it Koyjil.
University of California
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1929
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THE LIFE OF
LORD STRATHCONA AND
MOUNT ROYAL
IN
TWO VOLUMES
VOLUME II
THE LIFE OF
LORD STRATHCONA
AND
MOUNT ROYAL
G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O.
BY BECKLES WILLSON
AUTHOR OK "THE GREAT FUR COMPANY*'
"THE LIFE AND LETTERS OF JAMES WOLFE," ETC.
VOLUME II
BOSTON AND NEW YORK
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY
Rtoetjjitie pre£<s Cambridge
;
COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY BECKLKS WILLSON
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Published December tqts
\ 0
Let not the seethe of this rude, hasting hour,
And the mad moment's futile, petty span
Thrust into dull Oblivion's vasty black
All memory of this man
Who ever stood for Empire's widening dream,
Whose whole strong, failure-conquering life
Was one rebuke, forever calling men
From coward despair, effeminate doubts and fears
To those firm highways of the great ones gone.
WILFRED CAMPBELL.
Contents
XVI. THE WINTERING PARTNERS. 1874-1889 i
XVII. THE ST. PAUL & PACIFIC RAILWAY. 1873-1878 . 45
XVIII. THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY SYNDICATE. 1880-
1886 . . . . ^ 91
XIX. THE MANITOBA SCHOOLS QUESTION. 1886-1896 . 134
XX. GOVERNOR OF THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY. 1889-
1914 180
XXI. THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP. 1896-1897 . .213
XXII. THE ANNUS MIRABILIS. 1897 250
XXIII. THE EMIGRATION MOVEMENT. 1896-1914 . . . 279
XXIV. "STRATHCONA'S HORSE." 1898-1900 .... 316
XXV. THE GROWING TIME. 1900-1909 . . . . . 372
XXVI. THE CLOSING DAYS. 1910-1914 422
XXVII. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS . . . . . .467
APPENDIX . .- -. 503
INDEX 5°5
Illustrations
JAMES J. HILL Photogravure Frontispiece
THE LEADING WINTERING PARTNERS OF THE HUDSON'S BAY
COMPANY, 1871-78 12
LORD MOUNT STEPHEN 60
From the painting by Frank Holl, A.R.A.
HON. DONALD A. SMITH DRIVING THE GOLDEN SPIKE ON THE
CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1885 . . .122
MOUNT SIR DONALD IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS . . .132
MARGARET CHARLOTTE, THE PRESENT LADY STRATHCONA,
DAUGHTER OF LORD STRATHCONA 148
From a photograph taken about 1885
SIR WILFRID LAURIER, G.C.M.G 174
SIR DONALD A. SMITH, G.C.M.G., 1896 . . . ' . . 232
The Life of
Lord Strathcona and
Mount Royal
CHAPTER XVI
THE WINTERING PARTNERS
1874-1889
REFLECTING upon the achievements of what
might almost be called the apostolic succession of
the fur-trade, one is inclined to agree with the dic-
tum that throughout the British Empire Provi-
dence raises up men of a special breed to carry on
great and special work. In the North-West and
Hudson's Bay Company's services, like that of the
East India Company (on a larger scale), for some
two centuries men were needed able to acquire the
habit of command and to develop responsibility.
Their characters were formed amidst constant
familiarity with danger, and they had to face, as
one of them has said, "the occasional, and some-
times frequent, necessity, perhaps under even des-
perate circumstances, of rapid exercise of tact
and sound judgment in coming to a safe conclusion
when life and property were often staked on an
immediate decision."
Lord Strathcona
Although Mr. Smith resigned as Chief Com-
missioner of the Company's fur-trade, as we have
just seen, in 1874, to become Land Commissioner,
yet he never ceased to take a deep personal interest
in the service in which he had then spent thirty-six
years of his life. The Company had changed, its
political principles of trade had altered almost
beyond recognition; but the little loyal, far-flung
legion of fur- traders, of the lineage of the old, still
remained. Amongst themselves practical unity was
well-nigh impossible; it became more and more,
therefore, the policy of the London Board through
their instrument (usually, as I have before re-
marked, one who knew nothing about the fur-
trade), to keep them sundered. Reasons of senti-
ment, rather than of commercial profit, kept
Donald A. Smith in their ranks, or rather, in the
van. More and more, no matter who happened to
be in power, they looked to him for leadership. His
commercial and industrial interests grew; had he
consulted these alone he would, as he said himself,
have "bade farewell to the fur- trade." But he
would as soon have severed his right arm as cut
himself off from the old Company of Adventurers
of the North. He had resigned barely six months
when we find him writing: —
To Chief Factor Archibald McDonald
January, 1875.
Without strict economy in every part of the business
and retrenchment in outfits, officers, men and posts,
in every item to the lowest possible degree, divi-
2
Strict Economy enjoined
dends cannot be expected. Indents1 beyond what
the resources of the district can produce must be
checked.
It is the wisest and most prudent policy to reduce
the outfits to the real requirements of the trade and
cut off all unnecessary luxuries and useless trash that
are of no beneficial use for men or Indians, but in-
creasing the discontent and diversion to buy and
impoverish themselves for what they do not really
require, and which conduce in no wise to increase their
comfort, content, or happiness; every additional un-
necessary item added to the outfit increases the amount
of cost price. The difficulty of freighting in such large
bulky outfits, as well as the very heavy cost of freight,
must always be borne in mind.
Amongst the letters of the officers to one another
there are many tributes to Mr. Smith. One from
a veteran who had known him over thirty years
I cannot forbear quoting: —
Inspecting Chief Factor Hamilton to Chief Factor
MacFarlane
CARLTON HOUSE, nth August, 1875.
On reaching Carlton from the Grand Rapids, I was
not a little disappointed to find that Council had been
held and the new Chief Commissioner off to Red River.
I presume, however, that he had reasons of his own for
being so precipitate, and under existing circumstances
I don't think he cared much to meet with his Inspect-
ing Factor, who might perhaps have told him some
truths that he would not care to have recorded on his
tombstone when he goes hence.
1 Orders for merchandise.
Lord Strathcona
When under the command of Mr. Smith, I knew
precisely what duties I had to perform, and my author-
ity was well and clearly defined, so that every gentle-
man in that section of territory committed to my super-
vision was aware that with me and through me only
could any business be transacted.
I had heard so much of Mr. G , during his
reign at Norway House, that I was fearful I would not
be able to serve under him either with comfort to
myself or benefit to the Company, but determined to
make a fair trial and see how matters would get on.
The trial has now been made, and has proved so unsat-
isfactory that I have made up my mind to leave the
old service in which I have spent upwards of thirty
years of my life, and have requested permission to
retire next first of June.
For the large dividends we have already received
since reorganization, we have to thank a man of a very
different stamp from Mr. G . I knew at the
time that we sustained a great loss when Mr. Smith
resigned his position as Chief Commissioner of the old
Company we have all served in from boyhood, but I
did not think that we should feel the effect so soon.
Mr. Smith was a gentleman in every sense of the word,
respected by his friends and feared by his opponents;
for he has wonderful talents.
I am one of those who believe that a man can be
thoroughly strict in all business matters and still hold
the respect and esteem of those with whom he is thrown
in contact.
To Mr. Smith the officers were wont to express
their opinions with great freedom.
An Officer's Pessimism
From Chief Factor W. McMurray
ISLE A LA CROSSE, 5th May, 1875.
You like myself have doubtless heard the opinion
expressed that the Canadian Government, as far at'
least as the North- West Territories are concerned, is
a failure. What benefit, protection, or aid do we poor
devils in these parts derive from being subjects of the
Dominion? If this country had belonged to the Stars
and Stripes since 1870, we would not find ourselves
to-day in the position we are. As it is, our isolation is
only a mild form of banishment.
With regard to the last year's promotions, it does
certainly look as if those who have "to bear the heat
and burden of the day" are overlooked, and only those
at headquarters and prominent places brought on. In
saying this I do not for a moment wish to apply the
remark to myself. I have got my Chief Factorship,
and never expected or aspired to a higher grade in the
service. It was not likely that their Honours would
give an Inspecting Chief Factorship to one who, from
the first, never failed, when he had a chance of doing
so, of advocating the rights of the officers in the coun-
try and of stating his opinions, crude as they may have
been, in a plain, straightforward manner.
We get an occasional glimpse of what the diffi-
culties of transport were in the "seventies" before
the advent of the railways.
From Chief Trader W. Clark
CARLTON, 1875.
The Chief Commissioner, his son, Mr. Archibald
McDonald, and Mr. R. Campbell, arrived here on
5
Lord Strathcona
Friday the ninth day from Fort Garry. The roads
beyond Fort Ellice were fearfully bad, one continued
swamp, and flies were in millions by the way. Their
second and third day, they passed bands of freighters,
who had been already a month on the way with their
loaded teams, and will be a month more before they
will reach this far.
Steam navigation of the rivers, which had been
introduced during Mr. Smith's regime, offered many
difficulties.
From Chief Factor Alexander Matheson
PAS, CUMBERLAND DISTRICT,
nth January, 1875.
I have sent you, officially, the whole history of the
new river steamer. She came back from Carlton all
safe, though experiencing much more difficulty coming
downstream than in going up. It is a delicate task to
steer a huge leviathan like the Northcote in stony,
crooked rapids; and it is the opinion of those pretend-
ing to have any knowledge of the subject that there
can't be certainty of final success until some boulders
or other obstacles in the Nepowin and Coal Falls
Rapids are removed. The steamer is now in winter
quarters at Grand Rapids with the captain watching
her, and putting up buildings for warehouse purposes
at each end of the portage.
Nothing came of either of the proposals touched
upon in the following letter: —
North-West Territories
Chief Factor Hamilton to Chief Factor MacFarlane
CARLTON, July, 1875. '
There is a report current that our old governor, Mr.
Smith, is to be appointed first Lieu tenant-Governor
of the North-West Territories, but I am not prepared
to say how much truth there may be in the rumour.
One thing I do believe and that is that the Dominion
Government would be very glad to get hold of Mr.
Smith and I am inclined to think that the position has
already been offered to him.
You are, I presume, aware that the Dominion Gov-
ernment have expressed a desire to get possession of
the one-twentieth of the land which the Company are
to receive in the fertile belt and it is generally supposed
that the Premier, Mr. Mackenzie, is now at home on
that business.
If the Company do come to terms with the Dominion
Government, I think it not at all unlikely Mr. Smith
will accept the Lieutenant-Governorship of the North-
West, but if not, he may retain his position as the
Company's land representative.
From Chief Factor A B
EDMONTON, 24th December, 1875.
The trouble and expense we have incurred of late
years in introducing steam on the Saskatchewan. I
wrote you in September, 1874, of the successful trip
made by the Northcote. I exulted in the idea that all
our trouble was at an end, and that we were on the eve
of seeing our business placed on a sure basis. But what
benefit have we derived from all our work and great
expenditure? It makes me fairly mad when I think
7
Lord Strathcona
that, through the blundering stupidity of one man,
the work of several years should have been rendered
fruitless. Mr. G has managed, or rather I
should say has grossly mismanaged, our business dur-
ing the past season, and the Northcote, on her return
from Edmonton to the Grand Rapids, had to lie at
that place from the 5th August to the 4th September,
waiting cargo from Red River. The consequence was
that the Northcote could only make one trip to Carlton
and is now passing the winter in the vicinity of that
post. When a thorough mess of our steamboat busi-
ness had been made, Mr. G gave orders for
sending the western outfits across land by way of
Carlton, and four hundred carts had to be at once
engaged for that purpose, which cost the Company a
pretty sum. This, however, is but one item of the
expense and loss which the trade must sustain. For in-
stance, the residue of the outfit for the post of Edmon-
ton will cost a big amount for freight up from Carlton
at this season, as men cannot be induced to travel
under double the usual freight price.
Mr. Hardisty had an examination made last summer
of the country lying between here and the elbow of
the Athabasca River, when, I am happy to say, an
excellent route for a cart road was discovered.
When I left Slave Lake, Mr. Young was on the
point of starting for the Peace River for the purpose
of searching for a cart route through that section.
Mr. Smith himself could sympathize with the
laudator temporis acti spirit amongst the older
adventurers.
8
Former Trading recalled
From Chief Factor Robert Campbell
FORT GARRY, 7th March, 1876.
I do not at all concur with 's opinion that the
Company (in our time) have underpaid the Indians
and that a curse is now falling on the Company. The
Indians will never be so well off, comfortable, or happy,
as when under the Company's care and trading alone.
There never will be again such men and Indians for
vigour, ability, and ready obedience for every duty,
service, and instruction in Mackenzie River and
Athabasca as they were before the introduction of
such trash among them, and the men [servants] all
saved their hard earnings for the future rainy days.
It was a treat to see men work on the passage in
those days. All strong, healthy, and active, and at
camping or meal times, not a tea-kettle was seen on
the fire but the " Master's." They were happier, more
contented, and healthy with their one or two pounds
of tea per annum than now if they had a whole chest
of tea each.
A new grade — that of "Inspecting Chief Fac-
tor"— had been introduced: —
From Chief Factor W. McMurray l
ISLE A LA CROSSE, 3d April, 1876.
You will be surprised to learn that I have not yet
signed the covenant and am therefore not virtually an
Inspecting Chief Factor. I wrote the Chief Commis-
1 Mr. McMurray was famous for his facility in the Saulteau and
Chipewyan languages. He was also an excellent shot and among
the most experienced winter travellers of his time.
9
Lord Strathcona
sioner, both officially and under private cover, thank-
ing him and the Honourable Board for their proof of
their confidence in me, but at the same time informed
the Chief Commissioner that I would sign the cove-
nant only after I had met him at Carlton, and received
from him the proper explanations regarding several
matters connected with the position of Inspecting
Chief Factor.
You who know me are aware that I am not an arro-
gant or dictatorial person, nor one likely to make an
abuse of any little power that may be given me; on
the other hand, you will, I think, admit that I have
enough of self-esteem and manly pride (not vanity)
not to allow myself to be placed in a false position. The
position of Inspecting Chief Factor may, by some, be
considered a great honour, but for me, it never had, and
never will have, any attraction, unless the grade gives
me some discretionary powers, and thereby enables
me to do some good.
There is a touch of pathos in the following: —
From Chief Factor Robert Hamilton
CARLTON, 29th May, 1876.
A very few days more and my connection with the
concern in which the greatest part of my life has been
spent will have ceased, but believe me, that whatever
my lot may be in future, I shall always feel a deep
interest in the Company in which I have spent so
many happy days, and in which I leave behind so
many esteemed and valued friends. Between you and
me there has been no cloud during a friendship of over
thirty years.
10
Fur-Traders' Letters
It is pleasant to add that this officer was per-
suaded to remain for a few seasons longer in the
service.
To Chief Factor William Charles
23d August, 1876.
The following is the result of the Company's sale in
London the other day. Do not let the foxes slip from
you and I would give your outposts instructions to
that effect, especially at Eraser's Lake and Babines.
Sale, August, 1876, as compared with the sale for
Outfit, 1875: —
Beavers decli
Musquash
Marten
Mink
And Otter advar
Silver Foxes
Foxes Cross '
. 15
. 25
ced
. 5O
. 25
Bear and Lynx remained unchanged and I presume
those other furs not mentioned.
From K. McDonald
RAMPART HOUSE, loth January, 1877.
In my last letter to you I said that I hoped to be
able to^tell you more about the American fur-traders
on the Yukon when I next wrote you. Instead of
abandoning the Yukon, they seem determined to carry
on the trade more vigorously than ever. Mr. McQuestin
and McNiff are still at Fort Yukon and Mayo is at
the post up the river occupied by McQuestin two
years ago. They have a better supply of goods than
ever and have raised the prices of furs; e.g., 15 M.B.1
1 Made (i.e., dressed) beaver.
II
Lord Strathcona
for a black fox, 10 for a cross fox, 3 for a marten, and
2 for a beaver. A great deal is given away gratis to the
Indians. To the chiefs 100 M.B. is given gratis, and
in addition, tea, flour, ammunition, and tobacco.
McQuestin had runners among some of the Indians
before the snow fell and he himself was out amongst
them in the month of November, but the Indians
proved staunch to the Hudson's Bay Company and
traded none of their furs with him.
The wintering partners came slowly, but surely,
to realize that they had been for a second time used
as a cat's-paw for what the writer of the next letter
calls a "crowd of grasping, howling shareholders."
But what could they do? One of the ablest of the
Chief Factors, Roderick MacFarlane, had come
boldly forward with a plan for an equal division of
profits with the London capitalists. Alas, it was
too late! Besides, still reasoned many of the veter-
ans, what was the good of lands — even in such
a centre as Winnipeg? The opinion of such a vet-
eran as Chief Factor W. L. Christie is illuminat-
ing:—
From Chief Factor Christie
FORT GARRY,, I3th January, 1877.
The wintering partners have actually had no power
since 1872. These lands are wonderful things on paper,
I dare say; but I know that the most valuable part of
the Fort Garry reserve has been a loss so far, eating
itself up with taxes. There is a dead set against the
Hudson's Bay Company and they will eventually be
taxed out of the country. What do you think of the
12
THE LEADING WINTERING PARTNERS OF THE
HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY, i87I-78
Company's Profits dwindle
assessment of Fort Garry trade goods only being
placed at $350,000. They place our inventories at
what value they choose and we have no appeal. The
Hudson's Bay Company cannot gain a case in the
courts here because the Chief Justice is against them ;
the result is we support the corporation with our taxes.
We are the only moneyed institution to-day and con-
sequently the only ones who pay.
I look now for no future in this service. It is too
overburdened with capital, and profits seem to be on
the decrease from opposition and other causes. An
increase of the capital of the Company is under consid-
eration. This looks rather bad, for the same profits
will have only to be divided between a greater number
and consequently less per cent for each. Of course this
only affects the shareholders, but must eventually
make itself felt on the whole business. Expenditures
are increasing enormously, and these steamers are
enough to sink any concern. Added to this the small-
pox now raging around Lake Winnipeg, among the
Indians and Icelanders, will prevent whatever furs are
collected in that quarter from being shipped next
season. Then the Labrador ship with full cargo has
been wrecked and all hands lost, save one sailor. These
adversities are all telling on the profits. I probably
take a rather gloomy view of it all; still there is no
doubt that the old machine is getting a little unhinged.
Of course, a company trading for two hundred years
and making profits and paying its shareholders regu-
larly a good interest cannot be thrown out of gear for
some time; but gradually symptoms of decay show
themselves, which eventually disorganize the whole
body.
Lord Strathcona
There certainly was a crisis in the fur-trade and
some of the leading officers again threatened to band
themselves together to fight the London Company.
From the Honourable D. A . Smith, M.P.
FORT GARRY, 2ist September, 1877.
Try and reduce your expenses, follow up an econom-
ical system of trade, and do not buy furs in Athabasca
at a higher price than they are realizing in England,
or any market in Europe. The price of furs is still fall-
ing at home, but I have great hopes that they will rise
soon. I expect to be in London to the November meet-
ing of the shareholders and will do all I can for my
friends in the North. I intend to have a talk and ex-
plain matters to the directors.
From Chief Factor William Charles
VICTORIA, B.C., 3ist October, 1877.
I have just heard of the result of the Company's
last sales in August. What are we coming to? I do not
think the fur-trade can ever go back to what it was a
few years since. We cannot go on receiving nothing
for our pay year after year. Unless matters mend, it
would be as well for us to be either placed on the
retired list or leave at once.
I have such a load of responsibility. However, the
old can die, which will make room for those that re-
main.
The best paying branch of our business over here is
the steamer Enterprise, plying between Victoria and
New Westminster. She has been clearing for some
14
He again intervenes
years back, about £20,000 per annum. The trade is
increasing and another boat is required to retain the
trade and do the business. Hence a difficulty between
us here and the London people, who do not wish to
augment their capital. On the other hand, if we don't
do something to help ourselves, others will. The public
are clamouring for a better boat for winter especially,
and so the matter stands. There is every possibility
that the Cariboo country will come rightside-up in her
quartz-crushing developments, several of them turn-
ing out very rich lately. Our Factor, Mr. Ross, writes:
"The quartz here reports rich from $12.75 to $9° Per
ton. We may expect lively times here as soon as crush-
ing machinery goes to work, owing to the people here
being so scarce of cash. It will I think take all next
summer to get the first mill to work. Quartz is all the
talk here. Harper, the Government expert, says we
have the richest country in the world here. We must
wait a while to see."
Mr. Smith himself continued little satisfied but
unable to achieve much for his late colleagues: —
To Chief Factor Rankin
MONTREAL, 2d January, 1878.
I go to England next week, and while there will
likely see the members of the Board, who I have no
doubt, having the interests of the shareholders and
officers at heart, will consent to make such arrange-
ments as will place the business on a more satisfactory
footing in respect of emoluments than it has been since
Outfit 1874.
Lord Strathcona
From Chief Factor Alexander Matheson
GRAND RAPIDS, loth January, 1878.
The letter advising us of the Board's makeshift
scheme for tiding over the crisis temporarily is respect-
fully acknowledged, and referred for our answer to our
attorneys. Now is the opportunity we have been wait-
ing for so long, and it is to be hoped we shall all prove
faithful to ourselves. The alarm of the Board indicated
by the proposals set forth in the Chief Commissioner's
letter of the i8th of December shows that we have only
to keep together to insure entire success, and I hope
all in the North are animated by the same spirit which
moves us.
To Mr. Smith all the wintering partners again
turned to negotiate some more satisfactory terms
with the London shareholders "calling themselves
the Hudson's Bay Company."
From Chief Factor Campbell
CARLTON HOUSE, 7th July, 1878.
I wish with all my heart that Governor Goschen, all
the Directors and shareholders had gone through the
same ordeal in all its parts. It would give them a better
idea of the Hudson's Bay Company fur-trade affairs
than all that is, or can be, written on the subject.
I concur in what you say on the present suppressed
state of Hudson's Bay affairs. I wish I could see the
remedy, or turn of affairs for the better as clearly " cer-
tain"; as you say, "things can't go on much longer
this way."
16
General Financial Depression
To an old friend who had done him a favour, of
which many another would have made lightly
enough, Mr. Smith wrote: —
To Chief Factor MacFarlane
MONTREAL, 26th December, 1878.
Greatly as I am obliged to you for your kind atten-
tion I feel that you have done so much for me in this
way on former occasions, and I am already so deeply
indebted to you, that I really do not know how I can
ever possibly repay you, but believe at any rate that
I am very sensible of all your kindness and trust an
opportunity may occur by which I may be enabled to
give more expression to it than it is now in my power
to do.
You will hear with much regret of the failure of
City of Glasgow Bank, bringing down with it the
Caledonian Bank, and involving in misery and ruin
many of the shareholders of both banks. A more sad
affair than any that has happened in Scotland for
many a long day. And in England they have also had
a bad failure in the West of England and South Wales
Bank, so you see they are at home suffering more, far
more, indeed, than we do, although with us it is bad
enough, as the dividends on all bank stocks have
recently been greatly diminished and the value of the
shares have latterly run down tremendously in some
cases, but it is a consolation to us that as regards banks
of Montreal and Toronto, the capital at least is safe.
There is not one man in ten, aye, or in fifty here or
in Canada generally, who is not very much poorer now
than eighteen months back from the shrinkage in
stocks and in investments generally, but this is not
17
Lord Strathcona
confined to Canada, nor to this continent, but is com-
mon to Europe, and I may say, every civilized country.
Hudson's Bay business, of course, suffers also, and
unless something can be done for its future than
merely the prosecution of the fur-trade, I fear not a
great deal can be expected from it even when we have,
if we are at all to have, a revival of general business.
You do me more than justice in expressing your
conviction that I would gladly do anything I could for
my old friends of the fur- trade; and it is only reason-
able to believe that Mr. would also do his part
in a cause which is that of both shareholder and officer
and whose interests must be held to be identical. I am
glad to learn that your returns, though not equal to
those of last year, are still a good average, and if good
prices could be only obtained the result might be a
tolerably fair one after all.
I saw William L.Hardisty in Winnipeg the other day.
He intends, I believe, settling down at Lachine next
spring and will spend the present winter at my place
at Silver Heights.
It is my intention to take passage for England either
on the 4th or I ith January, if possible the earlier date,
returning to Montreal early in February, as I have to
be in Ottawa for the Session.
From Chief Factor K. McDonald
RAMPART HOUSE, 22d December, 1878.
The American traders seem determined to carry on
the fur-trade on the Yukon, although they must be
making very little out of it. They still give very high
prices for furs, in fact, just double what is given here.
Old Sinati, the Yukon chief, whom you have perhaps
18
Obtains Important Concessions
heard of, is in charge of Fort Yukon and is carrying it
with a high hand. The old fellow has a good deal of
influence among the Indians and may do more in with-
drawing these from this place than any of his prede-
cessors.
McQuestin is up the Yukon among the Gens du
Bois and Gens des Fous. Considering the lowering off
of the prices here and the high ones the Americans are
giving for furs, it can hardly be supposed that the
Yukon Indians and the Gens des Fous will give us
their furs as before. I, however, managed to keep the
other three tribes more immediately connected with
this post and hope that they will do well. Fur-
bearing animals are becoming very scarce and unfor-
tunately, where there are a few martens, the Indians
this year, as well as last, find it impossible to procure
a living to enable them to trap, owing to the deer keep-
ing to the mountains.
In that winter Mr. Smith managed to procure
some important concessions from the Board : —
To Chief Factor Rankin
MONTREAL, i6th May, 1879.
It is quite cheering to hear from you that the exports
from your inland posts speak so favourably of the
prospects of trade, and my hearty wish is that your
best expectations may be realized and that prices may
not only keep up but materially improve in the home
markets, so that the commissioned officers may fare
better than with the guarantee, which, however, with
the other concessions made by the Board in the negotia-
tions I had with them, I think with you is all that could
19
Lord Strathcona
reasonably be expected under the circumstances, and
I trust all the other officers may regard it in the same
light, and heartily concur in it.
His growing railway enterprises, of which we shall
shortly hear, made his further tenure of the Land
Commissionership impracticable.
To Chief Factor McMurray
MONTREAL, i6th May, 1879.
I am now leaving for Fort Garry, to see about the
land matters with Mr. Brydges, who, as you know, will
soon be assuming the immediate charge of that de-
partment, thus relieving me of what it has latterly
been impossible for me to continue to attend to with
even ordinary regard for my own personal interests.
We have also now got our St. Paul and Pacific Railway
into that shape that it is to be reorganized on the 23d
instant, and this makes absolutely necessary my pres-
ence at St. Paul on that day. Everything goes well
with this road, far exceeding our highest expectations
when we took hold of it. I mention this, as I am sure
you will be glad to know it.
A retired officer speaks thus of the growing value
of the land since the completion of the St. Paul and
Manitoba Railway.
From Chief Factor Roderick McKenzie
MELBOURNE, QUE., I4th December, 1879.
I am glad to learn that brighter prospects are begin-
ning to dawn now after the late years of depression and
disappointment. The service is going through such
20
Difficulties of Intervention
rapid changes that old hands hardly know many of the
names figuring among the staff. The last appointment
has bridged over the chasm of oblivion. It was a
grand dodge for the wily wolves to have bound and
gagged the simple-minded commissioned officers of
1869-70, to have signed their own death-warrant, in
regard to the land interest. The fertile lands in the
North-West will be a source of riches to the neophytes
for years to come.
It has been mentioned that Mr. Smith had again
intervened between the Board and the officers: —
To Chief Factor MacFarlane
MONTREAL, 23d June, 1880.
I quite sympathize with you when you complain of
having to pay quite heavy duties, and my voice has
invariably been heard in opposition to such, and I am
very hopeful that we may after a little time be some-
what relieved from this burden. My efforts in that
direction will at any rate not be unused. Meantime, I
fear that any such representation as you suggest to
the Government would have no good result, and the
missionaries as compared with the Company's officers
by you will continue to have the worst of it.
Your approval of the result of my negotiations on
behalf of yourself and your colleagues with the Gov-
ernor and Committee during the winter of 1879, I am
glad to be informed of, although I apprehend very few
of the officers had any correct idea of the great diffi-
culties I had to contend with in undertaking the task,
and certainly I would not have done so but for the
very warm interest I have always felt in those who for
21
Lord Strathcona
many years were my confreres, and whose untiring
exertions in the general interest I was and am so fully
cognizant of.
There never could have been any intention on the
part of the Committee to make a victim of any of those
who joined in the representations which induced me
to act for the officers in London, as I had come fully
provided that nothing of the kind could possibly be
attempted; and I will on this subject only add that
while in future negotiation with the Hudson's Bay
Company the officers may and no doubt will find re-
presentation infinitely more able, they cannot find one
having their best interests more at heart than myself.
I was sorry to hear that provisions had been so
scarce in your district last winter, which must have
brought great suffering to the poor Indians. Let me
thank you for your good wishes in respect of the rail-
way in which I am interested, and am glad to say it
continues to go well.
It will afford me much pleasure to hear from you as
opportunity may offer, and as I am now gradually
reducing the amount of personal work to which my
attention has been given, I shall be glad to write you
from time to time at greater length and always to be
of use to you in any way in which I can.
We get further glimpses of the American "free-
traders" in the Far North, in the following letters : —
From Chief Factor K. McDonald
FORT SIMPSON, 5th September, 1880.
I am sorry to learn there is opposition in the fur-
trade at Athabasca again this year. At Rampart
22
American "Free-Traders"
House the opposition instead of falling off is getting
stronger. The two companies of American fur-traders
in the Yukon are opposing each other very strongly.
In spring at old Yukon, they put up martens to 5 M.B.,
beaver 3, foxes 12 to 15, black foxes 30, and bears 8 to
IO. One company speaks of sending up some one to
establish a post alongside of Rampart House this sum-
mer, and on my return in the fall I fully expect to find
some one close to the fort, prepared to withstand me
to the death. However, notwithstanding the odds
against me, I think that their trade won't amount to
much. Martens are still scarce, but the Indians, from
the packs they saw in spring, hoped that they would
be more numerous next winter. I hope such will be
the case, for I am pretty well discouraged with the
scarcity of furs for the last three years.
RAMPART HOUSE, soth December, 1880.
I am sorry that I have no cheerful news to tell you
of the fur-trade down here. The opposition from the
Americans is still kept up as strong as ever, and I fear
some of the Indians are beginning to be turned towards
it. The excitement produced does not tend to have a
beneficial effect upon the Indians, for the trade of the
Americans is so reckless and so much given gratis that
some of the Indians are becoming indolent and others
dishonest. As far as I can gather, at all the posts occu-
pied by the Americans on the Yukon, the Indians seem
to be rapidly degenerating from the same reason experi-
enced at home, I suppose, that charity has a tendency
to produce paupers.
The majority of the Indians here, however, are still
staunch to the old Hudson's Bay Company. It is sur-
prising that any of them prefer trading here, consider-
23
Lord Strathcona
ing the incomparably better trade they could make
with the Americans — furs at more than double and
goods at half the price. A reason may be found in the
fact, that the Indians suspect that if this place be
abandoned, they won't be so well off, for the Yankee
traders are simple enough to tell them so. Yet we
reflect that the Indians were never noted for pro-
viding for the future.
RAMPART HOUSE, January ist, 1881.
Jimmy Barber is now a free-trader and he thinks
himself quite a bourgeois. He went to the Yukon again
in summer and brought a good deal of trading goods
given him by McQuestin. He built a small house
between this and La Pierre House in fall and intends
doing his level best, as the Yankee would say. Half
fool as he is, he managed to get a good many furs last
winter from the Peel River Indians. He has made
nothing of our Indians here yet, but it is possible he
may get a skin or two from them this winter.
A nephew of old Sinati, Yukon chief, is opposing me
here. He is staying in a small house on the opposite
side of the river. He is a great scamp and worthy of
his uncle. I had a talk with him in fall and he promised
faithfully to give me whatever furs he trapped or
traded. Having thus put me off my guard, he traded
on the sly and with the furs he set off to the Yukon.
On his return, when taxed with his perfidy, he was in
no wise abashed, but seemed to think himself a pretty
smart fellow. Such conduct annoys one, but I hope
he is an exception.
We learn a great deal of a certain Russian Jew
trader named Boscowitz, who led the Company's
men a pretty dance thirty or forty years since.
24
The Splendid Boscowitz
William Charles writes from British Columbia,
in December, 1880: —
That Boscowitz man bids for grandeur just to have
the furs, and must lose a lot of money on some kinds
of fur if he makes it on others. Boscowitz himself now
lives in London, attends the Company's autumn and
other sales, and has grown wealthy since he left this
country. His locum tenens here is a German peer, a
common-looking, illiterate boor; but he is too much
for us all the same. He has a better salary than I have
and can afford to give champagne to almost every one
that is in the way of procuring furs. The other man,
Lubbe, is a German, a well-educated man and a gentle-
man; he is backed by Sir Curtis Lampson.1 I have
secured very few lots in consequence of the extraordi-
nary prices that have been paid occasionally, for pure
devilment. I double my bids to get a lot or two, when
they go much better next time. I expend a deal of
energy in this business. The proper price for beaver
now should be $2.50 per hundred for number one.
A few years later it is a roving free- trading adven-
turer named Sylvester buying gold-dust from the
Alaskan miners as well as furs: —
From Chief Factor K. McDonald
FORT SIMPSON, 7th March, 1887.
I came to this place by steamer, and, for the greater
part of the way, the route lay among islands of pic-
turesque beauty, along the coast. The distance is
about 540 miles and I arrived here on the 2d instant,
and having made myself acquainted with the place and
1 Sir Curtis Lampson was now out of the Company.
25
Lord Strathcona
its surroundings, have been obtaining all the informa-
tion possible regarding the trade on Chase Lake and
River. There is a very strong opposition up there.
Mr. Sylvester is the chief trader in that section of the
country, and last year imported about fifty-five tons
of goods for the trade. He deals in gold-dust from the
miners as well as in furs. His returns in furs alone
amount to about twenty-five thousand dollars yearly,
and he takes out quite a sum in gold-dust besides. He
is a very generous man, an extravagant trader, and is
very popular among the whites and Indians, and is,
moreover, a man of considerable means. I am going
in with about twenty-five hundred dollars' worth of
goods, and I feel that, with such a formidable oppo-
nent, I am in no position to successfully compete with
him. He is a wealthy man and can oppose us very
strongly and is stubborn enough to do so perhaps for
years. He sells the greater part of his furs in Victoria,
and it is, I dare say, the best market to-day. At any
rate, furs are sold in Victoria at an average of fifteen
per cent over what they bring at the London sales and
he consequently is in a position to pay higher prices
for them than we can.
He is also a close buyer in goods, going yearly to
New York, Montreal, Victoria, and other places to
make his purchases. His stock on hand after the year's
trade is over is about ten thousand dollars and it is
good, saleable goods. I cannot understand why the
Company do not put their furs on the market in
Victoria; that is, the furs obtained in this quarter.
They could sell much higher than they could do in
London, and save freight besides. Some people cannot
understand how it is that the Company have had to
abandon so many posts along this coast and in the
26
Buying out Sylvester
interior. The reason is simple. The Company's trad-
ers have their hands tied by a tariff, and the sales are
by no means the best that can be made, for an auction
always means a sacrifice. I have suggested that Syl-
vester be bought out. I am satisfied he would sell out
for twelve thousand dollars. In that event, the Com-
pany would have his posts and would control the whole
of the fur-trade in that quarter. Only let us get
Sylvester's posts and they could defy any party who
might undertake to oppose them. I know it is said
that the buying-out principle is a wrong one, but this
is an exploded idea. It was all well enough when the
Hudson's Bay Company was in a position to freeze
out a party, but times have changed. I would also
strongly recommend having a steamer of our own,
which could be used the whole season on the Skeena
and Stickeen. It is not too much to say that a steamer
of thirty tons at a cost of seven thousand dollars could
be made to pay for herself in two years. At present
the Company are paying heavy rates for their freight.
With our own steamer we could secure a good part of
the freighting for mines, and also obtain the trade
with them, which is quite an item.
From Factor D. Laird
BATTLEFORD, 8th July, 1881.
I observe what you say about destitution among the
Northern Indians. The Government at Ottawa should
certainly do something for them. Bishop Bompas
called my attention to the matter last autumn by let-
ter and I forwarded his representations with a recom-
mendation to Ottawa. Whether they will do anything
or not, soon, I cannot say. This winter they have
been busy handing over the country — well, a great
27
Lord Strathcona
part of it — to the railway syndicate. It was scarcely
worth their while to pay so much to one monopoly to
get the country if they were going to give so much to
another to take it off their hands, but this is almost
political, and Lieutenant-Governors have no politics
by right.
I dare say there is much truth in what you say with
regard to the Hudson's Bay Company in the extreme
North. Probably if they were protected in their trade,
and entrusted with the care of the Indians in those
parts of the country useful for settlement, it would be
best for all parties. But I doubt whether the Canadian
Parliament would consent to such an arrangement.
But as protection is a policy now somewhat in the
ascendant in Ottawa, the Company might succeed on
application to have the National Policy extended to
the fur-trade.
From Chief Factor C D
STUART'S LAKE, 3Oth September, 1881.
The statement of dividends for fifty years shows
that we are very much underpaid, and the Board grasp
every mortal cent they can. They will sell out some
fine morning and leave us in the lurch. is going
to London this coming winter, and will do his best to
induce the Board to make the minimum £200 per
share, and more in proportion as the trade allows. I
hope he succeeds.
From Chief Factor MacFarlane
FORT CHIPEWYAN, 2d March, 1882.
The Board of Directors have graciously undertaken
to insure us the continuance of the existing handsome
28
Officers' Profits
guarantee of £200 per one hundredth share for a fur-
ther term of three years, beginning with Outfit 1882 ! I
suppose we ought to be more grateful than we are for
all that they have so generously done for the commis-
sioned officers since and under reorganization. Shall
I enumerate some of these acts of appreciation of our
service? First they give us nothing for Outfit 1875,
£100 per share for Outfit 1876, and to which the offi-
cers' own reserve fund contributed £5000, while their
unjust (discontinued of late) assumption of three fifths
of all the unappropriated fur-trade vacancies has more
than made up for all the difference, and I believe also,
most if not all that has been subsequently required to
make up the £150 guarantee for 1877, and the £200
for Outfits 1878 and 1879.
There can be no doubt that the transfer of the coun-
try to Canada and our exclusion from all interest in
the lands around, and especially of the post established
and kept up at the expense of the fur-trade (you know
that the Winnipeg and the old Red River colony cost
tens of thousands of pounds sterling), for which no
compensation has ever been made, has been a very
bad business for the commissioned officers. Their
annual incomes have not come up, for the decade just
ended, to much more than half the amount realized
by their predecessors. Were we as well remunerated,
we could not complain, but in the face of the tens of
thousands already secured by the shareholders, and
the prospect of millions ahead, it is contrary to reason
and human nature to expect us to be satisfied with a
state of affairs that has so injuriously affected our
pecuniary interest. Let the Directors or shareholders,
or indeed any impartial person, compare the statement
of profits realized by the officers from 1821 to 1871,
29
Lord Strathcona
and then to the year 1881, and as men of honour,
and integrity, they cannot help admitting that justice
calls for a radical redress of our well-grounded griev-
ances.
Whatever doubts might have been entertained as to
the right of the fur-trade to participate in the sales of
lands in the so-called "fertile belt," I firmly believe
that our claim to a share of the 50,000 acres around
our establishment was not only, as admitted, morally
strong, but legally good, and that this view should
have been confirmed had the question been submitted
to the decision of a court of law and equity. But all
this is useless now you will say. Still under the bright
prospect of the future, so far as the shareholders are
concerned, the Directors ought to give some effect to
these doubts and facts in favour of those whose
services hitherto have been so miserably and inade-
quately remunerated.
Had our Canadian investments been of late years
as profitable as formerly, we might not have felt the
comparative poverty of our position so very keenly.
Many of us have large families, some have served
twenty to thirty years and upwards, and for what? —
while age is rapidly coming on. Several at least of our
number believe that but for our isolation, large sums
might have been realized by investment in Winnipeg,
as well as in railways, which have proved of immense
benefit to those who were fortunately privileged to
utilize their means in this manner. I must, however,
say no more for fear you should consider me as a
grumbler.
Interest in Investments
From Chief Factor Roderick McKenzie
MELBOURNE, QUE., nth June, 1883.
Our mutual kind and generous-hearted friend, Chief
Factor Barnston1 has gone the way of all the earth.
There are not many living now who were the guiding
spirits of the Hudson's Bay Company when we came
to the country first. It is a warning to us, my dear sir,
that our time is drawing near. May our Heavenly
Father prepare us for the great change!
What sort of weather have you got in the North-
West? How changed is that country from the solitude
you first saw — thousands of people coming in every
week. I often wonder how they can be fed. I am afraid
many of them will starve, both from the want of food
and the inclemency of the weather, before they get
their houses built.
As an illustration of the financial relations exist-
ing between Mr. Smith and the commissioned offi-
cers of the Company for many years the following
may serve: —
From the Honourable D. A. Smith
MONTREAL, nth December, 1882.
You refer to the surprise and disappointment felt by
some of our friends in the North- West at "the low
rate of interest, five and six per cent, at which some
recent investments have been placed."
I am sorry to say that no better rates can be ob-
tained here on such undoubted security of the principal
as we have always endeavoured to procure ; and indeed
it is even more difficult just now to get these figures
1 Under whom Mr. Smith served at Tadousac in 1841.
31
Lord Strathcona
than it was some two or three years back to obtain
seven, eight, and even nine per cent. Nor, in my
opinion, is there a prospect of any great increase in
the value of money for some time to come, owing in
great measure to the very large amounts of English
and French capital seeking investment on this conti-
nent for which they are willing to accept less than five
per cent. Hereafter, as in the past, we shall always
endeavour to do the best for our friends whose money
matters we attend to, but you will, I am sure, quite
agree with me in believing that it is far better to be
contented with a moderate rate, as interest now goes,
than to attempt to get more at risk to moneys invested.
Perhaps you will make this explanation to any of the
gentlemen in your district to whom you may consider
it desirable to do so.
Mr. G informed me in September last that
you had requested him to draw on me for one thousand
dollars for your account, for the purpose of some in-
vestment in steamboats in the North-West, to which I
demurred, in the first instance, as I had received no
intimation from yourself to that effect, but on being
assured by Mr. G that it was your particular
wish that he should receive the money, I advised him
that, although I considered the transaction far from
regular, I would under the circumstances accept his
draft on your behalf for the amount; the money was
in consequence paid to him on the 9th October.
May I ask, however, that when it is your wish to
have any further payments made on your account,
you will be good enough to advise me of the same
direct, as you will see how very inconvenient and
against your own interest it might be, were we to make
such payments on the ipse dixit of this or that person
32
Becomes a Director
who might chance to make a requisition upon me on
your account.
Following the "boom" or speculation in land
which took place in Winnipeg and elsewhere in
Manitoba, for some time prior to 1882, public
attention was directed in Canada to the manage-
ment of the Land Department of the Hudson's Bay
Company. The Board in London sent their repre-
sentative to Winnipeg to enquire and report on the
subject in 1882 and 1883. The Directors, however,
were unwilling to make any radical changes in the
arrangement which had been pursued in the Land
Department abroad, and they held their annual
meeting in London in November, 1883, when the
subject was discussed at length. Mr. Smith, who
had been the largest shareholder prior to that date,
spoke at length and made suggestions for some
changes. He did not, however, receive any support
from the Board of Directors. Consequently he
voted against their reelection and proposed a new
body of members, some of whom were found to be
ineligible and the list was incomplete. This led to
a conference between the old Directors and Mr.
Smith, with the result that a compromise was pro-
posed and accepted which was confirmed at a
subsequent meeting of the shareholders. Mr. Elvin
Colvile retained the position of Governor, the bulk
of the old Directors retired, and Hon. Donald
Smith and Sir Charles Russell, Q.C., M.P., became
Directors.1 The letter he wrote on his return ex-
plains itself : —
1 Memorandum by Mr. William Armit,
33
Lord Strathcona
To Chief Factor MacFarlane
MONTREAL, 8th January, 1884.
You have done a good work in having a steamer
built in Athabasca, and I can quite understand the
difficulties you have had to contend with, under the
circumstances you explain. The ultimate saving of
cost in the transport business, and the greater facilities
thus given for conducting the business advantageously,
will, it is to be hoped, tell favourably on the result of
trade, both in Athabasca and Mackenzie River dis-
trict, and when it may be possible to supplement this
by having a steamer on the Mackenzie River, still
further reduction may be looked for in the expenses of
distributing supplies and sending out the returns. You
have, of course, given your views fully on the subject
to the Company, through the Fur-Trade Commis-
sioner, and I feel satisfied that, when submitted in due
form by him, they will be carefully considered.
Having only just returned from England, I am un-
able at present to write you as fully as I could wish,
but it will be always very pleasing to me to have your
views with regard to the business which you have been
so long connected with and which you know so inti-
mately, and when I can be of use at any time in for-
warding your wishes, be assured it would give me
pleasure to do so.
You will no doubt learn by letters and papers,
reaching you by the winter express,, that some changes
have taken place in the personnel of the Hudson's Bay
Company. These changes were insisted on by myself,
and although personally I did not care to be on the
Direction, still, from the part I took in the matter,
I felt that it was owing to my friends I should not de-
34
Upsetting the Directorate
cline to act. The constitution of the Committee as at
first elected, you will see, has been modified, the old
Directors having made advances to me with a view to
compromise which, considering all the circumstances
of the case, I thought well to accede to in part. I have
no doubt that the present members of the Committee
will be prepared to do anything necessary for putting
their affairs in this country on a satisfactory footing,
where they have not been altogether for some time
back.
This was a dramatic coup, indeed !
From Chief Factor Fortescue to a brother-officer
YORK FACTORY, yth March, 1884.
What do you think of all the news by the winter
packet — Donald A. Smith is upsetting the whole direc-
torate and his open charge against some of the princi-
pal officers of the Company in Canada?
Has this anything to do with the testimonial to the
present Chief Commissioner sent from Council last
summer? I think it only fair to tell you that I declined
to sign the papers. I did n't like the tone of them.
They are inapplicable to an outsider, and I disapprove
of alienating permanently our right of nomination, as
far as it remains to us, for commissions. I think if
sanctioned, we shall even regret the step taken.
But the London Directors and the mass of share-
holders had gone too far and too fast. They might,
under threats, exchange one instrument for an-
other, but the steady sacrifice of the rights of the
unfortunate winter partners was not to be checked
by the efforts of any single champion.
35
Lord Strathcona
From Chief Factor Charles to a fellow-officer
VICTORIA, B.C., 2ist February, 1885.
I heartily sympathize with you in your comments
as regards the Hudson's Bay Company. I never be-
lieved much in their justice or liberality unless when
they were forced to be so or could not help themselves.
But at the same time, I always considered it a hopeless
case to tilt against a great moneyed corporation with-
out the sinews of war. I was not astonished at Mr.
Grahame's severance from the Company, as I knew
that he was at loggerheads with Donald A. Smith,
who is and has been dictator for some time, not only
in America, but also in London. This is the age of
syndicates and those that have the money win, right
or wrong, principally the latter, I am sorry to say.
I have been puzzled to find out the true inwardness of
things for a long time.
Donald A. was the champion of the officers years ago,
ameliorating the status of the officers, raising their
pay, etc., etc. But would not such action now on his
part be against the interests of the Board, of which he
is a Director?
-In the following year, one of the boldest of the
fur-traders, allied by blood and marriage to many
of the old North-Westers, addressed an eloquent
memorial to the Company.
From Chief Factor R. MacFarlane
SALISBURY HOTEL, LONDON, ist May, 1886.
As a Chief Factor and one who has been engaged in
the service of the Company for upwards of thirty-five
years, I am intimately acquainted both with the work-
36
Memorializing the Board
ing of the fur-trade and also personally with the feelings
and opinions of my fellow commissioned officers, and as
such I now address you on my own and on their behalf.
I am sorry to have to bring before you the fact that
our position has been lately rapidly growing worse,
and that, although our responsibilities and labours
remain as great as ever and our living expenses have
increased, our remuneration has decreased and our
prospects of improvement have dwindled away to
almost nothing. We who have been long in the service
can look back on the days when the officers used to
retire on a sufficient competence after a hard life of
toil, whilst we ourselves see no prospect of ever doing
much beyond making a bare living for ourselves and
families.
On this head I would call attention to the fact that
I believe this is perhaps the only association of equal
importance and permanent character which does not
provide retiring pensions for its officers, and this can
only be explained by the fact that in bygone days the
profits of the officers were sufficient to enable them to
put by money, and that if this had not been the case,
the necessity of pensions would long ago have arisen.
The fact I mention of the great falling-off in com-
missioned officers' prospects is well known to you.
The statement of profits I left with you recently shows
that the profits per share used to be over £490 a year,
whereas now they are little over £200 a year. This is
attributable to the sale of the Company's chartered
rights to the Canadian Government, to the railroad-
building and influx of settlers, to the heavy duties now
levied on imports, and generally to the competition in
the fur-trade which has almost doubled the prices we
now have to pay for fur.
37
68503
Lord Strathcona
Several of these reasons, whilst operating most dis-
advantageously to us as partners in the fur-trade, are
for the great benefit of the shareholders generally,
notably the influx of settlers and consequent sales of
land by which the capital of the Company is being
repaid, whilst we, the officers who originally shared in
all the profits of the Company, are now practically
limited to that part of the business which suffers most
by the very causes which make the prosperity of the
other part.
Under the circumstances I beg that Governor and
Directors will take into their earnest consideration the
necessity of raising the minimum guarantee on each
share to at least £250 a year, the lowest sum, I sub-
mit, on which the officers can maintain themselves
properly and save something; and further that if, at
the end of five years, it appears that the sums paid
on each share under guarantee and profits have not
amounted to £300 a year, then that the deficiency be
made up in the fifth year.
I should point out on this head that if the commer-
cial business should prove as profitable as is hoped, this
additional guarantee will entail no cost upon the
Company.
You will pardon my apparent insistence on this
matter. As one of your oldest officers I have the best
interests of the Company and of my fellow-officers at
heart, and I feel convinced that it is your desire that
we should do our work, not only zealously, but also
hopefully, which we cannot do under our present cir-
cumstances.
Poor blind Belisarius begging his obolus from
Dives, who had taken from him his inheritance!
If the future historian desires to turn a strong light
38.
A Veteran's Avowal
upon the inner life, hopes, and prospects of the fur-
traders of the remote posts of the Company at this
period, let him peruse the following letter. It will
reveal much : —
From Chief Factor James L. Cotter
MOOSE FACTORY, loth July, 1886.
It is a self-evident fact that nothing can be done
without union. That the discontent you speak of is felt
more or less all over the country there can be no doubt,
but whether all will combine to give forcible utterance
to it, is another thing. In 1878 the western officers
refused to join the others ; at the same time they reaped
the benefit of the stand made by their brethren. At
that time I threw in my lot with the majority, and if
things had gone against us, God knows what would
have become of me, for I had not a sixpence to live on.
