^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V '^ // 1.0 I.I 1.25 1^ *"■■ inilaii «- — mil 2.0 1= LI mil 1.6 e c?- m A^ V \\ ^. ^;^ V"0 ;\ ^'^\^^%^ ■t^. ^ ^^v* If CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1980 p- Technical Notes / Notes techniques The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Physical features of this copy which may alter any of the images in the reproduction are checked below. L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6t6 possible de se procurer. Certains d6fauts susceptibles de nuire A la quality de la reproduction sont not6s ci-dessous. 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The following diagrams illustrate the method: L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce d la g6n6rosit6 de I'dtabiissement prdteur suivant : La bibliothdque des Archives publiques du Canada Les cartes ou les planches trop grandes pour fitre reproduites en un seul clichd sont filmdes d partir de Tangle supdrieure gauche, de gauche d droite et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Le diagramme suivant illustre la m6thode : 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 BY ROBERT EWEN, PROVOST OF HAWICK. t HAWICK: -^ rUINTKD BY DA*.GLKI8H & CBAW, * EXPRESS ' OFFICE. •, '* *» ^^. — » ^. fr r (5^ V ^V43? if f r, THROUGH CANADA. THROUGH CANADA. THE NIAGARA FALLS. July 12, 1878. Leaving Buffalo by early morning train, it took half-an-hour to get out from the town and through the flat tields to where the train reaches the Niagara river. I was rather disappointed with the tirst sight of it — so calm and clear, like a great mirror ia a plain, and not so broad as I expected. I began to thmk that the Falls of Niagara might be, after all, not BO grand as they are pictured, but I suspended conjecture. After an hour's run the train stopped at the village of The Falls. The passengers were invited by several " touters " to go to one or other of the large hotels, and the drivers ofFored their conveyances to drive round all the sights, but I preferred to see them on foot and at leisure, so I took my way through the village. I thought I should have heard the thundering sound by this time, but all was peaceful — all was still. I thought this was another sign that the description had - been exaggerated. However, there is no wind to bring the sound in my direction, and the day is fine, scarcely so hot as for the past fortniglit, the ther- mometer being 77 degs., but still warm enough for a Scotchman. Many people have written about Niagara and expressed their thoughts regarding it ; but even the best writers say they cannot adequately describe this wonder of the world. Therefore, 1 will not try the grandiloquent, but merely note what I saw as I went along, and leave others to sentimentalise on the subject. Presently on rounding a corner of the street I caught a glimpse of something like steam rising, but on walking further it proved to be the spray from • t the Falls, which rose like a clcud in the air. Another turn brought me in 8ii,'ht of a portion of the waterfall. Further on more and more of it Btill came into view, and tnua 1 realised it bit by bit. But still 1 had not gut a view of the whole, and I did not want to do so, as I wisjhed to see the American Fall lirst. Above the falls, and Reparating the American Fall from the Hdrso-shoe Fall on the Canadian side is Ooat Island, which extends about half a n le up the river. 'J^he rapids in the two splits ot -lie river run from above the island to the Falls. About half way up the rapids, which fall ■ixty feet in the mile, an iron bridge is placed, whereby people cross the American stream to reach a small island first and then Goat Island. When there, the walks lead through beautiful groves, like those of Denholm's Dean or Hawthorndtn, to the edge of the first fall. The view from this point Btartles any one. The precipice between the two great falls is above 150 feet sheer down, makiug the head giddy to look over into the cauldron of water below. The fall on the American side is 900 feet wide and 1G4 feet high. The fall on the Canadian side, which is in the form of a horse-shoe, is 2000 feet wide and 158 feet high. I stood and gazed in wonder for some minutes on this side and on the other, down into the great gulf below, up into the rapids above, then at the immense quantity of water pouring over the cliffs of rock which jut out like shelves at the top and carry the water right over, leaving a space behind between the water and the cavity of the rocks below. And then, when I looked down into the lower bed of the river btlow, where the rocks were worn out into a channel for the river as deep as the falls, and looking at these steep wooded banks, and the immense volume of water pouring over in all its steady How from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, I was forced to adinit that the sublimity of the scene had not been exaggerated in any description I had read. And so 1 was more than satisfiod with the scene before me. I even thought oil. of the great beauties of Niagara had not been brought out in any of the pictures of it which 1 had seen, namely, the green transparent eheen of the wat-era. They look green and white in the falls, and all ^recn in the settled waters below. In fact, to paint the pic^nre propcjrly it should be done with green on a white ground, for the foliage on the banks and around la all green, and the spray and the houses are white. Looking at the falling waters with an eye-glass, the surface of the water at the crest is clear. You can sec the rocks through it. Yet it is said to be ten feet deep there. Then as it falls over it breaks into, as it vvere, great lumps of water, then into white fieecea which are soon torn to pieces. And, watching these descending, it seemed they took seven seconds till they were broken up and lost in white foam or spray and lost in the cloud overhanging the cauldron below. Over this the rays of the bright summer sun formed a beautiful solar bow — red, yellow, and blue — but thin as air. I question if ever I saw a scene so bright, so fair, and so grand — *. 'Twas like the rainbow's fairy form Evanishing amid the storm. . Above the falls the river Niagara is about three quarters of a mile wide. The walks through Goat Island and by the margins of the falls and the rapids are very picturesque. Above Goat Island there are three other islands called the " Three Sisters," which are connected by bridges. At the upper end of the uppermost island the water is very still, and a four-oared boat was lying here. This reminded me of Mr Gough's famous oration, comparing the drunkard to the boatman in "the rapids ; " and the fact is a boat with two men in it went over the falls only about two months ago, and the guide I after- wards hired told me that neither boat nor men were ever seen or heard tell of afterwards. I now returned to the village and crossed by the new suspension bridge, which spans the river about half a mile below the falls, to the Canadian side. Here I had to hire a guide to take me down behind the waters to "the table rock," so called from a large rock like a table lying below on which a part of the Uorse-shoe Fall dashes. Tourists have to get covered with an oilskin suit before going down here, and it is a queer senaation to think you are standing in the hollow of tho rocks while the great Niagara is pouring over your head. There is no desire to prolong the stay in such a place, where the noise ia so great that you can't hear your own voice, and the water is fallirjg like a heavy shower of rain, while the sight makes one giddy. The guide told me he had that day had a lady down who became so giddy that he was glad to get her safe up again. The view from Prospect House on the Canadian side is said to be the Hnest ; but I thought it was too near and too vast looking to be so interesting or so picturesque as the view I first