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41 chapters
PREFACE.
PREFACE.
Even since the issue, last year, of my book:—" L'Angleterre, Le Canada et la Grande Guerre "—" England, Canada and the Great War "—a second edition of which I had to publish, a few weeks later, to meet the pressing demand of numerous readers—I have been repeatedly asked by influential citizens to publish an English edition of my work. A delegate from Quebec to the National Unity—or Win-the-War—Convention, in Montreal, I had the pleasure of meeting a great many of the delegates from Toronto and a
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INTRODUCTION.
INTRODUCTION.
Canada, as one of the most important component parts of the British Empire, is going through the crucial ordeal of the great crisis which will determine her destinies jointly with those of the whole world. Instantly put under the strain, four years ago, by the outrageous challenge of Germany to human civilization with the criminal purpose of universal domination, she was fully equal to her unbounded duty. Conscious of her sacred rights, she at once realized that the constitutional liberties whic
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Who Are The Guilty Parties?
Who Are The Guilty Parties?
Any one sincerely wishing to arrive at a sound opinion on the great war raging for the last four years, must necessarily make a serious study of the causes which led to the terrific struggle so horribly straining the energies of the civilized world to escape tyrannical domination. The case having been so fully discussed, and the responsibilities of the assailant belligerents so completely proved, I surely need not show at length that the German Emperor, his military party, the group of the Germa
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The Persistent Efforts of England in Favour of Peace.
The Persistent Efforts of England in Favour of Peace.
In 1891, Lord Salisbury, then Prime Minister of England, witnessing the constant progress of Prussian militarism on land and sea, and fully conscious of the misfortunes it was preparing for Humanity, ordered an official statement to be made of the extravagant cost of the European military organization, and sent it confidentially to the German Kaiser, who took no notice of it. In 1896, Lord Salisbury lays before the Czar of Russia all the information he has obtained on the question of militarism
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The Call To Duty In Canada.
The Call To Duty In Canada.
Every one knows how the news of the State of War between the British and German Empires were received in our great Canadian Dominion, after the days of anxious waiting which culminated in the rallying of England to the defence of the cause of Freedom and Civilization. When the call for duty was sounded in the Capital of the British Empire, it rolled over the mighty Atlantic, spreading over the length and breadth of Canada, being re-echoed with force in our Province of Quebec. At once called to p
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Recruiting By Voluntary Service.
Recruiting By Voluntary Service.
No stronger evidence could be given of the determination of the country as a whole, and over all its component parts, to support Great Britain and her Allies to final success, than the truly wonderful record of the voluntary enlistment of more than four hundred thousand men, of all walks in life, to rush to the front. Recruiting in the Province of Quebec indeed started very well. Several thousands of French Canadian youth rallied to the colors. I hope and trust that, sooner or later, it will be
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Intervention of Nationalism.
Intervention of Nationalism.
The great struggle being waged with increased intensity, it was daily becoming more and more evident that the Allied nations were bound to muster all their courage, perseverance and resources to successfully fight their determined foe. It was just at the thick of this critical situation, calling forth the devotion and patriotism of all, that the "Nationalist" campaign of false theories and principles was launched with renewed activity in the Province of Quebec. Mr. Henri Bourassa, ex-member of L
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What Do We Owe England?
What Do We Owe England?
To this question raised by Mr. Bourassa, and argued at length by himself in the negative, I answered by a chapter of my book:—" L'Angleterre, le Canada et la Grand Guerre "—" England, Canada and the Great War ." Great Britain, ever since she came to the conclusion that the days of the old colonial policy were passed, and agreed that we should freely govern ourselves, with ministerial responsibility, within the powers set forth in our constitutional charter, has scrupulously respected our politic
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Canada Is Not A Sovereign State.
Canada Is Not A Sovereign State.
As long as Canada will remain under the flag of Great Britain—and for one I hope it will yet be for many long years,—it is evident that it will not be a " Sovereign State " in the full sense of the word. One can hardly believe that the Nationalist leader, at page 17 of his pamphlet—" Hier, Aujourd'hui, Demain "—" Yesterday, To-day, To-morrow ," opens a chapter with the title: " Les Colonies autonomes sont des Etats Souverains. "—" The autonomous colonies are Sovereign States. " Mr. Bourassa was
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German Illusions.
German Illusions.
When Germany threw the gauntlet to the Powers of the "Entente," she labored under the delusion that the war would most surely break down the British Empire. She was determined to do her utmost to that end. But she utterly failed in her criminal efforts. Strongly bound by ties of affection and constitutional freedom, the great autonomous Dominions and Colonies at once rallied with courage and patriotism to the defence of the Empire, of Justice, of Right and Civilization. India,—that great Indian
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The Nationalist Error.
The Nationalist Error.
