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BIOGRAPHY

SIR CflMLES TCPPEE

MINISTK1! OF T!ATI,WAY, K.f.M.f;., ('.i!,, M.l'.

llKin tO.MMISSIDNEli OP {)\m\ Td ENGLAND

(^IIAKLKS THIJiAULT

ADVO. ATK AM) J'llSl.K'lsr

MONTK'KAL
VETKXDAIW i'itINT, :J1 8T J.VMKS STKEKT

1883

A7i;
the te:
roots
tliose :
tlie ol)
A uni]
con.sta;

SUITOU

dews r
orclina:
is excii
the be?
rise wii
iieights
heneatl
is acq 11
l)eacon
grow gj
tion the

SIR CHMLES m

He the true niler and conqueror,
He the true lord of his race,
Who nerves his arm for 'ife's combat,
And looks a strong world in the face."

D. F. McCauthy.

A.'itli certaiu nieu as -witli certain trees, the stronger
the tempest rages about them, the deeper tliey bury tlieir
roots in the soil. Wiidh assailed by political storms,
those men of indomitable energies generally reach sooner
the object of their ambition — the summit of their glory.
A uniform sky is ever monotonous ; a political atmospliere,
constantly serene, damps the courage of iiim ^vhom it
surrounds. Strong winds alone dry the earth ; refreshing
dews render it fertile. A public career is not bound by
ordinary rules, nor governed by every day laws. Its life
is excitement. In order to grasp at fame, man must leave
the beaten path, stray from the common ways. He must
rise with the tide of j)opularity, and from the mountain
heights, or the crest of waves, dictate to the pcojtle
beneath. Fame may snatch you unawares ; a good name
is acquired only by degrees. It glimmers aloft like a
beacon ; you niuft rise and soar to its level in order to
grow glorious in the contact. (Ilory h the Hash, reputa
tion the lightning rod of safety. Glory is not spontimeous,

mOCHAPHV OF

no more thiiii renown its footstool. V>y constant labour,
trauscemlont qualiti^.'s, an ininmtable will, brilliant deeds
and a union of circumstances that place all the powers
and energies in contact with exterior forces, alone can
man reach that end.

The hardest steel receives its In-ightest i)olisii from the
most rugged file. The chiselled diamond ever Hashes the
greatest brilliancy. In order to be seen in his full glow,
and to be apj^reciated according to his real merits, the
true politician requires contradictions. Alas I too often
is he judged b} the glimmer of a false light, too often is
he unappreciated until ho drops his arms and quits the
arena — that theatre of his numberless contests. The
world is prone to judge with passion men that struggle ;
above all men who conquer. Success is so often a crimo
in the eyes of the envious many.

Political life, with its acrimiuous contests, its fruitless
encounters, its disastrous defeats, its fierce hatreds, its
sudden changes, its passing triumphs, its numberless
miscalculations, is the vortex wlierein are lost so many
noble hearts ; wherein so many brilliant minds are
sunken, and so many beautiful reputations sullied. Then,
should it not be with fear and trembling that a young
man Avould enter that winding labyrinth where so often
is heard the hiss of the hydra of egotism, falsehood and
deceit ] Oh ! yes, for those who prepare for that ungrate-
ful career, it is well to remind them of that fearful line
in Dante's "Inferno" — "All who enter here abandon
hope " — of peace, rest, fortune, gratification ! You are oiij
the highway : ingratitude lurks along it, ruin is its
terminus. Yat, if the country ciUs for a holocaust, if
victims are necessary, offer yourselves ready for the sacri-
tice ; do it without second object, do itVithout ambition,

SIR CHAULKS TUPrKU

do it witliout egotism. Aim but at your cuuutry'ss good,
work hut for lu^r li;ij>}>ines!; and glory. Sucli is your
political duty I With all other objects your country shall
ho the victim aud you the dupe. The political man
belongs no longer to himself; his every action mnat tend
to one entl, point towards the general welfare.

Thus it is that directing the noble faculties with .vhich
heaven endowed him, towards the ])roper t'uds, forcing
his adversaries to recognize the purity of his motives,
the grandeur of his views, the extent of his ideas ; im-
})0sing on the multitude his political desires ; governing
all the elements of discord that trouble the bosom of a
country, youthful, agitated, unsettled ; conciliating the
conflicting interests of hostile races; rendering justice to
the weak ; combating the religious prejudices of the
people ; meeting face to fac« and with open helmet the
able, wise and tricky leaders who are ever in perfect
harmony with popular prejudices and as})iratious ; liually
triumphing over all obstacles, — is more than the action of
a man, it is that of a real genius. Such was the career
and such is the story of Sir Charles Tuppur.

History is not a mere collection of scattercl documents.
TJiey should have a tie even as the wuof in the web.
Simple facts may cast a light upon a life, yet their union
alone joined to passing events can constitute a biography.
Eesides veracity, impartiality is also necessary. And
impartiality is the more certain when the biographer is
completely independent of the one whose origin, contests,
labors and successes he is about to recount.

^Moreover, the pen of flattery is as false as the pencil of
caricature. Exageration is to truth what cosmetic is to
beauty : deformed thereby it receives no benefit there-
from.

BIOGKAPIIY OP

ORIGIN OF THK TITPER FAMILY.

The Tapper family springing from the Electorate of
Hcsse-Casscl, one of the three states of the olden Ger-
manic Confederation, after planting its tent on the Island
of Guernesoy soon loft the little Isie and went forth to
seek fortune and establish its homo amongst the primeval
forests of the new Avorld. In those day.>? all who felt a
thrilling desire for liberty ; all those whose ambition
soared abovf« tlieir actual position, the disenhearted chil-
dren of tlie day, men of talent, men of genius, all seeking
their fortune left behind them the shores of old Europe
and fled towards the banks of young America. Virginia
drew to herself a number of English and Guernesey
emigrants. The former brought with them their love of
liberty ; the latter their aftection for the motherland.

Soon the position was about to be explained by a par-
ticular circumstance which would establish a striking
contrast, exliibiting the fidelity of the one and the love
of independence of the other.

Eevolution had just breathed upon the Anglo-American
Colonies! The murmur of the forest, the fecondity of
the soil, the charms of the climate, the land in its rich-
ness sufficed no longer ! In order to further develop the

KIK in.VULK.S TUPPKIt 7

natural resources it seems perfectly patent that no foreign
riliiickles were required to bo bound around the comnierco
and the industries of the land. No ]»oud is needed for
llu! activity of the people, no tax upon tlieir success.

To reach that end man must rise against his mother-
land. The American colonist takes arms to compier and
obtain the benefits that floated before liim in liis dreams
as lie crossed the Atlantic.

Still England has so learned to inculcate in the minds
of her subjects such a love of lier institutions, laws and
customs that even Englishmen far from their country
are generally ever attached to her. Thus had many of
America's colonists left their hearts in their native land.
Faithful children of that mother, they still desire to live
in her memory, under her protection, her government,
and her laws. Where is the power that can hold a child
separated from the one who gave him life? Against the
bayonet of the foe a child would rusli, that he might fall
into the arms of his mother. The Loyalists, under the
persetnition of revolting factious, deprived of their means,
cast into cells, found it necessary to abandon all, that
they might remain faithful to old England. The dawning
R(;l)ublic had broken the bonds of their allegiance to her,
jilaciug their loyalty to the greatest test. They should
sacrifice everything : goods, patrimony, fortune, home,
liiemories and hopes in order to remain faithful to the
•j1(1 Hag. Great was the sacrifice ; even it was ruin itself !
The sentiment of loyalty triiim})lied in that duel Ijetwoen
interest and honor. Amongst those voluntary victims of
lovo of country and devotion to England were to lo
[found the forefathers of Dr. Tupper.

Scarcely ever is a sacrifice sterile in its effects : sooner
lor later its reward must come. Many of the descendants

lilOGIlAPHY OF

of tlioso voluntary exiles shall one day \. j iinpcrtant
parts in the drama of the new country of their adoption ;j
Some in the political arena, others on the fields of batth
Many of those refugee iamilies will be seen fighting inj
the foremost ranks, giving their lives to uphold the powc
of England in America. Blood is the purest criterioni
of love. Isaac T>rock one of the Tupper family, sliall h'\
amongst the number. It was in 1812, on the summit of |
that lodge tliat forms the cataract of Niagara, and bendini:
around the western extremity of Lake Ontario, cousti|
tutes tlie heights of St. Catherines and of Queenstoii,
there was played a sanguinary drama. On the 13th Octu j
ber, the American Crencral Van llensallaer, embarquedj
his troops in flat boats and commenced the attack ofl
Quecnston, Col. Dennis of the 41)th held him long ;if|
bay, Avhen his cannon being taken, he was forced tul
retreat with considerable loss. Brock hearing the cannon-p
nade, rushed to the scene with his aides-de-camps, Majoil
Clogg and Col. McDonnell, to learn the cause of the|
tumult. Seeing the hopeless situation, he leaped from laJ
horse, took command of a company of the 49th, andj
brandishing bis !sWord, at double pace, he marched toAvardJ
the enemy. I>rock fell, to rise no more. At the sight of^
this, his soldiers in fury threw themselves upon i\\\
American ranks, despite the (luadruple numbers of tlit|
latter, hurled them down the heights and force them to
present themselves to Shealfe, who took command altel
P>rock's fall. The latter was carried off in his 42nd yean
— the idol of the army and of all Toronto of which placd
he was then Governor.

SIR CHARLKH TLrPKK

NOVA SCOTIA.

Xova Scotiii, now one of the Provinces of the Canadian
Dominion, is situated between the Gulf of St. Lawrence,
tlie IJay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean ; hetween the
35th and 42nd degrees long, and the 43rd and 47th lat.
of the American continent. It is the eastern extremity of
tlio Canadian Confederation. When discovered by France
in the 16th century, it formed part of Xew France. From
its great fertility it received the name of Acadia. There,
on the banks of the old French Bay, around Port lioyal,
at ( Jrand Pre, at l>eau IJassin, and tlie Ikssin-des-jMines,
after irisantic strugjjles and wild fights, the descendants
of old France fixed their tents. Their juemory alone calls
up some of the darkest pages of history. On the arrival
of the French, the Micmac and Malecite tribes, branches
of the great Algonquin family, divided amongst them-
selves the land. Soon they were either conquered or
<lestroyed ; civilization stamped out the red man I Long
ago, in the 9th century, olden manuscripts tell us that
Scandinavian hordes, in their grotesque boats, touched
the Iceland shores. The Ingulf Xorway had established
there in 864 ! At the commenceraont of the 10th century,
the pirate Eric, the Eed, finding refuge nowhere else, was

BIOGRAPHY OP

forced to continue toAvurds the west. Having reached
Greenland, Eric founded a colony there with the children
taken from tliat inliospitable Isle ; there he set up a
rvtyalty, the memory of which coon was lost in the
wilderness of the Atlantic.

Lief, one of his sons, hearing tliat IJiorne, the Icelander,
had found other lands, started upon an unknown trij).
This sea-rover, with favorable winds, soon reached tlie
shores of Helluland, the land of bare rocks, — Newfound-
land of to-day ; — thence going on westwardly, he touched
in a short time the sliores of the Markland of then, the
Nova Scotia of to-day.

Nearly five centuries had rolled on since the adven-
tures of Eric's son, ^'/hen the tocin of time rang out a
new era for America. Columbus, Cabot, Cartier, Kober-
val, CJilbert, LaI\oclie, DeMonts, Poutrincourt, Champlain,
Latour and Charniso, had either found or established
relatively prosperous colonies upon the soil. Alas ! The
France of Louis XV, did not appreciate the importance
of those distant settlements ! England, more practical,
cast upon them her soldiers and her mon(!y, and fortune
favored her. The Acadians, although quiet and retir.'d
upon their farms, held in dislike their enemies long after
France had forgotten them ! The English resolved to
build a city that would rival Port Royal. Consequently
in 1749, Cornwallis came to lay the foundations in the
liarbor of Chebouctou, of this new establishment called
Halifax, called after his protector Lord Halifax. English
emigrants, favored greatly there, flowed in from all sides :
the exiles of the ncigh1)oring Eepublic soon came to seek
an asylum and protection.

Lawrence succeeded Cornwallis as (rovernor of the new
colony. In his reign, in 1755, was seen one of the most

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

odious and ignoble deeds ever perpetrated before the eyes
of civilization, — the dispersion rend persecution of the
Acadians. But Heaven is just ! One liundred and ten
thousand Acadians, to-day assembled in the Maritime
Provinces, attest to the world that might is not always
right, that iniquity is no offspring of human justice, that
the vanquished of yesterday are often the victors of to-
]norrow.

BIOGRAPHY OP

III

BIRTH OF DR TUPPER — HIS LOVE OF WORK — HE STUDIES
MEDICINE — REFLECTIONS UPON THAT STUDY.

Strange reverse in the things of this world ; inside a
quarter of a century from this dolesome event, that
tarnished forever tlie banner of England, the American
Revolution, in its turn, expelled from its bosom the loyal
sons of Briton. These latter, in 1783, disembarqued at
the Bay of Fundy, opposite Xavy Island — thus seeking
an asylum upon the very soil whence their allies had
driven the Acadian people ! These emigrants dispersed
over the country. The County of Cumberland received
its quota, and amongst them the paternal grandfather of
Sir Charles. At Amherst, in this county, on the 2nd
July 1821, he was born.

His younger days are but little known. When he
entered politics his mother was no more, and a mother
often hides in the recesses of her heart those traditions,
unforgotten by only her, that tell of her child's first
years. Did she fear that in divulging those secrets her
admiration would not be sufficiently appreciated ? Oh !
sacred egotism of a mother's tenderness, why should we
take from thee those hidden treasures ! Suffice to say,
that young Tupper, after a brilliant course of studies at
the College of Acadia, in his native land, where still very

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

young he became "Master of Arts, went to cany off fresh
palms at the Ediuburgli University, in Scotland, where
he received the title of Doctor in Medicine, an«l became
fellow of the lioyal College of that city. All those honors
fell upon one of twenty-two years !

This not only displays his tiilents, but also exhibits his
love of work, which he never dropped all the while. He
had ever an energetic and an indefatigable mind. Labor
is to man what the dew is to tlie flower, the sun to the
crop. The brightest genius, witliout work, can but cast a
feel)le, flickering light, the real spark is wanting. Labor
rjnders sweet the bitter, drives away loneliness, raises
the heart, strengthens the soul, consoles in sorrow, enno-
bles, elevates, stamps with grandeur. The universal
panacea of the world, the law of punishment and reward,
the happiness or misery of man depends upon it.

The young Master of Arts learned this lesson of daily
experience. His family, moreover, gave him an example
of social virtues. His father, a Doctor of Divinity, had
acquired, even then, as a IJaptist minister, not merely a
good name, but more still, an enviable reputation. Of
reflective mind, sincere, upright, exteriorly somewhat
severe, the Eev. Mr. Charles Tupper had an excellent
heart, a high soul, and an unchanging devotion. A great
lover of science, he early inculcated the taste in the
hearts of his children. He lived to the hoary age of 85.
Thus, in the legitimate pride of a father, he could con-
template the merits of his son. Happy tlie one who, in
the joy of honest consciousness and the calm of honoral>le
age, surrounded by the respect of all, can glean the fruits
of those good examples set by himself.

Medicine is an uncertain, difficult, ungrateful science.
It requires deep study, constant researches, sure judg-

lUOGRAPHY OF

monl, continued devotedness, daily activity, and a mind
disintoro.ste«l, such as few men possess. To succeed here
a young doctor needs prudence and study ; he should
have special qualifications, particular aptitudes and great
tenderness towards those who place confidence in him.
It would be so cruel to neglect the sufferer ! Masters of
health and often the lives of their patients, if by their
fault, the physicians are causes of the death of tl>e un-
happy ones who confide in them, they shoulder a respon-
sibility terrible for the conscience, and before society and
before (\o(\. Only in trembling should a youth step inside
the vestibule of that temple, and with a holy terror
approach its mysteries. There are the springs of life and
fountains of death. There are the secrets of health, the
talisman of strength, and the moving principles of weak-
ness and lethargy. There do men seek from inert matter,
the secrets wlierewith to cure the human body, that
animated and living temple. Anomaly strange in appear-
ance and sanctioned only through necessity. The physi-
cian, worthy of that title, besides knowledge, requires
goodness, delicacy, sympathy and faith. For the sick he
holds the i)lace ot a sister's care and a mother's tender-
ness. I)r Tupper shall show himself worthy of this noble
profession. Even from the start he shall hold a high rank
in the hierarchy of the Faculty. In a short space, his
knowledge and the result of his studies, activity and
devotion gained for liim a large and lucrative practice.
One of the causes of his political popularity in his native
County of Cumberland, is that during 28 years he was ever
faithful in good as in bad fortune. I)r Tupper was daring
in his conception, prompt in the means used, successful
in his operations. His ftmie caused him to be chosen
President of the Canadian Medical Association from its

SIR CHARLES TUPI ER

foiuidiitiou iu 18G7 until 1870, at which time liis uew
duties forced hiiii to decline a re-election.

In his " Reflections on the French Itevolution," the
celebrated l>urke ridicules the idea of confiding to profes-
sional men, the political aiiairs of the country, tlieir ideas
being, as it were, circumscribed by the circle of their
professional functions, render them unable to grasp all
tlie movements of tlie governmental machine, wjiich are
necessary for the perfect action of the state. AVhat Burke
thinks of i)olitical physicians, Cormenin, in his beautiful
lines on " Des Orateurs " proclaims of the lawyers.
" The lawyer speaks," says he, *' the lawyer (quarrels, the
lawyer reigns, the lawyer governs, the lawyer does all ;
yet still nothing is done. Kothing is ' .">ne of all that is
to be done." This trait was not against Sir Hector
Langevin, Chief of the French-Canadians in the House
of Commons, and colleague of Sir Charles in the Mac-
donald- Langevin Government ; for Sir Hector speaks
little, but acts, promises ];jss than he gives. His
clear voice goes straight to its end ; he is master of hi^
ideas ; he express only what he desires to say, he only
says what he desires to express, and the opposite of Mr.
Cormenin's lawyers, he works, acts, executes, commands.
Dr Tupper also escapes the iron rule of lUirke. l>y his
varied studies, rare faculties of comprehension, his
I)owerful memory, his chosen language, and his light,
lively spirit, he rose rapidly above the circle of his pro-
fessional practice, from land to laud }\is knowledge
extends. The history of law, the philosophy of history,
facts, political economy, social duties, government rights,
in^ national laM's, the aspirations and recpiirements of
peoples, all seem familiar to him. Every obstacle leads
to success, every difficulty that presents itself is a fresh

lilOGRAPUY OF

source of encouragement for his energy. Those obstacles
raise a man's spirit ; 8ir Charles never feared or dreaded
them. He even created them for himself in order to
destroy them and conquer.

SIR CHARLES; TUPI'ER

THE HON. JOSEPH HOWE AND THE REFORMERS.

Often circumstances raise up and fonn men. Whilst
I)r Tupper gave himself up Avith all his activity to the
practice of his profession, certain events of importance
followed rapidly upon each other in Canada. A new era
arose : 1837 came. The new aspirations of Canada passed
into existence, the breath of libortv that swelled the sails,
the Papineau struggles and those of Wm. Lyon McKenzie
had received their counter-stroke even to the recesses of
the furthest British Provinces in North America ; Nova
Scotia felt the shock. I)r Tupper merely awaited a favor-
able chance to spring into the arena, and soon it presented
itself. With the example of our Canadian tribunes,
Joseph Howe, then editor of a semi-weekly journal in
Halifax, attacked with violence the faint I ij compact, and
the Government of the day. He swept down on the
abuses existing, with a fine and satirical spirit, a cunning-
ness of repartee and that bitterness of expression the
secret whereof he knew so well. Instead of bending, the
(lovernment began to persecute the irate journalist. Even
he underwent a trial ! Joseph Howe mms triumphant in
the case ; so able, solidly conceived and brilliant was his
defence. Then it was that the Reform party was born ;

UIOGHAPIIY OF

Joseph Howo came foitli, persecution drew to liini friends
and partisans. Elected to the Legishitive Assembly, he
bore with him tliose instruments of destruction for the
liaughty dignitary of the Administration, lie thundered
against al)uses, demanded reforms, petitioned the Colonial
< )Hice against the conduct of the CJovernor and the system
of leaving to Judges, irresponsible to the people, the
control of alfairs. England yielded to Howe — the step
was decisive — an immense and important victory it was.
The Legislative Assembly assumed to itself the executive
control of the Provincial iinances.

Sir Colin Campbell's administration was scarcely liappy
in its successes. Its nomination of new Legislative Coun-
cillors oll'ended the lleformers. Howe gave neither truce
nor rest, llis journal lacerated from without, his speecli
tore it from within the walls of the Assembly. Ignoring
or else refusing to conform to the order of Lord John
Itussell; then Secretary of the Colonies, to accord virtually
Responsible (rovernment to the country, 8ir Colin was
recalleil on a petition of the House.

Viscount Faulkland succeeded him. Liberal himself,
he favored his party, and Joseph lIoAve is called to the
Presidency of the Council. lUit the (lovernor drew down
on himself the ill-will of his friends. Howe replumes his
pen and strikes this functionary mercilessly. The Chronicle
published a poem, " Lord of the bedchamber," which
raised the laughter of the people. A satire sharp and
biting against the poor Viscount. Under the administra-
tion of 8ir John Harvey the elections of 18-17 took place.
The Howe-Uniacke ministry was formed — first Liberal
administration in Nova Scotia. Under this regime it Avas
that, at Washington, the famous Ashburnton Treaty w-as
passedjthe dispositions of which have since been the subject

SIR CHARLES TUrPER

of regret. T]ni.«, wliat Papinoau in Lower Canada and
McKenzie in T'^ppei* Canada liad porfonned, lluwe just
accomplislied in Xova Scotia. Howe had a great advan-
tage over them, liis pen and language he yielded eipially
well. A spirit of satire, a redouhtahle trihune. Tender his
pen of steel and tongue of fire the oligarchy was severed
to pieces, ridiculed, made odious — it was an iiour of
terror for the faniili/ compact. There, as elsev'<ere, the
thunder groaned, the lightning Hashed, that England
might come forth from her habitual indifference ; she sees
clearly, only through the glimmer of incendiary tire. The
French-C.'auadians hatl taught her that they were not horn
for slavery. She feared for the American ]ve])ul)lic is so
near us ! Nova Scotia profited by the struggles, as did
New lirunswick and Prince Edward's Island.

The popular combat began in the Maritime Provinces.
Joseph Howe gathered the greater portion of the glory.
He was a knowing chief, cunning polemist, powerful
writer. The great strength of the day, he hehl in his
hand the chord of popular sentiment. About then France
and England carried on the Crimean war, and a treaty of
reciprocity without our participation was signed between
the motherland and the United States. This measure
called forth a motion of censure before the (lovernment.
It was Mr J. AV. Johnston, Chief of the Opposition, who
proposed it. It was defeated in the House of Assembly,
but it was evident that the popular feeling was hurt.
Under these circumstances came on the elections of 1855.

!■ 'I

UIOGRAPHY OF

DIl TUrPKU IN THE LEGLSLATIVE ASSEMBLY.

Great was the agitatiou in the country. All the fiery
questions of the day were discussed in the Assembly.
The new press, the clubs, the political associations, the
party men, the citizens were the numerous echoes of that
Assembly. With small countries as with narrow seas,
their waves are shorter and more dangerous than those of
the vast ocean. Political passions being more restricted
seem wilder than in larger states ; they gain in violence
what they want in size ! What analogy between the
moral and physical natures !

Dr Tupper's day had come. In his thirty-fourth year,
in the plenitude of his strength and faculties, he was
little fit for the monotonous, lonesome yet peaceful
practice of a physician's life. His active mind required a
larger action, his studies led him to a sphere more vast,
more in harmony with his temperament, tastes and aspira-
tions. The '■^ traliit xua qiieuique roJuptufi" stirred him
long. The angel of politics or rather its demon — angels
are ever free from it — took him by the hand and breathed
in his ear other desires, planted in his heart other ambi-
tions. Disdaigning a feeble adversary, he attacks the
most powerful, oven the very chief of the predominating
party in Nova Scotia ! He comes out against the Hon.
Joseph Howe in Cumberland. Another Prometheus, he
snatched from the latter his sacred fire and celestial

SIR CHARLEH TUrPKH

fiame. Never was there a more "hrilliant contest, never
an election more ■warmly contcstcti, never an election
triumph more glorious. Victory ranked with the doctor
and his ally, Mr. A. McFarlane, avIio defeated, at the
same time, the Hon. Stephens Fulton. From that
moment, (^umherland County, belonged without contest,
to T)r Tuppor- — a rare example of political att:ichmout
and fidelity I The people are ever so inconsistent ! The
County of Cumberland, proud of its young representative,
expected much from him. The House, the country, all
participated in their sentiments, and their expectations
were not mistaken. The newly elected member for Cum-
berland started, at the first step, from the ordinary road,
lieputation as Avell as nobility imposes its duties. Had
he not in his electoral contest vanquished the most able
politician and cleverest speaker of Nova Scotia ] 'J'his
audacioiis stroke clothed him in a prestige of strength ;
his warm, eloquent and persuasive language was soon to
become authority. His tlchuf was a success, he then
revealed himself as a large-minded politician, parliamen-
tary orator, able diplomatist. His very nature drew to
him that people, to whom, after God, he owed so much.
He defended their interests, demanded their rights,
pleaded in favor of a larger remuneration for the petit
juries ; and on the occasion of the arbitrary dismissal of
the Deputy Sheriff of Cape Breton, ^Ir l\ichard Logue,
the 14th February, 1856, Dr Tupper delivered a grand
and beautiful address ; better than a harangue, it was a
real programme. The member for Shelburne, a friend
of the Government, had expressed that Yankee doctrine,
that the government shonhl f/ovcrn hy and for the partiii
that unjust doctrine, with its iniquitous consequences,
which would give the places, benefits, honors only to the

•)•)

lilOUHAPllV OF

l)ai'ty fi'iunds, never to adversaries, avIio slioulil have no
riglit to favor or justice. Tlie member for Cumberland
attacked those subversive, unjust, uneciuitabk- j)r'ncii)k's,
looking to the right he addressed the Uiinistca's :

" Sir, is there nothing more in L'esponsible Govern-
" ment than that "which we heard unbliishingly asserted
" lately by the honorable member for Shelburne that :
** the tjoi'crniHciif s/tonhl ijorcrii hij (c jtartij and fnr a
"jjarfi/; that the revenues of the country were to be
" expended but to reward their i)olitical supporters. Sir,
" if the lineaments of the human countenance are any
" index to human hearts, 1 think myself justified in saying
" that no considerable body of men could l)e found in
" this House prepared to endorse that principle, or to be
" driven to the support of a Government, irrespective of
" the merits of the question under consideration,"

The frightened ministry imagined itself lost, but the
mover of the motion re-assured them. " If I wished to
make a motion of non-confidence," he said, " I would
bring forwaid other accusations, your hour will come by
and bye." The debate that followed was long, animated,
cutting at times, eloquent throughout. It was called the
" Const it ttfitmal dchafe;^' it lasted ten days ! The num-
erical advantage was with the Government, the popular
.sympathy with the Opi)Osition, then led by the Hon. AV.
J. Johnston, a man of great talents, of sweet eloquence
and vast erudition. The ministry permitted itself to be
drawn too far, the discussion took proportions too exten-
sive. The Government should answer for its conduct
and its doctrine, " To the victors the spoils." It was
slippy ground, — Dr Tupper, who took umbrage to the
< Government, showed here his great superiority. His
repartees nailed his enemies ; his arguments were irre-

HIH (MfARLKS TUri'FR

fiit!il)l<! ; lie liurlt'd ut them tlioso thun«Ieiiii|^ words of
JJugiJis, " You wislied to l)c inunlercrs, you are oiily
stiicides." It was true ! 'I'licu he terminated with those
words, wliicli luivv l)e cited liere to show tlie conduct of
the ministry. ** Tlie ( lovernment sliotihl define tlieir
policy, else united on no i)ul)lic question, agreeing on uo
public policy, they must take the verdict of the country
on the anomalous jjosition they occupy ; which is that of
a number of individuals combined fur their mutual
benefit alone, and distributing the sitnilH of ofHco in such
a manner as to subserve, not the good of the country, but
their own continuance in [lOwer."