I am now in my thirtieth year of service, and see no
prospect of ever being able to retire on anything beyond
a mere pittance. My health is delicate, and I could not
now go at anything else in the way of business ; so I am
beset with difficulties and anxieties on all hands. I
suppose I am the poorest Chief Factor in the service.
You will pardon me for troubling you with these
particulars. I only do so to enable you to know some-
thing of the man with whom you have to deal, and
how his circumstances must necessarily colour his
opinions and give bias to his actions.
I do think we are hardly treated by the Board and
that an endeavour to get "better terms" should be
made. Yet, — and here lies my difficulty, — I ques-
tion if I have any right to stake on one cast the bread
and butter of a large young family. I walk on the
39
Lord Strathcona
brink of a precipice, one false step and the toil and suf-
fering of a lifetime are thrown away and those depend-
ent on me reduced to poverty. I am too old to pick
myself up again if I fall. Of course it is possible that a
firm combination of the officers might make success
certain ; but to that is added the dread that the Board,
to avenge their defeat, would proceed to lop off the
tallest heads; and the existing Chief Factors would
speedily find themselves shelved. If the choice lay
between being tolerably well off in the service and just
a little less well off out of it, in short if the stake were
not so big to me as it is, there would be little difficulty
in making up one's mind which course to pursue. But
when it is a matter of bread and butter on the one hand
and starvation on the other, one may well pause and
consider the consequences which might accrue should
circumstances throw one at the mercy of relentless
enemies. If I were a bachelor and misfortune befell
myself alone, I could face it ; but a lot of helpless chil-
dren wanting food, clothing, and education! — I can-
not bear the thought of it ; I would rather die than see it.
I should only be too glad if we could get the £250.
I am, however, thankful for the £200, my only com-
plaint about it being that it is not a certainty, but a
thing niggardly promised, as it were, from year to year.
I say I am thankful, but I am not satisfied. What I
want is a sure and certain minimum of £250 and a
retiring interest the same as under the old regime.
That is what I want, and with that I could jog on in
some sort of hope. You certainly hit the nail on the
head when you spoke of your being unable to work
hopefully under the present circumstances. We work
as if at the pumps of a sinking ship. It is a strained and
unhealthy state of mind.
40
Board and Public Opinion
From Chief Factor
8th June, 1886.
The Board are taking a long time to answer Mr.
MacFarlane's Memorial. They want to issue one of
their conciliatory manifestoes first, very likely as a
sort of buffer. They are as tricky as Mr. Gladstone,
who (I am glad to learn this morning) has been kicked
out of office on account of his Home Rule Bill.
I think the Board will be afraid to give Mr. M
his quietus after that Memorial. They dread a series
of articles published in the London Times or other
influential paper, exposing their malpractices. They
are as afraid of modern public opinion as slugs and
sclaters are of the sunlight; for the reason that their
deeds are evil.
As he was now a Director, Mr. Smith could not
formally represent the wintering partners, as an
outsider. But he entered as sympathetically into
their grievances as of old, and always lent them his
support.
Sir William Butler, author of the Great Lone
Land, wrote to Mr. MacFarlane: —
I am sorry to hear you have had such an uphill
struggle with the Board. A corporation has no con-
science. I believe that selfish greed of place and profit
has stamped out the last vestige of honour from our
public bodies, and most of our public men, and that
at no time in our history has rampant injustice had
greater sway than now.
But if I know anything of you, you are not the man
to give up without a good fight. Sir Donald Smith is,
Lord Strathcona
I think, obliged to be what the French call an "oppor-
tunist," but I have always known he meant well.
The Board conferred with the shareholders, who
finally consented to a measure of justice to the
wintering partners.
From Chief Factor William Charles
VICTORIA, B.C., I4th January, 1887.
So you see the London shareholders were afraid of
too much ventilation on affairs. But I suppose every-
thing is fair in war. I am afraid the highly important
communication will turn out moonshine. I can see
fully what the object of the Company is. It is not dif-
ferent now from what it always has been, only now
Mr. A seems to have acquired Bismarckian
power over the Board and rules harshly and despoti-
cally with a rod of iron. I earnestly hope you will suc-
ceed in clipping that upstart's wings. I am told that
the new commissioner is not a very happy man and
finds things do not work so smoothly as he at first
thought.
To Chief Factor Peter Mackenzie
June 9, 1888.
I learn you were not so successful in hunting as in
former years. It is also deeply to be regretted that the
natives [of Ungava] suffered so much from scarcity of
food ; but this appears to have been the case through-
out the country as well as with you ; and this last win-
ter again we hear there has been great suffering and
privation from the same cause.
I have had a good deal of communication and con-
versation with my associates of the Hudson's Bay
42
Governor of the Company-
Company, and also with the Secretary, and hope that
you will be able to spend another winter in Ungava;
after which I trust we shall be able to find for you more
congenial work.
From Sir W. F. Butler to R. MacFarlane
LONDON, October 5th, 1889.
So you are back on the east of the Rocky Mountains
again, and at Old Cumberland, so long the advanced
post of the Hudson's Bay Company, before French-
Canadians showed stay-at-home John Bull how to
develop the Great North; nor are the modern repre-
sentatives of those great companies much better than
their ancestors. I am sorry you do not like the new
dispensation, but the London Board will ever be cow-
ardly and vindictive. They are dishonest themselves,
and hate honesty as the devil hates truth.
It was in this year, 1889, that he who had for so
many years been the outstanding figure in the once
mighty fur-trade of Canada, became the titular
Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. The
suffrages of his fellow Directors elected him to this
position, first filled by Prince Rupert of the Rhine.
It had latterly lost its pristine glory; but the
romance of the young Scottish lad, who, beginning
at the lowest rung of the ladder, had finally
achieved the summit, served again to shed, while
he lived, a lustre on the chair.
In another chapter I purpose returning to his
connection with the fur-trade and to the corre-
spondence of the veterans who still lingered on
the scene.
43
NOTE TO CHAPTER XVI
I think it has been made abundantly clear that
Donald A. Smith was not blind to the potential value
of the land in the North- West, nor had he been for
some years. The difficulty was to induce the factors
generally to accept compensation in the form of land
rather than money. Yet as an illustration of how his
attitude continues to be misunderstood I find one
prominent Chief Factor stating at Lord Strathcona's
death : —
In 1870 Sir Stafford Northcote and Sir Curtis Lampson
frankly admitted, as did Secretary W. G. Smith and
Assistant-Secretary W. Armit, that the fur-trade had a forty
per cent interest in the fifty thousand acres around the posts,
and in the posts and establishments themselves. Had this
important asset been retained, the service would have been
one of the most remunerative in Canada ! Mr. Smith's own
Labrador and Gulf of St. Lawrence land experience made
him all the readier to agree with some of the older partners
of 1870, to get a little more money at once, rather than wait
for further settlement developments in which like a few they
did n't believe. And thus we lost terribly. Had Mr. Smith,
however, been brought up in the Northern Department, as
was Governor Mactavish, Joseph Wilson, and other Chief
Factors and Chief Traders, he would assuredly have been
as staunch for all land righ'ts as any one.
CHAPTER XVII
THE ST. PAUL & PACIFIC RAILWAY
1873-1878
UNTIL the sixties of the last century the only
means of commercial transportation between the
Hudson's Bay Company's territories in the Cana-
dian West and the Atlantic seaboard was by ox-cart
from Winnipeg to St. Paul, Minnesota, and from
thence down the Mississippi River by steamboat
to some one of the railways leading from that river
to Chicago.
By way of experiment a small steamer, capable,
so the wits said, of travelling on a heavy dew, was
placed upon the Red River. Finding it was too
small for the trade, the Company built a larger
called the International, and on the 26th of May,
1862, the first trip of this steamboat to Fort Garry
was made. For the ensuing nine years the Inter-
national continued on the route from Abercrombie
and Georgetown to Winnipeg, carrying goods to
and fro for the benefit of the Company and the
settlers.
We have seen how in 1870 Mr. James Jerome
Hill had paid his first visit to Winnipeg and had
made en route the acquaintance of Commissioner
Donald A. Smith. Hill's business connections with
the Red River Settlement seemed to him now to
justify his having a steamer of his own. He there-
45
Lord Strathcona
fore built one, the Selkirk. As a naturalized Ameri-
can citizen he enjoyed certain technical advan-
tages over the owners of a rival boat. To adjust
the situation Mr. Smith, as the chief officer of the
Hudson's Bay Company, caused the International
forthwith to be transferred to the Company's agent
in St. Paul, Mr. Norman W. Kittson, to be oper-
ated as a regular passenger and freight boat in
opposition to Hill's Selkirk. The outcome of the
competition between these two steamers (the his-
tory of which is not without some elements of
Mark Twainish humour) was an amalgamation of
the interests of Messrs. Kittson and Hill, and the
formation of the Red River Transportation Com-
pany under Kittson 's management.
Here was a monopoly, and an outcry went up.
With the object of lowering rates they deemed
excessive, the merchants of Winnipeg, acting with
others in Minneapolis, founded an opposition
line. Two steamers, the Manitoba and Minnesota,
were built to compete with the Hill-Kittson Com-
pany. But this Merchants' Line, as it was called,
soon succumbed to its more powerful competitor,
which eventually purchased the steamers and
added them to its fleet, numbering seven vessels
in 1878.
As for the mails, they were carried by stage-
coach, which continued to run daily until the
opening, many years later, of the Pembina Branch
of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
In the year 1857, the American Congress passed
an act making a grant of land to the Territory of
46
A Broken-down Railway
Minnesota, to aid the construction of the Minne-
sota & Pacific Railway from St. Paul, via St.
Anthony (Minneapolis), to the head of navigation
on the Red River. In May of the same year, the
Minnesota Legislature incorporated the Minnesota
& Pacific Railroad Company, with a capital of
$5,000,000, to build a railway from Stillwater, via
St. Cloud and St. Anthony, to the town of Breck-
enridge, with a branch from St. Anthony, via St.
Cloud and Crow Wing, to St. Vincent, near the
mouth of the Pembina River. But this projected
line was not even begun, and the company lan-
guished till 1 86 1, when an act was passed to "facili-
tate the construction of the Minnesota & Pacific
Railway." The great Civil War broke out and fur-
ther delay occurred. A year later, another act was
passed changing the name of the company to the
"St. Paul & Pacific Railroad Company," and re-
quiring the company to complete the portion of the
road between St. Paul and St. Anthony by the fol-
lowing 1st of January, and to St. Cloud by January
I, 1865. The ten miles between St. Paul and St.
Anthony, the "first stitch in the network of rail-
ways which now covers the State of Minnesota,"
were forthwith built in accordance with the pro-
visions of the act.
At the time it ran as far as Breckenridge the
St. Paul & Pacific Railway was a very poor affair,
and its service in handling the Hudson's Bay
Company's traffic was highly unsatisfactory. "On
each of the visits of Mr. Smith to Mr. Hill it
was violently damned by the one and spoken of
47
Lord Strathcona
deprecatingly by the other, each in his own charac-
teristic way." 1
The truth is this railway, which had swallowed
up vast sums of money, came to a standstill, so far
as construction went, for want of funds. It was the
victim — a typical case — of railway financiers
and construction companies; it was mortgaged and
the mortgages were foreclosed and then it was
re-mortgaged. Yet throughout these transactions
its charter, giving it extensive and valuable land
grants, still continued valid and finally tempted a
syndicate of Dutch capitalists to intervene. On
the strength of these land securities and the great
prospects of the line, if completed, they were in-
duced to purchase $13,380,000 of its bonds and by
completing the road to avert a forfeiture of its
land grant.
This was the situation when Mr. Smith first
became acquainted with the enterprise. Evil for-
tune continued to haunt it, and in 1873 the St.
Paul & Pacific Railway became bankrupt.
And now, leaving for a moment this bankruptcy
of a road which was to exert so vast an influence
upon Mr. Smith's fortunes, let us glance at the
general railway situation in western Canada at that
period.
1 Memorandum, Sir William Van Home. "The right honourable
the First Minister will recollect that when, on the collapse of the
Jay Gould projects, in 1872, the St. Paul & Pacific Railway being
constructed in the State of Minnesota stopped short about one
hundred miles from the international boundary, I, with his con-
sent, made some enquiries regarding the possibility of continuing
the road through to Manitoba. I was thus led to look into the pos-
sibilities of that country." (Parliamentary Debates, May 26, 1887.)
48
The Mackenzie Programme
Manitoba and the West had long been crying
aloud for effective railway communication with the
outer world. British Columbia continued to de-
mand a fulfilment of the pledge by which she had
been induced to enter the Dominion.
The fall of the Macdonald Government was a
serious blow to the fortunes of the North-West
which had before appeared so roseate. It postponed
for years the completion of the great main line
of the railway to the Pacific, which Alexander
Mackenzie and his colleagues forthwith attempted
to construct piecemeal as a Government work, and
in connection with the discredited land-and-water
Dawson route, stretching between Red River and
Lake Superior.
The Act of 1874 provided for the construction
of a railway on the Pacific Coast, provided the
construction could be made "without increasing
taxation." The road was to run from near Lake
Nipissing to the Pacific and was divided into four
sections; the first from Nipissing to the west end
of Lake Superior; the second from Lake Superior to
Red River, the third from Red River to Edmonton
or the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and the fourth
from there to the Pacific Coast. There were also to
be two branch lines, one to extend from the pro-
posed eastern terminus to a point of Georgian Bay,
and the other to make a branch from the main line
near Fort Garry to some point near Pembina. Each
branch was to form a part of the main line and to
be an independent section, and a subsidy of ten
thousand dollars a mile and twenty thousand acres
49
Lord Strathcona
of land a mile, in alternate blocks, was offered for
any portion built and operated as a private enter-
prise.
In the Dominion House of Commons Mr. Smith
"deeply regretted that party feeling should have
been permitted in any wise to enter into the dis-
cussion of an enterprise with which the fortunes
of Canada were closely bound up." "Of vast and
general importance is this problem" the solution of
which must in any case be attended with great
difficulty.
It is an undertaking of such magnitude as to demand
the cordial cooperation of the whole country to insure
its successful completion, and it ought, therefore, to
be regarded wholly outside of party considerations.
The whole people of Manitoba would be gratified
by the assurance — the reassurance on the part of the
Government — that they intend to carry through, or
rather, that they do not propose to abandon, their
intention of constructing an all-rail road from Lake
Superior to Manitoba. For I distinctly understood
that their purpose all along has been to complete the
road between these two points with all possible des-
patch, merely using the water-courses in the mean
time during the progress of the work, and not substi-
tuting them for any portion of the road. More than
this, it would be absurd to demand.
It was admitted on all hands that we have under-
taken an obligation toward British Columbia to build
a railway through to the Pacific, and I for one hold
that everything that is practicable should be done to
carry out this engagement.
British Columbia, in view of its great natural re-
50
The Dawson Route
sources, abounding as it does in mineral wealth, was
well worthy of their best attention and consideration
— and although less generally known, its agricultural
and pastural capabilities are also of a high order. I
consider that we have cause to congratulate ourselves
on having added to the Dominion so fair a Province,
and I trust and believe that however we might differ,
on minor points, the people of British Columbia, con-
vinced by the determination of Canada faithfully to
fulfil all her obligations to the utmost extent that the
resources of the Dominion permitted, will never ask to
recede from Confederation. British Columbia, with
her resources fully developed, will greatly add to the
importance and prosperity of the Dominion, and
the main question now to be considered is how far
the resources of Canada will warrant the vigorous
prosecution of this work.
In the opinion of the member for Selkirk, the
Dawson route was
all very well so long as they had nothing better, and for
several years had served a very good purpose in caus-
ing a reduction of the charges made by American com-
panies for the transport of passengers and freight. But
the people of Manitoba were most anxious to have at
the earliest possible moment railway communication
between Pembina and Fort Garry. They certainly
desired, and hoped shortly to see, an all-rail route con-
structed from one ocean to the other, but they were
eager to have connection with Pembina in the mean
time.
Something has been said of the magnificent water-
courses of the North-West. Statements have been
made that they were a myth. It is said that they have
Lord Strathcona
not yet been discovered by those who had travelled
over the country. My own impression is that there are
some stretches of water there that may properly and
soberly be called magnificent. Lake Winnipeg is cer-
tainly no inconsiderable expanse of water itself, and
from this lake, with a very little barrier, an entrance
is made into the Saskatchewan. From that point there
are three hundred miles of uninterrupted water com-
munication. At the end of those three hundred miles,
it is necessary to transport freight for four miles by
land, and having again reached the Saskatchewan you
can go for nine hundred or one thousand miles into
the interior and within seventy or eighty miles of the
Rocky Mountains.1
While almost wholly useless as an emigration
route, the Dawson route in Mr. Smith's opinion
had been of very great advantage in transporting
supplies to the North- West. The very fact of its
being turned over to a company in 1874
had the effect of making the people in Minnesota
reduce their transportation rates still further. They
are shrewd men, and, having very little confidence in
their own Government, they thought the competing
Dawson route would be more efficiently managed by
the contractor than by the Canadian Government.
My opinion is the Administration should still be pre-
pared to carry emigrants and freight by the Dawson
route if any attempt is made by the Americans to
enforce higher rates. It should not be given up alto-
gether. I understand the Americans will still further
reduce their rates this year. It is hardly fair to say it
was money thrown away to spend on the railroads
1 Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, April, 1876.
52
Continuous Line demanded
connecting with the water-ways, provided they were
adapted for an all-rail road, — and the route is not too
indirect.1
He said on another occasion: —
It is a very different thing to have a railroad and to
have a wagon road. Many things can be brought into
the country by means of a rail and "water route which
cannot be carried by an ordinary wagon or cart, and
they can be usefully employed while progress was
being made with the railroads. I would be very sorry
to see the undertaking stop short with this rail and
water route. On the contrary, I hope and trust there
will be a continuous railroad carried out with all pos-
sible speed.
Speaking in Manitoba he said: —
While I do not want to be an apologist for the Gov-
ernment in its construction of the Georgian Bay
1 The total distance of the Dawson road from Lake Superior to
Red River was about five hundred and thirty miles; forty-five at the
beginning and a hundred and ten at the end by land; and three
hundred and eighty miles between, "made up of a chain of some
twenty lakes, lakelets, and lacustrine rivers, separated from each
other by spits, ridges, or short traverses of land or granite rocks,
that have to be portaged across."
In the opinion of Principal G. M. Grant, who travelled with
Mr. Fleming in 1873, the Dawson road, as a route for trade for
ordinary travel or for emigrants to go west, was far from satisfac-
tory. " Only by building a hundred and fifty miles or so of railway
at the beginning and the end, and by overcoming the intervening
portages in such a way that bulk would not have to be broken, could
it be made to compete even with the present route by Duluth and the
railway thence to Pembina. The question, then, is simply whether
or not it is wise to do this, at an expenditure of some millions on a
road the greater part of which runs along the boundary line, after
the Dominion has already decided to build a direct line of railway
to the North-West." (See Ocean to Ocean, by G. M. Grant, 1873.)
53
Lord Strathcona
Branch and the railroad here, I know it is a great deal
easier to construct the road as they are doing and far
cheaper. I believe it is being pushed forward as fast
as the finances of the country will allow, and I agree
that the Pembina Branch ought not to delay the con-
struction of the main line. At the same time I do not
believe that the building of this road to Pembina will
stand in the way.
On another occasion, Mr. Donald Smith told
his constituents : —
We looked confidently forward to the construction of
the Pembina Branch ; and great was our disappointment
when the American railway1 connecting on the other
side of the boundary line became disorganized. It was
stopped sixty miles before reaching the boundary, bar-
ring us as completely from outer communication as if
the rails had not been laid beyond Breckenridge. Ef-
forts were made by the Minnesota Government to take
up the railway again, but the surrounding circum-
stances were such that no one could be induced to
have anything to do with it.
He then went on to say : —
It happens that I had friends in London and Mon-
treal who were interested in this country. But when
these gentlemen were consulted with in reference to a
railroad to Manitoba, one might just as well have sug-
gested to them a road to the North Pole. So little was
known of this part of Canada that capitalists could
not be induced to embark their wealth in the enter-
prise and I desisted — for a time.
1 The St. Paul & Pacific.
54
Financial Depression
When speaking of all these great public under-
takings not having been more rapidly advanced,
Mr. Smith pointed out the extraordinary financial
depression which just then existed: —
With a depression more severe than had been known
for many years, the country and Government had to
contend. It was a period of embarrassment not con-
fined to the Dominion, but extending over the United
States, England, and the Continent, and railroad enter-
prises had been greatly retarded by it.
It is interesting to recall that at this time (1876)
Mr. Smith did not believe in the practicability of
the transcontinental railway being built by a priv-
ate company.
" I will give it as my opinion that if it is to be
accomplished at all, it must be directly by the Gov-
ernment, and not through the instrumentality of a
company as was at one time proposed." When a
fellow-member spoke of the Canadian Pacific Rail-
way Company of 1873 as having been composed of
"most honourable men, well qualified to carry out
this great undertaking, and who would have accom-
plished it had they not been interfered with by
outside influences," Mr. Smith said: —
The gentlemen who composed that company were
doubtless men of the highest respectability, and some
of them possessed great wealth, but I would have asked
the right honourable gentleman for Kingston,1 if he
had been in his place to-night, if the gallant knight,
Sir Hugh Allan, who presided over the company, had
1 Sir John A. Macdonald.
55
Lord Strathcona
not, before leaving this country, misgivings as to the
success of the mission he was about to undertake. I
will not ask his honourable friend from Cumberland,1
and the other members of the late Government who
sit near him, whether within eight days after the
deputation reached London, those gentlemen were not
convinced that it was impossible to procure the money
required on the terms proposed, and in fact that nothing
short of a guarantee from the Canadian Government
of interest to some extent on the whole amount of the
bonds could induce capitalists to embark on the enter-
prise. This, it must be borne in mind, was before any
party influence had been brought to play, if indeed
such had been at all employed, which I am not inclined
to believe, to thwart the scheme. I had been in Eng-
land about that time, and had learned, on what I
believed to be the best authority, that the capitalists
with whom the company wished to negotiate would
not touch the proposition on any other terms than a
Government guarantee, as I have just stated.2
Finally, the Mackenzie Government pressed for-
ward the road. The survey across Manitoba was
made, when, much to the general disappointment
and disgust of Mr. Smith's constituents, the plans
showed that it avoided Winnipeg altogether, taking
a course much farther north. Here was a bitter
pill to swallow! With Mr. Fleming the member for
Selkirk was on terms of great intimacy. He sought
him and earnestly besought him to demonstrate
the reasons for the northerly route.
"If this is persisted in, Mr. Fleming," he ex-
1 The Honourable Charles Tupper.
* Parliamentary Debates, April, 1876.
56
Sandford Fleming
claimed, " I might as well resign my representation
of Selkirk in the House of Commons."
They went over the plans carefully, and although
at the end of a four hours' interview, the member
for Selkirk was unconvinced of the necessity for the
change he was fully convinced of Fleming's belief
in such necessity.
With this conviction he faced a stormy meeting
of his constituents.
As the action of the Government in locating the
Canadian Pacific Railway [he said], they are and any
Government must be in the hands of their engineers,
who are alone qualified to give advice in such matters.
Mr. Sandford Fleming has in this instance reported in
favour of the northern route which he has adopted, he
states, as the best selection he could make, in view of the
purposes for which the railway is mainly constructed.
It was charged that the chief engineer had ar-
rived at this decision far too rapidly and without
sufficient data.
But [declared Mr. Smith] it has to be borne in mind
that engineers are provided with staffs of assistants to
aid them. A man of such high character as Mr. Flem-
ing would not come forward to give recommendations
of this description unless he believed he was acting in
accord with the best interests of the country.
He reminded his hearers, further, that another
engineer, Mr. Marcus Smith, made a report, sim-
ilar to that of Mr. Fleming.
However [he went on], as far as I am concerned, I
have always, both in and out of the House of Commons,
57
Lord Strath cona
urged that the Canadian Pacific Railway should be
run by the southern and not by the northern route.
On every possible occasion I have urged this on the
Government, and I have used every effort to secure
railroad communication through the Province. I have
not only taken an Active part myself, but I have in-
duced others to do so.
To us this comes as a great disappointment. It is
almost unendurable that the railway, instead of pass-
ing through the centre of the Province, is to go a con-
siderable distance to the north, touching it only at one
point. The Minister of Public Works gives as a reason
for this that there would be a saving of thirty miles.
That certainly is a very great consideration from a
Dominion point of view. If this principle is to be main-
tained throughout the whole line, we can hardly look
for an exception in favour of Manitoba, no matter
how much we may regret the fact. A deputation from
Manitoba has had an interview with the Minister of
Public Works, and but little hope is held out of a
change in the route. However, as we cannot have this,
I am glad to find an indication of willingness on the
part of the Government to assist the people of Mani-
toba in building another line south of Lake Manitoba
and running westward and southward — such assist-
ance to be in the shape of grants of land. I earnestly
trust that this disposition will be borne out by fact,
and that such assistance will be given as will give our
people the means of sending their produce out of the
Province to a favourable market.
Mr. Smith had in view a road running from Fort
Garry westward toward the south branch of the
Saskatchewan, for a distance of from one hundred
58
"It must not be!"
to one hundred and ten miles within the Province
of Manitoba. It might extend, however, for six or
seven hundred miles farther to that portion of the
country known as Bow River. That route would be
south of the arid country stretching to a consider-
able extent through the British possessions of the
North-West. It had been said that the desire was
to bring this road too far south to meet the require-
ments of the great body of the people of the Prov-
ince. He denied that this was the fact, and de-
clared that the requirements of the greater number
would be duly considered before the Government
would be asked for any assistance.
Yet, even while he professed submission, he did
not abandon hope that the course of the railway
would be changed. In a phrase which he afterwards
used on many other occasions and notably to Sir
John Macdonald, when the latter was again in
power, "It must not be!" — so now he observed
repeatedly to the Premier, "I tell you, Mr. Mac-
kenzie, it must not be, it really must not be"
Time passed; events happened and "it" — so
greatly deprecated — was not.
We will now return to the St. Paul & Pacific Rail-
way Company, over whose lines traffic between the
Red River and St. Paul then passed and which had
become bankrupt in 1873. It was partially com-
pleted, in poor physical condition,1 and laden with
a heavy burden of bonds, owned mostly by finan-
ciers in Holland. On the other hand, it had a land
grant that might be valuable later on if it could be
1 The rails were of iron, not steel, and fast rusting.
59
Lord Strathcona
saved, terminal facilities in St. Paul of considerable
present and great potential value, and it was the
predestined continuous railroad route to Winnipeg
by its authorized line down the Red River Valley
to the international boundary, some sections of
which had been built and were lying there in the
general demoralization. When Mr. Smith saw that
construction had stopped and that those in control
of the property were not likely to complete it, he
began to consider if there were any other means to
that end.
He discussed the matter with Mr. Norman Kitt-
son, and he also found that Mr. Hill had the same
idea; both believed thoroughly in the country, and
its possibilities, and in the value of the property
if it could be secured, rehabilitated, and extended.
Every year, from 1873 on, Mr. Smith passed through
St. Paul frequently, and the three men in their con-
versations came to have a practical idea of what
would have to be done, and finally to regard a pur-
chase of the defaulted railway bonds as something
that might be attempted.
By 1876, the time appeared to be ripe for action.
The prospects of the property and the country were
improving. Legislation had been passed making it
possible to reorganize a railroad company under
foreclosure, allowing the bondholders to buy in
the property and reorganize without forfeiting the
privileges belonging to the former company. So in
March of that year Mr. Hill, being in Ottawa, met
Mr. Smith at his house there, and they decided
that the opportune time had come and that a prac-
60
LORD MOUNT STEPHEN
From the painting by Frank Holl, A .R.A .
Enter Mr. George Stephen
tical effort should now be made to see at what price
the bonds could be bought.1
One of Mr. Smith's intimate friends was Mr. George
Stephen, afterward Lord Mount Stephen, then Presi-
dent of the Bank of Montreal. From the first he had
endeavoured to interest Mr. Stephen in the plan. The
latter, who was not at first familiar with the country
or the property, for a time believed it not practicable,
and perhaps not desirable. Mr. Smith's continued
representations finally induced him to consider it more
favourably; and in the spring of 1877, he joined with
the others in the enterprise and the effort to raise,
through moneyed men in London and elsewhere, the
funds necessary to buy the bonds.2
When the St. Paul & Pacific Railway Company
became bankrupt [writes Sir William Van Home], it
occurred to Mr. Smith and Mr. Hill that they might
help the transportation difficulty, and do something
for themselves and for the country as well, by getting
control somehow of the broken-down property. They
needed, first of all, a financier, and Mr. Smith brought
the subject to the attention of his cousin, George
Stephen (now Lord Mount Stephen), a prominent
Montreal merchant and the president of the Bank
1 " I succeeded in inducing some friends to join with me in taking
up the St. Paul & Pacific Railway, now the St. Paul, Minneapolis &
Manitoba Railway. Mr. Stephen was one of those who embarked
in the enterprise, and at the time we certainly did not expect to make
much profit out of it, but we did desire, and that very earnestly, to
have a road into our own North-West country. Contrary to the
wish of our associates, we made it a condition that it should be con-
tinued on to the boundary to meet a line at Pembina, a proposition
which they thought was very foolish, indeed, as it would result in no
profit, but in a loss to the company." (Parliamentary Debates, May
26, 1887.)
* Memorandum of J. J. Hill to the author.
61
Lord Strathcona
of Montreal, who at first scouted the idea. But
Mr. Smith was, as always, persistent, and he gave Mr.
Stephen no rest.
Just then occurred a serious failure of a steel com-
pany in Illinois which involved the Chicago agency of
the Bank of Montreal in a heavy loss, and Mr. Stephen
with Mr. Richard B. Angus, the general manager of
the Bank, hastened to Chicago to do what they could.
After some days the proceedings of the law courts
gave them a week of idleness and they tossed a coin to
determine whether to use it in a visit to St. Paul or
St. Louis. Fortunately for them, it fell to St. Paul,
and Stephen said, " I am rather glad of that, for it will
give us an opportunity to see the railroad Smith has
talked about so much." They had heard of Mr. Hill
through Mr. Smith, and on reaching St. Paul, they
looked him up. He arranged for a special train to
Breckenridge and they ran out one day and returned
at night.
Mr. Stephen had never before seen a prairie and
was much impressed by its beauties and possibilities,
although at the time the plague of locusts which had
devastated all that region for nearly two years, and
which continued more than a year afterwards, had
given the country a bleak and barren look and had
compelled nearly all the settlers to abandon their
homes. Mr. Stephen knew that such plagues had
visited many parts of the world many times since his-
tory began, knew that they were frequent, but knew
that they never continued long, and he gave the locusts
no serious thought. He knew the Americans and knew
that the settlers would quickly return to their lands
when the locusts should go, and that these settlers
would prosper and be followed by many more.
62
The Dutch Bondholders
Then came visits to the representatives of the
Dutch bondholders whose interest was long in default.
Mr. Stephen urged these bondholders to join him and
his friends in reorganizing the company and extending
the railroad down the valley of the Red River some
hundreds of miles to the Canadian boundary and spoke
of the great fortunes to be made by it. But the Dutch-
men were not to be moved. They had lost much
money, they were tired and disgusted, and the locusts
were yet there. "Take our bonds at a price and make
all that money yourselves," said they. Mr. Stephen
replied that he and his associates could not take the
bonds at any price unless they could be sure of the
necessary legislation in Minnesota. "How long will
that take?" asked the Dutchmen. "Six months,"
replied Mr. Stephen. "Then," said the Dutchmen,
"we will give you an option for a nominal amount on
our bonds for eight months at a price less than the
accrued interest on them." And Stephen came away
with the option.1
This was in 1876. An association was immedi-
ately formed, consisting of George Stephen, Donald
1 Most of these bonds were held by a committee of the owners
in Amsterdam, called the "Dutch Committee." Through the year
1877, various tentative propositions were considered in the negotia-
tions opened with this committee. The associated purchasers were
all men of modest means. It was found impossible to procure outside
capital in amount sufficient to purchase for cash, because men in a
position to command it were not familiar with the country and had
been made distrustful by the misfortune of other American railroad
investments. The bondholders stood out for the best terms they
could make; but further delay threatening the sacrifice of some of
the company's rights and its property unless they were ready to put
in a large additional sum of money, they finally entered, February
13, 1878, into an agreement of purchase and sale on new conditions
with four associates, Donald A. Smith, James J. Hill, George Stephen,
and Norman W. Kittson.
63
Lord Strathcona
A. Smith, James J. Hill, Richard B. Angus, John
S. Kennedy, and Norman W. Kittson. The compara-
tively small amount required for preliminary expenses
was provided between them, the reorganization plan
was carried out, the necessary legislation hurried
through at St. Paul by Mr. Hill, and the St. Paul,
Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway Company (now
called the Great Northern) was born.1 New bonds
were created for putting the old railway in order, for
new equipment and for the extension northward.
Enough of these bonds were quickly marketed to pay
off the Dutch bondholders. Then more were sold and
active operations began; and then early in July, 1877,
the locusts disappeared. Immediately the settlers
who had left the country returned and the suspended
movement of people to the western lands was resumed
at an enormously increased rate.
" From that time to this the history of the company
has been one of enterprise, energy, and boundless suc-
cess. The railway built up the country and the for-
tunes of its promoters grew a pace. The names of these
men are held almost in reverence throughout the vast
region served by the many thousands of miles of rail-
ways they have made, and among these names not the
least is that of Donald A. Smith (Lord Strathcona).
The great corporation created by these men, unlike
some of the earlier American railway corporations,
has never been smirched by charges of stock- jobbing,
money-grabbing, or questionable practices of any
kind. The vast rewards which have come to it repre-
sent merely a fair participation in the wealth its found-
ers created for the country at large." *
1 Memorandum by James J. Hill.
1 Sir William Van Home.
64
Acquisition of the Railway
Turning to Mr. Hill's narrative, he says: —
The old bonds were turned in at varying prices
which, though more or less below face, were well above
their market value at the time. Payment was to be
made within six months of the sale of the properties
under foreclosure, either in gold or in first mortgage
gold bonds of the new company to be organized by
the associates. Until then they were to pay interest on
the purchase price, and they assumed all the risks and
all the expenses of completing unfinished lines. It was
stipulated under bond that they should build to St.
Vincent as quickly as possible, and in not to exceed
two years from date. They pledged all they had in the
world to carry through what nearly everybody then
regarded as a probable failure.
The new control pushed matters. The new lines
were built, operation was systematized, the seasons
were favourable, settlers came pouring in, the coun-
try developed, the business of the railroad grew. On
May 23, 1879, these four men, together with a repre-
sentative of the banking house of John S. Kennedy &
Company, of New York City, organized the St. Paul,
Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway Company, the
parent company of the Great Northern of to-day.
From that time onward, the history of the enterprise in
which Donald A. Smith had so large a share was one of
unceasing growth and increasing prosperity.1
Having by these strenuous exertions acquired
the road and carried it to the Canadian boundary,
the next step was to obtain a lease of the line of rail-
way which had been built by the Government from
1 Memorandum, ubi supra.
65
Lord Strathcona
Winnipeg to Pembina in order to link it there with
the St. Paul & Pacific.
In every country there is a set of men so jealous
of capital and suspicious of enterprise likely to
create wealth for others than themselves that,
should a political antagonism also exist, they will
spare no effort to defeat a project destined for the
public good. It was so in this case and will be
so in other instances hereafter. One records with
regret that Sir John Macdonald opposed the grant-
ing of the lease, chiefly because he was advised that
the Government of the day intended to grant it
and he was in opposition, but partly also because
he had not yet forgiven Mr. Smith for his failure
to support him at the crisis of 1873. Forces were
brought to bear to defeat the measure, but in vain.
A great deal was said at the time about the exist-
ence of a railway monopoly, which would grind
down the farmers and producers of the North -West.
It is important [stated Mr. Smith] for the Govern-
ment to have connection made with advantage to the
railway; but the Government has secured the people
against extortion or excess of charges. If I say any-
thing on behalf of the St. Paul & Pacific promoters, it
is that our first proposition submitted to the Govern-
ment was so moderate in their own interests and bene-
ficial to this Province that the Government did not
consider that anything fairer could be asked for. What
were the terms? That we might have the power to
run the road for five years which term might be ex-
tended for another five on a mutual agreement, and
that the rates should be reasonable. Well, how were
66
Rail vs. River Tariffs
we to arrive at what were reasonable rates? It was
arranged that the Government should appoint an ar-
bitrator, the railway men another, and if these two
did not agree upon a third, then they should go to the
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada to ap-
point him. This was the offer of those monopolists, of
those who would grind us down. I ask you — could
anything be more liberal? When I tell you further that
the road is entirely controlled by Canadians — though
while no men were more honourable than the merchants
of the United States, we naturally had a leaning for
our own people and preferred to see the work in their
own hands, when it was in the hands of Canadian cap-
italists. I asked if they were not perfectly safe against
extortion and excessive charges.
In the course of the debate in Parliament on the
Canadian Pacific Railway Act Amendment Bill,1
in the spring of 1878, Mr. Smith disclosed some
interesting particulars he had obtained of the
transportation rates then charged by different com-
panies in the North-West, to show that the heavy
rates and great extortion complained of did not
rest wholly with the Red River Transportation
Company
From J. J. Hill to D. A. Smith
ST. PAUL, 2ist April, 1878.
I beg herewith to send you the particulars you ask
for with regard to the transportation rates. The first-
class passage from St. Paul to Winnipeg is $20. Of this
amount the Northern Pacific will not accept anything
1 To lease the Pembina Branch.
67
Lord Strathcona
less than $10 for carrying passengers 244 miles to
Glyndon, which is made within twelve hours. From
that point to Fisher's Landing, or rather Crookston,
the other portion of the line belonging to the Red River
Transportation Company, a distance of 70 miles, $2.50
is charged. There remains the transit by the Red
River Transportation Company, for a distance of 380
miles, occupying two or three days, on the river, for
which $7.50 is charged. Thus for transportation over
244 miles, the Northern Pacific obtains $10, that for
70 miles $2.50 was exacted, and that for 380 miles,
extending over two or three days, only $7.50 is paid.
For second-class passage, $12 is paid for the whole dis-
tance, of which $6 was taken by the Northern Pacific
for 244 miles, while the Red River Transportation
Company obtains an amount in the same proportion
as I have given for the first-class passengers. So much
for the so-called "extortion" of the Red River Trans-
portation Company.
On August 3, 1878, a lease was granted to Mr.
Stephen giving to the St. Paul & Pacific Railway
running powers for ten years over the Pembina
Branch.
I will not dwell upon the protracted trials of these
gentlemen in their efforts to secure rail communica-
tion and their frequent failures, which only nerved
them to try again; and within three months those
present will see that they had at last succeeded. Within
that space of time the cars will be running up from St.
Boniface to St. Paul, and within a short period after,
the iron horse will be on the rails on this side of the
river. I feel gratified on receiving a telegram from my
friend Mr. George Stephen, a most enterprising mer-
68
Mr. Stephen's Confidence
chant, and, as nearly every one present knows, the
president of the Bank of Montreal, — a gentleman
greatly interested in opening communication with
Manitoba.
Mr. Stephen had gone west in the summer of
1878 and travelled up the railway to Fisher's Land-
ing, and along the St. Vincent extension, and on his
return to Montreal wired Mr. Smith a despatch
expressing his confidence that a train would be in
Winnipeg in October.
But even if we discount this confidence, if, however,
taking the latest time possible and allow for some
unforeseen circumstance, we should have rail commun-
ication with the outside world — that we could leave
here in the evening and be in St. Paul the following
day — what a boon that will be! And, gentlemen,
mark my words, we will do it!
Relating his experiences at this time and the in-
ducements offered to Messrs. Stephen and Angus
to come to see this bankrupt railway, Mr. Smith
said afterwards : —
They finally yielded to my persuasion and came.
They saw the fine prairies of northern Minnesota; they
saw the golden grain in fields and in mounds; they
looked with amazement, for they had no conception of
such a country — even one of which they had heard so
much. Up here in Manitoba, they were still better
pleased with the excellence of the land. They saw and
felt that Canada had a very great country ; to make it
profitable — for it to become the granary of Canada
and Europe — it had merely to be opened. These
capitalists, these prominent men, were looked upon at
69
Lord Strathcona
home as sober, serious citizens, but when they returned
from the West, they were almost beside themselves, and
advised every one they met to "go West.'/ And some
of these gentlemen were able to infuse the enthusiasm
they contained into others who knew little previously
of the North- West. They were helped, and helped con-
siderably, by the magnificent speech of Lord Dufferin
in which he declared that Manitoba was not only use-
ful to the rest of Canada, but was the " bull's eye of the
Dominion."
It is hardly within the prescribed scope of these
pages to do more than refer to certain vexatious
litigation which attended the transfer of the inter-
ests of the St. Paul & Pacific Railway Company to
Mr. Smith and his associates. But inasmuch as the
transaction has been the subject of such gross mis-
conception, a summary of it may be considered
called for in this place.
When, in 1873, the railway went into bankruptcy,
one James J. Farley, a person with an indifferent
reputation, was appointed official receiver. The
interests of the Dutch bondholders were in the
hands of Mr. J. S. Kennedy, of New York. In or-
der to obtain financial control and rehabilitate the
railway, it was necessary to deal with Farley.
Farley claimed to have
knowledge, not possessed by any of the other parties,
as to the whereabouts of the bonds, the rated value
thereof by holders, and the mode whereby these could
be procured; also in respect to the situation, amount,
character, and value of the lines of railroad and prop-
erty mortgaged to secure said bonds and in respect to
70
Farley's Charges
the pending suits for the foreclosure of said mort-
gages, and that the services of the plaintiff in respect
to all of said matters and his cooperation were indis-
pensable to the success of said enterprise.1
He gave this information to Messrs. Kittson and
Hill in the first instance, and claimed to have en-
tered into a secret agreement with them to share
certain profits to be derived.
Thereupon Kittson made arrangements with and
procured Donald A. Smith, in conjunction with
George Stephen, to agree to furnish and advance
funds necessary to purchase the bonds, and carry out
said enterprise, and as plaintiff is informed and be-
lieved, the said defendant Kittson, by and with the
consent of the defendant Hill, but without the
knowledge or consent of the plaintiff, and in violation
of the understanding and agreement before mentioned,
agreed with Smith and Stephen, that the latter should
have and hold, for their own use and benefit, three
fifths or sixty per cent interest in said undertaking and
enterprise. Subsequently, Smith and Stephen, aided
by Hill, Kittson, and plaintiff, opened a court of ne-
gotiations (between 1877 and 1879) for the purchase of
said bonds, and as a result of such negotiation, Smith
and Stephen purchased about twenty million dollars,
in amount, of the bonds. 2
In the legal proceedings, it was indignantly de-
nied by Mr. Kennedy that either he or the holders
of any of the mortgaged bonds knew of Farley's
interest in the project for purchasing said bonds.
1 The plaintiff's plea in the subsequent lawsuit.
1 Minnesota Reports, vol. xxvn.
71
Lord Strathcona
Nor did Kennedy even suspect at any time that
Farley ever claimed to have any such interest, as
receiver of the railway, then covered by a fifteen-
million-dollar mortgage. Moreover, how could Far-
ley lawfully make any such agreement, or engage
in the enterprise of purchasing the bonds? The
mere making of such an agreement and the em-
barking in such an enterprise by him. would have
been " a breach of trust on his part as such receiver,
and a fraud on the holders of the bonds, and a fraud
on the court, whose receiver he was."
On the other hand, as general manager of the
trustees, Farley occupied a situation of confidence
toward his employers ; by making any such agree-
ment as he alleged and by engaging in the enterprise
of purchasing the bonds and said mortgaged prop-
erty, he would have been guilty of a breach of trust
toward, and a fraud upon, the trustees and the
bondholders.
But while privately stigmatizing Farley's infa-
mous charge of conspiracy, the St. Paul, Minne-
apolis & Manitoba Company (as it was now) were
advised, as the speediest method of disposing of
the case, to ignore the issue raised altogether, and
simply to put forward the plea that, by reason of
the fiduciary position occupied by the plaintiff, he
was not entitled to the aid of a court of equity to
enforce any of the agreements mentioned or any of
the rights claimed by him.
Therefore these defendants do plead, whether they
should be compelled to make further answer to the said
bill, and pray to be hence dismissed, with their reason-
72
A Monstrous Charge dismissed
able costs and charges in this behalf most wrongfully
sustained.
In rendering his decision the Federal judge treated
Farley's plea with merited severity. He said: —
This is a strange demand to present to a court of
equity. To what extent the alleged confederates are
blameworthy or culpable, if at all, can be made to
appear only after necessary and full proofs. The court,
however, must dispose of the case as now presented.
Surely no principle of equity, morals, or law could
countenance such a demand, and no court worthy of
its trust would lend its aid to further a scheme so ab-
horrent to all recognized rules of right and justice.1
The plea of the defendants was sustained and the
suit against them dismissed with costs.
The whole case aroused widespread interest, and
an attempt was made in some quarters to create
another "railway scandal," of a too-familiar type,
out of it. But the attempt miserably failed. To a
plain man knowing Farley's character and the char-
acter of the defendants, and appraising the charges
as presented in court, no possible doubt could
exist that the promoters of the railway had acted
throughout as honourable men, and that the plans
of a simple blackmailer had happily miscarried.
The determination of the Government that the
main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway was not
to pass through Winnipeg continued to be a source
of deep dissatisfaction. But Mr. Smith was not dis-
couraged. He told his constituents: —
1 Federal Reporter, vol. xiv.
73
Lord Strathcona
Our next step, after securing the road to St. Boni-
face, should be a railway through the country now
becoming so thickly settled. I see no reason why it
should not be built; it should already be running.
Three or four years ago a charter was obtained for a
road running south-west from Winnipeg; the scheme
was shown the Government, which seemed inclined
toward it. I introduced a gentleman well known here,
Mr. John Ross, to the Premier, and in conversation in
regard to the railway, Mr. Mackenzie expressed him-
self most favourably, and so did the then Minister of
Interior, indeed so far as to speak of the necessary
grant of land and the arrangements for commencing
the work within a short time. Some gentlemen here,
however, stepped in and thwarted the scheme, which
was hardly to be expected from those in the Province,
even if the line did not run within a few yards of their
lands. The scheme, however, was only postponed, and
I believe that within eighteen months a railway west
will be commenced. We need not then care whether
the proposed Canadian Pacific Railway was built to
the north or south of Lake Manitoba, or whether it
was built at all, so long as we would have, for all prac-
tical purposes, and for the wants of the country, a well-
built road to take in supplies to the hundreds, soon to
be thousands, who will make their homes in the North-
West, and who will enrich Manitoba and Winnipeg.
I know that Manitoba is a small spot, — on the map
it looked little enough, — but in a short time it will
have extended its limits. The boundary difficulty
between Ontario and the North-West was the only
difficulty in the way, and that now being dispelled,
our boundaries to the eastward and to the westward
will be extended, through Manitoba to the Little Sas-
74
Disheartening Indecision
katchewan I trust, and circumstances warrant me in
believing a railway will be running in a very short
time.
Soon it appeared that the Mackenzie Govern-
ment was weakening on the question of the route
north of Winnipeg.
The Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie) stated that
the principal reason for carrying the railway from
Red River north of Lake Manitoba to Fort Pelly
was to shorten the distance to the destined capital
of the North-West.
I hope [declared Mr. Smith], now that the seat of
Government for the North-West Territory is to be
removed to a point some three hundred miles west
and somewhat south of that first proposed, the Prime
Minister might see his way to consider the location of
this portion of the line so as to bring it south of Lake
Manitoba, an alteration which would confer a very
great benefit on the Province of Manitoba, and would
command the approval and hearty thanks of its peo-
ple. I believe that the statement and explanation of
the Premier will give general satisfaction.
Before his heart had been wrapped up in the
St. Paul & Pacific, he had been seriously disquieted
by the shilly-shallying in its railway policy, of the
Mackenzie Government.
I am beginning to lose heart over the Canadian Pa-
cific Railway and to attach less and less importance to
it as a means of saving the situation at large.
This he wrote in 1876. A year later, he said: —
75
Lord Strathcona
In so far as the facilities given for bringing in the
supplies and sending out their products is concerned,
it matters little how the people of Manitoba get it, so
long as they get it.
How characteristic of him it was, that up to the
debate of 1878, Mr. Smith had not considered it
either desirable or necessary to confirm or deny the
reports concerning his personal connection with the
St. Paul & Minnesota Railway.1 His reason for
silence was to avoid bringing down upon his head
the very charges of illicit interest and political cor-
ruption which Sir John Macdonald, then leader of
the Opposition, launched at him and from which
he defended himself.
The honourable gentleman [observed Sir John with
unnecessary heat] admitted he was a partner in this
concern, and the House should know something
about it.
I beg the right honourable gentleman's pardon
[replied Mr. Smith], I admitted no such thing! The
honourable gentleman, I hope, is not my father con-
fessor.
The honourable gentleman [retorted the leader of
the Opposition] has not denied it, and there is no doubt
that, if he could have done so, he would. A little while
ago, he denied positively that he had any interest in
1 The St. Paul Pioneer Press first stated editorially on March 7,
1878, that the purchasers of the bonds of the St. Paul & Pacific
Railway were Messrs. Hill and Kittson, associated with Mr. Stephen
of the Bank of Montreal, and Donald A. Smith. It asserted that,
through the influence of the latter, the support and cooperation of
the Dominion Government have been obtained in the adjustment
of their connections with the railway system in Manitoba.
76
Replies to Opposition Leader
the Kittson line, because he could say so. But he does
not deny that he has an interest in the St. Paul line.
To this Mr. Smith rejoined that it was neither
necessary nor desirable to satisfy the right honour-
able gentleman's curiosity.
Whatever I have done in this respect I have done in
the most open manner possible. When it was found
that others could do nothing in the way of getting
better railway facilities and completing the railway
connections in Manitoba, I certainly, as a Member
from the Province, did my utmost to effect that. As I
said on another occasion in this House, for two or three
years back I have laboured earnestly to that end in
connection with some friends, and no sooner did it
become possible to get that which was so much re-
quired — indeed an absolute necessity for the country
— than the honourable gentleman and his friends put
every obstacle in the way of its being carried out. He
comes to this House and says that the Government is
actuated by unworthy motives in proposing to make
running arrangements with the St. Paul & Pacific
Company over the Pembina Branch, and that it was
their intention to reward me in this way for my ser-
vile adherence to them. Now I would like to ask the
honourable gentleman for Kingston [Sir John Mac-
donald] and any member of his Government, if on any
occasion they found a disposition on my part to ask
or receive any favour from the Government, either for
myself or for that corporation which has been so much
spoken of, and which I have had the honour of repre-
senting — the Hudson's Bay Company? I would ask
the honourable member if I have received one sixpence
of public money, or one place, either for myself, or for
77
Lord Strathcona
any other person connected with me, and if at this
moment there is one single person related to myself
who receives one sixpence of the public money.
There could be but one answer to this question.
