* • Ottawa, the Federal capital of the Dominion of
Canada, has been celebrating, during the past three weeks, the centenary of its founding. Ottawa, which is one of the most beautiful national capitals in the world, has grown considerably in the past twenty-five years and now has a population of over 150,000. Bytown, to use its original name, was founded in 1826 and took its name from Colonel John By, who was in charge of the construction of the Rideau Canal. It was selected as the Federal capital in 1859 and only gained this proud distinction by a majority of five votes, the voting in the Canadian Parliament being 64 to 59. The city owes much to the work of the Ottawa Improvement Commission established by Sir Wilfrid Laurier. During the " Indian summer " Ottawa looks its best when the autumn colourings are beyond description. It will be 101 years old when Canberra, the new Australian capital, will be officially born next spring. The two largest dominions in the British Commonwealth are very fortunate in the natural surroundings of their two capitals.
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