What follows is both history and an exploration of how fashions in history change. The subject is Sir Louis Henry Davies, once voted the most influential Islander of all time, now largely forgotten. In 1945, on the 100th anniver- sary of Davies' birth, a rising young historian named Frank MacKinnon penned a series of feature articles on Sir Louis' life and legacy. Appearing over four issues of the Charlottetown Patriot, "The Island Knight" had to compete for attention with the accelerating collapse of Nazi Germany and public anticipation of an end to the long, bitter war in Europe. If the portrait MacKinnon paints strikes you as overly-innocent and deferential, remember that "An Island Knight" was written in a less-cynical time. A great war was coming to an end because of the courage of bold people and valiant nations. It was easier to believe in heroes then. The afterword features a short essay by historian J.M. Bumsted on some of the factors which may have contributed to the almost total eclipse of Sir Louis' once-brilliant star. Dr. Bumsted has been researching Davies for an upcoming volume of the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, and he offers some insightful thoughts on the nature of historical reputation. The Island Knight: A Sketch of the

The Honourable Mr. Justice Sir Louis Henry Davies, 1903. Rt. Hon. $ii* Louis Davies

By Frank MacKinnon

n May 4 of this year will fall the The Beginning of a Career Mr. Justice) Alley. Success came almost O one hundredth anniversary of the instantly. Davies was a brilliant and birth of the Rt. Hon. Sir Louis Henry Louis Henry Davies was born in convincing speaker and his ability com- Davies, KCMG, a great Prince Edward Charlottetown on May 4,1845, the sec- bined with a sound education to make Islander who became one of Canada's ond son of the Hon. Benjamin Davies. him one of the best lawyers of the distinguished statesmen and jurists. As The father was a prominent merchant day. His rise was so rapid that in 1869, a premier of the Island during part of who ran a general store and shipbuild- two years after being called to the bar, the most spectacular decade in its histo- ing business at Orwell, and who became he was made Solicitor General for the ry, as a colleague of Sir Wilfrid Laurier a leading member of the local legisla- Island. Four years later in 1873 he was in federal politics, and as Chief Justice ture, serving as Colonial Secretary and elected to the legislature as a member of the Supreme Court of Canada, Sir Postmaster General. During his early for Murray Harbour district at the early Louis held an honoured place in the years, young Louis developed a keen age of 28. public life of this province and of the interest in business and politics and At the time Louis Davies entered Dominion. It is appropriate that on the gained much knowledge and experience the legislature Island politics were astir occasion of this centenary his life and from close association with his father. with the excitement of pending events work should be reviewed anew, and He attended school in Charlottetown and the necessity for the settlement that the achievements of Prince Edward at the Central Academy, now Prince of the long-standing problems. The Island's greatest contribution to the of Wales College and later studied law election of 1873 was fought on the ranks of Canadian public men should in the firm of Palmer and MacLeod. terms by which the colony was to enter be recognized once more. This is the When he was 21 he went to England and Confederation; the construction of the first of a series of four articles designed studied for 14 months in the offices of Prince Edward Island Railway left the to outline the career of Sir Louis Davies, the famous Thomas Chitty, one of the treasury with an embarrassing debt; the "Island Knight" as he was affection- great legal scholars of the day. On his the time had come when the land ques- ately called by his contemporaries, and return to Charlottetown he set up in tion must be settled in order to give assess his relationship to his time. practice with his friend George (later the tenants a fair share in the Island's to sell by means of the "principle of arbi- tration combined with that of compul- sion" and which set up a commission to administer the transfers. The Act had many defects, all of which were pointed out in the legislature by Mr. Davies as Leader of the Opposition. His sug- gestions for improvements were largely ignored by the government and the Act was passed only to be refused Royal Assent by the Lt. Governor and the Governor General for the very reasons about which Davies had warned. In the following session a new Act was passed embodying the Davies recommendations and it became law. But a final obstacle had to be overcome and it was here that Mr. Davies prevented the failure of the whole scheme. One of the proprietors, Charlotte A. Sullivan, appealed from the jurisdiction of the Land Commission Sir Louis was first elected to represent the district of Murray Harbour. to the Supreme