had of both falls from Goat Island. There are some other islands on the Canadian side similar to those on the other side. They are also connected by bridges, and are much resorted to by tourists and artists for their sylvan beauty. I paid them a visit also, but did not stay long as time was getting on for the train. I had spent six hours and about three dollars going from sight to sight, and the tourist has to pay at all the places of interest. Yet I did not grudge the money, for Niagara Falls is a sight which is not surpassed in greatness, though I am disposed to think the Falls of TroUhitten in Sweden pleased me more for varied beauty. But then the Swedish falls are not half so large. I reached the train just in time, and saw the whirlpools and deep bed of the Niagara river below as the rail skirts the river, and then took boat at Lewiston and sailed across the Ontario for Toronto. Toronto, July 12, 1878. After rather more than three weeks' tour through the eastern and central States of America, I came to the Dominion by way of Niagara and Lake Ontario, landing at Toronto, the principal city of the province of Ontario. Toronto bay is a beautiful sheet of water, and affords great scope for boating and yachting, as well as for steamers. Here the Canadian boat songs are heard keeping time with the oars. In fifty-five years the population of Toronto has increased from 4000 to 75,000, and i» ntill progresaing as fast as ever. Any strancfer landing in Toronto is at once struck with the lively appearance of the city ; the streets are well laid out, the houses, stores, and public buildings are quite modern, and display a great deal of architec- tural taste, particularly the churches, which are very numerous, there being one to every thousand inhabitants, which is not bad, considering there is no established church here. St. Andrew's Presby- terian Church, newly erected at a cost of $90,000, is a superb and suitable building ; so is the Baptist and other churches. My friend, Mr Scott, with whom I was staying, took me through most of the places of interest — namely, the Queen's Park, the College Avenue, the University, the Normal and Model Schools, Osgoode Hall, City Buildings, all of which are handsome structures. There are large and excellent hotels in Toronto, and they are well frequented, as the number of travellers and tourists visiting this city are very great. The beauty of Toronto is more owing to artifice than nature, for there are no hills or scenic surroundings hereabouts, the country being quite flat. The spires and cupolas in the city are the only striking eminences to be «een. Through one friend or acquaintance intro- ducing me to others, I met several of the leading merchants and gentlemen in Toronto, and I could not help remarking that there is more manliness and real friendliness amongst the Canadians than amongst the Americans. When I came to Toronto I felt I was amongst my own kindred ; whereas in the States I felt I was amongst foreigners, though speaking the same language. Saturday, ** the 12th July," was rather an excit- ing day, as it was feared there might be riots in Montreal ; but the magistrates stopped the Orange procession there. In Toronto the Orangemen made their procession undisturbed, and much to their own satisfaction and pleasure. Great numbers of people came from the country with flags and bands of music, and dressed iu the insignia of their lodges. The head men of the lodges were dressed with scarlet and white robes, like aldermen, and mostly all the men wore white trousers and top boots. The MMv 8 cathedral steeple chimes played a number of merry airs during the day. In the afternoon I took rail to Guelph, 48 miles west from Toronto. Here I met with a number of old friends who had emigrated from Hawick, and are now engaged in woollen manufacture and other employments. Captain D. M'Orae and Mr George Murray took me to see the places of interest in the neighbourhood. The first place visited was the Ontario College of Agriculture and Experimental Farm, where a staff of professors instruct young farmers in the theory and practice of agriculture and farming. There are large build- ings, 550 acres of land to experiment upon, farm steading, cattle feeding houses, about fifty or sixty cattle of the most famous breeds, rams and pigs, poultry, dairy, cheese house, &c. The model farm is laid out in the most approved manner and worked by the students, who number eighty-seven, and lind board and lodgings in the premises. There are seven professors and instructors. The president, Mr Wm. Johnstone, M.A. (from Dumfriessliire),and Mr Will. Brown, professor of agriculture (from Aberdeenshire), showed us over the institution and the grounds ; and I only wished some of the Teviotdale farmers had been there to see the excel- lent arrangement made for instructing the young farmers of Canada in agriculture and the methods adopted to ascertain by numerous experiments the best system of cultivation and the most proRtable crops to cultivate. Last year the report says they "tried 94 varieties of fall wheat, 139 of spring, 13 of barley, 48 of oats, 19 of peas, 42 of corn, 15 of grasses, 7 of clovers, 10 of potatoes 8 of carrots, 13 of mangolds, and 22 of turnips. There have been tested seven different modes of cultivation and fifteen kinds of manure, and tried the efiPects of many different kinds of food in fattening the various classes of animals." I was presented with a copy of the report for the Teviotdale Farmers' Club. Adjoining the model farm we visited Mr M'Crae's farm, where wheat was being cut down 6 feet long — a heavy crop. Mr M*Crae has been a successful farmer. He came from Scotland to Canada with only a dollar in his pocket, now he owns houses and 9 land, and is a leading man in the district ; yet there he was driving the reaping machine, exemplifying the adage — He who by his farm would thrive Must either hold the plough or drive. The land in the neighbourhood of Guelph is con- sidered the best in Ontario, and yet it can bu bought cleared for 50 to 70 dollars an acre ; half cleared or uncleared for much less. This locality is like home, for here the people have all the advan- tages of civilized life, and a ready market for produce. The educational system of Canada is something for the people to be proud of, as they are ; here in this town of Guelph, with only 10,000 inhabitants. I was shown the town hall, the markets, the central school building with all the necessary accommodation for 1000 scholars, besides warc^ schools. There is a general school rate, but the best education is free to all. I afterwards saw over Messrs M 'Crae & Coy. 'a woollen factory, which contains the most improved machinery. Employing skilled workmen they are turning out useful and tasteful goods, which find a ready market in the Dominion. After seeing over the town, to my astonishment I was invited to supper in the principal hotel, where above thirty Hawick Canadiansmetonthespurof the moment, and spent a very happy evening, although, by the law of Canada, no intoxicating drink is allowed to be sold between seven o clock p.m. on Saturday and six a.m. on Monday. Another thing worth mentioning is that in this enterprising town there are no fewer than two daily newspapers, which pay well from advertisements, and though I was not aware until after the meeting ** a chiel was amang us taking notes," and it was reported in next day's paper as follows : — (From the " Guelph Daily Mercury." ) In the evening Mr Ewen was entertained at a luncheon by a number of his old friends and acquaint- ances who had left Hawick some years ago. There were also several invited guests present. The fol- lowing is a list of those present : — Sheriff Gow, Post- \ 10 master Stirton, Jas. Massie, M. P.P., Mayor Howard, Councillor Melvin, C^pt. M'Crae, John Armstrong, Geo. Murray, John Anderson, Wm. Spalding, sr., Thos. M,Crae, of