The leaders of our Nationalist School have for years strenuously laboured to pervert the mind of our French-Canadian compatriots by the false pretensions that we were, in some mysterious way, coerced to participate in the European War. Even previous to the days of the South African conflict, they boldly took the stand that Canada should, on no account, and under no circumstances whatever, participate in what they called the Wars of the Empire— les guerres de l'Empire . Canada, they affirmed, had
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Had Canada The Right To Help England?
Had Canada The Right To Help England?
Not satisfied to do the best it could to persuade our French-Canadian countrymen that they had been coerced into the war by England, our "Nationalist School" extensively used the argument that Canada had not the right to intervene into the European struggle. I refuted this erroneous pretension by the following propositions, the very essence of our constitutional rights and liberties:— 1.—The Canadian Cabinet had the undoubted constitutional right to advise His Excellency the Governor-General to
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The Duty of Canada.
The Duty of Canada.
Having affirmed that Canada had no right to interfere in the war, the "Nationalist" leaders at once concluded that she was not in duty bound to do so. That most discreditable inference was, of course, the natural sequence of the wrong principle aforesaid. They further drew the conclusion that it was no part of the duty of Canadians to join the Colors to help winning the war. It was in flat contradiction of those erroneous notions that I positively declared, in my letter dedicating my book to my
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The Soudanese and South African Wars.
The Soudanese and South African Wars.
In the two previously mentioned pamphlets, Mr. Bourassa argued at length to prove that Canada had been led to intervene in the great European war as a consequence of her intervention in the South African War. It is well known throughout the Dominion that the South African conflict was the occasion chosen by the "Nationalist" leader to proclaim his doctrine that the autonomous colonies should have nothing to do with the wars of the Empire— les guerres de l'empire . He then strongly opposed Canadi
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British and German Aspirations Compared.
British and German Aspirations Compared.
In the attempt to justify his opposition to the Canadian armed support of the Allies' cause, Mr. Bourassa repeatedly asserted that Great Britain was as much as Germany aspiring to rule the whole world. He pretends that there is no difference between Anglo-Saxonism and Germanism. How unjust and dangerous is such a doctrine is evident to any fair minded man. It was no doubt calculated to prejudice the French Canadians against Great Britain, by telling them that the sacrifices they were called upon
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The Veritable Aims of The Allies.
The Veritable Aims of The Allies.
After doing their utmost to persuade the French Canadians that the Allies, more especially England and Russia, were equally responsible for the war, together with Germany and Austria, our "Nationalist" leaders moreover asserted that they were hostile to a just and lasting peace on account of their unfair claims. In support of their pretension, they repeatedly affirmed that the Allies were pledged to the complete destruction of the German Empire. No more unfounded charge could be made against the
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Just And Unjust Wars.
Just And Unjust Wars.
In one of his pamphlets Mr. Bourassa favoured his readers with his views on the justice and injustice of war. He affirmed that a Government could rightly declare war only for the three following objects:— 1.—For the defence of their own country. 2.—To fulfill the obligations to which they are in honour bound towards other nations. 3.—To defend a weak nation unjustly attacked. I have no hesitation to acknowledge the soundness of those principles, as theoretically laid down. I took the "Nationalis
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"Nationalist" Views Condensed.
"Nationalist" Views Condensed.
After refuting at length the "Nationalist" theories, I thought proper to condense them in a concrete proposition, and challenge their propagandist to call a public meeting in any city, town, or locality, in the Dominion,—Montreal for instance—and to find a dozen of citizens of standing in the community, to consent to move and second a " Resolution " embodying their doctrines. This condensed proposition, I translate as follows:— "Whereas England has unjustly declared war against Germany; "Whereas
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Loyal Principles Propounded.
Loyal Principles Propounded.
To the foregoing "Nationalist" proposition, I opposed one condensing, in a concrete form, the views and principles of the truly loyal Canadian citizens. I also translate it as follows:— "Whereas, since 1870, the German Empire had been a permanent menace against the peace of the world by her threatening military policy; "Whereas England, throughout the same period, and more especially during the twenty years previous to 1914, had done her utmost efforts to maintain peace; "Considering that Great
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Imperialism.
Imperialism.
Mr. Bourassa is apparently so frightened by what he calls Imperialism that the horrible phantom being always present to his imagination, he shudders at it in day time, and wildly dreams of it at night. Judging by what he has said and written, he seems to have worried a great deal, for many years past, about the dire misfortunes which, he believed, were more and more threatening the future of the world by the strong movement of imperialist views he detected everywhere. It is the great hobby which
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American Imperialism.
American Imperialism.