Court of the Province, which overruled the award of the Commission. The judgement negatived economic future; the separate school political calling," a term which could the proceedings and the government was issue was then becoming a matter of have aptly been applied to his own ready to give up. But Davies, who was at wide interest and the need for educa- future as a national statesman. His con- this time Solicitor to the Commissioner tional reform was generally recognized. tribution to the Confederation debates of Crown Lands, recommended that the In all these problems Davies had a keen was so effective that in the following case be taken to the newly-established interest. session, his second as a member, he Supreme Court of Canada. After much Louis Davies was introduced in became Leader of the Opposition. hesitation, the government agreed and the House during the Confederation The event which placed Davies in the the issue was laid before the highest debates of 1873. Prince Edward Island first rank of the Island statesmen of the court in the Dominion as its first case. had in 1864 been the birthplace of day was his participation in the settle- He won the case, thus ensuring the suc- Confederation, but when Canada began ment of the land question. For many cess of the Land Purchase Act, and pav- as a nation the Island remained out- years the development of the province ing the way for the final settlement of side the union because the terms which had been hindered by the absentee land- the most serious problem in Island his- had been offered to her were consid- lord system which had prevailed since tory. ered unsatisfactory. By 1872 the rail- the Island had been surveyed by Captain One of the Island's most controver- way debt had forced the government Samuel Holland in 1765, at which time it sial topics was the school question, to change its attitude. Union negotia- had been divided into 67 lots which were which dominated provincial politics tions were then carried on with the fed- given to persons who had some kind from 1874 to 1879 and which placed eral authorities and several delegations of claim on the Crown. The proprietors Louis Davies at the head of the govern- were sent to Ottawa for "better terms." as a rule did not take an active interest ment. Educational reform had been But some members of the legislature, in their holdings with the result that pending for many years and the neces- including Louis Davies opposed the their development was left largely to sity for it was accompanied by a demand "better terms" attitude and declared the tenants. As the years passed the for separate schools on the part of the that the Island should cease bargaining latter demanded that they be given the Roman Catholics of the province. They and enter wholeheartedly into the wider right to purchase in order that they believed that education and religion sphere of nationhood. In vigourous might improve the land to their own should be closely associated and that and eloquent terms the young mem- advantage. Commissions had been set religion should be taught to children ber from Murray Harbour made his up, recommendations were made to in the schools by teachers of their own legislative debut and addressed his fel- the Imperial government, and appeals faith. The Roman Catholic schools in lows from the floor of the House. "It were directed toward the owners, but Charlottetown gave an excellent secu- is high time for us to close up this hon- to no avail. The proprietors refused lar education in addition to religious ourable and straightforward bargain to sell. But when the Island entered instruction. But they did not receive between this colony and the Dominion Confederation the situation changed. support from the treasury because they of Canada, as it is best for the interests One of the terms of the union was a were not public schools. To obtain sup- of both parties to do so." A few months grant of $800,000 from the federal gov- port from public funds was the aim of later an agreement was reached and ernment to enable the province to buy the advocates of a recognized system on July 1, 1873 the Island became a out the proprietors. In 1874 the legis- of separate schools. Protestant groups province of Canada. Davies heralded lature passed the Land Purchase Act who opposed this demand declared that the spirit of the new era as a "high which was designed to force the owners religion should be taught in the home and in the churches, and feared that Both were great men whose leader- John A. Macdonald, while their Liberal separate schools would encourage the ship was one of the better features of colleagues actively campaigned for development of religious barriers among the campaign. Sullivan, in making his Alexander MacKenzie. The Davies gov- the younger generation. The issue was demands, took a reasonable and tol- ernment then disintegrated, and in formally brought before the legislature erant attitude and gave ample consid- March 1879 it was defeated in the legis- in 1874 when a resolution was moved