CANADA AND THE NAVY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1719, 9 April 1913, Page 7

CANADA AND THE NAVY.

e . OPPOSITION OBSTRUCTION. SIR WILFRID URGES LOCAL FLEET Br XekziaDh-Preeß Association—Copyright (Rec. April S, 11.30 p.m.) Ottawa, April 8. The Liberals have decided to continue their obstruction to tho Navy Bill. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Leader of the Opposition, in continuing the Navy debate, said the Admiralty had apparently adopted a policy of concentration, leaving tho overseas Dominions unprotected. The Government had entirely abandoned the Canadian navy policy, intending to replace it with a policy of contribution to j the British fleet. The emergency cry was mere make-believe. The importance of tho development of national pride had been recognised by Australia, which had followed the correct policy. A local navy was undoubtedly the best for the Empire's interest. He quoted Mr. Allen, Mr. Fisher, Lord Denman, and Sir George Reid as proof that local navies were tho best. Imperial federation was a great idea, but the conditions made it premature. It would only come when Canadians were prepared to surrender their financial independence to a Parliament itself not respor.sible to Canadians. lie declared tliat the Liberals intended to pursue their policy of obstruction. The Prime Minister, Sir. Borden,' in replying, said tl;e Government denied absolutely any paLcy of contribution. Canada's pormanent policy was yet to bo developed. The three ships were merely an acknowledgment cf Britain's care for ■ tho Dominion, and an assistance towards the present great development. The ships could bo brought home at any time on notice being given. It would not bo possible for Canada to remain neutral during a war, a; Sir Wilfrid Laurier suggested. The emergency policy best met the wishes of 'die Admiralty, and haft their full concurrence.