CVIII THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



The following programme of papers and addresses was carried 

 out: 



Oct. 5. "The Queen Charlotte Islands", by John F. Langan, 

 F.R.G.S. 



The speaker gave a detailed account, largely from personal 

 knowledge of the islands, their geography, natural resources, industries 

 and general development, showing their remarkable progress during 

 the last decade. 



Nov. 2. "Why is Canada in the War ?", by the President. 



Canada's position as an important integral part of the British 

 Empire was emphasized. Canadian devotion to the empire was proven 

 in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the rebellion of 1837, 

 and the wars in the Crimea, the Soudan and South Africa. 



British and Prussian ideals were compared and contrasted. As 

 the maintainer of treaties and defender of smaller and oppressed 

 nationalities, Britain had only one course open to her, when Belgian 

 territory was invaded by those who had solemnly guarranteed her 

 permanent neutrality. Canada proudly ranged herself beside the 

 motherland, to venture all for the great cause. The sufferings of the 

 heroic Belgian people, the unprecedented brutality of the invaders, 

 imperatively required that the war be carried on at all costs to its 

 logical and righteous conclusion. 



Dec. 7. "A page of Ontario's History", by George R. Pattullo, 

 President of the Oxford Historical Society. 



Mr. Pattullo acted as a commissioner for Ontario in the almost 

 forgotten struggle with Manitoba for possession of the disputed 

 territory west of Lake Superior. This extensive region had been 

 awarded to Ontario by the arbitrators chosen by the parties. The 

 award having been disputed by the Manitoba government was finally 

 confirmed by formal decision of the Imperial Privy Council. Enter- 

 prising newspapers of the time magnified the difficulty into the appear- 

 ance of a civil war between the provinces. Mr. Pattullo gave a valu- 

 able historical summary of the dispute, dwelling effectively upon 

 its humorous as well as its more serious aspects. 



Feb. 1. "The Treaty of Ghent", by Rev. R. I. Warner, M.A., 

 D.D., President of Alma College. 



The causes and issues of the war were examined. The main 

 results were advantageous to both contending states through the 

 re-establishment of friendly relations, the resulting subsequent 

 conventions and treaties, and the hundred years of peace. 



March 8. "One aspect of the Peace Celebration", by Clarence 

 M. Warner of Napanee, President of the Ontario Historical Society. 



Mr. Warner explained the critical diplomatic relations between 



