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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance, 1917-12-06, Page 91 ISMS LOYAL LIBERALSFROM COAST TO COAST JOIN UNION HON. HUGH GUTHRIE,, Solicitor -General, HON, A. L. SIFTON, HON. J. A. CALDER, Minister of Customs. Immigration and Coloniza- tion, HON. FRANK CARVELi, HON. A. K. MaoLEAN, Minister of Public Works. Without Portfolio. HON 0, C, aALLANTXNE. NON. S. C. Ml"WHURN, ,Minister of Marino and Fisheries and Naval Minister of Militia. Service' HON, T. A, QRRRAR, Minister of Aariouiture. )1ON, N. W. RQWRLL, President of the Privy Council, CANADA'S 1JY AHD THE WAR Shall Canadian Army be Supported or Deserted? Sir Robert Borden's Stirring Patriotic Speech Delivered to His Former Constituents in Halifax—Carry on or Quit In the face of the autocratic military aggression which now l State to dominate the world no Nation can endure unless its peo- e . are prepared to fight in its defence. Under the Military Act the highest duty of citizenship is demanded of the people. I am entirely confident that they will not shrink from that duty. It is said that this law ought not to be put into operation without a "referendum," Such is the policy put for- Ward in opposition to that of the Government. I consider it my tdaperative duty to put the Act into force IMMEDIATELY. That course is being pursued and it will be unhesitatingly con- ed. * * * * * * 1' WHAT IS THE SITUATION? The need for reinforce - bunts Ie INSISTENT, COMPELLING, IMPERATIVE. Do WE fully appreciate the meaning and effect of what is taking place in Russia and in Italy? , There never was greater, necessity to summonour sternest resolve and to . gird on our . fullest strength. In the British Islands and especially in France they are much in advance of us in the organization and utilization of the Nation's human el}ergy .e THE TERR.IBI,;F NEED for rein- forcements can be met •• Bit„even,_wiith THE, BEST SPEED that can be made we shall barely be in time. YET, it is seriously proposed that with Canadian divisions DEPLETED at the front —and remember that a division when thus depleted ceases to be an effective fighting unit until reinforced --it is proposed that, with divisions depleted at the front, we are to WAIT until Par- liament is summoned, until a Bill for a "referendum" is passed and until the referendum shall have been held and the verdict of people pronounced! * • How many men could be brought into military service by. r'eQrnen f a referendum within ONE YEAR from today? Par - , bnstands adjourned to the 28th of February because the returns will not be available until the 27th of February. yifiably the session could not begin before the middle of March. jzhe passage of the necessary legislation for a referendum might take and doubtless would take at least two months, To hold the referendum election and obtain the verdict of the people would require two or three additional, months. _see: IN THE MEANTIME'''the'Military Service Act would be suspended. THE SPIRIT OF OUR MEN •WOULD. BE BROKEN as their ranks become more and more depleted. THEY ASK for reinforcements and YOU GIVE them a "refer- endum!" All military activity would be at an end and perhaps the war itself would have come to a conclusion with results DISASTROUS to our country. This is a war in which the last hundred thousand men may mean VICTORY, the lack of them DEFEAT. Make no mistake about it! The proposal for a re- ferendum has but ONE meaning. It nieans- that the Canadian forces at the front shall" be LEFT 'TO THEIR PATE, without support and without reinforcements. Whether that be the PUR- POSE is immaterial; that beyond question will be the RESULT. It would be hailed with great joy and not a little mirth by the German Higher Command. Can we doubt that if any effort on their `dart can bring about such a consummation, it will not be spared: • * * * * OUT OF THE MOMENTOUS .EVENTS OF THE YEAR NOW DRAWING TO A CLOSE HAS ARISEN THE UNION GOVERNMENT, WHICH. APPEALS TO THE ELECTORATE TO UPHOLD ITS HANDS IN THIS TERRIBLE STRUGGLE. Upon all the incidents which lead to the, formation of that government I need not dwell, Its members have come together from both political parties in a very earnest spirit and with an in- tense desire to perform`their duty to the country in the hour of its most urgent need. The enforcement of military service ought not to be carried on by a party government, if that course can possibly be avoided. When the war reached so critical a period it became snore important that a government should be formed thoroughly representative of every element in the population pre- pared to SUPPORT Canada's utmost effort. I have never devi- ated from that purpose since* formed it in May last. In this or in any other country an alliance of -parties in a Union or National government is hardly possible until it becomes practically inevitable, Even ,in this great emergency the task has been a most difficult one, involving wearisome and protracted negotiation, resulting at times in serious discouragement, and re- quiring an almost INFINITE PATIENCE. It was my desire, and IT STILL IS MY FIRM INTENTION, THAT BOTH POLITICAL PARTIES SHALL HAVE EQUAL REPRE- SENTATION IN THE GOVERNMENT, outside of the office of Prime Minister. ' My effort for that purpose has not been spared, and during the past three weeks I have approached succes- sively three Canadians of French: origin and of Liberal affiliation, with the request that one of them should enter the Government. I