Janefield Farm, A. Armstrong, sr., Wm. Roper, Robt. Roper, Arch. Gillies, John Scott, John Oliver, Walter Grierson, Wm. Oliver, Wm. Mitchell, Andrew Armstrong, jr., Chas. Spalding, Jas. Newbigging, John Thompson, Thos. New- bigging, Thos. Scott Elliott, James Hodgson, Robt. Murray, Thos. Kennedy, John Spaldmg, John Deans, S. J. Moffat, A. 0. Bucham, Robt. Scott, and Press representatives. Mr John Armstrong occupied the chair. After an excellent luncheon laid out in the city's best style, the cloth was removed, and a couple of hours were spent in a very pleasant manner. On account of Mr Ewen having arranged to proceed to Toronto by the nine o'clock train the speeches had to be very brief. The chairman proposed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, which were honoured to the full, and the National Anthem sung with enthusiasm. Messrs Geo. Murray and Wm. Roper sung "Teribus," the old war song of the Borderers, the company joining in the chorus. Mr George Murray, in proposing the toast, " The Provost of Hawick," stated that the visit of the chief magistrate of the native town of many present must cause conflicting emotions in their breasts. It had the effect of recalling the time when in his younger days his friend the chairman was Bailie of Hawick, and a number of young men, of whom he was one, were carrying on a debating society, fondly expecting by their wisdom to reform the world. The visit of the guest recalled to our minds the dear old Border land, with its many fond associations. The worthy Provost of Hawick stood high in the estimation of his late townsmen in this country, and they believed him to be a worthy man in every respect. Mr Ewen stated that he little expected to receive such a hearty, such a grand reception, from hia fellow-countrymen in far-off Canada. He believed that in no quarter of the Globe could a more kindly I n or a heartier welcome be extejided to any person. He was proud to see so many Hawick people, who appeared prosperous and happy in their new homes. He had always understood, even before coming to this country, that Guelph was one of the moat prosperous towns for its size in Canada. Its appear- ance certainly indicated that it was. In referring to his visit to the Agricultural College he stated that he was much pleased with the arrangements. There was little doubt but that Canada would yet teach the mother country lessons in agriculture. In refer- ring to the trade relations between Canada and the mother country he hoped to see the day when there wou?d be unlimited free trade not only here, but betwten all countries. He thought the central school buildings was an institution of which the town should feel proud. Guelph had many noble structures dedicated to the worship of the Almighty, This was a pleasing thing, for he knew full well that no matter in what part of the world Scotchmen went to, they were sure to carry their religious impressions with them. He was proud in looking around him to see so many men that claimed Auld Scotia as their birthplace, who had risen to positions of eminence in this country. When he returned home he would tell his people what Canada was and what the Scots were doing there. He thanked his friends for the kindness shown him his treatment was such that as long as he lived he would be pleased to look back to his visit to Guelph with the fondest recollections. Mr D. Stirton, Sheriff Gow, and Mr James Massie, M.P.P., were called upon. Their remarks were brief and interesting. They were pleased to take part in welcoming the Provost of Hawick. In a very neat manner Mr Ewen proposed the toast of ** The Mayor and Corporation of Guelph." Mayor Howard responded. He warmly welcomed the representative of a distant town to Guelph. He was pleased to be present, and although he was not a Scotchman, nor had he ever visited Hawick, it mattered not whether a person was English, Irish, or Scotch, they were all Britons, and the heart of each beat in perfect unison with the other. After a few ■MM "V7 12 remarks of a congratulatory character, the speaker resumed his seat. Mr Melvin also briefly responded on behalf of the Town of Guelph. •'The Military" was ref ponded to by Capt. M'Orae. He made a very happy speech in referring to the volunteers of Canada, nnd the unbounded e'lthusiasm and patriotism which permeated every portion of tie military of this country He thought Britain would never be in want of soldiers so long as there was an ablebodied man in Canada. •* Auld Lang Syne,'' sang with spirit by the entire company, terminated the happy gathering. Mr Ewen was then accompanied to the station. As the train moved off cheer after cheer was given for the Provost of Hawick. Curling is a great diversion in Canada during winter, so, as 1 was leaving Guelph station, an enthusiastic curler told me to take this message home — "The Guelph Curling Club will challenge the Hawick Club, or any other in Scotland, and meet them half-way." Returning to Toronto at eleven o'clock at night, I saw the benefit of the Canadian Licensing Act in the fact that all was quiet and orderly in the city. This might arise as much from the sober deportment of the people as the restriction of the law, but *' both are best." July 18, 1878. After so much travelling amongst strangers, it was pleasant to come to the home of an early friend in Toronto, and with hia family spend the Sunday R8 a day of rest. Oh, day most calm, most bright ! The week were dark but for thy light ; Thy torch doth show the way. I was anxious to hear some of the Toronto preachers, and went to the Baptist Chapel in the forenoon ; but the regular minister was absent, and except the excellent building and powerful organ there was nothing remarkable. In the afternoon 1 visited some relations, and in the evening along with a 18 friend I attended St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and was fortunate in hearing the pastor, the Eev. 1). J. M'Donnell, preach upon the text ** Unite our hearts to fear thy name." He began by explaining that the name "God" signified the same as theSaxon word "good/' and then proceeded to explain th<3 meaning of all the other names by which God was made known, such as Lord, Almighty, Jehovah, &c. ; and upon these various names and attributes he founded an excellent and edifying sermon. Mr M'Donnell is a popular preacher, and in his prime. In his style he reminded me of the late Dr Candlish for deep thought and clear reasoning, while his sweet voice and earnest delivery resembles Dr Caird. The audience was large and attentive. Let me note a novelty in the way of lighting the churct When darkness was approaching the gas lights were lighted in an instant, without hands, by sparl.s from small electric wires which were laid to every burner from an electric battery outside. {I^.B. — Street lamps might all be lighted at once on the same plan). During the last three days I have gone over a great deal of ground, but before leaving Toronto I must say more about it. In regard to its trade, I was told the wholesale houses are increasing and extending, as it is found more central for the western merchants, who are also extending westward. I tnet several of the large warehousemen and saw over their establishments, some of which would do credit to Glasgow. The Toronto warehousemen and merchants complain of trade being overdone and too many goods imported for the trade of Canada, and iihen the home manufacturers are also complaining because of foreign competition. Hence many of them have jumped to the hasty and fallacious conclusion that they should have heavier duties imposed upon imports. These parties want less competition and the markets to themselves, but there are other parties who oppose these protectionist vie wa and advocate free trade out and out. I was shown piles of American and Canadian manufactured cotton cloth, of the soft undressed make, which I Wab told was beating