The world-wide struggle in which
our Empire is fighting for its rights, its liberties, and its
very existence has continued for more than two years. Every effort
that could honourably be made on our part to avert war was put
forth with the deepest earnestness and sincerity. There was no
escape from the contest save in dishonour and ultimate disaster.
The wonderful extent and thoroughness of the enemy's long and
careful preparation was imperfectly understood at first, and the
magnitude of the struggle has surpassed all anticipation. Great
Britain's first expeditionary force has been increased more than
twenty fold, and that of Canada more than twelve fold. The climax
of the war is rapidly approaching. The last hundred. thousand
men that Canada will place in the fighting line may be the deciding
factor in a struggle the issue of which will determine the destiny
of this Dominion, of our Empire, and of the whole world.
The most eloquent tribute would fail
to do fitting honour to the youth of Canada who have already rallied
so splendidly to the colours and whose heroic valour and glorious
achievements have crowned this Dominion with imperishable distinction
before the world. Remembering the sacrifice by which that distinction
was won, we recall with solemn pride the undying memory of those
who have fallen.
In the history of every people there
may come such a challenge to the spirit of its citizens as must
be answered in service and devotion if the nation is to have an
abiding peace in the future. The events of this war bring that
challenge to-day to the manhood of Canada.
Since the war began, more than three
hundred and seventy thousand men have enlisted in this Dominion.
Two hundred and fifty-eight thousand have gone overseas, and more
than one hundred thousand are now in the battle line. During the
first ten months of the present year, the number sent forward
will aggregate one hundred and forty-one thousand. From 1st January
to April 15 of this year the enlistments were at the rate of nearly
one thousand per day. Up to the present our forces have been enlisted
and organized more rapidly than facilities of transportation and
accommodation in Great Britain could be provided. During the past
four months the number of enlistments has greatly decreased, and
having regard to future needs the time has come for this appeal.
Notwithstanding the success of the
allied forces in various theatres during the past summer, there
is reason to know that the enemy is still strong and determined.
A mightier effort than may be imagined is necessary to secure
a conclusive victory. This war must have so decisive a result
that lasting peace can be secured. We are fighting, not for a
truce but for victory.
In all mechanical appliances which
have played so great a part in this war, the allied nations have
almost if not quite overtaken the enemy's standard of preparation.
Therefore the result will depend upon the organization, of the
man power of the allied nations. Canada must be strong and resolute
in that great endeavour.
Our strength can be most effectively
thrown into this conflict by utilizing, in all our national activities
for sustaining the agricultural, industrial, and commercial stability
of Canada, those who through age or by reason of physical condition
are not available for service at the front; to the end that we
may place in the battle line the greatest possible proportion
of those fit for military service. With this view the Government
has asked the Director General and the Directors of National Service
to undertake duties of the highest importance and urgency. It
is imperative that the men and women of Canada, individually and
through their various organizations, shall serve the nation in
those capacities in which their services may be of the most value.
Thus, it is the urgent duty of the Canadian people to join with
the Government in organizing the full power of the nation in terms
of human energy.
Under the responsibilities with which
I am invested, and in the name of the State which we are all bound
to serve, it is my duty to appeal and I do now appeal most earnestly
to the people of Canada that they assist and co-operate with the
Government and the Directors of National Service in the endeavour
for this purpose. To men of military age I make appeal that they
place themselves at the service of the State for military duty.
To all others I make appeal that they place themselves freely
at the disposition of their country for such service as they are
deemed best fitted to perform.
And to the women of Canada, whose
spirit has been so splendid and so inspiring in this hour of devotion
and sacrifice, I bid God-speed in the manifold works of beneficence
in which they are now engaged, and I pray them to aid still more
in every field of national service for which they may feel themselves
fitted.
Let us never forget the solemn truth
that the nation is not constituted of the living alone. There
are those as well who have passed away and those yet to be born.
So this great responsibility comes to us as heirs of the past
and trustees of the future. But with that responsibility there
has come something greater still, the opportunity of proving ourselves
worthy of it; and I pray that this may not be lost.