do not reproach them because my effort was unsuccessful; but X do most sincerely regret their decision. For its consequences THEY are responsible, not L * * . * * * SO EARNESTLY DID I DESIRE the formation of an Ad- ministration with the broadest possible basis of representation, THAT I SHOULD WILLINGLY AND EVEN GLADLY HAVE STOOD ASIDE IF IT HAD PROVIJD NECESSARY TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF THAT PURPOSE. There may be those in the party with which I have been associ- ated who would regard this as a reproach to ine. I should con- sider myself unworthy of its best traditions if I had been animated by any other ideal or any other thought. IN THE AWFUL DAY, 'WHY SHOULD THE POLITICAL FUTURE Or ANY INDIVIDUAL OR THE POLITICAL FORTUNES OF ANY PARTY STAND FOR ONE MOMENT ACROSS THE PATH Or A GREATNATIONAL PURPOSE, * * *' * * * r 'at tuir effort to form the present Government I have been sissy d, soinetimes with vrsiietrre~n.te, 11 earnest men within the SIR. WILFRID LAURIER AND THE C.N.R. Sir Wilfrid Laurier has attacked the proposal respecting the Canadian Northern Railway, and I shall deal very briefly with his objection. In the first place, he is primarily responsible for the policy, and for the coxa ditions which°made action inevitable if that railway and the Grand Trunk Pacific are to be maintained as important systems of transportation, and not allowed to lapse into the disorganization which would be created by their bankruptcy. He announced with a flourish of trumpets in 1904 the. Grand Trunk Pacific policy and later he 'placed the Canadian Northern upon the same basis as a national undertaking. The Government formed in 1911 in- herited the conditions created by that policy. We had to deal with the situation as best we could. When we proposed the loan to the Canadian Northern in 1914, Sir Wilfrid Laurier moved a resolution declaring that the Government ought toacquire all the stock of the Canadian Northern Railway by arbitration, and that a maximum value of thirty million dollars should be fixed. In 1914, the Govermaent, as then constituted, acquired forty millions of C.N.R. stock without any payment whatever, and we now propose to acquire the balance by arbitration. That is precisely the method Sir Wilfrid Laurier himself suggested. It does not he in his mouth to say that the course which he solemnly proposed only three years ago by resolution in parliament is an unwise course. There is, however, one marked distinction which the people should tho- roughly realize between his proposal and cure. He fixed the maximum price to be paid for the stock at THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS. We fixed the maximum price at TEN MILLIONS DOLLARS or just one-third of the amount which he thought reasonable. In at- tacking or condemning the Government, he still more strongly attacks and condemns himself.• party which made me its leader more than sixteen years ago. I have been told that a Conservative victory was certain, and that. I was surrendering the fortunes of an historic party to my desire for the accomplishment of an impossible purpose. I did not pause to consider the prospects of a "party" victory. ITS AB- SOLUTE CERTAINTY WOULD NOT., HAVE Air,TRRED THE; HIGHER PURPOSE WHICH I, t.AD ATS,HEART, to: give representation in the Government to. air -elements 'of our population that strove to maintain the National endeavor in this war. * * * * * * Those of my colleagues who have recently joined the Gov- ernment have played a worthy part. I know that they have yielded only to a sense of supreme duty. Doubtless they feel keenly the breaking of old ties and the dissolution of long stand- ingand- valued associations. All this means . much °.to any man,wish a -long public"service behind him; but THEY HAVE THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF A GREAT DUTY NOBLY FUL- FILLED AND THE KNOWLEDGE THAT A HIGHER AND MORE NOTABLE• SERVICE TO THE COUNTRY LIES BEFORE. THEM. That they could not withhold themselves when Canada called them is their highest and complete justifica- tion. And remember that there are able men in the Liberal- Cortservative party with long public service behind them, and with very legitimate aspiration for promotion, who without hesi- tation, have stood aside in order that Union might be consum- mated. * * * * * I appeal to you all of whatever party, and especially to those of the party with which I have been associated, to PONDER WELL upon these events, and to put tside every old antagonism and. controversy; to unite in earnest, vigoroud effort; to stand FOR THE COUNTRY and not for partizanship. PARTY ANTAGONISM, when not based on principle, is a sorry spec- tacle at any thine. IN THESE AWFUL DAYS IT IS LITTLE LESS THAN A CRIME. We have a great task before us. The eyes of the world are upon Canada in this crisis. Let us remem- ber the words of the Apostle: * • * * * * * "Wherefor seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." What weight are we to lay aside in this race? The weight of party antagoriisan. What is the sin that doth so easily beset us? The discord and suspicion so likely to arise from such an- tagonism. And how shall we understand the patience upon which the Apostle dwells? The primary meaning of the word is the quality of suffering or enduring. And so we may read from the Apostles' words the lesson that until there shall come to us, Victory crowned with abiding peace, we shall suffer—but we MUST endure. * * * * * The policies of the Government have been set forth in two messages already addressed to the Canadian people. To night it is not in my heart to dwell upon thein, for THE MESSAGE WHICH I MUST GIVE YOU IS THE OVER -MASTERING NECESSITY ..OF SUSTAINING THE MEN WHO HOLD CANADA'S FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE on the western. front. .They have gone forth voluntarily in the flower of their youth, to undertake this duty which daily calls them to bivouac with death. THE SOUL OF FRANCE AND BELGIUM IS HALLOWED BY THE GRAVES OF OUR DEAD. If the task to which these consecrated their lives in the last sacrifice remains unaccoin- plished, shall we not stand silent, ashamed and humiliated before those who return? Not front the living alone, but from the fallen also, comes to Canada, their beloved and benign mother, the call for aid. 