CANADA AND EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 676, 29 November 1909, Page 7

CANADA AND EMPIRE

DOMINIONS" DUTIES. RIGHT TO STAND ALOOF I.N WAR-TIME. ■ A POLICr or TRUST. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.— I Copyright.) (Hoc. November 28, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 27. "The Timos". makes rofcronce to the remarks of the Prime Minister of Canada, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, contained in a cablegram of November 18—to tho offect that the Canadian Navy would not participate in a war wajjed by Britain unless' tho Parliament of Canada saw fit. (Concerning this utterance the Ottawa "Citizen" remarked that it "comes near a declaration of independence. If the Canadian warships declined to fight, tho situation would be unique in the history of any , ■ ' . ''The Times" comments that such: remarks as thpsu used by Sir Wilfrid Lourier apply to every form of contribution or co-operation for Empire defence. The willingness of people and Parliaments is essential, but those of Canada apd, Australia are 'unlikely to fail in this direction. There are still many difficulties, but goodwill and Imperial statesmanship yill not bo baffled. ■ , ■ A CANADIAN NAVY. IMPROVEMENT OP COMMUNICATIONS PREFERRED. ..■■■' FARMERS AND WATERWAYS. Ottawa, November 20. Tho Dominion .Grange, a largo Canadian farmers', association, has adopted -V resolution. I declaring that it views with grave 'misgivings the Government's proposals for a Canadian Navy, fearing that they may provoke war, and recommending that a plebiscite .should be taken on the question.',' The association further recommended that the Government should devote the proposed naval expenditure to deepening the WeUand Canal, which gives communication between, Lakes Erie and Ontario. ; . ' -" LOCAL CONSTRUCTION OF SHIPS. k LHTLE EXTRA COST.' London, November 26. Tho Ottawa correspondent of tho "Daily Mail" reports that it has been practically settled that tho vessels constituting tho nucleus of the Canadian Navy shall be constructed in Canada. - The Dominion Government has come to the conclusion that' vessels equal ' to. the British standard can:bo constructed ja Canada, while the cost will be littlo more,, , and the benefits 1 will justify the policy.: r v J-