r« ,
FAIR PLAY
FOR THE
Province of Quebec
By JOHN BOYD Author of " The Life and Times of Sir George Etienne Cartier"
Montreal, 1917 JUSTICE FOR QUEBEC.
NOTHING MORE. NOTHING LESS.
SIR LOMER GOUIN'S STATESMANLIKE DECLARATION.
" They (alk of isolating the Province of Quebec liul Quebec is no further from Toronto than Toronto is from Quebec. They speak to us as they do to children, whom they wish to frighten, liy threatening us with the dark room. But first and foremost, let it lie well understood we are not under the tutelage of iinyliody and in this Cana- dian land we are not the children but the seniors. \Ve are here by the right of discovery, bequeathed to us by our forefathers, by the privilege of the time-honored title of pioneers, by the right of courage, worth and constan- cy, by the will of the most puissant of all powers, — the decree of Providence and we are here to stay. This Can- adian land was hrst the land of our ancestors, it is our native land and we intend to live in it as the equals and tile companions of our fellow-citi/.eiis of other origins, the friendly and loyal neighbors of those who surround us. We intend to live in it and we intend to die in it as our forefathers before us and we shall do so." " I do not use these words as a threat. 1 threaten no- body. I simply wish to say to the other Provinces that, we have no animosity against anyone. .Ml we ask is justice, nothing more, nothing less." — .S'l'r I,outer (I'OIIIH, A'.('..I///., l*riinc Minister of Qttelicr. Speech ill tin- ril;/ of (fucbt-i-, \oi-mibcr 10th, l'.)17. FAIR PLAY FOR QUEBEC.
I'v JoiIX BOYD.
A few observations on existing pol.tical con- ditions by an Knglish speaking Canadian, who is more concerned with the future status and welfare of the Dominion, than with the success of any particular set of politic'ans may be iipn^os at the present time. It is an undoubted, though regrettable, fact that the national ideals, so fervently cherished 1>\e founders of the Dominion, are in a fair wav of being completely discarded and their great work injured, if not completely destroyed. \Yhal are the causes of the lamentable and menacing conditions that now confront the Do- minion? The two main causes in my estimation are : I. The Imperialistic movement, which has made such headway within recent years. II. The racial discord and sectional division which have been created in Canada to serve base political ends and which have been countenanced 6 PROVING!
;uul supported by the forces ol special privilege ultra-Imperialists desp and political autocracy, which are now endeav- sistent opposition of oring to secure a strangle hold on the country. other Canadian repre; gradually, skillfully an I.— THE IMPERIALISTIC MOVEMENT. ing all that and as a For years the ultra Imperialists, both abroad practically reverted o and at home, with the most powerful support, the. position of a Cn have been carrying on an insiduous campaign to historic phrase emplo; undermine the national ideals cherished and for- in happier days a " r mulated by the Fathers of Confederation. Their which the present Pre efforts and achievements 1 have fully dealt with reason would never 1 in a work " The Menace of Imperialism," which All those who k"< I have just completed as a supplement to the history know perfect " History of the Life and Times of Sir George that now prevail we Ktiennc Cartier." Here I may be permitted to plated by John A. emphasize the main points. Ktienne Cartier nor i To any one versed in Canadian history it is Fathers of Confeder clear that the efforts of Canadian statesmen, un- Flushed with their til within comparatively recent times, were de- ialists are now prepai voted, as far as regards military organization ment of their design and operations, to the maintenance of as large the creation of a gre a measure of autonomy for Canada as had been nization, a military, secured, after much effort and struggle, in the dation or federation purely political sphere, and that the Imperial pi re. under the govei authorities for many years were in complete tive body siting in I accord with such a policy. But of late years the This ambitious sc k. I'liOVlNCK OV QrETtKC 7 privilege ultra-Imperialists despite the- earliest and per- :irc now endeav- sistent opposition of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and >" the country. other Canadian representatives have succeeded MOVEMENT. gradually, skillfully and diplomatically, in chang- ing all that and as a consequence Canada has sts, both abroad practically reverted or is rapidly reverting to •\verful suj)port, the position of a Crown colony or to use the MS camj>aign to historic phrase employed by Sir Robert Borden ?rished and for- in happier days a " mere, adjunct ", a position, :deration. Their which the present Premier himself declared with fully dealt with reason would never be tolerated by Canadians. irialism," which All those who know anything of Canadian 'Plement to the history know perfectly well that the conditions of Sir George that now prevail were never the ones contem- >f permitted to plated by John A. Macdonald and George Ktienne Cartier nor in fact by any of the other m history it is Fathers of Confederation. statesmen, mi- Flushed with their triumphs the ultra-Imper- mes, were de- ialists are now preparing for the full accomplish- >' organization ment of their design, which is nothing short of «' of as large the creation of a great centralized political orga- ii as had been nization, a military, naval and political consoli- :r»&S:lc', in the dation or federation of all portions of the Em- fie Imperial pire under the governance of a supreme legisla- • in comj)lete tive body siting in London. 