'Their appeal, whether from the quick Qr''the dead, tells you more ,elo- quently than any words of mine,' that there is presently but ONE issue, ONE SUPREME ISSUE, before the Canadian people. Shall the Canadian Army Corps at the front be SUPPORTED OR DESERTED? Such is the. issue. I speak with all the earn- estness of the most intense conviction --I speak as one upon whom very heavy and trying responsibilities have been imposed during the past three years, responsibilities that would gladly have been laid aside except for the silent appeal from the trenches, THE RESPONSIEILITY is now YOURS.- .It rests upon EACH of YOU, men and women, I pray that it may be so fulfilled as to bustify the sacrifice bravely and voluntarily endured on many a attle -field in France and Belgiuun by those whom Canada has sent forth in this awful struggle against the most relentless brutal and powerful militarism that ever threatened to bring the world within the orbit of its accursed tyranny," Will the Women Desert 'Their Men Folk? As the soldiers at the front have chosen to act icor all Canada in a post of supreme honor and respon- sibility. so their women relatives at home have been chosen to act for all ,the women of Canada in an act ,of ea preme honor and responsibility. They ares .the first Canadian women to be'askect to exercise the franchise in a Federal election. As their sons, brothers and husbands at the front bear the burden of proving the valor and steadfastness of Canadian men, so they must bear the burden of proving the capacity and intelligent patriotism of Canadian women. The worthiness of our women to enjoy the franchise will be largely judged by the manner in which this clbsen group of women use it. If they employ it to further the best Interests of the nation, to loyally support their men -folk under fire and to help on the winning of the war, then the general belief will be that women as a whole can be safely trusted 'with the ballot, even at the most tremendous crisis that cab af- fect a nation's destiny. But if these pioneers should fall—if they should not show a proper appreciation of the awful issues at stake -.- if they should be deluded by some weird wizardry into deserting their men in the trenches, then the cause of women suffrage would be put back a black halff-century. Bnt it is impossible, to believe that this can happen. These women, to whom is entrusted at this critical time. the sacred chalice of the woman'scause, are close and be- loved relatives of the inen who have stepped forward gladly and without compulsion to serve the kindred causes of liberty, democracy and free government, under conditions *here pain Is a commonplace and death but an accident. The beloved of such men cannot falter in the face of duty. They Cannot shame the heroes whose names they bear— whose honor they hold In trust. Surely•the cause Of woman Could hot be laid upon better shoulders nor left to braver hearth. This is especially • true when the test that is to be 'applied to their proper exercise of the franchise, will be the simple and appealing one - "Will they vote to send help and succour"to their own, menfolk at the front?" surely the woman will be hard to find who will desert her husband, fattier or brother, who is risking hie life to ensure her safety, While he is In the very act of facing a deadly enemy whose brutalities to women cry to heaven, his women are called upon to vote upon whether or not reinforcements are to be sant to sup, part and relieve him, There cannot be a moment's doubt as to how they will vote. Strangers might be in- different to his sufferings, his dan- gers or his fate, but assurdely not his very own. Yf his loved ones in his own home—a home he has probes ably` Made and is now defending -- cannot be trtisted to do all they can to send assistanee and succour hitt from deadly danger, who else will db it? If there Is a sure Vote in Canada at the coming elecetions for the genu ing of imrcdiate and adequate re- infercenlents to the ekposed, haras- sed and imperilled men ort the fir. ing limo, 'it must infellibly be that et their wives, ntothera, sisters and daughters, who every day, sorrow tor their absence and long for their safe returns. LOYAL LIBERALS ARE FOR UNION Strong Men Repudiate Laurier's Stand Most of . His Ablest Supporters Forced by Patriotic Conviction to Join Union Government to Win the War The nine Liberals who have joined Sir Robert Borden in the Union Government are all from the most representative and progressive wing of the. Liberal party in Canada. They are, in fact, the strong men of the party, both in Eastern and Western Canada, and their spontaneous coal forward to help gh'e the nation