of 18 cents a ton given to wheat (grain) that is carried through to
Montreal and shipped therefrom to Europe. By the American railways
running from Ogdensburg and Oswego and other American ports the shippers
paid the full 20 cents a ton, while in effect those by the way of
Montreal pay only 2 cents. It was understood that the Canadian
commissioners, who were all three members of the cabinet, would see to
the withdrawal of this discrimination."

From the report of the recent conference by Mr. Foster it will be
seen that the Canadian commissioners declare that this statement does
not conform to their understanding, and that the only assurance they
had intended to give was that the complaint of the Government of the
United States should be taken into consideration by the Canadian
ministry on their return to Ottawa. Mr. Foster, who was present at the
first conference, confirms the statements of Mr. Blaine. While this
misunderstanding is unfortunate, the more serious phase of the situation
is that instead of rescinding the discriminating canal tolls of which
this Government complains the Canadian ministry, after the return of
the commissioners from their visit to Washington, on April 4, reissued,
without any communication with this Government, the order continuing
the discrimination, by which a rebate of 18 cents a ton is allowed upon
grain going to Montreal, but not to American ports, and refusing this
rebate even to grain going to Montreal if transshipped at an American
port.

The report of Mr. Partridge, the Solicitor of the Department of State,
which accompanies the letter of the Secretary of State, states these
discriminations very clearly. That these orders as to canal tolls and
rebates are in direct violation of Article XXVII of the treaty of
1871 seems to be clear. It is wholly evasive to say that there is no
discrimination between Canadian and American vessels; that the rebate
is allowed to both without favor upon grain carried through to Montreal
or transshipped at a Canadian port to Montreal. The treaty runs:

To secure to the citizens of the United States the use of the Welland,
St. Lawrence, and other canals in the Dominion on terms of equality
with the inhabitants of the Dominion.

It was intended to give to consumers in the United States, to our people
engaged in railroad transportation, and to those exporting from our
ports equal terms in passing their merchandise through these canals.
This abso