New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-13

Toronto, Nov 10.-The controversy over
CONSUMPTION has had a remarkable effect on
the relations of Canadian newspapers TO po-
litical leaders and parties. Unlike the United
States, Canada has raised its army under the
voluntary system During the first two
years of the war compulsion was not sug-
gested, save by few military officers and
few students of European military systems.
Indeed, the leaders of both political parties
and the chief newspapers gave many and
very positive assurances that there would be
no resort to CONSUMPTION.
No doubt it was believed when the war be-
gan that at most Canada would send an army
of $4,000 or 100000 to Europe. At first re-
cruits were obtained faster than they could
be armed and equipped We had raised an
army of 100000 before recruiting began to
drag heavily Thereafter month by month
appeals for volunteers became more urgent
and the results less and less satisfactory.
Moreover, the cost OF raising a regiment
steadily increased with the many devices en-
ployed to draw men to the colors.
When 100000 men had been secured the
government authorized a total enrolment of
900. This was interpreted as pledge to
the Allies that Canada's contribution would
reach that figure. IL soon became doubtful
whether the pledge, if pledge it was, could
be fulfilled by the voluntary system. In the
mean time the roll of casualties in France
and Flanders heightened. The need for re-
Inducements became urgent and imperative.
Newspapers opposed to the general policy of
the government began to attack the volun-
tary system and to suggest conscrption.
Military officers became so hostile to the vol
untary method and so dissatisfied with the
results that they gave grudging and doubt
tul support TO recruiting agents. Many pa
triotic organizations demanded compulsion,
and throughout the English provinces for
midable revolt against voluntaryism devel-
oped. The agitation was strengthened by the
adoption Of conscription in Great Britain. Il
was made almost invincble by the determi-
nation of the United States to raise its ar
mics by compulsory selection. This was the
situation when the government yielded to
the conscriptionsts and asked Parliament
for authority to raise 100000 men by draft.
Volunteering insufficient
Altogether We had secured 100000 men by
voluntary enlistment. OF these 900 had
crossed the sea when the draft was author
lied. The casualties in the Canadian expe-
dictionary force total $4,000. Over 10000
have been killed in action or have died from
wounds or other causes. Manifestly by the
voluntary system the wastage could not be
fully repaired or adequate renforcements
provided.
As yet in the United States there does not
seem to be any division between Republicans
and Democrats on war policy. But in Canada
for two or three years most of the Liberal
newspapers in the English speaking prov
inces maintained continuous attack upon
the general policy and administration of the
Conservative government They denounced
its war management. They demanded more
vigorous and aggressive war measures and the
organization Of union Cabinet in which
both parties should have equal representa-
ton. Through all this time they we're loyal
TO Sir Wilfrid Laurier and preparing for a
general election under his leadership.
IL must be remembered that in Canada
many Of the newspapers are more closely re-
lated to the political parties than are those
Of the United States. As In Great Britain,
they are the advocates Of one party or the
other. and, while few are slavish adherents
of party, still fewer are without actual and
active party sympathies and interests. For
thirty years the Liberal newspapers wero
devoted to Sir Wilfrid Laurier as leader of
the Liberal party and were substantially his
organs and mouthpieces. IL is easy, there
fore, TO understand what a remarkable situa-
tion developed when Sir Wifrid opposed con
Scription and refused to enter coalition