the Manchester " dressed" or \\ •aMMMMM 14 i starched work out of the market. However, I must also mention that it has been reporto^^ to mo by parties who knew about the trade, that such cotton is not paying the makers of it, aud that iii is being forced on the markets at a reduction to cJear oft surplus stocks. This was so far proved to me by a warehouseman, who showed me a letter he had just received from an American manufacturer offering cloth at seven cents per yard, which he was bound by guarantee not to sell below ten cents in America. Thus it was better for him to make a sacrifice of the surplus stock abroad rather than at home, because, if he did so, he would have to mako a corresponding allowance to his home customers. This unsettles the markets, but it cannot be helped until demand overtakes supply, or less is produced. I was also shown over a large pork and produce warehouse. The process of curing and preserving is much the same as in the States. This is a large and growing trade in Toronto. This produce mer- chant, who was originally an Edinburgh gentleman, would have me to call at the City Hall and see the Mayor of Toronto, who was also an Edinburgh gentleman originally — Angus Morrison, Esq. He said fourteen mayors had called upon him this year alrea«ly. He showed us the principal rooms in the city buildings, told us something about the managt' ment of Toronto affairs, and presented me with a copy of the published records of the city. The business of the city is carried on with enterprising spirit, but at great cost. The waterworks alone cost $2,000,000. The water is pumped from Lake Ontario ; and no reservoirs are needed. The engine keeps the supply pipes slwaysfull, and the engineer can regulate the pressure. Since these works have been completed, the steam fire engines and expen- sive fire brigades have been found less necessary. Hydrants are placed all through the town, and the fire hose can be instantly attached to them in case of a fire, and an immense quantity of water can be poured into or over any building, so that fire risks are reduced. Besides this, the hydrants can be used to flush the drains and water the streets. The Mayor is a solicitor, and gives a great deal of 15 4 attention to municipal business. I was told he was allowed a handsome salar)' asMayor and water trustee. The Canadians believe in pacing publio men for attending to public work. The Prime Minister of the Dominion is allowed $8000 with travelling expenses ; the Members of Parliament get $1000 each for the session ; provincial M.P.'s, $800 ; Ministers of State, $4000 each — This ** payment of members " enables any gentleman to take the position of M.P. if he is thought to be the right man. In Canada the committee of the party and constituency seeks out and nominates the candidate to be " run " at an election. Candidates don't ofl'er themselves as in the old country. Understand there is a Dominion Parliament comprehending all the British provinces of North America and pro- vincial Parliaments besides — also provincial Govern- ments. Judging from the satisfaction I have heard expressed by all classes in the Dominion, with the admirable working of the constitution under which the people govern themselves here, I am inclined to think it is the most perfect system of Government in the world. In the tirst place the people are the source of power. The common saying is — one man is as good as another in Canada ; if he behaves himself as he should do, he is respected whatever his station. Nearly every man can have a vote. The municipal councils and county boards are elected by the ratepayers, and manage local affairs. The provincial legislative assembly legislates for all provincial affairs. The province of Ontaria, for instance, has its own revenue and expenditure, and attends to its own internal government, public roads, schools, &c., just as if Scotland attended to its own local improvements without having to &;o to the imperial parliament with every local improve- ment bill. Then there is the Dominion Parliament and the Governor General, who supervises and governs all the provinces as a united Dominion under Her Majesty the Queen, and it was gratifying everywhere to find the Canadians expressing truly loyal sentiments. By this means of election th^ ablest men of the I w r 16 country are found out and pushed forward from local councils and boards to the provincial legisla- ture, and from thence to the Dominion Parliament ; and if they show talent for Goveraraent the highest ofBce is open to a working man. The present Prime Minister o^ the Dominion, the Hon. Alex. M'Kenzie is an instance. He was at one time a stone mason in Forfarshire. He is hard to beat, and much respected by the Liberals, though opposed by the Conservatives, and those who are clamouring for still higher tariffs or exclusive trading. I must confess I have found a considerable num- ber of merchants and others holding the opinion that the best way to improve trade in Canada is to lay on heavier duties upon imports, and thereby make less competition. On the other hand I met with some very hard-headed farmers who took a different view of the position, and told me the merchants had been robbing the farmers by making them pay far more than necessary for their clothes, and their farm implements, &c., and the "grange" lodges had been established in ordertooppose railway monopolies, &c., and to let the tillers of the soil obtain all things they require to buy at the cheapest prices — just like the ** Co-operative " societies in England as I was told — so there is a conflict of interests here. "The granges " have become very formidable, and they, M-ith the assistance of other parties, may keep the high tarift men in check. ,/ From Toronto. : I started by the Great Western Eailway for Sarnia, at the extreme west of Ontario, so as to get a view of the interior of this province. I passed Hamilton, a large seaport town at the head of Lake Ontario and the centre of a well cultivated district. Hamilton has 32,150 inhabitants. The cuttings in the railways here show strata of sand and gravel, half oonsolidated into conglomerate. The country JfriiyflTllfftriDijr. the soil soft and sandy, and the fields 17 everywhere in Canada are better ihan uauil. An old colonist told me this has been the Dest season for farmers since 1841. The ploughshare rends the matted plain, Inhumes in level rowa the living ^rain ; Intrueive forests quit the cultured ground, And Ceres laughs with golden fillets crown'd. This part of the country is well cleared, aud occu- pied with numerous comfortable-lookiug modern farm-houses. It is remarkable how thickly studded the dwellings are along this comparatively new colony. There are some large villages also along the line, and towns of importance, as Paris, Ingersol, London. The farms all along this course are in good hands, many being people of Scotch origin. Towards the end of my journey an Indian reserve settlement was pointed out to me. It is about five miles square, and is occupied by about 5000 of the aboriginal race. They are making little progress — do little for their land, and live in poor-looking log huts. I saw some of these Indians in the town afterwards ; they are broad-faced, fleshy people, with skins the colour of smoked hams. I arrived at Sarnia about tea time, and was kindly entertained to that cheering beverage by a Scotch family from the Borderland. As people are all so clannish there, it was not long before I was introduced to some of the other people of the town. Sarnia is an important place, with 5000 of a popula- tion, 195 miles west of Toronto. It is situated on the river St. Clair, whiah flows out of Lake Huron into Lake Erie ; and through this connection all the fihipping has to pass from Chicago and the west in their course to Bufl'alo aud the seabord. Opposite Sarnia is Port Huron, on the American side, in the State of Michican ; and when trade is good a deal of merchandising is done here, hence the shops or "stores," as they are called, are on larger scales than the real trade of the town could keep up. When the duty on goods going into the States is so heavy, there is great inducement for people to come across from the American side to ''rig" themselves cut and return by the ferry boat with their new clothes on their back. Smuggling under such * V sati^ MMfi* !