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:
IX
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
R HISTORY
OK
THE DOMINION of C-A^NADA
HY
JOHN H. CALKIN. M. A
riiiicipal of the Normal School,
TUL'KO, N. S.
'Let :ill the cnils iho i aim'sl at lie ihv ■: luntry's,
riiv < 'iMil's, ;in<l truths."
Edition limitei to twenry-five copies for private nr-ulation.
I'HESS OK noANK IlKOS..
\ l-.VA'.S'^^
I.
^o\/-\
I»RKFATOKY NOTE.
This book has been prepared for use in the public schools of
Canada. The edition of the work now issued, as stated on the
title paKc, is limited to twenty-five copies and is for private
circulation only. The book in its present form must be
regarded as in some measure tentative and incomplete. Before
its publication I hope to take advantage of suggestions of
educationists in the various provinces with the view of giving
the work greater adaptation to the wants of different por-
tions of the Dominion. It may be found that some matters
of detail, given in this edition, are of mere local value and
should be Lliminated. while others of general importance
which have been omitted should be added.
My idaii as regards any edition of the book which may be
published for use in our schools embraces the following
features : —
In the matter of mechanical execution in paper, print, bind-
ing, and illustration, the work must be in the best style of the
l)ook-maker«'s art. A good two-page map of the Dominion
will be placed at the beginning of the book, one leaf pasted on
the cover. There will be given a map of the known world
previous to the discovery of America ; and also one showing
the crude and incorrect idea in regard to North America which
prevailed for some time after Columbus's discovery. I would
also provide several small local maps to illustrate various por-
tions ot the text, as the battles and other events on Lake
Champlain, the Great Lakes, Louisburg, the Channels between
Vancouver Island and the Mainland. There will also be
pictures of noted men connected with the history of Canada,
as Champlain, Bishop Laval, Wolfe, Montcalm, Papineau, Dr.
Ryerson, Sir William Dawson, Dr. Forrester, Sir John A.
MacDonald, Alexander MacKenzie, Joseph Howe, Sir Leonard
Tilley, and Sir John Thompson.
/-\?ol-5
At the enil of each chapter I shall jjive several questions for
study and review. These questions will not be simply for
examination or testing the memory of thz pupils on some
portion of the text ; hut for the purpose of nwakenin^ thought.
To give an idea of the character of these questions I add the
following examples : —
When it is 5 o'clock in the evening in Cape B.-eton it is noon
of the same day in V'ancouver Island ; what is the distance in
miles hetween the two places?
Make an outline map of the Dominion, showing; the various
Provinces and Territories.
Draw a map of the Northern Atlantic, showing P^astertt
Canada and the western shores of Spain, France, and England.
** Columbus discovered America liefore he left the shores of
Spain." Point out the error in this statement as regards th
object of Columbus's voyage.
What is the variation of the compass needle in the place
where you live?
** Navigators were still exploring the bays and inlets of the
American coast in search of some passage t<> China and India?"
What mistaken ideas in respect to North America and the
Pacific Ocean prevailed at the time here reftTred to ?
What circumstances led to the selection of the site of Mon-
treal as a mission station ? How has the position of Montreal
affected its growth ? How would the deepening of the canals
above Montreal, so that ocean steamers could pass into Lake
Ontario, affect this city ?
—8^
t T
.« »
.V
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
Extent of the Dominion... 9 Present Inhabitants 11
Condition Four Hundretl
Years ajr© 10
Early Inhabitants li
CHAPTER II.
THE DISCOVERY OK AMERICA.
British Empire 12
Prance 13
The Northmen 14
The Route of Trade with
India 15
What People thought
about the Sea 15
Portuguese Navigators.... 16
Columbus 17
Knowledge of the form of
the Earth 17
Size of the Earth under-
estimated 18
Queen Isabella aids Co-
lumbus 18
The Voyage 19
Discoveries of Columbus.. 19
CHAPTER III.
EARLY EXPLORERS.
The Cabots. 22
Americus Vespucius 23
Discovery of the Pacific
Ocean 24
Magellan, Prancis I 25
De Lery, Verrazano 26
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF ACADIE.
Jacques Cartier 26
Fisheries, Fur Trade 30
De la Roche 30
Chauvin and Potitgrave.... 31
Champlain 32
De Monts sails for Acadie 34
Port Royal 35
St. t'roix
Poutrincourt, Les Carbot
36
37
Order of the Good Time... 38
Port Royal abandoned 39
Jamestown, Port Royal.... 40
Nova Scotia and Sir Wil.
liam Alexander 41
CHAPTER V.
CANADA UNDER CHAMPLAIN.
Quebec J^ounded 42 Champlain among the
Indian Tribes 43
Champlain's Difficulties... 45
The Site of Mont-.eal
selcted 47
'•'he Reoollets arrive in
Canada 48
War with the Iroquois 49
Hurons 49
Condition of the Colony. 50
The Conipanv of New
France 50
Captureof Quebec by Kirk 52
Treaty of St. Germai-n...... 52
Chatuplaiu's death 52
CHAPTER VI.
THE RULE OF THE HUNDRED ASSOCIATES.
Montniaf;n]»' 54
Jesuit Missionaries 55
The three Marys 55
Hostility of the Iroquois.. 57
The Huron Missions 58
The Hurons abandon
their Country 60
New England 60
Heroism at Long Sault 62
Domestic Quarrels 63
Laval 64
Liquor Traffic 64
Close of the Rule of the
Hundred Associates 65
De la Tour and Charnise.. 65
Nova .Scoiia taken by the
English 66
Treaty of Breda 67
CHAPTER VII.
ROYAL GOVERNMENT.
Officers of Government 68
Laval and Mezy 68
New York taken by the
English 69
Courcelle's Expedition
against the Mohawks... 70
Iniprovements under
Talon 72
Obstacles to Progress 72
The Liquor Traffic and
Bush-rangers 73
Feudal Tenure in Canada. 74
CHAPTER VIII.
CANADA UNDER FRONTENAC.
Discovery of the Missis-
sippi 77
Fort Frontenac founded... 78
La Salle 79
Frontenac recalled, Lu
Carre 80
Rivalry between French
and English 81
Hudson's Bay Company
organized 81
Dennonville 82
War against the Senecas.. 83
Kondiarjiik 84
Massacre at La Chine 85
CHAPTER IX.
BORDER WARFARE BETWEEN FRENCH AND ENGLTSH.
Frontenac's Return 87
Raids against the English 87
Phips takes Pott Royal.... 89
Phips fails to take Quebec 90
Expedition against Mon-
treal
91
CHAPTER X.
QUEKN ANNK'S W\R.
Acadie under Villebon 92
Hannah Dustan 93
Ravages of Ben Chur<^^.. 94
Treaty of Ryswick...!^... 94
De Callieres and the In-
dians 95
Deerfield 98
Privateering.... 99
Colonel March at Port
Royal 100
Capture of Port Roya' lor
Sir Hovenden Walker 10;
The Treaty of Utrecht 103
5
CHAPTER XI.
THK STRlcr.LK CONTIMKI).
D'Anville'rf Kxptdition 113
Hanieiiay at Beauhassin.... 115
Masracre at Ciraiid Pre 1 15
Treaty of Aix-laChajM-lle 117
Vaudreuil, Beaiihariiois.. ic6
LouisburK Founded 107
Treatment of the Acatlians IC9
Annapolis Besiv>;e(l in
Capture of LouishurK 112
CHAPTER XII.
SETTI.KMKXT IF HALIKAX.
The Acadians refuse Oath Lunenhuig settled by Oer
of Allegiance 120 tnans 12.^
Hostility of the Indians... 121 Fort Beausejour 124
CHAPTER XIII.
THK YEAR I755.
The Ohio Valley 127 Capture of Beausejour 13:
Braddock's Defeat 129 Expulsion of the Acadians 132
Dieskau at Lake George... 130
CHAPTER XIV.
THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR.
Capture of Oswego 137 St. John's Island taken by
the English 142
British Defeated at Ticon-
deroga 142
Frontenac and Duquesne.. 143
Fort William Henry taken
by the French 138
Policy of William Pitt 140
Second Siege of Louisburg 1 10
CHAPTER XV.
THE END OF FRENCH RUI,E IN AMERICA.
V'he Siege of Quebec 146 Efforts to Recapture Que-
Death of Wolfe and Mont- bee 157
calm 154 Surrender of Montreal 158
CHAPTER XVI.
LAYING NEW FOUNDATIONS.
The Inhabitants of Canada 160 First Assembly in Nova
Scotia 166
New England Colonists in
Nova Scotia 167
Countv of Sunburv 168
The Island of St John 168
I'ontiac's Conspiracy 161
Treaty of Paris 162
Government of Canada 163
French Canadians dislike
English laws 164
The Quebec Act 165
CHAPTER XVII.
THE AMERICAN RKVOI.ITTION.
Taxes without Repre- Invasion of Canada 17S
sentHtion .. 17^ In'iependence of the
The Uosto I Tea Party 174 United States ibi
The Continental Congress 175
CHAPTER XVIII.
THK UNITED KMl'lKK W>V.\USTS.
The Province of Cape
Breton 185
The Constitutional Act 187
The Loyalistii in Nova
Scotia ... 183
The Loyalists in Ontario.. 184
New UritnMwick a separate
Province 1S4
CHAPTER XIX.
r.OVKRNMKNT AND FKOPLK.
Parliamentary CuRtoins... 191 Le^^islature of Lower
The Government of Nova
Scotia 192
Royal Visitors 194
prince Kdward Island 195
CH\PTER XX.
THE WAR OP 1812
Causes of the War 202
Condition of Canada 204
The War in the West 205
Battle of Queenston
Heights ., 206
The Army of the North... 206
The Capture of York 207
Stony Creek 208
Beaver Dams 209
Canada 196
Upper Canada 197
Customs yl Social Con
ditions 3oo
Sackett's Harbor 209
Capture of the Chesa-
peake , 210
Battle of Moravian Town.. 211
Chateaugay and Chrysler's
Farm 2i?
Lundy's Lane.Plattsburg.. 216
New Orleans 217
Treaty of Ghent 317
CHAPTER XXI.
READJUSTMENT, PRCORESS, AND AGITATION.
Grievances 224
The Clergy Resei *» 226
Lower Canada 227
Catholic Emancipation 227
Prince Edward Island 228
New Settlers 220
The Miramichi Fire 221
Education 222
Public Roads 223
Cape Breton 223
CHAPTER XXII.
BRITISH FUR TRADERS IN THK NDRTH.
English and French Pur Traders on the Coast.. 235
Rivalry 230 Cook. Vancouver, Astoria.. 235
The North West Fur Co.... 230 Red River Settle^ient 236
Explorers 233 Union of Rival Companies 338
CHAPTER XXIII.
AClT.\TION FOR RKF<»RM IX CANADA.
Upper Canada 238 Sir John Colborne r'.yz
Gonrley, Bi<lwell, Mac- Sir Francis Bond Head.. .. 242
Kenzie. Baldwin 24-)
Lfaders in the Govern-
ment Party 241
Lower Canada 243
The E^r' f Dalhousie 24s
Louis Papineau 345
CHAPTER XXIV.
AGITATION FOR REPOR?! IN THK MARITIME PROVINCES.
New Brunswick 248 Joseph Howe 251
Nova Scotia 250 DispuUtl Territory 254
CHAPTER XXV.
RKBKI.1.10N.
Lower Canada 256 Raids from the United
The Karl of Durham 257 States 263
Upper Canada 26;» The End of the Rebellion 263
CHAPTER XXVI
RE.SPONSIBLK GOVKRNMENT.
Earl Durham's Report 265
Union of l^pper and Lower
Canada 265
Lord Svdenham 268
Lord Metcalfe 269
Rebellion Losses 270
Lonl El>»in 270
Riot over RebeL.on Losses 272
Nova Scotia Government.. 273
New Brunswick 27(5
The Ashburton Treaty 277
Responsible rjovernment
in New Brunswick 278
Prince Edward Island 279
Principles of Responsible
Oovernment... 281
CHAPTER XXVII.
Ol.D QUESTIONS SKTTl.Kn AND
T'.ie Seat of Government.. 285
Education. Commerce 28(5
Railways. Clergy Reserves 287
Seigniorial Tenure.. 288
The Hincks-Mcrin Gov-
ernment 289
The Reciprocity Treaty... 291
The McNab-Morin Gov-
ernment 29'
The MacDonald-C artier
Ministry 293
CHAPTER
NEW SCHEMES PROPOSED.
Ottawa the Seat of Gov-
ernment 294
The "l^ouble Shuffle" 295
Visit of the Prince of
Wales 296
Death of Prince .\!bert 296
Mason and Slidell 297
Defeat of the Cartier- Mac-
Donald Government 297
Liberals and Conserva-
tives unite , 299
XXVIII.
THE MARITIME PROVINCES UNDER RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT.
General Features 300 The Atlantic Cable 303
Railways 301 Free Schools in Nova
Mines and Minerals 302 Scotia 304
Prince Etiward Island 305
CHAPTER XXIX.
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
The Boundary Disputes... 309 San Juan 313
Colonization of Vancouver 310 I'.ritish Columbia and
Discovery of Gold 312 Vancouver united 314
8
i
CHAPTER XXX.
CONFEDERATION.
The Charlottetowii Con-
vention 316
The Quebec Convention... 316
Reception of the Scheme.. 317
Tnion Accomplished 319
Difficnlties between U. S
and G. B 322
Terniinalion of the Recip-
rocity Tre^aty 325
Fenian Invasions 325
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE DOMIM«»N ORGANIZED AND EXTENDED.
The Ministry. The Op
position 328
First Parliament 329
D'.\rcy Magee 330
Repeal Agitation in N S.. 330
.Acquisition of the North
West 331
Rebellion in Red River
Settlement 334
Province of Manitoba 335
Riel and Governor Archi-
bald 337
liritish Columbia enters
the Union 338
The Washington Treaty... 319
The New H r u n s w i c k
J^cliools 340
P. E I. enters the Union,. 342
Death of Cartier and Howe 342
Ontario 343
CHAPTER XXXII.
THE MACKENZIE
The Pacific Railway Scan-
«lal .' 345
Change of Government 347
.Mexander MacKenzie 347
The Pacific Railway 348
1) ssatisfaction in Hriiish
Columbia 340
CHAPTER XXXII)
THE DOMINION CONSO/.IDATED.
ADMINISTRATION.
The Scott .Act 350
Governor I^i^lellier 351
The National Policy 352
Fire in St. John, N B 353
Changes in the North West 35^
The Marquis of Lome and
Princess Ixjuise 355
The Boundary between
Ontario an<l Manitoba... 3^6
The Canadian Pacific Rail-
way 356
CHAPTER XXXIV.
RECENT EVE.VTS.
Rebellion in the North
West 357
The Queen's Jubilee 362
The Jesuits' Estate .\ct 362
Death afCanala'sPremiers 364
P-e nier .\S'> >tt 3^1
Mcdreevy a id .Mercier 366
Sir Jihn Thompson Pre-
mier 367
The Columbian Exhibition 367
Occupa'its of Ridean Hall 368
Bering Sea Arbitration 369
Appendix 379
Mi'iitohfi 570
The Intercolonial Confer-
ence 37^
The Provinces 374
Death of Sir John Thomp-
son 376
Coi;clusio.i 377
.4
I
J
4
,
THE DOMINION OF CflNfiDfl.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.
1. Extent. — The Dominion of Canada stretches from
Ocean to Ocean. On the east, between it and Europe,
h'es the Atlantic; on the west, the broad I'acific separates
it from Japan and China in Eastern Asia. On the south,
it is bounded by the United States, from which it is
separated in part by the Great Lakes ; northward it loses
itself in the islands of the Arctic Ocean. The sun, which
makes the circuit of the earth in twenty-four hours, is five
liours in crossing this wide land from east to west ; .so
that when it is noon in Vancouver Island it is five o'clock
in the evening in Cape Breton.
2. This vast country has an area of 3,470,000 square
miles, comprising over one-third of the territory in the
British Empire and about one-fifteenth of the land sur-
face of the earth. It includes several political divisions
united under the central governinent at Ottawa. On
the east, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, are the Mari-
time Provinces, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince
ICdward Island ; farther west, King along the River St.
Lawrence and the Great Lakes, are the larger Provinces,
Quebec and Ontario ; still more remote from the sea,
il I
- . $
lO
THE DOMINION OK CANADA.
1 I
are the midland Province Man.toba. the Districts
Assinib'^ia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Athabasca ; in
the extreme west, between the Rocky Mountains and
the Pacific Ocean, is British Columbia ; and on the north
of these Pro\ inces, are North West Territorx', Keewatin.
and North East Territor}-.
3. Four Hundred Years Ago. — The history of some
countries goes back for thousands of years into the
shadowy past, until we find it hard to tell what is truth
and what is fiction in the mingled story. Hut even the
oldest of the Provinces of the Dominion of Canada are
comparativel)' new countries. Four hundred years ago
nearly all this broad land was one unbroken forest, with-
out roads, or cities, or cultivated fields. Save the wild
animals which roamed through its forests, its only in-
habitants were a race of savages scattered thinly over
the country. How these people came here, whence they
came, or how long ago, nobody can tell. They had no
history or written language. They lived in rough dwell-
ings formed of poles co ered with the bark of trees.
Some of them cultivated Indian corn, pumpkins, beans
and tobacco, in a rude wa}*, but for the most part the\"
lived by hunting and fi.shing. They were a roving peo-
ple, remaining but a .short time in one place. When
they travelled they went on foot, or the)' glided along
the rivers and lakes in light bark canoes. The different
tribes were often engaged in war with each other. Their
weapons were bows and arrows,clubs and stone hatchets.
Before a battle they held a grand feast, followed by wild
war dances, during which they filled the air with hideous
shouts and yells. Prisoners taken in war the}' tortured
to death and then feasted on their bodies.
ixTKonrcTioN,
II
4. Earlier Inhabi 'ints. — There are indeed evidences
that North America had earher inhabitants than the
Indians, a people of higher rank in civihzation, who
had disappeared before the discovery of the country by
Europeans. Mounds of earth are found in various places,
from which have been taken articles of pottery, tools
made of stone and copper, and other articles fashioned
with much skill and taste.
5. The Present Inhabitants. — At the present time
the Dominion of Canada is the home of about five mil-
lions of people engaged in the various pursuits of civi-
lized life. These people, with the exception of those
in the Province of Quebec, arc generally of British origin
and speak the English language. The great majority
of the inhabitants of Quebec are of French descent and
speak the French language. There are many in the
other Provinces also whose ancestors came from France.
The county of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia and several
counties in Ontario are peopled largely by descendants
of German settlers. Manitoba has a mi.xed population.
When it was formed into a province its few inhabitants
were principally half-breeds ot French and Indian des-
cent ; but the older IVovinces, especially Ontario, have
since contributed largely to the settlement of this new
country. Indians are scattered through all the Pro-
vinces, but they are most numerous in British Columbia
and the North West.
6. The Mother Country. — The British Islands, the
ancestral home of so many Canadians, and hence often
called the "Mother ('ountry," lie eastward beyond the
Atlantic Ocean, over three thousand miles away. These
12
TFFK DOMINION OK CANADA.
Islands arc small compared with the Dominion, their
united area being on!}' about two-thirds the size of the
Province of Quebec. They have, however, a population
seven times greater tiian the whole Dominion.
7. The Ih'itisli Umpire. — The Hritish Isles have a
wonderful history. Tliey were once the seat of man\'
jjetty states which were almost always at war w ith each
other. Finally they were united under a common sov-
ereign and government, forming one strong kingdom.
The inhabitants were enterprising and prosperous. They
sent their ships abroad, discovered new lands, formed
colonies, and made conquests, until they had established
the largest and most populous empire that ever existed
on the face of the earth. Thus the Hritish Kmpire, of
which the Dominion of Cajiada forms so large a portion,
comprises about one-si. \th of the land surface of the
earth and ab >ut the sim2 proportion of its inhabitants.
8. It is not on the land alone that (}-e;it Britain has
established her power. Her ships sail on every sea, some
for the protection of her scattered subjects, and others
to carry from her shores her vast and varied manufac-
tures to distant lands, or to bring from these lands the
raw material for her busy artisans. The navy and the
merchant ships of Great Britain far surpass those of an\'
other nation. Canada may well be proud of her rela-
tionship to this great empire. The ancient Roman
found .safety in his citizenship. In like manner the
most humble British subject may rest secure under his
nation's flag, knowing that he can invoke the whole
power of the cmjiire against any foe that may assail him.
9. On the .south of the British Isles, across a narrow
INTKODrCTION,
13
channel of water, lies the sunny land of France. From
this land came the ancestors of many of our Canadian
people. Like (ireat Britain, I'Vance ranks as one of the
"Great Powers" amonj; the nations of the .vorld. It has
vast foreign pf)ssessions, scattered over different parts of
the earth, but principally in Africa and Asia. In former
times Fn^dand and France were keen rivals and often
w a^ed war with each other. We shall see, in the follow-
ing pages, how for a century and a half they struggled
with each other, by sea and land, for the possession of
Canada. It is i)leasant now to realize that the memory
of this great conflict stns up no bitter strife or awakens
no old feeling of hostility against each other among the
children of these fatherlands. The sons of Fnglishmen
and the sons of hVenchmcn are ahke true and loyal
Canadians. As brothers of one great family, they live
together in peace and work harmoniously for the pros-
j)erity of their Canadian home.
2^x
:'9) .fc-'
if-v.'v
•4
TFIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
CHAPTKR II.
TIIK DISCOVERY OK AMERICA.
lo. The Nortlvncn. — In the early times, as now, the
people of Norvvtiy, who are known in history as North-
men, were fond of the sea. They had a colony in that
cold northern island called Iceland, which they visited
frequently in the summer months. It happened, on one
occasion, as some of them were on their way to this is-
land, that they fell in with an adverse wind, and were
blown far from their destination. The\' were carried to
(ireenland. Then, it was not ver>' lon;^ until they found
their wa\' to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is sup-
posed that after this they visited various places on the
coast further south, including Nova .Scotia and Massa-
chusetts. They do not seem to have mafic any perma-
nent home on this side of the ocean, and after a time,
from some unknow n cause, they ceased to visit .America.
I 1. These disco\ erics do not appear to have been
heard of in the countries of central and southern Kurope.
This is w(A very remarkable. The art of printintj was
not known at this time, and there was little intercourse
among different countries. Besides.in their voyages across
the ocean, the Northmen took a northerly route b)- way
of Iceland and Greenland. The mariner's compass was
not then known in Kurope, and long voyages out of sight
f)f land were impracticable.
TIIK DISCOVKRV OF AMKKRA.
15
i
■'■If
■'M
■A.
'V-
12. V/it' Route of Trade icit/i Itidia. — In the fifteenth
century the people of Western Kurope had their faces
turned easterly- towards Asia. For centuries the\- had
carried on a lucrative trade with India, exchanj^ing their
woollens and other manufactures for the spices, silks,
ivor)-, pearls, diamonds, and other products of that rich
land. This trade was carried on overland by caravans
between India and the eastern shores of the Mediter-
ranean, and thence over this inland .sea to Venice, Genoa,
and other ports. The long-used route of trade was now
obstructed by the hostile Turks who had recently taken
possession of Constantinople. The merchants of Italy,
Spain, and Portugal were wishing for some new and
safer route to India. Some of them were beginning tt)
think that possibly the desired road lay around the south
of Africa ; but what were the difficulties and the perils
of that wa\', if such a way existed, nobody knew.
1 3. Jgiioranee and Superstition. — In these earl)- times
the people of Western Kurope, though they lived along
the shores of the Atlantic, knew very little of the char-
acter and extent of this ocean. They spoke of it as the
Dark Ocean. Mariners, dreading that some imaginar}-
evil might befall them, were afraid to sail out upon it
bejond sight of land. They had a superstitious notion
that the remote and unknown parts of the world were
jx'opled by Gorgons, Hydras, and all sorts of horrid
monsters, ever ready to seize and destro)- any human
being who should be so unfortunate as to come withiti
their reach. They believed that far south there was a
fiery atmosphere in which no human being could live,
and that down in the southern seas there were steaming
whirlpools which would swallow up vessels coming with-
\6
'IHK IHMIMCN CV (ANAPA.
i
ill their influence. They had observed that when a vessel
sailinijjout upon the ocean disappears from si^dit, it seems
to be ^oing down hill, and they feared to sail far alon^
an unknown declivity, lest the\' might not be able t<»
return.
14 Portuf^HCSc Xavigators. — One of the first and
most noted explorers of this age was I'rince Henr)- of
Portugal, often called Henry the Navigator. This prince,
who was a cousin of King Henry V. of Kngland, erected
an observatory and established a school at a .sea-port of
Portugal near Cape St. Vincent for the instruction of
noblemen's .sons in mathematics, astronomy, and naviga-
tion. The mariners trained in Prince Henry's school
were inspired with much of his enthusiasm. In 1418
they discovered the Madeira Islands, and later they ex-
plored part of the west coast of Africa, proceeding to a
jjoint much farther south than had been previously
reached. Navigators had been for some time exploring
this coast, very cautioush' however, and not venturing
ver)' far on the downward road towards the burning
zone and the boiling whirlpools which were supposed to
lie in this direction. They thought it specially danger-
ous to pass Cape Nun, which was then regarded as the
utmo.st limit of the earth. This cape always .seemed to
say — "No farther" to the timid m irincr. But in the year
1433 one of Henry's mirin^rs, m )re diring than his pre-
decessors, pas.sed without harm the forbidden limit. At
length, in 1487, Bartholomew Diaz, while exploring this
coast, was driven southerl)' by a violent wind until he
had passed the extreme limit of Africa. Not knowing
where he was, he turned easterly, then northerl)', and by
lucky accident found himself on the east side of theCon-
TMK i)is( j)vi:kv of amkkka.
17
tiiiciU. Oil h\^ uay back he naiiicci the most southerly
point of the land Stormy Capj ; but 011 his return to
I'ortujjal, the '.i'nv^ said the i)oint should be called the
("ape ofCiood Hope, as there was j^ood reason to believe
that a new route to India would bj found t > lie around
that cape. And so it proved.
15. Co'iiiuihus. — Meanwhile a bolder scheme had
been sui^^ested to the kin;; of Portui^al than sailinyj
around the Cape of Good Hope. He was told that a
shorter and better route to the Indies lay westward over
the dark and unknown Atlantic Ocean. It was Chris-
topher Columbus who proposed this idea to Kiny John
II. of Portugal. Columbus was an Italian, born in or
near the city of (ienoa, but, with his younger brother
Bartholomew, he had removed to Portugal. He was
not of high birth, but he was one of nature's noblemen,
—a man of commanding presence, courtly bearing, and
charming conversational powers. He was large-hearted,
noble-minded, and energetic in action. What he under-
took he gave his whole heart to, and he was not easily
fliscouraged by the difficulties which lay across his path.
Much of his life had been spent on the sea, in merchant
voyages, in contests with the Mohammedan pirates on
the Mediterranean, and in e.xplcring adventures along
the African coast..
16. The Earth's Spherical Form. — Tlie earth's spher-
ical form had been known from the time of Aris-
totle by men learned in physical science. This truth
had been established by various proofs, such as we at the
present day are acquainted with. But while the earth's
spherical form had been known for eighteen centuries or
[
|8
TJn-: DOMINION OK CANADA.
more, it rccjuircd the Ljcnius of Columbus to make this
knowledge ati acti\ e force in directitij; the destin)' of the
world. He was a man of action ; he could do as well as
think.
I". I he Circumfcrcme of Columbus had a ver)-
the linrth Vnder-Estimoti'd. erroneous idea of the
distance t(j India by a westcrl)' route. Me estimated
the distance from I'ortugal to Japan at something less
than three thousand miles. If he had known that it
was four times as far, he never could have persuaded
the men of his day to favor his enterprise. His error
.seems to have had its origin in the opinion favored by a
statement in the Hook of Ksdras, that the land surface
compri.ses six-sevenths of the entire breadth of the earth.
Taking the circumference of the earth in the latitude of
Lisbon to be 18,000 geographical miles, and allowing
one-.seventh of this as the breadth of the ocean, he made
the distance from Portugal to Japan about 2,600 geo-
graphical miles.
18. Queen Isabel/a aids Columbus. — Columbus had
not means to carry out his cherished scheme. The re-
counting of all his difficulties in trying to secure the aid
of .some royal patron would be too long a story to tell
here. For ten years his efforts were unavailing. He
tried the republic of Genoa, then that of V^enice ; but
without success. He offered his services to the kirig of
Portugal. The council of wise men, called by this
sovereign to consider the matter, pronounced the scheme
visionary. Columbus then sent his brother Bartholome y,
who had just returned with Diaz from that first voyage
around the Cape of Good Hope, to the courts of Kng-
rm: discovi.kn oi- ami:kic.\.
19
huifl and France. Mcaiiwh'le he himself went to Spain,
tr) seek assistance from I'"er(hnan(l and Isabella, the
sovereigns of the two kin^^doms into which that country
was then divided. For a lon;^ time there seemed little
to hope for here, but Columbus persevered. I''inally,
throu^di the aid of Mendoj^'a, Archbishoj) of Toledo, and
other |)ersons of influence, he secured the interest of
Oueen Nibella. This noble woman even pled^^ed her
crown jcweis in raisin«i money for the project.
19. I^roxusion for the \'oya(!;c.-—W\<i means provided
were very small for such an undertaking. The little
fleet c<»mprised three ships, the Santa Maria, the Pinta,
and the Nina. The first named was a fair-sized vessel,
but the other two ^vere very small and were without
decks. It was hard to find sailors willing to risk their
lives on such a perilous adventure over the dark ocean.
Debtors were released from their obligations, and crim-
inals were pardoned as an inducement to enlist in the
service. In this way three motley -zrews, comprising in
all ninety men, were obtained. After a solemn religious
service Columbus set sail from I'alos on Frida\-, Auirust
3, 1492.
20. — The \'oy(ige. — As the little fleet sailed out of the
harbor of Palos, the friends of those on board, standing
on the shore, gave them a sad farewell, never expecting
to see them again. Columbus ran first to the Canary
Isles, intending to sail thence due we. to the coast of
Japan. Until they reached the Canaries, all went well ;
for thus far the sea was familiar. Hut when the last of
the Isles disappeared in the eastern horizon, there arose
a wail of despair from some of the sailors. They wept
r •
I
W \
30
TIIK DOMINION' OF CANADA.
and sobbed like children. Columbus thought it not
jjrudent to allow his men to know the distance sailed.
He accordinji^ly kept two reckonings, a correct one for
him-.elf and a false one, giving less distance, for his men.
21. As the)' passed over the unknown waters, new
Lrrounds of fear added to the distress. First, there was
an unaccountable change in the compass needle. It had
been pointing a little to the right of the pole-star ; but
as they sailed wester!)- the variation became less until
at last, when they had crossed the line of no variation, it
swayed to the other side and pointed to the left of the
pole-star. When about 800 miles from the Canaries
they entered a remarkable portion of the Atlantic Ocean,
now known as the Sargasso Sea, — a vast extent of ocean,
overgrown with a mass of sea- weed, presenting the ap-
pearance of a prairie. As there was but little wind to
urge them on, the vessels were so impeded by the
tangled weeds that the)' could make but little progress,
and the sailors feared they would stick fast. But .soon
the freshening north-easterly breezes dispelled this fear
and became themselves a source of alarm. Day after
da)' the north-east wind kept blowing, and the vessels
glided steadil)' onward. This was all ver)' well to carr)'
them to the shores of Asia, but how should they ever
get back ! They were in the North East Trade Wind.
22. Land. — Two months had p.issed since Columbus
sailed from Spain. There was no appearance of land,
but onl)' a wide w.iste of waters on all sides. Ths crews
were becoming mutinous and almost unmanageable.
Hitherto the course had been due west. Columbus
thought he might be sailing past Japan on the north ;
he accordingly changed his course two points to the
Tlir. DISCOVKRV OF AMKKICA.
21
south. I"'i\e clays after this there was the shout of
*' Land, land !" A few hours later the ships were lyin^
at anchor on the shore of an unknown island, while
Colv-inbus and his men were making the acquaintance of
its uncivilized inhabitants. This was on the morning of
October 1 2, ten weeks after they left Palos. The island
was one of the Bahamas, but which one of this numer-
ous group is still doubtful.
23. Columbus remained for nearly three months, ex-
ploring the islands which he had discovered. Besides
several of the Bahamas, he visited Cuba and Hayti.
Here he had a serious mishap. The Santa Maria struck
upon a sand bank on the coast of Hayti and soon be-
came a total wreck. The captain of the Pinta had pre-
viously deserted him, so that Columbus had only the
Jiaby (Nin;i) remaining. He could not carry all his men
in this little vessel, so with their full consent he left a
colony of forty on the island of Haj'ti.
24. On his return to Spain Columbus was received
at court with distinguished honor. He was allowed to
sit in the presence of the King and Queen, a privilege
not usually accorded to a subject. He found it eas\'
enough now to obtain money and men, so that he was
able to proceed on a second voj'age with a fleet of seven-
teen vessels and 1,500 men. '^
25. In all Columbus made four voyages across the
Atlantic, but he died in ignorance of having found a
Xew World. He simply believed that he had discovered
a westerly route to India, and that the islands which he
had visited were off the coast of Asia. Hence these
islands were afterwards named the West Indies, and the
aborigines of America were called Indians.
II
I!
-»'>
THK DO.NflMOX OF CANADA.
CHAPTKR III.
KARLV KXI'LORKRS.
26. //ir Cixbots. — Tidini^s of the wonderful disco\er\'
made by Columbus soon set all Western FAirope a tir.
Neither India, China, nor Japan had yet been reached,
but they surely v. ere not far from the newly discovered
islands. So thou«Tht Columbus, and the leadint^ men of
his time were of the same opinion. Ihese lands had
the reputation of possessing unbounded wealth, and the
naviy^ator who should open up to them a new and easy
route would be on the hi|^h road to fortune. Henr\'
VIII. of Knj:jland was a prudent going king, but like the
sovereigns of more .southerly climes, he could be dazzled
by the prospect of adding the empire of these pagan
lands to his dominion and their wealth to his treasur}'.
.And so he was not unwilling to become the patron of a
voxage of discover\- across the western waters. He
found suitable navigators to carr}' out his project in
John Cabot and his son Sebastian.
V'
Like Columbus, John Cabot was a natixe of
(ienoa. Vx(^vc\ this place he had removed to Venice,
and had finally .settled in Hristol, then the chief .sea- port
of Kngland. Under royal charter, he set sail on his first
voyage in Ma\-, 1497, in .search of a westerh route to
China and India. All lands that he might discover
were to belong to the Knglish Crown. Cabot was to
have sole right ot trade with such countries, and he was
KAULY KXPLOKKKS.
23
iry.
)f a
lie
in
\c of
lice,
3ort
first
e to
over
IS to
was
to give one-fifth of the profits to King Henry. Ferdi-
nand and Isabella of Spain, hearing of Henry's project,
warned him that they had exclusive rights to the terri-
tories beyond the western waters. But Henr)' gave
little heed to their remonstrance.
28. At the end of three months Cabot returned. He
had discovered land which he thought was a part of the
Chinese coa.st. It seems probable that he had visited
Newfoundland and Labrador. In the following }'ear he
and his son Sebastian made a second voyage, during
which they explored a large part of the Atlantic coast
of N'orth America. Nothing farther is heard of John
Cabot, and it is supposed that he died upon the voyage,
leaving the command to Sebastian.
29. The glory of discovering the continent of North
America thus belongs to the Cabots, thougli it .seems
probable that at the time these mariners believed the}'
were sailing along the coast of Asia. Little gain came
to King Henr}' from the trade with this territor}'. The
expedition involved large outla}' and no profit, so that
his ardor for discovering new lands soon cooled. Lng-
land, however, afterwards based her claims to a large
portion of North America on the discovery of the
Cabots.
^o. Atiicriciis W'spuciii^. — Vet another Italian, best
known by his Latin name Americus V^espucius, claims
distinction as a noted earl}' explorer. He crossed the
Atlantic .'several times and explored portions of the
coast of South America. I^'rom some cause, not ver\'
well known, the double continent has taken his name
rather than that of Columbus. The early explorers, in-
1 ;!
^4
IK DOMINION OF CANADA.
eluding Vespucius himself, had little idea that the lands
they had found formed one continuous continent. They
supposed that these lands were islands or projecting
points of Asia, and they eagerly sought for some chan-
nel between them, through which they could pass to
India.
31. The name America seems to have been first
given to Brazil, which was discovered b}- V^espucius.
.Afterwards, when this country was found to be con-
nected with other lands, forming the southern continent,
the name America was applied to the whole territory.
.\t a later date, when it was discovered that the lands
on the north also formed a great continent, the name
was similarly extended so as to include the two great
divisions of the new world. The earliest map, showing
the double continent under the name America, was pub-
lished in 1541. The author of this map was the dis-
tinguished Kaufmann,a nati\e of Flanders, better known
by his Latin name Mercator.
32. Discovny of the Pacific Ocean. — The first fore-
shadowing of the knowledge of a great ocean betw een
the newly discoxered lands and Asia was the glimpse
had of this ocean by V'asco Nunez lialboa from a moun-
tain peak in Darien. This noted Spaniard introduced
himself to the world in rather ignoble fashion. To escape
his creditors, he had himself sealed up in a cask and
smuggled on board a ship about to sail from San Dom-
ingo. Afterwards, while at Darien, he heard of the
wealth of Peru, the land of the Incas, where gold was
said to be almost as plentiful as the stones in the field.
At the head of one hundred men he set out for this
1 AKLN KXI'LOKKKS.
25
land. As already told, while crossiiio the Isthmus he
got his first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. As the water
he saw la)- to tiie south, the whole ocean was long known
as the South Sea.
Magellan. Hut it remained for the Portuguese
navigator, Ferdinand Magellan, one of the first naviga-
tors of his age, to demonstrate the vastnessof the Ocean
that separated the lands discovered b)- Columbus from
the Indies which he supposed 'he had reached. Magellan
liad visited India by wa\' of the Cape of (lood Hope.
While there he <lctermined to seek a westerl\- route from
l^urope to this countr)'. Returning home he submitted
his scheme to the King of Portugal. Receiving no en-
couragement, he offered his services to the young Km-
peror Charles \ . of Spain, under whose flag he made his
great vo\agc. The account of this vo}age across the
Atlantic, along the east coast of America, through the
Strait which now bears his name, and thence across the
wide and till then untra\ersed ocean, is a thrilliuir storv.
When he first entered this great ocean he found its
w aters so peaceful compared with the storm\- sea he had
just passed through, that he named it the Pacific Ocean.
In March, 1521. Magellan reached the Philippine Is-
lands. He did not live to complete the full round vox-
age. Kngaged in a conflict w ith the natives of one of
the islands, his men were put to flight an.' he was killed.
34. Francis I. of France.- '\\\q rulers of Spain and
Portugal seemed to think that all undiscovered lands
belonged to their dominion, — east half \\i\y round the
world to Portugal, west half wa\' tf) Spain, h'rancis I.
of France thought otherwise. He is said to have asked
! ii
26
rilK DOMINION OK CANADA.
\ if %
the kin«js of those countries by what ri^ht the\' claimed
the whole world. If father Adam had made them his
heirs the\- should at least joroduce the will. While the\-
were looking up the document he proceeded to take a
portion for himself
35. Df Levy, 1^18. — Indeed before Francis came to
the throne the Haron De Ler\- had in a feeble wav as-
.serted the rights of France in the New World, by trying
to establish a colony on Sable Island. This little strij)
of land, w ith w hich the sea is ever w aging war, is situ-
ated about one hundred miles to the South of Cape
Breton Island. The dangerous sand bars on its coast
have wrecked so man}- ships that the island has been
called the "graveyard of the Atlantic." A few wild cattle
found on the island man\- xears after seem to have been
the most permanent remains of De Lery's colony.
36. W^nazano, 152^. — King Francis I. had in h.is
service an Italian named Verrazano, who had made
himself famous by seizing a Spanish treasure ship on its
way from Mexico to Spain. The King now .sent him in
search of that long sought westerly passage to China.
Verrazano failed to find China, but he is said to have
explored the coast of North America from Cape Fear to
the Gulf of St. Lawrence. He named this vast countrj-
New F^rance and took formal possession of ii in behalf
of the French Crown.
37. Jacques Carticr, 1534. — The disastrous wars
of FrancLs with Charles V,, who ruled over both Spain
and Germany, prevented any immediate measures for
building up this French Dominion beyond the Atlantic.
Ten years later, however, Jacques Cartier, a renowned
KAkl.N KXl'LOKKRH.
27
mariner of tl)c sca|K)rl town of St. Malo, was sent to
make further explorations in New I'Vance. He eame
direct to Newfoundland, passed through the Strait of
Heli,; Isle, and proceeded as far as Hay Chaleur. At
(iaspe he erected a wooden cross, bearinj^ a suitable in-
scription, showinj,^ that he claimed the countr\- for Christ
and the King of France. The Indians of the place told
him of a great water road by which he could sail far up
into the interior of the country. But the season was too
far advanced for further explorations, and C'artier set out
for France with high hope that he had found the long-
sought route to India and China. Before leaving he
kitlnapped two Indians whom he carried with him to
I'Vance.
38. dirtier s Second \\)yage. — In the following year
Cartier came again, and sailed u[) the great river which
the Indians had told him of on his former visit. To this
river he gave the name St. Lawrence. Where the city of
()uebec now stands Cartier found an Indian village nam-
ed Stadacona. Its old chief Donacona gave jiim a kind-
ly greeting, and told him of a larger village, named
llochelaga, which Cartier determined to visit. The
beautiful island near Stadacona, now known as Orleans,
he called Isle Bacchus on account of the abundance of
w ild grapes which it produced.
39. Leaving his larger vessels and part of his crew
near Stadacona, Cartier set out for Hochelaga. This
place comprised about fifty dwellings simply construct-
ed of poles covered with bark. They were of rectangu-
lar form, about one hundred and fifty feet in length.
ICach dwelling was divided into several rooms, each room
Ill r
>
38
lUi; DOMINION OF CANADA.
being occupied by a distinct family. The whole village
was fortified after the Indian fashion by a palisade
formed of the trunks of trees set upright in the ground.
.Around the inside, next the palisade, was .1 sort of gal-
lery from which stones could be hurled upon a foe com-
ing up from the outside. The Indians of Mochelaga
received Cartier with great respect, even regarding him
as pos.sessed of superhuman powers enabling him to heal
the sick by the touch of his hand. Around the village
Cartier saw fields of mai/e, from which the Indians de-
rived part of their food. Before leaving Hochelaga,
Cartier visited the beautiful mountain which tourists still
so much admire. He named it Mont Royal, from which
has come Montreal, the name /of the great commercial
city now occupying the site of the Indian Hochelaga.
40. Cartier spent the winter in a pali.saded fort on
the banks of the .St. Charles, near Stadacona. It was a
drear\' winter whose rit^ors those who had been accus-
tomed to the genial climate of France were ill fitted to
endure. .\ fell disease, known as scurvy, brought on by
bad food, broke out, carr\'ing off twenty-five inen and
prostrating many more. The Indians showed the French
much kindness, which was ill requited. Karly in the
spring, when the frost had rela.ved its hold of the river,
Cartier sailed for France, carr\'ing off by force Donnacona
and other Indian chiefs.
41. C artier s Third i'(naifi\ — The war with Spain
again interrupted the French King's plans for colonizing
New France, so that five years passed before Cartier re-
turned to the countr)'. Hut now new interest was awak-
ened in the far off land. .Sieur de Roberval, a nobleman
KAULV KXri.oKKKS.
29
( jfhij^h rank, was appointed Viceroy of Canada. Cartier
second in authority, with the title of Captain-General, was
sent out first with five ships, bearinj^ colonists and sup-
])lies. Roberval was to follow. The object of the enter-
prise was discovery, settlement of the country, and the
conversion of the Indians. In the royal charter Canada
was described as forming" the extremity of Asia toward
the we.st." The Indians of Stadacona, remembering how
their chiefs had been carried away, were less friendly than
formerly. Cartier and his colonists spent a miserable
winter at Cap Rouge, a little above where Quebec now
stands. Cold and disease and the hostility of the natives
awakened in his people fervent longings for the home
they had left be\-ond the oceiin. There was no sign of
the Vicerox' whom the\' were an.\iously awaiting. So
when spring came, Cartier, gith:iring the survivors on
board his vessels, sailed for France.
43. Meanwhile Roberval had sailed for Canada with
three ships and two hundred colonists. On his way he
called at St. John's, Newfoundland. Imagine his surprise
when shortly after his arrival he saw Cartier's ships en-
tering the harbor, and his rage when he found ne.\t
morning that, under cover of the night, Cartier had, in
opposition to his orders, proceeded on his way to France.
Roberval went on to Cap Rouge, where his experiences
uere similar to those of Cartier. He had made scant
provision for the winter. Famine, disease, and mutiny
were among the ills which he had to contend with, and
before spring came, death had swept off one-third of his
men. Vhe colony was short lived. In the summer of
i 543 the King sent Cartier to bring them all back to
IVance.
Ill
L
II :■
1 ii
oO
Tin: DOMINION or ( ana da.
4V '/'ro/ibirs in h'rajicc. — I'^rancc w.is now |);issin<;
through storinv times. .Some of its people were Rom.in
('ath<»lics and some were Protestants, or Hm^uenots. as
tlie>" were called, and the\' had little love for each other.
l<elit;ious strife, persecution, and civil war so distracted
and weakened the Kingdom, that there was little spirit
or ener^fy f<ir forei<^n enterprise. For over half a cen-
tury nn attempt was made to cstablis^i colonies in
Canada.
44. The iisheries of Xeiofouudlatid. -^\<i,\\\\\\\\\k2,
however, ever\' summer fleets of fishinii; \esscls sailed
from the western ports of b'rance for the Banks of New-
foundland. Nor hafl the passion for disco\er\- lost its
power. Navitjators were still explorini^ the ba\'s and
inlets of the American coast in search of .some passat^e
to China and India.
45. riic luir I radc. — S')on also it became known
that the forests of New France possessed sources of
wealth in their fur-bearin;^ animals even more lucrative
than the treasures of the ocean. The fur trade with the
Indians awakened the keenest rivalry amon^ the mer-
chants of the sea-port towns of France. It was a barter
trade. In exchan<^e for furs, which brouLj^ht a hi<jh price
in Furopean markets, the traders ^avc the Indians
knives, hatchets, cloth, brandy, beads, and various trin-
kets. rhe\' were not satisfied with havinir the trade free
and open to all,, but some company or individual ob-
tained from the Kins^ letters patent, securini^ to the holder
sole rii^ht of trade within certain specified limits.
46. Dc La R(h/ii\ ijgS. — The Kin^ ti^a\e the Marquis
de la Roche a jJitent of this kind. This noblem ui was
r.AKKV I'.XIM.ORKKS.
31
made Licutcnant-CicMicral ofCanada and adjaci'iU lauds,
and was granted exclusive right of trade w ithin his ter-
ritory. He set out to take possession of his dominion.
The enterprise chd not look very hopeful. As colonists
could not be obtained from other (luarters, the Marquis
was permitted to take convicts from the public prisons
to make up the required number. The vessel in which
the\ sailed was so small that those on board could by-
leaning over tile side wash their hands in the .sea. Hav-
ing crossed the Atlantic, De la Roche left fort\- of his
convicts on Sable Island until he should find a suitable
place for settlement. ShortI)' after he encountered a
\ iolent storm b\- which lie was driven back to the coasts
of France. Me returned home to find that through the
influence of rivals his commission was cancelled, his
power gone, and himself in disgrace. He was deepl)- in
debt, and, unable to make payment, he was thrown into
pri.son. I^'or five long years, while De la Koche la\- in
jjrison, the wretched inen on Sable Island strove with
cold and hunger and disease and with each other, until
onh' twelve remained alive. Then the King, learning
how the)' had been left, .sent Chetodel, He la Roche's
pilot, to bring them home. It was a .sorr\- spectacle the
surviving convicts made when brought into the King's
pre.sence, with their swarth}- faces, long beards, and
shaggy clothing made of the skin.s of wild animals. The
King was so touched with their wretched appearance
and the story of their sufferings, that he pardoned their
past offences and bestowed on each a gifc of fifty crowns.
47. Chauvin and Pontgrave, if,gg. — A naval officer
named Chauvin,- and Pontgrave, a merchant of St. Malo,
now obtained a patent from the King of France, giving
'!!
.^2
TIIK DOMINION OK (ANA DA.
them exclusive ri^ht to the fur trade in Canada. I he
charter required them to establish five hundred colonists in
thecountr)-. Their principal trading; post was Tadou.ssac
at the mouth of the Sa^uenay. Here they erected
store-houses and a few rude huts. They derived large
profits from the fur trade, but as regards colonists the\-
brought (jut only sixteen and these they sadly neglected-
Indeed but for the help of the Indians the poor fellows
would have died of .starvation.
48. Ayniar Dc Chastes. — Henry I\\of I^'rance. known
as Henry of Navarre, had to fight his way to the throne.
Aymar de Cha.stes, governor ol Dieppe, had rendered
the King important aid in his struggle for the crown.
Now .n old man, he desired to round out his service of
God and the King by planting the cro.ss and X.\\q Jlftir dc
lis in Canada. Henry, willing to gratif\' him, gave him
patent rights to the fur trade. De Cha.stes, having formed
a company of leading merchants to carry out his plans of
settlement and trade, selected Pontgrave to explore the
country,
49. Chainplain. — There was at this time at the
bVench court a young man who stood high in the King's
favor and who was destined to take a prominent part,
during the next thirty years, in the affairs of Canada.
This was Samuel de Champlain. He had ju.st returned
from the West Indies and Mexico, whither he had gone
to gratify his love of adventure. He now became a
member of the new company and with the King's per-
mission accompanied Pontgrave to Canada.
50. Pontgrave and Champlain crossed the Atlantic
with two small vessels, one of fifteen tons, the other of
KAKI.N I.XI'lOKKkS.
33
twelve. rhe\- visited the grounds which Carrier had oc-
cupied sixty \ear> before. Things had ^reatl\- changed.
The liuhati towns of Stadacona and Ilochelaj^a harl en-
tirely (h'sappeared. and onI\' a few wanderinj^ AIj.j«)n(iuins
were now found in the countr\-. Haxinir tinished their
explorations they returned to I'Vance. In the meantime
DeCliastes had died, and thiN led to a re-or^^anization
<»f the compan\- under I'ierre du (iuast, Sieur de Monts,
the (io\ernor of I'ons. De Mont.s was made Lieutenant
( iener.il of .Acadie, a \ast territor)' extending from the
fortieth to the fort)-sixth decree ot north latitude. The
company's exclusive rij^ht to the fur trade within this
territorv was secured b\- ro\al charter.
Ill
If
frrf
■!■■
I
m
!| . :i;
TIIK DOMINION OK CANADA.
CHAFrKR IV.
THK KIKST CHAI'TP:R IN TIIK IIISTOUV OK ACADIK.
51. Df Monts Sails for Acadie, 160^. — In the spring;
t f 1604 De Monts sailed for Acadie. His colonists
formed a motle\- company. On board his vessels were
men of all classes and conditions, from those of highest
rank and character to the common laborer and the vilest
c iminal. .Amon*'; the leading men who accompanied
him were Pontgrave, Baron de Poutrincourt, and Cham-
l)lain. As to religion some were Catholics and some
were Huguenots. The motives which took them over
the seas were as varied as their character and condition.
Some went for love of gain, some for love of God to carry
the Gospel to the poor Indian ; and \et others went for
lo\c of adventure. Some went to e.xtend the power and
glorv of France, and again, others were dragged on board
by force to make the required number. Accompanying
t le expedition were Roman Catholic priestsand Huguenot
ministers. During the voyage these mes.sengers of peace
debated religious questions with such heat that they
sometimes came to blows. De Monts was a Huguenot,
but he gave pledges that the Indians should be instruct-
ed in the Catholic faith. •
52. Dreading the severe winter in the countrj- border-
ing on the St. Lawrence, De Monts steered for a more
southerly point. The first land he sighted was Cape la
IIISTOKV Ol- AtADIK.
.-):>
Have on the south of Nova Scotia. In the little bay now
known as Liverpool Harbor he found a fellow countr\-
inan engaged in buying furs from the Indians. As this
was a violation of his rights, De Monts seized the \essel
and cargo. Shortly after, Pontgrave, who had been ex-
ploring the coast farther east, arrived with the spoils of
four traders whom he found trespassing near Can.so.
Ponterave then sailed for Tadoussac to carr\' on the fur
trade with the Indians, while De Monts proceeded west-
erly in .search of a suitable place to establish his colony.
53. At St. Mary's Bay a party including a priest
named Aubry and a Huguenot minister went ashore for
a stroll through the forest. On their return to the ves.sel
the priest was missing. Search for the lost man was
unavailing, and the Huguenot was suspected of having
l<illed him. Sixteen da\s after an exploring jjartN' re-
turned to S'l. Mar\'s Ba\\ While at anchor near the
coast they heard a feeble cry as of one in distress.
Locjking towards the shore they .saw a man waving his
hat. It was Aubr}-. Stopping to drink at a spring, he
had laid his sword on the ground and forgotten to take
it again. Afterwards returning to get it, he lost his way.
Vov over two weeks he had lived on berries and was now
nearlv e.xhausted from hunger.
54. Port Royal. — The .southern shores of the Wax of
b'undy are for the most part guarded by high cliffs of trap
rock. Sailing up the ba)' De Monts observed an open-
ing in the rocky wall, through which the sea found an
inlet. Passing through this narrow gateway, he beheld
-stretching away to the eastw ard the beautiful land-locked
w ater now known as Annapolis Basin. The placid waters.
irc
m
liiii
36 THK DOMINION ()l- ( ANADA.
glittering with silver}- sheen, dotted here and there w ilh
an islet, and bordered all around with the leaf)- forest^.
like a mirror set in emerald, filled the beholders with de-
light. Near the head of the basin, where land and water
mingle all their charms, a site was chosen for a town.
This place, honored with the kingly name Vori Renal, De
Monts bestowed on Poutrincourt.
55. Leaving Fort Royal De Monts and his coloni.sts
continued their voyage up the ba\\ The\' sailed around
Cape Blomidon into Minas Basin ; then returning the\-
entered a large river flowing into the bay from the north.
It was the 24th of June, and in honor of the da\- the\-
named the river St. John.
56. .S7. Crotx. — It was time to .seek winter quarters.
A place was .selected on a small island in Passamaquoddy
Bay near the mouth of the St. Croix River. Here, at
considerable cost, they erected dwellings placing them
around an open square or court. The site had not been
well chosen, and the little colon\- suffered greatly during
the winter. The cold was intense, wood and water were
scarce, and the food was bad. Disease broke out which
carried off thirty-five men before spring came. One
source of strength and hope never failed, — the stout
hearted Champlain. Poutrincourt had returned to France
in the autumn.
57. Poft Royal Founded, /(5o-).— P'arl}- in the spring
De Monts and Champlain went farther west along the
coast seeking a sice for their colony ; but no place pleas-
ed so well as Port Rojal. Thither accordingl)- all re-
turned, bringing with them the materials of which their
houses were made. But .scarcely were the)' well settled
HISTORY OK ACADIK.
J/
when bac' jws came from France. Rivals were plotting'
against De Monts tr\ing to persuade tlie King to cancel
his charter. The Lieutenant-deneral at once proceeded
to France leaving i'ontgrave to take thargeofthe cf)lony
and Champlain to explore new territorv. '
5iS. PontriNiOurt Returns. — De Monts could do little
to maintain his position in Acadie. His enemies, jeal
ous of his monopoh', as.serted that he had neglected
niissionar}- work among the Indians ; his friends, dis-
satisfied with the small profits on their inxestments. fail-
ed to give him active support. Poutrincourt, however,
was enthusiastic o\er his new estate and assisted b)' De
Monts he prepared to return to VorX. Renal, lie sailed
from Rochelle in Ma\-, 1606. His arrival at Fort Royal
was opportune, for the little colon\- had been reduced to
extremities. Two I^'renchmen occupied the fort. Font-
grave had gone with the others to obtain supplies fr(jm
fishing vessels which the\- might find on the coast
Fearning of I'outrincourt's arrixal he soon returned. It
was a joyous re-union. To cidd to the good cheer
Foutrincourt placed a hogshead of wine in the open
court \-ard and inxited all to drink at their pleasiuc.
59. A<'.v Carbot. — Foutrincourt was accompanied b}-
a young man named Marc Fescarbot, who proved an
invaluable aid to the colony. Fescarbot was by pro-
fession a law\'er, but he w as a man of varied talents and
accomplishments. He encouraged the cultivation of the
soil, looked after the public health, and superintended
the building of a water-power mill for making dour in
jilace of the hand mill previousl)- used. He was the
historian of the colon)-, and he also, after a fashion.
■nn
;8
Tlir. DOMINION OF CANADA.
wrote poetry, with which he was wont to amuse his
friends.
! M
60. L'Ordrc De Hon 7'niips. — The follow in^ winter
passed pleasantl}*. There were fifteen principal men in
the colon)'. At the su^^estion of Champlain. they
formed themselves into a club called the Order of the
Good Time. Day about each held the r.ffice of Grand
Master, whose duty it w as to pnnide for the table and
to furnish amusement ftjr his da)- of office. Kach, as
his turn came to cater for the club, strove to outdo his
predecessor, while stream and forest \'ielded their choic-
est luxuries of fish and ^ame to enrich the bill of fare.
At the appointed hour the Grand Master, \\earin<( the
insignia of office, entered the dining hall, followed by
the members of the order, each bearing a dish for the
table. Welcome guests at the festive board were the
Indian chiefs, most honored of whom was the aged
Membertou, whose head was now whitened by a hun-
dred w inters. After dinner the members of the club
smoked their lobster-claw pipes and listened to the old
chief's Indian tales.
61. 160J. — When spring came, the colonists, stimu-
lated and guided by the versatile Lescarbot, set about
cultivating the soil. In this agricultural life of the colony
lay its chief promise of permanence ; but there was an
clement of weakness which even this feature could not
'v)\ercome. The colonists had not come to Acadie to
make a home for themselves and their families. They
were simply dependents of a companj- whos3 interests
all centered in the fur trade. The culture of the soil
was a pastimo and n ^t a vacation.
IIISTORV OK ACADIK.
39
62. Port Royal Ahandoficd, idoj. — And now came
the da>' of trial. De Monts failed to withstand the
clamor of his rixals. His charter was cancelled. The
Company's monopoly of the fur trade havinj^ been taken
awa)', the expenses of the colony would exceed the in-
come. Poutrincourt was accordinj^ly instructed to break-
up the settlement and return with all the colonists to
I'Vance. And so Port Royal was abandoned, much to
the ^rief of the Indians, especially of the old chief
Membertou. Reluctantly did Poutrincourt leave the
place in which he had taken so much interest.
6'
1^. Return to Port Royal, 1610. — Poutrincourt did
not lose his love for Port Royal. Three years elapsed,
howexer, before he was able to return. . The Indians of
.\cadie, ever friendl}' to the French, gave him a hearty
welcome. In confirming his title to the place from De
Monts, the King insisted that he should provide means
for instructing the natives in the Catholic religion.
Poutrincourt had brought with him a priest for this pur-
pose. The Indians were very docile under their teacher.
The old chief Membertou, his family, and his clan gave
assent to the faith and received Christian names at their
baptism. Membertou was called Henry, after the King
of France, and his squaw Mary, after the Queen. Bien-
court, the youthful son of Poutrincourt, was sent to
France to report to the Kin^ this success in missionary
work. Hut before he arrived. King Henry had fallen by
the hand of an assassin as he was driving through the
streets of Paris.
64. Troubles. — The religious order, known as the
Jesuits, at this time stood high in favor and influence at
H
40
THI", DOMINION OF CANAHA.
the Court of I'ratice. Many of the I'Vench people, how-
ever, were strongly opposed to the order. Poiitrincourt
shared in this feeling and he used e\ery a\ ailable means
to keep its members out of his colony. In spite of these
efforts, two Jesuits accomjjanied Biencourt on his return
to Port Ro\-al. Troubles now came thick up(jn Poutrin-
court. He went to France to look after the interests of
his colony, lea\ing Biencourt in charge. Rivals plotted
a[;ainst him. He was burdened with debt and was
thrown into prison where he fell ill. In the meantime
affairs got on badl}- at Port Royal. Kood was scarce,
and the colonists had to forage in the forest to keep
themselves from starving. There were constant quar-
rels between Biencourt and the Jesuit fathers. But now
a new enemy and worse than all others appeared on the
scene.
I I! 'i: :
65. /(HUt'stowH. — The settlement of Jamestown on
the coast of Virginia, formed in 1607, was the first I^ng-
lish colony in America. It was established by a com-
pany acting under authorit)' of King James 1. of Kng-
land. Ihe territory of the company extended northerly
to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and included Port
Royal. rhe hero of the colony was Captain John
Smith, whose adventures and hair breadth escapes in
\arious parts of the world give interest to the story of
his life. Me now added to«his fame by abducting from
her fore-it home an Indian chief's daughter, the beautiful
and tender hearted Pocahontas.
66. Port Royal Destroyed, 16 ij;. — At Jamestown was
one Captain .\rgall, a daring, un.scrupulous man ready
f )r almost an\' enterprise. He was sent north in an
IIISTOKV OK A<'.\I)ir..
4f
.iniiecl vessel b\- the governor (>( Jamestown to expel
an\- Frciichniaii whom he mii^ht find within the limits
of the company's territorv. He first attacked a little
colony just established at the mouth of the Penobscot
River, making prisoners of the colonists and seizing their
proj)ert\ . He then {proceeded against Port Royal. Here
he carried out his mission with fell malignity. Biencourt
and part of his men were absent ; others were reaping
their grain in the fields. Argall plundered the fort and
then laid it in ashes, setting fire even to the grain in the
field. I'outi
ft
the folic
once more
spring, visited Port Royal to find it in ruins and his son
a homeless wanderer in the forests,
he shortly after fell in battle.
Returning to France
67. A'o'iui Si'()//(7, 1621. — The Plnglish claimed a large
part of North America in virtue of Cabot's discovery. In
1621 King Jaines I. gave a Scottish Knight, Sir William
Alexander, a grant of the territory known to the French
as Acadie. In Sir William's charter the country was
called Nova Scotia To aid in .settling the country the king
created an order of Knighthood .sty led the Knights Baronets
of NovaScotia. It included one hundred and fifty knights,
each of w horn was to recei\e a grant of land in Nova
Scotia on condition of establishing a certain number of
colonists in the country. It is said that Sir William
settled a small colony on the shores of Annapolis Basin;
but his plans for colonizing Nova Scotia did not prosper.
Tlie r^rench still claimed the country and held the po.sts
which the\- had established.
was
jady
mmm
IIJI. DOMINION OI- ( ANADA.
'■ V
• i!
' : If
Ml
Ji '
CIIAPTIIR V.
CANADA L NDKk (HAMI'LAIN.
68. Vf J/o/i/s's A'ew Field. — De Montsdid not aban-
don his purpose of founding, a colony. Leaving; l^ort
Royal to Poutrincourt, he cho.se the countn- of the St.
Lawrence as afield of operation. He had sufficient in-
fluence at court to secure a renewal of his monopoh- of
the fur trade for one year. Accordinjj,ly with the three-
fold object of founding a colon)-, making money by the
fur trade, and exploration, he fitted out two ships for the
St. Lawrence. Pontgrave, having command of one,
proceeded to Tadous.sac to carr)' on the fur trade with
the Indians. Champlain, who had charge of the other,
was to care for the colony and explore the country-.
They left France in the .spring of 1608.
69. Quebtx Founded. — A short distance above the Is-
land of Orleans, a small river from the north, named the
St. Charles, enters the St. Lawrence. On the angle be-
tween the rivers is a rock)' promontory, vvho.se highest
point, called Cape Diamond, rises to the height of three
hundred and fift)- feet above the water. A narrow
strand lies between the^ St. Lawrence and the cliffs.
Here, under the shadow of the lofty Cape, on the site of
the Indian Stadacona, Champlain erected a few wooden
houses, which he protected by a strong wall of logs. On
the outside of the wall was a moat, and on the inside a
( AN.\I>.\ INDKU ( IIAMI'I.AIN.
43
irallciN-. on which he mounted his cannon. Such was
the rude be^innini; of the city and fortificaticjns of Que-
bec, which in the course of years became, and still con-
tinues to be. the strongest fortress in America.
70. Indian Tribes. — The stor)- of Champlain's rule
in Canada, as well as the succeeding history ofthc coun-
try, has much tod) with the native Indian tribes. Hence,
to make the story plain, it is nece.s.sary to <^\\q .some ac-
count of these people. At this time the Indians of
Canada and the nei».jhborin<4 territories belonged to three
principal divisions, — the Algonquins. the Iroquois, and
the Hurons. l''ach of the.se divisions included various
tribes.
71. riic Ali^onquitis. — The Algonquin family was
w ide spread, being thinly .scattered over a large part of
the Atlantic slope of North America. It included the
Indians on the Ottawa, on the Lower St. Lawrence, and
in the territory now comprised in the Maritime Provinces.
Man\- of them, especially in the east, li\'ed by hunting
and fishing, wholh' neglecting the cultivation of the soil.
rhe\- were more roving in habits than the others.
•7 T
The Iroquois. — The Iroquois occupied the territory
now included in Central New York. In the early times
they comprised five tribes, — the Mohawks, the Oneidas,
the Onondagas, the Cax'ugas, and the Senecas, from which
they came to be called the " Five Nations." At a later
period they were joined by the Tii.scaroras from South Caro-
lina, and they then became known as the "Six Nations."
The Iroquois held a much higher position in the scale of
humanity and the arts of life than the Algonquins. They
had better dwellings and cultivated the .soil, though in a
ffTf
If
■^
'}
1 , \
1
f i ^
' 1
!';
;,ii
1':
llll
44
tin: liCvllMoN Ol (ANADA.
\ cry rude sort of \\a\'. Their chief prockicts were In-
dian corn, beans, pumpkins, tobacco, and sunflowers.
The)- were also more skilful in war, as*' it was practised
by the Indians, and they were ver)- cruel to such of their
enemies as the\" captured, often putting; them to death
with extreme refinement of torture. And yet to increase
their own numbers, they sometimes adopted their cap-
tives as members of the tribe. Their habit was to make
rapid incursions, by way of the ri\ ers and lakes, into the
countr)" of the Al^onquins and Hurons, swooping upon
their unsuspectin<; victims, plunderinj^, killing, and carr}-
ing off those whom they could capture alive. Such
dread of this foe had the Alj^onquins that the\- made
their home far back in the depth of the forest, visiting
certain points on the rivers occasionally for trade. •
/^. The Htirous. — The Hurons properl\- belonged to
the Iroquois family, but they were separated from the
other tribes of this family by a deadly feud. They in-
habited the country between Georgian Haj- and Lake
Simcoe. now forming the northern part of Simcoe
County in Ontario. In Champlain's time and later,
there were over thirty villages in this small district, with
a total population .said to be at least twent\- thousand.
-As regards intelligence and mode of living they stood
highest among the Indians of Canada.
74. Usually the dwellings of the Hurons were about
thirty-five feet in length and the .same in breadth, al-
though some of them were over two hundred feet long.
They were constructed by planting two parallel rows of
tall saplings, bending these inwards until they over-
lapped, and binding them together, thus giving the struc-
r.WADA rNDK.K < HAM I'l.AI N.
43
ture an airhcd form at the top. Cross-poles were then
lashed to these uprights, and the whole was covered with
bark, except an o|)enin^ about a foot wide alon^ the
centre running; the whole length of the dwelling;. This
openini,^ served the double purpose of a window and a
chimne)'. ICach dwelling was occupied b\- several
families. The fires were on the i^round alonjj the middle
of the hou.se directl) under the opening at the top, one
tire serving for two adjoining families. In winter, men.
women, and children slept close packed around the fire.
In summer their sleeping place was a .sort of scaffold
along each side of the dwelling, made of poles covered
with bark and skins of animal.s. The Ilurons lived prin-
cipall)' on Indian corn which the\- .stored up in large
quantities buried deep in the ground.
75. Chauiplaifi's Difficulties. — Matters did not at first
run smoothl)- with Champlain. Scarcely was he .settled
when .some of his men formed a plot to kill him. The
conspirac}' was discovered in good time, the ring-leader
was hanged, and his three chief accomplices were sent in
irons to France. Scurv)-, dread foe of the early colonists,
broke out and sadly thinned the little colon)'. Before
the winter was past onK' eight men out of t\\ ent)-eight
remained alive.
76. Better Prospects. — But with the spring came
health and renewed hoj>e. Pontgrave, who had gone to
France in the autumn, returned, bringing with him more
colonists. Champlain was eager to begin his explora-
tions, and a way now opened which .seemed to favor his
purpo.sc. The Algonquins and Hurons, impres.sed with
his superior equipments for war, invited him to join them
in a fora\- against the Iroquois. Champlain accepted
'I 'it "''Iff"
46
TIM. DOMINION 01 (AN ADA.
iHe invitation and thus unwisely excited against himself
and his C()untr\inen the bitter and und\in<i hostilitx- of
the fiercest and most warhke saxages in .America.
"J"], l-'oray Aj^niHst the Iroquois. — The allied forces
comprised si.\t>- Indians and twelve I-'renchmen, includ-
ing C'hamjjlain. The route lay h\ \va\' of the waters
now known as the Ri\er Richilieu a!id Lake ("hamplain.
The Indians had canoes ; the I'lench went in a boat, as
they had been told by the Indians that the\' could sail
up to the head waters of the lake without obstruction.
.All went well until the\' came to the rapids of the
Kichilieu. Fhe boat could ^o no farther. Accordin«^ly
nine of Champlain's men were sent back with it to
(Juebec. The Indians, ha\inj^ carried the canoes o!i their
shoulders over the i)ortaL;e to the smooth waters above,
took Champlain and his two remaining; men in with
them.
"tS. Ihc luittli-.-Xx. last on the shores of Lake
Champlain, sooner than the\' had expected, thev met
tlie foe the)' were seekin«;", — a band of Irocjuois two hun-
dred strony,". .At first Champlain kept out of sight.
When he stei^ped to the front, clad in the armor which
w.irriors of that tla\- were accustomed to wear, the
Iroquois were filled with wonder, and when he fired upon
tlicm, killin^i;' two of their chiefs, panic-stricken the\'
lluni^ down their weapons and fled. Champlain Ljained
an easy victor\- ; it was a more difficult matter to restrain
the fierce jiassions of his Indian allies. In spite of his
retnonstrances the\' scalped their prisoners alive and tor-
tured them with e\erv' cruelt\' which their savaiie nature
could iincnt. The victors now turned back. — Champlain
to Quebec, his Indian allies to their home on the Ottawa.
( ANADA INDIk (HAMI'l.AIN.
47
79. Chatnplaiu' s Putfoscs. — Various I'VcMich iioblc-
incn, for a short tinic. held in succession the office of
X'icero)' of New h' ranee. C haniplain, however, acting as
lieutenant under each, was the \\{c of the coK)n)-, and he
made several visits to IVance to awaken interest in its
welfare and to secure means for its support. Two lead-
in<4 objects he kept ever before him. the conversion of
the Indians and the di.scovery of a route to China.
I'.xcept as it might provide means to carry out these ob-
jects, he cared little for the fur trade. To satisf\- the
merchants who cried out against monopol)-, he offered
ihein a share in the traffic. Scjme of them, however,
preferred to carr\' on a rival trade in defiance of his
charter. .
So. ////• .S//<' of Mofitrea' Selected, 161 1. — Champlaiii
saw that the success of his company required a fortified
jK)st at some point on the St. Lawrence, which would be
of eas\- access both to the trading ves.sels and to tiie In-
dians of the interior. I'he Island of Montreal, situated
at the head of ship navigation and at the mouth of the
Ottawa, offered these advantages. With much good
judgment Champlain chose for his post the site where
Montreal, the great commercial capita! of the Dominion,
now stands. He cleared the ground, but for .some cause
failed to erect the fort. Little more was done at the
place for thirty years. The Indians, however, were ac-
customed to gather here every year to sell their furs and
to plan schemes of war against their enemies.
81. In Search of n Northern Sea. — A Frenchman,
who had spent some months among the Indians on the
Ottawa, reported, on his return, that he had visited a
48
rin; dominion ok Canada.
m^
!4"rc;it tiorthorii sea bcNoiid the head waters of that river.
Champlain believed that this was the lon^ sought route
to India and China. .Accordingly, taking the man as a
guide, he made a Uing and perilous journey up the Ottawa
in -searcli of the sea. I'inally the man confessed that his
story was a h(xi.\ ; he had found no such sea. Much
disgusted w ith the impostor, whom he had promised to
pardon in order to gain confession, Champlain made his
way back to Ouebec.
