18 JULY 1896, Page 3

Mr. Laurier, the new Canadian Premier, took office last Saturday.

A speech made by him at a dinner given to the officers of the North-American Sqr.adron shows how absurdly unfair were the accusations of disloyalty brought against him by his political opponent& "One thing," said he, "I can promise to do,—I shall endeavour to do my best to do my duty by Canada, and not only by the Dominion but also by the Empire." Mr. Laurier went on to assure his hearers that England could always rely upon Canada for support, and that there was under the flag no people more attached to the British Crown. "We are free in Canada, and we are loyal because we are free."