Throughout his political career Donald A. Smith
never asked for either place or favour. As a mem-
ber of Parliament he drew no salary. As a Govern-
ment Commissioner he accepted neither salary nor
indemnity, even paying his own expenses. When
in the course of time he became Canada's represen-
tative abroad, he forewent the emoluments of that
office.
One passes hastily over the conclusion of this
debate in Parliament, as one draws a veil over fea-
tures dear to us, but so distorted as to provoke in
the spectator a sentiment of pain. A scene occurred
— "the most disgraceful," wrote George Brown,
"in the annals of the Canadian House of Commons"
— when Sir John Macdonald lost his temper, and
together with his lieutenant, Sir Charles Tupper,
indulged in vituperative language for which he was
afterwards sincerely ashamed. Physical violence
on both sides was narrowly prevented, and in such
manner was the Session of 1878 brought to an un-
dignified if dramatic close.
In the succeeding election Mr. Smith was again
a candidate for Selkirk. On the hustings he dis-
claimed the title of " Mackenzieite " which his
opponent foisted upon him. He denied that he had
ever been a slavish supporter of either the present
or the previous Administration. Throughout his
parliamentary career he had been absolutely inde-
His Political Independence
pendent and had never received a personal favour
from either the present or previous Government to
the extent of one single dollar.
In respect to Mr. Morris's charge that as head of a
great corporation, I would lack weight in the House of
Commons, how did that compare with the honour-
able gentleman's assertion that in the House of Com-
mons I have been able to exercise undue influence in
favour of the Hudson's Bay Company? There is a
manifest inconsistency here.
If I have lost influence on account of my connection
with the Hudson's Bay Company, how was it that
again and again during the canvass I have been ac-
cused of having such power with the Government as
to be almost a dictator? The argument of my honour-
able friend does not hang together logically. But the
fact is that when I was returned to Ottawa by the
voice of the people of this Province, I would command
an influence there, and I intend to exercise that influ-
ence to the fullest extent. The honourable gentleman
might speak slightingly of the business habits of the
Hudson's Bay Company's officers, as he had done, but
those knowing the Hudson's Bay Company knew that
it ranked among its officers many of just as much intel-
ligence, business habits, and commercial morality and
honour as were to be found anywhere in the world.
The Governor-General at a dinner given in his honour
in this city, had given his meed of praise to those
gentlemen, and that was a testimony on which they
might rest.
I do not profess to be a Cicero. I leave that dis-
tinction to my honourable friend. They boast a
Disraeli and a Gladstone in England — men of abil-
ity, power, and persuasive eloquence. In this country
79
Lord Strathcona
we have a Blake and a Sir John Macdonald — men
ranking high as orators. But no doubt my honourable
friend will show that these men have dwindled into
insignificance — that in comparison with his, their
powers of persuasion are vastly inferior and their skill
in argument not to be mentioned in the same breath.1
The Mackenzie Government did not receive at
the polls throughout the Dominion generally the
support expected. At a meeting, the evening pre-
vious to the polling, Mr. Smith had told the elec-
tors that he had given an independent support to
Mr. Mackenzie's Government, and he would con-
sider it his bounden duty, when elected, to sustain
any Government in passing such measures as were
in the interests of the people of Manitoba and the
North-West. All measures introduced into Parlia-
ment with that end in view, he would sustain and
advance to the best of his ability.
As to the defeat of the present Administration, one
reason above all others which brought this about was
the idea which got into the minds of many people
of the country, and, indeed, had been industriously
instilled into them — that the great and widespread
depression prevailing was the fault of the Government.
That had more to do with their defeat, apparently,
than everything else put together. Throughout his
1 A further example of his platform satire may be cited : —
" I was not in public life at the time of Confederation and conse-
quently was not aware until this memorable evening that to my
friend [his opponent Mr. Morris], and a particular friend of his, were
we indebted for the great work. It is well to know these things, so
that credit can be given to whom credit is due. I admit that I might
have been skeptical, but now, hearing it direct from my honourable
friend's lips, I must accept it." (Speech, August 21, 1878.)
80
No "Fair-weather Friend"
life he had never been a "fair-weather friend," and
would express his belief in respect to the Government
which had just fallen, that they were quite able to
stand by their record, as one showing that they had
sought to advance the welfare of the country at large.
On the morning of the poll the following letter
appeared in the Free Press and attracted marked
attention : —
The victory which the Conservatives have gained in
the late election ought surely to satisfy the most exact-
ing amongst them and allow them to step down from
the platform of party feelings and give some considera-
tion to the real position of the country in the present
contest. Let us look at matters as they really stand.
In the first place, the great question is, with us, railway
communication with the East, without which we are
bound to be at a standstill, no matter how much Sir
John may seem to favour us. It is quite plain to any
one that we will have to depend on the American out-
let for the next three years at least, as, no matter how
quickly Sir John may push on the road to Lake Su-
perior, he cannot complete it within that time. Sir
John A. Macdonald is too astute a politician to refuse
to work hand in hand with Donald A. Smith in rail-
way matters, especially as the latter gentleman wields
a very great influence in that respect across the line,
where Sir John cannot, if he would, interfere with
him.
Suppose that Sir John should see fit to cancel the
lease of the Pembina Branch to the St. Paul & Pacific,
how much better off are we? The railway company
has sufficient influence to arrange matters with the
Northern Pacific by which the two lines can divide the
81
Lord Strathcona
profits of a higher tariff of rates to the boundary line
which the people of this country will be compelled to
pay for the next three or four years, and this, in addi-
tion to an increase in the customs duties, will consti-
tute a very serious burden on the people of Manitoba.
Even when the road to Lake Superior is finished we
will have but a summer route for another long period
during which we will be at the mercy of American
roads in winter. It is well known that no direct road
can be built between Lake Superior and Winnipeg that
will not take years and a large amount of money to
construct. Sir John, therefore, in the interest of this
Province, and in the interest of any schemes he may
wish to advance for the opening-up of this vast coun-
try is not going to quarrel with Donald A. Smith in any
railway matters merely to satisfy a personal grudge.
If he did, could we blame Mr. Smith if he resented it?
And then between Sir John A. Macdonald and Donald
A. we in Manitoba would find ourselves in a nice pickle
of fish. It is all nonsense to suppose that the North-
ern Pacific will launch capital to build a road, when
they are so much in need of money to push on their
main line, so long as they can make a satisfactory
arrangement with the St. Paul & Pacific for the trade
of this city. This is the business way to look at it.
Now, suppose we reject Donald A. Smith as a
friend ; is it to be supposed that he will take any par-
ticular pains to advance our interests? He has become
a responsible party for millions, and it is very likely,
indeed, that he will, when under ties of friendship for
us, make what he can out of the investment without
much regard for us in the matter. How is Sir John to
prevent this, I would like to know? He may cancel
the lease of the Pembina Branch, but is he, or will he
82
Charges of Corruption
be, in a position to manipulate the line outside the
Dominion? Donald A., I rather think, has been before
him in this. It is not only probable but certain that
the people of the Dominion would never sanction the
expenditure of money to build up American railways.
Sir John A. would never attempt it; he has had too
bitter an experience in the past to forget the lesson.
The election resulted in Mr. Smith's favour; but
the Opposition charged that a technical violation
of the law had been committed and demanded an
annulment. In the course of lengthy enquiry it was
shown that refreshments had unwittingly been
served to certain visitors at "Silver Heights"1
and other malpractices indulged in, which, though
innocent of themselves, might conceivably influ-
ence an individual's vote. But that any bribery or
corruption, open or secret, could be alleged against
the successful candidate was shown to be unjust
and unreasonable. The case came before one Judge
Betournay, who, after carefully hearing the evi-
dence, dismissed the charges.
Unhappily this same judge, who was universally
respected, though far from affluent, had some years
before sought to obtain a mortgage upon his prop-
erty. The property was worth some eight or ten
1 This residence, " Silver Heights," was occupied by many notable
visitors including several Governors-General. The late Duke of
Argyll, when Lord Lome, stayed at "Silver Heights," which was one
of the most beautiful spots in the Province. The old house at " Silver
Heights," with its spacious galleries, quaint corners, and handsomely
furnished rooms, was thrown open, on many occasions, for the enter-
tainment of distinguished men and women, and its hospitalities be-
came a household word in Manitoba. When the house was destroyed
by fire a noteworthy landmark in the Province disappeared.
83
Lord Strathcona
thousand dollars. He had applied to Mr. Smith's
agent in Winnipeg, who had advanced him four
thousand dollars on a mortgage. As Mr. Smith
afterwards publicly stated : —
His agent had acted in this case, as in every other
with which he had been connected in Manitoba, sim-
ply as his agent to invest money, and in most cases he
did not know the parties dealt with or sums handled.
The particular transactions spoken of in this instance
took place in August, 1874, when his agent, Mr.
Blanchard, a barrister of Winnipeg, was put in charge
of his [Mr. Smith's] personal affairs in Manitoba, and
who had invested for him to a considerable extent, on
his belief that the security given was ample. Since
that time he had no knowledge whatever of the trans-
action.
Yet when, as a newspaper sensation, the circum-
stance of the mortgage was revealed such a clamour
arose that in May, 1879, Mr. Smith felt it was his
duty to make a personal explanation to the House
of Commons. After a simple narration of the facts
he concluded by saying : —
He disliked very much to come before the House on
any personal matter, and for his own sake would not
have spoken. He had shown he had cared very little
for what might have been said against him in the pub-
lic press ; but, when they knew that the reputation of
a judge depended so much on the estimation in which
he was held by the people, he believed that it was his
duty to come forward and vindicate the judge reflected
upon.1
1 Parliamentary Debates, May, 1879.
84
New Election ordered
Nevertheless, the matter was unscrupulously
pressed by Mr. Smith's opponents, and on the con-
tested election being argued before the Supreme
Court, the decision was reversed and a new elec-
tion ordered.
At first he decided not to offer himself for reelec-
tion.
To W. F. Luxton
July 3d, 1880.
I thank you much for your telegrams; but notwith-
standing the desire you mention, on the part of your
friends, of which I have also had warm assurances
from other quarters, that I should again offer myself
as a candidate for the representation of Selkirk, with,
I am informed, the certainty of reelection, while greatly
appreciating this proof of your continued confidence,
I am unable to comply with your wish.
My engagements for the summer and autumn are
such that I could not count on being able to be present
during the election contest; and, apart from this, for
three or four years back the attendance at the Sessions
of the Legislature, in fulfilment of my duties to my
constituents, has trenched so heavily on the time and
attention required to be given to other affairs, that
those friends with whom I am more immediately asso-
ciated have repeatedly and very strongly urged me to
withdraw from Parliament; a recommendation, unhap-
pily, recently enforced by illness in my family, which
makes it necessary for me to be absent a good deal
from Canada.
In, for the present, closing a connection extending
over ten years as the representative in the House of
Commons for the County of Selkirk, including Winni-
85
Lord Strathcona
peg, which from a small village has, during that period,
grown to be an important city with a population of
upwards of ten thousand, let me say to you that I am
very sensible of all the kindness and consideration ex-
perienced at the hands of those friends who supported
me, whether on political grounds or from sentiments of
personal friendship to myself; that I shall always look
back with much satisfaction to the very pleasant char-
acter of our relations toward each other, and that they
and the Province of Manitoba, with whose interests
I have been so intimately connected ever since it be-
came a portion of the Dominion, have my best wishes
for their happiness and prosperity.
Afterwards, yielding to the earnest representa-
tions of his many friends of both political parties,
he consented to become a candidate for reelection.
"Liberals and Liberal-Conservatives alike will re-
joice at this happy solution of the political problem.
The cordial and spontaneous promises of support
which have reached Mr. Smith from all quarters of
the riding, and from all sections of the community,
must have been as gratifying to himself personally
as they are significant of the ultimate result of the
contest." l
At the first joint meeting of the rival candidates
Captain Scott said he found an honourable oppon-
ent in Mr. Smith. After referring to the lateness of
Mr. Smith's acceptance of the candidature, he went
on to say that Mr. Donald A. Smith was one who
" was held — and justly so — in the highest respect
by the people of Kildonan. He had not said and
1 Free Press, July 12, 1880.
86
Defeated for Selkirk
would not say one word against him, further than
what affected his political career. Mr. Smith, who
had represented Selkirk for the past seven or eight
years, had represented the county well; but unfor-
tunately he had so many irons in the fire that it was
impossible to look after his own interests and those
of the Province and do both justice."
At the close of the meeting Mr. Smith indulged
in a little pleasantry at the expense of the Captain
and his "honourable and learned young advocate,"
Mr. Prudhomme. "His playful sarcasms," ob-
served the reporter present, " kept those two gentle-
men squirming about in their seats as restlessly as
though they had been sitting on carpet tacks, while
the audience, appreciating the situation to the full,
were kept in a high state of enjoyment. Mr. Smith
also spoke briefly in French, after which the meet-
ing broke up with the usual cheers." x
But so great was the popularity of Sir John Mac-
donald, and so zealous his friends to humiliate one
who had had the misfortune to incur his displeasure,
that the bye-election in September, 1880, could
hardly fail to result in Mr. Smith's disfavour —
Captain Scott had a majority of 158 votes.
In the Parliamentary Session of 1880, a great stir
was attempted in respect of Mr. Smith's connec-
tion with "an American railway which was keeping
British immigrants out of the North-West by ad-
vertising the superior attractions of the lands be-
longing to that railway."
"I am really disturbed about this," he wrote,
1 The Manitoba Free Press, September 2, 1880.
87
Lord Strathcona
"especially after incurring the serious displeasure
of one or two of my fellow-directors, that I was not
sufficiently eager to sell our Minnesota lands."
To the House of Commons he said : —
It is true that I have an interest in the St. Paul,
Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway, perhaps three mil-
lion acres of the lands in Minnesota. But I hope that
does not make me less a Canadian than I would be
otherwise. I have been in this country now for upwards
of forty years, and can therefore claim to be as much a
Canadian as most of the honourable gentlemen in this
House. I regret that the honourable member for Mon-
treal West is not in his place in the House, because
I can recollect when he and the Honourable Peter
Mitchell — who wrote those very pleasing and inter-
esting letters, which have engaged the attention of
honourable gentlemen, and in which he speaks in high
terms of the lands in Minnesota — heard other testi-
mony.
I can recollect that five members of this House and
myself were on the train between Winnipeg and St.
Paul together, on our return from Manitoba. We met
the emigration agent of the Dominion Government,
and that official, whom I then saw for the first time,
on being asked, "Are any efforts made by the officials
of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway
to keep back emigrants on their way to Manitoba?"
replied, "Certainly not; on the contrary, every possi-
ble assistance and facilities are afforded these emi-
grants for going through to their destination." He did
say that some other American railway companies acted
differently, but that had nothing to do with the road
referred to. That such is the conduct followed by the
88
North- West Immigrants
people of the St. Paul & Manitoba Railway has been
fully substantiated by others, including the agents of
Canadian railway companies, who have gone up in
charge of parties of emigrants for Manitoba.
Other testimony, both in and out of Parliament,
corroborated this. It was fortunate for this coun-
try that the St. Paul Railway Company and their
lands in Minnesota were controlled by those who
were so friendly to Canada, and anxious to give
every reasonable facility for sending emigrants into
the North- West of the Dominion.
Our instructions to our officials are that no attempt
should be made to keep back these people on their way
to Manitoba, but, on the contrary, to aid and assist
them as far as possible, and I believe that these instruc-
tions are honestly carried out. The settlers, both on
the Government and railway lands along the St. Paul
& Manitoba Road, are principally farmers from Wis-
consin, Illinois, Michigan, and other Eastern States,
who, having sold their farms there at good prices, take
up wheat lands in Minnesota, and each, in possession
of capital ranging from one thousand dollars to per-
haps fifty thousand dollars, contributes immediately to
building up the country. These are Americans who
naturally prefer their own institutions to ours, and so
remain under their own Government; and honourable
gentlemen must be aware that the great majority of
Canadians proceeding beyond St. Paul, who do not go
to and remain in Manitoba, become settlers in the
Territory of Dakota, and not on the lands of the St.
Paul & Manitoba Company.
No one can say that I have ever put forward the
claims of the United States for emigration in prefer-
89
Lord Strathcona
ence to Manitoba and the North-West Territory.
Quite otherwise; and when recently in England, on
the question of resources and development of Canada
being brought forward at a meeting of the Royal
Colonial Institute, I took occasion there to speak in
the most marked terms of the advantage Canada had
over the United States in this respect, and in this
superiority I firmly and faithfully believe.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY SYNDICATE
1880-1886
IT is unquestionable that, despite those amiable
traits which won him countless staunch personal
friends, even amongst his political opponents, Sir
John Macdonald rather inclined to inveteracy
in his resentments. He frankly admitted as much
himself. "When a man has done me an evil turn
once I don't like to give him the opportunity to
do so twice." He used to say that he deplored this
disposition to cherish a grudge — humorously at-
tributing it to a Highland strain in his blood,
adding, however, "I fight against it and I believe
I shall die at peace with my enemies." For a
period of years Sir John chose to believe that Mr.
Smith had been guilty of treachery in failing to
support him on a critical occasion in 1873. He re-
fused to credit the purity of Mr. Smith's motives.
To a friend who undertook to demonstrate that
the member for Selkirk was still a loyal admirer of
himself, although obliged on a question of public
policy to vote against him, he declared, "I don't
believe it. If he was loyal he would not have
deserted me."1
1 While I quote these expressions on unimpeachable authority,
Sir Joseph Pope reminds me that his old chief "was wont to charac-
terize such a type of mind as fatal to success in a public man." Yet
he admits that the "sore sometimes remained open." In the case
of Donald A. Smith "it apparently healed up."
91
Lord Strathcona
*
But this was not the real Sir John Macdonald.
A long career in politics — a familiarity with poli-
ticians and place-hunters, many dealings with cor-
rupt interests — had made him cynical ; but it did
not destroy his belief in private honour or public
morality. He knew, and as years rolled on he con-
fessed, the mistake he had made with regard to
Mr. Smith. But for a long time his pride kept him
silent.
On resuming power in 1878, Sir John's first care,
after his cherished National Policy, which reversed
the Free- trade tendencies of his predecessor, was to
carry out the great transcontinental railway pro-
ject to which the country had so long been pledged.
Some tentative railway-building in the West, un-
dertaken by his Minister of Railways, Sir Charles
Tupper, only confirmed him in his belief that the
day for haphazard and piecemeal construction was
over.
We must meet the difficulty [he had said] imposed
on Canada by the reckless arrangements of the late
Government with reference to the Pacific Railway,
under which they pledged the land and resources of
this country to the commencement of that gigantic
work in July, 1873, and to its completion by July,
1881.
That contract has already been broken ; over a mil-
lion dollars has now been spent in surveys, and no par-
ticular line has yet been located. The bargain is, as
we always said, incapable of literal fulfilment. We
must make arrangements with British Columbia for
such a relaxation of the terms as will give time for the
92
Macdonald's Policy
completion of the surveys, and subsequent prosecu-
tion of the work, with such speed as the resources of
the country will permit, and without largely increasing
the burden of taxation upon the people.
In the mean time, some means of communication
across the continent must be secured. It would be the
Government's policy to unite enormous stretches of
magnificent water communications with lines of rail-
way to the Rocky Mountains, thus avoiding, for the
present, the construction of thirteen hundred miles of
railway, costing from sixty to eighty millions of dol-
lars, and rendering the resources of the country avail-
able for the prosecution of these links, and they should
endeavour to make these great works auxiliary to the
promotion of immigration on an extensive scale, and
to the settlement and development of those rich and
fertile territories on which our hopes for the future of
Canada are so largely fixed.
In 1879, Parliament placed at his disposal one
million acres of land, but he was not able with
that grant to arrange for any complete scheme for
the rapid construction of the railway. In 1880, the
Ministers again met the House, and met it with the
same policy of the year before, namely, to take up
in good faith the obligations that devolved upon
them through the acts of their predecessors. Al-
though they had not formulated the plan of carry-
ing on the work by the Government, they took up
the work as they found it.
But the method was exasperating and, con-
sidered as a means to an end, highly unsatisfac-
tory. It was now clear that private capitalists
must be found who would take the whole burden
93
Lord Strathcona
off the shoulders of the Government. Were there
any such? It soon appeared that there were. To
some sanguine spirits, at any rate, the great
scheme was infinitely more attractive in 1880 than
it had been two years before.
In June, 1880, Sir John told his followers assem-
bled at a political rally: —
I can say this, and the Minister of Finance, who is
on the platform, can corroborate my statement, if
necessary, that there are capitalists at this moment,
who, knowing that there is a certain fortune to be
made out of the construction of the railway, are asking
that the work be handed over to them. They have
said, "We will relieve you of all anxiety and the people
of all apprehension of being taxed. We will take the
railway in hand, build it, and make fortunes out of it."
The Government, at this moment, has the offers so
made under consideration, so that there is no danger
regarding the road.
And at the close of that year, Sir Charles Tup-
per frankly stated to the House of Commons : —
One of the causes which led to the great change in
the public sentiment in relation to the value of land
in the North-West, and of railway enterprise in the
North- West, was the marked and wonderful success
that was published to the world as having resulted
from the syndicate who had purchased the St. Paul,
Minneapolis, & Manitoba Railway, and become the
proprietors of that line. The statements they were
enabled to publish showed not only the rapidity with
which the railway construction in private hands could
be carried on, but it showed the value of the prairie
94
Sir John's Animosity
lands in the North- West, and the extent they could be
made valuable for the construction of such lines. It
attracted the attention of capitalists in relation to
enterprises of that kind to a degree that had a very
marked influence, undoubtedly, upon the public mind
in relation to this question. I may further frankly
state to the House, because we have nothing to con-
ceal, that when we decided that it was desirable for us
to ask intending contractors and capitalists on what
terms they would complete and take over the road of
the Canadian Pacific Railway, we placed ourselves
in communication with all the parties who we had
any reason to suppose would have any intention to
contract, for the purpose of getting their lowest possi-
ble offer.
It will be recalled that at the exciting close of
the memorable Session of 1878, Sir John had
twitted Mr. Donald Smith with being closely con-
cerned with the St. Paul & Pacific Railway, and
that Mr. Smith had refused to give him any infor-
mation on this point. Albeit the facts soon became
common property, and Sir John was in consequence
averse to any negotiations in which the member
for Selkirk would be a party. Moreover, the un-
toward events of 1873, which had hurled him from
power, induced him to tread cautiously the devious
ways of railway finance.
In the summer of 1880, he paid a visit to Eng-
land.
Before we went [he explained] there was a provisional
offer made to the Government, which was distinctly
understood to be provisional. We subsequently re-
95
Lord Strathcona
ceived a second offer, and the Government came to
the conclusion, especially as we had an indirect intim-
ation, verbally, that an offer would probably be made
from New York and San Francisco, that we could not
possibly settle the matter here. We decided to inform
all the parties that we would attend to the reception of
any applications, tenders, or offers, in London. There-
upon, the first party who made this provisional offer
withdrew it and would not hold to it. The second party
did not do so — this was an offer from England, and
the party subsequently dropped their application. The
communications that were made in England were
principally, if not altogether, verbal. Gentlemen came
over again and again from Paris and sat with us in the
discussion of these matters. The first offer was with-
drawn. The second one it would be unfair to disclose;
as the honourable gentlemen opposite will see there
were personslin it, bankers and others of considerable
commercial standing, who were connected with that
offer. They found they were not strong enough to
press it. Their offer was made, of course, with the de-
sire of coming in if they could, and being engaged in
the construction of the road, and it would be hardly
fair to them to use their names and to state that these
persons failed in being strong enough to undertake the
work. It would affect their position. The present offer
is the most favourable offer, both as to money and land,
that the Government or delegates received. Arrange-
ments were made ; we sat de die in diem as a little com-
mittee, meeting different gentlemen again and again.
They were all desirous of making an arrangement,
money being plenty and enterprise ripe on the con-
tinent of Europe, especially in France and England.
They were all anxious to connect themselves with such
96
The Syndicate submits Terms
an enterprise. Some were appalled by the largeness of
the scheme ; some were frightened by the eventual re-
sponsibility; and one after another withdrew from
attempts to be concerned with the railway. As to the
present parties, we met them every day.
Sir John and his colleagues were honestly desir-
ous of having, if possible, Canadians and Cana-
dian capital undertake and conclude this great
national project, which had for years been hang-
ing fire.
Would Canada [he asked] be likely to have this con-
tract carried out with the success we all desire, expect,
and hope for, if we had made the contract with the
strongest body of capitalists that could be found in the
city of London? What would you have had? We
would have had, the first thing, an English engineer,
with extravagant ideas, totally ignorant of the work
and the construction of railways through such a coun-
try, and we would have had, at no distant day — no
matter what their resources might be — a perfect failure
in their hands, and, worse than that, you would have
had discredit brought upon the country in consequence
of the parties which had purchased the bonds failing
to obtain that interest which they justly expected from
their investment.
On Sir John's return from England, there were
various conferences with the financiers thus mys-
teriously alluded to, and as the result of these
negotiations a syndicate now openly submitted
the terms upon which it was prepared to build the
Canadian Pacific Railway. In that syndicate the
name of Donald A. Smith did not appear. Actu-
97'
Lord Strathcona
ally, its head was Mr. George Stephen, of Mon-
treal ; it was he who made the formal overtures to
the Government.
Mr. Smith wrote to Mr. Stephen: —
I must not and do not complain of Sir John Mac-
donald's prejudice against me, which I trust time will
tend to abate; but I shall not the less on that account
exert myself to the utmost consistent with the condi-
tions which that prejudice imposes.1
On the 1st of December, 1880, it was announced
that a provisional contract had been made with a
syndicate composed of George Stephen and Dun-
can Mclntyre, of Montreal; John S. Kennedy, of
New York, banker; Morton, Rose & Co., of Lon-
don, England, merchants; Kohn, Reinach & Co.,
Paris, bankers; and Richard B. Angus and J. J.
Hill, of St. Paul, who were subsequently incor-
porated as the Canadian Pacific Railway Com-
pany.2
Briefly, the syndicate agreed to finish the rail-
way through from Montreal to the Pacific and
operate it for ten years in consideration of a cash
grant of $25,000,000, a land grant of 25,000,000
acres, and the portion of the railway already com-
1 January 9, 1881.
2 "It maybe told that the owners of the St. Paul, Minneapolis &
Manitoba Railway are members of this syndicate; and, Sir, I am
glad to know that that is the fact; and for this reason, I say that,
standing outside of this association, they were in a position of antag-
onism to Canada, because they were the owners of a line of railway
to the south of our great North-West, and of large tracts of fertile
land contiguous to that railway." (Sir John Macdonald, Parliamen-
tary Debates, 1880.)
98
A Howl of Execration
pleted upon which the Government had expended
in round figures, $28,000,000.
The terms had only to be made known to cause
a howl of execration to go up from the Opposition.
It was roundly declared that the country had
been sold. The bargain was denounced as un-
conscionable robbery on the one hand and perfidi-
ous acquiescence on the other. Hon. Mr. Blake
pointed out that the eminent engineer, Mr. Sand-
ford Fleming, had estimated that the cost of con-
structing the remaining two thousand miles would
be $48,500,000.
To induce the syndicate to undertake this portion
of the road we agree to give them $25,000,000 in cash
and 25,000,000 acres of land valued at $50,000,000.
By this cash and land grant we pay the syndicate the
entire cost of building their portion of the road and
$26,000,000 additional. The syndicate have, there-
fore, a profit on the building of their portion of the
road of $26,500,000. We will then assume that the
entire road is finished. What does the Government do,
then? It hands to the syndicate the portion built by
the latter, and on which the syndicate has already
made a profit of $26,500,000 by building. It hands
over also the entire road built by the Government.
The syndicate get $26,500,000 and they get the entire
Pacific Railway, estimated to cost in the neighbour-
hood of $80,000,000, a total of $106,500,000; and they
get this on condition that they will be good enough to
accept it and deposit $1,000,000 as security for run-
ning the road. But the Government did not stop there.
The road and its equipment and the capital stock of the
company were forever exempted from taxation.
99
Lord Strathcona
Said the Toronto Globe: —
Under the bargain as it stands, it would appear that
the company might shut up the unproductive parts of
the road while still retaining the sections which still
paid a profit. But supposing the Government could
force them to relinquish the whole line in case of
$3,000,000 default, the syndicate would care little for
the surrender of $5,000,000 of large bonds, if they had
made $26,500,000 and were able to escape the task of
operating the road north of Lake Superior through the
"sea of mountains" of British Columbia.
It is a fact that under this bargain the syndicate may
go on to build the road, raising all the money needed for
the work of construction and over $20,000,000 besides,
and after their work is done, at the end of the ten
years, coolly decide whether it will be most to their
advantage to run the road or to throw it on the shoul-
ders of the people of Canada. The net result of the
whole scheme is that the Government is to pay $75,-
000,000 for the construction of part of a road which
will cost $48,500,000; and if at the end of ten years
money is to be made by running the road, the Govern-
ment will be free from further exactions, and the com-
pany will be placed in full possession of a line which
will have cost $80,000,000 to build and for which they
will have received at least $110,000,000, but if the
road will not pay, an unknown but certainly large sum
will be called for to provide the materials for a traffic
large enough to be remunerative, and a further amount
to pay working expenses.
Another objection was that the $26,000,000
might be spent to no purpose. There was no secur-
ity, except the reputation of the members of the
100
The Bargain ratified
company, that the railway might not be "thrown
back on the hands of the country again." Accord-
ing to Mr. Blake: —
Should the company issue land grant bonds, the Gov-
ernment will hold only $5,000,000 of those bonds as
security for the maintenance of the road. Then the
company may retire, and make money by doing so, if
circumstances warrant a belief that the losses in run-
ning expenses will amount to more than $5,000,000.
On the completion of the road the company will have
received the larger part of the sum which the people
are asked to pay as insurance against loss in running
expenses. As the gentlemen now composing it may die
or sell out very soon, the security for the maintenance
of the line is practically nothing. Therefore, the pay-
ment of $26,000,000 in excess of the cost of the rail-
way will not secure the country against the danger of
political corruption. Even though the bargain should
be duly carried out by the Company, dishonest politi-
cians will have opportunities. Should a revision of the
contract be demanded in the public interest, and such
a revision certainly will be a necessity, the company
may spend money, as all railway companies do, in
order to secure political influence.
It would be tedious to recount the arguments
employed on press and platform against a ratifi-
cation of the Government's bargain with Mr.
Stephen and his associates. The tumult was all
in vain : the bargain was formally ratified early in
1 88 1. The Canadian Pacific Company was incorpo-
rated and one of the most stupendous undertak-
ings in history began.
101
Lord Strathcona
Of the little band of men who had accepted the
task it can now be said with certainty that they
were never, as Mr. Smith said, from the first to
the last day of those memorable five years, ani-
mated by any mere spirit of gain.
The First Minister will bear me out, when I say
that Sir George Stephen and the other members of the
syndicate did not approach the Government with
regard to the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway
until the Government had tried, in Europe and else-
where, to get others to take it up, capable of carrying
it through, but had not succeeded in this.
/ say distinctly that the gentlemen who undertook the
charter, although at first unwilling to assume the responsi-
bility, ultimately consented, more with a view of assisting
to open up the country than from any expectation of gain
to be derived from it.1
By the terms of the contract the line was to be
finished in 1891. The policy agreed upon by Presi-
dent Stephen and his fellow-directors in building
the line was to press forward construction, so that,
if possible, the line could be completed in five
instead of the stipulated ten years. Contracts
were given out, and in a few weeks thousands of
workmen were straining every muscle to carry
out the work. Meanwhile the existing road had to
be operated and a population induced to take up
lands in the sections through which it ran. The
expenses were enormous — millions disappeared as
into the maw of a vast monster, and more millions
1 The Honourable D. A. Smith, M.P., Parliamentary Debates,
May 26, 1887.
102
William Cornelius Van Home
had to be found. Every economy was practised,
save that which would affect the soundness and
stability of the work.
The Government's Chief Engineer 2 said, in his
report of September, 1883: —
It affords me much pleasure to be able to state that
the Pacific Railway Company are doing their work in
a manner which leaves nothing to be desired. The
road is being most substantially built. The larger
streams are being spanned by strong iron bridges, rest-
ing upon abutments and piers of massive masonry,
and the small streams on the eastern section will be
passed through solid cut-stone culverts. On the cen-
tral section the streams are for the most part crossed
by substantially built pile bridges. The work, so far as
it has been done up to the present time, has been per-
formed most faithfully and in a manner fully up to
the requirements of the contract. I am enabled to
speak with confidence on this point, having made a
personal inspection during the last two months of the
work from a point east of Port Arthur (formerly Prince
Arthur's Landing) to Port Moody.
By this time the practical management of the
company had fallen into highly capable hands.
Even before it had become certain that the ar-
rangement would be concluded, the leaders of the
syndicate had discussed the question of the official
1 Mr. Collingwood Schreiber, C.B., who had succeeded Mr.
Fleming, was the Chief Engineer of the Government Railways, and
was also designated by the Government as Chief Engineer of the
Canadian Pacific Railway, and as such had charge of the completion
of the two sections of railway which were to be turned over to the
company; he also had charge of all engineering questions arising be-
tween the Government and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
103
Lord Strathcona
personnel of the Canadian Pacific Railway. To
Mr. Hill there was then known Mr. William Corne-
lius Van Home, the general superintendent of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. This
official, still in his "thirties," was notable even
amongst the many notable figures which the vast
system of American transportation had called into
being. He was a scion of ancient Dutch stock, long
settled in New York, whose name is so often men-
tioned in the pages of Washington Irving. In the
words of Mr. Hill: "There was no one on the whole
continent who would have served our purpose so
well as Mr. Van Home. He had brains, skill, expe-
rience, and energy, and was, besides, a born leader
of men."
The provision of a three per cent dividend for
the holders of the $65,000,000 of shares was ar-
ranged in the summer of 1883. It amounted to a
purchase of an annuity of three per cent on these
shares for ten years, based on the deposit of cash
and securities with the Government by the com-
pany, which would, by actuarial calculation, at
four per cent, yield in ten years the amount re-
quired.
This arrangement had hardly been completed
and the deposit made when the failure of the
Northern Pacific Railway, in the autumn of 1883,
brought about a financial crash which defeated the
object of the arrangement and resulted in the lock-
ing-up of all the cash and valuable resources of
the company beyond recall. The situation was a
desperate one, and was the cause of the visit of
104
Thirty Millions wanted
Mr. Stephen and some of the directors, and Mr.
J. J. C. Abbott, to Ottawa. The party went di-
rectly to " Earnscliffe " to lay the matter before Sir
John Macdonald, and to point out the absolute
necessity of immediate Government assistance, and
he was asked to make a loan to the company of
$30,000,000 to be paid over as the work advanced,
and to be secured by a first lien on all the properties
of the company. Sir John replied that it was abso-
lutely impossible — that nothing of the kind could
be done. He was obdurate and Mr. Stephen and
his friends had to leave empty-handed and in
despair. They proceeded to John Henry Pope's
quarters in the "Bank Cottage," and told him all
that had occurred. Mr. Pope apparently saw that
the fate of the Conservative Party was involved
in the matter, and, although it was past midnight,
he proceeded at once to "Earnscliffe," asking
Stephen and his party to await his return. When
he came back about two o'clock in the morning,
he merely said, "Well, he will do it."
The first application to the Government for
money to carry on the work was favourably con-
sidered.
From George Stephen to the Honourable
Sir Charles Tupper
MONTREAL, 24th October, 1883.
The capital stock of this company has been fixed at
$100,000,000, of which $55,000,000 have already been
issued.
105
Lord Strathcona
It now requires a further amount of money to
enable it to prosecute the work of construction and
equipment at the same rate of progress as heretofore,
and in accordance with its policy and in justice to
its present shareholders, such amount should be ob-
tained by means of the remaining stock of the com-
pany.
But in the present state of the market and of public
feeling as to stocks generally, it would be impossible
to dispose in the ordinary way of any further amount
of stock at a reasonable rate, if at all, and the company
is desirous of adopting the following plan as a mode of
procuring the amount required : —
The company to deposit with the Government
money and securities constituting a fund sufficient to
pay semi-annual dividends for ten years on the entire
stock of the company, at the rate of three per cent per
annum. The amount required for this purpose has
been ascertained to be $24,527,145.
This project would require the assistance of the
Government, but merely as a depository of the fund to
be created, and it would impose no responsibility or
liability upon the Government beyond the periodical
repayment of instalments of the amount deposited,
with interest added at the rate mentioned.
I have, therefore, to request the favour of the coop-
eration of the Government in carrying out the sug-
gested plan, and as I purpose leaving for England
shortly, I should be greatly obliged if this matter could
be disposed of at an early date.
Mr. Collingwood Schreiber, the Government's
Chief Engineer, wrote to the Ministry: 'This
proposition commends itself favourably to me and
106
Arrangements with Government
as the Government would, in my opinion, incur
no risk in entertaining it, I beg to recommend its
adoption."
In a further letter of the 6th November, Mr.
Stephen now proposed a modification of the fore-
going arrangement, namely, that the payment of
three per cent for ten years be on a sum of $65,000-
ooo of stock only, inasmuch as the company only
proposed to dispose of the stock, from time to
time, in such amounts as may be necessary to meet
the demands of construction.
The company offered to deposit the remaining
$35.000,000 of stock with the Government, interest
at three per cent to be paid on such part thereof
as, from time to time, might be paid to the Gov-
ernment. The company asked that in carrying this
arrangement into effect, the deposit representing
three per cent for ten years on $100,000,000 be
reduced to such a sum as would leave sufficient
security in the hands of the Government to pay
the three per cent for ten years on $65,000,000.
Two or three years before, Sir Sandford Fleming
had stated it as his opinion that, "A continuous
road from Lake Nipissing to the Pacific Ocean
through Canadian territory will pay running ex-
penses when three million people shall have settled
in the North-West."
As a matter of fact, and happily for itself, the
Canadian Pacific Railway, thanks to the astonish-
ing skill of its management, paid its running ex-
penses almost from the beginning.
Still, millions of dollars were needed for construc-
107
Lord Strathcona
tion.1 The hour momentarily threatened to strike
when the millions were no longer forthcoming. For
a time it seemed as if the daily demands could not
be met, and the road was doomed to failure and the
company to bankruptcy. Looking back on this
phase now, it seems almost incredible that it should
have been so. But the opinion of contemporaries
upon the railway was not that universally enter-
tained to-day. There were many who were ready
to condole with Messrs. Stephen and Smith for
their hardihood — there were many who freely pre-
dicted disaster, because they had embarked their
own and others' millions in an enterprise which
would not be able to return a profit until they had
been many years in their graves.
The demands must be met, money must be pro-
cured, and consequently the company were driven
to apply to Parliament for a loan. It was the signal
for another explosion from the Opposition. What
had become of the money already advanced by the
Government? Where was the produce of the sales
of land and land bonds? There must be something
wrong somewhere. If it were not corruption, it
must be prodigality.
The Deputy Minister of Inland Revenue was
asked by the Government to go to Montreal in
1 In April, 1885, the company had outstanding about $7,000,000
of notes maturing in two months, and no money was available to pay
them. There was grave danger that all work would have to cease.
The Government now made a short-term loan of $5,000,000. In 1886
the company made provision for the extinction of these loans, partly
in cash and partly by a surrender of a portion of its land grant, which
was taken over by the Government at $i .50 per acre. (S. J. McLean.)
108
Canadian Pacific Accounts
connection with Mr. Schreiber, the Chief Engineer,
for the purpose of making such investigation of
the books and statements of the company as would
assure beyond all question the accuracy of its
statements of expenditure.
From Sir Charles Tupper to Messrs. Miall
and Schreiber
OTTAWA, 28th January, 1884.
I have to request that you will, with all convenient
speed, proceed to Montreal, with a view to investigat-
ing the books and accounts of the Canadian Pacific
Railway Company so far as such examination may be
necessary to enable you to verify certain statements
of revenue and expenditure which have been laid be-
fore my colleagues and myself by that corporation.
I am aware that an exhaustive and detailed audit
would entail the labour of weeks, if not of months.
This is not expected. But you are required to make
such examination as a prudent business man would
desire to make before lending capital to, or entering
into terms of copartnership with, a respectable firm.
A copy of the company's statements is transmitted
herewith.
The two gentlemen went, they examined the
books and thus reported : —
As the result of our investigations, however, we
have no hesitation whatever in submitting our opinion
that the statements furnished by the President, and
placed in our hands for verification, represent truth-
fully the actual condition of the company's affairs as
portrayed by the books of the company.
109
Lord Strathcona
It soon appeared that ulterior causes were at
work to damage the credit of the company. Com-
binations were formed against the Canadian Pacific
Railway by interested roads; the Grand Trunk
Railway Company and certain American rivals
strove to obstruct its progress, and the result of
their combinations and machinations had been to
prevent the Canadian Pacific Railway Company
from disposing of its stock at a fair market value, —
at such value as they had fair reason to expect to
realize in order to apply the proceeds to the com-
pletion of their great work. But this was not all.
A great depreciation had taken place in the value of
American railway securities, not merely in the New
York market, but also in the other great money mar-
kets of the world — in Amsterdam, Paris, and London ;
and this depreciation occurred at the very time when
the Canadian Pacific Railway needed the proceeds
which they expected to obtain from the sale of their
stock. To meet this difficulty, the company ap-
proached the Canadian Government and deposited
with it a sum of money and securities sufficient to pro-
vide for the payment of three per cent of the five per
cent promised by the railway company on a capital
stock of $65,000,000. It was supposed that this pro-
vision for a limited amount of the interest promised by
the Canadian Pacific Railway would have the effect,
not merely of steadying the stock in the American,
English, and French markets, but also of giving in-
creased value to the stock, and that thereby money
would be realized from the sale applicable to the prose-
cution of the work. Through a combination of circum-
stances this result has not been achieved, and the com-
110
The Country "given away'
pany has not been able to realize, from the sale of their
stock, the amount they might fairly have contem-
plated.1
Mr. Donald Smith and his colleagues bore the
volley of criticism and abuse directed toward them,
patiently, and sometimes with humour.
They say [Mr. Smith wrote to Mr. Hill] we are au-
thorized to build the flimsiest kind of road possible
and that there are practically no guarantees for the
working of the road after it is built. Thus one source
of expense will be removed.
Moreover, you will have heard that, although we
have fixed upon Montreal as the chief place of the
syndicate for the time being, we really intend to move
our headquarters shortly to St. Paul !
And again : —
The Globe retracts the statement that the Govern-
ment have sold the country to the Pacific Railway
Company. It now says they have merely given the
country away.
A long and heated debate followed — one of the
longest and most acrimonious in the history of the
Canadian Parliament. The railway was attacked,
its good faith was called in question. It was
charged with gross extravagance and unnecessary
waste of funds.
What [asked Mr. Charlton, M.P.] did Canada con-
tract to pay for under this bargain? Did it contract to
pay for a road from Nipissing to Montreal? It did not;
and it was unnecessary for the syndicate to secure such
1 Parliamentary Debates, February 19, 1884.
Ill
Lord Strathcona
a road until they required an outlet. Any road run-
ning in that direction would have been glad to have
made terms with the Canadian Pacific Railway to
carry their trade. It would have been an easy matter,
in the case of the Canada Central, to have made a con-
solidation, and to have taken that road in as part of
the Canadian Pacific Railway system, after the Cana-
dian Pacific Railway was constructed. It was prema-
ture to purchase the road in advance of the time when
the Canadian Pacific Railway required an outlet. Did
we contract for a road to Portland in the State of
Maine? We did not, and it was unnecessary for the
syndicate to have acquired such a road. Did we con-
tract with the syndicate for a road to Brockville? We
did not. Did we contract with them for a road from
Ottawa to Detroit? We did not. Did we contract with
the syndicate for a road from Toronto to Owen Sound?
We did not. Did we contract with the syndicate that
we should back them up in making war upon the
Grand Trunk and become a party to that conflict?
We did not. Did we contract with the syndicate to
establish a railway monopoly east of Lake Superior
as perfect and galling as the monopoly existing under
that contract west of Lake Superior? No; that was
not a part of the contract. Did we contract with the
syndicate to build a place for its president, and endow
its members with millions of dollars for investment in
stocks in England and other enterprises? We did not.
Did we contract to stand sponsors for the ambitious
and far-reaching designs of railway kings, to make the
whole Dominion subsidiary and tributary to them?
No, we did not. We are not parties to any such con-
tract ; but it is to carry out a contract of that charac-
ter, to aid them to realize their designs, that they come
112
Opposition Anger
and ask Parliament for an additional subvention to the
amount of $28,500,000. l
No; in the opinion of the Opposition there was
no excuse for this company — no reason why they
should be compelled to come to the House seeking
help to bridge over their difficulties. Their re-
sources were ample and abundant. They had mil-
lions upon millions in excess of the sum required to
enable them to discharge the contract which they
had made with the Dominion of Canada. They
had made their bed, and though it were Damien's
bed of steel, they must lie on it.2
Naturally the Opposition did not scruple to hint
that the Government were receiving bribes from
the company. Why this secrecy? Why this inde-
1 Parliamentary Debates, February 19, 1884.
* The hostility of the Grand Trunk exercised an adverse effect
upon the credit of the Canadian Pacific. In the numerous pamph-
lets of the time, which, if not inspired by the Grand Trunk, were at
least issued by partisans of that enterprise, the idea was spread that
the Canadian Pacific was a mere speculative enterprise doomed to
failure. The value of its lands was depreciated. It was stated that
for "six months in the year the road will be an ice-bound, snow-cov-
ered route." The feeling existing in the minds of the unfortunate
investors of the Grand Trunk that they had been unfairly treated
was reinforced by the utterances of such a weighty financial journal
as the London Economist, which cited the chartering of the rival en-
terprise, which apparently threatened the existence of the Grand
Trunk, as an example of unfairness. The Canadian Pacific stocks
fell, between December, 1883, and June, 1884, from fifty-seven to
forty-two. The trade depression in 1884, which was the outcome of
the speculative development of 1880-82 and the deficient harvest of
1883, further aggravated the evil credit not only of the Canadian
Pacific, but of the Grand Trunk as well. In a period of six months
the stocks of both lines were depreciated by $38,000,000. (S. J.
McLean.)
Lord Strathcona
cent haste? There was something that Mr. Blake
and the Opposition members did not understand.
How is it that this syndicate exercises such un-
bounded power over this Government? How is it that
the syndicate issues its dictates and the Government
seems bound to obey? Does the syndicate possess
some secret which, if breathed to the public, would
blast the reputation and blacken the characters of its
servants who are pushing this scheme through at its
dictation.1
But of course the real question was, Was the
country receiving, and likely to continue to re-
ceive, value for the money it had pledged, and
was the security adequate? The reply of one
member, Mr. Dawson (of Dawson Route fame),
was conclusive: —
The security is ample and sufficient. That it is
ample there can be no doubt. They offer to make over
to the Government every mile of the railway, the roll-
ing-stock, and everything they possess, and surely
such ample security as that ought to be sufficient.
But, sir, there is a further security, which of itself is
ample, and that is that not a dollar of this $22,500,000
is to be handed over to them except as the work pro-
ceeds. It will only be paid for work done. The money
is not given to them to spend on any other project, but
as the engineer reports a certain amount of work done,
this money is to be handed over. Surely that of itself
is a security which ought to satisfy the House.
Ultimately, the money was voted and the com-
pany were enabled to pay off the contractors and
* Parliamentary Debates, February 19, 1884.
114
A Straightforward Transaction
were granted a brief breathing spell. But it was
very brief.
From D. A. Smith, M.P.
April 9th, 1884.
You will see by the enclosed that Mr. Van Home is
"pushing forward construction unflinchingly," from
which you will gather that our resources are limitless
and that we have not a care in the world. I fear such
is too rosy a view of the situation. Our shoulders have
to bear a vast burden, although our strength will, I
hope, be equal to it.
As the great work proceeded, they were subject
to anxieties and fleeting misgivings of which few,
if any, in the outside world, were aware. Said Mr.
Smith some months after success had crowned their
efforts: —
%
With regard to the construction of the Canadian
Pacific Railway, it has been charged against the com-
pany, with which I am proud to be connected, as it
will redound to the honour of the country, that we
went before Parliament and that we got money again
and again. It is true we applied for a loan of money,
but we did not go as paupers. We did not go to ask for
a penny that we had no intention of paying back. We
went as you or I would go to our banker or to a neigh-
bour, and say, "give us such and such an amount,
whether it be $10 or $10,000, and if you do we will pay
it back to you honestly, with interest ; it will be a great
benefit to me because it will further the projects and
the work I have on hand." We went to the Govern-
ment and asked them simply for the means to go on
with the great national work. We promised we would
Lord Strathcona
pay the money back to the last penny, and is there
any man who can say to-day that the Canadian Pacific
Railway Company has not paid the Government back
to the last cent? We are clear with regard to that.
The loan was undoubtedly a great benefit to us and a
great benefit to the country, while at the same time the
country has not lost one single sixpence by the trans-
action. It has been said that myself and colleagues
made money out of the railway. As a matter of fact,
up to the present we have lost money, and we can never
reap any benefits out of it other than what the share-
holders receive.1
Mr. Smith's precision of language was second
nature. Once, in the days of doubt and darkness,
when the fate of the Canadian Pacific Railway was
trembling in the balance, there was a directors'
meeting in Montreal and the prospects of failure
for lack of funds were long and painfully canvassed.
At last the President brought down his palm forci-
bly upon the table and exclaimed, "Gentlemen, it
looks as if we had to burst!"
Mr. Smith glanced deprecatingly at the speaker,
and scratching the green baize cloth with his fore-
finger, said mildly, "It may be that we must —
succumb, but that must not be," he added, raising
his voice and gazing round the company, "as long
as we individually have a dollar."
Once again in June, 1885, circumstances com-
pelled them to go before Parliament for a loan.
This time their enemies were alert and numerous.
It remained to be seen what was the strength of
1 Parliamentary Debates, February 19, 1884.
116
Undertaking imperilled
their friends. The Government had stood by them
so far, but how much farther did they dare? The
mood of the House was distinctly hostile, but cash
— immediate cash — was vitally necessary and the
banks would grant no more.
Said the Honourable J. H. Pope in introducing
the question of a fresh loan : —
The only thing the company are going to ask from
this House in the shape of money is that they may be
assisted temporarily to the extent of $5,000,000, with
ample security for repayment, and to be allowed to
cancel stock of $35,000,000 and issue bonds, in order
to pay the loan and complete the road. There is no
money to be given for the completion of their contract
- not one farthing — they do not ask for it. The
arrangement is to be made, if at all, not in the interest
alone of the company, but of the country, that the road
shall be, in all respects, superior to the contract, and as
good as any of the other transcontinental railways be-
tween the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and in every
respect in a position to compete with the other roads.
The company desire to get possession of their property
in order that they may use it for the equipment and
completion of the road. And, to put it in first-class
condition, they propose to pay off the indebted unsold
stock, issuing instead the same amount of preferred
bonds, the proceeds of which, when sold, to be appro-
priated to pay off $20,000,000 of the loan of last year.
