sarily overlap the boundaries of dioceses
and provinces, as is the case with the Catholic Press and Higher
Education. Diocesan isolation, if we are not careful, can become the
weakness of our strength, in these critical stages of rapid
development. Yet, there are no Provinces in the Dominion where the
Church faces so many identical problems under identical conditions as
in the Western Provinces. Should not this alone suggest to our leaders
a unity of plan and realize among our Western Catholics concerted
action?

* * * * * *

As there is a silver lining to the darkest cloud, there is a bright
side for the Church in conditions out West.

The striking feature of the Canadian West is the _newness of the
country_. Youth is stamped everywhere clear and bold; the dash and
buoyancy of the people reflect it faithfully. Optimism is the
predominant note in that land of immensities and great possibilities.
Untrammelled by set traditions and cast-iron customs, every one is
there to start a new life. The past does not seem to exist for the
Westerner; the future is his sole concern.

This newness of the country and the optimistic mood which it creates
can be called into the service of the Church. They form an atmosphere
of tolerance which proves most helpful for the preaching of Her
doctrine and the maintenance of Her institutions.

The youthfulness of the country has left its mark on the _character of
the Westerner_. There is something of the vastness of the prairie in
his mind. He is generally broad, and boasts of it most willingly.
This trait is very noticeable in his passion to revaluate theories, to
redefine notions brought from the East. The great success with which
he has met in various co-operative schemes has also developed in him a
high sense of self-reliance. The only danger is that he carries that
same self-assurance into domains where he often over-reaches himself.
This fact is very noticeable in the various annual Conventions.
Unconsciously, in matters beyond his grasp, he is at the mercy of a few
leaders. Resolutions are passed, legislation is suggested, without
realization of their consequences.

The rapid _disintegration of Protestantism_ is another factor with
which the Church can count. Church union is in many places an
accomplished fact. This alone is a convincing proof of the want of
grasp, of definiteness that exists in religious matters. We would
refer our r