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'/£>
3^ss0i|tatt0n.
REPORT OF THEIR VISIT
-TO THE-
f
.>«oi^>o«:^^
BY R. L. RICHARDSON,
JOURNALIST.
Printed at McIntyre Bros.* Book & Job Printing Establishment,
* WINNIPEG, 1884.
>illl»aU4(i>«f>>«*o'l><*>
'.*
'£. Ht
* <
HOMES FOR THE MILLION I
In the Great Fertile Regions of the Canadian
Northwest.
DOMINION GOVERNMENT LANDS.
The following Regulations with respect to the disposal of Dominion Lands in
Manitolm and the Northwest are now in force and will prove useful informatiun to the
intending settle; : —
1. The surveyed lands in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories shall, for the
purpose of these Regulations, be classitied as follows : —
Class A. — Lands within twenty-four miles of the main line or any branch line of the
Canadian Pacific Railway, on either side thereof.
Class H. — Lands within twelve miles, on either side, of any projected line of railway
(other than the Canadian Pacific Railway), approved by Order-in-Council pub-
lisheil in the Canaiia Gazette : —
Class C. — Lands south of the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway hoi included
in Class A or B.
Class D. — Lands other than those in classes A, B and C.
HOMESTEADS OR FREE r.RANT LANDS.
2. The even-numl)ered sections in all the foregoing classes are to be held almost
exclusively for homesteads nnd pre-emptions.
3. The odd-numbered sections in Class A are reserved for the Canadian Pacific
Railway Company.
4. The odd-numbered sections in Classes B and C shall be for sale at $2.50 per
acre, payable at the time of sale,
a. Except where they have been or may be dealt with otherwise by the Gov-
ernor-in-Council.
5. The odd-numbered sections in Class D shall I)l' for sale at $2 per acre, payable
at time of sale.
6. The prices for pre-emption lots shall be as follows : —
For lands in Classes A, B and C, $2.50 per acre.
For lands in Class D, $2.00 per acre.
Payments shall lie made in one sum at the end of three years from the date of entry,
or at such earlier date as the settler may, under the provisions of the Dominion
Lands Acts, obtain a patent for the homestead to which such pre-emption lot
belongs.
On the 29th of November last, an Order-in-Council was passed on a report of Sii
D. L. Macpherson, Minister of the Interior, authorizing him "to open for homestead
and pre-emption entries, the even-numbered sections remaining vested in the Crown
in the territory between the Southern limit of the Canadian Pacific Railway Belt and
the International Boundary, from and after the 1st day of January, 1884."
Settlers are therefore now free to homestead and pre-empt on the lands referred to.
coal lands.
Large portions of coal lands have been set '.tside in the following districts for th«
benefit of settlers : —
Souris River, the How River, the Belly River, and the Saskatchewan Rirer.
Ample provision has been made in the Dominion Lands Act for the protection of
all settlers and their rights.
nadian
I Lands fn
>tiun to the
al'f for the
line of the
of railway
incil pub-
i included
Id almost
in Pacific
12.50 p«r
;he Gov-
payable
REPORT OF THE VISIT
OF THE
British Association
-TO THE
CRNRDIRN NORTH-¥EST.
Description of the Trip to the Rocky Mountains.
Addresses Presented. Report of Speeches
Delivered, Doings in Winnipeg.
r entry,
minion
ion lot
of Sir
lestead
Crown
It and
ed to.
»thc
on of
JOURNALIST
McIntyrk Bros,, Book and Job Prin^ikrs,
1884.
m
L' ' » r
\
INTRODUCTORY AND HRRIYHL
The visit of so distinguished a body of men as the British Scientific
Association to our Dominion, and the holding of their Annual Conven-
tion in our metroi)olis, is an event of no small importance in the history
of Canada ; and no one who has heard the expressions of opinion
regarding the country, which have fallen from the lips of the leading
members of the Association, can doubt that great benefits will accrue
to the Dominion from that visit. The most important result of the visit
will not be the imjietus given to the study of science in the Dominion,
although all will admit the great importance of that result, but rather
the opportunity afforded to Canada of demonstrating to the leading
and thinking men of England, that with her natural resources, she is
the most desirable field for immigration now competing for tlie great
surplus population of Ilritain. Always keenly alive to the interests
of the great Northwest, and realizing the importance of the visit of
the Association to Canada, and the desirability of having its mem-
bers traverse the great fertile belt from Winnipeg to the Rocky Moun-
tains, the Canadian Pacific Railway with its proverbial courtesy and
enterprise placed its lino, and its palatial sleeping cars at the full
disposal of the Association, and invited its members to travel and
see for themselves. It will readily be surmised that the members of
the Association, possessed of the greatest influence and enterpri.se,
availed themselves of the opportunity afforded of traversing the great
Dominion from the- Atlantic almost to the Pacific. 'I'hey did so,
and it is particularly with that visit we have to deal in this pami)hlet.
It was on the evening of the 6th of .September, rf
hlet, through the i ourtesy of Superintendent
Egan, was fortunate enough to secure passage with the party, and for
convenience of diction the narrative is continued in the first person
plural. It was about five o'clock A.M. when wc steamed out of the
C.P.R. .station and commenced our journey westward over the great
fertile plains of Manitoba and th'i Northwest territories.
It may be as well at this stage to give u list of the gentlemen who
comprised the party. It is as follows : Karl of Rosse, Sir Richard
Temple, Major-(]eneral i,aurie, Dr. Ashe, The Bishoj) of Ontario,
Prof. J. P. Sheldon, Prof Kream, I' liof. B. I) awkins, Dr. Royle,,Di\^\
ROisaille, Prof. H. Shaw, E. 15. Elliott, .Miss Winch, C. Calder, ^V. M.
Beauford, A. S. Reid, (1. Johnson, V. Kinahan, |. Symes, P rcjfessor J .
Macpun, M. Rivard, (1. Slater, R. ('. Pilling, T. Hare, S. Bourne, A.
Robertson, R. S. Broker, R. M. Barrington, A. Kinnear, H. M. MuUer,
E. Krankland, C. C. Prance, W. H. Pallows, M. Blair, A. \V. Scott, H.
Marsh, S. S. Turner, Prof. Macad aiy, (i. Chalterton, (i. P. Hughes,
Miss Stalker, H. T. Men well, A. W. Bennett, J. A. ^V. Oliver, \V. A.
Blackhouse, C. C. Leach, R. C. Brown, J. Cameron, C. Swanford,
M. C. Clark, W. J. Sollas, Rev. H. H. Winwood, J. Robbins, Rev. H.
A. Pickard, E. F. King, I). A. 1-ouis, \V. H. Leach, J. H. Handle,
Rev. H. Swanzy, F. H. Stockwell, Dr McNab, Edgbert de Hamel,
J. Bcurdas, R. A. Robinson, Jti. Bowerman, H. Dubois, ^V. Hurst,
A. I). Ottwell, S. E. Dobson, S. W. Blowman, |. Krewson, ('. Lawrie,
T. H. Thomas, W. H. Merritt, J. F. Taylor, C. H. Kelmand, S.
Mclntyre, A. Desjardines, G. B. Longstaff, \V. H. Leach, W. Unwin,
W. S. Fellow, E. Withers, S. F. Harmer, Mrs. M'llrie, F. W. Harmer,
CA^HirsJ^fglj^, Dr. A. C. Maybury, O. Jones, M. Brown, E. Farns-
worth, T. W. Newman, A. Traile, W. Brownhard, W. Tojiley, J. D.
Visit of the liritisli Association.
Crawford, J. W. I.cahy, II Williamson, W. Whitaker, Rev. Canon Elle-
good, K. \V. lollas, R. Ha/zard, W. Anderson, Mrs. .Anderson, (leorge
and jas|)er Anderson, (Irace and William .Anrlerson, I*'. I'argeau, K.
Cumniings, .M. .\rguc, C. M. Pitman, .\. Tate, Rev. H. Jones. Mr.
Alexander Megg, dcneral Immigration Agent for the (Canadian Pacific
Railway at London, Kngland, was also with the party, his object being
to traverse the <:ountry and familnri/.e himself with its resources and
most advantageous points, in order to possess himself of that informa-
tion, which it is so essential for a gentleman occupying so important a
position, to secure. Mr. Hegg's office is No. 88 Cannon Street, Lon-
don, where he can be seen or reached by <;ommunication. He is
always ready to give any information in his possession regarding the
country, as he is always possessed of the latest information in reference
thereto. It might be mentioned that besides the scientists, Dr. Thor-
burn and Miss Thorburn, of Toronto, also participated in the trip.
The train left Winnipeg at five o'clock in the morning and breakfast
was secured at Carberry, a town one hundred miles west.
AT BRANDON.
There was a delay of one hour in order to give the entire party an op-
portuuity of "doing" the town. Some of the party gathered wild
flowers and botanized, others captured insects in nets which they had
brought for the purpose, the majority visited the stores and i)ublic build-
ings, and one gentleman who had a lense with him photograped views
of points of interest. When the train was under way again, members
of the party were heard to express sur])rise at the wonderful growth of
Brandon, which, they were informed, only took three years to attain its
growth.
BROADVIEW.
By the time Broadview was reached, which was 3 o'clock, the travel-
lers were very hungry, and it 's therefore no wonder that the excellent
spread in the Canadian Pacific Railway dining-room was relished by all
hands.
yisit 0/ the British Associutioti.
Kllc-
u, K.
Mr.
';i( ific
After dinner, and while the train was waiting, the party were jjrcatly
anuised by the |)rescn ok '1'rain Wvsv ok Gikk m n, |
Thursday, September 11. |
"Breakfast can be had at Medicine Hat!" roared t' porter abori 6
o'clock this nir "i^ ,. In less than an hour all those on boar' the train
were washed and dressed and eagerly uvvaiting arrival at :lie station
named. Che point was reached about S o'clock and a rush was made
for %couple of hotels,there being no regular dining-room c(jnnected with
the station. .After breakfast we all started out to visit the camp of a
band of Cree Indians, who were located in the valley bordering on the
eastern shore of the Saskatchewan. .\n interesting half hour was si)ent
among the tents of the Indians. The scientists appeared immensely
pleased with the natives and readily purchased any little Indian trinket
or relic they could secure. The natives were much i)leased with the at-
tention shown them, and the squaws and children laughed merrily when
anything of a ludicrous nature occurred. Very little of interest occurred
as the train journeyed westward. Occasionally a Canadian Pacific Rail-
way experimental farm was passed, where evidences of the fertility and
productiveness of the land were witnessed. On most of the farms the
grain has been harvested, although not placed in stacks yet.
GLEICHEN.
Was reached about 2:30 p. m. Here an xcellent dinner was served,
tender prairie chicken being the chief dish. After dinner half an hour
was spent inspecting the experimental farm at this point and visiting a
8
Visit of The British Association.
number of Indian camps. The inmates of the latter excited the curi-
osity of the visitors, many of whom caressed and even kissed the little
papooses, remarking that they had children of their own. The train
was soon under way again, heading rapidly for Calgary. Meantime a
drizzling rain commenced to fall, and wlien the train stopped to lake
water there was not such a general rush out upon the prairie to gather
plants and grasses. It was five o'clock when
CALGARY
Was reached. There were quite a large number of citizens upon the
platform, notwithstanding the unpropitious state of the weather. It was
soon whispered about that an address was to be presented to the asso-
ciation, and soon all hands crowded to the platforms of two adjoining
cars to listen to the proceedings.
Mr. James Walker, chairman of the Civic Committee, ascended one
of the platforms and read the following
AHDRESS.
To the British Association .;
The people of Calgary and vicinity take this opportunity of express-
ing to the members of the British Association their best wishes upon the
occasion of the visit of the main body of the association to this interest-
ing portion of the Dominion. A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of
meeting Capt. Pirn, who was in charge of the advance guard of the asso-
ciation, and although upon that occasion no formal address was presented
to that distinguished gentleman and party, yet an expression of the
kindliest feelings both towards himself and the members of the advance
guard, as well as the association whom they represented, found voice in
a telegram which now forms part of the record of the visit to our dis-
trict of the distinguished association of which you are members. The
citizens of Calgary welcome you on your tri[) over the great transconti-
nental road which is soon to connect the surging waves of the Atlantic
will the blue waters of the Pacific. It is not for the people of a young
frontier town like this to dwell upon the importance which the people of
the Dominion of Canada as well as those of the United States attach to
the visit of the British Association. It is sufficient for us to
remind you that living as we do, in the very foot hills of the
Visit of The British Association.
great Rockies, in sight of the eternal sncws which glisten on
those silent jieaks, we feel it our pleasing duty to express ou'-
inmost ajjpreciation of the objects of your visit to this cuiUiiicni, especi-
ally to this portion of it, and we sincerely trust that when you return to
the east you will regard with the fondest recollections the occasion of
this, your first visit to the great snow-capped rocks which are among the
gr>iat wonders of our globe. We trust that your trip over our great
Canadian highway, which is now being constructed by enterprising capi-
talists under the i)rotecting care of our (government, will continue to be
pleasant and profitable ; and wishing you a safe return beyond the seas
and many very happy days.
We remain on behalf of the citizens of Calgary,
Yours sincerely,
Jamks VV^vlkkk,
Chairman Civic Committee.
Ci. C. King,
Geo. Murooch,
A, Henderson.
Sir Richard Tempi.?, on behalf of the Association, replied to the ad-
dress, thanking the citizens for the expre.ssions set forth in the address.