The other $15,000,000 of bonds will be deposited, or
the proceeds when sold, first, $8,000,000 as security for
a loan of $5,000,000 to pay off their floating debt,
which loan is to be repaid in July, 1886; the balance is
for the purpose of equipping and completing the road
117
Lord Strathcona
in first-class style — far above the standard con-
tracted for, and as security, we take the whole 21,000-
ooo acres. I think no honourable gentleman will say
that the security we take is not ample, and does not
secure us fully.1
Just then Parliament and the Ministry were
absorbed elsewhere.
The mutterings of the Riel Rebellion were
already heard, and the Government was full of
anxiety. The loan to the company could not be
obtained, although an advance of one million dol-
lars was paid, a mere drop in the bucket of the
company's indebtedness. The Government's guar-
antee of its bonds was not forthcoming. The op-
position to the measure was at first rather fierce,
but the very important assistance the company was
able to render the Government in the way of mov-
ing troops to the North-West for the suppression of
the rebellion, while Parliament was yet in session,
pulled the teeth of the Opposition and consolidated
the Government's support. Nevertheless the pas-
1 MR. DAWSON. "The Chief Engineer of the Canadian Pacific
Railway and the Deputy Minister of Inland Revenue were sent
down to investigate the books of the company, and what do they
report? They report that these books were admirably kept, and
that the statements before the House truthfully show the condition
of matters as exhibited in these books. Sir, I prefer to take state-
ments of that kind, verified by men in high positions, whose honour
has never been impugned ; I prefer them to the vague and wild state-
ments which we have heard on every side for the last few days in this
House. In a work so great as this there must always be something to
cavil at. In a work which embraces a line of railway extending from
ocean to ocean, and, with all its branches, has a length of over
thirty-three hundred miles, it is surprising that there is so little to
cavil at, instead of so much." (Parliamentary Debates.)
Confronted by Ruin
sage of the bill was long delayed because of the
Franchise Bill, which preceded it and which the
Government insisted on giving priority. At the
middle of July, 1885, it had not yet become law. In
the mean time, the company's obligations had been
piling up, and its position had become extremely
desperate. It was accordingly necessary to face the
crisis at once, and on July 13, 1885, Mr. Stephen,
accompanied by Mr. (afterwards Sir John) Abbott,
the solicitor of the company, travelled to Ottawa
to learn the decision of Sir John Macdonald's
Government. They went direct to the Council
Chamber, where they were made aware, by the
hats hanging in the outer hall, that a ministerial
council was in session, and in the ante-room they
awaited the momentous result. There were rows
of books locked in the official bookcases and a few
newspapers and bluebooks which they had not the
heart to glance at. They had even no zest for con-
versation : but sat there, in the stifling heat of a July
afternoon, patiently waiting for the door to open
and the Ministers to file out. But the members of
the Council departed unobserved by another door,
and hours later, speechless and dispirited to the
last degree, Mr. Stephen repaired to the Russell
House. In the corridor he sank into a chair. A
friend accosted him after a time as he sat there,
with his gaze fastened on the floor, and enquired
how he felt.
"I feel," replied Stephen, "like a ruined man!"
That was the lowest ebb in a tide which after-
wards flowed so high.
119
Lord Strathcona
Largely through the friendly intervention of an
influential Toronto supporter, Sir Frank Smith,
the Government finally agreed to allow the issue of
$35»ooo,ooo of stock, of which it was to guarantee
$20,000,000, leaving $15,000,000 to be issued by
Mr. Stephen, Mr. Donald A. Smith, and their fel-
low-directors. Such a proposition was hardly tempt-
ing. The question was, Would the great European
bankers consider it favourably? It was agreed that
Mr. Stephen should journey to London to inter-
view the Barings, of which famous banking firm
Lord Revelstoke was the head. His surprise was
great, when, before he had completed his lengthy
explanation of the situation, Lord Revelstoke in-
terrupted him, saying: "We have been looking
into this question carefully, and if agreeable to you,
we are prepared to take over the whole issue of
£3,000,000 of stock at 9if."
Mr. Stephen could hardly credit such good news.
Nevertheless he asked with admirable self-posses-
sion, "How soon will the money be available?"
Whereupon Lord Revelstoke explained that it
would require some months to arrange the details of
the issue. Meanwhile, they offered to issue their own
certificates for £750,000 at once, and three further
sums of £750,000 at intervals during the month.
The question of solvency of the company was
forever settled. Mr. Stephen instantly cabled out
to Canada the good news.1
1 In Montreal, when Mr. Stephen's cable arrived, two of his fel-
low-directors tore the message open. " In the tumult of our feelings
we began capering about like school-boys, even to bestowing sundry
kicks on the furniture of the board-room."
120
Lord Revelstoke's Action
There is a station of the great railway in the
Canadian Rocky Mountains to-day, which bears
the name of Revelstoke. It commemorates an im-
portant event in the financial history of the road,
for the head of the great English banking house of
Baring Brothers was not the least of the factors in
the advancement and consolidation of the fortunes
of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
From that time forward no shadow of financial
darkness obscured the bright prospects of the road.
Not only were the Barings as good as their word,
but they continued to negotiate all the issues of
the company until 1890. In that year, when they
were approached for a fresh loan, they declined.
The directors were astonished, but Lord Revel-
stoke said, "The security is excellent, but we be-
lieve the time has come when the Canadian Pacific
Railway Company ought to sell its own securities
over its own counter. As for ourselves, we will
make a liberal subscription."
When an explanation at length was forthcoming,
the Canadian directors had reason to feel a pro-
found gratitude. For even then the historic firm
of Baring Brothers anticipated those financial diffi-
culties in the Argentine Republic which were to
end for them in utter disaster; they were reluctant
to involve the great Canadian railway in their fall.
As Lord Strathcona said long afterwards: "It
was most enigmatical to us, — that attitude of the
Barings. Until our first issue went off it caused us
many misgivings."
At last on the 7th November, 1885, upwards of
121
Lord Strathcona
five years before the expiry of the time allowed by
the terms of the contract, the railway was finished.
It has been picturesquely written: —
If an inquisitive eagle, soaring above the lonely
crags of the Rocky Mountains on November 7, 1885,
had looked down upon a certain spot near the Colum-
bia River and about three hundred and fifty miles
from Vancouver, it would have seen a very unusual
sight. A railway train had come to a standstill at this
spot to allow a number of gentlemen to alight, and
these, surrounded by a great concourse of working-
men, had gathered together to see one among them per-
form an action apparently simple and uninteresting.
At the side of one of the shining rails was an iron plate
with a hole in it, and through this hole a spike had to
be driven which would fasten it firmly to the wooden
sleeper.
Surely it was not necessary, you will say, for all
these gentlemen to come from a distance to do what
any one of the stalwart workmen could have done with
the greatest ease! Ah, but it was a very special spike,
the last of millions that had been driven in the course
of constructing a railway which was to join the town
of Montreal with the Pacific Ocean.
No bright flags waved in that lonely valley;
there were no trumpets to sound a fanfare of tri-
umph. Yet the consummation of a gigantic un-
dertaking was being celebrated. As the vigorous
blows from the hammer rang out, it did not seem
an exaggeration to say that they echoed through
the British Empire. As some one picturesquely
wrote at the time: —
122
Last Spike driven
The shippers of Victoria, British Columbia, heard
them and knew that they meant an increase in the car-
riage of merchandise through their town to and from
Japan, because the railway would lessen the distance
between London and Yokohama by many hundreds of
miles. The farmers of Manitoba, a thousand miles
away, heard them, too, and knew that they meant a
larger market for their corn and fruit; and farther
away still, in the old Canadian cities, the merchants
heard them, and knew that commerce in the great
western lands, hitherto unreached by railways, would
grow more prosperous.
In Mr. Smith's own words : —
The last rail of the Pacific Railroad was about to be
laid, the last spike was about to be driven. It was a
dismal, dreary day in the first week of November, but
we soon got out nto the open country, and presently
it was one of those bright, pleasant, bracing days of the
autumn summer. There were some gentlemen stand-
ing on the platform and looking at all this new coun-
try. One of them touched me on the shoulder and said
he-
"The cattle on a thousand hills."
We soon got from the mountains to the prairie sec-
tion again, where there are really thousands of cattle
to be seen. That is one of the scenes in my life ever to
be remembered.
To the station adjacent to the spot was given the
name of Craigellachie, the Morayshire stronghold
of Mr. Smith's ancestors on both sides of the family
tree.1
1 Sir William Van Home writes: "The origin of 'Craigellachie'
goes back to the inception of the enterprise, when one of the mem-
123
Lord Strathcona
On the return journey of the party which had
assisted at the foregoing interesting ceremony, Mr.
Smith announced his intention of giving an enter-
tainment in honour of the event at ' ' Silver Heights. ' '
As his residence was several miles distant from
Winnipeg, Mr. Van Home had previously con-
ceived the happy idea of giving Mr. Smith a sur-
prise by having a short branch line constructed
from thence to the town. The work offered no
great difficulty; there were a large number of light
rails and sleepers, left over from the work, close at
hand. He gave the necessary orders and in a week
or so it was completed.
On the morning in question [writes one who was
present], our train (containing the party, including Mr.
Sandford Fleming) approached Winnipeg. We were all
engaged in conversation, and Mr. Smith apparently
did not notice that the engine driver had reversed the
engine. At last he looked out of the window.
"Why, we are backing up," he said ; and then, " Now,
there's a very neat place. I don't remember seeing
that farm before. And those cattle — why, who is it
that has Aberdeen cattle like that? I thought I was
bers of the syndicate wrote Mr. Stephen, pointing out they were all
now fortunately situated and in going into the Canadian Pacific
enterprise they might be only courting trouble for their old age, and
urging that they ought to think twice before committing themselves
irrevocably. To this Stephen answered in one word, ' Craigellachie '
— which appealed to the patriotism of his associates, and not another
doubt was expressed. It was a reference to the familiar lines, ' Not
until Craigellachie shall move from his firm base, etc.' I heard of
this when I first became connected with the company, and was much
impressed by it, and determined that if I were still with the company
when the last rail should be laid, the spot should be marked by a
station to be named 'Craigellachie.' "
124
The First Through Train
the only one. This is really very strange." Suddenly
the house came into view. "Why, gentlemen, I must
be going crazy. I 've lived here many years and I
never noticed another place so exactly like ' Silver
Heights.'"
"Silver Heights," called the conductor. The car
stopped and some of us began to betray our enjoyment
of the joke. After another glance outside he began to
laugh too. I never saw him so delighted.
Before nightfall a telegram arrived from the
Queen, through the Governor-General, Lord Lans-
downe, graciously congratulating the Canadian
people on the national achievement, which Her
Majesty was well advised in regarding as "of great
importance to the whole British Empire."
On the 28th of June, 1886, the first through train
over the completed Pacific Railway left Dalhousie
Square Station, Montreal, on its long pilgrimage
of 2905 miles through the meadows, primeval
wilderness, fertile prairies, and the lofty mountains
of the broad Dominion to Port Moody on the west-
ern coast. The event was too important for the
city of Montreal for her citizens to permit it to go
unnoticed. At eight o'clock on this summer night
the ten cars and engine, which comprised the first
through train, started on its journey amidst loud
cheers and the booming of the guns of the field
battery which fired a parting salute as the historic
train departed from the densely thronged station.
This great national work, the Canadian Pacific
Railway [declared Sir Donald Smith], has consolidated
125
Lord Strathcona
the union of the Dominion ; it has stimulated trade in
the East, it has opened up the West; it has brought the
rich agricultural lands of the prairies and the mineral
wealth of the Pacific Slope within the reach of all ; it
has given Canada outlets both on the Atlantic and
the Pacific, and has provided a new Imperial highway
from the United Kingdom to Australasia and China
and Japan.
The departure of this first train marked the con-
summation of that union of the British Dominions
on this continent which was inaugurated on the
1st of July, 1867, and is second only in importance
to the confederation of the four provinces that that
day joined their interests and fate in a bond not to
be dissolved while Great Britain maintains her su-
premacy over the northern portion of the new world.
Said the Montreal Gazette : —
The Pacific Railway is truly called a nation at work.
The people of Canada gave freely of their wealth to
secure its construction; they watched its progress
through all the vicissitudes that befell it, under the
care of three Governments, and lastly in the hands of
the company whose courage and energy have carried
it through to completion. They have just right to
be proud of their achievement. For it is peculiarly a
Canadian work. Canadians conceived it, designed it,
built it, and almost unaided provided the money to
defray its cost, and they will now, it is hoped, enter
upon the enjoyment of the fruits of their courage and
hopefulness. But the road is more than national; the
future is big with promise that it will soon be known as
a great Imperial trade route, serving to bind together
126
The Queen's Interest
closer for mutual benefit, the interests of the Mother
Country, not alone with Canada, but as well with
those far-off antipodean colonists who are building up
in Australia, as we are in North America, young na-
tions imbued with the spirit of enterprise and constitu-
tional liberty that has made England the first among
the commercial powers of the world.
In one of the late Sir Adolphe Chapleau's
speeches, during a critical time in the railway's
history, there is an eloquent passage which well
deserves to be recalled. He told the assembled
House of Commons: —
Sir, the calumnies of those who want to vilify the
Government, and who desire to destroy the credit of
the country, of those who want to destroy the great
work of the Canadian Pacific Railway, will be of no
avail. They will be like loose winds, blowing sand and
smoke, and carrying dark things with them. Their
dark ideas and their dark thoughts, everything that
is dark in their hearts, which is blown and breathed
against us and against this enterprise, will not do more
than those winds which cannot destroy the monu-
ments of the old world. They may give a darker shade
to the granite and the marble, but the solidity of the
pyramids and of the great monuments of Europe will
remain, as the Pacific Railway will remain, as solid as
if these winds had not passed over it.
From the Marquess of Lome
The Queen has been most deeply interested in the
account which I have given her of the building of your
great railway, the difficulties which it involved, and
127
Lord Strathcona
which have been so wonderfully surmounted. Not one
Englishman in a thousand realizes what those difficul-
ties were; but now that the great Dominion has been
penetrated by this indestructible artery of steel, the
thoughts and purposes of her people, as well as her
commerce, will flow in an increasing current, to and
fro, sending a healthful glow to all the members. The
Princess and I are looking forward to a journey one
day to the far and fair Pacific.
Already the Queen had signified her sense of the
great Imperial service rendered by the promoters
of the railway. Upon the president was bestowed
the dignity of a baronetcy and later, on May 26,
1886, Mr. Smith was nominated a Knight Com-
mander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George.
To Miss Mactavish
1157 DORCHESTER ST., MONTREAL,
4th March, 1886.
You will, of course, have seen that Mr. Stephen has
been made a baronet, and he is well deserving of any
honour he would care to accept, although, perhaps,
hereditary honours are out of place in Canada; but
then he is at least as much an English resident as
Canadian.
There has, indeed, been a great upturning in political
circles since I last saw you and the uncertainty is evi-
dently as great as ever. Gladstone and some of his
friends appear, however, to be ready to make any con-
cession, so long as he may thereby retain place and
power.
128
First Japanese Cargo
At the annual meeting of the Bank of Montreal
that month, he said: —
I should be very glad, indeed, to see as many as pos-
sible of our fellow-countrymen from every part of the
Empire going there and reaping the benefits which by
industry and perseverance they are sure to gain in the
North- West. Allusion has been made to the opening-
up of the Canadian Pacific Railway to the Pacific
Ocean. If the directors of the company have deferred
the opening somewhat, it has been that they might be
so prepared that no invidious comparisons could pos-
sibly be made to the detriment of the railway. I may
mention, as one instance of what we may look forward
to in the future from the opening-up of the country
traversed by the railway, that I heard from the vice-
president, Mr. Van Home, the other day, that a ship
had left or was about to leave Yokohama with a cargo
of teas for Vancouver, and that these teas are to be
carried over the Canadian Pacific Railway, and deliv-
ered not only in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto, but
in St. Paul, Chicago, New York, and the New England
States. This shipment would be equal to about one
hundred carloads and would be a very substantial com-
mencement of the trade which we expect with China
and Japan.
I think we may look with great hope to the future
from such a commencement, and while business may
not be so prosperous at this moment as we would wish
it to be, still we may confidently anticipate that the
business of Montreal and of Canada will steadily en-
large, and that with the same efficient management of
the bank which has secured such good profits to the
shareholders, the results will not only be equal to what
they have had in the past, but will be even better.
129
Lord Strathcona
Before the meeting closed Mr. Crawford said : —
I believe I voice the sentiments of the shareholders
present in tendering our sincere congratulations to the
vice-president of the bank, Sir Donald A. Smith, for
the mark of distinction which Her Gracious Majesty
has been pleased to confer upon him, an honour which
I trust he may long be spared to enjoy, and also to
adorn. It is a fitting complement to the distinction
conferred upon his colleague, Sir George Stephen.
Less than twenty years later l Lord Strathcona,
in opening the new and palatial London offices
of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, took
occasion to tell the distinguished audience then
assembled : —
Thirty-five years ago there were not, perhaps, five
people in Canada who thought there could ever be a
railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific, in the Domin-
ion, round the north of Lake Superior. However, the
Government were determined, and entered into a con-
tract with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
That was in 1880 and the Company had ten years to
complete the line, but it was generally considered that
quite another ten years would be required. The road,
however, was completed on November 7, 1885, and in
1886 was opened for through traffic. The resulting
benefits to Canada have been very great. Previously
there had been no means of going to North-West Can-
ada except by the United States, but now it was possi-
ble to travel from Montreal to Winnipeg in two days
and to British Columbia — that was to Vancouver —
in four and a half days — a very great change, indeed !
1 January, 1904.
130
Sir Charles Tupper's Tribute
At the time the contract was given out, it was be-
lieved that the railway could not possibly be a success :
one eminent statesman, indeed, said that it would
"never earn enough to pay for the grease required for
the wheels of the carriages." To-day it was an assured
success. Not only did their line run from St. John to
the Pacific, but in connection with it the Empress line
of steamers ran to Japan and China, and there were no
more comfortable steamers on the ocean. More re-
cently the company had taken up a line of steamers
from Great Britain to Canada, the Far East, and
Australia. In good time would come a much faster
service of steamers, as a complement to the railway.
As a result of the great prosperity of Canada the traf-
fic was increasing and it was bound to go on increasing.
When the railway was begun there was nothing to
send from the North- West but the furs of the Hudson's
Bay Company. Within the last two years, however,
the North-West has sent out more than one hundred
million bushels of grain ! l
Sir George Stephen was the actual head of the
undertaking: no one could justly minimize the
signal part he had played. At the same time few
tributes paid to Sir Donald Smith were more just,
and, it may be added, more gratifying to the man
whose prescience foresaw and whose strong hand
1 "As to the Canadian Pacific Railway, in connection with which
the popular imagination has always inclined to exalt him [Mr. Smith]
above all others, — he well knew what was due to others as well as
to himself, and remembered to give credit where credit was due. In
accepting a presentation in London in November, 1907, he used
these words : ' Had it not been for the cordial cooperation of all my
colleagues who undertook the contract it would have been impossible
to have carried it through. Happily we were all in perfect accord.' "
(Sir William Peterson.)
Lord Strathcona
educed and promoted this great national project,
than that uttered by Sir Charles Tupper in 1897 : ~
The Canadian Pacific Railway would have no exist-
ence to-day, notwithstanding all that the Government
did to support that undertaking, had it not been for
the indomitable pluck and energy and determination,
both financially and in every other respect, of Sir
' Donald Smith.
Amongst those snow-capped mountains two lofty
summits bear the names of these two Morayshire
kinsmen. As long as the earth's surface remains
unaltered and our language and traditions survive,
Mount Stephen, on the one hand, and Mount Sir
Donald on the other, will rear their heights heaven-
ward, to commemorate one of the greatest achieve-
ments of patriotism, industry, and engineering since
the days of the Roman Caesars.1
NOTE TO CHAPTER XVIII
Alluding to the increased prosperity of Canada in
fifteen years, Sir Richard Cartwright, late Minister of
Trade and Commerce, stated that in 1896 Canadian Pa-
cific Railway stock, "which is now near $300 per share,
1 "The conception of a transcontinental railway was a magnificent
act of faith on the part of the Canadian Dominion. The Dominion
contains a population of under five millions of people, and its area
consists of nearly three and a half millions of square miles. Such a
population, inhabiting so vast a territory, has manifested so profound
a faith in its own future that it has conceived and executed within a
few years a work which, a generation ago, might well have appalled
the wealthiest and most powerful of nations. It is a material mani-
festation of the growing solidity of the Empire, and a proof of the
invincible energy of the Canadian subjects of the British Crown."
(Canada and the Canadian Pacific Railway.)
132
MOUNT SIR DONALD IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
Canada's Development
was selling at $50." In other words, the whole common
stock of the Canadian Pacific Railway was worth at
current market price $32,000,000 in 1896. It is now
worth over $500,000,000. The total number of home-
stead entries in the North-West was in that year
1300 as against an average for the last few years of
30,000 and 40,000. Take the volume of trade and com-
merce for the Dominion. In 1874 this had touched
$217,000,000. In 1896, with an increased population
of 1,000,000, it was barely $239,000,000, being a con-
siderable reduction per capita, and a total growth in
twenty-two years of just $1,000,000 a year; and in
1911-12 it was over $650,000,000.
CHAPTER XIX
THE MANITOBA SCHOOLS QUESTION
1886-1896
FOR five years Sir Donald had ceased to be a
member of Parliament. His prestige throughout
the country following the triumphant completion
of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and his reconcil-
iation with Sir John Macdonald, made it highly
probable that before the next general election, he
would be offered a nomination in some constitu-
ency. The long-wished-for reconciliation with Sir
John had been brought about in the simplest
and most natural manner. Mr. George Stephen,
calling upon Sir John at his hotel in London, was
accompanied by Mr. Smith. The visit was un-
premeditated. They shook hands cordially; there
was no embarrassment, no allusion, tacit or overt,
to what had passed — the conversation was pur-
sued as naturally as if they had met but yesterday
and a schism had not yawned between them for
more than a decade. The healing of the breach
between the two statesmen was complete, and I
have the high authority of Sir Joseph Pope for
stating that never thereafter, in public or private,
by word, look, or gesture, did Sir John reveal any
but the frankest and most unclouded cordiality for
the former member for Selkirk.1
1 I am indebted to a friend for the following interesting incident
134
A Winnipeg Deputation
Winnipeg was not long in expressing a desire for
Mr. Smith's parliamentary services. A deputation
from that city waited upon him in Montreal toward
the close of 1886 and besought him in the most
flattering terms to become the candidate.
I told them that while fully alive to the compliment
they paid me, and much as I felt drawn to a constitu-
ency full for me of pleasant associations, I was not
eager to return to political life and that, as the matter
had taken me by surprise, I must have time for consid-
eration.
It was then that a close friend and neighbor, Mr.
James A. Cantlie,2 observed: —
If you really again contemplate Parliament, why go
so far afield as Winnipeg for a seat? There will shortly
illustrating the relationship between the two men. A private bill,
inimical to the Canadian Pacific Railway, was impending. Accom-
panied by one of his colleagues, Mr. Smith, late one evening, was duly
ushered into Sir John's study. There was a small desk in one corner
before which the Prime Minister, after a dignified greeting, seated
himself. Mr. Smith recapitulated the situation, then rising he began
to approach the front or back of the desk, facing Sir John, uttering
a pregnant sentence with each step forward. "You see, Sir John,
this thing cannot be. It must not be, Sir John. It must not, it really
must not be." Raising his voice, he reached the desk and leaned over
it, shaking an ominous forefinger, while the Prime Minister shrank
back, "I tell you, Sir John, it MUST NOT BE !"
Sir John's expression relaxed. "Come, come, Mr. Smith," he said
with a smile, "I never said it would, could, or should be. Pray sit
down." He then explained that the Government had no intention of
giving any unfair advantage to a rival road, and after having fur-
nished the fullest assurances on this head, shook hands with his
visitors and accompanied them, good-humouredly, in the "wee, sma'
hours," to the door.
* One of the most respected citizens of Montreal, and brother-in-
law to Lord Mount Stephen.
135
Lord Strathcona
be a vacancy in Montreal West — I can assure you of
a triumphant return.
No decision had been reached when Sir Donald
left for England, but it scarcely came as a surprise
when in London, at the close of 1886, a cablegram
reached him from the chairman of the local Con-
servative Association, advising him of such nomi-
nation. He instantly replied : —
I appreciate the honour of nomination and accept it,
if electors are satisfied with my assurance that as an
independent member, uninfluenced by any other con-
siderations than those having in view the best interests
of our common country, I will, if elected, use every
effort to further the material progress of the Domin-
ion, and to promote the prosperity of the City of Mon-
treal.
To Miss Mactavish
BROWN'S HOTEL, LONDON,
3d January, 1887.
Although there is nothing much the matter with me,
I have not been able to be out of the hotel for more
than three hours altogether since my arrival here on
Sunday of last week. Sir Andrew Clark, however, tells
me there is nothing organic and that I may expect to
be "all right" again very soon.
Lord Randolph Churchill's escapade has, indeed,
the appearance of an extraordinary freak, and yet, of
course, we do not know all the particulars as they affect
both sides. Still, to have abandoned his colleagues at
such a moment hardly appears capable of being justi-
fied. Let us hope the accession to the Ministry of Mr.
Goschen will make up for the loss of the other.
136
Accepts Montreal Nomination
Although I do not go out, Sir George Stephen and
some other friends occasionally spend part of the even-
ing with me : so that I am not left absolutely alone.
Afterwards in February, addressing the electors
in Montreal, he told them he did not intend to make
any explicit statement of his political principles : —
I was an active politician of the time when the good
old custom — if it were a good old custom — was in
vogue of verbal nominations, when each candidate
spoke about the other, and sometimes when he did not
spare his opponent's feelings. But since you have been
so very good to meet here on this occasion to reaffirm
your approval of my nomination as your candidate for
the Western division of Montreal, I must tell you that
it is very gratifying to me, indeed, and that I value
very highly the good opinions of the gentlemen whom
I see before me, as well as of many others who, I am
informed, look favourably on my nomination.
I am disposed to judge of measures more than of
men. At the same time, if a Government may have
made some blunders, I am not disposed to oppose them
because of this. We know that success depends not on
absolute perfection, but that with individuals as with
governments, to make fewest mistakes is the criterion
of success. I will not be disposed to denounce the whole
policy of a Government because of this measure or of
that measure, provided it be not one of principle and
one calculated to be injurious to the community and
the Dominion at large. I come forward as an inde-
pendent candidate, prepared to give my support to
what I believe is in the interests of my constituents
and of vital interest to the Dominion.
There was, however [he continued], one great ques-
137
Lord Strathcona
tion affecting the country upon which he hoped senti-
ment was united.
I shall do everything in my power that may be re-
quired in forwarding the interests of the Dominion in
respect to what is known as the National Policy and I
shall encourage that due and proper protection which
is necessary for the industries of a new country.
We are not usually given to boasting in Canada.
We know, and we are not ashamed to own, that we are
a smaller and poorer people at this very moment than
those on the other side of the line. While they maintain
high protective tariffs, if we allowed everything to
come in here just as they should like, we all know what
would very soon become of Canada. We must judge
facts by the circumstances of the moment, and of the
place ; while free trade may be very good for England,
and while I might support it there with certain modifi-
cations, I should be very sorry to see it introduced in
this country and would oppose its adoption. I do not
mean that duties should become so onerous as to mili-
tate against the material interests of one class or the
other. The National Policy is for the benefit of all.
We know that if you have not manufactories and if
you have not the means of giving work to the people
of the country, you cannot have prosperity and prog-
ress. While we may have articles at a low price, yet,
if wages were also very low, the workman would lack
the means of purchasing them. Simply to be able to
purchase at a low price, with wages also exceptionally
low, would be no advantage to the people. But we
know, on the contrary, that the effect of protection
has been materially to increase the demand for labour
and raise the wages of the workman, without adding
to the costs of the necessaries of life. If you have not
138
Advocates Technical Education
your industries "in full blast," you can have no pros-
perity.
He had become an earnest advocate of technical
education, a field of effort which he afterward left to
his friend, Sir William Macdonald.
There is one reform which I think should be intro-
duced into Canada, so as to enable our employers of
labour and those whom they employ to compete with
the other people of other countries. I think we should
all — manufacturers and workmen alike — put our
shoulder to the wheel and endeavour to have estab-
lished technical and trade schools, which would be of
immense advantage to the great mass of the people. We
all know that occasionally there is a slight suspicion
thrown on the sincerity of promises made during an
election campaign, so perhaps it is better I should not
make too many promises, but this I believe to be a
benefit to the country, upon which men of all shades
of politics can join.
I am proud to find gentlemen who have met to-
gether not because they belong strictly to one side of
politics or to the other, but that notwithstanding they
have views on certain matters different from each other,
they come to give me their support on this occasion. It
shall be my first effort always to show that their confi-
dence has not been misplaced, and if returned to Parlia-
ment by your suffrages, I shall, as long as I represent
you, do my utmost to promote your interests.
On another occasion he said : —
In connection with the condition of working-men I
believe that such means should be placed at their dis-
posal, at the public cost, as would enable them by
139
Lord Strathcona
technical education to become the most skilled arti-
sans. This is not a new idea of mine. I have for years
past advocated technical education in Canada, to en-
able our working-men to compete with those of other
countries where the system is in operation. France was
the first to introduce it, and soon the working-men of
France became more skilful in artistic work than those
of England, and England had to follow the example of
the French. Would it not be a grand thing for us to
say of any artistic piece of workmanship, "That was
made in Canada"?
Sir Donald went on to touch on the subject of
" temperance " which was even then " a vital and
burning question." He was no bigot himself, and
discouraged it in others.
I am not afraid to speak on the subject of tem-
perance here or anywhere. I have been temperate
throughout all my life. I have taken a glass of cham-
pagne, or a glass of some other wine ; but I have never
taken too much. I may even have enjoyed a glass of
liquor, but I always allow my friends who think other-
wise to do according to their will. I respect no man
better whether he abstain altogether or whether he
drink in strict moderation. I shall always be in favour
of laws that can advance the cause of true temperance
in the country.
As the campaign proceeded he addressed many
meetings. Thus, early in February, he dealt with
the tariff question : —
We are all fighting in a good cause — the industries
of this country of ours. The question is not a party
matter, but one which men of all parties can join
140
Protection vs. Free-Trade
i
heartily in, which they cannot do if the issue be
narrowed down to a mere party question. It cannot
be denied that a new country cannot hold its own
against a rich and powerful neighbour, fully equipped
with the best methods, appliances, and machinery, and
a hundredfold more wealthy, unless that new country
protects its industries and thus protects itself. It is
entirely different in England and Europe, which for
hundreds of years have controlled the commerce and
markets of the world, and have been so long estab-
lished that they fear no competition. England had
established "free trade" and for years had maintained
it against the nations of the world, but even in Eng-
land they are beginning to realize that it is not
perfect. The other nations did not come to meet them,
and to-day there is a strong feeling throughout the
land that " fair trade " would be more equitable to the
whole people. As a nation, Canada does not want
undue protection, but on such goods as can be pro-
duced in the country the duty should lie. As regards
luxuries, he was of the opinion that taxation on them
was highly justifiable. He spoke of the excellent native
wines produced in this country, and thought if we had
to pay a heavier duty upon imported champagnes, we
might, perhaps, produce these native wines of a better
quality. Many persons may be found who would say
that increased duties mean an increase in price, but
this was erroneous. It had been proved, and most con-
clusively proved that the very opposite is the case
when properly protected native industry can supply
what is required more cheaply than outsiders. As a
matter of vital interest to farmers, he instanced the
article of land plaster, which a few years ago was
entirely imported, and to-day it was manufactured in
141
Lord Strathcona
Canada and sold cheaper now than ever before. While
the farmers got the article cheaper, the workmen now
received from $i .40 per day, while under the Mackenzie
regime they worked for 90 cents and $l. With clear
consciences the electors of this great Dominion might
all use their best efforts and work together to "let well
enough alone."
It must be, of course, understood that the present
Government are progressive enough to introduce any
measure that will tend to the improvement and ad-
vancement of the country. We are all agreed as to the
necessity that exists for protection, and that those en-
gaged in our industries should be put in a position to
compete successfully with the manufacturers of other
countries. To do this, mechanics and others should
receive the advantages of all available technical knowl-
edge, not merely the "three R's," but a thorough
practical knowledge which will fit them to take the best
places in their sphere of life. It is the workman of
to-day who is being fitted to become the employer of
the future. If elected I will do all in my power to put
within his reach all such knowledge as would assist
him in being worthy the confidence of the people.
Coming down to the city of Montreal, there are sub-
jects of the deepest and gravest importance, notably
the deepening of the harbour. It remains with our-
selves, the citizens, to make Montreal not only the
second to no city in Canada, but second to none on the
Continent. Such works as these are not of merely mu-
nicipal character, but are of benefit to all other places
in the Dominion, and as a city we now have a right to
insist that the expense shall no longer be borne by
us, but shall be taken up by the Dominion, as the
Dominion at large thereby benefits.
142
The "National Policy"
He had to dwell frequently upon the so-called
"National Policy":—
We all know that for some eight years back, we have
had a measure of prosperity in Canada which was ab-
sent for many years before. We know and we appre-
ciate that this in a very great measure is owing to the
proper protection which has been given to the indus-
tries of Canada by the Conservative Government.
This protection was necessary to make Canada a great
nation. If we had not the National Policy, Canada
would have been swamped by the importation of goods
from the United States and elsewhere, and we would
neither have manufacturers in the country nor employ-
ment for our people. Therefore it is that I believe we
should maintain the position which we now hold and
which I shall endeavour to do so far as it lies in my
power. I feel that in voting for the supporters of the
National Policy you will be supporting your own inter-
ests.
In one of his speeches he told how, when return-
ing on the steamer to New York, he met an Ameri-
can gentleman. The talk turned on the National
Policy in Canada, and his acquaintance, being
an extensive manufacturer, took some interest in
the question, holding that, before the National
Policy was introduced in Canada, he was doing a
fine trade, but since Canadians learned to make
their own goods for their own markets, and to pro-
tect their native industries, he could not sell in
Canada at all.
The question for working-men and manufacturers is,
"Do you want to return to lower wages and to lower
143
Lord Strathcona
prices for the necessaries of life?" as was the case dur-
ing the Liberal Administration, or, "Do you wish to
remain happy and prosperous and progressive as you
are at present?" The course for the constituencies is
to support the National Policy candidates, to keep
things as they are, and to make them as much better
as we can. One of the largest woollen manufactories
in the Dominion wrote me how the National Policy
affected their factory in Sherbrooke. Before the intro-
duction of the National Policy, the wages paid to em-
ployees were $80,000, and for the seven years since,
the wages were more than fifty per cent beyond this.
During the seven years of the National Policy they
had paid $246,000 more to those employed in their
factories than they did before there was protection for
the industry. As is the case with one factory, so it is
all over Canada, and as our population and industries
grow, the necessity for this policy on the part of the
Government will become all the more imperative if our
country is to prosper. I have no doubt that you, the
electors, will see the necessity for sustaining the Gov-
ernment in this policy, and that you will give a hearty
and generous support to the candidates who are pledged
to advocate it.
On previous occasions, as now, I have stood before
many French Canadians, and am proud to say I always
have had their support. I have, indeed, had in the past
a very warm support from my French Canadian coun-
trymen, and I believe I will have their support, too, in
the present contest. It is not my own battle I am
fighting, because there is nothing that can benefit me
that will not benefit you, and if elected, as I have every
confidence I shall be, I will do all in my power to for-
ward the interests of my constituents.
144
Returned for Montreal
Speaking of the customs regulations, Sir Donald
remarked : —
Unquestionably it is absolutely necessary that the
customs laws should be enforced with as little incon-
venience as possible to the merchants, having regard
to the due collection of the duties. There can be no
necessity or excuse for a friction between merchants
and importers with the law properly laid down, and
no difficulty should arise with officers who know and
discharge their duties faithfully, and at the same time
with civility and courteousness to merchants. I con-
sider it the duty of a representative of an important
commercial community like this to see that the laws
are satisfactorily enforced, and I shall certainly make
it my duty to see to this when, as I believe, you will
elect me as your member.
On the 23d of February the election took place,
and he was triumphantly returned. In the course
of a speech on that day, he said : —
The employer and the employee, both alike, were
bent upon protecting the great interests of this great
country. Having honoured him with their confidence,
he trusted that he would be able to prove to them that
that confidence was not misplaced. It was the duty of
all to work together to support the National Policy.
It was that policy which made Canada what she is,
and the people of Montreal had declared that there
should be no retrograding, no going back to an era of
depression and soup kitchens. For himself he would
prefer to have a little leisure, but there are times when
for the public good a man must not study his own
convenience. Anything he could do in the interests of
domestic manufactures and of the country at large
145
Lord Strathcona
should be cheerfully done. If we did not take care of
ourselves, no one else would. Canada shall be no
"slaughter market" for the United States, and while
we are all prepared to go in heartily for Reciprocity,
we want no one-sided arrangement.
A banquet was given in honour of the new mem-
ber in the following month. Replying to the toast
of his health, he said: —
Having spent fifty years of my life in Canada, I also
can claim to be a Canadian. And while calling your-
selves Canadians you can also rejoice in the rejoicing
of the Mother Country, and that you will have this
year an opportunity of celebrating the Jubilee of Her
Majesty. We have cause to be satisfied that we have
been under the beneficent reign of that Queen and that
no part of the world has progressed more during those
fifty years than Canada. With all the facilities we at
present enjoy for coming together, with the railway, the
telegraph, and the telephone facilities, where those two
thousand miles away are brought nearer together than
was Montreal and Ottawa thirty years ago, what will
this country be thirty years hence, if we are true to
ourselves?
Jointly with his cousin, Lord Mount Stephen, he
set apart one million dollars to erect a great
hospital in Montreal to commemorate the Queen's
Jubilee. Later, when the building had been erected
on the side of Mount Royal, they gave equally in
the sum of $800,000 to endow the institution.
There could be no finer site for a hospital, over-
looking, as it does, the whole city of Montreal and
the valley of the St. Lawrence. Behind rises the
146
Royal Victoria College
mountain, terraced with sylvan retreats; before lie
the squares and steeples, and the glittering river;
and beyond that, on the south shore, the open
country, with here and there a domed mountain.
At intervals a town or village is visible or the metal-
cased steeple of a parish church that flashes like a
poniard in the sun.
This hospital, the Royal Victoria, is one of the
best equipped institutions on the continent. Mod-
ern science was drawn upon to furnish it ade-
quately, and by reason of its large endowment it
has since kept pace with the newest discoveries and
inventions.
But this was not the only institution which was
to bear the name of Victoria. He had long ere this
had his thoughts directed toward educational plans
and problems and was a liberal patron of McGill
University. In October, 1886, an endowment was
created in aid of the higher education of women,
amounting to $120,000, which sum was to be de-
voted to provide a collegiate education for women
in the manner and form and for the time being as
declared in the deed evidencing such endowment.
By that deed it was also provided that in the event
of the donor, .by himself or in conjunction with
others, taking further steps for extending the en-
dowment and obtaining an act of incorporation
for a college for the purpose named, the donation
should be transferred to the college. A year or two
later Sir Donald communicated his intention to
found an endowment for a college, with a pre-
paratory school or branch to be established in
147
Lord Strathcona
Winnipeg or "at such other point or points in the
Province of Manitoba or the North-West Terri-
tories, or in British Columbia, as shall hereafter be
determined." An act of incorporation was obtained
from Parliament, of the Royal Victoria College.
The completion of this scheme was, as we shall see,
deferred for some years.
In February, 1888, his only daughter, Margaret
Charlotte, married Mr. Robert Jared Bliss Howard,
of Montreal, son of the Dean of the Faculty of
Medicine at McGill University. Three years later
Sir Donald's first grandson, Donald Sterling
Palmer, the present heir to the barony, was born.1
On November I, 1889, Sir Donald was in-
augurated Chancellor of McGill. The ceremony
took place in the William Molson Hall, and the
room was crowded with influential citizens and
students of both sexes. The Governors and the
faculty entered the room attired in their robes, and
were loudly cheered by the students, who rose in a
body to receive them. Sir Donald followed in his
black gown, with red hood, cap in hand, walking
slowly past the rows of cheering students.
The chairman introduced the new Chancellor.
Having alluded to the fact that Sir Donald's ex-
alted position, and the interest he took in the
cause of education, entitled him to a high place in
their regard, he said that in selecting Sir Donald
1 A daughter, Frances Margaret Palmer (now the Honourable
Mrs. Kitson), had been born in 1889. A second grandson, Lieutenant
the Honourable Robert Henry Palmer Howard, born in 1893, was
killed in action in May, 1915. The other children are Edith, born in
1895, and Arthur, born in 1896.
148
MARGARET CHARLOTTE, THE PRESENT LADY STRATHCONA
circa 1885
Chancellor of McGill
Smith as Chancellor they felt that the honour was
well bestowed.
The senior member of the Board of Governors,
Mr. Peter Redpath, then conducted Sir Donald to
the chair amid cheers. Mr. Redpath congratulated
him upon his election to an office of which any man
might be proud, which was the highest honour the
university could bestow. The Governors, in choos-
ing their Chancellor, had not disappointed pub-
lic expectation, and he believed that under Sir
Donald's administration the university would con-
tinue to enjoy the prosperity which had for a
number of years attended it. In response the
Chancellor said : —
I thank you as earnestly and as sincerely as it is
possible for me to do for the greeting you have given
me. This university cannot boast of great antiquity,
but as Paris, Oxford, and Cambridge are the oldest in
Europe, and Harvard is the oldest in America, so is
McGill the oldest in Canada. Of the great men who
were trained in the European schools, it is unnecessary
for me to speak, as it would be impossible for me to say
anything you do not already know regarding them;
but you must premise as the outcome of Harvard's
teaching the standard of intellect and education l
which is impressed on the people of Boston and New
England generally. Is it not also the case with our-
selves? Is not the desire for elegance and good taste
observable in our surroundings in the city owing to the
great intelligence which has resulted from the larger
facilities offered in late years for higher education;
1 He was once asked what in his opinion was the finest product of
modern civilization. His reply was "a well-educated American."
149
Lord Strathcona
and that especially by McGill? Regarding those who
have filled the chair before me, — humbly following
their example, — I will endeavour to act to the best of
my ability, whilst it may be permitted me to fill this
honourable position.
We must not only continue the prosperity of the
university, but raise it to a higher and yet higher posi-
tion among schools of learning. We must still progress.
We have many tangible proofs of the interest taken in
the prosperity of the university. The liberality of the
friends of the institution, as we all know, has been very
great, and the issue has been in every way satisfactory
in the large number of educated men and women sent
forth from the university. But to enable it to continue
and render more efficient the means for this great work,
the Governors are now desirous of further endow-
ments. Let us all do our best to provide for, if possi-
ble, making the college more efficient than in the past.
It has much to contend with at the present moment.
We know that we are a comparatively small minority
of English-speaking people in this Province, and we
know that whilst McGill and its faculty of law had
up to quite recently the field for itself entirely, things
are now altogether different. Now there is another
faculty of law in another university. We wish them
God-speed ; but at the same time we do not wish that
McGill in this respect should take other than a fore-
most place. We desire that it should in no sense be
second to any other law school or faculty in the Domin-
ion. The Civil Code of Quebec is entirely different to
that of the other Provinces df the Dominion. There is
not that inducement to those outside of Montreal or
this Province to come here to be instructed by the
faculty of law; so that it is most essential, indeed, that
150
Chancellor's Address
the citizens should give that support to the school
without which it cannot possibly have that vitality
which it should have to be in every way efficient. Of
this the members of the Board are so fully convinced
that they are endeavouring to provide an endowment
for the faculty of at least one chair to begin with, and
they hope to have one or two additional chairs. There
is also the faculty of medicine, which holds its head
high among the schools, not only of this continent but
of Europe, and in view of the great advances made in
science, medicine, and surgery within the last quarter
of a century, I am sure you wish that McGill should
hold its own; but this will be impossible without the
liberal aid of those of the community.
We do not mean that all is to be done to-day or to-
morrow, but it is well we should keep them in view
and that a helping hand should be given us as soon as
possible. There is also required, as soon as it can be
had, an addition to the general funds of the university
applicable to all professorship endowments and for
college purposes. Something is also required to be
done for the department l for women. Some of us had
hoped that by this time there would have been such a
college in existence, but from certain causes it has not
been brought about. However, I think, we may feel
assured that before the lady undergraduates who join
this year are ready to leave the college they will have
a habitat of their own. The progress which has been
made in education, in the arts and sciences, and in
the other professions throughout the world, is so very
great that to keep pace with it we must bestir ourselves
in every possible way.
1 This had already been christened the "Donalda Department"
in his honour. Mme. Donalda, the cantatrice, was one of the
graduates.
151
Lord Strathcona
We see how another university here, that of Laval,
is strengthening itself in every way. We find no fault
with that. There is a union of certain schools here, and
union we know is strength, and it is well that in a good
cause there should be union and that there should be
strength. But whilst we desire that they should go on
and prosper, we must not forget that it is our first duty
to look to ourselves, and it is to be hoped that each
of us will do his part to the best of his ability to see
and secure that McGill shall hold its place among the
schools not only of this Province, but of the Dominion
as one which will be able to send forth men and women
who will be a credit to their Alma Mater and will take
their part efficiently to advance the best interests of
the whole community.
On the 6th June, 1891, Sir John Macdonald
passed away.
To the Marquess of Lome
June Qth, 1891.
The death of Sir John Macdonald not only removes
the greatest man in Canada but for whom the confed-
eration of these Provinces might never have been
achieved, but it takes away the source of patriotic
inspiration of our best men. I was late in entering
political life, but I at once, as if I had been a much
younger man, enrolled myself under his banner and
regret nothing so much as the temporary estrangement
which circumstances unhappily brought about. Not-
withstanding this, I never once ceased to hold him in
regard and was truly rejoiced when it became possible
for me to return openly to my allegiance.
152
A Ministerial Crisis
As Governor-General Lord Stanley of Preston
(afterwards Earl of Derby) was succeeded by the
Earl of Aberdeen.
To Sir William Butler
As to Lord Aberdeen's appointment we can only
hope for the best. We have so far been especially fa-
voured by Providence in the matter of Governors-
General. In this case the fact of Lord Aberdeen's being
a great favourite with Mr. Gladstone will not predis-
pose many in his favour; but I believe he is earnest and
industrious and a Scotsman of rank and lineage, which
in itself signifies a great deal. Then, as I need hardly
remind you, there is her ladyship !
In the Canadian political world affairs were
growing troublous. Sir John Thompson's death at
the close of 1894 had greatly shaken the Conserva-
tives. Both the party and the country were restive
under the Premiership of Sir Mackenzie Bowell,
and in January, 1896, an embarrassing upheaval
came.
Seven Ministers handed in their resignations to
Sir Mackenzie Bowell. The truth is, the Prime
Minister was hardly able to cope with the situation,
and there was a general demand that Sir Charles
Tupper, who then filled the position of High Com-
missioner in London, be summoned back to lead the
party. Parliament met on the yth of the month
when the Honourable George E. Foster explained the
reasons which had induced him and his colleagues
to resign. It was "from no feeling of personal dis-
153
Lord Strathcona
like or personal ambition, but has been solely dic-
tated by our wish to sink all minor consideration
and conserve the party and the country."
In other words, the wholesale resignations were
to pave the way for the prorogation of a Govern-
ment whose Premier could not command the con-
fidence of all his colleagues.
Under the circumstances and there being in truth
no Government, none were surprised to learn of
Sir Mackenzie Bowell's decision to resign. It was
then that a new difficulty appeared — Lord Aber-
deen, the Governor-General, refused to accept the
Premier's resignation. No consideration had been
given to the Speech from the Throne, and affairs of
administration were generally in such a state as to
demand a further effort to reconstruct the Ministry.
The effort was made, and on Sir Charles Tupper
consenting to enter the Cabinet as President of the
Privy Council the recalcitrant Ministers returned.
Thus ended a nine days' wonder. Its chief inter-
est for us now is in the narrowness by which Sir
Donald Smith escaped being drawn into the arena.
An influential section of the party desired that he
assume the leadership of the party.
"There is one man, and one man alone," said a
member,1 "who can save the Liberal-Conservative
Party from falling to pieces, and also who can com-
mand the respect and confidence of the whole
country, and that is Sir Donald A. Smith."
The member for Montreal West was sounded.
He shrank from the proposal. "I have no claim,"
1 Colonel Hughes, M.P.
154
Manitoba Schools Question
he wrote, "while such a statesman as Sir Charles
Tupper is alive and active, and prepared to assume
the burden should the latter prove too great for Sir
Mackenzie Bowell."
No sooner was the internal division healed than
an affair of magnitude came to put the statesman-
ship of the Government to a severe test. The seem-
ingly eternal question of race and religion had
reached an acute stage in Manitoba. In an empire
such as ours it is always present; it is the problem
of good citizenship to see that it never engenders
bitterness and animosity dangerous to the State.1
The French Roman Catholic population of Man-
itoba demanded separate schools where their chil-
dren should be taught their own language and
religion. The Manitoba Legislature opposed this
demand and passed an act abolishing denomina-
tional schools.
In May, 1894, tne cardinals, archbishops, and
bishops of the Roman Catholic Church petitioned
the Governor-General in Council to disallow the
Manitoba School Act of 1894. By Order in Council
of 26th July, 1894, the Privy Council recommended
that the petition should be transmitted to the
Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, and expressed
1 Sir Donald once said to Mr. Wilson-Smith, K.C. ; " My own view
is that the less said about race and religion in Canada the better. In
Montreal public opinion is always in a highly combustible state and
any chance firebrand may set us all in a blaze. The French-Cana-
dians are very sensitive and if we cannot praise them, we at least
must be blind to their occasional shortcomings. It is all very artifi-
cial, but it is only by means of such a modus vivendi that harmony
can be secured at all."
155
Lord Strathcona
the hope that the Legislature of that Province
should take steps to remove the grievances com-
plained of in the petition.
Again, by Order in Council of July 27, 1895, the
Dominion Government invited the Manitoba Gov-
ernment to enter into friendly negotiations in
order to ascertain how far the latter were prepared
to go in meeting the wishes of the minority, so that
the Dominion might, if possible, be relieved from
the duty of intervening. The Provincial authorities
paid no attention to the invitation, and it was
publicly and triumphantly declared that they had
no intention of helping the Federal Government
out of a difficulty.
