt checked the increase of trade. The 
 words are that lumber is to be reciprocally admitted free, if 
 " unmanufactured in whole or in part." Under this phrase the 
 
 (a) Ei ports of lumber from Canadn — 
 
 To all Countries. To Great Britain. To the U. S. 
 1851 $r.,085,628 $3,873,080 $1,147,268 
 
 1852 6,548,132 3,918,088 1,590,31G 
 
 1853 8,666,1G0 0,1G2,5G8 2,383,184 
 
 1854 9,275,780 7,24G,9G8 1,975,030 
 
 1855 7,127,104 4,370,G68 2,694,23G 
 
 185G 8,894,948 5,935.892 2,897,548 
 
 1857 10,427,65G 7,212,132......... 3,121,55G 
 
 1P:)8 8,354,755 5,10G,G9G 3,207,9G4 
 
 1859 8,55G,891 5,204,248 3,301,819 
 
 18G0 10,061,147 6,130,776 4,84G,611 
 
 18G1 8,693.638 6,408,789 2,065,870 
 
 1862 10,051,147 4,896,533 3,252,589 
 
 1863 12,264,178 7,713,;jlG 4,175,290 
 
 (i) The value of Plank and Boards exported to the United States since 
 1S51 is given below, together with the price per M. feet ; and the slight 
 increase in this price, not greater than that in the price of pine-lumber 
 shipped to England, aHords, it is believed, a remarkable illustration that 
 the consumer, not the producer, of imported, articles chietly suffers by ('• <'• 
 pays) the duty th.at may be imposed upon it. 
 
 Exports of Planks and Boards to the United States— 
 
 VALUE. I'llICR. 
 
 1851 !$774,11G $7(i0perM, 
 
 1852.... 1,1 44,092 7 75 
 
 1853 1,866,712 9 00 
 
 1854 1,579,821 9 75 
 
 1855.... 2,313,359 10 50 
 
 1856.... 2,483,687 10 75 
 
 1857 2,557,206 11 GO 
 
 
 II 
 
 VALUR. PRICE. 
 
 1858... $2,890,319 $7 75 per M. 
 
 1859... 2,676,447 8 00 " 
 
 1860... 3,027,730 9 75 " 
 
 1861.... 1,507,540 9 50 << 
 
 1862... 2,279,567 9 75 <' 
 
 1863.... 2,963,426 1 00 « 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 25 
 
 if 
 
 I 
 
 United States have considered themselves entitled to charge duty 
 on boards, if so much as grooved and tongued ; on shingles, if so 
 much as dressed. It will behove those interested in the lumber 
 trade, on both sides of the lines, to see that, ia the event of the 
 renewal of the Treaty, a more liberal policy is adopted in this 
 particular. 
 
 Our limits, now fast being filled, warn us to pass at once to the 
 consideration of the last important article of the Treaty — that which 
 secures to the United States the right of using our canals, and 
 enables Canadian vessels to navigate Lake Michigan. This, the 
 article which perhaps most deeply concerns the Western States, 
 appears to be that which has led to all the agitation hostile to the 
 Treaty. Freedom to use our canals, especially on the liberal terms 
 fixed by the Canadian Government, has naturally interfered with 
 the monopo'; of transport enjoyed by those of New York State, 
 whose policy has always been to raise as much revenue from tolls 
 as the Western producers could be made to pay. Buffalo and 
 New York consequently first took ground against the Treaty, and 
 the Committee on Commerce of the New York Lccrislature, in 
 reporting against it, plainly shewed their animus in the complaint 
 that we have " built canals and railroads in Canada to compete 
 with American interests," and " engaged in fruitless but persistent 
 efforts to divert the trade of the Western States from the natural 
 channels it had already formed," Let the Legislature of New 
 York be answered by that of the State of Illinois. The Com- 
 missioners from that State, appointed under resolution of the Ittli 
 February, 1863, to confer on the subject of transportation with 
 the Canadian authorities, said in their memorial : " For several 
 years past, a lamentable waste of crops already harvested has 
 occurred in consequence of the inability of the railways and canals 
 leading to the sea-board to take off the excess. The North-west 
 seems already to have arrived at a point of production beyond any 
 possible capacity for transportation which can be provided, except 
 by the great natural outlets. It lias for two successive years 
 
