The Waikato Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1911. CANADIAN ELECTIONS.

Waikato Times, Issue 12187, 23 September 1911, Page 4

The Waikato Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1911. CANADIAN ELECTIONS.

From the scanty cables that we | have by us while writing, it is evi- | dent that the Government led by, Sir Wilfrid Laurier has not had <a satisfactory time at the polls. The main question has been that of reciprocity with the States, and at would appear that this has. been thrown overboard. Lately a great deal of excitement has prevailed throughout . Canada, an<i election riots have occurred in several places. Hearst, the proprietor of the " Yellow Press " of the United States is alleged to have taken part in the campaign as an accomplice of the Premier. But while the question of reciprocity has doubtless turned the balance against Laurier, the defeat of his Government is to be regretted. Tha Conservatives—they of doubtful hue—can hardly be expected to carry out with success such a bold policy as that adopted by the late ministry. The annexation bogey has been made to play a great part, but it is, as put in the words of tbe Premier of Ontario, " deader than mud in Canada." The tactics of the Conservatives throughout have been of that class usually adopted by Oppositionists, destructive rather than constructive, and it will •be interesting to see whether the bold national policy, and the progress of the Dominion will be continued under the new regi'tne. During the past few years the advance of Canada has been most marked, and it is to. be regretted that the elections will mean a change in that administration which has taken the country onward by leaips and bounds. The defeat of all the Ministers excepting the Premier •and two others is a sign of the tames but we should think that the .activity of the Opposition has been more responsible for the upheaval than the commonsanse of the people. As we say, the prospects of Canada under Conservative rule will be interesting Same comfort may bo gleaned from the fact that the Conservative party of Canada cannot possibly be so benighted as that of New Zealand.