Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 10.pdf/20

 Hon. Sir Oliver Mowat, G. C. M. G. party back to safe paths, when commercial various suggestions of the case some favor union was adopted as the policy of the imperial federation, others independence in Liberals. The following extract from a friendly alliance with England, while some speech which he delivered in Toronto, dur speak of annexation with the United States. ing the commercial union campaign, indicates I am not an annexationist, and I am glad to the governing principles of his political life : know that you are not. You and I look to "Wc agree also in our attachment to the our country, and we prefer to be British subjects rather than citizens of any other country Fatherland. Wc all love it well, on which ever side of the House we may sit; and in the world. I myself would rather be during the many years I have held a seat in Premier of Ontario than Governor of New the Ontario legislature, I have never once York, and, if I had any ambition for still heard one member of that House say one higher public honors, which I have not, I would rather be Premier of Canada than disloyal word. I have not heard one mem President of the United States. I say that ber of that House express one disloyal senti ment, and I have never heard one member with all respect for that nation. It is im of that House once express discontent at possible not to respect their energy, but it is our British connection. We all rejoice that one thing to respect them and another thing we are British subjects. We all rejoice that to join them." Canada is a part of the great British nation; When the last federal campaign was we are all glad to know, and it stirs our entered upon, Mr. Laurier, the Liberal chief, hearts, the name of British history in the with great wisdom approached Sir Oliver Fatherland. It is our history and we glory Mowat (who in the meantime had received in its civilization and its patriotic sentiments. the honor of knighthood on the recommen Its soldiers and philosophers all belong to dation of the Tory government) with a view us; we are the same people. Our constitu to obtaining his active support in the fight. tion was the best that at that time could be At his advanced age, Sir Oliver was obliged framed with all the ability of the Premier of to decline taking an active personal part in Canada, and we who were associated with the contest, but he agreed that in the event him know it was the very best that could be of the Conservative government being over framed with the experience which we then thrown, he would assist Mr. Laurier in the had, and I agree with the Premier of Canada administration of affairs. The chief party that on the whole, taking into account our papers then adopted the cry, " Laurier, own powers and all the improvements, it Mowat and Victory, " and there is little doubt was the best constitution that the country but that the name of Ontario's Premier had ever had. I agree with him that it is a much to do with the success of the Liberals better constitution than the United States at the polls. After nineteen years of oppo has, and because it is so good I would like sition, the Liberals triumphed and Mr. to make it still better. Under it, legislation Laurier called Sir Oliver Mowat to the office has taken place in all of which I would not of minister of justice, and appointed him to concur, but under that constitution, such as the senate. No better choice could have it is, and under the legislation that is taking been made. The questions with which he place under it, our country here has flourished. has to deal as minister of justice are the We have been told to-night of the great same as those which came within the scope progress which Canada has made and of the of his duties as attorney-general of Ontario; great things and promises which the country and his presence in the Cabinet gave confi has before it. That progress has led to dis dence throughout the country that affairs cussion in regard to our future. In the would be wisely and honestly administered.