eration to both sides of the problem. lature on a want of confidence motion. favouring denominational schools. Davies regarded the issue as an educa- In April an election was held and a new During the three sessions which fol- tional rather than a religious one and government under Mr. Sullivan was lowed both points of view were argued deplored the fact that what was in real- returned to power by the overwhelm- and re-argued, petitions from religious ity an educational question had become ing vote of 27 to three. Davies was per- groups were introduced and debated, the subject of religious friction. sonally defeated in his own constitu- and keen rivalry developed between the When the campaign was over the ency - the only time he lost an election interested factions in the House, and Liberals were returned as the new gov- in 30 years of political life. throughout the Province. A legislative ernment under the leadership of Louis Mr. Davies' career in provincial committee under the chairmanship of Davies who was only 31 years of age, politics was a great contribution to Louis Davies investigated the existing the youngest premier in Canada. When the development of the Island. In the educational system and found a "total the new house met on March 14, 1877 debates on Confederation he had illus- lack of energy and want of union and it was divided along religious rather trated those characteristics of states- earnestness." When the election of 1876 than party lines. The government was manship which marked him as a wor- drew near, the entire population of the composed of Protestant Liberals and thy of public confidence. His energy Island took sides on the issue according Conservatives, while in opposition and ability had been the motivating to religious affiliation and prepared for were Roman Catholics of both parties. force behind the final phases of the land an exciting campaign. Premier Davies found this a difficult question. His leadership in the school That election was the bitterest in and unsatisfactory house to lead, and issue brought it to a quick and decisive Island history. Political meetings were was determined to settle the school conclusion. His great powers of oratory, the scenes of spectacular encounters, issue as soon as possible so that it could political ability and personal charm had both verbal and physical, between rival return to party divisions. Accordingly marked him as one of Prince Edward groups. Party lines were ignored as a few days after the session began he Island's greatest statesmen whose suc- candidates were labelled as advocates introduced the Public School Act of 1877, cessful achievements were matched by of either separate or non-denomina- which was to set up a new Board of the promise of greater attainments in tional schools. Louis Davies led the Education and to establish the policy of the future. Liberal Protestant group in supporting non-denominational schools on which After his defeat in 1879 Mr. Davies the non-denominational system while the government had been elected. After returned to the full-time practice of William Wilfred Sullivan was the leader a bitter ten-day debate during which the law. But not for long. The federal of the separate schoolites, who were old arguments were discussed, the Act Liberals under Alexander MacKenzie Conservatives and Roman Catholic. was passed and received Royal Assent. Thus, after many months of hard fight- ing, Davies won the battle and estab- lished a system which was the basis of the Island's education for many years. It was generally recognized that he had conducted a fair and tolerant campaign and that the stress which he placed on its educational rather than its religious aspects won him respect from both sides. So well did he succeed that, two years later, his opponent Mr. Sullivan declared that: "the Catholic members, as well as all the other members of the opposi- tion, would not interfere with the non- sectarian principle of the Education Act in the slightest degree." But further difficulties lay ahead. Coalition governments are, as a rule, uncertain, particularly after the issue on which they are established is solved. When the school question was settled Davies found it difficult to hold togeth- er a government composed of Liberals and Conservatives. This was particu- larly evident when, in the federal elec- tion of 1878 the Conservative mem- Sir Louis' father Daniel was also a Louis Henry Davies, MP, 1885. bers of the coalition supported Sir successful politician. Parliament Hill c. 1898. and Edward Blake saw in the dynamic member for Queens, P.E.I, saw much that had acted as counsel for the British Islander a promising candidate for he could do and he shouldered his duties Government before the International Parliament. They invited him to run with enthusiasm and determination. Fisheries Commission of 1877. The for Queens County in the federal elec- Louis Davies was a striking addition Treaty of Washington of 1871 was soon tion of 1882. He accepted, and con- to the House. Experienced statesmen to