82. Rrco/h'ts Come to Ca}i'ida, rSij;. — Champlain, re-
turning from I'^rance. brought with him f')ur monks of
the order called Recollets. distinguished for the strictness
of their rules and their se!f-den\'ing manner of life. The
arrival of these deNoted men was an inijiortant era in the
relitjious historv (if the colon\\ Thev erected a convent
in Quebec, at w hich two of their number remained, w^hile
the other two went among the Indians, — one to the wan-
dering .Algonciuins and the other to the far distant
llurons.
S3. C7iniiip/(u'ii I'isi/s thr flnroiis. — Champlain's In-
dian allies urged him t(» aid them again in a war against
the Iroquois. N'ielding to their entreaty he set out for
the countr\' of the Hurons where the forces were to be
mustered. 1 1 is route was long and arduous. ITe and a
few companions, mostl)- Indians, went up the Ottawa,
rowing against the stnng current and carrving their
canoes around falls and rapids. .Ascending the river
to the Matawan the\' struck across to Lake Xipissing and
thence passed down hVench River to (ieorgian \\i\\.
There was great rejoicing among the llurons over
Champlain's arriv.il. Ivspecially was he welcomerl by
CANADA UNDKR CHAMPLAIN.
49
Le Caron, the Rccollet missionary. Nowhere amonj^^
the Indians liad Champlain seen such marks of intel-
ligence.
84. JVar With the Iroquois. — The warriors assemblefl
at a village near where Orillia now stands. Having feasted
and danced the war dance, they shouldered their canoes
and .set out for the enemy's country. Their route was
across Lake Simcoe and along the valley of the Trent
by lake and stream to Quinte I^ay. Thence the)
crossed Lake Ontario and marched inland to the country
of the Iroquois. The enemy retreated from their fields
and took shelter behind their palisades. The Hurons.
regardless of Champlain's counsel, exposed themselves
to needless dangor. Many of them were killed and on
the whole they had the worst of the fight. Champlain
received a wound in the knee from an arrow, which so
disabled him that for several days he had to be carried
in a basket on the back of an Indian. Finally the
Hurons became discouraged, and in spite of Champlain's
remonstrance, gave up the contest and .set out for
home.
85. Champlain Winters Among the Hurons. — The
failure of the attack on the Iroquois rather lessened
Champlain's prestige among his Indian allies. He was
not so powerful as they had suppo.sed. When he asked
them to send him to Montreal according to promise, they
refused. Nor would they furnish him with boats for the
journey. He was thus obliged to remain among them
through the winter, which he spent in hunting and in
visiting the different villages. In the spring, after a
tedious journey of forty days, he returned to Quebec.
i ^
11
50
THE DOMINION OK CANADA.
There was great joy over his arrival, for his people had
given him up for dead.
86. Condition of the Colony. — Meanwhile the colony
at Quebec was making little progress either as regards
numbers or general prosperity. Its inhabitants did not
exceed one hundred, and many of them spent their time
in idleness or something worse. The cultivation of the
soil was almost wholly neglected, and the few who en-
gaged in this occupation did .so rather for pastime
than as a means of livelihood. The merchants set
Champlain's authority at defiance, and the Compan}-
failed to supply the colonists with the nece'^'aries of life.
The Iroquois, in their turn, invaded the country, de-
scending even to the very neighborhood of Quebec. In-
deed some of Champlain's Indian allies .showed by acts
of violence that they could not be trusted. Changes in
the Viceroyalty brought no gain to the colony, and trans-
ferring the trade privileges from the old Company to
two Huguenots, named Caen, only introduced religious
strife. The policy was the .same, — to make as much
money as possible out of the fur trade. A change was
needed.
87. The Company of New France, 1628. — Cardinal
Richelieu was now the real ruler of France. Through
the influence of this great statesman a new compan}-
was formed. It consisted of one hundred associates and
was called the Company of New France. It had under
its control a vast country from Hudson Bay to Florida
and from Newfoundland to the sources of the St. Law-
rence. Within this territory it had a perpetual monopoh-
of the fur trade and of all other trade for fifteen years.
i .<
CANADA UNDER CHAMl'LAIN.
5>
It was under pledge to bring out immediately two or
three hundred colonists, and to increase the number to
four thousand within the next fifteen years. All colo
nists must be French and of the Roman Catholic religion.
These colonists the Company was bound to support for
three years and at the end of this time to give them such
cleared lands as would enable them to support them-
selves. Richelieu him.self was at the head of the Com-
pany. Champlain still had charge of the colony.
8S. Shattered Hopes.— T\\Q new Company began well.
A fleet of transports, accompanied by four armed .ships,
bearing supplies and new colonists was sent out from
France. Safely it made its way across the Atlantic and
was now in the vSt. Lawrence, within a few hours sail of
Quebec. The starving inhabitants were eagerly watch-
ing for its arrival. Alas for their hopes ! An enemy la)
concealed at Tadoussac also on the lookout. Civil war
had broken out in France. The Huguenots, long pers-
ecuted, were in revolt, and Charles I. of England .sent
aid to the rebels. War between England and Franct
awak':i.cd to new life Sir William Alexander's project o\
colonization. Influenced by him a company of London
merchants, under authority of King Charles, .sent out a
fleet to drive the French from North America. The
fleet was under the command of three brothers named
Kirk, — David, Lewis, and Thoma.s. They had made an
easy conquest of Port Royal and they were now read}-
for business in the St. Lawrence.
David Kirk, who was chief in command, sent a
message to Champlain, demanding immediate surrender.
Champlain was in sorry case for fighting. His fort was
3S
52
THK DOMINION OK CANADA.
I :^:!:
Ulii
all out of repair, he had only fifty pounds of gunpowder,
and his stock of provisions was low. But his courage
was equal to'the occasion. He would hold the fort. He
placed each man at his post, determined to fight it out.
But no foe appeared. The Knglish were deceived by
his boldness and for the present let him alone. The)-
captured all the French transports, however, and seized
the supplies which Champlain so much needed.
89. Capture of Quebec, /(5.?p.— There was great suffer-
ing in Quebec during the following winter. The colon-
ists were on the verge of starvation. At last their onh-
food was acorns and roots of Solomon's .seal and other
wild plants. One day in July, when all were out in
search of food, Champlain alone remaining in the fort,
three ships appeared ascending the river. Shortly after
they dropped anchor before Quebec. The Kirks had
returned. Resistance was useless, and the English flag
was soon flying over the fort. Champlain was taken to
England by his captors.
90. Treaty of St. Germain-en-Laye, i6j^2. — Peace had
already been made between England and F'rance before
the surrender of Quebec. The French Government ac-
cordingly claimed that the captured places should be re-
stored. It is said that King Charles was influenced b)'
French gold to respect the claim. However this may
be, by the treaty of St. Germain-en- Laye, Quebec, Port
Royal, and Cape Breton were given back to France.
91. Champlain! s Death, i6jj. — In the spring of 1633
the Company of One Hundred Associates took posses-
•sion of their vast domain. At the same time Champlain,
accompanied by a band of new colonists, returned to
CANADA INDKk (11 AM I'LAIN.
53
( )uebcc ;i> (ioNcrnor. With his accustomed eneiLiN and
unsucr\ iii<4" intcii^rity he devoted himself to the buildiii<f
up of the colon}'. His care for the morals and the re-
lij^ious traininjij of his j)eojjle was most unwearied. .Nor
had his concern for the conversion of the Indians at all
abated. The Recollect missionaries, who w ith so much
devotion had be<;un the work, di<i not return with
C'hamplain. The Jesuits came instead. Iheir wonder-
ful heroism will be described in succeeding chapters.
Hut except as the influence of his life and character im-
jM-e.s.sed itself on those who came after him, Champlain's
work was done. On Christmas day, 1635, this greatest
and best of the earl\- explorers of Canada jjas.sed aw aw
Vi
v^
m
54
riiK r)OMiNro\ of canada-
;:j
§-.
I'-i
■
ilidii
1 ••■ ,1
CHAPTKR VI.
rilK Rir.K OF THK ONE HUNDRKD ASSOCIATES.
92. Chief Features, i6jj. — The rule of the One Hun-
fired Associates began in effect with the return of Cham-
plain to Quebec. The Company obtained its charter
five years earlier, as stated in the preceding chapter,
(jrreat things were expected of the Company in the wa\-
of colonization and in strengthening the power of F"rancc
in America. It really did little for either of these ob-
jects. The chief features of the period were mi.ssionary
work among the Hurons and the troubles with the
Iroquois.
93. Moutuiagiiy, Montmagny was Champlain's suc-
cessor. He belonged to a military-religious order called
the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, noterl for their
courage and enthusiasm in the wars carried on in the
Middle Ages b\' the Christian nations of Europe, against
the Turks, lie was distingui.shed for his fidelity to the
Koman Catholic Church and for his strictnes.s in enforc-
ing its rules.
94. Channter of the Age. — (Ireat religious zeal was>
characteristic of the age. In France men and women
were ready to give their money for the building up of
the Church at home and abroad, and members of vari-
ous religious orders were eager to devote their lives to
mi.ssion work among the Indians of the New World.
ONK HUNl)Ri:i) ASSOCIATKS.
55
Much of this fervor was due to the activitj- of the Jesuits,
a remarkable religious order which had its origin in
Spain about one hundred years earlier. Under the rule
<if the new Compan}-, members of this order were brought
to Canada in place of the Recf)llects, the pioneer mis-
sionaries among the Hurons. Their influence in de-
termining many civil and religious questions in Canada,
as in most lands v\here the)' have obtained a foothold,
has been a factor of vast potenc}-.
95. fesidt Missionaric s. — Ihe work of the Jesuit
missionaries in Canada commands the highest admira-
tion. These self-denying men were impelled b\' a burn-
ing desire to bring the savages under the power of the
Cross. To reach the remote abodes of the Indians, then-
travelled through pathless forests, paddled their canoes
along the rivers or bore them on their backs over port-
ages. They lodged in smoky, filthy wigwams, suffered
from cold and hunger and fatigue, and many of them,
falling into the hands of the Iroquois, were tortured and
killed in the most cruel manner. Very properly the
Jesuits attached high value to the education of Indian
children. They had been in Canada but a short time,
when through funds raised in France, they established a
seminary for the training of Huron boys. At this earl\'
period also the Jesuit College was founded at Quebec.
96. The Three Marys. — In tliis missionary work
there were French women al.so no less distinguished for
the ardor of their enthusiasm. Conspicuous among the.se
were Madame de la Peltrie, Mary (iuyart, better known
as Mary of the Incarnation, and Mar\- of St. Bernard.
In 1639 these devoted women came to Quebec to estab-
If
56
Tin: DOMINION OF CANADA,
lish an institution for the instruction of French and In-
dian Ljirls. In this wav arose the Convent of the
UrsuHnes. of which Madame de la Peltrie was the
founder and Mary of the Incarnati<in was Lady Superior.
Another lady of hiyrh rank about the same time endowed
a hospital for the care of the sick. This institution was
called the Hotel Dieu.
97. Founding of Montreal, 16^2. — Montreal owes its
origin to the missionary movement of the time. A few
persons, men and women in France, burning with religi-
ous zeal, formed themselves into an association for mis-
sion work among the Indians. Having obtained a grant
of the Island of Montreal from the One Hundred Asso-
ciates, they resolved to make the place a centre of opera-
tion. The Company was called La Societe de Notre
Dame de Montreal. A hospital and a seminary were
considered essential equipments. A large sum of money
was raised to meet expenses, teachers were selected for
the seminary, and Sieur de Maisonneuve, a man of great
courage and piety, was appointed governor of the mis-
sion station.
With a company of forty men and four women.
Maisonneuve sailed for Canada. Remote from any F>ench
settlement and on the great highway of the Iroquois in
their incursions into Canada, the place selected was a
dangerous one. Montmagny pointed out its perils and
tried to persuade Maisonneuve to take instead the Island
of Orleans. The reply showed the character of the
man : " I have not come here to deliberate, but to act.
It is my duty and my honor to found a colony at Mon-
treal, and I would go if every tree were an Iroquois."
oNi; iirM)Ki;i> associa'ii.s.
57
Landing on the island, the devout leader and his com-
jxuiions fell on their knees and san^ij a h\ inn of thanks-
Ljivinf^. Then followed a solemn relii^ious ceremonial,
conducted by the Jesuit Vimont, eliding with an invoca
ti(jn of Heaven's blessing on the colony. " N'ou arc a grain
of mustard seed," were the prophetic words of the jjriest,
" that shall rise and grow till its branches oxershadow
the earth. \'ou are few, but x'our work is the work of
(iod. His smile is on \'ou, and xour children shall fill
the land." ihus on Ma}- 18, 1642, was founded V'ille
Marie de Montreal.
98. Hostility of tlic Iroquois.— Vor some months the
Irocjuois did not discover the new settlement at Mon-
treal. The colonists meanwhile made good use of their
time in building ft)rtifications. It was well they did ;
for when the Iroquois found them out they showed that
their old emnity to the I'^-ench was unabated. Haxing
obtained fire-arms from the Dutch traders on the Hud-
son Ri\er, the)- were now a much more formidable foe
than when the\' fled in terror before three armed I^'rench-
mcn on the shore of Lake C'hamplain. Their usual
route into Canada w.is by wa\- of Lake Champlain and
river Richelieu, although the\' sometimes came across
the east end of Lake Ontario. Thc\' seldom ventured
on open war, but la\- in ambush along the routes of
travel, or lurked in the forests near the settlements
watching for defenceless Hurons or Frenchmen. The
colonists of Montreal were in the greatest danger. If
one ventured outside the fort, it was at the risk of his
life. With horrid \-ells the sa\ages sprang upon their
victim, dragging him into the forest for cruel torture ;
or striking him down, they hastily tore off his scalp and
5«
THE DOMINION OF (ANAPA.
d
'".
1
i,k ||[]
I 'fijij
Jl
1
i:
ii
left the bleeding body where it fell. Sometimes only-
two or three Iroquois would be seen prowling around ;
but when the unsuspecting Frenchmen pursued them
into the forest, suddenly hundreds of wild savages
started up from their hiding places.
99. Mission Work Aviong the Hiirons. — The Ilurons
formed the most hopeful field of missionary enterprise.
The Jesuits had eighteen missionaries in their populou,s
villages around the western lakes. They wrought un-
ceasingly in faith and patience. The Hurons at first
were slow to accept the doctrine of their new teachers.
They even thought the missionaries a source of evil,
bringing on them sickness, bad harvests, "and ill luck in
war. Nor v\as the hea\en described by their teachers
such a place of bliss as the untutored savage felt he could
enjoy. Hut the Jesuits never became discouraged or
lost hope. Finally their labors were rewarded. Many
of the Hurons embraced the Chri.stian religion and in
various ways showed its power over their lives.
100. The Huron Villages Attacked. — In the midst of
promise came the end. There was no good reason
why the Hurons should not have been more than a
match for their hostile kinsmen. They seem to have
lost spirit. It is impossible to give here the full story of
the savage warfare by which the Iroquois carried out
their purpose of destruction, — the burning of Huron
villages, the cruel tortures inflicted on the captives, the
shocking deaths to which they were subjected. The
relentless foe was equally hostile to priest and people.
One or two examples will suffice.
ONK HL'NDKKI) ASSOClATKS.
59
lOi. S/.Jost'/>/i, 16^8. — St. Joseph, a Huron village
of about two thousand inhabitants, was situated on the
borders of Lake Si'.ncoe, near where the town of Barrie
now stands. The Iroquois, taking advantage of the ab-
sence of the Huron warriors on a hunting excursion,
rushed upon the defenceless people as they were assem-
bling in their chapel for religious service. Pere Daniel,
who had for many years been their teacher and spiritual
guide, could now only counsel them in their extremity
with a few hasty words : "I^'l)', brothers," said he ; "as for
me. I must die here. We shall meet in Heaven." And
so it was. A shower of bullets aud arrows pierced his
breast and he fell dead. Having completed their work
of murder, the .savages .set fire to the chapel and flung
Daniel's bodv into the flame.s.
102. St. Louis, '^49- — J'l the following year about a
thou.sand Iroquois attacked the village of St. Louis, situ-
ated near the site of the modern Orillia. A fearful mas-
sacre ensued. Some of the victims the cruel savages
reserved for torture. Among these were the Jesuits
Jireboeuf and Lalemont, v\ho could have escaped, but
who chose- rather to die with their people. Unmindful
of themselves, the\' encouraged those around them to
endure their sufferings with patience. The fortitude of
the priests only enraged the Iroquois and stimulated
their ingenuity to invent new modes of torture. They
hacked their bodies, pulled out their finger nails, and
hung collars of red hot hatchets around their necks.
Hreboeuf, being more uruielding, excited their fiercest
passions. Maddened by his words of comfort to his
friends and of warning to themselves, they cut off his
lil)s and thrust hot irons down his throat. Then in
I i
l:;.'!'!^
; i;:
L
i \ ^l(!
!";■.''
1 ''
ii
i
1
i .
ii
M
Go
*llli; IX (MINK »\ <)l' (AN A DA.
nu)cl<ci\- of tlic riti' of bai^tiMii, thc\' lore off liis scalp
aiifl pt.urcd boiliiij;" water on his head. I'"inaII\- lliey
tore out his heart aiul devoured it, h.c piii^ thus to ac-
quire the C(jurage ami heroism of their victim.
103. yVw I {itrotis Aba)uio)i Their Couutry.— Tlie once
{prosperous eouiitr)' of the Ilurons was thus laid in ruins,
and the persecuted remnant of its people fled in all di-
rections, h'or a time some of them souj^ht refuge on an
island in Lakeiluron ; but everywhere they were j)i"'-
sued b)' their relentless foe. Those who escaped dea..n
from the haiuls of the savage were fast falling \ictims to
famine and pestilence. Overwhelmed with despair, the)'
besought the Jesuits to take them to some place of safet}'.
In great pv-rplc.\ity the missionaries pra\ ed in turn
without ceasing during fort)- hours for Heaven's guidance.
Then the)- gathered the scattered fragment of their
stricken jjeojjle and fled from the countr)-. They brought
about three hundred of them to Quebec and placed
them on the island of Orleans. The Huroiis were after-
wards removed to Lorette, near Quebec, where their
descendants still live.
104. AVa' Iini^Iatid. — Meanwhile the English had
been forming colonies in Nortii America. Jamestown
has already been mentioned. The New- England
colonies were established a few years later along the
Atlantic coast on the south of Canada. The early set-
tlers came here .seeking the enjo)'ment of religious lib-
crt)-, which was denied them in Old England, King
James I. tried to compel all his subjects to u.sc a pre-
scribed form in their church .service. The Puritans, .so
callcvd on account of their strict morals and severe man-
M:
()S\: IHNDUII) .\SS()( lATKS.
6i
ncrof life, refused to coiiipK' with the laws for the regu-
lation of public worsiiip. They iield their religious
meetinj^s secretlx in private houses and other places
where the\' could worship as they pleased. Often the
secret meetings were discovered b\' the authorities, and
then the W(jrshippers were subjected to bitter persecu-
tion. Some of the l^uritans sought refuse in Holland,
where they were made welcome. Hut thou<^h badl\-
treated these people had no desire to j^ive up their con-
nection with Kn^land, or have their children become
aliens to the Mother Country and stranj^ers to their
native ton^me. The}- accordinj^ly conceived the plan of
forminjj^ a New Kn^land in the w ilds of America. Re-
turning^ to Knj^land they, joined b}- a few others, em-
barked on the Mayflower t(j seek a new home beyond
the Atlantic.
It was Christmas day, 1620, that this little band,
known in history as the Pilgrim Fathers, landed on
Plxmouth Rock. The\- made what shelter the}' could
a<jainst the winter's cold and storm. It was a hard
stru<^^le for life, and before spring half of the colonists
found j^raves m the wilderness. But the little remnant
did not lose heart. The}' were joined from time to time
b\- others from the old home, and the colon}', strugj^ling
with many difficulties, grew apace. In the course of a
few years several little centresof civilized life were estab-
lished. Thus sprang up the colonies of Massachu.setts,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. At
the end of the first fifty years of their existence these
colonies had a population of about fifty thousand.
105. Proposed Treaty. — The New England Colonies
j)roposed to the Governor of Canada that they should
62
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
form an alliance with each other, agreeing to take no
part in the wars of the mother countries, but to trade
with each other and live in peace. The French Governor
refused to enter into such an alliance unless the Iroquois
were held as a common enemy. To this condition the
English would not agree ; for the Iroquois were on
friendly terms with them and lived along their borders.
Thus the effort to secure a treaty proved a failure.
When the Iroquois heard what the French had asked
for, they were provoked to greater hostility. There fol-
lowed a reign of terror. Montreal, being most exposed,
e.scaped utter extinction as if by miracle.
1 06. Heroistn at Long Sault, 1660. — The French
found .safety nowhere outside the forts of Montreal.
Three Rivers, and Quebec. And now there was a rumor
that twelve hundred Iroquois who had wintered among
the forests of the Ottawa were descending upon these
places to sweep them out of existence. Montreal would
be the first point of attack. All hearts were trembling
with fear. A little band of seventeen resolved to drive
back the foe or perish ii^ the attempt. Daulac des
Ormeaux, a young man of twenty-five, was the leader,
and the others, like himself, were youthful. Maisonneuvc
gave his consent. The heroes prepared them.selves as if
for death, — made their wills, confessed their sins, and re-
ceived the sacrament. They bound themselves by an
oath to stand b\' each other and by their purpose ; then
bade their friends a solemn farewell. They ascended
the Ottawa to the foot of a rapid known as the Long
Sault, which the Iroquois would need to pass. Here
they tooK up their position in an old palisade fort made
b\' some Indian war part\'. While waiting for the
ONE IIl'NDRF.n ASSOCIATKS.
63
Iroquois they were joined by about forty Hurons and
Algonquins.
They had not long to wait. In a da\' or two the
scouts brought in word that the enemy was descending
the rapids. Soon the struggle began in all its fur)', for
eight days the heroes resisted their assailants who out-
numbered them twenty to one. The Iroquois were
beaten back again and again until the\' were well nigh
ready to give up the contest. They called to their aid
five hundred of their warriors, who were waiting for
them at the mouth of the Richelieu. With the excep-
tion of five who femained faithful all Daulac's Indian
allies deserted to the enemy. Finally the Iroquois came
up under thick wooden shields, cut their way into the
fort, and shot down its \ aliant defenders. Every French-
man was killed. The deserters gained nothing by their
cowardice. With the exception of five, who escaped to
tell the tale of the braxe defense and of their own base-
ness, all were put to death. But Montreal was saved.
The Iroquois saw how Frenchmen could fight ; their
victory had ccjst them too dear, and they retreated to the
forests.
107. Domestic Quarrels. — It was not the Iroquois
alone that disturbed the peace of Canada at this time.
Ihe French quarrelled among themselves. The
governors of Quebec and Montreal were .scarely ever on
good terms with each other. The Governor of Quebec
claimed that as (iovernor-General his authoritv extended
over the whole countrv ; a claim which the Governor of
Montreal was slow to recognize. There were un.seemly
disputes too between the Jesuits and the Sulpicians, who
had taken charge of the mission at Montreal. Then,
Ik.
64
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
towards the close of the rule of the Ilundrcil Associates,
a serious strife arose between the iroveriiors and the
cler^^y.
loS. Laval, i6ji^. — The strife between Jesuits and
Sulpicians ^rew hot over the choice of a bishop for
Canada. I'Lach party wanted its man. In tliis matter,
as in most others, the Jesuits finally triumj)hed. They
did not indeed secure the ajipointment of a Jesuit ; for
the laws of their founder did not allow a member of the
order to hold this office. But the\' i^ot a man thorough-
ly devoted to their interests. This was the .Abbe La\al.
VoY certain reasons which need not be stated, he was
not made bishop till some ten years later ; in the mean-
time he held the office of \'icar .Apostolic. This dis-
til. j^uished prelate, who was of the noble famil\- of Mont-
morencN', was noted for his piety and austere manner of
life. He was a man of stron<jf will, and he held decided
views as to the supreme authority of the church oxerthe
civil ruler. For thirt\' \ears La\al controlled reli<^ious
matters in Canada and had much influence in civil af-
fairs as well. His name has ever been held in honor by
French Canadians and it is perpetuated in the name of
the Catholic University at (Hiebec.
109. I/ir Li(jnor Irafftf. — There were frecjuent
changes of i^overnors at Quebec, but the changes mat-
tered little to the welfare of the colony. Affairs went
on froin bad to worse. The licjuor traffic became a
serious evil. It was a source of profit to the traders,
many of whom were men of influence. The Indians
were fond of brand)' and when into.xicated they were
like infuriated wild beasts. 'I"he clerg\' fought against
ONK IIINDRKI) ASSOCIATKS.
6;
the traffic and finally succeeded in securin*^ prohibition.
The penalty for violation of the law was death, and two
men were shot for sclliti^ liquor. Then there came re-
acti(Mi and matters were worse than e\er.
I lO. ( osr of the Rule of the I .a\al went to France
One Hinuired Assoeiates, f66j;. aiid informed the
Kini;- of the bad manaj^ement of affairs in Canada. There
was no reason why the Himdred .Associates should
hold the countr\-. The Kinii[accordin!^l\- cancelled their
charter and established a new form of government under
the direct control of the crown.
111. liarthqiinkes.- I'he year 1663 was remarkable
for earthcjuakes in Canada. Thex- occurrerl at short in-
tervals from Februar\- until August. I.ourl noises were
heard ; tlic groimd was violently shaken ; the ro(tfs of
the houses fell in ; the trees in the forests swa\ed to and
fro ; and other strange tilings occurred which greatly
terrified the inhabitants. It does not appear, however,
that any lives were lost.
112. Rivn! (iovemors in .yo:':r Seotiei. — Meanwhile
events were taking" place in No\a Sctjtia which claim
brief notice. I'or over tuentv vears following the trcatv
of .St. Germain-en- Laye the French had undisturbed pos-
session of the countrv'. The historv- of the jjcriod re-
lates chiefl}- to the quarrels of the I'rench governors.
Charles de la Tour and D'Aulnav- Charnise. between
whom the countr\' was divided. La Tour had his head-
quarters at I'ort la I'ourt)!! the .St. John River. Charni.se's
chief places were l*ort Roval, and Vnri Lewis at the
mouth of the I, a I lave. Rut he wanted the whole
»ta
i:
! i
III!
! ■ I
I • I-
;!■ I
66
Tin-; f)<)MfM()\ of- CANADA.
country jukI tried to drive his rixal (nm\ the field, arr
aim in which he at last succeeded.
La Tour was not etjual to Cliarnise in war. On ont
occasion, however, he was able to j)ut his enemy to flij^hi
b\- means of aid obtained from the iMi^^h'sh at Boston.
C'harni.se came aj;jain (hiring La Tour's absence, and laid
siege to the fort at St. John. Madame La Tour, who
was clever and brave, took command of her men. and
for three days with an inferior force kept the enem\' at
bay. Then, on the jjromise of honorable terms, she sur-
rendered. When, on entering the fort. Charnise saw it.^
defenceless condition, he chargefl the braxe woriian w ith
having deceived him. Thereupon he ordered all her
garrison to be hanged and compelled hei' u ith a halter
around her neck to witness the scene. The w retched
spectacle was too much for her. and she died broken-
hearted before her husband's return. Ruined and help-
less f.a Tour left the countrv. Nor did Charni.se long
enjo\- the fruits of his \ictor\'. He died three )'ears
after, leaving his estate greatly encumbered with debt.
Then La Tour appeared on the scene again and made a
romantic ending to the old feud b\- marrving his rixal's
widow. Once more he had his home in the fort at St.
John.
1 13. \oi>(i Scotia taken hv the liiio/is/i, 16^^. — Mean-
while T-mmanuel le Horgne. ("harnise's chief creditor,
had seized his estates in Nova Scotia. I Laving estab-
lished him.self at Port Roval he was about to extend his
territory by driving out La Tour, when he was himself
forced to \-ield to the l^nglish. The Puritans, both in
Old and New Kngland. were but ill pleased w ith the
cession of No>:'. Scotia to Prance in 1632. Olixer
t)NK IIUNDRKI) ASSOCIAIKS.
(^7
roinvvell. who now ruled Knglaiul and who made his
'jower felt at home and abroad, shared in this feeling.
Although I'jigland and France were iiow at peace with
each other, he sent Colonel Sedgewick to recajjture the
country. Sedgewick accomplished his task with little
lifificult)', and once more the J'.nglish flag waved o\er
die fort at Port Royal.
ga\e
I 14, '///(' Treaty of Breda, i66y. — C'romwe
\o\ a Scotia to a fur company, of which .Sir Thomas
lemjjle was the leading member, I'emjjle did not dis-
turb tlie French colonists who were settled in the coun-
ir)-. His chief concern was the fur trade froni which he
-wpected large profits. To protect himself against in-
'ruders he s[)ent a large sum of money in- repairing the
■orts ; but his hojx^ of gain was not realized. Mean-
while Charles II. succeeded to the throne of I'jigland.
Setting little value on Nova Scotia, he u as not unwill-
ng to give it away for small consideration. The people
)f New luigland protested, and .Sir Thomas Temple
arged his claims, but without avail. By the treaty of
Breda Xo\a Scotia was once more cefied to France.
68
TflK f)O.MINI()N (JF CANADA.
CHAPTKR VII,
R()\ A I, CiOVKKN M EN T.
115. Officers of (jovaiiuifnt.— \{'\\\\ii\\.o Canada had
been governed by fur traders. The old order wa.s now
changed, and the country was made a crcjw 11 colony.
The {^civernmeiit was vested in a Council of which the
three principal members were the Governor, the Bishop,
and the Intendant. The Governor had command of the
forces and looked after the defence of the countr\' ; the
Bishop had charge of all matters relating to the church ;
and the Intendant had the oversight of civil affairs, in-
cluding the expenditure of public mone\- and the ad-
ministration of law. Indeed the authorit\- of this last
named officer had a \ery wide range, giving him the
•Kjwer to interfere in matters which at the jjresent time
ire regarded as belonging to the private rights of the
• ndividual. He was a general superintendent or (ner-
-ieer. Though in rank below the (jovernor, he had more
to do in the management of public affairs. The re-
spective duties of the different officers, however, were
lot ver\- clearly defined, and this left room forunseeml\'
disputes resulting in frequent aj^ijeals to the King. The
4'eneral law adopted for the colon)" was the French code
Known as " the Custom of Paris.''
116. Lava/ ami Mvzv- — Bishop Laval had great in-
fluence with the King of France, and he wa^ allowed to
ROYAL ( ;< n'KKN M K NT.
69
>^it'lect a governor to suit himself. His choice fell upon
Saffra)' de Mezy, a man in whose piety and loyait}- to
him.self he thought he could place the fullest confidence.
I^'or a time Laval had things pretty much his own way.
But this state of matters did not last. Hy and by Mezy
awoke to a sense of his dignity as the King's repre.senta-
tive, and he then had a way of his own.
117. Mezfs Recall. — The Governor and the Hishoj)
had joint powers in the appointment of the Council.
Hut Mezy, becoming dissatisfied with certain members
of this body, dismissed them and appointed others in
their place without the consent of the Bishop. In other
matters also he bore himself towards the Bishop in a
most offensive and e\en defiant manner . He forgot
that he owed his appointment to the Bishop, and that
the power that made him goxernor could unmake him.
Laval reported matters to the King, and Mezy was forth-
with ordered to France. Before he could obe\' the
command, howe\er, he was taken suddenly ill and died
at Quebec.
iiS. New Officers.- ~ls\ii7.ys succes.sor Was Daniel de
Kemy, Sieur de Courcelle. Jean Baptiste Talon, the
first Intendant, came to Canada with the new (lovernor.
Another distinguished officer arrived at Quebec about
the same time. This was the Marquis de Trac\-, who
with the title of Lieutenant-Cieneral had the authorit}- of
viceroy throughout the French possessions in America.
He brought with him a regiment of veteran soldiers
known as the regiment of Cari^nan-Salieres.
I 19. T/ic Iingii.\'/i Take Xew York. — An event oc-
curred about this time which materialK- affected the
:ii
;0 'I I II-: |)(>MIM()\ ()|- CANADA.
■lubscciuci.t liiston' of Canada. The I'.nj^lish claimed
the lary,"cr jjorlion of \orth America in \irtue of the di.s-
coxerie.s of Cabot and of such hitcr ex|)lorers a.s Henr\'
Hudson. Cliarles II., tlie scnereij^n of Enj^land at this
time, i^ave to his biother James, Duke of \'ork and
.\lban\-. a q,rant of e.\tensi\e tcrritor\- on tiie Mudscjn
River. Portions of this territoi')' had been for man)'
N'ears occupied by the Dutch. The principal Dutch
-;ett . ; lents. New Amsterdam, afterward.s called Xew
N'ork, and lM)rt Orani^c, afterwards called Albany, were
japtured b\' an Iui<4lish fleet. Keen rivalry now sprang'
up between the lMi<;lish and l-^ench colonists, the former
■^eekin<4 to divert the fur trade from the St. Lawrence to
the Hudson. In this ua\- be^an a strife which continued
"or a century between the two peoples, culminatini>' in
the ^rcat strugt^le which resulted in the concjuest of
Canada by the Kni,dish.
I 20. March Against f/ir Mo/iawks. — The presence of
•egular soldiers in Canada had ^ood effect on the
Iroquois. I^xcept tiie Mohawks and Oneidas, who kept
ap their war-like attitude, they .seemed disposed for
jcace. Courcelle, the (lovernor, determined on measures
"'or improving the temper of the hostile tribes. Accf)rd-
nsfh- at the head of five hundred men he set out for the
VToliawk \iilages, about five hundred miles distant. It
•A'as mid winter. Hut with blankets and provisions
'.trapped to their backs, and snow-.shoes to their feet,
Courcelle and his men pursued their long tramp. Their
vay lay alonj; the St. Lawrence, the Richelieu, and Lakes
Champlain and Cieorge. which were covered with a solid
floor of ice. Day after day they strode on amid the
lirivini; storms and the biting frosts. At night the\-
KOXAI. (i()\ r.RNMKNT
71
I
noiiackcd m open air. Ixiiii.; close j)ac
keel
on
bed:-
01
,pl
lice aroiUKJ a central fire of lo<>s. Strikiii''" acro-
thc countr\- from Lake (ieor^e to the lliulsoii the\- lost
th
eir \\a\'
finall
\- arrixm;
at a
Dut
ch villa'fc
Ik
II
crc
thc\- learned tliat the enemv the\' were after had LToiie
off on some forax' ai/ainst another tribe. C'ourcelle was
now in a
bad
c.ise.
ri
le spriiiL;" rams were settii\i
in.
an(
we
soo
n th
e ua\- Home would be inipassaoic
Id be
II
IS men
re half-star\"ed and were sufferinL^ from fiost-bitteii
limbs. Then the I'Ji'dish authorities. recentl\- established
e was invaflintr
in the countr\', were demandmi'' ^v
h\- h
the territories of Mis Ro\al Hii;"hness the Duke of\'ork.
In no \er\ comfortable mood he retreated as rapid 1\' as
possible and found his wa}- back to (Juel)ec.
121. I he Mohai^'ks Chastised. \\\ the follow i
in
autunni a force of thirteen lumdred men left Ouebec tor
the country of the Moiiawk.*
l)e Iracx-, tiie vicen
)\-
had
command
It
was a
ted
lous )ourne\' o\er rixeranr
lake and through wild forest>
h'ood <n'
ew scarce, and
the half-famished men were at times compelled to sta\-
their hunger b\- feediu!/ on chestnut."
I
rac\\ o
Id
aiK
infirm, was seized w ith <>"out and scMiietimes had t(^ be
borne aloni;' the way b\' his sf)ldiers. Hut in s|)ite of
difficulties the French pushed forwarrl. Panic-stricken
the sa\a;4es fled, leaxini; their strongholds and their
stores of Indian corn to the in\aders. I)e Tracy. ha\in<4-
reduced the whole to ashes, returned to (Quebec before
winter set m.
The Indians suffered <jreath' from tht
loss o
f th
eir houses and corn.
V
or twent\- x'ears
th
ev
ave the French no further trouble.
\\ik
■OS
:!':
f #!
122. fvoi^-ri'ss. — Canada now inarle much proj^ress in
the arts of peace. Talon, the Intendant. was energetic
■f 1
'' (
/^
TIIK DOMINION' OF (ANA DA.
ill
and uinvcaricfl in his efforts to jjromotc the welfare ot'
the colony. He encouraj^ed the cultivation of the soil.
the domestic manufacture of coarse woollens and linens,
the export of lumber and fish to the West Indies, and
the importing of cattle, horses, and sheep from France.
Kvery year new bands of colonists came to the countrx .
Many of the soldiers were di.sbanded and settled on
lands which had been allotted by the government to
their ofificers. To furnish v. ives for the unmarried
colonists, ship loads of young women of various social
ranks were sent out from France. These girls, placed
under the care of a matron, were taken to Quebec or
Montreal. Men in want of u ives came to one of these-
places and made choice according to their liking.
Bounties were given b)- the King on early marriages and
on large families, while fathers who failed to marr\- off
their sons and daughters at an earl\- age. and bachelors
who obstinately refu.sed to be enticed into wedlock were
heaviU' fined.
123. Obst(U•l^'S.~-'\^m\i^ XIV. and his able minister
Colbert, who then guided the affairs of state in France,
meant to do the best they could for Canada. They did
not, however, always fall on the wisest measures to carr\-
out their good intentions. On the one hand there was
too much coddling ; on the other, too much restriction.
Scarcely was the new form of goverrmient established,
when the trade of the countr\- was handed over to a
great corporation known as the West India Cx)mpan\-.
Falon protested against this monopoh', and at length
some of the company's privileges w ere withdrawn. The
|)eople were allowed no part in making the laws b\-
which thev were to be governed, and the\' had little free-
R(AA1, C.OVKKNMKXT.
/ J
(loin of action. A public mcctin<(, even, coukl not be
held without leave <jf the Government. Trade with the
ICn^li.sh colonies was prohibited, nor was anj-one al-
lowed to visit these colonies w ithout a passport. Kven
the number of horses a man might keep was regulated
b\' law.
124. V'zl'o Great Evils. — Two gigantic evils marred
the well-being of the colon)-. The.se were the litiuor
traffic and the bush-rangers. Stringent laws against
the .sale of brandy to the Indians .seemed of little avail.
There were then, as now, ways and means b\- which such
laws could be violated with impunity.
The other evil is one the force of which at the |jre-
sent day it is difficult to understand. Free wild life in
the forests had a fascinating power over young men of
that da)'. Hundreds of them abandoned their homes
and roamed through the di.stant forests, living with the
Indians and adopting their modes of life. They threw
off all restraint and became even more lawless than the
savages them.selves.
125. Trade. — All forms of activitv in the coloin-
seemed to revolve around the beaver. The trade in
beaver skins kept everything in motion. A great an-
nual fair was held in Montreal. To this gathered the
Indians with their furs from all quarters. Hither also
came the merchants from Quebec, bringing their \ arious
wares. The trade was carried on in booths. It was
chieflv a barter trade, for there was little mone\' in the
countr\. The beaver skin was the chief currenc\-.
I < iH
"0, ,
«1
126. Jesuit Missions. — Meanwhile the Jesuits were
pursuing their mission work with unabated ardor. After
' , '■"'
t
1 u
mi ■ '
y
1 V^
,11
^ ; : 't'll
: i : • ., ■;■■ ■
i
!: ■ -
74
IIIK DOMINION Ol' (ANA DA.
the disastrous failure of the llur( ii mission, the\' cheese
a new field amoii^ the scattered tribes of the North and
West. The)- had se\ernl stations alon^" the borders of
the Great Lakes, th.e chief of which were at Sault Sle.
Marie, near the outlet of Lake Sujjcrior, and at La
Pointe, near the western cxtrcniit)' of that Lake.
127. Extension of Ten-itory. — Talon, the ever acti\e
Intendant. was as energetic in his eiidea\'ors to extend
the boinuls of Canada as he was in develojjinL; its in-
dustries. His policy was to confine the luiL^lish to the
narrow coast countr\- which they then occupied, and to
hold the whole interior for I'Vance. To carr)' out this
purpose, he sent aij^ents to explore the n(;rthern and
western territcjries anfl secure the <;ood will and homaf;e
of the Lidians. At a grand ccnnicil of chiefs held at the
mission station of Sault Ste. ALirie, a ro)al commissioner
received the various tribes of the West under the pro-
tection of Louis XIV. He also asserted the auth(jrit\' of
his sovereign over the countr}' b)' setting up on a cedar
post the ro)al arms of France.
128. Feudal Tefiure. — A curious feature of the age
was the manner of holding lands, known as the Feudal
S^'stem. It had been the custom in Furope, but was
now for the most part given up in the old countries.
Shorn of some of its featu>-cs the system was introduced
into Canada. The King granted extensive tracts of land
to military officers and other persons on certain specified
conditions. These owners of land were called Seigniors,
and the\' parcelled out their lands to others under them
called vassals or tenants, who paid homage to the
S'jignior.
The domain of a Seignior generally fronted
k(»\ Al. (.()\ I.KNMl.Nl
/ .■>
'f
nti the St. Lnwrcncc. the Kichchcii. or other ri\er, some-
times cxteiKhnjj; .several miles aloii^^ the ri\er. It was
cut iij) into narrow strips jj^ivint; a ri\er fronta^^e to each
tenant. .As the farms were narrow, the houses in a
settlement or SeiL^nn'ory were not far apart. In tlie more
e.vposeci jjlaces, for |)urpose of defence aLjainst the In-
dians, the liouses were built toL^ether and surrounded by
a palisade, makiiiL;" a fortified \illa_Lie. In such places
the liabitants or tenants liad to travel some distance to
their farms. The)- had, however, a convenient, read}'
made road in the ri\er, which flowed past their lands.
The Seiirniorv LjeneralK' took its name from tlie Seii^nior
or feudal chief. The names of inany places in the Pro-
vince of Quebec had their origin in this waw
129. Duties of t lie Seii^Nior. — The Seignior was re-
'|uired to render militar\- aid in defence of the countrx'.
He was also required to clear a certain proportion of his
lands within a definite time, and he was not permitted
to sell an\' portion of his uncleared lands. He could,
however, ijive these lands to subordinate seit^niors for a
small rental. It was his dutv to build a fort, a chapel,
and a mill. The mill was an important matter. It was
usuallv built of stcMie and fiu'iiished with loopholes so
that it could serve the double purpo.se (jf a mill and a
fort or block house. In some cases the Sei^i^nior was too
jjoor to erect a mill, and his jjeople were then compelled
to grind their grain in hand mills. The Seignior exer-
cised the duties of a magistrate in settling petty disputes
among his tenants.
130. Ob/ii^atioiis of the Wxssal. — Under the I^'eudal
System as it existed in Europe in the Middle Ages, the
\,
<f.
'V
\^
.1 '*
ftr-
:«tf
;f) THK DOMINION OK CANADA.
vassal was bound to render military service to the
Seignior. This was not the case in Canada. I he tenant
|)aid a small rental for the lands he occupied. This rental
was either in money or in produce c>r parti)' in both.
A common rental was half a sou anrl half a pint of
wheat yearly for each arpent of land, — an arpent beinj^
about an acre. Live capcjiis often formed part (>f the
l^ayinent. In such cases on pay day, which was usual))'
on St. Martin's day, there was a lively scene in the
vSeignior's barn)ard, when the tenants brought in their
fowls. The tenant was also required to labor for his
.Seignior a certain number of days in the year, to give
one fish out of every eleven caught in the river, to grind
his grain in the Seignior's mill, giving one-fourteenth in
pa)MTjent. An obligation seldom insisted on was to
bake his bread in the Seiiinior's oxen.
131. A;/;/','- Hoiiuif^e. — When a Seigniory changed
owners, as at the death of a proprietor, the tenant was
obligefl to do homage to the ne Seignior. This was a
curious ceremony and was performed according to a pre-
scribed form. The tenant came to the door of the
manor-house and there, divested of sword and spurs,
with bare head, he fell upon his knees before the Seignior
and repeating his name three times acknowledged in
due form his faith and homage. On the death of a
tenant, his land passed to his heirs. But in the case of
sale by a tenant, one-twelfth of the price was given to
the Seignior.
11
Tin: DOMINION or < anada.
I V 'lil'l
CHAPTKR VIII.
( anada UNDKk FKONTKNAC
132. A New ('rovcnioj\ i6j2. — Dc Courcellc and
Talon were recalled. The new Governor was Count de
h>ontenac. He was a man of much energy and force
of character ; he was an excellent soldier; and next to
Chamjjlain he was the greatest of the French governors
of Canada. He had no equal in his ability to manage
the Indians. In dealing with them he assumed an air of
dignity and bore himself in such manner as to impress
them with a sense of his superiority. During his rule
the Iroquois were kept well in check. But Frontenac
had grave faults. He was hot-tempered, imperious, and
intolerant of any rival authority. He treated the mem-
bers of his council with scant courtesy, giving little heed
to their opinions. He and Bishop Laval often came
into collision, the chief cause of disagreement being the
sale of brandy to the Indians, which the Governor rather
encouraged, despite the Bishop's strong op[)osition and
fearless protest.
135. Discovery of the Mississippi, i6yj. — The IndiiL...->
from the far west, who visited the mission stations on
the Great Lakes told of a great river in their country,
which flowed southe-ly for hundreds of miles through a
;:,,);!
!
I m;
( WADA rXDKU KkOMKNAC.
vast plain. Two ardent explorers. Marcpiette, a Jesuit
inissionarw and jolliette, a fin- trader of Ouebec, accom-
panied b\' fi\e or six men. set out in search of this ri\er.
h'roiTi Lake Michigan the\' proceeded b\' \\a\' of smrdl
streams and lakes and porta<;es to the Wisconsin Ri\er.
Launchinjj^ their bark canoes on this stream, tlie\- were
borne onwards to the object of their search, the great
h^ither of Waters, tlie Mississijjpi. As tlie\- rlescended
the majestic river, a rich jirosj)ect j^reeted their admir-
in;4 e\-es. Stretching awa\- to the distant horizon were
(soundless prairies coxeref! with tall grass and bright
flowers, the feeding grounds of innumerable herds of
buffalo. .\t the mouth of the Arkansas the\- turned
back, leaving it for others to trace the river onwards to-
the ocean.
134. I-'oi't Fvoiitciiac. — l'\)r the purpose: of guarding
the entrance of the St. Lawrence against a foe from be-
\ond the lakes and of controlling the fur trade, Frontenac
built l'\)rt Cataraqui, afterwards called I'ort Frontenac,
near the site (^f the jjresent city of Lingston. He super-
intended the erection of the fort in person, bringing with
him an armed force of four hundred men. At the same
time he summoned the In)quois to meet him at this
place. rhe\- came obedient to his call. In order to
impress them with a due sense of his power, b^-ontenac
drew up his men in martial array. He then harangued
the assembled savages, calling them children and telling
them that he had not come to harm them, but that he
would punish them if they were bad. Thus by stern
threatening duly attempered with judicious flattery and
many presents he awed them to submission and won
their hearts.
79
TIIF. DOMINION t)F CANADA.
''• f'\ \
135. L(f Sd/Ic. — jollictte's st(jr\' of the !\Iissi.s.si}jpi
awakcncfl to new life the spirit of discovery. Some
persons beh'exed that in its lower course tiie ri\er turned
■ iwa)' to the westward and finalh- flowed into the (iulf
of California. There lived at this time in Canada a
Noung man usualh- known b\- the name La Salle. He
was fond of ^uhenture and ambitious of making- dis-
covery. lH)r a time, he held a Seiijniorx' at the western
end of Montreal Island, t^i\en him by the priests of the
-Seminary of St. Sulj^ice, Lea\ ing this place he went on
an exploring journey ami discovered the Ohio River,
Later the stoi\- of Jolliette's di.scovery of the Mississipjji
turned his thoughts to this great river of the West and
he resolved to explore it to the sea. Hut La Salle was
no rash adventurer. Me laid his plans \Vith careful
forethought. He obtained from the King' of l^^-ance im-
jjortant trade privileges and grants of territory, includ-
ing Fort Frontenac and the surrounding country. He
rebuilt the fort of stone and made it the centre of a
Seigniory. This place he designed as the base of his
trading and exploring operations in the West. He spent
three \ears around the Great Lakes, building vessels and
establishing trading posts. The (iriffin, which he
launched on Lake Lrie in the summer of 1679, was the
first vessel which sailed on the upper lakes. I'inall)-
proceeding down tlie Illinois River, La Salle reached
the Mississippi, which he followed to the (iulf of Mexico.
The countr\' drained bv this great river he claimed for
the King of France, naming it Ijjuisiana in honor of
Louis XIV. Two years later La Salle went b)- .sea to
the (iulf of Mexico to explore the Mississippi more
fulK' and to establish a colon\' near its mouth. The ex-
m
:'; * i
;l
— ■
CANADA L'NDKU KKONTKNAf
80
I ■ ii
pedition was unfortunate. The vessel bearin<^ his sujj-
plies was cist awa)-, and I.a Salle was murdered b)' his
mutinous followers,
136. Froutcuac Recalled, — In the meantime affairs
had been getting on badly at Quebec. Frontenac quar-
relled constantly with the Bi.shop, with the Intendant,
and with other members of the Council. Besides he gave
great offence to the clerg)- b)- encouraging the sale of
brandy to the Indians. Bishop Laval and others com-
plained to the King, and the final outcome was the re-
call of Frontenac and the appointment of La Barre
governor in his stead.
137. La Barre, 16S2. — When La Barre arrived at
Quebec he found the colonists in trouble. .A fire had
just laid the whole of the Lower Town in ashes, leaving
a large number of people homeless. There was much
alarm also on account of a threatened invasion of the
Iroquois. The hostility of these old enemies of the
French was encouraged by Dongan, the governor of
New York. The Knglish in this colony wished to secure
the fur trade in the territories around the Western Lakes
occupied by the Indian allies of the French, and they
used the Iroquois as their agents in carrying out their
purpose. La Barre mustered a force of F>ench and In-
dians for the purpose of chastising the Iroquois. But
while he delayed at Fort I^^rontenac, many of his men
were taken ill of fever, and he thought it prudent to
patch up a peace with the warlike .savages. The treat\-
showed great weakness on the part of La Barre, and the
King, on learning its conditions ordered him to return to
France and sent out the Marquis of Dennonville as his
successor.
Till; DOMINION Ol' (ANADA.
8i
1 38. RriUr/rv />rticriii h'rouli and Iiiii^/is/i.--'\\\c
rivalry between the I'^ciich and the hji^Hsli uas becom-
\\v^ keener and was assmnin^ a wider ran<;e than the fur
trade with the Inchans. The strui^i^le for the ownershi))
of the continent was loominij up in the not \er)- remote
(h'stance. The I'rencli aimed to confine tlic l''n<^h"sh to
the narrow Athmtic coast ; the I^nt^h'sh. on tlie other
hand, would restrict the h'rench to the valle)' of the St.
Lawrence. I3onij^an, the <.ro\ernor of New ^'ork, claimed
that the Iroquois were subjects of his master, James II.
of luiu'land, and he ccncrth- endeaxored throu^;h them
to extend the ])()\\er of iuit;land south of the (ireat
Lakes westerh' to the Mississipj^i. Then, throuj^h the
same a^L^ency, he was workini^ with the Indian tribes
aroimd the (ireat Lakes to draw them from their alli-
ance with the hVench. Moreover the New Kni^land
colonists were extendinc;' castwardl)- the limits of the
coming;' strut^L^Ie b}- their plans to drixe the h^'ench from
/ cadie.
■;, l;^i-
I'
m
101 (
mi
139. fl/idsoii's luiv CompaiiY Organized, 16^0.— \x\
the far North, too, the KuL^lish had planted themselves
and were tappini^ the fur trade at its sources. In 1668
the first JMiLjjlish tradint^ ()ost was established, by a few
merchants of London, on the shores of LIudson Bay.
Two \-ears later, the threat fur-trading compan\-, usually
known as the Hudson's Ba^• C"(^mpan\', was ortxanized
b\- a charter Lj^ranted by Charles II. of Knglanrl. Ac-
cording- to the terms of its charter, the C(jmpan\-, secured
exclusive right of trade throughout the countr)' watered
b\' the rixers flowing into Hudson and James Hays. The
country was called Rupert's Land in honor (jf its first
vioxernor. Prince Rupert, the King's cousin. The C"om-
1. ■■!(
' •iiJi
S:
CANADA r\i)i;R i-i<()N-ri:\Ac.
patu' claimed that its tcrritoiA' extended westerh' to tlie
Rock)' Mountains, includin<; the \a!le\ of the Saskatch-
ewan. It had the ri|4"ht to 54^o\ern its domain by offi-
cers of its own appointment.
Within a few years, the Iludson's Ha\' C'ompan)' estab-
Hshed fi\e trachni;" posts on the shores of Hudson Ha)-,
of which \'ork I'ort, at the moutli of the Xclson River,
was head quarters. To these posts t!ie Inchans, b)- boat
and canoe, brought dow n their fuis, w hich the)' bartered
for various articles of merchandise supj)lied b)- the C'om-
pan) 's aj^ents. Once a )ear, when the ice had left the
Bay and Strait, ships came from Iji^iand to \'()rk h'ort,
brin^^ing new supplies of merchandise and carr)in;4- aw a\
the furs w hich had been collected b\- the \ e;u's trade.
140. De)uiouville lakes Active Measures. — l'^)r the
first time in the histor)' of the Ro)'al (loxernment there
was domestic loeace in Canada. (iovernor. Bishop, and
Intendant were in accord, and the common aim was to
humble the foe on their borders. Dennonvillc saw that
he must strike a blow at once. He knew well that in
the hostilit)- of the Iroquois, Dongan was behind the
-scenes ; but as hjigland and I'rancc were at |.)cacc, he
could not make war on him. He resolved to deal tiie
blow at his agents, the Iroquois. He ventured, however.
to authorize an attack on the Knglish fur traders in the
far (jff territor)- around Hudson I^a)'. A company of
eight)- or a hundred men set out for this northern terri-
lor)' with e\il ])urjjose against their rixals. A long, toil-
S')me journe)' it must ha\e been up the Ottawa and then
through jjathless forests b)- lake and stream to the
traders' forts. The journc)- completed, licnvever, the)-
■ Mf-'-h
THi; DOMINION OF (ANADA.
53
m.'ulc an eas\' conquest of the Kn^iish. and packed them
off t(j Kni^hmd in one of the Company's vessels which
had just arri\ ed.
141. IWrr A^!:^/u'fisf tin- Soiccas. — Dennoinille mus-
tered a siron;^ force for war ai^ainst the Senecas. l^e-
sides rei;"ular troops and miHtia. he invited his Indian
aUies around the Western Lakes to join him on the
southern shore of Lake Ontario. While halting at I'^ort
h'rontenac, he took part in a measure which did him and
the Litendant little credit. The Kin^ wanted stron^^
men for oars-men on the ro\al L^allexs, and he instructed
Dennoinille to send him Iroquois for this ser\ ice. The
Iroquois in the neighborhood of VoxX. P^'ontenac, who
had been lixins^" on good terms with the hVench, were in-
\ited to a feast within the fort ilaxing accepted the
invitation in good faith, the men, to the number of about
fiftw were basel\- seized anrl sent to I-'rance as !J•alle^•
si axes.
At the aj)j)ointed j)lace on the borders of the Seneca
country, Dennonville met the Indian warriors whom he
had summoned from the West. I le had now a force of
nearl\- three thousand men. The Senecas, hearing of
his movements, la)' concealed in a dense wood through
which he had to pass. Starting up from their ambush
as the French approached, they fought with despera-
tion ; but they had not counted on so numerous a foe
and soon ga\e uj) the contest. When Dennonxille
came to their \illages he found them deserted. He
burned their stores of Indian corn which he found in
their granaries, and cut down their growing crop. But
he thought it not prudent to pursue the savages, who
had fled to the forests. Mis \ictorv was not worth what
t !!!■;
■'!»"
'4^ .
:i|}:-: M
Mr \\
a ^^
>^4
lAXADA INDIU !• R( )N TKN AC.
it cost. A friendl)- Indian is said to ha\c told him be-
fore he set out that it was dangerous to disturb a wasp's
nest without killin^r the wasjjs.
143. Prospect of Peace. — B\' (h'sturbini; one wasp's
nest, Deimonville an<,fered the wasps of the whole coun-
try side. The Iroquois were all enra^jed o\er his treat-
ment of the Senecas and the\' threatened ven<^eance.
rhe\' made raids into Canada, and there was no safet}'
above Three Rivers, outside the forts. In this hostilit)'
they had the sympath)- of the governor of New York.
Dennonville was greatly alarmed and desired to pacif)'
the savages. He sent delegates into their countr)', bear-
ing presents and making overtures of peace. Among
the terms demanded by the Iroquois was the restoration
of the captives .sent to the French galleys. Dennonville
was forced to vield, and he wrote to the King, begging
him to send back the pri.soners. It was finally arranged
that the Iroquois should send delegates to Montreal to
conclude the peace.
143. The Rat Kills the Peace. — The Iroquois were
not willing to include in the treaty of peace the Indian
allies of the French around the Western Lakes. Among
the.se tribes was a remnant of the Hurons living
at Mackinaw near Lake Michigan. Their chief,
Kondiaronk, known among the Indians as " the Rat,"
held a high position in the councils of his people. He
was mighty in war as he was wise in counsel. Coming
down the lakes with a band of warriors to make a raid
against the Iroquois, he called at Fort I'^-ontenac. Here
he heard of the treat\' between the French and the
Iroquois. He saw that the treat)- meant destruction to
Till-. DOMINION OK (ANAKA.
8;
tlic llurons. for thc\- could no IciiLrcr count on tho
I'Vcnch to pi'(Jlcct them. " W'c .shall .sec," he said as he
left l-'oi't I'rontenac, bent on brcakinjT up the treat)-. In-
tercepting" the Iroquois delegates, he made them all
jji'isoners, tellini^ them that he was actini;" on Denn(;n-
\il!e's instructions. When the delegates told him that
the\- were on an errand of peace, he assumed an air of
indii^nation against the h'rench for making use of him
to carr\- (Uit their base purpo.scs. Detaining one of his
prisoners, as he asserted to sujipl\- the place of one of
his men killed b\- the Iroquois, he set the others free,
bidding them go home and tell the stor\- of I'rench fjer-
fidv. " I have killed the peace," said the " Rat," exult-
ingl\-. But his work was not \-ct complete. He re-
turned to the fort at Mackinaw and handed over
his ])risoner as a sp\- to the French officer in command,
who had not )'et heard of the treaty between the French
and the Iroquois. The captive asserted that he was a
peace delegate on his wa)' to Montreal, and appealed to
Kondiaronk to cor firm his stor\-. But the wiU' " Rat"
shook his head, s lid that story was pure iinention,
and that the fear of death had turned the fellow's brain.
The poor Iroquois was accordingly shot as an enem>-.
There was still another scene in the " Rat's " acting. In
the fort was an old Iroquois pri.soner. Kondiaronk set
him free and told him to go home and tell his peo|)le how
the French had treated their delegate. Dennon\ille sent
cxplanatifMis to the Iroquois. Months passed and all
was quiet ; but the savages were meanwhile nursing
their wrath for a da\' of vengeance.
I
1.1
i,
r
■:Si^-
144. Jfdssarri' of La Chisu\ i6Sg. — It was in the
month of August that the revengeful Iroquois let loose
^n
CANADA INlUk l-kONTI-N A(
llu'ir rasjc.
The fearful blow fell nii La Chine at tiie
w
est eiu! of Montreal Island, six nnles from the
eit\-
At the ini(lni<^ht hour, when deep slumber had hushed
the distjuietudes of life, twelve hundred sa\aj^es rent the
air with the \\<ir cry, and with torch and tomahawk bcr-
Lian their work of slaut:iitcr. I'he annals of the countr\-
ic
( III
no tale so sad. Manv of the inhaliitants were slain
1 the s|)ot ; others made cajjtne were resiMAed for tor-
lUK- worse than death. h'or o\er two montiis the
Irixiuois ravai^ed the oj)en countr\', killniL^', takiiiL; pn-
■ioners, and destroyin^L;' propcrt\' without opjxjsition.
The \<
rencli seem
to h;
i\"e l)een |)aral\"zed
w
itl
1 tear,
1 )rnnon\ille liad forces at liis command, whicli should
ha\ (.; been ai)le to dri\e the invaders from the countrv". In-
steackto the irrcat disgust of some of his officers, he stricth'
cniomeu <
I.
lefe
nsive measiu'es onl\'
B>
his orders
'ort
rontenac was blow n up w ith _L;"im powder and abandoned.
Oucbec, Tliree Rixers, and Montreal alone offered safety
to the fear stricken colonists. As winter approached the
itl
(]Uois witlKlrew of tUeu' own accoi
fth
rd.
o-.;-/-
"}
i) :G]
■^^'4
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■mi", DOMINION OK ( .\N.\i»A.
8:
ill!
CIlAl'll-.R IX.
r.oRDKK WARlAki; Hi. TW Kl.N FRI:N( II AND i'.Nc .I.ISI I.
145. l-'rofitoiac's l\ctiir)t, i6Sij. — Amid the Ljlooni
which (»\crsh.'ifl()\\c(l C'an.'uhi there shone a i'a\' orhojje.
I''ronteiiac was a^L^ain made governor. The colonists
hailed his arri\al w ith delight, and tlie members of tlu'
Council, once so .Ljlad to get rid of him, were read\' to
rccei\e him with ever)' mark (jf honor. Mis imperious
manner and irritable temper were forgotten.; his jjower
over the Irocjuois made him welcome. He at once set
about rej-)airing the ruined fortunes of the country. The
task w as a hard one. Seven \ears had passed since his
recall and he was now se\ent)' years of age. Successes
had made the Iroquois insolent, and the friendl)- Indian
tribes had lost confidence and respect. luen the Hunnis
of the West were seeking alliance with the enemies of
Canada. Frontenac first tried to make peace with the
Iroquois. He had brought back the survivors of Dennon-
ville's captives, of whom but thirteen remained alive.
These he sent home bearing pleasant memories of his
kindness. Hut the Irocjuois were not easil\- won.
146. Raids Agninst t/if Eng ish. — Xot without rea-
son, Frontenac believed that the Fnglish, not the Iro-
(juois, were the chief obstacle to the traiuiuillit>' of the
country. On the other side of the Atlantic, I'Jigland
and France were not on good terms at this time. James
1",
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HOKDKk WAkl'.VKi;.
II. of Knijjland liad recently been driven from the throne
by his an^ry subjects, and W'ilhani and Mar)' ruled in
his stead. 1 he Kini^ (jf I'rance supported the cause of
the dethroned monarch, and he instructed rVontenac to
make war upon the Ivnj^lish colonists in .America. .And
so the (iovernor sent three war parties atjainst his V.w^-
lish neighbors. It was not open war on the battle field
that he planned, but the sudden irruption, the stealthy
approach at midnight, and the indiscriminate slaughter
of men, women, and ciiildren. characteristic of Indian
warfare. In midwinter three bands of I'>ench and In-
dians, after man)' da)'s of toilsome marching through
forests, came stealthil)- by m'ght U|)on the unsuspecting
colonists of New \'ork. New Hampshire, and .Maine.
rhe\- burned the dwellings, killed and scalped the in-
habitants, or. what was worse, the)' dragged them into
captivity. Schenectad)', in New \'ork, Salmon I^'alls, in
New Hampshire, and the settlement at .Saco Ha\' were
among the places thus attacked. These measures,
though worth)' onlv' of savages, were carried out with
such \igor and success that the Canadian colonists were
animatefl with new hope.
147. Rr/niidfion. I'he I''nglish colonists of New
\'ork and New luigland were deepl)' indignant o\er
these massacres. ,A congress of delegates met at New
V'ork to consider what measures should be taken in the
circumstances. It was arranged that a land force raised
by the different colonies should proceed b) wa)' of
Alban\' and Lake ("hamplain against Montreal, and
that a naval force from New England should attack '
Ouebec. The colonies asked I'.ngland to help them
drive the h'rench from .America. .\t that time. howe\er
llll. DOMINION OK (ANA DA.
89
Kiiiu William was not \crv firniK- cstablislicd on [\\c
throne, ant! he nocflccl all his forces al home.
14.S. /*//f/>s fnkt\< Port Royal. - Meanwhile Massa-
chusetts undertook a little military exploit on her own
account. I'Vench cruisers, makint; their head (juarters at
Port ko\al, had for some months been pre\in^ on her
commerce. She determinefl to rid herself of this atinoy-
ance by sei/.in;^ their place of rendezvous. Seven or ei<.(iu
small vessels and about ei^ht hundrerl men, sailors and
militia, were soon in readiness for the expedition. The
command was <:i\en to Sir
Will
lam
Ph
ijjs, a colonist
of humble birth and little education, but possessed of
•;reat ambition and enerj;)-. I'.arly in Maj' IMiips ap-
peared before Port Ro\al and summoned Menneval,.the
<^o\ernor, to surrender. Mennexal saw that with his
small [ijarrison and dilapidated fort he had little chance
of resistin^f an attack. Mut b\- jjuttin^ on a bold air, he
adroitl)- concealed his weakness and thus j^ained better
terms from the enemy. I'hips aj^M'eed to send the <jjar-
rison to Quebec and to allow the inhabitants to hold
their propert)'. All the camion, militarx' stores, and
moncN' belon^injj^ to the Kinj; were to be given up to
the ICnj^lish. When Phips entered the fort and saw its
weak condition, he was anno\ed that he had granted
such favorable terms of surrender. lie was therefore
well pleased to find some excuse for breaking the agree-
ment. The French soldiers carried off some of the j)ro-
perty which by the treat)' had been given up to the
i-'.nglish. Thereupon Phips charged Menneval with
\i()lating his part of the bargain, sent him and his garri-
son prisoners to I^oston, and allowed his soldiers to
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MOkDKk WAKIAki:.
plutidcr the town. Ila\iii^ seized several other h'rench
settlements in Noxa Se(jtia, l'hii)s returned to Boston,
uilli his boot\-.
149. riiips I'liils to I'dki' Cj/zr/xr.- The nuirtial
spirit was now full)- aroused in Massaehusetts. lun-
boldened by the suecess at Port ko\al, the colon)- re-
solved to undertake sinj^le-handed the cai)ture of Oue-
bec. Preparations were made with due secrec)- in the
hope of taking the I'Vench by surprise. 'l*he force com-
prised thirt)'-two vessels, large and small, and about two
thousand men, including sailors. As a matter of course,
the command was given to the hero of Port Ro)'al.
Meanwhile a rumor of what was going on m Boston
reached (.)uebcc and caused the wildest .darm. I''ron-
tenac was at Montreal. lie came with all haste to the
capital and w ith characteristic energx' set the tow n in
order for defence. I'^or the most part, nature had forti-
lied the place on the south and east b)' the high cliffs
along the .St. Lawrence and its tributar) the S« Charles.
Barricades of timber were placed at three weak j)oinls
in this natural wall. The rear of the tow n was protected
b) palisades, a ditch, and an embankment.
Phi|)s was too long in getting read), and after he set
sail the wijids were unfa\'orable. It was in the month
of October that the fleet pas.sed Orleans and came in
sight of (,)uebec. .An officer with a flag of truce was at
(
»nce
sent ashore from the adnnral'
lip to demand a
surrender. iilindfolded, he was led through the tity t()
the palace of the (iovernor. .Admitted into Frontenac's
presence, he handed him a letter from Phips, and, tak-
inir out his watch, lie demanded in the name of Kiii''
Tin: DOMINION OF CANAhA.
91
William the surrender (tllhe town in one hour. I^'illed
with raL(e, the hauj^hty ("'» int replied : " I will not keep
you waiting so lonjj^. 1 ell \-our general that 1 acknow-
ledj^e no Kin_L; of iMi^land but Kini^ James. The Prince
of OrauL^e who calls Iiimself Kini; is a usurper of a
throne which lx:lon^s to his father-in-law." When asked
b}' the me;, eni^er if lie would send IMiips a written
.mswer, {"'rontenac re] lied, — "No, I will answer
him by the mouth of my cannon." I'hips then opened
fire on the town, but with little effect. He landed tllir-
teen hundred men on tlio Heaujjort sh<.re below the
mouth of the St. Charles, with the view of crossinj^ this
stream and attacking the town in the rear. Hut the op-
])osini; force was Icm) stn.ng and this hope failed also.
The men hastil\- re-emijarkefl, lea\ ing five of their can-
non in the mud on the Heauport shore. Phips called
a council of war, in which it was decided to abanflon the
s'"ge. Matters had been ba<lh- managed. It is said
liiat if Phips ha<l arrived a week earlier or remained a
week later he might have taken Quebec. In the first
case he would ha\e found the I'rench unj)repared for
<lefence ; in the other he would have starved them into
surrender, for there was little food in the town. Decph-
chagrined Phips sailed away to Hoston, bearing the
first tidings of his defeat. I'here was now great rejoic-
ing in (Juebec. In nwMUory of the deliverance of the
city, the King of I^^rance had a medal struck with the
inscription I'nvicia in Xovo Orhi' Mctrix Kehec Libcrata,
A. /;., MDCXC.
150. The E.\fciiitiou Ai^aiust J/c/z/z/vr/. -Meanwiiile
the force which was to proceed against Montreal had
ilu
92
Hoi I > Ik WARI AUK.
been mustered at /*iDan\ under Wititlirop. It was not
a stronjjf force at first, and it was weakened b) lack of
proxisions, by the ravages of sinailpox, and b\ want of
harmonv. W'inthrop marched as far as Lake Champlain.
when becoming (Uscoura^ed he i^^ave up the undertaking;
and returned to Albany. A small detachment of his
men, however, proceeding down the Lake and the Riche-
lieu. made an attack, in true Indian fashion, on the settle-
ment of La Prairie, killing; and takinj^ pri«;oners both
men and women, burninj^ houses, and de.stro)in;4 proper-
i\- of all kinds.
151. Ai(ti/ii\ — Acadie. which comprised Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, and the eastern portion of Maine, was
the scene of much of the i)ett\' warfare between the
1^'rench and the Lni^lish. When IMiips capturerl Port
RoN'al, he left no L;arrison in the fort to hold the country,
and the inhabitants soon came to regard them.selves as
I'lench subjects aj^ain. A Canadian named X'illebon
was appointed governor of the countr\-. Amonij the im-
jjortant I'Vench settlements in Acadie at this time, be-
sides port Ro)al, were Peaubassin on the head waters of
the Hay of P\md\', Cirand Preand Minas.on Minas Basin,
and La lleve and Can.so on the .Atlantic C'<iast. Think-
ing Port Ro\altoo much ex|)osed to attack from l^nglish
iruisers, Villebon made hisheack]uarterson tlie Nashwaak.
a tributar}' of the St. John. Here, in his forest retreat, he
gathered around him bands of Indians whom he en-
iouraged in acts of outrage against the I'.nglish. Bap-
tiste. a IK
)ted
sea rover, who
pre)
e(
on
th
e commerce o
f
New Kngland, also found refuge for himself and sale for
his plunder in Villebon's fort. As a jjrotection against
the l^'rench and Indians, Massachusetts had built a stone
I hi: dominion oi- ( an a da.
93
tort at PciiiacjuicI, called I'Ort William Henrv. After a
short siej^e. the I'leiich, under a somewhat famous p'rench
Canadian, named Iberviile, took this fort and levelled its
walls to the "ground. Iberville then sailed to Newfound-
land, which was claimed b\- the I'rench. Here he made
an eas\- concjuest of St. John's and laid it in ashes, lie
then proceeded al'inj.^ the coast, amon^ the lMi{j[lish fish-
inj^ .settlements, pillaj^in^ and burning as he went. Iber-
ville now set .sail for Hud.son Hay, where he took I'ort
Nelson, the most important centre of the Mnj^lish fur
("ompan\- of that northern territory.
152. Haiiiiali Diistiin. The Indians of Acadie were
not so cruel as the Irotjuois ; but )et they j.(ave man\'
proofs that the\' were true savaj^e.s. One example will
show their method of falling U|)on unprotected settlers.
In the spring following the capture of the fort at Pema-
c|uid, they came suddenl)- in early morning upon the
\illage of lla\erhill, Massachu.setts, attacking the farm-
houses on the outskirts. The men were absent at work
in the neighboring fields. The only occupants of one of
the hou.ses were Mrs. Dustan, her infant child, aiul the
nurse. The savages set fire to the dwelling, killed the
infant, and carried off the two women into the forests
a hundred miles or more from their home. I*'rom time
to time the\- added to the terror of their captives b\
de.scribing to them the tortures which the)' had in reserve
for them. The W(
they
success
fully
)men decided on bold measures which
arried out. In the middle of the niirht
they and a boy, who was a fellow captive, took each a
hatchet and killed their captors to the number of ten,
two only, an Indian woman and a boy escaping. Mrs.
94
!{()i<i)i:i; WAKiAKi:
Dust.iii and her coinixiiiiotis tlvjii mile llicir \v.i\' back-
to Haverhill.
