Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1911-02-23
FORMALLY VOTES
THAT It IS LOYAL
Proposal Sprung in Canadian
Parliament by French Group
and Laul'ier Accepts.

Ottawa, Ont. Feb. o2-rhe Canadian
Parliament to-day formally declared poliu-
cal loyalty to Great Britain The dec
laration was made as an answer to allega-
tons that reciprocity with the United
States will result in annexation.
Neither the government nor the opposi-
ton intended 10 make this declaration
when the House opened at 800 p. m. They
were surprised when the proposal was
sprung upon them from the French ma
tionalist group, which has been freely
charged with disloyalty FOR its stand on
the naval issue.
Sir Wilfrid Laurer and r. l.. Borden
leader Of the opposition. had planned that
the reciprocity debate follow it's regular
course and tho premier had moved the
House Into committee for that purpose
when r. d. Monk, the chief French ma
tionalist. declared that In Canada, the
United States and Great Britain some
public men and n part OF the press had
stated that annexation was bound TO fol-
low reciprocity. He believed there was
no genuine annexation sentiment in Can
ada and that statement to that effect
should be formally made. Ho therefore
rroved an amendment declaring that with
a view to dispenng the feeling OF unrest
created in Canada by comments made In
the United States and Canada az to the
political consequences Of the agreement
the House wishes to affirm emphatically
It's determination to preserve intact the
bonds which unite Canada to the British
empire and the full liberty OF Canada to
control her fiscal policy and internal au-
tonomy.
NOT A DISSENTING VOTE.
Sir Wilfrid accepted the Monk amend
ment though In doing so he adopted
the most unusual course of accepting al
amendment TO a government motion from
an opponent OF the administration. The
amendment was adopted without dis
senting voice, but before the vote wa'
reached there was an expression OF
opinion from leading members OF the
House. Sir Wilfrid said In part;
This discussion in which are en-
gagged has given rise to a great deal o
comment on both sides Of the line. Mel
there are in the United States who hay,
interpreted this agreement as meanin.
ultimately the annexation OF Canada
| Men there are on this side Of the Lint
who lave taken the same position, hu
| am glad to say there is not one man OF
this side OF the House who has eve
| thought OF any such thing. 1t appear
| that men there are on the side OF tn
| House on which Mr.. Monk sits who's
views on this question are disturbed AM
| who believe that in the discussion o
| the question OF a better trade arrange
ment between us and our neighbors. tn
| Canadian people would be 80 wantini
| in self-respect that they might be drive
beyond an agreement wise In Itself, Il
| conclusions such as the honorable gentle
| man breads
NO ONE NEED AFFIRM 1T
If there are such men in this chamber
| repeat, they do not SIT on this SIDE o
the house But II It is necessary In or
der to strengthen the WaveItng faith ol
the honorable gentlemen opposite, ! ha,,
no objection to accepting the motion ant
to say that this discussion viii i'm II,
way effect or jeopardize the allcsiance
| Of this country 10 the motherlsnd. This