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a general election necessary and which influenced' him in the momen- tous decision to let the people of the nation say who they want to carry on their government at, this cnirtical time. .May I say, Mr. Speaker, that at that time I haclI hopedI that circumâ€" stances might be such as would per- mit another session of this parliament being held- before a general election. But as I have said, no one can fore- see what is likely to take place in a. time of war, and none can foreâ€" tell the degree to which a gavern- ment may continue to enjoy the confidence of the people in carrying on the affairs of the nation at 50 critical a time. I was careful there- fore to say that it would‘ lbe desirâ€" able when parliament next assembled to have hadl a careful review in- the interval of all circumstances which would hear on the question of wheâ€" ther it would .be advisalble to pro- ceed in a period of war with a pre- election session, or to have on the hustin-gs such discussion as must necessarily take placeâ€"in other words, to avoid two political battles, one in parliament and one on the hustings as well. I had: felt, I must say, up until a vecry sh‘ort time ago that it was: going to be possible, at a sessioni calledI in the month of January, to present to this parliament the mea- sures which the government felt it would be necessary, before an ap- peal to the people, to carry through for the effective prosecution of the war. I had‘ always been very much concerned, as I think the‘ house is well aware, about the long period of time required by our elections act for a general election. Under} the act and' its administration Ii think something like eight weeks is required to elapse between the date of dissolution and: the day of elec-" tion. I had felt that possibly we might get over the difficulty of hav- ing such a long interval while war was on and parliament was not in session, 'by shortening the time in which there would be no parliament through an amendment to our elec- tions act to reduce the periodi in which the country would' lbe without a parliament to something like four weeks. I spoke to my hon. friend the leader of the opposition about that prior to the special session of last year. I should have liked to introduce such a measure at that time, but I gathered from what he said: to me and from what others have said, that the introductiOnl of an;r measure to amend the election act would the certain to create some suspicion in the minds of some hon. memlbers and to provoke a kind of discussion that would DIOt be ad- visaible. The events of last week in Ottawa were of such history making im- portance that. we reuper‘uce the folâ€" lowing extracts from the address of Prime Minister King delivered in Parliament. In it the Prime Mini. isrter frankly places cefore the peo- ple of Canada the facts leading up to the present situation which made Speaking in the House Rt. Hon Mr. King said: Prime Minister King asks People for Mangate to Continue Canada’s War Effort “My Colleagues a. V“: almvav mun-.1 «5v going to be possible, at a session :alled in the month of January, to, present to this parliament the mea- sures which the government felt it would be necessary, before an apâ€" oeal to the people, to carry through :‘or the effective prosecution of the war. I had always been very much :oncerned, as I think the house is Well. aware, about the long period of time required :by our elections let for a general election. Under she act and its administration I! think something like eight weeks is| required to elapse between the date of dissolution and the day of elecâ€"' tion. I had felt that possibly we might get over the difficulty of hav- ing such a long interval while war was on and parliament was not in session, by shortening the time in which there would be no parliament I through an amendment to our elec- tions act to reduce the period in which the c0untry would 'be without a parliament to something like four weeks. I spoke to my hon. friend the leader of the oppOsition about that prior to the special session of last year. I should have liked to introduce such a. measure at that time, but I gathered from what he said to me and from what others have said, that the introductiOn of any measure to amend the electiOns act would be certain to create some suspicion in the minds of some hon. members and to provoke a kind of discussion that would not be adâ€" visalble. ***** z n I had hoped there would be 'a feeling of sufficient confidence in the present administration, and an evidence of sufficient unity between all parts of this country to have enâ€" albled us, at a session at this time, to introduce a number of measures and then to go to the country a little later on. Until a week or two agoâ€"indeed, until a week agoâ€"it was my intention that this should be the procedure. But, as h-on. members know, just a week ago to- day, or yesterday, the premier of the largest province in this coun- try introduced in the Ontario