MR. LAURIERS SPEECH

Mr. WILFRED LAURIER also spoke in reply to the toast of ‘ Canada.” The Cartier-Brebeuf monument, he said, was to declare that the French-Canadians were always French. They had long been separated from their ancient mother, but despite that they. had never ceased to love her. (Loud applause.) Those of other origins who lived with them were his compatriots, but the first place in his heart was given to his own race. (Loud applause.) He did not hesitate to say, however, that he would be just as ready to defend the rights of others if they were attacked. To unite the two people was the idea of Confederation, and the French-Canadians had conformed to the agreement. (Applause.) He paid a generous tribute to Sir John Macdonald as a statesman of whom any country

might be proud, and also eulogized his friend, Mr. Edward Blake. In conclusion he urged his compatriots to be true to their race and their religion, but also to be just and generous, and they should have in confederation the same place as old France had in Europe. (Great applause.)