The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-23


 post election puzzle: How did it hap pen?' has fascinated all, Canada today Reciprocity is repudiated," states an evening paper in three inch type, beneath which, in cartoon head The archangel Chains the Destroyer" is a figure of "anti-reciprocity forces with the drawn sword of Loyalty enchanting the pros trate Reciprocity with a chain of votes. Yesterdays victory was not triumph of any political party" an editorial de- clareG. '1t was won by patriotic coali- tion of conservatives and liberals determ- ined that the dream of imperisnablc Canada should not be tiispelled."
 Another paper. displaying the severed heads of the eight defeated Laurier min isters insists that the time had come for change in government lest the con trolling party become, even against its will, entrenehed in graft.
 Many Reasons Assigned Fear of amexatson. disagreement with the government's naval and transporta- ton policies, and. anxiety lest the priIci- pie of Independent national development be abandoned were other assigned causes for the surprising change which gives .he Borden conservatives 4S in the new house of commons
 The Borden regime will be naugurated with even more completeness of power than is indicated by ;l,e mere statement ef a majority. Of the 132 conservative seats. but one is held by a nationalist. Henri Bourasse's lurid appeals to the young French vote oi Quebec failed to secure more than typically enthusiastic applause from the people who dearly love political campaigning The elected na- tionalst had no conservative opponent in his district.
 Taft Discussed
 The names of the victorious leader and the defeated one have not been more on the popular tongue today than has that of President Taft. What, if any, effect the result would have on his political career, or on that Of his party, was much discussed That his own often quoted words, to which were assigned meanings he has said were unintended, have been some of the most potent weapons against reciprocity, is generally conceded The parting of the ways, as synonymous with the severance of British ties, '' wrought much distraction to the Laurier forces.
 Canadian milling. and industrial stocks generally were strong today, with consid- erable price gains in several instances.
 The tables showing the vote by pro vinces afforded interesting study for the politicians today. It was noted that the conservative gains in the maritime prov inces were seven to the governments s three. In the grain growing and vest ern provinces the government increased its representation by but one, while the opposition secured four new seats The two most populous prolnces showed the most serious government disaffection. The opposition gained 23 to the govern ment's in Ontario and to in Quebec. Deferred elections in four districts ale expected 10 result in four conservative gains, experience showing that under such conditions a majority of the electorate prefer to have their representative seated on the side of the party in power.
 Borden Assumes Charge Soon
 The Borden party will soon take up the reins of government. That Sir NVilfrid Laurier will allow no tech nicalites to delay the opening of the twelfth parliament is. certain. ia Today he went to ottawa from quebec where last night he received the story of his defeat. It is expected he will retra at the earliest moment consistent With the proper arrangements Of the large affairs which have so long been under his control. That his striking figure and strong personality will be missed in - Jlic affairs is certain. slt is said that he has no definite plans for the immediate future. several papers which most bitterly attackeds the reciprocity y proposition have commented gracousl, upon Sir Wlfrid a., man and as q large Canadian asset in what he has been in the councils ofsthe colonies
 The lberal organs describe the pre- mier's defeat as little short of u na tionul calamity. of Sin Wilfrid per- sonally the Montreal Herald tonighl says.
 ,Even in defeat Sir Wilfrld Laurlel n1akes-a splendid figure. tlis premier shin win be forever associated in the minds of Canadians with Canada's gold en age; he leave es office With his lreal reputation untainishca. He could noI have lest power in circumstances more honorable"
 Under the heading The ending of Lau- rier., the Montreal Gazette says today .'As the result of yesterdays votns upon the issue which he ieconnendee , md pressed upon the country Sir Wilfril Iauricr has lust one thing tdi do. IIc must 20 to the governor general, otfei his resignation as prime minister and ad wise that MT. Borden be sen, to form tho ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~>~~~~~~ .S-.p I |