logis. lature a resolution which was di- rected in no uncertain terms at the government of Canada now admin- istetring its affairs. That resoluâ€" tion was seconded by the leader of the Conservative opposition in the Ontario legislature; and when came to a vote, the resolution was supported by 3111 of the ministers of the Ontario government who were present in the house at the time, by some of the members of the Lib- eral party in Ontario and {by all .of the Conservative members in the legislature. The resolution had been preceded by some discussion in the legislatureâ€"a discussion which had taken place, I think, for a couple of daysâ€"attacking the manner in which this government has sought to administer the affairs of the country during this period of war. I think I would have paid little or it‘ no attention to that discussion had criticism, or censure, or whatever it is, is being made in the name of the people of Canada, because it reads: “to prosecute Canada’s duty in the war in the vigorous manner the people of Canada desire to see.” I do not think I need say to hon. members that, since war was de- clared, and this panliamlent decided that Canada would participate in the warâ€"decided in the unanimous manner in which it dideâ€"my col- leagues and myself have given every ounce of our strength and every ‘hour of our time in the mOSt die. voted manner possible endeavouring to further Canada’s war effort, and lthe interests of the nation. We ‘have not tried to do so in a draâ€" matic or spectacular manner. We are too conscious of the gravity of the responsibility which is ours. .But ‘we have steadily, day in, day out, given the most careful and thought. ful consideration to every step that should be taken to see that that step would be taken in a manner which would meet with the approvau of the people of Canada, and which, so far as the war is concerned, would best serve to further C-an- ada’s war effort in the most effect- ive manner possible. I had thought, and I believe, that the Canadian people approve both the manner in which the government has underâ€" taken its duties, and the way very fact that we have to-day throughout the country a one might almost say, of the press expressing the hope that this ad- ministration will continue to carry on, is the best evidence that at least the press of the country, which have to do with the moulding of public opinion, and know something albOut current opinion, believe that this government has aolidfly behind it the support of the people. However, that is not the only thing. Even that resolution might have been put to one side were it not for the evident purpose which lies- :back of it. passed to start a political campaign while this parliament was in ses- sion, to have advantage taken of the fact that my colleagues and myself would be obliged to give out attenâ€" tion and our whole attention while parliament was sitting to the work of parliament as well as to the prob- lems of the war and the carrying on of Canada’s war effort, while other gentlemen were to be free to criticize our effort, to misrepresent everything that was done, and ev- erything that to them might seem to be left undone. In other words, we were to continue to carry the grave responsibility of doing our duty in the matter of Canada’s war effort. and at the same time as- sume a very great responsibilityâ€"â€" not as great as the other, but a very great responsibility of meet- , special one. in ‘ which it has discharged them. The‘ chorus, . came on in 1914. ‘That resolution was I People the would over will under.. stand, I believe, what may be said on the bushings, and they will be' prepared to make some allowance for extreme statements made in the course of a political campaign. They 'can understand political Opponents- speaking there in a different way than where they have the responsiâ€" bility which rests upon members in this house. It is a very different thing to have such discussions inâ€" troduced into the debates in this house as is inevitable once a camâ€" paign has started in the country. Apart from that, however, may I say there are very strong reasonsâ€"â€" and they are set forth in the speech i from the throneâ€"Why it is in the pulblic interest, in the interest of the country, and in the interest of, the allied powers, if we are to have an election, as it is now perfectly; evident that we mus-t have, we should have- it just as soon as possâ€"r ible, and have it over at the earliâ€" est moment. ' In the first place, as indicated byl the speech from the throne, this is: the sixth session of the pesent parâ€"l liament, one session having been a: 'This parliament was1 returned in 1985 and this is 1940.l That in itself, in my opinion, is the strongest reason why there should be an election at this time. Some may say that this was not the case with Sir Robert Borden; that this was not the View that he took. Sir Robert Borden’s government was returned to power in 1911 and war Sir Robert had been in office for only three years, and there were the