stands in the very forefront in the struggle for right and freedom. I do not belittle the tremendous influence for good wielded by this Union—Portsmouth and Pekin and Cuba can speak—and I look forward to the Union increasing her already great international power, and taking her rightful place in the politics of the world. And yet without detracting from the importance of this Union, not only in its history, but in its present practice, I am sure that Canadians, at least, do not admit that Britain lags to the rear in all that is just and right.
So we have made our choice, an irrevocable choice: our statesmen vie with each other in showing loyalty to the Crown and all classes are ardent supporters of British connection. Even the school children throughout our broad land, in shrill sweet treble are singing:
For age to age shall glorify its worth:
Of precious blood, its red is dyed,
The white is honour's sign,
Through weal or ruth, its blue is truth,
Its might the Power Divine.
Live for your flag, O Builders of the North!
Canada! Canada! in God go forth!
The future of Canada is indissolubly united with that of Britain, and the patriot's eye must ever turn in her direction. It is impossible not to recognize that dark clouds are ever forming, any of which may, some of which almost inevitably will, break over her head.
Her desire and her dearest aim is Peace—by and in peace she must gain in wealth and in power. She
23