expire, and Mr. Davies in a series of ducted a strenuous campaign. Though looked with wonder upon the tall, alert able speeches stressed the importance the Conservatives under Sir John and distinguished young man who, of opening negotiations with the United Macdonald won a sweeping victory, though only 38, had been a successful States with a view to another treaty, and Davies was personally elected in the provincial premier and had been sea- called upon the government to take county which he was destined to repre- soned by a decade of political experi- the initiative in the matter. At the same sent in the federal House for the next ence. But when he rose to speak their time he scorned the prevailing practice two decades. wonderment increased. Davies was a of entrusting Canada's international born orator, and behind his forensic business to the Imperial authourities ability were sound knowledge and effec- in London and declared that Canada The Tactician of the Laurier tive showmanship which gave force to was well able to handle her own affairs. Ministry his words. With dynamic enthusiasm He moved a resolution to this effect. he would scan the House with flashing The government's reply was that it Louis Davies entered the federal par- eyes and fill the floor and the galleries was not going "begging on our knees liament at a time when the fortunes of with the clear, pleasing tones of his to Washington and would wait for the the Liberal party were at a low ebb. It commanding voice, while the occasion- United States to act upon the knowl- had lost the two previous elections to al well-timed toss of the head or gesture edge that Canada was prepared to nego- Sir John A. Macdonald who, with his with the hands accentuated the effect tiate a new treaty." Davies picturesque- National Policy, had recaptured the pub- upon his hearers. Stallwards of both ly replied that this was "a do-nothing lic popularity after the setback of the parties lent a ready ear, and Davies was - a fly-on-the-wheel policy," and contin- Pacific Scandals. Its leadership was in soon one of the most popular speakers ued to advocate that immediate steps a state of uncertainty resulting from in Parliament. be taken to encourage reciprocity. His the conflicting influences of Alexander The first problem which Davies dealt attitude was characteristic of the free- MacKenzie and Edward Blake. Its chief with in the House of Commons con- trade attitude of the Maritimes, and problem was to renew its organization cerned trade relationships between he stressed the view that "under reci- and build itself into an effective opposi- Canada and the United States. He was procity the commerce of the Maritime tion to a powerful government. The new well-informed on such matters, for he Provinces flourished as it never flourished since; under that reciprocity that people [the Americans] that war important to the Liberals, for they knew treaty the Maritime Provinces grew between Great Britain, the motherland, that parliamentary government rests comparatively rich because they found and our neighbouring republic would in large measure upon the presence of a ready market for their produce, become an impossibility". In 1892 he a strong opposition, and that their own and because today they have not got moved the famous Liberal resolution in fortunes would depend greatly upon such a market, and because the exis- the House of Commons which called for the effectiveness of their criticism. On tence of these trade relations cement- a preferential tariff favourable to Great one occasion Davies stressed his own ed the bonds of unity, amity and good Britain. This motion, which gained for view that "criticism, based upon knowl- feeling which existed and ought to Davies the title "father of British prefer- edge, must always be welcome to the exist between this country and our ence," was the background of many of better element of the government of great neighbour to the south." Though the future policies of the Liberal party. the day." He kept closely in touch with the government's policy prevailed, Mr. At Laurier's request he made a trip to public opinion and made careful stud- Davies continued to advocate his views Washington to confer with the American ies of national problems in order that both in the House and on public plat- Secretary of State and ascertain the pos- he might fully understand government forms throughout the country. sibility of closer relations between the policy. Then when he had gained suf- In the session of 1884 he brought two countries. At the Liberal convention ficient information, he unleashed a tor- before Parliament two matters which con- of 1893 he moved the resolution calling rent of criticism against the weaknesses cerned claims of Prince Edward Island for a "fair and liberal reciprocity treaty" and omissions of his opponent's activi- respecting fishing rights in Island waters. which, when unanimously adopted by ties. He would then follow up with a The first of these involved a portion of the Convention, became one of the