most cogent of reasons why he should carry on. He had still another two years before his term. would be completed. Our situation, however, is quite differâ€" ent. As everyone knows, this is the last session of this parliament. When the time came for dissolution as fixed by the constitution, Sir Robert Borden found difficulties in the way, because of the stage to which the war had advanced, of giving to the people the right to which they ar'e periodically entitled of declaring to whom they wish to entrust the man- agement of their affairs, and this at a very critical time. There is, therefore, the strongest OOnstitu- tional reason why we should meet the country just as soon as we pOSS- ilbly can. But I would mention another cir- cumstance. Had I thought that it would have been in the interests of the country so to do, I would have gone to the people immediately af- ter the last special session in order that those charged with the great responsibility of government in war time might have a direct and un- questionable mandate from the elec- torate. I realized at that time, however, that it was necessary that Canada's war effort should be got- in-g parliament day in and day out ten under way as expeditiously as and to try to so conduct debates here as to have due regard for what is taking place in Europe and the care to be exercized with respect possible, that the country should be changed as speedily as possible from a peace-time to a war_time organ- ization, that all necessary military THURSDAY, FEBRUARY lst, 1940. agues and Myself Have Given Every Ounce of Our Strength and Every Hour of Our Time in the Most Devoted Manner Possible Endeavouring to Further Can- ada’s War Effort and the Interests of the Nation.”â€"King manner to see. it been confined to the leader of the government of Ontario and to the Leader of the opposition of On- tario; I would have allowed it to pass, and not made further mention of the matter other than to discuss the merits of any points which might have been raised in the dis- cussion. However, when the Ontario legislature adopted! the resolution and it was given a permanent place on the records of the legislature, quite a different situation presented itself to this government. May I read the resolution? That this house has heard with interest the reports made by the mime minister and the leader of the opposition of the result of their visit to Ottawa, to discuss war mea- sures. with the nationall government and this house herelby endorses the statements made by the two ‘me'mh Ibers in question and joins with them in regretting that the federal government at Ottawa has made so ‘little effort to prosecute Canada’s duty in the war in the- vigorous I ask hon. memlbers to notice the extent of the charge which is made there. It is a charge against the federal government. It is not against myself alone personally but against the entire administration. There have been, as no doubt hon. members am aware, many other at- tacks upon me personally as leader of the government; but this is against the government at Ottawa, and the change is that we have made so little effort to prosecute the war. It is further suggested that this criticism, or censure, or Whatever it is, is being made in the name of the people Olf Canada, because it reads: “to prosecute Canada’s duty in the war in the vigorous manner the people of Canada desire to see.” I do not think I need‘ say to hon. members that, since war was de- clared, and this panliament decided that Canada would participate in‘ the warâ€"decided in the unanimous manner in which it dideâ€"my col- leagues and myself have given every ounce of our strength and every hour of our time in the mest die. voted manner possible endeavouring to further Canada’s war effort, and the interests of the nation. We ‘lmve not tried to do so in a draâ€" matic or spectacular manner. We are too conscious of the gravity of the responsibility which is ours. ,But ‘we have steadily, day in, day out, given the most careful and thought. ful consideration to every step that should be taken to see that that step would be taken in a manner which would meet with the approvau of the people of Canada, and which, so far as the war is concerned, would test serve to further C-an- ada’s war effort in the most effect- ive manner possible. I had thought, and I believe, that the Canadian people approve both the manner in which the government has underâ€" taken its duties, and the way in which it has discharged them. The very fact that we have to-day throughout the country a chorus, one might almost say, of the press expressing the hope that this ad‘â€" ministration will continue to carry the people of Canada desire to whatever is'said and whatever is done, and to have at the same rtime an electoral campaign carried 1011‘ against us by those who are political opponents of the adminisâ€" flatten. What is the cry already? Alneady, ‘afuter this resolution is passed, the 'leader of the Conservative party of Ontario, at a political meeting, tells the