'ate years the This ambitious scheme has been outlined by 8 TATT7 PLAY FO17 TITF. the autlnir (if "The Problem of the Common- IMPERIALISTS 1 wealth " which represents the views and designs of the famous Round Table association which As has been pointed! has branches all over the Empire and the lead- Canadian, (John S. i ing lights of which are Sir Joseph Flavelle. Sir patriotism cannoi be call John Willison. Sir Clifford Sifton. X. V. Lash. Imperialists are taking Sir Robert Falconer of Toronto University and >ities and engagements Sir William Peterson of McCiill. aided and abat- uf the war they may car ted on the other side by such men as Lord Xorth- ference or convention, cliffe. Lord Milner and Sir Max Aitken (Lord ho'd for the readjustiiK Beaverbrooke). Much to the astonishment and a partially accomplish^ dismay of many Canadians who, like myself. currence in the necessit had faith in the staunchness of his Canad anisni. stances for unilv the li Sir Robert Borden gave his countenance and observes, have not hesit; support to this scheme in an address which he r-kilifuliy planned attac! delivered in London during the sessions of what nf --elf government, an became known as the Iniper'al War Cabinet. have known would ar Well might the Canadian Premier describe, nad.a. The result is th as he did, the constitutional changes that had upon us a struggle for been made without the sanction or approval of land and Canada's voi> the people as " revolutionary ". Not only arc tlu- readjusting confer they revolutionay, they are anti-Canadian, anti- liojK-d. for the sake of national and unpatriotic, using that much abu- thai that voice will be sed word in its proper sense to designate the real >i mud. interests of our own countrv. The time is coming, alreadv arrived when tl PROVINCE OF QUEBEC
>t the Cominnn- IMPERIALISTS AND THE WAR. ie\vs and designs ssociation \vhicli As has been pointedly observed by another re and the lead- Canadian, (John S. Kwart). whose staunch !ph I'lavelle. Sir patriotism cannot be called in question, the ul,tra- "". /. V. Lash, Itnpi-rialists are taking advantage of war neces- Hiiversitv and sities and engagements in order that at the end aided and abat- nl' the war thev may carry into the Empire Con- as Lord Xorth- ference or convention, which it is proposed to < Aitken ( Lord lui'd for the readjustment of political relations, itfHiisliinent and a partially accomplished fact. Professing con- i". like myself, currence in the necessity under present circum- is Canad'anism. -tances for unity the Imperialists, as he further K.iitenance and observes, have not hesitated to precipitate a most dress which lie skillfully planned attack upon Canada's powers L'SS:OIIS of what ot sell government, an attack which they must . ar Cabinet. have known would arouse resentment, in Ca- :':n:er describe. nada. The result is that there has been forced "Ws that had upon us a stru^le for the freedom of our own or api)roval of land and Canada's voice must be heard before Xot (inlv are the readjustin" conference meets. It is to be Canadian, anti- hoped, tor the sake ot our national autonomy, iat iniicli abu- that that voice will be heard with no uncertain ii£nate tile real sound. The time is comin»-. nay, I believe that it has already arrived when the srreatcst issue confront- I
1'HOVINCK OF (JUKKI ] 0 FAIR PLAY FOR THE ing Canadians is that of Canadianism vs. Im- very long until Canadians will be perialism or, in other words, the maintenance of a choice between three entirely Canada's national autonomy and complete pow- lives — Imperial Consolidation c ers of self-governement or political freedom as absorption into the United Sta opposed to the ultra-Imperialistic scheme of cen- entire and complete independeii< tralization and consolidation. There is, I be- uion. When that time comes. I ; lieve, sufficient partriotism amongst the masses the mass of the Canadian peopl of the Canadian people to assure the triumph of tlie national ideals of the Fathe real Canadianism over all the formidable forces tion, that to use the words of ( arrayed against it. In fact we should have good est of them. Sir Charles Tuppe cause to despair of our future if it could be con- " ever retain the entire, comp'.e ceived that a majority of Canadians would be so etit management of their own af untrue to the ideals of the founders of the Do- otherwise would be to believe minion as to countenance by their votes the de- were so lacking in patriotism signs of the ultra-Imperialists of whom Sir to their great past and to the Robert Borden has become the high priest on that was foreshadowed by the Canada. As Hon. Roclolphe Lemieux has well Dominion. observed " these men act as men with no regard THE RACIAL AGI for the autonomy of Canada. For them Canada is nothing more than a dependency of Great Bri- II. Eacial Antagonism — Dif tain. What they wish is the Empire and colo- — One of the strongest if no nials who are not Canadians but nothing more (lictments against the regime than colonials." Canadians would be unworthy at (Htawa for the past few y< of their past if they were content to fill any such in the racial discord, division « role as that. have resulted in a condition As things are going now it promises not to be very stability of Confederate: OF (Jt.nOI!IOC II
very long until Canadians will be forced to make ;i choice between three entirely distinct alterna- tives — Imperial Consolidation or centralization, absorption into the United States or the full, entire and complete independence of the Domi- nion. When that time comes. I am confident that (be mass of the Canadian people will he true to the national ideals of the Fathers of Confedera- tion, that to use the words of one of the great- est of them. Sir Charles Tapper. Canadians will "ever retain the entire, complete and independ- ent management of their own affairs." To think otherwise would he to believe that Canadians were so lacking in patriotism as to be recreant to their great past and to the splendid destiny that was foreshadowed by the. founders of the Dominion.
THE RACIAL AGITATION.
