CANADIAN POLITICS.

Evening Star, Issue 19290, 1 July 1926, Page 4

CANADIAN POLITICS.

iCanada is in the unhappy position of having no dominant political party in its House of Commons. The voice of the people, as expressed at the polls in October last, failed to endorse the policy of the Mackenzie King Government. Indeed, the Liberal Party suffered severe reverses, and the Conservatives, headed by Mr Arthur Meighen, more than doubled their strength. It is probable, had the Opposition been led by a man with more fire and vigor, that it would have been returned with a substantial majority, but Mr Meighen's temperament and intellectual aloofness limit his powers in the heat

of battle. As it was, the Conservatives wore returned with a majority of fifteen over the Liberals, but the Progressives, a much-reduced party of twenty-four, held the balance of power. With their help the Liberal Government survived the Opposition attacks daring the session, which began as long ago as January, until last week, when on a division it was beaten by a majority of one. . Mr Mackenzie King then resigned and asked for a dissolution. This was denied him by the GovernorGeneral; Mr Mcighen was asked to form an administration, and he has boon sworn in as Prime Minister. He finds himself in a curious position. The Canadian Lower House took ns its model when it was established the British House of Commons, the constitution of which provided that when a member was raised to a certain Ministerial office ho should resign and oiler himself for re-election. The British House of Commons, regarding this provision as obsolete, abolished it this year. In Canada.it still holds good, and Mr Meighen, though Prime Minister, has to vacate his scat until his constituency again expresses confidence in him. In the meantime an acting leader and acting Ministers will carry on. Air Mcighen’s plan is to obtain the prorogation of Parliament and “to address himself to the task of constituting a Government according to the method established by custom.” An interesting aspect of the situation is the effect that it will have on the Imperial Conference this year. If he can maintain his position, Mr Meighen naturally will bo Canada’s representative in London. There is no reason to doubt Mr King’s attachment to the Mother Land, but Air Meighen is the more robust Imperialist. The difference is represented by [tarty political ideas. Air King, it has been said, professes unbounded devotion to the idea of the British Commonwealth, but tempers it with reservations sufficiently strong to satisfy his followers of the Nationalist faith. This, being interpreted, means that there is a fairly strong body of opinion behind the march to full nationhood and definite reservations on the subject of Imperial obligations and commitments. The issue has been emphasised by the consequences of the late war. Air Meighen recently expressed the policy of his party on the subject of Canada’s participation in foreign wars. In brief, it was tliat_ if war came the dominion would do its duivv as in the past; that upon the outbreak the Government would assume responsibility for a definite policy; but that before any troops were sent overseas iho electors would bo given an opportunity of expressing their opinion through the formal constitutional procedure of a General Election. this announcement brought criticism from sections of Air Meighen’s own party. It is not to be supposed that tills was owing to the principles enunciated, but because of the political implications. Probably his critics think that this is not the time for Air Meighen to live dangerously. Canadian nationalism, it is said, at present is an unorganised movement, but it finds its supporters in the ranks of Mr King’s party. The feeling seems to be that there is necessarily no conflict between Canadian nationalism and membership in the British Commonwealth, and it is against the suggestions of union with the United States.