THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JUNE 2, 1913, THE CANADIAN NAVAL BILL.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13738, 2 June 1913, Page 4

THE COLONIST. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. MONDAY, JUNE 2, 1913, THE CANADIAN NAVAL BILL.

The early promise that the Canadian Government's naval defence, proposal would be considered in an Imperial spirit to the exclusion of party considerations did not, unfortunately, long endure. When the Opposition, under the leadership of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, decided to fight the Naval Bill at every stage i.b was evident that though the measure was assured of a large majority as far as the House of Commons was concerned, it was by r.o means certain that it would be adopted by the Senate, and its rejection by that N Chamber can, in view of more recent developments, occasion no surprise. Tho Bill proposed the immediate construction of three Dreadnoughts, to be placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government for the common defence of the Empire, to be maintained and controlled as part of tho Imperial Navy. These ships, tho construction of which would have cost £7,000,000, were to be regarded as un "emergency contribution," and not as an indication of the settled naval -policy of the Dominion, which, was exprossly reserved 'by Mr Borden for future consideration • and determination. It has been made plain, however, that the conviction of tho Got vernmont is that Canada's permanont policy should not bo based on the principle of autonomy in defence. The Admiralty memorandum prepared in compliance with Mr Borden's request, for presentation to the Dominion Parliament has occupied a prominent place in the discussion of the Naval Bill. It returned an unequivocal answer to the query propounded by Mr Borden, as to what form of temporary and immediate aid could be given by Canada: "We have no hesitation in answering, after a prolonged consideration of all the circumstances, that it is desirable that such aid should include the provision of a. certain number of the largest and strongest ships of war which science can build or money supply." The Opposition took up the position that no emergency existed in Imperial affairs calling for such a contribution to the Royal Navy,' that no such contribution should be made until it had the approval of the people expressed at the polls, and that a permanent naval policy should be formulated. Both tho groat parties aro on common ground in declaring that Canada must assume a share, and a generous sharo, of the burden of Imperial defence. The Liberals hold to the local navy policy outlined by Sir Wilfrid Laurier in 1909, under which the Dominion would retain entire control. Th© Canadian

navy would only go to war in defence of tho Empire whon tho .Canadian Parliament so decided. Mr Boi'don's con^ ception of the most suitable permanent policy !is that which appeals most strongly to New Zealand,, and which has so distinguished an advocate in Sir Joseph.Ward, that is, an invincible Imperial Navy, to the maintenance of which the Dominions should contribute according to their resources. The rejection of the Naval Bill by the Senate does not, wo are told, reflect the feeling' of the electorate^ to which pre-

sumably the question will now be referred. But it is unfortunate in that it will diminish the undoubted impression created throughout tho world by the overwhelming- support the Government's proposals received in- the House of Commons, and occasion further t delay ' before Canada can range herself beside the other Dominions in the discharge of a common obligation.