Thus, J)r Tup}ter unmasked the ministry amidst the
loud plaudits from the galleries. Their rage merely
served to injure the njore their cause, 'i'his grand and
celebrated fight set the young member for Cumberland in
a new light. He revealed himself erudite, brave even to
temerity, eloquent in a thousand ways yet above all in
Ids courage. He fights with open helmet, but his armory
is filled with destruction's projectile?. Combat is his life,
he would rust with inactivity : a Hame dies for want of
food.

In him is the nerve, the impetuosity and style of the
(Jerman. He reasons like a Cerman, fights like a Hussian,
expresses himself with the vivacity of an Irishman, and
attacks with the fury of a Frenchman. If his genius is sub-
tile, his heart is right. He M'ounds an enemy but keeps
no spite. His soul is open to pity : yet, like all men of
struggle, his adversaries know him not.

He gave them so many fatal strokes, but time in curing
their wounds will efface all bad impressions. Justice
begins for those who need it no longer — but better late
than never !

BIOGRAPHY OF

BISHOP CONNOLI" AND DR TUPPER.

In this woiid, there is a virtue tender yet powerful,
sweeter than the honey of Hyraetta it heals all wounds —
above all those of the heart, rectifies injustice, corrects
eiTor, checks fury, consoles the sorrowful, and is ever a
fountain of encouragement. It is a virtue rich in resources,
in its light the soul expands ; a virtue prodigal of itself,
crushing itself for the happiness of others. It is a virtue
too noble to be common, too sublime for the apin'eciation
of the vulgar, too lofty for adverse natures to reach —
I.oly, tender — they call it friendship.

Truly have the ancients said, " The friendship of a
great man is a blessing from +]ie gods." The sage has
said from a hundred chose your servant, from a thousand,
your friend. A modern writer has beautifully spoken
on the subject of friendship : " Happy," he says, " the
one, who having found a friend can continue with him
hand in hand, ever lit by the light of his presence, ever
Avarmed by the glow of his heart, ever invigorated by his
word and counsel, ever fortified in his strength." He
that rests on friendship's arm does not staggers through
life. It is the ivy around the oak.

Men liave too many friends, they need mostly a true one.
The member for (Cumberland had the rare happiness of
possessing such a friend. And who wa^ that one ?

liUl CHARLES TUPPER

ArcLbi.sliup Connolly of Holifax. He was the beacon-
lighv, the pole-star, tlie compass of the new Cliief that
Nova Scotia was about to receive. The far-seeing liishop
was not lightly prodigal of his friendsliip, a rare connaia-
si'Ki- of men, with a lofty intelligence he knew true merit
at a glance. I'oru a politician, lie knew how to appreciate
politics. He soon judged his nuw fiiend for whose benefit
his vast knowledge was afterwards used. That sincent-
alliance and that mutual understanding served to open a
way for, and overturn the obstacles that lay before Dr
Tui>per. ^lore than one victory, more triumphs than one
did he owe to tliem. 1 letter still, this union is to be, for the
chosen man of Cumberland, the source of many acts of
justice that are to become the cause of his political ad-
vancement, general prosperity and great popularity. The
Catholics, although merely 80,000 in a population of
330,000, an<l dispersed over a region of 1,338,200 acres,
were still at that duy cond)ating tlie ignorance of the
masses and the prejudices of fanaticism. The Irish and
the Acadians (the latter already 32,000 strong), despite
the Reform support could not gain a legitimate share of
influence or patronage, rhey helped their allies to clime
the steep slope to power. Once entrenched upon those
heights, which they deemed forever inaccessible to their
adversaries, they ignored the claims of their former
friends. Ingratitude became more than a crime, it became
an irreparable fault, a certain political suicide. Dr
Tupper will be seen grasping this injustice and making
it the stepping-stone to power. Soon the occasion pre-
sents itSbif.

A wild riot broke out amongst the workmen at the
Gourlay shanties, upon the line of the Windsor railway,
then in construction. An unjustifiable crime had been

'' J

ji I

BIOGUAPHY OF

committed by a few Irislimen and Catholics. Fanaticism
rose to its paroxism ; the act of a few unliappy men coald
not be distinguished from the conduct of a people !
(Jatliolics in general were accused of tlie crime, their faith
made to be the cause of it ! Even the Hon. Joseph Howe
could not hide his feelings, blind rage carried him on.
The slope of fanaticism is slippy, once at the foot of the
l)recipic'^ it is hard to arise. The Morni/uj Chronich' of
the 27th December 185G, breathed its fury in an evil-
inspired attack upon the Catholic faith, and especially
the dogma of the real presence in the Holy Eucharist.
In a calmer hour Mr Howe miglit have disowned his
letter on " JIailwav lliots and Catholic Commentators : "
but passion had rendered him unjust. A lively discussion
commenced between the Monihuj Chronich' aad the
Halifax Catholic.

The time was gone when to hold one's faith, was to
cast disbelief on the idols, despose the tyrants, and give
your head to an executioner. England had learned a
more conciliatory system, O'Connell hiul already snatched
from lier the test oath, and forced her to a greater toler-
ance. The occasion and subject were ill-chosen by the
vetcran-reform-athlete ; tlie gauntlet was cast down, the
(Catholics took it up. J)r Tupi)er, with his sharp eye
and political sagacity, joined the ranks of the weak and
oppressed. His honor was ever one of the causes of his
groat success. 8ym}»athy is sweet Avlien exercised in favor
of the down-trodilen. Moreover, religion is sacred, it
sliould be touched as seldom as can be; there exist so
many mysteries between the human heart and the justice
of Cod.

fiin CHARLES TurrEu

VI [

FALL OF THE YOUNG MLMSTRY.

Tlie Parliament that was prorogued on the 18th Ajuil,
1856, met again on tlio fiftli of the following February.
During the recess, on each side, the arms were sharpened,
fur as long as Constitutional Governments exist, so long
shall there be battles between the riglit and left, contests
between those in power and those who seek power,
struggles between the jNlinistry and tlie Opposition. All
over creation man lias the same instincts, ambitions,
projects and hopes. Since 18.54 the Hon. Mr Howe had
accepted the seat of President of the Railway Department.
Having been elected later on for Sidney, at Cape IJreton,
he was, to a certain extent, leader of the ( Jovernment, and
consequently his unfortunate attack of the 27th Decem-
ber, 1856, drew down upon the Government all the
thunders of the Opposition. The political atmospliere
gr6w heavy: dark clouds hung upon tlie horizon, and
soon the tempest broke. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir
( raspard Le^Iarchand, opened, on the 5th February, the
2nd Session of the 21st Parliament of Xova Scotia. 'J'lic
Address from the Throne contained little of any impor-
tance or new projects ; it spoke of railways, commercial
relations with other places, past prosperity and future
expectations. The member for Annapolis, the Hon. .1.

BIOGRAPHY OP

\V. Johnston, immediately moved a vote of want of
confidence : it was seconded by ^Ir ^Marshal, and bravely
taktn up by the first minister who declared himself ready
for the trial. Honor to courage even in misfortune !

1'lie Hon. A. W. McLehm, present Minister of Marine
and Fisheries at Ottawa, undertook to propose the Address
in answer to the Speech from the Throne — and made
little of the Opposition. Then, in his thirty-third year,
lie represented Colchester.

The next morning, the member for Annapolis began
the attack by a sober, dignified, moderate speech, wherein
lie clearly and concisely exposed the grievances of the
country. The Hon. Mr Young answered calmly and
with dignity. The final battle had commenced, l)ut the
la-ge batallions were, as yet, inactive, the red shot had
not yet been hurled against their ranks. l>eware the
bom''^ 1 The lively doctor, tlie young leader of the Oppo-
sition, iis the Hon. ^Ir Young was pleased to style him,
entered the lists. Every stroke tell ; he was eloquent,
satirical, unmerciful. He passed in review before him
the faults of the ministry, their want of principles, their
continued oscillations, their uncertainty and weaknesses ;
in vigor of impetuosity and stylo of argumentatit n some-
what provoking, he reproached ilium with their every act,
every injustice, every error. Then stepping upon the
burning ground of religious discord and sectional quarrels,
he appeared on a large, solid and generous footing, —
that of the toleration which we owe, as citizens of one
land, to the opinions, views, faith and religion of each
other. It was raising the debate to a grand level and
laying the foundation of a platform sulliciently large to
hold with ease, the people of the world. Fanaticism and
intolerance had lit the fiame throughout the land, inoder-

SIR CHARLES TUPFEU

ation -svitli the spirit conciliation brouglit lj;.ck peace and
liarmony in extinguisliing it. Having cited the Eastern
Chronicle, the official organ of the Liberal party, wliich
preached union on all material c'.ie.stions, railway building,
t'tc, the member for Cumberland showed how the country
was tired of those struggles, ineffective, sterile, passionate,
whose only results could be to perpetuate a state of things
ruinous to the nation. Then he finished his eloquent
address by the following declaration of those principles
which he endeavored to follow throughout his whole
political career since that day, ptiiuil Jif.^firr to all ; ho
terminated by those equitable and assuring wonls :

" Sir, I have no wish to mingle in what a large portion
" of the country regards as a purely personal (piarrel
" between an individual and his former friends ; yet we
" cannot disguise the fact that a question has been raised
" in recent exciting newspaper discussions involving
" principles of religious and civil liberty. On the thres-
" hold of this discussion I have no hesitation in bohlly
" asserting that, as a dissenter, a llaptist, and a Liberal, I
" shall ever maintain the Cardinal princijde of civil and
" religious liberty — justice to all, without respect to sect
** or creed. (Hoar and cheers.) And, sir, had 1 been in
" this house when a struggle took place against the undue
*' ascendency of the Church of England, 1 should have
" been found battlin;^ side bv side with those who sought
" to uphold the principles and maintain thn right of other
" denominations to exercise as large an amount of in-
" rtuence and consideration as was enjoyed by it. I deem
*' it to be the duty of every good citizen to contend against
" the undue ascendency of any man or class of men,
" '"hether Catholic or Protestant. The administration

i;nat entertains or acts upon a contrary opinion requires

BIOGUAPIIY OF

" that ita supporters should ignore that fundamental
" principle of equal justice to all."

This was a clearly defined and reassuring programme.
It Avas a promise to the minority that justice would be
done them and a defiance to the fanatical spirit that
sought to advance. The Opposition promised to bury the
hatchet, to restore the peace that tted from the late
troubles, to calm the excitement raised by Mr Howe's
letter, in fine, to sot the car of the state, so long off the track,
once more upon the load of harmony, the moral and
material progress of the people of Xova Scotia.

This speech drew to thom the sympathy of a majority
of tlie House. He established quiet outside, for the people,
whose instincts arc pretty exact, desired order, harmony
and conciliation. Tlie Hon. William A. Henry, at present
a Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, then Solicitor-
General, came to the rescue of the First Minister. He
was cautious and prudent, the surest means to reach his
end. The load of princii)les was ever inconvenient, above
all, wlien administrations Lliaugc. Mr Marshall answered
liim. The discharging from office of Mr William Condon,
gave the latter a chance of accusing the Government with
partiality ; and he concluded with this crushing phrase :
" Do they seek to make us believe in their tolerance and
honesty when they send oil' a Catholic and keep in service
a Protestant guilty of the same offence as Mr Condon ;
more so ! when they honor the one and deprive the other
of the means to gain his living 1"

With anxiety they awaited Mr Howe's answer, tlie
moment was serious and the occasion solemn for the
ministry seemed to be beneath. It was the 9th February,
the third day of the great debate, when the Hon. Mr
Howe, pale and suffering, arose. His was a painful posi-

SIR CHARLKH TUPPFH

tion, being tlie chief cause of tlie false circumstances wliicli
surrounded his friends. His provocative letter l(ad raised
the -winds and tlie tempest came, yet his ener<^v seemed
not to abandon liim. Jiut by the oratorical disi)lays that
thrilled in his defence it could be seen that truly the
Government no longer depended for its existence upon
the charm of his speecli and the command of his lan^rua'^e.
Stoical, as those pre-condenined gladiators of old, his
address was a long and brilliant pie \ : — resting on the
defensive, he strove to gain in admiration what he lost in
confidence :

" r>ut, Mr Speaker, 1 have seen manv dark davs and
" sunny ones too in this country, days when I had not as
" many friends around me as at the jn-esent hour, and
" when my hold upon the affections and feelings of this
" people was not as strong as it is at the present moment.
" If the eloud:: should lower and the storm burst, I shall
" meet the frowns of fortune witli the sume ener^'v,
•' firmness and determination with which I have oncoun-

" tered every vicissitude in my political life.

" Throughout a long political life of thirty

'* years, throughout a long Parliamentary career, I have
•' been true to the friends with whjm 1 started. The time
" may come, I say, when some of these friends may
"desert me and their pirtv — some may do it willin-'lv
" but otiiers m ill do it most reluctantly. Wh^n tli's new
'administration is formed, Mr ][ov;u's ofhce will beat
" its disposal. He will take his seat on these benclies an
'• independent member, will say that which he believes
" to 1)6 riglit. And, sir, all combinations which can be
" formed will never coerce or intimidate, confident that
"the heart and soul of Xova Scotia is with me in this
" struggle, etc."

mOGHAniY OF

This spoecli Avas worthy of any tribune ; rarely a more
elofjuont has T)een heard ; the peroration was grand,
nohle. Till! moaning of a hleeding heart, the cry of a soul
that, relying on its strength, has hope in the future.
Too often is politics a raiscrahlc game of chance.
Eloquence alone suffices not to maintain the equilibrium ;
stronger arc the supports of tolerance, justice, honor :
without these the edifice must crumble. The Young
administration was soon to be a thing of the past. The
struggle lasted during twelve days. The 17th, the vote
was finally taken. The Young Ciibinet was overthrown by a
majority of six votes — 22 to 28, ten Liberals voting with
the Opposition I Great men call forth other great men, as
I'loqucnt orators create oilier great speakers. When all is
([uiet in a state, the men of superior talent are either
scarce or unknown. Struggle is necessary to draw them
from their retreat and cause them to be appreciated.
Young countries coming into the life of liberty, progress,
arts, and iiuw existence generally have more celebrated
men tL; :; ;-;,:-c Liiids where neither combats, efforts nor
obstacles arc to be found. Persecution triples the valor
and activil;/ of ;i people , eloquence draws forth eloquence ;
Howe created Tupper.

SIR CHARLES TUPPKR

ly a more
vs grand,

■ of a soul
future.

■ chance,
ilibrium ;
[i, liunor :
le Yuung
ast. Tilt'
, the vote
rown by a
)ting with
\t men, as
lieu all is
are either
Iraw them
ipreciatetl.
, progress,
celebrated
elibrts nor

the valor
iluquence ;

VIII

THE JOHNSTON MINISTRY — THE HON. CHARLES TUPPER,
PROVINCIAL SECRETARY.

The Honorable Mr Johnston was called upon to form
a new Administration. This w^is announced in the House
on the 24th February. It was composed of :

Hon. J. W. Johnston, Attorney-General.
Hon. Chas Tupi)er, Provincial Secretary.
Hon. John James .Marshall, Finance Secretary.
Hon. Stayley Brown, lleceiver-General.
Hon. Martin J. AViJkins, Solicitor-General.

And of :

Messrs.

((

Michael Tobin.
John McKinuon.
John Campbell.
Charles J. Campbell.

The Ministers were all re-elected by large majorities in
their respective counties. ]]ut the House, almost e.pially
divided, w^ould not allow the same Administration to
stand long, for there were men of^ equal strength and

lilUGUArilY OF

equal ability on both sides. This was the time of the
great struggles in tlie Nova Scotia House — tlie epocli of
grand political combats. Johnston and Young, Tupper
and Howe, AVilkins and Annand were the heroes of those
brilliant tournaments of science and political knowledge,
whose legitimate desire was to gain their end by means of
true eloquence. The Young opposition gave no respite to
the new Ministry. ^Mr ]Iowe especially opposed Sir
Charles, and against him directed all his batteries — yet
the Cabinet did not remain inactive : In a young cotmtry
all must be created, and they set themselves to the work.
Public roads were insuiTicicnt or badly kopt, the Statutes
were modified in accordance. Considerable sums were
voted to i)artly complete the railroads, the laws were
revised, grants were given to passenger boats. Largo
public works were accomplished. Agriculture was en-
couraged. A manifesto, published in the jiapers of the
day, and demanding e(pial rijlitK for aU, and totdue pre-
ponderance for no one, created a lively sensation. The
press was also the subject of long and acrimonious dis-
putes, in which, amongst others, J. C. AVade, the ex-
deputy for Digby, then in the vigor of his youth and
strength of his talents, was conspicuous. The most
important subject to deal with, was certainly '\at of the
mines. A great and prejudicial anomaly then reigned
in the Province. Minerals of all kinds, and coal of
every species were to be found all over, and yet none
dare touch them ! In 182G, George IV, in virtue of the
claim of might over right, doubtlessly, accorded to the
Duke of York, his brother, all the mines not yet explored
or conceded in the country ! This was a cause of con-
tinued trouble, an unjust, arbitrary monopoly, that placed
the most precious resources of Nova Scotia in the hands

sill CHAULKS TurrEii

iws wore

of a powerful foreign eonipivuy. Tliis measure gave rise
to many debates, numbeile ■< recrimiuatious were uselessly
made, the General Mining Association remaining deaf to
all moral sentiment, the Ministry d cided to make a
grand stroke and do away with the C( aipauy. In 1849,
in virtue of the Civil List l>ill, the Province was invested
with all the mining rights, subject, however, to existing
privileges. The Duke of York's creditors claimed the
nine pence lioyalty per ton as a regular right since 1844 to
18r)5, to Avit : £55,481 sterling, by virtue of their privi-
lege ; but as many of the partners were dead, their heirs,
not coming to an understanding, took their grievances
before the Courts. I'nhappily tlie English Government,
Avithout regard for the prerogatives of the Legislative
Assembly of Nova Scotia, in June, 1845, granted new
])Owers, still more exorbitant than the first, to the
Alining Association. It w^as an abuse of power and it com-
promised the best interests of the Colony. The latter lost
£24,000 sterling by this action. An end must be put to
such an abnormal state of affairs that caused the Pro-
vince to lose its best revenues. The ^Ministry resolved to
send a deputation to England to definitely arrange this
matter. The motion to this elfect gave rise to a long dis-
cussion ; but finally it was adopted by a large majority.
In consequence, the Hon. Attorney-General Johnston,
and Mr A. C. Archibald, a distinguished member of the
Opposition, left in June, 1857, for England, as a commis-
sion and deputation from the Legislative Assembly, to
settle forever this most vital question for the Province.
PoAverfully seconded by !Mr Cunard, the deputies suc-
ceeded, in England, in finally regulating the dispute in
favor of their Province, and to regain the right of
exploring those rich territories, wliich right had been

UIOORAPIIY OF

snatcli'Ml from tliom "by tho act of Clporge TV. The TToiise,
on tlie 2L'n(l of Februnrv, IH.IH, by a vote of 30 to 18, rati-
fied the conduct of its delegates in London. Tims the
Johnston Ministry settled one of the most imporkint
questions that for years had agitated tlie Parliament and
the i)eoi)lo. It was also on the f)th August of tlie same
year that tlio first telegraphic communications were opened
between Europe and America.

In the Speech from tlio Tlirone made on the 4th
February, 1858, Sir (laspard LeMareliand announced his
departure. He was promoted to tlio post of flovernor of
the Island of Malta. lie was replaced by the Karl of
Mulgrave. The Address in response to the Speech from
the Throne was voted by a very small majority. With a
House thus composed, it would be difficult for the Minis-
try to carry any great measures. The position of the
United Canadian Parliament was similar, George Prown
and his friends reigned durinr; forty-eigVt hours! One
Administration followed another without accomplishing
anything. Thence arose the idea of Confederation. It is
well known how this idea was afterwards developed.
This year went by in acrimonious, passionate, eloquent,
yet very often sterile conflicts. The Hon. Provincial
Secretary was the principal oi: :■ to feel the shock. The
questions of the Opposition; I'tC attacks of adversaries,
tho sarcasms of Mr Howe, the repartees of Mr Young,
all found I)r Tupper ever prepared with vigorous replies.
The Session passed in mutual recrimination, yet the
mining question was discussed to the great displeasure
of the friends of the Duke of York. Ideas of other
railways arose — above all, the Intercolonial. Furthermore,
they proposed a measure to amend the Act concerning the
Elective Provincial Council.

81K IIIAHLKS TUri'KR

The 8o8sion closed witli a question, Iho most irritating
tliat could possibly be brought btifore a House composed
of dillereut religious denominations. The " Young reso-
lutions " were tlio cause of this. They attacked the
<}overnnient on the ground of dismissals and now nomi-
nations. Religion became mixed ap in the affair. Tlie
<lebate wa.s acrimonious even to hatred ! The Hon. Mr
Howe dishonon^d himself by the violence of his language.
Jle denounced bitterly the letter written by the Catholic
Jiishops, assembled in Council on the (juestion of Kduca-
lion. This opened a healed wound, relit a conflagration
almost extinguisliod. Joseph Howe, d*}si)ite his brilliant
7nind, had not very clear judgment. His head won not
too well balanced at times, his tiery nature often caused him
to miss his aim, and very often passion carried off reason.
The Provincial Secretary vampiishod him each time thay
met in combat. If to fight a man is a proof of courage, to
conquer liim is an evidence of superiority. 8ir Charles
liad advantages that his adversary wanted : he was calmer,
fls well informed, and more diplomatic. He gained, througli
liberality, what Mr Howe lost through intolerance. He
knew how to make for himself true friends and devoted
allies. The people love frankness, and much is pardoned
on its account, — a sincere man is ever respected and
admired, no matter how much we may differ from him.
If we cannot love him we can trust him. Shame on those
political demagogues whom you meet, the smile on the
lip, full of politeness and promises that they know they
can never fulfil — they are deceivers — their eyes, which
can scarcely look you in the face, lie as do their hands
that press yours ; they can do notliing, nor care they to
<lo anything for you. A true politician acts otherwise.
He promises nc thing lightly, flatters you not before your

BIOGRAPHY OP

face, gives you no vain hopes ; but lie renders you
justice whenever the occasion presents itself. He gains
your confidence, commands your admiration — you fiirst
respect him, then love him. Behold him on the highway
of popularity, for he has followed the path of justice.
Thus did the member for Cumb'^rland gain popular favor ;
his frank nature drew to him many friends. The 20th
March, only three days before the adjournment of the
House (1-^58), the Hon. Mr Tupper had occasion to deli-
ver a great speech on the " Young resolutions." Defend-
ing the action of the ^Ministry with fire and sM^ord, he
overran the Opposition territory with rapid and inflex-
ible logic. He soon demolished the badly-constructed
edifice of his adversaries. He hurled at them defiances
the most audacious, which they did not dare accept.
To each personal accusation he presented a vigorous
reply, an able repartee, a crushing proof. He did not
wish to be their debtor during the coming recess — his
speech Avas a model of defence, knowledge and elo(iuence.
Mr Howe made a satirical and able reply. In 1858 the
contest was, at times, magnificent. The Hon. Joseph
Howe being then only in his 54th year, and in all the
plenitude of his faculties, animated by a strong animosity
against the member for Cumberland, the chief cause of
his fall, spared not his strokes. The latter wiHistood the
shock. All species of combat are e(iual to him j open fight,
flank attack, or closed helmet, he never retreats. This
guerilla warfare did not surprise him, he ever stood his
face towards the enemy. He wouM blush to the brow at
weakness, his heart would grow indignant at cowardice.
Proof against dread, he knew not fear. He strikes while
speaking, he speaks while stril ing. Far from retreating,
he advances — too far, say his rdversaries : where he seeks

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

rs you
e gains
/U first
igliway
justice.
■ favor ;
tie 20th
of the
to deli-
Defend-
ord, he
inflex-
striicted
efiances
accept,
agorous
lid not
ss — his
qiience.
58 the
Joseph
all the
|imosity
ause of
od the
fight.
This
^od his
prow at
rardice.
while
loatingy
seeks

to go, say his friends. In truth, if the memher for Cum-
berland is impetuous, if his language jets out, clear, bitter,
aggressive, with volubility almost unequalled, if his
assertions are hazardous even to temerity, it is none
the less true that he a thousand times defied his oppo-
nents, and they accepted not the defiance. He has tlie
qualities of a tribune ; his voice is sonorous, his language
attractive, his style correct, his phrase powerful, his ges-
ture expressive, liis appearance proud. He attracts atten-
tion, he charms not, but persuades ; he never carries you
away, but he convinces you. Far from courting attention
he forces it from you. He sustains courage in his friends,
demolishes iiis adversaries. The more the latter attack
him, the more the former support him. The more the
former confide in him, the more the latter dread him.
Aided by a faithful memory and serious study, DrTupper
was never imposed upon by tliose who attacked him on the
fioor or on the hustings. He recalls events and facts with
such exactness that you must give in. All know he is
endowed wntli a magnificent memory. There is Dr Tupper
just as the Parliamentary history of Nova Scotia depicts
him to us during the first vears of his cireer !