lead- comprehensive account of the policy of the money which had been awarded to ing planks in the party platform in the his own party with respect to the top- Canada by the International Fisheries election of 1896. ics concerned. He had uncanny pow- Commission. The Island felt it had a right What was probably Davies' most ers of critical analysis and was able to to part of this money in view of its par- distinguished service to his party dur- attack or present an argument with a ticipation in the fisheries negotiations ing its long years in opposition was clear knowledge of the details and of before it became a province of Canada. his unceasing but constructive criti- the background behind it. But he was Though Mr. Davies presented an able cism of Conservative policies. This was always fair in his criticism and would argument, this claim was refused in view of the absence of provisions for it in the terms by which the Island entered Confederation. The second claim involved the demand by certain fishing interests on the Island for compensation from the federal government in view of the fact that their rights had not been pressed before the International Fisheries Commission. With this matter Davies was successful, and Parliament voted the necessary sum. ».**» sjHBB^ w Having established his reputation as an authourity on international ques- tions, Mr. Davies continued to speak for the Opposition on matters of trade policy. As the years passed his "reci- procity" was replaced by "free trade" and in 1888 he declared that "We ten- der the people a flag upon which we are not ashamed, a flag upon which is inscribed 'Unrestricted Free Trade with the United States'." With his policy toward the United States he allied one of loyalty to Great Britain. Time and again he expressed the view that friend- ship with the former did not mean any weakening of the ties that bound the Dominion with the mother country. In fact he considered that by maintaining a close association with both, Canada was helping to foster cooperation between them. On one occasion he said, "Can you doubt that the greatest good any man can confer upon Canada will be to cultivate such friendly relations with Commons Chamber, Parliament Buildings, 1880. not take mean advantage over an oppo- nent. It is little wonder, then, that Laurier DOMINION CABINET, 1899. called him a "Rupert in debate."* So suc- cessful was he with such tactics that, in Parliament and on the hustings, he was one of the most effective and popular politicians of the day. While the North West Rebellion, the Manitoba School question and the Jesuit Estates issue were subjects of bitter con- troversy, Davies was able to play an active and authoritative part, and give much expert advice to his leader, Mr. Laurier, in view of his experience with a similar situ- liiiHiiiiPiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ation, the Prince Edward Island school lllllllllftiiiiiliiiiillllliiiillllll question. He specialized in legislative bouts with the stallward of the Maritime Conservatives, Sir Charles Tupper, and the many exchanges between them were fiery and spectacular. As a member of the committee of inquiry which investigated the scan- dals in the Department of Public Works in 1891, he played no small part in weakening the position of the govern- ment. In almost every important debate from 1883 to 1896 the Liberal cause was materially advanced by effective participation on the part of Mr. Davies. In party administration he performed excellent service when Edward Blake resigned as Liberal leader in 1887. Davies was made a member of the advisory committee which was estab- lished to administer the party until a new leader could be chosen. In 1893 he was elected president of the Maritime Liberal Association, and as such he bore much of the burden of party orga- nization in the East. His personal pop- ularity as a speaker was so widely known that he was continuously called upon to address conventions and ral- lies throughout the country to explain

Liberal policies, to support his col- i\>#lm»st*sr Oii«*srat» leagues in local elections, or to win over some Conservative district. In the federal election of 1896 he campaigned Prime Minister Laurier assembled quite a distinguished cabinet to lead the country in the Maritimes from end to end and into "Canada's century/' played a large part in the return of the Liberals to power. When Sir Wilfrid Laurier formed considered it an honour to serve under government can be honestly adminis- his first cabinet Mr. Davies was appoint- Laurier, for whom he had a high regard, tered by politicians as their own busi- ed Minister of Marine and Fisheries. and a great duty to serve Canada at a ness can be carried on by private peo- The appointment was well deserved time when there were many problems ple; if we have done nothing more than and received with much favour by his to settle. Of the new cabinet he said: this we have done much for Canada." home province. For his part, Davies "While we may not be brilliant men, we On assuming