The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-09-02
Canadian CAMPAIGN
Springfield Republican

VIII less tnan a month remaining
before the elections in Canada-the
polling is fixed for Sept 21-the result
is more than ever shrouded in un-
certainty. But, while no forecast can
be offered, it must be confessed that
the defeat of the Laurier government
as it seemed when the Ottawa parlia-
ment was dissolved. The blow would
be felt by Premier Laurier himself, in
asmuch as the failure of the trade
agreement with Canada would rob
him of what has seemed to be the
main achievement Of his administra-
ton. This fact may be referred to in
this connection as a reminder of the
political consequences in the United
States that would come from the over.
throw of the Canadian liberals, al
though there is no basis for a hopeless
view of the outlook. The circum-
stances which seem to link the po-
litical fortunes of the American presi-
dent and the Canadian premier in this
crisis serve at least to increase public
interest in the Canadian situation.
Reciprocity, it is perfectly clear, was
made an issue in Canada ten years
later than it should have been, if it's
easy triumph in that country was to
be assured. Had a trade agreement
been negotiated Immediately after
President McKinley's celebrated
speech at the Buffalo exposition. in
1901, when he impressively warned his
countrymen that the time had already
come for change in our fiscal policy,
the opposition in the dominion would
have been negligible. The old recipro-
city sentiment, which Sir John Mac
donald, the leader of the conservative
party, had encouraged quite as much
as had the liberal leaders, was still
very powerful, and Canadian manufac-
have now. The new western
development of the country had hardly
begun and there was less hope than
there is today among the people OF
the eastern provinces that Canada
could grow into a strong, populous
nation without the trade advantages
to which her continental position nat
Idllt cut1l1cu uCu l1OW luC SoAdOloA
government was reDuffed when it
made advances, because of the stupid
arrogance of the high protectionists
who controlled our government and
congress, may be recalled not with
out some bitterness by those who be.
lieve in closer trade relations with
our Canadian neighbor.
Now that the struggle in Canada is
finally precipitated, after a decade of
fatuous delay by the American gov
eminent, it is easy to see the Difficult
ties which the 10 years have raised
upon the other side of the boundary.
The vested interests in manufacture
ing, railroading and banking, which
dread the American competition as
sumed to accompany more intimate
commercial relations have grown
much stronger; and the increased pop.
ular pride in the developing Canadian
nationality renders the people more
susceptible to alarms over the annex
alton specter which fanatical British
imperialists and the opposition of all
sorts seek TO cOnJure up at this par
ticular time. But of equal is not
greater consequence must be rated
the long tenure of the Laurier govern.
ment.
A decade ago the premier was still
in the early flush Of his popularity:
Quebec was absolutely solid in support
of the first French Catholic prime
minister; in other provinces he had
not had time to make the enemies and
inspire the antagonisms which long
continuance in office invariably brings
to the surface. Today, having ruled
Canada for Is years without a break
Sir Wilfrid confronts an opposition
that embraces not only the traditional
opponents of his party but elements