The Parliamentary recess came, the Hon. Provincial
♦Secretary was not to pass it in quiet — lethargy was not
iiis role. He started for England, there to place before the
Parliament of the ]\lotlier C^ountry the grave interests of
liis Province. The questions of the Union of the three
Maritime Provinces and the Intercolonial liailway, were
broached at that time by the delegates of the House and
the officials of the Crown in England. The ground was
prei)ared ; it was evident that the old system gave few
satisfactorv results.

The Hon. Dr Tupper produced qui*o a favorable im-

BIOGRAPHY OP

pression at the Colonial Office : he showed himself there a
man of business and an able diplomatist. He drew much
of the admiration and finally the confidence of the
authorities, which contributed greatly to his success. The
Earl of Carnarvon held him in great esteem. They
remained ever afterwards strong friends, which proved,
in tlie sequel, of immense advantage to Dr Tupper.

SIR CHAIILES TUPPER

THE SESSION OF 1859.

We have reached the 3i'd of February — witli grand
display the Earl of Mulgrave opened the annual Session.
Tl' 'peech from the Throne was a surprise ; something
new ! Communications had taken place between the
Colonial Office and the Governor- General on the subject
of the Federal Union of the Maritime Provinces. The
Queen liad, also, favorably received the address on the
question of the Intercolonial Eailway. Sixty miles of
the iron road were partly built, and Truro and AVindsor
Avere united to the Capital ; the Lunatic Asylum was
also partly completed. The Government had not spent the
vacation with folded arms. In a new country how many
things the': -i avo to create, to begin, to consolidate ! Diract-
ly after 'h'}T « ugqles' remarks in response to the Speech
from the TiiM le, the Solicitor-General, the Hon. Mr
Wilkins, tendered liis resignation. Altliough faithful to
his party, he could not sanction the nomination of Mr
Dickey to the Legislative Council, nor the sending
of a delegation to England without some previous
notice and approval of tlie House. It was an inde-
pendent action, yet one that exposed the Govern-
ment on who very threshold of the Session. He was
replaced by the Hon. W. A. Henry. The Hon. Mr

BIOGRAPHY OF

Young, Chief of the Opposition, proposed, seance tenantcj
a motion of want of confidence. In the course of his
remarks he scourged tlie new Solicitor-General, as-
** having violated every rule of political morality in thus
abandoning his party," and drew on a hot war of
words. The Parliamentary system being only in Jts^
infancy, the dissensions were far more frequent than
now-a-days, and the press Avas Vv^;ry provoking in its
remarks. The lion. T)r Tupper, the continued object of
the attacks of his adversaries, acquired from tliat time his
cliaracteristic vigor of reply, for truly the sphere in which
he lives exercises :i considerable inlluence upon man.
His temperament is modified, his character transformed,
his nature changed. The new Session gave the Provincial
Secretary full oppoi'tunity of measuring strength with
the Oi)position, to come face to face with his adversaries.
Young, Howe, Archibald, Annand, AVeir, and Anderson
were not to be despised. In that troubled period of history,
that ago of political infancy and economical transforma-
tions, Xova Scotia had quite a number of able men. The
Hon. !Mr Johnston would be worthy of any Parliament-^
his poAverful eloquence was worthy of any tril»une. The
member for Cumberland being the most redoubtable of
the speakers, upon him fell most of the Opposition
strength. He made his blows sure and hard. The Session
of 1859 saw a repetition of the former Session. The time
was si)ent and often lost in endless speeches, and although
ably delivered, they were scarcely profitable. However,
it was the grandest epoch in New Scotland's oratory : it
was a people taking a fresh impulse and springing into
freedom. Dr Tup})er's eloquence is the synopsis of the
splendor of one side ; as, arduous, affirmative, imperative,
at times violent, it was ever sure to reach its object, and

8IR CHARLES TUl'PER

ever sure of itself. It stamped a special mark on tlio
debates of 1855 to 18G4. The contest was then lively,
animated, spirited ; Johnson, Young, Tupper and IIowo
were the souls of the struggle. Unhappily, the question
of appointments occupied too much time in the House,
excited the people too much, and the greater interests
suffered in consequence. The Opposition leader went
into evevythir.g with energy, science an<l talent. He
condemned strongly the commission sent to England to
negotiate upon the Federation of the Maritiuie Provinces
and the Intercolonial llailway, and considered those pro-
jects should first have been discussed in the Legislative
Assembly. The lion. Mr Tobin and the lion. Provincial
►Secretary made answer. The latter made a vigorous
defence of the acts and views of the Administration —
nothing escaped his scrutiny. Passing in review the deeds
of the former ( 'abinet, he compared them with the new
Government and showed how the left had changed their
ideas upon their formerly favorite measures. The Oppo-
sition was devoid of any fixed principles or steady pro-
gramme. Confining then;selves to criticizing, they pro-
l)osed no practical measures. Dr Tupper, not contented
Avith generalities, became precise as to facts, circum-
stances, dates and transactions. The left, unable to answer,
blushed at their impotency. The inflexible Doctor
scalped, cut right and left in the living flesh. liepelling,
with indignation, the attack made by the Hon. Mr Young
against tlie ^linistry, on the occasion of the onpport given
liim by the Catholic members, he said :

" Mr SjJcaJier : — No christian sect in this House should
" be proscribed with succesp, and those "who try to raise
" a war of religious prejudices and to incrustate the

BIOGRAPHY OF

*' odious name of proscription on their banners will mise-
" rably fail.

" If the Protestantism of tlie leaders of the Opposition
" were not of so recent formation, beginning only after
*' tlieir dismissal from office, they M'ould know a little
" more than they seem to, of the genius of Protestantism,
*' which fundamental principle, is the most complete as
" the largest toleration. The new Protestantism of Messrs
*' Young and Howe approaches more to that of
" Sweden than that of England. It is but lately the
*' Protestant Alliance of England reproached most empha-
*' tically the King of Sweden for the expatriation of his
*' subjects, owing to tlieir Catholic faith ! reminding him

that Protestantism was resting entirely on the broad

principle of the greatest liberty of conscience : which
" one and all Protestiints claim for themselves."

Then quoting the proclamation of Queen Victoria to
Her subjects of India, the Hon. Dr Tupper showed what
views were entertained in England towards the different
creeds :

" It is our formal desire, said the Queen, that Our sub-
" jects of all races and of all creeds should be admitted
" freely and impartially to the charges of the State,
*' according to their ability and integrity to fulfil them.

" Even here, exclaimed the Hon. Secretary of State,
" under the seal of royalty, we have the foundations
" solidly built of religious and civil liberty ; and those
" who try to uproot and destroy them are traitors to
" royalty and to British principles. They have dared
" to affirm in this House that the Catholics supported the
*' Government in order to obtain position and power. I
" feel in justice, and I owe to the truth to declare, that
*' this is absolutely contrary to facts, and that there never

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

" were partisans less eager of official positions than our
" friends, the Catholics."

])eliokl Dr Tupi)er ever the same, without prejudice or
weakness. All his political life and all his public career
stand there to overthrow such insinuations and destroy
such attacks. His firet speeches in the Nova Scotia House
were in favor of liberty to all, his last words were directed
against the tyranny of conscience. He carried ever a
long way his respect for religious principles ; he was
only consistent when seeming partial. Soon we will hear
of his solid speeches on Educational liberty. If the Nova
Scotia Protestants are proud of Dr Tupper, the grateful
Catholics are noue the less so. Their friend when perse-
cution hung over them, he protected and counselled them.
A man of largo ideas, he will only be properly appreciated
when no longer in the midst of the tumult. " Impartiality
begins when the critic has no longer a foothold ; so im-
partiality is the aurora of the day of justice."

Mr Howe's speech in answer to Dr Tupper surpassed
in violence and fanaticism anything yet heard in the
House. It was a wild and furious diatribe on the Catho-
lics. He feigned a deep feeling, blaming the Government
for causing the public offices to be closed, and to have
used the banner for Bishop Walsh's funeral ! He scrupled
not to raise up religious animosities, and so descended
into those depths, beyond the reach of honesty, in order
to insult his former allies. Ilage destroyed the Hon.
Joseph Howe, or more properly his rme ruined the Gov-
ernment. He did not himself believe in the sentiments
he expressed, his sole desire Avas to tear down the Minis-
terial party, his sole object to excite the Protestants
against the Government in the elections about to take

UIOGHAPHY OF

place that year. The succeeding events sliowed that ho
ainipil well : such is the rormation of tlio jieople, they
fahricate real truuhles in order to overcome imaginary
evils. A po])ulation is easily excited, yet whosoever de-
sires, cannot make them listen to reason. Mr Howe strove
for a religious contest ! Nova Scotia could only escape
from it hy the ability, labor and efforts of Dr 'rui)per
and his friends. The Address was voted by a majority
of five votes after fifteen days of the most acrimonious
debates imaginable ; religious differences ever being the
most envenomed topic.

Mr Howe knew the ground he took : He would say
to the ministers tf the dillerent religious sects : " liOok
at those Catholic priests that govern us I A stranger dies,
(Mgr AValsh) and the Governor goes t) kiss his feet,
while the Puritan missionaries, the first martyrs of devo-
tion to our cause, sleep forgotten in their tombs ; rise up,
aid us to reconquer what we have lost ! " It required no
more to relight the flame oT internal dissensions ! There
was truly here a want of sincerity. Fanaticism being the
mere fruit of ignorance. ^Fr Howe laughed at his dupes,
while he believed not a word of all the accusations that
lie hurled forth. He urged them to a tyranny over con-
science, — error and persecution are closely allied ! He
knew full well, that until a light should fall upon his
accusations, on his chosen ground he Avould reign as
sovereign master. Once a man exercises such a power,
and that no barrier presents itself to his will, it is inipos-
si])le for him not to fall into some false position. Howe,
upon that occasion tarnished liis reputation. It suffices
not for a leader to command with talent, he must farther
do so with that wisdom and moderation which the feel-
iutis of others dictate.

SIR CHARLES TurrER

Tlie pedestal raised upon the Im ruing ruins of intoler-
ance, must soon fall to the ground. Joseph Howe had
estahlislied deadly prin(3iples and had sown the seeds of
subvertion but to glean the bitter fruits of liis own actions.
Ih'oken, anniliilated, humbled, the veteran athlete, tired
of his struggles, Avill soon be forced to recognize tlie
triumph of his adversaries, to bind himself to the victor's
chariot, to repudiate his past conduct,to adore tlie rising sun
and to join with Dr Tupper after the advent of Confedera-
tion. Saturn destroyed his own children ; so fanaticism
kills itself, — it is dangerous to play with fire ! AVith his
versatile mind, the old Reform Chieftain knew better
hoAV to sap the foundation of the arch than to rebuild or
preserve it. Few were his practical ideas of Administra-
tion ! Sir Charles Tui)per was the contrary ; he stood
victor at the close of his long struggle with IMv Howe.

The estimates of tlie Legislature for tlie fiscal vear were
£159,495.00. The location of the railway caused a fresh
discussion, wliich ended in the placing of the branch
from Truro to Pictou. The question of the dismissal of
McLean, the SheritF of Cur.berland, caused the House to
waste considerable time. Tlie Government refusing to
revise the enqucte, was sustained merely by two votes.
After having passed a IJill for the redistribution of the
seats, in order to procure a more equal and just reprcsen-
taiion for the eighteen counties of the Province, the
House adjourned on the 21st March, 1859, after a Session
of seven weeks passed in irate discussions, and of a nature
to render hopeless the reconciliation of the parties, the
possibility of an understanding, or a reign of peace.

The time for a general election was badlv chosen,
owing to the excitement of the people. The majority,
carried away by ^Ir Howe's declamation, was about to

BIOGRAPHY OF

overthrow tlie Johnston ministry, and to replace it by
one from the ranks of liis opponents. Responsible Gov-
ernment, with the respective positions of the parties in
all the British Korth American Provinces, became a
cliimera, an impossibility. A remedy will come here-
after.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

18G0-G1 RETURN OF THE LHJERALS — THE PRINCE OV

wales' VISIT.

Purposely did tlie Hon. Mr Howe raise up tlie people.
Tlie elections of 1859 brought Loth i)arties, in equal
numbers, into the House. The lleforniers, protending to the
majority, and ambitious of leaving the cold shades of the
<)})l)osition, solicited the Clovernor, in an address, to call
tlie House together as soon as possible. In July of the
same year, Dr Tupper notified the petitioners that the
Governor couLl only accept advice from his responsil)lo
advisers. Thus the Governor remained ctrictly within
the limits of the Constitution ; he held himself within
the bounds assigned to England's representatives in the
Colonies. Excitement grew a pace throughout the coun-
try : Eail Mulgrave's conduct was differently looked upon.
lUit a knoMdedge of the duties of the Queen's represen-
tative should suffice to Cv.nvincc any impartial man that
the Governor did merely his duty. The Opposition grew
impatient, the Ministry were still in hopes. The meeting
of the House took place in January, 1860. Even before
proceeding to the election of the Speaker, the First
Minister declared that several Members had been elected
by fraud, and had no claim to their seats. He denounced.

i '

IJIOGllAPHY OF

T)y name, every deputy so elected, altlion;,']i lioldiug ofTico
under the Clovernmcut, wliicli in itself rendered their
election null. They paid no attention to those represen-
tations, and this protest on the part of Mr Young ; sus-
tained and encouraged by Mr Howe they retained their
seats. This was a new source of vexation for the Province.
There being no enactment in the Statutes regulating the
question, they had to bo received, with the right to dis-
qualify them hereafter.

The left, strong in its compactness, elected ^fr Stewart
Cami)bell, its cundidate, to the Speakership, by a majority
of three votes, against ^fr Wade, the Government can-
didate. A constitutional debate ensued, during which
both sides showeil great ability. l)r Tupper was indefa-
tigable. The ^finistry asked for an investigation into six
elections, whicli they 'laimcd to be void, but they were
outvoted by a majority of two. The Governor, advised to
dissolve tlie Parliament, refused to acGej)t the ^linisterial
advice. The latter prepared a memorandum which they
sent to England, and wherein they expressed their views
on the question of those illegal elections. The English
Attorney-General replied that the local House alone had
the right to enquire into the legality or illegality of those
elections ; yet the fraud was self-evident ! Was it neces-
sarj' to hold a long investigation in order to v««end awoy
from the House those who illegally held their places 1
They were salaried officers of the Government whose
resignations had not even been sent in. Lord Mulgrave
did not think it proper to interfere, and the Provincial
Secretary explained the points clearly in a series of
questions presented to the English authorities. All in
vain ! The remedy was useless, the majority of the House
did not desire it. Under such circumstances the Ministry

SIU CUAULES TUPPER

had to rosign, and the Opposition, composed of men of
^reat ability, assumed tlie reins of Government.

Tlie Hon. Mr Young was again called to form a new
Administration. The lion. Joseph Howe changec^ seats
with Ins op]>onent and became Provincial Secretary. Tlie
Hon. Adams J. Archibald took the Department of Justice,
Mr Jonatlian McC'ully became Solicitor-General ; to Mr
John W. Anderson fell the position of Keceiver-General,
and ^fr AVilliam Aunand assumed the position of Finan-
cial-Secretary, the Treasurer of our time. Messrs I'enjamin
Weir and John Uoake also took places in the Executive
Council. Only the personages changed, the position
remained the same. The ^linistry scarcely born, confined
itself to a few measures of general interest. The public
attention was soon drawn from politics, the ii^ is of all
being absorbed in the arrival of the Prince of Wales and
the magnificent preparations and festivities set on foot by
the ^Maritime Provinces.

On the 16th of July of the same year, Sir Pronton
Halliburton, one of the old Counsellors of Nova Scotia,
in his eighty-fifth year, disappeared from the scene. It
was a cause of general mourning and sorrow, for Sir
Brenton was a favorite in all the land. The festivities for
the Prince of "Wales were universal throughout Canada.
At Montreal the Victoria Pridge was inaugurated, and
the Prince laid the foundation stone of the new Parlia-
ment buildings in Ottawa. ^lany distinguished personages
visited Canada that year, amongst others the Prince of
Joinville, son of the ex- King Louis Philippe, also, the
author of " La France aux Colonies " — the kind, sympa-
thetic Mr Eameau. The Canadian Legislature sat at
(^)uebec. George Brown frecpifintly checked the Conser-
vatives upon that ground. The respective positions of the

BIOGRAriiY OF

two parties were about the same all tlirougli the Britisli
American Provinces ; — a remedy will soon be required,
and Dr Tupper will be the one to apply it.

The 31st January, 18G1, saw both parties returned in
about equal numbers. The Ministry, too weak to attempt
any new movement, liad to icinuin satisfied with the
continuation of the works commenced by their predeces-
sors. Mr steward Campbell, the Speaker, having resign-
ed, he -v^^as succeeded by Mr A. C. M.)Donald. The
break up commenced. The nomination of ^Ir Young to
the (,'iiief-Judgeship precipitated the dcnouinent. Kis
place fell to the lion. Joseph Howe. In announcing the
news to the House the latter dropped a tear of re?nem-
brance. He liad sat in the House since 1840, and many
of his old friends had disappeared — Uniacke, Archibald,
Herbert, Huntington and otliers were no more. With
Moore he could gaze upon the loneliness around and say :

•' I ff-el liko one who treads alone
Soinj banquet- hall deserted ;
Whose lights are fled, \vhos(! garlands dead,
And all but he departed."

The Opposition did not allow itself to be dismayed
by the violent will of the Government leader. The member
for Cumberland rushed again into the maze of battle.
He denounced the existence of the Ministry as illegal,
since they wore elected by a majority illegally elected them-
selves. He was so severe,' vigorous, ardent, yet so logical,
that the galleries had to be cleared in order to put an end
to the plaudits that greeted the speaker. Mr Howe having
no good reasons to oppose, made a witty and sarcastic
reply. It did not suffice, the Ministry failed, the ground
was evidently undermined. TL< Seseion passed in sallies,

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

the right ever flyiug, with the left in hot pursuit. The
Ad^^vess Avas, liowever, voted by a majority of five, after
nine days of a memorable debate. The Hon. Messrs
Johnston and Tupper made speeches that will ever
remain famous. Never, perhaps, was the ex-Provincial
Secretary more eloquent, better informea, and ready to
answer all objecuons, and to uphold his assertions with
more crushing i)rouf. It was an ever rolling fire, a constant
hail of Greek fire and bursts of thunder.

The total imports for the year amounted to ^8,055,4:39,
and the revenue was very small. But talents are not measur-
ed in the scale of a country's importance. The discussions
of the day, althougli passionate and often fruitless, indi-
cated cleai'ly tliat they were made by men used to the
worlds learned in politics, convinced of their own recti-
tude and animated with a desire to promote the best
interests of a rising couutry. They miglit mistake the
proper means, yet the object was laudable. Dr Tupper,.
who was the first to commence the siege, was the last
on the ramparts, when at t p.m., on the 15th April, Lord
Mulgrave came to prorogue the House. Then was inau-
gurated the equitable system of voting the supplies for
the different works in contemplation. Communications
were established between Cape lireton and Xova Scotia ;
the military system was established, and on the occasion
uf the death of the Duchess of Kent, mother of Queen
Victoria, the House expressed its sympathy and renewed
its sentiments of loyalty to the British Crown.

The Ministry made praiseworthy efforts to have the
country represented at the London Exhibition of 1862,
and success crowned their efforts ; the Fruit Associa-
tion, then formed, contributed greatly to this end. in
that year, Mr Hugh W. Jilackader, one of the oldest

BIOGRAPHY OF

journalists of the corntry, died. He liad aided with all
liis might the movement for Constitutional Government.
A learned man, he had an elastic mind, and, as the inspiring
spirit of Mr Howe, he acquired considerable authority
wiih his party. In 1863 the general elections took place.
The Unionist party came out victorious. They resumed
the governing power with the following Ministry :

Hon. J. W. Johnston, Attorney-General.
Hon. Chas Tupper, Provincial Secretary.
Hon. W. A. Heurv, Solicitor-General.
Hon. James ^IcNab, Ileceiver-General.
Hon. Isaac Leviscomte, Financial Secreta^3^
Hon. James IMcDonald (now Chief Justice of Nova
4Scotia), Commissioner of Railways.

Messrs W. W. John McKinnon, Alexander McFarlane
and S. L. Shannon also took part in the Council.

At the election, the question of the Union of the Pro-
vinces came up. Dr Tupper, long since favorable to the
movement, agitated the question. The struggle was lively.
Once again the energy, activity and talent of the member
for Cumberland were luade manifest. Not satisfied witli
fighting in his own county, he was present at every weak
spot. He over-ran the whole country with indefatigable
energy ; and victory crowned his efforts. His friends
were restored to power. Soon, more lively than ever, the
great question of Confederation came up.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

THE SITUxVTION OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE BRITISH
NORTH AMERICAN POSSESSIONS IN 1864.

Althoiigli the Cartier-Macdonald Adniinistration had
done mucli for the country in important measures, such as
the Judicial decentralization, the codification of the Civil
Laws ; the purcliase of Seigniorial Iviglits, tlie association of
the Criminal and Commercial Laws, (Sic, still in 1862 they
were obliged to give place to the Liberal Administration of
i\IcDonald-8icotte. The choice of the Ca})ital, the favors
given to the Grand Trunk and their jSlilitia IJill rendered
them unpopular. Tlie new party, which had long preach-
ed the doctrine of Dual llepresentation, though having
got into poAver, could not carry it out. Th- nego-
tiations on the subject of the Intercolonial Kailway be-
tween the delegates of the Maritime Provinces and the
Metropolis drew about the resignation of the Hon. A. A.
Derion ; he thought the country unable to boar the bur-
then of such an undertaking. His withdrawal weakened
considerably the ^linistry. The Ai/hranl affair, the aban-
donment of the principle of double majorities on the
subject of separate schools, the diminution of grants to
agricultural societies and hospitals, caused the public to
lose confidence. An adverse vote in the House caused
the Government to change its members, which was done-
on the 16th May, 1863. Elections having taken place,
the parties came back numei-ically the same. The Sicotte

BIOGRAPHY OF

•i

motion, alleging that the Ministry was formcu in viola-
tion of the principle of douLle majority, thus placing
Lower Canada in peril, was a fatal stroke to the Cabinet,
wluch was saved merely by a majority of three votes.
In 1804, they were called upon to resign their portfolios,
and make room for the Tache-Macdonald Administration
.and the subsequent coalition with George BroAvn.

