CANADA’S NEW PREMIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 81, 17 November 1911, Page 2

CANADA’S NEW PREMIER.

CHARACTER ■ SKETCH OH MR •• uOßDiiiiV. I TEN YEARS’ LEADER. The Hon. R. L. Hortlen, ICC., M.P., upon whom lias 1 fallen the duty of forming the new ’’ Canadian Cabinet, lias had a most distinguished career. Though he became Conservative leader in ifiOl, upon the resignation of Sir Charles .Tapper, lie cannot be said to have become a national figure uniil the reciprocity question arose. He is a native of tne province of Nova Scotia, which lias provided Canada with so many of it’s eminent statesmen.

.born at Grand Pre on 26th June, 1851, and educated at Arcadia Villa Academy, he lirst adopted the teaching profession, and became a professor in Elimwood institute, New Jersey, lieturning to Nova Scotia, he studied law, and was called to the Par in 1878. After practising ai Kentville lor some years, he removed to Halifax, and was a law partner hi Sir J . D. S. Thompson, of Air Justice Graham, ami, later, of Sir C. H. Tupper. He gained early distinction as a Aeon student and a sound lawyer. In .1890 lie was created a Q.C. by Lord Derby. As a ipleader Air Porden took High rank. He was counsel for the Dominion Government.in several important cases,:, and lie argued the case of the municipalities iof Pictou before the Privy Council t in England. He comes of United Empire Loyalist stock and his literary and social accomplishments. have conciliated to his- popularity ~.with all parties and sections of Canadian, society. ! li . Tile coming Premier was in Ins'f.br-ty-second year when ho first entered political lire by codling in at the head of the poll for Halifax County in the Dominion General Election of 1896. At Ottawa his marked ability soon placed him on the front' Opposition Pencil, and when Sir ‘Charles Tapper resigned) thfo- leadership)' Mr 'Borden's election as his successor was generally acclaimed. CANADIAN ADMIRER'S VIEW.

A kindly, yet earnest, gentleman sums up Mr Borden’s character,; according 'to a Canadian admirer:•. “His work; lias always .been , hi^ -.liighest duty, and ; lias taken up his, keenest endeavour. .During his years of public service he has always shoiyu nimself a man oi unswerving:honour, and lor that reason ids .addresses and orations appeal always as sincere and honest.

“in a difficult position ho has year i>y year added to his reputation as an honest and reliable statesman, fair and logical in debate and intensely loyal to those united Empire loyalist traditions which he inherited. During the repent election campaign Mr Borden has increased his prestige as a platform orator and presented the views of his party in opposition to trade reciprocity with tne United States witn great vigour. Whether or not one’s political opinions coincide with those of Mr Borden, one is forced to admire him as a man.” The victor in the contest is no stranger to the Mother Country. Apart from professional trips, he paid an extended vi*it to England two years ago in company with ids wife. Although he lias never had an opportunity of representing the Dominion at an Imperial Conference, his views upon Imperial problems are well known. All through nis political life, Mr Borden has advocated a knitting together of Empire, and his opinion is that Canada's first duty is to make a substantial contribution” to the Imperial Navy. lit appearance Mr Borden is not unlike Mr llamsay Macdonald, the leader of- the Labour Party' in the House of Commons. He has an abundahbo of wavy, greyish hair, which ripples' Over a broad forehead, and a tmek moustache over a linn mouth. Mr Bolden hag enjoyed the unique distinction of being a’ salaried member of the Opposition. 1 in the Dominion Parliament of 190 G a Bill was passed on the initiative of the Liberal Government which contained a clause providing for the payment of a salary of £l-100 per annum to the Loader of the Opposition, in addition to the sessional indemnity of £SOO a year which is paid to ail members of both Houses of the Dominion Parliament.