pw ase COMMERCIAL FEDERATION. J. G. Colmer's Plan of Trade Within the Empire. ASUMMARY OF THE ESSAY WHICH WON THE LONDON ECONOMIST'S PRIZE OF The following is a synopsis of the prize essay written by J. G. Colmer,. CG. M. G., on the commercial federation of the empire in connection with the - Statist thousand guineas competion on the subject. The essay was pub- lished in full in the Statist of May 2. The scheme may be divided into four 1. The granting of preferential treat- ment to colonial end Indian pro- "duets inthe United Kingdom. 2, Preferential treatment of British products in the colonies and In- dia. 3. The additional revenue so derived to forma fund, if the extend to imports from the United Kingdom over imports from foreign countries. It is believed that corre- spondence of this nature would pave the way for an imperial conference, at which the details of the proposals could be discussed, and definite ar- rangements agreed uy on, by which in every part of the empire there would be preferential treatment, on s mod- erate scale, for inter-jmperial trade. The scheme, which is essentially in the nature of a "family arrangement" between the colonies and possessions and the mother country, would natur- ally be subject to alteration from time to time, as required, in the interests of all the parties concerned. 3. Assuming that the colonies were prepared to grant preferential treat- ment to British trade (upon which no doubt appears to exist, in view of the resolutions of the Ottawa conference), assuming also that India was ready to follow their example, and that they re- arranged their tariffs in favor of Brit- ish trade in a manner satisfactory to the United Kingdom, it is fair to as- mother country and the colonies} ..16 that additional revenue in the and India can agree, with a view to improve and supplement the defenses of the empire outside the United Kingdom. 4. The forma- tion of a colonial council to give the colonies a greater voice in im- perial affairs, and to provide for the administration of the fund. 1, It is suggested that in the United coloniesand India, equal at least to the net amount of additional revenue (£700,000) to be raised in the United Kingdom, would be forthcoming. In one of the appendices of the essay a suggestion for the apportionment of the £700,000 among the colonies and India is made. This would provide a fund of nearly £1,500,000 per annum, Kingdom small specific duties should the joint contribution of the colonies _be placed on certain enumerated arti- cles, about twenty in number, when ' imported from foreign countries--sim- ilar imports from the colonies and In- dia to remain duty free, as at present. That the proposals are moderate in their nature will be understood when it is stated that the duties, with one lent to an or two ptions, are eq advalorem duty of about 3 per cent on foreign imports of the articles speci- fied. On foreign 'wheat and flour a revival of the duties in force up to 1869, of about 1s. per quarter, is re- commended. The imports in 1894 of the enumerated articles from foreign coun- tries were valued at £85,539,794 and from the colonies and India at £44,- 958,350. The duties, it is anticipated, would realise about £2,700,000. The enumerated articles are live an- imals, meats, cheese, butter, wheat, flour, hemp and other fibers, ivory, and possessions and the United King- dom, which it is suggested could be used to supplement and improve the existing defences, including graving docks and coaling stations, in the out- lying parts of the empire. Among other things the maintenance of guard- ships in theleading ports of the em- pire is proposed. These vessels would be useful not only for harbor defense, but in connection with the training of naval militia, which it is believed could readily be formed in the leading mari- time ports of the empire. This force would not only be available locally, but would be available for drafting on her majesty's ships that might be operating in the neighborhood of the colonies in time of war. , 4. In order to give the colonies a larger voice inthe affairs of the em- pire than they now have, and to enable them to participatesin the administra- undressed leather, sugar unrefined and | tion of the proposed fund for defense, afined yoo), tallow, oil, jogwood, mahogany and nt aaa kernels for oil. easy to mention many other articles produced in the colonies on foreign imports of which duties might be im- posed, such as India rubber, indigo, fari bat ornamental feathers, fish, fruits, gutta percha, hides, palm oil, rice, furs, skins, silver and tin ore, wine and wood. But, in the judgement of the writer of the es- tnal fod say, tion will have a greater chance of immediate adop- tion and success if it is inaugurated on a moderate basis. It is also proposed to reduce by one- seal skins, fish he formation of a colonial. council 'is suggested. It would consist of the Be0- | It