Untitled

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16451, 19 February 1919, Page 6

We are not surprised that much indignation has been aroused by the speech delivered by Mr It. Semple, M.P., on Saturday last, and wo quito agree with the opinion expressed by the Chamber of Commerce that the Government should take steps to prevent the repetition of such speeches. Indeed, we think the Government should take proceedings under the sufficiently ample powers that ihey possess under the War Regulations. Tho public have a right to know how the law stands in relation to utterances of this kind. If Mr Semple or anyone else may deliver such speeches with impunity, the public ought to know the fact, and tho law or tho regulations made under the law should be amended to meet the case. We are convinced that the public do not desire that there shall be any license to glorify the forces of disorder and outrage, and there is no doubt whatever that the public interest requires that that license shall not be permitted. ♦ - ■ Tho truculent attitude which the Germans are now beginning to display is exactly what would have been expected, by anyone with a knowledge of tho German character. They are greatly emboldened by the mildness and clemency of the proceedings at the Peace Conference, and tho consideration which has been shown to them in the manner in' which the occupation of the Rhino provinces is being carried out is regarded by them as merely evidence of weakness on our part. They still believe in nothing but brute force brutishly applied. They are further being encouraged by lying accounts of supposed dissensions among the Allied Powers, and alleged risings of tho people in England and other Allied countries. If the Allies are wise they will insist on sterner conditions of the armistice, and instruct General Foch to stand no further nonsense. The death of Sir Wilfrid Laurier removes a most picturesque personalitv from tho ranks of Empire statesmen, lie was the outstanding figuro at the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1597, and may be said on that occasion to have attained the zenith of his fame and popularity. A man of j refined and venerable appearance, ]

a graceful and effective orator, equally at home in French and English, he was a leader of "whom Canada had every reason to feel proud. Before the Canadian general election of 1911 lie was regarded as a thoroughly souncl Imperialist, but his attitude during that election, when he scorned to be thinking more of Quebec votes than of the Empire, came as a shock and disappointment not only to his friends in England, but to many of his oldest siipporters in Canada. He strongly opposed the proposal that Canada should contribute to tho British Navy, and laid down the proposition thit if England became involved in war it would not necessarily follow that Canada would also bo ati war. He strenuously opposed the adoption of conscription by Canada in connexion with tho present war.

While tho latter part of Sir Wilfrid) Lanrier's political career in Canada had the effect of riving his party asunder and saddened many of his admirers in' other parts of the Empire, his personal charactcr and disposition kept for him tho respect and affection of all -who knew him, even those who were opposed to him in politics. Like Sir George Grey, he was very fond of littlo children, and the; reciprocated his love for them. In a country where "graft" is not unknown, ho also maintained a high standard of probity and integrity, and it will probably be found that he has died a poor man.