II. Racial Antagonism — Discord — Disunion : — One of the strongest if not the strongest in- dictments against the rcyimc that we have had at Ottawa for the past few years is to be found in the racial discord, division and disunion which have resulted in a condition that threatens the very stability of Confederation. As I have had 12 I'AIH I'l.AY F01J THE PBO„
occasion to say elsewhere ( Preface to the French taincd against them edition of Cartier and His Times), the ideal of has culminated ir a united Canada so fervently cherished by John s'ander and inisn A Macdonald and ('.corgi- Ftienne Cartier, in tions. their custor, fact by all the Fathers of Confederation, appears ligion have hirn in to be further from realization than ever. On tin- even their loyalty, contrary discord rather than concord prevails triotism have hee; throughout the Dominion and from far and near they happen to he may be heard the rumblings of antagonism and treated with liher division. Never in fact since the founding of the F.nglish minor! the Dominion have racial animosities and sec- they have heen t tional differences been as pronounced as they fairly an
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PROVINCE OF Q1
Europe, what was the course of a certain section cleavage in Canada. And w in Canada ? To serve the basest of ends the city of Hamilton, before a la French Canadians as a whole were represented tario people, I ventured to as as lukewarm, as slackers, disloyal, unpatriotic that the French Canadians c> and even lacking in courage. The vilest sland- ly Canadian of all Canadian ers in their regard were published, not only fair play for them from oth< throughout the Dominion, but in many of the the leading Toronto newsp; leading newspapers of the United States. To amongst the strongest sup] one of the worst of these attacks which appear- political combination declare ed in the columns of the New-York Times, one been driven from the platf, of the most influential of the American papers, I did. What a fine illustrai I took occasion, at the time, to reply but the ani- play and liberality ! mus and unfairnesse which actuated the cam- Whilst this insiduous ai paign were apparent from the fact that, while was being waged and whi ample space was given to the attack on the people were being made on liberty, of Quebec, room was found for only a small por- ality, was there one inenibi tion of the reply, the whole of which, however, at Ottawa to rise in Parl was subsequently published in other newspapers. denounce the slanderers o: The simultaneous publication of manv articles thors of racial discord an< similar to the one, which appeared in the Times, John A. Macdonald and 1 was too significant to be accidental. It was an hesitate to do when Daltoi evidence of a well thought out campaign. This ing on a similar unholy systematic and carefully arranged campaign na- paign against the French turally had the effect it was intended to have, tin- word of protest — I blush creation of ill-feeling in the other Provinces from a single F,nglish-spe against Quebec and the accentuation of the racial was once the great Lihe; ' *OIi THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC 19 rse of a certain section cleavage in Canada. And when speaking in the he basest of ends the city of Hamilton, before a large audience of On- rhole were represented tario people, I ventured to assert—as I do now— ;, disloyal, unpatriotic that the French Canadians are tlie most essential- ige. The vilest sland- ly Canadian of all Canadians, — and asked for f published, not only fair play for them from other Canadians, one of , but in many of the the leading Toronto newspapers, which is now le United States. To amongst the strongest supporters of the new- attacks which appear- political combination declared that I should have Nnt'-York Times, one been driven from the platform for speaking as the American papers, I did. What a fine illustration of tolerance fair e, to reply but the ani- play and liberality ! •ch actuated the cani- Whilst this insiduous and ignoble campaign 11 the fact that, while was being waged and whilst perfewcl speeches he attack on the people were being made on liberty, democracy and liber- d for only a small por- ality, was there one member of the Government 'le of which, however, at Ottawa to rise in Parliament and fearlessly :1 in other newspapers. denounce the slanderers of Quebec, the real au- lion of many articles thors of racial discord and national disunion as .ppearcd in the Times, John A. Macdonald and Edward Blake did not iccidental. It was an hesitate to do when Dalton McCarthy was carry- : out campaign. This ing on a similar unholy and unpatriotic cam- rranged campaign na- paign against the French Canadians ? Not one j intended to have, the word of protest — I blush to say it — was heard the other Provinces from a single English-speaking member of what cntuation of the racial was once the great Liberal-Conservative party. FAIR PLAY FOE THE 1'liOVlNCK OF Q'
From that fact alone was it not apparent that Toronto for a better undcrsti the once great party of Macdonald and Cartier glish and French speaking had ceased to exist or that it had reverted to ging all to forget any differ*- the reactionary policy of the days or Sir Allan and to work in concord an McNah ? welfare and advancement of try. Did not Sir Lomer (ic THE TRUE CANADIAN SPIRIT. traducers of the people of Qi Fair minded Canadians will he inclined, I be- of true Canadian!sin and pati lieve, to compare that attitude with the attitude in his Toronto speech, a spec of leading French-Canadian statesmen, of the ed him national recognition men who represent the real feelings and senti- gauged statesmen of the Doi ments of the mass of their compatriots. Has history and Providence ?'l Sir Wilfrid Laurier — with whom I may he per- therhood "., and when he he mitted to say that I have not always seen eye to low Canadians the noble idi eye politically — ever failed to denounce all at- great French Canadians Fs tempts to arouse racial discord and to appeal for tion, George Etienne Cartier cooperation and harmony between all Cana- with respect for the rights <: dians ? Has it not been his constant aim to see gnified hearing of the head realized in practice the dream of the founders of Oilebec was a striking rebu the Dominion — a great free commonwealth in and fanatics. which men af all races would as Canadians work- Did their campaign ce; together despite the difference in their origin ? The most despicable tactics What was the head of the Province of Quebec, to. Whilst nearly two mill Sir Lomer Gouin, doing when the hue and cry were pursuing their usual was going forth over the land against his Pro- undisturbed by the hue and vince and his people? Appealing in the city of and jail birds in the city of rF. or QT'KBKC