■ 18 exorbitant tariff's is almoRt justifiable. As a groat statesman said in my hearing — " Contrabandists are the rectifiers of unjust legislation." The people of Sarnia have distinguished them- selves bj sending one of their number to Parliament who is now Prime Minister of the Dominion — the Hon. Alexander M'Kenzie. The Sarnians are justly proud of their representative. I learned from some of his supporters that he understands the interests of the Dominion well, and he sets his face against any public waste of money or higher tariffs — in short, that he is a sound political economist. Here I met Mr King, a native of Kelso, who runs large Houring mills at Sarnia and Ingersol ; and he told me he was quite provoked by the protectionists. In the regular way of his trade he is in the habit of buying or receiving grain from any side of the lines to grind or "flour," but a party of Canadian pro- tectionists wanted to stop him from buying Ameri- can grain. They sought to impose an import duty on its being brought into Canada, and so compel him to confine his mills to grinding Canadian grain. This is a curious instance of the application of protection. I stayed a day in Sarnia, and crossed the ferry to Port Huron — a town about the same size, where I met another Hawick friend who ** runs" a bakery there, and he has become almost a Yankee. When he saw me he looked surprised, yoked his horse to his "buggy," and drove me up to Lake Huron — a short distance. There is a high lighthouse at the ^joint where the river leaves the lake. I ascended to the top of it, and got an extensive view across the country on both sides of the St. Clair and out into the wide expanse of Lake Huron, on whose bosom several grain-laden vessels were in full sail from the fertile lands of the Far West bearing the stajfF of life to the toiling millions of Britain, who in their turn are anxious to send back their manufac- tures in exchange for the food and produce they receive from hence. It is the order of Providence gople should exchange what produce or goods 19 Bighted or nelfish legtalators stop in to prevent free trade between those whose interest it is to exchange their respective productions ? Mr M'Kenzie, the Mayor of Sarnia, showed me through their new town hall and offices. Canadians are justly proud of their educational system, so Mr M'Kenzie took me to see the Normal School, where an examination of some fifty teachers was going on before the school inspectors. This town may be taken as a specimen of others I have seen. The merchant and middle-class people live in excellent villas, with plenty of ground, and the working people also have houses of their own with four or five apartments and a large garden. I was inside some of these. Work people there are no doubt better off than the majority of working men at home, and I may add that they appear to be very steady and thrifty — aiming at something even better still. In another town, for instance, I was pointed to a labouring man who left Hawick only a few years ago, who is now ** laird " of property worth 4000 dollars. I don't mention this to induce people to emigrate from the mother country, but rather to ask if people are as thrifty in the old country as they might be, and are here ; and also to consider if our legislation has not hindered people from getting on as well at home as they should and would have done if the people had the same influence over the legislature of Britain which they have in Canada and the other Colonies — not to speak of Republics. " There is another view of the situation, however, which I heard forcibly expressed by a cosmopolitan merchant in a large company the other day. He held it was a good thing for the world that the laws of England had been more favourable to the aris- tocracy — the rich and great — than to the democracy — the poor and the traders — for, said he, the undue pressure of certain laws and burdens upon the middle and lower classes had driven off the hives of the best population from the mother country to people the Colonies, and raise up new nations with new politi- cal institutions, free from the feudalism and the burdensome national establishments of the old country. Had not the law of entail and primogeni w 20 \ tnre heon in force in England ; had land been diviflihle amon(;at families aa in France, people would have clung to the homes of their fathers as they do in France, where the land is divided into parcelments, and so much is this overdone there that the peasant proprietors, he averred, are afraid to marry and have children, for fear of their land being subdivided further. And the consequence ia that the population of France is not increasing, and France has no colonies. Of course, these statements were controverted, but I mention th^m to show another view of the question. It would be strange if the "spirited policy" of the mother country should give an impulse to emigration. Old systems of government are on their trial now. They have the fate of the Ottoman Empire and others before them. Even the Germans have forsaken their Fadderland in numbers. People will look after their own interests now, and if they cannot get on comfortably at home they will emigrate to countries or colonies where they have more of their own way. British colonies a£ford great scope for emigration ; British North America is a great field ; Manitoba itself could provide farms for all Scotland. This new country lies considerably west of Upper Canada. I notice last June 121,602 acres were disposed of at the Dominion Land Office in Winni- peg. Thousands are flocking to the new territory, both from Canada and the Staces ; for the farming population in the Western States are dissatisfied with the way the Eastern States legislate. They legislate to favour the manufacturers of the East, and cause the farmers to pay extra prices for the goods they buy, and hence it is that many of the farmers are taking their departure to British terri- tory. For the same reason emigration from Europe is not flowing to the States so fast as it did. If the Dominion Government keep wise they will en- courage emigration by adhering to free trade as New South Wales has done and prospered by so doing. I returned from Sarnia to Toronto by another line, the Grand Trunk Railway, but the country has much the same appearance throughout, all the laud being I 81 \\ inoro or leas cleared and turned into profitable farra8, with comfortable-looking farm-steada. The holdings are not what we would call large farms, they are mostly from 100 to 150 acres each. I was told by some farmers I met that about 100 acres is considered quite enough for one family to hold and work properly. I understand the reason why such small holdings are preferred, is that labour is scarce and dear, and that it will not pay to hire labour to work large farms in Canada. Farm labourers, on their part, prefer to buy a farm of their own and work it, rather than work for hire. There is no difficulty in any person getting a farm of his own in Canada. He can agree for the price and pay it up by instalments, these yearly payments not being more than an ordinary rent of land in the old country. The usual rate for borrowed money is 7 per cent. Referring to a report by Professor Brown, of the Ontario School of Agriculture, I find this data : — "It takes £17 per acre to enter upon an average British farm of 150 acres, or, say $13,000. Now, I can assure the Britisher of a system of little risk, quick returns, and reasonable profits. Here is an estimate of the average cost and entry upon a farm of 150 acres in Ontario, to be worked as a feeding station for the British market — Price of 150 acres (120 under plough) at $60,... $9,000 Implements 900 Four horses, ., ... 