After referring to the objects sought by the association in visiting ('anada,
he referred to what he had seen in this country. They saw a vast prairie
being rapidly converted into a paradise. They had seen the golden
wheat fields and the busy ha' vesters at work with the most improved
machinery laying it down and pre])aring it for the thresher. They were
much struck with the remarkable progress being made in t;ivilization.
They had .seen cattle and a great many horses grazing on the land so
well adapted for that purpose. Everything they saw filled them with
surprise. The majority of the party, eminent and well learned men, who
were making observations as they journeyed, and who would not fail to re-
pt)rt faithfully on all they had seen and would see. These men, who,
he could assure the citizens of Calgary, had been astonished at what
they had seen, would not forget to ])roclaim on their return to England
what a grand and glorious country this was. The result would be that
an excellent class of people would be induced to come to this country to
settle. Besides the remarkable progress in the agricultural line which
was being made, the party could not help but marvel at the phenomenal
growth of the score or more of towns and cities which had sprung into
existence during the past year or two. By no means the least of these
to
Visit of the British Association.
\-
was Calgary, the town at which he was privileged to speak, and
commanding as it did such a magnificent situation on the Elbow
River, and so near the Bow River, its future great progress was be-
yond ken. (Ceeers.) Three cheers were then given for the British
Association, which were returned by three rousing cheers from the
travellers for the town of Calgary. Amidst the cheering the train
moved westward.
THE BOW RIVER.
And now we have entered the Bow River valley, and are heading
for the snow-capped hills of the Rockies. The cold, drizzling rain
has turned into snow.
Immediately after leaving Calgary we plunge into immense hills of
sand and gravel formed by the washings from the mouutains during
many thousand years.
During the first forty miles west of Calgary the track crosses the
Bow River in several places. The stream, although comparatively
narrow, flows swiftly, its deep blue waters in many places rushing
over the jagged rocks of the river bed and forming rapids of con-
siderable dimensions.
The course pursued by the railway is quite sinuous, winding in and
out, and dodging formidable hills very adroitly. Floating down the
Bow River considerable rafts of timber were observed at various
points. Plateau after plateau was passeed, each succession increas-
ing the grade. Many of these plateaus are covered with timber, and would
make magnificent parks. The gap of the Kicking Horse Pass had
not been reached before night closed in, but as the storm had cleared
away the mountains could be observed with tolerable satisfaction
The covering of snow which they had received during the storm set
them ofiF to advantage. It was a magnificent sight to see the great
piles of rock towering up heavenward. It seemed as if the peaks
forced themselves through the clouds, vieing for the highest emin
ence. The platforms of the cars were crowded by the passengers,
all anxious to miss none of the sights. Soon the darkness was com-
plete, and the passengers retired to the cars, where they remained
until Canmore was reached. Here an excellent supper was secured-
Half an hour later the train was moving on, and the party were
tucked up in their berths.
Visit of the British Association.
tt
K, and
Elbow
was be-
British
om the
train
On board the train at Laggan, near the Summit, (
Friday, Sept. 13. )
The train arrived here at four o'clock this morning, but we were
not aroused for breakfast before six o'clock. A very fair meal was
secured in the Grand Central Hotel, a place composed of canvas
and basting, besides a tolerably sized dining room, a good sized tap-
room, which possesses a pool and a billiard table. After breakfast
and two hours delay, the party again boarded the train, which swept
on up the Pass. Mountain after mountain, the peaks covered with
snow, was passed. .\ heavy fog had prevailed since the previous
night, and although the sun seemed struggling to reveal himself, there
was great doubt whether or not he would succeed, (iiadually,
however, he assumed the mastery, and the thick clouds of condensed
vapor which were clinging about the mountains began to disappear.
It took but a few minutes for the train to reach the summit. Here
was observed the change occ .> ,iuned by the height of land. The
turbulent waters of the Bow appeared in an instant to change their
course and run westward instead of east. "We are now in British
Columbia," observed Mr. Egan, who was a regular encyclopaedia to
the party. The trafn swept on about twelve miles farther and drew
up at the Canadian Pacific Railway sawmill, where all the timber
necessary for construction is manufactured, and where the supplies
for the workmen are kept. As it is not deemed wise to run the
sleepers down farther, and as no arrangements had been made for
the transportation of the party to the end of the track, they all
started walking westward along the line, intending, if possible, to
reach the end and witness construction operations.
Scattered along the line over about eight miles of track, could be
found groups of the party, all admiring some magnificent view which
presented itself. The English vocabulary does not afford sufficient
scope to describe the beauty and grandeur of the mountains. Nestling
in some gigantic crevice near the top of the more stupendous hills
could be seen the colossal and eternal glaciers ready to descend in the
night and crush everything encountered in the fall. Here and there
down the side of some mountain could be seen the track of a glacier
which in its descent had not stopped to ask questions about the right of
way, but had adopted an air-line course and swept all before it as
clean as if the destroying angel had unsheathed his mighty sword and
hewn all vegetation close to the earth. The glittering rays of the sun
la
Visit oj The British Association
as it struck the snow peaks added glory to the scene already superbly
grand. The peaks do not ap])ear distant as one surveys them, but upon
questioning about the matter, it was stated by those who know that the
nearest could not possibly be less than three miles away. The stream
which flows down the valley through which the road is built, although
narrow and composed of a small body of water, is very turbulent. It
rushes along with lightning speed, dashing down steep inclines, tumbling
over precipices, gliding down shady valleys, and anon is lost in some
glade obscured by the thick growth of fir and spruce. There is an
abundance of excellent timber on either <-ide of the track, and very
easy to be obtained. This is fpi'tunate, as an immense amount of tim-
ber is required in the construction of trestle work and bridges.
'1
■"l
On the Train between Langevin and Medicine Hat, I
Saturday, Sept. 13. j
It was about four o'clock this morning when the train started from
l^aggan, returning from the mountains. Although everyone had orders
to be up at that hour to view the scenery during the descent, it is
safe to say that not eight out of the entire party bestirred them
selves at the hour named. When we were all astir we found the
scenery very fine, and we were told that the best had been passed.
The atmosphere was exceedingly frosty, and there appeared upon the
pools of water passed a thin sheeting of ice. At Calgary it was thought
a war-dance would be given by the Indians, but some hitch in the ar-
rangements had occurred, and although the party waited nearly an hour,
the redskins did not appear, and so the train had to move on. A tele-
gram was sent ahead to Gleic;hen to arrange for a pow-wow. The train
arrived at that point about noon. Here Crowfoot, the great Indian
chieftain, was found. When it became known that such a distinguished
warrior was on the platform, there was a general rush to see him. Every
one shook hands with him, and all who could afford it purchased some
trinket from him as a memento. One gentleman purchased his tobacco
pouch, a long buckskin article, for three dollars, a lady bought his neck-
lace for one dollar, a gentleman bought his wig for two dollars, a lady
bought his ear-rings for three dollars, another gentleman secured his
moccasins (leaving the chief in his sock feet) for $1.75, a man cut off a
lock of his hair, a photographer took his photograph, and a reporte
Visit of The British Association.
"\
tried to buy his shirt. The latter garment His Highness refused to sell.
Presently a large (company of Indians were observed galloping across
the prairie towards the town. When they arrived they were formed in
line and reviewed by Crowfoot, who addressed them. They had not
brought their instruments with which to give the pow-wow, and for their
negligence (Crowfoot administered a severe rebuke. After a photographer
had taken a picture of the group on horseback the engine whistled, and
in a few minutes the train was pursuing its way eastward.
THE (tAS well.
A halt was made at Langevin station, to give the travellers an oppor-
tunity of viewing the gas well there, which was struck at a depth of 1,165
feet while boring for water. The gas, which was blazing away, was pro-
nounced by experts to be of a very good character. It was thought that
it arose from a long time buried marsh.
t
SASKATCHEWAN COAL.
'I'he next halt was made at the switch which leads to the Saskatche-
wan coal mine. A carload of coal was standing upon the track close
by. The coal was inspected closely by the experts of the party, who
pronounced it very good. They all agreed that it was not fair to call it
a lignite, as it was much better than that. They carried samples away
with them, intending to analyze it when oi)portunity affords. Medicine
Hat was reached about nightfall, where a glorious sunset was witnessed.
Here an excellent supper was secured, after which the train was soon
under way again, and steaming rapidly eastward in the darkness.
DR. CHEADLE.
The result of an interview with this well-known gentleman will be
found of sufificient interest to iniblish. It will be remembered that Dr.
Cheadle, in company with Viscount Milton, crossed this continent in
1862. The account of their trip and the observations they were enabled
to make are contained in a work entitled '• i'he Northwest Passage by
Land.'" The doctor is a fine-looking and genial I'Lnglishman of striking
appearance. He appears to be the soul of good nature, and is always
found in a happy mood and with a ])erpetual smile on his face. Reply-
ing to a question as to what induced him to make the trip in 1862, Dr.
Cheadle said he came out more for his own amusement than anything
'4
Visit of the British Association.
else. They came via Detroit, Chicago and Milwaukee. The railway
did not go beyond the last point then so that they were obliged to
go by water to St. Paul. 'I'hey travelled from St. Paul to (George-
town by stage, from which point they travelled in a canoe to Win-
nipeg. They took a Red River cart and journed on to Edmonton,
living mainly on pemiran during the trip. They wintered at Carlton,
and in the spring proceeded across the mountains, taking the Yellow-
head Pass. 'J-hey travelled on pack-horses. They left Edmonton on the
first of July and reached Kamloop.s, in British Columbia, about the
first of September. So dense was the forest that they had to cut their
way through with axes. Kor weeks at a time they were not able to make
more than two or three miles a day, and very often they could only
accomplish but one mile a day. .'\long the prairie before entering the
mountains they killed many buffalo, which were very numerous at
that time.
I
I
. I
On r.OARD TRAIN AT BROADVIEW,
Sunday, September 4th.
The train reached Moose Jaw about .seven o'clock this morning, be-
fore any of the Mooscjawians were astir. A very fair breakfast was
secured, and time was allowed to take a stroll about the town. Moose
Jaw seems to be one of prairie towns which are making progress.
Evidences of activity can be seen as one strolls about the place.
After a run of an hour and a half or two hours from Moose Jaw,
Regina, or the police barracks, which are two miles west of the
place, was reached. Here a guard of Mounted Police was waiting
to receive the party and escort the members to the barracks. Colonel
Irvine, with a carriage, escorted Sir Richard Temple and one or two
other members to the barracks. One of the large mess rooms was
extemporized for a chapel, and in a few minutes we were all gathered
in the apartment worshiping Him whose marvellous works we had so
recently had an opportunity of admiring. A pleased expression over-
spread the faces of the travellers as they heard the familiar words :
"All people that on earth do dwell,'" and heard the well-known tune
"Old Hundred," played on the organ. His Lordship the Bishop of
Ontario read the prayers; Rev. Canon EUegood read the hymns, and
Sir Richard Temple read the lesson. The last hymn, "Nearer my God
to Thee," was sung lustily, all following the lead of an excellent choir,
m
Visit of' the British Association.
'5
[ailway
jed to
[eorgc-
Win-
nton,
rlton,
el low -
n the
t the
It their
make
d onlv
ng the
3US at
composed of Mounted Police, and assisted by a piano. At the close
oi the prayer, Rev. H. Jones, a member of the party, addressed a few
practical remarks to the company. Service over, Colonel Irvine
escorted the company about the barracks, calling attention to all the
points of interest. The whistle of the engine warned us that we
must make haste back, and in a few minutes we were on board the train
again and whirling eastward.
AT PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE.
It was about seven o'clock on the morning of Monday, the 15th,
when the train reached Portage la Prairie, a town of considerable
importance on the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, sixty miles
west of Winnipeg. Carriages were in waiting at the station, and the
j)arty was conveyed to different hotels, where breakfast was provided.
Upon returning to the station the company assembled in the waiting
room there, where the following
ADDRESS WAS PRESENTED :
'Jo Sir Richard Temple., President of the British Association.
The people of Portage la Prairie tender you aud the members of your
scientific body a hearty welcome on this your first visit to our country.
Individual members of your association have within the last month visited
our town and surrounding country, which has been a great source of
pleasure to us. They have invariably expressed themselves as greatly
pleased with the present prosjiects and future greatness of this locality.
Here we cannot show you the great, grand and picturesque scenery
that you lately have had the pleasure of viewing in the mountainous
districts of these vast possessions of Her most gracious Majesty. Never-
theless, though here the grand scenery is absent, yet we wish to impress
on you the fact that you are now in the garden of the Dominion of
Canada, you are now in that part of the Dominion that, when once
placed under proper cultivation, and in a few years when the Hud-
sons Bay Railway is constructed and in operation, will supply the
over-populous^and manufacturing districts of (Jreat Britain with the
necessaries as well as the luxuries of life.
We sincerely regret that you have not the time to see our fields
of golden grain, to examine the fertility ui our soil and be convinced
that the Portage district is destined to be the bread producing field
for millions of our fellow countrymen in the dear old Fatherland as
well as the happy homes of thousands of the same race.
We trust that your scientific body will be greatly benefitted from
your visit to our country. We feel that you must be amazed at the
i6
Visit of the British Assodatton.
rapid construction of that gigantic undertaking, the Canadian Pacific
Railway, that transcontinental highway, the iron band which in the
bonds of love binds our various provinces together, and also, that this
country be benefitted by your visit.
In conclusion we wish you a safe and happy journey across the seas
to your homes in the free and ha])i)y land of our most (iracious and
beloved Queen.
