SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS IN WEST INDIES 391 



arrive at a further stage, namely, that if the principle of the 

 policy of Preferential Tariffs between Canada and the West 

 Indies be accepted there remain three points to consider : (a) 

 the selection of the goods on which a preference might be 

 granted ; (b) the amount of the preference ; (c) the method of 

 effecting the preference. Each of these is fully discussed, 

 and conclusions are arrived at leaving little doubt that in the 

 special case of the West Indian sugar colonies, at all events, 

 a scientific tariff can be arranged beneficial to both countries, 

 whilst, at the same time, the interests of the Mother-Country 

 are fully provided for. 



In the case of Jamaica, owing to the fact that its most 

 important industry — that of fruit-growing — is dependent mainly 

 for its market on the United States, the Commissioners recom- 

 mend " that in any arrangement that may be discussed between 

 Canada and the West Indian Colonies it should be understood 

 that the position of Jamaica is entirely distinct from that of 

 the other Colonies, but the way should be left for the subse- 

 quent adhesion of Jamaica if that Colony should afterwards so 

 desire." British Honduras is held to be in similar case. 

 Bermuda and the Bahamas at present trade almost entirely 

 with the United States; the prospect of closer trade relations 

 between these and Canada must depend mainly on better steam 

 communication. 



The Government of Newfoundland was represented at the 

 investigation, and expressed its desire to share with Canada 

 in any trade arrangement that might be made with the West 

 Indies. This desire is regarded favourably by the Com- 

 missioners. 



A matter of some importance that was brought forward 

 in evidence was the possible attitude of the United States 

 in the event of the West Indies entering into preferential 

 relations with Canada. After full and careful inquiry the 

 Commissioners are satisfied that " it may be regarded as a 

 settled principle that trade arrangements between parts of the 

 British Empire are to be considered matters of a domestic 

 character which cannot be regarded as discriminatory by any 

 foreign Power." The United States did not treat the Canadian 

 preferential tariff as an undue discrimination, and " it follows 

 that the granting of a preference by the West Indies to any 

 part of the British Empire could not be so regarded. This is 



