The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-03-29
TALK At OTTAWA Of
BOBDEN RES|GN|NG
Story That Opposition Leader
Will Retire Emanates
From Montreal

WILL AxAV4AO4 VC8
Ottawa, March 29.-The story
from Montreal and print
ed in the Toronto Telegram today, to
the effect that R. L. Borden intends
to resign the leadership of the Con-
sentative party in the near future has
caused considerable furry in Con-
sentative circles here. 1t is signifi-
cant that in a certain wing of the par
ty the story was accepted as being
quite probable, and development
that would not be hailed as a
catastrophe. 1t is an open secret that
there is no enthusiasm for Mr.. Bor-
denis leadership in Quebec, particu-
larly among the moneyed interests of
Montreal, which have never taken
kindly to his Halifax platform of
three years ago. In the west there is
also a clamor for a new leader, pre-
ferably Premier Mcbride, with Pre-
mier Robin as second choice. The
anti-reciprocity stand of the opposi-
ton leader has been very distasteful
to his western followers, and, pri-
vately, they do not hesitate to de-
clare that it has practically meant
political suicide for them. On the
other hand. the Ontario and Maritime
province Conservatives are loyal to
Mr.. Borden, even though they admit
his limitations as a successful poll
tician. They see no better man in
sight, and are opposed to any change
of leaders. They believe in his in
tegrity and his public capacity, and
they are warmly devoted to. him on
personal grounds, believing that his
failure to lead his party to victory
and his political past have been the
result of circumstances for which he
was not personally responsible.
In the corridors last night these
aspects of the situation were rather
freely talked over, while some state
ment from Mr.. Borden was being
awaited as to the ruth of the rumor
that he would resign. 1t is significant
that no details were forthcoming for
several hours. Then the word was
passed around that the rumor eman-
ated from political enemies of the
Conservative leader in Montreal, who
have for years made no secret Of
their desire to get rid Of Mr.. Borden
and to supplant him by Premier Nc
Bride, if the latter could be induced
to accept the position.
Rod0lphe Forget an Insurgent.
1t is an open secret that Rodolphe
Forget, the Montreal millionaire, has
offered several times to finance "a
deal" of this kind. William Price,
NJ. P. for Quebec West, is also said
to be another leader in the movement
for deposition. Their opposition to
his leadership Is we'll known to Mr.
Borden, who is also aware of other
elements in the party who are not
friendly to him. If it were left to
his own personal inclination it is be-
lieved that Mr.. Borden would gladly
step out from position which has
too many distasteful features for
him. Moreover. the political horizon
does not at present show any signs
of clearing. and in consequence of
the reciprocity agreement which the
government has secured 1t is gener-
allv admitted that another defeat is
looming up under Mr.. Borden's lead
ership at the next general election.
In view Of all the circumstances, the
lack of united party support, and
the generally discouraging outlook, it.
would not be surprising If MIR. Bor-
den decided to bring things to head
and tender his resignation as leader
Of the party, thus compelling the con-
spirators to openly show their hand
and giving the party an opportunity
either to select now leader or else
to voice again their endorsation of
his leadership, and by demanding his
continuance in the post, give a
definite answer to the factions now
anxious for change.
His friends among the party who
represent large majority of the OPP
position members are urging him to
retain the leadership and fight the
recalcitraats. They believe that the
men who are most anxious for a
change do not represent the best ele-
ments of the party, and that any
change now would result in bicker-
ings and in the loss of such party
prestige as Mr.. Borded has been able
to gain throughout the country in
the past decade.
McBride's Position.
Moreover, it is very doubtful II
Premier Mcbride would consent to
give up mis- present secure position at
THIS juncture to lead the Dominion
opposition. Mr.. Borden is keeping
his own counsel for the present while
listening to the advice of his friends.
Indications today point to the offer
ing Of his resignation to party
caucus in the near future. What will
happen then is predetermined. Prob
ably the majority Of the party will
ask Mr.. Borden to retain the leader
ship, and If he gets sufficient as
surance Of loyalty and cordial sup
port the chances are that he will bow
to the demand and continue as lead
er