CANADA'S NAVAL POLICY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 307, 5 February 1910, Page 5

CANADA'S NAVAL POLICY

SIR WILFRID LATJRIER'S DECLARATION. "A CANADIAN FIRST AND LAST." By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright Received February 4, 11.30 p.m. Ottawa, February 4. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, speaking in the Dominion House of Commons and moving the second reading of the Navy Bill, said the Government would stand or fall by its policy. But fall they would not, for their policy was' in accordance with the best traditions of the Liberal party. Pt was the latest link hi the long chain of events, springing {from the principles enunciated 'by the reformers of old, which brought Canada to the rank, dignity and status of a hation within the Empire. The Conservatives, lie said, were divided in counsel and action. Some were pharisees Of Imperialism, demanding a direct contribution and giving the Admiralty automatic control of the Canadian navy and Canadian participation iu all British fwars. Others in Quebec wanted no navy iind no participation in British wars. "I do not pretend," he continued, "to be an Imperialist. I am a Canadian first And last and all the time, but a British 'subject by birth and conviction. The true policy, and one in accordance with •the spirit of British institutions, is for the Parliament of Canada, which creates the navy, to s'ay when and where it should go in war." His recent statement that when England was at war Canada was at war was merely a statement of a principle of international law. When the country was at war all possessions were liable to attack. He saw, Jiowever. no immediate menace. The Government would, after the Bill passed, 'as'k tenders for the construction of a Shipbuilding plant for the Dominion. This plant would take a year to erect. Vessels could thereafter be constructed in four years. Sir Frederick Borden (Leader of the 'Opposition) criticised the speech, and moved an amendment declaring the Government's proposals did not follow the 'Admiralty's suggestions' and recommendations.

CANADA'S DUTY. TO PRESENT TWO DREADNOUGHTS TO ENGLAND. A VIGOROUS SPEECH. Received February 4. 11.30 p.m. ' Ottawa, February 4. Speaking to his amendment, Sir Frederick Borden continued that so far as they would empower the Government to withhold Canada's naval forces' from those of the Empire in war time the proposals were ill-advised, dangerous and expensive, and would give no immediate or effective aid, and as a permanent policy should not be entered upon until they had been submitted to or approved by the people. In the meantime Canada's duty and the Empire's impending hecesities could best be met by placing Immediately at the disposal of the Imperial authorities sufficient money to purchase or cons!-net two Dreadnoughts, giving the Admiralty full distinction to expend it at such time and for such purposes of defence as in their (judgment will best serve and increase the united strength of the Empire and thus .secure its peace and security.