 crowded the canals and railways with more than one hundred 
 4 
 
26 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 millions of bushels of grain, besides immense quantities of other 
 provisions and vast numbers of cattle and hogs. This increasing 
 volume of business cannot be maintained without recourse to the 
 natural outlet of the lakes. * * * The St. Lawrence furnishes 
 for the country bordering upon the lakes a natural outlet to the 
 sea."(a) Our canal system, then, though it may compete with 
 that of New York, does not appear to the representatives of Illinois 
 to be " hostile to American interests." We have not yet succeeded 
 in affording so much relief as wc could wish to the bursting gran- 
 aries of the West. Owing to a combination of causes, we only 
 transported in 1863, 13,300,000 bushels of wheat through the 
 Welland canal, of which but 3,303,000 passed on down the St. 
 Lawrence; but even this must have been of great assistance to 
 Western producers and forwarders. Wc hope, however, soon to 
 do better than this. We have now but one grain portage railway 
 connecting Lake Eric with Lake Ontario. Vic hope soon to have 
 three. Wc contemplate the enlargement of our existing canal.< 
 and the construction of another to connect the Georgian Bay more 
 directly with the St. Lawrence, and shall thus endeavor to realize 
 the ardent hopes of the Great West, '^ whose future prosperity 
 depends," say the Illinois Commissioners, " upon cheap trans- 
 portation to foreign markets."' Here, however, it is perhaps 
 allowable to state that we have not been permitted to rc/ilize the 
 advantages contemplated by that clause of the Treaty under which 
 the Government of the United States engaged " to urge upon the 
 State Governments to secure to the subjects of Her Britinnic 
 Majesty the use of the several State canals on terms of equality 
 with the inhabitants of the United States." Although 808,289 
 tons of American shipping passed through the Welland canal in 
 
 (a) The value to the Western Stater, of each additiorml facility for 
 transportation lannot be over-rated. Each cgpt. per Imshol taken ott' the 
 cost of carrying their produce to market increases the value of tlieir annual 
 crop by $6,500,000— they having raised in 18G2, 650,000,000 bushels of 
 wlieat and corn. 
 
 18G 
 alst 
 our 
 the 
 ben 
 the 
 eon 
 oul 
 
 pa? 
 
 10 
 
 9' 
 
 fit 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 27 
 
 other 
 
 iasiug 
 
 • 
 
 ,( 
 
 1863; agaiust 5-! 1,808 Canadian, (a) the figures for the other canals 
 also shewing a fair proportion of American craft to be engaged in 
 our trade, we have not been allowed the slightest participation in 
 the business done on the American canals. Not the least ol' the 
 benefits the lake shore cities have derived from the Treaty is, that 
 they have been able to enter into a direct trade with European 
 countries, where, indeed, thoy have found a ready market, not 
 only for their cargoes but oven lor their vent^els. The New York 
 
 (u) No. of vessels engaged iu our carrying tr.ide, that is tlie Xo. that 
 passed up and down oir (.-auals in ISii.'i — 
 
 Aniorif'an. Canadian. 
 
 Wellaud :!,4V4 ;!,42;-> 
 
 St. Lawrence 258 10,987 
 
 Charably SOS 2,972 
 
 Burlington Bay 92 1,555 
 
 St. Anns 100 4,941 
 
 Ottawa and Rideau 6f> G,933 
 
 Tonnage of the above — 
 
 American. 
 
 Welland 808,289 
 
 St. Lawrence 18,140 
 
 Cliambly 52,578 
 
 Burlington Bay 13,.398 
 
 St. Anna G,798 
 
 Ottawa and Rideau 4,587 
 
 4,79S 30,813 
 
 Canadian. 
 521,808 
 
 1,018,163 
 220,110 
 227,047 
 311,475 
 371,574 
 
 903,790 2,070,177 
 
 Entrances and clearances at Lake Ports^of the United States from and to 
 Foreign Countries other than Canada* through the St. Lawrence— 
 
 KNTRANCER. 
 
 1858-58. 
 1858-59. 
 1859-60. 
 1800-61, 
 1861-02. 
 1 802-63, 
 
 ei.EAUANOKS. 
 
 1856-57 
 1857-58 
 1858-59 
 1859-60 
 1860-61 
 1861-62. 
 1862-63 
 
 From Six) 
 
 No. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 • > • • • 
 
 887 
 
 i • • « 
 
 ... 2401 
 
 10 ... 
 
