New-York tribune., 1905-04-02
SIR WILFRID LAURIER.
Some of the Characteristics OF
Canada'S Premier.

growth of Canada, her increasing trade rela-
tions with this country and the fact that she u
fast taking a place among the nations OF inc
world are in no small degree, many persons |
think, due to this statesman
OF his public life and his declarations on the /
floor Of the Canadian Parliament much has been
written but this brief sketch is more concern
ing his methods his manner and his appearance
than his politics 1t seems to be Sir Wilfrid's
habit to reveal himself at Quebec. There were
probably spoken the greatest two speeches he
has ever delivered outside of Parliament Ohe
was on political Liberalism" and the other was
a plea for moderation, for civil and rellglous
freedom for a good understanding between the
French and English races and for the subordl-
nation of sectional aims to the great WORK Vi
consolidation and unity
On the first of these occasions Canada's first
citizen said: 'I am of French origin descend
ant of that great nation which, as remarked by
a thinker, has provoked enthusiasm, admiration
hatred envy or pity but never indifference De-
cause ii has ever been great, even in its 1aultS.
acknowledge that 1 Of French origin put
If 1 recognize the fact also recognize the posi-
ton in which my race has been placed by the
battle which was fought on the Plains of Abra-
ham, and which is commemorated by monu-
ment reared by you to the memory Of two great
commanders who there lost their lives. There
are some among us who forget this state of
things who affect to believe that small French
republic mOnarchy-I hardly know what they
want-shouId be established on the banks of the
St Lawrence. I cannot accept this idea, because
those who use this language speak like slaves
who would break their bonds if they dared. but
who do not do SO because they are towards. !
For my part, believe myself to be free man. |
and this is why I in favor Of the present |
regime"
It is along lines such this that the Premier |
is ever striving to weld the different national-
ties together, and Of his characteristics is |
that he never loses opportunity Of showing !
that there is room enough in Canada for all the |
races all the creeds and all the religions. He is |
proud at all times to acknowledge he is a |
Frenchman. but above all that he is Cana |
dian.
The element Of humor is not predominant in |
Sir Wilfrid Laurier's speeches. but he has a |
keen wit and loves jest or good story Fond Of |
clean humor, gay badinage and jovial company, |
he can. however, counter readily upon inter- |
rupter and when occasion demands can be un- |
pityingly caustic. He once compared Sir Charles |
Tupper. leader of the Opposition for years, to |
''the old, blind King Of Bohemia on the battle |
field of Crecy, valiant but blind striking to right
and left and injuring only himself" Bantering
him on his reminiscent exaltation Of his own |
political services. he told how Sir John Mac
donald and Leader Tupper had sailed the ship |
OF state pretty successfully, adding: "Sir John |
was at the helm and supplied the brains, while |
Sir Charles supplied the wind; his blowing |
sWelled the sails"
The Anglican clergyman who at a meeting |
smiled as he hinted he could teach Sir Wilfrid |
Ga Roman Catholic the true way subsided when |
the Premier answered quietly: Perhaps; but |
not in politics"
Not long since, at Canadian city, opening UP |
a new skating rink, he stood on an improvised |
platform and said: cit has been built because |
those who put it up knew I do not like standing |
OF slippery ground"
Just previous to the general elections on No
vOmber last. when he was returned by a big |
majority, he was at a small town. campaigning |
BE told Of overhearing two schoolboys that day !
discussing him. One asked the other, ''Who is |
that man?' The other little chap answered: |
That's the man that owns Canada"
'FWell. don't own Canada" said the Premier |
discussing the incident. ''but hope that after |
November Canada will own me-"
1t is history now that his wish was fulfilled |
Sir Wilfrid has distinction Of manner and |
gracious dignity Of bearing which make him |
noticeable; face luminous, mobile and respon-
sive to all the emotions; head like sculptor's
model, once crowned with wealth of luxuriant |
locks, now thinning and falling back from a |
noble brow. He dresses with scrupulous care
and perfect taste, usually wearing a frock coat |
and large fie with hOrSaShoo min