Page:Brock centenary 2nd ed. 1913.djvu/87

 THE SPEECHES

You may reasonably ask, " What are we doing to create a sentiment of loyalty and patriotism in this country?" and I may say that we have succeeded in placing the Union Jack, the flag of civilization, over every rural school in the Province of Ontario. I am also reminded of what took place the other day in the State of New Jersey, and as you are a reading people, this episode would not pass unnoticed by you — it appeared in all of the papers of last week. A boy attending a high school in the State of New Jersey was asked, as is their custom Monday morn- ing, to salute the flag and to announce allegiance to the United States. The boy stated that he had no objection to salute the flag, but he could not give his allegiance to the United States as he was a British subject. Mr. President, I find that the State regulations of New Jersey call upon every scholar in their schools to salute the flag on each Monday morning and to declare their allegiance to the United States. This boy, being a British subject, could not conform to that part of the regulations, and was dismissed from the school. What would our people think of a regulation of that kind? I leave it for your meditation.

I hope and trust this meeting will be an inspira- tion that will extend all over this Dominion of Can- ada, and that some definite and proper way shall be found to commemorate the deeds of our ancestors and those great heroes whose efforts we to-day jubi- late in this part of Canada, realizing the great heritage that has become ours through the agency of those great men who have passed away. May Canada always remain a part— and by the Almighty's help I believe it will always remain a part— of the British Empire.

Mr. President, let me congratulate the Historical Societies, the volunteers and cadets here assembled for bringing about this wonderful meeting, which I trust will have an influence in making this an annual celebration for all time to come.

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