Responsible Government scarcely did any better in the
smaller Provinces. In Xew Brunswick the spoils were
disputed with a vengeance. But the public spirit, com-
mercial in its movements, ardently desired to bo united
Avith the West by an iron road. Since 1845, the English
•Government, pushed on by the Colonies, had sent ]Major
IJobinson to study the measure. He made a report in favor
of the Northern route, and estimated that the enterprise
Avould cost five millions. The Colonial Offi.ce refused to
grant the loan, and agitation recommenced wilder than ever
in New Brunswick. The country was divided into two
camps ; it was the epoch of the " war of routes." The
Northern counties upheld the Kobinson line, the Southern
counties advocated a line along the St. John's River,
going towards Canada after passing over United States
ground. Howe opposed the latter project most forcibly.
His eloquence prevailed with Lord Ch*ay, who advised
Lord Elgin, then Governor-General of Canada, to invite
the delegates of each Province to Toronto, there to com(>
to an understanding upon the subject of the Intercolonial
Railway. New Brunswick refused to take part in the
conference. The one at Halifax was no more successful
in the inauguration of Responsible Government than that
in 1855 ; there, like elsewhere, were to be found petty
s<j[uabbles of private interest. They quarrelled about the
•rxi)en8es of judges, the political appointments, &'c. They

sill CHARLES TUPPER

were still in the infant age of their Parliainentar}' life.
Peter Mitchell AVihnot, J. W. Ivitchie, and Sir Leonard
Tilley fought in the front ranks. The parties being
almost equal, no important measures could be arrived
at, but they satisfied themselves with little skirmishes.
A new era was dawning, a larger horizon extending
before and around the I^-ovinces of Pritish Xortli
America. In Prince Edward Island things were scarcely
better. There the land tenure was the cause ot"
bother, their system was wrong. It was not unlike the
one in ' reland. Etlbrts were made to get hold of tho
.successions of Warrell and Selkirk, A Commission com-
j)Osed of Messrs Howe, Gray and Kitchie was named by
the different interested parties. Their report, although
very elaborate and approved of by the Local Legislature
(lid not receive the Imperial sanction. This opened tho
way to much agitation. It was under Sir Dominick Daly^
successor to Governor I'annerman, and father of Mr Ualv
tlie present distinguisled member in the House of Com-
mons, that Charlottetown was incorporated, that the
2sormal School was opened, and the Census taken in
1855, The population of the Island was not quite seventy.
une thousand in number. The parties being equal in the
House, the only remedy was an appeal to the ])eople, and
the Palmer-Gray Administration was the result. P>ut as-
the Catholics were excluded from it, discontentment went
on, until the project of tho Confederation of all the Pro-
vinces silenced all sectional animosities and petty
interests. The magnitude of the project «la/zled the people,
and its greatness absorbed everything. All other projects
were silenced in order to devote attention to this im-
mense idea, already well broached in the Legislature of
Nova Scotia.

r)8

BIOGRAPHY OF

XII

DR TUPPEH AND Tllf] PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

Towards the end of 1803, Lord Mulgravc was replaced
l)y Major-General Doyle, Administrator j?ro tempore, and
under him Parliament assendded on the 4th February,
1864:. The Speech from the Throne suggested that a con-
ference of the three ^laritime Provinces be held in order
to come to a final understanding. One of the principal
measures was the Education l>ill, framed by the Hon. Pro-
vincial Secretary. If a similar measure had been adopted
in New r)runswick, we might not have seen later on so
many iniquitous abuses and hateful persecutions which
degrade a party and dishonor a i)cople. Dr Tupper, in
drawing up this law, showed his practical ideas and great
desire to avoid hurting the feelings of any class ; it will
-ever be one of his best claims upon the gratitude of the Pro-
vince. This measure caused popular education to take an
immense stride. However, it was regretted that more
liberty was not given to the minority, that they might
create schools according to their views and religion. The
practice suri)assed the theory, thanks to the good spirit
that animated the Nova Scotians. Could Dr Tupper
have done more 1 To fully understand the measure and
its importance, just cast a glance over the history of Nova
Scotia, with her divisions, her differently composed

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

classes, and the crying injustices of Avhich for so long the
unfortunate Acadians had been the victims. After tlie
iuiqritous dispersion of that unfortunate people, who
■were cast pell-mell upon foreign ships and transported
fiir from all dear to them, separated one from the other, a
certain number (some 5,000 with those who fled to the
M'oods), succeeded in regaining their country by walking
and begging their daily food ! Thus had they crossed
over fifteen hundred miles to see their deserted fields and
desolated hearths ! What a charm there is in the spot
that gave us birth ! The more a country suffers the more
its ciiildren love it ! Is not love built on sacrifice 1 Is not
the test of affection a tear ? There is nothing so hard to
hear as unmerited exile, and the Acadians, rather than
submit to it, were chased like wild beasts, hunted like
criminals, banished from their homes, and despoiled of
their goods. For all this, they still came back ! For five
years, they dwelt in the depths of the forest, living on
roots and wild fruit, but bravely bore uj) against their
persecution. Little by little they approached the habi-
tations of nien, and mixed in the crowd. The Gov-
ernment felt ashamed to persecute them further ; tliey
were let alone. P>y degrees these banished people took
their lost ground, but without all the rights of a free
peoph . History will place a stigma, as yet unknown to
them, upon the executioners of Acadia's children, —
Lawrence, Moysten and Loscowen. The Acadians grow
numerous with that rapidity only to bo found amongst
virtuous races. Only in Nova Scotia they number already
10,000 souls. Despised if not persecuted, unable to keep
schools according to their desires, these people are forced
to struggle with energy to preserve themselves and con-
serve their morals, religion and language. Dr Tupper had

•;■

■^0

UIOOUAPilV OF

no projudicoa against tliom — lio cut out cortain ro.strictiuiis
An tlie School JJill. Every citizen was to enjoy the .saiin'
benefits and participate in the same liberties. The shackles
•of faitli no longer clung to them, there was to be no more
proscrii)tion on account of creed, nationality or languagi ,
the Education l>ill placing all citizens on the same footing.
and ranking them in the same category. All were satis-
fied with the law, with the exception of one enactment.
The Catholics who lived in a parish of their own
liad all their revenues applied to their own schools, but
those who were scattered amongst the other sects, had to
-see their children grow uj) in ignorance or send them tu
-scliools iiidiflerent as to religion. This was the evil sido
of that famous law, which, in practice, was even better,
owing to the great tolerance of the people. It is to }w
regretted tliat this lUll was not at once sanctioned, and
-separate schools established, as Upper Canada had just
-done, and as Lower Canada had long since given the
-examj)le. It would have put a final end to all dissatis-
faction on the subject. A tolerant and just spirit pre-
vailed in Nova Scotia.

Since then a number of convents appeared, and girls
■from the highest circles in English society were sent to
them for instruction. These ladies brought home a clearer
idea of things, and less fanatical prejudices, and to-day tlie
representatives of the many denominations no longer louk
upon each other as enemies in Nova Scotia. Would to
^heaven New Brunswick had followed the example ! The
.Provincial Secretary caught at a glance all the conso-
-quences of the act, all the deductions from the principle.
' .He saw clearly ! He has a large mind, capable of conceji-
lion and action. The recriminations of hatred alfect him
jiot, so should all wise men look wpon politics.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

strictioiis
the same
; shackles
i no more
language,
e footing,
rere satis-
nactment.
leir own
louls, but
ts, had to
I them tu
1 evil sid'j
en better,
[t is to lie
oned, and
had just
iven till'
dissatis-
lirit pro-

and girls
e sent to
a clearer
o-day tlie
nger look
Would to
le! The
le conse-
irinciple.
concep-
Ifect him

Those school reforms were more than urgent, they were
o( absolute necessity. In fact, in a population of over
three hundred thousand, of more than five years old, the
one-fouvth could neither read nor write ! Among eighty-
tliree thousand children, from five to fifteen years, thirty-
six thousand could not read ! Only thirty-one thou.sand
went to school in 1863. Thus fifty-two thousand children
grew up in ignorance, in the full light of this the nine-
teenth century ! And yet we boast of our progress !
The new School l>ill was a remedy for this sad state of
affairs. By furnishing an equitable means for the division
and collection of the taxes, and giving them to the ])oor
as well as the rich, by overturning the existing system,
hy building schools in the remotest parts of the country,
it became an immense benefit and revolutionized the
country in the proper way — the way of light, intellectual
progress and morality. This happy result was due, in
great part, to the member for Cumberland. History will
vet do him justice on that point. To do that which will
produce the most good should be the guide of every true
■statesman. .

BIOGRAPHY OF

XIII

PROJECT OF THE UNION OF THE MARITIME PROVINCEH.

It was said that Responsible (lovernmeut in the Pro-
vinces was impossible, the political parties being almost
equally divided. A series of malicious discontent and
constant troubles were the conse<|uences. Too many elec-
tions, one after another, was a cause of unbridled corruj)-
tion. Demoralization slipped in everywhere, and election
agents became a social j^lague. The different tariffs be-
tween the Provinces, the different prices of goods, made
it desirable to have a change that would develop the
resources and advance the general commercial interests
of the land. The Confederation idea was not a new one.
The United States had put it into practice more than a
century ago upon our continent, and it gave general satis-
faction. In Canada it was long dreamed of, and many
remarkable Avritings were made upon it, so that public
opinion was not taken unawares. Dr Tupper worked up
the project all over Xova Scotia, by long and eloquent
speeches, lectures, i^'C. Indefatigable and strong in health,
in the vigor of his age, he waged a powerful war against
the adversaries of his favorite undertaking. Mr Howe
was none the less active. The meeting of those two men
was ever the occasion of eloquent tournaments. Those
who witnessed these struggles assert they never heard

81R CHARLES TUPPER

lOVIN'CES.

aiiytliing so attractive and powerful ; it was tlio golden
ago of Nova Scotia's eloquouce. The press was the echo
of those public discussions. JJefore coming to the discus-
sion of the Confederation question, tlie House, on the
2>'*^ March, 1864, on a motion by Dr Tupper, without a
division, adopted the ])roposition of sending to Charlotte-
town delegates to confer on the means most i)roper to
bring about the Union of the Maritime Provinces. This
called forth splendid debates in the Legislative Assembly.
Those for and against, were principally Hon. Mr Johnston
and Dr Tupper, ^[essrs Shannon, ]\I filer (member of the
Canadian Senile), James McDonald (now Chief-Justice),
Mr McFarlane, C, J. Campbell, Longlcy, Hamilton, Chur-
chill, Ivillam and Tobin. To name these men is to say that
this important subject wivs taken upon all its phases and
treated as fully as could be desired. Having found the
l)roject of the Union of the three Provinces had the
cordial support of the House, the Hon. Provincial Secre-
tary gave an eloquent reftiune of all that had been said on
this great question, and concluded by saying, that, not the
Union but the reunion of the Provinces was sought for.
St. John's Island or Prince Edward Island was united to
Acadia in 1763, but in 1771 was separated in order to form
a special Government on account of the difficulty of com-
munication. Xew Brunswick also separated in 1784 from
Xova Scotia. But those causes of disunion had vanished.
A Confederation of all the Provinces \vas desirable ; but,
for the time being, it could not be dreamt of on acoount
of the rivalry between the two great sections of Canada.
Yet the condition of the country could soon be changed
so as to form or necessitate a more intimate connection
between those British Possessions north of the United
States; The civil war going on in the States, might have

UIOGRArilY OF

cliHtUtrouH con«o(iuenct'.s for us. So far the rivalry l)i'twecn
tlie slave ami anti-slavcn-y parties was a protection for us.
If victorious, who coulil prevent the Xorth from sending
her legions against us, in order to revenge herself on
England that was ever opposed to them. If defeated,
would vtaigeancc not prouijit them to snatch from the
North what they lost in the South, and still come down
on us ?

" The House will see that if the subject of a Union
** with Canada were even in contemplation, no wiser step
*' co\ild take place than the Union of the Maritime Pro-
** vinces in the first instance. Hostile as I believe the
" sentiment of Canada is at the present time to a union
" with the Maritime I*rovinces, the day is not far distant
" when it will be for the interest of both to unite ; and
" Canada will, I have no doubt, seek in that union the
" solution of those difficulties that are now found insu-
" perable in the Government of the country. These Pro-
" vinces, I am proud to know, will present a sufficient
** area, population and resources to exercise no small
" amount of influence in the scale between the two sec-
'* tions in which Canada is divided. They would find in
" the Maritime Provinces that which they seek for in
" vain in their own country — that is, a united people,
" divided by no sectional antagonism and embarrassed
" by no separate system of jurisprudence. They w^ouid
" find a country in which civil and religious liberty is
" enjoyed by all, and in which I am happy to know there
" exists no hostility between the different races or reli-

gions.

" We would present a country to their view that might
** be united in a common bond of Union with Canada —
" a union which is essential to the solution of the diffi-

SIR CHARLES TUPPER 65

'* cultii'H that now divide tlie two great sections of that
"Provinco. This Union when re(|uired will be, as 1 liave
*• said, more easy ot accomplishment when these Mari-
•* time Provinces arc united, than at present." (Debates
1804, ]). 181.)

Tho elo(]uent speaker showed the inconvenience of the
(liileront tarill's and the ditliculty they created in the com-
merce of the Provinces ; what a prestiije would have a
united people, numbering 500,000, and scattered over a
territory of 50,000 sfpiare acres ; what an influeuco they
would have in Europe where (fovernments are so restricted
in th(!ir power. Public confidence would be increased,
foreign capital How in, legislative expenses would dimin-
ish, and the colonies would rise to that position which
(}od and nature designated for them amongst the nations
of the world. Then he made the following proposition
identical with that proposed by the New Brunswick
Legislature :

** R('fioh:ed, — That His Excellency the Administrator of
the Government be requested to appoint delegates (not
tu exceed five), to confer with such delegates as may be
ap[)oiuted by the Governments of New Brunswick and
Prince Edward Island, for the purpose of arranging the
preliminary plan for the Union of the tliree Provinces
under one Government and one Legislature, such Union
to take eflect when confirmed by the Legislative enact-
ments of the various Provinces interested, and finally
approved of by Her Majesty the Queen."

Already, on the 15th April, 1861, the Nova Scotia Legis-
lature, taking the lead, had sanctioned a motion asking
the Colonial Secretary to communicate with the dif-

illOGKAPUY OF

ferent Provinces with the view of bringing about a union.
On the 6th July, 1862, the Duke of Xewcastlc replied,
that the measure would bo favoral)ly looked upon in
England, but that the initial step should be taken by thr;
Provinces concerned.

In awaiting the Charlottetown conference, the Nova
Scotia House continued its labors until the prorogation
on the 10th May, 1864. Many importanl measures wem
passed. Amongst those we may mention : Tlie consolida-
tion and revision of the statutes, the creation of a court
of equity, the enregistration of marriage contracts, births
and deaths, the protection of the fisheries in the rivers,
the administration of the gold and coal mines, the amend-
ment of the militia laws, the education bill, and the act
for the extension of railways ; that of Pictou was tli'^
cause of a lively debate, in whioh twenty-eight members
pa: dcipated. The opponents of the member for Cumberland
accused him of taking advantage of his position in the
ministry to make money at the expense of the Province !
Fortunately for I)r Tui)per that accusation could never he
proved ; otherwise it would liave suificed to check hU
future brilliant career ! If Ave want to be severe upon
thos ' men who, without conscience or honor, make fvu
abuse of their position in order to serve their private
interests, we should also judge them with great reserve
and with only irrefutable proofs. Human malignity
attacks men in accordance as they rise to dignity, rank or
intluenco ! Too often, contemporary criticism, as in the
days of the Greeks, destroys the dove but spares the
raven ! However, I)r Tupper always met those accusations
with the most emphatic denials. He remained in the
broach, without a thouglit of ovad'ng the discussion on this
or an} othsr subject. The guilty generally acts otherwise.

sill CHARLES TUrPEil

ires ^yevo

The grand Conveution at Cliarlottetown was fixed for
tlio 1st September, 1804. The vent created a sensation,
England became interested in it, lada, that had seen four
Adniinistiations in less than three years, began to have a
glimmer of hope, an expectation of extrication from its
complex position.

Although advanced in years and not desirous of again
mixing in politics, Sir Paschal Eiienne Tache consented,
in 1864, at the reduest of Lord ^tonck (after the failure
of Mr Ferguson Blair to form a coalition Government),
to form another Administration. His party "was united !
Messrs Chapais, AUeyn and Abbott, having refused to
enter the Blair Cabinet, united with the new Chief on
the 14th June. On motion by Mr Doriou, censuring the
Covernment for having neglected to regulate the $100,000
loan made by Mr Gait to the city of ^lontreal in 1851),
the ]\Iinistry, owing to the defection of Mr Dunkin aiul
Mr liankin, were in a minority of two votes. The Gov-
ernor favored the i»rorogatiou of the House, but owing to
the Hon. George Ih'own being ambitious to enter the
Cabinet, tlie prorogation did not take place. Upper
Canada still desired representation j/ru rata of the j)opu-
lution ; Lower Canada was oi)i)03ed to self destruction, so
it was thought on all sides, that Confederation being the
uuly remedy, it was advisable that the measure should
be submitted next session. It received the support of a
great number of the liberals. By tliat time it was known
lliat the Charlottetown conference was to take place.
Canada asked to be admitted into it, and this request was
granted.

BIOGRAPHY OF

XIV

CHARLOTTETOWN AND THE QUEBEC CONVENTIONS — SUBSE-
QUENT FESTIVITIES.

The long looked-for day arrived. It was the first of
Sepleniher, 18G4. The old Island of St. Jolin was all
a blaze in the brilliancy of its festive preparations. The
capital was all astir — the vessels in the harbor, displaying
their many colored flags and decorations, presented a grand
picture ; from the highest spires and domes of the public
edifices the banners floated in the gentle breeze. An
immense concourse gathered in the city, and joy prevailed
everywhere ; everything betokening something a'oout to
occur beyond the ordinary. A peaceful revolution was
about to give birth to a new world ! The future of half
the American continent was about to be decided ui)on.
This was the commencement of a series of festivities
given by the representatives of the different Provinces.
This was the preparation for the (Quebec Convention, which
was the base, the keystone of the grand structure of Con-
federation ; hence therefore its importance ! The delegation
was composed of llie most celebrated men of the Provinces.
It was the most important political assembly the country
had yet seen. Nova Scotia sent the Ilouorables Dr Charles
Tupper, W. A. Henry, Robert I)arry Dickie, Jonathan
McCully, and Adams J. Archibald. The Hon. Messrs

SIR CHVRLES TUPPER

itiviUes

Tilley, John W. Johnstou, Gray, Chandler and Steeves
represented New Lriinswick. The Honorables Colonel
Gray, Ed. Palmer, Mr Pope, George Coles and A.
McDonald came from Prince Edward Island. Canada
sent a number of its most })rominent men, amongst whom
were the Honorables J. A. Macdonald, G. E. Cartier, Geo.
Brown, Hector L. Langevin, A. T. Gait, Wm. McDougall
and Thomas D'Arcy McGee, all members of the Tache-^Iac-
donald Cabinet. Although the latter took no part in the
debates, yet they proposed a plan of a union on a more
extensive scale than the one in view. The basis of the
(Quebec Convention was there laid. A grand banquet
was given on the 8th of September to the delegates, under
the presidency of the Hon. Col. (i^ray. First Minister of the
Island Government. It was a grand success ; eloquent and
patriotic speeches were made at it. I)r Tapper was one of
the speakers. Happy the country where the greatest of
political and constitutional changes are etlectcd whilst
tranquilly seated at a princely banquet-table !

The Charlottetown festivals were followed by those of
Halifax and 8t. John, X.B., with a perfect series of orator-
ical tournaments, in which life and gayetv were not want-
ing. Our delegates came home charmed ^ith their recep-
tion. Who would ever have doubted that those " children
of the mist," from the foggy si )res of the Atlantic, would
be otherwise than amiable? 'i he fogs arising from the
Thames make John Bull morose ! You must chauge your
climate if you wish to change your humor, say the philo-
sophers ; but they are now, as they were then, mistaken,
('anada awaited with anxious impatience the opportunity
to discuss the new project of the grand Confederation of
all the British North American Provinces. Although some
were opposed to it, many desired it, and preferred the

BIOGRAPHY OF

cliango to tlie Union of 1841. The position of the United
Canadas had become impossible to maintain. The Govern-
ment could no longer act, the political economy of the
two sections being so difl'erent. The coalition of Mr Brown
had paved the way to further negotiations. The mission
of the Canadian delegates to the Maritime Provinces con-
tributed to prepare the minds of the people. A great
movement was set on foot ; a new life Avas to be given to
Canada.

The 10th of October, 18G4, will for ever remain memora-
ble in our history. That day the old city of Champlain
held within its ancient walls the fathers of Confederation.
The Canadian Ministry formed a great portion thereof.
The united delegation was composed of the following,
persons :

For Canada :

Sir Etienno P. Taclie, Premier.

Hon. J. A. jMacdonald, Attorney-Gen. West.

G. E. Cartier, Attorney-Gen. East.

Wm. McDougall, Provincial Secretary.

George Brown, President of Executive CounciL

A, T. Gait, Minister of Finance.

Olivier Mo watt, Postmaster-General.

Hector L. Langevin, Solicitor-Gen. East.

James Cockburn, Solicitor-Gen. AVest.

T. D'Arcy McGee, Minister of Agriculture.

J. C. Chapais, Commissioner of Public AVorks.

((

For Nova Scotia :

Hon. Dr C. Tupper, Provincial Secretary.
" W. A. Henry, Attorney-General.
" R. A. Dickey.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

Hon. Jonathan McCully.
" A. G. Archibald,

For New Brunswicl' :

Hon. S. L. Tilley, Provincial Secretary.

John ]\r. Johnson, Attorney-General.

Peter Mitchell.

Charles Fisher.

AY. r. Steeves.

John H. Gray.

((

For Prince Edward It^land :
Hon. Col. Gray, Premier.

" Ed. Palmer, Attorney-General.
Mr Pope, Provincial Secretary.
" George Coles.
'' F. Heath Haviland.
*' A. A. McDonald.

These men had mostly all occupied iniportant political
positions m their respective Provinces. It M'as to a certain
extent the Areopagus of the Xorth, the recognized Chiefs
ot the dillerent Provinces assembled. They were there
united to perform the legitimate work of consoli.latin^^
a grand nation, casting the foundations of a great country"
aying the basis of a lasting edifice. What other nations
liad performed through bloo.l and rapine, .vas accomplished
m peaceful contest amidst great rejoicings and brilliant
estivals. Tne leader of the Canadian Cabinet was chosen
to preside at the Assembly. The Provincial Secretaries
were named Honorary Secretaries, and Major Hewitt
bernard acted as official Secretary.
Learned and eloquent addresses wore deliv-ed on that

BIOGRAPHY OF

Tnemorable occasion, but it is not within the limits of a.
l)iogra|)}iy that they coukl be given ov even analysed. More-
over, to do them full justice it would be necessary to
devote to them an entire volume. Banquet followed
banquet, dinner follov'ed dinner, ball followed ball. The
cities of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto imitating their
elder sister, desired to extend tlieir cordial hospitality to
the distinguished guests sent by the Maritime Provinces.
It was an uninterrupted succession of banquets, feasts
and addresses. Liglit-he.artedness was universal, and poli-
tical partizans mixed together like the dancers in a
quadrille. A veil was drawn over the past, the present was
enjoyed, and confidence placed in the future. Those who,
up to then were called life-enemies, now called each other
brotliers ! The war-hatchet was buried, and the cordial
, *' shake-liands " was given. They thought they had found
the panacea for all ills and all party divisions ; it was
an liour of universal joy. Even those who did not approve
of tlie project, set themselves to study it and found
the necessity of a change ; man prefers the unknown to a
fttatus in quo. The Hon. Mr Dorion, who did not like the
idea of Confederation as propounded at the Quebec Con-
ference, had to admit, even in 1860, that the actual
state of things could not last. He said : " I look on the
Union of Upper and Lower Canada as the first step to
the grand Confederation of all the British North Ameri-
can Provinces, that is to be so much desired." In 1859, the
Liberal Chiefs of Lower Canada had declared in a cele-
brated manifesto ; " That it seemed that the only alternative
that presented itself to the people of Lower Canada was
either a dissolution of the Union and a Confederation on
the one liand, or representation based on population on
the other." Consequently there was really no antagonism

SIR CEIARLES TUPPER

its of it
. More-

ssary to
ollowed
11. The
ng their
tality to
ovinces.
s, feasts
,nd poli-
318 in a
isent was
ose who,
ich other
e cordial
ad found
i! ; it was
approve
found
own to a
like the
)ec Con-

actual
on the

t step to

1 Ameri-
859, the
n a cele-
ternative
lada was
ation on
ation on
fcagonisDi

ik.

to the project. The delegates drew out the form of the
Constitution which has governed us since the first of
July, 1867. We know what splendid debates preceded
it in the House of Commons. These events are within
the range of contemporaneous history, the present genera-
tion has not yet forgotten them. The work of Confederation
is yet too recent, to allow us to judge it with that historical
impartiality which it deserves. Time is a great luaster : it
corrects, adds to, takes from, and rectifies. That grand
movement leads us on to another which posterity
may style '' Independence." We must be satisfied with
the conclusions of the principles laid down. In this
age of agitation and social disturbances, who can rely
upon the morrow 1 The old world set upon a volcanic
crater may fly up at any hour ! Dynamite in close proximity
to a fuse is dangerous ' Such is the last reasoning of
brutal violence against the impotent right tliat would
destroy itself. Woe to the people on account of their
crimes !

In answer to the toast proposed on the 15th (Jctober,
by the President, at the banquet given by the Chamber of
Commerce in Quebec, to " the Delegates of the Maritime
Provinces," the head of that delegation, Dr Tupper, made
a lengthy and interesting reply. Thanking Canada for
having given such a cordial reception to her sister Pro-
vinces, and for rendering the trip so agreeable to die
delegates, the orator excused himself as being unable to
adequately treat, before such an audience, the most im-
portant question ever submitted to the country since the
day, wlien, on the Plains of Abraham, an immortal strug-
gle decided the destinies of British America. The subject
was grand, but had been so often considered and so well
discussed by our most distinguished men, that it became

BIOGRAPHY OP

dilTiciilt and no longer ncAv or interesting. Our Govern-
ment system was to be radically changed. The movement
is so important that it is necessary to have all unite in its
consideration, above all the Maritime Provinces who,
though knowing but little about it then, would bring
their share of strength, labor, prosperity and resources :

" It is true," said I)r Tupper, " you have a magnificent
" country, embracing an iuimense territorial area ; it is
" true you have a comparatively largo poi)ulatiou of
" 3,000,000; it is true you have land teeming with inex-
" haustiblo resources on every hand ; but as was observed
" by your able and talented minister, JMr Cartier, great
" as is your country, large as is your population, inex-
" haustible as are your resources, the Maritime Provinces
" have something equally as essential to the formation of
** a great nation.

" We shall bring into the Federation with Canada a
'•' toriitorial area of 50,000 or 60,000 square miles, and
" an additional population of 800,000 souls, which will
'• foster the manufacturing interests of Canada.

" We shall bring a revenue to the common purse, of
'' something like $3,000,000 ; and when I tell you that
" Nova Scotia has something like doubled her revenue
" within the last six years, you will understand that we
" do not require a Union with Canada to draw from her
" resources. We would add to the general trade our
" $35,000,000 of exports and imports.

" Your mighty St. Lawrence is but an imperfect higli-
" way, inasmucli as it is closed to all commerce some five
•* months in the year, not to speak of the humiliating
*' position in which this great country is left when you
*' feel that you are dependent upon a foreign, if not a
•' rival state for access to the ocean."

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

After having alluded to the great Tntercoloninl Tiaihvay
scheme, and the inexhaustible wealth of the Fisheries,
Dr Tupper added :

" You ^vill find a vast country occupied "by as valuable
" coal fields as are to be found on the surface of the
" earth. You will find iron mines in the Province of
** Xova Scotia which, in quality, will successfully rival
" the finest Swedish iron. You will find iron and coal
" associated with limestone.

" In fact, 3'ou will find, in Xova Scotia, all those chief
" natural characteristics which have made Great lU-itain
" the greatest commercial mart of the world. There are
" also our gold mines, at present very remunerative though
*' not yet fully developed.

" But Confederation would do more, it would bring
'' what is dearer still — freedom and safety."