153. /^tfi'tTj^rs of Hcu C/iHir/i. -On their part the
I'.nLilish colonists of Massachusetts sought reprisals and
retaliation in e\er\' j)ossihle \va\'. A fittiiij^^ instrument
lor this work of re\eni;e was found in sturd\ old Hen
Church, who had matn* \ ears before trained renown in
the wars against the Indians. W ith a lleet of whale
boats, well manned bv hard\' New {•"ji"land fishermen.
Church sallied forth like an ani^el of destruction. laNint;
waste e\er\' Acadian settlement from Passamafjuodd)'
Hav to Cumberland Basin.
154. I'rt'dfy of RysiL'iik, i(n)j. — Hut there came a
short breath in j4 spell in this foolish and destructive war-
fare between the lui^lish and I'lench colonists. I^i'j^land
and Krance. after eiijht years of fi^htini; w ith each other,
arranged terms of peace b\ the Freat)' of R\ sw ick. and
they also directed their colonies in America to stop
fightin<;. It was agreed that all places taken by either
nation during the w ar should be restored to the original
owner. There was great jo\' in C)uelx:c when the news
was received, and on the following Siinda\' the I c Druiii
was sung in the Cathedral in the presence of all the dig-
nitaries of the land. There followed in the evening a
formal dinner, at which were delegates from Xew York,
and toasts were drunk in honot «)f the sovereigns of the
fatherlands.
155 Death of Fiontcuac. — Frontenac's last conflict
soon followed. He died,in the scventv-eighth vear of his
age, in the autumn after the peace was concluded. He
rm; i»omim()\ nv ( wada.
95
had been a man of war. I'lic I''ii^lish aiul the lr()i|ii(ii>
nil his borders <^ave him little resjiite ; the Ititeiulaiit
aiui the C'ler^A- within his domiiiion had contributed
their full share to the strife whicii fell to his lot. He
was self-willed and irascible ; but his strong hand had
upheld Canada during a period of weakness and peril.
He left m;m\- arrlent admirers and some bitter foes. His
wife, who was a l.idy of the Kind's court, ne\er came to
Canada. In his will he directed that his heart should be
sent to her for burial in I^' ranee. '
156. Treaty with the Indians, ijoi, — I'Vontenac had
I; lored to make peace with the Indians on the borders
of Canada, a task in which he would ha\e been more
successful but for the ri\alr\' of the h'.nj^dish. His polic\-
towards them secured their respect anfl d-id nuich to
bre.ik dnan the enmit\' wincii his predecessors harl
aroused. De C.dlieres, who succeeded him as <jro\ernor,
wished to finish the work thus be^am. lie invited all
the Indian tribes, far and near, to meet him in a j^rand
c»)uncil at MoJitreal. lie wanted the tribes to make
peace with each other as well as w ith the i^'rench, and he
ur^etl them to brini.^ with them all their captives for
restoration to their own people. The\- came at his call.
-de
pu
:ies from the I*'ive Nations, from the tribes of tin
North, and from those of the far West. I'leets of canoes,
bearing chiefs and captives, came o\er the lakes and
d«>wn the St. Lawrence to Montreal.
Twelve hundred
Indian warriors in their paint, their furs, and their
feathers, came to the ^reat council. i'he (iovernor and
his Council were present, and a lar^e assendjiy of the
leading colonists. L«>n^ speeches were made b)- In-
dian «)rators ; presents were i^ixen ; the pipe of peace
^
|'.okf»i:k w \rk.\ki:.
was Mnokcfl, the (ioMTiior takiii|4 the lead; and then
folhnvcfl feastiiiif and hilaritw I he council lasted se\-
eral (ia\s. Old Kondiaronk. the "Rat." was present ; but
ill the middle of his speech he t<x^k illand he died before
the council closed. The treats' was dulv sisjned. the
chiefs makinjj^ the sNinbols of their respecti\e tribi^s. a
spider, a calumet, a forked stick, a bear, a beaver, or
somethiiiLT else.
\s-\
;h- (
tin: noMIMoN Ol CANADA.
97
c'liArrKR X.
<)rKKN ANM. S WAU.
157. ffoit.' tlu War I>t\i:^<tn, / 70.?.— Peace between
(ireat Britain aiul IVaiuo was soon broken. Louis X I \'.
had all alnnij taken sides with James 11. whom the
I'n^lish i^enple had flrixcn from the throne, atid now, on
the death of lames. I.oiiis recojjnized his son as the
rij^htful Kinj; of Kngland. The I'.n^lish were indignant
that a foreii^n power should interfere w ith their freedom
in cho'isinii a Kinsj. This action of the French Kiny,
with some other causes which need not be spoken of
here, led to a new war between the two nations which
lasted about ten \ears. It does not seem that the
colonies in America should ha\e quarrelled oti account
of the renewal of hostilities on the other side of the At-
lantic. Hut the old feelinj4 ot rivalry, which had scarce-
1\ been allowed to slumber, was easily aroused. ( )ueen
•Anne was the sovereii^n of iMigland at this time, and
the war. which was carried on throughout the greater
part of her reign, was know n in America as " Queen
.Anne's War." The war on this side of the Atlantic
consisted chiefl\ of raids made b\' small parties on bor-
der settlements and privateering on the coasts of New
I'.ngland and Acadie. I' or some time the InKjuois re-
mained neutral, taking side with neither luiglish nor
I'Vench,
9.S
«»r I.I.N .\\\i;> WAK
':•'} A
>)'
I 3S. Dci'ifuld. riu" kind of \\arfarc practised (lun'ii;^
tin's conflict was most harhamus and was uhollx un-
worthy of ci\ili/ed nations. One or two examples will
show its character. In midwinter a jjart)- vjftwo hun-
dred and fift\' or three hundred I'rench and Indians
came siidflenl\- In' Jii^hl u|)on the \illa14e of Deerfield in
The carnage went on until about fit't)'
M;
issachusetts.
pjr.sons were killed, owr one hundred were taken pris-
oners, and a lar<j;e part of the village was laid in ashes.
Man\- of the prisoners were afterwards ransomerl by their
friends, some were i^ot back in e.\chan<;e for French pris-
oners held by the Knj^lish, and others were ne\er re-
covered. Among the captured were a clerc(\tnan and
his f.unil)'. named \\ illiams. The husband and liis wife'
wiMc soon separated by their Indian caj)tors. Mrs.
W illiams was not able for the long tramp through the
deep snow. |-"altering b\- the wa\', she was struck dowti
b\- a blow f)f an Indian tomahawk, and her lifeless bod\'
was left where it fell. Williams and his children were
also separated. He was held a prisoner in Canada for
about two years, when he was gi\en up to the I'.nglish
in exchange for the noted sea rover Captain Haptiste.
I'hirt) -five jears after the capture, one of Williams's
daughters, now the wife of an Indian chief, \isited her
relatives at Deerfield. No entreat)', liowe\er, could in-
duce her to remain w ith them, but after a few days she
returned to her wigwam and the wild life which she had
af
loptcd.
159. Rct(ilintio)t.--\X. wasnoteas)- for Massachusetts
to punish the real offenders. Between her borders and
the Canadian settlements la\' vast f )rests occupied by
the Indian allies of Canada. She
made reiirisa
low-
'in I, lioMIMoN (>l (A NAM A.
99
ever. a<;ai!ist the colon) of Acadic down In tlu* sea.
uliicli she toiild reach ir.( le casilx and with less chni^iT.
Ik-n C hurch. the famous fi^iUer of" Indians, thoiij^h now
>iNl\-fi\e \ ears of aw, was still full of fire an<l fur\'.
With a force of over sc\en hundred militia and Indians,
he |)n»cee(led alon^ tlu- sliores of Acadie. a\eni;inj; in
what measi -.f lu was able the cruelties of I )eerfield on
the ui.offendinj^^ inhahiL.nts of I*assaina(|U(»ddy. Minas.
and Beauha'-in. lie hurncd tlu'ir dwellings and barns,
broke down their dikts and let the tide in uj)on their
j;r()winj^ crops, killed their cattle and made piisoners of
such inhabitants as failed lo escape to tlie woods.
160. Privatccri}!}:;. The fishermen of M' sachusetts
in vast numbers invaded the coast watei of Acadie.
Not content with a share of the rich harvesfwhich these
waters yielded then as now, the)- made such havoc with
their privateers amon^^ the Acadian fishermen that the)
nearl)' drove them from their own tjrounds. Hut this
was a business that both sides could take a hand in.
I'Vench prixateers, too, were ^enerall)' hoverinj^ around
the coast on the lookout for merchant \cssels of Mas.sa-
chusetts, pursuing them sometimes even into Hcjston
liarbor. Amid all this strife, however, there were times
when trade was brisk between Hoston and I'ort Royal.
It was found that an e.xchanire of English ^o<jds for
Acadian furs was advantageous to both colonies.
161. Loss and (t(U)i. — With a countr)- of countless
resources the colonists of Canada yet looked to the
mother country for food, clothing, and man\- necessaries
(jf life which the)' could easil)- ha\ e j)rovided for them
selves. For this state (»f matters, the blame was not
lOO
QUKKN ANNK'S WAR.
fill
• M
tfiii
i'? ':■ •
1^:1
aaul
theirs. In order to provide a market for home products
the Government of France would not allow the colf)nists
to carry on manufactures, even forbidding them to make
cloths of the coarsest kinr' It happened while the
war was jjfoinij^ on that a fleet >( merchant \essels, carry-
in*^ supplies to Canada, was captured by the liritish,
i'his left the colonists w ithout clothinjj and many otiier
necessary thin^rs. It was then seen that Canada should
make these goods for herself Accordingly some of the
unw ise restrictions were removed b\' the I^Vench (io\ern-
ment, and the colonists began the manufacture of cloth
and many other needful things. 1 he\' also gave more
attention to agriculture and were able to e.xport grain to
other countries.
163. Man/i's Expedition, /7>V. — French |)ri\ateers
caused great loss to the merchants of Boston. The\-
made their headquarters at Fort Royal, dashing out as
occasion offered to seize Knglish trading vessels. Mas-
.sachusctts determined to rid herself of these olunderers
by taking from them their place of refuge. .Aided by
the other New JMigland colonies she sent a fleet with
about a thousand men under Colonel March, for the
capture of Fort Royal. fhe fort in the old Acadian
capital was in weak condition and its garrison was small.
The force .sent against it .should have been able to take
it with ease. Indeed the people of Boston were so sure of
\ictory that they made preparation for a great celebra-
tion. But the fort was under the command of an able
and experienced officer, Subercase, the last I^Vench (iov-
ernor of Acadie. On the other hand, the Knglish officers
were very incompetent, and the men were not well
disciplined. The expedition failed wholly, and March,
Tin: DOMINION OF CANADA.
lOl
ashamed to return to Boston, sailed into Casco l^ay. The
(iovernor of Massachusetts ordered hiin to renew the
attack, but fech'n^ unequal to the task, he gave up
his command. The fleet was sent back under another
officer, but with no better success.
163. A J'dilsr Alarm. — Startling news reached Que-
bec in the autumn of 1709. It was rumored that the
iMiglish were planning the conquest of Canada. An
army of fifteen hundred men under Colonel Nicholson,
the Lieutenant-Ciovernor of New York, was reported to
be nea. Lake Champlain, ready to advance against
Montreal, and a naval force was to proceed from Boston
against Quebec as soon as expected help should arrive
from England. Rumors of these warlike measures
ca ised Lrreat alarm at Quebec. At the command of the
(iovernor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, the men in the
neighboring settlements came to lelp in defence of the
city, while their women, children, and cattle were sent to
a safe hiding place in the forest. It was needless alarm.
I'jigland required all her forces for the war in Kurope
and so failed to send the aid she had pn^nised. As the
colonies did not feel able to go on alone, they abandoned
the undertaking for the present.
164. Capture of Port Royal, ly/o. — The Xew iMig-
land colonists were thoroughly in e; rnest in the matter
of C(jnquering their P^'ench neighbors. The)' resolved
on another effort to take Port Royal. With all their
jjopulation and resources they should not have thought
this a ver)' .serious undertaking. And yet they went
again to Queen Amie for help. .\t the .->ame time,
partly for effect on the peojjle of Great Britain and
partly to impress the Five Nations with a due sen.se of
I03
(Hi'.r.N anm: s \v.\i<.
?^*
K\
her greatness, five Mohawk chiefs were sent o\er to
lui^laiul. The chiefs were gi\eii a Ljraiul reception.
The)' were clad in fine attire and ])resented to the
Oucen. They were lodged and feasted, driven about
London in coaches, antl waited on b)- h'veried servants,—
all at the public exjjense. The fnial outcome was a
plan for the capture of Port Ro\al and jjromise of the
lielp asked for. The Queen to(jk <.jreat interest in the
enterprise and <^a\e monc\' from her j^rivate purse for
the fitting out of four New iMigland regiments. Xichol-
s(jn was appointed commander-in-chief of tlie expedi-
tion, and C'ol(<nel Vetch, who had for some time taken
an active part in colonial affairs, was second in com-
mand.
It was midsummer when the Knglish s»n'ps for the at-
tack on Port Royal arrived in Boston, and it was the
middle of September w hen the equipments were com-
pleteci. The force, comprising about two thousand men
besides the sailors, was larger than the occasion re-
quired. The fort at Port Ro)al was greatly out o^ re-
pair, the garrison consisted of only about three hundred
and fifty men, and the stock of provisif>ns was low.
Subercase, the (iovernor of Port Royal, made a fair
show of resistance, but he was humane as well as courage-
ous. Karly in the siege he sent a messenger w ith a let-
ter to Nicholson, asking him to take under his protec-
tion some French ladies of the fort, who were alarmed
b) the bursting of shells thrown b)- the l''nglish.
Nicholson .sent a courteous repl\-, stating that his
sovereign had not sent him to make war against women,
and offering to provide comfortable c|uarters for the
ladies whom Suberca.se might plac<^ under his care.
mm
Tin: DOMINION Ol" CANADA.
lO
Subcrcasc soon saw that resistance uoiilrl be una\<iil-
id h
ci t
uij;" and he propo ed to surrender on honoraoie condi-
ndc
ibl(
tion;
The terms of surrender were soon arranu"ed. '1 \\(
!-.*
}->•
lines of I'ji^lish soldiers were placed before the <;"ate of
the fort, and the i^Vench marched out between the ranks,
with shouldered arms, drums beatinLj. and colors fl\in<
saluting the MnL;lish commander as the\ passed. .An
l'"nj;]ish garrison took jjo^-session of the fort, and Colonel
\'etch. who had been ai)i)ointed (io\ernor of \o\a .Sco-
tia, assumed command. I'luis Port Royal, and with it
No\a Scotia, passed finally into the hands of the Eng-
lish, its name being changed to .Annapolis Royal in
honor of its new soxerei^n.
V\
le highest courtes\- was
observed b\- both JMiglish and I'^-ench commanders.
Nicholson attenderl carefulK' to the comfort of those
whom he had con(|uered. and .Suberca.se cofnjilimented
the I^ngiish commander on his bra\er\- and kindness.
It was proxided that the l-'rench officers and soldiers
should be sent to l^'rance in I^ritish trans|)orts. The
Acadians li\ inir within three nn'Ies of the fort were al-
n.
lowed, on taking" the oath of allegiance to (ireat l^ritai
to remain two \-ears on their lands ; those lixiuLr outside
tiiis limit were declared prisoners of war. .All, however,
were left in undisturbed possession of their property and
in the full enjo)-ment of the freedom and the privileges
which had been accorded to them under I'^rench rule.
1 6;. Cntuuia rinrateucd Airaiu. — In th(
summer
following the capture of Port Royal, the war cloud again
appeared above the horizon of Canada. Through the
influence of the colonies (ireat Mritain resoKed on the
conquest of the whole countrx, and made preparations
which .seemed fully ecjual to the object in view. .A
m.
104
OUKKN ANNKS WAR.
British fleet under Sir Hovenden Walker and a land
force of seven veteran British regiments under General
Hill arrived in Boston, where the force was increased by
the addition of fifteen hundred colonists under the com-
mand of Colonel Vetch, the Governor of Nova Scotia.
Thus there set out for Quebec nine war ships and about
sixt) transports, carryiny, about twelve thousand men,
includinj^ sailors. At the same time a land force of
about two thousand men, colonists and Indians, under
Colonel Nicholson, was proceedinj^ against Montreal b)'
way of Lake Champlain. V'audreuil,the (iovernor of Can-
ada, was informed of the movements of the Knglish and
he made what preparation he was able to receive them.
The expedition looked formidable and might well excite
alarm. In number it was equal to nearl)- one-half the
entire population of Canada. It had, however, an ele-
ment of weakness which brought dire disaster on its
promoters. Stat(5 aff^iirs in luigland were at this time
seriously mismanaged. The s(jvereign then had much
more control over public matters than at the present
time, and Queen Anne, who was rather weak-minded,
was much influenced by favorites ofherownsex. Hence
it came about that men were appointed to- important
positions because they were the friends of the Queen's
favorites, rather than on account o( their fitness for of-
fice. vValker and Hill were wholly incompetent for the
idmmand entrusted to them.
The fleet having no pilot to guide it up the St. Law-
rence ran out of its course in a dense fog, and .several
of the transports were wrecked on the reefs of the Kgg
Islands. Nearly a thousand men, soldiers and sailors,
were drowned. Hill and Walker were completel)' un-
lO:
Till. hoMIMoN OF ( ANADA.
nerved by the disaster and could see nothing but des-
truction in any further attempt i ) reach. Quebec. A
council of war was called, and thou<j;h no war ship .lad
been lost and the number of men left exceeded the
whole population of Ouebec, it was decided to abandon
the enterprise. Thus inijloriouslx- ended this attempt to
coiujuer Canada.
166. riic J'lrntv of I'ticclit, 17/^. — The lo
nt
war
between (ireat Britain and I^'rance was broui^ht to a
close by a treaty si<j^ned at L'trccht. a small town in
Holland. I'he treaty pro\ ided that Nova Scotia, .New-
foundland, and Hudson liav TerritorN' should belontr to
(ireat Britain. I'Vance still retained i)o.s.session of Can-
ada. Cape Breton, then called Isle Royal, and .St. John's
Island. Louis W\ . tj^ave up Nov^ Scotia very unwillinLj-
Iv. Flc offered in exchanire for it two or three islands i
n
the West Indies, and in addition he e\en proposed to
ijfi\e up the fishing privileges in Newloundlanfl waters,
which Frenchmen had enjo\ed for two hundred years.
Hut Great Britain was determined to keejj Nova .Scotia.
\ 1
\.i i
1
(
I ■ ..1-
CHAPTKR XI.
rilK STKUCdLK CONTINrKI).
167. Peace and Progress.— Xh^ix the Treaty of
Utrecht for over thirt}' years Canada had peace. I^vcii
the Iroquois, who since the time of Champlain had been
the scourge of the countr\-, now gave httle trouble.
Vaudreuil was Governor of the coIoun* until his death in
1725, when he was succeeded by the Marquis de
Beauharnois who held the ofiFice for over twcnt)- years.
During this period the countrx- made much progress in
many ways. Agriculture, trade, shipbuilding, and do-
mestic manufactures advanced greatl)'. Attention was
also given to the construction of public roads, .so that in
1734 wheeled vehicles passed from Quebec to Montreal.
Among the important industries established should also
be mentioned the Iron Works at Three Rivers. On the
other hand, there were lacking soma things w hich at the
])resent day are thought necessar\' to the well-being of a
country. Education of the common people was neglect-
ed ; there was no printing press in all the land ; and
the people had no voice in the government. The
seigniorage s)stem of holding land was also unfavorable
to the highest progress.
During this period the population of Canada increa.sed
to forty or fifty thou.sand. The chief .settlements were
TIIK STKr(.«;i.K roNTIM'Kl).
107
on the banks of the St. Law reiice, here and there alonj;
the river from below Quebec to Montreal. The prin-
cipal places in the West were Forts Frontenac, Niaj^ara,
IJetroit, and Mackinaw. Ambitious of extending their
power over the w hole continent, the French were at this
time forming a colony in the vast country then called
Louisiana, in the Mississippi Vclley. Adventurers were
also explorinj^ the country between the Mi.ssi.ssippi and
the Rock)- Mountains w ith the hope of finding an over-
land route to the Pacific Ocean. Among the more noted
explorers were the V'erendryes, father and sons, whcj
made their \va\- north of the watershed which di\ ides
the great central plain of North America, proceding as
far as the Forks of the Saskatchewan and establishing
trading posts in the territory now included i.n Manitoba
and the North-West.
1 68. Rivahy Beti^'ccH the hroich and Hni^lisli.—W-
though there was at this time no open war between the
French and Fnglish colonics, the)' did not regard each
(jther with very friendh- feelitig. There was still keen
rivalry between them in the fur trade. The Fnglish of
New York establi.shed a trading house and fort at
Oswego on Lake Ontario. The French erected forts at
Ticonderoga and Crown Point on Lake Champlain. to
protect themselves from inxasion by the Fnglish along
that route. Meanwhile also the Indian allies of the
French on the south, known as the Abenaquis, continued
their attacks on the outljing .settlements of New luig-
land. ■ ' '
169. Louisburi^ Founded. — French Canada was an
inland countr)-, and the St. Law rence, its grand highwa)-
i"-
I08
TIM". I)0.\[[M<)\ or (•A\.\I).\.
\\r'!i
lil^ fil
to the (iccan, was ' tlockcfl with ice several months in tlie
year. On tliis account, esj^ecially. the Kin^ of I'Vance
had desired to regain possession of Nova Scotia, and,
faihni^ in this, he now set hi<,di value on Cape Breton or
Isle Ro\al, as it was then called. I-'n^lish Harbor, on
the south-east coast of the Island, waschosen for a na\al
station, and the name of the place was chanj^ed to
Louisburj^ in honor of the "i<^nin^ sovereign. To this
jjlace came man\ (jf the I'rench coloin'sl.s i>f Newfound-
land, as that island had now fallen to the l'"nglish. Some
of the Acadians, also, remo\efl from Nova Scotia to
Louisburg ; but most of them did not care to leave their
fertile marshes and b)- hard toil make for themselves a
new home among the forests of Cape Breton. Louis-
burg was built on a tongue of land between the harbor
on the east and Gabarus I^ay on the west. The French
Government spent over $7,000,000 on its fortifications,
.so that in the course of a few years it became, next to
Quebec, the most .strongly fortified town in America. It
was protected on the land side by stone walls thirty feet
high, on the top of which w ere paraj3ets or towers. Out-
side the wall was a deep moat or ditch eighty feet wide.
Seaward the town was guarded bv a fortified rockv islet
called Batterj-j^sland. So strongl\- fortified was Louis-
burg, built to guard the approaches to Canada, that it
was called the Dunkirk of America. It was the chief
American naval .station of France and the head quar-
ters of her fishermen that thronired American coast.s.
170. Xoz'/i Scotia. — Meanwhile affairs in Nova
Scotia were not in a very .satisfactory state. Great
Britain claimed it as hers and yet she did little to pro-
mote its welfare or to show that she thought it of any
Till". STKrcCI.K CONTINrKI).
109
\aluc. With the exception of the small fishin<; settle-
ment at Canso and a few families at Annapolis, there
were no l^n<jlish people in the countr\-, and for some
>ears there seemed little indication that anv were in-
tendin<j to make it their home. The garrison at Anna-
polis was ver\' sinall, the fort was much broken down,
and supplies were scant)-, (iovernor \'etch asked aid
from Great Hritain, but his application received little
attention. Such nci^lect of the couiitr) on the part of
its new owners led the P'rench to believe that Acadie
would soon be restored to her former .sovereign.
171. J'/ic Acadians.—GvQ?ii Hritain was dispcsed to
treat the Acadians in a liberal manner. According to
the terms agreed on when Nova Scotia was ceded to her,
the Acadians could have been expelled from the coun-
try, but Queen Anne ga\ e orders that the)- should be
treated in all respects as British subjects. If they had
been left alone, there would have been little trouble. At
first those in the neighborhood of Annapolis .seemed
disposed to submit cheerfully to the new order of things.
Soon, however, the French authorities at Quebec and
Louisburg .sent agents among them to dissuade them
from becoming British subjects. A few of the Acadians
then removed to Cape Breton and some went to Prince
Kdward Island, which under the name of .St. John's Is-
land, still belonged to France. But as they were unable
to sell their lands and they had no means for moving
their personal property, most of them still remained in
the country. Thus while the Acadians continued to
occupy their lands in Nova Scotia, they refused to be-
come British subjects. They .said that in ca.se of war
between France and Great Britain, they would join
m
I lO
Tin; DOMINION Ol" ( ANADA.
|i:f
neither side. the\- would be neutrals. Man\- f)f them
no doubt honesti)- and faithful!)- kept tlieir pledj^e of
neutrality ; but their refusal to take the oath of
allci^iance caused them to be regarded with suspicion.
Moreover the Indians in Nova Scotia, who were still
openU' hostile, were belie\ ed to be under the influence of
the French and to receive encourajjement from them in
their attacks on the i'Ln^lish.
172. Acadinti Stttliments.- — The Acadians showed
much judgment in choosinc^ their lands in -Nova Scotia-
Their chief settlements were in the mo.st fertile parts of
the countr}', along the Annapolis Valley, at Canard.
Minas, Grand Pre, Pi/.iquid (Windsor), C'obcquid (Truro;,
and Beauba.ssin at the head of Cumberland Rasin. In
these districts the}- cultivated the rich marshes which
the)- had by strong dikes reclaimed from the sea. Their
wealth consisted in cattle, horses, sheep, and swine.
173. (iovenimcut. — For nearl)' half a centur)- after
Nova Scotia came under British rule, the Government
of the country was vested in a Governor and a Council
of twelve members appointed by the Governor. As
already stated Colonel Vetch was the first Knglish
Governor. He was succeeded by Colonel Nicholson.
In 1 7 17 Colonel Phillips became Governor. He held
the office for thirt)-two years, though during the greater
part of this time he resided in Kngland, the duties of his
office being discharged by a Lieutenant-Governor. The
most noted of the Lieutenant-Governors was Paul
Mascarene, a French Protestant whose family had been
driven from France by- religious persecution. ' .km-
TIIK STKICLM: (ONTIMKl).
I I I
174. ll'<rr Ai^difi. — The question as to who should
rule o\er Austria now brought on another war between
lireat Britain and France. The colonies in America
probably cared ver>- little about this matter ; but the
old feeling of hatred had onlv been slumbering: and
needed but slight cause to awaken it to new life.
DutiuesncKthe (iovernor of Louisburg, heard of the war in
luirope before the news reached his Knglish neigh bors^
and he resolved to take them by surprise. He at once
sent a force under Uu\ i\ ier against the fishing settle-
ment of Canso, at the east of Xo\a Scotia. Having cap-
tured the block-house and burned all the dwellings at
this place Duvivier sent the garrison to Louisburg. He
then sailed to Hay Verte and marched overland to An-
nap )lis, taking this route probably fo; th'2 purpo.i^ of
ijaining recruits from the Acadians. Thd .\cadians
however, were faithful to their pledge of neutrality and
gave Duvivier little assistance. At Annapolis Duvivier
was joined b\- about three hundred Indians whf) had for
some time been hoxering about the place. As the fort
was weak and the garrison small, Mascarene, who wa.s in
command, could not have withstood a \igorous siege.
Hut Duvivier had no artillery, and his mode of warfare
consisted of skirmishing and night attacks on the garri-
son. Failing to make any impression on the fort, he
had recourse to stratagem. He informed Mascarene
that he was expecting strong r.^-cnforcement from Louis-
burg. and that surrender before the arrixal of this forct.
would .secure more favorable terms. The officers of the
garrison were disjjosed to )'ield, but Mascarene remained
firm, determined to hold his ground until compelled to
submit to superior force. Finally Duvivier with<lrew
and marched back to Minas.
1 12
THK DOMINION Ol CANADA.
y ':
175. Oi/'/fnr 0/ /.o/tis/ff/fi!^, //'^j.—As a phxcc of re-
fuse to privateers, Louisburg had become a source of
much annoyance and damage to New I^nj^land. It was
tb'is rej^arded with no very friendly feeling by the Kng-
lish colonics. The recent attack upon Nova Scotia
caused <^reai irritation, especial !>• in Massachussets.
Shirley, the (iovernor of this colony, convened the Le<,Ms-
lature. and havinj^ bound the members to secrec)' by a
solemn oath, proposed a scheine for the capture of Louis-
burg. It is said that one <jf the members, at his private
devotions, praying for guidance in giving his vote on
the question, spoke so loud that he was overheard in an
adjoining room. Hither in this way or by .some other
means the scheme was soon inade public. After much
hesitation it was decided to enter upon the bold under-
taking. The other colonies were invited to join in the
expedition. Four thousand volunteers, untaught in the
art of war, but full of enterprise and daring, were enrolled
in the different colonies, Massachusetts taking the lead.
The command was given to William Pepperell, a colonel
in the militia.
Pi'U
m il 'i
Karly in April the fleet arrived at Can.so. Gabarus
Bay was full of ice, and Pepperell had to wait three
weeks before he could approach Louisburg. In the
the meantime his force was strengthened by Commodore
Warren of the Briti.sh navy, who arrived with a small
fleet from the West Indies. The siege was carried on
with much vigor from both .sea and land, while the de-
fence was maintained with equal spirit. Meanwhile a
war-ship from France, bringing recruits and supplies, was
captured by the Knglish. At the end of .seven weeks
Duchambon, the Governor of Louisburg, hung out the
TIIK STRUCK iLK COXTIN LKI).
•'3
white fla^. Next flay terms were aj^reed on. The
French garrison marched out with colors flying, antl
l'ep|jerell to(jk possession of the fort. The I'Vench
soldiers and such of the citizens as desired it, about four
thousand in all, were sent to France in British ships.
For several days the I^'rench fla^ was kept fl>in<j at
Louisbur^ for the purpose of decoying I*>cnch merchant
ships. Three ships of j^reat value, thus deceived, sailed
into the harbor and were captured by th*' Kn^lish.
The news of the fall of Louisbur*^ caused ^reat
rejoicing in Boston and in London. Colf)nel Bepperell
was rewarded with the honorof Knij(hthood and Warren
was raised to the rank of Admiral. But all did not j^o
well with the captors of Louisburg. The men of New
luigland had conquered the French ; but there remained
a foe before which many of them fell. AmcJng the sup-
plies which came into their hands was a quantity of
rum. Kvery day scores of drunken men staggered
through the streets Unbridled appetite was followed
by deadly fever, and before spring twelve hundred of
Fepperell's men filled graves in the conquered .soil.
176. D'Ativille's Expedition, /7./<5.— The I'rench felt
much chagrin over the loss of Louisburg and they took
immediate steps to get it back. They resolved al.so to
inflict severe punishment on New Kngland. A power-
ful fleet was sent out from Rochelle under the command
of Due D'Anville. It was the grandest force that had
ever crossed the Atlantic. With dismay the citizens of
Boston heard of the preparations which had been made
to invade their land and lay their homes in ruins. By
fasting a. ^ prayer they sought the interposition of
Heaven to save them from threatened destruction.
; !'■
i;:: '
um'
114
TIIK DOMINION OK CANADA.
Never was expedition more fruitless or ill-fated than
that of D'Anville. Not a single victory did it gain ; it
did not even meet the foe it came to destroy. Disaster
followed disaster, until there were left only scattered
fragments of the once proud fleet. Two of D'Anville's
ships were taken by the l^^nglish while yet on the coast
of P'rance ; soine were cast away on Sable Island ;
others were driven b)' storms far off their course and
never reached the place for which the)' sailed. After a
three months' voyage D'Anville arrived at Chebucto
Harbor with a helpless remnant of his great force.
Disease had broken out during his long voyage, carry-
ing off many of his men; others were ill and dying.
His misfortunes weighed heavily on his spirits and he
died suddenly. D'Kstournel, the ne.xt in command, ar-
rived on th(,' day of D'Anville's death. Disheartened he
urged the abandonment of the undertaking and immedi-
ate return to France ; but his advice was over-ruled by
the other officers. Then he fell ill and in the delirium of
fever killed himself with his sword. La Jonquiere, who
had recentl)' been appointed Ciovernor of Canada and
was then on his way to Quebec, now took command. It
seemed useless to attack Louisburg, but La Jonquiere
thought his force was sufficient for the capture of
Annapolis, h'or this place accordingly he set sail. Hut
off Cape Sable, where many a vessel has since been cast
away, a violent storm so shattered the fleet that the last
hope was abandoned. It was now resolved to return U)
France.
In the following jear France .sent out another strong
force for the recovery of her lost possessions in America.
Hut while yet on the coast of luirope this force was in.
TiiK stru(;(;lk continued.
1 1
tercepted by a British fleet, many of the French ships
were captured, and the expedition was completely
broken up. Among the prisoners taken b}- the English
was Jonquiere, the Governor of Canada.
177. Forces from Quebec and Boston. — -Meanwhile a
force of about seven hundred under Ramesay had been
sent from Quebec for the purpose of co-operating with
D'Anville's fleet. Ramesay landed at Bay Verte and
marched overland by way of Cobequid and (irand Pre
to Annapoli.s. Having waited in vain for the fleet, he
attempted to take the fort ; but failing in this he marched
back to Beaubassin, where he resolved to spend the winter.
Mascarene, who was then in command at Annapolis,
fearing another attack, applied to Governor Shirley of
Massachusetts for assistance. Five hundred" men under
Colonel Noble were immediatel}' sent from Boston.
Their orders were to sail up the Bay of F'und)- and post
themselves at Grand Pre for the purpo.se of intercepting
Ramesay in case he should return. Before they reached
Nova Scotia winter .set in, and on account of the ice the)-
were unable to enter Minas Basin. They accordingly-
landed on the shore far down the l^ay of P'undy and
marched over land to Grand Pre. They were quartered
in private houses, a few in a place, among the Acadians
of the .settlement. Here they were remaining in the ut-
most .security, little suspecting the approach of an enem\-
in the severe winter months.
178. The Massacre at Grand /'/'<•.— Ramesa}- heard
of the arrival of Colonel Noble and resolved to take him
by surprise. Soon, under the leadership of Coulon de
Villiers, six hundred French and Indians, fitted out with
i
[1
^ I
} 1 . I tB
Hi:
M
\j Jit
ii6
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
snow shoes and hand -sleds, were on the mo\ e for Grand
Pre. The march occupied seventeen days. On ap-
proaching Grand Pre Coulon divided his men into small
companies for the purpose of attacking;, at the same mo-
ment, the various houses uheie the English were lodged.
Then, under cover of night and a blinding snow storm,
the French, led by Acadian guides, crept stealthily upon
the foe. Killing the sentinels, they rushed into the
houses where the English, all unconscious of danger,
were sleeping. Some were slain in their beds ; others,
and among them Colonel Noble, fell fighting in
their night clothes. At daybreak the French were mas-
ters of the place, and the carnage ceased. On the mor-
row the Engli.sh buried their dead, about eighty in num-
ber, in one grave. Then, with six days provision on
their backs, they marched off sadly for Annapolis, leav-
ing behind over fifty of their comrades as prisoners of
war.
179. The Acadians Between Tivo Fires. — Ramesay,
much elated over the victory at Grand Pre, sent cir-
cular letters to the Acadians, announcing that, as Nova
Scotia had been re-conquered by the French, they were
free from all allegiance to Great Britain, and command-
ing them under severe penalties to remain faithful to
France. On the other hand the English showed little
disposition to abandon the country. Governor Shirley
of Ma.ssachusetts lo.st little time in sending another force
to Grand Pre to take the place of tho.se who had been
driven out. The government of that colony, also, was
already urging upon the British Ministry the propriety
of expelling the Acadians from the country as rebels
against King George. The.se unfortunate people, thus
THE STkuc;(;M: contixukd.
1 1
threatened b\- dangers on either hand, were much per-
plexed as to u hat measures of safety they could adopt,
and their difficulty was all the greater from the fact
that neither power offered an\- protection against the
other.
1 80. Treaty of Aix-la-CliapelU\ 1748. — For three
years, while the war was going on in Europe, Great
Britain held the Island of Cape Breton ; but her owner-
ship showed itself in little else than in the military occu-
pation of Louisburg. She did nothing in the way of
colonizing the Island or in improving its condition. Both
Great Britain and France were now tired of fighting,
and, by a treaty signed at Aix-la-Chapelle, each nation
agreed to restore its conquests, leaving the ownership of
places as it was before the war. Thus, to the great
annoyance of Mas.sachusetts, Cape Breton was given
back to France. To pacif)' the offended colon\' Great
Britain refunded the money which had been expended
in the capture of Louisburj
The restoration of Caj^e
Breton was regarded by manj- in Fngland as a national
dishon(M-, and especially .so from the fact that two Kng-
lish noblemen were sent to the French court as securitv
for the fulfillment of the barjiain.
-^^-
I s*
n s
^^j.rli
CHAPIER XII.
THE SKTTLKMENT (JK HALII AX.
1 8 1. A Nezi< Scene at Cliebucto. — Three years have
passed away since D'Anville's shattered fleet lay moored
in Chebucto Harbor, and his soldiers who had escaped
the perils of the sea lay dying on its shores. And now
ships are again arriving from beyond the eastern waters,
and joyously the strangers whom they have borne hither
are taking possession of the land. These are not French
.soldiers sent for the capture of forts and the destruction
of human life; but English colonists, — men, women, and
children, — come to make homes for themselves in the
forest country.
The British Government had now begun to see that
the true policy for .strengthening its power in Nova Sco-
tia consisted in settling the country with English people.
Accordingly, as a first step in this direction, measures
were taken to establish a fortified town on the Atlantic
coast. The Government advertised for colonists,
offering free passage, free grants of land, a year's
provisions, and various other things needful to new .set-
tlers. Two hundred thousand dollars were voted from
the public funds to meet expenses. Those who re-
sponded to the invitation of the Government included
many officers and private men, discharged from the army
and navy at the close of the late war ; there were also
THE SKITLKMKNT OK HALIFAX.
119
farmers, mechanics, -; 1 merchants. Counting women
and children, they numbered in all two thousand five
hundred and sexcnty-six. The Hon. Edward Cornwallis
was appointed Governor of Nova Scotia. The colony
was promised a representative legislature as soon as it
had grown populous enough to elect its members ; in
the meantime the civil government was placed in the
hands of the Governor and a Council of twelve mem-
bers to be appointed by the Governor.
182. MakiHp- a Home. — Colonel Cornwallis arrived
in Chebucto Harbor on the 21st of June, 1749 ; and he
was followed within a few da\-s by transports bearing
the cr'.onists. The hill-side on the west of the Harbor
was selected as the site of the new city, which was
named in honor of the Karl of Halifa.x, the President of
the Lords of Trade and Plantations. Soon after his ar-
rival the Governor chose his Council, a leading member
of which w as Paul Mascarene, who for many years had
held the office of Lieutenant-Governor at Annapolis.
And now, through the summer and autumn, Halifax-
presented a busy scene. The forests, which grew to the
water's ^(X'^q, were cleared awa\', and dwellings were
erected. A few frame houses were built of material
brought from l^oston, but most of the dwellings were
rude shanties, formed of upright poles stuck in the
ground and roofed over with the bark f)f trees. On the
summit of the hill, now called Citadel Hill, a square fort
was built. Two rows of palisades, constructed of trunks
of trees, as a defence against the Indians, extended from
the fort to the water.
183. The Acadiiifis. — .According to some authc^rities
there were at this time between 12,000 and 13,000
i
:-i&i)p<; '■
I20
THE DOMINION (JF CANADA.
i^n
m
I
I. '?':
t'
i!N
I' i'i
Acadians in Nova Scotia, Their chief settlements were
at Annapolis, Canard, Grand Pre, Minas, Piziquid
(Windsor), Cobequid (Truro), Beaubassin. Chignecto,
Bay Verte, Shepody, and on the St. John River. Short-
ly after his arrival Cornwallis addressed to them a pro-
clamation, reminding them of the privileges which they
enjoyed under British protection, charging them with
disloyally aiding the King's enemies, and offering to
condone all past offense if they would now take the oath
of allegiance and become faithful subjects of King
George. Delegates from some of the Acadian districts
w^ere sent to Halifax to explain their position and make
enquiries as to the intentions of the Government. They
reported that their people would refrain from all hos-
tility again.st Great I^ritain, but that they would not take
an oath which would bind them to fight against P'rance.
They asserted that such allegiance would subject them
to outrage from the Indians, who were opposed to the
occupation of the country by the Knglish. They asked
if the Acadians would be allowed to sell their lands and
other property in case they removed from the country.
Cornwallis assured them that he could accept no con-
ditional or half-way allegiance, and he pointed out to
them that it was not the oath of allegiance which made
them British subjects. Many of the Acadians were born
in the land, others had enjoyed the protection of the
British Government for over thirty years, by virtue of
which they were already bound under the strongest obli-
gations of loyalty. Cornwallis told the delegates that
the desire of the Acadians to leave the Province gave
him great pain. He did not wish to interfere with their
freedom ; a forced service was worth nothing, and a
Tin-; Sr.T'lLKMKNT ()!• HALIFAX.
121
subject compelled to be so against his will was not far
from being an enemy. They and their fathers had
cultivated their lands and the\- had a right to enjoy the
fruits of their labors. This was the King's desire.
i^\er}thing had been done to secure to them the occu-
jjation and ownership of their lands forever. Kver}- as-
surance had been given them of free and full exercise of
their religion, l^ut he assured them that according to
British law nobody could possess houses or lands in the
Province who would refuse to take the oath of allegiance
when required to do so. Then he told them that they
themselves knew that there were ill-disposed and mis-
chievous persons among them who, regardless of their
best interests, were corrupting their minds. The course
they were pursuing was the result of bad advice which
through their ine.vpcricnce the}' were unable rightly to
estimate. He told thetn that he could not at that time
gi\c them permission to leave the [Vovince, because so
soon as they crossed the frontier they would be com-
pelled by the French and Indians to take up arms
against the ICnglish. But whenever this danger was re-
moved b)' the restoration of peace and order, he would
allow them full freedom to go where the)' pleased. The
delegates went back to their people for fresh instructions
and returned several times, but no agreement was ar-
rived at.
184. VVir Indians. — The Indians were very hostile to
the new colony and kept it in constant alarm. They
were ever lurking in the woods on the borders of the
settlements, ready to kill and scalp, or to carry off those
who came within their reach. I'^nglish captives were
often taken to Louisburg and sold to the French from
IrUei
l/;i
lit.
3)-;
122
Tin: DOMINION OF CANADA.
whom the\- wore afterwards ransomed by their friends.
DartmoutliAvhicli was settled in the year after the found-
ing of Halifax, suffered most from their ravaij^es. Si.\
inen belongin*,^ to this place were attacked while cuttint^
wood in the forest ; four of them were killed and one
was taken prisoner. A few months afterwards the In-
dians, creeping upc>n the settlement during the night,
killed and scalped several of the inhabitants. The
screams of the terrified women and children w ere heard
across the harbor in Halifa.x. SimUar outrages occurred
at Halifa.x, Canso, and other parts of the Pro\ince. The
Governor and Council, unwiseK adojjting the barbarous
customs of the savages, offered large rewards for Indian
prisoners and scalps.
185. Evil hijliii'uccs. — The conduct of the Acadians
and Indians was largelv due to the influence of the au-
thorities of Louisburg and Ouebec. The settlement of
Halifa.x cut off their long cherished hope that Nova
Scotia would \et be restored to France, and thev too
readily adopted an\' measure which seemed calculated to
anno}- the I''nglish. Through their agents they advised
the Acadians to refuse the oath of allegiance and the\'
threatened them with severe consequences if they failefl
t(j follow this advice ; the}' encouraged the Indians in
their hostilitx' to the Knglish and supplied them with
arms and ammunition to carr}' out their e\ il purpose.
Among the agents empUn'ed b\' the (lovernment of
Ouebec in stirring up this spirit of opposition to Knglish
rule was the .Abbe Le Loutre, whose intense zeal for the
ascendency of the j)ower of France led him to jjursue
measures alike dishonorable to himself and ruinous to
the .Acadians.
THi; SKTTI.KMKNT OF HAMIAX.
«-:^
1 86 The Gertnaus. — The British Government, anx-
ious for the more rapid colonization ot \o\a Scotia,
invited people to come from (jcrmany, offerini^ them the
same privilei;es as had been conferred on ICnj^lish col-
onists. Man\- accepted the invitation, comint; at various
times, so that within two or three vears nearh' two
thousand Germans arrived in Halifax. They were
mostl\- farmers. Differinij from the other colonists in
laniiuatre and customs, thev chose to form a settlement
by themselves. Acrordin^d)' in the \ear 1753 most of
them removed to Lunenbur<;. Here they underwent
many hardships, and like the h'nijlish colonists, suffered
ijreatlv from the ill will of the Indians. A few months
after they went to Luncnbur<i;, certain evil-minded j^er-
sons spread a report that some of the supplies sent out
for them from l^n^land had been withheld. This caused
^reat excitement, and the place was f(jr several days
under mob-rule. Colonel Monckton went down from
Halifax with a few soldiers and soon restored order
without usint( an\- harsh measures.
187. Boundaries. — The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
.settled nothin<j as regarded affairs in America ; it
simply left matters as the\' were. The Cjuestion of boun-
dary lines between the British and the TVench posses-
sions had lon«; been in dispute. The treaty left t]ie
question for future adjustment. Commissioners were
appointed for this purpo.se ; they met in Paris, but
after debatin*^ the matter for three \ears the\- failed to
ajjree. In the meantime the governors of Canada under-
took to settle the cjuestion by right of pos.session. The
dispute was not confined to any one portion of the
boundary, but related to nearly the whole line from
124
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
*<•:
m
Nova Scotia to the extreme western limits of the adjoin-
ing territories of the two nations. The c(;nflict which
arose over the matter was, however, restricted chiefly to
Nova Scotia, the Lake Region, and the Ohio Valley.
1 88. T/ic Liviits of Nova Scotia. — The French main-
tained that the territory ceded to Great Britain in 171 3
under the name of Acadie included only the peninsula.
Indeed, at time^,, they conceded even less than this,
asserting that it comprised only the western portion of the
peninsula. This theory suited their wish to have a con-
tinuous land route between Quebec and Louisbur^. On
the other hand, the English claimed that Acadie which
had been ceded to Great Britain included not only the
whole of the penin.sula, but al.so the territory now form-
ing New Brunswick, extending westerly to New Eng-
land.
m
ill
■4 MS
' \
1 89. Fort Bcaitscjour. — The French had hoped to re-
gain possession of Nova Scotia, but the settlement of
Halifax made this matter more uncertain, and they de-
termined on active measures to restrict the Engli.sh
within narrow limits. The\' asserted that a little river
called the Missaquash, at the Isthmus of Chignecto,
formed the boundary between their territory and that of
Great Britain. On the south of this river was the large
Acadian settlement of Beaubassin. Partly to assert
French claims to the country on the north of the Missa-
quash and partly to encourage disaffection in the
Acadians and Indians towards the English, the Governor
of Canada sent a small body of troops under La Corne to
Chignecto. On a low ridge of land within sight of
Beaubassin, La Corne built a strong fort, which he
TMK SKTTLl'.MKNT OK IIALIIAX. 1 25
named Heausejour. Merc the Acadians aiul Indian^
were sii|)piied with ^uiis and aniinunition. Regular
comnuinication was kept up between this place and
Louisbur^ by way of Hay V'erte. Influenced b\ Le
Loutre many Acadians left their homes in the peninsula
and crossed the Missacjuash, some remaininL^ in tlie
neitjhborhood of Heausejour, others ^oins^ to Prince
I^dward Island or to Cape Breton. Le Loutre also en-
courai]jed the Indians in their hostility by paj'ini;" them
f(jr Knglish scalps, and he kept the Acadians under his
influence b\- threatening that he would send the Indians
to destroy their propert\' if thc\- did not obc}- him.
190. Fort I.aic)cnci\ — (iovernor C'ornwallis sent a
force under Major Lawrence to Beaubassin to watch the
movements of the French. Influenced by Le Loutre,
the Acadians, at the ajjproach of Lawrence, fled across
the Missaquash to La Corne. Le Loutre and his ajj^ents
then set fire to their dwellinj^s, reducing the whole settle-
ment of Beaubassin to ashes. Lawrence fortified his
position with earthworks and palisades and gave it the
name of Fort Lawrence. La Corne and Lawrence, be-
ing thus near neighbors, were for some time on friendK-
terms with each other. But all good feeling was brought
to an end by the treacherous shooting of Caj)tain Howe
of Fort Lawrence. Howe went out under a white flag
i'o hold a parle)- with a man in the dress of a Frencli
officer, when he was shot down by Indians lying \\\
ambush.
I I
?n!
; ;
I:
iii'
-..J'
i
\l
IN
, i
CHAPTER XIII.
THI' VKAR 1755.
■:1
191. Summary of Events. — The year 1755 is a mem-
orable one in the history of Canada. Amon<; its events
are the stru<j^gle for the possession of the Ohio Valley-
the conflict in the Lake Champlain District, the capture
of Fort Beausejour, and the expulsion of the Acadians.
But before describing these events it will be necessary
to speak of some things of an earlier date.
192. Governors. — It has been alread)^ stated that the
Marquis la Jonquiere on his way out from France to
assume the office of Governor-General was taken prisoner
by the English. During an interval of two years which
elap.sed before his arrival in Quebec, the office was filled
by Count Galissonicre, who was a most energetic officer,
possessed of much intelligence and sound judgment.
Jonquiere was charged with having used his office as a
means of securing gain for himself. Holding a monopoly
of the liquor traffic, he is said to have realized large pro-
fits from the sale of brandy to the Indians. He was,
however, far surpas.sed in greed by Francis Bigot who
held the office of Intendant during the closing years of
French rule in Canada. Having charge of the expendi-
ture of public money in the colony, this officer robbed
the Government in the most shameful manner. The
Marquis Duquesne succeeded to the office of Governor-
He was noted for the vigor with
General in 1752.
Till-: \v..\\< 1755.
which he pushc-l the claims of PVaiice to the disputed
territories, and for his development of the militar\-
resources of the country. With <;rcat care, he organized
and drilled the militia and flrew a\va\' the able men to
defend the forts on the borders. The result of this mili-
tary policy was neglect of agriculture and scarcity of
food in the countr)-. The Marquis V'audreuil, son of the
former (lovernor of that name, was the last Goxcrnor-
(icnerai under i'Vench rule.
193. The Ohio I'd/liy. — Both French and luiglish
claimed the territory drained bv the Ohio and its tribu-
taries, usually known as the Ohio Valley. The I'Vench
prized it as a connecting link between .Canada and their
colony of Louisiana, basing their claim on its discover}'
by La Salle. The ICnglish claimed the territor\' on the
ground that it belonged to their subjects the Irocjuois.
The Ohio Company, composed of l^^nglish and coloni.al
merchants, was now carrying on a valuable fur trade in
the country. The French set up a boundary of their
own from Lake I'Vie to the Ohio and thence to the
Alleghanies, marking the line b}- le.ideti plates with
suitable inscriptions, which they buried in the grouncj at
certain intervals, and by tin shields bearing the arms of
France which they attached to the trees. Still later, the
ALarfjuis Duqucsne asserted more decidedly the rights of
I'' ranee by placing detachments of soldiers in a chain of
forts erected along the line. The French warned luig-
lish traders not to enter the country west of the Alle-
ghanies and they seized the furs of those who disregarded
the warning. On the other hand the Knglish gave
similar warning to the French and they .sent a military
force to protect their traders. They began to build a
128
TIIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
i
'.:!i
fort at the junction of the Alleghany and Mononi^ahela
rivers on the site of the present city of Pittsburg-. The
French came upon them with a stronger force, drove
them away, and completed the fort which the}- named
Duquesne in honor of their Governor.
194. (jcorge \\\Tishi}igto)i. — The (jo\ernor of Virginia
sent a small force under (leorge Washington into the
disputed territory. Washington erected a fort on the
Monongahela, which he named Fort Necessit\'. Falling
in with a French officer named Jumonville at the head of
a small body of troops, Washington ordered his men to
fire. Jumonville and se\eral of his men were killed.
Ihe 1^'rench asserted that Jumonville had no intention
of making an attack upon the Fnglish but that he was
sent with a letter of warning to Washington, which he
was about to deliver when he was shot. 'I'hey now sent
a stronger force and compelled Washington to retire
froni the Ohio Valley.
195. Rc-€ufofccnicuis Without any formal declara-
from Eiiglaud ami France. tion of war,and indeedwhile
:riOssages of peace were passing between the two courts,
war-like measures were thus being taken on both sides.
It was the beginning of the final struggle on this con-
tinent between the two great powers. Both nations
sent out re-enforcements. A powerful fleet sailed from
i^ngland under orders ti .seize French vessels bound for
America ; and two regiments of soldiers under deneral
Braddock were sent to take part in the struggle that was
going on. Ihe task which the Fnglish set for them-
selves was a four-fold one. It concluded the expulsion
of the I'rench from the Ohio V^alley, the ca|)ture of I'\)rt
THK VF.AR 1755.
129
Niagara, of Crown I\)int, and of I'ort Bcauscjoiir. A
sfong l^^'cnch fleet also, bearing three thousand trained
soldiers under tlie command of Haron Dieskau. sailed
for Canada.
195. Braldnck Defeated. — Hraddock took U[)on him-
self the expulsion of the J"" rench ffom the Ohio Valley.
His force ccMTiprised about two thousand regulars and
seven hundred militia.
I^
e was an experienced and
able officer ; but he was not accustomed to the mode of
warfare connnon in America. j^enjamin I^^ranklin
w
arned him that th.e Indians would not meet him i
n
open field, but would lurk in ambuscade and fire uj)on
h
nn under cover o
f t
rees ;
n
d
rod
But Hraddock,
thinking his Majest\''s troops easil\- a match for wild
Indians and raw militia, was little disposed to take ad-
vice on such matters from ji ci\ilian.
It
was a tedious
march from h\)rt Cumbci^and on the Potomac across the
Alleghanies and through dense forests to h'ort I)u(|uesne
which was to be the object of attack. Three hundred
a.xemen led the wa}-, felling trees and clearing a road
twelve feet wide through the forests foi- the pack-horses,
wagons, and cannons, which formed a train four nn'les in
The soldiers marched through the woods on
leu!
rth.
either side. The\' made slo\v progress — sometimes not
more than three miles a da\'. The l-'rench learned from
scouts that the ICnglish were ,i(l\nii< ing, and about nine
himdred h'rench and Indians set out from I'\)rt I)u(|uesne
to meet them. .Scarcely had the\' gone se\en miles from
the fort when the\- met the ICnglish adxancingin due or-
der. .Skulking behind the trees, the\- opened on them a
deadU' fi
re
The l^nglish coukl scarcely* see an enem\-
and their shot fell \ainl\- on the tree
In tl
leir
)ewil
I
130
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
i,i ■■
'iM
'' li
flerment thc)' huddlccl toti^cthcr and were mowed down
with fearful slaui^hter. Panic-stricken, tlie survivors —
less than half the whole force — fled in disorder ; nor did
theyhalt until they reached a distance forty miles from the
scene of the conflict. Hraddock had fi\e horses shot
under him, when at last he fell mortalU- wounded.
Washington, who was a .staff officer, had a narrow escape,
receiving four bullets throui^h his coat. The I^^rench
were thus left in pos.session of the Ohio Valle\-, anri
hordes of sa\ai^es were let loo.se upon the outlyini^' set-
tlements of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
197. Dirskdu Defeated at Lake (leori^e. — William
Johnson, who was eJexated to the rankx^f Major-Cieneral
anfl placed in command of the expedition against Crown
Point, knew nothing of war, ha\ing neither militarx'
training nor experience But lie was one of those favor-
ites of fortune who succeed at whatexer the\' put their
hand. Me had great mlluence over t'le Irotjuois. In
fact, as he s])oke the Mohawk tongue fluent 1\-, and as
his wife, Moll\- Brant, was sister of a noted Mohawk
chief the Inxiuois almost regarded him as one of them-
selves, l^ut for Johnson's influence o\er the Irocjuois,
the\' \\(Hild have deserted the JMiglish in a bodx* after
Braddock's defeat. When Johnson was appointed to
the ((MTimand of the forces, before leaxing his home,
" l'\)rt Johnson," near the Mohawk River, he called a
council of the Mohawks. The ass(Mnbled saxages ate
his beef, drank his whiske}-, made long sj)eeches, and
danced the war dance. Me had some difficult}", how-
ever, in persuading them to go on the war path, so much
had the JMiglish lo.^t their confidence.
At the southern extremit)' of Lake (leorge, Johnson
was attacked by the PVench under Dieskau, whom he
^fA
TllK VKAR 1755.
Ml
repulsed and forced to fall back on the' fort at Tico!!-
dero^a. Dieskau was severely woiuided and taken pri-
soner. As he was lying in Johnson's tent after his
wounds had been carefully dressed by an l^nglish sur-
geon, several Mohawks entered the tent. There followed
a keen dispute in the Mohawk language between them
and Johnson. After the\' had gone out, iJieskau asked
what the)' wanted. "What did the}- want?" said
Johnson. " They wrinted to kill y(m, to eat )'ou, tt)
smoke you in their [jijjc. J^ut never fear ; you shall be
safe with me, or else the\' shall kill us both." Johnson,
feeling unable to dislodge the i'^rench from Ticonderoga,
.strengthened his position b\- erecting l^\)rt William
Henry near the place where he had gained his victory.
The King of I'.ngiand rewarded him for his ^services b\-
conferring on him the honor of Knight'iood. He failed,
however, to take Crown Point, which was the object of
his expedition.
198. S/iirlrv I'ni/s to Take Nidi^dni. — Shirle\"'s task
was the capture of Niagara. He set out from Albany
and proceeded as far as Oswego. Here he learned that
his plans had become known to the P'rench, through
some of Hraddock's papers which had fallen into their
hands, and that the\- had taken such measures as made
further progress on his part inacKisable. He according-
1\' abandoned the expedition.
199. Cnf^titrc of /irnusvJoHi'. — Meanwhile the British
had made an eas)- conquest at C'hignecto. l^arly in
June Colonel Monckon, with a force of two thousatul
men, fitted out in Boston, landed near l^^ort Lawrence.
C)])posed b)' Acadians and Indians, he fought liis wa\'
132
TIIK DO.MIMON" OF CANADA.
hi
Elm
across tlic Missaqiiash and oijcncd fire on l^causejour.
Veri^or, who then held coinmaiid of the fort, called to
his aid the Acadians of the surroundiiif^ countr)', who
having hidden their women and children in the woods,
obeyed the summons. Hut the\- brought little strength
to the fort. Seeing the I'Lngiish at close quarters they
became alarmed and began t(j desert. When the siege
had lasted four da)s, Vergor thought it best to surrender.
His soldiers were allowed to retire with the hcMiors of
war and were sent to L.ouisburg. He was afterwards
suspected of having given up the fort too readil}- and
was tried b)' court martial for failure in dut)', but the
charge was not sustained. Monckton changed the name
of l^eausejour to h\>rt Cumberland and placed in it a
small garrison.
200. Hxpulsioii of the Acadiatis Decided on. — The
conduct of the Acadians at Heausejour aroused indigna-
tion on the part of the Government at Halifax, and this
feeling was intensified b)- the jo\- they showed over
Hraddock's defeat. Major Lawrence, who was now
Governor of Xova Scotia, called his council together to
determine on the line of action which should be taken
with respect to them. The stern decision arrived at was
the removal of the offending people from the Province-
Hut first one more chance of redeeming them.selves was
granted. The Acadians were called on to send dele-
gates to Halifax witii power to act for the whole people.
The oath of allegiance was submitted to the delegates ;
but the)' still refu.sed to take an\- oath which would bind
them to aid the Hritish against the French. And now
Lawrence sent instructions to the officers commanding"
the forts at Annapolis, (irand l*re, I'i/.iquid, and C'hig-
TIIK VKAR 1755.
necto, dircctiiiL^ them to seize all tlie Acadians and
jjlace thein on board vessels provided ft)r their removal.
The Acadians were to be allowed to take their mone)-
and such household furniture as the vessels could carr}- ;
their lands, cattle, and other i^ropert)- were forfeited.
201. Gra)u{ Pre and Canard. — The task of removini:
the Acadians from Canard, Minas, and Grand Pre was
intrusted to Colonel W'inslow. He did his work thor-
oughly. Without making known his object he com-
manded the men and b(ns to assemble in the church at
Grand Pre on the fifth of September. When all were
gathered, the church was surroinided b\- armed soldiers.
Then Winslow, standini; at the altar, reminded the
Acadians of the kindness which had been shown their
people for half a century, and upbraided them with their
inijratitude, closing his address with the startling-
announcement that the\' were the King's prisoners, and
that vessels were waiting in the harbor to carr\' them
out of the country. A guard was stationed around the
church to prevent any from escaping. Their families
were notified to send them food and to get read\- to
leave their homes without dela)-. A few da\s after all
were placed on board the transjjorts in the mouth of
the Gasperau.x.
202. A Sad Sit'//''. — It must have been a wretched
scene in the church at (irand Pre on that September
e\ening, and man)- a sad household was there around
the basin of Minas. The morning had dawned with
bright prospects on those homes around which clustered
man)' warm affections and happ\- memories. God's
blessing had rewarded the hand of the diligent. I'he
I
s
V
w >i
134
THK DOMINION OK CANADA.
barns were burstinj^ w ith \hc freshl\- <^atherecl harxest.
and tlie orchards were colorinLf with crimson and crold.
A cloud of sadness, deeper and darker than e\ein"nL;'
.shadows, now huw^ over ever)' heartlistcMie and Lrjooined
every heart. Imagine joii see these poor people — men,
women, and children — with funereal step and mien,
wending their way to the vessels which would soon bear
them to the land of exile. And now, when the\- are all
gone, see the smoking ruins of ho"ses and barns,' w hich
complete the picture of desolation.
Mi
203. Autiapolis and Cliii^tuxto. — The work of expul-
sion was less successful in other parts of the country. .At
Annapolis, when the Acadians saw the \esscls entering
the basin, the}' fled to the woods. Some were brought
back ; others eluded pursuit. The prisoners on board
one of the trans[)orts, having taken pos.session of the
vessel, sailed into St. John Harbor and escaped. The
worst scenes were enacted at Chignecto. Some of the
men fled to the woods, lea\ ing the women and children
behind ; others joined by Indians, turned upon the
soldiers, some of whom the\- killed.
204. Results. — It is comjjuted that at least three
thousand Acadians were thus banished from Xo\'a Sco-
tia. They were scattered a few hundreds in a place,
from Massachusetts to North Carolina, — some even to
Louisiana. In .some ca.ses families were broken up, and
the children were bound out as apprentices or .servants.
Many with ardent longing for their old homes in the
face of numerous difficulties, found their wa}' back to
Nova Scotia.
TIIK V1:AR 17
/ :>D-
j:)
if
I
205. Chnractcr of the Mccisnrc. — It is not necessary
to pronounce here on the absolute justice or injustice of
the stern measure to w hich (ireat Britain resorted to se-
cure for lierself the permanent possession of Nova Sco-
tia. The action sliould be viewed in its relation to a
threat and lon^-continued struL^gle tlien taking' place be-
tween two powerful nations for the j30ssessi(jn of a con-
tinent. The Acadians had little claim on the Govern-
ent at Halifa.x. Thev had reijeatedlv refused to take
m
the oath of alleuiance to Great Britain
S{
)me of them
had e\en y^iven direct aid to the enemy. It should also
be reinembered that the lui^lish in N(^\a Scotia wen,'
not str(;ntr enousjh to deal ueneroush- with those on
w
hose s)-m))athies and aid the\- could ncjt relw The
authorities at [falifa.x had several causes for al.
irm.
The Indians were dangerous enemies, and there seemed
little hope of their becoming" friendl)' while the Acadians
held themseh'es aloof The I^'rench were stronijlv in-
trenched in Quebec and Louisbur^, and the)' had recent-
l\- gained important victories in the West. In e\'ent of
th
eir making another attciTipt to obtain Xo\a Scotia,
the Acadians mi^ht t;i\e them actixe supjjort. On the
other hand, it is no matter for wonder that the Acadians
should be unwilling, by a direct oath of allet^iance to
(ireat Britain, to separate themsehes formall)' from the
<4"reat nation with which they were connected by race,
lan^ua^e, and religion. The j>unishment inflicted on
them
was sexere, and one ma\' w
ell rcLnet that some
milder method of securing;" the peace of the coiuitrx' was
ncjt considered practicable.
i-
i
CHAPTKR XIV.
Tin: Si:\ KN NKARS WAR.
206. J\iittrs\ /■'/(lu's, and Condi tiof is. — The <^reat C(M1-
flict known in history as the "Seven \'ears' War" be-
j^an in 1756. (ireat liritain and Prussia were the allies
on the one side ; on the other, were France, Austria, and
Russia. War was waj^ed simultaneousK- in Kurope,
Asia, America, and on the wide ocean. I'he story will
be told here onl\- as it relates to the conflict of Great
l^ritain and T'rance in .America. The American colonies
of Great Britain had at this time a population of about
three millions, and they were comparatively prosperous.
The P^-ench in Canada numbered only about eitj^hty
thousand, and their condition was one marked with hard-
ship and sufiferiui^. War had taxed them severely.
Their able-bodied men, from si.xteen to sixty j,ears of
ai^e, were often drawn away for military service, and the
cultivation of the fields was left lar<jelv to the women.
Crops l;ad failed, and often transports bearint^^ supplies
from France had been captured by Hritish cruisers. The
peoi)le thus suffered from lack of foovl.
207. Officrrs. — IJurin^ the first two x-ears f)f the war
the I'rench irained all the victories. This caine mainlv
from two causes, — centralization of power, and superi-
ority of officers. Colonial militia formed an important
element in the forces with which the war was carried on.
Tin: si;\i:\ vkars war
i:^7
111 the I'-iv^lish colonics there was no central authority
to levy troop-;. The leij^islatures of the different colonies
were sus|)icious of (ireat l^ritain and jealous of each
other. The)' failed to act promjitK' or toi^ether ; or the)'
did
not act at al
On the other hand, the Governor
(icncral of Canada was not dei:)endent on votes of popu-
lar a.sseniblies. but he could call the colonists into ser-
vice as lie saw occasion and send his forces w here he
pleased. The I-Vench had excellent officers in command
of their forces. The Marquis dc Montcalm, who was
Commander-in-chief, was an experienced and able i^en-
eral, and the Chevalier de Levis, the second in command,
was scarely less distinguished. At the beginning" of the
war, the l^arl of Loudon was Commander-in-chief of the
British forces, and Admiral ilolbourne was placed in
charge of the fleet, — two singularly incompetent officers.
Referring to Loudon's activit)' without accomjjlishing
anxthinLT, a wit said of him.
lie is like the figure of
St. George on a tavern sign, alwa\s on horseback
anc
ill
|Ki 1 ;
\^lltMWMU|w , < t t
i!NHinB[ )jU
jievcr ndmg on.
2oS. Capture of Osi<.'cgo. — Montcalm's first success
was the capture of l*\)rt Oswego, an imjjortant position
on Lake Ontario. With this fort there fell into his hand
si.xteen hundred prisoners and much bof)t\', comprising
cannon aiul other war material, provisions, and mone)-.
, These supplies greatlx' aided the I'^vnch, especiall)' as
food was scarce in Canada. The iMiglish felt severely
the loss of Oswego. They had no other position on
Lake Ontario, and they intended to make it the base of
operati«)ns against Niagara and Duqucsne. Montcalm
burned the f< »rt and ever\-thing of \alue which he could
l^S
■nil. I)< I.MIMON OF ( ANADA.
not carry a\va\-. The captured flaij^s he hutiL;' up in the
churches of Montreal as trophies of liis \ict()iA\
209. London and HolbouDic at I lalifa.w ijjj. — The
capture of Louishurii' was tlie first measure on the
I'jT.u^h'sh proii^ramme. I^arly in the summer Loudon
came from
N
e\\
^'ork to Hah'fax, brinLriuLr witli liii
n
about five thousand veteran troops. Shortly after Ad-
miral Holbourne arrived from I'jiLjland with a strong;-
fleet and additional troops. These officers had now a
force of at least ten thousand troops and sixteen shijjs of
the line. Still they hesitated. The\- learned that Louis-
burtr had a stron<j iiarristjn and was <juarded In a fleet
ecjual to their own.
V
rudent counsels pre\ailed. Si.\
weeks were spen
t in drill, na\al re\ ie
w
ai
id
mock
sieges. A wai^" remarked that the\' spent the summer in
sham fiuhts and raisiiiL*' cabbages ; the last referrin<'" to
the culture of xeg'ctablcs b\' the soldiers as f);)d to pro-
tect them from scurvy. Loudon returned to New N'ork
with his troops without seeing Louisburg. Holbourne
spent the remaining |)art of the suminer in sailing back
and forth between Halifax and Louisburu", but had no
^>'
eiu
rairement. h^inalK' a violent storm overtook him
fc."!-.
made a total wreck of one of his ships, and disabled
most of the others. In the autumn he returned to
l^U'd
md
210. J'o/i William I Ictirv Meanwhile the l*"rench
Takni by the 1-n-iich. had taken I'\)rt William
Ilenr)- on the south of Lake (ieorge. Loudon drew
awa\- the best of his troojjs for the exijedition against
Louisburg, leaving the border defences weak. Mont-
calm saw his ojiportunity and with dispatch he collected
f
Till-: si:\i:\ ^•l■•.ARs war.
' 39
his forces — rcj^ulars. militia, and Indians, to the nuniljcr
Of'" ci<'lu thousand — at Montreal. The sa\"a'>"es of \ arious
tribes from far and near, formed iiearl)' a fourth of the
whole. riiey were enthusiastic over Montcalm and
had been ca«jer to see him. "We wanted to see the
famous man who tramples the Iuii;lish under his feet,"
said «Mie of their orators addressing the (leneral. "We
thou;4ht we should find him so tall that his head w )uld
he lost in the clouds. l-Jut \ou are a little man, my
f.ither. It is when we look into x'our e\-es, that we sec
the Ljre.itness of the pine tn,^^ and the fire of the ea^'le."
l-\)rt William Henr\' was held by Colonel Munro
w ith a militia force of twenty-two hundred men. Before
the siei^e bci^an Montcalm sent a note t(j Munro, ask-
iui;" him to surrender, statini;" that he then had power to
ccMitrol the Indians in his ranks, which he mit^ht uot be
able to do later, after some of them had been killeU.
But Munro replied that he would defend the fort to the
last. Munro liad hoped for aid from Colonel Webb of
I'^ort I'xiward on the Hud.son. Webb wrote him that he
had no men to send him and told him to inake the best
terms he could. The Indian who bore the letter was
captured and killed by Montcalm's Indians. The letter
found adroitly concealed in liis body, was t.iken to
Montcalm. After reading it Montcalm sent it to Munro,
hopini;" it mi,L;iit lead him to la)- down his arms, but the
brave officer still continued the defence. Finall\-, how -
e\er, seeini; his inabilit\- to hold out, he t;a\e up the fort.
His men were to be allowed to march out with their
<^"uns, and were to be conducted to l^'ort ICdward bv an
escort of I'Vench soldiers as a protection against the
Indians. It is. howexer, sad to relate, that this jjrotec-
I40
TIIK DOMINION ()!■ CANADA.
tion was not afforded. Little effort was jnade to
restrain the savai;es, and a fearful massacre ensued. The
blood-thirst)- Indians fell upon the iuii^lish as the\'
tnarchcd from the fort, killini;' some on th.e spot and
reserving (others for cruel torture, not e\en sparing the
women and children.
2 11. C/itvigc (It the llcliii. — .\ master mind in the
councils of a nation is a tower of streni'th. Such was
U'illiam Pitt who now became Minister of \\ ar in the
Hritish Cabinet. ThrouLjh lack of vigor on the part of
those in command, the great military resoiu'ces (jf tlie
nation had been of little avail. Pitt's wise measures
and splendid executive ability soon changed the aspect
of affairs throughout the empire. Officers were not
given positions of trust because of their rank, their
politics, or the influence of their families, or even
because of their long service ; but men were placed in
command over the army and na\)' on account of their
abilit}-. encrg}-, and such other personal qualities as
fitted them for the grave responsibilities entrusted to
them. The result of this distinguished minister's
administration was the complete overthrow of French
power in America. The details of his scheme com-
prised the capture of Louisburg, Ticonderoga, Niagara,
Duquesne. Mont.eal, and Quebec.