Bt apparent that Toronto for a better understanding between En- laid and Curlier glish and French speaking Canadians, and ur- had re\d to ging all to forget any differences there might be ivs or Sir Allan and tii work in concord and harmony for the welfare and advancement of their common coun- try. Did not Sir Lomer C.ouin rather than the SPIRIT. tr;ulucers of the people of Quebec strike the note •e inclined. I be- (if true Canadianism and patriotism when he said vith the attitude in his Toronto speech, a speech that rightly gain- atesmen, of the ed him national recognition as one of the broad :lings and senti- gauged statesmen of the Dominion. — " Nature, niipat riots. Has history and Providence, all proclaim our bro- •i" 1 may he pcr- therhood "., and when he held up to all his fel- •vays seen eye to low Canadians the noble ideal cherished by the denounce all at- threat French Canadians Father of Confedera- .iid to appeal for tion. (ieorge Ktienne Cartier — a united Canada ween all Cana- with respect for the rights of all. The calm di- istant aim to see gnified hearing of the head of the Province of the founders of OiH'hec was a striking rebuke to the extremists otninomvealth in and fanatics. Canadians work Did their campaign cease ? By no means. in their origin ? 1 The most despicable tactics were next resorted nnce of Quebec, to. Whilst nearly two million sturdy habitants the hue and crv were pursuing their usual peaceful avocations, against his Pro- undisturbed by the hue and cry, a few criminals •ig in the citv of and jail birds in the city of Montreal, incited bv FA IK PLAY FOR THE FROYIN agents paid with Government money, were creat- TO ISO! ing disorder and committing crime in this great cosmopolitan centre where the worst elements of Now to cap the cli the foreign population foregather. And these frontery, it is being i few miscreants, incited to do their dirty work, sire to politically isol; have since been, and are still being, held up to the the attempt is being rest of the Dominion as representative of over set the rest of the 1 two million of the most law abiding, peaceable, vince. A vote for honest and industrious people on the face of the throughout the Donii earth. vote to place the coir What criminal folly ! What insane tactics ! bee. The folly does How can it ever be hoped to secure national clare for instance, a unity by such methods ! They are about as rea- Government is repoi sonable and logical as the attempt to make out nipeg, that a vote f that the French Canadians alone are opposed to support him is a vo conscription when, as the demands for exemp- thing short of an ()• tion in other parts of Canada, as it is in Quebec. sented by every fail The very fact that the people of Quebec have The great Provinc maintained their composure under so much lated from the rest c abuse, slander, and misrepresentation is the distinctly understood strongest evidence of their regard for law and ing one of the most i order and of their true patriotism. They have the country, cannot b rightly bided their time until they can constitu- cherish any such dre; tionally express their resentment at the polls. awakening. As such an eniiiu as I,ord SheughnesJ R THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC
: money, were creat- TO ISOLATE QUEBEC. crime in this great ic worst elements of Now to cap the climax, while with cynical ef- gather. And these frontery, it is being claimed that there is no de- o their dirty work. sire to politically isolate the Province of Quebec, being, held up to the the attempt is being made with little disguise to jresentative of over set the rest of the Dominion against this Pro- abiding, peaceable, vince. A vote for Laurier, it is being said e on the face of the throughout the Dominion by certain people, is a vote to place the country under the heel of Que- 'hat insane tactics ! bec. The folly does not even end there. To de- to secure national clare for instance, as a leading member of the i ey are about as rea- Government is reported to have done at Win- ttenipt to make out nipeg, that a vote for Laurier and those who lone are opposed to support him is a vote for the Germans, is no- •inands for exemp- thing short of an outrage which should be re- ., as it is in Quebec. sented by every fair minded Canadian. tie of Quebec have The great Province of Quebec will not be iso- ; under so much lated from the rest of the Dominion, let that he iresentation is the distinctly understood. Two million people, form- •egard for law and ing one of the most important ethnical groups in iotisin. They have the country, cannot be so isolated, and those who . they can constitu- cherish any such dream are likelv to have a rude lent at the polls. awakening. As such an eminent leader in public affairs as Lord Sheughnessy has well observed " the 2-i FA 11! I'J.AY FOR THE PROVINCE good old Province of Quebec will always remain isolating Quebec from tl the bulwark and the strongest support of the to take to heart the stril> Canadian Confederation, notwithstanding the uttered by .the Prime M irritation and resentment sometimes displayed Sir Komer C.ouin at (Ji.c when the- Province is criticized -- and it must " They talk to us of i be said mischieviously — by a number of people Quebec from the rest whose efforts as citizens of the country should Quebec is no further fro: be directed towards a good understanding and is from Quebec. They < concil.ation." children, whom they \vis Not only is Quebec the oldest and one of the cuing us with the dark rfl most important Provinces of the Dominion, but most let it be well under it is one of the most prosperous and best govern- der the tutelage of anylx: ed of all the Provinces, and what should be espe- land we are not the chile cially remembered is that it was constituted by are here by the right of the founders of the Dominion, the pivotal pro- us by our forefathers, vince of the Canadian Confederation. Whatever time-honored title of pi may happen, therefore, in the pending election, courage, worth and cons the representation from Quebec with the mem- most puissant of all po bers from the other Provinces, who will act with Divine Providence and v Qeubec, will form a formidable factor — per- Canadian land was first haps hold the balance of power -- in national tors, it is our native1 Ian politics, so that Quebec's influence will continue in it as the equals and to be potent, as it always has been. fellow-citizens of other In the meantime it would be well for those loval neighbors of those who are responsible for the attacks on the intend to live in it and French-Canadians and who talk so glibely of our forefathers did befo
J " Or QTFBFC -i.)
