Loyola College - Review Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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LOYOLA COLLEGE Page 2 REVIEW been made against this law. It was claimed that British Dd was being assailed, that Fascism was stalking through Quebec, that freedom of speech was being abolished. However, after stripping all the emotion from these utterances, one could sum up the objections as follows. This suppression of Communist propaganda is an unwarranted attack upon the individual's right to free speech. Secondly, the wording of the law leaves the definition of Communism in the hands of the attorney- general. Thirdly, enforcement of this law means depriving the individual of his right to a trial. Fourthly, the act is unconstitutional. Regarding the first objection, we can state categorically that no anarchist can hide under the guise of free speech. Man's right to freedom of speech does not give him the right to advocate treason. The preaching of Communism is directly or indirectly the preaching of popular revolt, as Communism aims at the violent overthrow of the existing democratic government. Thus the ‘‘Padlock Act’’ does not infringe upon true freedom of speech. Concerning the second and third objections it is impossible to be so positive. Before discussing these, however, it is well to remember one enlightening fact. This Act Respecting Communistic Propaganda was passed unanimously by both Houses. English and French, Catholic and Protestant, Government and Opposition, all voted in favour of this law. Now, since a reasonable confidence is to be placed in legally elected representatives, it should be assumed that in refusing to give any definition of Communism other than the name, they considered such a refusal necessary in the light of facts unknown by the public. They are justified in declining to define Communism by the insidious nature of Communistic propaganda. Add to this the Communists’ policy of introducing such Trojan horses as the League for Peace and Democracy, the League against War and Fascism, the Canadian Labour Defense League, and other “роршаг front” organizations, and it is easy to see that Communism is too clastic for denda Whether in practice the failure to define Communism will provide a weapon to be abused we would hesitate to say. However the sweeping condemnations of the Act on this particular ground seem most rash. The third charge against the law is that it deprives the individual of his right toatrial. This is not true. Upon appeal to the courts and on proof of his innocence, the accused may have the closing order revised, suspended, or cancelled. What is more, this process is simpler and less expensive than the issue of a writ. It has been said that the Act is unconstitutional. This accusation we do not attempt to discuss. Suffice it to remark that if such is the case, then the usuall efficient Communist Party has become woefully negligent in not having it repealed. To sum up, this case of the Act Respecting Communistic Propaganda goes to rove that there is often another side of the question, not less justifiable than that 4. Бу the press. Loyola’s Once again the Loyola debating team has captured the Success in Debating championship of the Inter-University Debating League of Canada. This makes Loyola's fifth win in the last six attempts. In eighteen years of competition, Loyola has entered the finals twelve times and six times won the cup.

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хұн ул еке о О ВАТА чь учее бу TON IMAG) : Loyola College Review мимо оли слики рос Сри ОК ЯМ Address all communications to ГохогА CoLLEGE Review, SHERBROOKE STREET West, MONTREAL Price: One Погљак тне Cory, paper bound. All subscriptions will be gratefully received. 1938 MONTREAL, САМАРА. №. 24 John T. Hackett, К.С. 06 Loyola College bears a lasting remembrance of the magnificent response of its friends and Alumni during the recent campaign. It wishes to express its deep appreciation of the generosity of its more than 3,000 benefactors and of the self-sacrificing energy of those whose efforts made the campaign possible. To name all those who were outstanding in their loyal support would be a difficult, almost endless, task. There is one, however, whose name cannot be passed by in silence: a former student of Loyola, a former President of the Loyola Alumni Association, and always a loyal son of his Alma Mater. When Mr. John T. Hackett, K.C., accepted the chairmanship of the Maintenance Fund Campaign, many anxieties of those who feared for the success of the campaign were at once allayed. His prominence in the professional, political and social world gave an effectiveness to Loyola's appeal which otherwise would have indeed been an arduous task to create. His experience as one of the founders and the first President of the Federation of Catholic Charities of Montreal was invaluable. Day after day he readily gave of his time to visit out- side centres, to attend conferences and committee meetings, to advise, to encourage and, when needs must, to urge on with his own unflagging energy. Not the least is that in the days of preparation, when it was seriously feared the campaign could not possibly achieve any success in these difficult times, he stood ready to carry on and to face disappointment and failure if only his Alma Mater could obtain at least part of the help she needed. The very real achievements of the Drive have amply justified his courage and are a tribute to the splendid spirit of himself and of his associates. Loyola has many Alumni of whom she is justly proud, many friends and . benefactors to whom she is deeply grateful, but of попе is she more proud, to попе is she more grateful than to her Chairman in the Drive, Mr. John T. Hackett, K.C. ТҮ Т The Padlock Law During the past year, probably no topic was more discussed in this province, both frcm platforms and in the press than the Act Respecting Communistic Propaganda, passed by the Quebec Legislature. We are referring, of course, to the Padlock Law, a label pinned on the Act by its opponents. This law gives the government the power to confiscate all Communistic literature, and to close any building used for the dissemination of Communist propaganda. Tirade after tirade, both in editorials and by word of mouth, has

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LOYOLA Page 3 COLLEGE REVIEW Upon viewing such a record an observer might wonder how a small college has been so successful against institutions possessing larger numbers of students from which to choose debaters—more than that, possessing debaters already well advanced in law and theology. In other words, what debating technique has Loyola used in consistently defeating some of the best student debaters in the country? Upon listening to the average Loyola speaker, it is generally noted that he is not necessarily a brilliant orator, but that he treats the debate as an argument upon a definite resolution, and not as an elocution contest. Loyola speakers have won most of their victories by carefully analysing the resolution, by pointing out to the judges exactly what had to be proven, and finally by directing every one of their arguments to the one 5 under discussion. In rebuttal, Loyola men have scored time and again by showing how their opponents’ arguments had wandered from the resolution under discussion. Many times, those who have judged Loyola debates—and this is said in no spirit of boastfulness—have commented on the clarity and logic of Loyola's argumentation, as well as on the Loyola man’s ability to seize, in rebuttal, upon the weaknesses his adversaries’ case may have possessed. One would not be far wrong in attr ibuting this quality of logical thinking to the philosophical training so strongly emphasized at Loyola. Ж 7 У Canada—United States It is а common occurrence today, Юг governments, especially in Europe, to proclaim in striking terms their mutual goodwill, seeking, at the same time, an opportunity to slit one another's throats. However, the friendship between Canada and the United States has been built on more solid grounds than a few empty phrases. During the past term, we have had the privilege of observing a concrete example of this international good-will. We are referring, of course, to the debate held here between Boston College and Loyola. This instance may seem somewhat trivial at first glance, but its significance is greater than would appear on the surface. Two American students were invited to Canada to debate, on a public platform, with two Canadians upon a question of Canadian foreign policy. Where else in the world today could we expect to see a like situation? This is but one minor example of the mutual understanding which exists between our two nations. 7 7 т James J. Moyer, S.J. | То із with the deepest regret that we recall the passing of Mr. James J. Moyer, S.J. Coming to Loyola in t he fall of 1936, he became professor of the History of Philosophy, as well as teacher of mathematics in the High School. The deep sense of loss together with the evident sorrow felt by both students and faculty, portray his qualities far more eloquently than any eulogy. Since Mr. Moyer, prior to his death, was moderator of this publication, the staff of the Review was particularly affected by his passing.