Sir Richard Temple was the first to respond. He said : Mr. Mayor
and (lentlemen, I am sure that yll ilie gentlemen ])resent, members of
the British Association, have listened with the greatest satisfaction to
the address just read. We cannot help but admire your fields which
are bright with the golden harvest. As we passed through here, about
a week ago, we had an opportunity of taking a bird's-eye view of your
golden fields. As to the fertility of your soil there can be no two
opinions about it, as we had an opportunity of judging it as we passed
along your streets this morning (laughter). Some of us had the advan-
tage of driving about your town. You are only about three or four
years old, and yet you have churches, schools, banks, fire-stations
and other public buildings ; you have shops of all kinds, and you now
possess a paraphernalia of civilization. You have magnificent agricul-
tural machinery. We observed it scattered about your streets with all
the names — mowers, binders, horse-rakes, etc., etc. Upon all these
tangible evidences of progress we heartily congratulate you. We are
glad to observe that a commencement has been made in Horticulture
and Arboriculture ; you cannot make any mistake in pursuing these two
branches, as they will prove of great ultimate benefit to you. We have
seen Calgary, Moose Jaw, Regina, Qu'Appelle, Brandon and now Por-
toge la Prairie, and although we have greatly admired the progress of all
these towns, we think Portage la Prairie has the advantage and must
have a great future, as it is nearer the centre of cirilization than any
of the places named. What you want is branch lines, as highways,
to bear away your produce. (Applause).
Mr. S. Bourne, of Surrey, and a member of the British Association,
was the next speaker. He said : It has given me peculiar pleasure to
be afibrded an opportunity of visiting this country and judging for my-
self of its great resources. For years past it has been my intention to
come. I have often realized and pointed out the necessity under which
the old country was placed, of disposing of her superabundance of
population ; and where could she send them where they would succeed
X::
Visit of the British Association.
17
better, than to this country (hear, hear. ) From the time the railway was
commenced I have been anxious to see this country and to traverse it
from its eastern to its western limits. You have done great things in
Canada, but you were British and we expected great things from you.
(Hear, hear.) We congratulate you upon the success which has resulted
from your enterprise and energy, but it is only the commencement.
When I look upon the vast extent of your country and the excellence of
the crops which are produced from it, and think of the thousands who
are sacrificing themselves in our own country at home, because of the
overcrowded state of the cities and towns, I cannot but feel sorry that
such should be the case, and resolve that my influence shall be used in
the direction of sending our people to a land where plenty reigns. You
are bound to have a great future, because you raise such an excellent
grade of wheat and so much of it. Then, you have the advantage of
living under the protection of the British flag. Let me say that we shall
go to our homes with a sense of the warmest gratitude for the hospitable
manner in which we have been received and treated wherever we went
in your domains. We shall think of you when we return to our own
home, where we are surrounded by all the comforts of life. I believe
that through these colonies the old country will be renewed. Let me
say, that as an ardent advocate of temperance, I have been able to
traverse these lands from end to end without seeing the evidence of in-
toxicating liquors. For this we will carry back a feeling of thankfulness.
(Applause.)
Prof Boyd Dawkins spoke next. He said : I feel that I should not
delay you by congratulating you upon the points already spoken of
There is one thing I wish to speak of, and it is the view we ought all to
take ; The Englishman is an FiUglishman, not because he was born in
England, but because he is an Englishman by blood or training. There
are three classes into which the Englishmen might be divided. The
first is the EnglishniiP. of the past ; then there is another class which
we call the English par excellence at the present time ; and there is the
new English represented in this country. An Englishman is none the
less an Englishman because he may happen to be born here. It is not
a political bond which unites us, it is the bond of race. I feel that in
coming to Canada we are visiting friends and kinsmen, and I feel con-
sequently quite at home in this vast region. I believe the great English-
speaking race is destined to cover the whole world. (Apjjlause.)
J
li
Visit of the British Assodatton.
Mr. Shaw, a distinguished civil engineer and a member of the asso-
ciation, was next introduced. He said : We have heard remarks about
this wonderful railway and the means of locomotion. What has struck
me more than this is the genius displayed in the invention of imple-
ments adapted to the cultivation of your land, and as labor-saving
machines. I have been able to examine the way in which you have
used materials in the marvellous construction of machines adajjted to
the soil. Your implements are not surpassed in any country in the
world. I heartily congratulate you, gentlemen, on dt-vcloping your re-
sources by means of such excellent machinery. Hy this means alone
you could have developed this vast country, and it is by this means only
that you can turn this land into one peopled with the right kind of popu-
lation. I also have been able to observe that this land is blessed with
an independent and enlightened press. I heartily congratulate you upon
what you have attained. There is every prospect that you will be one
of the first agricultural countries in the world. You have besides your
agricultural advantages, probably the richest mineral country in the
world. Besides possessing in the bowels of the earth a store of coal
sufficient to supply the country, while it exists, this country is one of the
greatest centres of mechanical civilization. (Cheers.)
Prof. Sheldon, a distinguished agriculturist, being introduced, said :
I have been struck as we passed along the line of railway with the rich-
ness of the soil, the character of the country and the facility with which
it can be drained. You possess within your borders every facility for
producing the necessaries of life, and you have here fields of sufficient
extent and fertility to produce food tor the whole world. From what I
have seen of this district in days gone by, I think you have about here
one of the richest portions in the whole of the Northwest. Winnipeg of
course is destined to be, as it now is, the most important city in the
Northwest, but you may reasonably expect to be the second place of
importance. We all feel as if we were one family, although we are
separated by 3,000 miles of water. I am sure, sir, that you look upon
the Old Country with very great pride. She is the mother of us all and
the wonderful mother of nations. She is the mother of the United
States, a nation rapidly assuming such an important place in the world,
and a nation bound to be one of the most important, if not the most
important, in the world. (Applause.)
Visit of tht British Association.
^9
said :
rich-
[hich
for
:ient
lat I
Ihere
[gof
the
of"
are
ipon
land
ited
[rid,
lost
j
The Bishop of Ontario made a few remarks. As a Canadian member
of the association and as a Canadian of 35 years' experience, he had no
hesitation in saying that in his opinion, notwithstanding all that had been
said about the country, the half had not been told. He had been able
to witness the marvellous resources of the country. It was himself that
influenced the Canadian Government and the Canadian I'acific Railway
to extend the courtesies they did to the association.
PRESENTATION.
When the train arrived in Winnii)eg, the members of the association
presented Superintendent Egan with an address expressive of gratitude
for the courtesy he displayed to them during the trij). It was also inti-
mated to Mr. Egan that a gold watch would be forwarded to him from
England as a more tangible recognition of his good services. Mr. Egan
replied suitably. •
LUNCH AND SPEECHES.
After a few hours spent in visiting the points of intere.st in the capital,
and inspecting the historical exhibition prepared by the Historical and
Scientific Society of Winnipeg, the members of the association returned
to the Canadian Pacific Railway station and sat down to lunch in the
magnificent dining room connected therewith. The repast was pro-
vided by the city of Winnipeg. Many distinguished Canadian statesmen
were present, in addition to the members of the British Association.
Hon. Mr. Aikins, Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, occupied the chair.
Lunch concluded, and the national toasts disposed of, the health of
"Our Guests" was drunk with enthusiasm.
SIR RICHARD TEMPI.K.
Sir Richard Temple, in acknowledgment, said : My Lord, ladies and
gentlemen, I have obtained from His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor
an injunction to the effect that 1 am to be excused from making a speech
on this occasion, because the fact is I am held in reserve for a meeting
in the Opera House this evening, which I shall have to address at length.
While my friends and colleagues are whirling through the forest in order
ro catih the train for Toronto, I shall be in all the agonies of rhetoric
(laugliter), therefore, as I have got to run a race of oratory this evening,
JO
Visit of the British Association.
I am to be let olT at a sort of feeble preliminary canter now (laugh-
ter.) But what is far better for you, you will be addressed by some
of the most eminent among my colleagues. In the first place I
hope that Dr. Cheadle will represent history anil will tell you a few
words regarding the wonderful contrast between the past and the present
of the Northwest. You will also be addressed briefly by Professor
Sheldon, who is an eminent authority on agriculture and will explain
to you something of the mighty agricultural resources with which
Providence has enriched this land. Then a few words will be spoken
to you by Mr. Topley, of the Cleological Survey of England, and he
will say something respecting those coal resources of which we saw-
something and of which we might have seen much more. Lastly,
you will be addressed briefly by Professor Boyd Dawkins, of Owens
College, Manchester, who will say something as to the illimitable
resources with which nature has endowed you both on the surface
of and beneath the earth.* But although our speeches may relate to
diverse subjects, we shall yet all breathe one common aspiration for
the future of the Northwest. We shall all reciprocate the most kind
sentiments which have been expressed by his Honor the Lieutenant-
Governor, and we shall all be animated by the same thankfulness
for the kindness and hospitality which we have received throughout
Canada from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to the summit of the
Rocky Mountains, which kindness and hospitality will, I have no
doubt, attain its culminating point in the capital city of Winnipeg,
(applause.) I trust that on behalf of the host I may be allowed to
call upon
DR. CHEADLE.
Dr. Cheadle — When I visited this country before, it exercised upon
me such a remarkable fascination that my great wish and longing was to
come to it again. That vision and hope of the future was postponed year
after year by the pressure of professional work and other engagements.
Now at last my dream has been realized and I visit these shores
once more, thanks to the opportunity afforded me by the meeting of
the British Association. (Hear, hear.) Now, gentlemen, it is hard for
you to understand the little knowledge there was of this country twenty
years ago, and not only that, but the mistaken impression which pre-
vailed with regard to it ; the impression that the country was a
).l
low (laugh-
id hy some
»t j)lace I
you a few
the present
■ Professor
vill ex|>lain
ith which
be spoken
id, and he
:h we saw
Lastly,
of Owens
illimitable
le surface
' relate to
i rat ion for
most kind
[ieutenant-
kfulness
iroughout
of the
have no
innipeg,
owed to
lit
Vi
ed upon
g was to
ned year
ements,
shores
;eting of
hard for
twenty
ich pre-
was a
Visit of the British Assoiiation.
ai
desolate region bound up by frost, an inhospitable country which
scarcely grew anything fit for the use of man, except the fur-bearing
animals. And if you understand this you would, I think, value still more
the visit of this association, because it will pour upon our country a
flood of evidence which will, T have no doubt, absolutely convince the
peojile of England of the extreme value of this great region. Well, I
came here with that idea impressed upon me, but a little experience and
observation of the country very soon rectified my mistake. In the Red
River settlement, as Winnipeg was then called, I found wheat growing
yielding enormously, 20, 30, 40 and 50 bushels to the acre, and in some
places I was informed cropped ten years in succession and yielding the
last year almost abundantly as the first. Then passing on I found the
resource i- ere stored along the Saskatchewan. I found the district
unequalled for pastures, where cattle not only wintered out, but grew
fat. When I went there I took horses from here, and travelling day by
day, arrived at Fort Galton just at the beginning of winter, the horses
being in a state of exhaustion and even emaciation with hard work. We
turned them out in the most inhospitable fashion just as the snow began
to fall. We did nothing for them, save to watch their course and keep
mark of them. In the spring they came out very different objects to
what they were when we turned them out, fat, and fit for the journey
across the mountains. Then going further still we came upon evidence
of valuable mineral resources, coal fields jutting out for hundreds of
miles on the Red River, and since have been discovered on the Souris
River, and further still we came upon the mineral resources of the Rocky
Mountains, gold, silver, and iron resources not yet fully developed, but
which will be, no doubt, when this Canadian Pacific Railway is further
extended to the heart of that region. This great country when taken as
a whole, seemed to possess resources of every kind in itself. The only
want one could see was the want of outlet, for the only means of en-
trance to the country was through the United States by way of the Red
River valley. Now, thanks to the enterprise of the Canadian Govern-
ment and the Canadian Pacific Railway, free exit of all your produce
will be provided, which will carry it straight to the Atlantic Coast, where
it may be shipped to any market you wish. (Applause.) There is one
point to which I should like to call your attention, because I fear some
of our neighbors^may go away with a somewhat mistaken impression of
i
't
f t
I,
23
Visit of the British Association.
the country altogether. They have seen only the magnificent prairie
region which sketches by way of Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Medicin "
Hat and Calgary to the Rocky iViountains. But there is another dis-
trict which differs a little in character from others, and I am sorry it has
not been possible to show my companions through the whole country.
I mean the country of the Saskatchewan. 'Chat is a country of hills and
valleys, of lakes and streams and woods, and there is a great forest
stretching away to the north, to the Arctic circle, I believe. Perhaps
this can be hardly realized by those making this excursion across the
great plains. The Canadian Government or the people of Manitoba
appear to be behaving like the boy at school and keeping the plum to
the last. The Saskatchewan is the plum of the whole. (Hear.) I be-
lieve a railway is already projected, in fact partly carried out, which will
give access to that beautiful and fertile region. There is one other
point. You have seen in the Rocky Mountains some magnificent
scenery, and yet the district has been imperfectly explored. I have
seen it north and south on the i)resent occasion from the Kicking
Horse Pass. But although we have seen all the glories of the great
Range rising from the plain we know little or nothing of the beauties
which lie hidden in the recesses of the mountains. Plateaus, glaciers
and upland valleys and lakes probably lie hidden there ; and there is
in the district a splendid health-recruiting ground which will rival
Switzerland. .\nd I can anticipate the time, perhaps, if I should
ever come to this country again, and I hope I may, it may be on my
third visit, I shall find the citizens of the great city of Winnipeg and
probably from all parts of Canada, spending in the recesses of those
mountains their time of leisure, and dissipating there, probably pleas-
antly enough, some of the wealth which will no doubt accrue to
them with extraordinary rapidity. That happy time I hope to see,
and my desire to return again will be upon me as strong as ever.