meeting, and through the meet- ing the province, and through the province the country, that the elec- tion must start at once; and he gives them the slogan, “King musrt go.” That is to be the slogan. I am quite prepared to accept that shogan if he will add! the words, “to the country." But I ask hon. mem‘ bers: How can I be expected to do what is expected of me by this country in- a time of war as leader of the government of Canada if all of my time and thought is to be surrounded by the animosities of political opponents. who are seeking to undermine every effort that is being put fronward in: the leadership of the administration? I should have thought that, at least until this house had/ met and expressed its views, those who have any sense of pulblic duty woufld have been» contend: to allow their politiâ€" cal animosity not to be given too much. expression. However, it is now evident that a political cam- paign has begun. ‘That being so, I ask hon. memlbers whether it is wise to try to carry on a political campaign in the country and a poâ€" litical campaign in this parliament â€"â€"tw,o campaigns at one and the same timeâ€"while war is going on at the from. -..._., -v" But I would mention another clr- cums'tance. Had I thought that it would have been in the interests; of the country so to do, I would! have gone to the people immediately afâ€" ter the last special session in order that those charged with the great responsflbility of g~0vernment in war time might have a direct and un- questionable mandate from the elec- torate. I realized at that time, however, that it was necessary that Canada‘s war effort should be got- ten under way as expeditiously as possible, that the country should be changed as speedily as passilble from a peace-time to a warâ€"time organ. ization, that all necessary military TliE LIBERAL, RICHMONu HILL, ONTARIO Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King Prime Minister of Canada and economic measures should be taken without delay. Once those measures were under way it was clear the situation would be entirely different. Fortunately, in the months that have elapsed since the special session, the government has been alble to organize Canada‘s war efâ€" fort and to, do so very effectively. We have browght inrbo the (public service, irrespective of the parties to which they belong, key men who, I believe, enjoy the confidence of the people generally We have forme ed1 the necessary iboardls to deal with the different war activities. All the work of organization with respect to the army, the navy and the air force has been admirably initiated' and developed. The first Canadian division is new in Great Britain and the British commonwealth air train- ing scheme is under way. We have just carriecl through, in the course of a day or two, our Canadian war loan, so that provision is made from that source for the financial need: of the country for the next considâ€" eralble period of time. In connecâ€" eTalble period of time. In connecâ€" vtflon with economic, financial and military affairs the 'basic work has been successfully planned and ac- complished and the officials of the permanent service are at this mom- 'ent in the best positionâ€"a better position than: they are ever likely to be in at any other timeâ€"to carry 0th further dewelorprment while a poâ€" ]{itical campaign is in progress. 'May I argaifi ask hon. memJbers this question: If an election is to take place, is it not wise to have it jus't as warm as we prS'Slilbly can. Now I hrotpe hon. members will realize that what I am prapc'sing at the momth is not to extend my time of ctfcfice, or that of my colleagues, {but solely to allow the people of this country to say, as they are entitled to say, who ‘I ey wish to harry on their government d‘urin: this very critical time. If I were seeking to extend the time of the Tpr-es-ert adntirrirtl'ativ’m or to extend my own- time as leader of the gov- ernment of this dominion. then I might Foe open to cr‘iticism fmwn hon. gentlemen opposite and from exponents in di‘ffeTent parts of the country. But when I am prepared to entrust my political future and the [political future of this adminâ€" istrationâ€"not meTeily preparedl hut anxious that it should] "be entrusted -â€"â€"to the voice of the peerple of this country, no criticism can be raised against an intent of that kind, One other point. The taking of] the military vote is an important- «natter in connection with an elmâ€"l -tion in war time. I think this couno rtry still has vivid recollections of how that vote was taken in the last War. We do not want any more occurrences of the kind. We wand: a perfectly straightforward and honest empression- of opinion from the military forces; they are, if any. thing, more entitled to it than any other class in this country. May I draw attention to this: That vote can, I believe, be taken while the first division is still in England, before its members may go to Eu;â€" rope, if an election is brOught on before May. Though of this I can- not, of