The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-08

also been developed the stern and
lofty virtues of resolute and adven-
turous valor, of trained prowess, OF
readiness for self-safrice, of power
to render service, and of determined
and unshakable patriotism.
These are the virtues which during
the last two years and half Canada
has pre-eminently shown. She has
passed thru one of those times when
try mems souls, and which sift out the
strong and the worthy from the weak
and the unworthy. She has stood the
test. She has proved her possession
of those qualities that mark the peo-
Die of masterfu1 ability, able to shape
their own destinies and to hold their
own in the rough world of actual life
Canada has sent to the front about
100000 men. She has 10000 more in
training. This means that she mas en-
listed. all told, about 100000 men.
The casualties up to date are well over
$4,000. Meanwhile Canada has faced
undauntedly the necessary taXauon,
and has voluntarily contributed S4o'-
I 100000 to relief funds. Let our pep
pie understand what these flgures
mean by remembering that CANADA
has only about one-thirteenth of our
population and one-thirtieth OF our
wealth. Her shores were not lmmedlI
ately menaced; the counsels of cold
and timid selfishness, had they pre-
merely perfunctory part in the war,
and rest in safety behind Britain S
control of the ocean.
But Canada was too proud not to
fight. She scorned the ignoble role
of Sinking duty and letting others
protect her. Her effort in men is rel
atively as great as if we had raised an
army of over five million soldiers
and her troops are as splendid fight
ing men as their Australasian and
| South African brothers, or as any 9TH
/ ers among the war-hardened veterans
| who have fought on both sides in this
/ terrible world war. Her money effort
| in the single item given above is
! equivalent to what this nation would
have done if it had voluntarily con-
tributed over a billion dollars in re-
! lief funds.
Great Volunteer Efforts.
/ Unfortunately the Canadians, like
! ourselves, have not yet overcome the
/ foolish dread of universal obligatory
military training in times of peace and
universal service in time of war.
| Hence they have not shown the, eX-
traordinary efficiency of Germany and
/ France. But there never has been
! finer work done under the old volun-
teer system than by Canada; and the
| way in which Canada and her sister
! overseas commonwealth have sprung
! to the defense of the empire is some
1 thing absolutely new in history, and
sets a mark in farsighted patriotism
and in high-minded ability to sacrifice
ease and safety for vast and perma-
nent future good, which will not soon
be passed by any nation.
The people who have stayed at
home have devoted themselves to the
welfare of the men who have gone
I and of their families. Not only the
governmental bodies, but various pa
triotic organizations, have taken up the
! work n
/ The pensions are liberal; the widow
! of one of the rank and file gets 1884
a year and $72 extra for each child.
| A man totally incapacitated by wounds
receives $3.50 a year and $72 for each
child. The wife of the soldier on &C
| tive service receives $40 a month, plus
half his pay, which amount to SIS,
and an additional sum, called the pa
| triotic allowance, according to the
J particular circumstances of the case.
This is a great improvement upon
| what was done in our Civil war.
| The wounded returned soldier is