One remarkable point of difference between my former and present visit,
and which was brought before me with great force, is the difference in
the commissariat. (Laughter.) When 1 was here before it was with
difficulty we maintaineil the struggle for life, by providing with great
labor the means for subsistence in the form of food. This time, on the
contrary, our great struggle has been rather to avoid taking too much.
(Laughter and applause.) It seemed to me that the further we advanced
from sunlight, almost the greater has been the luxury with which we have
Visit of the British Association.
V
ificent prairie
on, Medicin
another dis-
n sorry it has
lole country.
"f of hills and
great forest
t'e. Perhaps
1 across the
5f Manitoba
the plum to
ear.) I be-
. which will
5 one other
magnificent
d. 1 have
>e Kicking
i the great
le beauties
us, glaciers
d there is
will rival
I should
be on niy
nipeg and
of those
hly pleas-
ccrue to
• to see,
as ever.
cut visit,
-Tcnce in
>vas with
th great
', on the
much.
Jvanced
we have
been surrounded. (Hear.) We found even in the heart of the moun-
tains, food which would have whetted our appetites even if we had not
been in such favorable condition for their development. (Hear, hear.)
I can only, in conclusion, quote the cordial words which have proceeded
from Sir Richard as to our reception. It has been hospitable, generous,
liberal, beyond expectation and belief. (.Applause.) This great excur-
sion to the Rocky Mountains is beyond anything which has ever before
been dreamed of ; entertainment on the most gigantic scale and of the
most enjoyable character. I think we have all enjoyed it thoroughly
and shall bear away with us the most i)leasant recollections. .\nd should
any of you think it good to return our visit in the Old Country we shall
welcome you heartily. (Applause.)
PROFESSOR SHF.LDON,
an eminent agriculturist, said : It may be possible I shall utter some
remarks this afternoon in which the bulk of the members of the British
Association will not find much warm sympathy on the question of Agri-
culture, which is hardly understood very extensively by many. Hut I
think 1 may make on- remark in which all will symi)athize, and that is :
we have had, thanks to the ('anadian Pacnfic Railway Company, a mag-
nificent journey. (Applause.) I may say, sir, that although this is my
fourth visit to ('anada, that I have enjoyed it nuu'h more than any pre-
vious one. So much hospitality and kindness have I received from
Canadians in all the Provinces that the very name will be dear to my
heart hereafter. (Hear, hear.) It has fallen to my lot, some years ago,
to speak publicly of the resources of (Xanadu, in the course of a ])am-
phlet \ wrote for the Canadian (lovernment, and that pamphlet was
circuited very extensively in England. So that in all probability I am
responsibility to^somc extent for much of the po]nilation you find in t'^is
country now. In the town close to my home, Buxton, in Derbyshire, a
name familiar to many of you, especially you who came fronv the Old
Country, no fewer than sixty came out in consecjuence of the pamphlet,
and the'number from all England will be very large indeed. At the
same time, I am confident of this, that however many have come out
influenced more or Ilss by x\w recommenchitions of this country, that all
wlu) were in distress, as families not unfre(|ucntly are at home, have found
they have done a good iliin^ ii\ leaving England, which is so full t)f peo-
ple, for this magnificent country, where there is room for everybody. I
^¥
Visit of the British Association.
\\\\
may, sir, congratulate not only Canada, but the Government of Canada
especially, and also the syndicate of the Canadian Pacific Railway, on
their magnificent highway through this vast country. They have now —
the Government, I presume, standing responsible to a great extent for
the construction of the line — the Government and the people have con-
structed the longest railway line in the world. (Applause.) Now the
land you have in this Northwest Territory, vast and fertile, as no doubt
much of it is, would have been of no practical good whatever but fcr the
opening up of this railway. I may remark inter alia, that the Canadian
Pacific Company have set you Winnipeg people a good example in
making a grand highway through this country, which you might worthily
follow through your beautiful town. (Hear and laughter.) The weather
— very unfavorable to-day, which we all regret — has caused many to feel
considerable trepidation in traversing your streets. One of the members
of the association came, very much to his disgust and very uninten-
tionally on his part, into a very undignified position on the pavement. I
hope, sir, the example set by the Government will be followed by the
people of Winnipeg, and the next time we visit the city we shall be able
to walk about the streets without danger of breaking our necks. (Hear.)
You will expect me to say a little about what I conceive to be the agri-
cultural possibilities and prospects of this vast continent, or at least, the
Canadian part of it. I have been delighted with the views we obtained
of the beautiful rolling land you have in the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains, land covered with a natural herbage far superior to anything
I have ever seen in any country before. I did not think it possible
indeed that such herbage could be grown in a purely natural manner
as that which I saw growing, although of course I could not examine
it in the foothills of the Rockies. It seems well adapted for ranching
purposes and is being so adopted. The land is also rolling, with hills
here and there, giving much natural shelter, so that cattle in ordinary
winters will be able to live out there without artificial shelter. But it
seems to me, and I have been led to understand from those practically
experienced in these things, that it is advisable, in your Northwest Ter-
ritory, not to trust entirely to Providence with regard to winters, but to
provide sufficient artificial shelter and food, that when the evening comes
you will be prepared to meet him. With regard to the great plain
stretching from here to the Rockies, I think I can perceive a great deal
of very excellent land which will be magnificent for the raising of
wheat, oats, and barley in all probability, and not only so, but of various
H^ V,t^,ii„v;ji r r H.i^'».NWi » KWr^S«gW !l iWW1WW'Mt»lJ^ »l t«HWI ' HMt i W.Jt' l |lllJ«' n' »' i' ' '* "
i' »»-lm wil l
Visit of the British Association.
V
ment of Canada
ific Railway, on
hey have now-
great extent for
eople have con-
se.) Now the
Je, as no doubt
ever but fcr the
t the Canadian
3d example in
might worthily
) The weather
d many to feel
■ the members
very uninten-
■ pavement. I
1 lowed by the
shall be able
2cks. (Hear.)
) be the agri-
' at least, the
we obtained
the Rocky
to anything
it possible
Jral manner
ot examine
<3r ranching
, with hills
in ordinary
er. But it
practically
iwest Ter-
;rs, but to
ling comes
reat plain
great deal
raising of
of various
kinds of roots, turnips particularly. Now here you hnve the first
principles necessary to successful agriculture. We saw yesterday — and
I am sorry to say it happened to be Sunday — that very extraordinary
exhibit of agricultural enterprise at the Bell Farm. I was particularly
struck with it, because I had not before seen on this continent or
anywhere else, anything so large. I consider, sir from what opinion
I was able to form of the magnificent farm from a cursory view,
that it has been conducted on sound commercial principles. At the
same time remarks were made to me by Major Bell of a very start-
ling nature in reference to the future of English farms. He said one
thing to me which it will be my duty to place before the public. After
allowing for eight per cent, on capital he will be able to deliver wheat in
Liverpool at twenty shillings a quarter, that is at about half the present
price of wheat. If that can be done by Major Bell on the farm it can
also be done by hundreds of thousands on other farms where the land
has been opened up by the i ail way. I tremble to think of the result of
all that on English farmers. Sorely cast down as they have been since
1877, by serious seasons, they will be hopelessly out of the race if the
words of Major Bell are realized. It is a matter of deep importance to
English farmers to consider what shall be done if that dream, if it be
only a dream, or that prediction, be realized. Well, sir, you want popu-
lation in this country; we in England have a great deal too much of it,
and many suffer on account of being overcrowded. Of course we have
a great many classes that would not suit you. You want agriculturists
first of all, for the development of your agriculture is the first thing to
which you must turn your attention. It has been, is, and yet will be the
glory of the Dominion; therefore the development of your soil, your
natural capacities in regard to the growth of wheat and other agricultural
products must be the first thing to which you must turn your attention.
For that purpose you want here a people who understand something
about agriculture and are able to enter on the work which we have
seen so successfully started. We cannot spare you many of the best
classes of these people, but 1 feel sure there are numbers of farmers
who are struggling in England to make things meet ; their position is
like that o^ an old wall that will stand so long as you leave it where
it is, but will fall directly you touch it. Such people would, I think,
relieve their minds of much crushing and terrible anxiety, if they
would give up their farms in England, and give up associations for
'
I I
1 I
■ 1
26
Visit of the British Association.
the time being, and come here, where, as a speaker has stated, every
man can eat in peace the food which he produces under his own vine
and fig-tree. (Hear, hear.) I believe, sir, that not only will this
Dominion be a great wheat-producing country, the great granary, de-
cidedly of Canada and England to a great extent, but I think you may
very successfully go in for cattle-raising. Your ranches out in the
Northwest when due precaution has been taken to avoid disaster, have
turned out successful, and I think that from Winnipeg right to the
foothills of the Rockies, your whole prairie is adapted for the raising
of cattle. I was informed by a rancher at Calgary that it was in
contemplation to start a herd of dairy cows and let them out to dairy-
men at so much per head, or for half profits, or such like. Now
dairy farmers should go hand in hand with the cattle raisers. An
animal should do something more than raise her own offspring. This
whole territory, particularly some parts of it, where the land is good
enough for agriculture, is adapted not only for wheat growing, but for
cattle raising. There is one thisg against which I should like to warn
you Canadians, and that is to be careful not to introduce the various
bovine diseases rampant in the United States. It will be a great
drawback to your agricultural development if you once admit them.
Therefore it behooves you, for your own preservation, to be careful
how you admit cattle from their markets at all.' If we in England
once know that you have disease here amongst your cattle, we must
schedule you and not receive your stock alive. I do not know that
I can say anything more on this subject particularly, but I may
conclude by thanking you most heartily for the kindness received
on all hands, and especially thanking the Canadian Pacific Com-
pany for the great treat extended to me (applause) and also Mr. Egan
for his courtesy and gentlemanly kindness throughout our entire jour-
ney. (Applause.) I may say, sir, that whatever may be the future
of Canada politically whether she remains attached to the Old Country
(cries of "She will,") or whether as an independent land, she chooses
to unite her destiny elsewhere, (loud cries of "No. no,") — well I am
glad to hear that "No," and I am sure that England herself will re-
joice to be assured that such an emphatic No exists in the minds of
all Canadians, — but whatever may be the political future of Canada,
I am sure of this. sir. thnt your agricultural and commercial future
contains elements ot very magnificent achievements. (Loud applause.)
\
\
f
Visit of the British Association.
37
■ has stated, every
^der his own vine
ot onJy will this
reat granary, de-
J think you may
'^s out in the
'd disaster, have
'eg right to the
for the raising
hat it was in
^^ out to dairy,
ch like. Now
raisers. An
f?spring. This
Jand IS good
'^ing, but for
d like to warn
-e the various
^^ a great
admit them.
o be careful
in England
'e, we must
J^now that
»ut I may
received
cific Corn-
Mr. Kgan
itire jour-
^e future
Country
chooses
ell I am
will re-
minds of
Canada,
1 future
clause.)
MR. TOPLEY,
of the English Geological Survey : Before proceeding to the special
subject which Sir Richar'^ Temple has allotted to me, and which I
shall treat very briefly at . 'is late hour, I hope I may be permitted
to add my most cordial thanks in acknowledging the most generous
hospitality extended to us, not only by the city of Winnipeg, but by
Canada generally ; and also to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company,
which has enabled us to see the country in the very advantageous
manner in which we have done. The trip is one which will throughout
our lives form a fragrant spot in our recollections. I have been asked
to speak upon geology specially. Geology in a certain sense lies at
the foundation to a large extent of the material riches and develop-
ment of a country. The shape of a country depends upon the
structure of the country, and that is a geological question entirely.
The developmpnt of a country depends upon its mineral wealth , the
agriculture of a country depends upon its soil, which is entirely due
to geological causes. Unfortunately we have gone rapidly through
the country and have not investigated with the minuteness which we
could wish, all these causes and consequences. But we have seen
enough to teach us valuable lessons. Most fortunately we have
been accompanied by a most distinguished geologist, Dr. Selwyn, the
Director of Canadian Survey. Canada is fortunate in having secured
his services, and the issues of its survey take a high rank in geological
literature. They are very numerous, and I am afraid are better known
out of Canada than within your borders. I can only advise those
who are interested in the future development of the country to study
your survey report. By the able assistance w^e have had, we have
been able to see much better than we otherwise could have done
many of the things which, as geologists, we desired to see. Sir Richard
Temple spoke of coal growing in many places along the western line.
Of course coal is one of the most important things with which we
have to do, and it is fortunate that there are enormous deposits of
coal of various qualities cropping up in different places up to the foot
of the Rockies and in some of the recesses of the mountains them-
selves. Theoretically it is important to find out how it differs in
different places. To geologists this is jjarticularly interesting ; but the
point in which Canadians will be most interested is to know that the
»8
Visit of the British Association.
coal is there. Partly it is what is called ignite, though it deserves a
better name than that, and partly it is anthracite further west. And
in all these developments of the country whether concerning coal or
other matters, information which geologists can give is very considerable,
and it is pleasant to know that investigations are rapidly extending,
over the wide area, and we shall soon know much more than we now
do. Among other points in which geology can help in the develop-
ment of Western Canada is the ticklish one of water supply. (Hear,
hear.) Unfortunately there are places of the area where water is not
so good as it might be. I think false impressions are brought about
with regard to this question. The water does not do the harm to
the cattle that is supposed ; still over a large area the water might be
better than it is, and I certainly think that by geological investigations
we shall learn where to find water and how to find it. The agricultural
western district at present depends upon the natural resources of the
soil and will for a long time do so. That is a question not touched
upon by the geologian, although it cannot have been absent from his
mind that the natural resources of the country will have to be augmented
as in other countries. I hope this will be a long distant time, but the
lesson ot Eastern Canada was that it is possible to farm too long a
time over any soil without any amelioration. It is fortunate that along
this line there is within reach, particularly by the railway, some im-
portant mineral wealth which will aid in the improvement of the soil.
