THE CANADIAN ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1273, 31 October 1911, Page 4

THE CANADIAN ELECTIONS

NOTES BY A RECENT VISITOB. A contributor who spent some time in Canada both before and during tho recent .election makes some interesting comments on tilt' Canadian outloui;, Ho writes "in sketching one's impressions, itmight bo well to iilit note, as indicative of tho current thought, that English magazines and newspapers are not so much read in Canada as m Aiistralit. On tho other hand, Amtwan magazines are largely in circulation, and the Canadian nowsimpers aro generally conducted alter the American style. Tho l'eeling towards England is, perhaps, partially illustrated in tho general substitution in conversation of 'Old Country' lor 'Home,' as would bo used here, a difference which, when drawn attention to, was defended by a claim of an intense loyalty to the British Empire. Towards Amcrica, while its example largoly influences Canadian opinion, there is yet a decided present repuguanco to closer"relations. When asked'why'the Canadians generally describo the Americans as grasping and aggressive, quoting the one-sided settlement enforced over tho Alaskan boundary and the fisheries dispute as being in point and in fact characteristic of tho individual American. 01' itself, the principle of reciprocity did not scorn to jar on public opinion, but their recent growth and prosperity has induced much confidence in tho future development, of their country; and a desire to build up 'its manufactures has becomo a marked feature in pronounced Canadian patriotism. The lieciprocity Bill was held to bo a check on this desired development:, and feeling was further stirred up through the frank announcement by certain American politicians and by its press that the Bill in question was only a first step to Canadian annexation by tho United States. Beyond these influences, the fact that the Lrutrier Government had held ofiieo for fifteen years was considered a sufficient reason by many for a change. Jt was, however, gratifying after the el relion to hear Sir AVilirid so generously spoken of. even by party opponents. Hi.s great ability was j'reelv recognised. his claim as a statesman might be challenged on tho grounds o!' a wKiktwss in Empire enthusiasm, but the common conviction 111 at he would leave ollicc no richer than on tho day upon which lie Bccanip Premier was unchallenged and induced much appreciative comment'. Unfortunately, certain of his Ministers had not been successful in establishing an equal confidence in their Departmental administration."