THE CANADIAN NAVY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2710, 14 January 1910, Page 5

THE CANADIAN NAVY.

CABLE NEWS.

BILL INTRODUCED IN DOMINION PARLIAMENT. United Puichb Abhooiation— Comtunrr. (Received January 13, 9.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, Jan. 13. Sir Wilfrid Laurier has introduced in the Canadian House of Commons the Naval Service Act, which is on the lines of the Canadian Militia Act, including a (permanent force, a reserve, and volunteer forces. No naval conscription is provided for. The force will he under the administration of the Marine Department, hut under the immediate control of the Naval Controller, advised by a Naval Board. Pensions are to he provided, and a naval college established similar to the Royal Military College at Kingston. The fleet will be composed of four ships of the Bristol class, one of the Boadicea type, and six improved river destroyers. The total cost will be £2,308,000, and 22 per cent, extra if constructed in Canada. The first year’s appropriations will he three million dollars. Sir Wilfrid 'Laurier announced that the Government intended to begin building in Canada as soon as possible. In case of emergency the Govern menl may, by 'Order-in-Council, place the fleet at the King’s disposal, for the general roj'al navy. If this action is taken when Parliament is not sitting, it must he summoned within 15 days.

DISCUSSION IN CANADIAN HOUSE

OF COMMONS

On the discussion of the Bill, Mr. T. S. Sproull raised the question whether an emergency meant war in Canada or abroad.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier replied: War anywhere; if Britain was at war with any nation in the world, Canada would be liable to invasion, and Canada is at war.

Mr Borden (leader of the Opposition)’ in a remarkable speech twitted Sir Wil. frid Laurier with still holding views in favor of Canadian independence. This was shown by his recent declaration that the proposed navy should not go to war unless the Canadian Parliament chose to send it. This declaration meant the complete severance of every tie now binding Canada to the Empire. but before the flag was lowered on Canadian soil, some millions of Canadians would want to know the reason why. Mr. Borden contrasted Canada’s action with that of Australia and New Zealand, which had responded full} 7 to the Admiralty’s suggestion for licet units, while Canada hedged. Australia’s response in proportion to population was seven times that of Canada. Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s speech was brief owing to Mr. Brodeur’s unexpected illness.

(Received January 13, 11.25 p.m.)

Mr. Borden continued: Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s proposals are t°° much for an experiment, and too little for immediate effective and speediest organisation. It would not make the navy effective before 15 years. The crisis would come within five years. The possibility of war with Germany was very real. Germany bodly challenged Britain’s supremacy on the ocean, and Birtain had no right to resent the challenge. Mr. Borden quoted Messrs McKenna’s, Asquith’s, and Grey’s speeches of March 16, He continued: “If the Germans prove themselves the greater race they are entitled to supremacy on sea and land. German naval supremacy, without firing a shot, would bring the Empire to an end, and if Canada was true to herself she >would not fail in the day of the Empire’s peril, but stand in the forefront with the sister nations. We have the resources and, I trust, the patriotism, to provide a fleet unit or, at least, a Dreadnought, without a moment’s unnecessary delay. This is our duty to our country and our Empire.”