There are those wonderful deposits of phosphate near Ottawa which
are supplied to other parts of the world, but not to the extent which
might have been expected of Canada. There is this great resource of
mineral wealth which the railway, when completed along the north of
Lake Superior, will be able to attract to the Western States. Then
there is lime, which must in future be used, and ought now, I think, to
be used on some of those western farms, by which their produce would
be enormously increased. Here you have an enormous deposit of
lime-stone. Now this is interesting as building stone, and I think it
will by and bye be used as a road stone. It is deemed interesting
now for its fossils, but there is a mine of wealth here for agriculturists
which can be carried along west and will be some day extensively
used. The United States Consul has alluded in very felicitous ^erms
to the gathering at Montreal. I object to call it international because
ive coine to Canada, out it is international to the large extent to which
\
yh it deserves a
"«her west. And
oncerning coal or
very considerable,
apidly extending'
'ore than we now
Jn the develop-
' supply. (Hear,
lere water is not
e brought about
^o the harm to
water might be
1 investigations
'^e agricultural
ources of the
^ not touched
sent from his
be augmented
inie, but the
^ too long a
te that along
'. some im.
of the soil,
tawa which
vtent which
resource of
2 north of
-s- Then
f fbink, to
ICC would
'eposit of
think it
teresting
■ulturists
ensively
IS .erms
because
> which
Americans came. Geology is peculiarly an American science. By
that I do not mean that geology is confined to America, but it has
been cultivated with enormous success in America. (Hear, hear.) It
has added enormously to the interest of our meetings, and one can
only be very glad that science is thus a great bond of union among the
nations. It transcends all national ties, and one does not think of the
pational character of the man in accounting the position he shall hold in
scientific ranks. (Ajjplause.) To a certain extent literature must be
national, and one can only hope that by and bye Canada, when it has
time to think of other things besides material wealth, will develop a
literature of her own worthy of that which has sprung up in the United
States, and worthy of that which we as Englishmen are so justly proud.
(Hear, hear.) Literature may, however, keep for a time, although one
must hope that it will come, but the development of science is
necessary to the development of a country, and I think that geology
in this particular takes no second place. (Applause.)
SIR RICHARD TEMPLE
briefly proposed the health of the Lieutenant-Governor and his wife,
which was heartily drunk and suitably acknowledged.
HON. MR. NORQUAY,
the Premier of Manitoba, replied. He said : Sir Richard, ladies and
gentlemen — It may be considered superfluous on my part to attempt to
supplement the hearty welcome extended to the association by his Honor
the Lieutenant-Governor, but still I would consider myself lacking in
duty did I not on behalf of the people of this Province welcome this
large, important and influential association here to the Province of
Manitoba. We welcome them also for the purpose of exacting certain
duties from them when they leave the Province, which duties I think
from the tone of their utterances they will cheerfully perform. One is to
dispel the erroneous reports «nd ideas that have been circulated re-
garding Manitoba and the great Northwest, of which we feel so proud,
and justly, too, I believe. (Hear, hear.) We also expect, and in this I
think we .shall not be disappointed, that a large amount of useful infor-
mation will be disseminated most cheerfully regarding the resources of
this part of the Dominion of Canada. We appreciate fully the respon-
sibility thrown upon our shoulders as Canadian people, of developing
30
Visit of the British Association.
this portion of Her Majesty's Dominions, and we welcome every source
of assistance that comes amongst us. None do we welcome more cheer-
fully than the British Association, whom we have the honor of enter
taining to-day. (Applause.) It is perhai)s true that the* hospitality we
have been able to extend at so short a notice, is not worthy to be pre-
sented by the Province to so influential a body, but they must on this
occasion take the will for the deed. (Hear, hear.) On account of the
inclemency of the weather, moreover, we anticipate their visit will not
be of so pleasant a character as it might have been. But takinj; all
drawbacks into consideration, we feel satisfied that they have seen in
their visit to the Northwest enough to convince them of the magnificent
resources yet undeveloped of this portion of the Dominion of Canada.
And their is no medium through which or by whom we would better
like to be represented to the world than through that association, which
has the proud prefix of "British" as its distinguishing characteristic.
(Applause.) An offshoot of the parent country, our institutions are all
of that national character that we cherish so sacredly. Our social and
educational institutions have that feature attached to them, and we wel-
come all and everybody British, especially an association whose main
object is the dissemination of useful information. And considering this
important fact, our highest ambition is that our resources should be
known, and that our institutions should be understood, and we are not
afraid of the result, (.-\pplause.) Without occupying your valuable
time any further, I will simply ex])ress a hope that your journey will be
as successful to the end as it has been to the present time, and that you
may never meet with any worse fate than that which the Manitoba people
wish you. (Applause.)
SIR RICHARD TEMPLE,
proposing the toast of "The Canadian Pacific Railway," said : Now,
my friends, we have so often sung praises to this celebrated company
that it would be really gilding the gold to sing those praises again.
(Applause.) But I must propose the toast with one word only, and it is
this : That it is owing to the Canadian Pacific Railway Company that
that momentous and difficult excursion was projected and undertaken,
and of which you are celebrating this moment the successful termination.
The toast was received with reiterated cheering, after which the pro-
ceedings were adjourned to the exhibition.
Visit of the British Association.
3^
AT THE EXHIBITION.
On Monday afternoon at ihc Historical Exhibition Hall a public re-
ception was given to the members of the British Association. The
Lieutenant-Governor and Premier Norquay delivered addresses of wel-
come. The Mayor and Council through their clerk presented an address.
Sir Richard Temple, replying, said : I have the pleasure and honor to
reply on behalf of the British Association for the Advancement of Science
to the two most interesting and remarkable speeches which have just been
delivered and to the eloquent address which has been read. We con-
gratulate ourselves that we are met in this noble hall, which is so abund-
antly adorned with everything representing the past history, the glorious
present, and the prospective future of this city of Winnipeg and this Pro
vince of Manitoba. (Applause.) 'I'he weather was brilliant in the Rocky
Mountains, and we have on the whole during our sojourn in the North-
west been extremely favored in this particular, and although his Honor
deigns to regret the existence of mud in this city, let me assure you
that it is not astonishing to us who come from England. The only
thing is this : The mud of Winnipeg is much lighter for the horses and
wheels than the mud of Europe, and without speaking quite seriously, I
may remark that it is quite interesting to scientific agriculturists to
observe the remarkable ingredients of which the earth is made up here.
(Laughter.) It contains great strength, lightness and fertility. It is all
very well for you to talk about your soil, but if you knew the heavy clay
soil of England, you would understand the superiority of the new country
over that of the mother land. Besides that you have a good pavement
of wood, which is both smooth, strong and finished, and you have
good wooden crossings from one side of the street to the other. Then,
may I assure you that I and all my colleagues will most conscienti-
ously discharge those duties which appertain to us and which the
Lieutenant-Governor so justly reminded us of in his behests, and which
we should on our return home most fully obey in making known to our
countrymen all the glory and greatness we have seen out here. Gentle-
men, I personally am a native of the Midland counties in the neighbor-
hood of Birmingham, and it will be my duty constantly to address large
political meetings regarding our colonial and foreign affairs; and I know
well I shall be called to a strict account by my political supporters as to
all I have seen and heard here. And as I most fully endorse all that
has been said regarding the resources of the Northwest, you can imagine
J2
Visit of the British Association.
the account I shall have to give. (Applause.) These resources are
inimitably great. They are already developed largely by the hand of
man, and are susceptible of an infinite development in the future. We
most cordially reciprocate all the kind expressions that have fallen from
the Governor, from the Prime Minister, and from the Mayor. We are
animated by tlie most brotherly feelings towards our colonial fellow
subjects, and shall endeavor to induce all those who cannot find a living
at home, to seek a livelihood in this land of plenty ; and let me assure
you that neither wet, nor chill, nor cold, nor cloud, nor darkness can dim
the brightness of your reception or diminish the warmth of our gratitude.
(Applause.)
THE MAYOR,
as President of the Scientific Society of Manitoba, explained that the
hall had been fitted up so as to present in a small compass some uf the
salient features of our country. In the field of geology we have a con-
siderable collection, possibly the only collection in the Northwest. We
have also some ornaments representing the ethnology of the country
lying west and north of Lake Superior. They include Indian arms and
curiosities, not only of the present race, but also of a former race which
inhabited our tenitory. We have also striking instances of what may be
of philological interest to the association; and last but not least, we have
our agricultural products. We have a number of vegetables, and I am
sure that one single cabbage would be sufficient to dine the whole of
your association. And they are not particularly striking instances with
our country. Many old residents can remember to have seen much
larger cabbages than you see here. Our samples of wheat are said to be
remarkably good in character, by those skilled in these matters, and
we want the association to tell what they have seen. (Applause.)
PROFESSOR DAWKINS :
I did not intend to take any very large share in what I believe is only
known in this part of the world as a great pow-wow. (Laughter.) But
I feel that it is a singular gratification to me to speak a few words in this
place in answer to the kind reception which has been given us by the
Historical Society and the Scientific Association, to which this hall and
its contents are due. I feel that in expressing our thanks to you, I
am but feebly expressing the feelings which animate us all. And I
would say that the peculiar advantage of our meeting in this room
consists in this fact, that here we have the past, present and future
Visit of the British Association.
jj
of this country brought forcibly together before our minds. Vou have
here in the trophies on the walls pictures of what this great area was
before the great English race in it« passage ever pushing westward,
flooded over into the valley of the Red River. Hut that is a condition
of things of the past. Looking to those tro])hies turned from the
soil by the ])lough, there you see the condition of things at the present
time. In the cc^llection of Iruits and in those gigantic cabbages you
have presented agriculturally the enormously important position which
this district now holds. Hut now for the future. It seems to me that
just as the bison and the grizzly bear, and the wapati have disappeared
before the face of the farmer, so will the.se great solitudes, if so I may
call them, crying out for population, echo with the voices of many
thousands of human beings, and these trophies, which I have no doubt
are the result of a very small area of cultivation, will be scattered over
thousands of square mile.s. We have heard to-day of the serious
effects which will be produced in the mother country by the low price
of wheat caused by the teeming fields of this glorious region. Now,
I do not think that is a thing to be regretted at all. (Hear, hear.) It
seems to me that if the British farmer is to be of any good at all, if he
is able to carry out the position which he ought to hold in this universe,
if he is unable to procure wheat at the i)rice in the Old Country at which
it can be produced in the new, the remedy is before his very face. He
must come to that region where the land invites him ; and I for one do
not see why the British farmer should be exempt from those com-
mercial laws, those laws of supply and demand which are imperative on
all other classes of the community. (.\i)plause.) If, therefore, he cannot
afford to compete with the great Northwest, with the "great lone land,"'
let him disapi)ear if he cannot come here and better himself. I would
only add just one other word. We members of the British .Vssociation
have tried a great experiment, an experiment which has turned out in
the most satisfactory manner possible ; and it seems to me that although
when we go back we shall speak of this country as we find it, and shall
be believed when we say what we shall say, because nobody will think
we are land sharks, or men going about trying to sell land at five dollars
an acre, which cost them only one ; besides all that, I mean to say that
the educational effect upon ourselves is of the very highest value.
(Hear, hear.) W'e have learned what this country is ourselves, and have
seen everywhere that true warmth of feeling which must have made us
34
Visit of the Prttish Association.
all realize thai whether we were born in England or in Canada, we are
going from one cousin's household to another. (Ajjplause.)
SIR RICHARD TEMPLE DELIVERS AN ADDRESS UPON
THE COUNTRY.
*
Citizens of Winnipeg with their proverbial shrewdness are always
ready to take advantage of every opportunity which offers itself to
advertise the country, and ac(|uaint the world with its vast resources. It
is no wonder therefore that when the distinguished scientists returned a
reception was proposed, at which the more prominent members of the
party were asked to speak, and give the ])ublic the advantage of their
observations and impressions formed during the trip. The Princess
Opera House was secured and upon the night of Tuesday, the 16th of
September, Sir Richard Tem|)le delivered the following address to an
audience, which for magnitude and enthusiasm, has never been excelled
in Winnipeg. Upon the platform were Hon. Mr. Norquay, Premier of
Manitoba ; Hon. J. C. Aikins, Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba ; His
Worship Mayor Logan, of Winnijieg ; Hon. Mr. Brown, U. S, Consul
Taylor and others. Hon. Mr. Nonjuay, as chairman, introduced Sir
Richard Temple, who said : —
Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure a great deal of
what I am about to say you arc already familiar with, but one finds
in travelling over your magnificent country so much to talk about
that I almost feel under an obligation to you for affording me this
opportunity of relieving myself of the burden of good things I have to
say about you. I purpose dividing my lecture into eighteen subjects,
which I shall deal with separately. The first I shall speak of is
'J'HK EXCURSIOX
of a section of the British Association to tb,- Rocky Mountains. This
was one of the longest, if not the lougcs'., excursion ever undertaken,
and in that respect was suitable to the land in which it was made.