The still recent and wonderful growth of the two American continents, in population and wealth, is almost an incredible marvel. It is none the least politically. The two Americas, by the extent of their areas, the vastness of their productive lands, the length and largeness of their mighty Rivers, the broadness of their Lakes, the grandeur of their scenery, seem to be most adapted to great developments of many kinds. It is difficult to think of small conceptions originating in the New World, whi
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British Imperialism.
British Imperialism.
Let me now consider the wonderful development of what I have called Monarchical Democratic or free Imperialism. It has so far been exclusively of British growth. It is the typical form of Imperialism which has been honoured with the most violent, the most unjust, denunciations of our "Nationalists". How did it deserve such an hysterical reprobation? Such is the question to which I shall now endeavour to give a decisive negative answer. I have previously once said that British Imperialism, like A
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The Situations of 1865 and 1900-14 Compared.
The Situations of 1865 and 1900-14 Compared.
Our "Nationalist" opponents of all colonial participation in the Imperial wars, affirm that Canada should have abided with the convention of 1865. Are they not aware that, since that year, a great deal of water has run along the rivers; that the world, although perhaps not wiser, has at least grown half a century older; that so many ancient conditions have radically changed; that nations, like individuals, to be progressive, cannot go on marking time on the same small hardened spot? Any man sinc
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British Imperialism Naturally Pacifist.
British Imperialism Naturally Pacifist.
According to its "Nationalist" opponents, British Imperialism has always been of a conquering nature, like that of the Roman type and those of ancient history. This opinion is formally contradicted by a long succession of undeniable historical facts. Undoubtedly the splendid structure of the British Empire was not erected without armed support. The creation, without an army organization, of a Sovereign State comprising a fourth of the Globe, which component parts, themselves of colossal proporti
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British Imperialism and Political Liberty.
British Imperialism and Political Liberty.
British history, for the last century and more, proves that Imperialism is not naturally incompatible with Political Liberty, nor with the respect due the national aspirations of divers ethnical groups. The unity and the consolidation of the Empire made their greatest strides since the close of the war which resulted in the independence of the neighbouring Republic. As previously explained, they were the outcome of the very wise and statesmanlike change of colonial policy then adopted by England
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Imperial Federation and "Bourassism".
Imperial Federation and "Bourassism".
The leader of our "Nationalists," always frightened, apparently at least, with the supposed dangers of further Imperialist encroachments detrimental to the best interests of the British autonomous Colonies, seems alarmed at the prospects to follow the close of the hostilities. Consequently, it has been a part of his campaign to bring the French Canadians to share his fears for their future. Not in the least worried by such apprehensions, it was also my duty to try and persuade my French Canadian
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The Future Constitutional Relations of the Empire.
The Future Constitutional Relations of the Empire.
Though very difficult to say what they will be, I thought proper, for the better information of my French Canadian readers, to consider some of the suggestions which of late years have been repeatedly made. Mr. Bourassa, in his recent pamphlets, reviewing the situation from his wrong and prejudiced standpoint, has decidedly come out in favour of Canadian Independence. The least that can be said is that the time was very badly chosen to raise the question. To select the moment when the Motherland
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Outrages Are No Reasons.
Outrages Are No Reasons.
The failings of human nature, the differences of temper, of the qualities and defects of heart and soul, are such that harmony and good-will amongst men in private life are too often difficult to secure. The Divine precept, so frequently broken, should, however, always rule the relations between man and man. It should, with still more constant application, rule the relations between different races Providentially called to live together on the same soil, under the same Sovereign authority, enjoy
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How Mr. Bourassa Paid His Compliments To The Canadian Army.
How Mr. Bourassa Paid His Compliments To The Canadian Army.
With a most admirable unanimity— nemine contradicente , as Parliamentary procedure says—the Canadian Parliament decided at once, at the very outbreak of the hostilities, to organize a great army to go and defend the Empire of which the Dominion is an important component part, and Civilization in peril from the Teutonic crushing wave of barbarism, let loose over Belgium and France. In the most evidently constitutional ways, the Canadian people, as a whole, as they had the right and the bounden du
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Rash Denunciation of Public Men.
Rash Denunciation of Public Men.
A long experience of public life, whether by daily observation, begun in my early youth, when the Union of the Provinces was finally discussed, carried and established, or, subsequently, during many years of active political life as a journalist and member of the Quebec and Ottawa representative Houses, has taught me to judge the actions of responsible men, whether ministerialists or oppositionists, with great fairness and respectful regard. At all times the government of a large progressive cou
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Mr. Bourassa's Dangerous Pacifism.
Mr. Bourassa's Dangerous Pacifism.
Two historical truths, undeniable, bright as the shining light of the finest summer day, which have triumphantly challenged the innumerable falsehoods to the contrary constantly circulated by Germany, even prior to the outbreak of the hostilities, are:— First, that all the countries united under the title—the Allies, have been energetically in favour of MAINTAINING THE PEACE OF THE WORLD , when it became evident, for all sensible people, that Germany was eagerly watching her opportunity to strik
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A Most Reprehensible Abuse of Sacred Appeals To The Belligerent Nations.