Instantly, the Provincial authorities, led by the
Honourable Thomas Greenway, the Premier, were
up in arms and flouted the Order in Council. The
Remedial Bill was introduced soon after Parlia-
ment met. It sought to restore to the Roman
Catholic minority in Manitoba the rights and privi-
leges in regard to the education of their children,
of which they were deprived by the Provincial leg-
islation of 1890, and which the judgment of the
Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council
declared Parliament had the power to restore. It
professed, also, to interfere as little as possible with
the functions of the Legislature and Government
of Manitoba. The nature of the measure was such,
however, that almost every clause of it dealt with
acts that the constitutional law meant to be per-
formed under authority of Provincial legislation,
that are, therefore, best so performed, and that
156
The Remedial Bill
would continue to be performed in Manitoba if the
religious majority in that Province had held the
spirit of the Constitution in the same respect as it
had been held by the religious majorities of Quebec
and Ontario. The task of the Government was
additionally unpleasant, in that the bill, if passed
into an Act of Parliament, would probably fail to
effect its purpose. It had to count on the good-will
of the people and Legislature of Manitoba for so
much, that, if the good-will were withheld, the
Roman Catholic minority would not enjoy the full
benefits of the provision Parliament, when it estab-
lished the Province, destined them to enjoy. The
financial side bristled with difficulties. The bill
provided that the municipal authorities should
collect and pay to the trustees of the separate
schools, to be established, all local school taxes
levied upon consenting Roman Catholic rate-
payers. In 1894 the total of such taxes in Manitoba
amounted to $354,963. They were supplemented
by grants by the Legislature of the Province to the
extent of $101,013. Nearly a third of the school
revenue from taxation, therefore, came out of the
Provincial Treasury.
A Remedial Bill, following the lines of the
Imperial Privy Council decision, declared that
the religious minority should have a right to
share in this ; but it was clearly impossible for Par-
liament to dictate to the Legislature of a Province
how or to whom it shall distribute its revenue. If
the Legislature of Manitoba declined to pay any
heed to the provisions of the Remedial Bill in this
157
Lord Strathcona
particular, the Roman Catholics would have to
depend on the local assessments alone for means to
keep their schools in operation. In poor localities,
and sparsely settled localities where the Roman
Catholics were a small element in the general popu-
lation, this virtually meant that there would be
no separate schools. In other words, that would
happen in Manitoba which has since happened in
the Province of Quebec with regard to Protestant
schools. The religious majority would inevitably
crush the minority out of existence. Both sides
assumed an uncompromising attitude. Naturally
the clergy and clerical party of Quebec flew to
the succour of their co-religious in Manitoba. The
Orangemen of Ontario responded by snatching up
the cudgels against Rome and Papal machinations.
The air rang with vituperation, and for several
weeks it wanted but little to precipitate a danger-
ous conflict.
Meanwhile, the citizens at large and a Govern-
ment by no means agreed amongst themselves,
seeing no satisfactory solution of the difficulty,
prayed for the advent of a pacificator. And again a
pacificator appeared. Many considerations tended
to make Sir Donald Smith's assumption of the role
the most appropriate that could be found — his
patriarchal age, his freedom from the bonds of
party, his well-known benevolence, but chiefly the
remembrance of his famous mission of conciliation
to the North-West a quarter of a century before.
Albeit, in this instance, he was his own monitor.
This time circumstances seemed to make it highly
158
Privately consults Lord Aberdeen
imprudent for the Government to despatch him on
a mission of conciliation. He would go in a private
capacity: what he would lose in official status, he
would make up for by his character and reputation.
There was a question, indeed, whether what he
proposed was politically desirable. It would not do
to compromise the Ministry, or to excite either the
alarm or the enmity of the Opposition. He resolved
to consult the Governor-General, Lord Aberdeen,
not as a politician or a member of Parliament, but
as a private citizen, anxious to perform a signal and
special act of good citizenship. Advantage was
taken of an invitation to luncheon at Rideau Hall,
at which both Lord Aberdeen and his indefatigable
consort listened to Sir Donald's plan of mediation.
Both were enthusiastic in their approval.
He explained afterwards : —
I wish to say very distinctly that I did not go at the
instance of the Government. It is true that I had
the privilege of communicating with His Excellency
the Governor-General, not so much as Her Majesty's
representative here, but as one, who, as we all know,
has taken a very warm and deep interest in everything
that is for the benefit of Canada. Having incidentally
had an opportunity of speaking of this very important
matter of the Manitoba School Question, His Excel-
lency was good enough to express to me his very great
desire that it should be satisfactorily settled in one way
or the other, so as to be agreeable, not only to the
people of that Province, but also to the people of the
Dominion as a whole, desiring it should be disposed of
outside altogether of party politics, for we know that
159
Lord Strathcona
the Governor-General never allows himself to become
a partisan, and that he is here as the representative
of Her Majesty, to look equally at all sides, and to
discriminate against none. I myself was greatly im-
pressed with the view, that were it possible to dispose
of this matter outside of Parliament, it would be for
the general good ; and I consequently determined to go
to Manitoba with the view of seeing Mr. Greenway and
some of his colleagues, and of endeavouring to ascer-
tain if there could not be found a satisfactory way out
of the difficulty. I may mention that had it not been
for the fact that, owing to serious illness, I was unable
to leave my house for three or four months, I certainly
would have visited Manitoba some time before; but it
is never too late to attempt to do what ought to be
done. 1
He was at that time far from well. The weather
was bitterly cold and tempestuous and his physi-
cian, Dr. Roddick, had ordered him to repair at once
to the milder climate of Florida. On the I5th of
February his servant packed his luggage, he bade
his wife farewell, and not until the following day
did she or any of his friends learn that instead of
the sub-tropics he had departed for the sub-arctic.
He arrived in Winnipeg on the i8th, and although
he was careful to disclose nothing to the newspa-
per representatives concerning his mission, it was
immediately telegraphed all over the Dominion
that he was in Winnipeg for a definite political
purpose.
Commenting on this the Montreal Gazette ob-
served : —
1 Parliamentary Debates, March, 1896.
160
Departs for Winnipeg
The statement has been repeated so frequently, and
no denial given, that there can really be no doubt of
its accuracy. And besides, Sir Donald, beyond receiv-
ing his scores of old personal and political friends, and
attending to the little social amenities consequent
upon a visit to his former home, is said to have done
little else but interview the men who have it in their
power to make any settlement of the case. He is
known to have spent hours with Premier Greenway
and His Grace the Archbishop of St. Boniface,1 but
whether there will be any practical result therefrom,
time must be left to develop. That Sir Donald is acting
sincerely and is really desirous of performing a service
to the State by snatching from the arena of public dis-
cussion a brand which, if left where it is, may result
in disaster to Confederation, can be pretty generally
taken for granted by all who know him and understand
his character and motives.
It went on to say: —
That he would like, incidentally, to assist his party,
may perhaps be true, but it is better to credit him
with the higher motive. However much all Canadians
would like to see the question settled, it is difficult to
see how Mr. Greenway can make any concessions that
would satisfy the Ministry. With a fresh mandate
from the people to stand by the National School Sys-
tem, no one would surely be bold enough to expect
that he would commit political suicide by sacrificing
the schools. The Government has all along professed
to be most anxious to administer the School Act in the
most liberal manner, so as to meet the wishes of the
minority as far as possible, providing no great princi-
1 The late Mgr. Langevin.
161
Lord Strathcona
pies were sacrificed, but further than that it is difficult
to see how they can go.
This was perfectly true; it was, as Mr. Greenway
told his distinguished visitor, difficult to see how
they could go further. Yet it was not enough to
restore peace or to carry out the pledge tacitly
made in 1870. Sir Donald told the House of
Commons on his return a few weeks later: —
The great difficulty in which Canada is at this time,
and England as well, should be another inducement for
us to do justice to the minority in Manitoba. There
has been a promise made, made, it is true, to a few
thousands of people, who have been spoken of here as
poor half-breeds, but who, on the whole, I can assure
you, are very intelligent men.
He pointed out that in 1870 the schools were
voluntary, the Roman Catholics had their own
and the Protestants had theirs, and there were
certain grants of money given to each.
The Hudson's Bay Company, then the governing
body, made a grant to the Roman Catholic Bishop,
the late lamented and reverend Archbishop Tache.
There was a grant given to the one and to the other —
a money grant as well as a grant of land — for school
purposes. It is true that not much was said about
schools at that time, but it was distinctly understood
by the people there, and the promise was made to
those people, that they would have every privilege, on
joining Canada, which they possessed at that time.
And such promise I gave as a special commissioner
from the Dominion of Canada. That was supple-
mented by Canada.
162
French-Canadian Simplicity
If the Convention did not enter minutely and par-
ticularly into the description of the separate schools,
it was because they thought it altogether unnecessary.
Any convention about separate schools was never
dreamt of by them. They were a "simple-minded peo-
ple." To show that they were really so, and that they
went very much on good faith, I may mention how
properties were conveyed from one to another. There
were no long or written contracts; all that was neces-
sary was that the parties interested should go to the
official of the Hudson's Bay Company, who kept the
land register, and mention verbally to him that it was
desired to make over such and such property to a
particular person and the transaction was concluded.
That showed, I think, that they were " simple-minded,"
and that they had an idea, a belief, that when their
word was pledged, it was as good as all the deeds that
could be written. So it was with regard to the prom-
ises that were made to them at that time. They knew
that they had their schools, and they believed that the
promises would be well and faithfully kept, and they
did not deem it necessary to have anything of a more
binding character with regard to them.1
This is apparent, I think, from what took place in
the Legislature of Manitoba in 1871, when the School
Law was passed. It may not be known to a great
many of the members here that many of those who
composed the Legislature of that time were members
of this very Convention, and in deciding that there
should be separate schools, they were looking to what
had passed in this Convention; they had it fresh in their
minds. Therefore, I certainly think that the people of
Red River, then the majority, now the minority, are
1 Parliamentary Debates, House of Commons, March, 1896.
163
Lord Strathcona
entitled to all the privileges that are given to the major-
ity at the present day. I think that in one way or an-
other we should insist that they have full justice, and
that whether in the form of separate schools, or in some
other way, still, that justice shall be done, and that
faith shall be kept with those people.
Sir Donald returned to Ottawa during the last
1 days of February. He was by this time so hardened
to the amenities of political life — to having base
motives imputed to his most straightforward ac-
tions — that he was hardly surprised when one
or two journals hinted that in his self-appointed
mission to Manitoba, he had not been altogether
. disinterested.
It has been insinuated that, if I did go to Mani-
toba, ostensibly for the purpose of aiding in settling
this vexed question, it was no philanthropic idea I had
in my head, but that it was for the advantage of a cer-
tain corporation with which I happened to be con-
nected, namely, the Canadian Pacific Railway Com-
pany. It was said that there was a question coming
up of a demand on the Government, a request to the
Government, concerning the sale of a certain portion
of the company's lands. I believe it is said that the
sum was twenty or twenty-four millions — it really
does not signify for a few millions nowadays — a few
millions, a dozen millions, more or less, does not mat-
ter. So it was said that the Canadian Pacific Railway
had approached the Government with a view of selling
to them their lands. The Canadian Pacific Railway
company have not approached and have no thought of
approaching the Government with any idea of selling
'any of their lands, and the rumour is entirely without
164
Government's Awkward Predicament
foundation in truth. But that consideration will per-
haps influence the conduct of those who circulate such
aspersions.
A few days after he had left Winnipeg one result
of his mission was announced. Mr. Clifford Sifton,
the Attorney-General, moved in the Provincial
Legislature, on February 25 —
that a committee of the whole House should consider
a resolution protesting against Federal interference,
inviting an enquiry and protesting that coercive legis-
lation would not accomplish the relief of the minority,
but would prove disappointing, and should be resisted.
The motion proceeded as follows: In amending the
School Law from time to time, and in administering
the school system, it has been our earnest desire to
remedy any well-founded grievance, and remove any
appearance of inequality or injustice brought to our
notice, and to consider any complaint in a spirit of fair-
ness and conciliation.
Sir Donald consulted with the Prime Minister
and Sir Charles Tupper as to the conduct of the
Remedial Bill. It was agreed that the Government
was in an awkward predicament. Having estab-
lished personal relations with Mr. Greenway and
his colleagues, could not Sir Donald induce them to
come to Ottawa? No time was to be lost, and
the member for Montreal West prepared a lengthy
telegram, in which he appealed to the Liberal
leaders in Manitoba to cast politics to the winds
and come to Ottawa in the character of patriots.
To this appeal a brief reply was forthcoming : —
165
Lord Strathcona
To Sir D. A. Smith
WINNIPEG, 2d March, 1896.
Your telegram has received the most careful consid-
eration of myself and colleagues. While fully appre-
ciating all you say, it is quite clear to us that we can
only proceed to Ottawa for the purpose of holding a
conference upon the official invitation of the Dominion
Government. I fully appreciate your kind offices in this
matter. GREENWAY.
But the Bowell Ministry were not inclined to
commit themselves. The Opposition, led by Mr.
Wilfrid Laurier, were pressing them hard and the
sentiment of the country was showing plainly
against them.
The debate began and was continued with much
heat for many days. On the I9th of March, Sir
Donald arose to speak.
A journalist at the time wrote: —
The feature of the afternoon's debates was the
speech of Sir Donald Smith. The House, jaded after
its long vigil, was wearily waiting for six o'clock in the
hope of a short adjournment. It appeared that nothing
could animate it except dinner. Who might or might
not speak next had ceased to be a matter of interest.
Even the eloquence of a Laurier or a Foster could
scarcely have filled the vacant seats and thrilled the
tired members.
But as Disraeli says: "The unexpected always hap-
pens." When the gallant Comptroller of Inland Rev-
enue resumed his seat, an unanticipated form rose in
its place to address the House. It was the venerable
166
Speech in Parliament
figure of the member for Montreal West, that, from the
front row of the Conservative benches, apologized to
Mr. Speaker for claiming the attention of the Chamber.
It had been a subject of much speculation whether
Sir Donald would take part in the debate. His inti-
mate association with the events which led up to the
admission of Manitoba in the Canadian Confederacy,
his recent visit to Winnipeg, again to negotiate with
the people of Red River as a pacificator, were guaran-
tees that no man more than he could enlighten Parlia-
ment on the vexed subject under discussion.
No sooner had the news spread to the lobbies, that
Sir Donald Smith had the floor, than the members
began to pour into the almost deserted Chamber.
Scarcely could the ringing of the division bell have
quicker filled the vacant benches, and as the voice of
the patriarchal member gained in power with the
warming of the speaker to the subject of his speech, so
did the attention of the House become enchained in
rapt interest.
The incident was felt to be historical. Sir Donald
rarely addressed the House. On this occasion he spoke
as a voice from the past as he detailed in simple, elo-
quent language the events of 1870, in which he had
been so prominent an actor; the House felt that his-
tory had become incarnate, and was relating itself in
living tongue. And when, coming to contemporary
times, the pacificator of Red River in the past told of
his recent negotiations to secure the elimination of
Manitoba's schools question as a disturbing force in
the politics of the present, and appealed to all parties
of the country to pay homage to the Golden Rule, and
to insure the consummation of his efforts, the House
was visibly affected.
167
Lord Strathcona
From every quarter of the Chamber came long ap-
plause, as the white-haired bearer of the olive branch
resumed his seat, an appropriate conclusion to a
unique and long-to-be-remembered Parliamentary
episode.1
It is impossible to do more here than to indicate
the outlines of a lengthy speech, several extracts
from which have already been given. Referring to
his visit to Winnipeg he said : —
I was met by Mr. Greenway and his colleagues in a
manner that led me to believe that they had an honest
desire to do what was right in the matter. It is only
justice to those gentlemen to say that they to me ap-
peared to be most anxious to have the matter settled
so as to do substantial justice to the minority, as well
as to the majority. I was permitted confidentially to
represent this to the Government here, and I feel sure
that it is their earnest desire to exhaust all means
within their power to have justice done in the way in
which I believe it can best be done, and that is through
the local Government. True, it is within the power of
this Parliament to pass a Remedial Bill, and if there is
no other way of attaining the end which we are all of
opinion ought to be accomplished, that of having equal
justice done to the minority and to the majority, if
after every means of obtaining that, from what I may
be permitted to call the legitimate source, is exhausted,
and it is found impossible to get justice for the minor-
ity, then I consider that the responsibility rests with
this Parliament, and that this Parliament ought to
apply a remedy. I trust, I have every confidence,
honourable gentlemen opposite will all feel that it is
1 Manitoba Free Press, March 20, 1896.
1 68
The Golden Rule
their duty, as well as the duty of those on this side of
the House, to assist in every possible way to bring
about a settlement. I cannot see myself that there is
any necessity for a commission to enquire into well-
known facts and circumstances, but I do trust and
desire that there may be, at any rate, a personal rap-
prochement of the two Governments, that there shall
be a conference. I am afraid, while I am sure many
efforts in the right direction have been made by the
Ministry to effect what they believe would be a satis-
factory solution of this matter, they have not person-
ally come together in such a way as to be able to ex-
change one another's views, wishes, and ideas, and so
have an opportunity of deciding in that way what can
best be done under the circumstances. I will -say to
the leader of the Opposition, and to honourable gentle-
men on both sides of this House, that I trust they will
join heartily and cordially together, and that each will,
if possible, endeavour to outdo the other in his desire
and in his determination to do justice to all classes in
Manitoba, and to do it in the best way. This question
must be taken out altogether from the arena of party
politics. Let us all look only to the best interests of
the country. If in the end it is found that justice — a
proper measure of justice — cannot be obtained from
the Province of Manitoba, it will then be the right and
ought to be the duty of this House to intervene.
I heard a much-respected prelate of the Episcopal
Church, one of the highest authorities in that Church,
say, that, while his own people were, perhaps, in favour
of separate schools, still, he did not desire to see these
schools administered by a dual government, and he
would desire and wish, above all things, that such ar-
rangements were made that the schools of the Catholics
169
Lord Strathcona
and of the Protestants should be under the jurisdic-
tion of the local Government. It is my earnest wish
and solicitude that there shall be no religious feuds in
this country, that neighbours shall be neighbours,
indeed, and that they will do to others that which
they desire should be done to themselves. That is
the Golden Rule.
He closed his speech by urging the House to pass
the Government's Remedial Bill: —
Once more I would express the earnest hope that
this school question may be settled, and settled to the
satisfaction, not only of this House, but of the whole
country. I should like, sir, to see this Remedial Bill
pass to its second reading by acclamation. But by vot-
ing for the second reading of the Bill gentlemen are not
necessarily committed to vote for the third reading of
the Bill. If there should be a conference in the mean
time — and I trust that there may be one — I am so
hopeful of the result of that conference that I do trust
that there will be no Remedial Bill required from this
House.
It was, of course, not to be expected that the
disclosure of a preliminary interview with the
Governor-General would be overlooked by mem-
bers of the Opposition. Accordingly the member
for North Simcoe (Mr. McCarthy) asked the
Government the question : —
Was Sir Donald Smith authorized on behalf of the
Government to negotiate with the Premier or Admin-
istration of the Province of Manitoba in reference to
or on the subject of the School law of that Province?
170
Official Action Criticized
To which Sir Charles Tupper replied instantly in
the negative.
On receiving this answer, Mr. Joseph Martin,
whose subsequent political career was so chequered,
leapt to his feet.
Why [he exclaimed] was it necessary for His Excel-
lency the Governor-General to call in another adviser?
We have got seventeen or eighteen Ministers of the
Crown, and none of them appeared to have taken this
matter in hand, and they advised His Excellency to
apply to the honourable member for Montreal West,
who was credited with possessing diplomatic qualities,
and a talent for negotiation, and who had contributed
very largely to settle a previous trouble in Manitoba,
many years ago. So the Government applied in this
emergency for the help of the honourable member for
Montreal West. He went to Winnipeg. More than
that, it was announced in all the newspapers that the
honourable gentleman had gone there for the purpose
of holding a conference with the Manitoban Govern-
ment.
Surely [continued this speaker] it was most unfor-
tunate that any public act of the Government should
be communicated to this House, not by His Excel-
lency's advisers who are responsible to this House for
the public acts of the Government, but by a private
member of the House. Surely that shows what little
appreciation the Government has had of their respon-
sibility in this connection, that they should allow a
public act of Government, for which now they assume,
after being practically forced to assume after the dis-
cussion in this House, full responsibility, to be so
brought forward.1
1 Parliamentary Debates, March 21, 1896.
171
Lord Strathcona
But the future British Columbian Premier and
British member of Parliament and his friends got
scant sympathy from either the House or the
country. The press generally was agreed that Sir
Donald had performed a highly patriotic action.
In the House of Commons one member said: l
We all appreciate the motive which induced him to
assist the Government in this very difficult question;
we all appreciate the care with which he has conducted
a series of very delicate negotiations.
Another (Mr. Weldon) stated : —
I thank the member for Montreal West for his
action. He has acted the part of a patriot.
Concerning the action of Lord Aberdeen, there
was much approval of the opinion expressed by
Mr. Nicholas Flood Davin, M.P., who said:-
Sir, I do not take the view of the position in our con-
stitution of Her Majesty the Queen or her representa-
tive in Canada, the Governor-General, taken by some
honourable members in this House. If such view were
correct the Governor-General would be reduced to a
position of almost an automaton, even in his private
life. Sir, there is nothing to prohibit a Governor-
General, who takes a deep interest in Canadian affairs,
from conversing with any member of this House. I
remember that Lord Dufferin was accustomed to meet
in his office members of both parties and discuss politi-
cal questions with them. How would it be possible for
a man in his august position fully to discharge his du-
ties unless, by conversation with eminent men, he made
himself familiar with the events of the day? And what
1 Mr. Flint.
172
A Commission appointed
would be the object of such communications unless
he were free, not to suggest policies or advise schemes
of political action, but to express his opinion on the
events of the day, and on great questions such as this?
Why, sir, you limit greatly the usefulness of those
eminent men who, from time to time, come here as
Governors-General if you take any such miserable
view of their position as has been taken by some hon-
ourable gentlemen of this House.
In a few days the Cabinet met and resolved that
if the mountain Manitoba would not come to
Mahomet, then Mahomet should travel to Manitoba.
Sir Donald's suggestion of a private conference was
adopted and a commission was issued to the
Honourable Mr. Dickey, Minister of Justice, Senator
Desjardins, Minister of Militia, and Sir Donald
Smith, to proceed to Winnipeg to negotiate with
the Manitoba Government with a view to a com-
promise. In the interval Parliament continued the
consideration of the Bill restoring denominational
schools to the Catholics of Manitoba.
The political situation derived an additional
piquancy from the fact that the Canadian Liberal
Opposition was already inclined to support the
action of the Liberal Government of Manitoba.
The leader of the Canadian Opposition was a
French-Canadian, the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier.
Apart from its religious tendencies, one of the
cardinal principles of Liberalism, as of Democracy
in America, is the sacredness of Provincial rights —
of local autonomy. Here French-Canadian Liberals
ran counter to the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
173
Lord Strathcona
In vain the Church thundered its anathemas
from a thousand puplits — in vain Mr. Laurier was
warned that he would alienate the majority in
Quebec from his party. He was unmoved by either
threats or predictions of political disaster. It was
alleged that his own personal lukewarmness in the
matter of religion assisted to render him compla-
cent, while " thousands of his race and speech were
slowly being morally strangled in Manitoba."
An old friend of Sir Donald Smith's in the
North-West, the aged Father Lacombe, wrote to
him: —
I and all of us await the result of your patriotic
efforts with anxiety. I have resolved to address a letter
to Mr. Laurier. I enclose a copy of it. Please look it
over, both the French and the translation, and let me
know if in your opinion any expression might be al-
tered for the better.1
1 The letter of this celebrated priest-missionary was as fol-
lows: —
MY DEAR SIR: —
In this critical time for the question of the Manitoba Schools,
permit an aged missionary, to-day representing the bishops of our
country in this cause, which concerns us all, permit me to say, an
appeal to your spirit of justice, to entreat you to accede to our re-
quest. It is in the name of our bishops, of the hierarchy and of
Canadian Catholics, that we ask your party, of which you are the
so-worthy chief, to assist us in settling this famous question, and to
do so by voting with the Government on the Remedial Bill. We do
not ask you to vote for the Government, but for the Bill, which will
render us our rights; which Bill will be presented to the House in a
few days.
I consider, or rather we all consider, that such an act of courage,
good-will, and sincerity on your part, and from those who follow
your policy, will be greatly in the interests of your party, especially
in the general elections. I must tell you that we cannot accept your
174
SIR WILFRID LAUREER, G.C.M.G.
Suggestions for Settlement
It may be asked: What proposal had Sir Donald
Smith, now arrived in Winnipeg with his fellow-
commissioners, to make to Mr. Greenway and his
colleagues?
Drafted in Sir Donald's hand, the "Suggestions
for Settlement of Manitoba Schools Question" run
mainly thus : —
Legislation shall be passed at the present session of
the Manitoba Legislature to provide that in towns and
villages where there are resident, say twenty-five
Roman Catholic children of school age, and in cities
where there are, say fifty of such children, the board of
trustees shall arrange that such children shall have a
school-house or room for their own use; where they
may be taught by a Roman Catholic teacher, and
Roman Catholic parents or guardians, say ten in num-
ber, may appeal to the Department of Education from
any decision or neglect of the board in respect of its
duties under this clause, and the board shall observe
commission of enquiry for any reason and we will do the best to
fight it.
If, which may God not grant, you do not believe it to be your duty
to accede to our just demands, and that the Government, which is
anxious to give us the promised law, be beaten and overthrown,
while keeping firm to the end of the struggle, I inform you with
regret that the episcopacy like one man, united to the clergy, will
rise to support those who may have fallen to defend us.
Please pardon my frankness which leads me to speak thus. Though
I am not your intimate friend, still I may say that we have been on
good terms. Always I deem you a gentleman, a respectable citizen,
and a man well able to be at the head of a political party. May
Divine Providence keep up your courage and your energy for the
good of our common country.
I remain sincerely and respectfully, honourable sir, your most
humble and devoted servant,
A. LACOMBE.
175
Lord Strathcona
and carry out all decisions and directions of the De-
partment on any such appeal.
Provision shall be made by this legislation that
schools wherein the majority of children are Catholics
should be exempt from the requirements of the regu-
lations as to religious exercises.
That textbooks be permitted in Catholic schools
such as will not offend the religious views of the minor-
ity, and which, from an educational standpoint, shall
be satisfactory to the advisory board.
Catholics to have representation on the advisory
board; Catholics to have representation on the board
of examiners appointed to examine teachers for certi-
ficates.
It is also claimed that Catholics should have assist-
ance in the maintenance of a normal school for the edu-
cation of their teachers.
The existing system of permits to non-qualified
teachers in Catholic schools to be continued for, say,
two years, to enable them to qualify, and then to be
entirely discontinued.
In all other respects the schools at which Catholics
attend to be public schools and subject to every pro-
vision of the Education Acts for the time being in force
in Manitoba.
A written agreement having been arrived at, and the
necessary legislation passed, the Remedial Bill now
before Parliament is to be withdrawn, and any rights
and privileges which might be claimed by the minority,
in view of the decision of the Judicial Committee of
the Privy Council, shall, during the due observance of
such agreement, remain in abeyance, and be not fur-
ther insisted upon.
MARCH 28th, 1896.
176
The Remedial Bill dropped
In a subsequent communication in reply to one
from the Manitoba Government, the Commission-
ers observed : —
We must further draw your attention to the flagrant
injustice of the present system, which compels Roman
Catholics to contribute to schools to which they can-
not conscientiously send their children, and we beg to
submit that this fact deserves due weight and consid-
eration. It is to be further noted that the Roman
Catholics earnestly desire a complete system of sepa-
rate schools, on which only their own money would be
expended, a state of matters which would meet the
observation under consideration, but which you decline
to grant. Our suggestion was to relieve you from the
necessity of going as far as this. It is, perhaps, impos-
sible to devise a system that would be entirely unob-
jectionable theoretically and in the abstract. We had
great hope that what we suggested would commend
itself to your judgment as a practical scheme doing
reasonably substantial justice to all classes, and secur-
ing that harmony and tranquillity which are, perhaps
more than anything else, to be desired in a young and
growing community, such as is now engaged in the
task of developing the resources of Manitoba.
The Remedial Bill as a practical measure was
doomed. It was impossible for the existing Federal
regime to settle the question. Only the advent of
Mr. Laurier to power paved the way for a settle-
ment in the following year.
The arrangement then made was carried in the
teeth of the Roman Catholic hierarchy who ful-
minated bitterly against Mr. Laurier and threat-
ened to invoke the interference of the Pope.
177
Lord Strathcona
Nine months later, when he had become High
Commissioner, Sir Donald met the Canadian
Solicitor-General, himself a Roman Catholic, in
London and undertook to assist the further nego-
tiations.
To the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 6th January, 1897.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained to me his mission in re-
spect of the Manitoba School Question, and I at once
communicated with Mr. Chamberlain regarding an
interview on the subject, after explaining to him very
fully the position of the case and its gravity as regards
the well-being and best interests of Canada, and assur-
ing him that the settlement come to was the best that
under the circumstances could be arrived at, meeting
the approval of the great body of the English-speaking
people both Catholic and Protestant, and the greater
part of those of French origin.
I asked Mr. Chamberlain if he would be good enough
to extend to Mr. Fitzpatrick official recognition on the
part of the British Government at the Vatican. Mr.
Chamberlain regretted his inability to do so, as the
English Government has no direct relations with the
Papal Government, but expressed entire sympathy
with the object in view, and said he would gladly give
the Solicitor-General a letter of introduction to the
Duke of Norfolk, who is understood to be the one
British subject having great influence with the Pope.
He at the same time suggested securing the active aid
of Cardinal Vaughan.
On the same evening of the same day, I introduced
Mr. Fitzpatrick to the Secretary of State for the
Colonies. Mr. Fitzpatrick presented his case with
178
Archbishop Langevin's Unwisdom
clearness and much ability, Mr. Chamberlain handing
him an introduction to His Grace of Norfolk and re-
peating the assurance he had given me that he would
gladly aid in the matter as far as he could.
Later in the evening, Mr. Fitzpatrick and I dined
with the Lord Chief Justice (Lord Russell of Killowen),
an old friend of mine, meeting at this table Judge
Matthews and other Catholic gentlemen eminent in
legal circles, as well as Mr. Edward Blake, M.P., who
were unanimous in opinion that every proper effort
should be made to insure that the Roman Catholic
bishops and clergy of Quebec accept the settlement
come to by your Government on the School Question.
I shall only add that if in any way I can aid toward
a satisfactory solution of this vexed question, you may
count on my best efforts.
And again (February 20) he wrote : —
I trust the result of Mr. Fitzpatrick's efforts both
here and in Rome may be all that could be wished
for in solving the awkward Manitoba question. Any
assistance from me in his mission was most willingly
given. It cannot be but that Archbishop Langevin will
soon come to recognize that his present course of ac-
tion is a most unwise one, disapproved of as it is by
all men of moderate views.
CHAPTER XX
GOVERNOR OF THE HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY
1889-1914
WE will now resume the thread of Sir Donald's
connection with the affairs of the Hudson's Bay
Company. Although, as the largest individual
shareholder, he had been elected Governor in 1889,
he soon came to realize his powerlessness to stay
the rapacity of the shareholders in the mass. Their
relations with the wintering partners threatened
the very life of the fur-trade.
Chief Factor W. J. Christie to a fellow-officer
BROCKVILLE, ONT., isth April, 1892.
The end of the Hudson's Bay Company cannot be
far off. Sir Donald Smith told Chief Factor Camsell
that two years more and the Hudson's Bay Company
would be a thing of the past. I am sorry for the officers
who gave a life service to the Hudson's Bay Company
and have not been able to save enough for their old age.
The personnel of the service had lamentably de-
teriorated.
From Factor D. C. Mactavish
CHAPLEAU, I3th August, 1890.
The trouble is, we can't get good men who under-
stand our business, and take an interest in it. A
young man has no inducement to remain in the service,
180
The Company's Decline
and a valuable man is paid no better than a sleepy,
slow fellow. I have seen new blood sent out from
England, and get higher wages than I the first year,
and three of them could not do my work.
I have done all that I can to protect the Bay trade,
but if I get abused for my trouble I shall not assist
others who are not competent to manage the charge
they have. Four Moose Indians came up this summer
along with the opposition. I got them away from the
opposition and sent them back to Moose. They were
all down on who never could manage Indians.
From Factor Ferdinand Mackenzie
STUART'S LAKE, February i8th, 1893.
Some of the gentlemen in this district will very likely
be leaving shortly owing to the scanty allowance given
them to live upon. Mr. intends leaving next
summer and there is some talk of a brother of Mr.
coming to take charge of Fort George.
Another repeats the same complaint : —
From Factor W. H. Adams
There is no inducement to young men to remain
with the Company when they can see their way to
better futures elsewhere. There are now so many
opportunities for men of ability to obtain remunera-
tion such as the Company will never pay. During the
whole of my service I could not fail to observe that
the suggestions of their experienced officers were
systematically ignored by the Governor and Commit-
tee, and I know that their action in this connection,
in many instances, conduced to a petty rather than
181
Lord Strathcona
an increased energy in the interests of the Company's
affairs, resulting, in my opinion, most detrimentally
to the latter.
Old officers who had served the Company for
several years were allowed to die unprovided for.
Factor J. H. Lawson to a fellow-officer
WINNIPEG, January 23d, 1891.
. . . Poor Chief Factor Cotter's family are left in
very poor circumstances, and without deriving any
benefit from the Pension Fund. I do not quite under-
stand the working of that fund, but we will no doubt
receive light on the subject later on, but if Cotter's
family are penniless I do not see why they should not
get something from the Reserve Fund.
You will have heard of the coming change in the
Commissionership. We are all wondering who will be
the next to fill the position. It will not be easy, and
for the good of all concerned I sincerely hope a good
and competent man will get the appointment.
Mr. Wrigley has certainly worked hard and done
his best to carry out the views of the Board, and it is
to be regretted that his reign has not resulted in im-
proved dividends, either to the commissioned officers
or shareholders. We will see in time if a change will
be to our benefit.
From Chief Factor Roderick McKenzie
MELBOURNE, QUE., 6th April, 1891.
Emoluments are dwindling down to a pretty low
figure. Of course the expense in purchasing and se-
182
New Turn of the Screw
curing the furs are more than in former years. The
grasping London stockholders saw that and secured
to themselves the millions of money paid by Govern-
ment on one or two occasions as well as one-twentieth
part of the lands on the fertile belt of the Hudson's
Bay Territories.
Mr. Eden Colville promised the late William
Mactavish, or his brother, that the interests of the
fur-trade partners would be protected in the con-
templated change, but the seniors of 1869-70 over-
looked their own interests.
In 1891, the need of larger dividends on an enor-
mously swollen capital had suggested a further
pressure of the screw upon the unfortunate winter-
ing partners. The fund set aside for their benefit
was now in danger. As one wrote : —
For Outfit 1889, there is a dividend of only 6/6 per
share from all sources (land included), and even this
makes it necessary to encroach on the undivided
profits of previous years. It must have been a dis-
agreeable ordeal for Sir Donald to meet the share-
holders with such a report.
From Chief Factor W-
29th May, 1891.
We all think this new Commissioner business is a
most foolish action of the Board. It is an insult to us
all, and I don't wonder that many are very angry
about it. But as for myself I shall do nothing at
present. It would never do for me to stir up strife
before the new man comes. I promised I would try
183
Lord Strathcona
to conduct the business until Mr. 's successor
arrived and I intend to keep my promise faithfully.
Of course, land and not fur was the Company's
objective. The officials sent out by the London
Board knew nothing of the fur-trade, which after
all was according to the traditional policy of the
Board. Nor were they of the calibre of Sir George
Simpson. We read: —
The Montreal Department showed a loss of thirty-
one thousand dollars, and of this actually sixteen
thousand dollars fell to Sir Donald's old post of
Bersimis. Poor J M was hustled off to
Oxford House and C S installed in his
place. Truly the Commissioner makes some curious
moves ! C goes to Bersimis with eight or nine
helpless children and a Swampy woman as nurse. A few
more nicely balanced "experts" to be saddled on to
that broken-down section!
Even the Labrador traffic in salmon, so valuable
in Sir Donald's day, could not yield a profit.
From Chief Factor P. W. Bell
RIGOLET, June 28th, 1891.
You have heard, of course, of the outcome of our
salmon sales in London. The whole fine and unusual
collection of salmon was fairly sacrificed — no market
at all. They realized 53 per cent less than the previous
year. You can fancy the outcome, when the 95 tierce
only shipped the Outfit previous realized within a
fraction almost as much as the 361 tierces I shipped
from this place alone. I am sick at heart and entirely
184
Factors lose Heart
disgusted with the entire business, and thank goodness
a few more months will see the end of my reign in this
country.
For the past few years, the cry from the Secretary
has been, "Salmon, salmon." For the first time the
Erik has a full load, so much so that the people at
home did not know what to do with it. I can meet
them all with a fearless face, without cavil or cringing,
as I have faithfully done my duty since 1852.
We have again passed a miserable, disastrous winter.
These two past winters are certainly something to be
remembered by all residents. Gales and snowstorms,
month after month, week after week, and day after
day; hunting and trapping was out of the question.
The poor Husky suffered most of all, as he could not
prosecute his favourite seal-hunting. We could not
possibly carry on the necessary outdoor work this
spring, as there was no abatement of the cold, frosty
nights until a week ago.
We have, in spite of fate and weather, secured a fair
share of foxes. They have done well in that line north
of this, and I only hope they will realize something
when they reach the market.
From Chief Factor J. Ogden Grahame
REVELSTOKE, B.C., May 2ist, 1891.
I have waited so long for promotion, and have
worked so hard to make and keep affairs prosperous,
that I have lost heart and do not care what is done. I
will, until I can see something better to do, endeavour
to do my best for the concern and still do my utmost
for that end.
As regards the officers, what can we do? If kicking
185
Lord Strathcona
is the order of the day, we shall simply receive a year's
notice, be suspended, and probably lose the six years'
half-pay which, after all, is only at the pleasure of the
Board.
The Deed Poll says we are to have a Council yearly.
This is not done; it also states that officers shall be
judged by officers; neither S nor C— — were.
I am afraid that nothing can be done that any good
would be derived from.
Of one of Sir Donald's successors we are told that
"he acted a mean, selfish part; was looked down
upon by the fur-traders and did his best to please
only the Board. He had to leave; and Sir Donald
would hardly speak to him. The Council was a
farce; he could not do or say anything; he should
have remained at home. Our refusing to dine with
him last year was partly what killed him, although
we did not mean it that way at the time. No
dinners this year; not even at Sir Donald's. He had
just returned from England and was bothered about
elections all the time."
Roderick Ross to a 'brother -factor
VANCOUVER, B.C., 2Oth December, 1891.
There is no mistake about it, the fiat has gone forth
and Attila is to ravage and destroy the handiwork
of the "Company of Adventurers," that ancient guild
that has reigned in the land for two long centuries and
more. The Philistines, or rather the Jews, are now at
last upon us in reality, and there must be a dividend if
the heavens should fall.
's mission is to wind up the old concern, to
186
"Sauve qui peut!"
cremate the old government on which the new patch
of 1872 was tacked only to make the rent worse as
time has proved. Many of us foresaw this, and some
of us fought against it to the death, but the inevitable
has come to pass so that the cry of "Sauve qui peut!11 is
heard as the signal of total rout. " Exit Hudson's Bay
Company"; enter Hudson's Bay Lands and Coloniza-
tion Company, Limited. Do you think that all this
talk at late Hudson's Bay annual meetings and the
shortcomings of sale in this country really mean the
beginning of the end of the fur-trade? If so, I will make
only one other remark on this subject, and that is that
this is a very favourable moment in which to consider
the possibility of the Hudson's Bay officers stepping
forward in their own interests to grasp a business, even
yet of great promise for them for many years to come.
Would the Company oppose such a movement now?
I think not, and it might be to their advantage to
manage it. You can see all this better than / can, and
perhaps you have still enough "go" in you to set the
ball rolling. I sounded the other day, on this
subject, but he harped on the old slur of the impossi-
bility of united action on our part.
I have enrolled as a pensioner, getting £200 per
annum, which I am politely requested to enjoy for six
years on condition that I do not engage in the fur-
trade, or directly or indirectly go into any commercial
business of any kind in which the Company is con-
cerned ! ! So there is a fine predicament to be in at my
time of life. Is our whole life, and everything we hold
most dear to us, to be really sacrificed to the Company,
when once we doff their uniform? What do I know
about anything except the business the Company is
engaged in?
187
Lord Strathcona
I saw Sir Donald Smith over here in September. He
was as kind and considerate as ever, but I asked him
for no favours. The gloom and despair of a prematurely
dying man has now succeeded the hopeful confidence
of the bread-winner who has a sacred duty to perform
for those dependent on him. We are all well, and
although unavoidably scattered apart by mountains,
plains, and forests, my hope being that if God spares
my life this state of things will soon be remedied.
From Sir Donald A . Smith
i LIME STREET, LONDON,
8th January, 1892.
I have for some ten days been laid up from the
effects of a severe cold, and it is only quite recently
that I am able to give attention to correspondence
again. I cannot think how my letters to Mr. Abbott,
covering yours to me of the nth November, failed to
reach him. It was certainly posted from my office,
copies of both being kept there, and having the follow-
ing day met Mr. Abbott at dinner in Montreal I told
him it had been sent to his address at Ottawa. I am
very glad with him for the letters of December, copies
of which you have been good enough to send me. It is
not easy to move the Dominion Government to dis-
pense money for the relief of Indians, so long as they
think there is any possibility of fathering the expense
on the Hudson's Bay Company, but Mr. Abbott led
me to infer that they would be disposed to authorize
the Hudson's Bay Company to make advances at their
own discretion for which they would reimburse the
Company. On my return to Canada I shall urge that
the Government pay the outlay already incurred in
1 88
Mrs. Stephen's Health
this way, and make a further appropriation for the
same purpose.
Political influence always avails more or less, and
doubtless other claimants without a tittle of right will
endeavour to procure for themselves a part of what
ought to go to you, but I trust this may be prevented,
and I shall do anything I can in that direction.
I am glad you, Mr. Mackenzie, and Mr. and Mrs.
Parson had an enjoyable evening at the St. Andrew's
Ball, and that it proved to be a success. Business has
brought me to England so much in the autumn for
a long time that I have not been able to be at the
Montreal St. Andrew's Ball for quite a number of
years. My wife appears to have had a somewhat severe
attack of influenza which confined her to the house for
upwards of three weeks, but I am glad to find she has
quite recovered from it. We have been anxious for
three or four days back about old Mrs. Stephen,1 of
Montreal, who has been dangerously ill with the same
disease, with pneumonia superadded, but notwith-
standing her great age, eighty-six or eighty-seven, I
earnestly trust she may get well over it.
Again very many thanks for all you so kindly say
and for your kind interest so thoughtfully shown in my
welfare. I assure you I greatly appreciate all you say
and feel in this, and you do me only justice in believing
that the best interests of my old colleagues in the
Hudson's Bay Company are very close to my heart,
and I would gladly advance them as far as I possibly
can.
1 His first cousin, mother of Lord Mount Stephen.
I89
Lord Strathcona
From Chief Factor S. K. Parsons
LONDON, igth April, 1892.
I had a most unsatisfactory interview with the
Board and found the Deputy Governor, Lord Lichfield,
most overbearing; in fact, he would listen to nothing
except his own views. After stating what he thought
of the affairs in the South, he said that they intended
that I should go down and put things straight.
I replied that when I consented to go for one year
I assumed that my right to retire, upon giving twelve
months' notice according to the Deed Poll, would be
respected. I pointed out that out of thirty-one years
in the service, I had passed nineteen in Hudson's Bay,
and that as an old officer, I considered I had not been
treated with the consideration I thought myself en-
titled to expect. He sneered at this, and suggested
that I should consider my resignation as having been
given in on 1st June, 1891, which suggestion I promptly
acceded to, and the affair is so settled. I assume that I
shall get Outfit 1892, being one of the men who re-
ceived no compensation under the old Deed Poll.
Every one (Armit included) considers that I have done
right. The whole business has been bungled, or else it
is a deliberate conspiracy to drive me from the service.
The Board do not know the first thing about our business:
we need none of us expect the smallest consideration from
the Board. I am a free man now.
I must say that I am sorry at leaving the service
after so long being in it, and however bitter I may feel
against the Company, I hope to retain my old brother
officers among my warmest friends.
190
An Old Officer resigns
From Chief Factor Horace Belanger
NORWAY HOUSE, 2d May, 1892.
In compliance with the conditions of the Deed Poll,
I beg to inform you that it is my intention to retire
from the service on 1st June, 1893, on which date I
shall have been connected with the Hudson's Bay
Company for a period of forty years. During that
time I have served in the following grades: —
19 years as Clerk;
I year as Chief Trader;
12 years as Factor; and
8 years as Chief Factor;
and in whatever capacity I was employed it has always
been my earnest endeavour to do my duty to the best
of my ability and to promote the interest of the Com-
pany in every way in my power. I sincerely trust that
the Board as well as yourself will regard my claims on
their consideration favourably, and see fit to concede
me the full retiring shares.
My reason for leaving is entirely of a private nature,
viz., the welfare of my family, from whom I am at
present obliged to be separated. At my time of life it
is my duty to make a home, however humble, for my
children and myself, and it is with this object in view
that I have brought myself, with much regretful
feeling, to sever my active connection with the Com-
pany in whose service I spent so many happy, though
sometimes hard, years, and in whose prosperity I shall
ever continue to take a deep interest.
"God knows," writes Belanger in a letter to a
brother factor, " I will have soon enough to paddle
191
Lord Strathcona
my own canoe. Next first of June, I will have
served the Hudson's Bay Company forty years." 1
Poor Belanger, he did not survive many weeks.
He was accidentally drowned in a river, his death
being regretted by all who knew his staunch and
cheery character.
The growing resentment of the fur-traders is thus
illustrated : —
Chief Factor A. B. to Factor M. F.
2d November, 1892.
I have just seen a letter from Tapper's ex-secretary,
who has been pitchforked into the position of Chief
Commissioner (ye gods!) of the fur-trade. In it he
says: " I was present at the distribution of prizes at St.
John's College last night. A. M 's boy carried
off the Governor-General's prize and the medal pre-
sented by the Bishop of Rupert's Land. Hurrah for
the Hudson's Bay Company!"
Can you conceive of such cool effrontery ! Daring to
claim this fine young scion of old A M
for those cold-hearted Lime Street scoundrels!
We are told that "New blood — new blood!"
was the cry at meetings of the London Board.
1 The Factor at Oxford House wrote (November 5th, 1892):
"My neighbour of Norway House, Mr. Belanger, severs his connec-
tion with us next first of June, after forty years of business. We may
all well exclaim with Shakespeare, 'We ne'er shall look upon his like
again.' "
192
Board's New Policy
From Factor W. K. Broughton
MOOSE FACTORY, nth February, 1893.
I submit that the pension should have been made a
vested interest, payable to one's representatives in the
event of death occurring before the expiration of the
six years. No matter what Sir Donald attempts to do
for us, past experience has, I think, plainly shown us
that the Board always take their own course in spite
of him. It was so at the time of the "Round Robin."
You will remember we held out for a minimum guar-
antee of £200 and the Board offered £150, and carried
their point, too. True, we got the £200 afterwards,
but they established their point in the first instance.
But to resume : I cannot say that I am not glad of the
six years' pension even under existing circumstances,
and I feel sure that it will enable many to make homes
for themselves (at any rate, in this country) and sever
their connection with the Company much sooner than
they could otherwise have done, and this, I think, is
what is desired by the Directorate.
"New blood — new blood!" is the cry, and I would
take a pretty heavy bet with any one that no new
commissions will ever again be given; those holding
commissions at present will be promoted from time to
time if it is thought advisable to retain their services,
but after this I fancy the places of those commissioned
officers retiring will be taken by clerks who will be
salaried according to capacity, or I should rather say,
"ability," and the amount of responsibility they
assume.
. . . Surely they will do something for poor old
P . It will be simply disgraceful if they don't
give him a pension ; he has been told they have nothing
193
Lord Strathcona
for him to do, and I fancy the fact of B - not
having yet been appointed to any charge points in
the same direction.
Slowly, Sir Donald's contemporaries disappeared,
one by one, from the scene.
From Chief Factor Alexander Munro
VICTORIA, B.C., 8th June, 1893.
. . . Naturally you refer to the many changes by death
and otherwise that have taken place in the service
since 1887, that memorable year. The number of them
in so short a time is remarkable as well as most affect-
ing. I often think of those few days and nights of our
meeting in Winnipeg and of those of our number since
departed. Poor Belanger's fate was indeed very sad.
It is remarkable, too, that so many of his family
should have perished by drowning.
You may well exclaim that the old days and pros-
pects of the officer are gone forever. I am greatly
pleased, however, to learn that you think the pension
scheme is likely to be bettered for them by a definite
arrangement this summer, and sincerely hope for all
your sakes that it may be so. The Winnipeg Council
of '87 adjourned for five years, did n't it? The time has
expired. Will there ever be such another gathering!
From Chief Factor Bell to R. MacFarlane
KINGSTON, June loth, 1893.
Matters in regard to myself and appointment are in
abeyance at present. My furlough expired on the I5th
ultimo. The climax is to be adjudicated at the meeting
194
Commissioned Officers to go
in London. What is up now, and what in Heaven's
name have the Board and Committee to do with the
appointment of officers in the country? The Com-
missioner is surely empowered to do that, especially
when he has such a backer as Sir Donald. This is an
extract from Sir Donald's letter to me on the 1st inst. :
"I shall be crossing the Atlantic soon myself, and
matters in connection with your own position in the
Company's service will be taken up and disposed of at
an early date." There the matter rests.
25th December, 1893.
The present idea of the new Chief Commissioner
is to manage the concern as cheaply as possible. The
Board are doubtless backing him with the cry of re-
trenchment: reduce all and every expense consistent
with carrying on the trade. If they can get their first
and second clerks to do the work of their commis-
sioned officers, they are going to make use of them so
as to get rid of their old officers by degrees. What
about the clerks and commissions? Will they choose to
remain clerks all their life?
Deeply grieved was Sir Donald when he heard
the serious news from his old district of Ungava and
took immediate steps to improve matters there.
From Chief Factor Bell
CHRISTMAS DAY, 1893.
The news from Ungava is distressing in the extreme:
no less than two hundred souls of the Inland Indians
perished from starvation during the winter and spring
and some twenty-five Esquimaux. All this is to be
attributed to the want of deer. The horde of these
195
Lord Strathcona
migratory animals seem to have taken another course
for their usual old haunts. No trace of their route
could be found, consequently this sad loss of life.
I never heard of such calamity in my life, no such
wholesale slaughtering having transpired since the
advent of the old tried North-West Company.
It appears that only ten families reached the post,
where they had to be fed all winter. What think you
would have been the consequence if fifty or sixty
families could have dragged themselves out? They
simply would have eaten Matheson out of house and
home ; provisions were at a very low ebb and assuredly
the whole post would simply have starved to death. May
the kind fates never bring them to such a brink again.
Mr. Matheson writes that it only leaves about a
hundred all told of the Inland Indians. The residue
of the hunters are all trash. I cannot see what under
the circumstances, will keep Ungava up. The salmon
and oil will never do, as the prices are so fluctuating
and altogether unreliable. The district losing the fur-
trade loses the last chance of remuneration. Say what-
ever you like, the pickled salmon has seen its best days
and will soon be a thing of the past.
From Chief Factor A — B —
KINGSTON, September 8th, 1893.
