THE GENERAL ELECTION IN CANADA.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14110, 1 August 1911, Page 6

THE GENERAL ELECTION IN CANADA.

Somewhat sooner than was expected the eleventh Federal Parliament of Canada has been dissolved, and the general election will take place on September 2nd. Thft contest will mainly be fought on the question of reciprocity with the United States, but in French Canada there is a good deal of opposition to the establishment of a Canadian Navy, and in Quebec, especially, it is probable that this question will nssnnie an even greater importance than that of reciprocity. Ther* are signs that the long feign of Sir Wilfrid Laurier is coming to an end. He has been Primo Minister sinco 1896. Previous to that the Conservatives held a long tenure of office. From tho date of Confederation in 1867

to 1896 ihe Conservatives were in power, with tho exception of five years, when Mr Mackepziq was in power Tho Laurier- Government wore returned with substantial majorities in 1900, in 1904, and in October, 1908. On tho last occasion they had a majority of 48. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's chief assets aro his high personal character and his supreme ability both as an orator and as a political tactician. At all tho colonial conferences he has easily token the lead among the overseas Primo Ministers, although Mr iSeddon, and more recently Mr Botha, divided with him to a considerable extent tho interest and the attention of tho man in the street. Despite his apparent want of enthusiasm in the cause Cf *Empirs-unity at the recent Confernce, there is no ' doubt he is a thorough Imperialist at heart. But a« a political leader he has'a very difficult game to play. Few people who have not had the opportunity of studying

Canadian conditions on the spot, rear.EQ how sensitive the Canadians are at anything liko interference with their local autonomy, ncr how keen

■'iro their aspirations aftec nationhood. The French Canadians are an especially thrifty race and resent having to put their hands in their pockets for the building and support of a navy, of which, in their narrow outlook, they fail to sco tho necessity. It is doubtful if the Navy Bill would havo been carried but for the support of Mr Bordenj the Leader of the Opposition. Last year a revolt against Sir W. Laurier on this very question was organised by one of his former lieutenants, Mr Bourassa, who succeeded

in winning for his nominee a seat which was previously regarded as 'a ■Laurier stronghold. The Reciprocity Treaty with the United States is in favour with the pioneers of Eastern Canada and even in a portion of the West, especially where the American element is strongest; but it is very distasteful to the peoplo of Manitoba and British Columbia districts which have been settled most recently with British emigrants, who see in it the danger of a movement towards political union with the United States. Mr R. L. Borden,K.C, the Leader of tho Opposition, has been in tho Canadian House of Commons since 1896, and was elected leader of the Conservative Party in 1001 upon tho resignation of .Sir Charles Tupper. A rising leader on tho same side is the Hon. Richard Mcßride. who line been Primo Minister of British Columbia since 1893 and is expected to take a prominent part in the coming campaign. The contest , will bo watched with great interest throughout tho Empire, seeing that if Sir Wilfrid Laurier is defeated, tho Reciprocity Treaty with thoUnited States will not bo ratified. It is doubtful whether tho Navy Act will be interfered with, but Mr Borden is not likely to adopt the viow lately put forth by Sir "Wilfrid Lanrier, that Canada might reserve the right to remain "neutral" in the event of Great Britain being involved in war.