Evening star., 1940-01-07

early days OF the 1Odr, as Canada
Americans talk as though the war were
5000 miles away, whereas, one of the
warning nations-as definitely at war with
Germany as either Great Britain or
Francois our adjoining neighbor.
Cross the northern border at any point
Of 5000 miles of unfortified border, and
you pass from nation at peace to a
nation at war, with all the usual war
time restrictions and activities in force.
Curiously, Canada wants Americans to
keep on crossing-as tourists. Since the
American tourist trade is Canada 8
largest single source of income, the gov
ernment is eager that this tide shall not
cease to flow. There is no passport re-
quirements, and the war atmosphere
may give an additional flllip to this
easiest form of foreign travel. The
visitor will see more uniforms than usual,
and groups of young men gathered about
the artillery pieces that mark recruiting
stations in the cities and larger towns
He will note that man with a rife
patrols every railway bridge and canal
dreary winter task. He will become
familiar with the sign, Prohibited Area"
where guarded barbed wire incloses es-
sential industries. At points like the
great aviation center at Trenton he will
see the air full of training machines,
and the vicinity sparkling with uniforms.
Otherwise, outwardly, the Canadians
scene Is pretty much as usual.
No Trappings of Woe.
There Is no war hysteria; there are no
public demonstrations. But If the Amer
1can has had the privilege which has
been mine for the past four months Of
living In direct contact with Canadian
families Of varying sorts, he will have
learned how deeply the war has entered
into the lives Of the people.
Every home is considering the posi-.
bility Of its young mems going to war.
With memories, still vivid, of the last
conflict, in which Canada played so
shining and costly part, this new war
Is being considered In personal terms 1t
is human ordeal. Only two military
divisions have as yet been organized, but
these thoughtful Canadian folk are look
ing ahead toward long war, which
may demand even greater sacrifices than
the one Is years ago.
Canadian loyalty was tremendously
stimulated by the visit Of the King and
Queen. That great event, which thrilled
these quiet, loyal people, came at the
right moment to intensity empire soli-
darity.
There are many kinds Of persons In
far-dung Canada, and not all OF them
are as imperially conscious as, say, Of
tawa. Ever present has been an element
that dared talk Of ultimate union with
the big Nation to the south. But the
royal visit quickened Canadian conscious
ness; the King, it was freshly realized, Is
as definitely King Of an independent
Canada as he is King Of England. That
impulse is today showing itself in the re-
cruiting.
His Country Had Called.
A few weeks ago we were driving into
Brockville from our camp on Beverly
Lake and, several miles out of the city,
wv (ASASA OP . yOAW4 Al VIC WO1A111k
clothes Of farmer. He had not asked
for the ride, but we are friendlier on
Canada's rural roads than In American
cities. The boy was trudging to Brock
vile to see his mother, as he had signed
up and expected to be called during the
week. The quiet naturalness of his atti-
tude was revealing. He displayed no
jingoism and no hate of Hitler. The sim
pie case was that his country had called
her sons and as matter of course he was
responding. I think he embodied the
Canadian spirit Of today.
A sugar shortage, and rationing, fol-
lowed fast upon the declaration of war.
1t was largely due to panic purchasing.
For the women were In the midst Of the
preserving season and scarcity Of sugar
worried them. The government, which
has instituted war control with prompt
ness and vigor, now has this situation in
hand, although the price Of living has,
in general definitely risen.
To help meet war costs out of current
income, the government has clapped on
q wide array Of additional taxes. A sharp
rise in income taxes and widening Of
the spread Of those subject to the tax
was accompanied by special levies on tea,
conee, alcoholic liquors and many classi-
fications Of imports.
Banking Control Stern.
One Of the drastic measures is the
stern control Of banking and exchange
A Canadian bank may not even mail his
driving, mass-captivating, political, cul-
tlIral economic and ahnye all Christian