More about Politics
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Socialism-he was a member of the Liberal Association, the Reform Club, and supporter of the Liberal Party.
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War-Both the Boer war and World War I controversial issues such as dispatching troops to Africa, military training for boys (he was against), and recruiting (he was on recruiting committees and called on houses himself).
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Prohibition-he was fiercely against liquor in bars and very proactive in No (alcohol) License Opposition.
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Women’s suffrage-he was a strong advocate for women’s rights
Activist
McCallum was a passionate fighter for the issues he believed in. Through his papers, we gain insight into main national and social issues of the time. Further, in his inimitable way, we understand which side he stood on any particular issue:
R.H. McCallum lived in a period of colonial uprisings, of great social and political change. He was deeply involved politically at all levels, in central government, local councils and community affairs. He was an activist, an official, an organizer, and a volunteer.
Politically Active
He records folding up notices to be sent out and putting up signs to vote. On election day, he would volunteer in various capacities such as making the stalls and helping in the polling booths and with election rolls. Later on, there would be much excitement to check the ballots and go downtown to witness the results.
National elections were important to McCallum. Pre-election he would volunteer to be on his chosen candidate’s committee, mobilize support, help in fundraising.
Elections
His political interest extended when traveling. In London, England he visited the House of Commons where he listened to a debate about “Reducing the salary for the Secretary for War”.
He references the Parliamentary Party, Union Parliament, and trade unions. He records going attending numerous rallies and speeches by politicians.
McCallum regularly attended Parliamentary sessions where he sometimes opined “Listened to a lot of twaddle.”