He concluded by a renewed assurance of heartfelt thanks for the generous expressions towards himself, the Duchess, and their daughter, and of their prayers for the continued happiness, peace and prosperity of Canada.
The War Session.—When the disturbances in Europe resulted on August 4 in open war, and Great Britain was precipitated into the conflict in defence of treaties, of her allies, of international morality and of national honour, Canada lost little time in contributing to the defence of the Empire.
Parliament was summoned to meet on Tuesday, August 18. H.R.H. and his staff appeared in service uniform and with few of the forms of ceremonial display. The Speech from the Throne was brief and practical:—
Estimates will be laid before you to provide for expenditure which has been or may be caused by the outbreak of hostilities.
The critical period into which we have just entered has aroused to the full the patriotism and loyalty which have always actuated the Canadian people.
From every province and indeed from every community the response to the call of duty has been all that could be desired. The spirit which thus animates Canada inspires also His Majesty's Dominions throughout the world; and we may be assured that united action to repel the common danger will not fail to strengthen the ties that bind together those vast Dominions in the possession and enjoyment of the blessings of British liberty.
As representative of His Majesty the King, I must add my expression of thanks and admiration for the splendid spirit of patriotism and generosity that has been displayed throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion.
The Prime Minister laid on the table the correspondence of the Imperial Government with foreign Powers (Cd. 7467, No. 6, 1914)—which were ordered to be printed and to be publicly distributed. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Opposition leader, rose after the formal speeches in moving the address, and delivered a very eloquent and patriotic speech. He said:—
It is our duty, more pressing upon us than all other duties, at once, on this first day of this extraordinary session of the Canadian Parliament, 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 has engaged in this war, not from any selfish motive, for any purpose of aggrandisement, but to maintain untarnished the honour of her name, to fulfil her obligations to her allies, to maintain her treaty obligations, and to save civilisation from the unbridled lust of conquest and power.
And in special reference to his French-Canadian fellow-citizens, he said:—