V 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Corporation of Toronto 
 
 BOHRD OF TRADE. 
 
 Sirs : ~" 
 
 The Intercolonial Exposition of Industry, now opened at King- 
 ston, Jamacia, W. I., is an epoch in our colonial history, and deserves 
 the patronage of British Americans, to assist in consolidating and 
 extending commerce between us, as members ot the Colonial Empire 
 of Britain. . »S 
 
 The writer of this became a member of our Board of Trade over 
 forty years ago, when we had to struggle for existence, and met over 
 the grocery store of Chas. Robertson, at the market. The late Thos. 
 Clarkson, Hy. Rowsell, T. I). Harris, J. Harrington, P. Ridout, J. G. 
 Worts, and others, who took an interest in those days, are succeeded 
 now by a vigorous army of business men, and the results of this 
 institution, so early established in the capital of Ontario, are seen by 
 the erection of the magnificent building, just completed, on Front and 
 Yonge streets, a photo of which, along with other city buildings, 
 should be sent on to Jamaica Exhibition, so as to brii.g our brethren 
 in those delightful islands up to visit us in summer, and Canadians 
 to return the above in our winters, for health and pleasure, instead of 
 going to California, thereby giving a short sea voyage to us and 
 strengthening the bonds of intercolonial trade and friendship. 
 
 The year 1893 has been chosen by our American brethren south, 
 to commemorate the landing of Columbus on these western shores, 
 at Chicago, and I beg to suggest, that we as British Americans have 
 equal right to do the same, and specially Decause the French Cana- 
 dian Pioneers penetrated into the interior of the continent via the 
 great lakes and rivers, before civili;^ation began, and erected forts, 
 etc., to trade with the Indians and carry the cross to the benighted 
 heathen. Therefore, we may unite to hold an exposition of British 
 American industry in Toronto during August and September, while 
 the World's Fair is being held at Chicago, and tliereby give visitors 
 from Europe an opportunity of witnessing our progress in the western 
 
world, in friendship to " Bro. Jonathan," to l)ring c'tizens of the 
 world to settle upon our inexhaustible supply of vacant territory, and 
 make happy homes for the millions from every land under the sun. 
 
 The city may send the beautiful case of framed photos and 
 maps which adorns the City Hall, and a few specimens of our 
 portraits, the old artist " Berthon," and the Board of Trade their 
 building same time, with samples of produce. If deemed necessary 
 the writer of this, who was at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition, 
 officially, in connection with our manufacturers, would be willing to 
 accompany the above, to renew acquaintance with the commissioners 
 from the West Indies who were at Philadelphia. There is plenty of 
 time for this being done as an extra and complimentary exhibit. 
 Excursion trips are being arranged to take Canadians direct there 
 and return by Halifax or St. Johns, N. B. 
 
 The late Senator John Macdonald, of our city, took great interest 
 in promoting this colonial enterprise amongst British Canadians, and 
 to his honor and memory we should follow up his philanthropic 
 labors in behalf of union and peace and good-will amongst men. 
 
 I am, " V 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 JOHN LAIDLAVT, Sr. 
 
 Toronto, February, 1891. '