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Thursday, December 17, 1914 12:00 AM
Meighen, Hon. Arthur
Solicitor-General of Canada
The War
The need for all things to be done and all tasks performed with an eye to success in this struggle. The meaning of the struggle, of the stake that is going to pass one way or the other with the event. A fight not for territory; the stake is the destiny of mankind. The two visions of the two camps that face each other in Europe. A conflict of two schools of thought. The basis of each of those schools of thought. Deciding now in the year of grace 1914 whether might is going to spring to the side of right or not. An examination of the German school of thought, history, and what this power means to them. The German ideal and their preparation for this struggle. A review of the historic foundation of this conflict. Understanding this historic foundation, but also ensuring that we were not wrong in the immediate cause either. The need to be in this war to prevent national humiliation, to avoid national annihilation. Britain never flinching from war when national honour has been at stake. Asking ourselves whether in this instance national honour was at stake. Belgium as the very essence of neutrality itself. What the five powers guaranteed for this undertaking of neutrality. How the pluck of Belgium has saved Europe. Britain, choosing, like Belgium, to keep the faith. The task that confronts us; the biggest task that ever confronted a nation or a combination of nations. The lack of alternative. No compromise for the survival of Britain and what Britain stands for. In the process of making the future now. Time for each man to judge not his fellow but to very sternly judge himself. The load of responsibility under which the Canadian Government finds itself. How we behaved in the war the best measure of our worth. Seeking to conserve and not to expend, but seeking first success in this war. Our part to do and die until that work is done.
VIEW SPEECH
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