CANADIAN CONDITIONS. 25

aspect of the scheme, there are none, or practically
none, who share in the idea of a closer Imperial
connection, because they realise that there are so
many diverse factors and conflicting interests that
the Imperial tie is only possible whilst it is loose
and free.

2. THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

The Conservative party find their chief support
in the manufacturers, in the large capitalistic enterprises,
 and in the interests which are in favour
of High Protection. It is from the Conservative
party that has come almost all the Canadian
support Mr. Chamberlain has received. But this
support is of a peculiar kind, for it must always be
remembered that the Conservatives approach this
question from the High Protectionist standpoint,
which regards imports as dangerous. They therefore
 wish to do nothing to increase the import
of manufactured goods. For this reason they, and
especially the manufacturers, who are strong and
exceedingly well organised, oppose the present
preference. On the other hand, it is the manufacturers
 who have done more than any other
interest to support Mr. Chamberlain. The reason
they give for their support of the policy is that by
increasing the value of Canadian agriculture and
giving it a preference it will assist the development
of the country and thereby increase their home
market, which they intend to keep as much as