212. The Seeojid Siege of Louisburg. — Louisburg
was the chief naval station of the h'rench in America,
and its position enabled it to guard most effectively the
ocean approaches to Canada. The capture of this
"Dunkirk of America " was the first part on the pro-
gramme. Vox its conquest came a fleet of thirt)'-seven
1
TIN-: SIAKN \IAUS WAR
141
.f
sliiDs ()l war .iiKl one
lumdrcd
and Iwi'Ul}' tratisport?
brin;^inL( oxer twelve thousaiul troops, (ieneral Aiiilierst
was C'ominancler-in-chief, and under liini were the Ijrij^a-
diers Lawrence. Wentwortli, and Wolfe. On tlie .second
ol June, 175S, the fleet arrixed in (iabarus l^ay. .\ wild
.storni was ra^ini^.and for nearha week the anijr)- surf kept
the troops from lanth'ni;". Meanwliile the I'^rench at
Louisbiu'Lj were bus\- fortifying;" the shore. With the
first \u\\, the British soldiers, arranged in three divisions,
advanced boldl\- in their boats in the face of a brisk fire
from the enem\-. Wolfe, now only thirtx'-two years of
a<.;e, distinLfuished himself throu-ihoul the siet/e. As
the boats drew to the shore he leaped intct the watei'
and was the first to L^ain the land. The h'rench fou;4ht
bravcK', but the\- were forced to take refuse beiiind the
ramparts of the tow 11.
Louisburij^ was not jjrepared for a sieije. The stone-
work of the ramparts had in man\- place-, fallen into the
ditch
es
tiie earthen embankments were broken dow
n
and man}- of the cannon were mounted on carriaj^es so
rotten that tlie\- cou
com
Id not bear the sh(;ck of dischan
The i^arrison comprised about three thousand fi\e hun-
dred men ; the harbor was y;uarded b\- li\e war sh'ps.
Drucour, the Goveriujr of Louisburi;". gathered all his
forces within the ramparts and rescthed to defend his
post.
I<
or over
seven weeks the siesjc went on, and
Drucour saw with dismax* the widenint/ breaches in hi>
w
•alh
The terror-stricken inhabitants of the town urLTcd
nm to give up the contest
II
e jM'oposed to surrender
with the honors of war, but ( ieneral Amherst would
> grant no conditions, and Drucour was compelled to
yield. The soldiers of the garrison marched out as pris-
oners of war, — their arms, ammunition, and pro\ isions
"'&.■
142
TlfK 1)(J.MIM(.)N OF CANADA.
I:
ha\in«4- been given up to the \ictc)rs. The eitizcns wlio
desired it were allowed to remoxe to I'^-anee. The cap-
turer] fla;_;"s were sent to iMigland and })laced in St.
j'aul'- Church, Lonflor..
213. Priiicc lidicard IslcDid. — At different tinges
after the Treat)' of Utrecht, Acadians who were unwill-
inir to submit to British authoritx' had soui'ht a home in
Isle St. John fPrince I'Mward Island). The larj^est emi-
ij^ration to the Island was in 1755, on the cajjture of
Heausejour and the expulsion of the Acadians. In 175S
the population was estimated at about 4000. There
were many well-tilled farms, yieldint^ lari;"e croj)s of
wheat and well stocked with cattle, (ieneral Amherst
sent Lord Rollo with a detachment of soldiers to take
possession of the Island. h\)rt Le Jois, near the present-
Charlottetown, readil\' submitted, and the soldiers of the
garri.son were made prisoners. Many of the inhabitants
left the Island, some crossing over to (laspe near the
mouth of the St. Lawrence, others going to France.
214. I he St. John Rii'i'i: — Another small force under
Monckton was sent to the River St. John where the
Lrench still held a small fort. Monckton took posses-
sion of the fort, and then sailed u[) the river to a I-'rench
.settlement on the banks of the Jemseg. At his approach
the inhabitants fled to the woods. Monckton seized
such projjerty as he could carr\' awa\' and burned the
dwellings. Similar measures were taken against the
b'rench .settlement on the Peticodiac.
215. The British Defeated Meanwhile the Hrit-
at Tieonderoga, Jul\\ 173^. ish had been defeated
at Lake Cham[)lain. (jcneral Abercrombie, an officer
THK SKNKX \1:ARS WAR.
143
of the old rc!j;iinc who li;ifl been allowed to remain in
command, marched from Albany with the lari;e.-.t arm\-
\-ct seen in America, — between fifteen and sixteen
thousand militia and rec^ulars, — to attack Montcalm
who guarded the L^atewa}' of Canada at Ticonderoii^a.
Montcalm's force comprised onh' about three thousand
five hundred men. His intrenchment was formed of
squared beams of wood pinned toLjether, in front of
which were placed rows of fallen trees with their lari^er
branches sliarpened and pointint^" outw ards. The defence
was uood auainst musket sliot, but it could ha\e been
easily swept awa\- b\- canno;:. Abercrombie had made
tlie fatal mistake of leavin;^ hi.; artiller\- at I'^ort lulward
on the Hudson, and he now rasliiy ordered an attack or,
the fort. Ilis men acKanced boldl\- and foujj^ht well ;
but unable in the face (jf the enem\-'s fire to force their
wa\' throui;h the trees, the\- were repulsed w ith terrible
slauL^hter. i'"inall\' the)' retreated, leaxini;' nearl\- two
thousand dead aiul wounded before the fort.
216. /''rofiti'iidir (Uid P/u/nrsar. -'\'\\c f^'A^^]: capture of
h'rontenac and l)u(|uesne was an o.Tset for the disaster
at Ticonderoga. J'\)rt h^'ontenac, tlioUL^h a position of
j4reat importance to the i'rench, w.is protected b}- a \"ery
sm dl t^ u"ris m. After the defeat at 'I'iconderoua,
Abei'crombie senl Colon-,*! IJradstreet w ith thre.* thousand
men to in\-est the phr,
.After twv) d i\--;' sie 'j and with-
out losing' a man, Bradstreet took the fort and burned
it to tlie Liround.
Late
r m the seasoi
1, DiKH
uesni\ pri/.'d s > hi-^lily f >:
its command of the Ohio \'alle\- and
C(
)untr\' he\'ond, fell to tlie l"i
lelish.
ii( tlie westei'n
.\t llie head of
i
1: V
I'. \
^'
>
L
't
A <
^
?
1 1
1
' hi
it "
i
"44
Till-: DOMINION Ol' CANADA.
^ix tlKHisand men, the tj^alliint (leneral I'orbcs, thout;!!
>o ill that he was borne on a litter, led hi
s arm\' aeross
the Allei^hanies to the distant fort. At his ap)jroach
the ]'^"cneh abandoned the place without a stru^i^le. In
honor of the Minist(M' of War, the name Diiquesne was
chanijed to l^'ort Pitt which was afterwards chaniied to
Pittsbiu'ir.
■SS^t%E38-
CHAPTKR XV.
THE END OE EREXCH Rl'LE I\ AMERICA.
217. General Plau.— V\\.t was determined to wrest
Canada wholl}' from France, and so with the return of
spring he set his machiner)' of war in motion. In
arranging the campaign for this year he made a three-
fold division of the work, — the expulsion of the French
from Lake Champlain, the capture of Fort Niagara, and
the conquest of Quebec. He sent about fift)' thousand
men, regular troojjs and colonial militia, into the field,
j)lacing General Amherst at the head of the forces as
Commander-in-chief In the further distribution of the
work, operations on Lake Champlain were entrusted tt)
General Amherst ; the expedition against Niagara was
given to General Prideaux, Sir William Johnson being
second in command ; and the siege of Quebec was
entrusted to General Wolfe. Utrdei Wolfe the most
important officers were Generals Monckton, Townshend,
and Murray. The fleet sent to Quebec, comprising
about fifty sail, warships and transjjorts, was under the
command of Admiral Saunders.
218. Character of Officers. — Pitt generall)' cho.se his
men wi.sely. The chief officers just named were able
men. Amherst was energetic and cautious, though per-
haps rather slow. The hero of the campaign, the man
one alwaj's thinks of as the chief instrument in the con-
•<>'
m.
146
THE DOMINION OK CANADA.
quest of Canada, was General Wolfe. Not )'et thirty-
three years old, he was the youngest of the leaders
named ; he was not inexperienced, however, in the art
of war, having entered the service when he was fifteen
years of age. It is said that he did not look much like
a hero. His bodily frame was not built for strength or
endurance ; nor did the features of his face indicate
great power. Onl}- his clear, keen e}'e revealed the
inextinguishable fire of his spirit.
219. Lake CJiaiuplaiii and Niagara. — Marching from
Albany at the head of eleven thousand men, Amherst
sought to seize the "Gateway of Canada." Remember-
ing the defeat of Abercrombie, he advanced cautiousl)'
upon Ticonderoga. After a vigorous defence for three
or four days, the French abandoned the fort and also
Crown Point, retreating to a strong position on Isle-aux-
Noix at the northern end of Lake Champlain. Through
lack of transports Amherst was unable to follow them.
He accordingly stayed at Crown Point during the
remainder of the season, which he spent in building
vessels, strengthening the fort, and making roads.
Meanwhile Niagara had been taken by the Knglish.
Early in the siege Prideaux was killed by the premature
bursting of a shell fired by his own men. Sir William
Johnson succeeded to the coiumand, and though not a
very skilled soldier he soon gained possession of the
fort.
220. Wolfe Arrives at Quebec. — The siege of Quebec
wa.s the chief feature of the campaign. It was towards
the last of June when the British fleet anchored off the
west end of the Isle of Orleans in full view of the city
END OF FRENCH RULE IN AMERICA.
147
Wolfe landed his troops, numbering about eight thou-
sand five hundred, on this island which he made his head
t[uarters. i^eforc proceeding with the stor)-, we may
pause for a moment and with him surve}' the scene of
his exploits during the next eleven weeks. Before him,
about seven miles distant, on the northern banks of
the St. Lawrence, two hundred feet above water, is
the city of Quebec, perched like an eagle's nest on the
rocks. Up and down for several miles the coast is pro-
tected by a rocky wall, in man)- places too steep to
climb and in all places so difficult that a few men could
guard effectively against the approach of an arm)'.
Immediately below the cit)^ is the River St. Charles
which here joins the St. Lawrence. About eight miles
farther down, the Montmorenc)-, after swirling through
its deep chasm and making its great leajj of two
hundred and fifty feet over the rocks, contributes its
waters to the main river. Between the St. Charles and
the Montmorencv is the cursed and elevated shore of
l^eaupre, and along the river are mud flats and shallows
known as the Shoals of Beaupre. From Wolfe's stand-
point on the Isle of Orleans, the shore above Quebec
was hidden by- the promontory on which the city stands.
But for another eight miles, to Cap Rouge, it is high
and rocky. On the heights behind the city, less than a
mile distant, are the IMains of Abraham, where the great
conflict which determined the destin)- of Canada took
jilace. Nearly oi)posite Quebec, on the south side of the
river, is the headland called Point Levis.
221. The FrcNc/i Defences. — When Wolfe looked up
and down along this great natural fortress, he saw that
the h^'ench had not been negligent in taking advantage
V ''■
I
r ■
;
w
li h'
V
11'
148
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
of the favorable position in which they were placed.
Kxcept the forces on Lake Champlain and a small force
on the St. Lawrence above Montreal, the whole avail-
able strength of Canada was concentrated at Quebec.
All .le men from sixteen to si.xty years of a^'ehad been
summoned for the defence of their homes and their
hearths, their country and their reli<;ion, and they had
come at the call. There joined the camp even lads
under si.xtecn and old men of four score. Over a hun-
dred cannon were mounted on the walls of Quebec, and
the garrison within the cit)' comprised nearl}' two
thousand men. The whole line of river bank from the
city to Montmorenc}' was a succession of earth-works,
redoubts, and batteries, defended by fourteen thousand
men. In addition to this force about one thousand
Indians had come with their scalping knives to lend
their aid. Gun-boats, floating batteries, and fire-ships
occupied the harbor. The mouth of the St. Charles was
protected by a boom of logs chained together and b\-
heav\' guns placed on sunken \cssels. As to guarding
the banks above the city, that was at first deemed un-
necessar}', for it was not supposed that an)' British ship
would venture to pass the guns of the fort. Directing
all this machinery of war were the distinguished officers
Montcalm, Levis, Bougainville, and the Goxernor-
General Vaudreuil with others of less distinction.
222. Poh'cii's of Moiitcahn and J Lc^/y?.— Montcalm,
secure in his munition of rocks, quietly yet closely
watched the enemy, but he would not come out of his
fastness to risk a battle. Wolfe wanted to fight, but he
could not get at the foe. He was greatly perplexed by
the difficulties of his position, at times almost despon-
END OF KRKXCII RULE IX AMERICA.
149
dent. He wrote to his mother : — " The Marquis of
Montcalm is at the head of a great number of poor
soldiers ; I am at the head of a small number of good
ones that wish for nothing so much as to fight him ; but
the wary old fellow avoids an action, doubtful of the
behaviour of his army."
223. Fire S/iips. — The chief offensive action of the
I'^rench was an attempt to destroy the British fleet by
means of fire-ships. On a dark night six ships filled
with all sorts of combustibles and explosives, with slow
matches attached, were set adrift in the river, that they
might float down am(Mig the British ships and set them
on fire. The explosion occurred before the fire-ships
reached the neighborhood of the fleet. The thundering
crash of the explosion and the glaring flames, that lit up
the darkness startled the British tars ; but they launched
their boats and with grappling hooks and poles turned
away the fire-ships so that no damage was done.
224. Advance Movements. — A few days after his
arrival Wolfe obtained possession o{ the heights of
Point Levis, opposite Quebec. From this important
position he could command the harbor and boinbard
the city which was onl)- about a mile distant. General
Monckton with a body of troops was placed in charge.
By shot and shell, he soon laid much ofthecityin ruins,
utterly destroying the Lower Town, so that most of the
inhabitants not engaged in the defence fled to the
country.
Wolfe's next movement was to land three thou.sand
men at Montmorency, below the point where that river
joins the St. Lawrence His object was to lead them
across the Montmorency, higher up and thus come upon
m
t",
MO
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
the I'Veiich from the rear. The landing was effected
with no great difficulty ; but Levis, who occupied the
right bank of the Montmorenc\', guarded the fords so
closely that Wolfe was unable to carr)' out his purpose.
225.
Failure of July ji. — Wolfe now took a bolder
course and determined to fight the enemy from the
front. The point of attack was General Levis's camp
on the w est of the Montmorency. While the cannon of
the British war ships, of the batteries of Point Levis, and
of the battery on the ea.st of the Montmorejicy stormed
the French redoubts, a flotilla of boats bore the troops
to the flats on the Heauport shore. At the same time
two thousand men from the east of the AIontmorenc\'
were crossing over by the fords below the falls to act in
concert with those landing from the boats. Those who
first gained the land, eager for the contest, instead of
waiting for the others coming up to join them, rushed
forward. .Struggling up the bank, which, difficult at
best, was slippery from a sudden shower of rain, the\-
were met by the destructive fire which the enemy poured
down upon them from the heights. For a time the\'
buffeted the storm and then, gi\ing wa}-, they retreated
to their boats, leaving over four hundred of their num-
ber dead on the rugged bank. Wolfe was of feeble
physical constitution ; his sensitive and ambitious spirit
chafed under this disaster and brought on a raging fever,
of which he lay ill for daj'S.
226. The English Move up the River. — With the view
of seeking a more favorable point of attack, Admiral
Holmes, passing the batteries of Quebec without much
damage, conducted a portion of the fleet above the cit)-
KM) OV FRKNCH RULK IN AMKRRA.
151
To co-operate with him, a land force of twelve hundred
men under General Murray was taken up alon^ the
south shore of the St. Lawrence. For the purpose of
L,aiardin^ the banks in that direction, Montcalm sent
liougainville with fifteen hundred men taken from the
camp at Beauport. The occupation of this ground, how-
ever, was not without advantage to the English, as it
enabled them to intercept supplies of food for Quebec,
which came chief!}' by the river from Montreal and
Three Rivers. This was indeed a serious matter for the
French, as provisions were becoming scarce, and they
were already on short rations. The Canadian militia,
many of whom were farmers, whose crops were read)'
for harvesting, began to desert in large numbers. The
defences of Quebec were weakened too by the loss of
the able officer General Levis, who was sent to Montreal
for aid against an}' attack on that place that might be
made by General Amherst.
22~. A Bold Scheme. — At a council of war held near
the end of August, General Townshend proposed that
an attempt should be made to land troops a litt'c above
the city and take them up the steep bank to \\\^ I^lains
of Abraham. The scheme .seemed rash and one that
might end in utter defeat ; but only desperate measures
were available, and Wolfe adopted the proposed plan
without hesitation. The troops of the Montm.orenc}-
encampment were placed on board Admiral Holmes's
ships, which were in the river above Quebec ; others
marched up from Point Levis along the south shore to a
spot agreed on. from which they could be taken aCross
the river. Nearly five thou.sand men were then ready
for the movement. The place selected for the ascent
KS'J;-!'!'
1. , 'HvA
mm
152
THK DO.MIXKJN OV CANADA.
n i
Ml
was that now known as Wolfe's Cove, where a ruj^j^ed
pathway was found leading up the almost precipitous
banks. Twent)'-four volunteers were readily obtained
to lead the way up the difficult and dangerous path.
The early morning of September 13th. was chosen for
carrying out the bold scheme.
228. VVic English on the Heights. — During the night
succeeding the twelfth of September barges laden with
British soldiers dropped down the river to the landing-
place. .As they floated along silently with the current,
Wolfe, who was in one of the boats, quieted his mind by
reciting (iray's Kleg}' in a Country Church yard, then
recently published, remarking as he finished, "I would
rather be the author of that poem than the conqueror of
Quebec." Little thought he at the time that the end of
his own career would so soon illustrate the verse, —
"The paths of glory lead but to the grave."
The time chosen for the landing was fortunate. A con-
voy of boats bearing provisions for the French army at
Beauport was expected to pass down the river that
night, and the sentry on the .shore mistook the English
boats for their own. Moreo\er Wolfe so artfully con-
cealed his purpose that his principal object was not
suspected. W'hile his troops were .stealthily landing
and clambering up the steep pathway, the cannon of the
battery at Point Levis and of the ships in the harbor were
blazing away at the city and the Beauport shore, as if
the whole event were to be determined at these places.
Wolfe's success was in part due to lack of vigilance in
the French. A guard was stationed on the heights near
the end of the pathway ; but its chief officer, Vergor.
who gave up Beausejour to the English, was asleep,
i:
KM) OV KKKN'CII lULi; IX AMKURA.
3,-»
and, on bein^ aroused b}' the sudden appearance of the
enemy, made slight resistance. Thus when the sun
rose, Wolfe with four thousand eight hundred men,
formed in hne of battle, stood on the Plains of Abraham.
229. Mcmtcabiis Decision. — General Montcalm, who
was at Bcauport, could scarcely bclie\e the messenger
who came in hot haste to tell him that the British had
gained the heights. With all despatch he crossed the
St. Charles and entered the Cit)-, followed by a portion
of the arm)'. Vaudrcuil and the troops of his division
remained at Beauport ; Bougainville and the troops
under his command were at Cap Rouge. Montcalm,
however, was able to muster a force of about .seven
thousand five hundred men, and he resolved to fight the
enemy on the open field. He has been blamed for not
remaining within the city and acting on the defensive
behind his ramparts. The question was a difficult one.
Kvery hour's delay enabled Wolfe to fortify himself and
bring up more troops from the river ; besides the I^nglish
could now cut off all supplies from Quebec.
230. /he Battle.— 'V\\Q French troops were eager for
the fray, and the\' ru.shed forward rapidly, firing as .soon
as they came within range. The English stood firm as
a wall, wasting no .shots, and moving only to fill the
gaps made by the fallen ; for they had been ordered not
to fire until the enemy were within forty paces. But
when the word "Fire !" ran along the lines. evcr\- gun
was levelled as by a single arm, and one simultaneous
and overwhelming voile}' swept across the opposing
columns. Fearful was the havoc among the I'rench.
The dead and wounded strewed the plain, and the
'54
TNI-; Dominion op ( anada.
broken ranks were completcl)' disorganized. Then
came the order "Charge I" at which some of the Knglish
rushed ft^rvvard w ith fixed ba\onets ; others kept firing
as the}- advanced ; while the Scottish Highlanders with
their broadswords fought their wa\' through the ranks of
the foe. The French militia fled in disorder. The regu-
lars, animated b\' the gallant Montcalm, stroxe manfulh":
but the\' could not withstand the impetuous charge of
the column which bore down upon them. The battle
was short and decisive. Some of the French were
driven across the St. Charles ; others took refuge with-
in the cit}' walls. Their loss was between twelve and
fifteen hundred men. The loss of the Rriti.sh in killed
and wounded was about six hundred.
231. Wolfe and Montcalm. — The two commanders
threw themselves into the struggle with whole-souled
valor, and both fell mortally wounded. Wolfe realized
that he had staked everything on the issue of the da}'.
It was victory or ruin. In the early part of the engage-
ment he moved here and there among his men, cheering
them by his presence and his words. He was soon
seriously wounded in the wrist, but he tied his handker-
chief around the wound and made no complaint. When
he gave the order to charge, placing himself at the head
of his grenadiers, he led the attack. Pressing on in the
thickest of the battle, he received a fatal wound in the
breast. He asked for the support of the officer near
him, that the soldiers might not see him fall. As he
was borne to the rear, he heard the words, " They run !"
" Who run ?" eagerly asked the dying hero. " The
enemy, sir," was the reply. " Then," said Wolfe, "God
be praised ! I die in peace." In the autumn, when the
KM) ()K i-Ki:\(ii Kn.i: in wii.kica.
^ T
liritish fleet sailed a\\a\', t)ne of its ships bore the
embalmed remains of Wolfe to the mother land.
Montcalm was still trxiiii^ to rall\- his fugitive soldiers,
when he received a fatal wound. Supported on his horse
by two soldiers, he was borne into the cit\'. The sur-
y;eon who attended him pronounced the woimd fatal and
told Montcalm that he had but feu hours to li\e. "I am
Ljlad of it," said the patriot soldier; " I shall not live to
see the surrender of Ouebec." liefore the morninL(
dawned he had passed awa\-. ("offinefl in a roULjh box.
he was aried with little ceremon\- under the floor of tlie
chapel of the Ursuline C*on\ ent.
In Montcalm's last moments, when his thoughts were
turned only to the objects which were dear to his heart,
— liis beautiful home far aw a\- in h" ranee, witli. its imfadinj;"
\ ision of mother, and wife, and children,— and to the
i^reat concerns of tlie future life, he rlid not forget those
who had been his comj:)anions in arms and the Canadian
people whom he could no lont^er serve. Th.eir place in
his latest thoughts is shown b\- the follow in l!' note which
he sent to (ieneral Townshend :
'• Monsieur : — The liunianity of ilic Kiij^lish sets my niiml
at rest concerninj^ the fate of tlie I'rench jjrisoiiers and the
Canadians. I'eel towards them as thty have caused me to
feel. Do not let them perceive that they have chant^ed mas-
ters. Be their protector as I have been their father. "
\
\
ii
»>i i
r
1
T T -)
'///I' Surrcitdcr. — (ieneral Monckton stood next
to Wolfe in rank, but he being" seriouslx- wounded, the
command fell to Cieneral "fow nshend. Before making
an assault on the town this oflficer jiroceeded to
strengthen his position and bring up such supplies from
the ships as would enable him to carry on the siege.
Ill- ■ \
156
Tin: DOMINION OF CANADA.
Hut no further blow was needed. Quebec was a mass
of ruins and had little means of defence. The i^reater
{)art of the defeated troops had retired to Jacques
Cartier, some thirty miles distant, whither the (iovernor
and the Intendant had also betaken themselves. Thus
there were but few regular soldiers in the city, and the
militia could not be depended on. War material was
nearh' exhausted, provisions within the city sufficed for
only a week on half rations, and further supply was cut
off. Accordingly, four days after the battle, Ramesay,
the commandant of the garrison, sent an officer bearing
a white flag to the l^ngli.sh camp, to ask for terms of
surrender. Matters were soon arranged, and Quebec
was given up to the luiglish. The soldiers were
.allowed to march out with the honors of war, and the
citizens were as.sured of protection for themselves and
their property, and of the enjoyment of their religion.
»;•(;
^33- /'''' Ldtc. — Meanwhile l)e Levis, who had been
at Montreal, hearing of the disastrous battle, hastened to
the rescue. On his arrival at Jacques Cartier, he rallied
the army, inspired Vaudreuil with new resolution, and
woke up Higot, so that they were soon on the march f(jr
Quebec to retrieve their lost honor. On the way they
learned that Quebec had surrendered.
234. The Hritisli Ociupy Quebec. — The British flag
now waved (jver the citadel in the capital of New
I'^-aiice. Quebec was a mass of ruins ; disorder pre-
vailed ; the inhabitants were famished and destitute,
(ieneral Murray was chief in command, Townshend
having returned to ICngland. The severe Canadian
winter which followed was keenly felt hy the Hritis\\
m
> ll
! «
KM) OK KRKNCFI lUI.K IN AMKRK A.
•57
soldiers, j— especial!}' b\' the kilted Hii^hlanders whose
costume gave theni scant pn^tcction. 'Die French nuns
showed them much kindness, knitting long hose to
cover their bare legs and nursing the sick with great
care and tenderness. Indeed the friendly feeling and
kind offices, shown in Quebec during the winter b\-
French and Knglish towards each other, afforded an
earnest of that harmon\' with which, for the most i)art,
the two races iiavc since occupied their Canadian home.
235-
liffci-ts to Recapture Quebec. — Karl\- in the fol-
lowing spring De Levis, at the head of eight or nine
thousand men, attempted to retake Ouebec. In this
effort he was ver\' nearlv successful. Murrav was xounu
and impulsive. Disease had greatly weakened his army,
and he could bring onl\- three thousand men into the
field, yet he imprudently marched out t<. meet the
enemy. In explaining his action afterwards, he said, —
"Our little arm)- was in the habit of beating that enemy."
The struggle was a severe one, and in the end Murra\',
after losing over a third of his men, was forced to take
refuge in the city. lie now did much to make amends
for his blutidjr by tlij w ).vijrriil eurgy hj sTviaj 1 in
placing the city in a state of defence. Order and con-
fidence were thus restored, and the enthusiasm and spirit
of the soldiers revived. On the other hand Levis was an
able general and was making preparations for a \ igorous
siege. It was difficult to jjredict the issue. Both sides
were e.vpecting re-inforcements from l''urope, and the
one first to recei\c help from the mother countr)- seemed
likely to win the prize. So when a ship was seen com-
ing up the river, it was with feverish an.xiet)- that all
eyes watched her approach. When she unfiu'Ierl the
: ill'
fc:r
158
11 II-: DOMINION Ol' CANADA.
red cross of St. (leori^e, cheers of exultation rani;" out
from behind the ramparts. ,\ British squach'on arri\ iui;"
a day or two later, the fate of the cit}- was decided.
iJc Lexis made a liasty retreat, leaving' behind him his
cannon, ammunition, baL(i]^aL;e, and all the sick and
wounded of his armw
2^6. The Closimr Scow, 1760. — 'I'he British for
ces
now set out from three se[)arate ptjints, widel\- distant
from each other, for Montreal, where the I'^ench luider
Vaudreuil ;nid De Lexis had made a final stand, (ie
n-
erai
Amh
erst, collectinir an arm\' of ten thousand men
■^>
at Osxxeijj^o, crossed Lake Ontario and proceeded down
the .St. Lawrence. Haxiland with three thousand men
advanced from C"rown I'oint b\- way of Lake C"hami)lain
and the Richelieu, and Murrax' came from Ouebec,
reccixin^" the submission of the in..,ibitants as he passed
throut^h the country. The only ho|)e for Vaudreuil and
cse dixisions separatelx"
J)e Lexis \xas in
fisjht
msi
th
before thex' concentrated their strenq;th at Montreal.
This thex' failed to do. Indeed thex- had little fi'ditinc!"
ibilit>
I'heir armx' consisted lart/elx- of Canadian
militia who had lost all s|)n*it tor war, and were
thinl
:nn.
rather of their homes and their starxinj; families. And
.low when the Canadians saw an arm)' of from fifteeji to
twentx' thousand men, includini; Indians, encamped
before Montreal, the}- deserted almost to a man. Indeed
many of the rej^ulars xxent xxith them. 'Ihere remained
onlx- al:)out tuentx'-four hundred men.
T 1 "
Siinrpiiifr.- 'V\\\\<, reduced, Vaudreuil and l)e
Lexis offered to surrender, (ieneral Amherst demanded
that thex- ^ixe uj) their arms and standards. Vaudreuil
KM) ()!•■ FRI;N(1[ Kl[,K IN AM IIKK A.
159
and l)e Lc\ is thouj^ht this too hard and they pleaded for
terms less huiniliatiiii;" But Amherst, chari4"inL,^ them
with having encoura<4"ed the Indians in their acts of out-
rage, \\(^uld abate nothini;. De Lexis stood out decidedly
against compl\'in_<4' with the conditions, and secretK*
burned his colors rather than submit to the dishonor of
j^ix ini>" theni up to the enemx'. AccordinL;" to the terms
of surrender the troops xxere to be sent to P'rance under
pledLje of not serving again in the existing xxar ; the
inhabitants who chose to remain xxere assured of {pro-
tection for their persons, their property, and their
religion. Amherst especialU' enjoined on his men to
refrain from all inhumanit}' and plunder, and to treat
the Canadians in exerx' respect as British subjects.
-8s^^3=S-
f;
CHAPTKR XVI.
LAVINC; NEW lOUNDATIONS.
i !
I n
238. Provisional Goveninient. — Peace was not con-
cluded between Great Britain and PVance for over two
jears after the surrender of Montreal. Meanwhile
Canada was placed under the rule of military officers.
It was divided into three districts, each ha\ing its own
Lieutenant-Governor : —
The District of Quebec under General Murray.
The District of Three Rivers under Colonel Burton.
The District of Montreal under General Gage.
239. The Inhabitants. — The inhabitants of Canada,
at this time estimated at si.xty-two thousand, were
settled chiefly along the St. Lawrence, between the Gulf
and Montreal. For the most [jart the peasantry remained
in the country after the conquest. Ihey, no doubt, were
to .some extent suspicious of the Knglish, and felt a
certain degree of discomfort under the rule of those
whi>m they had been wont to regard as bitter enemies.
But generally they accepted the new order of things
with good grace. They could indeed scarcel)- grieve
very much over the removal of a power which kept
them under such rulers as the avaricious Bigot. The
severe exactions of the Government had reduced them to
the lowest poverty. The men had been drawn awa\-
from their usual occupations for military service, and the
LAVINC M:\V l-orXDATlONS.
i6i
scanty prcjclucts of their farms which thcv were able to
dispose of had been sold to the (iovernnient for paper
monc}- which was now worthless, or at least of very
doubtful value. The l^'n<;lish governors treated them
with much consideration and soui^ht to reconcile them
to the chani^e which had come upon them so suddenh*.
In some important wa\ s the condition of the commcjn
people was greatly improved. The}' were no longer
called upon for service in war. and the\' could cultivate
their farms without fear of disturbance.
The French noblesse, the officers of the civil govern-
ment, and many of the merchants removed to France.
Vaudreuil, Bigot, and several others, on their return to
France, were thrown into the Bastile and were afterwards
brought to trial for fraud against the (jovcrninent.
Vaudreuil was accjuitted. Bigot, who had enriched him-
self by shameless plimdering, was comjielled to give up
his ill-gotten wealth. All his propert)' was consficated
and he was exiled for life.
240. Po)itiacs Ci'ttsl^irncy. -\\\(X\\\\\ wars had not \'et
wholh' ceased. Shortlv after the conciuest of Canada
the tribes of the West formed a great conspirac)' against
the Knglish. Thcv had made the rivalry between the
h'rench and ICngiish a source of gain, and the}' were not
jileased that it should come to an end. The plot formed
originated with an Ottawa chief named Bontiac, one of
the cleverest and most noted Indians spoken of in the
histor\- of Canada. The forts around the (ireat Lakes
and in the Ohio X'alley had all passed into the hands of
the I'jiglish and were held by small garrisons. Bontiac
sent his messengers through all the tribes and arranged
for a simultaneous attack on these forts. The story
1 \
%
W:
l62
Jill-; DOMINION (JF LAN ADA.
cannot be full)' told here. It must .suffice to sa\- that,
b)' cunning stratai^cm or b}- open assault, the saxai^es
seized nine forts and cruelh- put the iMiijlish to death or
dragged them into caj^tix it\'.
At xMackinaw on Lake Michigan, the\- invited the offi-
cers to witness a game of La Crosse. The gates of the
fort were left open, and when all were excited o\er the
game, at a given signal, the Indians seized the hatchets
which the scjuaws had concealed under their blankets,
rushed into the fort, killed part of the garrison, and
made prisoners of the rest. At Detroit the stratagem
was less successful. The wil\- Pontiac, accompanied b\'
sixt\' warriors, er.ch with a short gun concealed under
his blanket, sought admission to the fort to smoke the
pipe (.){ jjeace. Hut the luiglish had received timely
warning, and to Lontiac's surprise, he was met b}" soldiers
reach' for battle. This Indian war lasted for main'
•r' ^
months, when, largely through the good management of
Sir William Johnson, the sa\ages were pacified.
341. The Peace of Pans. — Due in large measu"e to
the wise policy of William Pitt, the last part of the
reign of (leorge II. was a brilliant period in the history
of Kngland. The Se\en W'ars' War brought success to
the armsof (ireat Britain and glory to her flag. (leorge
III., who came to the throne in 1760, was \er)' different
from his grandfather whom he succeeded. I lis mother
had alwa}s been sa\'ing to him. "George, be a King !"
and when his turn came to rule, he had high notions of
a King's rights. He did not want a minister who had a
policy. It thus happened that Pitt was not in jjower
when the war clo.sed, otherwise some things uoulrl ha\e
been done differentlv. The treaty which settled affairs,
LAMNC NEW lOUM )ATI(JNS.
163
known in histor}' as the I^cacc of Paris, ceded to (ireat
Britain all Canada, Nova Scotia, Cape Hreton, the Island
of St. John, and Newfoundland, — in fact all the I^^'ench
possessions in America east of the Mississippi exxcpt
Xew Orleans. France was allowed the right of fishing
in Xcwfoundland waters and of drviiig fish on certain
parts of the coast of that island. She also retained the
islands of Miciuelon and St. Pierre as fishing stations.
Pitt strcMigh' opposed this concession of fishing privi-
leges, as he foresaw that some day it would be a source
of trouble. But his opposition was of no a\ail.
242. Goverjuiimt of Quebec, — Canada, under the name
of the Province of Quebec, w as no^\•, by royal proclama-
tion, declared a British possession. General Murray
was made Governor-General, and a Council was
appointed to aid him in the government of the Province.
Courts of justice were established and I-5ritish law was
introduced. English-speaking people were encouraged
to settle in the Province by the offer of free grants of
land and by the promi.se of a representative legislature
as soon as the circumstances of the countrx' would per-
mit. In the meantime the Governor and his Council
had power to make laws for the Province, but they
could levy no duty on imported goods and impose no
tax of an)' kind on the inhabitants. This power was
reserved to the British Hot se of Commons. Town
authorities, however, were allowed to impose taxes for
the repair of streets and for other local objects. Among
the noted features of progress was the introduction of a
printing press in the city of Quebec in 1764, and on the
21st. of June in that year was issued the Quebec (larjctte,
the first newspaper published in Canada.
Hi)
(':.:
164
TlIK DOMINKJN Dl ( ANADA.
243. Privilri^cs of the " Xi"i^< Subjects^ — Altliough
the " New Subjects," as French Canach'ans were called,
were promised the same treatment as other l^ritish sub-
jects, as far as the laws of Great Britain would allow,
they had not equal privileges with the luiglish people
who had come into the I^rovince. The laws of (ireat
Britain, at that time, excluded Roman Catholics from
all important public offices. Candidates for these offices
were required to take an oath denyi ^ certain doctrines
of the Roman Catholic religion.
French Canadians
were quite willing to take the oath of allegiance to the
Sovereign of Great liritain, but the}- would not disown
their religion for the honors or emoluments of office. The
English inhabitants who had recently come in were not
very liberal to the French. Though the)' numbered
only four or five hundred, the\- wanted to have the whole
control of affairs. They even petitioned the King
against General Murrav because of the favor he was
showing the French.
244. The Laios. — The French and the English could
not agree at all as regards the laws which they desired.
The I'^-ench did not like the English custom of trial b\-
jury, but preferred the simple decision of the judge-
Trial by jur)', in which the agreement of all was required
before a verdict could be given, seemed to them a con-
test to tr\' the jur\men's power of holding out, rather
than a suitable means to decide the merits of a cau.sc.
Then the I^^'ench laws relating to the ownership and
transfer of lands were very unlike those of England. It
will be remembered that the h^udal S}'stem of holding
lands was introduced at an early period into Canada.
The peasant paid an annual rent for his land to the
I.AVINC M;\V KorNDATKJN'S.
165
Seii^nior, and when he sold his land, he Iiad to j^ive one-
twelfth of the price to the Seignior. This tended to
hinder inipro\ement, for the more valuable land became,
the greater was the tax. Hut the peasants being illiter-
ate and unacquainted with business, could look to the
Seignior as protector. Their lands being under the
guardianship of the Seignior could not be seized for debt.
Another ijeculiaritx' in the French s\-stem was the
absence of registration of deeds and mortgages. The
people were much opposed to the ICnglish custom, think-
ing that it involved needless expense ; and as the\-
could not read, the)' were suspicious that written records
might be used as a means of concealing fraud. Their
sNstem, however, often led to bad results. One could
mortgage his land to different persons, one mortgagee
not knowing that it was mortgaged to another. The
owner could thus realize more on his land than it was
wortli, or he might sell mortgaged land for its full value,
and the jjurcliaser not know of the incumbrance at the
time of purchase. The laws relating to husband and
wife were also unlike those of the English. In the
matter of propert)-, the marriage relation was a sort of
partnership in which each had equal interest. If the
wife died before the husband, her heirs were entitled to
her half of the propert}-.
VJtA
245. V/ir Quebec Act, 1774. — Sir Gu}' Carleton suc-
ceeded (jeneral Murray as Governor-General. He found
matters in a very unsatisfactory condition. The French
inhabitants did not understand the Knglish laws and
they disliked these laws so much that it was difficult to
enforce thenj. The courts had in some matters adopted
the old French laws, which gave offence to the English
1 66
Tin: DOMINION (JF CANADA.
people. Tliere was much confusion as well as murmur-
ing^. Governor Carleton went to Iuii;land for the pur-
pose of securing some better basis of goxermnent for
the Province. Accordingly, after some dela\', the Hrit-
i.sh Parliament, in 1774, passed what is known as the
Quebec Act, which came into force in the following
year. This act extended the bounds of the Province to
the Mississipi on the west, to the water-shed of Hudson
Bay on the north, and to the Ohio on the south. It
established the use of French civil law and luiglish
criminal law. It removed all civil disabilities from the
French inhabitants arising from their religion, and it
secured to the Roman Catholic clergy the tithes from
their own people, which they had been accustomed to
collect under French rule. The Act did not give the
Province a representative assembly, but left the (jovern-
ment as before with the Governor and a Council
appointed by the Crown. The French were well pleased
with the Act. Not so the Fnglish. They objected to
the French civil code and to the provision made for the
support of the Roman Catholic religion. The extension
of the bounds of Canada gave offence to some of the
other provinces.
246. The First Assembly Meanwhile some im-
in Nova Seotia, ij/S. porfant events had
taken place in Nova Scotia. The colonists in that
Province had been promised a representative legislature,
and the laws made by the Gc^vernor and Council were
considered by legal authorities to be of doubtful validit)-.
Governor Lawrence was accordingly instructed by the
British Government to call on the people to elect a
House of As.sembly. Tearing that such a body might
LAMN(. Ni:\V FOUNDATKJNS.
167
assume too much power and cause liim trouble, the
conservative Governor obe\efl the order somewhat
un\villin<jl\'. The first Assemb!\-, consistinti of twentv-
two members, met in the Court House in Hahfax on the
2nd. of October, 175S. Roman ("atlioh'cs were not
allowed to sit as members or to vote at elections.
247. Xcic Colonists in Better davs now bet^an to
Xova Scotia, /66o-i6jj. dawn on Nova Scotia.
(i:>vernor Lawrence invited colonists to come from New
I'-ni/land. offerinti free irrants of the best land in the
I'rovmce. Many families of old Puritan stock from
Connecticut and Rhode Island accepted his invitation
and settled on the fertile farms in Annaj^olis, CornwalUs,
Morton, Windsor, Truro, Onslow, and Cumberland, fron.
which the Acadians had been expelled. The Lords of
Trade were not pleased with the action of the Governor
in this regard, as the\' thout/ht to reser\e these lands for
such officers and soldiers as mi^ht wish to settle in the
c()untr\- on the close of the war in Canada. Lawrence
assured them that there was abundance of land eciualU'
ijood on the St. John Rixcr and elsewhere, but at the
same time he frankl}' told them that soldiers did not
make sjood colonists for a new countrw Main* of the
soldiers who had come to Xo\a Scotia soon went awa\'.
and a lari^e nimiber of those who remained resorted to
the liquor traffic for a livelihood. There came also a few-
families from Philadelphia, who formed the first luiglish
settlement in Pictou. These people endured i^reat
hardships, i^ettinj^ much of their food for a year or two
bv huntinu" and fishin<j
!^-
A I
ew vears later, m
167
/.")'
there came to Pictou a small Scotch colon}'. These
hardy pioneers had time only to build rude cabins before
*f-.'V,
• ^::
ii..
■'. IM.
jiffi^HB'
(.'■■,
','■ '
irnS
IIIK DOMINION oi- ( ANADA.
winter set in. To prevent their families from st;u'\inL]^,
the men went to Truro, fort}' miles distant, and draij^^ed
home flour and potatoes on liandsleds. It thus hap-
pened that there was established in the western part of
t'le J'rovincc a jjopulation of New lui^land origin, w hile
in the east tlie people are L^enerall)' of Seottish orij^in.
These eolonists in the east and west, differini; from each
other in man\- wa\s, but alike intellii/ent, moral,
and thrift}', made a marked impress for ^ood on the
subse(]uent character of tlie Proxince.
248. The CoiDity of SiDibury, iy6-,. — In 1755 man\'
of the Acadians fled to tlie north side of the Bay of
Kund}', some of them settlint^ near I"\)rt La Tour at the
mouth of the St. John, others at St. Anne's, and Jemsel,^
.Acadian settlements were also formed on the Mirann'ciii,
Xepisitjuit, and the Restii^ouche. l)urin<^ the late war
attempts were made t(j e.Njjel them. I'ort La Tour was
captured aiifl its name was chan<;ed to I'ort l^Vederick.
The poor .Acadians were i^rcatly harassed and in scjme
cases the\' were driven from their settlements, but for
the most part they still remained in the countrw In
1765 an important colon}' of about eii^ht hundred jjeople
from AL'issachusetts settled on the St. John River.
Three \-ears after, their settlenient was formed into the
Count}' of Sunbur}-, with the privilege of sending one
member to the Assembly at Halifax
249. The Island of St. folni. — As already stated the
Island of St. John, or Prince Edward, formed a part of
the territor}' ceded to (}reat liritain by the Treaty of
Paris. As the Island now C(jmcs into pn)minence it
demands a jilace in our story. 'The name St. John is
l!'
i..\\iN(. m;\v lor m ) \i Ions.
169
s.iid to h.'ivc been ^iviMi to tlic Island 1j\; (b.implain.
I-"or ;i huiulrcfl ;iii(l fift\' years the Island received little
attention. In 1663 it was i^ranted to a I-"rench captain
named Dcjublet, who made it head cjuarters of his fish-
eries in the (iulf of .St. Lawrence. Hut the fisher-
men had no thought of settling here ; the\- simpl\-
had little huts at certain harbors where the}' cured their
fish, and the}' came and went as suited tluMr business.
Not until the Treat}' of Utrecht had L;i\en N'o\a Scotia
to (ireat Britain, was the Island re^i^arded as a suitable
place for settlement. .Some of the Acadians, preferring
their old flai;, now crossed the .Strait and made their
h(jme here. As the soil was foimd to be fertile
and the climate agreeable, the T'rench j)eo[)le were
attracted to the Island from time to time as the }-ears
went b}'. Hut the great accession to the jiojuilation was
in 1755. on the occasion of the capture of Hcausejour
and the e.xjjulsion of the Acadians from .\o\"a Scotia.
The population was now increased to about four
thousand. The Island had its (if)\ernor whose head
ciuarters were at Fort La Joie near the site of the pre-
sent C'itv of Charlottetown. .As alreacK- stated this fort
was taken by the iMiglish after the second cajjture of
Louisburj^, and the whole Island then fell to Great
Hritain. Shortly after the Treat}' of Paris the Island
was placed under the s^overnment of \o\a Scotia, l^ut
in the meantime nearl}- all the T^'ench peojjle had
moved awa}', so that there were now onl}' about one
hundred and fift}- inhabitants remaining.
H}' order of the Hritish Government St. John's Island
was divided into Townships or Lots of which there were
sixty-seven. These Townships were given to certain
r^i
Ifif ; ^
If
&:
lijIJi
ii
"■'■Mf
170
Tin: DOMINION 01 ( AXADA.
officers of tlic ariTiy and other persons who were thous^ht
to ha\e chiims on the (ioxernment for some service
rendered. To prexi-nt disputes and cliari^es of partiah'ty,
tlie (h'stribution was made b)- (h'aw ini;' numloers from the
ballot box, thus determinini;' by lot the di\ision (.;ach
should ha\i'. Certain conditions w er(> s|)ecified on which
the lands were to belirld. 'j'hc i^rantees within ten years
were to settle at least one inhabitant f )r vvcvy two hun-
dred acresof land. Thivse settlers were to be Protectants
and the\' w ei'e not to be taken h'om the Ih'itish Isles.
Thus did the ( "lovfinnient ijiiard against diM)Ietinu' the
po[)ulation at home
Aft
er the lu'sl li\e years tin" pr
o-
j>rictors we-re to pa\- to tlu^ ( ioxeiannent a rental or ta.v
k
nown as
Ouit
lent.
ri
ie conditions were in \er\'
fe
w
cases carried out. .At the end often \'ears fort\'-eis;ht
A the sixt\ -se\en I <()ts had no settlement. This disposal
of the Island resulted in a s\-stem of non-resident land-
lords, which afterwards cau.sed much trouble.
2f,0- Z^/'' Jslaiid niiuic Very soon the j)roj)rietors
a Scparat,' Prov/i/a\ i6jo. bei^an to petition theKiuL^'
for the se])aration of the Island of St. John from the Gov-
ernment of No\a Scotia. This was done in 1770, when
it was formed into a distinct province with Walter Pat-
terson as its first (lovernor. Thus did the fair little
Island, youthful and without experience, set out in the
manat^ement of her own affair.s.
251. ./// Alarm, lydj. — In the sunmier ])recedinLi
the rcst(jration of peace, tiie I''rench took St. John's, the
capital of Newfoundland, and held it about three months.
When the news of the capture reached Halifax, the wild-
est alarm seized the people lest the enemy should -cttack
l..\^"I\(i \i".\\ I'OrxDA'iioxs.
171
\n\a Scoti.'i. ("ouiicils of war were held ; forts were
rcjjiiired ; martial law, was proclaimed ; and the militia
were broui^ht from the coiintr}- to defend the cajjital.
The panic extended to the countr)-. Man\' Acadians
wlu) wei-e em[)lo\'ed in re[)airin^ the dikes in .\miapolis,
("ornwallis, and Ilorton were sei/.ed and sent to Halifax
as prisoners. I'hese, toi^-ether with other Acadians
brouL^ht from different jjarts of the I*ro\ ince, were sent
t(.) Boston. The (loxernor of Massachusetts would not
allow them to land, but ordered that the\' be sent back
to Nova Scotia. The)' were kept some time as prisoners
in Halifax, when some of them were sent to the West
Indies. Suspicion of the .Acadians, however, gradually
died awa)', and in 1764, by order of the kin<4, the\' were
permitted, on taking the oath of allegiance, to .settle on
lands granted to them in \arious parts of tiie Province.
iMan\- descendants of the old Acadians now li\e in No\a
Scotia, and the)' are as lo)al to the l^ritish Crtjwn as
are their neighbors of other races.
w
■i'
-^1^3=$-
CIlAPl'I-.K >:\'ii.
Tin: AMI.KK AN l< I \ < )I.ir[()\.
Uritisli Aiiicriiwi Colotiirs in / 76
/ ". > ■
A I il
U"
close of iIk: war witli l-rancc (ircat Hritain had an
mibrokc'ii tt'n'itoi'N' aluiiij tlu" Atlantic iVoin N'c^w foiiiKl-
aiu
1 to (
icortria.
ri
ici'c were 111 all sc\cntci'n colonics.
each liaxiiiL; its own L;'o\crnnicnt : —
Ncwfonndlaiuh St. John's Ishiiul, \o\a Scotia, (Jnchcc,
Massacluisctts, New I lampsliirc, Rhode Island, ( "onncc-
ticut, W'w ^'o^k, \c\v jersey, Penns\'l\ ania, l)elawari,',
Mar\'land, X'irijinia. North ('arolina. South ("aro!'na, and
( icoruia.
he
i).
.tn
c;\cv 01 I ans seemed
to 1
ia\e settled
the loii;^ disputed ipiestion of empire in North America
and to have mide (Ireat Hritain mistr(.^ss of the Con-
tinent. Hut ("ieor!_;e 111. had not ceased to reioice o\c'r
his con(|uests, wjien the last named thirteen colonies rose
in rebellion and (.:laiined tluMr independence. In fact it
as tlie completeness of his \ ictory which opened the
a\- for relxdiion and made the in(lc|)endence of tlu\se
w
w
j)ro\iiU"e> possible,
WitI
1 hostile rrench and Indians
lid
beside tliem. e\rr read)- to in\ ade lIUMr homes, lliey cou
riL;htl\' \aliie llu-ir coiiiuxtion with Great iiritain ; but
now ulu'ii tlierewas no enemy to (ear. they (ould li^htlx'
cut thcmsebes loose from the mother land.
25^. ('(>)N/i/i(Uis. .\t thi" liiiK' 1)1" the rebellion, oi-
the "American l\e\ olutioii," as it is called, the(jo\ern-
Till-: AMI'.RK AN I; I \ Ol.T I loN.
/ •)
inciit ()t (Irrat Britain was iml wi.M'ly (lircctcfl. (k'or^'c
i I I. was honest and wanU'd to do liisdut\'; hut in his
naiTow inin(k'(h)ess and ohstinac}- he had surrounded
hinisc-ir with nn'in'stiTs who were read}- to afl\ ist- tlie
eoui'se which he desiied. Moi\'o\(.r, h)- sonu- means,
perhaps not always honest, his ministers lound parha-
ments ioohsli enoutdi to carry out their measures. One
blunder followed aiiothei", until half a (Continent was lost
to the empire.
234. /w'.v//vc//".7.s\ Trill' i|)les ol i^oxeinment were
not then so well understood in (ireat Hi'itain as they aiv
,it present. Ihe jjolicy of the times la\<ired resti'ietion.
l'".s])<.:eiall)' wei^e the colonies hampei-ed in matters of
trade and manufacture. They wc-re prohibited from
tr-'dini; direi ll)- with toixdi^n countrit-s ; 'hut w im'i- ri~-
(juiri-'d to imjjort tea, siiL;ar, s|)ices, and other aiticles of
toreii^n production iiom (ireat Ihitain. This not onU'
lairsed (K"la\, hut _L;rt'atly incix-ased the cost of t hi' _l;o( )ds.
It also li'd to smu_L;L;lin_L;'. and this a;.'ain to sei/.inv of
mc-ichandise .md xe^sels hy L;o\ernnu'nt oflu-i'rs. Tlie
owners ol snuiL;j.;led L^oods olten I'esisted thr officers,
and un^etinly riots occurred. In order to jjrolect the
indusliies of hji^land the colonists wt-re not allowcvl to
manulaclui'e ci-rlain articles.
J55. T(L\('s Without RrprcSiiitdtio)!. Th.e indiL^tia-
tion of the t-olonl(.'s was aroused nujst of all 1)_\- the taxes
impA)sed on them by the British t io\ermnent. Perhaps
they did not fully consider tlu' fact that (ireat Ihitain
had spent \ast sums of mone\' lor their proti'ction and
defeiu'e ; or that the peo])le of ihi- British Isle, were
now ju'a\il)' taxed to raise nioni-y for ihe i)a\'ment of
ijl
174
T[[l", hoMFXIoX Ol' C.WADA.
tlie nation's debts thus incurred. To some
mmcls
it did
not seem unreasonable that the colonists should bear a
portion of the burden. The tax in itselfwas not oppres-
sive, but the coloiu'sts objected to the authority thi'ousjjh
which it was imposed rather than to the amount. Tliey
held that Britisli subjects should not be ta.xed b\' a
lei;islaturc in which they had no representation. Idle
itend-
pnnciple was an imi)ortant one and was worth con
in^' for, but perhaps with a little more patience the
colonists could have seciu'cd their rights w ithout rushinu'
into civil war. Man\' people in lMi<.^land, includini;" dis-
tinguished statesmen, disai)pro\ed of the tax.
'Idle first burden of this kind was that imposed in
1765 by the Stamp Act, b\- which it was provided that
certain Icjal documents, as f
-t->
must be written on paper with a L^'overnment stamp
Iraft^
th
s and notes ot han
affi>
xecl to render them xalu
T\
le excitement was not
it first \'er\' irencral. A few hot-headed men made a
'.' t>
i;"reat ado. The)' said this w.is onl\- the thin edi^e of
the wedLje ; more oppressive measures would follow.
Soon the\' and their children would be reduced to slavery.
The feelini;" was most intense in Boston, Ne\\' X'ork, a.nd
Philadelphia. Ihe church bells were tolled, flails were
ited
huni;' at half mast, and m some instances those aj)pom
to sell stamped pai)er were so rou;^lil\" treated that the)'
were forced to resiLin their offices.
I'! ■
256. '/'//(' In'stoN Tea rarty. — The l^ritish I'arliamenl
repealed the Stamj) Act, but j)assed another act ecpiall)'
o
ffcn
sive.
A
small tlut)' was placerl on tea.^lass, paints,
and some other articles, and the amount thus raised was
HjJi^lied to the pa)'ment of the salaries of judy;es and
other public officers. The colonists now resolved that
'iiii-; .\mi:ki( AX KKVoi.rTioN.
/.")
the\' would not use articles on which (lut\- was imijosed
bv the British Parliament. Kin>'" (icor<>e's ministers
would gladly ha\e i;ot out of the difficult)-, but the\- had
asserted the rii^ht of the (io\ernment to impose taxes on
the colonies, and it seemed humiliating;" to recede from
the position the\- had taken. Ihey accordini^iy remo\ed
the dut\- from e\ er}thini;' but tea, on which fi\e cents
per pound were recjuired to l)e ])aid. I'eople then as
now, were foi'id of te.i, and they would use it so loni; as
the}' could obtain it. i)Ut the leaders of the opj)osition
were determined. .\ ship laden with tea, arrived in
l^oston, and the\' decided that the carL!"(j should not be
landed. .Accordini^ly about fift\- men, (lis<;"uised as
Indians, went on board and thriwv the tea into the har-
bor. Idle British (io\ernnient retaliated by closing the
port \)i' Boston, allowing;" no \essels to load or imload in
its harbor. ddie custom house was remoxed to Salem.
iff
1
257. /'//<' (.oj///j/(-///<f/ C''>/i;'/-i's.s\ ///./.- A conxention,
called the "Continental ("oni^ress," composed of delc-
!4'ates from the disturbed i)ro\inces. met at Philadclj)hia
to discuss their L^riexances and resoK'e on some course
of action. .\ memorial w. as sent to t!ie Kini;, cxpress-
ini;' 'o\alt\-, recountint; L;"rie\ ances, and askinj;' redress.
The C"onL;ress also sent letters to the Proxinces of
Quebec and Xoxa .Scotia, askiiv^ them to unite in the
moxement ai;ainst the British (loxernmcnt. The let-
ter addressed to the |)eo])k^ of Quebec tried to e.xcite ill
feelino- bx- showing the injustice of the Quebec Act in
not j^iviuL;' them a reprcsentatixe Assemblx'.
25S. '/'//(' \\'<n- /u-o-iiis, ///J.— -There was little
thoUL;hl in l'".n!_;land of any ij^eneral risiuL; in the colonies
1:
1
1
1^'
3
ijV ;; f
■' 1 : ' ■
176
I'lll-; I)().MIM(.).\ ol' ( ANADA.
and no measures were taken aL;ainsl such an emergency.
The first hostilities occurred near I)oston. Ihe (loxernor
()( Massachusetts. learninL;" that arms and ammunition
liad been stored at Concord b)- opponents of the (io\ern-
ment, sent a body of men b\- nit;ht to seize these mih-
tary stores. The moxement was to be kept secret, but
in some wdv l^nowled^e of it j^ot abroad. .As the
sokh'ers returned to Boston thie\- were attacked all alon_L^
the \\a}' <ind man\' f)r them were killed. A little later
in the same \eai", tlie historic i'nrts of Ticonderof^a and
("rown Point on Lake C'hamplain were seized l)yasmall
bod\' of colonists collected in Vermont under l^than
Allen and l^enedict Arnold. Thus bej4an the Rexolu-
tionarx- War which lasted si.x \eai's.
^S9-
I in
'(Hsioii of edit (U
ia.ijj:
The letter addressed
to the people of Quebec failed to secm-e the desired
result, and it was determined to ti')' the effect of armed
forces. There was prob.ibly little thou|j;ht that much
fighting," would be recjuired. The Congress bclie\cd that
Canada would be ready to make common CiUise w ith
the other l'ro\inces, if a little encouragement were ui\en
to start the movement.
r
wo unaiunu" lorces were
f(
accord ingU- sent into the countrx^' b\- different routes.
Hencdict Arnold set cmt from Casco Ba\\ proceeding
through the forests b\- way of the Kennebec, Lake
Megantic, and the (Tiaudierc to Quebec. General
Schuyler advanced against Montreal b\- way of Lake
Champlain. Schuyler soon retired from tlie command
and was succeeded by (ieneral Montgomer)'. The
movement against Canada was bold, e\en rash, and )et
there were conditions which warranted some hope of
success. The I'rench inhabitants at tin's time could not
)1'-'U
'iiir: ami:ri('.\\ rfaoh'iiox.
17,
l)e supposed to ha\c an)- L^rcat lo\c for Great Hiitain or
for Hritish institutions; the I*>nglish-sj)eakini;" inhabitants
were mosti)' from the rexoltins^' j:)ro\inces and niiglit be
id t
suj^posed to s\ injjathize
thi
w
ith the movement <join<'' on
the
re.
T\m
m
e rei^ular troops m the Irovmce. on who
(ireat l^ritain eould depend, ch'd not exeeed eii^ht hun-
dred men.
260 Scirjitrc of Montreal. — Montgomery {proceeded
along Lake Champhiin and down the Richeheu. Two
strong positions, Chambh- and St. John's, were on his
route. Chambh' should not have been easil\- taken, but
for s(jme eause not \er}- clear it soon surrendered. St.
John's held out nobly for a time, but was forced to yield,
(loxernor Carleton was in command at Montreal. He
had both couratje and abilitx', but he lacked means of
defence, and he saw that effort to hold the place would
be useless. He accordingh' decided to withdraw with
the feu troojjs he had to Quebec. He had eleven
\essels. lunbarking with his men he proceeded down
the ri\er. On the following da)- Montgomer)- took
possession of Montreal. A few days later the inhabit-
ants, learning that Montreal had been abandoned by
Carleton, sent delegates to Montgoinery, placing them-
sehes m Ins
hand.''
261. Carleton' s Xarroi^' lisiaprs.- -Avr'w'wvg at Sorel
on the St. Lawrence, Carleton found his wa\- blocked b\-
batteries of provincial forces on the Island of St. Ignace.
Whatever might befal his vessels, or even his men, it
was of the utmost consequence that he should reach
Ouebec in safetv. On him chiefl\- depended the defence
(^f the Province. Accordingh, under cover of the night
Ill
J
n^
^»--
Till-; DOMINION (M CANADA.
in
•mal
it j)rf)|)cllccl with nnifficd (jjus, 1ic stole
I^ast the batteries.
.At Tliree Ri\ers he learned that
)tl
inotiier (iaiiijer ia\' in liis \\a\
a ni'()\incia
1 P
nxc was
eneaniued
ward
howeve
and men
enc-in\'.
that
t I'oint-au.x- Trembles. lie hastened for
r. reach inL;" Ouebec in safety. Ills \esseh
he left at Sorel fell into the hands (
.ft!
le
uch e.xcitement [jre\ailed in the cit)
w
('arleton arri\ed
.\ft
er SIX week s marc
h tl
irouL;"n
hen
He
r.
lores
t.s A
mold had unex"i)ectedly made his aj)|)earance
bef.
ire its walls ai
id demanded it
s surrender.
IS sum-
mons h;id receixed r,o answer, anrl he had thoi:i;ht it
adxisable before takin;.;' further action, to wait for Mont-
mer\'. it was Arnold's encampment which Carleton
'>•()
hat
Diissed at
Dint-aux- ! reml)les.
262. ./ I'crblc /AVc'/.- -(ireal Britain now held C'ari-
Ihe luii^iish-speakiiiL!; inhal)itants
ada l)\ a leehle nold
were for the most jjait disloyal ; the h'rench peasantr\-
were disi)osed to be neutral, scarcely knowiiiL;" on which
side were
th
eir tnends.
A;
a rule the liiLfher classes o
f
the h'rench people and the clergy were loxal. ()i the
chief places in the I'ro\ince the city of Quebec, which
was defended 1)\' a garrison of less than three
hundred men, alone rcmainefl imder British rule. I'here
w;;:; disloyalt\- c\'en here, and some of the inhabitants
were urL^iuL;' surrender. Carleton promptl}' expelled all
ch persons from the cit}-. lie then strengthened his
su
f
men or a war
positi(Mi in e\er)' j)ossiblc waw The
\essel in the h;nb(ir were brought in f<>r the support of
the ^jJ'arrison, and tin
e crews of merchant \'essels were
mpressed into service.
X'olunteers from the h^-ench
and ICnglish ))opulation increased the defending force to
fifteen or sixteen hundred.
■iiii: A>ii:ki<A\ i<i:\()i.rii()\.
T'J
263. J/(>.u/<^-('///('/i''.s- luuliirc (iiid ]\'iitli. I'.inbarkiiiL;'
his solfliers in the xcssi-ls c;i])turc;l ;it Sorcl, Montj^oincry
proceeded to (Jucbcc. lie nu:t Arnold m-ar the cit\'.
It was now the month of Decemhei" and wintor was set-
ting; in. The work demanded des])alch. l>nt Mont-
l^cjiiiei')" expeeted httk- trouble in taking' tlie city.
Indeed lie thoUL;ht he had on!\- to sliow himself before
it-- walls, and the jo\-t"ul citizens would open their i^ates
to receixe him. 1 le was sui'ijrist'd to fnid tliat his h-iends
were all outside, and that the L;"ates were locked ai^ainst
tliem. l)y the hands of an old woman he sent an
ini'pudent letter to ("arleton, statiuL;' what e\ils would
befal the city if resistance were. attempted, llis threats
h id n.) effect. 'l"hrou;^"h the month of December, from
the batteries which he had erected in the suburbs, he
continued to bombard the L'pj)er 'I'own. h'inall)-, on
the mornint4' of New \'ear's l)a\', l)ef )re dawn, ann'd a
drixiuL;' snow storm, an attempt wa.-- made to take the
city b}' assault. While the batteries on the hei;4hts
made pretense (jf attack on the L'pper Town, Mont-
ii"omer\- and Arnold tried to force an entrance into the
Lower down. Those who delended the city were ready
to meet their assailants. M()ntL.[omer\- was killed, and
his men tied in disorder, leaxiuL;' his body to be covered
!>)• the fallini;" snow. Arnold was wounded and was
borne from the field. Some of his men, haxini; forced
their wa}- into the cit\-, after sharp l\c;htinf^ in the streets,
were overpowered and three hundred and fort\' of their
%
I 'L '
ninnber were
tak
en prisoners.
Tl
le
)es lexers re-
m;
m
264. Retreat of the Et'eniy.
[lined before Quebec diu'inL; the winter, but they
[ide no further attempt to take the citw ThcN' suffered
i8o
THK DOMINION OK < ANAPA.
much from the .se\crc cold, and main- of them ch'ed of
smallpox. Throughout the winter C'arleton kept close
within his walls. On the arrival of re-enforcements in
the sprinj^, he made a sortie on the enemy, who fled in
confusion, leaving" behind them their artiller\-, ammimi-
tion, and proxisions. Conj^ress <^reatl\' desirin_L( to hold
its position in Canada sent new rela\s of troops into the
countr\-. Three deles^ates from this bod\', one of whom
was the distinf^uished Benjamin b>anklin, came to
Montreal for the purpose of i^ainini^ the fricnrlshi)) and
co-operation of the Canadians. It was a fruitless mis-
sion. 1^\- the arrival of more troops under (leneral
Burf^o\ne earlx- in the summer, the J-Jritish forces in
Canada were increased to between nine and ten
thousand men. As this stron*;- arm\' ascended the St.
Lawrence, the in\aders retreated, abandonintj one j)ost
after another until the\- made a final stand on Lake
Champlain. At St. John's on the Richelieu, throuj^h
lack of means of transport, Carleton's profi^ress in the
pursuit was arrested for three months. ILivin^ built
several vessels at this place he followed the retreatini^
foe to Lake Champlain, where, in a naval ent^agement,
he gained a complete victory. Arnold abandoned
Crown Point and gathered all his forces at Ticonderoga.
In the following summer he was compelled to yield this
fort als(x Thus ended the attempt to force Canada to
join the revolting provinces.
265. J^/rz'd/i'rrs (X)id 'Uiiiidorys. — During the war the
coast settlements of Nova Scotia were kept in constant
alarm by privateers from New England. Yarmouth,
Annapolis, Cornwallis, Lunenburg, and the settlements
at the mouth of the St. John were plundered by the.se
rm: ami.rk.w riaoi.ction.
I Si
freebooters. At .Annapolis the iinaclers sei/ecl the
hl(Kk-house, spiked the cannon, and carried off what-
ever the}' found of \aliie in the shops and dwelh'n^s.
266. huicpcudoue of the United States On the
Ree(\i^)iirjed In' (ireat Rritaui, //Sj. fourth of
Jul}-, 1776. the Coni^ress at Philadclpliia declared the
revoltinij colonies independent of (ireat Britain, assum-
\\v^ for the new (io\erninent the name of the United
States of .America. But the struLTLrle continued for
several }'ears. The leader in the revcjlution and the
man on wht^m its success JarireU- dejjended was (leorfre
Washington. During the war he was commander-in-
chief of the forces, and at its close he became the first
I'resident of the Republic. I'rance was avenged on her
great rival b}- sending aid to her rebellious colonies.
King George III. was s(j resolutelv set on subduing his
disobedient subjects that, for a long time, he rejected
all advice in favor of recognizing their independence.
But he finall}' yielded to public sentiment in h^ngland
as e.xpres.sed by- the House of Commons. It has been
estimated that Great Britain expended in the war
$500,000,000 and lost fifty thousand men.
f
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
/.
^^ <\<^^'4i.<
1.0
I.I
UilM |2.S
1^ lU 12.2
t lis 1^
M
1.25
'' i^
^
<^
/
/
^"^
^
^^
V
iV
^^
:\
\
if
V -^s
'»
C'lIAI'TI'.k Will.
'iiii: rM'n:i) i'.mi'IkI', i.on ai.ists.
267. Couditioii of the Loyalists. -'\'\\i.' trc.ity of peace
bctwciMi (ircat Kritaiii aii'I the Inited Slates was not
\ ci\- care
fullv
drawn up.
.\;
s we shall see later on, it
left room for (Hs|)iites in the matter of the hoiindarv-
line between the adjoininij territories of the two nations.
Bv
som
e stranLTC oversiuht, also, it failed to secure the
rights of those i^ersons in the United States who had,
throui^hout tile war. remained Io\al to (ireat Britain.
These people, who on account of tlieir desire to keep
the I-jiipire from beinj; broken up wen- known as
'* United I'.mpire Uo\Mlists," were very badl\' treated b\'
their felIow-C()untr\-men. While those who rebelled
against (ireat Britain took for themsebes the name of
patriots, the\' called the Lojalists I'ories and traitors.
The feelinir a'jainst the Loyalists was even more bitter
than a<;ain.st the British soldier who was sent into the
country to put down the rebellion. l*'or w hile the soldier
was rcj^arded as a t}'rant's instrument of o|)i)ression, the
I-oyalist was treated as a despic.ible traitor to his
c«)untr\". His propert)' was confiscated, and he was
looked upon as an outcast. The L^reat sacrifice made
by these people rather than violate their sense of ri^^ht
entitles them to liiLjh rank on the roll of honor. Home-
less, destitute, and persecuted, the}' could now only turn
for help to Great Britain.
Till-: rNri'Ki) i-.MrFKi; i.ov \i.isrs.
iS;
L'r>s.
\ id for the Loyalists. —'\W' British I louse of
( 'oiiiiiions \ott'(l a sum of money i'(|ual to about
$16,000,000 for the reh'cf ofthe Loyahsts. I'ree .L,M'ants
of huul were made in the l'ro\iiices of No\a Scotia and
Ouebec, two hunchvd acres heiuL; L(i\entoeach Loyalist,
and
the
e same to each son on connnLr 01 a<re, and to cac
f
:h
(hiuuhter on her marriaLre,
Ihe British (iovcrnmcnt
also L;a\c; tliem farming tools, food, clothing, and othiM*
necess.irii-s, and sent ships U) come}' to their new homes
tl
lose who tra\e
lied 1
j\- water,
About thirtN' thousand
peo]
)le were
thu
s pro\i(
led I
or
oor anc
1 dc
enenc
lent
as the\- were, \et throuuh their intelliLTe
nc
social rank.
and moral character, the)' exercised an imj)ortant infli
hicli
rnor
w
ence m shajjin^ the destnn- oi the i)rovmces to w
the\- emii^rated. Sir (iuy (arleton, the foriher l(ovc
of Quebec, who commanded the liritish forces in \e
\'ork at the close of the war, showed much interest in
the LoN'alists and aided tliem s^reatlv in their removal to
Canada.
?^^^). Loyalist Scttlcmoits in Xova .S"rvV/.7.— -.About
twenty-thousand of tliese " Refui;ees," including- dis-
banded soldiers, came to Xo\a Scotia. It is estimated
that five thousand settled on the St. John River on the
north of tlu' Ha\' of I*\md\'. Of these the first arrived
on the i.Sth. of Ma\', I7«^v The settlement at the mouth
01
tl
le ri\er was ca
lied r
[irrtow 11 ill honor o
f (
io\ernor
I'arr of Xo\a Scotia. The largest colon\- of Loyalists
in Xova Scotia was at Port Ra/ior on the .Atlantic coast.
I'reviou.s to tlieir arri\al this place had few inhabitants ;
but it now suddenly becaiiK" a cit\" with a population of
tweKe thousand. Governor Parr visited the i)lace and
Ljave it the name of Shelburne, in honor of a liritisii
iS4
rH!. DOMINION ol- (ANAKA.
in
statesman of that name. Other Loyalists settled
various parts of \o\a Scotia. Main- also foimfl homes
in Cape Breton and in the Island of St. John.
270. Loynlt's/s in Ontario. — With the exception of a
few tradin|4 posts and forts here and there, the territory
which now forms the I*ro\ince of Ontario had up to
this time remained unsettled. About ten thousand
Loyalists, disbanded soldiers, and half-j}a\* officers now
ade it their home. Thcx- settled chieflv alonii the
Upper St. Lawrence, on tiie north of Lake Ontario, <
m
)n
the Niaijara River, and on the Detroit. Many of theui
came from New \'(>rk, which beintj held b\- (ireat Britain
until the close of the war, became a place of refuse for
the persecuted Lo\alists. Their common route of travel
to their new homes was by the Hudson River and its
tributaries, — some of them cominj^ to Oswej^o and cross-
ing; Lake Ontario, others takini; the Lake at Sackett's
Harbor opposite Kiniijston. Thus the "I'il^^rim Fathers"
of Ontario, in the spirit of .sacrifice for principle, laid the
foundation of this ^reat Province. They .still further
th
en-
showed their loNalty to (ieor^e HI. b\- namini;
settlements for his children.
271. Loyalist Indians. — Nor did Great Britain fail to
provide for her faithful Indians of the "Six Nations."
The Mohawks, who with their distinguished chief, Jo.seph
Brant, had been especiall)- hnal. received large ijrants of
land on (irand Ri\er where maiu' of their descendants
still reside. The Mohawk Church, built here in i7iS6, is
.said to have been the first Church erected in Ontario.
272.
/'///• A'cik.' Province of
The Lo\alistson the
cw
Ih'un
y»i'.'<
k\ 17S
I'^f- St. John soon be-
came dissatisfied. The)- coip.plained to (iuvcrnor Parr
riir. rxiTKh kmi'Iri: i.owm.ists.