his portfolio on July 11, claim to be honest business men and in 1896, Mr. Davies immediately immersed each and all of the departments under himself in his duties. The ensuing our control we claim that if we have few months he spend re-organizing 'The brilliant chief, irregularly great, Frank, haughty, rash, - The Rupert of debate!" done nothing more than to prove to the his department, remedying some com- EG Bulwer-Lytton, on Edward Stanley, Lord Derby people that corruption has no neces- plaints which had been made concern- sary connection with government, that ing its administration. In the following winter he made a successful tour of ed out that "allegiance to the mother was the result of many years of faithful the western provinces at the Prime country is not inconsistent with a reci- public service on his part was hailed Minister's request and familiarized him- procity treaty with the United States, is with much pleasure by his friends self with its problems and future pos- not inconsistent with freer trade with in Canada, particularly the people of sibilities. The "tactician of the Laurier the mother country." One of his state- Prince Edward Island. Ministry," as he was termed by one of ments in the House of Commons in the Ottawa newspapers of the day, he this connection is a significant one in gave valuable assistance to his leader in view of the cordial relations of the two Diplomat and Judge planning government policy and strat- great English-speaking countries in the egy for the coming legislative session. present war: "As for Canada, we have International negotiations between When the new Parliament assem- our own difficulties to meet, and we Canada and the United States were bled many outstanding questions came propose to solve them and meet them among the important events of the clos- before it for consideration. The first of as part of the Empire, and under the ing years of the 19th century. At the time these was the Manitoba School question protection of the Empire's flag. Now, there was considerable strain between which was finally settled through the Sir, Canada can assist Great Britain the two countries with respect to difficul- courage and ability of Laurier. Davies in two ways. We can assist her with ties arising from the Alaskan boundary, was particularly interested in this issue means and with money, but above all we the Bering Sea sealing, coastal fisheries in view of his experience on Prince can assist her in the cultivation of the and other problems of similar nature. Edward Island. Again he made known kindliest feelings between us and the The chief diplomat of the Canadian his attitude to religious controversy in great republic laying to the south of us. Cabinet next to the Prime Minister was politics and stressed the importance of An alliance between Great Britain and Sir Louis Davies, who acted on behalf of regarding the question from the stand- the United States would be the guaran- the Dominion in nearly all the proceed- point of education rather than of reli- tee of the world's peace: no nation and ings. Sir Louis made several trips to gion. He stated that it should be settled, no combination of nations is strong the United States capital to discuss the as was the Island issue, "by a knowl- enough to withstand a union between issues with the President, the British edge that there should be no distinc- the greatest empire in the world and Ambassador and officials of the State tion between ban and man." the greatest republic in the world." Department. In the establishment of During the consideration of the tariff When the government announced the International Joint Commission of Davies, who was frequently referred to the adoption of the British preference, 1898 he did most of the preparatory as the "apostle of reciprocity" took an Mr. Davies went to England to explain work on Canada's behalf, and acted as important part. Free Trade with Great Canada's policy to the British govern- one of the Commissioners. After the Britain and the United States had been ment. That was in 1897 and he remained proceedings of the tribunal had ended a leading plank in the Liberal platform, to attend Queen Victoria's diamond without success, he made another voy- and one of the first actions of the new jubilee and to receive from Her Majesty age to London to explain Canada's posi- government was to take steps to put its the honour of knighthood as a Knight tion to the British government and policy into effect. In explaining the dual Commander of the Order of St. Michael attempt further settlement. The energy nature of this policy, Mr. Davies point- and St. George. This recognition, which which Sir Louis put into his work con- tributed much to the negotiations; his knowledge of the questions involved and his diplomatic skill helped in large measure to encourage what cooper- ation there was during the proceed- ings of the Commission. His dignity and charm gave him ready access to Washington and London and made him one of Canada's best known and most respected statesmen in the internation- al politics of the day. Sir Louis was a great imperialist. His respe

