elief whatever, erroneous conceptions of
broadmindedness in religious matters, absence of traditions, lack of
Catholic education, all these causes and many others have created
especially in our cities, where such a large floating population is to be
found, and in our country places where there is no resident priest, a
compromising Catholicism, apologetic Catholics. How many Catholics in
the West are always ready to cringe in presence of those who are not of
our belief and to apologize for their faith. To react against this
abiding danger we need all through the country well instructed and
thoroughly educated Catholic leaders who will be in our world of
agnosticism and irreligion, the protagonists and apologists of
Catholicism. The fearless proclamation of the truth combined with a good
moral public life is in itself a tremendous power. Indeed, we need in
all the avenues of life men whose university training will give them
influence in public life. But let it never be forgotten those captains
of industry, those brilliant and successful professional men, those
progressive farmers--valuable as they all may be--must count more as
leaders of Catholic thought than as money-makers. If not, they will be
found wanting when the Church needs them the most. We emphasize this
point, for in the plea for higher education very often our attention
seems to be more on the successful business man than on the Catholic
thinker.

Love of Church and country will therefore inspire us with a high sense of
duty in relation to the establishment of a seat of higher education in
this promising part of our great Dominion. And this duty, let us not
forget it, _is urgent_. Every decade means a new generation that should
have passed from the halls of our university to the commanding heights of
the country's leadership. Our hesitancy means a further postponement of
the triumph of the Catholic Cause.

This high conception of an urgent duty gives the vision. From the
clearness, breadth and depth of that vision will spring the conquering
spirit of co-operation. Co-operation to be efficient and persevering
demands a united plan of action and an authoritative leadership.

The Catholic population of Western Canada is yet very limited. We cannot
afford to scatter our forces and multiply our institutions. One
university for all Western Canada would be sufficient to meet the present
requirements. The multiplication of inefficient universities is