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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZurich Herald, 1917-12-14, Page 5:41 fi l• 4 • This,- .the most tremendous question in Canada's history, is to be answered within ten days. elT"eaalf.aliate ee, . • ''•••.• ••••:;',41' ,•••• " , • : • 4.,ZA,voy ' • • ,,M4MOLI%— V2711Vrf,'•••'• • ••,••:'.!'••••1.• /•••10-.6 vs.,412egfai: %.,Eproki • . ••2' axtbaidtrak..4%;8•4•A'" • . ur answer involves ett,nada,s honour, her freedom and her future. Old-time, party questioiis are being advanced to obscure the gravest issue ever placed before a nation. Canada is in real danger. The clouds that obscure her vision must be brushed aside so that the great issue stands forth clear and distinct ." Is Unite F'4 iese t ,..„ - le 11 Can 4. ... 0,..avatmsaa-vaa- •. • ••,!;i47'.'r'Fifi•Viak.4414,;•01. . .••••• t‘.••••...4.1.ro.A . ..;4_,;•:':•••,14`..MP.OW'''''''''....04.4:3;•;:•: • To -day, in our national crisis, Quebec alone among all the pin'avinces.sta.nds more united than ever before. She knows what she wants: (a) Withdrawal from the war. (2) Bilingual schools everywhere. (3) Weakening of the ties of British connection. (4) Political control of Canada. From the Ottawa River to Labrador and the Gulf, a Com- mon purpose actuates Quebec in her determinatiofl to profit by the factional divisions of Canada and to impose her will, upon all the people of Canada. Within the last few weeks, Quebec has -mobilized all her forces to dominate Canada under the unified leadership of Bourassa and Laurier. Canada knows that these two men in their earlier days were personal friends and political associates. Canada knows how in recent times they gradually drew apart—until in jou Bourassa opposed Laurier and helped to bring about his defeat, at the polls. Canada knows that from that time forward, until a few weeks ago, the breach between them steadily widened until envy and hatred, each toward the other became the possession of both. Bourassa and his followers were anathema to Laurier. Should not the people of Canada ask themselves, before it is too late, why these two men have suddenly agreed to bury the past, why this sudden embrace each of the other? If we will but let, the scales di -op from our eyes the answer is obvious. The all -compelling influences of Quebec have combined to force the union of Laurier and Bourassa in the common purpose of rrench Canadian *dome 'nation. We concede the right elf French Canadians to make com- mon cause of anything they think it is in their interests so to do. This is a free country. But as the French Canadians have already combined to assert their views, it is the duty of the hour that we English-speaking Canadians get together and present to Quebec' a united front in the defence; of our rights. This is imperative. With sixty solid seats Quebec is about to accomplish her designs. Bourassa, the real master and idol of Quebec, is in sight of his goal. • To attain her purpose, Quebec has not scrupled to ignore British traditions and to suppress freedom of speech. So thor- oughly organized is her campaign to preirent even the discussion of the war that 'Unionist candidates are prevented from holding • ? 99 public meetings throughout that Province. The Unionist minority .in Quebec are the victims of organized obstruction. To be successful in her determination to rule all Canada, Quebec has but to secure a few seats in rac.h of the other Provinces. Quebec leaders now seek to divide the rest of Canada into factions by insidiously bringing into political discussion old-time party ques- tions, to divert the public mind from Quebec, her -purpose and her ambitions. United in her determination to quit the war, Quebec would compel a divided Canada to do likewise. By -union only can the ,nglish-speaking people prevent this calamity. However well-meaning Laurier candidates in Ontario mayl be, they will be helpless against a united Quebec. Apart from the splendid work of the small English-speaking population, Quebec has failed the Red Cross, has failed the Patriotic Fund,. has failed in recruiting and has failed in the Vietory Loan. Dare we trust our. soldiers, their wives, their children, their pensions and their allowa.nees to Quebec, that will neither give; enlist nor invest, and which will resist taxation for the support of our men and their dependents? Canada must decide whether she will become a deserter and quit with Russia, or fight to the end for liberty with Belgium. This decision must not be dictated by the only Province which has shirked its obligations throughout the war. All Canada knows that Germany has been working through agents, spies and bribes in every country in the world. The latest evidences are the revelations recently made to. the world by Presi- dent Wilson. Do we Canadians think the Kaiser has overlooked Canada? If we do, what a fool's paradise! Germany benefits by division among her enemies. Upon. whom would she look in Canada as furthering her designs? Not Sir Robert Borden, Mr. Rowell and their colleagues iiitheUnion Governtnent. That is certain: But can the same be; said with respect to -the leaders in the Province of Quebec whose attitude in this war is against Canada's continuation in the war. We regret to be compelled to say these things, but we must not shut our eyes to facts. The Citizens' Union Committee, anxious for the maintenance of British ideals and traditionc, views with alarm the menace of French-Canadian domination with its inevitable influence upon the home, the school and the state, We, therefore, ,all upon all English -:speaking men and women to realize, that—Canada, divided by political factions and old-time party questions, is at the mercy of a united Quebec, Union Government alone can save Canada from the menace of French-Canadian domination. The Citizens' Union Committee A Non -Partisan War -Time Organization to Support Union Government J. W. LYON, Guelph, Chairman NORMAN SOMMERVILLE, Toronto, Vice -Chairman G. A WARBURTON Chairman Executive Committee ALBERT H. ABBOTT, Secretary Telephone, Main 5824 Headquarters: Canada Life Bldg., Toronto •