The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1916-09-14


privileges. Mr.. Robins points out that
the greatest development in the United
States followed the costly and destruc-
tive civil war.
Mr.. Robins, in an address before the
Bondmen's Club of Chicago, expressed
the opinion of a far-thinking mind and
the review Of an experience Of the last
Of his numerous trips through the Ca
madam West. When he said he re-
garded the spirit Of the Canadian
people, as he found it, the most ad-
mirable and encouraging feature Of
the entire situation. They are facing
the sacrifices of war courageously and
with calm confidence as to the result
and in similar spirit they face the eco
nomic future, confident, but expecting
to solve their problems only by dint of
hard and intelligent effort.
An important part of Mr.. Robins
address, which invites earnest atten-
ton, is that in which he refers to the
land situation, and when his remarks
are quoted they carry with them the
impression gained by one who has
given the question the careful thought
of man experienced in economic ques-
tons, and specially those relating to
soil and it's production. He is quoted
as saying:
Agricultural Canada was never SO
prosperous, and immigration of agric
cultural population both during and
after the war seems logical eXpecta-
ton, finding support in an increasing
immigration at present from the Unit
ed States, in spite of numerous ca
nards spread broadcast throughout the
United States to discourage emigration
to Canada. The lands of Western Can
ada, however, as long as they are as
] at present the most advantageous for
the settler Of any on the continent,
must continue to attract, despite mis-
representation, and on the increase OF
its agricultural and other primarily
productive population depends the eco
nomic future of Canada. All other
problems are secondary to this, and
the large interests of Canada. recog-
nizing this fact, are preparing to Sc
cure and hold this population both dur
ing and after the war. They are con-
tent to let city development and other
secondary phases and superstructure
follow in natural course. This recog-
milton of the true basis of economic
development is an encouraging augury
for the future"
"The war has brought the United
States and Canada nearer together
economically than ever before. The
total investment of United States capt.
tai in Canada doubtless exceeds $1,000
100000, Of which $300,000,000 has been
invested since the war began. Except
for Great Britain, Canada Is the Unit
ed States best customer. Our exports
to all Of South America in the last
three years were less than third OF
our exports to Canada in the same Pc
riod, although Canada has been rigldly
reducing her imports since the war be-
gan. Even France, q good customer
of the United States, bought $70,000,'
600 less than Canada Turing 1913, 1914,
1915. And yet Canada's purchasing
power is In the first stages of develop
ment only. 1t has been estimated that
the United States can support pOpu'
lation of 600,000,000. Using the same
basis Of calculation in reference to nat
ural resources, Canada can support q
population of 400,000,000.
Canada is potentially the most pop
ulous, and, in primary production, at
least, the richest unit Of the British
empire, and it behooves us in the Unit
ed States to know our Canada"
The social conditions throughout
Western Canada are everything that
could be desired. Schools have been
established in all districts where there
may be ten or twelve children of school
age, and these are largely maintained
by liberal government grants. A fund
for this purpose Is raised from the
revenue derived from the sale Of school
land, one-eighteenth of all lands being
set aside as school lands. All the
higher branches of education are cared
for, there being high schools at all
! important centers, and colleges and
universities in the principal cities.
The different religious denomina-
tons prevail, each having its separate
church, and religious services are held
in every hamlet and village, and in
| far-off settlements the pastor finds an
attentive congregation. The rural tele-
phone is one of the great modern con-
veniences that brings the farm home
nearer to the market.
1t is not saying too much to state
that in matters Of social Importance,
in the most remote settlements they
carry with them the same influence as
! is to be found in the most prosperous
farming districts of any Of the states
Of the Union.-Advertisem