The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

VERBAL WHEY? " IN lMljl'fllE Ministry's Inaction on St. Lawrence Power Sharp- ly Scored. Hon. G. H. Ferguson and Dr. Godfrey Take Up Challenge. Issues which maintained interest at the fever pitch were consistent- ly before the Legislature yesterday and resulted in a sitting featured by incidents of bitter controversy. When the session opened the subject which almost immediately arose was that of protecting the Province'a interests in the St. Lawrence power development, a concern which was ot sufficient importance to arouse the members to pointed expressions of opinion with regard to the Gov- ernment's policy. It was the most heated sitting which the House has yet held this session. and the St. Lawrence pow- er discussion, while spirited in it- self. proved to be comparativelv the calm before the storm. The Conser- vative side of the House impressed upon the Prime Minister the dan- 'ger of his attitude ot inaction with lregard to the reports that American interests were preparing to develop St. Lawrence power. The reports, they stressed. must have some foun- dation in fact, and they emphasized how serious a matter it would be if (American capital should commence 'St. Lawrence exploitation without regard to Ontario's rights. The Prime. Minister expressed his own confidence in the Ottawa's Govern- ment seeing that Ontario was ad- vised ot anv decisive movement in St. Lawrence power projects, but 'he stated that. since the discussion had started. he had despatched a. telegram to Ottawa, stating that On- tario would expect to be consulted in any matters affecting its power in- terests. When the Attorney-General arose lo contribute his part to the de.. bate on the Speech from the 'Throne. it was already after five o'clock. In the short period which remained at his disposal, however. he succeeded in drawing upon him- self a shower of denials and pro- tests from members which had not been equalled by any previous speaker. lie was bitter in his com- plaints at the criticism which had been his from his opponents. and he was extravagant in his counter- charges against them. Contending for a tone of political debate which should be above the use ot personal- ities, he yet employed personalities himself to an extent which drew forth from Hon. G. H. Ferguson the reminder that opportunity for re- prisal might come. He. attained tho summit of his appeal when he char. [tnstti.Hon, Mr. Ferguson to em..; body his criticism in a vote of cen- sure and to bring it before the House in which the Government had a majority. The House did not receive the public accounts from the Treasury RAN EY IS TRUCULENT When this question was settled by the Prime Minister's statement that the discussion had moved him to telegraph to Ottawa in Oritario's interests. Attorney-General Ranev commenced his speech on the Ad- dress from the Throne and un- loosed a storm ot partisan feelings which culminated in one member giving him the lie direct. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1923.' "What was" the dispute?" asked Mr. Wellington Hay. Ferguson Took Action. Mr. Ferguson: "The whole lilies- ition of surplus water, canals and ;streams in the Province of Ontario. :The Dominion Government claimed .superior rights. Our contention wasl fthnt the Federal Government could, luse the Waters for navigation. but Ethat we had the right to the power. jNot only the Conservative Govern- iment. but I myself began the action iNow what is my honorable friend italking about? When he begins to idiseuss matters of this kind he 3should at least inform himself cor- ;rectly before he undertakes to cor- srect anyone else. Where would.0n- 'tario have been it the party he fol. {lowed had continued in power in connection with the Niagara power? .Where would the Hydro projecthave been? There would have been no I?u.bliyoymevship inaugurated if his friends' had been permitted to carry on. ' Mi". Ferguson recalled an all-night 1rG"lrtrute'llT, as Baa Been Expected. It is understood that they are in- definitely delayed, Protecting Water Powers Mm n. It. Hall, Parry bound. again raised the question of pro, tecting Ontario's water power rights mr. 1' orguson recalled an 111e-yige,l session in the Legislature when the Conservative Government fought to! destroy an agreement giving power!, rights to a private corporation. , "These," the Conservative leader de- Premier Drury: "Yes, and we will do it." lie assured the House that a close watch wrmld be kept on the whole question. on the St. Lawrence, reading a news despatch on (in question showing the alleged activities of United States interests. Hon. G.H. Ferguson asked if any communication had been re- ceived from the Federal Govern- ment. The Premier replied in the Premier _Drury did not attach much importance to the despatch from Ottawa. He said that the relations between the Ontario and the Federal Government on the whole question of waterways were such that it was inconceivable that the latter would even consider such matters without fully notifying the. Ontario administration. The two Governments had reached an agree- ment on the western waters, and he did not think the Senate would throw the bill out a second time. Mr. Ferguson: "Because you told thmn what you would do?" Mr. Ferguson said the St. Law- rence situation was most serious, be- ing the basis of the whole Ontario problem, for, in the last analysis, the Province would have to depend on the St, Lawrence for its supply of power. He alluded to a further despatch from Ottawa, which, he declared, showed the activities of in- terests to the south in endeavoring to secure power rights on the St. Lawrence River. It. he emphasized, any negotiations were entered into, or agreements made, Ontario must be consulted and be a party to the transactions. "Ontario should. in any case," he said, "make known its position in no uncertain way." He agreed with the Premier that all surplus wator not required tor navi- gation purposes belonged to On- tario. The eastern part of the Pro- vince was now facing a serious lack of power, and must look tor de- velopment, and he would press for strongest protest to go front the Legislature against any action be- ing taken on any project without the Province being consulted. Mr. Ferguson a so pointed out that any development on the American :wie of the river would reduce the flow and interfere with safety. negative. I) _