From Our Own Correspondent, Kingston, Out., Sept. 30.
During the past month, the great question which has been agitating Canada is as to whether or not, in case of war breaking out in the Near East, she would take part in it. It arose in consequence of this question being put directly to the Overseas Dominions by Mr. Lloyd George. Australia and New Zeeland promptly replied that they would: the reply of the Right Hon MacKenzie King, the Premier of Canada, was a request for further information. This may appear to be a strange answer to those outside Canada who know how, when the Great War began, Sir Robert Borden at once and without hesitation placed the men and resources of Canada at the service of the British Empire, and what deeds Qanadians did and the sacrifices they made in helping to win. the war, The explanation is simple—it is what has often been mention-: ed, as the curse of Canada, viz., Bir Wilfrid Laurier and aided him lities. Mr. King was protege cot in his fight against conscription. On the latter's death Mr. King was chosen as the leader of the Liberal party, mainly through the support of the French-Canadians and he owes his present position as Premier to them, With their support he has a bare majority in} the House with his own Liberal supporters over the combined numbers of the Conservatives and the Farmers' Party. It can therefore be seen that in any question of the country going to war which might again raise the issue of contention to the attitude tent te of the option Mr. King has to pay at-
French-Canadians.
The Right Hon Arthur Meighen, the former Premier, does nob agree with this, but maintains that the prompt and proper answer to Mr. Lloyd George's question should have been Ready! Aye ready! We are with you," and this declaration was enthusiastically cheered at a big meeting in Toronto. He is having an argument with Mr. King as to whether or not Canada is bound to support the Motherland under the Sévres Treaty. The general opinion as to this is expressed by the "Globe," the leading Liberal paper, when it says:—The Canadian people can-hour dishonour evade any binding obligations of a military nature that rest upon them as the result of the signing of the Treaty of Sévres by their accredited representatives." The French-Canadians seem to appreciate the fact that in case of war there would be an instant rendering of any assistance whick which, directly Mr. Lloyd George's message to Canada became known, thousands of officers and men volunteered their services, andj others offered to raise regiments.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.