The theme of his address was Canadian Citizenship, Its Duties and Its Responsibilities, a theme somewhat worn but possessing the special advantage of being removed from the scope of party politics while at the same time affording opportunity for the elucidation of the political principles of that party which Mr.
Gilchrist represented, and above all for a fervid patriotic appeal.

With Scotch disdain of all that savoured of flattery or idle compliment, Mr.
Gilchrist plunged at once into the heart of his subject.
"First, the area of Canada.

Forty-six years ago, when Canada became a nation, the Dominion possessed an area of 662,148 square miles; to-day her area covers 3,729,665 square miles, one-third the total size of the British Empire, as large as the continent of Europe without Russia, larger by over one hundred thousand square miles than the United States." "Hear, hear," cried an enthusiastic voice from the rear.
"Aye, water and snow," in a rasping voice from old McTavish.
"Water and snow," replied Mr.Gilchrist.

"Yes, plenty of water, 125,000 square miles of it, and a good thing it is too for Canada.

Some people sniff at water," continued the speaker with a humorous glance at McTavish, "but even a Scotchman may with advantage acknowledge the value of a little water." The crowd went off into a roar of laughter at the little Scotchman who was supposed to be averse to the custom of mixing too much water with his drink.
"My friend, Mr.McTavish," continued the speaker, "has all a Scotchman's hatred of bounce and brag.