would have been |-retaries of state for the colonies, for- eign affairs, India, and war, the first lord of the admiralty, and the chancel- lor of the exchequer, the colonial secre- tary being president. The high com- missioner for Canada and the agents- general of the self-governing colonies-- or such other persons as the colonies might appoint--would be members of the council. It would be, as its name implies, a council in which the colonies would have a voice through their rep- resentatives in regard to any matters arising out of the preferential trade arrangements, and upon all other sub- half the existing duties on imports | jects in which the colonies they repre- from the colonies and India ofcocoa, coffee and tea, the duties on the for- eign imports of those articles to re- main as at present. This rearrange- ment of the existing tariff, witha re- duction of 5 per cent in the duties on tobacco from all countries, would mean a decrease in the revenue to the extent of about £2,000,000. It will be seen, therefore, that the scheme in- volves, roughly speaking, a net in- crease inthe revenue of the United Kingdom of about £700,000. It is urged that an increase in price is not likely to result from the placing of duties on foreign imports of the enumerated articles, at any rate to the extent of the proposed duties. In every case there would still be a con- siderable importation of the different commodities from the colonies and India. As they would remain duty free, the supplies coming from within the empire would dominate the mar- ket, and, with the foreign competition, have a tendency to prevett the in- crease in prices which perhaps might follow if duties were placed upon snch imports from all countries. 9, As the fiscal systems in the col- onies and India are so varied, and the nature of their trade exchanges 80 different to make any propo:al for giving preferential treatment of 4 uniform character to British imports in those markets, in return for the concessions suggested on the part of the United Kingdom. It' is, there- fore, recommended in the essay that the mother country should take the initiative in the matter, inform the colonies and India what advuntages the United Kingdom is prepared to offer to the imports of articles enu- merated from within the empire, and ask what concessions of & preferential character they wonld be . prepared 'to sented had the right to consult, or to be consulted by, the imperial govern- ment. The only serious obstacle of an in- ternational character in the way of car- Tying out the scheme is contained in the restrictive clauses of the commer- cial treaties with Belgium and Ger- many, which oblige the colonies to ad- mit imports from those countries on the same terms as those from the Unit- ed Kingdom. By theaction of the most favored nation clauses in other treaties this obligation is made more or less general. As British imports from Bel- gium and Germany are greater than British exports to those countries, and as, even if the objectionable clauses were canceled the colonies could still be made amenable to the general most favored nation clause, which forms part of the treaties, it is suggested that if the proposition were made' to the countries in question they would pre- fer the modification of the treaties ra- ther than their abrogation. The trea- ties are. terminable in'any case on twelve months' notice. Retaliation on the part of foreign countries is not anticipated as the re- sult of the adoption of the scheme, be- cause their import duties are now as high, generally speaking, as they can be made, sand any increase would react on the countries themselves. Be- sides, with the imperial customs union in existence, a policy of retaliation would hardly be lightly undertaken. _ The following aresome of the advan- tages which it is claimed would be de- rived by the mother country ,on the one hand and the colonies and posses- sions on the other, from the adoption of a scheme of commercial federation. It would bring the mother country in- to closer union with the colonies. By giving preferential treatment, on trines of free trade that | United Kindgom would x ly endangered, and fre present would be made control of the rapidly; iz onial markets. There wou : ani- ty for the defense of the outlying parts of the empire, and a colonial: got for mutual consultation on matters of general interest. Greater attention than ever would be attracted to the colonies. Emigration would flow in larger num- bers to their shores and _ increase the demand for British goods. "The invest- ment of capital in the colonies would be encouraged,and their powers of pro- duction be so increased that the Unit- ed Kingdom would year by year depend less upon foreign sources for her food supplies. Attached to the essay are several sta- tistical appendices, illustrating the com- mercial affairs of the empire, and show- ing that,relatively speaking, the trade ofthe United Kingdom withthe col- onies has been increasing in aj greater ratio than the trade with the other parts of the world. i DEATH AND DEVASTA- TION. Sherman, Tex., Struck by a Terrible Cyclone. 