Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-11
BACKGROUND OF EVENTS
BY PAUL Y. COLLINS.

or an international tunnel connecting
the tight little isle" with the Euro.
pean continent, lest it prove a snare
and danger point in case of war. 1t is
typical of the difference between
America and Europe that on neither
side does such an idea disturb the
cordiaiity with which this great bridge
Is installed between nations.
What Is the nation to our north
which Is so nearly American that 1t
appears like one of our own family?
1t is larger in area than continental
United States. and is peopled by folks
so nearly like the United States peo-
pie. in character, in aspirations and
in experiences. that they cannot be
DISTINGUISHED from us half so readily
as can a Welshman, Scotchman or
Irishman be differentiated from an
Englishman.
In the last monthly commercial let
ter Of the Canadian Bank of Com.
merce, Toronto, review was given
of Canada's progress and future. From
that are taken a few outstanding
points.
Sixty years ago, when Canada be-
comparatively small area Even the
added territory of more recent years
was but vast area of arabic but UNI
developed farm land and mountain
ranges. "A Now she produces annual
farm revenues amounting to s1,740,-
600, 900. created by 100000 farmers.
The Canadian farmers suffered hard
ships of def1ation, as did our own,
following the wars artificial imitation.
But today they are prosperous and
content"
The bank letter continues: Ada.
cent to our forests, several thousand
mills have been erected which provide
annually lumber worth about $125,.
900, 900. About 80 per cent of the
lumber used throughout the world is
Of soft wood. 80 per cent Of which is
found In North America, Northern
Europe and Siberia. The forests of
Russia, Sweden, Norway and Finland
furnish a large supply of soft wood,
but further development is hampered
by lack of transportation and of other
mechanical equipment necessary for
profitable operations. Consequently.
North America possesses the forest
area of greatest economic value, and
nearly half of it is in Canadian terri
tory.
''If we turn to the pulp and paper
industry, we find that Canada now
contributes nearly 40 per cent of the
worlds news print. and that there are
still available larger quantities than
elsewhere of the two main requisites
for paper making-suitable timber and
water. 1t has been estimated that the
value of the products of this industry
in 1926 was 1926, 100000"
1t might have been added that the
press of the United States buys from
Canada some 100000, 900 Of news print
annually. and is almost wholly depend
ent upon that country for the paper
on which all daily publications are
printed.
The bank statement adds: "Prac-
ticaliy all of Canada's land is under
laid with mineralized rock and earth.
In comparatively small sections are
mined most Of the nickel and ashes
tos used throughout the world; gold,
silver, copper, lead and zinc form
most Of the notable properties discov.
cred in recent years and coal from
seams that comprise 16 per cent OF
the worlds known reserves.
Half the fresh water Of the globe
Is within Canadian territory: this
country Is the watershed Of North
America. That being the case, it is
Impossible that all the watersites in
the Dominion should have been To-
Gated and measured, but those already
examined are, for the most part, nat
ural falls and reservoirs. which would
permit of turbine installation OF
over 100000 horsepower, capable Of
developing a cheap hydro-electric en-
ergy, second onlys to that Of the
United States. Yet only IL per
cent Of our supply Of water power is
being used.
I'VE have passed the stage Of from.
tier life. We have reached a high
and enviable position in the worlds
economic organization. we have living
conditions that suit all classes of peo-
pie, even those Of the most fastidious
tastes"
II Canada prospered and developed
her resources with 100000 popula-
ton. instead of 9,000.0 900, she would be
10 times as valuable . neighbor OF
the United States.
- tcoDyrixht 1e27sAs Paul v. Collins, -
80 w. 'Atesat - ~ssssaa