10 "He was ever devotedly fond of his native province, his little Island at the gate of the St. Lawrence. It was the scene of all his early and many of his later triumphs. He never ceased, up to the end, to spend his summers at his lovely home in Charlottetown where he received and welcomed his old friends and smoked a pipe with his old cronies. It is a matter of gratification to know that his love for his old home was just as cordially reciprocated by the people of the Island. They were proud of their admittedly most distinguished son." As Chief Justice, Sir Louis was also Deputy Governor General of Canada under the Duke of Devonshire and Lord Byng of Vimy. As such he was a brilliant success, so much so that, in some circles the demand arose that he himself be appointed as the first Canadian Governor General. In 1919 he was made a member of His Majesty's Privy Council, thus receiving the high- Supreme Court of Canada c.1881. est honour bestowed by the King on per- sons living outside the United Kingdom. Sir Louis Davies died on May 1,1924 to review the law. With respect to con- ago by an outstanding authority, Mr. at the age of 79. The state funeral in stitutional law he was a firm believer E.R. Cameron, then Registrar of the Ottawa, the many tributes paid to his in safeguarding provincial rights under Supreme Court: "He filled the office of memory and the widespread sense of the British North America Act. But he Chief Justice with dignity. No stranger loss at his passing were appropriate never allowed his provincial loyalty to could enter the courtroom and watch testimony of the respect and esteem influence unduly his decisions as to the proceedings without noting his in which he was held by the Canadian the law. An example of his indepen- bright eyes, the regular features so people. As the Rt. Hon. Arthur Meighan dence in this respect was the judge- full of lively intelligence, and being said on the occasion: "A career rich in ment of the Supreme Court, laid down impressed with the thought, here is a service, accomplishment and honour in 1903, which reduced Prince Edward refined and cultured gentleman." has been closed and Canada has lost Island's representation in the House of 'To the bar he was invariably patient an outstanding citizen." Commons from six members to four, and courteous. During the more than a judgement in which Sir Louis con- 20 years he sat in court, I recall no curred despite his interest in the ques- occasion when he disclosed a ruffled Partner in History tion as an ex-MP for the Island. temper or failed in observing the deco- Sir Louis wrote many fine judgements rum and urbanity of manner which one Sir Louis Henry Davies' influence which have contributed much to jurispru- is to expect of the president of a court throughout the years has marked him as dence. In one case, Chappell vs the King, of justice and particularly the highest one of the great men of his time. As his which reached the Judicial Committee court in the land." close friend Mr. Frederick Nash wrote of the Privy Council, he was commended "There may have been greater judg- on one occasion: "To attempt to even by that body on glowing terms: "The es and more profound jurists on the briefly trace the remarkable career of judgement of Davies appears to their bench, but whatever his views on the this gifted Prince Edward Islander would Lordships to deal with the subject in law or facts might be he never failed to be almost to write a considerable por- a manner which leaves nothing to be express them with the utmost lucidity. tion of a history of our province and also desired. It is concise, clear and con- He was a most conscientious, painstak- that of Canada." vincing. Their Lordships are unable to ing and industrious judge. He had a few It is almost impossible to overem- add anything to it in the way of argu- prejudices and weaknesses. He was phasize Sir Louis' service for Prince ment. They will therefore content them- proud of the honours and dignities of Edward Island. At all times during his selves with adopting it without quali- which so many were conferred upon long career he maintained a great love fication." Sir Louis received wide con- him. This was not vanity. It was the for the province which gave him birth gratulation for this recognition, for the profound loyalty and devotion which and which kept him in political life for Judicial Committee did not make it a he bore to his Sovereign that made three decades. Moreover, this feeling practice to indulge in such praise. him value so highly his knighthood worked both ways, for Sir Louis was In order to give a picture of Sir Louis and, finally the crowning glory of being always held in the highest esteem and on the bench, we quote from an article a member of His Majesty's Imperial respect by the Islanders who hailed him in the Canadian Bar Review of 20 years Council." as their most distinguished son. Shortly