The excursionists were about one hundred in number, and were all
men of more than ordinary education. Now that they are no longer
present I might say about them what I had not dared to say to their
faces, that they are a thoroughly accomplished, learned and scientific
body of men. They proceeded most carefully, thoroughly and con-
scientiously, and saw everything that could possibly be brought within
the range of their vision in the most complete manner. Among them
were many who carry weight at home, and whose opinions are listened
Visit of the British Aswciatton.
3S
ida, we .ire
S UPON
irc always
s itself to
jources. It
returned a
bcrs of the
ige of their
le Princess
the 16th of
Iress to an
en excelled
Premier of
itoba ; His
. S. Consul
Dduced Sir
at deal of
one finds
talk about
me this
I have to
n subjects,
is
ns. This
ndertaken,
was made,
were all
no lonf^er
ay to their
scientific
and con-
ght within
long them
e listened
to throughout Kngland. Therefore it can be judged whether it is not a
great advantage to this country in the present state of public opinion to
have such a cloud of witnesses now reluming to England men who
have faith in the Northwest of Canada, and who will give before all
Kngland a scientific reason for the faith that is in them. I know their
reports will be favorable in the extreme. We came here with high
anticipations, and those anticijjations have been more than fulfilled.
\Wc were (luite struck with admiration of all we saw and heard, and 1
am ([uite sure our evidence will be satisfac tory to the well-wishers of the
Northwest in the highest degree. It should, hcjwever, be rembered that
we have, after all, hardly seen the best of the country. We have seen
what might be called the southern section, but we have heard that there
is another section still finer, grander and richer. What would have
been our admiration if we could have seen the glorious whole ? Never-
theless we have heard on authentic evidence of the greatness of the
northern region ; and we can measure its greatness by considering what
we have actually seen.
IHK LONK I.ANO A LAND OH' PROMISK.
I beg to refer, secondly, to the remarkable contrast presented, the
beautiful country until recently called "'i'he i.one Land," now being
considered a land of promise. It is but a very few years since the places
which are now the haunts of civilization were the runs and wallowing
places of bands of bufialoes. 'i'he country is vast. The popular idea in
England now is that the Northwest of Canada could sustain a pojjula-
lion of 100,000,000 .\nglo-Saxons. 1 do not know exactly how they
got the figure of 100,000,000 ; nevertheless it is very possible that it
might be realized in the not very remote future. Indeed, considering
the cultivable area of the North\»est, including both the Northwest
Provinces and Manitoba, which can hardly be less than a million square
miles, and reckoning a ])opulation of loo to the s(|uare mile, which is not
a high average, the result would be u total po|)ulation of 100,000,000,
This vast area might fairly be compared with some of the neighboring
States of North America, fully e(}ualling probably that of Dakota, Idaho,
Minnesota and Washington, which are constituting a land of promise to
our American kinsmen.
IHE SCENERV.
The scenery of the |)rairie impressed all the excursionists with its
vastness. There is a beauty in mere immensity ; although the surface
of the ground might not be diversified, yet it is a wonderful sight to see
the sun ri.se and set on a tract perfectly level on all sides — as it were an
ocean of vegetation. The approach to the Rocky Mountains from the
jjrairie is jjerhaps the most remarkable in the world. I do want to
give exaggerated ideas. People here probably think the Rocky Moun-
tains the greatest in the British Empire, but the British Empire is a very
large place. They are scarcely more than a third as high as the Him-
alayas, nevertheless the approach to them from the prairie is truly
3(i
Visit of the British Association.
wonderful ; for they rise as masses of rock right out of the prairie.
Duiirj the greater part of the year they are covered with snow. Even
now, at the end of the sumnier, the rocks are mainly snow-capped. As
we approached the mountains we actually saw about 150 Miles of con-
tinuous snow-clad hills, which, rising straight out of the prairie, consti-
tute a sight which is quite unique. 1'here is only one parallel to it —
namely, the approach to the Caucasus from the steppes of Russia, and
even this is not so fine, as there is first a range of low hills, then another
a little higher, and again above all the summits of the snow-clad peaks
of Caucasus. Perhaps at some future time I may give a lecture
upon the scenery and topography of the mountains themselves, but for
the present I must confine myself to the remark that the effect of all
this scenery upon the minds of those who live in that region is very im-
pressive. I believe that the contemplation of this magnificent scenery
— magnificent in extent at least — has a very elevating effect upon the
Anglo-Saxon mind, enlarging the ideas, brightening the imagination and
elevating the sentiments. In the short addresses which we received on
the way, there was a loftiness of expression almost amounting to grand-
iloquence, to which I had hardly been accustomed in the addresses
which I have received in other portions of the British Empire. The
wonders I have described are wonders of nature, but to our British eyes
and patriotic minds, the greatest of all wonders was the spectacle of
Anglo-Saxon, British-Canadian enterprise spreading itself over the sur-
face of this vast country and writing its marks in letters of flame, as it
were, uj)on the book of nature. (Applause.)
THE MINERAL RESOURCES.
Some of the mineral resources we have not seen. I allude par-
ticularly to the iron ore of which we have seen specimens at the exhibi-
tion in Winnipeg ; but we have seen something and heard much of the
coal resources. I believe there are coal mines within a short distance
of the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. I understand that there
are coal resources within a very moderate distance of it, and that there
is quite on the line, within a hundred yards, superior ignite which will
burn very well when mixed with bituminous or anthracite coal. When
these coal mines are worked you will be independent of Pittsburg and
the United States in respect of coal, and I need not say that this will be
a great advantage.
THE PRAIRIE.
The prairie is fast becoming a thing of the past in this part of Canada,
In that respect it is following the example of the herds of buffalo,
and of the poor Indians who are receding before the face of the
white man. When we left Winnipeg we saw a few miles of real
prairie ; owing, we were told, to the fact that the lands were in the
hands of speculators who were reserving them for future use. When
we got beyond this limited area we really saw no prairie at all for several
Visit of the British Association.
37
Jt of the prairie,
nth snow. Even
now-capped. As
[50 Miles of con-
le jirairie, consti-
parallel to it —
is of Russia, and
ills, then another
snow-clad peaks
y give a lecture
miselves, but for
the effect of all
egion is very im-
^nificent scenery
effect upon the
imagination and
I we received on
unting to grand-
n the addresses
I Empire. The
our British eyes
he spectacle of
:lf over the sur-
"s of flame, as it
I allude par-
is at the exhilM-
rd much of the
short distance
tand that there
and that there
nite which will
coal. When
Pittsburg and
hat this will be
art of Canada,
rds of buffalo,
face of the
miles of real
were in the
e use. When
all for several
UK
1|
hundred miles, when we crossed the Saskatchewan. I mean that we
never passed for a mile together on the plain without seeing a home-
stead, or field, or the marks of human occupation. It was only when
we crossed the Saskatchewan that we saw real prairie, and then it was
only so in a modified sense. From the moment the homesteads and
golden fields ceased, the cattle ranches began. I understand that
almost the whole area from the Saskatchewan to the foot of the moun-
tains is really in the hands of the cattle ranchers. Here again we saw
signs of the Anglo-Saxon, in his cattle and his herds. The vegetation
of the prairie, so far as we were able to see it in the intervals of uncul-
tivated land, was not remarkable, but still was very rich. Some of the
more enthusiastic of the party said it was the richest wild vegetation
they had ever seen, but I think this was due to their enthusiasm,
because the vegetation in the steppes of Russia is quite as rich, if not
richer. Still, the flora of this country is such as to promise an abundant
return for agricultural labor.
THE SOIL.
Almost everywhere we saw rich soil. Most of us expected that we
would find tracts of arid waste, or that if we saw rich soil it would be
largely interspersed with specimens of gravel, rock and soil not suitable
for cultivation ; but this idea proved entirely false, for I declare without
exaggeration that on the whole way from Winnipeg to the foot of the
Rockies- a distance of 1,000 miles — there is hardly a foot of ground
that did not seem to be capable of being turned to human use. Esti-
mating the distance to the foot of the Rockies at a thousand miles, there
is for this distance one unbroken area of land more or less fertile and
capable of being turned to the advantage of man.
PASTUR.\GE,
Most of the party are of opinion that the pasturage is splendid and
thoroughly suited for .^UVie ; we were surprised that we did not see
sheep as well. 'I i.e j-^r; j-. 's not very long, and promises a rich reward
to the hay ( r.ttcr. The cattle generally seem to be quite healthy, and
of very good •.. .ds, ;nany of them coming from the neighboring States,
and apparen'iiv bved from some of the best slock '.i\ England. Some-
times compla;i.> ire Iieard in England that '■^- .'''an and American
cattle dealers ■uichase some of their best animals, but it is not to
be regretted see.ng that a h gh consideration hr.s to be i)aid for them.
We were all impressed with the necessity of being careful about cattle
diseases. We heard much on the way regarding diseases that have
broken out among cattle in various parts oi the United States, remind-
ing us of what has been in England ; h ;i we heard thac Canada was
fiee from them. For Heaven's sak. take f recautions to prevent their
importation I speak freeb- upon this siibjv.'^S because in England we
have failed to prevent the iniiiortatio'. of diseased rattle, and the losses
in consequence has been incalcii'A'iie. NVc enquired a good deal as to
i
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38
Visit of the British Association.
ensilage, as the food for animals is becoming so fashionable in the
United States and is being introduced into England; but we were told
that no such food was necessary, because the supply furnished by nature
is so very abundant.
AGRICULTURE.
I wish to speak of two kinds of crops, cereals and roots. Cereals are
grown upon many farms exclusively ; some of the greatest farms in the
country are wheat farms almost entirely. We saw in many parts of tht
country specimens or exhibits of the products of the farm. The Cana-
dian Pacific Railway Company has set a very excellent example by
having model or pattern tarms close along the line of railway, to show
what the country is capable of producing. In inspecting these, while
we found nothing to equal the monster cabbages shown at the exhibgion
here in Winnipeg, yet we saw good turnips and |)otatoe.s. We heard in
England that there would be great difificulty in growing wheat at the
altitude of this country, it being too high above the sea. but this idea v-as
eniirely falsified by what we saw, for wheat grows well 2,000 feet above
the sea ; at Calgary at 3,000 feet, and at Padmore at 3,500 feet.
Hence there is nothing in the altitude of this country to prevent wheat
being grown on an immense scale. We enquired of farmers regarding
many things which we have at home, namely, rotation of crops peri-
odically, manuring and weeding, and we were indignantly told these
things might be very necessary in the Old Country, but were not
required in this new land. The same crop, it is said, has been grown
year after year from land without injury. Manure, it is said, is not
neces.sary in the virgin soil which accumulates so many advantages and
has such richness in the soil, the sub-soil, and the soil underneath that,
that the crops will grow without manure. .Vs to weeds, it is said that
there are none of consequence. We a.>ked about the ploughing, and
said that we had to plough very deep in the Old Country We were
told that nothing of the kind was necessary here, that if the ground
were just scratched over, crops would grow. We were told these things
by practical men. The virgin soil here is a very abundant inheritance
which has come down from what might be called a geological period,
thousands of years having looked down upon these beautiful plains. The
consequence is that for the time many of the old world devices, such as
deep ploughing, manuring, weeding, and rotation of nops, can be dis-
pensed with.
LABOR.
The want of laborers is a great difificulty in the interior of the North-
west, and it has had this effect upon the farmers, that it nas compelled
them to exercise their wits and employ machinery to save labor. The
agricultural machinery and implements ii: tl.is court! v are among the
most remarkable things to be seen. Ever\ kind of inqilement and ma-
chine is there at work— with all their rough-sounding names, as scuflflers,
harrows, reapers, mowers, threshers, and the like — forming a most
Visit of the British Association.
39
hionable in the
ut we were told
lished hy nature
•ts. Cereals are
test farms in the
any parts of thr
"in. 'Fhe Cana-
■nt example by
railway, to show
ing these, while
It the exhibgion
• We heard in
!; wheat at the
ut this idea vas
,000 feet above
at 3.500 feet.
» prevent wheat
mers regarding
of crops peri-
ntly told these
but were not
las been grown
is said, is not
idvantages and
iderneath that,
it is said that
'loughing, and
ry AVe were
if the ground
Id these things
nt inheritance
logical period,
til plains. The
;vices, such as
', can be dis-
of the North-
as compelled
? labor. The
"e among the
nent and ma-
!s, as scufflers,
ming a most
gratifying spectacle. We have seen them in the fields at work, in the
towns outside the shops for sale, and inside the factories being repaired.
The sight would make an old world man first laugh, and then feel
envious. I will give one single example. In England when we reap
the grain we have to stack it in order that the grain may rij)en, and after
that we thresh it. The Northwest farmer does nothing of the kind. He
brings the threshing machine to bear upon the sheaves, furnished ready
to his hand by the harvesting machine. Then, having threshed the
wheat, he stores it for the time in a temporary wooden structure in the
field, and there he allows the grain to remain and harden until the snow
falls deep and becomes fit for sleighing. Then he draws it easily over
the hard snow to an elevator, from which it is shot into railway cars
placed beneath, and carried away for exportation. The ingenuity, con-
venience and rapidity of the processes gives the new world a great advan-
tage over the old world. The consequence of this machinery and the
labor-saving appliances is that the average cultivation per head is ex-
tremely high in this country. One would be inclined to say there must
be a great population, judging from the area of cultivation, but on the
contrary there are only a few thousands of Anglo-Saxons settled in the
country. The fact is the average of acres of cultivation per head is
several times as great as in the old world, every man having many acres
under command, owing to the labor-saving appliances.
