CANADIAN POLITICS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 101, 26 October 1925, Page 7

CANADIAN POLITICS

ELECTIONS IN A FEW DAYS

RESULT CANNOT BE FORETOLD

TAEIFF THE MAIN ISSUE,

(UNITED 'PRESS- ASSOCIATION—COP-TRIOHT.)

(AUSIHALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) OTTAWA, 23irJ October.

Less 'than a week before, the election it is impossible to prognosticate the result, though it is evident that if the Conservatives had a picturesque and fiery leader, instead of the rather gloomy, pessimistic figure of Mr. Arthur Meighen, they might sweep the country. The Premier, Mr. Mackenzie King, is.no Lloyd George ; still, ,he, is the possessor of more personality than the Opposition leader. ;

The pivotal factor will be the province of Quebec. At the last election Quebec returned a, solid bloc of 65 Liberals. i-Even :then Mr. King wai> .dependent on the good graces of the Western Progressive Party to remain .in power. ,At this election the hr--dustrial centres of Quebec are likely to vote Conservative in order to secure tariff protection for the industries hit by .American, products. 'The rural districts of Quebec are likely to remain Liberal for as long as the memory lingers that ;it was ,tho Conservative Government. which introduced .. the hated conscription. However, should the Conservatives, gain 15 seats; •it will bo likely to turn the balance in- favour of' Mr. ■Meighen's party, in which event the Opposition loader would obviously be under •the control of the Quebec element, under Mr. i L..Patenaudc, who has been, hailed as a, sort,of Conservative Laurier. AVestern observers state jthat . the farmers show,a trend to leave, the Progressive Party,and.vote straight.Liberal or Con r ■sei'vatwe. .If so, nobody can conjecture the result in the prairie provinces. The main issue at the election will undoubtedly be the tariff. Next comes tho serious plight of the national ..ailways, and the burden of immigration. It caraiot be said that either "Mr. King or Mr. Meighen shows-sufficient clarity in providing specific remedies. Mr. 'Pateuaude, however,' is for out. and out Protection, '.British . goods not exccpledj •throughout 'the country.