Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

Explain.

Mr. GUTHRIE.

Mr. Speaker, the object of the proposed Bill is to broaden the application of section 112 of the Election Act. That is the section which defines undue influence for the purposes of an election. It applies to acts by way of force, violence, restraint, or threats of the same, for the purpose of intimidating electors or of influencing their votes for any candidate. The proposed amendment goes a little farther than the present section, and provides against the canvassing or soliciting of votes by employers from their own workmen, leaving it open to any employer to canvass the rest of the world if he so chooses, but restricting him in the case of his own workmen. It is general in its application, including all persons who employ labour-mercantile men; professional men, manufacturers or large corporations-all kinds of corporations.

Mr. MACLEAN.

What about the farmer and hired man ?

Mr, GUTHRIE. The farmer and hired man will be included also. I think the general section 112 does not go quite far enough to meet this case. The mere fact that an employer canvasses his men involves some intimidation, if not direct, at all events, indirect.

Mr. BRODER.

Does it include the civil service ?

Mr. GUTHRIE.

I have not made it apply to the civil service, but I fancy it might be made to apply to them, too. Anything in that direction, I think, would improve the condition of affairs which exists to-day. That, in brief, is the object of the proposed Bill.

Sir WILFRID LAURIER.

1. On what date did Mr. J. B. Shaw first enter the government service in the Customs Department at Regina, and at what salary ?

2. On what date did he retire from the service, and what salary was he receiving when he did retire ?

3. During what period in 1904, if any, was he not employed in the service of the government?

4. On what date did he re-enter the service of the government in the Customs Department at Regina ?

5. On whose recommendation, did he re-enter the service of the government, and at what salary ?

6. What position did he occupy during his first period of service, and what position does he occupy since re-entering the service ?

7. What was the cause of his retirement ?

1. Mr. J. B. Shaw entered the Customs service at Regina, April 4, 1903, at a salary of $700 a year.

2. His resignation from the service was accepted September 30, 1903, at which time he was receiving a salary at the rate of $700 a year.

3. He was not employed in the customs service from October 1, 1903, until December 1, 1904.

4. Mr. Shaw re-entered the customs service at Regina December 1, 1904.

5. The Minister of Customs authorized Mr. Shaw's re-employment in the customs service at a salary of $900 a year.

(>. Mr. Shaw's position during his first period of service and since re-entering the service was that of acting preventive officer of customs, but subject to the performance of such duties as the collector might direct.

7. The officer has not stated any cause to the Customs Department for his.retirement.

1. Is Mr. P. G. Fisher at present employed in the Customs Department at Regina ?

2. If so, in what capacity, and at what salary?

3. If Mr. Fisher is not in the employ of the Customs Department, when did he retire ?

4. What was the cause of his retirement ?

5. What salary did Mr. Fisher draw for his services for November, 1904.

1. P. G. Fisher is at present employed in the customs service at Regina.

2. His position is that of an acting landing waiter, but subject to perform such duties as the collector may direct. His salary is $700 a year.

3. Mr. Fisher has given notice of withdrawal from the service to take effect January 31, 1905.

.JANUARY 30, 1905

4. His reason for withdrawing from the *customs service appears to be that another *customs officer recently employed at the port receives $900 a year.

5. Mr. Fisher received for salary from

the Customs Department for November, 1904, $58.18. '

1. Is Mr. P. M. Bredt at present in the employ of the Dominion government ?

2. If so, since when, in what capacity, and at what salary ?

3. On whose recommendation was Mr. Bredt appointed to his present position ?

4. Was Mr. Bredt in the employ of the Dominion government in 1904 ? If so, during what period or periods, and in what capacity or capacities ?

5. Did Mr. Bredt retire from the service of the Dominion government in 1904 ? If so, cn what date ?

6. What was the reason for his retirement ?

7. On whose recommendation was Mr. Bredt appointed to the position he occupied with the government during 1904, and prior to that year?

1 aud 2. Since December 31, 1904, Mr. Bredt has been employed as colonization agent at $125 per month.

4, Yes, from January 1 to October 4, 1904. From January 1 to .Tune 1, lie filled the position of local immigration agent at Regina-; from June 1 to October 4, be was colonization agent.

5. Yes, on October 4, 1904.

3, 0 and 7. He wras employed on recommendations satisfactory to the Minister of the Interior (Hon. Clifford Sifton).