 . . . 3595 
 
 s .., 
 
 ... 2730 
 
 . > , , , 
 
 ... 1108 
 
 1 ... 
 
 3:)4 
 
 No. 
 
 Tons. 
 
 I ... 
 
 379 
 
 13 ... 
 
 ... 4354 
 
 19 ... 
 
 ... 0737 
 
 5 ... 
 
 ... 1430 
 
 5 ... 
 
 ... 1791 
 
 394 
 
 clari/ Chasers Report ^ pa^c 35. 
 
28 
 
 THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY, 
 
 Legislature assert in their report, that " hope seldom told 4i more 
 flattering tale than on this subject." But if the expectations of 
 the^ Americans have not been realized, they must have been 
 unreasonable. It was not to be expected that this direct trade 
 should at once assume colossal proportions ; we tind, however, that, 
 in the years before the war, the entrances and clearances from and 
 for Europe anmuntod to over 5,000 tons per annum. During the 
 war, many vt\ssoi.s went from the lakes to the Atlantic to aid in 
 the blockuije of the Southern ports, and for other purposes ; and 
 at least three regular lines are now established to carry on direct 
 commerce between the lake cities and various European countries. 
 This trade is at least of equal value to the Americans with the 
 right given under the Treaty to British subjects to navigate Lake 
 Michigan, and one can hardly imagine how Cleveland, Detroit, 
 Toledo, Milwaukee, and Chicago can reconcile themselves to the 
 idea of being degraded to their old position of inland cities^ to 
 whos3 craft the Atlantic must be a closed and unknown sea. 
 
 This list of the benefits the Treaty has conferred upon the parties 
 to it, is necessarily but prrtial ; in a few short columns one can 
 only enumerate the most salient. Surely, however, enough has 
 been said to prove that a strenuous effort should be made by the 
 enlightened commercial men on both sides of the frontier to con- 
 tinue these advantages, which are so lightly being risked by the 
 American Government, Doubtless there are Americans who think 
 that the balance of profit, under the Treaty, has been with Canada ; 
 and they can be met by equally well-informed Canadians who be- 
 lieve that balance to have been with the United States. But the 
 question should not be approached in that narrow-minded way. 
 We should not enquire too closely and too jealously which party 
 has gained the most, but, seeing the exchanges to be mutually pro- 
 fitable, we should devise means to allow of their continuance. Nay 
 more, it would seem to be the duty of those charged to watch over 
 the interests of commerce to see how still greater freedom of trade 
 can be secured. Let them decide what other articles can be placed 
 on the free list of a new Reciprocity Treaty ; and, throwing aside 
 
 6" 
 
 of 
 
THE RECIPROCITY TREATY. — PRIZE ESSAY. 
 
 29 
 
 the exploded fallacy that it is possible for a Government, by im- 
 posing vexatious duties on all articles of import, to benefit all classes 
 of its subjects, (a) show that they are imbued witb, and know 
 how to support, the priociples of a more enlightened political 
 economy (6). 
 
 (a) The demand for other than the "incidental protection," which may 
 be necesaary to raise revenue and satisfy the public credilor, implies con- 
 scious weakness — a feeling of which, with our climate, our soil, our geo- 
 graphical position, our wonderful resources, and the ficknow' iged energy 
 of our constantly increasing population, we who dwell on this portion of 
 the Western Hemisphere ought to be ashamed. 
 
 (t) Compare Mr. Gait's pamphlet on the Treaty, j). 23 : "Much greater 
 scope could be given to the Treaty, without compromising ou the one hand 
 the Revenue interests of the United States, or on the other the just claims 
 to an equality in the Oanadiaa market, which belongs both of right and 
 duty to Great Britain. The abolition of the Coasting Laws of both coun- 
 tries on their inland waters, the free purchase and sale of vessels, and ihe 
 removal of discrimination on the score of nationality, the extension of the 
 privilege in both countries of buying foreigp, goodo in bond, or. by return 
 of drawback, the addition to the free list of all wooden wares, agricultural 
 implements, machineiy, books, and many other articles peculiarly of 
 American manufacture, and the assimilation of the Patent Laws — all 
 these, and many other topics, naturally ofier themselves for consideration.' 
 
 To this succinct enumeration we can only add metals in pigs, and crude 
 petroleum ; but the Boards of Trade of both countries may be able to sug- 
 geot other additions.