The Daily News. THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1917. CANADA'S LOYALTY.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. THURSDAY, JULY 12, 1917. CANADA'S LOYALTY.

Nothing but intense satisfaction can be felt at the action of the Canadian Parliament in passing the Conscription Bill, and it is particularly gratifying to find that the majority in faVor of the measure was so substantial—'llo to 58. Throughout the war Canada has nobly taken her part and her sons have added lustre to the military annals of the Empire. There were few who thought that the hostilities would have been so prolonged, and there is every reason to believe that even if Canada had anticipated that the need for men would have been spread over such a lengthy period, the/ voluntary Eystem would not some time back have been replaced by conscription. Recognising the urgent need of a much larger flow of men than voluntary enlistment would provide for the reinforcements the Canadian Premier (Sir Robert 'Borden) at last faced the only alternative and submitted the Conscription Bill which has been duly passed, This practical evidence of Canadian loyalty and patriotism is therefore most •welcome, and though New Zealand led the way she will none the less heartily applaud the sister Dominion's action. Less than a year ago Canada was more than 100,000 men short of a halfi million promised by her Premier and recruiting had fallen off very seriously, and yet the idea of resorting to consciiption was regarded as impracticable if not impossible, t'he reason proba-bly being that there is a large element of French-Canadians who are not remarkable for patriotism, while there is also a considerable number of Germans, Austrian* and Americans. Under these circumstances it is not difficult to understand that conscription would not be regarded with favor. It is, therefore, all the more pleasing to find that the measure has gone through so easily. It is possible that the entry of the United States into the \var on the side of the Allies has exercised a potent influence or the Canadian representatives, though it is extremely doubtful whether, if Canada had followed the Australian course of taking a referendum, the desired result \v\nld have been achie\nd. It is so imperative at this crucial 3! ate of hostilities thai the whole Empire should make a supreinu effort to secure the required victory that Canada's help is essential to success. The greater the strength the Allies can bring to 'bear . on the enemy the sooner will the war be ■ over. Apart from this aspect of the ' matter, there are those who are now In the fightim: line and lookintr for ail jthe

aid that can foe given, -while the spirits of those who have fallen are appealing tor men to fill up the gaps and if .possible to augment the ranks of those who arc lighting for home and country, for freedom and the 'best interests of humanity. All honor to Canada for taking the only course that patriotism and honor demanded, and it is to Ec sincerely hoped that the passing of the Conscription Bill will 'be followed 'by a loyal acceptance o£ the measure and a prompt influx of thousands to the Expeditionary Forces. Much as the necessity for the groat drain on the Empire's man-power is to he regretted there is no alternative if victory is to be ivon, and there is no room for doubt as to that. Canada's action has improved the outlook for a more speedy ending of the conflict and the fact of an inevitable duty being undertaken in the interests of civilisation should materially assist in its execution being thorough, so that when the goal 13 reached thers will <be no repining and the glorious deeds of Canada's sons will go down in history as one of the factors that helped to crush the evil of militarism and ensure a peace worthy of j tho great sacrifices entailed by the proi longed struggle.