600 Four cowp, 200 Feed and fodder to start with, 250 First purchase of steers for fattening — thirty at 9^v), ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,500 House furnishings, 300 Capital required, ... $12,750 Anrnial Maintenance of such a Farm* Two men and one boy (the farmer to work), ... $550 ^ -*.C«ACS7y ••• ••• ■•• ••• ••« c vO Repairs and incidents, 250 ' Family expenses, 750 ' Gross annual expenditure, $1,550 4 ^mmSSm 22 The annual receipts, accoMinc: to an average of several modes of calculation, may be safely set down at $1540; this, upon an invested capital of $12,750, is equal to 12 per cent., which, with the annual maintenance of the farm and household, shows a deficit of $15, or, for all practical purposes, no balance. But, by the natural development and progress of the country, with the improvements that ought to accompany all good husbandry, landed property in Ontario on an average increases in value 3^ per cent, per annum," and the farm keeps the family. I may say from what I heard farmers saying, that they are turning their chief attention for the future to cattle feeding, for which they have great advan- tages. They think cattle will pay better than wheat growing. While I saw splendid crops on the ground, I everywhere saw great quantities of nice- looking cattle feeding for the foreign market. So, if John Bull gets plenty of work and good wages, he need not want his "roast beef." THE ST. LAWRENCE. I left Toronto by the Grand Trunk Railway for Kingston at seven on the morning of the 18th July, reached that place at two next morning, had two miles to drive along a dusty road from the station to the steamer on the St. Lawrence, got on board at 4 a.m. to steam down this broad river through amongst the Thousand Islands, which are so much extolled by tourists. No doubt these islands pre- sent beautiful and picturesque appearances as we sail along, but there is a sameness in the islands which is almost wearisome, and there are few dwellings to give life and variety to the scene. On the islands, towards the lower part of the river, near Brockville, where pleasant little yacht- ing, boating, fishing, and bathing stations have been located, there are some beautiful summer resorts. Many people go to these islands, and live in encampments among the woods for their summer holidays, which must be quite a treat to the Americans, who have comparatively few pretty places such as we have in England and Scotland to Twr^rr^ 23 resort to for change of air in summer and autumn. But to my mind the Cumberland Lakes, the Kyles of Bute, the Scotch Lochs, or the Swedish Lakes, which are passed through when going by the Gotha Canal from Gothenburg to Stockholm, are more charming than the St. Lawrence, even though the rapids are thrown into the bargain. The interest in the rapids is discounted before you see them, and when sailing down the rapid stream on board a well built steamer, you feel so safe and far more com- fortable than upon a tempestuous sea or " a ground swell," that when we have shot '*the rapids ' we can say we have ** done " them, that is all ; and as for the great tubular bridge at Montreal it is an ugly structure. The Tay bridge is both longer and more beautiful than this masterpiece of Mr Stevenson. The Victoria Tubular Bridge is like a huge log of timber laid upon gigantic stepping stones across the river St. Lawrence. I was told a great amount of money was wasted on this structure needlessly, and that it is now found it would have been better to have placed the bridge further down the river. The view of Montreal, with its shipping docks and warehouses looking from the river ap- proach, gives a good impression of the oldest, largest, and most substantial city of Lower Canada. I arrived there in time for the table d'hote in the even- ing at the St. Lawrence Hotel. An agent for this hotel was on board the steamer all the way. He described the scenery in passing the islands and rapids, and brought as many passengers as he could get to this hotel. Had I not come by the St. Lawrence, I might have kept the rail from Kingston to Ottawa, the capital of the Dominion, where the Houses of Parlia- ment and the Government have been recently located. The Dominion Government buildings at Ottawa are said to be the most elegant and exten- sive on the American Continent — not excepting the capitol at Washington — and I regret I had not time to go round by Ottawa, which would have taken a day longer, as I believe it is more worth seeing than the St. Lawreuc43. . -n..-,.-i.^...,| ^ ^.^,^^ ^, liriiiiiirtrii «(fwr 24 MONTREAL. July 19, 1878. Montreal stands upon an island, and is the largest and most solid looking city in the Dominion, the streets and public buildings beiug all of stone, like our Scotch and English large towns. lu walking through the thoroughfares people can fancy they are in a commercial or cathedral town of the old country, for the shops and warehouses remind one of Glasgow, while the numerous ecclesiastical buildings remind one of Oxford or Cambridge. The population is 175,000, of whom most part are French-Canadian Catholics. It is well known that this body are richly provided for from revenues from thelandheld by theirchurches, and this isa standing grievance with the Protestants. The 'clergy reserves,' I was told, tend to keep the province of Quebec in a state of status quo. The French-Canadian popula- tion in the country district in Lower Canada are said to be contented with the state they are in. They are not so improving as the people of Upper Canada are — they are a stand-still race — hence im- migration is flowing to the other provinces rather than to the province of Quebec. But there is no appearance of any want of push in the peoi>le of Montreal ; indeed, it is a very pushing business city, and from what I saw and heard from mer- cantile people in different trades, I don't think trade in Montreal will fall off at their hands. Still the tendency of emigration being towards the western province there is a disposition on the part of mer- chants to follow the trade to Toronto, hence it is gaining upon Montreal. But Montreal will always command a trade from its port and ocean bhipping. The Bank of Montreal being amongst the richest in the world, and other banks and capitalists in this city being very wealthy, draws trade and commerce to it. Along with a friend 1 visited several of the mercantile establishments and public buildings. The church of Notre Dame, which is large enough to hold 10,000 seated, is beautifully decorated, and the roof and stone work are painted with azure blue, relieved with gold gilding, the thick stone columns beiug painted to imitate differently coloured 25 and varied marbles. At the Muuicipal Buildings I was introduced to Mr Black, the city treasurer, who gave me a copy of his annual report, showing that he collected a revenue of above four million dollars per annum, and disbursed the same for the city of Montreal yearly. Mr Black is another instance among several of a Scotch accountant getting into high positions abroad. The Corn Exchange is an important building. I was introduced to Mr Wm. J. Patterson, the secretary, who has completed a book of statistics of the trade of Canada, and he presented me with a copy of it. I see it is an excellent work. From this book it appears there are 28 banking com- panies in Canada, having a subscribed capital of £15,000,000 nearly all paid up ; deposits, about £15,000,000; circulation, £4,000,000 ; specie, above £1,000,000; Government stock, £230,000; provincial notes on hand, 7,956,014 dollars. Notwithstanding