The finances were so handled as to show a substantial surplus each year instead of the era of deficits in Conservative days.
The great canal system of the country was rushed to completion.
The Crows Nest Pass Railway was built, thereby facilitating the development of the immense mineral resources of interior British Columbia—in the Kootenay District.
The Intercolonial Railway which had its Western terminus in what was then a comparatively small town, namely Levis, was badly handicapped in securing traffic from the West, and was extended to Montreal, the commercial metropolis of the country.
Later on the construction of the Transcontinental Railway was entered upon and was well on towards completion, when the Liberals went out of office in 1911.
By means of Government guarantees and subsidies a third Transcontinental Railway, the Canadian Northern Railway was made possible.
Immigrants to the number of nearly 2,000,000 were brought into the country in fifteen years, a large number of whom went on the land resulting in a magnificent development of the West and North-West.
Free land grants to railways were discontinued and the public lands were reserved for the actual settlers.
Ocean ports, harbours and rivers were vastly improved. A 30-foot clear channel was provided in the St. Lawrence from Montreal to Quebec.
Postal rates were reduced substantially, and the Money Order system simplified and extended.
Free Rural mail delivery was established.
Canal and steam boat duties were abolished in the interest of promoting cheap transportation by water.
A Railway Commission was appointed which admittedly was one of the best pieces of constructive legislation ever adopted in Canada. That Commission became practically the master of the railways.
A Labour Department was created which has done splendid work in averting and settling strikes.
Agriculture was aided in a hundred and one ways.
Cold storage facilities of an excellent character were provided for the products of the farm and fisheries.
Commercial agents were appointed in the principal countries of the world.
The resources of the country were splendidly exhibited at every Exposition held throughout the world.
From time to time the tariff was modified to meet changed conditions, and in 1907 a complete revision was made, again by a committee of the Ministers, after consulting with the people.