Alumni Oration

"Chief Justice Farris of B.C. Is for Private Enterprise" Daily Gleaner (18 May 1950): Extract. (UA Case 67a, Box 2)

If a third war starts it will be the last war of all, Hon. Wendell B. Farris, Chief Justice of British Columbia told the Alumni of the University of New Brunswick at the Sesquicentennial Dinner of the University last night. But he added later in his address that "I do not think that a shooting war will start. I am, however, not optimistic enough to believe that in my lifetime the clouds of a threatening war will clear and that the sun will shine upon a glorious day of peace."

(Introduction remarks of Chief Justice Richards omitted)

Justice Farris in his opening address, spoke of the University’s benefactor, Lord Beaverbrook, and that U.N.B. was the first English speaking University in Canada to commence teaching. It has pioneered throughout the years, he said.

Selected U.N.B.

Speaking of the days when he first entered U.N.B. he said, "In those days, there was almost a complete tolerance of the religion and political views of others. My family were traditionally connected with the magnificent educational, but nevertheless sectarian, institution, Acadia College. It was naturally expected I would attend there.

"I wanted to meet the students in my college life as I would meet my fellow citizen in after life, regardless of ethnic or sectarian considerations. I felt the University of New Brunswick could best give me this and I have not regretted my decision."

Not Diligent Student

He said that while in college he was not the most diligent scholar and had learned to play football, hockey and to dance.

"I have also come to realize how much I missed in not giving closer attention to the scholastic side," he said, and added, "I am frank to confess, however, if I were doing it over again and forced to make a choice, I would probably again choose as I did."

Further he said:

"All educational institutions throughout the land are today faced with a real challenge as a result of the world’s trouble and unrest. It is tottering on the verge of destruction. This cannot be accomplished if the great masses are taught the true principles of democracy. Upon the universities today is thrown the great burden of keeping the peoples of the world trained in the ideals which this University has taught for so long.

Present Agitators

"Present day agitators seek to set labour against management; to do away with private initiative and give sole control to the State. Certain State control is necessary but I Was taught in the school that believes our Government should not be antagonistic to private enterprise but should recognize the necessity for the two to work in harmony for the benefit of humanity. The truth of this teaching is exemplified in this, a State University. Its real expansion has only been made possible through the generous beneficence of my Noble Lord the Chancellor co-operating to the fullest extent with the Government of the day."

Training

"To the universities we must look for the training of the men and women who are to guide the destinies of this country in the years to come.

They must be trained in sound practical thinking with proper concepts of the function of Government."

Age of Taxation

The present era is often referred to as the "Atomic Age." I call it the "age of Taxation." Taxation has become a major problem. An unpopular tax may be very beneficial. We are inclined to take too much for granted.

We think of a Government as a Santa Claus and do not recognize the fundamental principle, a Government can only give to the people that which it takes from the people. Some times we wonder if those in authority seeking revenue are not at times inclined to forget the fable of "killing the goose that laid the golden egg." Sometimes these old and simple fables assist the clarity of our thinking.

"The whole economic structure of Canada has changed in the last two years as a result of the apparent unlimited oil resources discovered in the West," he stated, and further said "We should not change our present political system until we know it can be placed by a better system that will work in this country. If we thinking along lines and act on a policy determined not on political prejudice or what may be suitable to some other country, but only on what is best for this country, we can hope with justifiable [confidence] to see increased splendors of this mighty land.

Freedom Itself

"The aftermath of the war has demonstrated that freedom itself, social security and world progress depend upon the financial solvency of countries. Advanced and idealistic thinking is necessary for progress but only when applied with common sense to practical business principles and the realities of life. A brilliant mind trained in political economy but not having been taught that idealistic and advanced thinking must be so applied, if let loose on the world, is as dangerous as an unmarked floating mine in the much-used navigable channel. A [seat] of learning, responsible for such faulty training, is a menace to society," he stated.

German Weakness

"We know that the leaders of Germany were paranoiacs, drug fiends and fanatics, yet even they would never have started the war if they had recognized the power of the United States or that it would enter the war.

"The Russians, whatever else they may be, are cold-bloodedly practical and I think none realize more than they do that to start a shooting war is to commit suicide.

"In the last five years, many great international incidents have occurred and passed over. Previously any one of such incidents would have caused a war. The Council of the United Nations is doing a work few of us realize. It is a sounding board. Steam is let off there. Time is gained and these incidents which I have mentioned and which formerly would have caused war, are aired and forgotten."

"If a third world war ever came," he said, "It would be the last war of all – it would be the destruction of civilization itself."

"In international affairs, as in business, if the parties to a dispute can maintain an even balance, patience, and a personal friendly relationship, the chances of settlement are greatly improved.

"It sometimes takes five to ten years to put through a great business merger when all parties speak the same language. Can you, therefore, wonder with peoples speaking different languages, have different ideologies and whose fundamental thinking is different, that the movements towards a general peace and understand are slow? Russia, until she was attacked by Germany, had little contact with the outside world. Her lack of understanding, the ignorance of her people create an inferiority complex and a suspicious mind always found in the ignorant. This can only be worn down by time and patience.

"All wars in history have been started by a nation in the belief that it will come out victorious. That is not the situation today. Any nation starting a war now knows full well there is no hope of ultimate victory. The most it can hope is that it may itself avoid complete annihilation.

"I do not believe, under these circumstances, a shooting war will start. I am however, not optimistic enough to believe that in my lifetime the clouds of a threatening war will clear and that the sun will shine upon a glorious day of peace. Frictions will arise, wars will be threatened until a new spirit, brought about by education and understanding, has changed the mentality and the very souls of the leaders of some of these countries."