the hard times these banks have managed well. They have averaged a fair dividend to their share- holders, and afforded judicious accommodation and banking facilities to the people on a scale commensu- rajke with their wants without encouraging wreckless trading. These banks are mostly managed by Scotch- men bred to the business, and, from what I have been informed, by merchants, I am led to believe the Scotch system of banking is carried out in greater perfection in Canada than at home, because in Canada there is no exclusive privilege of issue given to one bank which cannot be obtained by another, so that there is a wholesome competition kept up for bankingbusinessupon?i secure basis. The circulation of notes of one dollar and upwards is secured by the banks having to lodge more than sufficient securities to cover the same, and these bank notes, along with the Provincial Government notes, furnish an ample, secure, and excellent currency for the country — a perfect contrast to the restricted and iuexpansive, though not more secure and certainly less service- able system of banking and currency in force in England. I think England might well take a lessfm from Canada in this way, for free banking and an ample and handy currency properly secured like that of Canada or the United States, is most •MMriMMMHRWBtt. 2G essential to any country in carrying on free trade. I was also introducerl to Mr Andrew Robertson, president of the Montreal Board of Trade. These gentlemen are both Scotchmen, and their opinions are deferred to on commercial matters. The ques- tion of free trade or protection here, as elsewhere, is the dividing line of political parties, and the next election will turn on that question, I was told. After seeing through the town we drove to Mount Royal, which rises at the back of the city. On the slopes of this mountain many of the wealthy mer- chant's houses are situated, commanding a delightful view of the city, the St. Ijawrence, and the sur- rounding country. This hill is well laid out with drives and walks and ornamental grounds. Return- ing from the drive we had jnst time to dine, and then get to the steamer, which started at night, and arrived at Quebec next morning at six o'clock, QUEBEC. This is a different looking city from any m Canada. It stands on a steep hillside, and on tbe crest of the hill stands the citadel of Quebec. The old town nestles along its base. We had a few hours to spend here before setting sail, so we walked through some of the streets, breakfasted in a hotel a la France, for we are among French people here, and see numbers of priests going about in clericals. I was told there are too many of this idle class here. We looked through the market place, which was attended by hundreds of peasantry with their farm produce, all speaking French. They were cheerful looking people, rather like the Irish peasantry, and mostly clad in home made stuff j but by no means so well off looking as the peasantry in the north of France about Rouen and Compiegne. I have been told that French Canadians have not pro gressed so much as other Canadians, or even as their kindred who were left behind in Normandy. Still, on looking along the edge of the St. Lawrence on both sides and up the hillsides about half way, the country is plentifully studded with villages and farm-houses, and a great part of the laud is under pasture or cultivation. :-.Tr~r-nrvii--j(j 27 About nine miles below Quebec the Montmorency Fall is seen falling over a cliff 230 feet high into the bay below. The passengers got on board the steamer Sardinian about 10 a.m. There was quite a bustle at the embarkation. There were above 100 saloon passengers and as many steerage passengers, many of whom were returning to see the land of their birth and their old friends after years of anxious toil in the colony. Some looked happy, and some were shedding a tear. Amongst the cheerful who came to see friends on board were Lord Dufferin, Lady Dufferin, and their daughter. The passengers raised a hearty three cheers fur the Governor-General, and Lord Dufferin returned the salute as the Sardinian parted from the tender. THE VOYAGE. July 20. Now we are started on our long return voyage across the Atlantic. The ship is reported to be the best of the Allan Line, and Captain Dutton bears a high reputation, so God speed the good ship "Sar- dinian." The weather became cold and foggy. The further we got down the St. Lawrence the air got colder, and the passengers took very badly with it, for most of us had been basking and burning in a hot summer sun, with the thermometer at d'6° in the shade, whereas now it ranged at 41°, and stood about this until we got through the straits of Belle Isle and past Newfoundland. Here we saw icebergs, but the atmosphere being foggy they were not clearly delineated. The ship had to "slow" during the fogs. One iceberg, however, was seen distinctly about five miles oii, 300 feet high. A whale was also seen spouting. There were few other objects to attract attention on the voyage, only two steamers and two or three sailing vesF'^ls passed us for a week. The passengers, however, became very sociable, indulging in games on deck — such as shovel the boards, something like curling ; and pitching rings of rr pe to catch upon a pin eighteen inches high. Walking and chatting, smoking and eating— this latter occupation takes up a good deal of the day miHliUfcfc '1» 28 when passeDgers are well, but as the sea was rather uneasy for the first part of the voyage, and the wind contrary, many of the ladies and some of the gentlemen absented themselves from table until the weather changed for the better after we were half- way across. There is always great speculation about the miles run, pending the daily run being posted in the saloon after the observation is taken at the meridian. During our voyage, as the passengers were from all the provinces of the Dominion, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and some from the States, with English, Scotch, Germans, and Jews, the discussions which sometimes took place in the smoking-room on the characteristics and politics of the different Governments and people, were sometimes as exciting and as informing as a little Parliament, and certainly the great question of "free trade" and ** protection," which is agitating America and the Colonies ; the depression of trade, which is affecting all countries at present ; and the Eastern Question, were fairl/ discussed by mer- chants from different parts of the world and from various points of view. Then in the evening the saloon was sometimes enlivened with vocal and instrumental music. On Sunday Captain Dutton read the Church service and preached most appropriately. This was the opening hymn at the Sunday service — From every stormy wind that blows, From every swelling tide of woes. There is a calm a safe retreat, 'Tis found beneath the mercy seat. The weather became very fine as we neared the coast of Ireland. The sunset on the sea the last night we were on it was brilliant. The grey clouds hung on the western horizon, and inside that grey there was a semicircle of beautiful shaded red to orange, with the sun in the centre dipping into the sea, which was marked out in a clear horizontal line,, Now it touches — gradually goes down as if into the distant waves, and all at once it suddenly plunges overhead and extinguishes itself, leaving the still beautiful and bright red semicircular halo to 29 shed its colour until it was gradually overcast by the grey curtains of the summer twilight. We sighted land before dark, and eager were the eyes cast towards the distant outline. On the morning we were all up by time, for several passengers intended to land at Londonderry. This portion left us with kind adieus, and we sailed on to Liver< pool, rounding the north of Ireland close to the Giant's Causeway, the illustrations of which are