IS:
that their lands had not hccn surveyed, and that the)
had not i)roi)er representation in the AssenibU' at HaH-
fax. The (iovernor, in turn, blamed them for un\villi!i<4-
ness t() assist the surveyors, and he stated tiiat his
instruetions from I'*n.L;jland disallowed .'in\' increase of
members in the Asseinbly. I'arr hoped to silence the
^rumblin^t; b\' removing a few of the leaders to the south
side of the Hay of l''utid)\ But the aj^itation went on,
until in 1784 the British (iovernment set off the terri-
tor\' on the north of the bay as a separate province,
'jiving it the name of New Brunswick. The first (iov-
ernor of the new Province was Colonel Thomas Carlcton.
For two years he governed the Province with the aid of
a Council of twelve members, selected from the jjromi-
ncnt t.oyalists. In 17S6 the first session of the repre-
sentative Assembly of Xew Brunswick, consisting; of
twcnt)'-si.\ members, was held at Barrtow n, the name of
which had been changed to St. John. The second
session also was held her<\ and then the seat of govern-
ment was removed to St. Ann's (I'redcricton.)
273. The Proviihc of Cape Breton, ijS^. — The Island
of Cape Breton, also, having; been a county of Nova
Scotia for twenty years, was made a sej)arate |)ro\ ince.
Its first (iovernor was Major Desbarres, who had
fou;4ht under Wolfe at the sie^e of Ouebec. Louisbur*;
had hitherto been the capital of the Island;but Desbarres
founded a new capital on the east coast, naming' it
Sydney in honor of Lord Sxclney, the Colonial
Secretar)-.
374. Lotui Donhester the We left Sir G u y
Govenwr-General, 17^6-17(^6. Carlcton on Lake
Champlain in 1776. To the surprise of almost ever\-
1 86
TIIK DOMINION OF ( ANADA.
bod)' he Aas shortlx' after superseded in the coniniand
of the liritish forces by (ietieral Bury;o\ne. Justl\-
indiLjnaiit at this mark of distrust, lie resigned his posi-
tion of Governor-Cn-neral. lie was succeerlcrl in this
ofificc by (jcneral Ilaldiniand. Though treated with
scant courtesy at this time, his great merifs were after-
wards recognized b\' the British Government. And
now (i7cS6), ten years after his faithful service in expell-
ing the invaders of Canada, having been raised to the
peerage as Lord Dorchester, he was again apj3ointed
Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Brit-
ish T'orces in North America. Trusted b}- his Sovereign
and greatly admired b\' the people over whom he was
[)laced, he continued for ten years to use h.is personal
and official influence for the benefit of Canada.
275. Desire for Cluxiii:;e. — The I'^nglish inhabitants of
Canada had never been satisfied with the Ouebec Act.
They wanted the l^iglish .system of holding lands, of
trial byjur)-, and of protection from imprisonment with-
out trial secured by the old I-'.nglish Habeas Corpus Act.
Above all they wanted the British s)stem of making
laws by a representative parliament. \o doubt there
was wisdom in retaining for a while, in the Province of
Quebec, the French laws and .s}stem of government.
These laws were bet^^'- • suited to the condition of the
French people, who, unaccustomed to independent
action, trusted to thg guidance and protection of their
Seigniors. The same form of government is not equall\'
suited to all kinds of people. And now, as the I^iglish
population had greatly increased, and the French people
had become somewhat familiar with British institutions,
there was strong desire for change.
Tin rxri!.!) i-mimri: i.(>\ ai.ists.
i8:
276. riw Coiistitiitioiuxl . Ir/, /7<y/.-- Another William
I'itt, soil of llu' War Minister of (icor^c II., was now
Prime Minister of (ireat Hrit.iin. l*'or the settlement of
Canadian flilTieulties, he carried through Parliament a
measure known as the "Constitutional Act.'
This Act
divided the old l*ro\ ince of (.)uebec into two nro\inces
called L'pper Canada and Lower Canada. I'"or the
most part the Ottawa River formed the houndarv'
between them. l-^ach IVovince was j)rovided with a
Ciovernor, an l"..\ecutive Coimcil, and a I.e^islatixe
Council, — all apjjointed b\- the Crown, and also an
AssembK' elected b\- the people. The Canadian
parliaments were gi\cn the power to tax the people
for makin;^ public roads, bridges, and .bin"ldin<4s, for
education and other matters of pul^lic interest ; but
the British Parliament reserved to itself the ri<>ht to
impose duties on impiirted «^oods. The revenue arising
from the sale of wild lands, from ro\'alt)' on minerals,
and from duties on merchandise was j)laced under the
control of the (io\ernor and the ICxecutive Council.
Holdinij its appointment from the Crown and having
control of the jniblic money the ICxecutixe was cjuite
independent of the people and their re|)resentatives in
the Assembly. One-seventh of the public lands was set
apart in both Provinces for the support of the IVotestant
clergy.
criminal, a'.id freeliold tenure of lands were introduced ;
while in Lower Canada I'Vench civil law, the seiiiniorial
hi L'p])er Canada I'^nglish law, both civil and
s)'stem of iiolding lands, anrl the old law of tithes and
"accustomed dues" for the support of the Roman Catho-
lic religion still remained in force. On the whole, the
Con.stitutional .\ct was a great imi)ro\ement on the
l.SS
'II I r. IIOMIMDN ()!• ( ANAMA.
Quebec Act, and for the time it j^ave fair satisfaction.
Some of its j)r<)visions were, however, \er\- ill-suited to
a free i)eo|)le, and it cost much aj^itation and achsastrous
civil war, within the next half centur\', to ^et rid of
them. At the time, indeed, the Imi^HsIi people in Lower
Canada were stron^K* opposed to the Act, for it oblij^ed
them to submit to l*'rench laws and customs.
At the date of the division ( 1791), Lower Canada had
a population of one hundred and thirt\- thousand ; L'i)i)er
Canada, of twelve thousand.
-8^E^^^^?8—
CIIAITKR XIX.
(,()\1;K\MKXT AM) I'KOI'LK.
277. Interest iti Public Affairs. — Ha\iii^ no foreign
enemies t(j fi^ht and no external dan^^ers to j^uarcl
against, the jjeople of the various Provinces were able to
i^ive more attention to the development of the resources
of the country. Many of the Loyalists, possessing
intelliLjcnce and culture, exerted a good influence on
iniblic affairs and social life. Some of those \vh(j were
elected to the Legislative Assemblies would hJi\ e graced
the pailiaments of much older countries. I'here were
among them men of thought and action, who were not
disposed to let things drift. A natural result of increaserl
intelligence and interest in public matters was frequent
disturbance of the regular and placid moxement of the
machinery of government. The people began to think
that they did not exist simply for the purpo.se of being
governed, and their representatives began to claim their
rights against gc^vernors and councils. There followed
a state of unrest, a struggle of the new with the old.
278. The (tovernnieut aud Legislature. — In all the
Provinces the form of govermnent, modelled after that
of Great Britain, was virtually the ^ame. The Gov-
ernor, appointed by the Government of Great Britain,
represented the Sovereign. The I^irliament comprised
two houses, the Legislative Council and the Hou.se of
|(,0
rill. Dominion < »i < anad \.
Asscnibh . riu- ("oiiiu:iI was appointt'd h\ llr.- ( iovt-nior.
Its members were usual 1\ selected frcjiii the most \walthy
and influential class, and the\' held office for lifi'. The
hishop of the- Cliurch of JMii^land and the ( "hii-f Justice
were i:v cj/'ic/o members of tiie Council. In Lower
Canada, the)' were for the most part chosen from the
Lnj^lish -speaking; inhabitants.
In the l'ro\inces of Cjjper and I^ower Canada the
.Assemblies were elected, for the term of four )'ears. In
No\a Scotia, at first, the Assembl\- was elected for no
delinite period, but continued durin<4" the pleasure of the
(ioveriior. The Mouse elected in 1770 wa^ not dissohed
until 17^5 and is known as the "I.onjj^ Parliament" of
.\o\a Scotia. In 1792 an act was passed limiting the
term to se\en \ears. .At this time electors and repre-
sentatixes were required to take an oath to which
Kom.m Catholics could not subscribe without disowning
their religion. Hence nn members (jf this relij^ious body
s;it in tiie Legislature.
The Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada had also
an l^.xecutive Council, aj)pointed b\- the (loxernor and
holdini;" office during his j)leasure, whose duty it was to
advise the (Governor in matters relatins; to his j)ul)lic
duties. It sometimes happened that a man was a mem-
ber of both the l^xecutiveand the Legislative Council. In
Nova Scotia, New Hrunswick, and Prince Ldward
Island, one Council discharged both legislative ;md
executive functions.
In all the Provinces neither the people nor their repre-
sentatives had anv direct control over tlie men who
administered the government, having neither voice in
their appointment nor power to remove them from office.
(;n\i;k\M i:\-i- wi) I'Koi'I.i:.
191
VUc (ioNcinor aiul hi-< .i(l\iscr> expended llie |)ul>lic
money prett)- much as tlu'v pleased and .Ljaxe \er\' little
account of the expenditure. The meml)ers of the
AssembU- were not satisfied with this wav of doinj/
business. Tlie\' claimed that the i)ublic money belonged
to the people, and that as the people's rejiresen tat Ives,
the\' had the liLiht to determine how it should be used.
'!-.'
27S. Parliiimciitayy Customs. — As reference will be
made, from time to time, to the proceeding's of lei^isla-
tures. it may be well to explain some of the common
rules of action in such bodies. When a House meets
after an election it chooses one of its members to pre-
side and maintain order. Ihis officer is called the
Speaker. After such election the choice i.s submitted to
the Governor for apjjroval. A record of all business
transacted is carefully written in books kept for the pur-
pose, called the Jomnals. Care is used that business be
done with due regard to s\stem and with becomin;j[
deliberation. When a member w ishes to introduce a
measure, he asks leave of the House, lie fore a measure
is ai^reed to b\' the House, it must come up and be voted
on three .several times, known as the first, the second,
and the third readinir. At these stai^es the measure is
called a Bill. If the Legislature is composed of two
Houses, a \\'\\\ having passed one House, must ljo
throu<;h the several stages of the other House. After
it has passed through both Houses, it requires the as.sent
of the (iovernor. As this a.s.sent is very rarel\- w ithheld.
it has come to be rey^arded almost as a matter of form.
When a Hill has thus passed throuj;h all its .stajjfcs, it is
called an Act, and it is part of the law of the country.
When a Hou.se stops its proceedings, to resume at
u
1(J2
TIN-: |K)MI\I()\ ()!•• » ANAIiA.
another spccific'd time where it left off, it is said to
adjourn. The Mouse has pouir to adjourn of its own
motion.
.All tlie different inc<'tin!j.s of a I louse from
da\' to da\-, whieh are ended b\' adjounnnents, constitute
a Session. When the Ciovernor disnn'sses the House
without namiuLj any time for it to meet aijain. thus
elosinjj; the session, he is saifl to proroi^aie the House.
All unfinished business thi-n counts for nothinj^, and
Hills which have not passed their final sta<^fe, if broi 'ht
up durini; another .session, must be treaterl as new Hill.s.
A representative assembly is sup|)osed to carry out the
wishes of the ■peoi)le whom it represents; hence if the
Governor has reason to believe that its .scntiinents and
action are not in harmony with the views of the people,
it becotnes his duty, even thouiijii the full term for
which the House was elected has not expired, to make
arrangements for the election of a new House. He then
di.s.solves the Hou.se, that is he declares by proclama-
tion that it has ceased to exist, and orders a new elec-
tion.
280. .Vovd Scotia. — The founding of King's College
at Wind.sor was an important event in the history of
Nova Scotia. It was customary for young men seeking
higher education to attend colleges in the United States.
The As.sembly, fearing they might become disloyal,
resolved that the Province should have a college of its
own, and voted funds for that object. Aid was also
obtained from England. The Institution was opened in
1789 and a few years later it received a roj'al charter.
Unfortunately the usefulness of the college was limited
by its sectarian rules. Its by-laws required all students
«i()Vi:k\Mi:\ I A\i> n-.oi'i.i"..
'93
lo attend the C'lnirch of l-jiLjIand, and all ^naduatcs to
subscribe to the articles of that church.
On the death of (iovernor I'arr in 1791, Sir John
W'entworth became (iovernor of Nova Scotia, which
olTice he iield for sixteen years. He was a man of
unbendinji inte^^ritv . but belonj^in^^ to the old conserva-
tive school, he was much more inclined to uphold the
jjower of the Council and the dij^nit)- of the Crown, than
to j^overn acordinij to the wishes of the j^eople as
exjjressed by their representatives. 1 le disliked j)opu-
lar assemblies and free discussions, fearinj; they would
lend to rev(»lution. Durini; his rule the interests of
country and city frequent!)- ne into conflict. The
•Assembly u ished to appropriate the public mone)' on
roads and bridges so as to open uj) the countr)' for
settlement. The members of the Council, residing in
Halifax and bein^jj independent of the people, cut down
the amounts voted b\- the Assembl), j)referrinj; to sj^end
the money on public buildings in Halifax and in lar^e
salaries. In these disputes (iovernor Wentworth sup-
ported the Council. William Cottnam Ton^e, the
leader of the popular party in the Assembh", by his
opposition to the (iovernor's policy, made himself the
object of his l''xcellency's resentment. Ton^L^e was
elected Speaker of the House, but Sir John usin^' a
prerogative seldom exercised, refused to accept him,
and the House was compelled to elect another Speaker.
During W'entworth's term of office, the fine stone edifice
in Halifax, known as "(lovernment House," was built as
the official residence of the Lieutenant-Cjovernor of
Nova Scotia. VVentworth was succeeded by Sir (ieorge
Prevost who laid the corner stone of the Parliament
Jf,
94
Till-; DOMINION- OF ( ANAI»A.
Huildini^ of Nova Scotia, known as the " IVovincc
Buildini'."
281. Royal ■sitors. — Two
princes, sons of Geor<4e
111., visited Quebec and Halifax. Prince William
Henn, Duke of Clarence, who held the position of
Captain in the Royal Na\ \-, came first. He afterwards,
as William 1\\, occupied the throne of Great Britain.
Prince Kdward, Duke of Kent, the father of C^ueen
Vict(..;a, came to Quebec in 1 791, where for over two
yc.trs he held cominand of his Majest)'s tn)Ojjs. In
1/94 he was remo\ed to H ali fa .\, where he filled tiie
position of Commander-in-chief of the liritish Forces in
America. Prince h>lward was a great favorite with all
classes of the community. He was strict in discipline
and he did much to break up the drinking and gambling
habits, which prevailed in the garrison at the time of his
arrival. When (^ff dut\- he was most affable atiJ cour-
teous. His favorite residence was the "Prince's Lodge,"
on the shore of Bedford Basin and about six miles from
Halifax.
382. Xciu IhiiHsiK'iik. — The Province of Nev\ Bruns-
wick grew steadily in wealth and population. Its lead-
ing industries, lumbering, and .shipbuilding, rapidl\-
developed, and both St. John and Miramichi became
important centres of trade. In political matters the
condition of the Pro\ince much resembled that of Nova
Scotia. Disputes between the two branches of the legis-
lature big 111 eirl)'. The Council rejected a bill pro-
viding for the pa\'ment to members of the Assembly of
one dollar and a half per day during the .session. The
Assembl)- then placed the ainount with the appropiia-
C.OVKKNMKN'r AM) FllOli-K.
'95
tions for roads and bridt^cs, and other jjublic scr\ ices.
i'he (..'ouncil rejcctefl the whole bill, and for three \ears
no moneys were voted for any purpose. Diiriii}^ twenty
\ears Thomas Carletcjn held the office of (jovernor.
283. The Island of St. John. Meanwhile the current
of affairs in the Island of Si. John had not been ruiniini^
smoothly. Durinj.; the American War, while (io\ernor
Patterson was in iMi^land, privateers from Massachusetts
\ isited Charlottetown, plundered the town, and carried
off the acting (jovcrnor and other officers of the (jo\ -
ernment. (ieneral \\'ashin<;ton, much displeased with
this action, released the prisoners, restored the property-
taken, and dismissed the officers who had committed the
offence.
Serious trouble arose in the Island over the non-pay-
ment (jf tpiit-rents. .After much delay, (ioxernor
Patterson .sold some lands of those in arrears. This
would seem to be the jjroper thing to do ; but as the
lands sold for a small price and the (io\ernor was him-
self in some cases the purchaser, he ga\e his opponents
an opportunity of making charges against him. The
proprietors asserted that, owing to the disturbed state of
affairs arising out of the American Revolution, they had
not been able to carry out their i)lans of .settlement, and
petitioned the British (iovernment to interfere in their
behalf The (iovernment directed (iovernor Patterson
to have a bill passed b\' the Island Legislature. pro\iding
for the restoration of the lands and for certain moflifica-
tion in the quit-rents. The Governor failed to carry out
these instructions. When the Island Assembly was
about to investigate his irregular conduct, he dis.S(il\ed
in
[96
TlIK i)().Mi\I()N i)l LAXADA.
the House. As the new House was pursuinj^ the same
course, he vlissolved it also. Through the \c)tcs of the
Loyahsts who had recently settled in the countr\', the
Governor finally secured an Assembly favorable to him-
self But he had Ljiven offence to the British Govern-
ment, and he was soon after dismissed from office. The
• >ld proprietors, however, failed to recover their lands.
284. rrimr Eduard Island. — The inhabitants of the
Island had lon^ been dissatisfied with its name. There
were other places of similar name, and it was sometimes
difficult to determine which was meant. The Lej^islature
passed an Act, changin<^ the name of the Island to New
Ireland ; but the British Government, accordinij^ to a
fashion it had in those da}s, disallowed the Act. In
1 79S. however, the Legislature passed an Act changinj^
the name to Prince Mdward Island, in honor of the
popular Duke of Kent. This Act received the ro\'al
assent, and in the following year the name came into use.
At this date, thirty years after their lands were granted,
so greatly had the proprietors failed in their engagements,
that twenty-three Townships had not a single inhabitant,
and twelve others had a population of only about two
hundred. In 1803 several hundred colonists, under
direction of the Karl of Selkirk, came from Scotland and
formed the beginning of important settlements.
285. Lower Canada. — The first Legislature of Lower
Canada met in the City of Quebec in 1792. The
l^nglish-speaking population had been considerably
increased by the recent arrival of many Loyalists from
the United States, who settled chiefly in Montreal and
in that part of the country known a.s the I'Lastcrn Town-
COVKRNMKNT AND PKOPLK
J 97
ships. The P'rcnch people, however, formed an over-
whchninj^j majority of the population. As one might
suppose, there was also in the Assembly a large majority
of I'Vench members. The Legislative Council, however,
had a majority of JMiglish-speakitig members, and the
Kxecutive was chosen chieflv from this class. Thus
with great lack of j)oI'cy as well as justice, the French
were treated as an alien and conquered people. In this
way, also, the strong feeling of op|)osition between the
Assembly and the (j:)vernment, which was common to
all the Provinces, was in Lower Canada intensified by
the element of race. When the French complained of
inju.stice and criticised the action of the Government, they
were charged by the ICnglish oligarchy with disloyalty.
There was little harmony between the Assembly and
the Kxecutive. Thus when the Assembly introduced a
measure to exclude judges from sitting in the Legisla-
ture, the (iovernor-General, Sir James Craig, told the
members they were spending time in useless debate,
and dissolved the House. The newspapers on both
sides, published severe criticisms of their op{)onents. The
(lovernment .sei/.ed the press of the .Assembh' organ
and imprisoned the printer.
2S6. (,ppcr Canada. — The new Province of Upper
Canada had a most prosperous beginning. This was
largely due to its first Governor, Colonel John (jraves
Simcoe, a Hritish officer who had won distinction in the
American war. \o more suitable choice could have
been made for the work of organizing the new Province,
(iovernor .Simcoe was thorougly devoted to the duties of
his office. He made long and toilsome journeys by
land and water through the forest country, forming
1:
■, ' ( ' ' 1
^V^
fQ.S
rm-; ')().mim<j\ of- « anaiia.
plans for settlcmnit and for the construction of publfc
roads. Thron^li his wise i>ohc\' in offerinL; free tyrants
of land, many new settlers came '^^, so that during; the
four years of his rule the population of the Pro\ ince
was more than doubled. The \'illai;e of Newark or
Niagara was chosen as the scat of (lovernmcnt. The
first Legislature (if the Province, comprising; an Assen\-
bly of sixteen members and a LeL;islHti\c Council of
seven members, met here in 1792. Amoi^:; its early
measures were the introduction of l"jii;lish law, trial by
jury, and an Act for makiivjj and repairing; public hi^di-
ways. (lovernor Simcoe thought it unu ise that the
Capital should be so near the United States frontier.
He according!}' removed the seat of (ioxernment to York,
or Toronto as the place is now called, where the Lejj^is-
lature met in 1797. Two \ears earlier, before there was
a house in the place, (iovernor Simc(K" made his home
in York, living for a short time under a can\as tent.
After Simcoe left the Province, there was sharp conflict
between Assembl\- and (iovernment. The strife was
promoted by the rival newspapers, and die editor of the
Assembly's paper was prosecuted for libel against the
Government and thrown into prison.
287. Customs and Social Condition. — It is difficult
for the people of the present day tt) picture the condi-
tions under which lived their fore-fathers of this early
time. As there were no roads, the early settlements
were along the sea-coast, or by lake or river. The first
roads were not always smooth enough for wheels, but
were mere paths through the forests, and those who
journeyed inland went on foot or on horseback. Some-
times the father, mother, and two or three children were
C.oVF.kNMl-.NT A\l» l'r.( H'M'..
■s
ll
It
199
all moimtecl on one horse. 'Ihc pit iccr settler found
no fields read)- for tillaj^e, but only a dense unbroken
forest. Selectinj( a suitable site, he built his house of
l()|^s rudelv s(|uared with his a.\e. The chinks between
the logs he stopped with cla\- mortar. In clearing his
land, he first cut down the trees and b'Tned off the light
brusliwood. Then came the hard labor of removing the
heav\- timber. But the men of these earl\- times had a
WRY of lightening toil and at the same time securinsj;
social enjojment. They turned work into pla\' in the
"piling frolic," at which all the men gathered in a neigh-
bor's "burnt land," rolled the blackened logs into huge
heaps, and burnt them to ashes. According to the cus-
tom r)f the times, i itoxicating liquors were freeK* used
at these " piling frolics." The farmers made their ouji
carts, sleds, harrow s, and other wooden implements ;
while indoors the women carded and spun the wool, and
wove the \arn into strong homespun, which the\' made
into clothing for the household. The kitchen had a
broad open fire place w ith a sw inging iron crane, from
which on " pot ho(^ks and tramnels" were suspended the
l)ots and kettles for cooking the family meals. Through
the long cold w inter, the fire place was supplied with
abundance of fuel from the neighboring forest. In the
rear was placed the huge back- log, while smaller sticks
resting on andirons or on long narrow stones instead,
were piled up in front. Before the bla/.ing fire on
ChristiT.as day, and on other festal occasions, the goose,
or turkey, or perhaps the small pig, sus|)ended b)- hempen
cord from a beam, was kept ever whirling round by some
attentive hand, until all sides were alike roasted, crisp
and brown.
— '^r?--'^
rr
200
Tlir, DOMINION OF CANADA.
I
In these early times there were no friction matches,
such as are now used in li^ht'ng a fi.e. At night a
hard-wood brand, all aglow, was carefully covered over
with ashes to protect it from the air, and in the morning
there remained a bed of coals to start the new fire with.
Sometimes, however, the brand burned out, and not a
spark remained. Fire was then obtained by striking a
flint sharply with a bar of steel ; or the children were
sent to the nearest neighbor's to " borrow " fire.
Ministers of religion travelled long distances to visit
their people in the remote and scattered hamlets. This
visit was an event of much importance, and was taken
advantage of for the christening of the children of the
household, and often too for the performing of the mar-
riage ceremoti)' between those about to establish homes
of their own.
There was little money in circulation in these earlx'
days, and ever}thing was paid for in produce from the
farm. The farmer exchanged his whent, oats, butter,
and chee.se with the merchant for tea, sugar, molasses,
or other articles needed for the household. The stipends
of the minister and the .school master were paid in the
same way. If the school master was an unmarried man, he
took part of his pay in board, sta>ing a few days or weeks
at each farm-house, according to the number of children
.sent to the school. This was called "boarding iound."
A few years later, when the cities had become some-
what populous, and the roads pa.s.sable for wheels, the
farmer carried his fattened pigs ^'^d sheep, his butter,
cheese, socks, and other home produce to the distant cit\'
market. Here he sold his stuff for cash, perhaps all he
handled during the whole year.
CHAITKR XX.
TIIK WAR Ol- l8l2.
|C
|e
288. State of Affairs, iSoo.—.\\. the beginning; of
the Ninteenth Century throughout all the Provinces was
lieard the harsh voice of poHtical strife. On the one
side the Governors and Councils believed that they
were struggling to resist the tide of anarchy and
rebellion ; on the other the Assemblies were quite as
sure that they were fighting the monster qI tyranny and
oppression. Order seemed to be the watchward of one
jjarty ; liberty of the other. The real question at issue
was, — Shall the people rule, or shall an oligarchy?
289. Hush of Domestic Strife. — But now for a time,
disputes between Councils and Assemblies were silenced
by the tumult of war. The old feeling of enmity in the
United States towards Great Britain had not died out,
but only awaited an occasion to call it into new life.
The occasion arose, and there came the "War of 181 2."
Although Canada had given no offence and had done
nothing to bring about the war, she had to bear its chief
burdens and calamities. The conflict was mainly on
Canadian soil, and while it lasted, a period of nearly
three years, the people of Canada, almost unaided, were
required to repel the invaders from their homes. Right
nobly too did United Empire Loyalists and French
Canadians show their patriotism and their valor. The
Indians too, throwing themselves into the struggle, but
!02
tin: iiominton oi' ( an ada.
\\illi i.ss harbarit}- than had bccMi their wont, In- thrlr
fulch'ty and their courajj^e, |)r()VC(l themselves worthy of
a home on Cauachan soil.
2(jO. Causes of the War. It is not ea.'-y to find jrood
and sufficient cause for this war, Mau\- peojjle in the
United States said it was unjust, ft was broui^ht about
throu^L^h a lun ean war which had been {Jjoint;' on for
many \ears. Napoleon I., l-'mperor of I'rance, had
broui^ht nearly all luirope under his power. (ireat
Britain seemed to be the only obstacle in his wa\'. He
sometimes thout^ht of invadini^ her shores, but her insular
position, fortified harbors, matchless fleets, and brave
warriors presented difficulties which he did not care to
cope with. (rreat I^ritain was then, as now, a t^n-eat
commercial nation, and Napoleon thouL;"ht if he could
destroy her trade, he would weaken her power. Accord-
ins^ly he issued his famous Herlin Decree, by which he
forbade all neutral ships to enter Hritish ports. To
meet this (ireat Britain issued Orders in Council, for-
biddini^ tieutral ships to enter the ports of I*" ranee or of
the countries in alliance with her. .As the United States
did a large jxirt of the carr)'ing trade of the world, these
measures did her people much harm and made them
very angr}'. There was, however, much inconsistency
in the way the}* looked at matters ; for while they were
enraged at (ireat Britain, they had little angr)' feeling
towards I'^-ance.
There was also another alleged cause of war. Great
Britain had a fashion, in those times, of searching foreign
\ essels for deserters frc^m her navy. At the present da)',
such a course would be regarded as very offensive and
Till: WAR ()!■ iSlJ.
20^
ifood cause of resentment. Hut at that time it was not
contran- to international law. Kven so, Great Britain
apoloii^i/efl for the acts of her officers.
Presirlent Madison and the Democratic part)', which
was theii in power, were ea^er for war, and used cver\'
means in their power to awaken hostile feelin<^" through-
out the RejHiblic, An event occurred which helped on
their purjjose. It had been rumored that the i)eople of
New h'.nuland were not well-affected towards the Go\-
ernment of the United States, and Sir James Craijj^, the
(j«)vernor-(ieneral of Canada, sent an ai^ent, named
llenr\-, to Hoston to ascertain the state of public feelin;^.
HeiuA', not reccivin<>" as much for his services as he
demanded, went to W'ashin.Liton and revealed the nature
of his mission to the President. No facts of much iin-
])ortance were disclosed, but the publication of the stor\'
inade a sensation.
291. Jl\7r Declared, 1S12. — War was declared by the
United States in June. In some parts of the countr\-
there was <^reat rejoicing" ; while in (jther }3arts, as New
Kngland and New York, much dissatisfaction prevailed.
In Hoston flags on the vessels in the harbor were hung
at half-mast as an expression of displeasure. War was
not desired by Great I^ritain, for her resources had been
seriously taxed by the European war which was still
going on. She revoked the Orders in Council which
had injured the trade of the United States, and used all
rea.sonable means to maintain peace. These efforts were
without avail. Finally, in October, (ireat Britain
declared war against the United States.
292. Plan of the War. — The Government of the
United States resolved to injure Great Britain by strik-
ti !
204
Tin; DOMINION (Jl (ANAhA.
I
13
in<^ Canada. There was, no doubt, misunderstanding as
t(» public fcclini^^ iti the l*ro\ inces. Domestic quarrels
between Assemblies and CcUmcils were understood t(»
mean disloyalt)' towards (ireat Hritain. The opinion
prevailed that a United States army would be welcome<l
in Canada as a messen^ifcr of libert)'. It was resolved
to invade Canada at three points b\- three distinct
armies : -
A force was to be sent across the Detroit from Michi-
gan into the western peninsula ; a second force was to
enter this peninsula from New \'ork. by crossincf the
Niagara ; a third was to proceed against Lower Canada
b)- wa\' of Lake Chainplain.
293. Condition of Canada. — The regular British
troops in the country did not exceed four thousand fi\e
hundred. Thus Canada, with about a quarter of a mil-
lion of inhabitants, was called on to wage an unequal
warfare with a country of eight millions. She had, how-
ever, the strength that belongs to him '* who hath his
quarrel just." Her people were fighting for their homes
and their hearths. There was little money in the
treasuries of the Provinces, but all parties cordially
united in voting necessary funds.
294. Officers. — During the war Sir George I'revost
held the office of Governor-General and Commander-in-
Chief of the forces. He was not distinguished as a mili-
tary officer, but he was popular among the h^'ench
Canadians. He was very successful in raising a militia
force of French and Knglish for the defence of the
country. Among the French officers deserving of notice
was Colonel De Salaberry. This brave officer had been
Tin: WAU OK 1812.
--'3
the object of l<iiKil\- interest on the part of Prince
Kdward, Duke of Kent, and he had seen much service
in \arious parts of the world. He was now appointed
to the command of a re'i^iment of Canadian Voltiij^curs.
In Upi^er Canada Cieneral Sir Isaac Hrock. the actinj^
Governor, in place of Governor Gore, who was absent in
Kn^land, was chief in command. lie was a beautiful
character, estimable in private life, and distinj^uished
both as a civil and militar\' oflFicer. Other officers
deservinjjf of mention were Tecumseh, chief of the
Shawnecs, and Colonel John Harvc}'.
295. The War in the West, iS 12. — The war be^an
in the West. Fort Mackinaw, which commanded the
entrance to Lake Michigan, was captured by a small
Canadian force without the loss of a man. On the other
side, the western peninsula of Canada was invaded b\'
a United States army of two thousand five hundred men
under Cieneral Hull. Crossing over the Detroit from
Michigan, Hull issued a boastful proclamation, stating
that he had an army which ' would look down all
opposition," and offering freedom from British txranny
to all who would accept his protection. Cieneral Brock,
marching against him with seven hundred men, was
joined on the way by Tecumseh at the head of six hun-
dred Indians. But without waiting to prove the valor
of his army, FIull hastily retreated and took shelter
behind the intrenchment of Detroit. On Brock's demand
for surrender, without striking a blow in defence, he gave
up the fort and the whole territory of Michigan, together
with his entire army and vast military stores. Hull was
sent prisoner of war to Montreal. On his return to the
United States, he was sentenced b\- court martial to be
W.
II
2o6
Till". DOMINION ()!• < ANAKA.
shot for cowardice, hut was siil)sc(]iiciitly pardoiK-d 1)\-
the President.
296. luUth' of Oucciistou, 1S12. — A L'liited States
■ iriin- of about six thousand men, under Rensselaer, was
cf)IIected on the Niai^ara frontier. 'I'he ("anach'ans had
at their ch'fferent forts on the opposite side of the ri\ei-
onU' about one-fourth of tin's nundjer. .\ strong detach-
nicnt of the L'nited States arnn* crossed over from
Lcwiston and tor-k jxisscssion of Oueenston Heights.
General Brock, uvo was at h'ort (ieori^e, se\en miles
aw:i\', heard the r>)irin;;- ofcmnon, and rode in all haste
to the scene of conflict. He arrived in the ijrev' of the
inorniiiL^. Rall\in!^ his forces .and inspiring them with
his own eager enthusiasm, he led them to \ictor\'.
Oueenston Heights were recaptured. Some of the
enemy, in tr\ing to escajje, rushed down the rugged
river banks and were impaled on trees or rocks, or were
drowned in tr\ing to swim across the ri\er, while ()\ ei'
nine hundred, including sexeral officers, were taken
prisoners. lUit the \ictor\' was clearly bought. Karly
in the engagement, while urging on his brave xolunteers.
Brock fell mortally wounded. His aide-de-camp, the
valiant Colonel MacDcnnell, was also killed in the battle.
The Brock Monument on Oueenston Heights marks
the hero's burial place and perpetuates the loving regard
with which his memor\' is clierished. fleneral Sheaffe
succeeded Brock as Governor of Upper Canada and
Commander of the forces.
297. 77ie An/ij' of the North, 181 2. — Meanwhile
General Dearborn, with a force of ten thousand men,
known as the "Army of the North," was advancing into
I 111. WAR (H I. Si J.
20:
Ciinada by way of Lake ('hanii)lain. lie was iiu't In-
Canadian mililia who obstructed his progress by feliinL;
trees across his line of march. Some skirmishing tool<
l)]ace at Lacollc. near Rouse's Point. Nii^ht comini; on,
the enenu' became confused in the darkness, and, nn's-
takiiii; friends for foes, fned upon each other. l'"iiia!I\-
Dearborn retired and took u;) winter (juarters i;t
IMattsbur<^^
J9.S. Rrsit/fs. — I'he first year's camj)aiL;ii i;a\e the
Canadians little cause for discouragmcnt or self-distrust.
They had fairly held their (jw 11 in thecjuarrel into which
their biij neighbor had forced them. Straiv^e to sa\-, in
the \ari()us enijagements on the sea duriuLj the year,
(ireat Britain w.is less successful. The "United States,"
"Wasp," aiul "Hornet" captured several l^ritish shii)s.
299. l^ppcr Caiuxda in iSi^. — During the second
year of the war the Canadians suffered serious reverses
in the Uj^per i'rovince. They w ere at much disadvantage
in having to conve}' their nnlitarv stores in op^n
batteau.K up the rapids of the St. Laurence. This was
slow and toilsome, and it was sometimes attended with
danijer from the batteries of the encmv on the United
States shore. Great Britain, still engaged in European
war, could send little aid. In the depth of winter, how-
ever, a regiment of soldiers marched through the forests
on snowshoes from Xew Brunswick to Canada.
300. Capture of York, iS/J. — Karly in the spring
Commodore C'haunccv of the United States nav\', sailinir
from Sackctt's Harbor with f(^urteen armed vessels,
bearing about two thousand men under (jenerals Dear-
born and Pike, appeared before York. This place, then
f-l'l:
208
Till-: DOMINION (JK lANADA.
a village of a thousand inhabitants, since become the
City of Toronto, was garrisoned by six hundred men
under General Sheaffe. There was some sharp fighting,
but the odds seeming too great, Sheaffe gave up the
contest and retired from the place. As the Americans
were about to enter the fort the powder magazine blew
up, killing about two hundred of their men and also a
few of the retiring garrison. The enemy having burned
the public buildings and seized such military stores as
remained, sailed away for Niagara. It is said that a
quantity of silver plate which had been the private
property of General Brock, having been carried off
among the plunder, was afterwards restored by Com-
modore Chauncey,
301. Fort George. — Chauncey then sailed for Fort
George on Niagara. General Vincent, the British officer
in command, with fourteen hundred men could scarcely
hope to hold the fort against an army of six thousand
men supported by a strong fleet. .After a severe strug-
gle and heavy loss, he spiked his guns, blew up the fort
and retired to Queenston Heights. Collecting the
scattered forces along the Niagara, he made an f)rderly
retreat to Burlington Heights, near where the city of
Hamilton now stands. He had about sixteen hundred
men, but his ammunition was nearly exhau.sted.
302. Stony Creek. — Vincent was closely pursued by
Generals Windsor and Chandler with an army nearly
twice as large as his own. Learning that his pursuers
were carelessly encamped at Stony Creek, six or .seven
miles distant, he sent Colonel Harvey with seven hun-
dred men to surpri.se them by a n'ght attack. Stealing
/
Til I". WAR <)l' I Si 2.
:aj
.'ilonL;" softly at inidnltHit, the Canadians with fixed
ba\'(incts, si)ran'>' suddciilx' u\)^m the cncmv and scat-
Xot wisliini;- to expose
tered
til cm
in ntter confusion
the smallncss of his force, llarxev withdrew before da}'-
lii^ht, takini^ with him one hundred and t\\jnt\- prisoners,
incliidini^ both (icnerals. We shall meet the L^allant
Ccjlonel ai;"ain as Sir John !lar\ey, (io\ernor of New-
Brunswick and Xova Scotia.
303. /-trdvrr Ddnis. - \ small detachment of \'in-
cent's arm\' under Lieutenant l''it/.L;"ibb(jn was stationed
at Hea\er Dams about tweKe nnles tVom Niajjara.
(ieneral Dearborn secretlx' despatched a (orce of six or
seven hundred men to take the little band by surprise.
A militia man named Sewell, lixini;" at Otieenston, who
was disabled by a wound, by chance heard of the experji-
tion. J {is heroic wife at once set out to <>"i\e warninu'
to 1^'itz^ibbon. LeaxiiiL;' honie before da\h\L;ht, sh •
cautioush' passed the American lines, and, a\"oidinLi' the
hiijhwa}', travellerl a distance of about twenty miles
through the woods to Bea\er Dams. j-'itzijibbon was
thus prepared to receixe the enenu' on their arrival. \\y
a skilful placini^ of his men in the woods, he led the
Americans to suppose that the)- were surrounded by a
lartjje force. Deceixed in this wax-, fix'e hundred and
fort\- of the cncmx' surrendered to a force of less than
half that number.
304. Sdi'krtt's tiarbor. Meanwhile Sir James ^'eo.
with sexen armed \essels and a thousand men under
the command of Sir Gcorije Prexost, sailed from Kinj^s-
ton aj^ainst Sackctt's Harbor, an iiT.portant naxal
station of the United .States on Lake Ontario. .After
sturdy fightinj,^, when victcM'}- seemed xxeli assured, Sir
> I
w.i.m: «: iirr" '
a
2IO rilK DOMINION ol- CANADA.
iCorLro. in a fit of liniiditx', ordered his men to ivtin
.UK
1
awHi
t ll
ie arn\a
1 of
artilleiA-
M
ean while
th.
defences were stren:
!th
cncn
ann
the
opportunit)- \\a-
lost. Shortlv after this e\ent there was an enijairenient
.>-."!-. ^
between the fleets of Sir James ^'eo and Commodore
V hauncev' m whicli .Sn' James ciptured two of the
enem\-
ins.
^O^. Capture of tlw Chesapeake. — Tiie story of tlie
capture of the Chesajjeake is almost a hoiiseliold tale.
('ai)tain Broke, of the liritish fVii^ate .Sliann;)n. came Uj)
before Boston Harbor and challeni^ed Captain I, aw rence
of the Chesa])eake to meet him !n the open s;.'a. Ihe
two ships were followed from the' liarbor by a fleet of
sail boats filled with the citizer.s of B;>ston, ea-'cr to see
niimiJli
.\>
the battle and take part in the e.xjjected t
the Chesapeake drew near, thine was threat excitement
amoniT the British tar>
1 )on't cheer," said Broke
" but ^"o t]uietl\' to )our tjuarters.'
In fifteen minutes after the first shot was lired, the
British flay," floated abo\e the stars aiul stripe^ on the
masts of the Ciiesajjeake, while se\ent\' of her men lay
dead upon her decks, and her i^allant captain w,is dxiiiL;
of a mortal wound.
1);
)n't ;^ive uj) the ship
w
re the
words addressed to his men b\' this brave officer as he
fell. On Sundax-, June Hth., the Shannon with her prize
s.n'led into ilalifax liarbor. Ca|)tain Lawrence was
buried in Halifax with militarv honors.
B
roke, who
was sevcrclv wounrlerl i
n th
e eiiiiaijement, was rewardec
by his Sovereign w ith the title of Baronet.
OH
306. Defeat of the British
Lake lirie, Sept. /.•^ iSi;.
In this w.ir. howexer,
(ireat Britain did not
always maintain her prestii;e as mistress of the sea.
' ;'t:
L''''|ll
'111 I, WAR OI" lSl2.
21 1
Mail}' of her ships wore captured by the enemy. One of
the most disastrons na\al defeats occurred on Lake
luie. A C anadian squadron of six \essels under Chjj-
tain liarch)\- encountered a L'nited States fleet of nine
vessels, commanded b\- Lieutenant Perr\-. 'I'he Cana-
dians had the lari^jst number of <j^uns, but the\- were
'>reatl\' outnumbered in men. The L^nited States flae-
shijj was named the Lawrence in honor of the Ca[)tain
of the Chesapeake, and on her blue pennon at the mast-
head were inscribed his memorable words, " Don't 54"i\e
up the ship." During the engagement the Lawrence
w as so comjjletely disabled that she had to be abandoned.
Hut, seizing her flag, Perry entered an open boat and
was rowed amid fl>"ing shot and shell to another shij).
In the en<J:apement all the British officers and half the
men were either killed or wounded. Having capturecJ
the entire fleet, l*err\- reported brief!)' to his superior
officer, " We ha\e met the cnem\- and thev are ours."
307. iuittlc of Moravian /"^'Zi'//. — The loss of Barc-
la\'s fleet was a serious matter. I'roctor, who had been
holding Detroit, now left without support and the means
of obtaining su|)plies, was compelled to abandon his
position, Ha\ing dismantled the forts at Detroit and
.\mherstburg, he retreated rapidly and without due
caution along the \alle)' of the Thames, llis force con-
sisted of about eight hundred and thirt\- men, besides
ti\e hundred Indians under Tecumseh. C"losel\- pursued
by (ieneral Harrison at the head of three thousand five
hundred men, he was forced to make a stand and gi\e
battle at Moravian Town. Ivxccpt the Indians, who
fought bravely, his men showed little s[)irit. Iuirl\- in
the engagement Proctor, leaving the Indians to fight the
212
'11 1 1; DO.MlMc
)l (AN ADA.
> i'
■i
1
V
battle alone, fled from the fieai. The brave Tecuinseh
was slain, and Harrison <;ained a com[)lete \ictor\'.
I'roctor was much blamed for his conduct and was sus-
l)ended from the serxice b\' a Court-martial.
30S. C /i(itcani^(iy and C/iryshrs Farm. — IClated with
their successes in the west, the Americans planned the
conquest of Lower Canada. The Arm\- of the North
advanced at^ainst Montreal in two stronjj^ divisions.
Late in the Autumn (icneral Wilkinson, the chief in
command, with a well e(iui))ned arm\- of nearK' nine
thousand men, set out from Sackctt's Harbor. Leaving
Kingston undisturbed, he proceeded down the St.
Lawrence in batteau.x, protected b\' gunboats.
Alreadx' (ieneral Wade Hampton, at the head of a
well-drilled force of fixe thousand men, advancini^ from
Lake Champlain, had entered Canada near OdcUtown.
The two forces w ere to meet at St. Re^^is and then pro
ceed against Montreal. Shortly after Hamjjton crossed
the borders, he entered a su ampy wood, where he was
every now and then fired upon b\- a foe King in ambush
among the trees. This eneni}- of unknown strength
really comprised onh' two or three hundred Voltigeurs,
mostly French Canadians, and a few Indians, under
command of the clexer Colonel De Salaberr). Sir
George Prevost, whose caution was so conspicuous at
Sackett's HarbcM', had sent this little band to oppose one
of the strongest armies that the United States had sent
into Canada.
Hampton, uncertain as to the strength of the enemx'
lurking in ambush, abandoned the woods and moved
over to Four Corners on the Chateaugay. After resting
here for a few days, he resumed his march, proceeding
■J;'
'nil: WAR (>i- 1S12. 21.^
aloiiLi" tlv- bai.ks of the river. Meanwhile l)e Sa!aberr\-
bad inoxed down the river and taken his position on tlie
borders of a tliick woock at a point which lie knew
Hampton would pass. This place he fcjrtified with a
breast work of trees and brush, lie also broke down
the bridires in his rear and obstructed the road b\- fellinir
trees across it. I^Or ncarh' three weeks the work had
been t;(Mn<r on, when Hampton came uj). In the cn^aLje-
ment which took place between the two forces, known
as the Battle of C'hateaui;a\-, De Salaberr\- managed
his litttle band w ith such bravery antl skill as to secure
a wonderful \ictory o\er an enemy of \astly superior
strenL;th. He sent ten or twelve bu<;lemen to different
points in the woods with orders to blow with all their
mi<4ht, as if to collect scattered forces for a grand charge.
The enem}-, thus led to suppose that a large army was
about to achance on them, became p.'inic-stricken and
fled in confusion. Night coming on, the Americans in
the darkness mistook friends for foes and fired upon
each other. 1^'inally, Hampton, having collected his
men, marched back to IMattsburg.
On the third of November, Wilkinson, not knowing
what had befallen the other army, began to descend
the St. Lawrence. A British force of eight hundred
men from Kingston, following in his rear along the
north bank, annoyed him with unceasing fire. I'^inally,
at the head of Long Sault Rapids, Wilkinson landed
over tw<) thousand men on the Canadian side to beat
off tiie assailants. Here in open field was fought the
Battle of "Chrysler's Farm," in which, after two hours
fighting, the invaders were thoroughly beaten. At
Cornwall Wilkinson heard of Hampton's defeat. With
b-.
IP- ■
■
1
m-^r:
214
Till; 1H)MIM(»N (i| ( AN.'vDA.
« t
I
i !
deep chaijjrin he scuttled his boat-^. and went into winter
<|uarteis.
^^09. 7//r \i(ii:^nni /'/■<)////(•/:- -Ou learning" the chs-
asters wliieh had befallen Wilkinson and Hamilton, the
eneni)' who occupied the Canadian shores of the
X
iatrara, at once withdrew to their own side of the ri\er.
J^efore they left, however. the\ committed an act too
inhuman for an\' cixilized warfare. TurninL; the women
and children upon the streets on a cold winter's nii^ht.
the\- burned e\er\' l-.ouse in Xia<>ara. IndiLfnant at this
outraije. tlie British pursued the enem\- across the river,
and in retaliati(^n burned the towns of Lewiston, Man-
cliester, Black Rock, and Buffalo. Thus, uj) to within
a dav or two of Christmas, did tile destruction and cruel
warfi
ire continue.
310. Effects of the War. — The war was attended
witli tjreat loss and sufferinsj on both sides. In man\- a
Canadian home there was mounn'm: for lost ones,
victims of the war. The industries of Canada were
interrupted, and much propert\- was destro\ed. Tlie
transport of supplies and war material was attended
with great labor and expense. At tliat time there
were no steamers on the lakes and rivers, and there
were no canals for overcomin<^- tlie rapids on the
St. Lawrence. Supplies for the west were forwarded
on sleds during the winter from Montreal to Kingsto 1,
from which they were distributed to various points as
required.
United vStates privateers also did much damage in the
Maritime Provinces, plundering the settlements on the
coast and capturing ve.ssels engaged in trade and fish-
Till: WAR di" I Si 2. 215
i'.i^. 1 ') (Icfciul the countr)", old forts and hlnck lioiiscs
were rcjjaired, and cannon were mounted at the entrance
of the princi|)al harbors. llaliTax w.is a bus)- |)lace
during the war. A nnditia lorci^ was l)rouL;ht in from
the c()untr\- to defend the capital in case of attai.:k.
Halifax I bubor was tiie head (juarters of the l^ritislt
fleet in Xortii .\nierica, and ships of war were constantU-
coniinjjj and j:j()ini4\ X'essels and other propert)- taken
from the enem\- were brought here to bi^ sold. I'risoners
of war were kept on MeKille Island in the liarbor.
Increased demand for proxisions of all kinds made t^ood.
-markets for the i)roduce of the farmers of the country.
311. The War in iSi^. — LacoHc. 'Ihroui^hout the
whole of the \ear 1S14 the war went on. ' Napoleon, the
L;reat disturber of the |)eace-of h"uroi)e, was defeated and
confined on the little Island of hdba, so that (beat
Britain was able to send more lielp to Canada.
h'.arl)' in the spriui^ (ieneral Wilkinson, with a force of
fi\e thousand men, reneuefi his iinasion. I'"i\e hundred
Canadian militia and regulars, taking" |)ossessi()n of a
larj^'c stone mill at Lacolle, opposed his proL;ress. I-'or
tour hours, Wilkinson with a force tcMi-fold i^reater bat-
tered in vain at the thick walls of their fortress, i'inallx-,
completely baffled, he returned to Plattsburj;-.
3 1 2. Osii>i]t^o,M(r/ni\ and \ l^as/iin^^-fon. — The in\asi( )ns
were not all on one side. Sir J;nnes \'eo and (ieneral
Drummond, the (io\'ernor of L'pper Canada, cajiturefi the
stron^t^ fort of Oswego in the State of New \'ork. Sir
John Sherbrooke, (iovcrnor of Nova .Scotia, sailiniJ^ from
Halifax with a small force, took possession of a district
between the .St. Croix and the Penobscot, on the coast
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'1II1-: DOMINION OK CANADA.
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r Maine, which was hekl h\' the Hritisli uiUil the close
fll
ic war,
A British force, iinclcr .Admiral Cochra
ne
and (ieneral Ross, captured Washini^ton. ami burned
several public liiu'ldini^s includini;' the Capitol.
'I"he chief events of the war now centered around the
Xiaijara frontier. .An .American force c
rossecl o\ei
rom
Buffalo and took lM>rt l''ri>
Then followed the battK
at C'hii:)i)ewa. in which, after a severe stru|4L;le, theCana-
dians under (ieneral Riall were defeated. While the
enemy was lavinc;' waste the country, (jcneral Drum-
m(
)nd.
arruinu"
rom
K
niListon wi
th
re-inf ircements.
turned back Riall's retreatint^ men for renewed conflict.
313. L/ni((vs L(riii\ J/tlv 2j, iSi .f. — 0\\ the eveniiiij^
of Drumniond's arrival, was foui^ht within sound of
Niairara I'alls the battle of Lundv's Lane, the bloodiest
o
th
fth
e whole war,
Dru
mmoiu
I's f.
orce numbered three
1 th
ousai
ul.
and the enemv s five thousand
The batth
beuan at six in the evenin<>- and continued imtil n(*ar
midniijht.
in
some places it w
as a hand to hand
strui,(L;"le. muzzle to muzzle, J4uns were captured and
recaptured, and
tlieir pieces. The car
as man\-
;unners were bayoneted whiie loaduiij^
iia^e was fearful, the .Americans
losing- about lu'ne hundred men, and the l^ritish nearh*
The enemv were finallv routed, and throwinLT
* rf ^ Kf
their heavv ba<4"L;"aL;e and tents into the rapids of .Xiaijara,
they took shelter in I'^ort l^rie. Two weeks later, the
British tried to ca'pture this fort, but thev' were rejjulsed
with heavy loss. Shortly after, however, the .Americans
blew up the fort and crossed over into the United
States.
314. J^/tittsburj^. — In September, Sir (leorjj^e I'revost,
the (jovernor-Ciener.il, with eleven thousand men, many
THK WAR OF l8l2.
217
of whom were veterans of the European wars, marched
against Plattsburg. A small fleet, vvhicii was co-oper-
ating with him, having been defeated, Sir George, though
on the eve of success, became alarmed and ordered his
men to retire. His soldiers were greatly disappointed,
and the officers broke their swords for very shame and
anger, vowing they would never serve again. Sir
George was afterwards summoned before a Court-martial
to answer for his un.soldier-like conduct, but he died
before the Court met.
m
315. Neii' Orleans. — The last scene in this causeless
and inexcusable war was enacted before New Orleans.
Near the end of the year, the fleet and army which had
taken Wa.shington arrived at the mouth of the
Mississippi and began the siege of New Orleans. The
city was strongly fortified. General Jackson, who com-
manded the American forces, faced his breast-works
with .sand-bags and cotton bales, which formed a good
defence against British cannon. After a loss of about
two thousand men, including General Packingham, the
British retired. The Americans claim to have lost but
eight men.
t
316. The Treaty of Ghent, December 2^, 181^. — 0\\
the day before Christmas a treaty of peace between
Great Britain and the United States was signed at
Ghent, a famous fortified city in Belgium. The news
did not reach America for several weeks, so that hostil-
ities were continued for sometime after the peace was
concluded. The territory which had been .seized during
the war was restored to the original owner ; and
strangely enough the disputed question of right of search
2l8
TIIK DOMINION OV CANADA.
on the High Seas, whicli was said to be a leading cause
of the war, was not even referred to in the treaty. It is
difficult to .see what either party L^ained which could
justify such expenditure of money and human life. It
is true, however, that the l(jn<; stru^^le against a common
foe, tended to unify the \arious Provinces and develop
national .sentiment among our people. Peace was wel-
come on both sides of the line.
-8as?^^E5§-
-&>
CHAl'TKR XXI.
RK-A1)JUSTMENT, I'KOCKl.SS, AND AOITATIOX.
317. Hard Times. — The ret^iilar business of the
coutitry was much disturbed by the war. While new
occupations had arisen throucj^h the exigencies of the
period, some old industries had been rained. At the
return of peace there was re-adjustinent. and business
resumed its old channels. Thus, many persons who had
been occupied in supplying the e.xtra demands of the
war period were now left without employment. This
was especially the case in Halifax. The withdrawal of
the British troops and navy caused depression in busi-
njss of all kinds, and many p^rs ):is, unable to obtain
means of support, were compelled t) leave the city.
The farmers in the countr\' also, who during the war
found good markets for their produce, seriously felt the
change. In Lower Canada, failure of the crops intensi-
fied the hard times. But these hardships were soon
overcome, and the Provinces entered upon a course of
renewed {prosperity.
The countrv was full of life. Difficulties were braveh'
faced, and new strength for the occasion was forth-
coming. During the war the Govermnent (^f Canada
had no money to meet the expenses which it involved,
and they issued paper money, called "Army Bills,"
which were mere promises to pay. These Bills were
r
J'i I
.m
n^ T
■
III
220
Tin: DOMINION OK CANADA.
h
f
)¥ j)^
1 1 in
now promptly redeemed at their par value. Persons
disabled in the war, and the widows and orphans of
those who had fallen, were allowed small pensions.
318. Nrzc Settlers. On the return of peace a large
number of soldiers, whose services were no longer needed
in active warfare, were discharged from the British
army. Dull times also in the old countr\' threw many
laborers in the factories out of employment. There was
abundant nxjm for these people in Canada, and
thousands of them came from the British Isles to make
for themselves new homes in our forests. The British
Government gave them generous aid, including free
passage, tools for clearing the land and cultivating the
soil, and a year's provisii>ns. These immigrants formed
many little settlements in different parts of the country,
some of them in the Eastern Townships of Lower
Canada, but the larger number in the Upper Province.
This colonization was promoted by a wealthy English
corporation called the "Canada Land Company." It
purchased a vast quantity of land in Canada, paying the
Government over a million and a half dollars. While
settlers from the British Isles were made welcome in
Canada, people from the United States were at this
time regarded with suspicion. They were allowed to
remain in the country only as aliens, and were liable to
be expelled on short notice.
319. ^Tlie CJiolcra, i8jj-^. — While these new colon-
ists helped greatly to build up the country, they were
the means of bringing upon it a terrible calamity. One
of the ships entering the St. Lawrence brought with it
Asiatic Cholera. This fell disease was widely spread,
re-at)JUstmi:nt and pkociufss.
221
and it swept off niaiiy people, old and younj^, in Quebec,
Montreal, St. John, and the cities of Upper Canada.
320. The Miraniichi Fire. — A few years earlier, in
1825, a jifreat calainity befell New IJrunswick. The
eastern portion of the Province was laid waste by one
of the most memorable fires on record. The season was
remarkable for drought and heat which continued un-
usually late into the Autuirm. On the night of October
seventh, the fire, which had been raging in the neighbor-
ing forests, burst upon Newcastle and other flourishing
settlements on the Miramichi River with such sudden-
ness and power as to sweep everything before it. Many
people, — men, women, and children, — were burned to
death, and a still larger number were left houseless and
destitute at the approach of winter. Generous aid was
sent to the sufferers from the other Provinces, Great
Hritain, and the United States,
321. Agriculture. — Among the elements of progress
at this period was a striving in the various Provinces for
higher skill iii agriculture. Farmers and others who
were interested in their work formed Agricultural
Societies which tended to secure better stock, farming
tO(}ls, and methods of tillage. In Nova Scotia this
awakening was in large measure due to the letters of
"Agricola," publisht: ! in the Halifax Acadian Recorder.
The writer was John Young, a Scotchman who after-
wards was a distinguished member of the Assembly.
The Earl of Dalhousie, who was then Governor of Nova
Scotia, also aided the movement. In New Brunswick,
the Governor, Sir Howard Douglas, used his influence
to secure more attention to the culture of the soil in
place of lumbering and ship-building.
n-fy
TIIi: DOMINION OF CANADA.
322.
Education. — This was an era of marked awakeii-
incr tlirouLrhout all the Provinces in the matter of cduca-
tion. Colletjes and high schools, known as Grammar
Schools, were established, an ' government aid was given
towards the support of common schools, McGill College
in Montreal was founded in 1823 ; Upper Canada Col-
lege, in Toronto, in 1827. One of the earliest promoters
of education in Upper Canada was John Strachan, after-
wards Bishop Strachan, a native of Scotland. He
founded Academics at Kingston, and Cornwall. Many
of his pupils afterwards held high positions in the
management of the affairs of the Province. Dr.
Strachan was himself a pronounced politician of the
Conservatixe t\"pe. He was a member of both the
Executive and the Legislative Council, and he became
the first Anglican Bishop of Upper Canada.
In Xova Scotia, the religious restrictions of King's
College led to the establishment of Pictou Academy,
which under the management of Dr. Thomas McCulloch,
a Presbyterian clerg)'man of Scottish birtii, became one
of the most noted high schools in the earl)- history of
the Provinces. In 1821 the I'^arl of Dalhousie, the
(Governor of Nova Scotia, founded Dalhousie College at
Halifax, using for the benefit of the college funds
derived from duties collected in the district on the coast
of Maine seized by Sir John Sherbrooke during the war.
In 1829, through the influence of Sir Howard Douglas,
one of the most intelligent and enterprising governors
of New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick
was established in Fredericton.
Prince lulward Island was little behind her sister
Provinces in early efforts to promote the education of
il'
RK-ADIUSTMKXT AND I'ROC.UESS.
223
her children. In 1830 a Board of Education was
appointed, and sliortly after an efficient Academ}' was
opened in Charlottetown.
T,2;^ Public Roads and Facilities for Trade. — Lari^e
sums of money were \-oted by the Provincial Legislatures
for making and improving the public roads and bridges.
In Upper and Lower Canada expensive canals were
built, and steamboats were placed on the lakes and
rivers. The Rideau Canal, constructed along a line of
small rivers and lakes, extended from liytown (Ottawa)
to Kingston ; the La Chine Canal overcame the obstruc-
tion to navigation caused by the La Chine Rapids in
the St. Lawrence a short distance above Montreal.
Before the construction of this canal produce was
brought down the St. Lawrence in flat boats, which were
disposed of with the goods. The Welland Canal, opened
in 1829, continued the water way obstructed by the
Falls and Rapids of Niagara between Lakes Erie and
Ontario.
324. Cape Breton. — In 1820, after thirty-five years'
experience as a separate Province, the Island of Cape
Breton was annexed to Nova Scotia. It was then
allowed the privilege of .sending two members to the
Assembly at Halifax. The people of the Island were
not easily reconciled to the loss of their independence,
as they considered it, and they tried to break up the
union. Their efforts, however, were without avail.
325. Political Agitation. — The twent)--five )'ears fol-
lowing the close of the American war were stormy tiines
in the Provinces. No sooner was the din of war hushed
than the old clamor over political grievances was heard
uti*>itil:ii: rP *
224
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
afresh. The questions in dispute, whi'-i assuming some-
what different forms, were pretty much the same in all
the Provinces. The grievances complained of were such
as, at the present time, would not be tolerated for a day,
but it cost a long and hard struggle to remove them.
Existing customs and institutions, though unsatisfactory,
are not easily broken up. Briefly stated, the question in
dispute was the right of the people to govern them-
selves. As the agitation went on there arose two great
political parties, known as Conservatives and Reformers
or Liberals. The Conservatives, or Tories as their
opponents called them, held that the peojjle should sub-
mit loyally to the government placed over them, and
branded as rebels those who advocated change. The
Liberals believed that the Government should be under
the control of the people,and that its policy and its officers
should be subject to their wishes as expressed by their
representatives. In the meantime the Conservatives
held the reins of power.
326. MacJiinery of Government. — The law-making
and governing bodies comprised the Assembly, the
Legislative Council, the Executive Council, and the
Governor. In some of the Provinces, as Nova Scotia,
there was but one Council, or putting it in another way,
the two Councils consisted of the same individuals who
in one capacity acted as law-makers, in another as the
Governor's advisers. The Councils were appointed by
the Governor ; the Assembly was elected b}- the people,
and was the only really representative body.
327. Grievances. — A leading grievance, and one in
which many evils had their origin, was the irresponsible
,1
KE-A1)JUSTMENT AND PROGRESS.
225
character of the Kxecutivc Council. The people's
representatives, that is the Assembly, had no voice in the
appointment of this body and no power to influence its
policy or call it to account for its acts. The Council was
not chosen with even a show of fairness to the varied
interests of the people at large. I^'or the most part the
members were residents of the city and belonged to the
Church of F^ngland. So closely bound together and
mutuall)' helj)ful were they, that the body was in some
of the Provinces aptly called the " Family Compact."
For example, in Xova Scotia, they were, with one
exception, residents of Halifax ; eight of the twelve were
members of the Church of England ; five were partners
in the same banking establishment ; and several were
connected by family ties.
In Upper Canada the members were selected from
even a narrower circle, and were bound to one another
by equally close relationship.
The Reformers demanded Responsible Government,
that is, that an Kxecutive Council should hold office
only so long as its course of action was sustained by a
majority of the Assembl}'. It is easy to see that under
the system described the public business would be badly
managed. The Council appointed all the .subordinate
officers of the Government throughout the country, such
as judges, sheriffs, and magistrates. It had the control
of the crown lands and a part of the public mone}'.
The members of the Council looked well after their own
interests and gave the public offices to their personal
friends.
The revenue, or t>ublic money, was obtained from
three principal sources — a c'ut)' impo.sed by the Govcrn-
';' ;H ;■
1
11
.":i
226
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
ment of Great l^ritain on certain classes of imports, from
the proceeds of tlic sale of crown lands va\c\ ro\-alt\' on
minerals, and from duties on imported goods, imposed b\"
the Provincial Lej^islatures. The Go\ernor and Council
appropriated the funds arising from the two first named
sources, refusing even to subinit a statement of expendi-
ture to the Assembly. Members of tho Council and
their friends were said to ha\e obtained larije tracts of
the public lands without paying their full value into the
treasury.
328. T/ir Clcrscy Reserves. — In Upper Canada the
agitation for reform was mixed up with a question of
religion. The Constitutional Act of 1791 set apart one-
seventh of all ungranted lands for the support of a
".Protestant Clergy." These reserved lands in this Prov-
ince comprised nearly two and a half millions of acres.
The term " Protestant Cler<Ty" was vaijue. For man\'
years it was held to mean the clerg\- of the Church of
England ; later it was broadened so as to include that
branch of the Presbyterian famil\- known as the Estab-
lished Church of Scotland. The Methodists, Baptists,
and many smaller bodies were shut out. Some of those
who were thus excluded maintained that the fund should
be divided among all denominations ; while others^
including the Baptists, who were opposed to state aid
for the support of religion, held that the fund should be
applied to ordinary secular uses. Public feeling over
this matter .waxed hot, and on "t many severe things
were said and written. The cjuestion was discussed in
Assembly and Council, in pulpit and press. Among
the leading disputants were, on the one side, the distin-
guished Dr. Strachan ; on the other, Egerton Ryerson, a
RK-ADirSTMKNT A\I) rUOCKKSS.
(Ty
vouul;" MetlK/clist minister, better known as Dr. Rx-erson,
the founder of the educational system of Ontario.
329. lAKOcr Canada. — In Lower Canada the reform
movement was blended with the question of race.
iMiu'lish and J^'rcnch were nearly the same as Conserva-
tive and Reformer. The j)eoj)le of 1^^'ench origin formed
aljout four-fifths of the whole population and were repre-
sented by a large majority in the Assembly. The
lui'dish ruled the countrv, holding nearh' all the seats
in both Councils and the principal offices under the
Government.
330. Catholic Eiiiaiwipatiou. — The Roman Catholics
had a grievance specially their own. Vov a century and
a half the laws of Great Britain had withheld from them
the privilege of the franchise and of sitting in Parlia-
ment. It was now beginning to be felt that this restric-
tion, which had come down from a severe age, should be
removed. The question of Catholic Emancipation, as it
was called, came up first in the Legislature of Prince
l^>dward Island. The liill, however, was lost by the
casting vote of the Spanker. Two \ears later, in 182;:,
the barrier was broken flown in Nova Scotia. A Roman
Catholic, Lawrence Ka\anagh, was elected as member
of the AssembU' for Cape Breton. He could not take
his seat on account of the oath of admission, which
required him to declare his disbelief in certain doctrines
of his religion. A resolution was unanimously adopted
by the House in Oivor of petitioning the King for a
change in the oath. Thomas Chandler Haliburton, the
clever humorist known as " Sam Slick," supj)orted the
resolution in one of the most eloquent speeches ever
mn
wmam
228
TIIK DOM IN 10 X OK CANADA.
made in the Nova Scotia Assembly. Haviiifr received
a favorable reply, the Assembly passed an Act freeinij:
Roman Catholics from all disabilities on account of their
religion. The other IVovinces shortly after adopted
measures of the same kind.
331. Prince luluuini Island. — At this period of dis-
quietude Prince Edward Island had its full share of
troubles. Charles Douglas Smith, appointed Governor
in 18 1 3, for seven years ruled the Island in the most
arbitrary manner. He grossly insulted the Assembly,
prorogued or dissolved it when it began to discuss
grievances, and twice for a period of four years he failed
to call the members together. His hard treatment of
the farmers almost drove them into rebellion. The
government land tax, called quit-rent, had been found
burdensome and the holders of land had fallen behind
in their payments. The British Government cancelled
arrears and reduced the tax. I'or several succeeding
years no demand was made, and the Rccci\er-General
refused to take the money from those who offered to
pay. The land-holders were thus led to believe that
they would not again be asked to pay the tax. But
without giving due notice, the Governor sent constables
into a district of King's County to demand immediate
jjayment. Many farmers had no money and they were
compelled to give their notes payable in ten days. To
raise the mone}' they carried their grain and other pro-
duce fifty or si.xty miles, in mid-winter, to the Charlotte-
town market. The market was over-stocked and little
money was realized.
The people were itidignant, and as there had been no
meeting of the Assembly for three years, they scarcely
1
V
\H
KK-A1)JUSTMKXT AND I'ROC.KKSS.
229
knew where to obtain redress. They apph'ed to the
High Sheriff of the Island, to call public meetings in
different counties for the discussion of grievances. At
the meetings petitions to the King were prepared, con-
taining serious charges against the Governor and asking
for his removal. John Stewart was chosen as the
people's delegate to carr\' the petitions t') England. The
Governor was very angr\-. He punished the Sheriff for
calling the meetings by dismissing him from office.
Claiming that some charges in the petitions were
libellous against the Court of Chancery of which he was
Chancellor, he issued writs for the apprehension of
Stewart and other members of the committee who had
drawn up the petitions. But Stewart, evading the offi-
cers, escaped to Nova Scotia and hastened- on his way
to England. His mission was successful. In the
following year he returned accompanied by Colonel
Ready who had been appointed Governor in place of
Smith. The new Governor was a great favorite, and for
a time matters moved on niore smoothly. There was,
however, little harmony between the .Assembly and
the Council. As in the other Provinces, the chief sub-
ject of dispute was the control of the public money.
l!(
-8sf^~
CHAITKR XXII.
nuiTisii FUR tkai)i;rs in tiii; N(^RTir.
33^-
E)ii^/ish (Vid French Rivalry. — Meanwhile the
i^reat North West had been occupied as a vast huntiiiL^
ground b}'the fur traders. The Hudson's Hay Compan}-,
as ah"eady stated, was organized In' royal charter in
1670. At this time the territory covered by its charter
was claimed by France, and English and French traders
regarded each other as intruders. On different occasions
the French tried to break up the Company's establish-
ment, but though thcv caused their rivals much damai^e,
they failed to drive them from the field. Notwithstand-
ing great losses from the seizure (jf its furs and the des-
truction of its forts, the luigiish Company drew enormous
profits from its trade. \\y the treaty of Utrecht France
gave up all claim to this northern territory. From this
date, for half a century, until the end of French rule
in Canada, the Hudson's ]iay Company was undisturbed
by hostile rivals.
T 1 -J
J jj. The Xorth West Fur
Company of Montreal, lySj.
Shortly after the con-
quest of Canada by
(ircat Britain a new rival entered the field. Several
l^ritish merchants of Montreal, mostly Scotchmen,
took up the fur trade of the North West. For a
few years each merchant or firm carried on the business
independently. The keen rivalry amongst them gave rise
r.KITISH FUR TRADKRS.
231
\y
til
p.
a
to mail}' c\ ils. ICach nicrchatit sought to promote his
u\\ n interest at \vliate\er eost to his neighbors. Intoxi-
cating hpuors were used to entice the IncHans, and the
trader who most freely em|)loyed this means of
debaucherx' was most successful in securing their trade.
Bloody feuds sprang up among the employes in the
remote wilderness, life and propert)' were destroyed, and
the Indians were demoralized. This ruinous policy was
soon abandoned. In 1787 the rival merchants united,
forming the North West T'ur Compan)' of Montreal.
This C'ompanx' now carried on the fur traffic with mar-
\ellous energ)' and success, and it soon became the most
wealthy and influential organization in Canada. It ex-
tended its trade over the whole of the North West from
Montreal to the Arctic Ocean. Scattered" through all
this vast countr\-, on Lake Superior, Lake Winnipeg,
Lake Athabasca, and Great Slave Lake, on the
Saskatchewan and on other rivers and lakes, were the
Companj's forts or trading posts. Distributed among
these forts was a small army of the Company's employes,
agents, clerks, and interpreters, to banter and barter
with the Indians ; and along the streams and lakes were
many voyageurs or boatmen who passed in boat or light
canoe to and fro between Montreal and the distant forts,
carrying to them the Company's merchandise and bring-
ing back the rich harvest of furs, which were duly shii^ped
to the London Market.
The trade was carried on with the Indians without
the use of money. The Company gave them guns,
ammunition, blankets, knives, and many other things,
taking their furs in exchange. In fixing prices, the
beaver was taken as the standard, the value of all other
conmiodities being measured by it.
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232
THE DOMINION OF ("/NADA.
334. TJic Partners.— 11\\G North West Com pan}- at
first consisted of sixteen partners ox shareholders, and
was afterwards increased to twent)-. The senior partners
resided in Montreal or in Quebec, lookin<r after the out-
side business of the Company. The }'ounL;"er partners
went to the far distant forts to superintend the trade
with the Indians.
It was no easy matter to cjain admission as a partner
in this ^reat concern. The road lay through loniij toil
and faithful service. One must begin in the humblest
)3osition. He was r('(|uired to ser\e an apprenticeship
of seven years in the remote forts of the wilderness, living
a life almost as wild as the savage with whom he traded.
For this term of service he received his food and clothes,
and at its termination perhaps a hundred pounds ster-
ling. He was then raised to the position of clerk, and
was eligible for a partnership in the Company. Often,
however, he had to wait )ears for an opening, mean-
while serving the Company for a salary varying from
/"So to ;^ 1 60 a year.
The partners who were privileged to live in Montreal
or Quebec had passed through the lower grades of ser-
vice and had thus earned their distinction. They lived
in princely style and were prince-like in their hospitality.