II always remain isolating Ouebec from the rest of the Dominion, support of the to take to heart the striking and dignified words ithstanding the uttered bv the Prime Minister of the Province. times displayed Sir l.omer C.ouin at Ouebec: — — and it must " They talk to us of isolating .the Province of amber of people Ouebec from the rest of the Dominion. Hut country should Ouebec is no further from Toronto than Toronto Igntanding and is from Ouebec. They speak to us as they do to children, whom tliev wish to frighten, by threat- and one of the ening us with the dark room. Hut first and fore- • Dominion, but most let it be well understood. — we are not un- aid best govern- der the tutelage of anybody and in this Canadian ibould be espe- land we arc not the children but the seniors. We ; constituted by are here by the right of discovery bequeathed to the pivotal pro- us by our forefathers, by the privilege-of the lion. Whatever time-honored title of pioneers, by the right of ending election, courage, worth and constancy, bv the will of the with the mem- most puissant of all powers — the decree of ho will act with Divine Providence and we are here to stay. This factor — jier- Canadian land was first the land of our ances- — in national tors, it is our native land and we intend to live :e will continue in ;t as the equals and the companions of our .11. fellow-citizens of other origins, the friendly and well for those loyal neighbors of those who surround us. We iiltacks on the intend to live in it and we intend to die in it as : so glibely of our forefathers did before us and we shall do so. FAIR PLAT FOTl TFfF, I'ltO\ 1 do not use these words as threats. I threat-
great races are res en nobody. I simply wish to say to the other speaking Canadian Provinces that we have no animosity against ed hand in band, anybody. All that we ask is justice, nothing to the great deslr more, nothing less." country. When a similar spirit to this is displayed by STANDS WIT. all Canadians the racial ill-feelings and antago- In the meantime nisms which are now the curse of our country adian, who is also will cease. May that auspicious day soon dawn. historic old Provi The hint has been thrown out in certain quar- traditions and its ! ters that Quebec might withdraw from the sis- the French-Canadi terhood of Provinces and Confederation be their staunch Can smashed into its original fragments. Heaven ling qualities, 1 C forbid. That was not the dream of Macdonald force at my com and Cartier and Brown. No — despite all the attempt that is bi efforts of all the extremists and Francophobes in to set the rest of the Dominion Confederation will not be des- It is a policy that i troyed. Quebec will not be allowed to leave the dal and against tin Confederation. English-speaking Canadians will Confederation. I not permit anything of the kind. But we will not nefarious cainpai; make Quebec stay in Confederation by compul- against this Prov sion and threats, by harshness and injustice, but of a small, thong? by fair play, by justice, by fraternity, by a spirit extremists, with I of true liberality and common Canadianism. of certain interes And when national sanity returns as it must, Canadians will t when good feeling and concord between the t\vo have no sympath know that the voi PROVINCE OF QUEBEC 27
•eats. I thrcat- great races are restored as they will be, English- Y to the other Speaking Canadians and French-Canadians, join- nosity against ed hand in hand, will march forward together .istice, nothing to the great destiny that awaits their common country. s displayed by STANDS WITH FRENCH CANADIANS. js and antago- In the meantime, as an English-speaking Can- 3t" our country adian, who is also proud of being a native of the lay soon dawn. historic old Province of Quebec with its great Ji certain quar- traditions and its storied past, as one who knows • from the sis- the French-Canadians and who admires them for nfederation be their staunch Canadianism and their many ster- ifits. Heaven ling qualities, I desire, with all the vigor and i of Macdonakl force at my command, to protest against the despite all the attempt that is being made in certain quarters mmcophobes in to set the rest of the Dominion against Quebec. ill not be des- It is a policy that is not only unpatriotic but suici- ved to leave the dal and against the best interests of the Canadian Canadians will Confederation. But, I am proud to believe, the But we will not nefarious campaign, that has been carried on tion by conipul- against this Province, is after all but the work iid injustice, but of a small, though very active and noisy band of rnity, by a spirit extremists, with the object of serving the ends n Canadianism. of certain interests and that the great mass of irns as it must, Canadians will unmistakeably show that they between the two have no sympathy with it. It is gratifying to know that the voices of leading English-Speaking IBS FAIR TT.AY FOP, THE Canadians have already been heard in protest, valleys of the Illinois ai: and 1 am especially pleased that the worthy and everywhere you come ; broad-minded representative of the English- Alarquette, Joliet, St-I, speaking minority in the (loverninent of the' Pro- leans. 1 low came the vince, Hon. \Yalter Mitchell, has vigorously and French Canadian, who eloquently defended our French-Canadian fel- nies were still clinging I low-countrymen. When the full perfidy ot tin- pushed round from the campaign is realized as it will be in good time. the land. French-Cana it will be to the credit of those English-speaking great American rivers ;i Canadians who were fair enough and liberal Rockies, keep farther enough to side with the people of Quebec. ste|)s are always marke Upon the nvnds of the traducers of the French you. Cross the wholi Canadian people I would Ha- to imprint a-rtai" Canada and reach Un- words. Thev are not words of mine but of OIK- called, you ask ? Thai of the greatest writers in the Knglis'n language, that ? This is Tete Ja a Britisher of the Britishers and therefore a is Lake Bru'c. They \t of an army. Th< believer in justice and Br.lish " fair play " Arthur Conan Doyle. Those words are tlvH- : tlie army will take a 0-1 " I do want to take my hat off once again to their outposts. Brave, the French-Canadian, lie came of a small peo- romantic, they were ar ple. At the- time of the British occupation. I The ideals of the llrit' doubt if there were more than a bundled l!i:m- not be the same, but sand of them, and yet the mark tbev ha\ K-ft country must surelv I) by their bravery and activity upon tlv's COIUIIK-II! I'Yench will leave the is an ineftacable one. You pass rk'lu through l'ive hundred years h the tcrritorv of the United States doun tlu looked u|)on as the a: blood of Canada, an"d ; r ST.AT FOH THE 1'ltOVIXCH OK QL'KHEC 89