THE FARMS.
Some of the farms are great, extending over many square miles of
wheat cultivation absolutely unbroken by any fence or hedge. Never-
theless we had the pleasure of seeing many small farms in the best cul-
tivated districts. .\t Portage la Prairie we understood that small
♦p'-mers owned the land and worked U])on it with their own hands. The
f .m houses are well-built, well-aired, and I understood, well-warmed in
vvmter ; and are very comfortable, both within and without. As to cot-
tages, we asked for them, but really there were no cottages, because there
c.re few men so low in the social circle as to require them. The country
is absolutely without farm laborers. Around the houses of the peasant
proprietors we sow market gardens with cabbage beds, turnip beds, and
the like, just enouili for the farmers" families. 'Inhere is a good supply
of fuel, though 'one might expect that on the prairie there would be
nothing but grass or vegetation. Fortunately, there is low scrubby brush
suited for fuel. The soil is entirely suited for the making of excellent
bricks. To the great advantage of the farmers, there is small limeftone
scattered over the plains, from which excellent lime for masonry can be
obtained. The subject of land speculation has attracted a great deal of
unfavorable notice through the press. I have heard something of it in
England, and still more in Montreal, but after all my impiession is that
the story must have been greatly exaggerated. With a vast area, a wise
Government and a wise people enjoying po])ular representation, you
«
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40
Visit of the British Association,
should make provision , for the future, so as not to allow the land to get
too much into the hands of individuals or corporations. From the
experience of the Old Country leading to the springing up of com-
munism, Canada should take care to prevent anything of the kind
happening here. While the State is generous, giving land without stint
or grudge to every good applicant who asks for it, nevertheless it ought
to keej) something in its own hands. It seems to me that that duty has
as yet been fairly performed ; at all events it has not been left unper-
formed in the way some pco])le imagine. As to the land concession of
the (Canadian Pacific Railway Company, it should be remembered that
without that concession the railway could not have been constructed.
I find that the w^^ole of the land has not been made over to the com-
pany, but only all . nate blocks, the iniervening ones belonging to the
State ; and that X> ' is but a fraction of the vast area. Remarks
have been made abo"' .nis company's concession to a great land com-
pany, but I find that tnio ;;> only a small part of the land at the disposal
of the State to give away or make disposition of as it may see fit,
according to the wants of the coming generation. Hence I shall feel
bound to say in England that no essential harm has been done by land
concessions ; and it is only fair to the Government and the Administra-
tion to say this.
THE CLIMATE.
One objection in England against this country is that of the winter.
The summers are known to be hot, but this the people are not so much
afraid of as they are of the supposed length, dreariness and wretchedness
of the winters. I believe from inquiries that this description of your
winter came from the portions of country lying under the Rocky Moun-
tains, where the chinook winds make the winters somewhat like those of
England, which are proverbially dull. In the rest of the country the
winters are rather bright and cheery. The snow falls and hardens on
the ground, and there is bright weather with blue sky overhead, so that
the people walk about with the utmost facility, and on the whole have a
cheerful time in the winter. In many parts of the country the residents
tell me that the winter is the nicest season they have. (Applause.)
From the very kind applause I judge that the description is correct, and
if so it is very important that this description shall be known at home,
for the prevailing impression there is doing some harm to emigration.
TREE CUI.IURE,
S<)me say that the summer is somewhat too dry, but, if so, the drouth
might be mitigated by planting trees. The experience of every part of
the globe proves that where the trees are swept away drouth follows, but
where they are planted copiously, the early and the later rains are vouch-
safed in due season. If the farmers and settlers would take precaution
by planting trees, either in groves, or, better still, in long-stretching
avenues, they would have the rains in good time. If arboriculture is to
be successfully carried out, you must be careful to select those trees that
Visit of the British Association.
41
V the land to get
)ns. From the
ging up of com-
ing of the kind
md without stint
rtheless it ought
lat that dut)- has
)een left unper-
\d concession of
emembered that
ien constructed.
)ver to the com-
•elonging to the
irea. Remarks
great land com-
1 at the disposal
it may see fit,
ince I shall feel
;n done by land
the Administra-
it of the winter,
ire not so much
id wretchedness
"iption of your
.' Rocky Moun-
lat like those of
he country the
md hardens on
rhead, so that
le whole have a
ry the residents
(Applause.)
I is correct, and
lown at home,
5 emigration.
so, the drouth
f ever}' part of
ith follows, but
ains are vouch-
ake precaution
long-stretching
mculture is to
hose trees that
wiil grow, because great harm has been done to the theories of abori-
culturists by selecting unsuitable trees. Not those which have their
roots deep down in the ground ; but those which spread out their roots,
as the poplar and maple ash, are the trees for the ))rairie. The heavy,
long-continued snow and severe frost are great aids to the farmer. In
England we have to sow in the autumn, and farmers have to look after
their land sown with so mrch labor and expense, all through the winter.
All sowing here is, however, done in the spring, and that is an advan-
tage. During the long winter the snow prepares the ground, and the
timely frosts pulverizes the clay and renders it suitable for the plough.
In the last two or three winters in England there has been very little
frost, and one great pulverizing agency was lost, which you here never
fail to enjoy. (Laughter and applause.) At the Montreal meeting of
the association a Canadian ])rofessor read what was on the whole one of
the most remarkable pa])ers that i have heard in regard to tree-planting,
showing how, with special reference to the Northwest, on every farm a
grove of trees might be planted, with little patches here and there, so as
to interrupt the breezes blowing from every quarter, and demonstrating
how this would improve the climate, mitigate the severity of the winter,
and afford shelter in every way. He illustrated all this by carefully
drawn diagrams.
• I hope the principles which have been thus enforced by practical
science will be adopted by your farmers. Then they ought to try to
preserve the jirimeval forest which still remains. It is the universal
testimony of all Canadians that these are being recklessly cut without
regard to the future. Tiie forests which we have seen between here
and Lake Superior and at the Rocky Mountains are poor ones, but we
understand there are magnificent forests farther to the north. There is
a consensus of opinion among all Canadians that these forests are
being used up without regard to future requirements ; and there is
an equal consensus that nothing whatever has been done by any Legis-
lature or T'cvernment throughout the Dominion for the preservation
of the foresib. We could not but accept the report which we have
received from competent witnesses. If it is true I will venture to
utter one word of warning as to the consecjuences which must result
to Canada if the fatal policy is pursued. Forests are very consumable
things. Like the herds of wild buffaloes which disappear before the
white man, they will disappear before the wood cutter if precau-
tions are not taken to prevent it. I have seen several examples of
whole regions desolated by deforesti.ij;. Tt is too fatally possible to
uproot the trees in such a manner that in a few years no trace of
them will be left. What made the prairie ? Do you suppose that
it was made so by the hand of Cod ? It has no doubt been covered
with trees of a certain height, but probably by forest fires the broad
plains which were once clothed with timber as a sheep's back with fleece,
are now desolate. I am not speaking for the sake of England, but for
1
42
Visit of the British Association.
1 ' I
the sake of Canada. England will never want for wood. In Scan-
dinavia, which is separated from Britain by only a narrow strip of sea,
there is the most magnificent forest preservation in the world. 1 have
recently travelled over the whole of Norway and Sweden, and the system
of forest conserving has filled me with envy and admiration. 'I'here is
no trace of fire.s, and no reckless cutting ; and everything is done
methodically and scientifically. I saw the old forests and the new ones
coming ujj ; and everything is provided for the use of the present and
the prospects of the future. Canada not only supplies the Northwest,
but also exports a vast ([uantity lo England : and it would be a melan-
choly thing to see her lumoer trade ])ass into the hands of Scandinavia,
owing to the neglect of Canadians themselves. Then, besides, you would
have to use expensive stone and masonry for many purposes for which
we now use wood. Every member of the association thinks as I have
expressed in regard to this matter, and they have done everything they
could at the > Montreal meetmg to ventilate the subject.
J'HE TOWNS.
i
I '
I
I will not . ■'dciuiicc to describe Winnipeg; but we have seen the
various towns along the railway, inspecting Portage la Prairie, Brandon,
Qu'Appelle, Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw and Calgary ; and I will add,
Regina and Broadview. I am bound to congratulate you heartily on
the condition of those rising places. Truly it is wonderful the manner
in which these towns have s])rung up. The streets are well laid out,
and the houses are clean and tidy and picturesque in their architecture.
Villas are springing up in the suburbs, and every villa has a cordon of
trees springing up around it. We have observed the schools, the
churches, the banks and civic buildings, and various other institutions ;
and we have seen also the shops full of all the paraphernalia of civiliza-
tion. We have been particularly struck with the stocks of agricultural
machinery already mentioned. .Altogether the condition of those places
is most .satisfactory. We observed also in many ))laces factories, and in
every direction perceived signs of what might be truly called culture. I
congratulate the people of VVinoi|)eg on the exhibition here. Cuiture
was exactly the thing which was most likely to be wanting in a young
community. Really the manner in which the exhibition has been got
up, the variety and beauty of the objects exhibited, and the careful
scientific manner in which they have been displayed, are eminently
creditable to this community, and shows that you have reached culture
in the truest .sense of the term. I think the British .\ssociation might
be congratulated on the fact that it was for their honor and edification
that the citizens of Winnipeg kindly undertook to get up this exhibition.
If our coming to Winnipeg has no other result than this of inducing you
to get up that exhibition, we have been instrumental in doing good to
you as well as to ourselves in rendering our visit memorable.
Visit of the British Association.
43
wood. In Scan-
larrow strip of sea,
le world. 1 have
en, and the system
iration. 'I 'here is
verything is done
; and the new ones
t' the present and
es the Northwest,
would be a melnn-
is of Scandinavia,
besides, you would
•urposes for which
thinks as I have
le everything they
>ve have seen the
Prairie, Brandon,
and I will add,
t you heartily on
Jerful the manner
re well laid out,
heir architecture,
a has a cordon of
the schools, the
ther institutions ;
■rnalia of civil i/a-
ks of agricultural
)n of those places
factories, and in
ailed culture. I
1 here. Culture
nting in a young
in has been got
, and the careful
1, are eminently
reached culture
ssociation might
and edification
) this exhibition.
of inducing you
doing good to
bble.
■A
COMMUNICATION BY LAND AND WATER.
It would be like gilding fine gold if I were to ])raise the Canadian
Pacific, (ienerally in Canada a railway administration is not thought by
outsiders to be one of the strong points of the country. The fact is
that in the new country with a vast area and a scanty population, rail-
ways are extended beyond the power of managing them uj) to the
standard of the United States, or more ])articularly that of England.
The Canadian Pacific Railway seems to be an exrejnion. Passing by
one or two accidents, beyond the control of any person or persons, I am
bound to give the highest and most favorable testimony regarding the
management of the Canadian Pacific Railway. But we are anxious to
impress the consideration that the Canadian Pacific Railway is only the
beginning of the vast railway system, nothing more or less than the
main artery from which must branch out many veins, the backbone of
the body politic, the limbs, arms, toes and fingers being yet to come.
The Canadian Pacific Railway runs through a rich country no doubt,
but still not the richest — the richest country is far to the north, and to
that country branches must extend.
Critics say that the main line ought to have been taken farther north;
but no doubt the wisest course has been followed, because the main
trunk runs nearly as straight as an arrow from ocean to ocean. The
remaining work of constructing branches to the north is what might be
called the crying want of the Northwest. (Applause.) ^V'^e have heard
remarks by many farmers to the effect that branch railwavs are wanting
towards the south from the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway,
so as to make connection with the railways advancing upwards from the
United States. The great and impressin^^ importance of these matters
should receive consideration. We are aware that the Canadian boatmen,
so celebrated in song and story, are beginning to pass away and be
superseded, inasmuch as boats must yield to the iron horse on land.
Nevertheless we have observed that there is much steamer communica-
tion on the Assiniboine and Saskatchewan rivers right up to Medicine
Hat. I heard also that there is excellent lake communication up to
Winnipeg and along one branch of the Saskatchewan. Long experience
has convinced me that canal or river navigation can not in the long run
compete with railways; nevertheless it is a great advantage lo a country
intersected by railways to have a few navigable rivers and canals also,
because, although they cati not compete with railways, yet they carry
things cheaply, and have a beneficial tendency as regards the public in
keeping down railway charges for freight. In reference to Hudson's
Bay ocean navigation --(ap[)lause) — I am aware that a committee of
experts is sitting upon this project, and, considering whether it is prac-
ticable. If the committee re])orts that it is practicable, good; but if not,
I would never abandon the hojje that it might be found practicable by
those who come after. (Prolonged applause.) I feel convinced that it
must be practicable, because Hudson's Bay Company ships have
navigated there for many generations, and what was practicable fot
MJ«
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' f
I I
1 :
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44
Visit of the British Association.
them must be practicable for the steamships and Atlantic racers of
the present day. The objections amount to this — that the harbors
along Hudson's Bay are only open during a very short time each year.
