Appalled by the war spirit in Toronto, Smith and his wife went to Italy for the winter of 1899. In the spring he returned, by-passing England, for, as he wrote to Merriman, ". . . the Jingoism there would sicken me." The Toronto Weekly Sun continued to carry Smith's column of political comment, and he sent frequent suggestions to W. D. Gregory concerning the paper's management. Much of the Sun's circulation fell away, and Smith found it necessary to subscribe increasing amounts to keep the…