THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 179, 16 December 1912, Page 5

THE EMPIRE'S DEFENCE.

I CANADA'S POSITION. SIR W. LAURIER AGGRESSIVE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Ottawa, December 13. Sir Wilfrid Laurier asserted that it was necessary for Canada to beware of the Monroe doctrine. She had to take a share in the defence of the Empire, as well as defend her own shores, but the Borden policy was not the way to secure this. When the Empire was at war, Canada was at war, but was not necessarily in conflict. The Admiralty could count at all times -on the Canadian navy, because an agreement was made early in 1011 whereby the naval area in the North Atlantic was placed under the Canadian fleet to defend. If that area was invaded, the Canadian fleet would fight immediately. The same applied to the Pacific area. PRESS CRITICISM. Ottawa, December 13. The Conservative press criticise Sir W. Laurier's belated naval policy. They say that he ought to have carried the scheme ho now recommends into practical politics when he had the opportunity. Most of the newspapers do not believe that Sir W. Laurier would give effect to his new programme, even if he were returned to power at an election to-morrow. The Liberal newspapers quote the Australian example as the most suitable for Canada to follow.

SIR WILFRID LAURIER CRITICISED. POSING FOR EFFECT. Received 15, 5.5 p.m. Ottawa, December 14. M. Pelletier replied to Sir Wilfrid Laurier, taunting him with not being so anxious to aid Britain when he had the power. The real trial of strength would be in British waters. Where, then, would be the value of Canadian squadrons if in Canadian waters, looking on? It was absurd to say that Canada could man her own fleet when it was' not possible to man one cruiser. All the Rainbow's and Niobe's crews were brought from Britain. Sft Wilfred Laurier was only parading his generosity, knowing that there was no likelihood of his being asked to give it effect. PRESS CRITICISM. AMERICA INDIFFERENT. ■ Received 10, 12.25 a.m. London. December 15. The Times says that the Canadian ships cannot be built in two years, Mr. Borden's permanent policy, therefore, has full time to mature. Meanwhile arrangements will be made to secure the immediate development of constructional facilities for Canada. Mr. Borden hit the most practical and businesslike method of dealing with the matter. It was of real Imperial importance that the capacity of naval construction should be distributed instead of concentrated here. The natural course would be to begin with the smaller craft, which is the Australian policy. The Daily Telegraph's New York correspondent says that the press, with a few exceptions, ignored Mr. Borden's and Sir Wilfrid Laurier's speeches. If an editor is asked why, he says that it is not America's business to advertise her neighbor, also that the contribution is quite unnecessary. Canadia can always rely on the Monroe doctrine and Uncle Sam's protection. The difficulty of recruiting a fleet in Canada is thoroughly appreciated in Washington.