To show how England would be affected by the loss of
her colonies, and to explain the feeling in the mother-
country upon the question, the orator made it clear that the
Union alone could save us from the dangers of a like stroke
or from any foreign invasion, and consequently we should
co-operate the more with the British Government ; for
we have still greater interest than they in the matter. The
Hon. Provincial Secretarv from Xova Scotia concluded
by expressing his satisfaction to see united, upon that
memorable occasion, the leaders of the different parties
who disputed between themselves, in the divers sections
of the land, for power and supremacy. And he told them
of the hopes the people had based upon the foundation
of the great work they had in contemplation. Messrs.
Tilley, Gray, Tache and Gait spoke in a like strain. The
reader will pardon the synopsis of the speech here given,
for, in truth, it seemed the skeleton of that theme which

BIOGRAPHY OF

was to occupy the first place in all the succeeding strug-
gles in the Maritime Provinces during the thr(>e years
immediately following the passing of the British North.
America Act.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

1865 TO 1866 — RETURN OF THE LEGISLATURE TO THE
FORMER PROJECT OF UNION BETWEEN THE MARITIME
PROVINCES.

Dr Tupper having become First Minister of the Pro-
vince, since the elevation of tiie Hon. Mr Johnston to the
position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Court
of Equity, did not remain inactive. On his return to
Nova Scotia, he began a lively agitation in favor of Con-
federation. The Legislative Assembly liaving been in
session since the 9th February, 1865, was occupied with
this question which was mentioned in the Speech from
the Throne. A great meeting was held at Halifax after
the return of the deputation from Quebec. Messrs Tupper,
McCully and Archibald there expressed their views on
the proposed Confederation. Messrs \V. Stairs, A. G. Jones,
W. Annand, AV. Miller and P. Power also held a counter-
assembly. On both sides the struggle was going to be
lively. Lord Monck hastened to communicate to the
Colonial Office the resolutions passed at the Quebec
Assembly. Mr Cardwell answered that England favored
them. In February, 1865, the Canadian Parliament voted
for Confederation by a majority of fifty-eiglit — 91 to 33 —
after the most celebrated oratorical struggle ever knoM'n
in the Legislative halls. But 'Nevi P>run8wick fresh from
an election, sent to the House a majority adverse to Con-

lU(H;UArHY OF

federutiou ; Nova 8cotia was thereby forced to modify lier
views, aud to return to the project of a Uuion of the ^lari-
time Proviuces only. Consequently, on the 10th of April,
the Hon. Provincial Secretary proposed a motion to that
olfect. He supported it "with one of his ablest speeches,
lleviewinj,' all the ])hase8 throu^jh which the question of
the union of those Provinces liad passed in the larger
one of Confederation, Dr Tuppcr shewed, with great
force, the advantage of such a measure : he explained the
principle Avhich should be its basis, the benefits the people
would derive, and the dangers of the present state of affairs
on account of the extraordinary events then taking place in
the United States. lUit owing to the decision in New
IJrunswick, he Avas obliged to confine himself to the mere
union of the ^Maritime Proviuces.

This sj)eech, replete with science, potriotism and elo-
quence, was one of the best he ever delivered. It will
form for ever, one of the most splendid pages in the Par-
liamentary history of Nova Scotia. It is a monnmont
worthy of a place in the annals of Confederation. It
was a calm, sincere, yet firm j)lea in favor of the proposed
changes. l)r Tuppcr was dignified and far less sarcastic
than was his wont. He felt that the future of his Province
depended upon it. And this famous address rever-
berated not only -throughout Nova Scotia, but even in
England's colonies. The papers reproduced it, and the
public commented upon it. It was the event of the session.
Mr Archil)ald seconded the Union motion.

Mr Annand, in opposing the measure, delivered a speech
remarkable for its depth, force and the ability M'ith which it
was made. lie also, was an able and well-informed man.
Mr Miller supported him. Finally, on the 17th April,
Mr Ivillam gave a resume of the debate, and the House,

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

trreat

after liaving lieaid ^Messrs McLeau, Lo Vosconle, Shannon,
liourinot, McFarlano and Locko speak either for or
against, approved of tlie project witliout any division. This
iliscussion, wliich occupied the largest space in that par-
liamentary debate, was one of the brightest and most in-
structive of the periorl. It revealed the talents, tlie know-
ledge, the aptitude of many men who have since occupie<l
prominent and important i)Ositions in the political sphere,
dostiued to ex[)and under Confederation.

Although a number of important laws were framed and
.sanctioned during that session, the paramount question
was, the union of the ^faritime Provinces. On the occa-
sion of the horrible murder, by J. W. Ikoth, of Abraham
Lincoln, the President of the United States, on the 14th
April, 1SG5, the Legislature adjourned out of respect to
the memory of that great friend of American slave eman-
cipation. In the same year, at ^lontreal, took })lace the
trial of the young Confederate soldiers, under the })resi-
dciicy of the lion. J. 0. Coursol, the jtresent M. T. for
^[ontreal L'ast. These 3'oung soldiers were commanded
by Lieutenant !>. Young, who, in 18G4, perpetrated one of
the most audacious attacks on the St. Albans (Vt.) banks.
The judgment rendered by the Hon. Mr Coursol excited
the anger of the Americans to a considerable degree. This
tlanger opened the eyes of New Brunswick. " Coming
events cast their shadows before them." Providence has its
hidden designs, its mysterious dispensations ! *' Man pro-
poses, but God disposes." It was written that Confedera-
tion should take place.

What a strange contrast was the sudden change that
took place in New Brunswick in favor of Confederation,
in a parliament coin posed of men who were elected a year
previous to oppose the project — what happened? Had

BIOGRAPHY OP

Messrs Tilley, Mitchell and Wilmot, so electrified tlic
House tliat its i)Ower of will disappeared 1

After the defeat of the advocates of Confederation in
New Brunswick, a defeat that sur[)ri8ed Tilley, AVilmot.
Fisher, and every political leader in the country; Gover-
nor Gordon, wl;o was not always in sympathy with the
Cabinet, having received from England an order to press
the matter on Parliament and to have a Confederation Act
passed, conferred with the Hon. Mr Mitchell, then a
memher of the Legislative Council. Tlie latter agreed to
supi)ort the project. Notwithstanding that Mr Smith,
the leader of the Government was adverse to the project,
he consented to its heing refv^rred to in the speech from
the throne. However,forty days of the session passed before
the Premier brought on the (piestion. The Governor
recommended him to resign, and the Mitchell-Tilley-
Wilmot administration was formed. An election took
place, and the people elected the Confederation party by
a sweeping majority.

Thus those very C "tors who had lately rejected the idea
of Confederation, in a few months sanctioned it by their
votes, ihe people govern the land ! Happy illusion !

Politics often display sudden reverses, with Pandora-
gifts, with inexplicable and often unjustifiable surprises.
Yet, how highly is responsible Government appreciated !
Tiie people are tlie direct source of power ! The people
really believe that tliey govern ! Oh happy illusion : ima-
gination plays its part in it.

The real truth is that but ouly a few men govern the
land ; the remainder follow in their footsteps ! It requires
but a short examination of our parliamentary debates to
find this out. Fortunately tho electors scarcely ever assist
at the debates.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

Thus had the pivot of Confederation in the Maritime Pro-
vinces, New Brunswick itself, set aside all obstacles. It was
the only Province wherein the people were called upon to
pronounce upon the question.

This circumstance gave the First Minister of Nova Sco-
tia a cliance to return to his former i>roject. Thus, on
the 10th April, 1860, he placed before the House the fol-
lowing Ivesolution. " Seeing that it is the opinion of this
House that a Confederation of the British Nor'^' American
Provinces be formed, be it resolved that His Excellency
the Governor in Council ])e authorized to send to England
certain delegates to confer with the Im})erial Government
upon a project destined to be the safeguard of the interests
of each Province."

A most interesting, able and animated debate folU)wed.
Mr Howe, the indefatigable o{)pouent of the Prime Minis-
ter, v/as not satisfied with opi)Osing tlie project of Confe-
deration in tlu> House and in the large assemblies through-
out Nova Scotia, where his lively expression, warm enthu-
siasm, powerful voice, and happy style^always left the deep-
e-st impressions, but he even determined to visit the land
beyond the sea, and there promulgate his ideas, lighting
to the last the proposed Union, he succeeded in creating
doubts in the minds of many as to the op]>ortune occasion
of such a change. InHuencial pa])ers upheld him and 1-^
gained sonu? ground. His pamphlet against Confederation
brought him many su])])orters. Without his old adversary's
activity, he had his ability and depth. Despite his multifa-
rious Government duties, l)r Tapper crossed to England,
and there strove to disabuse the pu})lic mind of the views
emanating from Mr Howe, and to reassure the ])ublic mind
upon the im])ortance of the contemplated measure. Sir
John A. Macdonald, Sir George E. Cartier and Messrs

BIOGRAPHY OF

Bi'owu and Gait also crossed in 1865, in order to confer
with the Imperial Government as to the basis of the new
Coufedeni>ion, the Intercolonial liailway question, the
IS^orth-West Territory, the defence of the country, and
other important matters. Shortly after their return, on the
20th July, Sir Eticnne P. Tache, one of the most honest of
political men, v. as car^ 1 off by the hand of death. Judge
Morin soon followed. A year previous. Sir Louis H. La-
fontaine had taken precedence in his flight. Sir Narcisse
IJelleau replaced Sir Etiennc P. Taehe as First ISIinister^
Mr Jjrowu refused to serve under his former colleagues,
Sir Jolui A. Macdonald and Sir George E. Cartier.
Under Sir Narcisse I>elleau, tlie Tfouse met on the 8th
August, for Uf^ second time in 18G5, to receive the
report of the aelegjitL's and vote the subsidies. The visit
made by these statesmen to England and the threatened
invasion — by some fifteen liundred Fenians collected under
Colonel O'Neill on tlio frontiers of New York, who
planned a descent on Upper Canada — soon opened the
eyes of the Culonial 0£ice officials. Circumstances favored
T)r Tupjxjr. He could quickly judge of the situation •
he saw all in the twinkling of an eye. The best means to
destroy ^Ir Howe's hold upon the calm and refU'ctinn-
English mind, was to stand in contradistinction to him, to
show the variances and inconsistencies of his career.
Such was the undertaking of Nova Scotia's delegate. Witli
that object in view, in October 18GG, ho wrote his famous
letter to Lord Carnarvon. It was one of the most cogent
pleas, in favor of the movement, yet brought forth. 'J'he
argument was close, the style clear, the thoughts powerful.
Mr Howe's arguments were piteously demolished yet
without evincing any personal animosity. This famous
composition placed its author in a now light : he revealed

SIR CHARLES IL'PPER

liimself as a solid writer, an able polemist and learned
liistorian. This letter was not merely an historical resume
of the Confederation, but it painted all its advantages in
glowing colors. It was circulated throughout England
the Press favorably commented upon it : its author acquired
a new confidence which aided him in bringing to a happy
issue the great undertaking for which he had fought so
long and so earnestlv. Dr Tupuer concluded his crushintr
answer to Mr Howe by expressing an earnest hope, " That
a policy alike demanded by the best interests of the Ihitish
7*rovinces and of the Parent State, may meet Avith the
approval of Her Majesty's Ministers and obtain the
sanction of the Imperial Parliament : and that a United
British America may, under the legis of Great Ih-itain
rapidly advance to the position among the nations of the
earth, indicated by her great natural resources and the
indomitable character of the race from which her people
are sprung."

;Mr Howe intending to raise the fanaticism of the read-
ers of his pamiihlet against Confederation, used the most
violent expressions against the Canadians, representing
Iheni as backward, divided, disloyal, factious and unsub-
missive to the law I i)r Tupper's letter to Lord Carnarvon
did full justice to those false assertions — the Canadians
were well defended in it. He Avrote —

'* That certain parties in Canada carried to an extreme
hmgth their struggles for constitutional privileges, which
have since been frankly conceded, must be admitted ; but
the charge of disloyalty has been disproved of by her whole
liistory. So long ago as 1776 the overtures of Franklin,
Chase and Carroll, sent by the revolting States to induce
the Canadians to abandon their allegiance to the British
crown, proved unsuccessful ; and their emissaries had to

0^¥i^%'

M'^-wMw''

BIOGRAPHY OF

return home discomfited. These diplomatic eiforts ^vere fol-
lowed by liostile armies led by Arnold and Montgomery,
two of the ablest of American Generals, whom, with but a
handful of soldiers sent from England to assist them, the
Canadians successfully resisted, raised the Siege of Que-
bec and recaptured Montreal. The struggles of 1812, 1813
and 1814, when Canada was attacked at every point, again
proved the indomitable courage and loyalty of Canadians,
who, unheeding the specious allurements held out to
them, met and drove back the enemies of England, and
* Canada was once more saved to the Empire ' as his Grace
th3 Duke of Wellington has so emphatically asserted. A
glance at what has since been achieved v/ill enable your
Lordship to estimate the value of Mr Howe's opinion of the
public men of Canada; The records of the Legislature of
the country show that Parliamentary Reform and the
registration of voters have been secured ; a system of
municipal institutions of the most advanced character
established, education, both in the higher departments,
and as regards the common schools of the country, pro-
vided by enactments which Mr Howe throughout his
public career did his best in vain to adopt in Nova Sco-
tia : the Clergy Keserve question, fraught with immense
difficulties has been elfectually settled, and the system
of feudal tenure abolished ; while the simplification and
codification of their laws have given them statute books ot
which any country might justly be proud. Their popu-
lation has increased from 1,842,105 in 1851, to 2,50(),05()
in 1801 J "

Space compels us to stop here ! It is the more to be
regretted, since the country so seldom finds men who can
defend its interests so well, above all before Europe. By
this earnest and judicious defense Dr Tupper earned a new

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

claim to the gratitude of Canadians. Obliged to return
home to attend to the duties of the Session of 1867, the
i'rinie Minister lost not a moment. On tlie very open-
ing of tlie House the project of Confederation was made
the subject of debate. The debate was long, elo(pient,
often bitter, but always able and clever. The Chief of
the Cabinet proposed the measure, clearly explained his
ideas, and triumphantly walked over all objections. He
wound up his fine address with an attractive and prophe-
tic peroration : " 1 ask gentlemen opposite to weigh care-
fully the opinions which American ^Statesmen have ex-
pressed in respect of this measure of Confederation, and ask
themselves whether they are justified in pursuing a policy
antagonistic to the establishment of institutions which
are not only going to make us prosperous, but place us
in a position that will excite the envy of one of the great-
est nations of the world ] "

Thanks to the adhesion of Mr William Miller, an able
and popular leader of the Nova Scotia Catholic party, the
motion was carried by a large majority. The fight thus
ended in the Provincial Parliament, was carried to a new
field, and Dr Tapper was obliged to continue his gigan-
tic and V ictoriiHis struggles in a wider one. Before sepa-
rating the Nova Scotia Legislature passed its present
Constitution.

BIOGRxVPHY OF

XVII

HISTORY OF CONFEDERATION.

This project wliicli was finally put in execution on the
first of July 1867, was not new. Situated, as the British
North American colonies are,''on the borders of a great
Republic, it was only natural that everything necessary
lo unite all strength for the hour of danger should be pre-
pared. An unforeseen act of inconsistency might cause
the Americans to put in execution their iMonroe doctrine.
Then nothing could be easier than to sweep down upon
our divided Provinces, which in the winter had no means
of conmiunication. Moreover in America, where liberty is
so loved, the state of these colonies became intolerable.
The trade was restricted by all species of checks placed
upon it, both by England, whose interest was to keep us
in commercial doendence upon her, as well ns by the
several tariffs established by the Provinces themselves.
This was a source of embarrassment and weakness, and iii
order to obviate those difficulties, Canadian statesmen had
long pondered over a change of the Constitution. In
1658, Prancis Xicholson, the then Covernor of New
England, advocated a Confederation of the British Xovtli
American Provinces with tlie object of mutual defenc« .

Chief Justice Sewell, in 1814, addressed a letter to
the Duke of Kent, in which he proposed a Federal Union
of all our Provinces. In 1839, T.ord Durham, in his fa-

SIR CHARLES TUTPER

iiious report when lie stated that " tlie Canadian,s would
he 6Lcainped'^ took up Judge Sewell's idea, with a few mo-
di ficatious. Ho would have preferred a Legishitive Union
as it might have placed the Canadians in a greater danger— as
though what God protected was not well protected % Even
in 1847, at Toronto, the British American League discussed
the question. In the Nova Scotia Legislature, in 1854,
Mr Johnston proposed a motion for the union of the
]\[aritimo Provinces, which he sustained in a powerful
speech, with a view of preparing the public mind for the
change. Some Canadian statesmen were not at first, favor-
able to the project, and merely agreed with it when they
found that it was impossible to do away with the dead
luck which had existed in the L'nited Canadas since
18G2. Here and there a few writers threw in a word
upon the necessity of a change in our Constitution. The
union of 1841 had done its share. The L'^ltra Lovalists
feared however a change that might further loosen the
bonds that held us to the Mother Country and lead us
towards independence.

In 1855 and 185G, Mr P. S. Hamilton, Commissioner
uf Mines for Nova Scotia, had written two remarkable
l)amplilets in favor of the Union, and in 18G0 he addressed
tin important letter upon the subject to His Grace the
Duke of Newcastle.

In 1857, Messrs Johnston and Archibald were sent to
England as delegates, by tlie Nova Scotia Legislature, to
( onfer with the authorities on the subject of tlie Colo-
nial Union. The following year, on a motion by Sir A.
T. GuU, Messrs Cartior, Kose and Gait were st^ut to
England to confer upon the Confederation question. Jn
tlie fall of 18G0, Dr Tupper deliver.-d, iu the ^fechanic's
Institute, at St. John, New IJrunswick, an important

BIOGRAPHY OF

lecture upon the same subject. Mr Ilowe, himself, at the
end of the Session of 1861, also caused a resolution to be
passed in the same sense. The Duke of Newcastle declared
himself satisfied. Bo far, liowever, with but few exceptions,
all action was confined to theory ; yet the idea had taken
such a forward stride that Canadian statesmen decided to
attend the Charlottetown Conference in September, 1864.
A celebrated writer, known for his deep knowledge,
profound doctrine, clear patriotism, brilliant style and
active mind, had done more than all put together to open
out the idea of Confederation, and above all to render it
clear, feasible and comprehensive. In 1857, ten years
prior to the accomplishment of the event, in a series of
articles published in the " Courrier du Canada" of which
he was Chief Editor at the time, Dr J. C. Taclio, the present
Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture and
Statistics, foreshadowed the foundation of our Confedera-
tion. In 1858 these articles were collected into one volume
under the title of "/)«*• ProvinceH (J.e V Aiiwrique du Nord
et d'une Union Federale.*' This work, like all that pro-
ceeds from Mr Tache's pen, is M'orthy of being read and
re-read : our present constitution is really to be found
there in all its details. It surpasses inspiration, it is a true
prophecy ! The fathers of our Confederation must have
attentively studied this work of Mr Tache in order to form
the resolutions on wliich the British North American Act
is based. Mr Cauchon was the most dangerous enemy of
Mr Tache's views. Editor of the " Journal de Quebec " at
that time, he opposed strongly the project so elaborately
explained by the correspondent oiiha Courrier ; it is well
known that Mr Cauchon spoke for his friends of that day ;
later on, when the inevitable union took place, we find Mr
•Cauchon all aflame with his ardor, and writing a splendid

I)a
Ca
dc
mi

the

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

piimphk't to (lomolish his fornioi articles. After all Mr
(luichou was forced to acknowledge that Ihh views were
defective. For him (Confederation was full of great pro-
mises — even as to Manitoba land.

In order to see clearly that a constitutional change was
necessary, it willsidfice to present to the reader a list of the
successive administrations and their ra])id changes? under
the Union. A cabinet disap])eared each year. The Union
which only lasted twenty-six years, saw the following
eiiihteen adniinistra tions :

a true
liave
form
m Act
my of
BC " at
rately
s well
t day ;
dMr
endid

1 3th February 1841-

IGth 8eptend)er 1842-

12th l)ecend)er 1843-

18th June 1846-

29tli May 1847-

8th December 1847-

nth March 1848-

28th October 1852-

11th September 1854-

27th January 1855-

24th May 1850-

20th Nv>vomber 1857-

2nd August 1868-

6th August 1858-

24th May 1862-

16th May 1863-

30th March 1864-

7th August 1865-

-Draper-Ogden.
-Baldwin- Lat'ontaine.
-Draper- Viger.
-Draper- Pa, )ineau.
-Sherwood-Papiueau.
-Sherwood.
-Lafontaine- Paid win.
-Ilinks-Morin.
-McNab Morin.
-McNab-Taclu^.
-Tache-Macdonald (J. A.)
-Macdonald (J. A.)-Cartier.
-Ikown-Dorion.
-Cartier-Macdonald (J. A.)
-Macdonald (J. S.)-Sicotte.
-Macdonald (J. S.)-Dorion.
— Taclu^-Macdonald (J. A.)
-Belleau-Macdonald (J. A.)

It was a difficult task for our statesmen to devise a scheme
whereby Canada might be extricated from its false position.
The advent of Confederation was at hand ! With that object

BIOGIIAPIIY OF

in view, Messrs Mncdonald, Cartierj Laiigeviu, Howland,
McDoug.ill and Gait went to meet Messrs Tuppcr, Tillcy,
Archibald and ^litchell in London. Lord ^lonck went
also. It was in 18G6 that Sir John Macdonald was chosen
President of the deputation, and the j)roject of Confede-
ration was finally settled and sanctioned by tlio Imperial
Government. On the 17th of jMarch 1807, the measure
recoived the lioyal Sanction, and at the same time the
Intercolonial liailw^ay guarantee was given. Finally, on
the 22nd of May a proclamation was issued, putting an
<3nd to the constitution of 1841, and appointing the Ist
July for the inauguration of the Confederation of the four
Provinces of Ontario, (Quebec, Xew Brunswick and Xova
Scotia. Such, in a few words, is the history of Canadian
Confederation. Imperfect as this sketch may be, we could
not refrain from inserting it here. ]Moreover, it is so con-
nected with Dr Tupper that his biography would ha
incomplete without it.

sill CHARLKS TUPPER

XVII

ELECTIOX OF ISoT—DR TUPPER ALONE ESCAPES FROM THE
DEFEAT OF TIIi: CONFEDERATES IN NOVA SCOTIA.

The great measure Avas finally adopted. It was, however,,
necessary to put the immense machine in working uirler.'
A general election took place, which gave rise to a most
hitter and determined struggle, above ail in >^ova Scotia.
Of all the Confederate candidates only one escajjcd— Dr
Charles Tupper. At the close of a devastating tempest,
Avhose violence has swept all before it, we, time and'
again, behold a solitary tree in the midst of the ruins by
wliich it is surrounded. This political tempest struck
Xova Scotia with a formidable violence ; Conservative
ruins were strewn on all sides. The grand electoral voice
had spoken,— the people were in the midst of an extraor-
dinary excitement, upheld and pushed on by the powerful
tribune, whose efibrts were all concentrated in favor of
tlie repeal of the Confederation Act. The election contest
revolved around that one pivot. Sir Charles Tupper did
his utmost to oppose the formidable opposition led by the
Hon. Joseph ITowe. The struggle was powerful, imposing,
at times wild, yet ever memorable.

Dr Tupper, when befure the masses, was always a power-
ful and triumphant adversary. There he unfolded with won-
derful skill the very prodigies of elociueuce it.s. If. Beneath

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<i)"

BIOGRAPHY OF

the guise of a seeming indifference he hides a soul filled
with a warmth, and a heart overflowing with a sympathy,
scarcely equalled. With a somewhat grave aspect he kindles
into enthusiasm before his audienc:;. He grows warm, he
grasps his adversary and converts him into a barrier — a
powerful defense. What troubles and difticulties are met
with upon the Canadian political hustings ! The speaker
must be ever prepared upon all subjects. He that enters
the political arena must possess a knowledge of history,
geography, political economy, statistics, the principles that
divide parties, commerce, finance, (fee, &c. Let not the
human lieart be unstudied, for there is the source whence
the orator so often draws his success I I)r Tupper, for the
triumph of his party, neglected nothing. Though serious, he
knew how to be gay. A smile is the indication of wisdom.
Few know how to laugh or smile. A true laugh, the index
of an elevated mind, is too lofty for vulgar conception. It
soars too high for the generality of men. But the people
who feel the true and sublime in nature can see truth iu
the very radiance of a smile. A word, a look, an act, a
thought may often suffice. An adversary can forgive any-
thing save ridicule. Are you desirous that envy should not
reach yowl Then remain as you are, soft, cpiiet, dull,
uncongenial, just like the every-day speaker. Thus you
will be safe from the sting of jealousy which rankles in thf
heart of the envious, but you will have done nothing for
the cause you serve ! Dr Tupper acted with energy, hn
spoke with words of fire, and tuned the heart-strings with
a hand of delicate touch. The orator's thoughts were made
manifest until every one believed in its success. In this
way should all husfin'j combats be waged. Speak foi'
the cause of your adoption, not for youi personal inte-
rests !

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

A grander field is ahoiit to open out before Dr Tapper •
Confederation has expaned to the political horizon Men
of talent and ability felt cramped within the limits of the
petty Provinces. Their patriotism seemer] far from at
home in its confinement. Naturally do tli^v seek a wider
ground. Xew destinies arise before us. A peaceful revo-
lution was at work in our midst, and with festiyitv and
flowers, the enchanting vales of old Acadia, whicli^ were
lust to France by armed injustice, were about to be re.s-
tored. The provincial interests intermingled and a new
<3ra dawned upon us. 8ome acce])ted with difiidence this
new state of allairs, fearing it would be prejudicial to the
mterests of the minorities, while others looke.l upon it is
the consolidation of our national institutions and the
guarantee of our future j.rosperity. Sixteen vear.s have not
.sufficed to enable us to judge of such a work 3'et the
progress attained has been considerable and has outstripped
the most sanguine expectations of the authors of Confeder-
ation and its most devoted partisans.

Our total commercial strengtli, which in 1808 was
represented at $131,027,532 in 1882, reached the iu.mense
tigure of 1214,086,130. A like progress may be seen in
all other branches of industry. Sciences and art tcok a
now rise. On all sides we find an activity, a striving an
advancement, a universal development, a glorious hope f

lilOURArilV OF

XYIII

18G7 MACDONALI) ADMINISTUATlOX — Dll TLTPER IN

ENGLAND, ENGLISH TITLES AND DECORATIONS.