course, say. If delayed, the soldiers’ vote will certainly have to be taken while they are fighting on the continent of Europe, which Would present a very different sitw ation. This government intends, as all hon. merrlbers know, if it is re- that regard. Parliament did) decide -â€"it gave its decision in m) uncerâ€" tain' terms, and! gave this ‘govern- ment the means wherewith to carry on Canada’s War effort. Now we are confronted With a situation in which our strength is, “being impair. ed by those who seek to create in the public mimfl distrust concerning both our ability and our patriotic erfforts. There is only one national authority higher than parliament; that is the people themselves whose servants as members of parliament we all are. Just as I was prepared to trust parliament to make the deâ€" cision as to Can‘adla’s participation in war, so I am prepared to trust the people with respect to the all- ilm‘portant decision as to what gov- ernment is: to administer their af- fairs during the years in: which this turned, to see that this first diviâ€" sion is reinforced in strength from mouth to month and week to week, but it also intends to see that a second] division is sent overseas as soon as may be possible. Now that second division, the men who are iikelvy to go in. it and form part of it, are in this country at the pre- ‘sent time; they can still be in the Icountry during a political campaign if the latter is held: immediately. I ask if it is not fairer to them, if it is not (better for everyone, that while they are still in a position to exercise the franchise in their own land, they should: have their right to record their vote with respect to the government that is to carry on when their lives are at stake? ‘ One word further in regard] to the holding of an election at this time. My colleagues and] I have realized as perhaps no others could inc-Sis]ny begin to realize, how imp- lportant it is that We should’ begin immediately to prepare for post- War pnolblerms. Parliament should be in a position to deal not merely with the immediate problems of war, but also with thIOse pvclblems which 'Willl arise as soon as the war is ’o-ver and even Ibefore. Measures such as the unemployment insur- ance legislation should be passed1 as speedily as possible. .I ask hon. ~‘memlbe1‘s: Do they believe it is go- ing to be possilble to put thnough these measures except by a parlia- Im-e'mt that comes fresh from the people with a. mandate to carry on the government and! enact such ne- cessary measures? ' Mr. Speaker, when at previous sessions we were considering the possibility of this country having to decide the part it w0u1d‘ take should a great war come in Europe, as the leader of the Liberal party and the -leader of the present administraâ€" tion I took the position very strongâ€" ‘ly, time and time again, that parâ€" fliam-ent would decide that question. "I was told from many sides that rit was ridiculous to think of allow- ing parliament to decide the ques- tion of peace or war, that the war would speedily assume proportions which would make impossible any- thing in the way of parliamentary discussion. I gave my word to. the ‘people of this country that parliap ment would decide, and that the ex- tent to which Canada would .particiâ€" pate in the War would depend nip-on the decision of our own parliament and the provision that parliament might make. I kept my word in war may be waged and: probably be concerned with the terms of .peace. It is not an easy or light responsi- bility, Mr. Speaker, which my 0.0L- lea‘gues and I have at this time and have had during the past four or five monthsâ€"yes, and) I might 'well say during- the 'last few years. We are in the midst of the worst sitm ation this \V‘Ol'idl has ever known, and I am afraid: that the situation is going to get worse and worse. No one can: say how long this war will last. Those who seem to be best informed tell us it is not going to be one year or two years; it may be three years; it may be longer than that. As respects the coun- tries that may be drawn into the conflict, there appears to be a darn- ger of the war spreading over vast. er areas than were ever thought of 'before it commenced. So my I say that if We have to carry the grave responsibility of off- ice in war and at a time of war such as the present, then we must {be fortified 'by the voice of this country, expnessecl in no uncertain item. If there is any group of men more capable of carrying on :Canada's war effort and likely to do so more effectively, then the people should have the right to em trust them with that great obligaâ€" tion. We propose to leave it to the people of Canada to say whom they Wish to cam on the government of Canada in this period of world war. GLENN’S DRUG STORE EVERY FRIDAY 2 to 5 PM. Phone HYland 2081 Open Evening Res. Phone 9788 duwden Lumber & Coal (KL. LTD {VMBER 0|" ALL KINDS Insult-x. Donnm'ona Board. etc. LANSING annwnALE 42 HUDSON 023C YONGE ST. 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