Evening star., 1935-09-29
TWO EMINENT CANADIANS
BATTLEFOR LEADERSHIP
Bennett and King, Both Successful in
Politics, Fighting Bitterly to Take
Helm of Government.

will established trust fund with his
widow as one of the trustees, to oper-
ate for 10 years, at the end OF which |
period Mrs. Eddy was to inherit five |
eighths of the estate. Thus, in 1916,
she gained controlling interest in one
of Canada's leading industries. Harry |
Shireff was general manager Of the
plant. Old acquaintances had been
renewed when Mr.. Bennett came to
Ottawa and he became legal adviser
to the family. When the former Jen-
ME Shiref died she bequeathed ,007
of the highly valuable shares to her
brother and 500 shares to my friend
for 80 years" Harry Shireff died in
the same year Mr.. Bennett became
Conservative leader and his holdings
were willed to Mr.. Bennett also. Rea-
sonable estimates Of the value of the
fortune inherited are set at a mini
mum of $6,000,00O.
The Canadian electorate bestowed
on him the highest Office within their
power in 1880 when he became prime
minister. Two sentences spoken in
answer to somewhat cynical question
ing across the floor of the House Of
Commons qualified his fitness to rep
resent Canada at the ensuing imperial
conference: Behind me have life
time of effort for the British Empire,
which consists primarily of regard for
Canada" And again: "I think have
a record which will yield to that Of no
honorable gentleman opposite in my
love and devotion to that empire, but
I would indeed be poor Britisher If I
were not Canadian first"
Has Genius for Friendship.
OF the sincerity Of these words he
gave ample proof at trade conferences
in 1880 and 1882, when he proved
himself clever trader in competition
with British leaders.
Although he does not wear his heart
on his sleeve, Mr.. Bennett conceals be-
meath his brusque, seemingly intolerant
manner, a genius for friendship and
for concealed kindnesses. His politi-
cal philosophy swings to the left,
where he joins Winston Churchill
among the ranks of Tory democracy.
Behind his reserved facade" he has
a strong streak of sentiment; his pri-
vate car is named Mildred, after his
sister, who Is the wife of William D.
Herridge, Canada's Minister to Wash
ington; until death intervened he
Travelled between 5000 and 5000 miles
every Christmas to his boyhood home.
Some think If he hadn't consecrated
himself to serve Canada, there is moth
ing he would like better than to be
an English baronet and have o coun-
try place in Surrey. When he became
seriously i'll last Summer expressions
of anxiety were as widespread as in
England when King George was i'll.
The continuity of William Lyon
Mackenzie Kings career has been so
marked as to appear guided by des-
tiny. From his university days his
interest has been in economics and in
dustry with an equally strong interest
in serving Canada. History and ira
dition gave him bent toward both.
King Served as Conciliator.
His father was a lecturer in consti-
tutional law and constant speaker
on political platforms. His mother
was the youngest daughter of William
Lyon Mackenzie, who led an Inflated
rebellion in Ontario in 1887 and had
his printing press tossed into Toronto
Bay while he was forced to flee to the
United States. School days in Kitch-
ener. Ontario. were followed by studies
at the University Of Toronto and a
Phi. D. from Harvard. He became
deputy minister of labor in 1906, turn
ing down Harvard lectureship to do
so, and in that office, under Sir Will
frid Laurier, served as chairman of
several royal commissions on labor
and immigration problems; also as
government conciliator in numerous
industrial disputes.
From 1909 until 1911 he was min
lister Of labor in the Laurier govern
ment. In that year and again in
1917 his electors turned thumbs down
on him. Meanwhile between 1914 and
1917 he had been making q world
wide survey of industrial relations
for the Rockefeller Foundation. This
job was accepted only on condition
that nothing should interfere with
his interests in Canadian public
affairs and his freedom to participate
in them. In 1919, when he was elect
ed leader of the Liberal party after
the death of the beloved Laurier, Mrs.
Andrew Carnegie offered him one of
the principal administrative posts in
the Carnegie Foundation; John D.
Rockefeller, jr, countered with his
bid; both were refused. Mr.. King
first became prime minister in 1921,
Reelected again in 1926, he was de-
feated by Mr.. Bennett in 1890 and has
been leader of the opposition ever
since. Political prophets are prac-
tically unanimous in giving him the
call as Canada's next prime minister
after the federal election on October
IA.
Carries Picture Of Mother.
His most treasured possession TO-
day is little miniature of q delicate
Dresden like white haired woman
which he carries in a leather cover
close to his heart. It is the likeness
Of his mother.
1t Is said his genius lies in scent
ing trouble from afar and avoiding it.
He is happiest buried in q bluebook
and is firmly convinced that liberal
ism in industry is as necessary as in
politics to assist humanity's advance.
Cancellation has always been his pol
icy. at risk Of being accused of shilly-
shallying and not knowing his own
mind from one moment to the next.
He Is q master of detail and runs
beautiful old Laurier House in Otta-
wa, which Lady Laurier bequeathed
to the Liberal party as q home for
its leader, with keen eye on house.
hold overhead. This also may be due
to the Scottish blood in his veins.
Mr.. King wrote book called Indus
try and Humanity" and also one en-
titled '"The Secret Of Heroism,"
neither Of them best seller. Right