The inquiry into the charges against Canadian officials is drawing
to a close, the past week having been occupied with the concluding speeches of counsel. We are glad to note that the Government intends to take serious action in the matter. On Wednesday, Mr. Abbott, the Prime Minister, called a meeting of his party, at which he announced that the Ministry had determined to institute a searching investigation into the whole question of the alleged departmental irregularities, with• a view to introducing sweeping reforms. This is as it should be ; but we trust that the major evil of bribing provinces and districts by the promotion of public works will also be dealt with. That is the curse of Canada. We entertain no doctrinaire dislike of the Government of a young country aiding really beneficial schemes. Unless, however, a vigilant public opinion opposed to jobbery can be created, we fear that the system must be pronounced both wasteful and demoralising.
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