Page:Brock centenary 2nd ed. 1913.djvu/77

 THE SPEECHES

Some good people seem to think that the time of universal peace is at hand. One has only to look at the state of affairs in Europe on this very day, to perceive how far we are removed from the millennium. In time of peace we must prepare for war; preparation for war is the best insurance policy against it. We wish to live at peace with all nations, but at all costs and at all hazards we must defend our shores. Universal military service is the duty of the Canadian people in the near future. The people will be better for it morally and physically. It will surely come, for the policy of the future is the maintenance of the integrity of the British Empire. We love our country, we believe it has a great future; we must make it secure. What says a sweet singer of Canada :

" O strong hearts guarding the birthright of our glory, Worth your best blood this heritage ye guard : Those mighty streams resplendent with story,

These iron coasts by rage of seas unjarred — What fields of peace these bulwarks well secure : What vales of plenty these calm floods supply : Shall not our love this rough, sweet land make sure, Her bounds preserve inviolate, though we die : O strong hearts of the North Let flame your loyalty forth, And put the craven and the base to open shame Till earth shall know the Child of Nations by her Name."

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