A.—s

542

the fullest and most adequate protection. Therefore, I feel strongly that it is the duty of the Conference to come to a general resolution of this sort before we part. At this late period Ido not wish to go into the whole facts, figures, and statistics, which we have gone over before, and therefore will content myself by simply moving the resolution, which I hope will be acceptable to every member of the Conference. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I am sorry to say, so far as Canada is concerned, we cannot agree to the resolution. We took the ground many years ago that we had enough to do in that respect in our country before committing ourselves to a general claim. The Government of Canada has done a great deal in that respect. Our action was not understood, but I was glad to see that the First Lord of the Admiralty admitted we had done much more than he was aware of. It is impossible, in my humble opinion, to have a uniform policy on this matter : the disproportion is too great between the Mother Country and the Colonies. We have too much to do otherwise; in the Mother Country, you must remember, they have no expenses to- incur with regard to public works; whereas, in most of the Colonies, certainly in Canada, we have to tax ourselves to the utmost of our resources in the development of our country, and we could not contribute, or undertake to do more than we are doing in that way For my part, if the motion were pressed to a conclusion, I should have to vote against it. Dr. SMARTT : But the public works to which you refer are of a reproductive character which are vital to the interests of your Dominion. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : Some of our railways have never paid a cent of interest or expenses. Dr. SMARTT : Still, it is developing and opening up the country to an enormous extent. All the colonies are building developing railways of a character which may not be revenue-producing for years. I thought the wording of this resolution would have specially met your views because you will find to make such a contribution towards the upkeep of the Navy it may take the form either of a grant of money, or the establishment of a local defence force or other services. I understand Canada suggested strongly the other day that some of their other services were in the nature of local defence. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : I have said all I have to say on the subject, CHAIRMAN : I think it is a pity to pass the resolution if it is not unanimous. Dr. SMARTT : I should like very much to hear the opinions of the representatives of the other portions of the Empire. Mr. DEAKIN : I have no hesitation in entering into the discussion if desired; but if we are not going to pass the resolution is it worth while ? Dr. SMARTT : 1 think it is a great pity we do not pass something. We have done so much in the way of pious affirmation, that I am anxious we should do something of a practical character. Sir WILFRID LAURIER : It can be passed if there is a majority. For my part, I must vote against it. Sir JOSEPH WARD : To do any good we would require to be unanimous about it. r

Fourteenth Day. 9 May 1907.

Naval Defence. (Dr. Smartt.)