11 It may be said that Sir Louis was one of Canada's first great diplomats. As an expert in international affairs, particularly in trade and boundary mat- ters, he was a valuable representative of the government during one of the many intricate negotiations between Ottawa, Washington and London. His friendship for the United States contrib- uted in no small measure to the mutual understanding which was developing on both sides of the border. As an expo- nent of Empire solidarity and loyalty to the crown he was one of Her Majesty's most distinguished servants of state. During his term as minister he was a familiar figure at the international coun- cil board and one of the most popular Canadians in the capitals of England and the United States. He was, there- fore, not merely a provincial and nation- al statesman, but also a world figure. "He spent his summers at his home "Riverside" on the beautiful Charlottetown To his profession Davies devoted waterfront, and he there welcomed all those who wished to see him on personal or much of his talent and energy. As a public business." lawyer he scored a phenomenal suc- cess from the time he first started prac- tice in Charlottetown. His persuasive- after he was appointed to the Supreme Sir Louis was associated in one way ness, particularly with a jury, was wide- Court of Canada the Guardian held a or another with every public question ly known, and it was not long before voting competition to determine who, in concerning his home province. As one he had built up one of the most lucra- public opinion, was the greatest man the of his prominent contemporaries, Hon. tive practices in the Maritimes. A jury- province had produced. Sir Louis won A.B. Warburton, once said: "It is not too man at the time wrote of him after his handsomely, and so far his position has much to say that from the time he was death: "If two men had a falling out one never been challenged. Furthermore, admitted to the bar here, in 1868, until was sure to say, 'By gad. I'll fix you. Ill the great heights to which he rose never his appointment to the bench of the get Lou Davies.' He was a great jury weakened his affection for his old home, Supreme Court of Canada, the story lawyer and could make the average but rather enhanced his pride in being of his life was the history of Prince jury man cry." an Islander, and in being able, through Edward Island." The career of Sir Louis Davies as his own achievements, to bring honour But Davies did not over stress this viewed in retrospect is the remarkable to its name. provincial loyalty. When he participated story of a brilliant man in a great era. As federal member for Queens in federal affairs he was capable of a It is a source of pride to Prince Edward County Sir Louis was one of the strong broad outlook which included interests Islanders who, on this, the centenary links between Charlottetown and of every kind within its scope - provincial of his birth, look back on their history Ottawa. Though continually occupied and interprovincial, national and interna- and pay tribute to the memory of their with important national problems, he tional. In the House of Commons he was most distinguished statesmen. From always gave a large share of his time regarded as one of its most informed the Murray Harbour seat to the Chief and energy to his constituents and was members, and one of the best qualified Justice's chambers he contributed in never too busy to visit them frequently to rise in his place and give an extempo- large measure to the political and legal and do what he could for them. He spent raneous address on any topic. He was events of his day, and throughout his his summers at his home "Riverside" a member of Parliament in the broad long life he gave himself wholeheart- on the beautiful Charlottetown water- sense, that is, he performed his duties as edly and unsparingly to the service of front, and he there welcomed all those one elected to assist in the nation's gov- his people. The passage of time has who wished to see him on personal or ernment, rather than as a provincial rep- somewhat dimmed the memory of his public business. He made it a practice resentative chosen to act on the instruc- achievements, but his influence still to visit his constituency frequently and tions of local interests. Sir Wilfrid Laurier lives as part of the progress in his maintain close contact with his people. valued him as a colleague, and referred home province and in the public life of The result of this association was a firm to him as "a brave of the brave, a man Canada. hold on the loyalty of Queens County, who is ready whenever the call of duty and his influence was such that, for comes." The result was that he was Note: many years after his retirement, his regarded as one of those great figures The preceeding article was edited slightly party had relatively little difficulty in who could successfully combine the for space. keeping his former seat. roles of provincial leader and national It can be said that from 1872 to 1902 statesman.

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