I have no idea what they purpose doing, but this I
know, that my patience is all but at an end. I cannot
endure this forced idleness, and what is more to the
point, I cannot afford it. I will have to wait now until
Sir Donald comes out. It must be finally settled then,
am I to remain in the service or not? There must be
no more dilly-dallying in the matter. Ever since my
196
The Lonely Fur-Traders
arrival last autumn, no one could have received more
kindness and consideration than I have from Sir
Donald. What is the use of all this, if you are to be
kicked in the end by the Board?
If Mr. C was as anxious as he professes to be,
he would doubtless have found a suitable place for me.
Sir Donald will soon be out now.
In an address in April, 1897, Lord Strathcona
thus referred to the life of the lonely fur- traders : —
Thousands of miles separated the more distant posts
from those which may be termed the shipping ports.
The life of many of the officers of the Company can
readily be imagined. They saw few people of their own
kith and kin, or of their own race, except at long inter-
vals. There were occasional councils and gatherings
at central places, but their visits to civilization were
few and far between. In fact, they were more or less
out of the world. Letters only reached them in many
places once a year. Newspapers and magazines were
many months old when received, and the most impor-
tant events happened without their knowing anything
of them for long afterwards. They lived well, and had
plenty of time for reading and meditation ; but the life
must have had its attractions, for the officers were
devoted to their posts and to their work. The great
event of the year was the arrival of the stores and the
mails. The canoes or dog trains which took in the
supplies carried away the proceeds of the year's trading.
Most of the Company's exports to Europe were then
carried in their own vessels by way of Hudson's Bay.1
1 In February, 1897, Sir Wilfrid Laurier wrote Lord Strathcona
that Mr. (now Senator) L. O. David was desirous of undertaking the
history of the fur-trade. To this Lord Strathcona replied: " I quite
agree with you in the opinion that it is most desirable we should have
197
Lord Strathcona
At the Company's annual meeting in July, 1904,
Lord Strathcona noted that more than 130,000
immigrants had gone into Manitoba and the
North-West Territories the previous year, of whom
at least one third were from neighbouring districts
of the United States.
" Inasmuch as the Hudson's Bay Company owns
one twentieth of the prairie acreage and is most in-
timately concerned with the retail business of the
country, it is obvious that this immigration must
bring much benefit to it." Indeed, in the year 1903-
04 the Company realized £i 55. 3^. per acre for
land sold as against £i 35. $d. in the previous year.
In October, 1904, owing to the vast profits which
the Hudson's Bay Company were making out of
the sale of lands, Lord Strathcona induced the
Board to grant a more liberal pension scheme for
the men who had grown old in their service. But
this scheme did not comprehend those officers who
had retired prior to that year, the true heirs and
successors of the Rupert's Land pioneers.
Chief Factor MacFarlane to a Director
7th October, 1907.
I have before stated that these "old officers" had
given due thanks for the yearly grant of two fifths of
a good history of the fur-trade in North America, and in so far as
I can help Mr. L. O. David with material for it, or in any other way,
I shall most gladly do so. This can be arranged personally when we
meet." Mr. David having relinquished his plan, the task, at Sir
Wilfrid's instance, fell to my pen. The Company's archives were
generously placed at my disposal and the Governor supplied the
introduction to the work, which was published in 1900.
198
An Appeal to the Board
the amount of pension guaranteed to many of their
service contemporaries, while they, no doubt, would
have felt more grateful had their own equally long and
faithful connection with the Company received simi-
lar recognition. Had your fellow-director taken the
trouble of carefully considering the subject of the com-
plained-of letters and papers which he says Lord
Strathcona had, from time to time, reported the pur-
port of to the Board, I believe he would have better
understood their import, and would at least have
refrained from taxing the officers with ingratitude.
Should all of the referred-to documents be still in
existence, and you desire to peruse and ponder over
them at your leisure, they would certainly enlighten
you on many points regarding the history and former
status of the wintering partners of the Company since
the coalition with the North- West Traders of Montreal
in 1821. You would also, I opine, more readily than
any of your colleagues (the Governor always excepted) ,
comprehend the raison d'etre of my long friendly and
truly loyal contention with them in favour of "better
terms" for men who have given by far the best of their
years and lives to, and in zealously and faithfully
maintaining, the rights and interests of the Company of
Adventurers of England trading into Hudson's Bay.
The Board of Directors evidently believe that they
have treated the old officers very liberally. I have,
however, shown that this is not the case, and we there-
fore sincerely hope that the youngest and oldest mem-
bers of the Executive will unite in disabusing the
others of this erroneous idea, which seems to savour too
much of the ancient Medo-Persian policy. May I not
further appeal to you as an English gentleman, — a
lover of justice and fair play, in all matters, — to do
199
Lord Strathcona
your utmost in removing the complained-of griev-
ance.
For obvious reasons, apart from those herein stated,
it is to be earnestly hoped that the Governor and
Committee will now reconsider the case of the "old
officers," and at once find that they really merit the
granting to them as from ist June, 1904, the whole
amount of their respective rank "time limited"
pensions, and thus place them on a basis more nearly
approaching that of their later brethren. This gener-
ous and retroactive course would be not only warmly
welcomed, but also come as a perfect "Godsend" to
Mrs. Lillie, Mrs. Camsell (Chief Factor Camsell died
in January, 1907), as well as to nearly all of those who
would benefit thereunder, and its adoption would
undoubtedly elicit their profound gratitude.
In the mean time, the Governor will be able to
explain to you all about the fur-trade partnership,
and the surrender in 1893 of certain Deed Poll rights,
which have since wholly provided the Servants' Pen-
sion Fund of £50,000 sterling. The shareholders have
practically contributed nothing thereto.
There was really no just or valid reason for the
very unfair discrimination exercised by the Board
in dealing with their "old officers" who retired
from the service prior to 1st June, 1904. The
surrender of the Deed Poll fur-trade rights in 1893,
without any compensation whatever, adversely af-
fected the old officers, while, on the other hand,
this valuable acquisition has not only given the
Board the means of repaying to the shareholders
every penny advanced by them in the way of
making up former guarantees, but furnished them
200
A "Historical Concern" only
with the whole amount of the Company's actual
Pension Fund of £50,000.
The shareholders of the Hudson's Bay Company
had at length acquired, without any actual outlay,
the en tire two fifth rights and interests of their former
fur-trade partners. This fact was scarcely appreci-
ated by the majority within the service, while out-
side citizens of the great Dominion of Canada are
still in utter ignorance of it.
The Board of Directors maintained then and
still maintain that their fur-trade partners have, on
the whole, been fairly treated ; also that the past is
a closed book. "No question," vainly protested one
trader, " is ever settled until it is rightly settled."
I would once more ask you [wrote Chief Factor
MacFarlane again in 1908] to do your utmost to aid
in doing the right thing by those in whose behalf I
have taken much trouble for many years past, men,
nearly all of whom, as the Governor well knows from
his own personal experience in the service, have
suffered many hardships, and endured many priva-
tions in the performance of their onerous duties in
the interior.
In reply one of the Directors wrote: —
It is really quite useless to reopen a case long since
settled or to trouble the Board further with papers and
correspondence relating to a period with which the
existing Hudson's Bay Company have only an histori-
cal concern.
This "historical concern" was the possession
of millions of acres of lands which the wintering
201
Lord Strathcona
partners had discovered, explored, and held for
the Empire, and which the London shareholders
were now disposing of at a rate which was making
wealthy men out of many who had formerly been
as poor as the Rupert's Land pioneers.
From R. Pauling
HULL, January yth, 1907.
I don't hear of anything being done to settle the
claims of old Hudson's Bay servants for the land they
are legally entitled to.
Factor W. H. Adams to a fellow-officer
I3th June, 1907.
The announcement of a dividend of £4 55. od. per
share on the Hudson's Bay stock was followed by
a decline of some points in the market quotation,
attributed, according to the Daily Telegraph, to dis-
appointment in the amount of the dividend declared.
The grounds for this I fail to see, for 40^ per cent on
par value should be sufficiently satisfying. But some
people are never satisfied, and in spite of the mal-
contents, if they exist, I expect to see an advance in
the price of stock at no very distant date.
Yet even these dividends did not lead to any
greater consideration for the men who had made
their prosperity. In one instance, a capable officer
died because the medical officer had been with-
drawn from a district as part of the policy of
"retrenchment."
000
Company's Swollen Dividends
From Factor W. H. Adams
I5th May, 1908.
You will be grieved to hear of the death of my old
brother officer, Tom Anderson, whom I had learned to
like much. Had adequate advice been available he
might have been spared to many more years of useful
service with the Hudson's Bay Company. It always
seemed to me that the Company, in default of the
Government's employing efficient medical aid in the
Northern latitudes, should have provided a medical
officer both in Athabasca and Mackenzie River dis-
tricts, if even they had withdrawn one from Winnipeg.
The expense would not have made any appreciative
difference in the dividends.
Many instances might be given of Lord Strath-
cona's tenderness for old officers of the service, who
had erred or been overtaken by affliction. In one
letter he wrote to the widow of a clerk who had been
only five years with the Company : —
I have mentioned the matter to the Board ; but I am
afraid it is one which they do not feel inclined to deal
with at present. In the mean time [how characteristic
was the phrase — how careful of the reputation for
generosity of the Board !] I beg to enclose my personal
cheque for £100 which I trust may be of use to you.
On one occasion an old servant had been sum-
marily dismissed for a fault. The Board washed its
hands of the matter. A friend appealed to the
Governor.
203
Lord Strathcona
Factor D. H. MacDowall to a friend
PRINCE ALBERT, April 24th, 1891.
The day I left Ottawa, Sir Donald told me that
D would be allowed his retiring interest, and
that he would do what he could for him if there was
any position to which he could recommend him.
Sir Donald Smith thought that a season on the Mac-
kenzie might have recouped the Company and saved
him, as D undoubtedly had usefulness when he
had an interest to serve or a strong hand over him,
without the extreme measure of throwing him on the
world with an unfortunate reputation. ... I only feel
sorry for his wife and children.
Chief Factor P. W. Bell to a fellow-officer
RIGOLET, LABRADOR, July i2th, 1891.
I have written fully to Sir Donald explaining the
whole matter, telling him that after forty years' hard,
honourable, faithful service, I will be no man's tool.
I simply made a just application for my well-deserved
furlough and gave the Company a year to choose my
successor.
They can and will, no doubt, make me give in my
resignation. This I will do if required, sending the
notice by mail and follow my letter by the next steamer.
The Governor to Chief Factor Bell
I should be very sorry if any such untoward events
were to occasion the loss to the Company of one of
their best officers. It shall not be if I can prevent it.
204
Fall in Prices of Furs
It only remains to add that this officer was
granted a lengthy furlough and was subsequently
given a post in the more salubrious climate of
British Columbia.
To Chief Factor Peter Mackenzie
23 March, 1901.
You will already have heard of the sad downcome of
prices obtained at the March sales this year, when
compared with 1900, a fifty per cent decline in all the
most important items. This is a sad disappointment,
as we were rather led to expect that furs latterly had
been looking up in the market. But perhaps — and let
us hope it may be so — by the time next year's collec-
tions come in, there will be an improvement. The
better salmon fishing at Ungava this last season will be
a good help to the next year's outfit.
You certainly want all the good men you can have
as managers and post-masters in the district lying near
to civilization and I am sorry to find from you that we
have not many such at present.
1 9th September, 1902.
What you have to say about Mr. (or, as it may be,
Count) D'Aigneau's proceedings, gives cause for con-
cern, and I hope that not only at Moose Factory, but
at all the other posts we have, those in charge can meet
the situation ... in which case there need be less cause
for apprehension as regards the trade.
6th March, 1903.
Thank you very much for the information you give
about the Revillon Freres' operations in James's Bay,
205
Lord Strathcona
and along the St. Lawrence River and Gulf. They may
do some harm, but it is far from likely that it will be of
any profit to themselves, as, no doubt, our people will
be on the alert to make the best of the situation.
I am glad the pheasants reached you in good condi-
tion [he writes on another occasion to Mr. Mackenzie],
and if you happen to be over here, which I hope may
be the case some time soon, you must come to Kneb-
worth and shoot some for yourself. The sport, they
tell me, is good; although personally I do not care
about it, as it is hardly equal to what we have been
accustomed in the Canadian woods.
Later, in spite of much criticism, he insisted that
this old officer, whose health had given way, should
not be deposed, and his duties were performed for a
long period by deputy, until his death.
Factor Adams to C. F. MacFarlane
1 5th May, 1908.
I hear that so long as Mr. Peter Mackenzie is alive,
his successor in the Montreal Department is not likely
to be appointed. Whilst sympathizing with Mr.
Mackenzie, as all must do in his serious physical con-
dition, it appears to me that his retirement would
be not only just to himself, but also to the staff of the
service, and I know of no precedent for the existing
arrangement.
To the close of his life he kept in touch with the
survivors amongst his old friends in the service, so
few of whom, alas, now remain.
206
Correspondence with Factors
From Governor Sir Donald Smith
January 25th, 1891.
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Clarke's death. It
is very sad to see what blanks have of recent years
been made in our service from deaths alone. Dear
me, there are very few alive now of the officers of
twenty years ago !
Years later he heard from his successor at Rigo-
let, in Esquimaux Bay.
July 1st, 1900.
The old Labrador is carried on in the same old ratio,
fairly plenty — dire starvation the next. The trade in
that great solitude is very unsatisfactory. I cannot for
the life of me understand why the Company keep it up.
Ungava, depending more upon the migratory fox,
has been going down hill for the past two outfits. The
salmon and oil fisheries have proved all but a failure
for the past two seasons. The unfortunate post has
never been able to pull up from the Slough of Despond.
To Ex-Chief Factor Colin Rankin
MONTREAL, 22d October, 1900.
With one or two friends who dined with me yester-
day I had an opportunity of testing the partridges you
so kindly and thoughtfully sent me, and we all pro-
nounced them to be delicious, and besides they remind
me of old friends and old times. Please accept my sin-
cere thanks.
Mr. Selous was fortunate in placing himself in your
hands when he determined to go on a hunting expedi-
tion. He is known as a great Nimrod, and will return
207
Lord Strathcona
to his friends in England with a goodly appreciation
of the sport which is to be had in Canada. His success
will, no doubt, induce others of our English friends to
follow his example. Should he be in Montreal while I
am still in Canada I shall be very glad to see him.
My wife was very anxious to take the trip with me,
but although she is stronger and in better health than
she has been for some time back, at the time I left she
had a slight cold, and the doctors thought it safer that
she should not undertake the journey at this season of
the year. We hope, however, to be back in Canada
soon, and for a longer stay, which will enable us, we
trust, to see yourself and many of our old friends again
as in the past.
22d February, 1902.
Mr. Donald McTavish, who has done so well at
Rupert's House, will no doubt give a good account of
his stewardship at Norway House as well, as he is
both painstaking and energetic. It is to be regretted
that Mr. James McDougall's health makes it necessary
for him to retire from the service, as we all know
what an efficient officer he has been for the Company.
nth June, 1902.
We shall also be happy to see our friends Mr. and
Mrs. William Clark, who, I believe, are expected here
about the lyth instant. He has been fortunate in many
ways as an officer, and we all know how devoted he has
been to his duties, and how well he has discharged
them.
To Ex- Chief Factor MacFarlane
1 7th May, 1902.
I now have much pleasure in informing you that the
Lords Commissioner of the Admiralty have, after care-
2O3
Mr. Colin Rankin
ful looking into the circumstances of the case, decided
to award you the decoration in recognition of your
valuable services, now a good many years ago. The
medal is forwarded herewith, and I am informed that
it is of the same pattern as those issued in 1859 to such
of the crew of the Fox discovery ship who had not
already received it. No other naval medal was awarded
for Arctic service until 1876.
June nth, 1902.
I have just heard that His Grace of Rupert's Land
arrived in London yesterday, and I shall take great
pleasure in going to see him, and of being of use to him
in any way I can.
Thank you very much for sending me the number of
the Manitoba Historical Society's Transactions con-
taining an obituary notice by yourself of our friend, the
late Peter Warren Bell. Poor Bell was a good and staunch
friend, and no one deplored his sad death more than I.1
To Mr. Rankin, a survivor amongst his old
associates, he wrote not long before his death : —
GROSVENOR SQUARE, LONDON, isth July, 1913.
Your name brings back many pleasant recollections
of a long while ago, when we saw so much of each other,
and it would be a great gratification to me that we
should come together again and have a long chat about
Hudson's Bay matters and other things in which we
are mutually interested.
I hope you may be visiting England before long, and
pray feel assured that you will have a cordial welcome
from my wife, Mrs. Howard, and myself, and all the
members of our family circle.
1 He was drowned in British Columbia.
209
Lord Strathcona
To sum up, as an entity possessing any real con-
nection with the past, the old Company had been
moribund for years, and its life flickered out alto-
gether when Lord Strathcona died. For him the
fiction was kept up: the old forms were maintained.
But he knew it was all pretence. Behind the stately
mask were the pert and simpering features of a
Kensington draper. To show to what base uses the
ancient coat of arms, the boast of many generations
of proud and sturdy wilderness adventurers, could
be put, the following advertisement, one amongst
thousands, will suffice. I reproduce it literally on
the page opposite.
This to-day is the Hudson's Bay Company —
Mrs. B and Miss M , with their
"powers of design" and their "shirt-waists," and
the London shareholders, with their two hundred
per cent, from the land won by those stern and
rugged God-fearing pioneers, who laboured and
suffered and won this heritage, whose descendants
are, many of them, to-day dwelling in privation and
penury.1
" A Timon you! Nay, nay, for shame!
It looks too arrogant a jest —
The fierce old man — to take his name,
You bandbox. Off, and let him rest.
The old Timon, with his noble heart
That strongly loathing, greatly broke." 2
1 In his will Lord Strathcona bequeathed fifty pounds a year as
an addition to the pensions of certain of his old colleagues in the fur-
trade.
* Tennyson.
2IO
HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY
Incorporated 1670
A FEW WORDS
ON MILLINERY
Mrs. B , who has been with the Company for the
past six years, still retains charge of the Department. The
Company has secured the services of one of the best trim-
mers in the country, and a combination of Mrs. B 's
power of design, and Miss M 's ability in carrying the
same into effect, will enable them, as usual, to offer for in-
spection a selection of the latest up-to-date Millinery. The
opening will take place on
TUESDAY, THE 24111 MARCH
and following days.
Small hats and Turbans, prettily trimmed with flowers,
will have the lead for early spring wear.
As long as shirt-waists are worn, Sailor Hats will accom-
pany them, and we have never before been able to offer the
same variety in price and style.
Lord Strathcona
NOTE TO CHAPTER XX
From the Coalition in 1821 to 1905, when the last
fur-trade commission was issued, the number of com-
missions issued by the Hudson's Bay Company was : —
5 Inspecting Chief Factorships.
103 Chief Factorships.
38 Factors.
208 Chief Traders.
62 Junior Traders.
416 Total.
During this period 262 received (so far as can be
ascertained) promotion in the service. A calculation
of the "Imperial relationship" yields the following
interesting result: —
55 of the wintering partners were of English birth or extraction.
16 " " " " " Irish birth or extraction.
II" " " " French-Canadian birth or ex-
traction.
no" " " " Highland and Canadian Scot-
tish birth or extraction.
70 " " " " Orcadian and Lowland Scot-
tish birth or extraction.
262 Total.
CHAPTER XXI
THE HIGH COMMISSIONERSHIP
1896-1897
WHATEVER the issue might be, Sir Donald
Smith had vastly enhanced his already high posi-
tion in the country. It has already been shown in
a previous chapter that the Bowell Administra-
tion was in serious difficulties. Parliament would
expire by effluxion of time in June and a great
effort must be made by the Conservative Party in
the ensuing elections. A call had therefore been is-
sued to the veteran Sir Charles Tupper to come
over to help them. He had responded with alacrity.
Should he or should he not resign the High Com-
missionership was the question. A decision was
soon taken. If his party won at the polls, Sir
Charles would certainly enter office as Prime Min-
ister, if he did not do so before ; if his party lost, it
was incredible that he would be continued in office
as High Commissioner by the Liberals. Whom to
appoint as his successor was a more difficult prob-
lem. Various names were canvassed: meanwhile,
Sir Charles, before leaving England, had been in-
formed that the member for Montreal West would
accept the post.
"When I heard Sir Donald Smith's name men-
tioned for the High Commissionership," states
213
Lord Strathcona
Sir Mackenzie Bowell, "I confess I was surprised.
1 He won't take it,' I immediately said. However, I
made the offer and it was accepted."
There were, indeed, some grounds for the then
Prime Minister's surprise and incredulity. Sir
Donald Smith was in his seventy-sixth year. He
had led an unusually arduous life, frequently over-
taxing his strength; he had acquired vast wealth,
and was naturally credited with a desire for rest and
ease in retirement. No man then living in Canada
could look back on a more notable and successful
career. Truly, the ways of destiny are inscrutable.
For Donald Alexander Smith, at the age when
decrepitude has overtaken the generality of man-
kind, a fresh and more splendid career was dawn-
ing. All that he had done hitherto would be eclipsed
— all that he had been hitherto would be taken
vaguely on trust. His world-wide fame and that
great and prolonged service which was to make
Canada his everlasting debtor, were both shrouded
in the mists of futurity.
To him a close personal friend had written in
April : —
It is rumoured that you have been offered the High
Commissionership in London. I hope it is not true
that you have accepted the post. It would, in my
opinion, be a fatal mistake — fatal to your peace of
mind, to your health, and also to your fame and hap-
piness. Moreover, it will prove to be but an empty
honour and your enforced retirement in a few months
will surely follow. Mackenzie Bowell cannot possibly
carry on and Laurier will come in. If you accept, you
214
Appointed High Commissioner
are laying up a fresh sorrow for your old age. But, of
course, you have thought of all that.
Sir Donald was sworn in as High Commissioner
and a Privy Councillor on April 24, 1896.
The appointment drew forth the high commend-
ation of both political parties. He was admittedly
Canada's foremost citizen, and in his new sphere
was expected to do much to assist in bringing
the Colonies into closer touch with the Mother
Country. His reputation and position in finance
made him additionally persona grata in commercial
circles. His acceptance of the High Commissioner-
ship would not, he found it necessary to announce,
affect his position as President of the Bank of Mon-
treal and Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Sir Donald Smith [commented the well-informed
London Chronicle} will make an almost ideal Canadian
High Commissioner. He is the most large-hearted of
Canadians, and though a nominal supporter of the
Government now in power at Ottawa, he cares very
little for party distinctions, and has probably as many
friends among the Liberals as among the Conserva-
tives. He has abundant wealth, reaped in such enter-
prises as the railways which have opened up the West-
ern States and the prairie regions of the Canadian
North-West. Most tourists in Canada know with
what a lavish hand he dispenses hospitality at his
Montreal mansion in Dorchester Street and his once
famous Winnipeg residence, "Silver Heights." Last
year Sir Donald became a host in this country, for he is
now the proud possessor of the historic pass of Glencoe.
215
Lord Strathcona
Other newspapers spoke in the same strain when
welcoming the new Canadian representative, and
he received numerous letters exhibiting the esteem
in which he was held by many English friends.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that to the
masses in Britain Sir Donald Smith in 1896 was not
even a name. Canada herself was on the threshold
of that Imperial celebrity and material success
which was soon to surround her.
"Who is this Sir David Smith who is to replace
our friend Tupper?" wrote a usually well-informed
ex-Cabinet Minister to the Honourable Edward
Blake, who had now transferred himself to an Irish
constituency.
To the varied illustrations of romance in the
careers of notable men, this other might be sug-
gested — to begin climbing the highest ladder of
fame at the age of seventy-five.
What, it may be asked, was the precise nature
of the office to which Sir Donald had just been
appointed? Previous to 1880 Canada had been
represented in the United Kingdom by a simple
agent, Sir John Rose. Early in that year, Sir John
Macdonald resolved to put the office of agent for
Canada in London on a more satisfactory footing.
An act was, therefore, passed constituting the
office of High Commissioner. In appointing Sir
Alexander Gait to the post certain definite instruc-
tions were formulated and approved by the Gov-
ernor-General. He was also appointed chief emi-
gration agent for Canada, and he was informed that
it was the Government's intention to transfer the
216
Salary of the Post
entire management of the public debt and corre-
spondence relating to the finances of the Dominion
in London to the High Commissioner.
After a brief tenure of office, Sir Alexander Gait
was succeeded by Sir Charles Tupper in 1884.
With all Sir Charles's qualities of manner and
knowledge which made him so capital a represent-
ative of the country abroad, he was, it must be
avowed, far too keen a politician and followed far
too ardently his instincts of combat to be quite
acceptable to both political parties in Canada.
Moreover, he continued, while holding the High
Commissionership, to be a member of the Con-
servative Ministry, and was therefore a fair target
for the shafts of the Opposition. One instance of
this criticism will suffice. There was a proposal in
1891 to raise the emolument of the High Commis-
sioner to the modest figure of $10,000. "Why,"
asked one member, "should the High Commissioner,
who lives in England, and who, however you may
attempt to surround the fact with verbiage, holds
a sinecure very largely, have a salary larger than
that of the hard- worked head of the Department?
What practical duties has the High Commissioner
discharged during the last eight or ten years?"
Another member actually proposed abolition of
the office ; while yet another ironically declared : —
The Minister of Finance has sought to justify the
continuance of the office of High Commissioner on the
ground that he has performed great service in respect
to the egg and poultry trade. The honourable gentle-
man has, however, undertaken a larger contract than
217
Lord Strathcona
even he is capable of performing, if he seeks to convince
the House that the spasmodic efforts of the High Com-
missioner with respect to the egg and poultry trade of
this Dominion would justify the payment of $18,000 1
a year for the continuance of the office. The egg and
poultry trade is a very important one, and its impor-
tance has always been recognized by the Opposition.
It is interesting to note the part Sir Donald
Smith took in the debate. He said : —
The honourable gentleman has compared the emolu-
ments of the High Commissioner with those of the
Honourable First Minister and the other Ministers of
the Crown. The honourable gentleman does not re-
quire to be informed that many representatives of
European nations, those in Austria, in France, in Rus-
sia, in England, get much higher salaries than the
Prime Minister in any of those countries; and that is
undoubtedly consistent with their position, represent-
ing, as they do, their Sovereign, as the High Commis-
sioner for Canada represents the Dominion.
While [he characteristically continued] I have a
proper idea of economy, I think that instead of putting
it at $10,000 or $12,000, $20,000 would be by no means
too much to pay — I am not speaking of an individual,
but for the position of the representative of Canada in
London. There are many demands made on any gen-
tleman in that position, that I think it would be only
showing a proper regard to the dignity and the posi-
tion of Canada to make a worthy allowance for the
High Commissioner.
1 Inclusive of the cost of an official residence in Cromwell Road.
One of Sir Donald's first acts was to dispose of this house, which had
meanwhile greatly deteriorated in value.
2l8
Opposed to Parsimony
I think that it would be really in our own interests
that the position of High Commissioner of Canada (I
say again, I am not speaking of the individual) should
be made such as to enable him to entertain, to some
extent, out of the proceeds of his salary, as is done by
almost all other representatives.
At the very time he thus spoke there was a
notice on the motion paper from him in respect to
an increase in the salaries of Canada's judges.
I trust [he urged] this will be taken into considera-
tion by the Government, because I think we owe it to
ourselves that the salaries of our judges should be in-
creased. While I hope I am actuated by a proper
desire for economy as much as the honourable gentle-
man or any other member of this House, I should
certainly not be opposed to seeing the emoluments of
the Ministers of the Crown as well as the judges in-
creased. At the same time, we ought to exercise every
care in introducing into every portion of the Civil
Service those only who are fit to do the work to be
assigned to them. If such care be observed, we should
be able to pay well all those who are capable of doing,
and who do, good work for the Dominion.
The suggestion of $20,000 a year in addition to a
residence rudely shocked the Opposition. As one
member declared: —
Before the honourable gentleman startles us with
such an extraordinary suggestion, he must be prepared
to show that our condition in Canada is so essentially
prosperous that we should be justified in moving in the
direction of increasing the salaries of our hard-worked
officials, before we Increase those of persons holding
sinecures.
219
Lord Strathcona
Another member declared that he had examined
the authorities to ascertain what the United States
of America paid their Ambassadors and Ministers
abroad. While Canada "virtually" paid the High
Commissioner $18,000 a year, the amount of sal-
aries paid to the Ambassadors of the United States
to France, Great Britain, Germany, and Russia
was only $17,500. America only paid $12,000 a
year to her Ministers to Austria, Brazil, China,
Italy, Japan, Spain; to Turkey, Chili, Argentine
Republic, United States of Colombia, and Peru,
$10,000; and to Persia, Portugal, and other smaller
countries, $5000. "So," it was added triumphantly,
"our High Commissioner receives a larger salary
than any of the Ambassadors of the United States
to foreign countries."
Events and changes were to move rapidly for-
ward to the time, twelve brief years later, when
one of these very important American Ambassa-
dors — no less important than Mr. Whitelaw Reid
— was to say publicly to an English audience : —
I sometimes think that my office is magnified by
your kindness into a greater than it would be otherwise,
and my duties, more numerous here from the same
cause, would sometimes overwhelm me if my spirit of
emulation were not aroused by the constant spectacle
of a rival. He, too, is an Ambassador of an English-
speaking Transatlantic country, in extent equalling my
own and advancing by rapid strides to wealth and im-
portance second only to ourselves in the whole Western
world. Wherever I go there is he, and to a great many
functions I do not go, he does. Yet, great as is the
220
Pacific Cable Conference
country he represents, the Ambassador of the Domin-
ion of Canada magnifies his office. Beside his inde-
fatigable exertions, my own office is a sinecure.
It is only just to say that Canadian industrial and
monetary conditions were at a comparatively low
ebb in the early nineties, and were the representa-
tive ever so persuasive or diligent, the attractions
then offered by his country were dubious and few.
Some there were even amongst those in high places
who despaired of the future. How different was the
temper of Sir Donald Smith! One of his earliest
utterances as High Commissioner was at a ban-
quet in connection with a Pacific Cable Conference
in London to which he was, with Sir Mackenzie
Bowell, a delegate.
Responding to a toast of "Canada," he said: —
Sir Alexander Wilson has told you that it was a
band of merchants who gave to England and the Em-
pire the vast and good country of India. That was a
band of merchant adventurers trading into Hudson's
Bay. These men, two years after the East India Com-
pany was chartered, also obtained a charter. The
whole of the eastern portion of Canada then belonged
to the Crown of France. These merchant adventurers
first entered Hudson's Bay. Then they spread them-
selves over the more northern portion of the continent.
And what is the country now? It is a very important
part of the Dominion of Canada, and in years to come
will be of still greater consequence to the Dominion
and to the Empire.
It is in that country within the last year that a small
number of fanners have produced no less than thirty
221
Lord Strathcona
million bushels of wheat, and when that country be-
comes what it will in a very few years become, with the
assistance which we are sure to have from those whom
we see here to-night and those who have come as
delegates from all parts of Great Britain and the
Empire, then that vast North- West of Canada will be
settled by hundreds of thousands and even millions of
British subjects.
Looking to the vast area of the wheat-fields in that
great North- West, and considering what has already
been done in the way of wheat growth, we may look
forward with assurance, and that in a short time, to
the day when it will produce and send to England all
the grain she may require. There are in Canada those
who have as loyal hearts to Great Britain and the
Empire as we find here at home.
A reference to the Right Honourable Joseph
Chamberlain was received with loud cheers: —
We in Canada have the greatest satisfaction in know-
ing that there is at the present moment at the head of
the Colonial Department one who has given his heart
thoroughly to the work of making a great Empire, and
knitting together every part of the Empire so that
" Imperialism" shall be not merely a "movement,"
not simply a flash in the pan, — but that we shall
continue steadily growing as an Empire of Englishmen
with the aspirations and determination of all to do
their part in keeping their heritage intact and perpetu-
ating its glories for all time. I may say for Canada that
its Government and people will be foremost to come to
the right honourable gentleman and ask him to take
steps that there may be a gathering of the different
parts of the Empire in England to devise some means
222
Speech in England
of satisfying every portion of the Queen's dominions in
respect of commerce and the intercourse between all
parts of the Empire. We shall be only too glad to knit
the bonds still closer with the great Empire of which
we are proud.
People had asked him [he said] upon what he based
his opinion of Canada's coming greatness. What is
this Dominion? It is a country of three and a half
million square miles — about half of North America.
It is true that at the present moment we have not a
very large population, for I think we are outnumbered
by the population of London and its suburbs, but we
have at least five millions of people, all of whom are as
loyal to our Queen and to the Empire as any to be
found in the heart of the Empire. Canada has at pres-
ent a revenue of $334,000,000. It has railways extend-
ing over 16,000 miles. It has a shipping tonnage of
879,000, being in that respect fifth among the nations.
Not only so, but it produces wheat in very large quan-
tities and of the very best quality. In the North- West
they last year produced no less than 33,000,000 bushels
of wheat and upwards of 20,000,000 bushels of other
grains. But this is not all. We have a country which in
many of the eastern parts is rich in minerals, but when
you cross the mountains, you find in British Columbia
abundance of both gold and silver, as well as of the
baser metals. We have in the prairies what is of the
greatest use to the settler — coal in unlimited quanti-
ties. At one time it was supposed that there could be
no large centres of population in the North-West be-
cause there was so little fuel — so little timber; but it
has since been found that throughout the whole of that
great district coal exists in the greatest abundance.
Thus, having gold and silver, iron and copper, and the
223
Lord Strathcona
greatest abundance of fuel, we can look forward to a
great future for that country.
While [he said] Canada still looks to England for aid
in her difficulties, we feel that we ought to have inde-
pendence to help ourselves to the utmost, and that in
helping ourselves we shall also be doing a great and
good work for the Mother Country, and for the knitting
together of all the Colonies and the Mother Land into
one great Empire, and the creation of a power which
will command, that England and the Empire shall be
still more and more respected by all nations. In no
part of the Empire is there more affection for the Old
Country than in Canada, or a greater willingness to do
our part in the work of consolidation. And I think I
should add that this is the case, not only with the Eng-
lish-speaking people of Canada, but equally with our
fellow-countrymen who speak French. As was said
many years ago by a citizen of that country, a French-
Canadian is an Englishman to the core, who speaks
French. Another statesman declared that the last shot
fired on the North American continent for the British
Empire and for England would be fired by a French-
Canadian. It will be, we hope and believe, years, gen-
erations, centuries, before there is any possibility of
it being necessary to fire this last shot, for we believe
that there is a feeling in Canada, and in the whole
Empire, which will conserve that country to England
as surely as the different parts of the United Kingdom
are concerned.
But a more notable public appearance occurred
in the early days of June at the Congress of Cham-
bers of Commerce of the Empire, to which he was
a delegate. Here he sounded for the first time that
224
Imperial Chambers of Commerce
note of practical Imperialism which Joseph Cham-
berlain emitted with his latest breath. Sir Donald
ardently hoped for preferential trade within the
Empire, but political considerations soon made his
championship of the proposal incompatible with
his tenure of a non-political office.
The Toronto Board of Trade had offered a reso-
lution, to which Sir Donald proposed the following
amendment : —
Whereas, the stability and progress of the British
Empire can be best assured by drawing continually
closer the bonds that unite the Colonies with the
Mother Country, and by the continuous growth of a
practical sympathy and cooperation in all that per-
tains to the common welfare; and whereas, this coop-
eration and unity can in no way be more effectually
promoted than by the cultivation and extension of the
mutual and profitable interchange of their products;
therefore, resolved, That this Congress records its
belief in the advisability and practicability of a customs
arrangement between Great Britain and her Colonies
and India on the basis of preferential treatment, and
recommends that steps should be taken by Her Ma-
jesty's Government to bring about an interchange of
opinions on the subject between the Mother Country
and the other Governments of the Empire.
In the course of his speech Sir Donald remarked
that in moving his amendment he did so in no
spirit of opposition to the previous proposal of the
Toronto delegation.
I am, indeed, acting in unison with my friends from
Toronto and other Canadian representatives. My
225
Lord Strathcona
object is to place before this Congress a resolution
which represents, I hope, the views of all the Canadian
delegates and will receive their support, and thus ren-
der more or less unnecessary the discussion of the other
resolutions of a similar nature which are on the paper.
We hope also that the terms of the amendment are
such as will commend themselves to our friends from
Australasia, from South Africa, and the other Colonies,
and we are not without hope that it may commend
itself to the representatives of the commercial interests
of the United Kingdom who are present to-day. What
we are striving for here is not the discussion of the de-
tails of a commercial arrangement between the Mother
Country and the other Colonies. That must be left to
the Government of the different parts of the Empire
to formulate and arrange. What we want to do is to
secure the acceptance by this Congress of the principle
that has been in one way and another so ably advo-
cated. It has also been discussed by the Canadian Par-
liament, by Boards of Trade and Chambers of Com-
merce in Canada, in South Africa and Australasia, and
also in other Colonies. But the third paragraph of the
Amendment takes us a step further, and the principle
being conceded, Her Majesty's Government are to be
requested to approach the other Governments of the
Empire with a view to the interchange of opinions on
this important subject, which is very closely connected
with the future development of the trade and com-
merce of this great Empire.
If Her Majesty's Government will grasp the matter
boldly and invite an expression of opinion from the
Governments of the Colonies, we are not without hope
that it may lead to the calling together of another great
Conference in London, where the details of a measure
226
Practical Imperialism
satisfactory to the Colonies and the United Kingdom
might be discussed and arranged.
Lord Salisbury had said that in the closer union
between the Mother Country and the Colonies was
involved nothing more or less than the future of the
British Empire. Mr. Goschen had said that he thought
it possible that the advantages of the commercial con-
solidation of the Empire might be so great that in cer-
tain circumstances no objection would be raised to it.
Lord Rosebery, in one of his speeches declared: "It
is, as I believe, impossible for you to maintain in the
long run your present loose and imperfect relations to
your Colonies." You know the extent and importance
of the Colonial trade at present: and you must have an
idea of the extent to which it is bound to develop in the
future. We have immense British territories all over
the world, and their progress is only just commencing.
I think these facts are an argument in themselves for
the formulation of closer and more intimate commer-
cial arrangements between the different parts of the
Empire than exist at present.
We all, here and overseas, have a common origin,
a common history, a common language, a common lit-
erature, a common love of liberty and law, common
principles to assert, and common interests to maintain.
And, gentlemen, we have all a common love for and
loyalty to the British Crown and the British connec-
tion. Why, therefore, cannot we have some arrange-
ment of the nature sketched in outline in the amend-
ment I am now proposing? Why should every part of
the Empire in matters of commerce treat every other
part of the Empire as they do foreign countries?
Gentlemen, union is strength. We have competitors
everywhere, and if we hope to compete with them not
227
Lord Strathcona
only within but without the Empire, we must look
after what we conceive to be our common interests.
I think it will be generally admitted that they look
after theirs. I have already said that we do not want
to enter into details. We do not wish to get into a dis-
cussion on abstract free trade or protection. We have
other and higher objects to attain, — the closer com-
mercial unity of this great Empire, — and those who
run may read, not only the issues that are at stake at
the present time, but the very much greater issues that
must make themselves apparent in the near future.
I do not think there is anything in a moderate scheme
of preferential treatment which need shock any rea-
sonable economic theories, neither is it likely to lead
to retaliation. We have as much right to treat trade
within the Empire on a preferential basis as the
various foreign countries with colonies have to give
to and receive from their colonies preferential treat-
ment.
Germany cannot reasonably object to such a propo-
sition; neither can the United States, because they
have adopted it already themselves; and the same
remark applies to Norway and Sweden. Therefore,
gentlemen, I commend this amendment very heartily
and cordially to your acceptance. I am sure its adop-
tion would cause much gratification in the Colonies,
and I believe among no inconsiderable part of the pop-
ulation of the United Kingdom. It would also encour-
age Her Majesty's Government to take steps to secure
a modification of those unlucky treaties with Belgium
and Germany which in their present form block the
way to any inter- Imperial arrangement. After looking
into the matter, I do not think there would be any
great difficulty in bringing about the modification we
228
For Closer Union
desire. I will only say, in conclusion, that the terms
of the amendment are very elastic in their nature.
What we are striving for is some plan which may the
least upset the fiscal system in force in the United
Kingdom and in the Colonies, and I believe that such
a scheme could readily be arranged. It would certainly
mean great things for the Empire — a closer sentimen-
tal and fiscal union than at present, and the retention
of the Colonial markets for British goods for all time.
It would stimulate the development of the Colonies,
provide larger markets for British products, and insure
larger supplies of food products from British territories.
These are only a few of the consequences that would
inevitably follow the closer union of the different parts
of the Empire, and they are surely worthy of some sac-
rifices on both sides. The Secretary of State for the
Colonies has said that there is on one side free trade,
and protection on the other, but he has pointed out
another way, and I think in that direction we may
come together. To do so it is necessary that there
should not only be discussion, but that either the
Colonies should approach the Home Government or
that the Mother Country should approach the Col-
onies, to ascertain how far each is willing and prepared
to go in the way of a Zollverein, that there may be one
feeling and one action throughout. While proud to be
a native of the United Kingdom, I am still more proud
to be a Canadian, and that is, I may say, the feeling
of the vast majority of the Canadian people. There
is every desire to bring us closer and closer to the
Mother Land, and that we shall in the end — and we
trust it may be in a very short time — feel that
we are one people, Britons, throughout the British
Empire.
229
Lord Strathcona
This speech created an ineffaceable impression.1
Mr. Chamberlain was amongst the first to con-
gratulate the High Commissioner. They met fre-
quently, both in public and privately, and a warm
friendship sprang up between them.
Sir Donald went to Glasgow in the middle of
June to take part in the celebration of his friend
Lord Kelvin's jubilee. Canada had taken so promi-
nent a part in the progress of ocean telegraphy that
it was most fitting for her High Commissioner to
do honour to the William Thompson whose in-
vestigations made possible the first Atlantic cable
of 1858.
Look [he said] at the telegraphic map of to-day, and
you realize how vital is Canadian cooperation in the
telegraphic connections of the Old World and the New.
The day will soon come when these Atlantic lines will
be but the first link in truly Imperial lines which will
make Canada the halfway house of the telegraphs of
the Empire. In doing honour to Lord Kelvin, Cana-
dians do not, moreover, forget that he was the first,
in conjunction with the late Sir William Siemens, to
suggest the conversion of the energy of Niagara into
electric power. That Niagara conversion is but the
beginning of a widespread harnessing of water-power
in Canada, as well as in all North America.
1 Amongst those who listened to the speech was the late W. T.
Stead, who wrote : " In the vigour, the youthful freshness, the massive
head crowned by the glistening snows, I seemed to see the great
Dominion of Canada incarnate, and in his language I heard the
Canadian creed of hope, self-confidence, and loyalty." It was Mr.
A. G. Gardiner, editor of the Daily News, who afterwards wrote of
Lord Strathcona as "Canada in a swallow-tail coat."
230
The New Premier
On the afternoon of Dominion Day their first
reception was given by the High Commissioner for
Canada, and Lady Smith, in celebration of the day
at the Imperial Institute. The guests numbered
between five and six hundred, and a feature of the
occasion, then as afterwards, was that the music
was supplied by Canadian musicians studying in
Europe, to whom he was ever a patron.
The elections in Canada were by this time tak-
ing place. Sir Mackenzie Bowell had previously
yielded the Premiership to Sir Charles Tupper, who
fought valiantly on the hustings to retain it. But
the verdict of the country was against him, and
after eighteen years' exclusion the Liberals returned
to power.
There was much speculation as to what effect
this would have on Sir Donald's retention of his
office.
If [commented the World] Mr. Laurier has the in-
terests of his country at heart he will make no change
in the British High Commissionership. That office
is now filled by a gentleman who, of all Canadians, is
best qualified for the position. Sir Donald A. Smith
is probably the best-known Colonial in London. He is
in touch with all great movements in which Canada
is interested. Furthermore, he is a man of wealth, and
is thereby enabled to create an impression on the
British public which another representative might not
be able to effect.
But the new Canadian Prime Minister needed no
prompting of this kind. He wrote at once to Sir
Donald expressing his hope that the result of the
231
Lord Strathcona
elections would make no difference in the former's
retention of the post.
BROWN'S HOTEL, DOVER STREET, LONDON,
1 5th July, 1896.
MY DEAR MR. LAURIER: —
Your most kind letter of the 3d July I had the
pleasure of receiving to-day, only in time to send a
line in acknowledgment by this morning's mail and
to thank you, which I do very heartily for it.
Although a Liberal-Conservative, an independent
one in the fullest sense of the word, it affords me much
gratification, as one who was happy to count you a
personal friend, to congratulate you on the result of
the elections, as I had the most complete confidence
that the best interests of your country would in every
way be safe in your hands.
I have a very pleasant and grateful recollection of
the assurance you were good enough to give me in
March, that of your utmost aid in disposing satisfac-
torily of the vexed questions of Manitoba Schools,
which had it been properly handled was capable of
settlement long ago. You may feel assured that if in
any way I can assist in arriving at a result so much to
be wished for, my best services will always be at your
command.
I write in much haste, but believe me to be, etc.,
DONALD A. SMITH.
The same day, on being summoned to Windsor
Castle to a private investiture, he received the
order of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of
St. Michael and St. George, of which order he had
been a member for ten years. Sir Donald, on the
1 8th July, sailed for Canada in company with Sir
232
SIR DONALD A. SMITH, G.C.M.G.,
Royal Victoria College
Mackenzie Bowell, his late colleague in the Pacific
Cable Conference.
Before leaving for London in May he had added
another to the magnificent series of benefactions
which he had already conferred upon Montreal, in
the building of the Royal Victoria College for
the Higher Education of Women. The establish-
ment of this institution introduced a new feature
into Montreal university life — a feature which has
very great attractions for the majority of students,
and which has long been looked upon as a desidera-
tum by a large proportion of university men. The
Victoria College would be essentially a residential
institution, as are the colleges of the British uni-
versities, having only subsidiary arrangements for
teaching apart from those which its students would
enjoy as members of the university.
It is looked upon by many [said the Witness news-
paper] as only the beginning of the residential system
carried out under the wise direction of the greatest
friend of higher education that Canada has known.
Great care was exercised to have the interior
appointments of Victoria College as nearly perfect
as possible. The building was six stories in height,
and included, in addition to the convocation hall,
classrooms and residential quarters, a gymnasium,
reading-room and library for the "Donaldas" (as
the female students on the Donald A. Smith
Foundation were already known). It was expected
that the building would be ready at the begin-
ning of the autumn session of the following year.
233
Lord Strathcona
Queen Victoria accorded her sanction to the title
and the college was under her patronage.
The visit to Canada was brief. Sir Donald was
back in London on August 8, to resume his duties
as High Commissioner, having in the intervening
three weeks twice crossed the Atlantic and trans-
acted important business at Ottawa and Montreal.
Soon after his arrival he left to pass four or five
days at his new country-seat in Scotland, after
which his duties as lecturer and interpreter of
Canada in Great Britain began in earnest.1
If the statistics into which he was prone to launch
seem trite now, to some of us, let it be remembered
that they were not so then. Vast audiences, com-
prising intelligent and well-informed men and
women, listened spellbound to his recital of the
advantages Canada offered to the immigrant. To-
day we may smile — Europe knows the story well,
— but how fresh and attractive it seemed in 1896!
In no country in the world has an enterprising man
a greater chance of making a success in life than in the
Dominion, if he possesses the necessary qualities; and
in Canada those qualities have always the chance of
making their influence felt. There is no Established
Church, and many other questions which in England
are still the subject of controversy have settled them-
selves long ago in Canada.
He pursued his policy of public instruction on
the resources of Canada whenever an opportunity
1 "Canada in breeches" was the phrase applied to him by Mr. La-
bouchere, which is reminiscent of Sidney Smith's remark concerning
Daniel Webster.
234
Canada's Great Need
occurred. No opportunity was too small — and
the need was great. One of his first addresses was
at Newcastle.
Not only in Canada [he said], but in all the other
Colonies, the feeling prevails that too little is known
in the United Kingdom — the heart of the Empire —
of its outlying portions, and we are all trying in every
way to bring about a different state of things. It is no
selfish object which has prompted us in our endeavours.
We want to bring the Colonies into closer relations with
the Mother Country. We wish to develop trade be-
tween the different parts of the Empire, as well as with
other countries, and we much appreciate the great
services of Mr. Chamberlain in directing public atten-
tion prominently to the matter. In the Colonies there
are millions upon millions of acres of land only wait-
ing to be cultivated to produce everything that man
requires, and we want to attract to those lands the
surplus capital and muscle of the United Kingdom.
The increase of the population of the Colonies must
add to their wealth and strength, and also to their
productive and consuming capacities. Such results
must necessarily tend to make the British Empire, of
which we all are so proud, a greater factor in the prog-
ress of the world than it is even at the present time.
Although next year will be the fourth centenary
of the landing of the Cabots in what is now Canada,,
and a part of the country is well advanced in the third
century of its actual occupation, the positive, actual
life of the Dominion, with all its potentialities brought
within reach of the people, commenced a little more
than ten years ago. Even now, although the popula-
tion exceeds five million, only a fringe of the territory
available for cultivation is inhabited. There are no
235
Lord Strathcona
very large cities in Canada, in the sense in which the
term is understood in the United Kingdom and else-
where, and over forty-five per cent of the population
find their means of subsistence and their opportunities
for the accumulation of wealth in agriculture. Canada
is proud of its sturdy yeoman farmers. Large holdings
are exceptions and not the rule, and the policy of the
Dominion and Provincial Governments is to encourage
the immigration and settlement of small farmers. The
holdings may be said to average from one hundred to
three hundred acres.
The annual feast of the Master Cutlers' Com-
pany of Sheffield is an historic affair. Represen-
tatives of English diplomacy, statesmanship, lit-
erature, military, and naval science crowded the
Cutlers' Hall on the feast-day in October to do
honour to the great industry of Sheffield, and some
very notable speeches were delivered.
The toast of "The Colonies" fell to Sir Howard
Vincent, one of the members of Parliament for the
city. In the course of his speech he said: -
God be thanked that the coming year 1897 bids fair
to be an epoch in English history. It will not only be
most notable in the annals of British Monarchy, but
will also be, I hope, a witness to the efforts of the Brit-
ish Government and statesmen to make our Empire
proof against shot and shell — not alone by the armour
plates of Sheffield, but by the golden chains of mutual
commerce. Greet to-night the pioneer of England's
glorious work, the vast Dominion of Canada, ever in
the van of public duty. I present to your acclamation
great Canada's High Commissioner, Sir Donald Smith,
who has borne a foremost part in binding, with the rails
236
First Move should be England's
of Sheffield, the stormy billows of the Atlantic with
the boundless tracks of the far Pacific. Over the iron
way is coming to our millions, as to our contempo-
rarily afflicted brothers of the Far East, the unrivalled
British corn of the Far West. Over the Empire —
west by east and north by south — waves the banner
of freedom, the cross of St. George, St. David, St.
Andrew, and St. Patrick, — our Union Jack. I give
you the toast of your Colonies — the Colonies of the
British Empire, coupled with the name of the Hon-
ourable Sir Donald Smith.
