"I will say—no."
"Then as to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance?"
"Canada must be free, because she has a vital interest in the American aspect of such an Alliance that even Britain has not. This nation is the electric transmission transformer between Britain and the United States. There is a Pacific zone of policy in which Canada has a big stake."
"I see. Now as to the next election?"
The Premier rises: now thinner and more intense than ever.
"My friend—just this. The solidarity of the British Commonwealth League of Nations is at the root of the welfare of the civilized world. In every nation of this League, no matter by what party label the Unionist cause is identified in the baggage room, it is a matter of vital importance to the solidarity of the League that such party should remain or go into power. So—I hope to get from the Conference such a reasonable endorsation of Canada's stand on the main issues that our party here——"
He pauses and gazes fixedly at a large map of Western Canada. The visitor imagines that he is looking at Portage, his home town.
"Er—you were saying, Mr. Meighen?"
"Medicine Hat," he answered vacantly. "Somehow, you know—I wish Kipling had never made that remark about Medicine Hat,—'all hell for a basement.'"
"You don't worry about the Hat just because there's going to be a bye-election while you're away?"