CANADIAN NAVAL PROPOSALS.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13713, 21 April 1910, Page 7

CANADIAN NAVAL PROPOSALS.

OPPOSITION CRITICISM

United Press Araoeiation—By Electrio Te.egriph—Copyright. (Received April 20Ui, 9.55 p.m.) OTTAWA, April 20. During discussion in the committee stages of the Canadian 2\'avy Bill, the Opposition critieis-ed the purchase of the cruiser Niobe, and claimed that she was expensive and obsolete. Sir Wilfrid Laurier stated that th© vessel cost 1,075,CCQ dollars, and was admirably suited for training 425 men and 40 officers. 31r Borden, Leader of the Opposition, discussing the clause providing that the Canadian Navy should not go into active service without an Order of tho Governor-in-Council, stated that Canadian vessels being unable to defend themselves would bo forced to fly a neutral fla£ or' strike the British flag. Either course would mean instant separation from tho Empire. Sir Wilfrid Laurier replied that Britain in tho past had engaged in many wars which were not of such a character that Canada could justly take- part. He instanced the Crimean war and the Egyptian war of 1881; but if Britain were seriously endangered, a wave of enthusiasm wouHi sweep over the Empire, and the whole of the Canadian fleet and Canadian resources would be placed at the disposal of the Mother Country.

The Niobe, which has a displacement of 11,000 tons, engines of 16,500 h.p., and a speed of 20.5 knots, was ocmpleted in 1899 at a cost of £548.283. She and other vessels of her class have had boiler troubles.