Warmly received was Sir Donald on rising to
respond. He said: —
Sixty and more years ago, I became personally as-
sociated with Sheffield, by possessing a pocket knife
bearing the name of your city. Thousands had come
to know Sheffield in the same way, not only through-
out the Kingdom, but throughout the world. And on
finding myself in possession of that part of the wares
of Sheffield, I was filled with pride and satisfaction,
because, beholding the name "Sheffield," I knew that
no better knife — no better tool for a good workman
— could be found anywhere on the planet.
It has been said that the Colonies should come be-
fore the Mother Country and express their desire for
a closer union. But it seems to me a matter of such
great importance to the whole Empire, it would cer-
tainly not be unbecoming that Great Britain should
approach the Colonies. We, in Canada, are proud of
our Mother Country because we believe in it. We have
there everything which has made the United States,
and it is no doubt the same thing with the other
Colonies — with Australia and South Africa. I can
237
Lord Strathcona
only say on behalf of Canada, and, I think, equally on
behalf of all the Colonies, that there are no more
loyal subjects of the Queen than her subjects in those
divisions of the Empire — not even in Sheffield, or in
any part of this United Kingdom.
For years the burden of a hundred speeches and
addresses was Canada's great need for more people.
There is a large emigration from the United King-
dom, a good deal of which goes outside the Empire, for
want of proper direction. Yet in no country can more
advantages be obtained by settlers of the right classes
than in Canada.
In a new country there must necessarily be more
openings for the young and energetic than in the
older one, but it must be borne in mind that the same
qualities are necessary for success there as elsewhere.
A capacity for hard work, energy, and enterprise will
make themselves felt anywhere, but nowhere so rap-
idly and with such great results as in a country like
the Dominion.
People are sometimes sent to the Colonies for their
country's good — some of them to do well, but many
of them fail; and their want of success is not always
attributed to themselves. That is not the class we want.
Canada is a good place to live in, and offers abundant
advantages to people of the right stamp who will
come over and throw in their lot with us.
Certainly the great crying need of Canada was
more people. "Without people," he wrote, "we
can do nothing. All our resources are lying fallow
— all our talents are hidden under a bushel."
"Get population," Mr. Chamberlain told the
Canadians, "and all else shall be added unto you."
238
Canada under-peopled
Into this truly Herculean task of filling up the
Canadian North-West, Lord Strathcona flung
himself with a passion extraordinary in one of his
years. The apathy of the British people must be
destroyed ; the tendency of emigrants to travel to
America must be counteracted. And so, as we shall
see, he went up and down the country preaching
indefatigably the gospel of what has been called
the "ameliorating re-distribution of the British
peoples." His success in this task is the measure of
the debt owed him to-day by the Canadian nation,
and especially the North-West. Of Canada he said
it was a " field within the limits of the Empire where
the capital, skill, and energy of those able to emi-
grate, may be preserved to the British Crown."
"The development of this country," wrote Sir
John Macdonald as far back as 1880, "if left to
Canadian resources alone, must necessarily be ex-
tremely slow. It is manifestly beyond the means
of such a limited population as Canada now
possesses, either themselves to furnish the popu-
lation required to fill up the North-West or the
capital necessary for its development. Emigration
on a large scale, and precisely of that character
which is most likely to take place from the United
Kingdom, is essential; and it may be urged with
much reason that the transference of a large body
of the suffering people of Great Britain and Ireland
to the wheat-fields of Manitoba and the North-
West will directly benefit the United Kingdom
much more than the settled Provinces of the Con-
federation, and will indirectly prove of still further
239
Lord Strathcona
advantage by creating a new class of customers for
goods, the products of whose industry are precisely
those which are most essential for the independence
of the United Kingdom for her food supplies."
In that year the Ottawa Government was actu-
ally prepared to consider a plan of systematic
emigration, whereby Canada on her side would
assume the entire charge for the civil government
of the country and the maintenance of law and
order, furnishing free land for the incoming popu-
lation, and asking from the Imperial Government
only its assumption of a reasonable proportion of
the cost of the railway, and of the advances which
would be required in assisting emigration on a
large scale. Advances could be secured upon the
lands reserved for sale by the Government in aid
of the cost of construction of the Pacific Railway
or upon the farms occupied by the emigrants or
upon both, and the Imperial assistance to the rail-
way might be defined and limited to its satisfaction.
But all this was a thing of the past. It shows, how-
ever, to what lengths the Canadian Government,
with what Mr. Goldwin Smith had called a "white
elephant on its hands," was then prepared to go.
Now, the Canadian Pacific Railway had been built
a decade ago and the agricultural potentialities of
the country had been tried and found to be great
even beyond the early expectations. Yet still the
tide of emigration was to the south of the British
line; still the intending British emigrant persisted
in regarding Canada as a land of snow and ice and
outside the range of his choice of a future home.
240
The Country's Fertility
Lord Strathcona recalled the enormous emigration
to Canada of the thirties and forties.
" I am astonished," he said, "when I think of the
conditions prevailing, that so many should have
emigrated then and so few now." In a letter,
written in 1896, he wrote that the Canadian Gov-
ernment attached the greatest possible importance
to the resources and capabilities of the Dominion
becoming better known and understood in the
United Kingdom than they are at present, and a
similar feeling prevails among the five million of
her Majesty's subjects who form the population of
its different provinces.
A considerable emigration [Sir Donald went on to
say] takes place every year from the United Kingdom,
some of which goes to Canada, some to the other Col-
onies, and the larger proportion apparently to for-
eign countries. Canadians would like to see a much
greater part of this movement going to Canada, which
offers advantages to immigrants not excelled by any
other part of the world. The various Provinces —
Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick,
Quebec, Manitoba, the North- West Territories, and
British Columbia — stretch from the Atlantic to the
Pacific Ocean, and offer a wide variety of climate to
suit all comers, and a fertile soil which has been highly
spoken of by the tenant-farmer delegations which have
visited the country in recent years. Only a fringe of
the territory is at present inhabited, and there are
countless millions of acres of fertile soil, ready, with
cultivation, to grow all the products of the temperate
zone.
241
Lord Strathcona
To the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier
I4th October, 1896.
One of the leading obstacles in the way of promotion
of our interests, from an emigration standpoint, lies in
the apathy of the New York lines, arising largely from
the higher rates in operation from American ports to
our North- West, as compared with those from Cana-
dian ports. It applies not only to British emigration,
but to Continental emigration; and we must make
endeavours to get on better terms with the great com-
panies, which do not help us in the matter of emigra-
tion at all at present.
To take an instance, the fare from New York to
Winnipeg is £3 155. od. From Quebec to Montreal it is
£2 9-s. 4^., a difference of £i 55. 8d. The Canadian
Pacific Railway are not willing to equalize matters
themselves, because, if they did, and had to pay £i
i os. iod., as they do now, upon every passenger trav-
elling by way of New York, it would leave them only
185. 6d. for their share of the haul. Perhaps the officers
of the Government and the Canadian Pacific Railway
might be requested to look into the matter, to see
whether something cannot be done. If it were possible
it would certainly tend to increase our emigration, for
we would then have all the agents of the New York
lines working for us. It would also materially increase
our passenger traffic over the American lines with
which the Canadian Pacific Railway is in connection.
It might be worth the while of both the Canadian
Government and the Canadian Pacific Railway Com-
pany to cooperate toward bringing about such a result,
in view of the great advantage it would have for
Canada. It is of no use trying to do anything with the
242
His English Addresses
British and Continental New York lines until the
inequality is removed. In this connection it must be
borne in mind as a principle that if the New York line
agents are not working for us, their influence is either
opposed to us, or is negative.
All of his emigration addresses were of an emi-
nently practical character, conveying exactly the
kind of information that a farmer or workingman
would find useful if he harboured any thought of
emigrating overseas. He spoke of the immense
acreage awaiting cultivation, and of the crops that
could be grown upon it. He told of the climate ; of
the remarkable development of our railways and
canals; of our excellent banking system; of our
great industrial enterprises; of our mines and min-
erals, second to none in the world; of the cosmo-
politan character of our population; of our supe-
rior educational institutions; and of our desire
to develop trade with the United Kingdom and
to draw more closely the bonds of affection that
attach us to the Empire. Not even the hundreds
of varieties of wild flowers that so modestly " trans-
form many parts of the prairies into huge flower
gardens" were overlooked. His public addresses
were those of a Canadian proud of his country,
hopeful of its future, and anxious to do it service.
Early in January he had the pleasure to be pres-
ent at a banquet tendered to his friend Sir Charles
Tupper, who in the course of his speech uttered that
panegyric of his successor in office to which allusion
has already been made.
243
Lord Strathcona
Canada now has the good fortune to have as my
successor in the High Commissionership, Sir Donald
Smith, a gentleman who possesses to an infinitely
greater degree than either of his predecessors the con-
fidence — [No, no] — yes — I say it advisedly — he
possesses, and deservedly possesses, the confidence of
both parties in Canada to an extent to which I could
never make the slightest claim. And you will readily
understand why, when, without mentioning his other
great claims to public confidence, I say that the mag-
num opus of Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway,
would have no existence to-day, notwithstanding
all that the Government did to support that under-
taking, had it not been for the indomitable pluck and
energy and determination, both financially and in every
other respect, of Sir Donald Smith.
Lord Strathcona used to say that no tribute that
had ever been paid him gave him greater pleasure
than this from his former travelling companion
over the desolate, snow-clad prairies to Fort Garry
a generation before.
Naturally the project of a line of steamers run-
ning from Britain to a port in Hudson's Bay, and
there connecting with a railway serving the North-
West, had much personal interest for Sir Donald.
His dictum on the subject deserves to be quoted : —
At first blush I should say its commercial practica-
bility was not possible! But if my long life and experi-
ence have taught me anything, it is this: everything is
possible. What man has done, man can do. There is
no project so fantastic — there is no scheme of trans-
portation so extravagant, — at which I would now
244
Hudson's Bay Route
laugh — or which I am not disposed to believe, in ca-
pable hands, possible and even highly successful.
Which suggests that on one occasion Lady
Strathcona exclaimed : "Really — I could no more
do such a thing than I could fly."
"But, my dear," observed her husband quietly,
"we can all fly now if we choose."
An application, made by the promoter of the
Hudson's Bay route to the British Government for
its cooperation in investigating the possibilities of
the scheme, had been rejected. Sir Donald wrote
again to Mr. Goschen urging him to reconsider his
decision.
To the Right Honourable G. J. Goschen, M.P.
1 8th February, 1897.
It is a fact that the previous expeditions are not
regarded as conclusive by many in Canada, and
especially by a large number of the inhabitants of
Manitoba and the North-West Territories, who are
fully impressed with the belief that navigation is
practicable for at least several months of the year in
Hudson's Bay and Straits.
You will readily understand, therefore, the desire
that exists that the question should be investigated in
a very thorough manner, in order that the practicabil-
ity of the new route, or otherwise, may be satisfactorily
demonstrated. This result is more likely to be achieved
with the cooperation of Her Majesty's Government
than without it.
If the route, even with specially constructed steam-
ers, should prove to be practicable for a sufficient time
245
Lord Strathcona
each year to encourage commercial enterprise, it would
be of importance to Manitoba and the North-West
Territories and also to the exporters and importers
of the United Kingdom. The North-West Territories
and Manitoba promise to afford a large market for
British produce, and their capacity is great for raising
food supplies of various kinds which are so largely
imported into Great Britain.
Therefore, in view of all these circumstances, I hope
you will be so kind as to reconsider the question, and I
trust, after consultation with your colleagues, some
means may be found of cooperating with the Canadian
Government in the proposed investigation, not only
by deputing an officer to accompany the expedition,
but by sharing in the expenses that will necessarily
have to be incurred.
But the British Government again declined, and
ultimately the investigation was made by Canada.
The result was the commencement of the Hudson's
Bay railway.
One of the matters which on the threshold of
the Jubilee Year gave him great concern was the
fate of the Imperial Institute, which with a mighty
blaze of trumpets had promised to accomplish such
a great work for the Imperial idea. The splendid
building had been open only four or five years and
now already appeared to be threatened with bank-
ruptcy. The amount derived from the endowment
fund just sufficed to pay the rates and taxes and
the interest on the debt. For the rest the Institute
had only its modest subscription list as an assured
income; and the balance of its working expenses
had to be made out of Colonial contributions and
246
The Imperial Institute
what it could raise by catering for the general public
as a place of recreation and amusement.
You will see [wrote Lord Strathcona to Sir Wilfrid
Laurier in March, 1897] that Mr. Labouchere says
that "the history of the Institute is a monument of
reckless extravagance, purposeless effort, and incom-
petent administration." It is a great pity, because I
believe it could still in other hands fulfil its purpose.
He reverted to the subject in Ottawa, whither
he proceeded at the end of March to consult the
Government.
To the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier
OTTAWA, 13 April, 1897.
So far as Canada is concerned, we are not getting
from the Institute the results which we ought to expect.
This arises a good deal from the lukewarm interest
that appears to be taken in the matter in Canada.
Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba, and perhaps Brit-
ish Columbia, have a fair collection of products, but
nothing like what might be sent if the effort was
made. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island take
no part in the Institute at all ; they have no collection
and hitherto have refused to pay any money.
The North-West Territories have hitherto paid
their share of the bills, but have sent over no exhibits.
The same remark applies very much to Nova Scotia.
The exhibits could be made of much more use if the
whole expenditure was provided by the Canadian
Government, and the Canadian Court managed from
the High Commissioner's office.
What we have to consider before doing anything on
247
Lord Strathcona
the lines suggested is what is going to be the future of
the Institute? It is very evident, unless the finances
are placed in a more satisfactory condition, the Insti-
tute must collapse.
With Lord Herschel (who is Chairman of the Insti-
tute) I had some conversation on the subject just be-
fore I left England, and he appeared to think that, if
the present difficulties could be tided over for a few
years, the Institute would come into an annual sum
from the Commission of the Exhibition of 1851, which
would put it on a solid basis. Meantime, however, its
condition is far from being satisfactory.
Interesting is it to learn now that he at one time
entertained the notion of buying the Imperial
Institute outright and reorganizing it on a new
basis. He was not deterred by the expense, but by
a doubt whether the expenditure would be justified
by its usefulness.
On the loth of March, Sir Donald departed on
the Teutonic on another brief visit to Canada to
consult with Dominion Ministers, and especially with
the Honourable Clifford Sifton, the new Minister
of the Interior, on the all-important subject of
the immigration policy of the Administration.
The sensational gold discoveries in the Klon-
dyke were rapidly proving the long-desired magnet
for immigrants. On every hand one heard of the
"rush to the Klondyke," and the stirring incidents
of the great California mining boom of 1849 were
about to be reenacted.
The world [he wrote in March, 1897] has taken a
long time to find out the mineral wealth of the Yukon
248
Gold in the Klondyke
district. I recall many old Hudson's Bay pioneers
telling of the gold there nearly half a century ago, and
it was reported to the Company longer ago than that,
but it was not then considered to be " in their line."
CHAPTER XXII
THE ANNUS MIRABILIS
To the students of British political history, the
year 1897 will ever mark an era in the relations of
the United Kingdom and the Oversea Dominions.
A decade before there had been celebrated by the
British people the Jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign.
Albeit in the short space of ten years, the whole
Imperial outlook changed. Conditions at home and
abroad were not the same. Whosoever takes the
pains to explore the annals of that decade will be
struck by the new mood of Imperial sentiment
which now swept over the whole Empire. Repre-
sentatives of the Colonies had visited England in
1 887 : but they came unofficially, and for the temper,
the spirit, and the knowledge with which they
were received, one glance at the newspapers of the
period, recording the well-meant but patronizing
speeches delivered on many notable occasions, will
suffice.1
The Jubilee celebration of 1897 [wrote the Speaker
of the Canadian House of Commons], has either
1 "A few years ago people from Canada and the Colonies were
regarded in England as merely those to whom it was well to be civil —
very worthy backwoods people, but hardly worth while crossing the
sea to recognize. We know that our neighbours of the United States
were thought highly of and seen everywhere in society: but was it so
of ourselves from Canada?" (Lord Strathcona, Speech in Toronto.
November, 1900.)
250
Canada's Oversea Hegemony
caused or elicited an Imperial sentiment, the strength
of which was never before displayed or suspected.
Was it a little thing that, as a pledge of kinship and
love, the greatest of all commercial powers denounced
two of her most important commercial treaties, in
order to help Canada to draw nearer to her? Assuredly
a new epoch has at last come in the world's history,
when the discovery has been made that a parent nation
can bind a Colony closer to her by striking off all its
fetters, and can win its enduring loyalty by a gift of
the broadest freedom.1
The Colonies [said Sir Donald Smith] are taking a
prominent position in the United Kingdom this year.
Their status in the Empire has at last been recognized.
They have been invited for the first time to partici-
pate in a national celebration. They will share in the
rejoicings of the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of
Her Majesty's reign. Their military and police forces
will be represented in the royal procession, and their
Prime Ministers will be the guests of the Imperial
Government. Let us hope that their great gatherings
may lead to a closer union among the family nations,
— all under one flag and owning allegiance to one
Sovereign, — which make up the British Empire.
In ten years the British Empire had, indeed,
moved notably and the most marked progress had
been made by Canada. Canada was the acknowl-
edged leader amongst the dominions overseas. We
have noted several causes contributing to enhance
her prestige. We have seen, after a period of stag-
nation, an enfeebled Government overthrown and
a new Administration, at the head of which was a
1 The Honourable J. D. Edgar, Canada and its Capital.
251
Lord Strathcona
French-Canadian of great personal distinction and
eloquence, of whom as yet little was known and
everything was hoped, enter upon the scene.
It was in the spring of this year that the question
of the fiscal relations between Canada and the
United Kingdom came almost dramatically to the
forefront in Imperial politics. In April there came
the Fielding Tariff Law by which preferential treat-
ment was accorded to Great Britain, uncondition-
ally. Thus a great and momentous step was taken
toward that Imperial union which had been
preached so long and preached in vain. It lent the
British advocates of tariff reform a practical basis
from which to launch their policy; although in
Canada it was rather a step toward the free trade
long promised by the Liberal Party —
But before the preference could go into effect the
treaties with Germany and Belgium had to be de-
nounced by Great Britain and this was later agreed
to.1 The announcement of the Fielding Tariff,
according preference to British goods and denounc-
ing the existing treaty with Germany, thrilled the
whole Empire, evoking from Mr. Kipling, then at
the very height of his renown, the lines, —
" Daughter in my mother's house,
But mistress in mine own,"
1 "The abrogation of the treaties left the commercial relations
between the United Kingdom and Belgium and Germany in an un-
stable position; a new treaty was later negotiated with Belgium, but
the enjoyment of most-favoured-nation treatment in Germany has
since rested only on an annual resolution of the Bundesrath. It was,
however, primarily against Canada, as will be seen later, that Ger-
man resentment was directed." (O. D. Skelton, Canada and its
Provinces.)
252
Citizens of the Empire
in which Canada proclaimed her fiscal and com-
mercial independence.
The High Commissioner returned to his post in
the second week in May, and a few days later took
part in a great banquet, presided over by his friend
the Marquess of Lome.
Sir Donald Smith [said Lord Lorne] has just come
back from a journey to Canada, where his presence was
so often sought that his countrymen must find it
difficult to persuade themselves to send him over here
to represent them, he is so necessary both in Europe
and in Canada. It is the opinion of one and all who
have had anything to do with the Canadian Office
that no better High Commissioner from the great
Dominion of Canada could possibly have been chosen,
and we hope he may be continued in that office in
good health and strength for many years to come.
Replying to the toast of "Her Majesty's Colo-
nies," Sir Donald said
that the subject of the toast was one of great and
noble proportions. It is one which comes home to the
heart of every colonist who is proud that his particular
Colony is a part and that he is himself a citizen of that
great Empire on which the sun never sets. He feels that
in England he is every bit as fully an Englishman as
any of you. He has all the sentiment and reminiscences
of an Englishman, and having them he is all the better
citizen of the Colony in which he lives. Looking back
to the commencement of the reign of the Queen, what
do we find? In Canada we had what was called a
rebellion. An important portion of the people were in
arms, because they thought those rights to which they
253
Lord Strathcona
were entitled as Englishmen were not given to them at
that time. What have we there now? Are these very
same people — that French-speaking people — any
less loyal than the English-speaking people? There is
a large proportion of English-speaking people in
Canada, and they have chosen for their Premier a
French-speaking statesman. We know for a certainty
that there could be no more devoted subjects of the
Queen. It has been said that Canadians have been
looking toward Washington. Let me say that there is
not one iota of truth in any such suggestion. If
Canada were polled, not one man in a hundred — not
one man in a thousand — would be found who did not
wish to live and die under the British flag. Sixty years
ago the Colonies were little known over here, but this
has altered, and everybody now knows Australia and
Africa almost as well as his own country. That is a good
thing, the drawing together of the Colonies. I have the
honour of representing eight colonies, now happily one ;
and I hope we shall shortly be able to say the same of
the great Colonies in Australia and Africa. Every
colonist looks upon this sixtieth year of the Queen's
reign with as great an interest as you do, for the
Queen is to them, as to you, not only a model Sover-
eign, but a model woman. Even among our neigh-
bours in the United States, no sovereign could be looked
up to with more regard than is our beloved Queen.
There was a curious protest in certain quarters
against the term "Our Lady of the Snows, "as ap-
plied to Canada. This Lord Strathcona did not share.
I really do not see why we should be ashamed of our
snow. It seems to me that I have heard this same
snow praised a great deal by a great many poets and
254
Lord Northcliffe
certainly about Christmas-time I am told that the
most popular pictures are those depicting snow-clad
scenery. Our beautiful Canadian snow used to be
considered a great asset instead of a drawback. Per-
sonally I think snow, besides being very beautiful, is a
wonderful convenience to the people of the Canadian
countryside which England lacks, and to it, besides, is
due much of the special fertility of our soil.
It is not too much to say that England's inter-
est in the visit of the Premiers largely centred upon
the picturesque figure of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. This
interest now began to be warmly stimulated by the
newspapers. Into London journalism had recently
leapt a new force ; the lethargic, the oracular, and
the dull had been forced to make way in popular
esteem to the sprightliness, vigour, and brilliancy
of youth.
The career of Mr. Alfred Harmsworth, after-
wards Lord Northcliffe, will offer a curious study
to future historians and philosophers. For a long
time his volatility merely entertained the serious-
minded. It is now recognized that his influence
has been profound and far-reaching. We cannot
yet fairly estimate his contribution to the poli-
tics and national habits of thought and action in
England for the last twenty years. Nevertheless,
a shrewd American observer, the late John Hay,
once gave it as his opinion that modern British
Imperialism, "as a popular force, was largely the
joint production of four men," Joseph Chamber-
lain, Lord Strathcona, Rudyard Kipling, and Lord
Northcliffe.
255
Lord Strathcona
My own intimate connection with the then Mr.
Harmsworth dates from the beginning of 1895,
before he had yet ventured either into politics or
daily journalism. In the spring of 1896 he founded
the Daily Mail, with which I became editorially
associated.
As a Canadian, dwelling at the heart of the Em-
pire, and not unresponsive to Canadian activities
and aspirations, I naturally endeavoured to secure
Mr. Harmsworth's interest in anything which
would be an advantage in making Canada and
her affairs figure a little more prominently in the
public eye. It is entertaining enough to look back
over that brief intervening span of years and mark
how different is the popular knowledge of and in-
terest in the Dominion now compared to what it
was then.1
From the first, Sir Donald, with whom I had
many conversations on the subject, agreed with me
in thinking that one cause of the little knowledge
concerning Canada possessed by the average Eng-
1 At the risk of seeming to obtrude myself unduly I may mention
that when I introduced Mr. Harmsworth to the High Commissioner,
I proposed to the former that I should tour the Dominion from ocean
to ocean, and endeavour to set forth our resources in an attractive
light for the enormous public his newspaper already commanded.
This was arranged, greatly to Sir Donald Smith's satisfaction, and
the fruits of a protracted journey from Newfoundland to the Pacific
continued to appear, under the title of "Our Western Empire" in
the Daily Mail, well on into the spring of 1897. Sir Donald very
kindly wrote me that these articles had "popularized Canada to a
most gratifying extent." On my return to London, I was happily
enabled to act as a sort of unofficial avant-courier to the Honour-
able Mr. Laurier, the new and then personally unknown Prime
Minister of the Dominion.
256
Advertising Canada
lishman, was the paucity of Canadian news in the
British press. Canada was a "land of snow," and
Montreal was rarely mentioned, save in connec-
tion with her annual ice-palace. Sir Donald put it
in this way in a confidential letter to Mr. Laurier : —
To the Honourable Wilfrid Laurier
2Oth August, 1896.
You are aware, I think, that very little Canadian
news finds its way into English newspapers. This
arises largely from competition having ceased between
Reuter's and Dalziel's agencies. The latter is practi-
cally non-existent, and the former for some years past
seem to have been restricting their expenditure, so far
as Canadian news is concerned. Then, again, none of
the papers, with the exception of the Times, have any
correspondents in Canada who send telegraphic infor-
mation. In fact, the Times is the only paper in which
Canadian news appears at all regularly. In the other
papers it is only telegrams about things of a startling
or morbid nature which appear to obtain publicity,
and it is to matters of that kind that Reuter's agents
seem largely to devote their attention.
The Times, as you know, has a comparatively limited
circulation, and does not reach the middle class. Con-
sequently very little information relating to the com-
mercial or industrial progress of the country reaches
the larger public, and a valuable medium for educating
the people of the United Kingdom about the resources
and capabilities of Canada is lacking. Canadians who
visit England are struck by the lack of Canadian news
and you will see it frequently commented upon in press
interviews on their return.
257
Lord Strathcona
Naturally, I look upon the matter largely from the
advertisement point of view. To have Canada and
Canadian news of a desirable nature appearing fre-
quently in the English papers would be of great use to
us. It would help emigration, it would help the exten-
sion of trade, and would be beneficial from every point
of view. As the news agencies are apparently not
prepared to incur any expense in the matter, and the
newspapers do not appoint their own agents in the
Dominion, the question is, How is the difficulty to
which I have referred to be got over?
It occurs to me that it would be most useful to me,
as High Commissioner for Canada, and as the repre-
sentative of the Dominion in this country, to receive
from you once or twice a week, or even a little more
frequently, should it be necessary or desirable, tele-
grams informing me of anything that may be happen-
ing in the Dominion of an interesting nature and illus-
trating the progress of the country. For instance,
particulars about the revenue and expenditure, imports
and exports, the experimental farms, the crops in the
different districts, and mining and industrial develop-
ment, would be most valuable; the same remark applies
to anything which would serve to draw the attention
of the people to the Dominion and interest them in its
progress and welfare.
I commend the matter to your consideration, and
shall be glad if you will let me know what you think of
my proposal at your convenience.
There are many episodes of that Annus mirabilis
which are far less significant than the one I am
about to relate.
Hearing that a little private entertainment of the
258
A Welcome to Mr. Laurier
visiting First Ministers of the Colonies had been
planned, Mr. Harmsworth, at my suggestion, re-
solved upon giving a large party at his town resi-
dence in Berkeley Square.
His newspapers, meanwhile, led the way by giv-
ing prominence to the personality and every cir-
cumstance connected with the approaching visit of
the oversea notabilities.
The Author to Sir Donald A. Smith
2d June, 1897.
I hasten to acknowledge your kind note of yesterday.
Mr. Harmsworth and myself need no assurance of your
warm cooperation. This is to be a great Colonial year
- it will not be our fault if it is not also a great
Canadian year.
Mr. Laurier sails to-day by the Lucania. He will, of
course, take precedence amongst the overseas Premiers,
not only by reason of Canada's status, but because of
his own personality. Ought not we Canadians to give
him an especially cordial welcome, not only in London,
but on his arrival in Liverpool? I suggested to Mr.
Archer Baker that a party of us travel down and meet
the Lucania in Liverpool Harbour next Wednesday.
He approved heartily of this, but thought it essential
you should head the party.
Please let me know your opinion of this little plan.
Unluckily, on the very day this letter was written
Sir Donald was attacked by one of those violent
colds to which he was constitutionally subject and
a verbal message came to me that he was confined to
his bed. Under the circumstances it was thought
259
Lord Strathcona
wise not to press him to accompany the party of
Canadians from London. Arrangements were made
for a steam tug and a small brass band of five musi-
cians to meet the Lucania at the entrance of Liver-
pool Harbour, on the loth. But alas, difficulties
arose — the weather threatened and there was
grave doubt of the exact time of the steamer's
arrival ; it might be midnight — the tug might loi-
ter about the harbour for twenty-four hours. The
threatened ordeal was not too severe for Young
Imperialism, but it was unacceptable to the musi-
cians and also to the master of the vessel, who im-
posed conditions which could, we thought, not
prudently be fulfilled. Wherefore, reluctantly, the
welcome by water was abandoned.
On June 7, I wrote to Sir Donald : —
For the reception on the 2 1st to the Premiers, we
have engaged Melba, Paderewski, and Miss Crossley.
It is sincerely to be hoped that nothing else will hap-
pen on that evening — such, for example, as a dinner-
party at Windsor! Judging from a conversation I had
yesterday at the Colonial Office with Mr. Baillie-
Hamilton, I should say that anything they can do to
discourage us they will do. The permanent staff would
prefer everything this year should be strictly official.
On the same day I received the following : —
From Sir Donald Smith
53 CADOGAN SQUARE, S.W.,
WHITMONDAY, 7th June, 1897.
Ever since the receipt of your note of the 2d, I have
been practically laid up from the effects of a severe
260
Colonial Premiers arrive
cold which still hangs over me ; but if you can make it
convenient to call at my office, 17 Victoria Street, be-
tween eleven and twelve to-morrow morning, I shall be
very glad of the opportunity of talking over with you
the matter referred to by you, of a special and cordial
welcome to the Honourable Mr. Laurier, our Dominion
Premier.
I, and let me add that all Canadians, will greatly
appreciate the warm interest taken by Mr. Harms-
worth and yourself in this; and with best regards for
you and him, believe me, etc.
When I duly explained to the High Commissioner
that the Liverpool scheme had been abandoned, he
seemed disappointed. "I had been thinking," he
said, " what a splendid surprise it would be and had
made up my mind that the little sea-trip would do
me good. However, I suppose you are right."
Of the welcome given by London to Canada's
Premier, Mr. Laurier had no reason to complain. It
was a personal triumph. The First Ministers of
the other Colonies arriving took up their quarters
in the Hotel Cecil as royal guests, where they were
waited on by servants in the royal livery, while
royal carriages were at their bidding. No wonder
that some of these Colonial dignitaries were a little
dazzled by the brilliancy of their welcome. For the
first time in their lives, they felt the full force of
being representative: for their personalities and
achievements alike were unknown. Their carriages
wound their way hither and thither, the news-
papers chronicled the most trifling actions of the
Colonial notabilities. British officialdom called and
261
Lord Strathcona
left their cards. But until the 2ist of June, the
Prime Ministers were socially nomina et pr&terea
nihil. London society held aloof from any practical
demonstration. To invite to their drawing-rooms
and dinner-tables colonists of whom nothing per-
sonally was known was too revolutionary of eti-
quette. They would smile benignly, they would
even condescend to wave the fluttering cambric,
but not yet would Mayfair open wide the portals
of its houses.
Such being Mr. Harmsworth's opportunity, he
took full advantage of it. Fifteen hundred invita-
tions were issued to the leaders of London society,
ambassadors, prominent members of Parliament, to
those at the bar and on the stage, to this reception,
"to meet the Colonial Premiers."
The long regime of "Mr. Mother Country,"
humorously prefigured by J. K. Stephen, was rap-
idly drawing to a close. But the discredited auto-
crat could still aim a blow at " pushf ulness."
Certain Colonial Office officials, regarding the
proceeding as very irregular and even impertinent,
took prompt, but, as they thought, effectual means
for turning it into a fiasco. For the reception, of
which all London was now talking, "to meet the
Premiers," would be absurd without the presence
of the Premiers themselves. Before it was possible
for us to change the date it was announced that
Her Majesty the Queen had commanded the
Premiers to a reception that evening at Bucking-
ham Palace!
262
A Threatened Contretemps
From Sir Donald Smith
I sympathize with you most unfeignedly, but I really
do not see what remedy there can be. It is most un-
fortunate, but you may rest assured that Mr. Cham-
berlain was not concerned in the matter, which is
entirely out of his control.
Sir Donald then shared our suspicions, but we
had no proof until some time afterwards of their
correctness, that this was a deliberate attempt to
frustrate the Harmsworth party, by way of admin-
istering a rebuke to what was called Mr. Harms-
worth's "pushful Imperialism." I remember Sir
Donald's quiet laugh as he said, " I am afraid I also
am laying myself open to the charge of pushful
Imperialism."
The original date for the Royal Reception was
June 20. It is needless to say that the Queen was
wholly ignorant of these graceless machinations.
In this emergency I sought Mr. Laurier, who was
quite as much chagrined over our threatened pre-
dicament as we were.
"If," I urged, "this function at Buckingham
Palace does not last till midnight, will you come to
Berkeley Square on the 2ist?"
"Certainly," he replied promptly; "I will come
if it lasts till past midnight "; adding, generously,
"moreover, I will endeavour to induce my fellow-
Premiers to come the moment we can get away
without infringing etiquette."
The evening arrived, the mansion in Berkeley
Square was crowded with one of those brilliant
263
Lord Strathcona
assemblages which illustrate a London "season."
Soon after ten o'clock the royal carriages began to
arrive in quick succession and a series of individuals,
resplendent in new laced coats, knee-breeches, and
cocked hats, and each wearing a sword, crossed the
threshold. The circumstance of the Windsor uni-
form, which would otherwise have been impossible,
added much to the eclat of the occasion. Sir Don-
ald afterwards spoke to me of the general sensa-
tion produced by the arrival and announcement
of "The Honourable Mr. Wilfrid Laurier, Prime
Minister of Her Majesty's Dominion of Canada."
Such was the popular debut in London of a states-
man who became as familiar and welcome a figure
at Imperial reunions as any in the galaxy of states-
men from overseas.1
The evening was not to pass without a further
episode. By special messenger from Sir Donald, I
received a copy of the London Gazette, damp from
the press. The company was first to learn her
Majesty's gracious intentions: —
To be a Baron of the United Kingdom, Sir Donald
Alexander Smith, K.C.M.G.
Hardly less gratifying was the announcement : — •
To be a Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael
and St. George, Honourable Wilfrid Laurier.
1 The ignorance of the Colonies, rife in what is called "Society,"
will at this time to many seem incredible. One lady, inviting the
Colonial representative to a garden party, addressed a special request
to Sir Wilfrid Laurier that he and his fellow-guests from overseas
would "kindly appear in their native costumes." The letter has
been preserved as a curiosity.
264
Raised to the Peerage
To Canada's Prime Minister I turned with the
Gazette in my hands, proud to offer my congratula-
tions, and to be the first to address him as "Sir
Wilfrid."
From Sir Donald A . Smith
You are indeed very kind to write in the manner you
have done concerning the high honour Her Majesty
has been pleased to bestow upon my unworthy self.
I regard it as one, not so much paid to me as to
Canada, and I think it will generally and properly be so
regarded.
There later ensued some difficulty in the choice
of a title for the new peer. Having purchased the
interesting Scottish estate of Glencoe, he had at
first contemplated that of Baron Glencoe, but a
sentimental local opposition developed with which
he himself rather sympathized. The title of Mon-
treal had been conceded to Earl Amherst. A com-
promise was effected. Glencoe — the glen or valley
of Conan — has its approximate Gaelic equivalent
in Strathcona. Not until August, on the eve of his
departure for Canada, was the High Commissioner
gazetted "A Baron of the United Kingdom by the
name, style, and title of Baron Strathcona and
Mount Royal, of Glencoe, in the County of Argyll,
and of Mount Royal, in the Province of Quebec and
Dominion of Canada." 1 Like Lord Mountstephen,
Sir Donald Smith thus effected in his new title a
1 " I have consulted the proper authorities," he wrote (October
20), " and find that it is not necessary, when signing my name on
ordinary occasions, to use the whole of my title. So I shall hereafter
confine myself to 'Strathcona' only."
265
Lord Strathcona
happy blending of Scottish and Canadian associa-
tions.
On his first visit to Glencoe after being raised to
the peerage a great ovation awaited him, and he
was presented with an illuminated address from his
tenants, servants, and others on the Glencoe estate.
Said the Montreal Star: —
That Canada's new peer has chosen "Mount
Royal" as one of his titles will rejoice all Canadians
who live under the shadow of the Mount itself. Now
that he has selected it, that title seems marvellously
appropriate. Mount Royal looks down on many a
memento of the Baron's long kindness and practi-
cal philanthropy. The Royal Hospital, which was the
gift to the city of her two peers, lies just at its foot ; and
a little to the right are the grounds of McGill, which
no one can visit without being reminded of the generos-
ity of "Sir Donald," — for as "Sir Donald" Montreal
learned to love him, — and hard it will be to think of
him under a new name.
At the annual Dominion Day Banquet on July I ,
at which Sir Wilfrid Laurier was the guest of hon-
our, the new peer led the way in a Jubilee rendering
of the loyal toasts, and it was pleasant to hear the
burst of enthusiasm with which they were received.
He himself was greeted with exceptional warmth,
of which the Marquess of Lome supplied the ex-
planation when he declared his chief difficulty to
be, how to address their chairman. "He has not
yet confided in me by what title to address him.
I shall, however, make no mistake if I call him and
congratulate him as Lord High Commissioner for
266
"Lord High Commissioner"
Canada" — a happy reference most happily re-
ceived.
Next came the " Dominion of Canada," proposed
by Sir Donald, the toastmaster having previously
given the injunction "Fill your bumpers to the brim,
if you please, gentlemen." "Canada," Sir Donald
said with patriotic fervour, "has all the possibilities
of becoming a country equal to that of their friends
on the south of the boundary line." And as he
went on to pave the way for the Premier by a
sketch of the steps leading up to the position which
Confederated Canada holds to-day, "We in Can-
ada," he said, "are a contented people and we are
proud to feel that we are members, and not unim-
portant members, of this great Empire. We hope
the day may be near when other Colonies will take
a leaf out of our Federation book. How could the
unity and devotion of Canada to the Empire be
better shown than by the presence here this even-
ing of one who, though not an Englishman, is as
thoroughly English as any other? We may not,"
added Sir Donald, "have seen eye to eye on politi-
cal matters; still I never was a very great partisan.
I look perhaps more to measures than to men, and
feel, as every one here must feel, that, no matter
whether Liberal or Tory be in power, Canadians
will exhibit the same devotion and loyalty."
Nearly seventeen years of work and achieve-
ment lay before him; yet, when he sailed for Can-
ada, a peer of the realm, he was supposed in many-
quarters to be on the point of retirement from the
High Commissionership. Frequent were the refer-
267
Lord Strathcona
ences to gentlemen who were prepared to succeed
him. A proposal was even put forward that upon
the conclusion of the Earl of Aberdeen's term as
Governor-General, Lord Strathcona should be ap-
pointed his successor.
One leading Canadian journal strongly advo-
cated the appointment. "Canadians, irrespective
of party, taking pride in his character and career,
would like to see him at Rideau Hall. His claims
were, it reasoned, of an exceptional character, and
he would take rank with the most distinguished sub-
jects of Her Majesty's who have filled the position."
But Lord Strathcona would not hear of such a
proposal. In his opinion it would "wholly subvert
the happy arrangement which had existed and
ought always to exist between the central political
authority and the outlying parts. The Governor-
Generalship, having always been held by a non-
Canadian, was a material factor in cementing the
relations between the Dominion and the Mother
Country."
He even disapproved strongly of the appoint-
ment of Lieutenant-Governors from the same Prov-
ince. When I once mentioned to him that a certain
politician had been appointed to the gubernato-
rial chair in his own Province, he said, "A good
man, but a great pity. If they had sent him West
he could better have done justice to himself. His
local antecedents will hamper him."
That aspect of his peerage which pleased him
most was his thus becoming a member of the Im-
perial Parliament. He liked to think of himself as
268
Colonial Representation
a pioneer of the future band of Canadian representa-
tives at Westminster. Yet he recognized the diffi-
culties in the way.
The idea of Colonial representation in the councils of
the Empire is a pleasing one to the Englishmen, and any
feasible scheme will be eagerly welcomed. There are,
of course, many difficulties with which to contend.
There is the question of taxation. Taxation without
representation is objectionable; but representation
without taxation is hardly possible ; and it is difficult to
say how far the people of the Colonies would be willing
to contribute to an Imperial fund.
One result of the new Canadian tariff and of Sir
Wilfrid's utterances, however, is to direct British at-
tention very strongly to our country, and we may
expect not only a large increase in our trade with
Britain, but also that the British investor and capitalist
will be more willing than before to put money in legiti-
mate enterprises in Canada. They think a great deal
of the Colonies in England just now, and will gladly
assist in strengthening the ties which bind them to the
Mother Country.
He recognized that there was much useful
"spade-work" to be done. The Mother Country
and Canada must be drawn together gradually by
the force of common interests, they must achieve a
unity which would make them mutually necessary.
The constitutional changes would come simply and
easily.
On his return to England in September he plunged
newly into his official duties. Each day these grew
in magnitude. Besides the ordinary routine, in-
269
Lord Strathcona
volving the despatch of hundreds of letters and
giving personal interviews to callers, there were
several large schemes which he had much at heart.
At this time the chief amongst these was the long-
canvassed plan of a "fast Atlantic service" by
which steamers would make the voyage from the
British Isles to a Canadian port in five or six days.
For many years past, the lines running to Canadian
ports, and carrying both mails and passengers, had
had imminent over their heads the threat of a fast
and heavily subsidized mail service of which they
might or might not be the providers.
It is impossible [complained one of them] to imagine
anything more paralyzing or repressive of enterprise
than the policy which the Canadian authorities have
followed. While larger and faster steamers have been
provided for the New York passenger service, the
steamship lines to Canada have been practically com-
pelled to mark time, not knowing what was to be done.
There were difficulties about making terms with
the Messrs. Allan, or with the Dominion or Beaver
lines. But the prospect that the British Govern-
ment would also assist with a large subsidy tempted
an enterprising contractor named Peterson to come
forward with an offer to operate such a steamship
system.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 6th October, 1897.
As shown by my official letters of to-day and cable
message to your address of the 25th and 28th Septem-
270
A Fast Atlantic Service
ber, I have not been idle since my return from Canada
in the matter of the "fast Atlantic service."
My cable message of to-day advises you that Peter-
son, Tate & Co. have paid into the Bank of Montreal
here £10,000, the cash guarantee required of them in
connection with their contract.
Mr. Peterson has been with me to-day, and on my
pointing out to him that securities for a further sum
of £10,000 must be lodged, he assured me that this
would be forthcoming within the next few days and I
think we may count on this being carried out. There
appears to be every reasonable expectation that he will
be able to form a company with the required capital,
but it will take some time yet before he can complete his
arrangements, and until he has secured five directors
to whom no objection can be taken and until the whole
of the capital wanted has actually been underwritten
by men or firms of undoubted financial standing, I
cannot recommend that your Government should be
directly represented on the board, nor until then would
it be wise in my opinion to approach Mr. Chamberlain
on the subject, with the view of having a director
representing the Imperial Government. Mr. Chamber-
lain is at present in Switzerland, but is expected back
soon.
You may feel assured that there will be every effort
on my part to push the matter on to a satisfactory con-
clusion, but to insure success we must see that every
step taken is in the right direction, and it is a decided
gain that Peterson is to complete his deposit without
availing himself of the sixty days before doing so.
To-day I had an opportunity of explaining the posi-
tion to Mr. Fielding, and I think he is satisfied that we
are doing all that is possible to expedite matters.
271
Lord Strathcona
With regard to the subject the Finance Minister has
more immediately before him, that of the proposed loan,
I think there is every prospect that it will be entirely
satisfactory.
But it soon appeared that Mr. Peterson desired
more definite backing from the Government and
from Lord Strathcona himself.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
OTTAWA, 9th November, 1897.
The matter of the fast Atlantic service, we think, has
reached a point at which some definite conclusion, one
way or the other, must be taken.
Mr. Peterson has been asking us recently to agree
to two different things: First, that Milford Haven
should be the terminus, and second, that you should
be on the board of directors of the company.
With regard to the first demand concerning Mil-
ford Haven, this is a point which must be left for
further consideration, when everything else has been
settled. As to your going on the board, this is a matter
which has to be very carefully considered. It seems
that unless something is done to help him, Peterson
is now powerless and cannot carry out his contract.
It also looks as if, unless you undertake yourself to
pull him through, the matter must fail. The question
is now whether it would be too great an undertaking
to ask you practically to organize the company and
make it a success. If it were to be a failure ultimately,
would you not think that the investors would hold the
Government responsible for having allowed the com-
pany to have the encouragement of the presence on the
board of the High Commissioner? In other words, we
272
Fast Line postponed
think that it would not be advisable for you to accept
a position on the board, unless your judgment is clear
that the whole scheme is to turn out well financially,
not only for the Government of Canada, but for the
investors also. Unless you are satisfied of that, we think
it better to press the matter to a conclusion and let
the contract drop. There has been too much procrasti-
nation already. We have lost one season. It is time
that we should be prepared to put the matter in such
a shape as not to lose another.
The jubilation over the fast line was premature.
It became clear that the projector could not carry
out his contract. As the High Commissioner wrote :
The position is an awkward one, but I am not with-
out good hopes that a fast Atlantic service can still
be arranged for on reasonable terms, and I shall cer-
tainly be glad to aid in every possible way in accom-
plishing this.
For the present, then, the fast line was shelved.
Lord Strathcona expressed the utmost sympathy
for Mr. Peterson, whom he regarded as an honour-
able man, who did his utmost to supplement his
promise.
It was too much for him, but this does not mean
that it would be too much for every man. I received
a letter, shortly before I left England, from one of the
partners in a large shipbuilding firm, who has no
interest one way or the other in the Canadian service,
and who said that Canada should never consent to
anything but a fast service, seeing that with the
recent development the speed of the great Atlantic
liners would be increased. Twenty knots was the least
273
Lord Strathcona
that the country should accept was the opinion of this
gentleman. My own personal opinion is that Canada
should secure the very fastest service for such subsidy
as she can afford to give. To accept anything less
would be unfair to those companies which are already
in the business, and which supply an ordinary speed.
Of course I do not speak of any temporary arrange-
ment. I mean the contract for the fast service. This
should be modern in every sense, and the fastest
which could be obtained. No permanent subsidy
should be given for a comparatively slow service which
would enter into competition with that which we
already possess.
He had serious thoughts of taking the whole pro-
ject on his own shoulders and carrying it through.
From this he was eventually dissuaded, but it had
long an attraction for him. Before many years had
passed the Canadian Pacific Railway Company en-
tered the Atlantic steamship field, with vessels of
a superior class.
Meanwhile, Lord Strathcona had been making
numerous speeches throughout the Kingdom.
Replying at a dinner of the Walsall Chamber of
Commerce, on October 21, to the toast "To the
Colonies," he expressed the earnest hope that be-
fore long the Australian Colonies would not be dis-
tinct or separate, but united in a commonwealth
embracing the whole of their vast territories. He
hoped also to see a similar Federation in Africa,
and another in the West Indian Islands.
There was [he continued] a short time back a denun-
ciation of certain treaties which had a very great in-
274
No Separate Nationality
fluence in keeping the Colonies from that closer com-
mercial union with the Mother Country which they
were all desirous to have. He thought it was not too
much to say that to Canada it was in some measure
owing that the denunciation of these treaties had come
at the present moment. Canada was desirous of show-
ing that she would be heart and hand with the Mother
Country in everything that was in the best interest of
both, and offered to England a preference in commer-
cial matters which she would not give to the other
nations. If that preference had not been carried out in
its entirety, it was not the fault of Canada. It was
because of treaty requirements with Belgium, Ger-
many, and other countries. There had, too, been the
difficulty about the rate of duty which would be
imposed by the United States on goods imported
through Canada. That, however, he was glad to say,
had been disposed of happily for Canada, and by July
next the treaties would be got rid of, and there would
be a clear gain of twenty- five per cent for England,
upon the goods affected.
They would welcome all who were willing to work
and determined to take a part in making Canada not
only what she must become, a very great nation, not
a separate nation, but one in the closest comity with
the English nation. Such a toast as that he had the
honour of responding to would not have been possible
a few years ago, but it was rising to importance, and
would continue to grow. The progress of to-day would
be as nothing to that, not of fifty years hence, — for
that was a lifetime, — but of five and twenty years
hence.
He returned to the same thought at the Master
Cutlers' Feast at Sheffield in the following month.
275
Lord Strathcona
It is only a few years that we have to look back
when it would have been one of our very last hopes,
that this great corporation, or any English corporation,
would have brought forward as a distinct or separate
toast that of "The Colonies." True, it was coupled
in former days with shipping and commerce, but,
happily, there is now a better order of things with
regard to all portions of the Empire, and I think the
toast of "The Colonies" may very well and properly
now find place amongst those that are offered on such
occasions as this. What do the Colonies consist of?
Or what is the difference between now and sixty years
ago? The population of the whole Empire was about
127,000,000; now it is 383,000,000. The area now is
1 1,500,000 of square miles, something like one fifth the
area of the world. Canada alone, the Colony of which
I know most, has about 3,500,000, or about one third
of the whole of those 11,500,000. So that it is meet
"The Colonies" should appear. It has been most
gratifying to Colonists, this sixtieth year of Her
Majesty's reign, to find that they have been received
amongst you as brothers, as fellow-Englishmen — and
I will say for Canada that we appreciate most highly
and that we are grateful for the way in which our Prime
Minister and those detachments which came from
Canada were received into the hearts of Englishmen.
And it was a great object lesson, that he who repre-
sents Canada, elected to that position by the whole
of the people of the Dominion, by far the majority of
whom are themselves English and English-speaking,
was himself of French descent. Nothing I think could
show more the solidarity and the unity of Canada than
this fact, which demonstrates to our friends in Great
Britain, and also I think to the nations, that no
276
" Lest we forget ! '
matter what the mother tongue of the individual in
the Colonies, they are one and all loyal and devoted
to their Queen.
Speaking at a reception at the Canadian Camp at
Bisley in this memorable summer, the High Com-
missioner said that while he had hoped that the
Canadian Team would again carry off the coveted
Queen's Prize, "as subjects of a common Sovereign,
Victoria, they could all rejoice in the victory of the
Victorians."
During the Jubilee proceedings the visiting sol-
diers of the Queen had been the recipients of marked
attention. " Indeed," he went on to say, "it could
not be otherwise, for although they come from
various countries, widely separated, they were all
one people as subjects of the Queen." Speaking
for Canada, and he was sure he equally echoed the
sentiment of the other Colonies, he could repeat a
declaration of loyalty and devotion to the Queen
and to the Empire which was one with the feelings
of their fellow-subjects in the United Kingdom.
While much had been said about the loyalty of the
Colonies, it really was not one whit more necessary
to declare it than it was on the part of their friends
and relations of the Mother Country. All consid-
ered themselves equally Englishmen, and were nat-
urally and equally devoted to the maintenance of
the British Empire in its entirety.
