The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-26
CANADIAN LIBERALS
SPLIT ON DEFENCE
First National Convention
Since 1893 Finds Party In
clining 20 Radicals.
ASK FREE TRADE WITHU.S.

OTTAWA, Dec. 25.-That the Canadian
Liberal party has not abandoned It's life
long policy OF reciprocity In trade with
the United States was strongly mani
tested at the national conference of the
party's leaders held hero this week. The
conference. called by Sir wilfrid Laurier
to define the principles of Liberalism In
the light Of now issues and problems re-
sulting from the war, affirmed It's strong
adherence to free trade with the United
States. as well az a general downward
revision Of the tariff.
After the crushing defeat Of the
Laurier government on the reciprocity
issue of 1871. many Liberals, particu-
larly those representing the Industrial
centres OF eastern Canada, openly dis
avowed the policy. and there were indi-
cations that II would lease to be n
plank in the purity platform. But follow
Ing the leadership of a few radicals
from the west. the most prominent Of
whom 10 DR.. Michael Clark. An English
radical of the Manchester school, and a
prominent adherent OF John Morley In
Gladstone days, the great bulk OF the
party yearns for 'reerstrade with Amer
i'uiho @stu VSIS ooHV w hb8HV thhSii INV
ence felt by getting the party conference
on record as still favoring reciprocity.
Last Convention 1903.
The conference held here this week
was the first that the Liberals had called
since 1888. In that year Sir Wiifrid
summoned a council In this city. when
the platform which byOught the Liberals
into office three years later was 0rawn
49, la - rA-A
platform was In line with traditional
Liberal policy. Ever since confederation
In 1867. when the party WAS under the
leadership Of George Brown. Canadian
Liberalism has stood for lower tariffs
and the advancement of Canadian
autonomy. The Conservatives have been
the traditional ~exponents of protection
and a tightening Of the imperial bonds.
The Liberal platform Of 1898 called
for reform OF the Senate. free trade as
they have II in England" n u red~c-
ton Of taxation and expenditures. Most
OF the planks were thrown overheard
when the party zane into power. Dur
ing the fifteen years that Sir Wiltrid
held office the Nenatc Mas not reformed.
the tariff actually was Increased, ex-
penditures went up by leaps and bounds,
the national debt increased enormously.
and taxation was increased from IS per
capita in 1896 ~ SIS per capita in 1871.
In brief. II was charged that the party
had betrayed Liberalism. and 1t was
largely through resentment felt by Lib
erals themselves that the policy OF reci-
procity was so overwhelmingly rejected
four years ago.
Radical Power Enhances.
The radical wing OF the Liberals has
.-ss 49, L. a- .~.s. L.
the controlling factor. Free trade. with
more direct taxation. is among its lead
ing principles. Sir Wilfrid. however, Is
Inclined To frown upon rad!calism- He
has been throughout his whole political
career the most moderate and conserva-
tive of leaders. A Liberal in name he
has been a Wing In practice. Processing
10 be a free trader. he maintained and
actually increased the tariff while in
office. lie has ever been and still is an
avowed enemy OF Government owner
ship. As a result IL ~ known that there
Is "a movement, within the party to have
the veteran leader succeeded by a
younger man. Sir Wilfrid himself is
believed anxious 10 retire from public
life. The subject was discussed AT q
secret conference of party leaders to-day.
but no official statement could be OBJ
tanned. Those in a position to know
y 81 ~ 80 hAfN ~ a<i'NA ~"
will fight the next election under a new
leader.
The conference had before Il other
problems Of the most vital national
character. Including defence. finance.
transportation and trade. Up TO the
present Canada has been a borrowing
nation and the national finances were
shaped upon that basis. The war, how
ever. has resulted in a closing down OF
Canadian credit IN Britain and "A COM
plete revision has become necessary. To
meet this situation the Liberal conven-
ton named "A committee OF ffty TO study
the problem and present its findings
when Parliament meets.
II has been decided 10 give the Gov
every support in the conduct OF
the war. but TO demand u strict ac-
counting of expenditures and a thorough
investigation into charges OF favoritism
and graft.
Want Home Navy.
Tho party has determined 20 stand BY
its policy of a Canadian navy. built in
Canada and manned by Canadians. II
was the strong adherence OF the Liberals
to this policy which defeated the Borden
proposal to contribute three dread
noughts 10 the Imperial Government in
1912.
Freedom OF trade. including reciproc-
It's with the United States in natural
products. a reduction of the tariff SO far
as is consistent with the safety of ma
tional Industries and more direct taxa
ton are urged.
Another resolution, unanimously
adopted by the convention, calls for the
appointment OF a committee To consider
the question Of the national debt and
means for u more equitable distribution
OF the burden.
Agriculture, agricultural credits, co..
operation. and the proper location OF
soldiers aud immigrants after the war
also are to be dealt with by a special
committee. decentralization OF limited
liability companies and the growth of
trusts are TO lie the subject OF investiga-
ton. Taxation of war profits Is to be
strongly urged in Parliament.
The holding of a national Liberal con-
vention at this late and the policies
which II advocated indicate that the
con,ing session Of Parliament. which
opens on January IL. will he a lively one.
'Thara ia IA growing Failing throu gbOut