The Government of the countr)- was to a great extent
u nder their influence.
335. Head Quarters. — The head quarters of the
Company were at Fort William on Lake Superior. At
this place there was an annual gathering or grand
Council to discuss the affairs of the Company. The
meeting was held in a great Council Chamber, highly
^
BRITISH I IR TRADKKS.
-JJ)
decorated in Indian fashion. Tiie senior partners from
Montreal held chief place at the>e j^^atherings. Wrapped
in their rich furs, they tra\ellcd in canoes rowed by
Canadian boat-men. The)- carried with them their
choice wines and rich \iands and their well trained
cooks. The juniors frtjm the iiiterior, accompanied by
clerks, came to rei)ort the business of the \-ear. Indian
chiefs and a crowd of noisy sa\ai;es followed, eager to
join in the hilarity of the occasion.
lousiness in the Council Room was duly intermingled
with festivity. Adjoining the Hall was the great ban-
queting room where the tables groaned with the pro-
ducts of the forest and lake, dul)- seasoned with those
of the civilized world. There were fish and fowl, game
and venison, fruits and wines, all served in daintiest
fashion. When hosts and guests had well eaten, they
drank their toasts, made humorous speeches, tokl tales
of their wild life, and cracked their jokes.
fi^fl
ir
ii'Ail.
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336. lixplorcrs. — -These energetic fur-traders were the
pioneers of civilization in the vast territories of the
North West, large portions of which are now over-
spread with wheat-fields and dotted with busy towns
and hamlets. Partlv with the view of extending the
business of the Company, and partly for the purpose of
discovery, its enterprising agents explored the remotest
districts of the Northwest, and crossing the great barrier
mountain wall revealed to the world the hitherto
unknown lands of the Pacific slope. I'^amous among
these pioneers was Alexander MacKenzie, a man of
great energy, strong will, and noble character, whose
heroic enterprise in exploring the country was recog-
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234
Till-; DOMINION (JF CANADA.
nizcd by George III. b\' coiiferriiiL; (Hi him tlic lioiior of
Knij^fhthood. In 17S9 MacKen/.ic followed the ;^re.'it
n'\er of the North which now bears his name to where
it endis its course in the Arctic Ocean. ReturninL; from
this journc)', he resohed on an exjjlorinc;' tour across the
Rocky Moimtains. Hefore settini^ out for the West,
however, he visited I'jvi^land, where he spent some
months in the studx' of Astronom}' and in seeking such
other knowledj^e as would fit him for makin<^ accurate
obserxations in tlie lands which he purposed to explore.
In the Autiunn of 1792. with a few companions, he
set out on his westerly ioiu'iiew i^roceedintJ b\- wa\' of
Peace Ri\cr. The \\inter months were spent in camj)
near a remote fort belonging to the Hudson's Ha}'
Compan\-. When Spring" came he continued his journey
till at last, standing b\' tlic sliores of the great Pacific,
he could claim the honor of being the first white man to
make the o\erland journey from Ocean to Ocean in
these liigh latitudes. After remaining here a few days,
he set out on the return route, arriving at Lake
Athabasca after an absence of elexen months.
Other explorers soon brought more fulh' to notice the
grandeur and the rich resources of the vast territory
now comprised in British Columbia. Among tliese
pioneers may be named Simon PVascr, whose route lay
along the great river named in his honor, and David
Thompson, whose name is kept in memor}- by another
river of this westerly Province of the Dominion. Many
stirring adventures had these explorers in crossing this
wide rugged country, travelling by river, lake, and port-
age, clambering steep mountain sides, choosing path-
ways along the margins of yawning chasms, and dash-
I'.klTlSII Fl'R TKADKRS.
235
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iiifjj in li;-;iU canoes with terrific speed down swiftl}- flow-
ing raj)ids.
2^/. I'lir-Tradcrs 0)1 tJic Const. — -Ik'forc Alexander
MacKen/.ie made his famous journe\' across tlie Rock\'
Mountains, fur-traders from \arious lands had, b)- ocean
routes, reached these western shores and discovered their
wealth in fur-bearini^ animals. Spaniards, British, and
Americans were here bartering with the Indians. The
most valuable fur was the sea-otter, a single skin being
worth from $50 to $100. The furs were shipped across
the Pacific Ocean to China where they fcnmd read)'
sale at high prices.
At this time Spain owned Mexico, and she was
ambitious enough to claim the whole western coast (jf
America northerly to the Russian territory of Alaska.
In a vain effort to drive away the Knglish the Spaniards
seized the ships and furs of British traders at Xootka
Sound and destroyed three forts. But Spain was forced
to withdraw her claim, and the plunderers had to make
restitution of the property which they had taken.
338. Cook and Vancouver. — h^amous naxigators were
at this time exploring portions of the Pacific coast. In
his third and last voyage around the world, Captain
Cook visited Nootka and other neighboring places. A
little later, in 1792, the very year in which MacKenzie
began his journey across the Continent, Captain
Vancouver was sent from England to look after British
interests on these western shores. He sailed around the
island which now bears his name, exploring and naming
many of the coast waters.
339. Astoria. — Among the .American enterprises of
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THK DOM I MUX OF fANAD/.
the time in the fur trade on tlie Pacific c(\ast, was that
estabh'shcd b\' John Jacob Astor of New York. This
wcaUh\' merchant formed a i^^rand scheme for traffic in
furs between Western America and Cliina. In 1810 his
a5:^ents proceeded to the Pacific coast in the ship Ton-
quin b}' way of Cape Horn. They made their head-
quarters at a phice which the}' named Astoria, near the
mouth of the Cokunbia River. The enterprise soon
came to grief The Tonquin sailed northerly to Van-
couver Island where the Captain and most of the crew
were massacred by the Indians whose hostilit}- they
had rashl}' provoked. The agents at Astoria held the
post for about two years. During the War of 181 2,
learning that a British ship had been sent to break up
their establishment, they sold out their furs and other
property to the agents of the North West Compan)-.
340. Rivalry Betn'ceii tJic Coiiipanics. — The trade of
the Hud.son's Bay Compan)- was .seriously damaged Ly
it.s Canadian rival. The Indians, finding a market nearer
home, no longer brought their furs down to the forts on
Hudson Bay. In .self defence the Compan)- was com-
pelled to go to them. Among the trading posts which
it established in the interior were Brandon Hou.se, Fort
Carlton, P'ort Cumberland, and Fort Pklmonton. The
two companies were .soon at open war with each other.
There followed many years of ruinous strife marked by
great destruction of property and loss of life.
341. Red River Settlement. — During the period of
warfare between the two great rival companies, an
interesting colony was established on the "Red River of
the North." The Earl of Selkirk, an influential partner
r.urrisn itr 'irai*i:ks.
237
in the Hudson's Ba)- C'omj.an}', wishini;" to find homes
for Scottisli peasantry, sent several b<UKls of colonists to
America. One of these, as we ha\e ahead)' seen, came
to Prince luhvard Island. The h.arl obtained from his
Compan}- a lar^^e tract of countr\' on the soutli of Lake
Winnipeg". To this territor}- he inxited colonists, offer-
ing them free grants of land and other inducements.
The first band of settlers came herein 1S12, entering-
the country b\- the Hudson Ba\' nuite. Others followed
at differiMit times. The\' formed their first settlement
at the juncticjn of the Pembina and Red Rivers, where
the cit\' of Pembina now stands. Several \-ears passed
before they discovered that thev were (^n the south of
the boundar}' line. IMien tVe}' moved northerl}' and
selected a new home on l^ritish soil.
The colon}' was known b)' different names, as
Assiniboia, Selkirk Settlement, and Red River Settle-
ment. The chief place within its bounds was P'ort
Dous^ias. This little Scotch Colony, thus planted in
the wilderness, claims our interest as the bei^inning
of the nn'dland l\o\ince of Manitoba. The "pioneer
.settlers" of Manitoba had a hard strusjijle in makin<>'
a home in this remote land. The cold winters, with
their keen-edged blizzards, tried them se\erel)'. The
grass-lioppers invaded tlieir coimtrx-, swce])ing down
upon tlieir fields and dexouring exerxthing green in
their onward march. Sometimes, too, their houses and
other pnjpert)' were carried awa\' b\' floods from the
over-flowing river. But the worst ill fortune of all was,
the hostility of the "Norwester.s." The agents of the
North M'est Company regarded the new settlers as the
representatives of the Hudson's Ba\- Company, and they
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THE DOMINION OK CANADA.
visited on them tlic resentment which they held towards
the rival Company. They incited ai:^ainst the defence-
less colonists the fury of the Indians, resultinc^ in an
attack upon the fort and the cruel murder of Governor
Douj^las of the Hudson's Bay Company.
342. Union of the Rival Companies, 1821. — This
unseemly strife and bloodshed aroused the attention of
the British Government. The leading partners of the
two Companies also saw the folly of this ruinous policy.
A change in the management of affairs was demanded.
Finally, in 1821, the two Companies united under a new
charter, but retaining the older name of the Hudson's
13ay Company. George Simpson, afterwards honored
with knighthood, was appointed first resident Governor
of the new Company, an office which he held until his
death in i860. Sir George was a man of marked abilit}'
and noble character. He showed much interest in
geographical discovery and was always ready to lend
aid to the explorers who visited these northern lands
durin'T his term of office.
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CHAPTER XXIII.
AC;iTATI()\ FOR RKFOKM IX Ul'lM'.R AM) LOWKK
CANADA.
343. CJiaractcr of the Men. — The task of break itii;-
up the Family Compacts was not an easy one. The
(joveniors and Councils in the various Provinces seemed
to believe that the)- had a sort of divine rit^ht to rule,
and that all wh-o (juestioned the [propriety (jf their acts
were enemies of law and order. Most of these old
"Tories," as the Reformers liked to call them, were in
their j^rivatc life, men of the highest character and [)urest
})atriotism. Narrowness and distrust of the (jeople were
their i;reatcst faults. In their view a <;overnment under
the control of the people would quickly drive the
country to ruin. On the otlierhand, the work of reform
was Ljreatly impedr J and imperilled hy the rashness of
some of its leaders These men could deal hard blows
ai^ainst misrule, and the\- were not afraid to take on
themselves heav)' risks, but they often lacked discretion
and often pushed matters to extremes.
344. Upper Canada. — Sir Perej;rine Maitland,
api)ointed Governor of U(.)per Canada in 1S18, was a
rigid sujjporter of the oligarchy. At this time 'many of
the members of the Assembl}- were govermnent offi-
cials, as sheriffs, custom-house officers, postmasters, and
registrars, or were in some other wa)' in receipt of such
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Tin: DOMINION OF CWADA.
fiivfM's from the Gcncnimciit as destroyed their independ-
ence. Thus the (io\ernor and Council secured thesuj:)-
port of a majorit}- in the Assembh'. Hut the country
was becoming; arou ed. and every election showed that
tlie refc^-m movement was !j;aininLr j»'rc)und.
345. Robert Gonrli'y. — Among the early aL;itat;)rs for
reform, the most fearless and outspoken was an eccen-
tric Scotchman named Robert Giurley. Hy circulars
sent over tb.e countrv" and b\' jjublic addresses in which
he used strong language, he stirred up the jicojile and
persuaded them to petition the Home Government for
redress. lie was arrested on a charge of sedition, kept
in [jrison for seven months witliout trial, and fiiicalh-,
when broken down both in body and mind, he was
banished from the countr}'.
346. The l^idwdls. — The Government was deter-
mined to crush out all oj)position. A Reformer of high
character, named Hidwcll, who had come from the
United States, where he had been a member of Con-
gress, was elected to the .Assemblw 1 le was not allowed
to take his seat, bcciusj he had held high office
in a foreign countrx'. Mis son, Marshall Hidwcll, was
elected in his place. He too was excluded until elected
a second time by his constituents,
347. MacKcur:.ic and Baldi^in. — Otlicr noted oppo-
nents of the oligarchy were Peter I'err}-, Dr. John
Rolj)li, William Lyon MacKenzie, and Robert Haldwin.
I'he two last named wore leaders who differed widel)'
from each other. MacKen/.ie, who was born in Scot-
land, wr.s a man of keen intellect and honest purpose,
but he lacked discretion and in his rashness often said
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AGITATION FOR REFORM.
241
and did very unwise things. Baldwin, who came on the
.scene a Httle later, was a noble-minded prudent man, and
sought to carry out wise measures by moderate means.
He was not .so popular as MacKenzie at the beginning
of the reform movement, but as our story moves on we
shall mark in his career the qualities of character which
win the lasting respect and trust of the people.
MacKenzie published a paper, called the "Colonial
Advocate," in which he attacked the Government in the
most unsparing manner. He was a dangerous man and
must be crushed. A monument to the memory of Sir
Isaac Brock was being erected on Queenston Heights.
Among other memorials placed in the base was a copy
of the "Colonial Advocate." Governor Maitland ordered
the stones to be removed and the pa^.'sr to be taken out.
Some young men of the government party broke into
the office of the "Colonial Advocate," destroyed the
printing press, and threw the type into Lake Ontario.
These measures onh- awakened public s)'mpathy and
made MacKenzie more popular. The persecuted agi-
tator recovered large damages in the courts, and he was
.shortly after elected to the Assembly as member for the
County of York. In this new sphere he maintained his
former boldness in advocating reform, and his strong
language often exceeded the limits of parliamentary
usage. Several times he was cxjjelled from the House
for violation of privilege and as frequently was he re-
elected by his constituents. In 1834, when the City of
York was incorporated and its name changed to Toronto,
MacKenzie was chosen as its first Mayor.
348. Leaders in the Government Party. — Among the
prominent leaders of the government party at this
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THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
period were Johti Beverly Robinson, who at the age of
twenty-one became Attornc) -General, John Boulton,ancl
Bishop MacDonnell. But perhaps the man of greatest
influence in the party was Dr. Strachan, who has been
spoken of in a former chapter as an educator and who a
a few years later became an Anglican Bishop.
349. Sir John CoUwrne. — In the meantime Sir John
Colborne had succeeded Sir Peregrine Maitland as
Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. He was a
veteran soldier, noted for his stern character and brevity
of speech. On his arrival the country was wildly excited
over a new libel case. Frank Collins, editor of the
"Canadian Freeman," was fined and imprisoned for libel
against the Attorney-General. The fine was paid by
the people, and numerously signed petitions were sent
to the Governor, asking for Collin's release. But Sir John
was deaf to all entreat}', and poor Collins was left to
languish in prison.
350. Sir Francis Bond Head, iSj6. — Governor
Colborne was succeeded by Sir Francis Bond Head.
Sir Francis was sent from England by a Liberal Govern-
ment, and the Reformers, who now had a majority in
the Assembly, had high hope that he would govern the
country according to the principles of his party in Great
Britain. They soon discovered their mistake. Sir
Francis had indeed been instructed by the Colonial
Secretary to choose for his Executive Council such men
as had the confidence of the majority in the Assembly.
But he thought that the Reformers were not gentlemen,
and he believed that he could bring matters out right
by taking his own way. Scarcely anyone could have
been found more unfit for the office of Governor. He
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AGITATION FOR REFORM.
243
knew nothing of statesmanship, cared little for politics,
and was wholly ignornant of Canadian affairs. Sir
Francis, at the beginning of his rule, placed three
Reformers in the E.xecutive Council. These men, how-
ever, finding themselves wholly without influence in the
management of the affairs ol the Province, soon resigned
their .seats.
The Reformers of Upper Canada, at this per'od, were
divided into two wings, — a moderate party whose most
prominent member was Robert Baldwin, and a radical
or extreme party led by William Lyon MacKenzie.
This rash leader, made popular by persecution, was new
advocating republican principles and secession from
Great Britain. The Assembly sent an address to the
King, .severely criticising the action of 'the Governor.
For the first time in the hi.story of the Province, it failed
to vote supplies, and at the close of the session the
Speaker read a letter from Papineau, the leader of the
Reform party in Lower Canada, urging concerted action
by the two Provinces.
Sir P'rancis thought that all the Reformers were
like MacKenzie and were not to be trusted with power.
He turned his back upon the whole Reform Party, took
side with the P^amily Compact, dissolved the House, and,
forgetting the dignity of his office, became a political
partizan, and used all his influence in the election
against reform. The scale was turned. The Reformers,
who had had a majority of eleven in the former House,
were now in a minority of twenty-five. Kven the leaders,
MacKenzie, Bidwell and Perry were defeated.
351. Lower Canada. — In Lower Canada three lead-
in<i topics acfitated the public mind. The British Govern-
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244
THK DOMIxNION OK CANADA.
ment proposed to unite Upper and Lower Canada under
one government. While this pleased the English people
of Lower Canada, it was strongly opposed by the French.
A second question related to French representation in
the Executive and Legislative Councils. While the
Assembly was almost wholly French, the members of
these councils were for the most part chosen from the
English-speaking population. The third question in
dispute was the management of the public funds. The
Governor and Executive Council controlled the Casual
and Territorial Revenue, that is the funds derived from
royalty on mines and from public lands. The Assembly
contended that all public moneys should be under its
management. Responsible Government, by securing an
Executive completely in harmony with the Assembly,
would have settled the two last named questions.
The Governor and Council paid the civil list, that is
the salaries of the public officers and the expenses
incurred in carrying on the Government, out of the
revenue at its disposal. But as these expenses increased
their funds were not sufficient to meet the demands.
During the rule of Sir John Sherbrooke, who became
Governor-General in 1816, the Assembly agreed to vote
supplies for the civil service on condition that all
accounts were submitted for its approval. But the
Duke of Richmond, who succeeded Sir John, declining
to give a full statement of expenditure, the Assembly
refused to vote the money. The Duke then, without
the sanction of the As.sembly, drew from the Receiver-
General the amount required. But the term of office of
this Governor was brief and had a sad ending. While
travelling through the country he was bitten on the
A(;iTATI()N FOR REF(3RM.
245
hand b)' a tame fox, and a few weeks after he died of
hydrophobia.
352. The Earl of Dalhousie. — The Earl of Dalhousie,
who became Governor-General in 1820, followed the
example of the Duke of Richmond in drawing funds
from the public treasury without the authority of the
Assembly. During his rule a new scandal furnished
occasion for attacks on the Government. Sir John
Caldwell, the Receiver-General, who had charge of the
public mone\-, became a defaulter to the extent of
nearly half a million dollars. As the Government had
neglected to take any sureties, the loss fell on the Prov-
vince. Public sentiment was outraged yet further by
the fact that Sir John was still permitted to retain his
seat in the P2xecutive Council.
353. Louis PapineaH. — Louis I'apineau wasthe leader
of the Reform party. In the War of 181 2, though a
mere boy, he was an officer in the militia. In 1817, at
the age of twenty-two, he was elected member of the
Assembly, and was chosen Speaker of the House. He
was the most popular and ■ fluential man in Lower
Canada, — the very idol of the people. A man of honest
convictions but of fiery temperament and unguarded
speech, he denounced the Earl of Dalhousie in the
severest terms. P^or ten years he had held the office of
Speaker, and on the meeting of a new House in 1827,
he was again chosen for this honorable positon. But
the Earl of Dalhousie. having no very kindly feeling
towards Papineau, refused to accept him for Speaker.
The Assembly, in obstinate mood, would choose no other,
and business was at a .stand-still. The Governor-Gen-
eral prorogued the House. The Erench people through-
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246
THE DOMINION OK CANADA.
out the Province were moved with intense feeling. The
newspapers berated the Governor-General without stint,
indignation meetings were held in all parts of the Prov-
ince, and a memorial of grievances, signed by eighty-
seven thousand persons, was sent to the Imperial Gov-
ernment in London.
354. Redress.— The British Government enquired
carefully into the matters of complaint and made im-
portant changes desired by the petitioners. Judges and
bishops were excluded from the Legislative Council. It
was ordered that in making new appointments to the
Legislative and P^xecutive Councils no favors should be
shown to the English people over the French ; that
proper sureties should be demanded of the Receiver-
General before he was entrusted with the public mone)',
and that this monev should not be drawn from the
treasury without a vote of the Assembly. The Earl of
Dalhousie was recalled, and Sir James Kempt, who had
held the position of Lieutenant-Governor in Nova
Scotia, was sent in his place. The new Governor-Gen-
eral approved of Papineau as Speaker, and a period of
comparative peace followed.
355. The Stonn Breaks Out Aneiu. — Peace was short
lived. It was but a lull in the tempest. The Assembly
had not gained all its demands. The Casual and Terri-
torial Revenue was not placed under its control, nor was
the Legislative Council made elective. At first the
As.sembly voted the civil list from year to year instead
of making it permanent by a statute which would remain
in force until it was repealed. A little later, no supplies
were voted, and the salaries of judges and other public
officers remained unpaid. Violent speeches were made
AGITATION FOR REFORM.
247
by Papiiieau and other Reform leaders, and stronj^ reso-
lutions were passed by the Assembly, denouncinij liritish
tyramiy and threatenin<; rebellion if the rights of the
people were not respected.
In 1834 the Assembly stated its grievances in a long
list of resolutions, ninety- two in all, which it afterwards
embodied in a memorial to the King and Parliament of
Great Britain. The principal things asked for were
control of all revenues by the Assembly, an elective
Legislative ('ouncil, and an Executive Council respon-
sible to the Assembly. This was indeed nothing more
than the Reformers in all the Provinces were demand-
ing. But in Lower Canada a double nationality made
special difficulty. Under such a government the P>ench
would have entire control, and the English feared that
their interests would not be safe. The British Govern-
ment sent out commissioners, one of whom was the
newly appointed Governor-General, Lord Gosford, to
report on the .state of affairs. But this, like otner
measures which had been tried, failed to quiet the
clamour. In fact the Province was drifting rapidly
towards rebellion.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
A(;iTATION FOR
KKFORM IN
PROVINCES.
TIIH MARITIMK
356. jVezi' Bnmsiijick. — Meanwhile the strui^^^lc for
reform had been going on in the Maritime Provinces.
The strife, however, between the two parties had much
less bitterness than in the West. As before stated, each
of these Provinces had but one Council, which was
charged with the double duty of a Legislative and
Executive body. In New Brunswick the members were
chosen with much fairness tc; the various parts of the
Province as well as to different interests. In 1832 two
Councils were formed,— one for legislative the other for
executive purposes.
The most serious grievance in New Brunswick related
to the Crown lands. These lands were under the
managenient of a (^Commissioner appointed by the
Governor and independent of the Assembly. This
officer was accused of unfiiirness aud partiality in the
discharge of his duty. The proceeds arising from the
sale of public lands were applied, as in the other Prov-
inces, to the payment of the Civil List. But after all
claims on the fund were met, there remained a large
surplus. On the ground that the people were the real
owners of these lands, the Assembly claimed for itself
the right to dispose of them and to control the revenue
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THE MARITIME PROVINCES.
249
arising from their sale. Sir Archibald Campbell, who
was at this time Governor of the Province, held that the
lands and the revenue belonged to the King, and he re-
fused to give account of receipts and expenditures to the
Assembly.
357. The Kings Property. — Ownership of public
property by the Sovereign of Great Britain is a sort of
fiction. The King or the Queen, as the head of the
nation, holds public property and acts in public matters
in behalf of the people. Thus we speak of the King's
troops, the King's highway, the Crown lands. So al.so
in a court of law, a prosecution for crime is called the
King's case, and lawyers authorized to conduct such
cases are called King's Counsel or Queen's Coun.sel. This
is not because the Sovereign has any personal or private
ownership or interest in these matters, but because he is
thought of as the people's protector or guardian, and
the business is done in his name.
358. Important Concessions. — In 1836 Lemuel Allan
Wilmot, a young lawyer of commanding ability and
eloquence, was elected to the New Brunswick Assembly.
He soon took a prominent position in the House and
became the leader of the Reform party. A delegation, of
which Wilmot was a member, was sent to England for
the purpose of securing measures of reform from the
Home Government. The mission was successful. The
appointment of members of the Assembly to the Execu-
tive Council, though not made imperative, was recom-
mended as a proper means of bringing about harmony
between these bodies. The Assembly was offered con-
trol of the Casual and Territorial Revenue on condition
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250
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
that it voted a permanent Civil List, amounting to about
$60,000. The Governor and Council, while still having
the disposal of the Crown lands, were to submit to the
Assembly full reports of their action in regard to them.
A Bill accepting the terms offered readily passed the
Assembly and Legislative Council. But Sir Archibald
Campbell, thinking that the Casual and Territorial
Revenue, amounting to nearly a million dollars, too
large a sum to entrust to the Assembly, refu.sed his
as.sent. The A.ssembly petitioned the Crown for his
recall. But Sir Archibald, without awaiting the result
of this request, placed his resignation in the hands of
the Colonial Secretary.
Sir John Harvey, who as Colonel Harvey had gained
the battle of Stony Creek and who had for a short time
been Governor of Prince Edward Island, was now
appointed Governor of New Brunswick. He gave his
as.sent to the Bill providing for the Civil List propo.sed
by the Briti.sh Government, and thus secured to the
Assembly control of the Casual and Territorial Revenue.
These measures fell far short of the demands of the
Reformers, but under the popular rul of Sir John
Harvey, further agitation for reform was arrested.
359. Nova Scotia. — In Nova Scotia the strife at
times was keen. A contention between the Assembly
and the Council, known as the " Brandy Di.spute,"
resulted in much loss to the revenue. The Legislature
imposed a duty of one shilling and four pence on brandy.
Four years after it was discovered that through some
defect in the law only one .shilling per gallon had been
collected. The Assembly then passed a Bill fixing the
duty as previously intended ; but the Council refused
THE MARITIME PROVINCES.
251
its assent. Neither the Assembly nor Council would
yield, and the revenue laws were allowed to expire.
During the following year no duties were collected,
causing a loss to the treasury of over $100,000. Before
the next session, in consequence of the death of King
George IV., the Assembly was dissolved. The new
House adhered to the larger duty, which the Council
with some ill humor adopted.
In 1H34 Sir Colin Campbell succeeded Sir Peregrine
Maitland as Governor. He was a brave soldier and
served his King and country much better and
gained for himself more renown on the field of battle
than in the office of Lieutenant-Governor. He viewed
affairs in Nova Scotia much as his Council viewed them,
and gave his influence to keep things a.s they were.
360. Joseph Howe. — Halifax was not yet incorporated.
Its public business was managed by the magistrates
who were appointed by the Governor. These men,
wholly independent of the people, levied the taxes and
expended the public money as they saw fit. Flvery-
where there were neglect, mismanagement, and corrup-
tion. Everybody was dissatisfied except the few who
were favored at the public expense. At this time there
came into prominent notice a young man who was
destined to wield a powerful influence in moulding the
institutions of the country. This man was Joseph
Howe. He was the son of a Loyalist and was then
about thirty )'ears of age. In his boyhood he had
enjoyed few educational advantages. In summer he
walked two miles to school ; in winter he remained at
home. At thirteen years of age he became a printer's
boy. His genius and industry made up for the defects
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252
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
in his education. Resolute, fearless, and hating abuses,
he was the man for the times Like most reformers,
however, he was impetuous, his zeal and enthusiasm at
times leading him to extremes.
Joseph Howe edited a paper called the Nova Scotian
He published in it an article attacking the magistrates
and accusing them of robbing the city annually of a
large sum of money. The magistrates prosecuted him
for libel. The lawyers told him that his case could not
be defended, and advised him to settle with his prose-
cutors as best he could. But Howe did not follow their
advice. Regardless of the maxim that "He who pleads
his own case has a fool for his client," Mr. Howe, though
not a lawyer, undertook his own defence. His address
to the jury occupied six hours in its delivery. The
brilliant and eloquent Attorney-General, S. G. Archibald,
conducted the prosecution. The judge, in his charge^
told the jury that Howe was guilty of criminal libel.
The jury exercising their own judgment, brought in a
verdict of "Not Guilty."
In the following year, 18.^6, Mr. Howe was elected to
the Assembly as member for Halifax County, and
became at once the leader of the Reform party in the
House. Among the prominent men associated with him
in the reform movement were Lawrence O'Conner Doyle,
Herbert Huntington, and William Young.
361. Changes in the Council. — The Council had
always sat with closed doors and allowed no report of
its deliberations to go abroad. The Assembly, by a
unanimous vote, condemned this privacy ; but the
Council treated such interference with disdain. On
motion c Mr. Howe, the Assembly now passed twelve
THE MARITIME PROVINCES.
253
Iliili' L;i
resolutions directed against the constitution of the Council
and its mode of doing business. The members of the
Council were indignant, especially over one clause in the
resolutions which asserted that they desired to protect
their own interests at the public expense, and they
decided to hold no further intercourse with the .'\ssembly
until the offensive clause was rescinded. This brought
matters to a dead lock, and no further business could be
done. But Mr. Howe, feeling that the resolutions had
already done their work, said he would do more than
the Council demanded, — he would ask the House to
rescind not one clause alone, but all the resolutions.
The wrath of the Council being thus allayed, the busi-
ness of the session was finished. The Assembly then
drew up a memorial to the King, stating the evils in the
Government and asking for their removal. The Council
also sent an address to the King, presenting the case
from its point of view. But before any reply came the
Council opened its doors to the public. In the mean-
time Queen Victoria had succeeded William IV. on the
British throne. Despatches from the Colonial Secretary
now came to Sir Colin Campbell, instructing him to form
two distinct bodies, a Legislative Council and an
Executive Council, the last-named body to be taken
partly from the Legislative Council and partly from the
Assembly. The Chief Justice was not to be a member
of either Council. The public money was placed under
the control of the Assembly.
362. Unsuccessful Efforts. — The Reformers were not
.satisfied. They complained that the Executive Council
was not responsible to the Assembly, and further, that
both Councils were composed of men opposed to the
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254
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
reforms desired by the great body of the people. The
Assembly now sent a delegation, consisting of Messrs.
Huntington and Young, to England for the purpose of
urging its views upon the Imperial Government. The
Council also sent a delegation, composed of Messrs.
Wilkins and Stewart, to counteract the influence of the
Assembly's delegates. The decision was not favorable
to the Reformers. The British Government, though
itself under the control of the House of Commons,
thought that an Executive Council responsible to the
Assembly was not suited to the condition of a Province
of the Empire.
2,6^. Disputed Territory. — An event now occurred
which for the time overshadowed all other matters.
The boundary line between New Brunswick and Maine
had never been definitely settled, and a large territory
known as Madawaska was claimed by both countries.
In 1827 much angry feeling had been stirred up over
the disputed territory. The Governments of Great
Britain and the United States referred the matter
to the King of the Belgians ; but his decision was
not satisfactory to the United States. Twelve years
later the question remained unsettled. Some New
Brunswick lumber-men now entered Madawaska and
began cutting lumber. The authorities of Maine sent a
band of officers to drive them off and seize their lumber
These officers were resisted by the lumber-men, and the
two countries were on the verge of open hostilities. The
Governor of Maine called for ten thousand militia to
maintain the rights of his State, and Sir John Harvey,
the Governor of New Brunswick, sent two regiments of
soldiers to guard British interests. When the news
m
THF. MARITIME PROVINCES.
255
reached Halifax the reform agitation ruled the hour.
Quickly Assembly and Council forgot their strife. There
was neither Conservative nor Liberal : they were Britons
all. The Assembly voted $400,000 and the service of
the whole militia of Nova Scotia for the defence of New
Brunswick. Happily, through the prudence of Sir John
Harvey and General Scott of the United States army,
veterans who had fought on opposite sides at Stony
Creek and Lundy's Lane, war was averted.
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CHAPTER XXV
REBELLION.
i::!:
364. Lower Canada, iST^y. — For five years the
Assembly of Lower Canada had refused to vote a Civil
List, leaving the judges and other public officers without
their salaries. This state of affairs could not continue
The British Government instructed the Governor.
General to take money from the treasury without the
authority of the Assembly and pay all arrears of the
civil list. The large sum of $700,000 was thus drawn
from the public treasury. This caused great excitement
throughout the Province. The Reformers, or "Patriots"
as they called themselves, held meetings in various parts
of the country, at which Papineau in violent and seditious
language appealed to the passions and prejudices of
the people, urging them to strike for independence or
annexation to the United States. Papineau's ablest
associate was Dr. Wolfred Nelson, a man of Loyalist
descent, who, as surgeon, had served in the War of 181 2.
Nelson was now about fifty-five years of age. Scholarly
and possessed of considerable wealth, he had great
influence over the English-speaking people.
The Governor-General, Lord Gosford, issued a
proclamation, warning the people against sedition-
Copies of this document were posted on the churches
RF.I'.KI.LIOX.
257
.'ind in other public places. The excited people tore
them down, shouting " l^oiv^ live l\'ipineau !"
365. Rebellion in Loiuer Canada. — The first outbreak
was a riot in the streets of Montreal. The rebels, who
called themselves "Sons of Libert}'," were dispersed
without loss of life. RisinLjs followed in different parts
of the Province. In some places the loyal inhabitants,
alarmed at the threatening atttitudc of their rebellious
neighbors, left their homes and fled to Montreal. .\
band of rebels under Dr. Xelson posted themselves in a
stone mill at St. Denis on the Richelieu, where for a
time they successfully resisted the troops sent to dis-
lodge them. Another rebel force at St. Charles was
dispersed with considerable loss. Warrants having been
issued for the appreliension of the leaders of the rebellion,
Papineau fled to the United States. Nelson, seeking
the same refuge, was caught hiding in the woods, and
with several other rebels was thrown into prison. Later
in the autumn, a force under Sir John Colborne marched
against a bod)' of insurgents collected at St. Kustache
on the Ottawa. Most of the rebels fled at the approach
of the soldiers. About four hundred took refuge in a
church, which was soon battered down and set on fire by
shot and shell, while most of those who thus sought
shelter were siilled, taken j)risoners, or ])erished in the
flames.
l6C:>. The Earl of Durham, i^^^- — Lord Gosford was
recalled by the British Government, and the ICarl of
Durham, an able statesman of the Liberal party in
luigland, was sent in his place. In addition to his office
of Governor-General, the 'Carl was in\ested with special
2;8
TIIK 1)(JMI\I()N of CANADA.
S
I
power as Fliijh Commissioner to rej:)ort oti the sLitc of
affairs in Canada.
On account of the disturbances in the Pi'ov^ncc, the
constitutio!! of Lower Canada was suspended by the
Parliament of (ireat Britain, its Legislature set aside
for the time, and a special Council appointed in its pliice.
As it was impossible t(j deal with the rebels by the
ordinar}' forms of 'aw, the I habeas Corpus Act was sus-
pended, and ma, 1 law was proclaimed.
367. The Habeas Corpus Act. — The FLabeas Corpus
.Act is an luit^lish law passed by the Parliament of
(jreat Britain over two hundred \cars at^o and is
regarded by British subjects as one of the most import-
ant laws of the I^mpire. Before it was passed despotic
kings some times impris )ned persons wiiom the\' dis-
liked, but against whom no crime could bj proved, and
kept them in prison without trial f)r man\' \-ears. B}'
this act a judge is compjlle:! to issu,: a warrant, order-
ing the sheriff to bring the pris3ncr into court that he
may be tried for any offence charged again -it him. If
the charge cannot hz proved the [)ris :)ner mast hi set at
liberty. In times of civil war or rebellion agiinstthe
government, it is often difficult to fi.-ul witnesses against
rebels, and a man p.gain.st whom no clu'u'grs can be
proved in court ma\', as a secret plotter, be very danger-
ous. At such times the Act is set aside, so that during
the rebellion the Go\'ernment ma\- be able to keep sus-
pected persons in prison without a formal trial.
368. Durliaiiis Policy.— T\\ki ICarl of Durham, desir-
ing to conciliate the people, chose a mild course in deal-
ing witli the rebels. He pardoned all except the prin-
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REBKLLION.
259
cipal leaders. The Coronation Da)- of Queen \'ictoria
on June 18, 1S38, ^ave him a fine opportunit\- for this
gentle treatment of those found in rebellion. Dr.
Nelson and seven other leaders were banished to
]5ermuda. Papineau, who was in the United States,
was proclaimed an outlaw and forbidden, on pain of
death, to return to Canada.
In banishing the rebels the l^arl had exceeded his
authorit}-, and the British Parliament declared the act
illegal. This offended the noble Karl, for he was proud-
spirited and unw illing to be blamed for the course he
had taken. He accordingly, without leave from the
Home Government, left Canada abruptly and returned
to luigland. He had, however, during his short stay of
about six months, carefully studied the ' condition and
needs of the Provinces. Plis report to the British
Government, which shows remarkable industr)' and
sound judgment, is regarded as one of the ablest state
papers ever written.
\6()
Rcnezved Insurrection, i8}^8. — In the Autumn of
1838 some of the rebels who had fled to the United
States returned, accompanied by ad\enturers from that
country. Under the leadership of Robert Nelson,
W'olfred Nelson's brother, they sought to carry out
their wild schemes of rebellion. They boldl)' pro-
claimed the independence of Canada, pledging them-
•selves by an oath to support republican government.
In some parts of the country loyal peojjle were com-
pelled to flee from their homes to save their lives, while
their propert}' was wantonly destro)-ed. . Sir John
Colborne, who was now acting in place of the Governor -
General, by vigorous measures soon put down the
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TIIK DOMINION OK CANADA.
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rebellion. Twelve of the leaders, having been tried b\'
Court-martial, were executed at Montreal.
370. Upper Canada. — Meanwhile the "Patriots" in
Upper Canada had been playint^ their part at rebellion.
Many of the Reformers in this Province were seeking b\'
lawful agitation and other proper means to secure better
government, and they refused to join in any movement
which involved civil war. If Sir Francis Bond Head
had been more prudent and had carried out his instruc-
tions from Home, there probably would have been no
resort to arms. Ikit when he actively ojjposcd the
Reformers in the election, helping to secure their defeat,
MacKenzie, Rolph, and other excitable leaders rushed
into active rebellion. They issued a manifesto, urging
the people to free themselves from British authorit)- and
as.sert their independence. Baldwin, Bidvs'ell, and others
refused to join them in their course. Sir Francis Bond
Head had warning from \arious sources that MacKenzie
was plotting insurrection ; but he u.sed no means to
thwart his plans. The troops were all .sent to Montreal,
and no steps were taken to supply their place by a loyal
volunteer force. Without hindrance men were arming
and drilling in various parts of the Province for the over-
throw of the Government.
371. Failure of the Plot. — At a secret meeting held
in Toronto, MacKenzie, Rolph, Morrison, and others
formed their plans. The insurgents, to the number of
eight or nine hundred, were collected at Montgomery's
Tavern, about four miles from Toronto. Their plan
was to march into Toronto at night, seize four thousand
stand of arm.s, which were .stored in the City Hall, and
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KKl'A'AAAOS.
261
take tlie City b\- surprise. If the rebels had acted
])n)mj)tl\-, they mi^ht have succeeded in their purpose.
Ji\' waiting for re-inforcements they missed their oppor-
tunity, riie plot became known. The people of
Toronto were annised from their midnight slumbers b}'
alarm bells, the loyal citizens rushed to the City Hall,
and prepared for defence. Tidings of the rebellion soon
spread throughout the country. Colonel McXab, who
was at Hamilton, hastened b)- steamer to Toronto,
bringing a small force with him ; and loyal farmers
armed, some with old guns, others with pitch-forks,
rushed in for the defence of the cit\'.
Within a few days an engagement took place near the
city. The rebels were defeated with heavy loss. They
fled in confusion, man)' of them throwi-ng awa)' their
guns and hastening to their homes. The rebel leaders,
finding themselves deserted by a large part of their
followers, made haste to provide for their own safety.
Dr. Rolph, who, tr\ing to stand well with both sides,
pla\ed a double part, with several other leaders fled to
the United States.
Insurrections in other parts of the Province were put
down with equal promptness. MacKenzie was pro-
claimed an outlaw and a reward of $5,000 was offered
for his head. Through the aid of friends he escaped
across the border.
372. 77/r United States. — It was soon shown that
the rebellion had no solid support in Upper Canada.
Indeed it would now have been at an end, but for the
.s)'mpath}- and direct aid it received from the United
States. As on .several other occasions, the Government
of that countr}-, in times of peace with Great Britain,
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262
Till; DOMINION OI' CANADA.
allowoc] hostile expeditions aL;ainst Canada to be fitted
out on its border territorw Mob forces were ortjanized
at Buffalo, Cle\eland, Detroit, and other cities for invad-
ing our country.
2)"/^,. A'avy Island. — The most Quixotic orf^anization
of all was one which had its seat on \av\- Island in the
Niagara River about two miles abo\e the J-'alls. In
December, 1837, this island was taken possession of b}'
MacKenzie and his followers, consisting partly of
Canadian rebels and parth' of a rabble gathered from
the neighboring cities of the United States. This was
the " Patriot Army !" Its flag bore the motto— "Liberty
and ICquality " and two stars, one for each of the
Canadas. MacKenzic, as chief ruler, issued a flaming
proclamation, declaring Canada a republic, and promis-
ing free grants of land and other bounties to all his
followers when his government was established. To
crown all, he offered a reward of $2,500 for the head of
the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada.
A United States steamer, named the Caroline, was
employed to carry men and supplies to the island.
Colonel McNab guarded the Canadian shore. A small
force, sent by him, captured the Caroline at night, as
she lay moored on the American shore. Unable, on
account of the current, to bring her to the Canadian
side, they .set her on fire and let her drift over the I^'alls.
This was a violation of international law and gave much
offence to the Government of the United States. The
agitation over it, however, was quieted b\- an apology
from Great Britain. Nav}- Island was shortly after
abandoned by MacKenzie and his followers.
■mA
KKI'.KM.ION.
263
374. /\i:/(/s l-'roiii the I'liitCii States. In the early
l)ait of the f()llo\\iin; \-car the "Patriots" and some of
their Atnerican friends came oxer from the I'nitefl
States, e.\i)cctin|4 that the people would flock to their
standard. The two chief points of attack were Windsor
and Prescott. IMie invaders took possession of Windsor
and were marchitiLT against Sandwich. Thev' L^.uned
little supjjort and soon found it wist; to seek safety in
the United States. V(^\\\^ of their number, who were
taken prisoners, were shot without trial.
At i'rescott Tibout two hundred posted themselves in
a wind mill, a larcje circular building; haxinir thick stone
walls. After three da\s sietjc, when about fiftx' of their
number had been killed, the\' surrendered.
375. riic F.)td of the Rcbcllioji. — The Rebellion was
now over, and it remained to deal with the mis-Li[uided
men who had so sarlly disturbed the |)cace of the coun-
try and who were now crowdinij the jails. One hundred
and eiL;ht\' of them were sentenced to be hanged. Some
of these suffered this extreme penalty ; some were ban-
ished to Van Dieman's Land ; while others, on account
of their youth, were pardoned.
lyd. I'al^incau and MacKciizie. — .After a few \-ears of
exile those who had been outlawed or exiled were par-
doned and allowed to return to Canada. I-'ven I'apineau
and MacKenzie were i:)ermitted to comeback and enjoy
the full privileo-e of loyal citizens.
MacKen/ie had during his exile ex{)erienced hard
fortune. l-'or some offence against law in the L'nited
States, he was for man\- months confined in prison.
During this period, his mother, now in the nintieth }-car
364
'mi". DOMINION OF CANADA.
of her ai;c, l.i)- on licr deathbed. 'I'oena'oK.' liiin to visit
her, his friends i^ot Uj) a lawsuit, and siuninoned him as
a witness. The trial was held in the house which the old
lady occupied. Both MacKen/.ie and PapinL'au after
their return to Canada held seats in the Assembly of the
United I'roxinces.
-^€:^^^;=S'
SBs^n^^mss
''™lf?VTflj I
ciiAi'ri'.k x.wi.
ki;si'()\sii;i.i-; (.u\ i:i<n.m!;n r.
^//. I he liarl of /)/ir//<iiifs /\i)^(>r/. '\'\h)Ui^h [he
\\;i\\ of Durham iiinaincd l)iil six months in ( "anada, hi-
carefully stiuhc'd Uu' condilion and w.'.nts of the l'ro\-
inces, and the able report w jiieh In; submitted to the
Hritisli (io\ernment is a iasti^ii^ memorial of his ser\ ict'
to the c'iuntr}'. .AmoiiL;" the important things reeom-
mcnded in this rejjort were the lollowinL;" : -
(l). A federal union of all the Provinces imder one
t4"cncral Parliament and (loxernmenl aiui pro\ idin^;' e-ach
with a separate le^^islature lor local matters.
i 2). A leL',islati\'e union ol I pper and I ,o\\ i-r < "anada
under one LeL;islature and ( lo\ t-rnment.
'^\ An Intt'rcolonial Railw av conn<.-ctin,L; tiie \ai-ious
l*rovinces.
(4j. Such t'han;4e in llu" maimer of appointiiiL; tlu;
Ivvecutive ( 'ouncil as Aould brin^; that boily into har-
mony with the AsscmbI)'.
At the present tinu;, wlu-n all tlu-se reiMnunendatioiis
ha\e been carried into elfect, we recd;^ni/A' the far-
sighted wisdom ol the enu'nent ■^tati'smui who proposi-d
tlicm.
^y^. ritiiut of (' p/hT (\ii(i I .oicrr ( (}it(i<{,}, iSfi. \'\\v
British ( io\t'rnment s.iw the wisdom ol unitin;^ rp|)er
and Lower ( "inada into lUi' Province. Tlu' lion.
Li,, a
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266
Tin-: l);).^rI^'I()\ ok caxada.
Charles Poulctt Thompson was ap|)ointccl (lovcrnor-
(icneral and was cliarcjcd with the delicate (hity of heljj-
WMZ on
th(
e union ot such (hverse elements as were then
th
found in these I'rovinces. He came to Canada in 1839
where lie soon proxed his eminent htness for tlie work
entrusted to him.
'i'h
ere was much opjxisition
to tl
le
scheme in botli Provinces, and it was not desirable to
force it on an unw illint;' people. The I'"rench inhabitants
01
f
ower
(
an;u
la feared it would briiv' them too much
un
der the control of the l'",nL;lish ; atid the members of
the " I'^imih' Comjiact " in C])ner Canada stronL,dy
opposed the measure because the\' foresaw that it would
tly
;peec
lib
:tl
\' overthrow tneu' i)o\\ei
th
Tl
le matter was adroi
manat;e(
Lower Canada had no re|)resentati\e .\ssembl\'
On
the recommendation of the Ci( \ ernor-( leniM'al.the .Special
Council of this Troxince adopted the Cnion Bill. There
was nc>ed foi' skilful manai;"ement in the Cpper Province.
Th
c party most opijosed to union \\a.-
loud
in its pro-
fessions of lo\-aIt\' to the Mother Countr\-. \W present-
ing the scheme as an object strouL^l)' desired b\- the
British (jo\"ernment, Mr. Thompson appealed to senti-
ments which the\' could not easih' disreijard.
Thi
Cnion Bill, introduced as a ,!j[o\erninent measure, was
carried without difficultw
In accordance with the d(.?sire of tlu' two l'ro\ inces,
thus e.\j)ressed, the Imperial Parliament passed the .\ct
of Union, wiiich, b\- roeal proclamation, came into effect
on I'Vbruary 10, 1S41. CJo\ernor Thompson's success
in Canada s^ave L;reat satisfaction to the British (iovern-
ment, and lu^ was raised to the IVerai^e as Baron
Sydenham of Kent and Toronto.
%i ■ -1
Ki.si'o.xsiiii.i: ('.( )V!;k\mi;\t.
367
^79. 77i(' XriJ Cof/s///////(>//. -'['he Union Act L^avc
( "an;i(l;i ;i I,c;^islaturi> of two J louses in which each of
ll\c old rio\inccs IkkI cc|ual representation. The I louse
of Assenil)l\' \\a> composed of eiL;!U\--four members
elected 1)\' the ))eop!e. The I .e,i;islati\e Council was to
comprise at least twentx' membtn's, a|)pointed for life b\-
the Crown. The Ivxecutixe Council, sometimes called
the Ministr}-, and also the Cabinet, consisted of eii^ht
members. h'.arl Russel, the Colonial Secretar\-,
instructed the (lOvernor-Cieneral that the members of
this council were to h.old office onl)' as loni;" as their
polic\' had the ajjprox.d of the .Xssembh'. 'I'here was a
peculiar feature in the relations of the Council to the
.\ssembl\- inxoUini;' a sort of double responsibilit) . It
was provided that the Ministrx' must be' sustained not
onU' b\- a majoritx- of the whole House but also b\- a
majorit}" of the members Irom each l'ro\ince, taken
scparateU'. I'here was anotlier provision, which was
e\-iclcntl\' intended to meet a i)()ssible emerLjenc)-, but
which did not Lji\e general satisfaction : the (iovernor-
(leneral had powei' to retain or dismiss a ministr_\' in
opposition to the wishes of the .Assembl)- when, in his
judL;"ment, the honor of the Crown or the interests of the
I'jiipire made it necessarw This power was liable to
abuse.
On c )nfh"tion of makin;.; du." pro\isio:i f)i-the salarie-;
of jjublic officjrs an:l the exp.'iises of cirrxiiiL; on thv-
( loveniment, the .Assembl)' was ^iven full c )nti"ol over
all the; revenues.
While most of tiie principles for which the Reformers
IkuI contended were secun-d, an Cp])er I louse appointed
b\- the Crown, a feature of the old (iovermniMit w hich
l\
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h ;■!
La, ;,. .)
26H
'rili: I)( ).M1M< »N ()!•■ CANADA.
thc\' had (Icnoimci'd. aiu! which, in tlic Dominion
Parh'amcnt as well as in the Lei^islature of some of tlie
ProN'inces, has coine (lo\\ n to our own times, survives
the storm.
3S0. Iiiiportaut /iiisiitrss —
Death of S vdoiliaiii.
The election of mem-
bers of the AssembU'
t(K)k ])iace in the winter of 1S41. resulting in the return
of a near!)- eciual number of each political j;art\-. Lord
S)'dcnham cliose his Mxecutixe Council part!}- from
each side. Very soon, however, the Reformers, becom-
in_L^ (Hssatisfied. retired and left the (iovei'iunent wholly
to the Conservatives. The Lei;islai.ure met in
Kini^ston in Jime. Much of the business done was of
the highest service to the country. The Aluin'cipal Act
gave power to counties, cities, and towns to elect coun-
cillors or aldermen for the care of roads, bridges, public
buildings, and other local matters. .\cts were passed
relating to education, canals and other public works,
and to trade. While affairs were thus rajjidlv assuming
orderly shape, a sad calamit}' befell the countrv. Lord
Sv'denham, while out riding, fell from his horse. iecei\-
ing injuries of which he died.
_^»Si. riw I'iist Ri'Jonn .l/////.s7/-|'.- Sir C'harles l)agot
succeeded Lord Svdenham. Ihough a Conservative,
he faithfullv carried out the principles laid down for the
Govcriitnent of Canada. lie formed a new Ministry,
composed cntirel\- of Reformers, under the leadershi|> of
lialdvvin and Lafontaine. I*"rancis llincks, wT.o later on
became prominent in the public affairs of Canada, was a
member of the Cabinet. The strife among party poli-
ticians at this time w.is often embarrassiii'' to the
Ki:si'()Nsii;i.i: (x )Vi;i<\.Mi:\'r
269
(icjNcrnor-Ciciicral ; l)iit Sir C'hai'lcN inanaL;c(l matters
with i^reat prudence and fairness. On aceoimt (»f fail-
'\U'^ health he soon resii^'ned liis office and died shortlx-
after at Kiniiston in Ma\', 1 S43,
ySi'. Jlw Atiiuiiiistratioii Sir Charles Metcalfe
of Lord MctialJ\\ /S/j. was the next (ioxernor-
(icneral. Me was sent to Canada b\- a Tory Ciovern-
nient of (ireat liritain, and he was himself a lOryofthe
old School. 1 le had i;reat contempt for responsible
L;()\ernment. In his ojjinion the members of the Ivxecii-
ti\e Council, in selectiuL; persons for public offices, souj^ht
to strcnii'then their own position b\- rewarding; their su])-
])orters. rather than to promote the interests of the coun-
ti-\-. As for himself, accordiiiL;' to his way of thinkinj^",
he was c|uite imi)artial and had no motive to do what
was not for the public L;"()od. lie was |)rol)abl)- ([uite
coiiscicntioMs. and his ]jri\ate characti'r was such as to
secure the respect of e\ en those who were oi)[)osed to
his political opiii'ons. CarrxiiiL; out his jirinciples. tlie
tiox'ernor-Cieneral, without consultini; his Ministrx',
a[jpointed Conser\'ati\es to certain offices. IJaldwin
and his collea;^"ues, considering.;" this a \iolation of the
Constitution, |)lacod their resi<4"nation in his hands.
Althoui^h tlie Reformers had a majorit)- in the Assem-
bl\', the (loxernor called on Mr. 1 )raper. a Conser\ati\e,
to form a new (lovernment. .\t the same tinu- hv dis-
s(»l\-ed the Assembly and ordered .1 new election, in
which he himself tof)k an acti\e ])art.* In tlu; New
House the Draper Ministry was sustained b\- a small
majority.
Meanwhile the seat of (io\ernmenl had been remoxed
'IV I!
:.::!|:
270
Till-; DOMINION ()!• ( ANADA.
i I :.!
from Kii\L;st()ii to MoiitrcNil. Tlic Lei;islatiirc hclfl its
first session in this city in i S44.
The C"onserv;iti\'c (ioxeninient of (Ircat liritain
apjiroved of tlic poHcx- of the (io\ernor-(jeiK'ral and
rewarded him h\ raising him to the Peerage with tin-
title of li'u'on Metcalfe of Vcxw Hill. 1 le did ncjt lonu'
enjoy his lionors. A deadly disease had fastened on
him and he returned to l'",nL;lan(l, where he died in 1S46.
},'^^. Rcbiiliou Losses. — The Loyalists of Uj)i)er ("an-
ada had, for some time, been asking- indemnity fnjm the
public funds for losses sustained b\- thom during" the
rebellion. Under the Draper Gmernment the I.ei^is-
lature \oted a lar^e sum for this purpose. .A similar
claim was then made b\- those who had suffered loss in
Lower Canada. But the amount apprt)priated was so
small that it failed to i;i\e satisfaction. The c[uestion
was a difficult one. Some whc) had taken part in the
rebellion were askini;' to ha\"e their losses made up. In
the meantime no further action was taken b\- the Lecfis-
lature, but the matter remained unsettled.
384. Limi FJi^iu, iS^j. In 1847 a Liberal (iovern-
ment, witii Lord John Russell at its head, came into
power in ICnt^iand. Lord I^li;in, a man of scholarl)-
attainments, liberal view.s, and fine administrative abilit)-,
was sent out as Go\crnor-(ieneral of Canada. He had
married the daughter of the luirl of Durham, and he was
ambitious of carj-\-inij^ into effect tliose princi])les of (lox-
ernment which his father-in-law had recommended.
Moreover he was instructed by despatches from ICarl
Gre)-, the Colonial Secretar)-, to govern tlie countr)-
according;" to the advice of his Ministr)-. These despatches
/
WTf
THT
M
Ki;s!'o\sii!LF. (;()\"i:k\m!:nt
fiiialU- settled tile l()nL;-\cxe(l tjiiestion of Responsible
(ioveniment in ("aiiad.'i.
When I.nrd l-dL^in arrixed in the Proxinees the Draper
Ministr)', holdinL;' on hy the frailest thread, was still
clinLjin;^ to power. A ^L;eneral election was pendint^, and
the friends of the (ioxerninent were usini;' txery means
to j)re\ent its oxerthrow. Anioni;" other influences
hroiii^ht to bear on the electors of Upper Canada was
the .'issertion that if the Refornieis canu- into power the
rebels {>f Lower Canada would be rewarded out of the
public treasur\'. XotwitlistandinL;' the \i_c;f>rous catnas
ai;ainst the Reformers, the election resulted in ^i\in.i?
them a lari^e majority. On the meetin;;" of Parliametit
earl\' in 1S4S, the ])raper Ministry I'esiL^ncfl and the
Haldw in-I.afontaine Cio\ei'nment was re-instated.
.Amon^thc^ nu-mbers of the Assembl\- elected at this
time were I.ouis I'apineau and W'olfred Nelson.
385. ////////i^yir//<>// and Pestilence. - X^wkwyji^ the \-ear
in which Lord Lli^in came to Canada a larL^a; number of
imniit^rmts ai^rixed at (Juel)ec. With hundreds of
tliousands of their fellow -counti'}-men they had been
drixen from their homes b\- famine in Ireland, cau^'-ed !)y
failin"e of the potato crop. 1 )ensel\' crowded in ill-
ventilated ships, m;ui\' of tlunii were sei/ed on the
passa_L;"e with deadly fewr. On arrixini;' at (Juebec the\'
had little means with which to provide lor their wants.
I"!\ery jjossible effort was made both Iw' the (io\ernment
and by j)ri\atc charit\' to care foi- them, yet larc^e mim-
bers died from iiestilence and exposure.
■"1
H ¥■
1 '
■'
1
IB
r
1-
i
:
3(S6. Rrbri/ioii Ar'.v.wx -One of the e.u'liest measures
of the Haldw in-l.afontaine (lox'ernment was a Hill to
2/2
'IIIi: 1)1 »MI\r<>\ OF CANADA.
I '
proxidc for the paNnicnt of rebellion losses in Lower
Canada. Die ("onser\ali\'(.'s opj^osed the Hill, assertinc;'
that the (io\ernment intended to pa\- ail who had suf-
fered loss, rebv'Is as well as l.ox'aiists. This charge was
denied, hut none the less the countr\- was soon t^M'eatly
agitated o\'er the action of the (io\x .nnent. \h)ntreal.
'i'oronto. and other cities of thi- West were wild with
excitement o\er the matter. " \o compensation to
rebels " became a part\" cry. Many of the old l.oyalists
who had taunted the Reformers with lack of fidelit\- to
the liritish Crown, now openlx' talked of annexation to
the United States. Meanwhile the Hill which was call-
ing;" up sucli a storn-i, passed both Mouses.
^^y. J\rs/^('//.sw/>/(' (jorc//////!'/.'/ (>// /"/v'r?/. Lord l\lt;in
was ur^cd by the opponents of the Hill to withhold his
a.ssent. Hut whatever nia\' have l:)een his ])ri\ate opinion
in rci^ard to its merits, he felt bound to follow the advice
of hi.s responsible Ministrv'. .Accoivlin^ly, comin^j down
to the Parliament House, he in due foi'm j^ave his assent
to the liill. On leaviuL;' the building he was .saluted
with liisses and groans, and liis carriage was i)elted witli
sticks, stones, and rotten eggs bv the excited multitude
that thronged the streets. In the evening, while the
House was in session, a mol) collected aroimd the build-
ing, broke the windows, and Ijursting open the doors
rushed into tlie Assemblv Room. The members fled in
confusion. One of the rioters, seating himself in the
Speaker's chair, with mock dignitv' proclaimerl,- "(icntle-
mcn, the 1^^-ench Parliament is dissolved." The mob
proceeded to tear up the seats, break the chandeliers,
and flestroy all movable property within their reach.
The)' then set the building on fire, .standing guard to
m
^IWWi'ru i w ,y, .
RKSi'oXsnnj-; (ioX'l-.UNMKXT.
273
sec that the Hanics were not extinj^'uislied. In the
inorninL^ Parh'anient House was a mass of ruins, and a
\ahiablc hbrar\- and many pubh'c documents which could
not be replaced were reduced to ashes.
388. XcK'tr ScoH'a. — Let us now return and pick up
the broken thread of oiu' stc^ry in the Maritime I'rov-
inces. The Iveformers marked the course of events in
Canada with i^reat interest, and thc\- contended that
I'^arl Russel's despatches to (jovernor Thompson applied
to all the Provinces. Sir Colin C'ampbell. the Governor
of Xova Scotia, refused to be influenced bv these
despatches. With the view of forcinLi" the Ivxecutive
Council to resi^-n, the .Assemblv, by a majorit\- of thirty
to twelve, passed a " \ ote (jf want of confidence" in this
bod\'. But Sir Colin told the Reformers that he was
(]uite satisfied w ith his Council. Sir Colin was a braxe
soldier and he was hit^hlx' respected for main- e.Kcellent
pers(jnal qualities, but this treatment of the people's
re[)resentati\es i;"a\e i^^reat offence. The AsstMiibl)-, b\' a
\iwgc majority, adopted a memorial to the Oueen, ask-
inLr for his recall. J'olitical meetin"\s were held throuLfh-
out the I^'ovince to discuss the questions of the day, and
many severe things were said b\- both parties.
389. Coalition Govcnnitoit. — Shortl\' after his arrival
in Canada the Go\ernor-(ieneral, the lion. I'oulett
Thompson, \isited 1 lalifax. 1 le held interxiews with the
leaders of both p.arties, and althoui^h he was t^'uardcd in
his expressions, he must ha\e seen that Howe and his
[jart}' were contcndin!^ for the \er\- princij)les which he
himself was instructed to carry out. Shortly after his
\isit, Sir Colin Campljell was recalled, and Lord
l'\ilkland was sent in his place. The new Governor
ijii'ii . I
% ' '\
'ill' !
r
2-4
Till'. DOMINION Ol' CANADA.
bcl()nL;cd t(j the Liberal part}- in l-av^laiul, on account of
which the Reformers in \o\a Scotia exijectecl L^reat
thini^s from him. Vov the same reason the C'onscr\a-
ti\es rcL^arclcd him with sus|jici()n. As in Canada under
Lord Sydenliam, it was thought ach'isable in Xo\a
Scotia to form an Iv\ecuti\e Council composed of lead-
in;^ men selected from both ]jarties. .Accordin^i^h- Mr.
Ilowe and some of his colleai^ues accepted jjositions
made x'acant for them in this body. lUit it was soon
found that this Coalition Go\ernment was composed of
two distinct and hostile parties which would not work
in harmony with each othei'.
The leader of the Conser\ati\'e |)art\' at this time was
the lion. James W. Johnstone. A statesman of singu-
larl\- acute mind and of hiL;h-toned moral principle, Mr.
Johnstone was destined to share with Mr. 1 fowe, for the
third of a centur\-, the affections of the people of Xowi
Scotia. Throut4h()Ut his long jjublic career he had the
unwaxering confidence of his j)art\' and the resjject of
his political opponents. Scarce!}' in an}thing except in
patriotism did he and Air. Howe agree.
In addition to the great question of Responsible
Government, they were at variance on a ciuestion of
higher education which then agitated the Province. Mr.
Howe ad\ocated the endowment by the Government of
one Provincial College. Mr. Johnstone was in favor of
giving public aid to various denominational colleges.
Howe's attitude on this question gave offence to man\'
of his old supporters throughout the countr}-. Lord
l^\dkland, following the advice of the Con.servative part}'
ill his Council, dissolved the Assembl}'.
390. 7Vir Coalition Ih'okoi Up, iS^.^. — In the new
Ri:si'o\sii;i.F, <i()\i:K\Mr,\T.
275
Asscniljly Mr. Johnstone's part}- had a small niajorit}'.
Lord I*"alkland, whose polic)' was similar to that which
Sir Charles Metcalfe was at the same time j)ursiiini.; in
Canada, without consultinL;" I lowe and his friends,
appointed anotiier Conservative to the Ivxecutive Coun-
cil. The Reformers at once sent in their resi;j^nation.
Lord r'alkland and Ah'. IJowe soon became o[)en
enemies to each other. Mv. Howe ridiculed the
(jo\ern<n" in the public papers, and the (loxernor, in his
despatches to the Colonial Secivtar}-, said that Howe
was a troublesome man with whom he could no further
intercourse. The cause of Reft^rm, howexer, was rapidly
s^.u'nini;" stren^^th, and Lord isdkland. fm lini;; that he was
waLjini^ an unecjual warfare. resiL;"ned his office and
returned t(j luigland.
391. Rcspoiisihlc (rOTU'rui/io/t. iSj.S. — Sir John Ilar-
\'e\-, who had already held the position of (jcnernor in
three Pro\-inces, succeeded Lord h'alkland. lie in\-ited
Mr. J lowe and his friends to take their old [)lace in the
Council ; but the}' declined the invitation.
hi the summer of 1^47 a new Assembly was elected.
l're\-iousK- the election of mcnibLM's of AsscmbK' took
plctce at different times in the various counties, and vot-
insj; was continued on successive da\'s at the different
j)(jllinfT places in each count)-. A crowd of idlers went
from place to j)lace often causing- much disturbance. On
this occasion, and ever after, the \'otes were all cast on a
single day. When the House met in the folknving
Januar\', the Reformers were toimd to ha\e a majority
of se\en. Meanwhile .Sir John 1 larxey h.id received
despatches from the Colonial Secretar\-, stating that the
lv\ecuti\e Council must stand or fall according to the
i i
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THi: !»)MIM()\ (>!• CANAKA.
will of a m.ijorit)' of tiic people's representatives. Mr.
Johnstone and his eolleat^ues resii^ned. and a Liberal
Government was u)rmed with Jo.seph Howe as i'reniier.
392.
AV:.' /)/7///.\ri7<X'.— The stru^i^K" for Responsible
(loverninent was carried on in New Hr
the same lines, thon-'h not with as much
Xova Scotia.
A:
Ml
unswick ak)ni;
acri:non\', as in
the last-named I'rovince, the
privile<4es contended for were jrained at intervals, one b\'
one, and sometimes defeat followed victorw It happened,
too, that indiscretion in the use of what had been won
sometimes broui^ht discredit on the cause. Thus when
an overflowini:^' treasury was jilaced under the control of
the Assembly, reckless expenditine b\' that bod\' durinj.;
succeedmi^ )ears not only exnausted the surplus funds.
but burdened the Province with a heav\- debt. Public
mone\' was v
•oted
in a loose so
rt of
wa\-
V
ach mem-
ber hafl his pet scheme, and in order to secure help from
others to carrv his measure, he voted for theirs. This
was the ver)' result w hich Tory (iovernors and Councils
had predicted. Its effect was to retard the procuress of
poj
)ular irovernment. It seemed to show that the
people's representatives could not be trusted with the
mana^i^ement of public affairs. As v check on careless
expenditure the Colonial Secretar)' advi.sed that all
mone\' bills sliould be introduced bv the Cioxernment.
This wi.se principle was adopted a few years later.
393. A Rn(fi S/ioik to Tory rrinciples. — The indis-
cretions of the Reformers stren«^thened the Conservative
party. A Hill providinj^ that the l''xecutive Council
must have the confidence of the peoj)le's re])resentatives
was defeated in the AssembK by the castinj; vote of the
H
KKsi'ONsii'.i.i; cox i:k\M f.xt.
■/ /
Spcakji'. Sir J-ihn ll;ir\c\', unlike most of the (iovcni-
*»rs of his time, was in faxor of reform. niu\ under his
moderate rule Tory princii)les were sh.orii of main' of
their objectionable features. In 1S41 Sir John was
succeeded by Sir William Coiel)ro{)ke. when affairs took
a different turn. A t^feneral election in 1S4J j;a\e
increased streni^th to the Conservative part)- in the
.\sscmbl\-. Resolutions wen.' passed b\' both branches
of the Leijislature, faxorinj^ the doctrine of the {io\ ernor-
(jcncral, Sir Charles Metcalfe, who claimefj tlie rijjjht of
the (lovernor to ap|)oint Crown ofTuxTs without consult-
ing; hi> l'"..\ecutive Council. Two years later, however.
tlii> article of the Conser\ati\"e creed received so rude a
shock that it never regained its old-time force. On the
death of the lion. William Odell, who had lield the office
of l*ro\incial Secretar\- for twent\'-six years. Sir William
Colebrooke appointed his own son-in-law to tiic position.
This w.'is too much to suit evi-n the staunchest Tor\-.
Indeed the matter caused so much dissatisfaction that
the (iovern< ,'s son-in-law was compelled to resiujn.
Shortl\- after, the l-vcform leaders, Lemuel A. Wilmot
and Charles h'isher, uri^ed the adoption of Resjjonsibk'
(Government. Hut the state of feelintr in the Assembl\-
was not sufficientl)- de\elo|je(l for such a forward move-
ment. ;\ccordin^l\- the Conservatives, under the leader-
ship of lion. Robert Ila/.en. held the reins of power,
thoui^h with weakenin^L^rasj), a little lontjfer.
394. y///' Ashhitrtoti Tiiatw iis^2. — Meanwhile the
boundarx' line between New Brunswick and Maine,
which had caused such serious dispute, was settled In-
the Ashburton Treat)'. The boundary had been fixed
in 17S3 and laid down ujjon a map, the existence of
278
'in I. DOMINION ol- ( ANAhA.
which was at this time unknown. Ihc true houndary j
hue as thus sliown followed the water->hc(l of the St.
John Ri\er, L;ivinL; the basin of the Aroostook and of
the other tributaries to (ireat liritain. After \arious
fruit 1
ess euo
rts to secure a settlement of the difficult\'
two Commissioners were a|)|)ointed, Lord Ashburton by
(ireat Britain and Daniel Webster by the I'nited States,
to determine the boundarx- line. The " Disputed Terri-
torv " comprised about twehe thousatid sijuare miles.
Ihe C'«>mmissioners i^ave i\\c thousand stjuare nn'les to
New Brunswick and se\en thousand to .Maine, a settle-
ment wliich has since l">een found imdul\' favorable to
the last named country. .\t the same time fhe Commis-
sioners fi.xed the boundar\- between British .America and
the L'nited States from .New Brun-^wick westerK' to ihc
kock\- Moimtains.
395. Rrspoiisih/r (lovcnnncut I'.arl (irey's instruc-
///
Xcij lhinisiciik\ iS jS. t
ions m
lis ( I c-
spatches of 1S47. that the ("io\ernor must be L;jide(l in
his public acts b\- the advice of his l^xecutive Council,
and that this Council must hold office onI\- so lontj^ as
it had the confidence of the .\;jsembl\-. was intended to
appl\' to .New Brunswick as well as to Nova Scotia anr!
vanada. .\ccordinj4i\', in 1 S4S, on motion of Charles
l''islier, these |)rinciples were adopted by a lar^e majority
of the .Assembly. In this vote the leadinj.; Conserva-
tives united v\ ith the Reformers. The two most promi-
nent Keformers.W'ilmot and l''isher, accepted seats in the
Council with their old-time opponents who had now
accepted their principles. Thus iS4<S was noted as the
first vearin the era of Resi)onsible Government in British
America.
KKSI'ONSIIM,!'. (;<»\ r.K\Mi:NT
279
396- /'ri/iii' lidi^'dn! Ishvid. — L'iuIlt the rule of
Colonel Ready and his successor, Sir Arelas \'ouiii;.
Prince Ivlward Island !n ide much proLjress in popula-
tion, education, and t;eneral thrift. I )urini^ the adminis-
tration of the last named (lovernor, in iS33,an important
:han
ire was made in the duration o
.f ll
le
I s.se
ml)h
re(iuirin;4 tiie election of a new I louse e\er\- four \ears
in place of once in se\en \ ears.
397. LiDui Tutubli's,- \\\ iS^o the popular Sir John
llar\e\' hecame (io\ernor of the Island, a position
hich lie held for onl\- one \ear, when he was trans-
w
ierred to New Hrunswick. I lis successor was Sn*
Charles I""it/.ro)-, wh(» arrived in the Island a few da\-s
after Oueen X'ictoria ascended the throne. At the time
the c(tuntr\' was ^reatU' airitated. I'or some \'ears, tlu'
absent landlords had not asked the tenant farmers for
the \-ear!\' rents, hut the\ were now demandini; all
.arrears. l-'ailini; to pa\-, man)- farmers were ejected
fVom the lands which they had lon;..j occupied. Iv\as-
j)erated In* such treatment, the\- resisted the officers of
tile law who were sent to disclKU\L;e the disayjreeahle
tluty of eviction.
A lari^e part (»f the lands owned 1)\- the absent jjro-
)>rietors was still in its natural slate, held for adwince in
price. Small settlements, scattered here and there, were
tliu.s, to their ^reat disadvantas^e, separated by \ast
tracts of forest. The Legislature of the Island imposi-d
a ta.\ on these land.s. The pro|)rietors apjjealed to the
liritish (iovcrnment to disallow the .\ct. Mut the
(iovernment, influenced b\' a report from the I'-arl of
Durham, who was then liovernor-Cieneral of Canada,
refused to interfere.
I .?:
■IkV
2 So
Till-; DOMINION OF CANADA.
398. li.wrntiir Council. — In I S39. ai^itatioii for reform
in the (lovcrnnicnt of the IsUind le(l to the a])|)ointnient
of an Executive Council and <i LeL(islati\e I'ouncil in
])lace of a single Council with a (loul)le function.