i-ady been heard in protest. valleys of the Illinois and of the Mississippi and pleased that the worthy and everywhere you come across French names - esentative of the English- Marquette, Joliet. St-Louis, Mobile, New Or- i the Government of the I'ro- Icans. How came these here ? It was the Mitchell, has vigorously and French Canadian, who when the English colo- I our French-Canadian fel- nies were still clinging to the edge of the ocean, \'hen the full perfidy of the pushed round from the North into the heart of :1 as it will he in good time. the land. French-Canadians first traversed the dit of those English-speaking sjreat American rivers and sighted the American i-re fair eunuch and liheral Rockies. Keep farther north and still their fool- i the ])eo])le of Quehec. ••teps are always marked deep in the soi! before )f the traducers of the Krench you. Cross the whole vast plain of Central wou'd like to ini])rint certai" Canada and reach the mountains. What is that i"t words of ciine but of one called, you ask ? That is Mount Miette. And ters in the F.nglish language, that ? This is Tele Jaime. And that lake ? It r Britishers and therefore a i- Lake Bru'e. They were more than scouts in and British " fair play " front of an army. They were so far ahead that ,'le. Those words are these : the army will take a century yet before it reaches ake my hat off once again to their outposts. Brave, enduring, light hearted, an. lie came of a small pen- romantic, they were and are a fascinating race. of the British occupation, I The ideals of the Brit sh and French stock may v in,ire than a hunc'ied thriu- not he the same, but while the future of the 1 yet the mark they ha\ left country must surely be upon British lines, the lid activity upon tlvV continent French will leave their mark deeply upon it. :me. You pass right through Five hundred years hence, their blood will be. tlvj United States clown the looked upon as the aristocratic and distinctive hlood of Canada, and even as the Englishman is 30 I'AIll PLAY FOR TUE I'l proud of his Norman ancestors, so the most tions and burder British Canadian will proudly trace back his ings countenan< pedegree to the point where some ancestor had reign of nienta married with a Taschereau or a De Lotbiniere. detriment of fie It seems to me that the British cannot be too shameless attac delicate in their dealings with such a people. form of suppoi They are not a subject people but partners and nient on the pol should always be treated so." people. POLITICAL AUTOCRACY. The extensioi The situation created by those who have suc- yond the constit ceeded in fanning the flame of racial prejudice tion of the Cons into a conflagration is sufficiently serious and was only preveii disquieting . But this is not all. Other grave proposal eiicoun dangers confront the country. those who are ci .The existing regime has developed into what Canadian autonc is little short of a political despotism. Had some aries in Canada of the things, which have lately been done in this Dominion would country, been attempted in other countries, it is timity of registe questionable whether there would not have been they are entitled serious trouble. It is in fact a proof of the law the expiration o abiding character of the Canadian people and all. their true patriotism that they have been as pa- The Military tient as they have until they have been given an bund Parliament opportunity of expressing their views at the polls. tutional term am Not only have the rights of the citizen been lidence of the eli interfered with unnecessarily, onerous restric- sory for voluntai to the tradvtiona 'TIIE 1'KOVINCE OF QUEBEC 31 stors. so the most tions and burdens imposed, high handed proceed- 11\ trace back his ings countenanced, the press muzzled and a some ancestor had reign of mental terrorism inaugurated, to the )r a De Lotbinierc. detriment of freedom of utterance but the most itish cannot be too shameless attacks have been made under the ith such a people. form of supposed free parliamentary govern- .e but partners and ment on the political rights and liberties of the t people. CRACY. The extension of the parliamentary term be- lose who have suc- yond the constitutional period was a clear viola- of racial prejudice tion of the Constitution, and a further extension riently serious and was only prevented by the opposition which the t all. ()ther grave proposal encountered. Had those in power, had those who are contemplating further assaults on eveloped into what Canadian autonomy, had in fact all the reaction- potisni. Had some aries in Canada had their way the people of the ly been done in this Dominion would not, even now, have the oppor- :her countries, it is tunity of registering their verdict at the polls as ould not have been they are entitled under the Constitution to do at a proof of the law the expiration of everv five years. Xor is this nadian people and all. y have been as pa- The Military Service Act passed by a mori- have been given an bund Parliament, which had exceeded its consti- r views at the polls. tutional term and which had utterly lost the con- 'f the citizen been fidence of the electorate, by substituting compul- \~, onerous restric- sory for voluntary service, not only was contrary to the traditional policy of Canada, but was op- 33 KAII! I'l.A V J'OK THE PBOYDfl posed to all recognized principles of democracy \r or no war the and political freedom. Its enactment under the careful thai tin \o