A Grain Growers' Meeting 



only two lines of rail, and though there is of 

 course the great water route through the lakes, 

 this is only open in the summer and autumn 

 months, and under such circumstances it is not 

 to be wondered at that the products of the 

 Eastern factories arrive in the West considerably 

 enhanced in price. Then, while I have no desire 

 to discuss the question of Free Trade or Protec- 

 tion, it can hardly be denied that the tariff com- 

 pels the prairie farmer to pay unnaturally high 

 prices for the goods he wants, without — so 

 far, at least— yielding him any corresponding 

 benefit. 



The splendid soil, with land to be had cheaply 

 (if not free, for much of the latter has been taken 

 up), tempts many enterprising and energetic 

 citizens of the United States, who make some of 

 the best settlers. I believe they come prepared 

 to be loyal Canadian citizens, and have no objec- 

 tion to the British Union Jack ; but, coming from 

 places nearer the manufacturing centres of the 

 .gi Middle West (as, indeed, the Canadian prairies 

 ^Hso are), they, in common with British, Scan- 

 dinavians, and other nationalities, resent being 

 ^■ependent on Eastern Canada for their supplies. 

 The whole subject is an interesting one, worthy 



If careful thought, but is mentioned here to show 

 ome of the reasons why our local association 