Sir I lenr\- I lunt, who succeeded Sir Charles Fit/.royas
(joxernor, lacked discretion and sometimes allowed per-
sonal feeliiiLjs to influence his public ads. .\ nvttion in
the .\sseml)l\' for an addition to his salar\' was opi)osed
b\- the lion. Joseph Pope, Speaker of the House and
member of the ICxecutive Council. Without consultin;^
the other members, the (iovernor dismissed I'oj)e from
tile Council. I'his action did not meet with theapj)ro\al
of the liritish (iovernment, and Sir Ilemy was recjuired
to re-instate the offender and confer with his Council as
to the proper mode of dealinLj" with him. Mr. I'ojjc, how-
ever, relieved the Council of responsibilit}' in the matter In*
resi<j;m'n[j; his seat. I le soon found opportunity to sliow his
resenlnuMit. The Cio\ernor's friends sent a petition to
the ( )ueen, askincr that his term of office, which was
Tl
11:
led t.
drawini^ to a close miL^ht be extended.
counter petition and the appointment of Joseph Pope
and Kdward Palmer as delei'Mtes to I'jud.ind to secure
the recall of the (iovernor,
Th
le oijoosui!''
f
)rce i)re-
\ailed and Sir Donald Camjjbell was appointed as Sir
llenr)''s successor.
399. KespiUisihlc (iovcniiiii'.it, /Sj/. — As in the other
Provinces a resj)onsible l''\ecuti\e was secured onl\' b)'
decided measures. The matter had been aijitated for
some time, when in 1S49 the Lei^islature jjroposed to
the liritish (Jovernment that it would provide for the
Civil List on condition that Responsible (iovernment
was granted, (luit-rents abolished, and the lands given
rsm
K KSI'( )N SI III .K ( ;< )\ V. K N M F.N T.
381
to the Island authorities. In reply the Colonial Secre-
tary. Marl (ira\'. offered everything; asked for but
Responsible Government. I'or this he thouL^ht the
Island was not yet prepared. This answer was received
in the Island with murniurini^s of discontent. The
Assembly which met in 1850 passed a few necessary
bills and then refused to jjfo on with the jjublic business
until the Government was so remodelled as to brin^ the
}v\ccuti\e under the control of the people's representa-
tives.
Meanwhile the jjojtular Governor, — Sir Donald Civmp-
bell, died and was succeeded b\' Sir Alexander Hanner-
man. On meetini; the Assembh- in the foliowini; year,
the Governor announced that Responsible (iovernment
had been Ljranted on cf)ndition that the Legislature
would provide pensions for certain retiring officers of the
existing (iovernment, who had received their appoint-
ment for life. These terms were readily accepted. In
the new (iovernment which now came into power the
leadiuLj members were (ieor^e Coles, Charles Young,
and Joseph I'ope. In the same year quit rents were
abolished and a uniform letter postat^e of two pence for
any part of the Island and of three pence for letters
l^oing to the other Provinces was adopted.
The population of the Island at this time was about
65,000.
400. LcaiiiH!^ Principles of ?>I a n }' im po rtant
l<>\^ponsihl': Government. changes ha\e taken
place in our civil affairs since the establishment of
Responsible Gt)vernmcnt. It is safe to say, however,
that the principles then laid down have been in no way
disturbed. On thj contrary they have rather bjen
I i
i
2i^2
Tin; li(>.MlM< i\ <)|- ( ANAKA.
i^iven freer |>la\- and wider a()])Hcati()n. Before proceed -
in<
furthi
er with our story it seems proper to notice some
o
f th
e main
feat
iires which (h'stiiiLruish this form of
government.
1 he people of Canada Iia\e no choice in the sclecti
on
of their (lovernors. \'et in no countr\- outside tht,
British Mmpire. not even in the I'nited State
wliose
m, can -i
inhabitants are wont to boast of their freedo
people be found who so full\- enjo\' the i)ri\ ileLjt,' of self-
siovernment. I'he (jo\ernor, Hke the Sovereiirn of(ireat
Brit,
lin. has little real |
|)ower,
In 1
lis n;ime are done
man\' thiuLfs for which he is onl\- formalK- responsible,
lie is said, f(»r example, to choose his Ministry or Exec-
utive : in realitx' he does nothing of the sort.
ri
lis
bod\' is called intobeinij by the people's representatives;
it is comi)letel\' under their control ; and at their behest
it suffers dissolution
The Ministr\- is selected from the I.ei^islature by the
part)' which has the majoritx' in the elective branch. If
at any time the jx'ople's representatives. becomiiv4 dis-
satisfied with its policy, pass a voteofwant of confidence,
it must resiLTii office
The (
jovernor then summons some
leadinir member of the LcLfislature, who beloiiLTs to the
rulinij; party, to form a new Ministr\-. The member thus
called on. after conferring with his political friends,
selects for his colleas^ues such other members of the
Legislature as are tlv)U'dit to command the hi'diest con-
fidence of the part\-. The leader of the Ministr\- is
called the Premier.
The (joxernor is not supposerl to ha\e any polic\' of
By a conxenient fiction he is sp,)kenofas
hi
s ow n.
ippomtm;.^ orticers under the ;^o\ernment. sucii as
tht
ch
!^>k
c
KKSPoNMi;!.!. ( i< A KUN.MKNT.
2S;
shcnTfs. jiulj^es. postmasttrs. and customs oflicials ; or ho
is said to call the Lcijislatiirc tof;cthcr. to adjourn or
proroi^uc or dissolxc the House. .All such matters are
reall}' the work of the .Ministrw The (iovenior is hound
to act accordinj^ to the advice of his Ministry ; hence he
is reliexed of all official responsil)ilit\\ If he refuses to
follow the advice of his Ministry, this Ijody resigns.
I'*uture action then (lei)ends wholly on the way in which
the |jeople's representatives reL;ar(l the conflict hetueen
the (lovernor and his adviser
If tht
e\' annrove o
f tl
le
(iovernor's action the\- will su|)i)ort a new Ministr\- that
is willinL( to take the responsibilit)- of his action, if they
do not approve of it, the Ciovernor must recall his Min-
istr\- and follow its advice. It w ill thus be seen that the
Ministr)' hias in realitv. but one master, and that is the
elective branch of the L(>;4islature.
A chani;e of (iovernment, that is of Ministry, often
fi)llows a i^eneral election. It frequently happens that
the j)eople become disaffected towards .a (iovernment on
acc(,unt of s( ir.e Icalure in its policy. If a general
election takes place under such conditions, a majoritv of
the members elected will j)r(»babl\- be adverse to the
M
imstrx'
The members of this bod\- are then forced t
o
retire, and a new l^.xecutive is formed in the Uiamier
before stated.
In addition to their t;eneral duties as members of the
K.vecutive some members hold what are called depart-
mental offices, or have chari^e of certain departments of
public business, such as matters connected w ith the Post
Office, Public Works, .Agriculture, lulucation. Militia,
and h'isheries.
A M
inister who holds such office is said
to have a port-foli(7. and he receives a salary from the
*
"' i
284
THK I»f)MIM(»N OK ( A\AI>.\.
public fuiuls. Hefore assuming office he is required to
return to his constituents for re-election.
It will be readily understood that the form of j^overn-
ment here described would not be suited to certain con-
ditions of society. No greater e\il could befall an ii^no-
rant, unpatriotic, or immoral people, than to be thus
endowed with the power of self-government. If a peo-
ple lack intelligence. the\' casil\- beccMTie the dupes of
designing demagogues, and if the\' lack principle and
patriotism, the\- are ever reach' to barter their countr\-
for gold. No positic^n in our countr\' demands more
wisdom and inteiiritv than that of the legislator and
the statesman. The privilege of choosing such men
should be regarded as a most sacred trust to be used
under a deep sense of responsibilitx'. The man who
sells his vote should be deprived of the privilege which
he so criminalh' abuses.
— 8^|>^B8—
CHAl'TKR XXVII.
^!l
OLD QLl'.STlOXs SKTTI.KI) AND NKW SCIIK.MKS
I'Koi'OSKD.
401. Scat of Govcyumciit. — We left the Province of
Canada in the midst it{ the storm caused bv the " Rebel-
lion Losses Act." \\ hen the heat of passion had cooled
down a little, the riot at Montreal with the burninfr of
the Parliament Huilding was felt to be a disgrace for
which no good citi/.ens cared to be held responsible-
The people of Montreal were punished b>' the removal
of the seat of Government from their cit\'. For the next
fifteen jears, until Ottawa was made the capital, the
Legislature met alternateh", for four consecutive years,
in Toronto and Quebec. Lord Klgin was so much dis-
turbed over the riot, of which, in the discharge of the
duties of his office, he had been the occasion, that he sent
in his resignation. His action, however, was fully sus-
tained by the Imj^erial Government, and he continued
to hold the position of Governor-General with great
acceptance for many years.
402. Progress in Canada. — The Canadian people
had gained much through hard struggle, but they were
not yet satisfied. Kach new achievement only served to
awaken further striving. There were still some remain-
ing evils, legacies of the past, to be removed, while foun-
dations of new institutions were to be laid and strength-
ened.
2sr)
Tin; DOMINION ol- ( ANADA.
403. luiucatioii. — The education of the youth of the
couiitr\' was leLfanled as one of the fu'st and highest con-
cerns of the (Jo\erninent. Dr. K'-erton Rverson had
ah'eady, h\- the Draper Ministr\'. been a|j|)ointed Super-
intendent of luhication. This (h'stinsjuished clerLivman,
who had. for nian\" \ears, taken an acti\e part in the po-
h'tical affairs of the countr\', now b\' close observation in
I'-urope and in the United States made himself accjuainled
with the nujst improved educational s)stems in the world.
DurinLj the lonij jjcriod of thirt\' years he tlevoted his
energies to the development of the common and hi^h
school system which is the pride of Ontario and com-
mands the admiration of the civilized world. The hi;j[h
appreciation in which Dr. R\'erson's services were held
by the countr)' was shown at the close of his public
career by the action of the Lei^islature of Ontario in
grantinj^ him his full salary as a retirint^ pension.
404. Commerce— '\\\\i trade of the Provinces had
hitherto been hampered b\- a hii^h tariff on foreign ijoods,
imposed by the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of
iriviuij an advantage to the British manufacturer. These
trade restrictions were now removed, and the IMovinces
were allowed to arranije their own tariff independently
of the Home authorities, (ieneral intercourse throu,i;h-
out the Provinces and with the United States was pro-
moted b\' telej^raph lines and bv increased |jostal facili-
ties. In 1851, the Post Office, which had hithertf) been
under the control of Great liritain, was handed over to
the Provincial Governments. This resulted in the estab-
lishing of more postal routes and ofifices throughout the
countr\\ and in the reduction of rates. The use of
postal stamps also added much to the public convenience.
(ii.D <»ri;sri(>\s am> m:\v si iii;mi;s.
2^7
i' >■ ■]
Vu
405. AW/XiVn'.v. — Iin|)i()\ciiicnt in im-ans of travel
and ccinvc\iiii; "roods also received attention. We lia\e
seen in the prece(iin;4 cliapter how the obstructions to
navigation caused b)- falls and rapids in the Niaj^ara
and St. Lawrence rivers were overcome b\' canals, thus
Ljiving a water route bjtween remote inland settlements
and the ^reat centres of trade. I"'or several months in the
\ear, however, ri\ers, lakes, and canals were closed, and
the countr\- was shut out from the irreat world b\' a bar-
rier of ice.
IMie era of railwa\s had now dawned. The first line
built in the countr\' w.is a short one opened in ii>yj
between La I'rairie and .St. John's, in Lo' r Canada.
After an interval of several years, in 1S51, ..ic N(trthern
Railway, in L'pper Canada, was bej^un. -Ihis was fol-
lowed by the (ireat Western, from Xiai,^ara l-'ails to
Windsor, and b\' the (irand Trunk from the (ireat
Lakes in the West to the tidal waters of the St. Law-
rence. A little later, to secure access to the opjn sea in
winter, a bran:'! of t'.vj (irand Trunk was built to Port-
land, in Maine. Other lines were built in different
parts of the countrx', some of which failed to ]jro\e a
financial tjain to the share-holders, \-et indirectU' were
useful in developint^ the resources of the country.
406. 77/i' C/cri^v Ri'Si'i-i'cs. — Several i)eri)le.\in<; tjues-
tions now aijitated the public mind. The Clerj^y
Reserves was an Cpi)er Canada question which for many
\ears had been a source of bitter contention. It will be
remembered that one-seventh of the public lands of the
I'rovince was set apart in 1791 for the support of the
Protestant Clerij)', and that the AuL^lican Church alone
wa.s allowed to enjoy the benefit of this liberal appro-
■' \
288
THi: DOMINION OF CANADA.
priation. Dissatisfaction over such disposal of the funds
was one of the leading causes of the rebellion in Upper
Canada. In 1840, befoi the Union of the Canadas, a
settlement was made which, it was hoped, would set the
matter at rest. The lion's share of the spoil was given
to the Anglican Church, a much smaller slice was allotted
to the Presbyterians of the Church of Scotland, while
the remaining fragments were distributed iji an ungener-
ous sort of wa> among other religious bodies. Hut the
matter we'd not stay settled in this fashion, and as time
passed dissatisfaction in Upper Canada strengthened,
until it forced the Legislature to re-open the question.
The matter was a difficult one to deal with. In the first
place the Legislature of Canada could take no action on
it without permission from the Parliament of Great
Britain. Besides, the members from Lower Canada
were opposed to any change.
407. Seigniorial Tctiuir. — But Lower Canada had a
" burning question " of its own. The modified P'eudal
System introduced in the early times into French Canada,
as described in a foregoing chapter, had outlived what-
ever usefulness it may have had at first, and it was now
in great disfavor. Under the modern conditions of
society this system of holding lands was troublesome
and oppressive as well as a hindrance to the progress of
the country. It will be remembered that when the
censitaire or tenant sold his lands he had to pay over
one-twelfth of the receipts to the Seignior. As lands
were now much more valuable and transfers were more
frequent than in the olden time, this condition had
become very burdensome. Besides, there was little
inducement for the censitaire to make improvements
OLD nUESTIONS AND NEW SCHEMES.
289
when what he expended would not be wholly for his
own benefit. The annual rents, too, had become exces-
sive, and the poor habitant was often made the victim of
dishonest greed. Different remedies for getting rid of
the evil were proposed, of which the most radical con-
sisted in cancelling the claims of the Seignior without
any compensation.
408. The Reformers Divided. — The Baldwin-Lafon-
taine Government did not find it an easy matter to solve
these knotty questions. Its supporters were not agreed
among themselves, the measures which were popular in
the West being offensive in the Kast. The extreme
Reformers, known as " Clear Grits," led by George Hrown,
editor of the Toronto Globe, insisted on the "Secular-
izing of the Clergy Reserves," — that is taking them from
the religious bodies and using them for common public
purposes. As the Government did not seem disposed
to adopt such a measure, it lost the support of this party,
and being left in a minority was compelled to resign.
409. The Hincks-Morin Governuient, 18^1. — A new
Ministry was formed of which the English leader was
I^Vancis Hincks. Mr. Hincks was a native of Ireland,
but he had in early life removed to Toronto, where he
edited a paper. He was a man of eminent ability and
for many years took a prominent part in public affairs.
The French leader was Augustus Morin, a brilliant and
patriotic statesman. Dr. Rolph, a noted leader of the
Rebellion in Upper Canada, was a member of the Gov-
ernment, and among its supporters in the House were
the old-time rebels, Louis Papineau and William Lyon
MacKenzie. One of the most distinguished members
290
tin: dominion of Canada.
of the AssembK- was Georije Brown of the Toronto
Globe. Mr. Brown was an honest, energetic, and highly
ij^ifted Scotchman who had made Canada his home. In
his paper and on the floor of the House he was a sturdy
advocate of the two great reform measures before the
public. He was a Ministerialist, that is on the Govern-
ment side, yet he was sometimes so extreme in his views
that he could not easily be kept in line, and while he
was a powerful opponent, he was an uncertain supporter.
On the Opposition side of the H(>use was a young
lawyer who was rapidly rising to the first position in his
party, and who during the succeeding fort)' }'ears e.xerted
a powerful influence in moulding the institutions of the
country. This was Jf)hn .A. MacUonalc, better known in
later times as Sir John. Mr. MacDona'd was born in
Scotland, and when about five vears of age came with
his parents to Canada.
The building of railways was the leading public enter-
prise of the time. The Grand Trunk line had a strong
patron in Mr. Hincks. It received large subsidies from
the public funds and was aided b}- the credit of the
Province in borrowing monev.
During the reign of the Hincks Ministry an Act was
passed by which on the security of the Government
municipalities \\ere enabled ty borrow money for mak-
ing roads and bridges, and for other public purposes.
The ea.sy terms on which money could be obtained led
to some unwise expenditures and to the incurring of
debts which afterwards proved burdensome.
The year 1852 is memf)rable for a disastrous fire in
Montreal, which left ten thousand persons homeless.
\m .i.
i)lA) (^UKSTIONS AND NKW SCHK.MKS.
391
410. The Reciprocity Treaty, iS^^. — The Reciprocit\-
Treaty, arranged by Lord l^lgin and Mr. Hincks for the
regulation of trade and other matters between the Brit-
ish Provinces and the United States, was one of the
principal measures of the time. It provided for exchange,
free of duty, of the natural products of the farm, the
forest, the mines, and tlie sea ; it a'.so provided that the
subjects of the United States should have equal privilege
with British subjects in the coast fisheries of the Prov-
inces and in the navigation of the St. Lawrence River
and the Canadian canals. Canadians also were given
the privilege of navigating Lake Michigan. The treaty
was to remain in force for ten \ears. after which it would
terminate on twelve months' notice given by either jiart}-.
Another measure adopted under the Hincks-Morin
rule increased the membership of the Assembly from
eig.ity-four to one hundred and thirty, giving each divi-
sion sixty-five members.
411. The McNab-Morin Government, iSf;^. — In the
autumn of 1H54 Lord I^lgin was succeeded as Governor-
(ieneral by Sir Edmund VV^ilker Head. Mr. Hincks's
power was now near its end. (ieorge Hrown and his
part)', becoming impatient of the delay in dealing with
the Clergy Reserves and other matters which they
thought demanded immediate action, withdrew their
support from the (lovernment. After a general election
the Ministry had a small majority in Lower Canada, but
it had suffered sad reverses in the West. It was defeated
by the combined vote of the Conservatives and extreme
Reformers led by Mr. Brown.
No one of the three parties was strong enough to
resist the united opposition of the other two. The
i
Mt
292
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
Governor-General called on Sir Allan McXab, the leader
of the Conservatives, to form a Ministr>-. This he suc-
ceeded in doing by a coalition with the late Ministerial-
ist party which he had just helped to drive out of power.
In the new Government the members of the late Gov-
ernment from Lower Canada were given their former
places, while those from the West were replaced by Con-
servatives. In this Coalition Government John A,
MacDonald was Attorney-General.
412. Settlement of Burning Questions. — It fell to the
McNab-Morin Ministry to settle the two great questions
which had long disturbed the country. The Parliament
of Great Britain had already given Canada the power to
deal with the Clergy Reserves. The Act of Settlement
which was now adopted by the Legislature provided
that the clergy who were then receiving allowances
should have their stipend secured to them for life, and
that the remainder of the fund after such allowances
were paid should be divided among the various muni-
cipalities for general public use.
The land question of Lower Canada was settled t>y
compromise. The Seigniors were required to abate a
portion of their claims, while the amount paid them was
made up partly by the censitaires and partly by a grant
from tht public treasury. As a large amount from the
Provincial funds was thus applied for the benefit of
Lower Canada, a corresponding amount was given to
the municipalities of Upper Canada.
There still remained another grievance, a vestige of
the old-time Tory rule, for the removal of which the
Reformers had long struggled in vain. This was the
Legislative Council appointed by the Crown. An Act
i '^? ' I
■: (
OLD QUESTIONS AND NKW SCUKMKS.
293
was now passed designed to bring about, in the e< siest
possible manner, the desired change. The Act did not
disturb the members of the Council who had been
appointed under the old system, but provided that as
vacancies occurred new members should be elected for
the t<;rm of eight years.
413. The MacDonald- Meanwhile some important
Cartier Ministry, i8j7, changes were made in the
Ministry. Colonel Tache succeeded Morin as leader for
Lower Canada. Another brilliant French Canadian,
George K. Cartier, who had for man>' years taken an
active part in political affairs, and who had a conspicu-
ous part still to play, was added to the Ministry. In his
youth he had followed Papineau, fought in the ranks of
the rebels under Dr. Nelson, and saved himself from the
stern hand of the law b)' escaping across the border
into the United States. Sir Allan McNab, now enfeebled
by the infirmities of age and by disease, retired from the
Cabinet. Finally John A. MacDonald, who for some
time had held the first place in the esteem of the Con-
servative party and who had been its virtual head, took
the position of Premier, while Cartier became leader for
Lower Canada. On the side of the Opposition were
such distinguished chiefs as George Brown, Oliver
Mowat, and D'Arcy Magee.
414. Representation by Population. — The machinery
of government in the United Province had never run
smoothly. The two Canadas were too unlike each other
to work together very harmoniously. There was almost
constant friction from one cause or another, and as the
years went by matters grew worse. At the time of
: f
. '. ;■
'i
f
294
TIIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
union L(nver Canada had the hir^er population, but she
was now about three hundred tliousand behind. On tiie
ground of its t^reater population, wealth, and contribu-
tions to the public treasury. Upper Canada had for some
time been pressing its right to larger representation in
the Legislature. George Brown became the unyielding
advocate of this claim, and there followed him a large
party whose battle cry was " Representation by Popula-
tion." The MacDonald-C'artier Government, deserted
by many of its old followers in the West, held its posi-
tion through the support of Lower Canada. Estrange-
ment was growing up between the VVest and the East.
The cry of " French domination " from the one quarter
was met b\' " Danger to our laws, our customs, and our
religion" from the other.
415. Ottaiva the Scat of GovcnuiicHt, iSj8. — .As the
frequent change in the seat of Government between
Quebec and Toronto was expensive and inconvenient, it
was felt desirable to select some place as a fixed capital.
Several cities were ambitious of being chosen, but it was
difficult to agree on an}' one of them. The matter was
finally left to the Queen, and the competing cities were
asked to furnish statements of the advantages they had
to offer. Her Maje.sty's choice fell upon Ottawa. When
the decision was announced in the Legislature, there was
a strong outburst of adverse feeling from the friends of
the various rival cities, and a resolution of disapproval
was carried by a majority of fourteen. In a vote on
another question taken immediately after, the Govern-
ment was sustained by a majority of eleven. It was
thus shown that the former vote was not intended to
express lack of confidence in the Government. F^or
m?
U
OLD ()Li:STI()\S AN!) NKW SCHF.MKS.
295
some reason, however, not easy to explain, the Ministry
placed their resignation in the hands of the Governor-
General. His Kxcellcncy called on (leorge l^roun to
form a new Government. Mr. Brown's Cabinet included
several stronj^ men of whom ma}' be named John
Sandfield Mac Donald, Oliver Mowat, and A. A. Dorion.
The reign of the new Ministry was brief On their
names being announced in the Assembly, a vote of
want of confidence was carried by a majority of forty.
Mr. Brown and his colleagues, claiming that the Assem-
bly did not fairly rejiresent the opinions of the country,
asked for a dissolution. But his Kxcellency refused to
follow the advice of his new Ministers, and after a reign
of two da\s they were forced to resign. Mr. Brown and
his colleagues considered that the Governor-General, in
refusing an appeal to the people, had not shown them
proper courtesy, and they left the Council Board hold-
ing towards him no very friendly feeling.
416. '/7ii' Double S/iiiJfit'. — The Conser\ative leaders
were recalled. George Cartier took the first place in
the Ministr\-, which was known as the Cartier-MacDonald
Government. A new question now came ujj. A rule
under Responsible Government requires that iMinisters
of the Crown on accepting office shall return to their
constituents for re-election. The rule was not followed
on this occasion. A clause in an Act of the Legislature
provided that a Minister who had resigned his office
might, within a month, accept another without re-election.
As the law did not allow the Ministers to take their
old offices in this wa}', they exchanged port-folios on
entering the Cabinet and afterwards exchanged again,
resuming their former places. 'I !ie Opposition regarded
■ t
296
TIIK DO.MINKXX OF CANADA.
this course as a tricky evasion of law and ^ave it the
name of the "Double Shuffle."
417. Visit of the Prime of Wales, i860. — .A j^reat
railway bridge over the St. Lawrence near Montreal was
to be opened in the summer of i860. The work was
regarded as a wonderful *eat of en<jineering skill and its
completion was thoughi worthy of signal distinction.
Accordingly the Legislature of Canada decided to ask
Queen Victoria to honor the event with her presence.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Henry Smith, was
sent to England to bear the invitation. Her Majest>',
being unable to take so long a journey, sent her eldest
son, the Prince of Wales, then about nineteen years of
age, as her representative. The Prince visited the vari-
ous Provinces, receiving in all a royal welcome. Hy
driving the last rivet he gave the finishing stroke to the
Victoria Bridge, and on coming to Ottawa he took the
place of honor in laying the Corner stone of the new
Parliament Buildings which now grace the capital of the
Dominion.
418. Death of the Prince Consort, 1861. — The year
1 86 1 is memorable for the death of the Queen's husband,
Prince Albert. Though a German by birth, the Prince
thorougly identified himself with the British people and
showed the deepest interest in everything which con-
cerned the prosperity of the Empire. He gave his
powerful influence in aid of many schemes of national
progress and he is regarded as the originator of inter-
national exhibitions, the first of which was held in
London in 185 1.
i)
OLD nUKSTIoNS AND NKW SCHKMKS.
297
419. ./ IVdr Cloud, 1S61. — A war cloud appeared on
the western horizon The Southern States had broken
off from the Union anfi setup an independent govern-
ment. This action gave rise to a great war between the
North and the South, which lasted four years. An event
of the first year of the war threatened to involve Great
Ikitain and the United States in hostilities and to make
of Canada a bloody battle field. Two Southern Com-
missioners, Mason and Slidell, who had taken passage
for Europe in the British steamer Trent, wero seized by
the officers of a United States war ship and carried off
as prisoners. This violation of international law aroused
strong feeling of indignation in Great liritain. The
British Government demanded the immediate release of
the prisoners, and at the same time macje preparation
for war in case the demand was refused. Happily the
affair was settled by the prompt surrender of Mason
and Slidell to British officers appointed to receive them.
The civil war in the United States made brisk times
in the Provinces. Horses and farm produce of all kinds
brought high prices in that country, and Southern
cruisers drove Northern merchant vessels from the seas,
leaving to our vessels the larger portion of the carrying
trade.
420. Defeat of the Cartier-
}FacD.maUi Government, 1862.
Lord Monck suc-
ceeded Sir Edmund
Walker Head as Governor-General. Frequent change
of advisers during his term of office gav'c him good
opportunity to become acquainted with Canadian states-
men. The Cartier-MacDonald Ministry, defeated on a
Militia bill, which involved a large expenditure of money,
was .succeeded by a Liberal Ministry led by John
?
2yS
tin: IK).\.IXI()\ OV ( AXADA.
Saiiflficki MacDnnalil. B\* rcconstructiiii^ his Govern-
incnt, chaiiLiiiiLj old colloagiics for new oiics, this I'rcmier
struL^Ljled on for about two years, 'when he laitl down the
reins of pcnver. Lord Monci< nf)w had difficulty in find-
int^ any one who felt able to take control. One and
another declined. I'inally a Conservative Ministry was
formed by Sir 1*'. P. Tache and John A. MacDonald.
i^'Arcy Mai^ee. who had formerly been a Liberal, was
also a member <»f the new Government.
This Ministr\. too, was soon in deejj waters and was
consideriuLj the alternative of resi^nini; or advisinL,^ a
dis.solution of the House. There had already within
three \ears been two {general elections, and a fresh
appeal to the [)eople did not promise much relief from
the embarrassment.
421. 77/(' Sitimtioti. — During the i)ast two \-ears
four different .Ministries, two Convervative and two Lib-
eral, had b\- hook or bv crook tried to ijovern the coun-
try. k.ach j)arty in order to keep itself in power for
any lens^th of time was forced to depend either on Upper
Canada alone or on Lower Canada alone for its
support ; or b\- some compromise of principle it had to
forni coalitions with old opponents. A lar<^e majority
of L pper Canadians were arra}ed against a similar
majority of Lower Canadians.
432. A Surprise. — A Committee of the leading
members of both parties had been appointed to con-
sider measures of relief from existing embarrassments.
The Committee reported in favor of separate govern-
ments for local affairs in the two Canadas, and a
federal government for matters of common interest. It
OLD ()LKSTIO\.s AM) NKW SCI I KM KS.
2(Jj
was proposed, also, if j)ossiblc to brin^;" the Maritiiiif
I'rovinccs iiit(» the federal union. Tliis report met with
general ai)ijroval.
In the spirit of patriotism, layii\i4' aside all jjart\- ques-
tions and i)ersonal feeling, the leadint; members of the
()pj)osition, with (leor^Lje Brown at their head, offered to
aid the Conservative Government in carr\inLr out a
scheme of federation.
The announcement of this projjosal from the Opposi-
tion, cou])led with the name of the unyieldinij Geori^e
lirow 11, was Lrreoted with a loud and heart)' burst c)f
applause. As a guarantee of their good faith and with
the \ iew of gi\ing all possible aid to the scheme, three
of the foremost Liberals, George Hrown, Olixer Mowat.
and William MacDouijall entered the Cabinet with the
Conservatives.
^J' wf IB
IJitF [?
— 8^^^^B8-
^
r] 1
TIIK
CHATTKR XXVIII.
MARITIMK rROVINCKS INDKR
(lOVKKNMKNT.
KKSI>ONSll!Li;
433. Goicral Features. — \Vc shall, in this chapter
trace the leading events in the history of the Maritime
Provinces Irnm the introduction of Responsible Govern-
ment to the movement for Confederatioti. There were
two great political parties, called Liberals and Coiiserv-
atives, but these parties were distinguished not so much
by difference of principle as by their attachment to their
leaders, l^oth parties were agreed in accepting Respon-
sible Government as a fixed fact. From time to time
one side or the other raised some new question as a
rallying cr\-.
In Xova Scotia, for eight years the Liberals held the
leins of power. The most prominent men of the part)'
were Joseph Howe, William Young, James B. Uniacke,
and Michael Tobin. James \V. Johnstone was the leader
of the Opjiosition.
In New Brunswick the condition of things was some-
what different. It will be remembered that on the intro.
duction of Responsible Government a Coalition Ministry
was formed, the two leading Liberals, Wilmot and
Fisher, to the great disgust of their followers, uniting
with their old opponents. Several years passed before
the Liberals recovered sufficiently from the loss to form
a strong Opposition.
MAUITIMK l'K()\IN( KS.
301
In Triticc Ivhvard Island the new order of thini^s beL,Mn,
as alrcad)' staled, three years later than in the other
I'rovinccs. The two parties were so evenl\- balanced
that business was often obstructed and Government and
Opposition chan,L;ed places. The most prominent lead-
ers in public affairs were George Coles, Charles Voun|^^
and lulward Palmer.
The Maritime Provinces were includeci :>s parties in
the Reciprocity Treat}- of 1854, with the Um'ted States,
sj)oken of in the precedinjj^ chaj^ter. In Nova Scotia,
however, there was little enthusiasm over the matter.
StrouLj objections were uri^ed in the Lejjjislature against
treaty-making of this sort, in which the Province had no
representation.
424. Railijdvs. — At this time the railwa\' fe\er was
in the air and spread from land to land. While the
Province of Canada was building its great roads, the
Grand Trunk and tiie Great Western, New lirunswick
and Nova Scotia were astir in a similar movement. The
first scheme proposed was an Intercolonial Railwa\-
between Quebec and Halifax. It had been spoken of
l(Mig before, and Lord Durham had urged the importance
of such a work in his famous report. But the scheme
received little attention. The people in the West took
more interest in connectingthe remote parts of their own
great countr}-. After some dela)-, however, the Goxern-
ments of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia
agreed to build the road, if Great Britain would b}- a
guarante*. aid them in obtaining money on favorable
terms. Failing to obtain this assistance they abandoned
the idea of an Intercolonial Railway, and each Province
II
i
1 16?
?02
TIIK DOMINION OF CANAI>A.
began buikling such local niil\va\s as seemed best to
serve its own jjurposes.
The first rail\\a\' built in New Brunswick was between
Shediac, on Northumberland Strait, and St. John. The
plan included an extension westerh* to connect St. John
with the railwa)'s of the United States.
The first railway's in Nova Scotia connected Windsor
and Truro with Halifax. These roads were built and
owned by the Goverinnent. The scheme pro\ided for
extensions, from Truro to Pictou and the New Brunswick
frontier.
425. Conservative Govcrunicut \\\\x\\ in 1857 the
in Xova Scotia. iSjJ. Liberal Govern-
ment was o\erthro\vn. Its defeat was due chiefl\- to
dissensions between Hon. Joseph Howe and the Roman
Catholics, who had been in the main, up to this date,
supporters of the Liberal part}', but who now went over
in a body to the Opposition. The Honorable J. W.
Jijhnstone, the Conservative leader, was called to the
helm. The second place in the Ministrx* was held by
Dr. Charles Tupper, a man of great ability and force of
character, known in later years as Sir Charles Tupper,
Canadian High Commissioner in London.
426. The Mines ami Minerals. — One of the first
matters taken in hand by the new Government was the
breaking up of a monopoly in coal mining which had
been established in the 1^'ovince. Certain minerals, as
coal and gold, are reserved as rights of the Crown.
Thus a person has no claim to any minerals of this kind
which lie may find on his land. He must get leave of
the Goxernment to work the mines, and he is required
>IAKITI.M1", l'K()\"INCi:S.
303
U) pay a royalt)' on all the minerals which he obtains.
As exjjlained in a former cha[Jter these minerals are not
the King's private pr(j|)ert\'. They belonc^ to the people,
and the royalty is paid into the jiiiblic treasury. Kings,
however, have not always clearly understood this matter.
Thus George IV. gave the minerals (^f Nova Scotia to
his brother the Duke of York. In 1S25 the Duke trans-
ferred his right to a compan\-, known as the General
Mining .Association, on condition that the Company
siiould pay liim a share of the profits. For many years
the Government of Nova Scotia disputed the claims of
the company, holding that thj King had n(j jjower to
give the minerals awa)'.
The Government now undertook to settle thetjues-
tion of ownership. Mr. Johnstone, the leader of the
Government, and Mr. Adams G. Archib;ild, one of the
ablest leaders of the Liberal party, were sent to England
to arrange terms of settlement. A compromise was
effected. The Company gave up all claims to the min-
erals of the Province, except within certain limits around
the mines already opened.
427. 7//C' Atlantic Cable. — The year 1S5S is memor-
able for the laj'ing of the first telegraphic cable along
the bed of the Atlantic Ocean between ICurope and
America. It was with great delight that those inter-
ested in the world's progress learned that the work was
successfully completed, and that beneath the wide ocean
friendly greetings had been exchanged between the
Queen of Great Britain and the TresicuMit of the United
States. Ikit the good news was followed quickly by
tidings of disaster. Before any other mes.sages were
.sent the cable parted in mid-ocean.
l:^
M
(
I J
i;ii:
%t\
304
THi: DO.MIMCJN OF (AXAHA.
428. TJic Liberals Again in Poiccr, 1S60. — On the
meeting of the Letjislature in !S6o, after a L^encral elec-
tion, the majority was found on the side of the Op[)osi-
tion. The leader of the Government, however, stated
that certain members of the Opposition at the time of
thair election held offices which excluded them from the
Les^islature, and he moved that the House proceed to
investiirate the chari^es which he had made. It should
be here stated that persons holdin<; offices of emolument
under the Government, such as sheriffs, registrars, post-
masters, and custom-house officers, are thereb)' dis-
qualified for sitting as members of the Legislature, and
they must resign such offices before they can be legally
elected. The object of the law is to secure the freedom
of the members of the Legislature from all influences
that might lead them to sacrifice the public good for
selfish interest.
The Opposition objected to the motion proposed by
the leader of the Government. The question could be
decided onl}' b\' a vote of the House, and counting the
doubtful members the 0[3position had the majority and
thus out-voted the Government. Mr. Johnstone and his
colleagues asked the Governor to dissolve the Plouse
and have a new election, but their advice being rejected,
they placed their resignation in his hands. The most
prominent members of the new (iovernment were
Joseph Htnve, William Young, and A. G. Archibald.
429. J'irr Sc/iooh\ iS6^. — The Liberal Goxernment
under the leadership of Mr. Mowe was kept in power by
a slim majority for four years. At the next gen(Tal
election this majorit}- was shifted to the other side,
bringing Mr. Johnstone and Dr. Tu[)i)er again to the
MARITIME PROVINCES.
305
head of affairs. Shortly after, Mr. Johnstone having
been ap|Dointed Judge of the Supreme Court, Dr.
Tupper became Premier. The principal matters dealt
with by the new Government related to the public
schools and Confederation of the Provinces.
430. Free Scliools, iS6^. — During the preceding fifteen
years common school education had received much
attention from successive governments. In 1849 Jame^
\V. Dawson, since well known as the distinguished
scientist Sir William Dawson, was appointed Superin-
tendent of Education. Though holding the office but a
short time, he awakened deep interest in the general
education of the people. In 1855 a Normal School for
the training of teachers was established, and the Rev.
Alexander Forrester, D. D., was appointed Principal of
the Institution and Superintendent of Education.
Through the influences thus brought into operation, the
people were prepared for free schools supported by
assessment, which were now pro\ ided for by Act of
Legislature.
431. Prince Edward Island. — Prince lulward Island
establi.shed free schools in 1852 and, four years later, a
Normal School for the training of teachers. The two
political parties in the Island were sometimes so evenly
balanced that neither party could secure a working
majority. Another difficulty in carrying on public busi-
ness arose from lack of harmony between the Assembly
and the Legislative Council. Important measures
passed in one House were rejected by the other. As a
remedy for this trouble five new members were added to
the Council. One feature of Responsible Government
3o6
Till". I)()-ML\I<)N i)V <AN.\
was not vor\- pojjular in the Island. The people
objected to their representatives holdini^cjffices n( emohi-
nient in the Government, such as that of Attorney-
(ieneral or Provincial Secretary. Hence, members of
the Cabinet holding port-folios, on returning to their
constituents, often failed to secure re-elccti(jn. They
did not, however, on this account always retire from the
Cabinet, as the principles of Resjionsible Government
rjemanded.
432. Landlords a)id Taiauts. — Wy far the greatest
evil with which the peoj)le of the Island had to contend
was the system of absentee projirietorshij) of the land.
This gigantic wrong, recklessl}- imi^xsed on the colony
in its infancy, had now, by the growth (jf a centurx',
gained so firm a foothold that little short of a rebellion
could shake it off It sap[)ed the life blf)od of the coun-
try. The farmers had good crops, but much of the
money they realized must be sent abroad to pa)- the
rents, and still they were satlly iii arrears. Sometimes
they were driven to insurrection by the hard hand of the
bailiff sent to enforce the claims of the absent landlord.
X'arious methods of removing the e\ il were tried, but
with little success. In some few cases the Government
l>urchased the lands and sold them again on easy terms
to the farmers. Hut this plan could not be followed to
an\- great extent. The proprietors were not willing to
sell at reasonable prices, and the G«)\ernment had little
money to use for this object. In vain had the British
(lovernment been appealed to for some remedy. Finally,
at the suggestion of the proprietors, the Colonial .Secre-
tary proposed that the matter should be left to three
Commissioners, one appointed by the Hritish Govern-
ii
MARITIMK 1"R()V1N( KS.
307
meiit, ono b\- the Island (lovenimeiit, and one b\- the
jjroprietors. 'I'liis plan was adojited. The C'oinmis-
sioners consisted of Johi iianiilton (ire\- of New Bruns-
wick to represent tlie Crown, Joseph Howe of Nova
Scotia to represent the tenants, and John W. Ritchie of
Nova Scotia to rej^resent the proprietors.
In the summer of 1S61 the Commissioners sent in
their report. Tlie}' recommended tliat the proprietors
should sell the lands on certain specified terms, and that
the Island (io\ernment should purchaser the lands and
afterwards sell them to the farmers on such eas\' conditions
as c luld be met without embarrassment. The\- pro-
posed also that the (ioxernment of Great Britain should,
b\- {guarantee, aid the Island Governinent in borrowini;"
$500,000 for the purchase of the lands. The Lc\L;islature
of the Island at once accepted the award. But the pro-
prietors refused to sell their lands on the conditions
named, nor would the Imi:)erial (iovernment aid the
Island in borrowinu" the mone\-. The scheme accord-
uvAv fell through.
!
t»> '',U-
l!:,,
CHATTKR XXIX.
liKITISH COLUMBIA.
433- Oregon. — Meanwhile there had arisen in the far
west a great maritime Province. We have seen how the
enterprising fur traders of the North West were the
pioneers who led the way to this land facing the setting
sun and asserted the right of England in its soil. But
for their persistent hold the British flag would not to-day-
wave over its hills and harbors, and the Dominion of
Canada would not span the Continent. For many years
the whole territory from California to Alaska was known
by the general name of Oregon. Great Britain claimed
the northern portion, and the United States the southern
portion. The Ashburton Treaty, as already stated, had
fixed on the forty-ninth parallel as the separating line
between the territory of the two nations from the Lake
of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains. Further west
the boundary was not determined. The Hudson's Ba\-
Compan) , however, occupied the coast country as far
south as the mouth of the Columbia River. Over a vast
region lying north of this the Company held a monopoh-
of the fur trade, secured by royal charter for twenty-one
years, dating from 1838. The name New Caledonia
was given to the portion of country occupied by the
Hudson's Bay Compan)', the name Oregon being then
restricted to a part of the territory owned by the United
States.
WW——
"^
I5RITISH COLUMBIA.
3C9
434. Boiifida)-)' Disputes. — Disputes arose regardiiiL;"
the international bounclar\- on the western side of the
Continent. The British claimed that the line should
continue aloivj^ the fort\--ninth parallel from the Rock\-
Mountains to the Columbia Rixer, and that it should
then follow the river southerly to its mouth. This
would give both nations free access to the interior. On
the other hand some of the Americans beijan to assert
claims to the whole countr\- on the west of the Rocky
Mountains. By wa\' of showin<;- how much in earnest
thev were over the matter thev raised the cr\' — "Fift\-
four- Fort)' or Fight." By this the\- meant come peace,
come war, they would have the countr)' to North Lati-
tude 54 40', the recognized southern limit of Alaska,
which was then owned b\' Russia.
Meanwhile colonists of b3th nations were settling on
the coast, especially in that portion of the territor)'
which was of doubtful ownership. It therefore became
necessary to determine the boundary that the colonists
might know to which government they owed allegiance.
435. Fort J'lctoria. Vov man}- )'cars the Hudson's
Ba}' Compain's chief trading post on the Pacific Coast
was Fort Vancouver on the Columbia River, ninet\'
miles from its mouth. In view of the uncertainty as to
the location of the boundary, the Company decided to
select as its headquarters a new situation farther north.
A place on the south of Vancouver Island was chosen
for this purpose, and in 1843 buildings for the use of
the Company were erected and fortified by a stockade.
This place was at first called Fort Camosin, but the
name was soon after changed to Fort Victoria. The
choice was wisel}- made. Here, toda)-, beautiful for
li
i
3IO
Tin: DOMINION OI- (ANAI'A.
situation, on the niar<jjin of the hmd, with the picturesciiie
harbor at its feet and the snow-chid Ohmpian Heic;hts
on the horizon, stands Victoria, the capital of British
Columbia.
The Indians on the Island were not pleased w ith
their new neii^hbors. Ai)i)earin_i^ before the fort they
undertook to batter it down with musket balls. The
Company's ai^ents could easil\- have disjierscd them, but
the officer in command ordered his men not to fire a
single shot. h'itiding that the\' made little impression
on the fort, the Indians soon ceased firin<^'. Then the
officer, coming out upijn a parapet of the block-house
and calling to them said, — ■" What foil)' that vou should
think, with your little guns, to break down our strong-
hold I Do you know that b\- moving m\- finger i could
blow \-ou all into the ba}- ?" He then ordered his men
to fire a cannon shot against an Indian lodge which
stood at some distance. The poor saxages, filled with
alarm on seeing their dwelling shattered to splinters,
were now ready to come tcj terms and smoke the pipe
of peace.
436. yVir Bouudiiry Settled, iS^6. — In 1846 the
boundar\- was agreed on b\- the Goxernments of Great
Britain and the United States. But to the surpri.se of
her subjects in British Columbia, Great Britain gave up
the territorx' on the Columbia Ri\er south of the fort)'-
ninth parallel It was agreed that the line should fol-
low this parallel to the .sea, and that it should then be
continued .southerly through the middle of the channel
which separates Vancou\er Island from the continent
and of the Strait of Fuca to the Pacific Ocean.
437. Colonizatio)i of Wxncoiiver. — There now began
' c
IJRITISII ( oi.r.Mr.iA.
1 1
a movement for colDiiiziiifT X'aiicouvcr Island. In 1849
the Hritish Government i^ave the Hudson's Ha)' Com-
pan\' authority to hrintj^ in colonists and sell them lands
on such terms as might be considered favorable to the
opening up of the countr\- for settlement. The Com-
pany was not vested with any right of Government.
The Island was made a Crown colony, that is, it was
placed under the government of officers appointed by
the Crown. Richard Hlanchard was sent from Knirland
as the first (loxernor, arriving on the Island in 1850.
He seems not to have found his position either profit-
able or agreeable. He had no salary, and though he
had been promised a thousand acres of land on the
Island, he learned on his arrival that he was merely to
have the use of the land while he remained in the coun-
try. At the end of two wars he resigned his office and
returned to luigland,
James Douglas, the Hudson's Hay Company's chief
agent at Victoria, was the ne.\t Governor. During the
first few \-ears he was assisted b\- a Council of three
members. In 1S56 a representative Legislature was
elected. .\n important event in this period of the
Island's history was the discovery of coal in 1850 near
the site of the present city of Xanaimo.
The Company's colonizing schemes made little pro-
gress. The few colonists who had been settled on the
Island were dissatisfied and complained that their
interests counted for little when the}- were in conflict
with those of the Comi)an\'. Some of them left the
countr\' for the California gold mines, then a great
centre of attraction. A change in the management of
affairs was considered necessar\-. Accordingly, in [858,
12
T!IK DOMINION OF CAXADA.
the l^ritish Government w ithdrew the Company's charter
and took the colony under its own direct control.
438. Discovery of Gold, iSfjS. — Hut now suddenly the
whole aspect of affairs both on Island and Mainland
was chanijed. The movin^^ force was the discovery of
f^old on the Fraser River. The gold fever was epidemic
and overpow ering. News of the discovery soon spread
far and wide, and there followed a rush of eager seekers
for the precious metal to the rugged wilderness of
British Columbia. They came from the neighboring
lands of Washington, Oregon, and California, from the
Eastern Provinces, and from bevond the Ocean. The
crews of ve.sseKs arriving on the coast deserted and
hastened to the gold digging;-. The whole world seemed
unbalanced. It was a mixed crowd, rude and lawless,
that was now taking possession of the land. A strong
ruling force was needed to establish order and maintain
peace.
439. British Columbia a Crown Colony, 18^8. — The
Mainland was formed into a Crown Colony under the
name of British Columbia. A place called Queens-
borough on the Fraser River was chosen as the scat of
Government. By order of the Queen the name of the
place was changed to New Westminster. Governor
Douglas had shown such superior qualifications for the
difficult task of ruling the country that he was made
Governor of both colonies. At the same time, he was
required to give up all connection with fur-trading com-
panies.
In place of being an Indian hunting ground, British
(Columbia soon began to wear some of the aspects of
■,
BRITISH C(JLU.M15IA.
313
civilization. Steamers went to and fro on its rivers and
lakes, waggon roads were made at vast expense through
the rugged mountain districts, and villages sprang up
here and there at various places. The country was
found to possess other resources than furs and gold,
which might make it a land of desire to the colonist.
The timber of its forests and the fish in its rivers and
coast waters were recognized as sources of e.xhaustless
wealth.
440. 77ir Boundary Question Again. — vVhile these
.stirring events were taking place, the boundary question
came up again. In 1857 commissioners were appointed
by Great Britain and the United States for the purpose
of locating the line which had been agreed on. They
set up iron posts through the territor}'at intervals of one
mile to mark the position of the forty-ninth parallel.
But when they came to the Gulf of Georgia they could
not agree. The treat}' stated that the line should run
through the middle of the channel which separates
Vancouver Island from the Continent. There were
found to be three channels between the Island and the
Mainland. The British officer claimed that Rosario
Strait, the most easterl}- channel, was the one through
which the line should pass ; the United States officer
insisted that Haro Channel, the most westerly, was the
one intended by the treaty. The chief object of the
dispute was the ownership of the small island of San
Juan, which lies between these channels.
441. San Juan. — The Island of San Juan had long
been occupied by the Hudson's Bay Company, but
within a few years a number of citizens of the United
314
Tlir, DOMINKJX OK CANADA.
States had taken up their residence on the island. The
neighboring state of Washington now set up a claim to
it as a part of its territory. An officer was sent over
from this state to collect taxes from liritish subjects.
When payment was refused he seized their pro{)erty. A
company of armed men was then j)laced on the island
for the purpo.se, it was said, of protecting the interests of
the United States citizens. Matters now wore a .serious
aspect, and it was only through the prudence of Governor
Douglas that hostilities were averted. It was finally
agreed that each nation should occupy the island with a
small force until the difficulty was .settled.
442. British Columbia mid
Vancouver United, 1866.
Governor Douglas, or
Sir James Douglas as
he now became, clo.sed his official career in 1864. He
was succeeded in Vancouver by Arthur Kennedy, and
in British Columbia by Frederick Seymour. In 1866
the two colonies were united as one Province under the
name of Briti.sh Columbia, with Victoria as the seat of
Government.
y^-rif-
^•-
CHArTKR XXX.
CONFKDKKATIOX.
"^
443. Vtiion Movcmcut hi the M ea n while t h c
Maritime Provinees, 1864. Maritime Provinces
were also discussing the subject of union. In this quarter,
howe\er, the movement did not originate in any pressing
political necessity. in the Provinces by the sea tiie
machinery of government was running smoothly enough,
but union promised certain advantages of a financial
nature which made it worth seeking. Nor did there
seem an}- great obstacle in the way. These Provinces
were very like each other in their physical features, their
institutions, and their interests. Their inhabitants were
one people. Why should they at unnecessary cost
maintain separate governments, or why should the>' b)'
restrictive tariffs isolate themselves from each other ?
The movement, in its origin, did not contemplate any-
thing wider than union of the Maritime Provinces. The
bringing of all the Provinces under one government was
scarcely thought practicable. F'or several years this
question of union had been agitated, Nova Scotia taking
the lead in the matter. On their visit to England to
settle the mining interests of the Province, Johnstone
and Archibald had discussed the subject with the
Colonial Secretary and had learned that the project was
favored by the British Government. In 1864 the Gov-
ernments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince
I
3i6
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
Edward Island appointed delegates to meet at Charlotte-
town to arrange terms of union for the three Provinces.
It was proposed to adopt a legislative union, that is one
in which the Provinces would be united up 'r^r a single
Legislature and Government for both local and general
affairs.
444. The Charlottetow7t Con- With great satisfac-
vcntion September /, 1864. tion the Canadians
learned of the movement in the Maritime Provinces.
The Coalition Government, which had been recently-
organized for the special purpose of bringing about some
political change, secured permission to send representa-
tives to the Conference, and a deputation of seven mem-
bers came down the St. Lawrence and found, cordial
welcome among the delegates at Charlottetown.
The minor unipn of the Maritime Provinces was
scarcely thought of in the Convention, being quite over-
shadowed by the grander idea of a confederation of all
the Provinces. No determinate action was taken at
Charlottetown in the arrangement of terms. Efforts
were made, however, to impress the public mind in favor
of the scheme. The delegates visited Nova Scotia and
New Brunswick where they set forth its advantages in
glowing colors. Before leaving Charlottetown they
arranged to meet late in the season at Quebec for the
purpose of drawing up a basis of confederation.
445. TJie Quebec Convention, October, 186^. — Accord-
ingly in the autumn of the same year another conven-
tion was held in the old Parliament House of Quebec.
All the Provinces, including Newfoundland, were repre-
sented. Eor eighteen days the delegates sat with closed
'■i.tr
W
CONFEDERATION.
317
v-oors, and no whisper of their doings reached the curious
pubHc ear. Everything was to be kept secret until the
proposed scheme should be laid before the Legislatures
of the different Provinces. Ikit long before the Legis-
latures met the Quebec scheme was public property.
446. Reception of the Scheuie, 186^. — The union
resolutions, as agreed on by the Convention, were sub-
mitted to the Canadian Parliament, which in the follow-
ing February met for the last time in the city of Quebec.
It was strongly urged, and very properly too, that in a
matter of such importance the people should be con-
sulted before final action was taken. But the advocates
of the people's rights were in the minority.
In the Maritime Provinces matters did not go so
smoothh'. A re action had set in, and there was a
storm of opposition. Newfoundland and Prince Edward
Island refused to have anything to do with Confedera-
tion. In New Brunswick, before the union resolutions
were submitted to the Legislature, a general election
took place. Not a single member of the Quebec delega-
tion was returned. A new Ministry under the leader-
ship of Albert J. .Smith and George L. Hathewa)',
thoroughly opposed to the scheme, came into power.
In Nova Scotia there were niurmurings of dissatis-
faction, but the people had no opportunity of express-
ing their views at the polls. On the meeting of the
Legislature, Dr. Tupper, the leader of the Government,
stated that, on account of the opposition in New Bruns-
wick, the subject of union would not be brought before
the House that session.
447. An Unexpected Change. — In the course of a few
weeks, however, a great change was wrought in the
■•I
'I
:.:l
■ I,.;-
318
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
public setitinient of New Brunswick. Governor Gordon
and a majority of the Legislative Council had, from the
first, been in favor of union, and the Imperial Govern-
ment urged it as a measure of prime concern both to
the Provinces and the Empire. In his speech from the
throne on the opening of the Legislature, Governor
Gordon, in opposition to the views of his advisers,
recommended the measure. Such a course on the part
of a governor under Responsible Government was
imusual, and it can be justified onl\' under extraordinary
circumstances. The Ministry, regarding the procedure
as unconstitutional, resigned office, and a union Ministr\',
with Samuel L. Tilley as Premier, was called upon to
take its place. The new Administration, appealing to
the people through a general election, was sustained.
This action of Xew Brunswick changed the whole
aspect of affairs. The Legislature of Nova Scotia was
still in .session. The Government, contrary to previous
announcement, introduced resolutions in favor of Con-
federation. There was strong opposition. Many who
did not object to the jirinciple of union disliked the
terms of the Quebec Scheme. To meet these views
the Government bnuight in a incasure providing for a
new basis to be drawn up b)' the British Government
aided b)- delegates from the various Provinces. This
was opposed b)- a strong party who took the ground
that in a matter of such great concern the voice of the
people should be heard through a general election. The
measure was carried, however, by a large majorit)'.
Canada and Xew Brunswick gave their as.sent to a
revision of the Quebec Sclieme and each Province
appointed delegates to meet with the members of the
CON FEDERATION.
319
British Government for the purpose of carr\ ini^ out this
(jbject.
448. Union Accomplished. — The scene was now
changed to the Colonial Office in London. Sixteen
delegates, representing Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova
Scotia, met here for the perfecting of a scheme of Con-
federation, l^ut the Opposition in Nova Scotia, though
defeated in the Legislature, was not disposed to yield.
Joseph Howe, who at this time was not a member of
the Legislature, had hitherto been a silent though inter-
ested on-looker. He now joined the ranks of the
Anti-confederates, giving them cou age and strength.
He and two others were sent to Lond(jn as the " People's
Delegates" to thwart the union scheme. Hut Mr. Howe
worked at great disadwintage in the contest. He was
waging war against himself; for no one had in former
days advocated union more forcibl)- than Joseph Howe,
His former utterances were now effectivel}- turned against
his present attitude. Ihe strongest argument he could
u.se, and one never fully answered, was the fact that the
|)eople of Nova Scotia had not been consulted on the
question. The " People's Delegates," however, could not
sta)- the movement. The terms of Confederation were
finally agreed on, and in February, icS67, the Constitution
of the Dominion of Canada, as thus prepared, was rati-
fied by the Jiritish Parliament in what is known as the
British North American Act. The British Government
at the same time became pledged to guarantee for
Canada a loan of $15,000,000 for the construction of the
Intercolonial Railway. Finally, by Royal Proclamation,
on July I, 1867, the four Provinces were declared united
intoone state under the name of the Dominion of Canada.
:;:?o
TIIK DO.MIXION OK CANADA.
449 TJie Canadian Constitution. — The British North
America Act forms the Constitution or basis on which
the various Provinces of British North America are
united under a common Government. The powers of
the Dominion Parhament and of the Provincial Legisla-
tures are defined and limited by this Act and can be
changed only by the British l^arliament. Cases of
doubt or dispute as to the powers of Parliament or
Legislature are determined by the courts, as interpreters
of the Constitution. The highest court of appeal is the
Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council in
London,'
The provisions of the Act, though in some respects
different from the Quebec Scheme, embodv the same
general principles. The legislative union between Upper
and Lower Canada was dissolved. The name of Upper
Canada was changed to Ontario, that of Lower Canada
to Quebec, and the whole territory of the united Prov-
inces was designated the Dominion of Canada. Pro-
vision was made for the admission of the other Prov-
inces and the North West at any time when such action
should be desired. The Union is of a federal character,
that is each Province is given its own separate Govern-
ment and Legislature for the management of its local
affairs, while for the whole Domini«)n there is provided
a central Government having control over matters of
common interest to all the Provinces. In this regard
the Constitution is like that of the United States. It
differs, however, from the Constitution of the American
Republic in securing greater strength to the Central
Government. In the Canadian Constitution any power
not expressly given to the Province belongs to the
BBPSrrB
CONFKDERATION.
;?2i
M
Dominion, whereas the converse of this is true in the
United States. The Ministry both in the Dominion
and in the Provinces is responsible to the elective
branch of the Lei^islature and is dependent for exist-
ence on its vote. The Ministers must also hold seats in
the Legislature, so that failing to secure their election
by the people they must retire from the Cabinet I n
this regard our Government is modelled after th at of
(jreat Britain.
In general, the Dominion Parliament and Government
have control over such matters of common interest as
tariff, currency, coinage, banking, mails, criminal law,
defence, navigation, fisheries, and the higher courts of
law. The powers of the Provincial Governments relate
to such matters as education, crown lands, 'minerals, and
municipal affairs. The Acts of the Provincial Legisla-
tures are subject to review by the Dominion Government,
though it is not permissible for the Central Government
to interfere in matters which are of purely local concern.
The Governor-General, who represents the Sovereign
and is appointed by the Crown, is the highest officer in
the Dominion Government. He receives a salary of
$50,000 from the Dominion Treasury. He is the
commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of
the Dominion, including the militia. He also has power
to commute the sentence of a court of justice. The
Governor-General-in-Council appoints the members of
the Senate, the Lieutenant-Governors of the various
Provinces, the Judges of courts of law, Postmasters,
Custom House officers, and various other officers.
The Dominion Parliament comprises two Houses or
Chambers, called the Senate and the House of Commons.
No measure can become law until it has been adopted
;1i
T 22
TIIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
by both Houses and has received the assent of the
Governor-General. While the Governor-General has
the nominal ri<^ht to veto a bill which has passed both
Houses of Parliament, he has never exercised the power.
The Senators are appointed for life by the Governor-
General-in-Council. A Senator must be over thirty
years of age, possess j)roj)ert)' worth $4,000, and reside
in his own Province. Oritrin^'Uv there were in all
seventy-two Senators. The number has since been
increased to eighty-one.
The members of the House of Commons are elected
by the people for the term of five }-ears. The number
of members for each Province is re-adjusted after each
decennial census, — the tumiber for Quebec remaining at
sixty-five, and those for the other Provinces bearing the
same proportion to their population as sixty-five to the
population of Quebec.
The Revenue of the Dominion is derived mainly from
duties on imports, and excise duties. The Provinces
receive from the Dominion Government a sum equal to
eighty cents per head on their population and also a
fixed sum for legislative expenses. The Provincial
revenues are supplemented by royalties on minerals,
from the sale of crown lands, and from other sources.
450. Tlie Viiitcd States aJid Great /h-itaui. — The
civil war in the Uiu'ted States, already referred to, taxed
to the utmost the resources and energies of the Northern
States ; but ultimateh', in i(S65, the armies of the South
were vanquished, and the Confederacy was crushed.
During the war several events occurred which embittered
the people and Government of the United States against
(ireat liritain and Canada. The first cause of offence
Pi
C'OM-KDKRATIOX.
3^3
was the recognition of the Confederate States as
beUigerents. The second was the determined attitude of
(jreat Britain in demanding the giving up of Mason and
Slidell, Southern envoys, captured on board a British
steamer by a United States man-of-war. This feeUng
of resentment was increased by the sympathy with the
Southern Confederacy, shown by certain British and
Canadian newspapers. The impression was created
that our people would be pleased to see the Union
broken up.
Another thing which made the United States angr\'
with Great Britain was the damage done to their com-
merce by privateers built in Etigland for the Confeder-
ate Government. \W far the most noted of these pri\a-
teers was the Alabama, built at Birkenhead on the
Merse}'. While this craft was on the stocks, the United
States Minister in England, learning the purpose for
which she was intended, asked the l^ritish Government
to stop her from going to sea. The agents of the Con-
federate States, learning that action was about to be
taken in response to this appeal, sent the Alabaina off
hastil)* on her career of destruction. She made sad
havoc of the commerce of the Xorthern States, and her
name soon became a terror to their merchantmen.
There was )-et one other cause of affront to our
American neighbors. Southern men who came to
Canada during the war were received with much parade
of welcome, and some of them abused the hospitalit)'
shown them b)- making raids across the border and
retreating to Canada for protection. A band of them,
setting out from our shores, captured and plundered two
American vessels on the Great Lakes. Again, some of
324
TFIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
them, crossing over into Vermont, robbed a bank in the
town of St. Alban's, killing a man in the affray, and
then escaped to Canada with booty amounting to $223,
000. The United States Government asked for their
extradition. The robbers were arrested by Canadian
authorities, and a part of the stolen money, amounting
to $90,000, was taken from them. The Judge before
whom they were brought, finding some technical point
in their favor, ordered them to be set at liberty. At the
same time their plunder was given back to them. This
mone}- the Canadian Government had afterwards to
refund to the parties from whom it was taken.
At the same time there were some strong reasons which
should have convinced our neighbors that Great Britain
was disposed to act a friendly part towards them.
Cotton manufacture is one of Great Britain's leading
industries. She was accustomed to obtain her raw cotton
from the Southern States, which were then the great
cotton producers of the world. But in order to cripple
the rebellious States, the American Government placed
them under blockade, so that vessels found trading with
them were liable to seizure. At this time France wanted
Great Britain to unite with her in recognizing the
Southern C'onfederac)'. Such recognition would have
given the Southern States great advantage and might
have turned the scale in their favor. But Great Britain
refused to take this course. The people and Govern-
ment of the United States, however, were very ill-
humored towards Great Britain and they treasured up
their resentment for a day of reckoning.
In the spring of 1865, General Grant, at the head of
the Ignited States forces, took possession of Richmond
f^'^
C"ONFi:np:RATION.
325
the capital of the Confederate States, and compelled
General Lee to surrender with all his army. The
resources of the South had now become completely-
exhausted. Yet one sad event marked the close of the
war and threw its shadow over the victorious North.
On the 14th. of April, five days after the surrender
of Richmond, Abraham Lincoln, the President of the
United States, while sitting in his box in a Washington
theatre, was shot dead by a Southern sympathizer.
451. Termination of the The ten years for which
Reciprocity Treaty, 1866. the Reciprocit)- Treat\-
had been entered into now expired, and the the United
States Government gave notice for its discontinuance.
Under the treaty international trade had greatl)-
increased, reaching the annual value of seventy millions
of dollars. Its termination was, for a few years, severely
felt in Canada. The markets of the United States were
practically closed to certain of our products. In the
end, however, this did us little harm. Our people
learned a lesson of .self-reliance, Trade soon found
other channels, and Canada set about manufacturing
inany kinds of goods which she had previously imported
from abroad.
1'^
452. The Fenian Invasion. — The United States at this
time gave shelter and countenance to a bitter enemy
of Canada. This enemy was an organization known as
the Fenian Brotherhood, composed chiefly of Irishmen.
The professed aim of the Fenians was the overthrow of
British rule in Ireland. It is difficult to discover any
connection between thi? object and marauding expedi-
tions against the Provinces.
It gratified the members
326
TIIK DOMINION' OK CANADA.
of the ortjanization, however, to show their hatred for
anything that was British, and it suited their leaders to
keep up a show of action in order to draw larger con-
tributions from their deluded supporters. Several bands
of armed men were thus collected at different points
along the American frontier, prepared for any raids
which promised boot}' with little risk. The United
States Government could easil}' have checked the
movement, but it seemed not to know what was
going on.
In the spring of 1866 the Fenians seized the Island
of Campobello, in the Bay of Fundy, intending to make
it their headquarters for an attack on New Brunswick.
But finding troops and \olunteers read)' to meet them
they soon dispersed.
In June about fourteen hundred Fenians under "Gen-
eral" O'Xeil crossed the Niagara River and took pos-
session of Fort Erie. From this place they marched in the
direction of the VVelland Canal. Several regiments of
Canadian volunteers hastened from Toronto and
Hamilton to repel the invaders. An engagemeni took
place near Ridgeway, in which seven volunteers were
killed and several were wounded. The Fenians, meet-
ing a different reception from what they had expected,
soon retreated to F"ort Erie, from which under cover of
night they returned to the United States, leaving several
of their comrades behind as prisoners.
Bands of Fenians gathered at various points on the
American side of the St. Lawrence, but they were
deterred from crossing the river by the presence of
Canadian troops on the opposite side. About two
thousand, however, came over from St Alban's in Ver-
CoXrKDKRATION.
zv
mont and began t(j plunder the countr)'. They were
promptly met by Canadian forces and comjielled to
make a hasty retreat. Finally, throui^h the remon-
strances (^f the l^ritish Minister at Washint^ton, the
United States Government was induced to interfere and
put an end to these marauding expeditions.
The Fenians probably expected some aid from the
Irish people in Canada. If so, the)' were sadly dis-
a})pointed. None of our people were more loyal or
more read}- to repel the invaders. Archbishop Connolly
of Halifax and Thomas D'Arc}' Magee voiced the feel-
ing of their countrymen by denouncing in the strong-
est terms these foolish and wicked attempts to disturb
the peace of our countr}'.
f^'
L
-S^^^^BS-
CHAPTER XXXI.
THK DOMINION OROANIZED AND KXTENDED.
453, The Neio Ministry. — July i, 1867, was the natal
clay of the new Dominion. Lord Monck, haxing been
sworn in as Governor-General, called upon the Honor-
able John A. MacDonald to form a Ministry. The
Governor-General also, by command of the Queen, con-
ferred upon the Premier the honor of Knighthood. In
choosing his colleagues, Sir John had special regard to
a fair representation of all the Provinces of the
Dominion. He also sought to ignore party distinctions,
choosing the Ministry from both Liberals and Conserva-
tives. He and his followers claimed that old issues were
buried, and that^^as both the old parties had united on
Confederation, there was now really but one party.
Assuming their right of succession and heirship to these
parties, they took to themselves the name Liberal-Con-
servative.
454. The Opposition. — There were many who refused
to accept this doctrine of one party. It was no surprise
to his friends that George Brown declined to march
under the Liberal-Conservative banner, or to recognize
Sir John A. MacDonald as his leader. He had united
with his old-time opponent for the purpose of securing
Confederation, but he had retired from the Coalition
Government before the union was effected.
m
IK^MIMON ORC.ANIZKI) AND KXTKNDKI).
329
A stalwart opponent of compromise was Alexander
MacKenzie. Although the name of this remarkable
man is now mentioned for the first time in our story, he
had for several years held hi^jh rank in the Liberal party.
Mr. MacKenzie was a Scotchman of humble birth.
His educational advantages were meagre, his school days
being confined to the winter months of his boyhood.
In summer, for a pittance, he herded cows and sheep for
the neighboring farmers. At thirteen years of age he
finally left school. Like his distinguished fellow-
countryman Hugh Miller, he started out in life as a
stone-cutter. In 1842, when about twenty years of age,
he came to Canada, making his home first at Kingston
and later at Sarnia. In 1861 he was first elected to
Parliament as member for Lambton, which County he
represented till near the close of his life, over thirty
years later.
Another strong man who, though trained for the law
at the feet of Sir John, yet refused to accept his politics,
was Oliver Mowat.
455. T/ic First Parliament. — In the summer of 1867
the elections both for the Dominion Parliament and for
the Provincial Legislatures came off in the various Prov-
inces. Sir John's Ministry was well sustained by
majorities from all the Provinces except Nova Scotia,
from which he could claim but a single supporter. Dr.
Tupper.
The Dominion Parliament met for the first time in
November of the same year. At Christmas it took a
long vacation, not meeting again until March 20, 1868.
The two principal matters under consideration at this
session were the Intercolonial Railway and the acquisi-
JJ)^
Tlir. DOMINION OK CANADA.
tion of the North West Territory and Rupert's Land.
Several members of this I'arh'ament held seats also in
one or other of the Provincial Legislatures ; but a law
has since been enacted which prevents a man from hold-
infT a seat at the same time in a local let^islature and in
the Parliament of the Dominion.
456. lyAn'v M(7j^ce. — Among the notable events of
the session was the tragic death of Thomas D'Arcy
Magee. In his younger days Magee was a rebel against
Hritish rule in Ireland. Discovered as a partner in some
conspiracy, he, in order to escape the vengeance of the
law, fled from Ireland, disguised as a priest. He lived
some time in the United States and then removed to
Canada. He had now outgrown his dislo\-alty and had
become a patriotic British subject. By his denunciation
of the invasion of Canada by the Fenians he incurred
the bitter hatred of the "brotherhood" and made himself
the object of their revenge. On the evening of April
6th., during a discussion on Nova Scotia affairs in the
Commons, he made a powerful appeal for conciliatory
measures towards this Province. This was the last
speech of the brilliant orator. The House sat till two
o'clock in the morning. On its adjournment Magee
went to his lodgings. As he was inserting his latch-key
in the door, he was shot by a T'enian miscreant, who
had been lying in wait, and he fell dead across the
threshold.
457. A^i^iidtion for Repeal in Nova Scotia, — Nova
Scotia was the wayward child in the Dominion family.
She would break loose from these bonds which were
thrown anuuid her w ithout her consent. The new Gov-
mamm
DOMINION oR(;ANIZEI) AND ?:XTENDED.
331
! *
crnment of the Province, led by Honorable William
Annand, set itself in good earnest to take Nova Scotia
out of the Union. In this movement it had ample
support from the people, for, with two exceptions, the
whole Assembl}' was at its back. The Legislature
petitioned the Queen, asking that the Province be .set
free from Confederation. The leader of the Government
and the Honorable Joseph How'e proceeded to Eng-
land to add the weight of their presence to the memorial
of the Assembl)'. l^ut their efforts were unavailing.
Mr. Howe soon saw the hopelessness of the cause and
gave up the struggle ; or as he phrased it, he "onl)'
labored to make the best of a bad bargain." Acting on
the advice of the Colonial Secretary, Sir John A. Mac-
Donald sought to pacify the angry Province. In this
endeavor he chose to treat with Mr. Howe. On the
offer of better financial terms for his Province, Mr. Howe
abandoned the agitators for repeal, and accepted office
in the Dominion Cabinet. Many of the party followed
the example of their chief, while others, indignant over
his desertion of them and their cause, pursued him with
unmeasured censure. Mr. Howe appealed to his con-
stituents in Nova Scotia for approval of his course and
was triumphantly elected. The Government of Nova
Scotia accepted the added subsidy, the price of Howe's
conciliation, but with no less fervor sounded for itself
the notes of war. It should be added that since the
arrangement for "better terms" the Province has always
returned to the Dominion Parliament a large majorit)- of
members opposed to the repeal of the Union.
458. Acquisition of the North West. — The thought of
the Fathers of Confederation was a broad one, including
■ \
332
TMK DOMINION OV CANADA.
within its scope the whole of British North America.
The measure for the acquisition of the North West
Territories, adopted during the first session of the
Dominion Parliament, was an important step towards
the carrying out of this conception. The annexation of
these territories was not a new idea with Canadian states-
men. Ten years earlier, the Government of the Prov-
ince of Canada had asserted claims to the country and
had sent Chief Justice Draper to urge these claims
before a committee of the British House of Commons.
The Hudson's Bay Company, whose charter was now
about to e.xpire, was desirous of retaining its hold of a
country which had for two hundred years been to its
shareholders so rich a harvest-field. The policy of the
Company had always been to discourage the settlement
of the territory, representing it as a remote land, diffi-
cult of access, frozen and barren, suited only to the pro-
duction of fur-bearing animals. E.xplorers and travel-
lers, however, who had visited the country, told of the
wonderful fertility of its prairies. The winter, they
admitted, was severe, but they claimed that the climate
was by no means ill-adapted to agriculture. The)'
reported that during the long hot days of summer
vegetation was rapid, and that the grains and vegetables
of temperate climi "-es were matured without difficulty.
