TARIFF AND RECIPROCITY 181 



quarters, but a protest from Lord Crewe had con- 

 siderable weight, and led to some modification in the 

 Bill. Of the terms contained in this memorial from 

 the Colonial Secretary particulars were not published. 

 As the outcome, the Canadian representatives in great 

 Britain were intrusted with large discretionary power 

 in dealing with emigrants other than the farming 

 class, who had the prospect of work on landing in the 

 Dominion. 



The question of tariffs has become a burning one 

 in Canada. In December 1910 a deputation of over 

 1000 western farmers waited on the Dominion 

 Government at Ottawa. A considerable number of 

 the farming class from Ontario, Quebec and the 

 maritime provinces joined the delegation. Indirectly 

 the deputation was the outcome of organized 

 associations, banded together in pursuit of common 

 agricultural interests. Directly, the speeches of Sir 

 Wilfred Laurier, during his western tour and pend- 

 ing reciprocal relations with the United States, led 

 the farmers to definitely formulate their demands. 

 These were embodied in a series of resolutions 

 endorsed by the National Council of Agriculture of 

 which the following is an epitome : — 



1. Urging the Government to acquire and operate 

 public utilities under an independent commission. 



2. To erect the necessary works, and establish 

 a modern and up-to-date method of exporting 

 meat. 