Sir John A. Macdoiiald, called by Lord Monck (then
Governor General) to form tlie first administration under
Confederation, drew around liiiu the most able men he
could find, and above all those who were most active in
bringing about the new order of things. Sir George K.
Cartier, Sir Hector Laugevin, The lion. Senator Chapais,
Sir A. T. Gait, Sir Leonard Tillej', The Hon. Messrs
Mitchell, Ilowland, AVm. ^IcDougall, Sir Edward Kenny,
Sir John Kose, and the Hon. A. Archibald, composed
the cabinet. Dr Tupper, through a very honorable motive,
refused to enter tlie Cabinet, owing to the peculiar po-
sition occupied by his Province, M'liich had sent to the
Commons as representatives, men totally opposed to Con-
federation. The member for Cumberland, in order to do
justice to the Catholic minority, gave way to Sir Edward
Kenny, who then represented that minority in the House,
in fact l)r Tupper was the only L^nionist elected. During
the first session Hon. Joseph Howe strove to turn into
ridicule the position taken by the Confederate leader of
Nova Scotia. Dr Tupper made a happy reply to his
sarcastic remarks. He predicted to this veteran orator,
that in the not distant future, the people having come to

SLR CHARLES TUPPER

PER IN

jck (then
■on under
J men lio
active in
lieorgc 1''.
• Chapuis,
u. Messrs
d Kenny,
composed
e motive,
culiar pu-
nt to the
d to Coii-
der to do
r Edwai'il
le House,
. During
urn into
leader of
y to his
n orator,
come to

tliemselves and duly considered the i)o.sition, wouhl rally
around tlio Confederation hanner, and a majority of Nova
Scotia's delegates would he seen in tliis House ranged
around even himself; a pro[>hecy that shortly afterwards
was accomplished. In 1S78 Dr. Tuj)per came out of the
election struggle 8Ui>ported hy a splendid majority from
his Province, and stranger still, on the 30th January 1809,
Mr. Howe accepted the position of President of the
Council, under the Macdonald Administration. So it is in
l)olitical life, the adversaries of yesterday, hecome the
allies of to-morrow. Moreover, circumstances change or
modify the opinions of men, idiots or fools alone remain
unchanged in their ideas. Nevertheless Mr Howe did not
come at once enlist under the standard of CJonfederation,
vexed and indignant that otluu-s should have carried to a
successful issue a measure once advocated by himself hut
abandoned, on account of his vacillating character, Mr
Howe, even after 18C9 continued his agitation in favor
of the repeal of the Confederation act, witli this object in
view be crossed the Altantic and raised in England a
strong party favorable to his pretensions, the (I'anadian
(Jov'ernment, knowing the iiiHuence of Dr Tupper, with
the Cabinet of St. James, delegated him to defend the
attacks of Mr Howe upon Confederation; the two old
adversaries met face to face in London. Sir Charles Tupper
payed a friendly visit to ^Ir Howe. Those two men,
ever in opposition to one another, were attached to each
other by bonds of alfection which they themselves could
not understand nor explain. Between some natures there
exist secret sympathies, mysterious connections, talent
calls forth admiration, admiration engenders friendship;
the transition is natural. ^Moreover "Mv Howe did justice
to his adversary, after his defeat of 1855 in answer to a

BKXJRAPIIY OF

fiij'inl who asked liirn, who this Dr Tnppor who had just
couquered liini, miglit ho, he said : ** you will know him
soon enough, tliis Dr Tu)»per will soon be at tlie head ut
the Conservative ])arty in Nova Scutia." Howe judgj'd
clearly right for once.

J)r Tuppei's mission was again crowned with success.
Mr Howe returned (liscouragod and almost converted to
tlie Confederation struggle. From that time there was nu
serious opposition to tlie new political state inaugurated
in 18(57. A ])articular circumstance gave J)r Tupper an
occasion to prove his loyalty and sentiments of justice
towards his Canadian fellow countrymen. The. Knglish
(Jovernment, in order to acknowledge the merits of Sir
John A. Macdonald and Sir Ceorge E. Cartier offered
them titles ; unfortunately, the one offered to Sir George
Cartier was less than that offered vSir John Macdonald.
which wounded the feelings of the French Canadian
Leader. Under the sting of the humiliation Sir (}eorge
Cartier wrote a frank and dignified letter to the St. James
Cabinet, declining to accept the title of C. 11 which was
so ungraciously offered him. England though well served
by French Canadians, often acts with partiality in regard
to them. Time, the master of all, will teach her justice
by and bye. At least let us hope so ! Sir John Macdo-
nald and Sir Ceorge Cartier were not only the leaders
of a great party, and men of superior abilil.y, but even the
most faithful of England's subjects ; side by side during
twenty years, they fought gigantic tights to upiiold British
Institutions in Canada, during a period when a powerful
party was in favour of annexation with the neighboring
Republic. People became so accustomed to see those
two great men together that they were baptisetl the " Sia-
mese Twins." At this time Dr Tupper was in England,

81R CHARLES TUrPER

tind making use of liis iiilluenco witli Lord Caniarvon, lio
suggested the remedy and reparation of the injury done
the French Canadians in the person of their chief. It was
to give him the title of Baronet liigher even than that of
K. C. B., accepted by his collegue. Only with great pru-
dence is this title granted, for it falls to the first male heir
of the recipient. For this the party should have a certain
fortune in order to uphold a certain rank. As large for-
tunes are scarce in our country so likewise Baronets are
few. In Sir (> orge Cartier's case this obstacle was over-
come by the fact that he had no male child to succeed him.
This was one of Dr Tupper's arguments in favor of the
granting of the title, consequently Sir George was created
Baronet. Thus did Sir Charles continue his old traditions
of friendship towards the minorities ; thus acquiring a
fresh claim to Canadian gratitude. So seldom is it that
Canadians receive their share of favors, rights, or privile-
ges, and so rare is it also to find strangers ready to defend
them. To have done with this question of titles, let us at
once say, that Sir Charles Tupper already created C. B.,
in 1867 was decorated with the title of K.C.M.G., on the
24th May 1879, at the same time as Messrs S. L. Tilley,
A. Campbell, W. P. Rowland, and Ricliard J. Cartwright ;
admiting that such titles are confered upon talent and
merit, Sir Charles well deserved this honor.

BIOGRAPHY OP

XIX

DR TUPPER IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Distance lends enchantment to the view. The closer
you approach great men the smaller they appear ; the
pencil of imagination has draAvn them in such gigantic
outlines. Such is not the case with Sir Charles. Ho
is perfectly commensuiative witli your loftiest expec-
tations. Taking his place in the midst of men known for
their science, celebrated for their works and famous fur
their innumerable services, Sir Charles soars to their level.
At the first session, which opened the 7th Nov. 1867, he
was called on to reply to his old adversary, Mr "lowe,
who had made a speech against Confederation in answer
to the Address from the throne. Mr Howe displayed
the same style, the same acumen, the same eloquence.
The House, until then, under the spell of Mr HoweV.
eloquence was carried away by Sir Charles, who once,
more remained master of the situation. Nothing could
daunt the Member for Cumberland. During the session,
with his usual energy, fluency, and knowledge, he spoke,
upon the various subjects of Tariff, Finance, Annexation,
North-West Territories, &c. The 30th January 1869, Uv
Howe assumed the functions of President of the Council I
Sir Charles again made way for him, even more than that,.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

he closer
lear ; the

les. Ho
it expec-
lOAvn for
nous fuv
eir level.
18G7, he
r lowe,
answer
splayed
oquence.
Howe'-
]io once.
Ig could
session,
le spoke
lexation,
869, Mr
[Council I
lan Uiat^

ho aided liim in his re-election and was ready to resiga
his seat for Cuuiborland, if necessary, in order to secure
liim a place ! Behold a beautiful example of i)ersonal
disinterestedness for a principle and ol)jcct ! Dr Tupper
convinced that the entry of ^Ir Howe would put an
end to all strife, was willing to sacrifice himself in the
interests of peace and union. The succeeding events
jiroved he was correct. A union of parties was accom-
])lished in Xova Scotia and a happy truce succeeded the
political strife — reconciliation, harmony and peace now
lield sway. It was also on the suggestion of Sir Charles
that on the Itt May 1873, the Hon. Joseph Howe was
named Lieutenant-Governor of Xova Scotia. In that [)Osi-
tion death overtook him and silenced forever the most
eloquent tongue that perhaps had ever spoken on this conti-
nent. The session of 1869, found l)v Tupper with his usual
energy. He spoke several times on very important subjects,
such as the Intercolonial, the acquisition of the Xorth-
"West Territories, the joining of Newfoundland with the
(Confederation. 1870 finds him again at his post, sixteen
times during the session he was heard upon difficult
subjects, which he treated with his accustomed ability.

At that time the Act was passed for the cession of
Itupert's Land and the Xorth-West Territories. England
liad already, the previous year, at the instance of Sir
George E. Cartier and Hon. Wm. IMcDougall, passed an
Act to the effect that in consideration of the sum of
£300,000 stg., which.Canada was to give to the Hudson Bay
Company, the greater portion of the North- AVest Territo-
ries would be acquired. This Company, since 1670 had
possessed the sole monopoly of these vast regions and
reserved for itself over and above 50,000 acres around
their posts and a 20th part of all the lands of the Saskat-

100

DIOGRAPHY OF

chewan. Its monopoly was over. Thus for the 6th of a
cent per acre, Canada acquired 1,800,000 square miles of
land, every acre of which is iiow worth $2. This act and
the entry of British Columbia into Confederation greatly
strengthened the latter. Thus all the British J^orth
American colonies, save Newfoundland, were bound
together from the Altantic to the Pacific, a distance of
4000 miles. The acquisition of these territories caused
innumerable debates in the House, and occupied the
attention of the principal men of the two great parties
which divide our Canadian political world. Amongst
others, Dr Tupper took a most prominent part.

HIR CUARLES TUPPEIl

101

1870-73, SIR CHARLES TUPPER AS A MEMBER OF TUB
MACDONALD CABINET.

On tho 21st June 1870, for the first time, Dr Tupper
entered the Canadian Cabinet, in the position of President
of the Council; which place he hold until the 1st July,
1872, when he became Minister of Inland Eevenue : ho
continued in the latter office until the 22nd February, 1873,
when he was transferred to the Customs Departn,ent. He
held the latter office nearly a year. On the 6tli Novem-
ber 1873, the Macdouald Administration resigned on the
question of the Allan Contract. The Macdouald Cabinet
was composed of able men, skillful politicians and expert
financiers. Sir John Macdouald in the Department of
Justice, Sir George E. Cartier in that of Militia and
Defence, Sir Leonard Tilley in the Finance Department,
Hon. Peter Mitchell in the Marine and Fisheries, Hon.
Wm McDougall in the Public Works, Sir A. Campbell
in the Post-Office Department and the Hon. J. H. Pope
in the Department of Agriculture ; to Sir Hector Langevin
fell tho place of Secretary of State, and in 18G9 he en-
tered the Department of Public Works — at which time
Ilailways and Canals came under the same head — giving
a large amount of work to the Minister, Sir Hector
was well known for his methodical mind, assiduity at

iil

102

DIOGUxiPIIY OF

work, aptitude in business, general regularity, political
knowledge, and faithful adheronce to his word when
given. All those (qualities fitted him to worthily succeed
as a leader Sir George K. Cartior, whose death took place
in London, the 2nd ^Nlay 1873. Sir John A. Macdonald
is too well known to render it necessary to speak of his
vast knowledge, or his administrative qualifications and
judgement in the government of men and measures. Messrs
Tilley and Mitchell had already played im})ortant parts
in their Province. Ontario was re})resentod by Messrs
!McDougall, llowland, ^lorris and O'Connor, all men of
fame, knowledge and ability. Such was the Administra-
tion of which I)r Tujjper was called upon to form part.
l>y his energy, intellect, profound and (piick perception,
he soon attained an enviable position amongst his distin-
guished colleagues. The session of 1871 was remarkable;
it enforced upon the members of the Cabinet an enor-
mous amount of work, and Sir Charles Tupper shewed
himself indefatigable in the performance of his onerous
duties, lie took part on not less than sixteen occasions
in the debates upon several important subjects. The
extension of Canals occupied to a great extent his atten-
tion. The American Erie Canal, which opens in the lake
of that name, threatened to become in dangerous opposi-
tion to our Welland Canal, the object of the latter was to
unite the waters of Lakes Erie and Ontario and to facilitate
navigation oven to the Niagara Ealls. It became necessary
to have this Canal enlarged in order to permit larger
vessels, loaded with western produce, to descend by way
of the St. Laurence, and thus more rapidly reach the Eu-
ropean Markets. The fisheries, of great importance to us,
were not neglected. But the paramount question, was
beyond doubt, the uniting of British Cr' mbia to the Con-

SIR CHARLES TUITER

103

federation. Sir Charles Tupper was very active in the
discussion of those importart suhjects. Tlio opposition
led by the lion. Alexander McKenzie, Member for
Lambton, counted in is ranks men able, wise and skilful.
Thus the Government party was hard pushed ; the Minis-
try Wiis obliged to be ever on the alert. That same year
(1871), British Columbia entered the Confederation on
the express condition that within the space of ten years
Canada would construct the Pacific Itailroad. Such a
promise might be difficult to keep, owing to ..hs state
of our commerce and finances. The above stipulation
led to the resignation of the Government two years
after.

In a new country and under a new system with endless
requirements and lofty aspirations, all had to be remo-
delled. The Ministers labored with an indefatigable zeal
to meet all the exigences of the situation. Messrs T.
Trudeau, G. F. Baillairge, J. C. Tache and other Depart-
mental chiefs proved equal to their positions. A number
of laws, relating to the Civil service, the Public "Works,
the Mails, the Tariff', and Insolvency were proposed, con-
firmed and put in force. It was also in 1871 that the
'freaty of Washington was signed, in virtue of which the
Americans agreed to pay us $4,500,000.00 indemnity for
the use of our lisheries during the passed twelve years,
l)esides $1,000,000.00 to the Island of Newfoundland.
The practical Yankee has, they say, since abandoned the
use of fish (even on Friday) — it costs him too inuch.

Has the treaty been forgotten 1 Sir John A. Macdonald's
chances for tlie Presidency of the United States are very
slender. He would do better to hold his Premiership on
this side of line 45 ^ ^^ A hinl in the hand is worth two
in the hiish"

104

BIOGRAPHY OF

Sir Charles Tupper took charge of the Inland Revenuo
Department on the Ist July 1872, (at which time the Hon.
Alex. Morris was named Chief Justice of the Queen's
Bench in Manitoba,) and entered upon his work with his
usual activity. He originated many reforms, repealed
the old regulations as to Weights and Measures and gave
the country a general law on the subject which has proved
satisfactory ever since. Ihe Insolvent Act also took up
much of his attention. In the House he was certainly
the standard-bearer of his party. Although sometimes
too sarcastic, the House always listened to Sir Charles
Tupper with great respect and close attention. "With
pleasure his friends heard him, with vexation, at times,
his adversaries * so lively and so pungent are his points !
Sir John A. Macdonaid charms his adversary ; Sir Hector
Langevin convinces him ; Sir Leonard Tilley coaxes him ;
Mr lilake inspires him ; Mr Chapleau astonishes him ; Mr
Pope perplexes him ; Mr Laurier mesmerises him ; Sir
Charles Tupper nails him down, — masters him ; one would
think he grasped some solid and heavy weapon with which
he mercilessly strikes his opponents. He holds above them
the glistening sword of Damocles. A Conservative Danton,
advancing in powerful strides towards the goal with an
ever increasing audacity, hightened by constant successes.
The galaries in the Commons grow lively — they care littlo
for lukewarm addresses — they call for firmness, life,
novelty, something unexpected. And when it is known
that Sir Charles Tupper is to speak the galleries are sure
to be crowded. Unlike the Eoman orators of old, who
at the close of their harangues were forced to call upon
the people for applause, Sir Charles Tupper uevcr had to
say : Plaudi^e cines I So spontaneous and continuous wero
the plaudits accorded to him.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

105

Revenuo
the Hon.
Queen's
with his
repealed
and gave
IS proved
took up
certainly
ometiines
r Charhis
n. With
at times,
is points !
>ir Hector
ixes him ;
him ; Mr
him ; Sir
)ne would
ith which
)0ve them
Danton,
with an
Isuccesscs.
care littlo
less, life,
is known
s are sure
old, who
call upon
or had to
lous wero

XXI

6th NOV. 1873, RESIGNATION OF THE MACDONALD
ADMINISTRATION.

Already two years had passed since the entry of British
Columbia into the Confederation and yet the Pacific Kail-
Avay had scarcely advanced. British Columbia threatened
to sever the Confederation bond. The Government strug-
gled hard to extend that immense line over the plains of the
Xorth-West. It was the most gigantic undertaking ever
attempted by a people numbering only 4,000,000. But
Columbia being the keystone of the Confederation arch,
it must at all hazards be retained, for through that
Province only could the Pacific coast be reached and thus
become the common highway to the Indies, Japan and
China. It would be necessary to pass over it in order to
reach Europe, the route being fifty miles shorter than any
ether. The Confederation Government having incured a
debt in order to carry out the building of the Intercolonial,
the enlargement of the canals and other public works, could
not meet the exigencies of +he situation and at the same
time push on the Pacific Kjiilway. The North- AV est, as
yet uncolonized offered no revenue. Under such circum-
stances the Ministry thought fit to treat with foreign capi-
talists, but thelatter refused their co-operation to tho Pacific
enterprise. Then the Allan syndicate was formed. The
country off*ered |30,000,000 in money and 50,000,000

106

BIOGRAPHY OF

acres of land for the road : the latter to be finished accord-
ing to the agreement with British Columbia. All went well,
Montreal was jubilant, all that remained was to sign tho
contract. Tho terminus was to be in that loyal city. Alas !
every fine day has its morrow, every medal its reverse !
The people are ever fickle. To-day they chant the triumphs
of their great ones ; to morrow they will turn on their
heroes. A dark cloud hung upon the horizon. The elections
took place under the old law, and were somewhat degen-
erate. The play was for high stakes ; A flush carried tho
day. Both parties must have resorted to bribery, the gov-
ernment less perchance than the opposition, but what is
criminal in the governing party, is virtuous in the one that
is governed. The pure and delicate Yankee, MrL. S. Hun-
tington, of fiery virtue, became indignant that the Ministry
could possibly expend a few million dollars ; this was the
same man whose election in Shefford cost him ,^32,000 and
who succeeded in surreptitiously obtaining from the Hon.
Mr Abbott's clerk, (a Mr Norris,) several papers of a private
and confidential nature. These papers tended to show that
the Ministry had spent certain sums of money during the
election. Tlie elector likes well enough to be bribed, })ut
does not like to have it made known ; great indignation
was felt from one end of the country to the other. The
opposition dwelt upon it in its clubs, its press organs, and
at its indignation meetings. The Ministry saw it would be
difficult to face the storm as long as the excitement lasted.
A man struck with fever cannot partake of all kinds of
nourishment. The crisis must pass over first, — so it is in
political epidemics. Time alone can correct errors, re-estab-
lish the truth, bring light into the darkness and cure tho
wounds inflicted. The Ministry resigned, it was perhaps,
the worst trick they could play upon their opponents.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

107

ficcord-
nt well,
sign tlio
^ Alas!
•everse 1
riuraplis
Dn their
jlections
t degen-
ried the
the gov-
what is
one that
S. Hun-
Ministry
was the
,000 and
he Hon.
I privatt'
liOAV that
ring tlic
3ed, but
ixnation
. The
ms, and
ould ho
lasted.
cinds of
it is in
re-estah-
ure the
lerhaps,
lonents.

The latter took the reins of Government at the very
moment when the difticulties had most accumulated
regarding the Pacific Railway : moreover the Conserva-
tives had been so long at the helm and expostd to the re-
proaches of the Opposition, that the people imagined the
latter alone could restore the golden age to Canada. As
a general rule, in representative countries where interests
differ in sections and are often antagonistic, it is well
that administrations should at times change. It produces
a powerful emulation ol good and leads to a more perfect
system of Government. The How and ebb of the tide
purifies the atmospliere, — a sea ever calm, engenders cor-
ruption and death. The times require changes ; genera-
tions grown old, become too mechanical and oppose with
vehemence any innovations no matter how much required.

To know when to surrender is a great art : to know hov/
to retreat in order to gather fi-esh strength for another
fight, is a useful science. Sir John A. Macdonald knows
well the secret of elasticity, he has studied every recess
of the human lieart ! The wayward public will yet come
back in all good faith to itself. The Ministry abandoned
their power.

Sir Charles Tupper an<l many others of his colleagues
clung firmer than ever to Sir John A. Macdonald, and
gave him a banquet in the city of Ottawa, almost on the
morrow of his fall ! Already was the re-organization of the
party manifest. After a defeat, an able and victorious ge-
neral will not stand with folded arms ; but reforming his
scattered battalions, he prepares for fresh victories, study
ing more closely the enemie's plans, numbers, aims and
designs, he returns to the attack and recaptures the lost
position. So should it be in a war of constant struggles
and tortuous eflbrts in political strife.

108

BIOGRAPHY OF

XXII

1873 TO 1878, HON. a. mckenzie in power

The position was now altogether reversed. Sir John A.
Macdonald and his friends passed over to the left benches.
The old Liberal Opposition took the right, having for their
chief the veteran reformer of Upper Canada, the Hon.
Alexander Mackenzie. Deeming it advisable to appeal to
the people, he triumphantly carried the election of 1874.
He came in with an immense majority. The session passed
off without much skirmishing, the Conservative Oppo-
sition desiring to give the new Government a chance to
develope its plans and apply its boasted economical prin-
ciples. But Sir Charles Tupper, who lives only on debate
was the more vehement in his attacks. He was the terror,
above all, of the new Minister of Finance, Sir Kichard J.
Cartwright. Upon him he fell mercilessly. He examined
his arguments, overlooked his reports, analyzed his speeches,
took up his points with a logical force and oratorial power
beyond the common. The Pacific Railway question was
the principal subject of discussion. The Mackenzie
Government had adopted a new plan for the construction
of that Eoad ; it proposed utilizing the water stvetches so
as to shorten the number of railed miles, and build the
road in half the time. This plan left itself open to cri-

BIR CHARLES TUPPER

109

;ion wa.s'

ticism, as our severe western winters close up navigation
during six months of the year. Already the Ministerial
position was growing difficult and untennable.

Capitalists refused to accept the offer of $10,000
and 20,000 acres per miles for the 2,629 miles of railway
to be made, even though the Government offered tweuty
per cent interest on the monies specified in the agreement.
This offer was equivalent to $26,390.00 in money and
52,580,000 in land — above the four per cent interest. —
Doubt as to the success of the undertaking then arose. Mr
Mackenzie, endowed with a head-strong will, went on
badly despite the displeasure of some of his own partisans
above all of the people, then feeling a reaction in favor
of the other party. Several elections were annulled by the
courts, the Opposition carried a great number of the cons-
tituencies thus left open. In January 1875, Mr Wilfrid
Provost, an advocate of brilliant talents, was defeated at
Two Mountains. In October 1877 the Hon. Mr Laurier,
Minister of Inland Revenue, suffered the same fate
in the liberal stronghold of Drummond and Arthabaska.
In January 1878, Hon. Mr Vail, Minister of Militia and
Defence lost his election in Digby. Also in Ontario the
Government suffered considerable and important losses.
Dr Tupper was ubiquitous in helping his political friends.
"We find him in North Renfrew, Toronto, South Ontario
and Essex, where success always crowned his efforts which
at the same time discoura;:jed the Ministrv and renewed
the confidence of the Conservative party.

The part of the opposition is comparatively easy ] to
criticize being ever less difTicult than to act. The years
spent on the left were of great service to Sir John and
his party. All the harm that was done was shouldered on
Mr Mackenzie. The bad crops were imputed to him, as

110

BIOGRAPHY OF

well as the want of work. He was the black sheep, the
scape-goat for all the country. The Conservative papers
and speakers left no respite for the Government. The
struggle was lively every where. The groat commercial
crisis came on to render the situation still worse. Mr Cart-
wright would not hear of a change of tariff, on the pretext
that a country's prosperity cannot be re-established by a
stroke of the pen, even though the people cried out for a
change, situated as we are alongside the American Re-
public wo must put on a bold face, and uphold our
rights as powerfully as they do, in order not to be over
come in the struggle for success. In theory all nations
are free traders, but in practice they often have to become
protectionists, which is a distinction that the Mackenzie
administration would not understand ; hence its unpopu-
larity and shoi't career, as we then expressed it : " The
question is one of Free Trade or Protection. The go-
verning principles of these questions, as far as concerns
different lands are not absolute. On the contrar}--, they
are in accordance with the revenues, needs, resources and
commercial relations of these lands. We should evidently
only protect ourselves upon objects we do not produce.
Free trade suits wealthy nations whose industries have
reached a certain perfection. Young nations require
protection to build up their manufactures and develope
their resources. French industries took their rise under
Louis XIY, thanks to Colbert's system of customs.
Ara(5d(5e Gabourd thus speaks of them : " Colbert imposed
strict rules on labor, but at the same time ensured it a
national success. Foreign produce was struck with an ex-
horbitant tariff which made importation to France very
burdensome." Knowing the inferiority of French indus-
tries the great Minister resolved to expand them by pro-

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

111

2ep, tlie
3 papers
t. Tlie
iniercial
tir Cart-
pretext
led by a
ut for a
can Ee-
old our
be over
nations
become
ickenzie
mpopu-

" The
riie go-
oncerns
y, they
ces and
idently
roduce.
s have
require

velope

under
istoms.
u posed
ed it a

an ex-
e very

indus-
)y pro-

tecting them against foreign competition. He was rigourous
with smugglers ; this protection encouraged French ma-
nufactures. That protection must diminish in propor-
tion to the development of the country. England well
understood this policy, and while seeking to make
others lower their tariffs, she raised her own for protec-
tion against strangers, and that is one of the secrets of
her commercial greatness.

