The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-04-05


That there is AN underground at
tempt among Government supporters
in Parliament TO force the rcsis-
nation Of Gen. Sir sam hughes.
and that the attempt may lead to ex-
posures which will shake the Borden
Government t. it's very foundations. IS
strongly hinted at in well informed nI-
litical circles here.
1t is secret history In Ottawa that
Gen. Hughes has been regarded with
growing hostility by Conservative mem-
bers ever since the beginning OF the
war, NJ the outbreak OF hustilities the
Minister of Militia made determined
attempt 10 brush dsid" patronage and
red tape IN the conduct Of his depart
mcnt. II" let contracts for war supplies
iu Liberals and Conservatives alike. and
appointed officers who We're Liberal in
politics to some of the highest COM
rnands.
This independent course brought down
upon his head the anger of Conserva-
tive members. anxious FOR the preserya-
tion of political patronage at al costs.
AT Nalcartier camp. where the iir.'
Canadian contingent was mobilized with
such marvellous rapidly, Gen. Hughes
found himself confronted with all kinds
OF political difficulties
Members Of his own part insisted
upon interfering in the appointment of
officers. clashed with the strong tenn
pestuous will Of Gen Hughes, were de-
fcated. appealed To Premier Borden. and
almost brought; about an insurrecti"n in
the Government ranks. But the Minister
stuck I" his guns. determined that no
matter what IL might cost him politically
he would not permit party patronage 10
Interfere with the vigorous conduct of
his work. SIR Robert BORDEN became
his strongest supporter. but 1t is known
that other members OF the Cabinet were
az strongly opposed to him.
Last session of Parliament opened
with a Government party caucus called
Tor the purpose of discussing various
charges. mostly political. against the
Minister of Militia. lie was bitterly and
vigorously assailed and his resignation
demanded But Gen. Hughes "A fighter
through and through. was enabled TO
max" out such a strong case against
his enemies that the insurrection coll
lapsed.
Ever since ,he hostility towa>l Gen
Hughes has been smouldcring The
charges OF Mr. Kyle. which, though they
do not directly affect the General hlm-
self. certainly do not appear to rebound
to his credit ds wise and able ad-
ministrator. famed this smouldering
hostility into - blaze.
they have had placed in their hands a
powerful weapon to carry out their
scheme of compelling his resignation
from the Cabinet. and il is hnted that
certain members Of the Government are
only too anXi0,is to throw the Minister
OF Militia to the wolves II hy so doing
they Cau save the face of the Govern
men.
Desperate Battle Expected.
But Ottawa opinion is that Gen.
Hughes Is coming back from England
for final desperate battle with his
enemies and will be not at all inclined
10 submit meekly to any attempt to
force his resignation. II is even hinted
that Gen Hughes is already In COM
niunication with certain leading Liberals
and will be able 10 coun, ON their sup-
port when he returns to Canada.
Another story is that the Minister has
in his possession information which, II
made public. would badly undermine
public confidence in the Borden Govern.
ment, and that he will not hesitate TO
make use Of II IL the worst shourl come
While Gen. Hughes is bitterly as
sailed in some quarters of the press
there IL also Il growing feeling that he
should not he condemned before being
heard. ON all sides it is admitted that
the administration of his department
during the war has been nothing short
OF wonderful
IN to the time tha, Mr.. Kytc pre-
ferred his charges the Government had
persisted in refusing to hold an investi-
cation. But the insurrection In tho
Government ranks was so widespread
that the officials no longer could afford
to ignore national opinion Even now
the Liberals declare that the Cabinet
,at fn