186 APPENDIX IL

of the prohibitory nature of these tariffs, Both parties
are loyal to the Empire. The French Canadian wing
of the Liberal party, are “Canada first” in their proclivities,
 to the exclusion of the Imperial idea.
(G1.)—The programme of the Opposition to the
present Government, as well as of the manufacturers
who advocate a higher state of protection, is in favour
of Mr. Chamberlain's scheme, as they think it will
strengthen their cause before the electors at the
general elections, as showing that their policy is
supported by a large part of the population of Great
Britain.
The Government of Canada is favourable to a
reciprocal tariff provided it can be carried out on
terms of mutual benefit to both countries, without
however giving up any particle of our present
autonomy. Both political parties in this country are
opposed to any sacrifice of our present autonomy.
If a reciprocal arrangement can be carried out on
mutual advantageous terms it would have the countenance
 of the country, but if it has to be obtained at
a sacrifice of any of our present privileges, no government
 would have the support of the public opinion
of this country.
12. Is theve any danger, present ov future, so fav as you
can see, of
(a) Annexation by America ?
(b) Independence ?
If so, will My, Chambeviain's scheme tend to increase ov
diminish it? If not, will Mv. Chamberlain's scheme tend
to cveate esthey »

(A.)—There is at present no public opinion in
Canada favourable either to annexation or independence.

It remains to be seen whether the large American
element now going into the North-West will modify
this sentiment in due time.
My belief is that if the system of preferential trade