THE MONTREAL CONGRESS.
of the Chambers of Commerce of the Empire, held at Montreal, over which my father had the honour to preside, were characterised by extreme loyalty to the Imperial connection. Resolutions were in almost every case unanimously passed. I wish to call attention to two of these. The first ran as follows: 'That this Congress affirms the principle that it is the duty of the Colonies to participate in the defence of the Empire.' That resolution was opposed in the first instance by the French-Canadians present, but after the addition of a few words to the end of the resolution, the Colonies having their own initiative in the matter, the French-Canadians were induced to support the resolution. That resolution was of extreme significance, because it was the first time the French- Canadians had recognised that it was the duty of Canada to take part in the general defence of the Empire. The fact that this was recognised, not only by the French-Canadians, but by the representatives of all the Colonies present, had very considerable weight with the British delegates in inducing them to meet the views of their Colonial colleagues when the question of Preferential Trade came under discussion. This was discussed for two days, and the following resolution was passed: 'That, in the opinion of this Congress, the bonds of the British Empire would be materially strengthened, and a union of the various parts of His Majesty's dominions greatly consolidated, by the adoption of a policy based upon the principle of mutual benefit, whereby each component part of the Empire would receive a substantial advantage in trade as the result of its national relationship.' The Colonial delegates would have desired a stronger resolution. The British delegates had in many cases—certainly in
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