Political Crisis in Canada.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15989, 25 August 1917, Page 8

Political Crisis in Canada.

Recent telegrams have indicated that political differences in Canada aro approaching a climax. What has brought about a crisis is the question of conscription. Sir Robert Borden, the Prime Minister, returned from his visit to Europe profoundly impressed with tho idea that every available man throughout tho Empire ivould be required, and that Canada, in common with tho 'Mother Country and New Zealand, ought to adopt conscription. The stumbling-block," of course, is Quebec. Tho Canadian correspondent of "Tho Times" says that it was a common belief when tho war began that the partnership of Franco and Britain in the great struggle for free institutions would obliterate tho suspicions and enmities of generations and bring French and English in Canada together in a happy union of sympathy and interest. In Quebec, ho adds, they have ,flown, tho Tricolor more freely than tho Union Jack, and "thoro has been " much, local devotion to old France." Unfortunately the war has not brought Quebec into co-operation with tho English provinces. . Indeed, tho breach between French and English has widened, and the authority from which we have quoted goes so far as to say I that Canada seems to bo at tho threshold of a quarrel which may try confederation to its foundations.

Sir Robert -Borden, on his return from England, did his host to bring about a coalition or National Ministry. He took Sir "Wilfrid Laurier fully into his confidence. He explained the situation in England, in Russia, and in Franco as revealed in the conferences in London, and he showed the imperative necessity for reinforcements for the Canadian divisions at the front, and for greater exertions and sacrifices by Canada. Ho suggested equal representation of tho two parties, but assured the Liberal leader that he was not greatly concerned about the balance of parties; that his nominees for the Cabinet would be accepted without question, and that there would be no conflict over tho personnel of the Government, or tho distribution of portfolios. Even with regard to the question of conscription he was willing to havo the country pronounce judgment in a general election beforo actual steps I to enforce compulsion were taken.

Unhappily Sir "Wilfrid Laurier could not see his way to accept these overtures. Quebec, as has been indicated, was tho stumbling-block. Even if Sir Wilfred Laurier himself agreed to the principlo of conscription it is declared that, with all his commanding influence over tho French-speaking population, ho could not get them to accept it. Tho rosult of the "impasse" has been a-split in tho Liberal party over whjch Sir Wilfrid Laurier has exercised unquestionable leadership for '31 years. Sir Robert Borden is now seeking the assistanco and co-operation of the Eng-lish-speaking Liberals, who aro favourable to conscription, but natural'v many who feel that conscription is the right thing hesitato to desert a leader with whom they have been so long associated and who has managed to inspire in his followers much personal affection. It is almost certain that a general election will bo necessary to clear up the situation. Even if a majority favourable to conscription is returned the difficulty will not bo at an end. Will it bo p° ss 'l>lo to enforce it on two millions of peoplo who are opposed to it, or must Quebec, like Ireland, be left out of the Bill ? On whichever horn of the dilemma the leader of tho Government is impaled the prospect is not very hopeful or alluring. This discussion in tho Dominion is all the more to bo deplored when ono thinks of tho truly heroic sacrifices of Canadian soldiers at tho front.