circumstances only had the effect of accentua- those liberties which ting the division unrest and discord already ex- ellort and sacrifice, ;; isting throughout the Dominion. Nor was this all. thev are relinquished The \Yar Times Klection Act, the disenfran- cult to regain them til chisement of thousands of Canadian electors. Canadians will in fact whose only crime is that they happen to be of poetical freedom if alien birth, the granting of the franchise to wo- taiks upon it. In tin men relatives of soldiers, while other Canadian " the subject who is ti women equally entitled to it will have no vote. gistrate will neither ; the provisions for the soldiers' vote, espeeielly trary measures." these permitting the vote of men who have never SIR WILFRID L lived in the countrv, swamping and overruling the votes of those, who have a real stake in the I n demanding that i people should be const Dominion, are all enactments of a most arbitra- ry and reprehensible character, fraught with me- cedented measure as was put into force an nace to the liberties of Canadians. As Sir Wil- against the other arbit frid Laurier has justly observed " such legisla- l.aurier took' the only tion is repugnant to every sense of justice and right. It has for its object and for effect to dis- traditions of Canadiai tical freedom and trn< courage and to st'.rle the free expression of the will of the people and to make parliamentary Against all inrlueii government a mere name without the reality." abuse of opponents, a The plea that the times are exceptional, that time friends and suppi such measures are justified during a period of presented and present war is a very specious but a very dangerous one. stands before the conn TIM: PTiOVTNT'F OF QT'EKEf 33
piples of democracy \\ar or no war the people must he extremely nactinent under the careful that they do not relinquish the least of eilect of accentua- those liberties which were won alter so much discord alreadv ex- effort and sacrifice, as the danger is that once :m. Xor was this all. they are relinquished it will be much more diffi- Act. the disenfran-- cult to regain them than it was to give them tip. Canadian electors, Canadians will in fact, show themselves unfit for ey happen in he ol political freedom if they countenance such at- :he franchise to wo- taiks upon it. In the historic words of Junius hile other Canadian " the subject who is truly loyal to the Chief Ma- L will have no vote, gistrate will neither advise nor submit to arbi- iers' vote. cspccie'lv trary measures." incn who have never SIR WILFRID LAURIER'S ATTITUDE. ping and overriding In demanding that the wishes of the Canadian c a real stake in the people should he consulted before such an unpre- s of a most arbitra- cedented measure as the Military Service Act tor, fraught with me- was put into force and in protesting, as he did, uHans. As Sir \Vil- against the other arbitrary measures. Sir \\ilfrid [•rved " such legisla- l.aurier took the only course consistent with the sense of justice and traditions of Canadian statesmanship, real poli- nd for effect to dis- tical freedom and true democracy. expressioil of the Against all influences, to the cajolery and make parliamentary abuse of opponents, and to the desertion of old rithi.ut the realitv." time friends and supporters. Sir \Yilfrid l.aurier are exceptional, that presented and presents an unruffled front, and (hiring a period of stands before the country to-day the great chain- verv dangerous one. 3-1 F.MI! I'l.A V l-'Oll THK
piou of true Canadianism and sound democracy. \Vin-the-\Yur. l!ut As one who has not always supported him 1 can be won is it necessa with all the more sincerity pay him this merited thods into Canada, tribute. Whether victorious or vanquished in country, is it nece^s the immediate future — and that he will be vic- is it necessary to e torious I sincerely trust — time and history will at Ottawa, is it ne< vindicate him as the ideals that he upholds must fundamental rights prevail in the long run. is it necessary to set CANADA AND THE WAR. to politically isolate There is not a Canadian worthy of the name-, greatest provinces i be he Knglish speaking or French speaking, who tion ? Canadians n does not desire to see the Allied cause success- What is the use o ful and Germany autocracy and despotish swept are to adopt their i away, not only for the sake of the allied coun- methods, a broader tries but for the welfare of the German people truer national policy themselves, for even Germans have to remain in and more effective i the world after the war and enjoying the fullest government been fo political freedom, which they do not do now, at the very outset oi they will add to the sum total of human happi- the cordial and ear ness. All Canadians are in favor of winning the tions of the populat war. For any one set of Canadians to arrogate diate steps been tak to themselves the title of Win-the-\Var and to tional forces, to mil use the allied flags as a shield, as the British flag country's economic 1 has been so often used in the past, is a travesty from the strain of \ of truth and justice, a proceeding so foolish that I gurated without del it is to be hoped it will deceive noboclv. Yes — eering and to see j equally on all class§| IM.AY l-'Oli THK I'KovrxCK OF QUEBEC 80