Red River Settlement gave proof of great agricultural
capabilities and needed only facility of intercourse with
the outside world to make it attractive to enterprising
colonists.
One of the most strenuous advocates for the annexa-
tion of the territory was Honorable William McDougall,
a member of the Dominion Cabinet. He urged, both
DOMINION OROANIZED AND EXTKNDED.
from Imperial and Canadian standpoints, the importance
of the measure, contending that the fur-traders'
monopoly should be broken up, and that the fertile
lands which had been so long a close preserve should be
thrown open for settlement. The Bill authorizing the
purchase of the Territory passed with little opposition.
In 1868 a delegation, consisting of Mr. McDougall and
Sir George K. Cartier, proceeded to England to arrange
for carrying the measure into effect. Terms having been
agreed on with the Hudson's Bay Company, the Imper-
ial Parliament passed an Act providing for the transfer
of the North West Territories to the Dominion Govern-
ment.
According to the terms agreed on, the Hudson's Bay
Company w-as allowed to retain its tradifig posts with
adjacent lands to the extent of fifty thousand acres in
all, and also one-twentieth of all the lands which should
be laid out for settlement in the fertile belt lying south
of the North Saskatchewan. All its other propert)',
rights, and privileges the Company ceded to the
Dominion Government for a cash payment of ;^300,ooo
sterling.
During its session of 1869, Parliament passed an Act
providing for the temporary government of the North
West Territory by a Governor and Council. Before the
payment of the money or the formal transfer of the ter-
ritory, in the Autumn of 1869, surveyors were sent into
the country by the Dominion Government to lay out
townships, lots, and roads. Many of the inhabitants of
Red River Settlement looked upon their action with
suspicion. Having no title by deed or grant to the
lands which they occupied, thej- became alarmed lest
T
334
THE DO.MINKJN OF CANADA.
they should be dispossessed. Little pains were taken
to explain to them the object of the survey, and no
assurance was (^iven them that they should not be dis-
turbed. Some of the people were dissatisfied with the
form of government provided for them ; and some
ambitious and ill-advised persons in the settlement used
their influence to encourage suspicion and disaffection.
Among these the most prominent were John Bruce,
Louis Riel, and Ambrose Lepine. Affairs began to
wear a threatening aspect.
459. Rebellion in Red River Settlement. — The Hon-
orable William McDougall, having been appointed
Lieutenant-Governor of the North West Territories, set
out for Red River Settlement. His route was by wa\-
of St. Paul in Minnesota. Meanwhile Red River
Settlement had become the scene of an organized
rebellion under the guidance of Riel and Lepine. The
insurgents took possession of Fort Garry, the Hudson's
Bay Company's head quarters, which occupied a site
within the present city of Winnipeg. They seized arms,
ammunition, and valuable stores belonging to the Com-
pany. Louis Riel was the ruling spirit, and he soon
became absolute dictator, assuming the title of
President.
Although forbidden by the rebels to enter the Terri-
tory, Governor McDougall crossed the boundary line,
and halted at a fort belonging to the Hudson's Ba}'
Company. Armed horse-men, sent by Riel, appeared
before the fort and ordered him to leave the countr}'
immediately. The Governor obeyed the order, retired
to Minnesota, and soon after returned to Ottawa.
Intoxicated with his newly gained power, Riel through
I
DOMINION ORGAN IZKI) AND KXTKNDED.
-> -> r
jo5
the winter acted with a high hand, confiscating propcrt)-,
seizing the agents of the Dominion Government,
plundering the Fludson's Bay Company's stores, banish-
ing persons whom he distrusted, and imprisoning those
who disputed his authority. Among those imprisoned
were Major Bolton and Dr. Schultz, the latter a promi-
nent citizen of the settlement, who afterwards became
Lieutenant-Government of Manitoba. Dr. Schultz
escaped from prison and, raising a small force, compelled
Riel to set the others at liberty. But afterwards, fearing
Kiel's threatened vengeance, by a long tramp through
the snow, he escaped from the country. Riel sentenced
liolton to be shot for treason against his government,
but after much entreaty urged by influential friend^, he
spared his life. A victim through whose sacrifice he
hoped to establish his authority was found in Thomas
Scott. Fearless and outspoken, Scott had given offence
to the dictator. He was tried by a so-called Court-
Martial and sentenced to be shot. Scott was not allowed
to be present or to make defence at the trial. Every
effort was made by clergj'men and others to save his
life, but Riel would listen to no entreaty. On the morn-
ing after the trial, blind-folded, Scott was led out of his
cell to the place of execution, where he fell pierced by
three bullets. His death aroused the deepest indigna-
tion throughout the Dominion, especially in Ontario
where he had formally resided. No immediate action
could be taken to quell the insurrection, as the country
was then inaccessible in the winter.
460. The Province of Manitoba Organized. — In May
1870 the Dominion Parliament passed an Act, forming
Red River Settlement into a Province under the name
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THE DOMINION OF CANADA,
of Manitoba with a representative Assembly and a
responsible government. The Legislature, provided by
i. J Act, comprised a House of Assembly and a Legis-
lative Council, but after a few j'ears the Council was
abolished.
The area of the Province, as then formed, was about
fourteen thousand square miles. The population was
about twelve thousand, the majority of which were
Metis or half-breeds. The remaining portion of the
North West Territory was placed, for the time, under
the authority of the Governor of Manitoba. The whole
territory acquired from the Hudson's Bay Company was
formally annexed to the Dominion by Royal Proclama-
tion on June 23, 1870. As yet, however, Riel's power
was supreme in Red River Settlement.
461. 77ic Rebellion Ended. — The Honorable Adams
(j. Archibald was now appointed Lieutenant Governor
of Manitoba and the North West. To restore order an
armed force of about twelve hundred men, regular troops
and Canadian Volunteers, was sent in advance of the
(jovernor and his party. The officer in command was
(jeneral Sir Garnet Wolseley, who afterwards gained
military renown in Asiatic and African wars. The
expedition proceeded by way of the Great Lakes to
Fort William on Thunder Hay. The United States
Government refused to allow the troops to pass through
the St. Clair Canal, and they were accordingly compelled
to march around the rapids on the Canadian side. From
Fort William they proceeded through a rugged wilder-
ness, a distance of nearly five hundred miles. Along
the water stretches of lake and stream they went in
boats. When they came to a portage, with immense
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DOMINION ORGANIZED AND EXTENDED.
337
labor they dragged their boats across the land. Over
three months were spent in the toilsome march.
On the arrival of the forces at Fort Garry, Riel and
Lepine fled hurriedly, taking refuge among their friends
near the Assiniboine. General VVolseley had gained a
bloodless victory. The rebellion was at an end, and as
there was nothing for him to do, he soon set out on the
return journey. Many of the volunteers received lands
and remained in the country.
On September 6th. Governor Archibald organized
his Government at Winnipeg, the Fort Garry of the
Hudson's Bay Company. Thus the new Province of
Manitoba, Minerva-like, with full-grown powers at birth,
took her place beside her elder sisters
462. Rt'e/ and Governor Archibald. — While these
events were taking place the Fenians had again been
causing trouble along the United States border. They
crossed the lines at different points, but they were
promptly driven back. During the summer of 1871 a
band of these ruffians, led by one O'Donoghue, crossing
over from Minnesota, appeared on the borders of
Manitoba. Governor Archibald was in difficulty. He
had small means of defence. He invited Riel and
Lepine to bring their Metis to aid him in repelling the
invaders. With the utmost readiness they responded to
the call, and the Fenians, seeing little prospect of success,
retreated to the United States. Governor Archibald's
action in accepting aid from these fugitives from justice
was much criticised. It must, however, be supposed
that he adopted it, not with any feeling of .satisfaction,
but that he chose it rather than the serious alternative of
facing a combined attack of Fenians and Metis.
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463 British Columbia Enters the Union. — While
Nova Scotia was seeking to break loose from Confeder-
ation, her sister Province on the shores of the Pacific
was knocking for admission. The people of this Province
were stronsrlv in favor of Confederation. Thev had at
this time no representative Assembly, but in 1867 the
Council adopted union resolutions, asking Governor
Seymour to confer with the Dominion Government on
the matter. The Governor, not being favorable to the
movement, took no action. His opposition served but
to arouse the people to more decided effort. A vigorous
agitation began not only for Confederation, but for a
representative Assembly and a responsible Ministry.
The people memorialized the Dominion Government
and also sent a delegate to England to bring their wishes
before the Colonial Secretary.
On the death of Governor Seymour in 1869, the
Honorable Anthony Musgrave, the Governor of
Newfoundland, was transferred to British Columbia,
(jrovernor Musgrave was an enthusiastic supporter of
Confederation. The matter was now urged forward.
Union resolutions were passed by the Council and dele-
gates were sent to Ottawa, where they found the utmost
facility for carrying out their mission. Satisfactory
terms of union were readily agreed on.
A leading condition in the compact was the construc-
tion by the Dominion Government of a trans-continen-
tal railway to connect the sea-board of British Columbia
with the railway .sx'stem of Canada. It was agreed
that this railway should be begun within two years and
be completed within ten years from the date of union.
The terms of union were adopted by a special Council
DOMINION ORC.ANIZEI) AND EXTENDED.
339
convened by Governor Musi^rave, and were afterwards
confirmed by Imperial lej^islation. Thus, in 1871,
British Columbia became a Province of the Dominion
with a local representative Assembly and a responsible
Government, similar to that of the other Provinces.
Meanwhile there had been a change in the representa-
tive of Royalty in the Dominion. In the Autumn of
1868 Lord Monck was succeeded by Sir John Youn^^,
afterwards raised to the Peerage with the title of Lord
Lisgar.
464. T/ie Washington Ti-catv- — Several matters
affecting the relations of Great Britain and Canada with
the United States required to be adjusted. The chief of
these were the Alabama Claims, that is the claims of
the United States against Great Britain for damage to
the commerce of the Northern States by Confederate
cruisers fitted out in Great Britain, the claims of Canada
against the United States for damage caused by Fenian
raids, the boundary between Vancouver Island and the
State of Washington, the use of Canadian erst waters
by United States fishermen, and the navigation of the
St. Lawrence River and Canadian canals by the citizens
of the United States. For the purpose of settling these
questions, a Joint High Commission composed of five
commissioners of each nation met in the city of Wash-
ington in 1871. Sir John A. MacDonald was one of the
five appointed to represent Great Britain.
The Alabama Claims were referred to arbitration.
The arbitrators, who met at Geneva in Switzerland in
the following year, awarded to the United States
$I5,5CX),C)00 damages, which amount was promptly paid
by Great Britain.
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The question of compensation to Canada for damages
caused by Fenian raids was not brought before the
Commission. The British Government had, through
some oversight, neglected to give proper notice that
claims would be made. The United States Commis-
sioners, accordingly, refused to consider the matter.
The British Government, however, made amends for its
neglect by giving a guarantee which enabled our
Government to borrow money on favorable terms for
the construction of public works.
The Boundary Question was referred to the Emperor
of Germany, who decided that the line should pass
through Haro Strait. This decision gave the Island of
San Juan to the United States.
In the matter of coast hsheries it was agreed that
there should be an exchange of privilege between the
United States and Canada, the fishermen on each side
of the line to have free use of the Coast waters on the
other side. But as the fisheries of British America
were the more valuable, it was agreed that the United
States should pay to Canada such sum of money as
represented the difference in value. This amount was
to be fixed by a special Commission to be appointed for
the purpose.
It was further agreed that citizens of the United
States should be permitted to use the Canadian canals
and the River St. Lawrence on the same terms as were
allowed to British subjects, and that Canadians should
have similar privileges in Lake Michigan and St. Clair
Canal.
465. New Brunswick Schools. — The Education Act
of New Brunswick, passed in 187 1, is one of the most
DOMINION OK(lANIZKI> AND EXTENDED.
341
important measures adopted in that Province since
Confederation. For this Act, which has be^n so effect-
ive in extending school privileges to every child in the
Province, improving the quality of the instruction given,
and awakening public interest in educational matters,
the Province is largely indebted to the Honorable
George K. King, at that time Premier in the Govern-
ment. Scarcely less credit is due to Theodore H. Rand,
D. C. L., to whom, as Chief Superintendent of Educa-
tion, fell the task of carrying the new law into effect.
Dr. Rand brought to the work much executive ability
and a ripe experience acquired through the discharge of
similar duties in Nova Scotia. He was thus instrumental
in establishing such influences as have", through the
help of other workers in the same field, brought the
common schools of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
into the front rank.
The New Brunswick School Law became a matter of
general interest to the Dominion. The Act required
that all schools deriving support from the public funds
should be free from religious instruction of a sectarian
character. The Roman Catholics of the Province
protested against this provision and claimed a share of
the public money for the support of separate schools in
which the peculiar doctrines of their religion might be
taught. This claim they based on a clause in the British
North America Act, which provides that local legislatures
shall not deprive any religious body of school privileges
established by law at the time of union. They petitioned
the Governor-General, asking him to disallow the Act.
Failing here, they brought their grievance before the
Dominion Parliament. Still without redress, they
342
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
appealed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
in England, but this court also declined to interfere.
The different authorities to whom the question was
submitted regarded it as a matter assigned by the
Constitution to the local Legislature and Government,
and that any interference on the part of the Central
Government would be destructive to Provincial rights,
and would endanger the peace and stability of the
Dominion.
466. Prince Edward Island Prince Edward
Enters the Union, 1 8y 3. Island, which, in
1867, had so decidedly turned her back on Confederation,
now asked for admission to the Union. The request
was readily granted, and on July i, Dominion Day, 1873,
her name was added to the roll of Dominion Provinces.
Prince Edward Island obtained liberal terms. It was
allowed a representation of four members in the Senate
and six in the House of Commons. The Dominion
Government aided the Island in ridding itself of the
system of tenantry and non-resident land-lords which
had so long vexed both government and people. Three
years after the Union the local Legislature passed an
Act requiring the proprietors to sell their lands at a
valuation price fixed by three appraisers. One of the ap-
praisers was appointed by the Governor-General, one by
the Lieutenant-Governor, and one by the proprietor.
467. Death of Cartier and Howe. — In the summer of
1873, two distinguished Canadian statesmen. Sir George
E. Cartier and Hon. Joseph Howe, were removed by
death. The former died in London. His remains were
brought to Montreal and buried with imposing ceremonies
at the expense of the Dominion Government. Mr.
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IKJMINION OKGAMZKI) AND KXTKNDKI).
343
^ •
Houc died at Government House, Halifax. As a
reward for a self-sacrificing life in the service of his
countr)', he had, a few weeks previously, been appointed
I j'cutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia. His evening-time
of rest and dignity was short.
468. Ontario. — The Province of Ontario claims some
notice at this stage of our story. At once, after the
Union, this Province entered upon that career of prosr
jjeri which, continuing down to the present time, has
given it an enviable position among the countries of the
world. Inhabited by an industrious and enterprising
people and possessing varied and boundless resources, it
has been a land of peace and plenty. At first there was
little party politics to create division in the management
of local affairs. The Government claimed to be a coali-
tion. Its leader, John Sandfield MacDonald, once a
prominent Liberal, had now become tolerant of the men
whom he formerly opposed. His adminstration of the
affairs of the Province was successful. The public
revenue was more than enough to meet the necessities
of the country, and the generous surplus was applied to
the development of the Province and to the founding
of such important institutions as the Agricultural College,
Institutes for the Blind and the Deaf and Dumb, and to
the subsidizing of railways. The leading Liberals,
however, were not satisfied with his policy. Some
matters relating to the use of the public funds which
they thought should have been submitted to the Legis-
lature were determined by the Government after the old
Tory fashion. They thought, too, that he was using his
influence to keep Sir John A. MacDonald and his
Government at Ottawa in power.
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344
THE DOMINION OV CANADA.
The general election which took place in the winter
of 1 87 1 was keenly contested, and the John Sandfield
MacDonald Government was defeated. In the new
Cabinet, formed shortly after, Edward Blake was Premier
and Alexander MacKenzie was Provincial Treasurer.
Under the dual system of representation at the time
allowable, both of these gentlemen were also members
of the Dominion House of Commons. In 1872 this
system was discontinued, and called upon to make
choice they resigned their position in the Ministry and
Legislature of Ontario. At the same time the Honor-
able Oliver Mowat (now Sir Oliver), who had withdrawn
from political life for a seat on the bench, was persuaded
to resign the judgeship and accept the position of
Premier of the Province, a position which he has con-
tinued to hold for nearly a quarter of a century.
In 1876 it was thought advisable to place the educa-
tional interests of the Province under the direct super-
vision of a member of the Cabinet. Dr. Ryerson, who
had been Superintendent of Education since 1844,
retired on full salary, and the Honorable Adam Croc's
became Minister of Education.
I 1
CHAPTER XXXII.
TIIK MAC'Ki:\ZIi: ADMIMSTRAIION.
46Q. Tlic Pacific Railicay Scandal. — In the sumrnL'r
of 1872 the Karl of Dufferin succeeded Lord Lisgar as
Governor-General. Distinguished alike for his eloquence,
grace of manner, and diplomatic skill, he was one of the
most popular governors that e\"er represented ro)'alty
in Canada.
The five years' term of the first Dominion Parliament
having expired, a general election took' place in the
autumn of ICS72. The new Parliament met in the follow-
ing March. While the Ministr)- was well sustained, its
majority was smaller than in the former House. As
authorized by Parliament the (lovernment had rccentl\-
entered into a contract with a Comj^any for the construc-
tion of tnc railway promised to l^ritish Columbia. The
President of the Com|)any was Sir Hugh Allen, a man
of wealth and influence and fhe owner of a fleet of
ocean steamers.
For a few days the business of the House went on
(juietly, but early in April Mr. Huntington, member for
Shefford, made the startling charge that the Govern-
ment hau given the contract to this Com])any in con-
sideration of large sums of money received from Sir
Hugh to aid in carr)'ing the elections. A committee of
five of its members was appointed b}' the House to
investigate the charge, and pending the action of this
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THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
committee the House adjourned. On the re-assembh'nt^
of Parhament on August 13th. to receive the report, it
was found that, owing to lack of power to place wit-
nesses under oath, the committee had made no investi-
gation.
As it had been understood that the meeting
would be purely formal for the reception of the com-
mittee's report, and that the House would be immedi-
ately prorogued, inany of the members from remote
jjarts of the Dominion were not present. Of those in
attendance, however, the members of the Opposition
far out numbered the Ministerialists, This boded ill to
the Government. The members of the Opposition
petitioned the Governor-General that Parliament should
not be prorogued, but should be allowed to in\estigatc
the charges made bv Mr. Hunt.ngton. His Kxcellcncv
declined to adopt this course, giving reasons why he
could not comply with their wishes. Still the Opposi-
tion sought to keep the H(nise in session and force an
investigation. When the .Speaker took the ("hair, Mr.
MacKenzie rose and submitted a resolution to this effect.
He was interrupted, however, b\' the Usher of the IMack
Rod, who appeared at the door of the House and suin-
moned the members to the Senate Chamber, there to be
prorogued by the Go\ernor-Genera!, The Ministerial-
ists followed the Speaker to the Senate Chamber, but
the members of the Opposition refused to obey the suiTi-
inons.
On the following da\- the Governor-General appointed
a Royal Commission consisting of three Judges to
investigate the charges. On October 23d. Parliament
was convened to receive the report of the Commission.
The report simply reci*^ a the facts elicited, giving no
THE MACKENZIl-:, ADMINISTRATION.
347
I
judicial opinion as to their bearing on the charges pre-
ferred. Mr. MacKenzie, the leader of the Opposition,
moved a resolution involving censure of the Govern-
inent. For several da)s, amid much excitement, the
question was discussed. Sir John A. MacDonald made
a long and able defence of himself and his colleagues.
But while the larger number of the Conservative mem-
bers remained loyal to their chief, it became evident
that many of them would support Mr. MacKenzie's
resolution. To avoid an adverse vote. Sir John placed
the resignation of the Ministr\' in the hands of the
Governor-General.
470. A A^ezi' Goveriinioit. — .A new Government was
at once formed under Mr. MacKenzie as Premier.
Among the more prominent members of the Cabinet
were lulward Blake and A. A. Dorion. Within a few
weeks the Mouse was dissolved for the purpose of test-
ing the country on the question which had led to the
change of Government.
Parliament met again in the following March (1874;.
The Ministry was sustained b)- a large majority ; indeed
its supporters comprised nearh" three-fcjurths of the
House of Commons. Among those who presented
themselves to take the oath required of members was
the outlawed Louis Riel, who had been elected b\' the
constituency of Provencher in Manitoba. He was made
to understand that his past offences were not fully con-
doned, and by a formal xote was expelled from the
House. Poinding that he was liable to arrest for the
murder of Scott, he hastily left Ottawa.
Mr. ?4acKenzie was a man of sterling integrity. He
adopteu no measure simply to secure poj)ularit\- and he
343
THK DOMIN'IOX OV CANADA.
promised nothing which he did not mean to jjcrform.
He was, however, not skilled in the jjolitical tactics
required in a successful party leader, and while it may
be said of him that he commanded the rqspect of his
opponents, he failed to secure the enthusiastic loyalty of
his followers. One of the stronirest features of his
admiin'stration was his decided stand for Canada's riijht
to the free and full management of her own affairs. He
was a firm believer in the supreme authority of the
Ministr}-, so long as it had behind it the majority of the
peojjle's representatives.
At this period the Goxernor General's instructions
from the l^ritish (lovenmient authorized him to reject
the advice of his Ministers whenever he saw sufficient
cause for so doing. This doctrine was not in accord
with Mr. MacKenzie'.s sentiments, and so effectively did
he urge his views on the attention of the British Gov-
ernment, that the objectionable clause was struck out of
the Governor's Commission.
An attempt made in i S74 to secure a new reciprocity
treat)' between Canada and the United States afforded
an opportunity for urging our right to a voice in the
transaction of international business in which we are
de"'>ly concerned. Here too Mr. MacKenzie was suc-
cessful. The Hon. George Broun Wiis aj^pointed as the
colleague of Sir lulwarrl Thornton, the British Minister
at Washiniiton, to act with the agents of the United
States Government in framing a treatv. The draft
treaty thus prepared, being rejected by the United States
Senate, never came into force.
471. 77/(' l^acific Railway. — The most difficult matter
with which the Government had to deal, and probably
THK MACKKNVIK ADMINISTRATION.
349
the one in which it was least successful, was the Pacific
Railway. Sir Hugh Allan's Company had given up its
contract. Four }'ears had passed since British Columbia
entered the Union, and little had been clone towards the
construction of the promised road which was to be com-
pleted within ten years. A murmur (jf dissatisfaction
was rising from the Pacific Province, and its Government
was pr(;testing against the \"iolati(jn of the terms of
union. It seemed impossible to carry out the contract,
and the Dominion Go\crnment sent an agent to British
Columbia for the purpose of making some new arrange-
ment. The mission was a failure. The Premier of the
Province proceeded to Kngland with complaints to the
British Government. A compromise proposed by the
Colonial Secretary was adopted by the Canadian House
of Commons, but it was rejected by the Senate.
Meanwhile dissatisfaction increased in British Coluinbia,
and secession from the Union began to be agitated. At
this juncture the Government luckily decided to avail
itself of the good offices of the (io\ernor-General to
allay the rising storm. In the summer of 1876 the ICarl
of D'jiTerin \isited British Cokunbia, proceeding byway
<»f San I'^rancisct). B\' his genial manner and persuasive
words he won the confidence of jjeople and (jovcrnment,
and he placed before them such facts as gave them
assurance that his Ministrx' would deal in go(Kl faith
with the Province.
New measures were now carried through Parliament
for the construction of the Pacific Raihva}'. It was re-
solved at first to open u\) a mi.xed rail and water route
for use in summer between l^astern Canada and the
\orth West. The Great Lakes and the numerous water
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350
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
stretches of lake and river west of Lake Superior were
thus to form portions of the highway. Sections of
railway were to connect these waters, and a branch road
was to be constructed from Winnipeg to I'embina to
connect with the railwaj's of the United States. It was
resolved not to give the railway to a company, but to
build and own it as a government work. No time was
set for its completion.
472. Important Measures. — Among other im[)ortant
measures of the five years' rule of the MacKenzie
Government were a new Election Law, the Establish-
ment of a Court of Appeal at Ottawa, the Canada Tem-
perance Act, the settlement of the I-'isher)' Claims
against the United States, and the organization of the
North West Territories under a distinct government.
The Election Law of 1874 provided that, with the
exception of some remote districts, the election of mem-
bers of Parliament should be held on the same da)-
throughout the Dominion. It also introduced the sys-
tem of voting by ballot. Some regarded the old
method of open voting the more manly and worthy of
a free people ; but the ballot was adopted as a means
of preventing bribery and a protection against undue
influence over the electors.
The Canada Temperance Act, usually known as the
" Scott Act," took its name from its chief promoter,
Senator Scott. The law gives any municipality the
power by vote of its inhabitants to prohibit the sale of
intoxicating liquor within its limits.
It will be remembered that the Washington Treaty of
1 87 1, in arranging for an exchange of fishing privileges,
provided that as the Canadian fisheries were the more
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THE MACKENZIK ADMINISTRATION.
351
't
valuable, the United States should pay to Canada such
sum of mone\' as would represent the difference. Half
of the term had passed, during which United States
fishermen had free access to Canadian waters, and the
amount to be paid had not been aijreed on. A Com-
mission, consistinij^ of Sir Alexander Gait, representing
Canada, Judge Kellogg, representing the United States,
and Mr. De la Fosse, the l^elgian Minister at Washing-
ton, met in Halifax to determine this amount. After
careful investigation the Commission awarded to Canada
the sum of $5,500,000 which was duly paid by the
(jovernment of the United States.
473. (lovcrnor LetcUicr Dc St. Just. — -Meanwhile the
Province of Quebec had furnished an interesting ques-
tion in state craft. The MacKenzie Government
ajjpointed the Honorable Luc Letellier St. Just Lieuten-
ant-Governor of this Province. The Governor and his
Ministry, being on opposite sides in politics, failed to
work together harmoniously. The Governor complained
that his Ministers did not treat him with due courtesy.
They published proclamations over his name without
consulting him, and they introduced into the Legisla-
ture bills which they had not submitted to him for
inspection. The strife grew to such proportions that,
although the Ministers had the support of a majority of
the Assembly, the Governor dismissed them and called
on Mr. Joly, the leader of the Opposition, t(j form a
new Government. At the same time he dissohed the
House and ordered a new election, thereb}' appealing to
the people to judge between himself and his Ministers.
This was a bold and hazardous course. If the pojjular
vote had sustained the rejected Ministr} the only thing
left for the Governor would have been resignation. A
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352
THE DOMINION (JF CANADA.
majority of one for the new Ministry saved him from
this embarrassment.
Governor Letellier's action was discussed in the House
of Commons, and Sir John A. IVIacDonald moved a
resolution of censure against him. The matter was
dealt with chiefly as a question of party politics, and
the resolution was v(jted down by the Liberal m.ajorit)-.
Subsequentl}', when Sir John \\v Premier, a Conser\a-
tive majority passed a resolu.^n of censure, and the
Governor of Quebec was removed from office.
474. T/ic National Policy. — ^The Liberal-Conserva-
tive party was almost disorganized by the " Pacific
Railway Scandal." l"or a time it seemed as if Sir John
A. MacDonald's political triumphs were numbered.
But though his following in Parliament was numericall\-
weak, it included several men of commanding ability,
who never lost their hold on the electorate of the
Dominion. Circumstances over which neither part}'
had control favored the Opposition. The }-ears which
followed Mr. MacKenzie's accession to power were not
prosperous. The trade of the Dominion was greatly
depressed, and the public revenue year after year showed
large deficits. When times are dull the peo|)'e are apt
to blame the Government. The Conservative leaders
took advantage of the situation. They proposed a
remedy for the hard times, appealing to the patriotic
.sentiment of the people by naming it the " National
Policy." The new scheme involved an increase of dut\'
on certain classes of imports for the avowed purpose of
encouraging home production. "Canada for Canadians"
was the watch-word of the party.
For two years the Opposition leaders urged their
THE MACKENZIE ADMINISTRATION.
353
policy on the House, and from the platform and through
the press they sought to impress the public in its favor.
Mr. MacKenzie and his followers, while admitting that
the proposed tariff changes might be advantageous to a
few persons, maintained that the tariff as a whole would
not benefit the countr)- at large, but that the money
which enriched the manufacturers would come from the
pockets of the people. Xevertheless at the general
election in 1878, through the " National Policy" which
promised a new era of prosperity, the Liberal-Conserva-
tive leaders again secured the reins of power.
475. Fire in St. John, N. B. — On the 20th. of June,
1877, a large part of the City of St. John, was reduced
to ashes. The fire swept over a district of about two
hundred acres in extent, burning about sixteen hundred
buildings, including private houses, churches, and other
public buildings,
476. TJic Xort '-11 ''est. — Meanwhile important
changes were taking place in the North-West. The
Indian tribes of the Territory, — Ojibways, Crees, Assini-
bQines,Blackfeet,and others, — claiming rights in the land,
were treated in a generous manner. The Dominion
(jovernment set apart extensive reserved lands for their
use, besides agreeing to give them yearly presents and
make provision for the education of their children.
The Metis or half-breeds formed an important element
among the inhabitants of the country. Every year also
large numbers were added to the population by immi-
gration New settlers came from the older Provinces,
especially from Ontario, — and also from various countries
in Europe. A change in the Government was demanded.
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TIIK KO.MFMON Ol" CAXAHA.
In ES76 the Territory was seiDaruterl into two (li\isions.
The easterly division, under the name of Keewatin. was
placed under the jurisdiction of the (if)vernor of Mani-
toba. The westerl)' and inore important dixision re-
tainini; the name North West lerritc^}', was op^ani/.ed
under a (jovernment of its (ju n. The (iovernment as
at first formed consisted of a Lieutenant-Ciovernor anfl
a Council of six members appointed b\' him. 'I'his bod\-
was endowed with both executive and legislative powers.
Provision was made for the enlargement of the Council
from time to time as the population increased, by the
addition of members chosen b\' the inhabitants of elec-
toral districts. When the number of elected members
amounted tc twent\'-one. the members ajjpointed b\- the
Lieutenant-Ciovernor were to retire, and thereafter tin-
bod}', compc^sed entirely of elected members, was to be
kn(jwn as the Legislative Assemblv. Provision was also
made for the representation of the North West Territories
in the Dominion Senate and House of Connnons. The
Honorable David Laird of Prince i\d\\ard Island wa<
the first Lieutenant-Ciovernor.
-te^|^38—
( IIAPTKR XXXIII.
rill-. DOMINION CoNnOLIDATKI.
477. ./ Xru' /ux/f/n: — In the general election which
took place in the autumn of 187S the Liberal-Conser\a-
ti\es with their " National Policy" won the da\ . In th«i
new Cabinet Sir John A. MacDonald was Premier, and
among his colleagues were several strong men, as Sir
Leonard Tilley, Sir Charles Tupj3er, Sir Hector L.
I .angevin. and others scarcely less nested.
Shortly after the new Government was formed. Lord
Dufferin, who harl been Governor-General for six years,
retired. He was succeeded b}- the Marquis of Lome.
Descended from an old an honorable line of Scottish
nobles, of the Clan Campbell, of distinguished abilit\-,
and closelv connected with the C)ueen as the husband of
the Princess Louise. Lord Lome was welcomed with
much enthusiasm by the Canadian people.
During its first session the new Parliament revised the
tariff, imposing higher duties on certain classes of
imports and adding to the list of articles imported free
of dut\-. In this wa\' it aimed to secure a larger re\enue
and at the same time, according to the principles of the
" National Policy." protect home industries.
By Act of Parliament in 1880, the Government was
authorized to appoint an agent, called Canadian High
Commissioner, to represent the Dominion in iMigland.
The first Commissioner was Sir Alexander Gait.
lilil I
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356
THE DOMIXIOX OK CANADA.
478. Bouiidary Betiveen Ontario and Manitoba. — The
question of the proper boundary hue between Ontario
and Manitoba caused some agitation in these Provinces
as well as in the Dominion Parliament. A large terri-
tory was claimed by both Provinces. Arbitrators
appointed to investigate the matter reported in favor of
Ontario. The Dominion Government declined to regard
this as a final decision, and the question was referred to
the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great
Britain. This court ratified the finding of the arbitrators,
and in 1883 the territory was annexed to Ontario.
479. The Canadian Pacific Raiiway. — The Canadian
Pacific Railway was one of the most important matters
that engaged the attention of the Government. Under
the late Administration the road had made slow progress.
The MacDonald Ministry did not favor the policy of
carrying it on as a government work. It accordingly
entered into a contract with a strong company, of which
(Sir) George Stephen and (Sir) Donald Smith were
leading members, authorizing the company to construct
and own the road. The Government agreed to give the
company the portions of the railway already constructed,
together with a subsidy of $25,000,000 and twenty-five
million acres of land along the line of railway. The
road was to be completed within ten years, dating from
1 88 1 . With such marvellous energy was the work carried
forward that the whole line of railway, from its point of
connection with the railway sj'stem of Ontario to the
Pacific Ocean, was completed and open for traffic in the
summer of 1886, — that is in about half of the time
specified in the contract.
The Canadian Pacific Railway is one of the greatest
J
TlIK DOMINION (ONSOLIDATKI).
J3/
and the best equipped railways in the world. The Com-
pany has built various branch lines and made connec-
tions with other roads, so that it now controls about
nine thousand miles of railwa}'. • It has running privi-
leges over a portion of the Intercolonial, and its trains
cross the entire Continent from Halifax to Vancouver.
It has also established lines of first class steamers on
the Pacific Ocean, which run from Vancouver in British
Columbia to Japan, China, and Australia.
The Candian Pacific Railway was a \ast undertaking.
It is Sir John A. MacDonald's grandest monument.
Foresight, self-reliance, and energy were essential
characteristics of the statesman who could afford to
propose such an enterprise. The importance of this
railway can scarcely be over-estimated ; for it has done
more to develop national feeling and to consolidate the
Dominion than perhaps any other agency. Without it
British Columbia would be shut off by the great Rock)-
Mountain wall from the other portions of the Dominion;
Manitoba and the North VV^est would be separated b}-
the wilderness on the north of Lake Superior from
Eastern Canada. In a similar manner the Intercolonial
Railway is the vital bond of union between the Prov-
inces in the east.
Meanwhile the Marquis of Lome had bidden adieu to
Canada. He was succeeded in the office of Governor-
(jeneral by the Marquis of Lansdowne.
480. Rebellion in the Xorth- West, 188 j. — Many of
the Metis or half-breeds who were concerned in the Red
River Rebellion were but ill-reconciled to Canadian rule.
On the organization of Manitoba large numbers of these
people removed farther west tothecountryof theSaskatch-
'• i
Iv
ifii i
4
m\
■II 111
J)3'
Till'. DOMINION < »l r.WADA.
cnvan. \\ ith much suspicion ;m<l inuniuirinj^s of dis-
satisfaction, the\' saw the ifovi-nuncnt sui'\cvors la\'in<>
out hinds for settlement, and iunnitirants lakiiu
posses-
sion of territon- to whicli they thouf^ht they liad first
chiims. Having- no legal title to the lands which the\-
occupied and fearing that the\ nn'ght be (li>[iossessed,
the\' petitioned the Dominion (lo\ernmenl to gi\e them
free grants of their farms, as had heen done for their
people in Manitoba. Moreo\cr sine*.; the opening of the
countrx' for settlement, the buffalo, once i source of
wealth for half-breeds and Indians, had become nearh'
extinct. The raiKva\' was not \ et completed, and agri-
culture was not well established in the countr\-. Lender
these conditions the Metis of tlu- .North West found the
struggle for life increasingh- sever
'i->t>
e.
1^'ailing to receive from Olt.twa any rej^ly to their
petition or assurance that their interests would be cared
for, the Metis became more mistrustful of the future.
In vheir anxiet)' the}- sent for Louis Riel. their old
leader in whoni the\- still trusted, who. vet an outlaw.
as living- in Montana. Regardless of personal danger,
w
Riel came at once at their call. Me held |)ublic meet-
ings, the effect of which was to arouse in them deeper
il inten-
sense of wrong and stronger suspicion of the e\ i
tiotis of the (lovernment. l/nder Kiel's direction the\
sent a petition to Ottawa, .setting forth in strong terms
their demands. Riel also gained the ssinpatlr. of the
Indians b\- telling them that the> were the rightful
owners of the countr\-. antl that the tiovernment should
have bought it from them rather than from the Hudson's
Hay Compaii)-. While thus instigating rc-bellion, he
had the effrcjutery to inform the ( io\trnnient tha: the
half-breeds were whcilU- under his influence, and that
iiii. iK.\iiM()\ (ONsoi.iDA ri;i>.
359
for the sum < if $^5x0:' lu' would restore orfler in tlie
countr\-.
Affairs in tlu' Norili West wore a threatcnini^ aspect,
and not without cause' (hd the Mn^lish inhabitants of
the c()iintr\- be^in to be ahirmed. The (io\ eminent at
Ottawa, ho\\c-\i-r, \\a-< unmoved. Apparently uncon-
scious of an\- wron !j"s lo be redressed or an\' danirers to
be i^uarck'd against, it i^a\e no heed to jjetitions, and
took no precautions at^ainst insurrection. Meanwhile
the spirit of rebellion was rapidly ijaininLj strenL:;th.
Ihe Mijtis. under tlie j^uidance of Louis Kiel and
( iabriel Dumont, entered uj)on a course of plunder and
violence. The}- srt iip an independent (lovernnient
with Kiel at its head. !"he\- seized arn>s, ammunition,
and other propcrt\' bi'lou^inL;" to the Dominion (iovern-
ment, the Hudson's Hay ("omj)an\\ and })rivate indixid-
uals. .\\\y <»ne who (|uestioned Kiel's authoritx" was
arrested and thrown into prison. The first serious out-
break occiu'red towards the end of March. 1SS5, when
the insur^i-nts attacked a company of volunteers anrl
mounted police- at Duck Lake near l^'ort ("arleton. kill-
iiii^ tweKe of their innnln'r. .Some of the Indians wen-
incited to deeds of \ioli-nce. On tiood I'rida}, w ith
the atrocity of umamed sa\ ai^es. a band of Indians,
ruled by a Chief known as Mi<j;' Hear, attacked a settle-
ment aA I'"ro<^' Lake, kill ini;- nine |)ersons, amoiiL;" whom
were two Catholic pri(-st>. At the sanu" time the wi\t's
>f tw
o or thn-e < •
f tlu
nuu'{
lered
men wimv earned o
((
hv the Indiaji>
The rebellion wa^- \\i>\y an undoulited fact, and om
Wiich mi.L;ht pro\e serious enoii
A rel^
lion o
f tl
u-
half-breeds aloiu- iniuht not be a wvv (''fficult matter to
'ii^i
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II ki [11
II'.:
\6o
TIfK I)OMIM',)X OF CAN'ADA.
deal with ; but if the Indians of the North West, num-
bering many thousands, whose lo\'alt}' in such a crisis
was very doubtful, started on the war ixath, the task of
restoring p ;..ce could not be easily measured. The seat
of the rebellion was distant and difficult of access. The
country occupied by the insurgents lay^ two hundred
miles or more from the Pacific Railway, and portions of
the road were not completed. The difficulties were in-
creased by the season of the \ear. Troops could reach
the countr)' only b)' long marches through snow and
slush. The call for men b\' the Government, however,
met with enthusiastic response. Hundreds of \olunteers
in the east, from Halifax to Winnipeg, were soon on
the move for the .scene of the rebellion. General Mid-
dleton was chief commander of the expedition.
The forces, collected at Winnipeg, were divided into
two bodies. The larger division, under Middleton, in-
cluding about one thousand men, was to proceed against
Riel and Dumont, who with the main body of the insur-
gents were intrenched at Hatoche on the South Saskatch-
ewan. The men of this dixision were sent by rail
from Winnipeg to Ou'Appelle from which to J^atoche,
two hundred and thirty miles distant, they had to march
through the melting snow. The other division, under
Colonel Otter, was intended for the relief of liattleford
on the North Saskatchewan, to which six hundred de-
fenceless people, two-thirds of whom were women and
children, from various jiarts of the c(.)untry had fled for
safety.
Colonel Otter's troops went by rail to Swift Current,
five hundred miles west of Winnipeg. hVom this place
they marched in all haste across the prairie one hundred
Ti'l
TME DOMINION CONSOLIDATKI).
361
and eighty miles to Battleford. Their arrival on April
23d. was hailed with delight b}- the anxious people who
had sought refuge in the fort. After strengthening the
defences, Colonel Otter resolved to advance against the
Indians under the Chief Poundmaker, who were pillaging
the country far and wide. It was a tedious march of
thirty or forty miles from Battleford to Poundmaker's
camp near Cut Knife Creek. The expedition proved
unfortunate. For six hours Colonel Otter and his men
fought the Indians, and, after sustaining considerable
loss in killed and wounded, a retreat upon Battleford
was found necessary.
General Middleton had a toilsome march of eleven
(Irvs before he reached the enemy's encampment. His
first encounter with them was at Fish Creek, where he
met an advanced division of the rebels under Dumont.
The fighting lasted several hours and resulted in a loss
to Middleton of ten killed and forty wounded. The
rebels fought under cover of the banks of a deep ravine
and suffered little loss. After waiting here a fortinVht
for the arrival of a steamer which was bringing supplies
from Swift Current, Middleton advanced to Batoche, a
few miles distant. Here also the insurgents were well
protected by ravines and rifle pits. But after three days'
fighting, the troops with fixed bayonets made a gallant
charge against the enemy and routed them at all points.
The victory was comjilete and jiractically ended the
rebellion. In the charge fi\e volunteers were killed and
twenty-two were wounded. Kiel was cajitured two or
three days after b}' a scouting party and brought to
(ieneral Middleton. Dumont escaped t«) Montana.
The Indians throughout a large part of the country
iPi
I': i
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I
I 't I
r.
f i
III. ,
I .-1"'
! l!
11
;62
THK DOMINION OF CANADA.
were in a state of unrest and were ready for revolt.
Vigorous measures were taken to hold them in check.
At Calgary Major-General Strange, a retired British
ofificer, collected a force of over a thousand men and
rendered effective service in pacifying the tribes of the
far west. Poundmaker and his braves soon surrendered.
Big Bear, having over sixty white prisoners, retreated
towards the north. Most of the captives were soon
rescued, and the Chief, reduced by famine, was finally
compelled to give himself up.
The volunteers, who had, with so much enthusiasm,
entered upon the campaign and had, with such heroic
spirit, followed it up to a successful issue, now returned
to their homes in the east. It remained for the civil
authorities to deal with those who had acted as leaders
in the foolish revolt. After careful trial Louis Riel
and some of the Indian chiefs paid with their lives the
penalty of their rash deeds of treason and murder. It
is estimated that the rebellion cost the Dominion
$5,000,000.
481. The Queen s Jubilee. — The year 1887 was noted
as the fiftieth anniversary of the accession of Queen
Victoria to the throne. The Jubilee Year was celebrated
throughout all portions of the Dominion of Canada
with much enthusiasm. In no part of the British
Empire, was there felt more loving regard for the person
of Her Majesty or more true loyalty to her throne.
In the following year (1888) Lord Lansdowne was
succeeded by Lord Stanley of Preston as Her Majesty's
representative in Canada.
482. The Jesuits Estate Act. — During the French
period large tracts of land in Canada were granted t(^
THK DOMINION CONSOLIDATED.
3(^3
i 1
the Jesuits, at different times, by the King of France.
When by the fortunes of war the country fell to Great
Britain, these lands, known as the Jesuits' Kstates, com-
prising over half a million acres, were confiscated to the
Crown. Shortl}- after the Conquest of Canada the
Jesuit Order was suppressed by the Pope, and for several
)ears in the early part of the present centur}- there were
no Jesuits in Canada. In 183 1 the lands which formerly
belonged to the Order were granted by the British Go\ -
crnment to the Province of Ouebec for educational
jjurposes, and thus they came under the direct control
of the Legislature of that Province. The Roman
Catholic Church, however, claimed that the conquest of
the country did not alienate title to propert}', and that
the Crown had therefore no right to seize the Jesuits'
Estates. The church authorities in Quebec further
claimed that the Jesuits simply held their lands in trust
for religious and education, i purposes, and ihat on the
suppression of the Order the propert)' passed to them as
representatives of the Roman Catholic Church.
Subsequentl)' the Jesuits, having been restored b}' the
Pope, established themselves again in Canada. The}'
now urged their right to the Estates which, as they in-
sisted, had been unjustly taken from their Order. Thus
there were three claimants to the property, — the Pro\-
ince, the ordinary church authorities, and the Jesuits.
When the Government placed any of the lands in the
market, the hierarchy forbade the sale. This protest
weakened the title, and the lands could be sold only at
great sacrifice. In 1888 the Mercier Ministry of Quebec,
then in power, under autnoritj- of the Jesuits' Estate
Act, passed b}' the Legislature of the I'rovince, made a
i
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li
pi')
"iti
H
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364
THE DOMINION OF CANADA.
compromise with the Jesuits and church authorities,
t^iving them $400,000 in discharge of all claims. Of
this the sum of $160,000 was given to the Jesuits,
$140,000 to Laval University, and the remainder to
various schemes of the Roman Catholic church. The
Legislature also voted $60,000 to the Protestants of the
Province for educational purposes. Against this com-
promise there arose a storm of opposition among the
Protestants throughout the Dominion, and an applica-
tion for disallowance of the Jesuits' Estates Act
Was made to the Governor-General-in-Council. The
Dominion Government, however, declined to interfere.
In the following year, 1889, the question was brought
up in the House of Commons, and a resolution was
moved, asking the Governor-General to disallow the
Act. The resolution, being in direct opposition to the
course advised by the Ministry, was in effect a motion
of want of confidence. On the taking of the vote
after full discussion the Ministry was sustained by a
large majority.
483. Death of Canada's Premiers. — The two dis-
tinguished .statesmen who had in turn guided the public
affairs of the Dominion were not far removed from each
other in their death. Sir John A. MacDonald died in
June 1 89 1, in the seventy-seventh year of his age ; the
Honorable Alexander MacKenzie died in the following
April, having little more than fulfilled his three score
years and ten. For nearly half a century Sir John had
been prominent in political affairs, and the record of his
life since the Union is in large measure the history of
the Dominion. He was .strong in the attachment and
loyalty of his followers whom he held together and
!:l
THE DOMINION CONSOLIDATED.
365
^^uitled almost uhithcT he would b>' the ma-netic force
of his personalit)'.
Mr. MacKenzie was a great and good man who, from
a humble beginning, rose, as we have seen, to the hi-h
position of Premier. He was not ambitious of prefe"!--
ment or fond of personal distinction. Though for five
years he held the highest position in the gift of his
country, the place was not of his seeking. Three times
he declined the honor of Knighthood. About a year
after the defeat of his Government he resigned the
position of leader of the Opposition, and the Honorable
hdward Blake was chosen in his place.
^i
I ii : I
m
CHAPTER XXX IV.
kia'KXT E\i;xTs.
484. Premier Abbot.-— 'X\\q. loss of their leader was
keenl)' felt b)' the Liberal- Conservatives. There were
able men in the Cabinet, but no one seemed to possess
that pre-eminence of i^ifts and influence which entitled
him to the place of command. Parliament was in session
when Sir J(jhn A. MacDonald died. It adjourned for a
week, during which he was buried with state ceremonies
at the public cxpcn.se. Sir John Abbot .succeeded him
as Premier.
485. McGreevy mid Mercier. — During its session of
1 891 the Dominion Parliament was much agitated over
serious charges against the management of affairs in the
office of the Minister of Public Works. It wasas.serted
that certain contractors had received from the Minister's
office .secret information which enabled them to secure
important contracts, and that Mr. Thomas McGreevx-,
member for the city of Quebec, had obtained from the
successful contractors large sums of money for the pur-
pose of influencing the elections in the Province of
Quebec. These charges were so fully sustained that
Sir Hector Langevin, Minister of Public Works, was
forced to retire from the Cabinet, and Mr. McGreev\-
was expelled from the House of Commons.
Clo.selv following the .scandal connected with the
Office of Public Works, came a disclosure of grave
UECKNT EVENTS.
567
irregularities oti the j^art of the Mercier Government of
Quebec in the use of subsidies granted from the public
funds for the construction of railways in that Province,
Lieutenant-Governor Angers dismissed Mr. Mercier and
his colleagues, called on Mr. de Boucherville to form a
Ministry, and dissolved the Assembly. The people
fully endorsed the action of Lieutenant-Governor by
electing an overwhelming majority of supporters of the
new Government.
I !
486. Sir John Thompson Premier. — In the autumn
of 1892 Sir John Abbott through failing health was
compelled to resign the Premiership. He was succeeded
by Sir John Thompson, a comparatively new man in
Dominion politics, who had rapidly risen to first rank
among Canadian statesmen. Mr. Thompson began his
public career in the Legislature of Nova Scotia, holding
for a few years the portfolio of Attorney General m the
Provincial Government. In 1882 he was appointed a
judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. In 1885
he resigned his seat on the bench, was returned to
Parliament, and became a member of the Cabinet as
Minister of Justice.
487. The Columbian Exhibition. — A marked feature
of the year 1893, in which Canada shared, was the
World's Fair in Chicago, organized for the purpose of
celebrating the four hundredth anniversary of the dis-
covery of America by .Columbus and hence called the
Columbian Exhibition. In its vast extent and varied
character it surpassed all former exhibitions of any
country. Through the comparison of her exhibits with
those gathered from other lands, Canada took high rank
i
'iii \ ^
\m
t \
68
TIIK DOMINION OF CANADA.
among the civilized countries of the world. The prod-
ucts of her fields, her forests, her fisheries, her factories,
and her mines showed the wealth and xariety of her
resources as well as the enterprise of her people. In
the matter of public education, too, as regards system,
method, text-books, and appliances, she had a standing
not inferior to that of any country in the world. The
awards, including prizes, medals, and certificates of
merit, given to us on various exhibits, numbered about
two thousand. On dairy products, while the United
States gained but fifty-four awards, Canada secured six
hundred and nineteen, of which three hundred and
eighty-eight went to the Province of Ontario.
488. Occupants of Ridcau Hall. — The Dominion
has been fortunate in having the highest official place
in its government occupied by men of eminent ability
and character. The office of Governor-General, some-
times thought to be a sinecure, is really one involving
much responsibility and delicacy of function. In the
friction that must inevitably arise from the conflict of
political parties, provincial interests, differences of race
and religion, and other sources, there is evident advan-
tage in having in this high position one wholly unbiased,
in whose impartiality and judgment all have confidence.
In the history of the Dominion, on different occasions,
agitation which threatened the peace of the country has
been calmed by deft management on the part of the
Governor-General. A notable instance is shown in the
good offices of Lord Dufferin in conciliating British
Columbia. The British noblemen who have represented
the Sovereign in Canada have, as a rule, performed the
duties of their office with admirable judgment and tact
RECK NT KVKNTS.
369
and have done much to promote the interests of the
country. By no means least among these high officials
is to be ranked the Karl of Aberdeen, who in 1S93
succeeded Lord Stanley of I'rcston. Xor less distin-
guished for nobility of character and valuable service in
her chosen sphere of influence is Lady Aberdeen.
489. The Beriug Sea Arbitration, /Sg^;. — A large
territory called Alaska, situated on the north-west of the
Dominion of Canada, belongs to the United States.
The west coast of this territory is washed by an arm of
the Pacific Ocean called Bering Sea, which at certain
seasons of the year is thronged with fur-bearing seals.
.According to international law a nation has territori;il
rights in its coast waters within three miles of the land,
and also in the waters of small bays. The Government
of the United States asserted for itself similar rights
and jurisdiction in the whole of Bering Sea, and hence
the ownership of all animals in its waters. Again, this
(jovernment claimed the seals that resort to leering Sea,
because they have their home and breeding grounds on
the Pribyloff Islands which lie off the coast of Alaska.
The case was similar, so it was asserted, to that of ,1
farmer's sheep or cattle which might stray from his pas-
ture and be found on the highway or the open plains.
They would belong to him all the same, and his neigh-
bor would have no right to appropriate them. Canadians
regarded this claim as absurd. They maintained that
liering Sea, outside the three mile limit, is open and
free alike to all nations, and that the seals found in its
waters are as much common property as are the codfish
ten miles from the coast of Newfoundland. But insist-
ing on its exclusive rights, for the one reason ov the
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THK DOMINION CONSOMDATKI).
170
other, the United States Government seized Canadian
vessels found hunting seals in luring Sea and confis-
cated the furs they had on board.
The nations of the world have usually settled dis-
putes of this kind, and even differences of a less serious
nature, by war. Hut Great Britain and the United
States, failing to come to any agreement as to the
ownership of the seals, re.solved, as they have done on
«)ther occasions, to refer the difficulty to arbitration.
Kach (Government appt)inted two delegates, and they
asked France, Italy, and Sweden to aid them in settling
the di.spute. Kach of these countries sent one arbitrator.
The court met in Paris. After long and careful hear-
ing of evidence and counsel, it decided that the United
States has no control over Bering Sea outside of three
miles from its coast, or right in the seals found beyond
that limit, and hence that the Government of that country
should reimbur.se Canadian sealers for the ve.ssels and
other property unlawfully seized. The tribunal also
framed regulations to protect the seals from e.Ktermina-
tion. The court had no power to restrict citizens of the
United States within three miles of the coast. But with
this exception it prohibited the capture of seals at all
seasons within sixty miles of the iVibyloff Islands, and
during the months of May, June, and July in any part
of Bering Sea. The use of nets, fire-arms, and e.x-
plosives in .seal-hunting was also forbidden.
490. Manitoba. — Since its organization as a Province
of the Dominion, Manitoba has made rapid progress in
population and material wealth. In 1870 its inhabitants,
exclusive of Indians, numbered about twelve thousand,
the larger proportion being French and half-breeds. In
KK( KNT i:\KNTS.
171
1891 they had increased to one liundred and fifty thou-
sand. About one-lialf of these came from the Kastern
Provinces, chiefly from Ontario. Since the census of
1 891 the number of inhabitants has been greatly aug-
mented by immigration. The city of Winnipeg, whose
population in J 870 did not exceed a few hundreds, at
the end of twenty-five years numbered nearly fort\'
thousand.
The recent event in Manitoba which has awakened
deepest interest both in the Province and throughout
the Dominion is the action of the Legislature and Gov-
ernment m the matter of the public schools. In 1870,
when the majority of the inhabitants were Roman
Catholics, the Legislature established an education; 1
system, providing two distinct classes of. schools, — Pro-
testant and Roman Catholic. The Hoard of Kducation
was half Protestant and half Roman Catholic, forming
in effect two Hoards, one for each class of schools. Kach
had also its own Superintendent. This state of affairs
continued until 189a The new settlers who had come
in were chiefly I'rotestant, so that the census of 1890
showed only 20,571 Roman Catholics out of a total
population of 152,506. In the meantime an agitation
had sprung up over the educational system of the Prov-
ince. In 1890 the Legislature repealed the School law
«ind established a non-sectarian school system. All
denominational schools under the law were abolished.
Roman Catholics were compelled to pay taxes for the
support of the public schools, and if the\' chose to keep
their own separate schools, they could draw nothing for
their support from the public funds. They appealed to
the Dominion Government to di.sallow the Act of 189c-
Hut as there was doubt whether the Legislature had not
< I
LI !
}>72
TIIK DOMINION OF ( ANADA.
exceeded its powers, they were advised to test the validit\"
of this Act in the courts.
.\s we have seen in a |)rcccdiii^ chapter, tlie Act of
I'nion, known as the British North America Act, passefl
In' the British I'arhainent in 1867, ^ave to Provincial
I. cj^islatures exclusive power of making laws in regard
to education. The Manitoba Act of 1870, by which
Manitoba was orj^anized, ^avc similar authority to the
Legislature of that Province. This power has, however,
an important limitation as rejjards interference with
denominational or separate schools. It is provided that
the i*rovincial Ley^islatures shall not takeaway any rij^ht
or privilege with respect to such schools which any class
of persons had by law at the time of Union ; or which
they may have gained since the Union. It is farther
provided bv these Acts that if a Provincial authorit\-
deprives a Protestant or Roman Catholic mi'iorit)' of a
li^ht or privilege of separate .schools establisiied by the
I .ejjfislature after the Union, the aggrieved parties may
appeal for redress to the Governor-General-in-Council.
On such appeal being made the Governor-General-in-
("ouncil is authorized to ask the Provincial authority to
remove the grievance complained of ; and if redress is
!iot afforded, the Dominion Parliament is empowered tf»
make such remedial laws as the case ma>' require.
The Roman Catholics resolved to test the power of
the Legislature to pass a law depriving them of their
separate schools. If no such power existed, the law
could not be enforced, and the)' had no grievance. The
Manitoba Court decided that the law was valid ; the
Supreme Court of Ottawa reversed this decision. The
case was then taken by appeal to the judicial Committee
II
KKc KXT KVr.NTS.
37}
<if the Imperial l'riv\- lOuncil, which confirmed the
judgment of the Manitoba Court. The Lcj^islature had
not exceeded its power's and the law was valid. It was
now too late for disallowance of the Act of 1S90 by the
(iovernor (iencral-in-C'ouncil, but could there not be
secured throu«.jh this channel some redress ? This
question was submitted to the courts. The Supreme
Court at Ottawa decided that the Cio\ernor-(ieneral-in-
Council had no authority to act in the matter. The
Roman Catholics once more carried their case to the
Judicial Committee which decided that the (iovernor-
(ieneral-in-Council had power to move for remedial
action. And now, on bein^ appealed to aj^ain by the
Roman Catholics, the Dominion Government requested
the Provincial Government of Manitoba to provide such
redress as the case ma\- require, and at the same time
intimated that if relief should not be afforded the
Dominif)n Parliament would be asked to pass a remedial
Act.
491. T/ii' Intercolonial Confeirnce. — Union of closel\-
related countries under one j^cneral jjovernment is a
characteristic feature of f)ur times. The Confederation
of the Provinces now formin^j the Dominion of Canada
is an example of this tendency. With a similar idea of
unification, some of our statesmen advocate closer rela-
tions between (ireat Britain and her colonies by a scheme
which the>' call " Imperial Federation." H>- this the\-
mean that the larger possessions like Canada, .Australia,
and Cape Colony shall no lonyjer be dependencies of
Great Britain, but shall form an integral part of the
Kmpire and have a voice in the Imperial Government.
Such a state >f mcitters may be far off, but in the mean-
l
7
374
THK DOMINION ()l- CANADA.
time there is a growing feeling in Canada and in other
colonies in favor of promoting greater commercial free-
dom with each other and with Great Hritain.
This sentiment was emphasized by the Intercolonial
Conference which met at Ottawa in the summer of 1894.
Besides the Hon. MacKenzie Bowell, who was chosen
President of the Conference, and other representatives
of Canada, there were delegates from New South Wales,
V^ictoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, New
Zealand, and Cape Colony. The Earl of Jersey also
was present as delegate from Great Hritain Among
the resolutions adopted was one in favor of a preferen-
tial tariff between Great Hritain and her Colonies, that
is a lower tariff on goods imported from any part of the
Kmpire than from foreign countries. Another resolu-
tion favored a British telegraph cable between Canada
and Australia.
492. TAe Provinces. — Since its union with the
Dominion British Columbia has had a prosperous career.
Its Government has expended large amounts on public
works and on railways by which new vigor has been
imparted to mining and other industries. In 1893
Premier Robson died suddenly in England whither he
had gone on public business. He was succeeded in the
Premiership by the Hon. Theodore Davie. In 1893 the
i_. ^^islature voted $6oo,0(X) for new Parliament Build-
ings to be completed in 1895.
Manitoba and the North West Territories are the
great wheat producing countries of the Dominion.
While the population is of a mixed character, the set-
tlers from Ontario form the controlling element. The
present Premier of Manitoba (1895) is the Hon. Thomas
^1
KKC'KNT KVKXTS.
375
(jrcenway. The four Districts of the North West
Territories, — Assiniboia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and
Athabasca, set off in itS82, — form the beginning of four
future Provinces.
Ontario has rich and varied resources and is one of
the most prosperous countries in the world. It is the
wealthiest Province and contains nearly half the popula-
t ion of the Dominion. Sir Oliver Mowat has held the
reins of Government in this Province since 1872.
The Province of Quebec stands next to Ontario in
the matter of population. Its capital, Quebec City, is
the oldest and most picturesque city in the Dominion.
Montreal is the largest city and has the most extensive
commerce. The present Cabinet of Quebec, formed in
1892, is under the leadership of the Hon. L. O. Taillon.
Of recent events in the Province of New Hrunswick
the abolition of the Legislative Council in 1891 is the
most important. The Premier of the Province is the
Hon. Andrew S. Blair.
In Nova Scotia since the Union, with the exception
of the period of the Holmes Government from 1878 to
i88z, the Liberals have held the reins of power. The
present Ministry, under the Premiership of the Hon.
William S. P'ielding, was formed in 1884. Nova Scotia
and Quebec are the only Provinces which still retain a
Legislative Council as part of the Legislature.
For several years Prince Kdward Island had an elect-
ive Legislative Council. In 1892 this branch of the
Legislature was conjoined in one House with the mem-
bers of the Assembly. Connection with the mainland
by a railway tunnel under Northumberland Strait is a
J/
76
Tin; ho.MIXKjN OV CANADA.
question of commanding interest in the Island. The
lion. I'Vederic Peters is the Premier of the Province.
493. Death of Sir John Thompson. — On December
12, i«S94, the startlinj^ news was received in Canada,
through the Atlantic Cable, thjit Sir John Thomp.son.the
Premier of the Dominion, had on that day died suddenly
at Wind.sor Castle, one of the Queen's residences in
Kngland. In consideration of his .services in the Bering
Sea Arbitration, as well as of his commanding ability
and skill in jurisprudence, Sir John had been appointed
member of the Imperial Privy Council. He was
afterwards summoned to Wind.sor Castle by the Queen
to be sworn into oflfice. Shortly after the oath had been
administered by Her Majesty, Sir John was taken ill and
imltiediately expired. Kvery mark of honor was shown
to the dead Premier. The Queen, with her own hand,
laid memorial wreaths upon his coffin, and the Imperial
Goverinnent .sent the war steamer HIenheim to bear his
remains to Halifax. On January 1, 1S95, the .ship
arrived at Halifax, where the interment took place with
all the solemn pomp of a state funeral.
The death of Sir John Thompson was recogni/.ed as
a national loss. The stroke was a heav\' one to Canada
where his worth was best understood. His colleagues
in the Mini.stry and his supporters felt that they had lo.st
a leader who was worthy of their loyalty. His political
opponents, too, with no grudging spirit or stinted words
recognized his merits. No finer tribute has been offered
to the memory of the departed statesman than the
glowing and poetic word.s of the Hon. Wilfrid Laurier,
which form part of an address delivered in the Canadian
House of Commons on .April i8, 1895. In referring to
RIXENT r.VKNTS.
177
Sir John Thorn jxson's death, ainonjj other matters, the
elocjueiit leader of the Opposition said : —
" When a man is strnck by the hand ot death in the full-
ness of his years, after a lonj^ career of great usefulness to
himself and his country, there remains a feeling even above
the poignacy of grief, that after all death has dealt kindly
with him. Such was the death of Sir John MacDonald. But
when a man is struck down before he has hardly reached the
summit of middle life, — before he has attainetl the full measure
of his power, — when his friends and his country could look to
him for years of useful work, then, Sir, death carries with it a
sense of inexpressible bitterness. Such was the death of Sir
John Thompson. In that respect it is, perhaps, one of the
saddest, perhaps altogether the sa.ldest, that our history
records. In other respects I look upon it as one of the
most glorious. This Canadian Minister, this colonial states-
men, died under the roof of the old Norman Kings, when
he had just been sworn in as a member of the Privy
Council of that mighty Pimpire, of which these old Norman
Kin'ijs !ai<l the foundation, but which has reached dimen-
sions wliich their wildest dreams of imagination never,
I am sure, contemplated. Perhaps it is that such a death,
under such circumstances, sad as it be, may be looked upon as
a sacred consecration of the majestic principle of the unity of
the Hmpire ; unity not only of land and water, unity not on')*
of islands and continents, but a unity of all the cre^ ' - and
races embraced in that mighty Empire, giving to all, while
preserving their individuality, a common aitn and a common
aspiration and teaching all the salutary lesson of tolerance and
and mutual forbearance."
494. Conclusion. — The Hon. MacKenzie Howell, who
had held the port-folio of Minister of Trade and Com-
merce under Sir John Thompson, succeeded to the Pre-
miership. A few days later he received from the Queen
the honor of Knighthood.
We have briefly trac2d the history of our country
throu^jh a p:!riod of ne.irlj' four hundred years, — a long
2>7>^
Tin; DOMINION OK (AN ADA.
time even in the life of a nation. The progress made
.seems scarcely commensurate with this lonjj period of
jjfrowth. Different causes have tended to hinder more
rapid develo|jmcnt. h'or over a hundred )'ears at the
bej^inninjj, as we have .seen, .sy.stematic colonization was
wholly neglected, while e.xplorers and adventurers came
and went, leaving the country as the)- found it. l^'or an-
other hundred and fift)' \ears the struggle for supremacy
between France and Ki gland kept matters in a state of
unrest and uncertainty, so that little over a century has
elap.sed since the ownership of this country was finally
.settled. Then during the greater portion of ICnglish
rule, or until 1867, the .several Provinces remained isolated
from each other, with comparatively little influence,
national .sentiment, or community of interest Mean-
while a neighboring country, consolidated as one people,
with strong national vitalit}' and ab.sorbing power, drew
away from the Provinces man)' of their natural elements
of growth.
In the meantime, however, the Provinces were gather-
ing strength, though slowly and obscurely. They were
striking root downward and accumulating energy,
which, under the present more favorable conditions, is
developing an abundant fruitage. Hy toil and self-
.sacrifice our fathers have left us a noble inheritance to
cultivate and adorn. The Dominion of Canada is called
upon to compete, in indu.stnal, intellectual, and moral
progress, with the nations of the world. The resources
and possibilities of our country .should .stin»ulate us to
cultivate those habits of industry, intelligence, and
virtue, without which neither individual nor national
greatness is possible.
AlM»KNniX.
The value of goods exported from the Dominion of
Canada in 1893 was $1 18,504,352 ; the value of goods
imported was $129,074,268.
The trade of the Dominion is chiefly with (ireat
liritain, the United Slates, the West Indies, (iermany,
Newfoundland, France, Helgium, Holland, Italy, China,
Japan, and the various countries of South America.
The revenue f(jr the year ended June 30, 1894, was
$36,268,320.
'I'he public debt is about $246,000,000. The {greater
part of the debt has been incurred in the construction
of railwajs and canals. The expenditure on railways,
in construction b\- the (iovernment and in subsidies to
comi)anies, before and since Confederation, amount.s to
$233,542,000. The total number of miles of railway
in the Dominion in 1894 was 15,768, of which the Gov-
ernment owned 1397 miles. The amount expended on
canals to June, 1894, was $62,237,000.
The principal canals are those of the St. Lawrence
above Montreal, the VVelland Canal between Lakes
Ontario and Krie, the St. Mary's C.inal (completed in
1895) bjtwejn Lakes Huron and Superior, the Rideau
Canal between Ottawa and Kinjjston, the canals «)f
the Ottawa, Richelieu, and Trent rivers, and the St.
Peter's Canal in Cape lireton. The canals are owned
by the Government. The St. Lawrence River and the
Great Lakes with their connecting rivers and canals
form a water route to Port Arthur on Lake Superior,
2260 miles from the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
DOMINION OF CANADA.
CENSUS OK 1891.
AKKA IN (-U MIf.ES. I'OI*.
Nova Scotia 20,550 450,396
New Brunswick 28,100 321,263
Prince Edward Island 2,oo(j 109,078
Quebec 727,500 1,488,535
Ontario . 219,650 2,114,321
Manitoba 64,066 152,506
British Columbia 382,300 98,173
Territories •. 2.371,481 66,799
Total of Dominion 3.3'5.647 4.833,239
POPULATION OF CITIES AND
INHABIT
Halifax, N. S 38,.S56
St. John, N. B 39,179
Fredericton 6,502
Moncton 8,765
Charlpttetown.P. E. I. 11,374
Montreal, Que 216,650
Quebec 63,090
Trois Rivieres, (Three
Rivers) 8,334
Levis , 7.301
Sherbrooke 10,110
Hull 11,265
St. Henrie 13.415
Sorel 6,669
St. Hyacinthe 7,016
Toronto, Ont 181,220
Hamilton 48,980
Ottawa 44,154
London 3i,977
TOWNS HAVING OVER 500O
ANTS.
Kingston 19.264
Ouelph 10,539
St. Catherines 9,I7"
Brantsord 12753
Belleville 9.914
St Thomas 10,370
Stratford 9.501
Chatham 9.052
Brockville 8,793
Peterborough 9- 7' 7
Windsor 10,322
Port Hope 5.042
Woodstock 8,612
Gait _... 7,535
Lindsay 6.081
Winnipeg, Man 25,642
Victoria, Brit Col 16,841
Vancouver 13,685
New Vestminister 6,641
3X1
RKLKilOrS DKNOMINATIONS IN c ANADA
TKINCl-. KDWAKI) ISl.ANU
Baptists 5-749
Free Will liaptist 512
Kotnan Catholics 47.^.'.7
Church of Knj^laiul 6.646
CoiiKregationalists 1 1
I)iscii>Ies 5;u
^lelh<)«^l^ts 1.^.596
Presbyterians 33 •"7-
Salvatioii Arin\ iSo
Others 9^4
NOVA SCf'TIA.
Baptists 72.731
Hree-Will Baptists i<^.377
Koiiian Cath«)lics 122.452
Church of Hii}{iai:«l.... 64.410
Conj^rej^ationalists 3.1 12
Lulljerans 5.882
Disciples 1.728
Meth(»(lists .. 54,195
l'resh\ tcrians 108.952
J^alvation Army ''377
Others . 5.181
NEW URINSUICK.
Baptists 54.960
Free-Will Baptists 24.674
Koiiiaii Catholics 115.961
Church of Kujilanil.... 43.1)95
Coiijiregatioualists i,(>36
I.utheraiis 377
Disciples l.w;
Metho(lis..% 35. .504
l*resl)yteri;in>- 40.6:59
Salvation Army ... 993
Others 3.021
ytKUKC.
Adveiuist"* 3.^^64
Baptists 6.854
Free- Will Baptists... 1.127
Roman Catholics i. 291. 709
Chureh of F^iigland.. 75.472
Congregationalists... 4 296
Di-iciples 20
Jews
Lutherans
Methodists
Presl)yterians .
Salvatioii .\rmv
Others
'.7'M
1 .3S.S
39.544
52.67>
297
9,091
ONTARIO.
Adventists 447
Baptists 96. 9*^9
Free-Wil I Baptists 7,869
Brethren 9.34^
Roman Catholics 358,303
Church of England 385,999
Cougregationalists 16,879
Disciples 9.106
Jews 2,50 r
I.,uth..*raiis 45.029
.Viet ho lists 654,033
Presbyterians |5V'47
Qiakers 4.3V*
Salvatijn Arniv 10.320
Others 60,129
MAMTOHA.
Baptists 15.S29
KoTiiaii Catholics 20,571
Church of Kuk'^"-' 3<>'852
Congregational ists 1.815
Lutherans ^,545
Methodists 28,437
Presbyterians 39.oot
Salvation Army 399
Jt^^vs 743
(Hhers 8,036
HRITISH COI<UMIUA.
Baptists 2,960
Roman Catholics 20,843
Church of Knj^lanil 23,619
Lutherans 2,083
Methodists '4. •^97
Preshyterians
Congrej^ationalists.
Salvation Army
Jews
"Others
15,284
77.S
298
277
'7.7.1^
TKKRITOKIKS.
Baptists '.397
Roman Catholics 13,008
Church of I%nj^land 14.166
Lutherans 2,676
Methodists
Presijyterians ..
Salv-ation Armv
Others '..
7,980
' 2,5"7
85
IK)MIN'ION OF CANADA.
Adventists 6.345
Baptists 257,449
Free-Will Baptists... 45,116
Brethren 1 1 ,637
Cougrejfationalists.... 28, 157
Roman Catholics 1,992,017
Church of Pjij^land.. 6^6,059
Disciples 1 2,763
Jews 6,414
Lutherans 6^,982
Mothodist-i
Presbyterians....
Protestants
(Quakers
Salvation Army,
Tunkers
Universalists
iMiitarians
Others
847-765
755.326
'2,253
4,65"
"3,949
1.274
3.186
1,777
123,111
/
i