On Wednesday the President's Message was read. It was a
short document, and dealt solely with Canadian Reciprocity. Without advancing any new arguments in favour of the arrangement, the Message emphasises the fact that "in its intent and terms it is purely economic and commercial." It goes on to point out the popularity of " a measure which would result in an increase of trade on both sides of the boundary line, would open up the reserve productive resources of Canada to the great mass of our own consumers on advantageous con- ditions, and at the same time offer a broader outlet for the excess products of our farms and of many of our industries." The Message ends by declaring that the President is con- strained, " in deference to popular sentiment," to urge that early action should be taken upon the Agreement. The Times correspondent adds as a comment upon this that, though the Bill is likely to be passed ultimately, its course through Congress will probably be neither unobstructed nor swift.
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