Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/125

 newspaper man, he pointed out the high quality of the Press in Toronto, and, taking a larger view over the field, predicted a great literary future for the country. "You have the men, the material, the atmosphere for great history and great fiction." But he warned Canada against any narrow exclusiveness, pointed out the disadvantages of the taxes on imported books, and eloquently advocated "free trade in literature," not merely on economic but on educational grounds, and because the free circulation of books between the various parts of the Empire was the best way of fostering Imperial sentiment.

Shortly afterwards the news of King Edward's death was received, and by special request of the Canadian Club at Winnipeg, Sir Arthur Spurgeon, who had promised to be their guest, agreed to address them on "Edward the Peacemaker." This speech, with its graphic account of the King's Coronation, its appreciation of King Edward's restraining influence upon the would-be disturbers of the world, and its solemn warning against the dangers and consequences of warlike attitudes, national aggrandizements and international misunderstandings, made a deep impression. It was put into print and circulated all over Canada.

In October, 1913, while returning on the Carmania from another visit to America, he was momentarily plunged back into his old business of journalism, and that in a highly sensational fashion. In mid-Atlantic the Carmania received a wireless call for help from the steamer Volturno, which, with 657 people on board, was on fire seventy-eight miles away. Very heavy weather prevailed, and though ten ships, including the Carmania, steamed to the rescue, they could do little for many hours. Sir Arthur Spurgeon, who was editing the daily newspaper on the Carmania during his trip, sent by wireless to the Press Association a description of the tragedy and its sequel, and when the Carmania reached Fishguard he telegraphed a full story. The message from the ship was the first account of a great disaster to be sent