THE DAILY PROVINCE
JANUARY 27, 1912

REFUSED ANY HEARING.
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Apart altogether from the merits of the question regarding the
admission or exclusion of Hindu women the position taken by Mr. Falconer,
president of Toronto University, and the committee of residents of that city,
who have constituted themselves the advocates of the Hindu petition, in
refusing to consider any representations form this province, is singularly
unreasonable. Their position is made all the more unreasonable by the views
on the matter expressed by the Christian ministers of Vancouver, who feel
themselves constrained to oppose the entry of these women on moral if not
on economic grounds as well. The fact that British Columbia more than any
other of the provinces would be directly affected by such immigration entitles
her residents to a large voice in the final settlement of the question and fairminded men everywhere in Canada will give their arguments the utmost
consideration. That President Falconer and his committee refuse that right is
evidence enough that they are swayed simply by prejudice, and that the
government would be quite justified in declining to accord them the
reasonable privilege they refuse to others.
No disposition will be displayed in this province to ridicule the
sentimental notions responsible for the efforts of these Toronto people on
behalf of the Hindus. The principles of Christian brotherhood which they
profess are held in quite as high respect by the residents of British Columbia,
but those in British Columbia who oppose the growth of Orientalism in
Canada do so not only with the motive of protecting white labor but of
preserving our homes and people against the taint of eastern degeneracy. It is
the principle of self-protection that governs their conduct.
It is time, however, that the people of Eastern Canada, and those
especially of such centers as Toronto, should realize that the time has gone by
when they can order matters calculated to affect the whole of the Dominion
without allowing in the west a free voice and respectful attention.

THE DAILY PROVINCE
JANUARY 27, 1912

As far as this question of Hindu immigration is concerned it is o e on
which any opinion expressed by a man of President Falconer’s narrow views,
lack of knowledge, and doubtful common sense, should have the least weight.
Probably that will be the conclusion of the government after the present
incident reported in today’s despatches.