ianism and sound democracy. Win-the-War. Hut in order that the1 war may t always supported him 1 can lie \von is it necessary to introduce Prussian me- inccrity pay him this merited thods into Canada, is it necessary to ruin our victorious or vanquished in country, is it necessary to resort to compulsion, re — and that he will be vic- is it necessary to establish a political autocracy trust — time and history will at Ottawa, is it necessary to interfere with the e ideals that he upholds must fundamental rights and liberties of the people, run. is it necessary to set race against race and to seek . AND THE WAR. to politically isolate the oldest and one of the greatest provinces in the Canadian Confedera- 'anadian worthy of the name, tion ? Canadians may be permitted to doubt it. king or French speaking, who What is the use of fighting the Germans if we see the Allied cause success- are to adopt their methods? More enlightened iiitocracy and despotish swept methods, a broader vision, a more patriotic and • the sake of the allied coun- truer national policy surely would have had other relfare of the German people ;;nd more effective results. Had a real national :n Germans have to remain in government been formed, as it should have been : war and enjoying the fullest at the very outset of the war, and by that means which they do not do now, the cordial and earnest cooperation of all sec- ic sum total of human happi- tions of the population been secured, had imme- ns are in favor of winning the diate steps been taken to consolidate all the na- ; set of Canadians to arrogate tional forces, to minimize the dislocation to the title of Win-the-War and to country's economic life that was bound to follow as a shield, as the British flag from the strain of war, had measures been inau- used in the past, is a travesty gurated without delay to curb graft and profit- :e, a proceeding so foolish that eering and to sec that the burden should fall : will deceive nobodv. Yes —• equally 011 all classes and not particularly on the masses of the people and had steps been taken imperil the very e: to secure union and harmony between the two issue that faces th great races in Canada, we would have been sa- clear out. ved, in a large measure at least, the menacing There is but one conditions that now confront us. The eleventh will not be furnii hour attempt to meet the situation after the evil called Union T.ovi has been done by the formation of the so-called a victory would 01 union government is like shutting the stable after rest and discord, the horse is gone. The righteous judgment of union of politician the electors cannot be evaded by any such sub- fill intrigue and si! terfuge. influences which THE ONLY SOLUTIQN. pointed out are r1 \Yith other drastic changes the great war has voice of the peop resulted in a new political alignment in Canada, be complete niasti the results of which will be of momenteotis cha- required is a real racter. On the one side — the Canadian party — Canadians, who pi composed of men from all the old political divi- country first and sions who believe in political freedom, in the side-rations and pc rights and interests of the people, in the advance the man who to- of democracy within constitutional limits and the cause of political maintenance of Canadian autonomy : on the been made in sonn other side — the party of the reactionaries — is a French-Canadia to be found the Canadian Junkers, the supporters ter of the Doinir of special privilege and class distinctions, the up- What foolish big holders of political autocracy and the advocates not so narrow-ni of that ultra-Imperialism whose success would as to be swayed was not tht TTIK I'ltOVlN'i'E OF Ql'liBKC ol acl steps been taken imperil the very existence of Confederation. The ly between the two issue that faces the Canadian people is therefore voukl have been sa- clear out. least. the menacing There is but one certain solution. The remedy it us. The eleventh will not be furnished by a victory for the so- nation after the evil called Union Government, on the contrary such tion of the so-ealled a victory would only accentuate the existing un- .tting the stable after rest and discord. What is required is not a ;hteous judgment of union of politicians formed after so much shame- :d by any" such sub- ful intrigue and supported by the most dangerous influences which as Sir Wilfrid Laurier has LUTIQN. pointed out are now endeavoring to stiffle the •s the great war has voice of the people and who, if successful, will .lignment in Canada, be complete masters of the situation. What is of momenteous eha- required is a real union of all true and patriotic ic Canadian party — Canadians, who placing the interests of their own :he old political divi- country first and rising above all sectional con- cal freedom, in the siderations and petty prejudice will rally around eople, in the advance the man who to-day represents in Canada the jtional limits and the cause of political freedom. The statement has autonomy ; on the ken made in some quarters that never again will ie reactionaries — is a French-Canadian be tolerated as Prime Minis- nkers, the supporters ter of the Dominion. What arrant nonsense ! i distinctions, the up- What foolish bigotery ! Surely Canadians are :y and the advocates not so narrow-minded, illiberal and prejudiced vhose success would as to be swayed by such considerations. Such was not the guiding spirit of Macdonald and I
«J8 KAIIJ 1'i.AV I'oif Tin;
Cartier, and the Liberals who chose Sir Wilfrid the unity of U,e „;, Laurier to succeed Kdward P.lake gave a liner and discords, w.]]ic|, example to their fellow-countrymen. If anv dif- du'ck- ar<' "«»v tin fort: ferent spirit animates the majority of Canadians dangerous and threater. they will show themselves unfit for nationhood. economic situation u-ftl What a magnificent example they will furnish if, lessening tiu. privatn on the contrary, from the shores of Cape P>reton Would not exist in a C( to the sunlit waters of the Pacific they rally to re as ,,,„- COHntrj the man, French-Canadian if you will, but above DEMOCRACY all Canadian who for fifteen years served as head is especially ,,, of the state with the greatest honor and distinc- ion is hem- wh£ tion and who, though in his long career he may independent vote wi have made some- mistakes, has always been true e will undoubtedly de to the national ideals and consistent in his advo- e<>"nection I believe'ther cacy of concord and cooperation between the thousands who w-ill act races. What a splendid thing it will be for the who casting all other con country, if Canadians by so doing, advance the ;md re<»embering only tl cause of political freedom and democracy, and "»" of the last three "vea; drive into merited oblivion the formenters of VU(C ^-""st a set of nier racial division, and the upholders of political of what is little short of f despotism. J1* lH:o,,Ie have the The supreme issues in the pending election ™ ""d '>( they only h