The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-17
Canada's New Railway Project.

Canada's New Railway Project.
In a review of Canada's proposal for
a new transcontinental railway line. in
our number of July 7, we said that in the
event of Ministerial approval OF the
measure a warm contest might be ex-
pected. The opening guns OF the cam
paign appear to justify that prediction.
The Ministry at Ottawa approved the
bill after hard and protracted struggle,
and the Minister Of Railways and Canals.
the Hon. A. G. BLAIR, has offered his
resignation.
For the information of those who are
unfamiliar with Canadian parliamentary
processes it may be said that the approval
of measure by the Dominion Ministry
is the equivalent Of the presentation OF
bill by Senate or House committee
in our own Congress, the main difference
being in the fact that the Ministerial bill
is of greater force than the committee
bill, inasmuch as it becomes an Admins
tration measure which all members of
the Administration party are presuma-
bly, bound to support. The failure Of
such support may lead to resignation
of the Ministry as body, and may even
result in a general election. The latter
event is tantamount to referendum, as
it is supposed to result in deela ration,
by their votes, OF the will Of the people
upon any measure OF importance. The
resignation of single Minister because of
difference with his colleagues is signifi-
cant rather than vital.
Mr.. BLAIR's resignation is due to a
complication OF incidents, but it was
undoubtedly impelled and preciptated
by the Governments attitude toward the
Grand Trunk Pacific project, of which ne
was but lukewarm supporter. While
the matter is determinabe only by a
plebiscite, there is much which indicates
a popular disapproval Of the proposal
to construct a Government line from
Moncton to Winnipeg. The objection
to an assumption by the Government OF
three-quarters Of the cost of construct
ing the Winnipeg Pacific end OF the line
is less marked, although there are many
who believe even that should be left to
private enterprise.
1t seems probable that the measure will
be indorsed in the Canadian Parliament.
II has what may be called very strong
pull. It will serve considerable range
of financial and political interests, and
while 1t will bring an additional burden
upon the Canadian exohequer, the coun-
try is quite we'll able to stand it. The
approximate figures, recently issued, OF
revenue and expenditure for the fiscal
YEAR 1903 indicate very handsome sur
plus for the Government, The pro-
jected line is not likely to strain the
resources of the country i'll any way
but the sober judgment OF part OF the
Canadian people is disposed to condemn
it as unsound business, although it may
be excellent politics.
Z The Premier has fought the measure
into Ministerial Endorsement in the face
of the expected opposition of the Con-
ssrvatives and the disapproval of not a
few influential papers and members OF
his own party. His Minister of Railways
and Canals has rendered his resignation.
1t is generally felt by close observers that
the party will be brought into line in
Parliament and the measure be carried
through. But a contest is on, and its
developments will be watched with
national interest from Halifax to Van
couver, and with friendly interest here
In the United States.