A Most Reprehensible Abuse of Sacred Appeals To The Belligerent Nations.
I cannot qualify in milder words the use Mr. Bourassa has made of the solemn appeals His Holiness the Pope of Rome has, at different dates, addressed to the belligerent nations in favour of the restoration of peace. I bear to the Head of the Church I am so happy to belong such a profound respect and devotion that I will scrupulously abstain from any comment of the Sovereign Pontiff's writings and addresses. I have read them several times over with the greatest attention and veneration, so sure I
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A Case For True Statesmanship.
A Case For True Statesmanship.
Whatever the TRUE and the FALSE friends of Peace may hope and say, it is perfectly useless to close our eyes to the glaring fact that its restoration can only be the result of military effort combined with the highest practical statesmanship. After all what has happened, and the oft-repeated declaration of the Rulers of the belligerent nations, it would be a complete loss of a very valuable time to indulge any longer in the expression of views all acknowledge in principle, but which no one, howe
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After-the-War Military Problem.
After-the-War Military Problem.
Two of the most important propositions of His Holiness the Pope more especially deserve earnest consideration. They are indeed supported by the Allies who are purposely fighting for their adoption. In his note of the first of August, 1917, addressed to the Rulers of the belligerent nations, the Pope says in part:— " At first, the fundamental point must be to substitute the moral force of Right to the material force of arms. " No truer proposition could be enounced. If Germany had put this princi
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The Intervention of the United States in the War.
The Intervention of the United States in the War.
The hostilities, once opened as the direct consequence of Germany's obduracy, many of the most influential leaders of public opinion in the United States foresaw that the conflict taking such a wide range, the great American Republic was most likely to be, sooner or later, involved in the European struggle. They were of two classes. Those out of office, holding for the time no official position, were, of course, not bound to the same careful discretion in judging the daily developments of the mi
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The Allies—Russia—Japan.
The Allies—Russia—Japan.
Since its outbreak the great war has, and, before it is over, will have, played havoc in many ways in the wide world. Criminal aspirations have been quashed, extravagant hopes shattered, an ancient throne overthrown almost without a clash, an autocrat sovereign murdered, another forced to abdicate and go into exile. In the open airs, on land, over the waves, under sea, the fighting demon has been most actively at work, ordering one of the belligerent, eager to obey, to spare no one, young, weak
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The Last Peace Proposals.
The Last Peace Proposals.
I was writing the last pages of this work when the surprising news was flashed over the cable that Austria-Hungary had taken the initiative of suggesting peace discussion, which proposition she had communicated to all the belligerents, to the neutral governments and even to the Holy See. Without delay the rumour proved to be true. The very next day the full text of Austria's communication was published all over the world. I have read it with great care and, I confess, with profound amazement. Fr
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Necessary Peace Conditions.
Necessary Peace Conditions.
It can be positively affirmed that, taking no account whatever of the treasonable views of the defeatists , and no more of the disloyal opinions of the pacifists —because they only deserve absolute contempt and reprobation—the peoples called the Allies have been long ago, are now, and will remain to the last, unanimous on the essential Peace Conditions without which all the sacrifices they have made and are making would be a total irreparable loss. It has been proclaimed with the highest authori
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CONCLUSION.
CONCLUSION.
My ardent desire to speak the plain truth and only the truth, is just as strong to-day as it was when, in concluding my French work, I summarized the situation such as it was at the end of the year 1916, to show the hard duty incumbent on all the Allies, Canada included. It has been perhaps still more intensified by the outrageous efforts of those amongst us whose sole object has been, since the outbreak of the hostilities, to discourage our people from the herculean task they had bravely undert
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PRESIDENT WILSON'S SPEECH
PRESIDENT WILSON'S SPEECH
On the above mentioned date, Mr. Wilson, the President of the great American Republic, delivered the following speech to the Congress, in Washington. This noble and statesmanlike utterance met with the unanimous and enthusiastic approval of the members of both Houses, and was highly applauded, not only in the United States, but over all the truly civilized world. It reads thus:— "On the eighth of January, I had the honor of addressing you on the objects of the war as our people conceive them. Th
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Text of United States Reply to Austria.
Text of United States Reply to Austria.
On the 18th of September, 1918, the Secretary of State made public the official text of the letter he sent, to Mr. W. A. F. Ekengren, the Swedish Minister, in charge of Austro-Hungarian affairs, conveying President Wilson's rejection of the Austrian peace proposals. It reads as follows:— "Sir,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, dated September 16, communicating to me a note from the Imperial Government of Austria-Hungary, containing a proposal to the Government of all the
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