200 PEOPLE KILLED. EVERYTHING IN THE PATH OF THE STORM WRECKED -- HUNRREDS OF HOMES BLOWN AWAY---FIFTY BODIES RE- COVERED FROM THE RUINS'"OF THE crry. Dallas, Tex., May 15.---A cyclone struck Shermar, Tex., at 4.30 p. m., killing many people and doing great damage. The number of deadis re- ported to be from fifty to one hund- red. It is said the cyclone struck the ball park while a game was in prog- ress, and that several of the players and many spe¢tators were killed. the telegraph wires to Sheyman have been down since 4,30 p. m. Sherman , Tex., May 15.+A terrific cyclone struck this "city at £80 p. m. people killed is not reported 'all the There is much excitement' confusion, and it will be v fore the list can be obtained. THE WORST KNOWN. Denison, Fex., May 15.---The city ofSherman was visited by the worst oyclone in the history of N: Texas about five o'clock this evening. The path of the destroyer was 150 yards wide. It struck the city at the west end of the Post Oak Creek and swept in a westerly direction for several blocks, and then spread and spent its force. The track of the cyclone is a gruesome sight, the devastation being complete, and houses, trees, fences and everything in its pathway destroyed: The loss of life will probably reach 100, with as many more bruised and wounded. The City Hall and store- room, formerly occupied by 8. G. Holmes, have been turned intv temp- orary hospitals, and 28 bruised, mang- led and mutilated bodies are awaiting identification. ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Denison, Tex., May 15.--At Sher- man by 9 o'clock 50 dbad bodies had been brought in and placed in public buildings, and searching: parties are out for more. The unidentified dead are being taken to the court-house. Gray's Hill and Fairview both were badly damaged, and the cyclone pas- sed directly west of the North Texas Female College, barely missing it. B. B. Sayles, a deliveryman, drove down Huston avenue directly after the cy- clone. He stated that he saw at least seven men, women and children lying alongside the avenue dead and many wounded. The deyastation in spots where the cyclone was the hworst was complete. Trees were stripped of their foliage in some places, while in others they are uprooted. Houses are in some instances entirely gone, and in others oflya pile of rubbish marks the place where they stood. Capt. Ely's fine residence was blown to pieces. His' wife and two children were at home, but fortunately escaped without serious injury. Not s thing remains to mark the spot where onlya few hours before stood the magnificent residence of Capt. Burgess. His family was absent from the house atthe time. woe Major Tone, of Denison, 7b in Sherman during the 's the following account of th "T wae on the court. how bout 5 o'¢lock, and he yeourt house or jail, but followed Post Oak Creek. The roaring did continue over two or three min- 1 During sll this time it rained hard. In about five minutes rumors began to spread that many lives had been lost, and the reports grew worse and worse as time passed. By nine o'clock fifty bodies had been' brought into the public buildings, and search-- ing parties are out for more. The dead children have been found in trees, under levelled houses andin Post Oak An iron bridge over Post Oak Creek was twisted intu scrap iron." Prof. and Mrs. Kohler were both badly injured. Six children of J. B. Trwin are all badly hurt. Dr. Michael was eaught in the storm and badly hurt. Dr. Sadler left for the south and as nothing has been heard from him, itis feared that he was killed. Mrs. James Davis and Mrs. John Fields, who lived south of the town, were both killed. It is feared that the destruction in that part of the country is serious. A mass meeting was held to-night at the court-house in Sherman to de- vise means to relieve the distressed. Hundreds of humes sre blown away. -Forty-eight of the dead have been identified. Eighteen unidentified are atthe City Hall. The seriously in- jured make along list, and many of them are probably fatally hurt. TWO HUNDRED DEAD. Sherthan, Tex., May 17.