Omaha daily bee., 1916-11-15
HUGHES RESIGNS AS
CANADIAN MINISTER
This Follows Friction Between
Him and Other Members
of Government.
THEY ASKED HIM TO QUIT

Ottawa, Ont, Nov. l4.-General
Sir Sam Hughes has resigned as Can
adam minister Of militia and defense.
His resignation was requested.
The breach between General
Hughes and Premier Borden and
other members of the Canadian gov
eminent resulted from differences
over questions of policy and details Of
administration. Since the beginning Of
the war there have been many such
differences on question OF military
management, but until recently, it is
said, they have been adjusted gener-
ally by allowing General Hughes to
carry out his plans.
Lately the friction has increased
and adjustments have grown more diff
ficult. 1t is understood there has been
growing disposition on the part of
the premier and the cabinet to insist
upon their own plans as against those
of General Hughes.
One Point of Difference.
One of the points over which a
difference arose was the supplying Of
the Canadian forces with the British
army rifle. General Hughes, 1t is re-
ported, advocated instead the use of a
Canadian weapon.
Some time ago General Hughes re-
turned from a three months visit to
England with plan to have a Cana
dian war council organized in Eng
land, with deputy minister Of militia
atits head, The Canadian government,
however, held that with more than
100000 Canadian troops in the
trenches, in France, or in training in
England, there should be an overseas
minister of militia. General Hughes
opposed this, as it would greatly de-
|prive him Of authority.
Perley Is Appointed.
When the government insisted upon
its plan, it is reported General
Hughes suggested that Sir Max Ait
ken should be appointed to the new
post. Premier Borden, however, ap-
pointed Sir George Perley, although
there is said to be lack of harmony
between him and General Hughes.
This took from General Hughes con-
troll OF large part of the Canadian
forces.
While he was in England, General
Hughes, after investigating the Cana
dian army medical force, relieved Gen
eral Guy Carleton Jones of the COM
mand, The government replaced Gen
eral Jones.
Criticism by General Hughes Of ac-
ton taken by British authorities both
in regard to the handling of Canadian
army supplies and of the Canadian
forces, it is said, has been resented.
1t has been stated that there was
lack of cordiality between General
Hughes and the duke of Connaught,
who has just left Canada, after five
years service as general.
The accumulation of differences has
led to the breach, which has come to-
day.
Striking Coincidence.
1t is taken as striking coincidence
that the arrival Of the duke of Devon
shire as governor general OF CanadA
should be marked by the resignation
of General Hughes, under whose ad-
ministration as minister Of militia
Canada has. raised 100000 men for
overseas military service.
General Hughes was appointed min
lister OF militia in 1911. While on
visit to England last year he was
knighted by King George. His resig-
nation was demanded by the conserva-
tives in connection with war contracts
awarded to American companies. He
returned from England and demanded
an Investigation, which resulted in his
exoneration by royal commission.