THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1907. A FUTURE EMPIRE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8400, 15 April 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1907. A FUTURE EMPIRE.

We are accustomed to say that Japan will become a very great nation, that China is awakening, that a great future awaits the German Empire, all of which statements are more or less true, but ; we' do not hear so much about that British-owned country, Canada, which in the future will, indeed, become a most powerful and wealthy Empire. It is a country of enormous size, of amazing fertility, while its climate conduces to vigorousness and health. Its people are of the right stock, the traditions of the Canadian people are healthy and inspiring, immigrants of the right stock—tnat is, respectable people of European blood —are encouraged to settle in the land, and to take their share in the glorious work of developing Canada until she becomes one of the greatest nations, or empires, in the world—a British Empire of tremendous strength, rectitude and wealth. The Canadians fully realise what their possibilites are, and they are enthusiastic, determined and energetic. The Canadians are an independent people, and their Government is probably the most democratic in the world. In Canada, however, democratic government does not mean heavy taxation of employers and workers, as it does in New Zealand. Taxation is light, and the Dominion Government have exercised some statesmanship in the levying of taxes—but it is, of course, the enthusiastic, hard-working, enterprising Canadians, who are responsible for the Government they enjoy. It may, perhaps, be inci-

dentally mentioned that Asiatic immigration is not encouraged in Canada. The foregoing remarks are the result of a brief a "pe rusa l of a book, entitled, "Dominion of Canada," which we have recently received from Messrs T. H. Race and W. A. Bums, Commissioners of the Government of Canada at the New Zealand Exhibition, and which has been prepared under the direction of the Canadian Minister for Agriculture. Canada is 3,745,574 square miles in extent, or almost as large as the whole continent of Europe. Canada is as large as the United States with the American dependencies of Hawaii and the Philippine Islands. The country's capacity for supporting population is so great that it cannot be estimated, but only surmised, at the present time. It could accommodate and sustain as many millions as there are in India or in China. It is a land of great plains, of splendid forest stretches, of lofty mountains, of mighty rivers, of widespreading lakes, of secure and ample harbours, and a stimulating and healthful climate. It known that Canadians are somewhat sensitive touching the nature of their climate, and this weakness has been rather quaintly described by John Foster Frasar, in his interesting, but not very accurate, book, "Canada As It Is." We read in the Government hand-book that "furs are worn as a luxury, not a necessity," and that "the climate requires men to work and the many opportunities encourage them." Canada began the twentieth century with six million inhabitants, about the same number the United States, had at the opening of the nineteenth century. The United States has now a population of eighty millions. Canada's destiny is as great and manifest as was that of the great American Republic a hundred years ago. The social condition of the Dominion is a healthy and agreeable one. Canada is a land of industry. Drones are few. There is no leisure class, no aristocracy, no great landed class. With the limited space at our disposal, it is impossible to do other than touch but very briefly upon some of the advantages which Canada possesses. With one further allusion we must content ourselves. We have said that Canada's traditions are healthy and inspiring, and will conclude by referring to o.ie occasion in her honorable history. In the year 1812-14 the colony was called upon to undergo a severe ordeal as the result of the United States declaring war against Great Britain. The United States naturally, selected Canada as the most convenient British object, of attack. The strength of the two countries was very itikiequal. Canada was unprepared for the conflict. She had less than 6,000 troops to defend 1,500 miles of frontier. Her entire population was under 300,000, while that of the United States was eight millions. Despite thi3 disparity, the Canadians, French and English, rallying to the support of the ir Government, bore themselves so firmly throughout the two years' struggle that when it ended the advantage lay . upon their side. Their victories at Queenston Heights and Chateauguay are to-day re-called with patriotic pride.