The Dominion. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1915. CANADA'S FIGHTING SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2430, 8 April 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 1915. CANADA'S FIGHTING SPIRIT

It is quite in' accordance with the fitness of things thai Canada, as Britain's eldest daughter, should be the first of the Overseas Dominions to send troops 'into the actual fighting arena in Europe. This fact is, of course, no reflection on Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, for cach of these Dominions . has been doing useful work for the Empire in other parts of the world. All tho Dominions have placed their whole resources at Britain's disposal during the tremendous crisis through which the Empire is passing, and they are all playing the parts which have been allotted to them by the Imperial authorities. A large body of Canadian troops is already fighting alongside the British, French, and Belgian forces, and many more are undergoing tho necessary training for the great campaign. Like the rest of the Empire, Canada, is firmly resolved to see the war carried to a triumphant conclusion. The moment tho struggle began Canadians of all political parties decided to thrust their differences into the background and to place the Empire's safety and welfare before all sectional ideals and policies. Prior to the actual outbreak of hostilities, Canada, had made no special preparations for war. Parliament had not been ovor-generous in its expenditure on the militia, and no system of compulsory military training has yqt bcon adopted. But as soon _as it was announced that Britain had drawn the sword, the Canadians set to work with a will to prepare an army of which they could bo proud. In times of peace there bad been many discussions about Canada's attitude in the event of Britain going to war. In those days this question had only an academic interest. But the moment war was actually declared no one stopped to talk about the constitutional position, but practically the whole country took it for granted that Canada must stand shoulder to shoulder with tho Mother Country and the other Dominions and fight with all her might against the common foe. The French Canadians were just as enthusiastic as the British section of the population. They were naturally pleased to find Britain allied with France, and as tho war proceeded their indignation at German methods of in France and Belgium increased their determination to do what they could to bring about the downfall of the Prussian warmakers. The French Canadians fully appreciate the freedom which they have enjoyed under the British flag. No attempt has been made to obliterate their national characteristics. This generous policy has found its reward in the whole-hearted loyalty of the French-speaking element in the population of Canada. In an article on Canadian war measures and politics which appears in the March issue of the Round Table it is stated that Canada has 6000 men on garrison and outpost duty, and 50,000 men under training. Her forces under arms and abroad exceed 100,000 men, and the Prime Minister (Sir Robert Borden) recently stated in a speech at Toronto that 200,000 or, 300,000 men, if that many are needed, will be Canada's contribution to the defence of the Empire. The Canadians recognise, just as we do in New Zealand, that on an occasion like the present, when the Empire's very existence' is at stake, the only limit to their exertions and sacrifices is the limit of their power. No part of the British Dominions can say, "We will send a fixed number'of men and spend a fixed amount of money—and that will be our share of the burden." Tho whole Empire must fight on until victory has crowned its efforts, no matter what the cost may be. This is the opinion of the leaders qf both of the great political parties in Canada, and they have tho full support of, the overwhelming majority of the people. There is naturally a lack of war enthusiasm among the German and Austrian communities in the West. And it has to be remembered that there are no fewer than 521,000 Germans and Austrians in Canada, some 248,000 of whom reside in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Precautions have been taken to prevent any trouble from this quarter, but we are told that no active treason has manifested itself, and it may be taken for granted that the Government is in a.position.to meet any emergency that may possibly arise. Neither the Government nor the people expected or wanted war, but now that it has come they are in favour of a fight to a finish. "There can be no compromise," said tho Solicitor-General (the Hon. Arthur MEiaitEN) in the course of a speech in the- West. "A compromise would he a sin against ourselves and our children, against civilisation itself.

. . . if wo know our duty we will bend every energy to this struggle. . . . Before any failure on onr part will expose the common cause to peril wc arc prepared to.bankrupt this country." There is no uncertain sound about (his declaration. The Liberal Leader (Sir Wilfrid L,\i;F.!ls) is just as rmnllHtir. flv, njiv member of the Ministry. • "At the

present time the only thing we have to do is to finish the war," he says, and lie does not hesitate to apply to Canada the words of Mr. Asquith to England: "If Canada had remained passive and quiescent when such efforts were called for bv such countries as England and I'rance, to which we owe. so much, we would have covered ourselves with dishonour." And the Kaiseii and his advisers really thought that Canada, and other British Dominions, would seize the opportunity which the outbreak of war presented to "cut the painter." Exceedingly astute and well informed in many things, in this matter the Germans have proved themselves ignorant blunderers.