Still, the Hudson's Bay Company ships come pretty much at will all
through the summer months, and why cannot a steamer do the same
thing? Suppose at the worst the open season is but for a short time,
nevertheless the route would be an advantage. In the old countr)
there are waters open but for four months in the year, in which, still, a
mighty traffic is done, as arrangements are made accordingly, and trade
adapts itself to them. Even if there is but thiee or fo' r months of open
navigation, during the season ocean-going ships would come from Liver
pool to Port Nelson or some other harbor there, that circumstance will
make a world of difference to the Northwest, and entirely change the
condition of the country, introduce a new factor into your political life,
and together be very important to you, placing you at Winnipeg almost
in direct communication witli J-iverpool by water. It would have im
mense effect upon the rich northern district I have been describing, and
especially along the lower valley of the Saskatchewan. I regret that I have
not been able to yisit that country and enforce my remarks by practical
observation ; yet, notwithstanding, I am bound to state what I shall state
in England, — my conviction and that of thousands of others. (Applause).
THE T.'^RIFK.
I am not surprised to hear most of the farmers from England complain
of the present tariff. The) dislike having to pay the duty on agricul-
tural implements, and think it pretty hard that there should be so
much taxation on canned provisions. The duty on the latter is some-
what hard ; but it seems that the agricultural implement question
might be found to involve the fate of Canadian manufacturers. It
must be for you Canadians to judge as a community whether it is
or is not worth while to jiay somewhat higher prices than you would
otherwise have to pay in order to foster your rising manufactures.
That is a question on which an outsidei would be careful about offering
an opinion. I, as an economic scientist, must say that economic science
is against a protective tariff, but science is not always applied to politics,
and I admit that you are handicapped with many difficulties owing to
your commercial relations with the United States. Nevertheless it is for
you to judge whether you would consent or could afford to pay some-
thing in order that your young and rising Canadian manufacturers may
be cherished during their infancy. If you think you can you must be
prepared to bear a certain amount of sacrifice, .\fter all you must
rememember that Providence has endowed you with many advantages
which older countries do not possess, and perhaps you might be content
to bide your time in hope that your friends down at Ottawa will try to
temper the wind to the shorn lamb, and try to make the duties as con
venient and light to you as they possibly can in view of your contentment
t.
Visit of the British Association.
45
Atlantic racers of
— that the harbors
3rt time each year,
ty much at will all
earner do the same
)Ut for a short time,
n the old country
ir, in which, still, a
jrdingly, and trade
r months of open
3 come from Liver
: circumstance will
.■ntirely change the
) your political life,
t Winnipeg almost
It would have im '
;en describing, and
I regret that I have
inarks by practical
te what I shall state
•thers. (Applause).
England complain
e duty on agricul-
lere should be so
he latter is some-
iiplement question
nanufacturers. It
nity whether it is
5 than you would
ing manufactures.
;ful about offering
: economic science
jpplied to politics,
fflculties owing to
^vertheless it is for
ford to pay some-
lanufacturers may
can you must be
ifter all you must
many advantages
might be content
ttawa will try to
the duties as con
your contentment
and your being reconciled to a certain amount of national sacrifice
for the sak^ of the young manufactures on the banks of the St.
Lawrence. If you are not pleased with the tariff at pre«'v!, \ijii
might be inclined, perhaps, to bear your fate meekly, because, taking
communities one with another, there are few so blessed as you are.
If other portions of the Dominion have authority over you, it is
possible that in the not distant future you may become so great as
to have authority over them. Although I am interested in the great
future of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and all other
])arts of this Dominion, in none do I see any future comparable to yours.
With this land, which has the brightest |)rospect, before any other land
in the British Empire stretching out around you, you might be prepared
to acquiesce in certain sacrifices, if it were judged better by those in
authority. Though I am a Conservative in English politics, I am per-
sonally an out-and-out-free-trader. Though we believe it is right to have
a free trade policy, yet if we suggest that other nations should adopt the
same, it is more for the good of the latter than our own. It was because
other nations chose to put on their protective tariff that England
remained queen of all the neutral markets in the world ; and it is owing
to those protective tariffs that she has managed to get into her hands
the ship building industry, so that she builds 70 or 80 per cent, of all
the ships that are built on earth. That business ia extremely important
and has been absolutely thrown into her hands by the protective tariffs,
which, in defiance of economic science, other nations have adopted.
The moral advantages of free trade to England are even greater than
the material ; because British manufacturers, knowing that they are
wholly unprotected and can rely upon nothing except their own skill,
industry, resources, and capital are exerting themselves with an invent-
iveness and fertility which is not, I believe, eijualled on earth. It is
impossible to give an idea of the ceaseless exertions Englishmen are
making to preserve their ])roud place at the head of the industries of the
world, because they know they have nothing to rely on but themselves.
Their rivals in Europe and elsewhere hope that a false economy will
induce England some time to ])ut on a protective duty, because they
know that things would then become dear in England, and England
would no longer command the neutral markets. Competition would
cease if England once adopted a protective system. It is not for our
own sake that we would advise you in the humblest manner. If other
nations choose to make things dear, let them do so, it is their own busi-
ness ; but England will continue to make her commerce as free as the
air, and remain the indisputable and indisputed head of the industries of
the world.
CONDITION OF THE PEOPLE,
The condition of the people of the Northwest seems to me perfectly
satistactory, and you must be congratulated thereon. I have observed
everywhere churches springing up. Some are wonderfully well-built,
though others are rude and humble ; yet the Divine Majesty is no
I' I
ii:
ill
Visit of the British Association.
respecter of churches; there are living institutions, clergy, congregations
and ecclesiastical arrangements which seein to be excellent. 'Fhe whole
country is parcelled out into episcojjal sees, and in all of them clergy
are accumulating. Excellent provision is being made for education.
There are large schools in the towns; and even in the sjarsely inhabited
country in the interior there is a school system. The ecclesiastical,
religious and educational provisions are most creditable to the North-
west of Canada. In connection with the moral condition of the [)eople,
I ask permission to congratulate you heartily upon all the restrictions
that you have been able to maintain in Manitoba respecting the manu-
facture and sale of spirituous liquors, and still more upon the prohibi-
tion which you have righteously enforced throughout the Northwest.
I believe that prohibition had been introduced originally out of a
charitable and humane regard towards the Indians ; but I believe it
was just as good for your own people as for the Indians. The
authorities had assured me that the Canadian Pacific Railway could not
have been constructed so quickly and efficiently as it was had there been
no such thing as prohibition, and had the free use of whiskey been ])cr-
mitted. I asked the Mounted Police, and they informed me that their
men were all temperance men. I do not know whether the word was
used in any particular seise here, but, at all events, they said that their
men were sober and temperate as a body, and I believe the officers did
them no more harm than justice. I attribute the sobriety and good
conduct of the men to the prohibition existing in respect to liquor.
It has not been affirmed that the men would not drink liquor if they
could get it, but they had difficulty in getting it, and being well-
disposed men they reconcile themselves to abstinence. As you have
this great advantage, I urge you for (jod's sake to keep it. You have
a chance which they do not possess in the old world. There the
use of intoxicating liquors has been for many centuries inveterate ;
and when it is once established it can with difficulty be eradicated,
but that it must be by the gradual [)rogress of enlightenment and educa-
tion. You have been keeping liquor out of the country, for God's sake
use that advantage. I am desirous to influence public opinion. We
heard in every direction this prohibition was being greatly infringed and
entrenched upon, and that eventually it would be taken away, and that
free drinking would have scope. I hope that this will not be the case.
I heartily congratulate you on the advantage you have, and I earnestly
beseech you to keeji it as long as you can.
IMIMIGRATION.
Immigration to the Northwest is of two kinds, for the cattle ranche
and for the farm. You are getting most excellent — the best possible
class, for cattle ranching. Sons of gentlemen who found every profes-
sion at home overstocked, who could not enter the army in the face of
the competitive examinations, or who could not succeed at the bar, or
in the church, and who found the counting-houses and banking estab-
Visit of the British Association.
47
-rgy, congregation.s
-'llent. The whole
all of them clerg)
ide for education.
si)arsely inhabited
'I'lie ecclesiastical,
>le to the North-
tion of the people,
11 the restrictions
>e("ting the manu-
upon the prohibi-
t the Northwest,
■iginally out of a
but I believe it
: Indians. The
Railway could not
IS had there been
^^hiskey been j)ur-
led me that their
^ler the word was
iy said that their
e the officers did
'riety and good
aspect to liquor,
nk liquor if they
and being well-
As you have
P it. You have
!d- There the
ries inveterate ;
be eradicated,
lent and educa-
for God"s sake
opinion. We
y infringed and
away, and that
lot be the case,
ind I earnestly
cattle ranche
best possible
every profes-
in the face of
at the bar, or
)anking estab-
^^K'
lishments all filled with clerks, are already thinking they could better
their mark by taking to cattle-ranching. I would far sooner '^y\: uv. .-wii
a farmer, active on horseback, making a little money and becommg
independent before he was thirty years of age, than sitting still in a
lawyer's office at home. I have made the acciuaintance of several young
men well educated and well-bred, working away on cattle anches,
healthy, blooming and hearty as young Englishmen ought to be, and
who have lost none of their good English manner, or good original cul-
ture. Kven several nun high up in the professions at home are
investing their capital in these ranches. My friend, Mr. Staveley Hill,
has a splendid cattle ranch near Calgary. He is an eminent member of
the English bar, and a member of Parliament also, and altogether one
of the most rising men in the profession, nevertheless he is investing
in this Canadian enterprise. I came out in the same ship with Mr.
Inderwick, a Q. C, and a member of Parliament, who has settled his
son on a cattle ranche near Eort MacLeod. That class of men you are
likely to get in increasing number. .\s regards farmers and farm laborers,
I apprehend, there will be difficulty, because in England they rather
want all the farmers they have. Farm I'aborers are not the class they can
conveniently sj^are. Artisan laborers are not wanted in the Northwest,
but are more suited for Ontario. Men in privation, who could not get
on, who had fallen into misfortune through bad seasons, although
they had no special fitness for agriculture, might undergo a practical
training at technical schools. The British peoi)le are beginning to
thmk of Canada as a country with a great promise. Hitherto the
United States has had the lion's share of the emigration, especially
since the development of their Northwestern States. Now it is
probable that public attention is so much turned to the Northwestern
Provinces that there will be an ever-increasing stream of immigrants,
but I doubt if they will be suited to agriculture. Although they may
not understand farming, yet they may have stout hearts and strong
hands, and an aptitude for learning, if you only make provision for
teaching them. Canada was little known a few years ago in England,
but is well-known now. At the mention of Canada before an English
audience men and women prick up their ears. After coming to Canada
a few years ago, as soon as I got home I was recjuired to give account
of what 1 had seen. I then stated what I had to say ^..,, rding Que-
bec and Ontario, but was obliged to withhold a repoi f rhe North-
west, which I had not seen. No doubt in my native country of
Worcestershire, and in Birmingham, a strict account will be exacted
from me on my return from the Northwest. Knowing I have before
me an audience of experts I have carefully abstained from fine
language and restrained my enthusiasm. It is difficult to praise people
to their faces, but I will be under no such disadvantage when 1 re-cross
the Atlantic. Then I will be able to praise you to my heart's content,
behind your backs, and I will give full vent to the enthusiasm in my
48
Visit of The British Association.
I
heart. I will indulge in what arc sunictimcs called "hifalutin" expres-
sions regarding the boundless jjrairies and the grand Rockies, and I
will be able to attempt n poetic description of the glories of this land
of i)romise, and I will urge my friends and neighbors who can not
get on at home to try their luck out here. As I have had the
advantage through the kindness of my hearers of rehearsing my per-
formance before them this evening, 1 hojjc that I may be able to
|)erform it with much more vivacity and energy than I have been able
to display on this occasion. I will be able to give a sincere and
hearty report regarding the future which lies before you, and advise
with all earnestness my countrymen at home to take part if they can
in these great enteri)rises.
THE KKKI.INU IN ENliLANl>.
There is a feeling amongst ('anadians that they had been dispar-
aged among the people at home ; but I am not aware of such dis-
paragement, and will venture to give some contradiction to the
assertion. I assure you that it is not the case, although my friends
at home are not accurately acquainted with (!anadn. It is a large
country, the maps are very uncirtain and the old ones are all wrong.
I think the Canadians themselves hardly have an idea of all its
geographical features, ^nd the jjcople of the eastern i)rovinces would
hardly be able to pass a satisfactory examination on the geography
of the Saskatchewan, the Peace, and the McKcnzie rivers, hence I
can hardly be sur])rised if this were the case in the Old Country.
Yet people have visionary ideas of countries with which they are not
actually acquainted ; ])oeti( ideas regarding things of which they have
not accurate knowledge, as great, glorious and grand, though they do not
exactly know in what the greatness, glory and grandeur consists. I am
sure that no description which I can give would exceed the conception
the people at home already have in their own imagination. They imagine
you vaguely to have a great country with a pcrfecdy immense develop-
ment before it. It will be iny duty in return for all the kindness and
hospitality I have received here, to give them these particulars, and
whether my account will be correct or incorrect the audience will be
able to judge from what I have been telling you this evening. If my
report is favorable it will gladden the hearts of our countrymen at home
and make their breasts swell with patriotic fervor and their eyes glisten
with sympathy for you, their fellow countrymen. They feel the greatest
pride in their colonial — I will not say dependencies — but dominions
which form a part of their great empire. They do not regard you as
subject, but as fully equal to themselves and as ])artaking of all the
privileges of the mother land. Whatever you achieve of happiness or
prosperity will always be a source of gladness to them. They will rejoice
when you rejoice, and weep when you weep. They feel a patriotic and
brotherly sentiment toward you in common with all the colonies of the
British Empire. (Prolonged applause.)
miUin ^m Wu$^.
JDJSLlJLjir