"'That the convention do respectfully request the President of the
United States to enter into negociations with the Government of Great
Britain, having in view the execution of a treaty between the two
countries, for reciprocity and commercial intercourse between the
United States and the several Provinces of British North America,
including British Columbia, the Selkirk Settlement, and Vancouver's
Island, upon principles which should be just and equitable to all
parties, and which also shall include the free navigation of the St.
Lawrence and other rivers of British North America, with such
improvements of the rivers, and enlargement of the canals, as shall
render them adequate for the requirements of the west communicating
with the ocean.'
"At the time of passing this resolution a 'Revenue Commission' was
sitting, and its members recommended the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.
McCulloch, to have a special report upon the treaty and its renewal.
The task was, thereupon, committed to Mr. E. H. Derby, of Boston. The
Commission also includes this subject in their report. Their report
(dated January, 1866,) says: -
"'In accordance with the resolutions of Congress and the notification
of the Executive, the commercial arrangement known as the "Reciprocity
Treaty," under which the trade and commerce between the United States
and the British Provinces of North America have been carried on since
1854, expires on the 17th day of March, 1866.