--The hor- ror-stricken people of Grayson and Denton counties have been ergaged for the last 24 hours in the gruesome work of recoverirg and 'counting the dead victims of yesterday'scyclone and alleviating thesufferings of theinjured. Two hundred corpses, by a conserva- tive estimate from all points stricken by the fury of the elements, may cover the fatalities. Another hundred men, women and children have already been reported seriously injured, but two score of these sufferers are not ex- pected toJive. The wounded in the neighborhood of Sherman are scatter- ed over territory ten miles in length, being cared for by friends and strang- in gathering names. VOLUNTEERS AND PHYSICIANS ARRIVE. jhe special trains which came into the gloom-enshrouded city to-day were filled with volunteers, physicians and nurses and friends of the dead and in- jured. The women of Sherman were as brave as the men and much work was done forlove of humanity. The common sorrow obliterated the line which divides the negro from the Southern white. Followers of the Red Cross on the field ofcarnage could not have done more than white men and women did to-day and last night for the suffering survivors of the black race who com- pose the majority of the victims. EVEN WORSE THAN FEARED. The banks of Post Oak Creek, which the cyclone made a cemetery of, were lined allday with hundreds of anxi- ous and curious visitors. Reports came infrom points down the creek that the loss of life outside the city limits had been worse than feared. At the suspension bridge dead and injured fay in every direction and the fow houses that had escaped the wind scythe were crowded with living victims. All available waggons were pressed in- to the service of the volunteer brigade to remove the dead to the Morgae and the living to temporary hospitals. Many persons are reported missing, which is regarded as equivalent to he- ing numbered with the dead. MANY FAMILIES DESTITUTE. The Relief Committee has made the following announcement: The dead and wounded exceeded 200 and the loss of property will exceed $250,000. Sher- man is taking good care of all the wounded, but my families have lost their all and are ieft destitute. All contribution will be thankfully received, as they will help us to give to those who must commence life anew. TRAVELED 100 mimEs. But little or nothing had been heard of the cyclone's final course until to- day, when a courier from Denison brought the information that the storm had swept down upon the Choctaw Oreek and crossing Red River into the Indian country, havoc was wrought 8li along its line of travel until it crossed Red River, where it struck the high bluff on the north side of the river, tearing immense oaks loose and filling the air with trees and dirt. A courier from Bokichito, Indian Terri- tory, arrived in this city fast night. He passed through the stricken dis- trict shortly before noon and declares part of the town just before the storm; |, ers, who render all the help they can awful wreck and rnin of homes that was ever witnessed in that vicinity. The cyclone traveled 100 miles, but its swath was only 150 yards wide. A CYCLONE IN KANSAS, Seneca, Ks., May 17.--A cyclone struck this place at 7 o'clock this even- ing and destroyed one-third of the re- sidence portion of thecity. The Court House and school heuse and Catholic church were unroofed. Five hundred people are homeless. The dead are two children of M: Everhes, two child- ren of John McConnel and a son ef Peter Assessmacher. Sabetha, Ks., May 17.--Twenty-five people were injured and 20 residences destroyed by a cyclone here this even- ing Kansas City, Mo., May 17.--One hundred houses and two churches were destroyed by a cyclone at Frankfort, Ks., to-day. Twelve persons were in injured. Dr. Woop's Norway Prive Syrup cures Coughs, Yolds, Asthma, Bronchitis, Hoarse- ness and Conaumption, if taken in time. Price 25c. all druggists. The peddler is known by his fruits. Many A Younc Man.--Whentrom over- work, possibly assisted by an inherited weakness, the health fails and rest or medi- cal treatment must be resorted to, then no medicine can be employed with the same benehcial results as Scott's Emulsion. Few things are more Iudicrous than bogus dignity. COUGHS, Colds, Sore Throat, Asthma, Bron- chitis, and all Lung Troubles are quickly cured by Hagyard's Pectoral Balsam. The population of Clinton is 2,451 ; total assessment, $593,590. Norway Prxe Syrup is a combination of healing throat and lung remedies which cures Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Croup and Sore Throat even in the most obstinate cases. Tell your secrets only to grey-eyed riends. = Tuat HackinG, Persistent DIsTRESSING Coven canbe quickly cured by using Dr. Wood's Norway Pine Syrup. It cures all Throat and Lung Troubtes. Blue-eyed people are more lucky than dark-eyed ones. WwW Covaus, Comps, ASTHMA, Darling & Blewett, Barristers & Solicitors. " Notaries, Public & Conveyancers, [tabee & Gearing, BARRISTERS, Bollcitore for the Merchants Bank, Notaries TRATFORD, ONT. J.P. Mane. F. W. Geanixa, - W.E. Dingman, M. D. RADUATE of Queen's University ; member of Goaiege of Physicians and Surges Ontarie. Physician, Surgeon and Accoucheur, Office and residence--Main Street east. George Watson, B.A.,/1.D. in possession of his permanent offices | rs Livingstone's Drug rove Heaidence, Ola Michener House, first corner East of Office ty" Entrance on Main street J. J. Foster, Dentist Office over Fleming's Tailoring establishment. MAIN ST. LISTOWEL. Wm. Bruce, L. D. S. DENTIST. uses Vitalized air, Ni- trous Oxide Gas, &c., for painless extracting. Office in old stand over Thompson Bros. Store. Entrance, Main Stree Residence 15 Penelope St. Listowel. % Thos. Fullarton, ATWOOD ONT., [SSUER of Marriage Licenses, Commissioner ta . 