ld had declined to take any step towards equipping a Canadian
contingent for the Soudan. It was not because Canada was deeply
convinced that in the Boer War Britain's cause was more just than in
the Egyptian War. The vast majority, indeed, believed that the cause
was just, that Britain was fighting to free a population suffering
under intolerable tyranny. When neutral opinion the world over
condemned Britain's policy, Mr Balfour urged in its defence that the
colonies believed in its justice. True; not because, in Canada, at
least, there was at the outset any real knowledge of the tangled issue,
but simply because of the reputation which British statesmen had
acquired in the past for probity and fairness. Nor was it that Canada
believed the Empire's existence to be at stake. Many a time leaders of
both parties had spoken fervently of coming to {187} Britain's aid if
ever she should be in serious straits. But few, if any, in Canada
believed this to be such an occasion. In the phrase of a fervent
Canadian imperialist, it seemed as if a hundred-ton hammer was being
used to crush a hazel-nut. Faith in the greatness of Britain's naval
and military might was strong, and, even more than in Britain, public
opinion in Canada anticipated a 'promenade to Pretoria,' and was only
afraid that the fighting would be all over before our men arrived. It
was just another of Britain's 'little wars.'

The real source of the demand that Canada should now take a part lay in
the new-born imperial and national consciousness. The crisis served to
precipitate the emotions and opinions which had been vaguely floating
in the Canadian mind. The Jubilee festivities and the British
preference had increased imperial sentiment; and, with returning
prosperity and rapid growth, national pride was getting the better of
colonial dependence. A curious element in this pride was the sense of
rivalry with the United States, which had just won more or less glory
in a little war with Spain. All these sentiments, fanned by vigorous
newspaper appeal, led to the wish to {188} do something tangible to
show that the day of passive loyalty was over and the day of
responsible partnership had begun.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier was faced with a difficult problem. He had not
expected war. 'I had hoped to the last,' he said later, 'that there
would be no war ... that the Uitlanders would get their rights from Mr
Kruger's Government, not by the use of force but simp