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Personalities. Facing Premier Mackenzie King, who stands on "a creditable record," in which his supporters single out "a notable advance in Nationalism"* as the chief accomplishment, stands Conservative Leader Arthur Meighen, a former Premier (1920-21). At Toronto university he and Mackenzie King were fellow students. But they were not intimates. The robust Liberal leader has a powerful outdoor personality; riding and the rougher aspects of country life are his recreations when not confined by circumstances to golf. Mr. Meighen, per contra, is described as "pale, intellectual, reserved," as "definitely urban." He is credited with being "as great a student of German Philosophy as Lord Haldane," with being "a prodigious mathematician." He speaks French with an exquisite lambent fluency. His family tree stands deep rooted in 18th Century England. Naturally he is persona grata at Buckingham-on-Thames and in other conservative and princely household. Almost paradoxically he is a great student of agricultural problems. When he speaks of Canada's need for a high tariff he speaks with authority: "Not a single country in the world needs protection so vitally as this Dominion . . . . While 65 other countries have raised their tariffs, Canada, under Mr. King, has reduced hers . . . . A sound, strong, definite protective policy is the only one under which we can live and prosper."
Slogans. Conservatives expect to score a Point off the Liberals, who have carried "nationalism" to the extreme of proposing a distinct Canadian banner, by crying: "We'll never let the old flag fall,* Liberals will potshot the rail-ship-Senate question with: "No monopoly by land or sea."
*They credit him with having unshackled Canada from British diplomatic dominance; with having "almost severed bonds with Downing Street."
*i. e.— the Union Jack, Canada's present flag.