4B. R. Deeds, Mort . Leases and all Convey- ancing done on reasonable terms, Money to lead. R. G. Roberts, SHIPLEY, ONT. GENT forthe London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company, Also Money to Loan im any sums from $2 p f interest. Conveyancing of all descriptions done on easy term Broncuitis, etc., yield at once to Dr. Weod's Norway Pine Syrup, the successful Throat and Lung Specific. It issaid, "Bill" Ney left an estate worth from $50,000 to $60,000. It is a fortunate day fora man when he first discovers the value of Ayer's Sarsapar- illa ns ablood-purifier. With this medicine, he knows he has found a remcdy upon which he may rely, and that his life-lon malady is at last conquered. Has cur others, will cure you. Something agreeable will occur in 12 hours if you happen, unconsciously, to put any garment on inside out. To reverse the garment changes the luck. Constipation Curep.--Gents,--I was in Montreal, Que. It is good luck to pick up a pin only when you see one on getting out of bed. TO DESTROY WORMS and oxpel them rom children or adults nse Dr. Low's Worm Syrup. It's good luck when the cracking sparks from a wood fire spring toward you. A Merenant Testirres,---Gentlemen.-- I write to tell you how good have found Hagyard's Yellow Oil for sore throat, In one family alone the Yellow Oil cured several cases. and my customers now recognize its great value. They seem to refer it to all others . D, Cormier, Wholesale and Retail grocer, 'anaan Station, N. B. If you dream three times in success- ion you will fall heir to a fortune with- in a year. Tue Prince or PectoraL Remeptes. Dr. Wood's Norway Pine Syrup cures Conghs, Colds, Asthma, Hoarseness and Brouchitis without fail. Price 25c., all druggists. Satan-- Where are you from? New arrival--St. Louis. Satan-- You'll freeze to d2ath here. Wixter CoucH. Sore Throat, Asthma, Bronchitis, Croup, etc., are more quickly enred by Wood's Norway Pine Syrup than by any other means. Pick up all the ping one sees in the course of a day, else one will be cheat- ed or lose a bit of money before night- f A ComMissIONER Ix B, R.--Gentlemen --Having used Hagyard's Pectoral Balsam in our family for years I have no hesitation in ssying that it beats everything else we over tried for coughs and colds in children as well as wn up people. It relieves that tight binding sensation in the chest. We would not be without it for anything, as we have a large family. WILLIAM AND REW Commissioner ,in B. R. Balmoral, Man When the palm of your hand itches rub it with the rough edge of a piece of money and you will . soon receive money to rub that piece. 'A Forty-Y EAR OLD GRIEVANCE REMOVED" In Bath, Ont. Chase's Kidney Liver Pills are a standard remedy. Joseph Gardner, of this town, suffered for 40 years with -- "gesti d its ever present accompaniments. Rees atpatit ; K&L Pills are the only remedy that gave him relief. 25c. a box, of all druggists. One pill a dose. If you open a book upside down don't attempt to read anything in it or you will presently overhear something disagreeable of yourself. kidney troubles they have no equal, Price 25e. box. W. E. Brynixa, Davip Baxtee. Binning & Baxter, ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, VALU- ATORS, ETC. Members Ontario Association Architects. LISTOWEL AND STRATFORD. Specialists in Church and School Architectu: Sanitary Experta for Patents, ~~ 5 Per cent Money. Tam prepared to lend money at five cent. titer: on improved Farm Pro 'y> The ber- wer any arrange his loan that he can pay back & part of the Hrincipal each your, and on such payments of principal interest shall ie. very poor beats for over four er the Next door to Standard office, Listowet octors said it was Constipation. Not want: | -- - les of Burdock Blood 8 and took RUMENTAL MUSA them reguleniy: Mg ean f = am - a now in the vai it of health and feel v grateful toB. B, B. wr G BRANDES, ALFRED MErovx, GRADUATE OF AFELDT, SEMINARY, GERMANY, taken up his residence in Listowel, and re red to take pupils on the Piano, ( ani lin, either at their homes orat his own residence, Main Street next door to Mr. Lamont's residence. Also classes in German language. TERMS ON APPLICATION, --\IIISSES COWAN@7, DRESS-MAKERS LATEST STYLES PERFECT FIT UARANTEED. G Entrance--Siairway west of Carson & McKee's store. . 38e THE GREAT ' Family Medicine of the Age. Taken Internally, It Cures Diarrhea, Cramp, and Pain In-the Stomach, Sore Sudden Colde, --Balem Obdeerver. Wo can bear ee cor tts tong ellecta i the ere Pole angie elles to idle Chater ¢ Organ. 3 of ne i iss heared reputation ped yeag = : rows. ee Daya" Debi everywhere; large bottles, 5a. Buy only the genuine "PEERY