The English nation, seduced by the advantages of Free
Trade, had since reduced their tariff. But the effect was
disastrous to the country. Belgian iron came in at so low a

price,

that

mining

operations ceased and " strikes "

became the order of the day. Gladstone's Liberal theories
have injured England considerably of late years. Napo-
leon III dazzled by Cobden's Free Trade ideas strove to
put them in force in France, despite the national interest.
Financial disasters followed. Strong protestations were
made by the Legislative body. Thiers and Panger-Quar-
tier, knowing the price and worth of labor, made memor-
able speeches on the cancelling of the treaty with
England. After Sedan the people hastened to reward
their defenders : Thiers was called to the Presidency
and Panger-Quartier was named Minister of Com-
merce. If England has reached a high jioint of i)ros-
perity, she owns it to Protection. So is it with the
United States. Even from 171)0 those questions of
economy arose. Washington, Hamilton, Jefferson, &c.,
saw their independence and prosperity in Protection.
Thus from 1812, Hamilton, Secretary of State, made
a report to Congress in favor of higher duties on foreign
goods. England became alarmed, and in Manchester
alone, half a million was subscribed for the pur-
chase of goods at reduced jjrices, in order to inundate tho

112

BIOGRAPHY OF

States with British merchandise and prevent the establish-
ment of manufacturies. Henry Clay avenged the Ameri-
cans shortly after in 1824.

For having neglected the adoption of these views and
having created the Supreme Court, tlie Mackenzie Gov-
ernment worked its own ruin. Sir Charles Tupper dis-
cussed in a hundred places, before the people, and in the
House, those important questions ; all over the Mari-
time Provinces, his views became popular. "What he did
there, was also done in Quebec and Ontario. The Hon.
John Costigan was equally successful in New Brunswick.
Sir John A. Macdonald was received in triumph in Que-
bec, Montreal and all through Upper Canada, where his
words created votes and his presence sympathisers. Im-
mense political pic-nics were held throughout the land.
Confidence returned to the Conservative ranks, while the
Liberals seemed to loose courage. Under these circum-
stan' 3S came on the general elections of the 18th Sep-
tember 1878. The demoralized Liberal party returned
defeated from the contest ; the greater number of its
leaders remaining upon the arena.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

11$

XXIII.

1878. — THE CONSERVATIVES RESUME POWER.

Sir John, with his characteristic political sagacity, forsaw
that he was soon again to resume the reins of power.
In general, the people are with Sir John : much is for-
given him for he loves much . . . his country. The country
understands him. Sir John knows the human heart;,
one would think he touched its every pulsation and
penetrated its most secret recesses. He has been called a
fascinator. JSTot only does he fascinate but he feels, dissects
and consolidates. The heart is the internal motive power
of the Creator's grandest work. In fact by the heart, man
becomes enthusiastic, passionate and elevated to a higher
sphere. Study the human heart, learn how to master it
and you may govern the world. Such is one of the secrets
of Sir John's success !

The Mackenzie Government met with a series of insur-
mountable difficulties. The Ministry required an econo-
mist. The Free-Trade theories of Sir Richard Cartwright,
placed the Government in the impossibility of facing tho
exigencies of the times. The creation of the Supremo
Court was also inopportune at a time when finances were
low. Sir John, with that keen eye that often speaks moro
powerfully than words, saw the troubles of the Mackenzie
Government, but he did not desire to create too many
obstacles for his adversaries. Dr Tupper, more brilliant^

114

BIOGRAPHY OP

more daring, more ardent, rushed into the political con-
test and dealt Sir liichard Cartwright such blows that he
never recovered his ground.

Sir Leonard Tilley, who had early learned the art of
figures and finance, had left the arena of politics and
occupied the position of Lieutenant-Governor of his
native Province, and thus Sir Charles remained to watch
the tactics of the Government and take charge of the
Opposition finances. This was leading Sir liichard in bad
hands. Sir Charles has a sound knowledge of mathemat-
ics, and the resources to be drawn therefrom. His contest
with Sir Richard Cartwright will remain memorable in
Parliamentary annals. The Opposition had been very
active during Mackenzie's years of power. Political assem-
blies followed each other throughout the Provinces. Sir
John was well received, principally in Montreal, Quebec,
Sherbrooke, Glengarry, Toronto and the Maritime Pro-
vinces. Sir Charles was everywhere to meet his oppo.
nents. Upper Canada saw him several times in the
struggle for his party. Halifax saw him fighting for his
principles. Bigby also beheld him in armor. The fight
went on in every part of the country, public opinion
■was greatly agitated, a commercial crisis unexampled in
the history of the land had swept like a tornado over the
country, carrying off in its might the fortunes of many
unprotected manufactories, financial institutions, &c.,
Lord Dufferin, an able but dangerous politician, precipit-
ated the fall. He advised Mr !NLackenzie to hold his general
•elections in the autumn of 1878 before his own departure
for England. — Governors have not the influence they
imagine upon the people. The electors cared not for Lord
Dufferin. His conduct in Lebanon was Avell known. His
Mennonite and Icelandic immigration into Manitoba con-

"\.

SIR CHARLES TUrPER

115

sideraljly disappointod tlio country. Those immigrants
were t' o exponsive. Tlio plan adopted for tho construction
of tlie Pacific Koad appeared impracticable. Tho Hon.
Senator McPherson, a man of rare talent and devoted
patriotism, had shown, in a series of very remarkable
articles, written in a lucid and logical style, the danger of
the fiscal policy of Mr Cartwright. The Conservative
press also thundered out its warnings, and the country
desired a change. The elections were about to present a
favorable opportunity. They took place on tho 17th
September, 1878. The event was sweeping against tho
Ministry, the greater number of its members were
ousted. It was more than a catastrophy, it became
absolute ruin. The Opposition triumphed all along tho
line ; Sir John Macdonald's majority was greater even
than that of Mr ^lackenzie's former one. Political consist-
ency thou art but a name ! Strange to say, the cleverest
men on both sides were defeated. Sir John Macdonald
himself lost his election in his old constituency of Kings-
ton ! Sir Hector Laugevin was also defeated in liimouski I
So vacillating is the elector, that he willingly elects nono
but his equals, he seems to abhor talent ! Political educa-
tion will do away with a prejudice so disastrous to public
interests. Men of talent have more difficulties to over-
come than they escape. The niinits hahens flatter tho
people and use them as a means to cast down men of lofty
aspirations, pure patriotism and high minded hearts. Tho
Ministry resigned — Sir John ^lacdonald was recalled,
and surrounded by his former guard, his faithful friends^
those Avho had fought most courageously for him in days
of trouble, he formed a new administration which had
the approval of the House and country.

116

BIOORAPUY OF

XXV

THE NEW MINISTRY — THE MARQUIS OF LORNE

Ingratitudo is the parent of political crimes ! A leader
Taecoming guilty of such, must soon fall into general dis-
credit. Nothing is so odious as ingratitude, particularly
when a man has fought, sacrificed his time, rest and for-
tune for the triumph of any cause or party, he has a right
to be honored and recompensed accordingly. Sir John A.
Macdonald did not forget his former friends. The House
Avas composed of many talented men. Ontario was repre-
sented by able lawyers : McDougall, Plumb, Hector
Cameron, Dalton McCarthy, Eykert, Kirkpatrick, &c;
and the leader of the party had but the difficulty of
choice !

The following were the members of the Administra-
tion :

Sir John A. Macdonald, Premier and Minister of the

Interior.
Hon. James Macdonald Minister of Justice.

' ' Chs. Tupper " " Public Works.

" L. H. Langevin Post Master General.

" L. E. Masson Minister of Militia and Defence

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

117

Hon. L. S. Tilley Minister of Finance.

Alex. Campbell..., Receiver General.

J. H. Pope Minister of Agriculture.

M. Bowell " "Customs.

J. C.Pope " " Marine and Fisheries

J. F. G. Baby " " Inland Kevenue.

J. C. Aikens Secretary of State.

John O'Connor President of the Counsel.

In his choice Sir John A. Macdonald proved his grati-
tude. The Cabinet was composed of those who had been
foremost in their exertions to secure the triumph of
the Liberal Conservative party ] men of energy, talent and
devotedness to their leader. Six of those Ministers have
long since passed away ; such is the rapidity with which
political generations go by ! Important questions about
then, were in action throughout the Province of Quebec.
Letellier's coiqj cVetat caused a great commotion. The
Marquis of Lome, the new Governor, arrived under these
circumstances, to replace Lord Dufferin. The latter misled
him as to the Letcllier affair ; a crisis was at hand. Letel-
lier had many and active opponents. The "Maison Bhue
of Ottawa was to be the furnace where the balls were run
to a white heat, preparatory to being fired on the Lieute-
nant Governor of Quebec. The Marquis of Lome, judi-
ciously sent the thorny question for decision to England,
but the decision given there satisfied but few. The pop^.-
larity of the young Governor received such a blow that
only with difficulty it has since recovered ground. Sir
Hector Langevin and the Hon. Mr Abbott crossed the
ocean to plead before the Colonial office, the charge
against the Hon. Mr Letellier. They returned victorious.

118

BIOGRAPHY OP

England, once more, sanctioned the old maxim, that " the
King reigns but does not govern,' at least apparently.

A friend of literature, the Marquis of Lome founded
the Dominion Koyal Academy on the principle of that of
London. His administrative career is remarkable on
account of the liberties we obtained in making commer-
cial treaties, the construction of the Pacific Railway, the
development of the North-West — but his departure, de-
spite the esteem in which he is held personally, will leave
Canada somewhat indifferent. He leaves no monuments

behind, save the Royal Academy and even that 1

Is it as it should be ?

^"^0^

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

119

XXV

SIR CHARLES TUPPER AND BISHOP HANNAN.

Political parties in Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova
Scotia, are not divided exactly as in the Province of
Quebec — the questions at stake not being quite the same.
The Clergy also which in general favor the Liberal-Con-
servative Administration at Ottawa, are neutral when
there is a question of local administration. When a reli-
gious party holds a thesis or one and an undivided truth, it
should never abandon it for the synthesis of a hashed up
truth ! But the Catholics are so situated in the Maritime
Provinces where they are in the minority, that they are
obliged to seek the alliance of the party that can most
favor them. Archbishup Hannan, successor to the late
Archbishop Connolly, favored the party opposed to Sir
Charles Tupper in Nov a Scotia, Sir Charles Tupper, by
his impartiality towards the minority had acquired the
esteem and admiration of the new Archbishop of Halifax,
and on ihe occasion of his being decorated with the Order

120

BIOGRAPHY OF

of K. C. M. G. (Knight Commander of the Orders of St.
Michael and St. George), Archbishop Hannan wrote a
congratulatory letter to the Minister of Railways, clearly
setting forth the esteem in which he held him indepen-
dent of all political opinions. He established, what we
have often repeated in the course of this sketch, that Sir
Charles Tupper always endeavored to do justice to the
Catholics of Nova Scotia. The letter is a fine tribute to
Sir Charles Tupper and worthy to be republished — it is as
follows : —

" St. Mary's Halifax, Nova Scotia,
June 13th, 1879.

" My dear Sir,

" I fear you will nou attach much importance to my
cordial congratulations on the high honor lately confer-
red on you by the Queen, when my letter also contains
some references to a few other little matters.

** However, I can in all sincerity assure you that I am
greatly rejoiced at your eminent and well deserved success
and at the distinguinhed marks of the Eoyal favor confer-
red on you. I was absent from the Province for several
days and knew nothing of the affair or otherwise I should
have long since written to felicitate you and to pray that
you may bo long spared to preside over and regulate the
public affairs of the Dominion.

*' I must, in candor, say since 1860, when I first had
occasion to be brought inlo contact with you, as a public
man, I have found on every occasion, that you were most
desirous to meet the views and the reasonable wishes of
my predecessor — myself and the Catholic body.

SIR CHARLES TUPPEU

121

*' On this account too I am glad you have been chosen
for honors and distinctions which I hope you may long
€njoy.

" Again offering you my cordial congratulations,

" I remain,
" Yours, most respectfully,

"t Ths. L. Hannan,

" Archbishop of Halifax.

The Hon. Charles Tupper,

Minister of Public Works, Ottawa.

»»

122

BIOGRAPHY OF

XXVI

THE CANADIAN PACIFIC. — PUBLIC WORKS OF CANADA.

Sir Charles Tupper, desiring to more closely apply
himself to the grand work of the Pacific Railway, divided,
in 1879, his Department into two branches : that of Rail-
ways and Canals (which he kept for himself), and that of
Public Works, which was confided to Sir Hector Langevin.
The latter by his methodical spirit, his extensive, deep
and varied knowledge of all administrative branches, is
competent to fill any charge and preside over any Depart-
ment. Thus as Minister of Public Works Sir Hector
Langevin gives general satisfaction. Great improvements
have been made all through the Dominion under his
management. The Montreal Gazette of the 9th Juno
last, reviews the " General Report on Public Works from
18G7 to 1882." This report, prepared under the direction
of Sir Hector Langevin, gives interesting details that the
reader might be pleased to read.
Gazette :

Thus is it given in the

" PUBLIC WORKS OF THE DOMINION.

" Sir Hector Langevin has caused to be prepared, an
admirable and most useful summary of the rep- of the
Department of Public Works from the date of Confeder-
ation down to the present time. The amount expended

SIR CHAHLES TUPPER

123

upon the Public Works of Canada has heen $164,575,507,
a sum considerably in excess of the debt, and of' this
large amount $96,453,745 has been spent since Confeder-
ation. The following statement of the expenditure by
Provinces will be of interest :—

Prior to Confederation.

lYova Scotia (Eailways and Canals) $ 6,286,764

Prince Edward Island (Ptailways and Har-

^. ^^°"''^ '. 3,339,116

.New Brunswick (Ptailways only) 4 642 484

^^""^^^^ '. 18',841,'363

, .*'™ 31,926,032

i>r:tish Columbia (Dredges only) 92 OOO

^^*^^ .$68,121,761

Since Confederation.

Nova Scotia cut 1 r^n a.t-

T^ . -,,, !!?ll,034,92o

Irince Edward Island 935 ^^^^

New Brunswick Z''^'^^^, 14,609!lll

'}^'^^' 22,373,723

'i^^'^.^; 32,441,313

^^'^f,t^ 6,352,913

North- West Territories 3061 533

British Columbia ' 4 oiq'noo

Miscellaneous 125,236

'^^'^^^ $96,453,745

" By far the largest portion of this outlay has been mado

124

BIOGRAPHY OP

upon railways, tlio Goverumont having spent $69,372,-
532 in the construction of these works for the prosperity
of the country, while $21,357,130 has been granted in
the shape of subsidies to various roads. The canals
have absorbed $42,245,578, of which more than twenty-
three millions has been spent since Confederation ; public
buildings have taken $16,549,334 more ; harbours and
breakwaters $2,677,738. People who are fond of talking
of the debt of Canada as a large one, would do well to
study these figures, which indicate how wisely and to how
good a purpose the expenditure necessitating it has been
made."

The construction of the Pacific Railroad was the sine qua
non of the entry of British Columbia into the Confedera-
tion. The Government bound itself in honor that the
country should build it. If our country is to become a
separate and independent nation in America, we should
have over our own ground access to every portion of our
territory. In theory all agree to this. The Pacific joined
to the Intercolonial Railway Avould be the grand connecting
link of all the Provinces. This line, extending from Ocean to
Ocean, runs over a distance of 4,000 miles of fertile land,
and is able to sustain a population equal to the United
States. This immense project would suffice to awake the
enthusiasm of a man less ardent than Sir Charles Tupper.
In concert with his colleagues, he went forth to the labor
with his irrepressible vigor. In the House, on the hustings,
in the clubs, in his office, everywhere he treated the vast
subject with precision, clearness and method. He convinc-
ed every one of its feasibility. He could foresee a grand
future and that it would open out new zones of immi-
gration and progress. In his eyes Canada would grow
great. On the 12th May, 1879, he finished one of his

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

125

19,372,-
(sperity
ited iu
canals
twenty-
; public
irs and
talking
well to
[ to how
as been

sine qua
nfedera-
that the
ecome a
3 should
1 of our
c joined
meeting
Dcean to
lie land,
United
^ake the
Tupper.
le labor
ustings,,
the vast
jonvinc-
a grand
f immi-
d grow
of his

speeches by a splendid panegyric of the country. He said :
" that 10,000 of the best men in Canada were at this
moment pouring into the North-West to create a great,
fertile and prosperous country. We had stated that the
Government had proposed the additional obligation that
in those resolutions were propounded the means by which
those obligations now before us could be met. There was
no Canadian with a spark of patriotism Avithin his heart
who could look without pride at this great Canada of ours,
or who could dwell without enthusiasm upon the fact
that Canada, washed by the two great Oceans, was a
country below the Arctic Circle, as great as Europe, if
they took the small countries of Spain and Italy out of it.
We not only had this magnificent country, but we had it
endowed by nature with all those natural features which
were necessary to make a country great and prosperous.
We had within our country over 200,000,000 acres of the
most fertile land in the world, inhabited by a people who
though only numbering 4,000,000, were as industrious, as
intelligent and as enterprising a population as could be
found on the face of the globe. Under these circumstances,
what Canadian statesman was there, w'th the responsibility
of developing this magnificent country thrown upon his
hands, who would not be a traitor to the best interests of
his country, if he did not put forward every effort to con-
struct a great national highway that would be a bond of
union from one end of this magnificent country to the
other? They ought not to appeal in vain to the honorable
gentlemen opposite. Instead of raising an old exploded
cry, instead of exciting a single feeling that was calculated
to damage their efforts, it was their duty, it was the duty
of every patriotic Canadian to unite on this grand ques-
tion, and differ as they might, upon questions of personal

126

BIOGRAPIIY OF

party politics, on this grand question of a great national
highway for Canada (to Avhich oil parties in this country
had been committed in the most solemn manner,) they
should all unite in one steady patriotic effort to bring to
■consummation a scheme on which the undoubted pros-
perity and rapid progress of the country depended."

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

127

XXVII

THE NORTH-WEST AND THE PACIFIC.

About IfiTO, Prince Rupert secured for himself the ex-
clusive right to hunt and trade on all the lands between
Hudson's Bay and the Rocky Mountains; and the only
consideration for this was that one beaver, beavers
we always highly appreciated, and ten bear skins
should be given in homage to the Sovereign of
England. How convenient it is to be a King's cousin !
Thus the Hudson Bay Company vras formed, which held
that vast territory until it was purchased by the Canadian
Government in 1869. The Company held exclusive tradin-
rights until 1849, when the father of Louis Riel induced
them to accord some greater commercial liberties to the
people at large. Lord Selkirk was the first that founded a
permanent establishment in Manitoba. So far, there had
only been trading posts here and there. This attempt
at colonization, on the banks of the Red River, at Point
Douglas, at tlie begining of the century, was scarcely suc-
cessful. The colony was devastated by many plagues and
annoyed above all by the employees of the Xorth-West,
whose principal store was at Fort William, at the head of
Lake Superior. This company was everlastingly at war

128

BIOGRAPHY OF

"with the Hudson Bay Company. Homo liominis lupus — man
is a wolf towards his brother- man — on the depths of the
savage plains of America as well as on the great war stages
of the old world !

It was in 1816, after all species of vicissitudes that
Lord Selkirk, whoso indomitable energy seemed to grow
■with his difficulties, succeeded in producing the grain ne-
<5cssary for the colony. lie had to bring corn from Dubuque
on the Mississippi, a distance of seven hundred miles !
The reunion of the rival companies brought peace to the
colony ! The old wood-rangers, trappers, hunters and
factors of the company, united with the squaws of the
country, and established themselves there, thus creating a
race of Metis composed of both origins, and who became
fond of their liberties and independence. Their country
was purchased without their consent or without giving
them any guarantees. They arose in arms and obtained
all by the help of the sister Provinces. This result was due
principally to the half-breeds {Metis) of French origin.

After the construction of the barricades, of simple pine
pickets, along the Salt river, at St. Norbert, barricades
that prevented the envoys ot the Government from
entering Fort Garry, on Christmas Day, 1868, Major Ca-
meron, son-in-hi v of Dr Tupper, a brave and a cool man,
tried to scale the barriers. " Take away that fence ! " he
cried out to the half-breeds that awaited him. For answer,
they seized the major's bridle and forced the major to
retrace his steps ! These metis are not to be laughed at
in war time. Mrs. Cameron's baggage (Sir Charles Tup-
per's daughter), being seized, he penetrated into the depths
of Manitoba, to the very confines of the besieged country.
He was the guest of the religieuses of St. Norbert. The
most of these brave women were half-breeds, and Dr Tup-

the
favor
tlie ri
of sei

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

129

r — man

of the

T stages

Les that
to grow
;raiu nc-
)ubiique
L miles !
e to the
ters and
8 of the
reating a
became
f country
it giving
obtained
t was due
origin,
nple pine
)arricades
ent from
Major Ca-
cool man,
nee ! " ho
)r answer,
major to
lughed at
irles Tup-
he depths
country,
ert. The
i Dr Tup-

per was surprised to find so much (h'licacy, kindness,
ami:ibiliiy and virtue amongst a people supposod to bo
uncivili/<'<l I Kdigion, tliat civilizer of peoi)le, had sj»rcad
it.s bk'ss ngs over those distant, lialf barbaric regions.
r>i.shups rrovoncher and Tachc and their zealous com-
panions sacrificed themselves for the land. Tlio Protest-
ants also had numerous missionaries there. Sir Charles
Tujiper had then an interview witli the Fort Garry au-
thorities ; an interview wliich aided much to restore peace
and harmony in the Province. The JftV/.s- cause, from an
impaitial view, was (juite different from what it was then
believed. Peace was restored on tlie compromise effected
])(.'tween the Government and the Pev. Mr I'ltchotand Mr
Scott, the Assiniboia delegates. This colony, which in 18.31
comprised only 2, .390 souls, had about 12,238 on its join-
ing the Confederation !

Winnii)eg, old Fort Garry, the Capital of the Province
of Manitoba, was then but a little village of ^'<)0 souls — a
city to-day, containing a population of over 2(>,00().

The construction of the Pacific Poad was the cause of
its progress, which has never been equalled in any country
in the world.

Peace and an increasing prosperity prevailing through-
out the Dominion, immigration began to How into tho
-North-West, and Manitoba has been rapidly settled.

The Pacific Railway scheme was the cause of great
anxiety and embarrassment to the Federal Government,
who, feeling convinced of the present impossibility of carry-
ing out this great undertaking, without seriously crippling
the resources of the country, they therefore resolved to
favor the formation of a company for the construction of
the road ; consequently in 1880, a Syndicate, composed
of several gentlemen of recognized opulence, energy and

130

UIOGUAPHY OP

enterprise, was organized, and being niuuificently subsi-
dized by the Government to tlie extent of $2r),()()(),00()
in money, and 25,()()(),O0O acres in land (conditional on
the completion of the road), have hitherto and are at ])rp-
sent carrying out this great national undertaking witli
unparalleled activity and success. Obstacles of the most
formidable nature have been overcome — already the plains
between the City of Winnipeg and the llocky Mountains,
to a distance of upwards of 'JOO miles, have been crossed
with lails, most substantially laid, and the sparks of the
iron horse reverberate through the vast solitudes of the
great " Lone Land."

The completion of this road with its several feeders
will be the crowning act of Confederation, — the link unit-
ing and consolidating the several parts of its vast territo-
ries. Travellers from all parts of the globe who have
visited Manitoba and the North-West, unite in the expres-
sion of their admiration of the Canadian statesmen who
conceiv<-(l the gigantic project, the people who have so
uobly rcsi)onded to the calls made upon them, und, lastly,
at the indomitable energy with which the officers of the Syn-
dicate are carrying out the work ; the name of Sir Charles
Tapper will be for ever associated with it ; as Minister of
1- .always and Canals, he has, for several years devoted
his time to the project, and by his untiring zeal, his
eloquent and unflinching advocacy, liis confidence in the
ultimate success of the undertaking (in spite of the many
engineering and financial difficulties which stood in the
way, and had to be overcome), he has proved himself
eminently entitled to the sympathies and gratitude of the
people of Canada. Assailed by his political opponents in
and out of Parliament with the most bitter, and, at times,
personal virulence, he has succeeded, by his manly and

SIR IHAHLKS TUPPER

13!

straiglitfurwanl course, iu silencing o}>i>osition and elicit-
ing well deserved praise ; like the celebrated Chevalier
J>ayard, it may well ho said of him that he ia nans peur et
^aiia rcprodw / Sir Charles Tupi)er's speeches iu Parlia-
ment will form an interesting and important cliapter in
the history of Canada. The future of the Dominion is yet
unknown, but it is reasonable to expect, if harmony conti-
nues to exist, if the rights of the minorities are respected,
if the 8i)irit of centralization is not carried too far, that
bright days are in store for the Canadian people. Indoi»en-
dence, which ia the legitimate asjiiratiun of all nations,
would seem to bo not far distant, if we may judge from
the words spoken by the Manpiis of Lome, at the close of
the rarliamcntary session last year. The Montreal Star
says : —

" A great deal of satisfaction is expressed to-day amongst
those who are favorable to independence for Canada, at
the tone of the reply of the ^larquis of Lome to the
address of tlie House of Parliament. In his reply, His
Excellency admits that Canada had the power of making
treaties on her own responsibility with foreign nations and
that our High (Jommissioner is associated for purposes of
negotiation with the Foreign Otlice. This is considered,
by the advocates of independence, as a most signiticant
and important declaration in view of the corres})oudencG
which was recently published between the Government
of Canada and the Foreign Office, in which the latter dis-
tinctly denied the right of Canada to modify her tarilf in
favor of rfamaica in exchange for similar ])enefits, or, in
other words, to negociate a lieciprocity Treaty with that
country. * It is tantamount,' said a Avell-kuown politician
to-day, * to admitting the pretentions not only of Sir John
Macdonald, but also of Mr Dlake and Mr Mackenzie, and

:k'.'i

132

BIOGRAPnY OF

is certainly a great concession from the Imperial Govern-
ment, because it is evident that the Marquis has been
authorized by the Colonial Office to make this important
announcement.' "

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

133

XXVIII

SIR CHARLES TUPPER, HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA

AT LONDON. PROGRESS OF CANADA IN TRADE, ARTS,

SCIENCES, ETC., SIR CHARLES TUPPER's ADERESS AT
HALIFAX BANQUET AND BEFORE THE DERBY's CHAMBERS
OF COMMERCE.

Political life will wear out in a short time tlie strongest
constitution ; Sir Cliarles Tuppei is no exception to that
rule. During the last few years ho has suffered from an
affection of the throat, necessitating repose. The resignation
01 8ir A. T. Gait, as Canadian High Couiniissioncr at
London, opened a new career to the Ilonorahle Minister
of Kailways. His appointment to that important oftice
was gazetted on the sixth of June last, (1883). Sir
Charles Tupper left the country under favorable circum-
stances.

