Loyola College - Review Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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MIR RERAERER LR LR ERER ER LR LR ARERLRLRAR Loyola College Review X № ааа 2-6 3 36 а ао 22 818282 РЗ ЗРЗЕ ЗРЗЕ ЗРЗЕ 1 Address all communications to LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW, SHERBROOKE STREET West, MONTREAL Price: One DoLLAr THE Copy, paper bound. АП subscriptions will be gratefully received 1935 MONTREAL, CANADA №. 21 EDITORIAL The Silver Jubilee and Canada's Position in the Empire ЖАСА? АҮ the sixth in the year of our Lord 1935 found the greatest Empire М) in the world celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of its sover- eign’s accession to the throne. The firmness of the bond that binds ЙА this commonwealth of free nations was never stronger; the common N loyalty and allegiance of the individual members to one man was never exemplified more than during this period of rejoicing and celebration. From the far ends of the earth were sent messages of loyalty and ambassadors of good will, all eagerly expressing their i devotion and allegiance to the Throne and the principles for which it stands. These were no mere superficial greetings from one Briton to another; they were heartfelt tributes from loyal subjects to their sovereign. Peoples of all races, creeds, and colours, paused from their labours long enough to extend their simple thanks and gratitude to one who, in spite of the difficulties and obstacles which beset his path, has upheld the dignity of his position with a thoroughness and skill that cannot but fill every Briton’s heart with pride. Dynasties and thrones have crumbled and fallen, leaving only tarnished mag- ificence to mark their decay; the passing of the years has brightened instead of dimmed the lustre of the British Crown. Much of this is due to the King’s own ability and personality. Raised to the throne at a time when history was in the making, EUR events were shaping towards the greatest cataclysm the world has ever witnessed, George V entered upon the task confronting him with a confidence and a courage which evoked admiration and praise from races owning other allegi- ance. In connection with this we might quote from the Commonweal of May 17th, 1935: No one would have said that he was progressive, and yet he did bold things like refusing to take the anti-Catholic oath... We Americans are not interested in monarchy. Were we, however, to devise a ruler for ourselves, it is probable that we should be able to think of none better than George У.” His reign has been more eventful, perhaps, than any other in England since the time of the Plantagenets. He faced not domestic strife but the growing enmity and hatred of the Central European nations. Those who believe in the future disintegra- tion of the Empire might do well to consider the history of the past twenty-five Чај СЯ

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Ink sketch Бу Edward Fitzgerald of Sophomore Class.

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LOYOLA COLLEGE REVIEW — «ро years. That period has witnessed more dissension, unrest, subversion of authority, suffering and pain, than any other such bricf period in the world's history. Emerging from a а war, His Majesty was confronted with peacetime problems that were infinitely harder to eradicate because they were тоге decply rooted. То these difficult tasks the King brought his wisdom and experience in an attempt to alleviate the sufferings and want of his subjects; his sagacity coupled with his statesmanship culminated in the National Government which helped reestablish the weakened structure of British finance. In this and in other things his steadfast- ness and understanding has tended in no small way to render more 8 the founda- tions of the British Throne. His reign has witnessed the alteration and disappearance of many ideas and concepts concerning government and empire relations. Imperial constitutional organization in particular was radically changed. Canada, in common with other parts of the Empire, gained a new status. No longer was she a colony, subject in everything to the Mother Country. The Statute of Westminster сопседед and con- solidated her position as a free associated nation, a member of the associated nations of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The binding link which joins these nations together is the King. From 1867, there had been a move towards final declaration of Canada's inde- pendent status. This movement resulted in the Statute of Westminster. It has been generally conceded that Canada had all those characteristics of nationalism prior to this clarification of Empire relations. By the British North America Act she was granted a government of her own and a sovereign of her own—Queen Victoria. The various powers conceded to her were original powers and in no sense delegated powers. Consequently, she was not, strictly speaking, a colony. But there were restrictions to her rights and powers. Acts passed by the Imperial Parliament affecting the British Dominions and possessions could not be revoked or contravened by the said Dominions and possessions. Extra-territorial laws were also formulated by the Mother Parliament on behalf of the colonial possessions. This state of affairs lasted until the World War. Canada was formally recognized as an independent nation when she obtained a seat in the League of Nations. Her signature was among those of the victors at the Treaty of Versailles. Her ministers and commissioners are sent to the various foreign countries to establish and maintain trade and political relations; treaties and laws have been made with other nations concerning mutual interests. Finally, due to much agitation on the part of statesmen iud others, various conferences were held, in which representatives from every part of the Empire discussed the troubled question of Empire politics and relations. Certain changes were recommended in administration and legislation which would establish the form as well as the fact of the equality of the sister nations. The Act of Westminster settled these questions once and for all. Canada is merely a member of a group of nations who have freely associated themselves under the British Crown. The Crown symbolizes the voluntary association of these constituent nations. The only restric- tion, if it may be termed a restriction, is the Admiralty Act, and it may be abrogated and terminated at will, since it is one of arrangement. During all these changes, the King's influence has been felt and appreciated. Limited as it was to strictly constitutional lines and limits it has been all-pervading. He has ever striven for peace and understanding in domestic policies, and good-will and amity in international affairs. Recognition of his twenty-five years of undemon- strative labour and devotion to duty has only served to tighten the traditional ties between the Sovereign and the peoples of the Empire. He has adhered both in letter Чак