familiar to all. Then the Mull of Galloway ap- peared, and so on past the Isle of Man, into St. George's Channel, till we saw the Welsh Hills, and finally reached our destination on the evening of the 30th July, fifty-two days from the time I set sail on the 8th June, having sailed and travelled in the interval over 5000 miles of sea and about 30(X) miles of America and Canada without accident ; and I return home gratified and with a thankful heart. The tender which met our vessel off Liverpool brought the news that the Marquis of Lome had been appointed viceroy of the Dominion, and all the Canadians and New Bruns wickers on board were highly pleased with the appointment. The colonists seemed to feel that they would now have royalty in reality to reign over them, and judging from the feelings expressed by our British American friends, the Marquis of Lome and Princess Louise will be right loyally received in the Dominion. There is a great future for British America if its legislators adopt a free and enlightened policy, and eschew exclusiveness and narrow-mindedness. Let all the British Dominions go hand in hand in helping each other, and showing a good example of amity and goodwill to other nations, as indeed they already do, for there is no standing army in these provinces. The Americans on both side the lines smoke their pipes in peace, unarmed and unharmed. I have travelled through America and Canada, and cannot recollect of seing a single soldier. How different on the continent of Europe. There very fifth man you meet is in military uniform. Luiope is a vast camp, bristling with bayonets and cannon — wasting men and money. No wonder there is depression. %itain should show a better example in this respect T> ■ 30 than she does. ''Britain's interest is peace," as Lord Derby said. If the United States and the British Dominion of North America, together with the Australians and other Anglo Saxon colonies which have self-Govern- mentf can do without standing armies, why cannot Great Britain and Europe do the same ? ** Were people wise, war is a game that nations would not play at." Instead of singing Jingo songs the French air, which was once very popular in this country, should be encored — Oh were I Queen of England, Or what's better Pope of Home, I'd have no fighting men abroad, No weeping maids at home. All the world Bhould live at peace, And should kings ascert their rights, I'd let them who make the quarrels Be the only men to fight. Postscript. — After visiting Canada and meeting in a friendly way with so many people in different walks of life there and hearing their various opinions about Canadian affairs, I now feel a considerable interest in what is going on in the Dominion. Since I was there their parliament has been dissolved, and the count) v is now in the midst of an election con- test. The question between the two parties is the all important one of Free Trade or Protection. The policy of Mr M'Kenzie's ministry has been and still is Free Trade and economy. The policy which the opposition, led by Sir John A. Macdonald advocates, is Protection to all the manufacturers of Canada. In fact, Sir John's own words clearly shew that, as to their goods, he contemplates a protection that would amount to ** prohibition " to British and for- eign goods. Here are Sir John A. Macdonald's own words, at Toronto j'- *• It is quite true that the more manuf aotiHreft we have in this country the less of foreign m«ai^^|j||e of that kind we use in this XQaaigL,/, ilfliiiillM' 'ifiiflTM about that. Business 31 1 ^\ cles. (Hear, hear.) I will not shock the teetotal- lers by saying we import a great deal of wine and brandy, and oi foreign luxuries of all kinds. It is quite true that if we can encourage manufactures in wool, cotton, leather, and iron, we shall have a corresponding diminution of duties on these articles, but then the men who would make them in this country would be receiving their wages, they would be getting rich, the capitalists who are employers of labour would be buying, and they would import their brandies, their wines, and their luxuries to a far greater extent. The duties that would be paid by the men in this country who would be prosper- ing under a protective tariff would more than com- pensate for the loss occasioned by the reduction of imports of any given manufacture. (Cheers. ) There was little doubt as to this. Now, gentlemen, the question is whether we are going to have protection in this country or not ; whether we are going to have Canada for the Canadians or Canada for foreigners ; whether we are to allow this country to be a slaugh- ter market, as it has been, or whether we are to keep our markets for ourselves." On the ministerial side I see from ;i paper sent to me from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that the Hon. Messrs M'Kenzie & Cartwright (the Bright and Gladstone of Canada) have had a great meeting in Halifax, at which 2000 people were present, and they boldly, ably, and most emphatically declared that they were determined to stand by the principles of free trade and economical government. Here is Mr Cartwright's reply to Sir John A. Macdonald r — ** Now, gentlemen, this is his wonderful declaration, coming from a statesman who has had thirty -five years' experience of public life, and who for twenty years was, de facto^ king of a great part of Canada. I say this is one of the most astounding statements I, at any rate, ever heard. Sir John's remedy for the financial depression is to take off the duties of all these things that we cannot produce in this country, raise the duties on everything that we can produce to such a height that we can manufacture them here, and consequently will import no more of these articles into this country — (hear, hear) — and / ^#" 32 he is going to make you all rich out of the surplus Erofits of that transaction. (Hear, hear.) Now, I ave mac^ some slight calculation as to the result which Will follow from adopting this programme, and it is tolerably clear, as you will see, that if we take off the duties of all articles en meratcd and also manufac- ture, as he proposed we should do, and as the party proposes we should do, all the articles which we can produce in this country, it is clear that there can be no revenue from customs duties, at any rate, and it is also tolerably clear that we must pay as high taxes as before, but with this important differ- ence, that whereas at present they go into the treasury to be applied for the purposes of the public welfare, in the other case the same taxes are to be distributed among the favoured company of indi- viduals, and amongst, I suppope, other useful friends to whom Sir John can apply for another ten thousand. ... I can understand how you would be benefited by the remission of taxes on a sufficiently liberal scale ; but I put it to your common sense, how is any individual to become richer by the policy of making him pay 20 cents in the dollar more for everything he consumes, for everything that he wears, for everything that he may use, for ordinary domestic purposes, than at present. (Cheers. ) We do not see our way clear to adopt a protective policy, if it were for no other reason than because we believe it would now dis- cord between the various Provinces, and the ulti- mate result would be to make those who are rich richer, and those already poor far poorer than they are ; because we have watched and studied this matter attentively and have done our best to master the state of affairs in the United States ; and because we believe that a policy which has been attended with such widespread mischief, which I verily believe has done the people of the United States far more material injury than even the civil war did, is not a policy which a true born Canadian should ever hold up as fit to be the national policy for the people of this country." (Loud and prolonged cheering.)