CANADIAN CONDITIONS. 27

staple industries they wish to exclude from their
markets because they compete with their own.
They are perfectly willing that those few British
industries in which they do not themselves take
part should supply the Canadian market.! To
compensate for the wretched inadequacy of such a
return for a British preference they would probably
be willing to make some contribution to the Army
and Navy, but, as we have said, this is an absolutely
 impracticable policy.
This kind of support, for Mr. Chamberlain
(and, indeed, his campaign generally), is becoming
dangerous to the Empire. Closer connection and
military contributions are preached so lustily that
the French and non-English Canadians are becoming
 alarmed, and are beginning to think that if
Imperialism may demand such duties from them it

t The preference which the Canadian manufacturers
favour is only to be granted after they have sheltered
themselves from all competition, both British and foreign,
as the following resolution regarding the last Budget will
show: —
The Canadian Manufacturers’ Association has issued a
formal statement on the recent tariff changes, in the course
of which the following passage occurs:
“While pleased that the Government has favourably
considered the necessities of the woollen industry, the
Association considers that the measure of Protection
afforded is insufficient, and does not approve the departure
 made by the Government in increasing Protection
by decreasing preference. Such action will probably be
misinterpreted in England, whereas an increase ‘in the
regular duties would still maintain the principle of uniform
preference for British goods.”