aggression, not for the maintenance of its own selfish interest, but in defence of principles . . . vital to the civilization of the world." He made generous mention of the position of citizens of Canada of German birth and descent, and quoted from a letter published in the press, written by Professor Riethdorf of Woodstock College, a native of Germany and a former German soldier who, while avowing a natural sympathy with his countrymen, denounced the Kaiser as "the common foe of Europe," and declared his loyalty to Great Britain.
The seconder, Mr. D. O. L'Esperance of Montmagny, laid stress upon the civilizing and salutary influence of the invincible British fleet, upon the fact that France and England were fighting hand in hand for the liberties of the world, and upon the unity shown by all Canadians.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier, leader of the Opposition, said that the gravity of the occasion which had caused Parliament to be summoned rendered it necessary to disregard the formalities which were ordinarily enforced as safeguards against too hasty action. He and his friends would give immediate consent to measures needed to insure the defence of Canada and to aid the mother-country. "It is our duty, more pressing than all other duties, at once . . . to let Great Britain know, and to let the friends and foes of Great Britain know, that there is in Canada but one mind and one heart, and that all Canadians stand behind the mother-country, conscious and proud that she is engaged in this war, not from any selfish motive, not for any purpose of aggrandisement, but to maintain untarnished the honour of her name, to fulfil her obligagations to her allies, and to save civilization from the unbridled lust of conquest and domination." England, he said, was engaged in no ordinary contest, but in a war which would stagger the world with its magnitude and horror.
"But that war," he continued, "is for as noble a cause as ever impelled a nation to risk her all upon the arbitrament of the sword. That question is no longer