Sir Wilfrid Laurier on his return to Canada has been
received with extraordinary enthusiasm, both parties in- differently doing him honour. Speaking at Ottawa on Friday week, be reminded his hearers, according to the Times corre- spondent, that ten years ago be himself introduced the polio), of Preference. "But England," he went on, "does not give us any preference. There is a school which wants preference for preference, and some at the Conference wanted to force the hand of the British people on this question. But I took the ground that this was a matter for the British people themselves. We would not 411(1-.7 them to interfere with our policy, nor do we wish to impose our opinions upon them, and in this I am sure I have the approbation of the people of Canada." Referring to the " All-Red " Line of fast steam- ships which be proposed at the Conference, he declared that he refused to believe the rumour that the British Government had already decided against the scheme. It required much thought, and judgment should be withheld for the present; but he was convinced that the scheme would be of enormous advantage to the Empire, and he was prepared to devote all his strength to advancing it. Even if the present British Government opposed it, he would work harder than ever. It is clear that Sir Wilfrid Laurier's statesmanlike conduct at the Imperial Conference in refusing to try to force the hand of Great Britain is approved by Canadians of all parties.
Previous page