It is a noted fact that Sir Charles Tupper is one of the
most succeful men in all his enterprises. Ilis aim was
always clearly pointed out. He never swarved his ideas
nor his actions. He has often endangered his own poli-
tical career fur the public benefit. As an evidence of this,
let us recall his education 13111 and his efforts in favor of

134

BIOGRAPHY OF

Confederation in the Maritime Provinces, as "well as other
measures of his political life. Few men could represent
Canada in England to a better advantage, owing to his vast
political knowledge and to the high reputation as a state-
man, he enjoys in England as well as on this continent.

Everywhere there is a marked progress in the sciences
and arts, the manufactures, the agriculture and commerce.
Moral i)rogress is also on a level with material progress :
witness our criminal statistics.

In fact, success has so well crowned the efforts of the
Canadian people that on the 2nd of June last, (1883), at
a banquet given to Sir Francis Hincks at Montreal;
Mr George Hague, ^lanager of the Merchants' B; ■>'<:, and
Mr T. W. Henshaw, chairman of the local bo./: a .. trade,
said : the former :

*' The i)ai(l-up capital of the banks in June, 18/58, was
$17,588,000 ; in April, 1883, it had reached 5^54,700,000.
The circulation in 1858 was only 17,850,000 ; in 1883 it
had increased, including Dominion notes, to .^^45, 500,000
The deposits in June, 1858, were $0,100,000, and in
1883 they had increased to $133,000,000, including those
in Post Olfico and other savings banks, and in loan com-
panies. The discounts in 1858 reached $30,100,000, anti
in 1883 they had risen to $160,000,000. The volume :..
trade in 1850 was $40,000,000; in 18G8 it had increa.eci
to $130,000,000, and in 1882 to about $210,000,000.
The trade of Canada in 1881 was larger in preportion to
population than that of the United States, while our
shipping, again, in proportion to population, was more
than four times as large. These were facts which marked
the progress of this country, showing that no people had,
during a like period, made greater strides."

Mr Henshaw said : " The commercial progress of Ca-

'^-.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

135

of Cu-

nada during the last fifty years has, in proportion to the
number of its inhabitants, far outstripped tliat of any
otlier country, and it is perhaps fortunate tliat occasions,
like the present, are once in a wliile oflered wliere infor-
mation valuable to ourselves, and important to the outside
^vorld in its trade relations with us, might be more exten-
sively imparted. To give anything like a history of the
groAvth of the trade and commerce of Canada, since the
time when Montreal was merely an outport of Quebec, in
1832, when the channel between these tAvo cities was
scarcely fourteen feet in depth, would be impossible at
this time ; but I shall give a few figures which will bear
out my statement, tliat in proportion to the size of our
population we have within the last fifty years outstripped
in trade and commerce any other country. The imports
€f the port of :Montreal in 1835 were $3,543,000, and the
export for the same period were !'?1,1 50,270 ; in 1840,
imports $5,428,202, and exports ,«1,593,711. In the next
five years the imports were $8,575,324 and the exports
$2,052,450; in 1855 the imports were $15,120,321, and
exports $2,092,080 ; in 1805 the imports were $24,301 ,702
and the exports $0,730,504. Ten years later, in 1875,
•our imports amounted to $35,100,948, and our exports to
$19,935,228. Five years later, viz., in 1880, our imports
were $42,412,048, and exports $32,240,941 ; and finally
in 1882 the importations at ^lontreal amounted to $50,-
527,497. and the exports to $30,503,001, thus showing a
4^ain of 15 per cent, in exports Avithin the jjcriod named.
The tonnage that visited this port from 1835 to 1850 was
almost entirely sail ; the total number was 000 vessels
of 152,143 tons. In 1855 wo had six steamers and 197
sail; in 1800,37 steamers and 221 sail; in 1805, 03
steamers and 295 sail ; in 1870, 144 steamers and 530

136

BIOGRArHY OF

sail; iu 1875, 256 steamers and 386 sail ; iu 1880, 354
steamers and 356 sail ; iu 1882, 379 steamers and 269
sail. The total tonnage at the port of Montreal in 1882,.
including inland and sea, was nearly 1,500,000 tons."

The following table of trade is the best evidence of
Canada's commercial progress Avithin the last fifteen years :

KXTEKKU

TOTAL KX PORTS

tOTAL IMPOKTS

FOR

DUTY

CONSUMPTION.

1868

$57,567,888

$73,459,644

$71,985,306

$8,819,431

Ibci

60,474,781

70,415,165

67,402,170

8,298,909

1870

73,573,490

74,814,339

81,237,603

9,462,990

1S71

74,173,618

96,092,971

86,947,482

11,843,655-

1872

82,639,663

111,430,527

107,709,116

13,045,493

1873

89,789,922

128,011,281

127,514,594

13,017,730

1874

89,351,928

128,213,582

127,404,169

14,421.882

187o

77,886,979

123,070,283

119,618,657

15,361,382

187«

80,966,435

93,210,346

94,733,218

12,833,114

1877

.75,875,393

99,327,962

96,300,483

12,548,457

187b

79,323,667

93,081,787

91,199,577

12,795,693

187!t

71,491,255

81,964,427

80,341.608

12,939,540

188(1

87,911,458

86,487,747

71,782,349

14,138,879

1881

98,290,823

105,330,840

91,611,604

18,500,785

1881

102,137,203

119,419,500

112,648,927

21,708,837

$1,201,454,503

$1,484,332,401

$1,418,436,863

$199,736,69a

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

137

Kot only this country has progressed in trade but also
in ev^ery branch of human knoM'lcdge, Canada is proud
of her sons. This Dominion is represented in the Senate
and in the Commons by a good number of talented men
of whom their country may well be proud. Sir John A.
Macdonald retains his bodily vigor and elasticity of mind^
his tact and cleverness. Sir Hector L. Langevin, with
the many qualities of Sir George Cartier, can manage any
one of the public departments, and, if need be, could
manage the whole of them at the same time. Such is his
liabit of work and his methodical mind. Sir Leonard
has always a sharp eye on treasury which is constantly
swelling under his care.

In fact, Sir John, Sir Hector, Sir Leonard, Sir A.
Campbell, the Hon. D. L. Macpherson, A. W. IMcLelan,.
M. Bowell, J. P. R. A. Caron, J. H. Pope, J. Carting, J*
Costigau, J. A. Chapleau, Ed. Blake, Alex. jNFackenzio,
W. Laurier, Hector Cameron, J. J. C. Abbott, Dalton
McCarthy, J. Royal, A. Ouimct, A. C. P. P. Landry, J.
G. Posse, Geo. A. Kirkpatrick, Amiot, Baker, Beaty,
Bergeron, Borgin, Burns, P)ernier, Pjelleau, Bourbeau,
Charlton, Colby, Coursol, Curran, Davies, Dawson, Des-
aulnicrs, ])e St-Georges, Desjardins, Dupont, Ferguson,
Fortin, Gigault, P. A. Landry, D. Girouard, F. Houde,.
Ives, McCallum, ]\[c^rillan, "MacMaster, Mackintosh,
AVoodworth, Daly, Vail, JMitchell, Orton, Paterson, Pin-
fret, Robertson, Rykert, Tass6, Yanasse, Wood, Alonzo
"Wright, etc., and Thomas AVhite, whose elocjuence and
political science is iufeiior to none, to mention only lie
House of Commons, are men who would be an honor to
any country, and several among them have, certainly, no
superior on the American continent, in so far as eloquence,
knowledge, patriotism and devotion to one's country is
concerned.

■I I

138

BIOGRAPHY OF

Before liis departure for England, the friends of the
new Canadian Commissioner to London, offered liim a
grand l^anquet at Halifax. This took place on the four-
teenth of Juno last. (1883). Persons of all ranks and con-
ditions crowded round the banqueting room ; it was a
general holiday in Nova Scotia. In answer to his toast,
8ir Cliarles Tupi)er made an eloquent speech which was
api)lauded with the greatest enthusiasm. The ahle speaker
passed in review the whole of his political career, and the
events of the country since his entering politics, as well
in his native province as in the Dominion of Canada.
This brilliant resume will be useful in writing the history
of Canada.

Unfortunately, the scope of this pamphlet will not
permit the reproduction of this masterly review of the
principal events. Besides, most of the newspapers have
Ijublished it in their columns.

As a reminder of his name and reputation in a more
tangible form within the House of Commons, Sir Charles
leaves a son, Mr. C. H. Tupper, M.l'. for the county of
Pictou. It was this young meml)er Avho had the honor to
propose the Address in answer to the Speech from the
Throne, at the beginning of the session of 1883. He
acquitted himself of that task with marked success and
great satisfaction to his honorable father, who then sat on
the Treasury Benches, as Minister of llailways and Canals
of Canada.

The Maritime Provinces maintained their reknown.
Mr. J. Wood, the new member for "Westmoreland, N.B.,
who had defeated the late Sir Albert J. Smith, was called
upon to second the Address. His speech was also a very
^reat success. High litteraturo, noble thoughts, expressed
in beautiful language, honest sentiments perfectly rend.

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

139

cre<l. The whole House unanimoiislv conj^ratulated the
two new members on their remarkable speeches.

It is acknowledged that Sir Charles Tupper lias already
been very useful to our country since he occupies his new
jiosition in England. Always active, very well informed,
expressing his ideas with great facility and astonishing
clearness, animated by well tested patriotism, Sir Charles
Tupper is really the man fit for that high position. " The
right man in the right place."

Only lately the "Canadian Gazette" of the 1 Itli October,
in referring to the speech of Sir Charles Tuppei- b'-fore
the Derby (England) Chambers of Commerce, said : —

" The High Commissioner was asked to respond to the
toast of The British Colonies, which was ])roposed by
Mr Wills, i\I.P. ; and he took advantage of thc^ opportu-
nity of addressing so inlluentiala comjjany of the leading
commercial men of the country, by delivering a short
speech on Canada, which Avas extremely well received.
In the course of his remarks Sir Charles said that he was
not surprised at the enthusiasm with which tlie toast had
been greeted, for at the present moment more than ordin-
ary importance attached to everything relating to the
British Colonies. Beferring to Canada, Sir Charles Tujjper
drew attention to the great change Avhich had been
brought about by Confederation, and the prosperity that
had followed that constitutional change. He then asked
permission to avail himself of the opportunity of explain-
ing briefly to a great commercial body, like the Associated
Chambers, the modification in the fiscal policy of the Do-
minion, which had occasioned a great deal of comment
in this country. As the representative of Canada, it would
be extremely improper for him to offer any opinion upon
the questions arising between the great political parties

BIOGRAPHY OP

of tlie country. But lie tliouglit lie might fairly take tlio
opportunity of endeavouring to show to the commercial
men of England, that "vvhen Canada made a great change
in her fiscal policy it was not a matter of choice, and was
not owing to any opinion in regard to the ab.stn'ct question
of Free Trade and Pi'otection. The change was forced
upon the Canadians by the fact that they were 4, 500, 000
of pcoph; living alongside a foreign country of 50,000,000,
divided by a boundary line extending from 3,000 to 4,000
miles. Under these circumstances it was impossible for
Canadians to properly consider the interests of their
country without having some regard to the policy of the
great nation with whom tlusy were so intimately asso-
ciated. During the civil Avar in the United States, Canada
was eminently prosperous, because the labour market in
the Republic was completely demoralized. When, how-
ever, peace was haj)pily restored in that country and the
labour market regained its normal condition, they found
that, by the policy adopted by the United States of afford-
ing protection to their industries and shutting out entirely
the products of Canada, the position of the Dominion was
very greatly changed. They found trade declining, a
reduc(!d revenue nnd serious deficits, wbich were likely
to interfere with their maintaining their credit and
obtaining the means of developing the great resources of
the country. This being the case, they adopted the policy
of giving a certain measu S of protection to the industries
of the Dominion. The result has been to greatly increase
the volume of trade, to promote increased immigration to
the country, and to furnish remunerative employment for
the people. They had large surpluses instead of deficits,
and they were thus enabled to work out the great national
question of the construction of the Canadian Pacific

SIR CIIAULES TUPrEIl

Enihvay, aiitl to proceed -with the work witli ti vigour and
success which, under other circumstances, wouM liaveheeu
quite impossible, liy the rapid construction of the rail-
road, they were, at the same time, enabled to o])en up for
settlement the vast fertile territory of the Xorth-AVest of
Canada. The effect was already apparent in tlie influnrce
upon emigration, which had lately increased to theDouii-
nion, whilst siuiultaneously it showed a relative decrease
to the United States. Thev were now able to olfer to
settlers inducements as great as, if not greater, than the
United States. The work, nioreovei-, had been going on
so rapidly that by the end of 1885 they hojied to be able
to convey ])assengers, in a Pullman car, without change,
from Halifax on the Atlantic Ocean to Port Meodv on the
Pacitic. All this, it should be renunuberetl, had been ae-
accouiplished, not only without decreasing, but with
steadily increasing im])orts from the jNlother Country. To
a nation like England, which imported a large amount of
the grain and uieat required for home consumption, it was
a matter of no little importance that by the construction
Oi the Canadian Pacific liailway, and the development of
the Canadian Xorth-AVest, they were preparing to furnish
both grain and cattle to an extent that would have been
otherwise quite out of the question. In addition to the
fact that emicjration from this countrv to Canada contri-
buted to the strength and prosperity of the colonial por-
tions of the Empire, the people of England had direct
interests in the subject ; for the trade returns showed
that every person who went to Canada became a consumer
of nearly four times as much of the products of this
country as would be the case if he went to the United
States. Considering, therefore, all these facts. Sir Charles
Tupper concluded by repeating, he was not at all surprised

142

BIOGRAPHY OF

to fiiiil tliiit an inlluuutiiil coinnicrciul boily, .such as he was
addressing, and representing as it did tlie connnerceof the
whole country, was fully alive to the inii)ortance of the
toast of " The Britisli (.'oluniea." Sir Charles Tupper was
loudly cheered on resuming his seat, and was subsequently
thanked hy many of the leading members of the Chamber
fur the lucid and interesting address which he had
given."

This si)eech is such as to present Canada with due
advantage before Europe. Thus 8ir Charles Tupper con-
tinues in England his life of labor and devotedness to his
country.

It is by his deeds that we know the good man. Sir
Charles Tup[)er has done everything in his power to pro-
mote great luiblic interests. He may have been mistaken
on the means to use, but his object was always commend-
able.

Xo one, not even his bitterest opponents, will refuse to
acknowledge his great energy, his love of work, his acti-
vity, his sound knowledge and great eloquence.

If he has committed faults, they will be forgiven him,
for lie dearly loved his country, especially his native
Province, and with one of its poets, he can say wherever
he goes : —

Nova Scotia my home, wliate'er fate may o'ertake me,

Though waihU'ring fur from tliy dearly IovshI strand.
My heart will look back lUTtil mcimory forsake me

With longing towards thee, my own native land.
To thy hold lofty movnitains in majesty towering,

To thy valleys rich clad in the verdure of spring,
To thy stern granite hillside all ages enduring,

My heart's warm affection will evermore cling.

SIR ClIAULES TUPPER [43.

Tliy iiolilo old forests in ^'raiulcur cxtoiuling.

Where the oak and tlu- elm in stateliness vie,
AVlicre tlie lofty \\ hitf fern to tlie teini»est is bending

And the tapering fir lifts its cone to the sky,
And that llower, the fairest in all the green wild wood—

The Aluyllower— Xova Sootiti's own einbleni and pride,
ITow oft' in the gladnl'ss of innocent childhood

I've plucked thy bright blooms from the sloping hillside.

'Tis the lii-st to don springtimes' green mantle of splendour,.

In May 'tis the brightest of all woodland flowers,
While in autumn its leaves, though burning yet tender

Awakfi sad sweet memories of youth's happy hours.
Until in old Scotia the thistle shall jierish,

AVhile the rose ranks the highest in Albion's true love,
While the Emerald Isle her green shamro"k shall cherish.

The Mayflower's my standard wherever I rove.

Nova Scotia, my homo, though we are I'ar separated,

Though years roll between us like waves of the sea,
My love for my country will ne'er be abated,

Uy heart shall forever r<'main true to thee.
And e'ciu though my footst<q)S may never more press thee,.

Whene'er the blight spring gilds o'er the green earth,
The sweet-sceutt-d Mayflowers will call nie to thee,

lly loved Nova Scotia, the laud of ray birth.

144

BIOGUArilY OP

CIIAriEIi XXIX

THE PUOGUESS OF CANADA FROM TIIK C'ON'FEDERATION DOWN
TO OUR DAY— 1807 TO 1883.

Denis Florence McCarthy once wrote

" The Past shines clear and pleasant,
" There is glory in the xsent,
•* And the Fufitrr, lil -escent,

" Liglits the (k't'pcuing sky of time ;
•' And that sky will yet grow brighter
«♦ If the Worker and the Writer,
•' And the Sceptre and the Mitre,
" Join in sacred bonds sublime !
'• With two glories shining o'er them
*' Up the coming years they'll climb
•' P-arth's great evening at its prime."

AVhiit is the Past 1 That space which has elapsed since
the dawn of creation down to the present moment. What
is the Present 1 That fleeting instant that never exists,
and still seems always to exist 1 AVhat is the Future ]
That space unmeasured and unmeasurabie that extends
from this into the endless cycles of eternity. For the
moment let ns lay aside the strict terms and call our
Past that instant traversed from the opening of this
sketch until we reach the date of our Canadian Confede-

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

ration. Let our Present Lo that time which has elapsetl
from the 1st July 18G7, to the present moment and for
us as for all others, the Future will still be that eternal
span which in its joys or sorrows, successes or reverses
is hidden by the mystic veil of the " yet to ^e" ; that veil
woven by the Hand of Mercy.

Let us gaze for a moment upon our rratenty and from
its story draw significant lessons for the Future. " There
is glory in the Present," sings the Bard ; and truly in our
national progress, our grand discoveries, our extensive
undertakings, we see a ray of that real glory which should
ever hang as a halo over the destinies of a young nation.

On the 1st of July 18G7, Queen Victoria, witli the map
of Canada before her eyes, placed the sign-manual of
Eoyalty upon .0 iittk village of Dytown, (now Ottawa)
and created it the Capital of a vast Dominion. Then, the
hidden resources of the land were as extensive as to-day,
but far from being so well developed. When the Hag of
Confederation floated from the spire of the central-t(; wer,
on the old Barrack-Hill, we saw it wave over a land vast
in its proportions, endless in its resources, boundless in
its liberties, majestic in the sweepings of its rivers and
gorgeous in its natural panorama, with the fringes of the
Atlantic washing its eastern slopes, and the mirror-waters
of the Pacific reflecting the shadows of its western liills.

Since that day what progress has this Dominion made ?
It is a long story to tell, we must strive to condense it as
much as we possibly can. A volume would never contain
the statistics of the great and broad-spreading regions
developed or discovered, the mineral wealth unfolded, the
forest tracts utilized, the iron band of railways that cross,
and intersect and divide the land from shore to shore,
from north to south, the institutions of education founded

146

BIOGRAPHY Of

acd xloiirishiug, the laws codified, revised, improved and
brought to comparative perfection. These and a thousand
other changes upon tlie face of our young Canaadian his-
tv^ry, mark tlio giant strides M'ith which wo have advanced
since 18G7.

Beliold the opening of tliose vast territories of the
North-AVest ! On the day of Confederation we had scarcely
entered the anti-chamber of that rolling prairie through
which the Saskatchewan, Assiniboine or Eraser rush,
— scarcely had we an idea of that phantom that danced
before the minds of our statesmen, a grand Pacific high-
way, joining the two immenoc oceans together and span-
ning our land from the extreme East to the extreme West.
Behold it to-day ! Marching on rapidly to itL' accomplish-
ment, nearing daily the great barriers of the Wetit, and soon
the iron horse that prances beneath the old walls of
Quebec, may speed its course until he snorts and puffs
ainids the gorges of the liockies or by the Cascade caves,
where echo is lost in regions where the foot of man never
trod, and where the rock never before saw the sun's
decline, or the dawn of a glorious day.

Gaze upon the city of Winnipeg to-day and consider
wliat it. was sixteen short years ago ! The Indian has
gone towards the setting sun ; the fire of his wigwam
will soon cease to curl above the fast disappearing forests ;
the bison or buffalo, that shook the prairies with the
tramp of a thousand hoofs, is fast becoming extinct, and an
occasional one is a rare sight to-day ; humanity is ever on
the forward march, wo have heard the trumpet call, and
in the ranks of civilization we are advancing towards our
goal— the grandeur, magnificence, and rightful position of
our country,

No matter how political parties may have combatted, no

d and
usand
a liis-
anced

of the
;arcely
irougli

rush,
ianced
; high-

span-
sWest.
iiplish-
id soon
alls of
i pufft

caves,
1 never
[3 sun's

insider
an has
igAVam
'uiHists ;
A\ the
and an
iver on
11, and
ds onr
tion of

tod, no

SIR CHARLES TUPPER

147

matter how alternate governments may have arisen to power
or fallen into the sliades of opposition, no matter what
commercial crises may have been felt, suffered or passed
over, still onward Canada has advanced, ever extending
her commercial influence into other lands, evur scaling
the steep and rugged heights that arise in the path of a
young nation's progress, ever united, happy, and above
all successful. Cast your eye over the monumental map
of our last fifteen years, studded with educational institu-
tions, — a grand etornal galaxy, that like the planets
that could scarcely be seen even by the telescope of
llerschell, a thousand years ago, and whose light is almost
perceptible to the naked eye to-day, growing larger and
brighter, as the years roll on and whose radiance begins
already to shed a lustre over the old world — our system
of Education received the palm at Philadelpliia, over
that of all other countries, a few years ago. While tsome
of our men are inventing the gigantic plans of the future,
there are others with physical energy developing and ex-
ecuting the same — while the pioneers of civilization have
been carving a highway through the forei^ts and mountains,
the advance-guard of intellect has been establishing col-
leges, convents, and medical, law and engineering schools
upon the ruins of the once barbaric splendor of the prime-
val tribes. Yes, McCarthy was right — " there is glory in
the Present." And riirht again he was, when he stated,
that our sky will yet grow brighter, " if the Worker and
the Writer and the Sceptre and the Mitre," join together
and hand in hand travel the future years. Still not only
have We progressed in this general way, but in every
minute particular we have advanced. Count our popula-
tion of 1867 and that of 1883, and see what numl)ers,
like streams from a thousand different national, sources,

148

BIOGRAPHY OP SIR CHARLES TUPPER

have rolled in to the vast ocean of a Canadian Nation-
ality; calculate the revenues of 1867, and compare
them with those of our day, and behold the immense
difference, the gi-eat strides made in so short a space.

Nations like individuals have their birth, their youth,
their old age and decline. Some grow old before their
time, others remain in a seeming perpetual youth. Cana-
da is one of the few that has rapidly grown to the
strength and vigor and experience of manhood, without
ever losing the bloom and freshness of youth. She has
done more in her confederate strength since 18G7 than
Troy in an age, Eome in a century, or any nation of the
old Avorld in triple the space of time.

FINIS.

TAHLH OF COXTI-XTS.

Chapter

Sir Charles Tupper-Introductory remarks ^^^l

I— Origin of the Tapper Family g

II-Nova Scotia-Its Antiquity-Eric" ihe "pi'rate! .' ." ' o
ni-I>.rch of Dr. Tupper-His love of Work-He
TV nn^^'t'" '°^^^''"»^-K*^flections upon that Study.. 12
IV -Ihe Hon. Josepli Howe and the Keforraers. 17

V-Dr. Tupper in the Legislative Assembly .... ' " ' " 20
V 1— Bishop Connolly and Br. Tupper " " 9 .

VH-Fall of the Young Ministry .''''.* ^

VIII-The Johnston Miuistry-The Hon.' CharleV Tupper
T X Trr'"'""'/ Secreta,y-The Mines of Nova-Scotia 33
IX-lhe Session of 1859~Dr. Tupper's defence of liberty
of conscience

X-1860-61-Return of the Liberais-The'jprince" 'of ^^

VT n7^^"'' ""'''^-^'^'^^ °f the Liberal Party in 1863 49
Al-lhe situation of the political parties in the British

North American Possessions in 1864 rr

XII-Dr. Tupper and the Public Schools-Th;" Acad^;. 58

X II-P oject of the Union of the Maritime Provinces ... 62
XlV-Charlottetown and the Quebec Convention-Subse

quent Festivities-The Delegates-Dr. Tupper's
Speech fi °

. Former Project of Union between the Maritime
Provinces- New Brunswick electorate -Clever
defence of the Canadians by Dr. Tupper . Emr-
land, in reply to Mr. Howe-(Letter to Lord Car-

narvon)

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Chapter page

XVI— History of Confederation— Dr. J. C. Tache's Pro-
phecy — The eighteen administrations under the

Union 86

XVII — Election of 1857 — Dr. Tupper alone escapes fr-m

the defeat of the Confederates in Nova Scotia. . . 91
XVIII — 1867 — Macdonald Administration — Dr. Tapper in
England — English Titles and Decorations — Dr.
Tupper's friendly conduct towards Mr. Cartier.. 94
XIX — Dr. Tupper in the House of Commons— Act for the
cession of Rupert's land and N. W. Territories to

Canada 98

XX — 1^70-73 — Sir Charles Tupper as a member of the

Macdonald Cabinet

XXI— 6tli Nov. 1873— Resignation of the Macdonald Ad-
ministration — Re-organisation of the party 105

XXII— 1873 to 1878— Hon. Alexander Mackenzie in

Power— Free Trade and Protection 108

XXIII — The Conservatives resume power 113

XXIV— The New Ministry— The Marquis of Lome llo

XXV — Sir Charles Tupper and Bishop Hannam 119

XXVI — The Canadian Pacific — Public Works of Canaaa —

Tupper's panegyric of the North-West 122

XXVII— The North- West and the Pacific— Lord Selkirk's
Establishment — The Metin — Dr. Tupper at Fort

Garry during the Rebellion 127

XXVIII — Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner for Ca-
nada at London — Progress of Canada in trade
arts, sciences, etc. — Sir Charles speech before the

Derby Chambers of Commerce 133

XXIX — The Progress of Canada from the Confederation

down to our day— 1867 to 1883 H4

PAGE

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