The Federal Election took place in December 1917 with the subject of con- scription being a central topic. Captain Robert James Manion, M.D., of the Unionist Party would win the Fort William-Rainy River Riding and Francis Henry Keefer, Unionist Party, would win the Port Arthur-Kenora Riding.

The Unionist Party (Conservative and Liberal), under the leadership of Sir Robert Borden, heavily supported the Military Service Act and conscrip- tion. With endorsements from the Great War Veterans Association and sol- diers fighting overseas, Manion and Keefer would each win their ridings by significant margins.

Sir Wilfred Laurier, leader of the Liberal Party and opponent to the Union- ist platform, spoke of the election results as his rail car made a stop in Fort William the day of the election on December 17, 1917. He spoke posi- tively for the future of his party.

Capt. R.J. Manion

F.H. Keefer in 1961

Also of note during December were the upcoming municipal elections in Port Ar- thur and Fort William. The current Mayor of Fort William, Harry Murphy would be re-elected by acclamation. In Port Arthur, three men would put their names for- ward as candidates for the election. Current Port Arthur Aldermen Edward John Blaquier, William Marrigan and George Gibbon would seek to become the Mayor of Port Arthur. Photographs: TBPL P3546 (Manion) ; Fort William Daily Times Journal Sept.15, 1961 (Keefer) ; City of Thunder Bay (Murphy) Articles: Fort William Daily Times Journal Dec 8, 1917 ; Dec 11, 1917 ; Dec 13, 1917 ; Dec 31, 1917 Port Arthur News Chronicle Dec 18, 1917