united leadership, when announced by Sir Robert Borden in October of this year, came .as an inspiration to the Cana- dian public. Of those who are not actual members of the Union Gove:ument, it may be said that every, provincial Premier in Canada Is Ain enthusiastic supporter of the new administration. Indeed, Premier G. H. Murray of Nova Scotia, , where politics is taker very seriously, would be a member of the Government but for the desire of his Nova Scotia. colleagues to have him at home. The strong Liberals in the Union Government include: Hon. T. A. Crerar, Minister of Agriculture. When called upon by Sir Robert Borden, he was President of the Grain Growers' Grain Company and a recognized power in the development of Western Canada Mr. Crerar has no mere provincial vision but stands for Canadian progress, East and o West. Hon. F. 13. Carvell, Minister of Public Works, made his great reputation as a fearless and' exacting Parliamentary critic, " Hon. C. C. Ballantyne,. Minister of Mariner end Fisheries, is an. acquisition from the noted business leaders. of the Metropolis of Canada, Montreal: • Mr. Ballantyne rendered national services as a member of the Montreal Harbor Commission for a number of years. He possesses unique technical knowledge of inestimable valve in his department and will be a. progressive minister. Hon. N. W. Rowell, K.C., bee been for several years Ieader of the Liberal party in Ontario, during which time he has been in demand as a speaker in all parts of Canada and the United States. • A man of broad vision and a progressives' in every sense: of the word,' Mr: Rowell will be a power in the national life. I on. Hugh Guthrie, Solicitor -General, represents in Parliament the constituency which his father, also a Liberal, Donald Guthrie, formerly represented. Mr. Guthrie is a man of splendid training aid has been for years one of the most respected and admired figures at Ottawa. He it is who began the Canadian movement for technical education and industrial training of the young in city and country. Hon. A. L Sifton, Minister of Custorus, resigned as Liberal Premier of Alberta to come to' Ottawa. - Since 1910; he had occupied that honorable office with strength amongst the people increasing year by year. He is a genuine Westerner, having grown up with the developments from the early days, when he was active in the administration of4e North- west Territories. General S. C. Mewburn, Minister of Militia, has had a long military career, having joined the army at an early age as a private soldier. He has seen active services, and, since war began, has served with distinction in the militia organization, helping to train Canadiap.. soldiers. Hon. J. A. Calder, Minister of Immigration'• and Colonization, was formerly Minister of Railways in the Government of Saskatchewan. He began adult life as a school teacher; but soon became a prominent figure in Western politics and is today a recognized power. Hon, A. K. Maclean, Minister without Portfolio, is the noted financial critic of the Liberal party who, at the last election, was an opponent of Premier Borden at Halifax, running ahead of the Premier's Conservative colleague in the Halifax contest. Mr. Maclean has the confidence of people of. Nova Scotia, having won success in both provincial and federal politics in the East. The Liberal leaders who have joined the Union Government have made a great sacrifice. They must brave the anger of their partisan followers until they have proved the sincerity of their attitude so com- pletely that even partisans can understand. Even so, they must give up ifelong friendships and allegiances, parting with a leader whose ability to win the hearts of his followers is undeniable. It is plain, therefore, that only the strongest conviction that Sir Robert Borden's policy is right and the Laurier policy wrong moved them to act as they have done. The same compelling facts that inspired similar appeal to every patriotic citizen. 1 their patriotic action make THE NATIONALISTS AND THE UNION Statement of Prime Minister Repudiating Connection or Collusion With Bourassa Party • (Froin Hansard, August 16..) Right Hon. Sir Robert Borden: Mr. Speaker, My attention has been drawn to the statement that the Nation- alist party of the province of Quebec is about to put candi- dates in the field on its own behalf against Liberal and Conservative candidates, and I am told the suggestion is being made that there is some collusion between the Nation- alist party of the province of Quebec and my Government or the friends of my Government in regard to this campaign of the Nationalist party. The suggestion is also made that because the friends of the present Government and the Nationalist party both opposed Sir Wilfrid Laurier in the election of hall that there is novo some connection or collie sion and that my supporters and friends are in fact encour- aging the Nationalist party of Quebec in the course which they are adopting. I desire to make a most emphatic, .unreserved, and com- prehensive denial of this statement. There is not and never will be any connection or collusion whatever between my friends and supporters and those of the Nationalist party of Quebec. I regard the attitude of the Nationalist party of Quebec in this war as unpatriotic, and I consider that it is the first duty of myself and my friends to assist in defeating that party and to prevent it, so far as we are able, from being in a position to exercise any political power in Canada. i(