It had been a great and distinguished year — •
this of the Diamond Jubilee — the year in which, it
may truly be said, the British Empire found itself.
No longer were the "wretched Colonies" "mill-
277
Lord Strathcona
stones" about the neck of the Mother Country:
but stalwart and loving children gathered in amity
at her knee. To the old apathy and distrust there
would be no return. No wonder if the jubilation
was a little unbalancing for the moment — that
enthusiasts for a united Empire should rush to
Utopian extremes. But the sober sense of the
nation recovered itself at a word spoken in season.
In the Times one morning appeared five stanzas
entitled " Recessional." These, Lord Strathcona, in
common, doubtless, with thousands of others, had
cut out and committed to memory. A few days
later I found them lying before him on his desk
and he spoke of them. "They should, "he said, "find
a place in the hymnal of every Church." It was
the very voice and lyre of David of Israel : —
"The tumult and the shouting dies —
The Captains and the Kings depart —
Still stands thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget — lest we forget! "
CHAPTER XXIII
THE EMIGRATION MOVEMENT
1896-1914
OUR great need is people — men and women. They
are required for the millions of acres of land that are
given away and are only waiting to be occupied and
cultivated to provide happy homes for any number
of people. They are wanted also to 'develop more
rapidly the great wealth of the country, its agricul-
ture, its fisheries, its forests, its mines, and its manu-
factures. Increase of population cannot fail to add to
the wealth and strength of the Empire. You will be
doing good service to your country if you will help to
make Canada better known whenever you may have an
opportunity of doing so. Sometimes it is the custom
to sneer at emigration, and at the work of those who
promote it ; but I think this a great error. We possess
a fair proportion of the unoccupied parts of the earth
most suitable for the settlement of Europeans. The
opening-up of the resources of Canada, for instance,
not only means a greater and cheaper food supply for
those that are at home, but a sure and steadily in-
creasing market for those manufactures which are
exported in such quantities from the Mother Land,
and upon which its prosperity so much depends. In
fact, emigration is good for those who go, and good
for those who remain behind, and certainly for those
families which have an inducement to emigrate, in
view of the fact that it enables them to make better
279
Lord Strathcona
provision for their children — a desire which is para-
mount in the minds of most people.1
I propose in this chapter to glance at one or two
aspects of the remarkable Canadian emigration
propaganda, chiefly on the continent of Europe,
whose history dates from 1896. No such propa-
ganda, so vast, so ingenious, so insistent and dra-
matic had ever been attempted in history, even
by the United States of America. The era of what
Sir Wilfrid Laurier once so happily called Canada's
"spectacular development" (1896-1913) coincides
so exactly with the term of Lord Strathcona's High
Commissionership, and is, moreover, so intimately
connected with the policy of emigration which he
fostered, that it is little surprising that an eminent
Canadian public man should already refer to it as
the "Strathcona period."2
Speaking for myself [wrote Lord Strathcona, in the
early stages of this campaign], I would prefer to fill up
our enormous tract of vacant lands with settlers from
the British Isles. But the returning prosperity of
British agriculture makes this increasingly difficult,
and our lands only allow for people who may become
loyal and prosperous British subjects.
In Britain and Ireland, Canada was free to make
propaganda, to reach the emigrating class in any
way she chose. There were no restrictions of any
1 Lord Strathcona, Address at Birmingham, November, 1899.
1 " Hereafter our development is likely to be slower and on more
normal lines than those which the future historians may call the
'Strathcona period.' " (Sir George Ross, February, 1914.)
280
Prohibitions and Restrictions
kind from Government or from the police. On the
Continent, however, active hostility was evinced
toward emigration from the various Governments;
there was a police system which was hourly in-
truded into the daily lives of the people, and a whole
series of laws which absolutely prohibited emigra-
tion propaganda and surrounded the mere sale of
tickets to would-be emigrants with restrictions and
regulations which "did not simply harass, but
paralyzed."
Were not the existence of this condition notorious,
it would be easy to enumerate these prohibitions and
restrictions to a wearisome extent. They come, how-
ever, well within your own knowledge and experience,
and it will be obvious to you that special expenditure
and special lines of effort are necessitated by such
conditions, even to the payment of Continental rail-
way fare to port of embarkation and of the Canadian
railway fare to destination in the North-West.1
Thereafter began a long struggle against the dis-
abilities under which Canada has been placed by
certain European authorities. In its propaganda*
Canada was served by a force of emigration agents
who were paid a bonus of so much per capita. The
difficulties which the Canadian Government alone
could aid these agents to evade successfully were
those difficulties eloquently indicated by the emi-
gration laws of the various countries. Every emi-
grant who was induced to leave Germany, Austria,
or Russia was so induced by an evasion of the
1 Letter to the Honourable Clifford Sifton.
281
Lord Strathcona
emigration laws prevailing in such countries, and
he could, generally speaking, be secured in no other
way. A Hamburg agent, for example, not only held
a concession from the Hamburg Government, but
also from each German State, all of which have
separate regulations. He is liable at any moment
to be fined by any of these States for a supposed
breach of their varying regulations, such as sending
a map of Canada to a man who did not actually ask
for it, or who thought it prudent to deny having
asked for it. These fines are frequent and range
from five pounds upwards, and they naturally con-
stitute a somewhat substantial "disability." Any
action tending to increase the revenue of these
agents made the fines more easy to support, and
consequently Lord Strathcona was urged to in-
crease the bonus paid to the agents.
Another suggestion was that the Government
should seek to promote a movement from the Con-
tinent by paying the railway fares of emigrants
to the port of embarkation. This would vary from
seven to thirty shillings per head, according to dis-
tance. There was also the creation of a fund by
which the Canadian railway fare from the port of
debarkation to the destination on the North-West
might also, and in select cases, be in part or alto-
gether defrayed.
On the whole, it was clear that Canada must of-
fer more advantages to the emigrants and to the
agents, in view of what was being done to promote
emigration from the Continent to Brazil, to the
Argentine Republic, and to Chili. These embraced
282
Evading Emigration Laws
free passages, free grants of land, and money ad-
vanced with which to start farming.1
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
8th October, 1896.
We must be careful what we do in the direction of
encouraging any direct evasion of the laws in the
different countries. The fact that this has been done
in the past led to a rescript on the part of the Govern-
ment of Hanover (through the activity of a railway
agent), forbidding steamship agents to book passen-
gers to Manitoba. The payment of the railway fares
on the Continent to the ports of embarkation, and in
Canada from the ports of debarkation to destination,
would involve an expenditure which Parliament might
hesitate to approve of, and the same remark applies
1 It is interesting to note that in 1896, in the case of Chili, they
were as follows: —
Payment of the passage from Liverpool to Chili.
Free railway transportation from port of landing to destination.
Daily advance of sixpence for every adult and threepence for every
child from the day of landing to the day of arrival on land.
Provision to colonist of pair of oxen, gear for field and road, plough,
wooden cart, 150 planks, and 60 pounds of nails.
Free land grant of 170 acres to the colonist and 74 acres for every
son above twelve years of age.
An advance of thirty shillings per month during first year of instal-
lation.
The supply of uprooting machinery when necessary.
Free medical assistance and medicine for first two years.
The full amount to be repaid without interest, in fifths of the
total amount, such repayments to begin after the expiration of three
years.
These conditions were more liberal than those offered by Brazil,
and perhaps by the Argentine, but even the Brazilian Government
offered free passages and special advantages in regard to land and
advances.
283
Lord Strathcona
to the advancing of money to emigrants for other
purposes. It would be difficult to restrict the classes of
people and countries to which such concessions were
given, and not only would it be open to considerable
abuse, in view of the contiguity of Canada and the
United States, but it might also lead to our getting
into difficulties with some of the Continental Govern-
ments. This applies to the use of cars also, especially
in Germany, Austria, and Russia.
What was urgently needed, in the High Com-
missioner's opinion, was: —
More advertising, better pamphlets, a system of
carefully selected returned men; the continuance of the
agent's bonus, the appointment of a travelling Govern-
ment agent, closer relations with the great Continental
lines and their agents, and the equalization of the rates
to our North- West from American and Canadian ports.
With regard to pamphlets: —
We ought to have three distinct leaflets in German,
in Swedish, in Norwegian, and in Czech and Finnish,
the general matter to deal largely with the German or
Scandinavian colonies in Canada, as the case may
be, with letters from German, Swedish, Norwegian, or
Danish settlers respectively for the pamphlet intended
to be circulated in the respective countries. This
leaflet should be from 24 to 36 pages, but not larger.
We should want about 70,000 leaflets — 30,000 in
German, 20,000 Swedish, and 20,000 Norwegian, and
a few in the other languages.
A Scandinavian had recently visited the North-
West under the auspices of the Department of the
284
Distributing Literature
Interior, and had written a report of its advantages.
Lord Strathcona urged that this brochure should
be printed in Norwegian and Swedish, and about
25,000 to 30,000 in each language. In addition he
wrote : —
About 40,000 handbooks similar to those at pres-
ent in use, but improved, would be needed — 20,000
German, 10,000 Norwegian, and 10,000 Swedish. We
want some good photographs of German and Scandi-
navian farms in the North-West for illustrating the
pamphlets. This is important. What, however, is even
more important is a number of letters written by
German and Scandinavian settlers, stating the places
on the Continent from which they came when they
arrived in Canada, their experiences and their progress,
over their names and addresses in Canada.
There are free libraries in many places on the Conti-
nent the same as in England, and a quantity of the
literature in question could be usefully distributed
through such channels as well as through the school-
masters.
Of course, we labour under a disadvantage on the
Continent. Both Scandinavian and German emigra-
tion has been proceeding to the United States for the
last fifty years. Most of the people in the different
parts of the United States have friends on the Conti-
nent, with whom they are no doubt in frequent com-
munication, and it is a well-known fact that the largest
proportion of the Continental emigrants go out to
join their friends. The remainder, what may be called
free emigration, is comparatively small, but it is, not
unnaturally, influenced by the direction in which their
friends and acquaintances may go. Within the last
285
Lord Strathcona
ten years we have had several thousands of emigrants
coming within the latter description, and, in the
course of time, a satisfactory nucleus will no doubt
be formed, which will attract automatically further
immigration. But in the mean time we must go on
working, spending money in encouraging agents, in
advertising, and in printing, so as to keep Canada
before the people.
I may add that, on the Continent, particularly in
Scandinavia, emigrants seem to prefer to travel by the
fastest lines, and the newest steamers — conditions
which, coupled with other circumstances, tend to re-
strict the direct movement to Canada.
One of the German agents expresses grave doubts
as to the wisdom of our distributing pamphlets. He
claims it is much better to carry on the work personally.
He adds that while many of the people cannot or will
not read the pamphlets, they do get into the hands
of the authorities when sent through the post and
thus they are informed of our endeavours to promote
emigration.
There is no doubt that we must keep up the pam-
phlets, but they must be improved, a matter to be re-
ferred to later on. It stands to reason that if we hope
to get more emigration it must be by means of educa-
tion, and that can only be effected by advertisements
and pamphlets of an attractive nature, written in
moderate language, so as not to lay ourselves open to
the charge of exaggeration, and circulated with dis-
cretion. Many of the agents, in giving me suggestions
about the improvement in our methods, have an eye,
no doubt, on the main chance, and hope to get some-
thing more out of it than they do at present.
There is little or no emigration from Holland, and
286
Obstacles in the Way
what there is goes to South Africa. We get a certain
amount of emigration from Belgium; but it might be
increased if we advertised more there and dissemi-
nated information to a greater extent than we do now.
In France we have been getting more emigrants
during the last two or three years, but by the laws and
regulations in force, emigration is not allowed except-
ing by vessels sailing from French ports. Therefore, in
the past, except occasionally, when vessels have left
France direct for Canada, our chance of getting emi-
grants has been comparatively small. They may go
by way of New York and to Eastern Canada, as these
rates compare favourably with those from Montreal,
but to the West, as you will be aware, we labour under
a disadvantage. We ought to endeavour to open up
communication with the Compagnie Generate Trans-
atlantique.
On another occasion he writes: —
With reference to the obstacles put in the way of
emigration to Canada, I have many proofs that the
Austrian Government, by often declining passports
to intending emigrants, hinder them from leaving the
country. In addition the German lines have given a
guarantee to the Russian Government for all passen-
gers arriving from Austria and Russia. This hinders
the passage of such people across the frontiers, and
through Prussia, unless they book with them, and
as there is little connection between Germany and
Canada, the agents at the frontier stations induce
passengers with some success to go to other countries,
for instance, the United States, South America, or
South Africa, with which they have direct steam
communication.
287
Lord Strathcona
In Russia the situation is very similar, while in
Germany it is difficult for a certain class of emigrants
to leave the country, namely, for young men between
seventeen and forty-five, who in many cases cannot
get a military passport, especially if the authorities
think there is some chance of the men leaving Ger-
many forever. How dangerous it is for unlicensed
agents to do business you will perhaps have heard of
before, but it is even more dangerous for licensed
agents when found to have persuaded any one to go out.
An arrangement has been made with the German
lines in consideration of their withdrawing their com-
petition with the British lines in Scandinavia and
Finland. As a consequence the British lines are not
allowed to carry more than six per cent of the emigra-
tion from the Continent (except as before mentioned),
the other ninety-four per cent being retained by the
German lines. If the British carry more than six per
cent of the traffic, they have to make a certain payment
per head to the Continental lines; and on the other
hand, if they do not get six per cent, they receive a
certain payment per head (at present rates it is three
pounds per adult) on the number required to make
up that proportion. This is the arrangement effected
by the North Atlantic Conference which includes the
Canadian lines. You will readily understand, there-
fore, that it is not in the interests of the British lines
to encourage emigration from the Continent. Their
agents, however, usually represent the German lines
as well. As most of the vessels of the latter sail to New
York, the agreement to which I have referred must
operate injuriously upon emigration to Manitoba and
the North-West from the Continent. It emphasizes
what was mentioned in my previous letter — that we
288
Russian Hostility
can never hope to secure a large emigration from the
Continent until we manage in some way or other to
secure the cooperation of the two great German lines,
the North-German Lloyd, and the Hamburg- American
Steamship Company. The arrangement does not ma-
terially affect emigration to the United States, but
it does operate prejudicially so far as Canada is con-
cerned, in view of the higher inland rates from Ameri-
can ports to our North- West.
Of course this active propaganda instantly at-
tracted the attention of foreign Governments. As
early as the summer of 1896, the Russian Minister
of the Interior, M. Yermoleff, notified several of the
Provincial Governors that "signs of the coming
revival of the pernicious activity of emigration
agents are becoming manifest."
Inasmuch as the facts set forth denote the possi-
bility of wholesale emigration which undermines the
regular development of domestic economy, and is ruin-
ous for the population, the Minister of the Interior
requests the General Governor to take suitable meas-
ures for the suppression of the movement.
I request you, on the smallest manifestation of an
emigration movement, to personally, as well as through
the medium of the police organization under you,
point out to the population the real position, as well as
the illegality, of their leaving the Mother Country of
their own accord, and especially to draw their atten-
tion to the fact that over and above irreparable
material damage, criminal responsibility is set on them
for deserting the Mother Country and secretly crossing
the border.
289
Lord Strathcona
Explanations and denials of false reports on emigra-
tion must be given with particular care in order not to
give place to a wrong supposition that they are given
in the interest of the landowners who are afraid of los-
ing cheap labor.
It is further recommendable to carefully keep a
lookout on any movement which may arise in favour
of emigration and in case of a party setting out to
arrest those interested and convey them back to their
former place of abode.
As a preventative against the carrying-on of emigra-
tion by means of passes, certificates stating that there
is no impediment to foreign travel should only be
issued to taxpayers (by which every one, with the ex-
ception of the nobility and merchants, is meant) with
the greatest discretion.
From a point of view proven by experience, the
emigration movement is not only evoked by the agi-
tation of foreign emigration companies, who, with
the aid and assistance of local agents, issue proclama-
tions with promises of sure subsistence and other
inducements, but also through the participation in this
propaganda of a certain class of individuals who specu-
late on easily acquiring the hastily and rashly disposed
of property of the emigrants. I, therefore, request
you to use all means in your power to ascertain the
whereabouts of emigration agents and their abettors,
supporting in any way this illegal traffic, and in ac-
cordance with paragraph 328 of the law, bring same
to justice.
In case of a judicial pursuit being impossible, en-
deavour must be made in accordance with the rules of
increased protection (Exceptional Law) and the results
reported to me to enable me to bring about an admin-
290
German Official Disfavour
istrative expulsion of the said people from the respect-
ive district.
Close watch is to be kept on those individuals who
have proven their untrustworthiness through various
dishonourable actions, they forming the class desirous
of enriching themselves at their neighbours' cost and
are always ready to place themselves at the dispo-
sition of those people engaged with the enlistment
of emigrants. A special outlook should, therefore, be
kept on such persons, and, on the faintest signs of an
emigration movement, the Exceptional Law be brought
to bear on them.
Further I request all sheriffs to make enquiries into
the present sentiments of the population on emigration,
examine the source of all rumours, take the necessary
measures, and inform me without delay on any note-
worthy features and developments.1
Similarly all over the Continent the High Com-
missioner's emigration propaganda met with severe
official disfavour.
In Germany and Austria, emigration could not be
directly forbidden in consequence of the free con-
stitution and free movement law, but for want of a
uniform emigration law, police instructions were
issued, whereby a concession from the States must
be obtained before transportation orders could be
issued, and the State was empowered — if it was
thought fit — to refuse the concession or with-
draw a concession already granted without stating
reasons. Should a concession be granted a clause
was inserted whereby the holder was forbidden
1 Confidential circular addressed to sheriffs and police officers
from the office of the Governor, Secret Department, Wilna, July 3.
291
Lord Strathcona
"to incite to emigration through publicity or distri-
bution of printed matter, through correspondence
or by oral communication with the population in
any way." Information and transportation orders
might be issued only on the application of persons
who had decided to emigrate. Violation of these
instructions was punished with a fine or imprison-
ment. Non-concession agents issuing transpor-
tation orders or information were punished with
imprisonment.
In Austria efforts are being made to form an Emi-
gration Law. For the present, however, an Austro-
Hungarian Colonization Company has been established
after the style of the German Colonization Company,
and this institution has the improvement of emigra-
tion ways and means in view and the abolishment of
agents as far as possible ; to this effect they have been
furnished by the Government with far-reaching power.
We have been in touch with the leading directors of
the said concern and believe in the course of time to
have great influence on the working of the company.
The emigration question is: To which part the stream
of emigration will turn. In Austria, as in Germany,
Brazil is the centre of attraction, which country has for
several years been making the utmost exertions to
encourage immigration. The inconveniences which
are still in the way of emigration to Brazil, particularly
the want of organization and attendance which meet
the new arrivers, it is hoped will be overcome by the
Brazilian or the Provincial Government.
We consider it hazardous if in view of the present
political state of matters in this continent, the Cana-
dian Government should endeavour to propagate
292
A Delicate Enterprise
emigration direct, by the distribution of pamphlets,
etc., from abroad. It might, however, be taken into
consideration whether it might not be advantageous
to endeavour to get permission to establish in Ger-
many and Austria an information bureau. The latter
would, of course, only be carried on in accordance with
the legal proclamation and would have the task of
awaking interest with influential parties for Canada
and further to dispel prejudices which may still exist
in general against emigration to Canada.
There was another side to the business. Canada
was dangling her bait in the deep waters of Europe :
a dangerous game for the "predominant partner"
as well.
Lord Salisbury to Mr. Chamberlain
FOREIGN OFFICE. [August, 1898.]
I should be the last to discourage the efforts of the
Dominion of Canada to increase her population by
every legitimate means; but you will understand the
necessity for proceeding with the utmost caution and
with reference to the emigration ordinances of the
several countries concerned, otherwise it is clear that
the cares and responsibilities of the Foreign Office will
be vastly increased.1
In 1898 the German Minister for the Interior,
Count Von Posadowsky Welmer, complained to
1 " About the action of the German Government in connection
with my visit — Count Hatzfeldt did mention it to Lord Salisbury and
Mr. Chamberlain communicated the conversation to me. I explained
the nature of my visit to the Continent which had more to do with
general questions and with the steamship companies than with
German emigration in particular. My explanation was regarded as
entirely satisfactory." (Lord Strath cona to Sir Wilfrid Laurier.)
293
Lord Strathcona
Sir Frank Lascelles that the Canadian propaganda
was giving great offence to the Emperor and those
subjects who had the interests of Germany at heart,
and that it would be better for the good under-
standing between the two countries if means were
found to check it. "Germany had need of all her
present population, but if it were considered advis-
able for any classes or even groups to emigrate, the
German Government desired to exercise an influence
as to the choice of countries of their destination."
The inference was plain — Canada was non grata
to official Germany, however popular and attrac-
tive she was becoming amongst the masses of im-
poverished peasants.
Said a leading German newspaper, the Ham-
burger Nachrichten: —
The arrogance of the Canadian, Lord Strathcona,
and the utter disrespect shown by him for the laws
of the Empire irt publicly conducting his emigration
propaganda on German soil and in the very teeth of
the authorities, demand that vigorous representations
should be made at once to the British Government,
which is, we presume, still responsible for this Colony.
While apart from the weakening of the Fatherland
which the success of such propaganda entails, the
attempt to lure our fellow-countrymen to this deso-
late, sub-arctic region is, upon humane grounds alone,
to be denounced as criminal.
A glimpse into the practical working of the prop-
aganda in Austria is furnished in one of Lord
Strathcona's letters: —
294
Galician Emigrants
To the Honourable Clifford Sifton
23d March, 1898.
All the agents claim that they have been active in
organizing the movement from Galicia. They say they
have obtained from the people who have already
emigrated, and in other ways, an immense number of
addresses in the country, and that they have been in
correspondence with these people for months past,
sending them letters and pamphlets. They have also
agents working surreptitiously for them.
Of course the law will not permit anything in the
direction of encouraging emigration, and these sub-
agents are generally pedlars, hawkers, and others, who
are moving about the country. In that way they dis-
seminate quietly, but effectively, quantities of litera-
ture. They have also spent considerable sums in adver-
tising, such as the law permits. Although it is quite
possible they may exaggerate their efforts, and their
expenditure, there is no doubt in my mind that they
have been spending both time and money in the
endeavour to increase the business from Galicia. They
claim in many cases that they have done more work
than Professor Oleskow1 has, and the tendency seemed
to be to underestimate the position of that gentleman,
although one or two of the agents admitted that he had
some influence, and was able to secure an amount of
publicity for Canada which they could not do. At the
same time, it is only right for me to add that they all
appear to have been in communication with Professor
Oleskow, and to have pecuniary consideration in the
event of his working through their particular agencies.
Of course none of them know of our arrangement with
1 A subsidized agent for the Canadian Government.
295
Lord Strathcona
him, but in any case, in order to retain their business,
they would not hesitate to minimize his efforts.
The greater part of the Continental business —
except Scandinavian — was controlled by the North-
German Lloyd Company of Bremen and the Ham-
burg-American Company of Hamburg. The latter
company owned and controlled the Hansa line of
steamers.
It stands to reason [wrote Lord Strathcona] that if
both these great lines were working in Canadian inter-
ests, we should have very powerful friends at Berlin.
As they would be interested strongly in emigration to
Canada, they would take care as far as possible that
nothing was done adverse to their interests — which
in this case would be ourselves.
In February, 1898, Lord Strathcona visited
Bremen and Hamburg to see what could be done in
those centres. He saw the directors of the North-
German Lloyd Company.
I discussed [he writes] the matter very fully with
them, and asked if they would tell me, freely and
frankly, why it was we had not the benefit of their
cooperation in this matter. The reply was that they
only ran their steamers to New York, and that the
railway rates to Manitoba and the West being higher
than from Quebec and Montreal, they could not com-
pete, and consequently left the question of emigration
to the North- West severely alone. Not only was this
the case, but they told me distinctly that if the people
came to them or their agents and wanted information
about the North- West, they did their best to persuade
296
Herr Albert Ballin
them to go elsewhere. So that, as I have pointed out
on many occasions, the influence of this great company
is really exercised against Canadian interests. I asked
them, if it were possible to equalize the rates, whether
they would then pursue a different policy. Their reply
was in the affirmative.
In 1896 a correspondence had taken place be-
tween Herr Albert Ballin and the German Minis-
ter of the Interior, which became so acrimonious
that the former did not hesitate to appeal to the
Kaiser.
If [he wrote] Your Majesty agrees that the efforts of
the Hamburg-American Company in the direction of a
German mercantile marine are worthy of Imperial
support, it is intolerable that we should be met at every
hand, in our policy of securing profitable traffic, by
petty official obstacles of which Your Majesty, I am
convinced, has no cognizance. Thousands of licensed
German and Polish emigrants are now forced to pro-
ceed from Dutch and English ports, who otherwise
would embark by the steamers of this company.
In reply the Prime Minister stated that a uni-
form emigration law for the Empire was being pre-
pared, making emigration increasingly difficult, and
that the steamship companies' agents must restrict
their propaganda exclusively to such districts as
the Government indicated. "With regard to the
transportation of German subjects to such British
Colonies as Canada, the Ministry would not en-
courage it until the completion of enquiries concern-
ing the future of such emigrants in relation to their
German citizenship and the future homogeneity of
297
Lord Strathcona
i
the Empire. Meanwhile, the company had a great
field to draw upon in Russia and Austria and every
facility would be given to make Hamburg and
Bremen the great European entrepots for Continen-
tal emigrants of non-German nationality."
In the annual report of the Hamburg-American
Company it was stated that "in order to give an
impulsion to business the cultivation of emigration
is an absolute necessity." Russia was designated as
the "most adaptable land for the enlistment of
emigrants." Such emigrants were met at the Prus-
sian frontier stations by the agents of the steamship
company and transported direct to Hamburg.
Herr Ballin, the head of the Hamburg-American
Steamship Company, was a man already of note
and destined to be one of the most powerful forces
in modern Germany.
Lord Strathcona to the Honourable Clifford Sifton
I had a most interesting conversation with Herr
Ballin. I asked him whether there were any suggestions
he had to make by which the position of Canada on
the Continent could be improved. In his reply, he
referred to the following matter.
Herr Ballin strongly urged that we should arrange
for an agricultural delegation to be sent out from Ger-
many to Canada. He mentioned that the Society of
St. Raphael (a Catholic organization) has ramifications
over the whole of Europe, and that its principal object
is the dissemination of reliable information among
emigrants and their welfare in the land of their adop-
tion. What he proposes is, that the Society should be
298
Herr Ballin's Proposals
invited to send out to Canada a commission of say
four persons, two to be Catholics and two to be Prot-
estants, who could spend a couple of months in the
different Provinces of Canada, and prepare a report for
the Society. He states that this report would receive
wide publicity all over Germany, in the newspapers
which are under the control of the Society, and he
added that it might also be published in pamphlet
form. As regards the expenses, the Hamburg-Ameri-
can Company will gladly provide passages out and
home for the delegates, and there is no doubt also that
the Canadian Pacific and other railways would do their
share. Therefore, there is only the question of the liv-
ing expenses of the delegates, and while they would be
men whose opinion would carry weight, they would
not, he thought, be extravagant in the matter of
expenses, and probably about $1000 or $1500 would
cover everything, so far as the Government is con-
cerned. I told him the proposal appeared to me a
good one, and that I would commend it to your con-
sideration, although a similar proposal has been rec-
ommended to your predecessors on more than one
occasion, and I think it is an opportunity of gaining
publicity for the Dominion which we ought not to miss.
Herr Ballin some years ago suggested that the
Government should have an agent at Hamburg; one
who might be nominally a commercial agent, but
would also keep a watch on emigration matters so far
as the Dominion is concerned. Herr Ballin recom-
mends that a German should be appointed, one who
is in a good position and well known in official quarters,
and that before taking up his duties he shoulfl have
an opportunity of paying a visit to different parts of
Canada. Your predecessor did not feel able to accept
299
Lord Strathcona
this suggestion and the matter fell through. Herr
Ballin still thinks that a Canadian agent should be
appointed, but he now favors Berlin as the location
instead of Hamburg, for the reason that, under the
new Emigration Law, all the administrative work in
connection with emigration will emanate from Berlin,
instead of from the different States of the German
Empire. Besides Berlin is a central place, and the
different parts of Germany can readily be reached from
it. Herr Ballin thinks that the British Ambassador
and the German Departments should be consulted in
the matter. We think that this would lead to the
selection of some officials on the retired list, who
would have access to all the Departments, and might
thus be instrumental in smoothing over difficulties
affecting Canada, make our work in regard to emigra-
tion easier than it is at present, and keep us informed
of what is going on. Herr Ballin considers that such
an officer need not have an office, and that his expen-
diture would be confined to salary and travelling ex-
penses, which might not exceed from £500 to £600 a
year.
Herr Ballin also gave me some information about
the new German law in regard to emigration. It is to
come into force, as you know, on the 1st of April next.
Its provisions, on the face of it, do not appear to be
much more stringent than those of the old Act, but its
administration is expected to be much more severe.
The regulations are not yet issued, and both the
companies and the agents appear to be in a state of
much uncertainty as to what their powers are to be
in the future.
They seem to think, however, that more difficulties
will be placed in their hands than hitherto. Herr
300
The Bonus on Emigrants
Ballin is a member of the Commission for the working
of the Act. While the Bill was passing through Parlia-
ment, he stated that there appeared to be a feeling in
favour of prohibiting altogether emigration to Canada.
He does not think, however, that this is likely to be
done, and I am of his opinion, especially in view of the
fact that if such a regulation was passed, the business
of the Hansa line of steamers, which is practically the
Hamburg-American Company, would be done away
with. That steamship company is one of the powerful
operations in Germany, and I hardly think that any-
thing so contrary to their interests would easily be
carried out.
It would not be wise in the interests of Canada, Herr
Ballin thought, to reduce the bonus, either on Galicians
or other emigrants to Canada, at that juncture. He
strongly advised that any reduction to be made should
take effect from the close of the actual season, say
from the 1st of September or the 1st of October, and
was of the opinion that, in order to secure the con-
tinued interest of the agents, it would not be well to
make too great a reduction.
I pointed out to the agents that we did not want
paupers or persons without means, and that they must
endeavour to send only persons who will have some
money in hand after their arrival. They claimed that
this had always been their policy and none would
accept the responsibility of having sent out persons of
the poorer classes. It was clearly stated by me that
any departure from this rule might prejudice the con-
tinuance of the arrangement, and this matter should
be referred to in any circular we may send out to the
agents as the result of my recommendations in this
letter.
301
Lord Strathcona
While in Berlin I had a general conversation with the
British Ambassador [Sir Frank Lascelles] on the sub-
ject of emigration; but the matter is not one in which
Her Majesty's representatives abroad take much in-
terest. This you can readily understand, as it is a
delicate matter, and the laws are so restrictive. At the
same time, however, Sir Frank Lascelles promised to
keep an eye on the matter, and to communicate with
me if anything came under his notice prejudicial to the
Dominion and its interests.
At Vienna I also had an interview with the British
Ambassador, Sir Horace Rum bold, who did not seem
to know much about the work in Galicia. I discussed
the matter with him, with very much the same result
as happened at Berlin.
In his discussion with the steamship agents at
Hamburg Lord Strathcona impressed upon them
that the Canadian Government was sensible of the
efforts they had been making to promote emigra-
tion to Canada, and that while a reduction in the
rate of bonus then paid was being considered, there
was no desire to do anything which might appear
harsh or illiberal.
In fact, I tentatively mentioned that while perhaps
the Government, although I could not speak with cer-
tainty, might decide to reduce the commission in the
case of Galicians shortly, any general reduction on
emigrants from other countries would probably not
take effect until the end of the present season, say the
1st October. The agents, however, while not question-
ing the right of the Government to make any change,
thought that it would hardly be fair to do so at the
present time, just at the beginning of the season, when
302
Fewer German Emigrants
the results of their winter's work and expenditure be-
gin to appear.
Emigration from Germany had in 1898 fallen
from a quarter of a million to less than fifty thou-
sand for the year. This was attributed partly to
the reports from the United States, and partly to
the increased prosperity of Germany, workmen be-
ing in greater demand, and at higher wages, than
they had been.
We cannot, therefore [he reported], in view of the
restrictions, and from other causes, hope to get many
emigrants from Germany proper at present, but we
must continue our bonuses there, and encourage the
steamship agents, as much as possible, to work for
Canada. Now that the British lines have withdrawn
from emigration work on the Continent, the business
is entirely in the hands of the great Continental com-
panies, like the North-German Lloyd and the Ham-
burg-American Company, and we must endeavour to
arrange so as to be in much closer communication and
cooperation with them than we have been in the past.
I have dealt with this matter at some length in my
letter on the subject of the equalization of rates from
Quebec and from New York to the North-West.
While there may not be much to expect from Ger-
many, there is likely to be a considerable movement
from Austria and from Southern Russia, and from the
latter place particularly we shall have several hundreds
of people of the Mennonite class during the coming
season. I heard of the work Mr. Klaas Peters is do-
ing there, and trust that the result will be to increase
our immigration.
In connection with emigration from Scandinavia,
303
Lord Strathcona
we have, however, much to gain from the British New
York lines by the equalization of the rates. In Norway,
Sweden, and Denmark, the White Star, Cunard, and
American lines hold a far better position than the
Canadian lines, and in Scandinavia there are few
agents who represent more than one line, and we
should certainly gain by a removal of the present
hostility of the agents of the New York lines, which is
mainly the result of the difference in the railway rates.
The effect of this want of interest on the part of the
New York agents has been the principal factor which
has prevented a proper share of Scandinavian emigra-
tion going to Canada, notwithstanding our efforts to
awaken an interest in the Dominion. Not only have
they failed to help us, but wherever they could do so
they have tried to influence people against Canada,
and this state of things is well within the knowledge of
your department.
The question of a direct and continuous trans-
portation was a vital one.
I earnestly trust you will give it your consideration,
and see whether something cannot be done to remove
what, in my judgment, is a great obstacle to emigra-
tion from all parts of the Continent to Canada, and it
affects our interests in the United Kingdom also, but
to a more limited extent. What I should like to see
would be some arrangements between the American
lines and the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, by
which passengers could travel from New York, Boston,
or Philadelphia to the nearest point on the Canadian
Pacific Railway and thence to the West by our own
transcontinental line. It may be that an additional
payment of some kind might be involved, but I venture
304
Farm Labourers from Britain
to think that some means might be found of arranging
the matter as between the Government and the rail-
way, in view of its importance.
In a letter to the Ministry, written in June, 1899,
he stated : —
I am glad to say that foreign immigration to Canada
is growing. According to all accounts the Galicians are
doing well, and will eventually make excellent settlers.
The Doukhobors also create an excellent impression,
and their work in Southern Russia, under great dis-
advantages, indicates that they possess the quali-
ties which are necessary to success in the Canadian
North-West. We have not had so many Germans and
Scandinavians as we would like. This arises from the
fact that the Governments of the countries in ques-
tion are opposed to emigration, which makes it as
difficult as possible, apart from the fact that the
people of those countries are enjoying an era of pros-
perity at the present time. The success of the Conti-
nental settlers in the different parts of Canada is sure
to have its effect.
So much for the Continental emigration. In the
United Kingdom his zeal was even greater.
The efforts of Sir Donald Smith [wrote a leading
Canadian journal] to enlighten the public on the other
side as to the class of immigrants desired in Canada
are bearing fruit. Instead of stunted, pale-faced
creatures, the products of the streets of large cities,
who never saw a tree or cow in their lives, of whom
we have had far too many samples in the past, most of
the immigrants this season, so far, are splendid speci-
mens of the farm-labourer class. There is also notice-
able a considerable sprinkling of the better class of
305
Lord Strathcona
farmers, men with means to invest ; but chiefly there is
knowledge of the conditions which await them, and
fitness for meeting them. The Canadian Pacific Rail-
way Company has always been labouring in this
direction, and it is to the credit of the societies in
England that they have latterly made the most rigid
investigation into the capabilities and character of the
intending emigrants before they have sanctioned their
coming out. The magic-lantern exhibitions which were
got up by Sir Donald Smith, showing the Dominion
as an agricultural country, which needed chiefly brawn
and muscle and the knowledge of crops and cattle,
brought home to the people in a vivid and effectual
way the situation which had to be confronted. There
was everything encouraging in this, particularly when
the pictures were supplemented with the exhibition
of the cereals and roots indigenous to the several
Provinces. It is noticeable in the bodies of emigrants
thus far landed and distributed this season that a
considerable proportion were destined for British
Columbia. Such persons are to be distinguished from
the labouring class. They are persons with small
means, who, having heard of the wonderful wealth
of this comparatively new Province, have pulled up
stakes in the hope of making sudden fortune. Whether
such — disappointed, for the most part, as must be
the inevitable experience — will settle down to sober
pursuits, of which the reward will be slow, but prob-
ably sure in the end, remains to be seen. At any rate,
the British, though they have been slow to waken up,
are evidently not going to let the Americans get all
the precious metal out of the mines which are springing
up, mushroom-like, in all directions.1
1 Montreal Witness, May 5, 1897.
306
Room for a Billion
On another occasion, addressing an audience at
the Imperial Institute, Lord Strathcona said: —
There are one or two thoughts I wish to submit to
you as likely to have an important bearing on the com-
mercial relations between Canada and the Mother
Country. As already mentioned, Canada has a popu-
lation of about 5,500,000 at the present time. There is
no reason to doubt that, without over-crowding, there
is room for 50,000,000 to 1,000,000,000. People have
been going in more rapidly recently than in some of
the preceding years. While we welcome every one who
is prepared to adapt himself to the country, it is per-
haps a matter of regret to us that our fellow-subjects
in Great Britain do not come in larger numbers. A
considerable area of our free-grant land is being taken
up by settlers from the different countries of Europe.
Perhaps it is that those at home are more prosperous
than those who come to us from the Continent. No
doubt that children of the latter, in the second and
third generations, will become as good and loyal
British subjects as any of us; but we know that there
are many people in these isles who would much benefit
themselves and their families by going to Canada, and
we cannot understand why it is that they do not avail
themselves of the opportunity. As I have already
pointed out, this is a matter of as much importance to
you as to us, for the more people we have the larger
will be the market for your products and manufactures,
and the increase in the population also means an
increase in the wealth and strength of the British
Empire.
This question of emigration does not receive nearly
the attention its importance deserves. It means so
much from whatever point of view it is regarded, and
307
Lord Strathcona
it has an important bearing on Imperial commercial
relations.1
He recommended the revival of the Canadian
"exhibition cars" which, after a brief trial, had
been discontinued. These soon became a feature of
the British countryside.
Anything that tends to popularize Canada, and to
familiarize the public with the country and its products
is worthy of support. This particular system of adver-
tising might be continued and extended. If at any
time it was thought by the Government that the vans
might with advantage visit particular localities it
could, of course, easily be arranged.
At the present time [he reported] we are in corre-
spondence with two to three thousand schoolmasters.
Several thousands of our large maps of Canada are
hung upon the walls of the schools. These maps are
used in connection with the lessons. A large number
of our pamphlets are also being used as ordinary
readers in the schools, and as the children take
the books home, Canada is thus introduced into
many homes in which it might not otherwise become
known. I find that many schoolmasters have a
practical as well as theoretical knowledge of Canada,
and our lantern slides on Canadian scenery are much
asked for by such persons.
About fifteen hundred lectures on Canada were
delivered during the autumn, winter, and spring.
The Canadian Pacific Railway had initiated a series
of animated photographs of Canada, its scenery,
and its industries.
1 Address, November 30, 1899.
308
An Audacious Scheme
s
In referring to the limited field in the United
Kingdom from which to draw emigrants, Lord
Strathcona observed: —
We only encourage persons with capital, farmers,
farm labourers, and domestic servants. I have ex-
plained the difficulties that tend to prevent immigra-
tion of this class on as large a scale as we would
like, and a good deal of our effort is now directed to
preventing undesirable immigration. Although our
enquiry is very large, both personally and by corre-
spondence, the greater portion of it comes from people
who have no means to emigrate. Capitalists and
farmers are slow to emigrate in any case, and the
other classes are doing better than at any previous
time, and, except among some of the younger members
of the families, there is not enough enterprise and that
disposition to look ahead which so often leads to emi-
gration. Still, we are getting good results from our
work, and I am very hopeful that our immigration will
continue to grow in the future.
Of the innumerable plans and projects, so often
fantastic, suggested by immigration agents and
officials during these early years of his High Com-
missionership, there was one of which I once heard
him say that its audacity took his breath away.
The originator postulated that Scandinavian emi-
gration to Canada was eminently desirable. A
fleet of vessels was to be chartered, each equipped
and provisioned for a long voyage, having on board
a vigorous lecturer (of the "revivalist" pattern)
and a brass band. On a suitable date — a Sunday
— the ships were each to put into different Scan-
309
Lord Strathcona
dinavian ports on some pretext or other. The popu-
lace was to be summoned, the band was to play
"The Maple Leaf Forever," and other inspiring
melodies, the lecturer was to harangue the crowd
on the attractions of the Canadian North-West,
and finally to deliver an impassioned exhortation
to the following effect: —
Men and women! material salvation awaits you.
Canada, the land of promise, opens its arms to receive
you! Your fellow- Norwegians, already there basking
in prosperity and happiness, call across the Atlantic
to you! Delay is fatal. Now is the accepted time.
Yonder good ship sails to-morrow. Passage money is
not needed — come forward and enroll your names and
sail with us to Canada and fortune.
The ingenious author of this happy scheme —
whose methods were partly borrowed from the
Salvation Army and the recruiting sergeant — was
greatly discomfited when Lord Strathcona declined
to consider it seriously.
"You are," it was bitterly complained, "throw-
ing away the chance of getting ten thousand able-
bodied Norwegians on the spot."
No mention was made of the probable attitude
of the Norwegian Government. "I have no doubt
he designed that the Norwegian Government should
follow the entire Norwegian population to Canada,
too," was Lord Strathcona's comment.
At a later stage, in 1905-06, came the exploits of
the notorious North-Atlantic Trading Company',
which entered into a contract with the Canadian
310
North Atlantic Trading Company
Government to supply emigrants to Canada at a
fixed bonus per capita. The class of emigrants se-
cured through this channel showed distinct dete-
rioration, being recruited from amongst the least
desirable of European races. What Lord Strath-
cona himself thought of the new arrangement may
be gathered from a letter to the Prime Minister in
which he reviews the work of the preceding years.
Previously he had written to Sir Wilfrid Laurier
in reference to a statement in the Globe newspaper,
disclaiming having opened negotiations with the
North- Atlantic Trading Company, and "stating
that its suggestions never commended themselves
to my better judgment." He had yielded and had
given such assistance as he could, because the
Department of the Interior strongly favoured the
plan. In view of the fears he had entertained, he
had the matter submitted to counsel for an opinion.
"I had no connection at all," wrote Lord Strath-
cona, "with the negotiations, the Department of
the Interior having placed itself in direct commu-
nication with the company. While personally op-
posed, however, I desired to carry out the policy
of the Department."
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
12th May, 1906.
From the time of my appointment as High Com-
missioner I was, as you are aware, very much impressed
with the necessity for an active emigration propa-
ganda, both on the Continent and in the United
Kingdom, as my frequent despatches and many
Lord Strathcona
recommendations to the Minister of the Interior will
show.
In the interests of the work, I visited Hamburg,
Bremen, Berlin, Vienna, and Paris. It was very evident
to me, at that time, as the result of my enquiries, that
our preparations, and the cooperation we were receiv-
ing on the Continent, would inevitably result, in the
near future, in a large emigration to the North-VVest.
My principal reason for not favouring a hard-and-
fast contract with any body of individuals, like the
North-Atlantic Trading Company, was the fear that
it might land us in difficulties with some of the Govern-
ments concerned. There was also the consideration
that they would obtain the advantage, without any
great expense or effort to themselves, of the move-
ment which was bound shortly to take place, as the
result of our continuous educational work with the
various agencies on the Continent. My idea was that
the agents who had been working on our behalf should
themselves participate in the bonuses; and that we
should endeavour also to secure the cooperation of the
large Continental steamship companies, which it would
not have been difficult to arrange, judging from my
interviews with the North-German Lloyd directors and
Herr Ballin, of the Hamburg-American line, — gentle-
men of great influence on the Continent, — as reported
in my letters before referred to. Of course it would
have been possible to gradually lessen the bonus pay-
ments as the emigration increased — the increase being
the natural consequence of the work that was being
done, and of the successful settlement of the people
who were going out from year to year.
I do not wish to minimize in any way the energy
shown by the Department of the Interior in the pro-
312
Unsound Methods deprecated
motion of emigration. They have certainly been alive
to the importance of the question within the last seven
or eight years, and have not hesitated to incur in-
creased expenditure on the work, which I may say was
recommended for many years before it was adopted.
They are, therefore, entitled to credit for the increase
in the emigration that has taken place; but it must
not be forgotten that the continuous and effective
work which had been going on for some years, in
adverse circumstances, both here and on the Conti-
nent, had prepared the way for the larger movement
that set in when the proper time arrived.
Briefly, therefore, I will conclude by saying that I
am and always have been in favour of a vigorous emi-
gration policy on the Continent, in the United King-
dom, and in the United States. At the same time,
however, I did not view the arrangement with the
North-Atlantic Trading Company with any personal
favour for the reasons stated above ; and I am inclined
to the opinion that the emigration which has taken
place would have been at least as large in ordinary
circumstances, under the arrangements in force prior
to 1899.
I am sure you will understand that, in writing this
letter, I only wish to make my own position clear, and
that I have no desire whatever to reflect in any way,
either upon the Department of the Interior or its
officers, in connection with the arrangements made
between the Government and the company.1
1 "The Government agreed to pay the company £i for each man,
woman, and child of the agricultural class brought to Canada and
for each girl of eighteen years of age or over of the domestic service
class. It was provided that in no one year should the Government be
called upon to pay a bonus orv more than five thousand Poles, Ga-
licians, and Bukowinians. The Government gave special aid to
313
Lord Strathcona
All through his eighteen years of office we find
Lord Strathcona going up and down the land
preaching from the same text, and posterity will
bear witness that he was not heard in vain.1
The disadvantages we suffer from at the present
time are a superabundance of land and a compara-
tively small population. Both of these are only tem-
porary. When we get the people the territory can
accommodate, and the millions and millions of acres
of vacant land are occupied and utilized, Canada will
be a country which my powers of imagination do not
permit me to picture. Just fancy a territory nearly as
large as Europe, with a population no greater than that
of London ! That is the position just now.
Naturally, the latter circumstance limits our capac-
encourage the operations in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The
company carried on their work actively. ;In 1906, however, the
Minister of the Interior claimed that the company was devoting too
much attention to the Southern and Eastern countries, and too little
to the Northern countries. This, he held was in violation of the
agreement, and the Government gave notice terminating the con-
tract. This is the only case in which the Government has ' farmed
out,' so to speak, its Immigration propaganda." (W. D. Scott,
Canada and its Provinces.)
1 " In the whole period from 1897 to I9I2, the total immigration
was over two and a quarter millions; the British Isles sent 961,000,
the United States 784,000, and the rest of the world 594,000. The
total increase in population in this period was marked; between
1891 and 1901 population grew from 4,833,239 to 5,371,315, and in
the following decade to 7,204,838, practically double the population
of forty years before. The number of British immigrants rose from
an average of 10,000 in the last years of the nineteenth century to
50,000 in 1904, and 138,000 in 1912. At the end of this period Can-
ada had become the chief destination of emigrants from the United
Kingdom, far surpassing the United States, though Australia, imi-
tating the Canadian policy of publicity and offering liberal reduced
or advanced passages, was again becoming a close rival." (0. D.
Skelton, Canada and its Provinces.)
314
His Inspiring Prophecy
ity as a consuming population ; but at the same time,
in conjunction with the area of the country, it serves
to give an indication of the extent of the market that
awaits the British manufacturer if the Mother Coun-
try will only help us in the endeavour we are mak-
ing to attract population to till our lands, and to de-
velop the great resources with which Providence has
endowed us.
They say [he wrote to Mr. Chamberlain in June,
1899] that we are draining Great Britain of her best
blood in order to build up and strengthen the Colonies.
But I venture to express my conviction that the
strength of the Colonies is Great Britain's strength,
and that if ever the need should arise, these same
young men will return with their patriotism increased
and invigorated rather than weakened, to give their
help to the Mother Country.
Whether this prophecy be true or false let a
dozen bloodstained battlefields in France and Bel-
gium make answer.
" From Sydney to Esquimault, from the Lakes to Hudson
Bay;
Men who never saw you, Mother, those that left you yes-
terday;
From the prairies and the backwoods, be the struggle brief
or long,
We are coming, Mother England, two hundred thousand
strong!"
CHAPTER XXIV
" STRATHCONA'S HORSE"
1898-1900
LORD STRATHCONA'S primal effort as a legisla-
tor in the House of Lords awakened much interest
both in Britain and in Canada. In deference to
the wishes of many leading colonists in London, the
High Commissioner undertook to bring forward
the Bill for legalizing in the United Kingdom
marriages in the Colonies with a deceased wife's
sister.
It is hardly surprising to learn now, on the au-
thority of the late Duke of Argyll, that this incur-
sion into ecclesiastical law and ordinance did not
meet with the approval of Queen Victoria. Her
Majesty is said to have remarked bluntly that she
thought "his Labrador lordship should be the last
to meddle in these matters." The royal innuendo
merely illustrated the persistence of the legend con-
cerning Lord Strathcona's own marriage, whose
falsity and injustice both the Duke and Mr. Cham-
berlain had already endeavoured to expose. Some-
thing shrewder was the Queen's further remark
that she was sure Lord Strathcona had not con-
sulted Lady Strathcona in his choice of a subject
for debate.
Colonial Marriages Bill
From Lord Strathcona
7th April, 1898.
MY DEAR SIR WILFRID LAURIER: —
As you are no doubt aware, the question of legalizing
marriages with a deceased wife's sister is a matter that
is brought every year before the Imperial Parliament.
So far, while the measure has on one or two occasions
passed the House of Lords, it has not become law.
Within the last few years an endeavour has also
been made to legalize in this country marriages of this
kind which have been contracted in the Colonies under
local legislation; but no Act dealing with this part of
the question has yet been passed.
The matter as regards the Colonial marriages is now
up again for consideration, and I have been asked by
the Marriage Law Reform Association to introduce a
Bill on the subject into the House of Lords. The matter
is, I believe, generally approved of in the other Colo-
nies, but having regard to my position as High Com-
missioner, I rather hesitate to comply with the request
that has been made to me without first submitting it
to you and knowing your views. If you see no objection
to my doing so, I shall be quite prepared to introduce
such a Bill; but if you think it would be better for me
not to do so, I shall merely confine myself to supporting
such a measure in the House in a general way, and by
voting in favour of it.
Kindly write me on the subject at your early con-
venience, and believe me, etc.,
STRATHCONA.
It was reported at the time that Sir Wilfrid
Laurier, dreading clerical criticism, strongly depre-
cated the intention of the High Commissioner. How
Lord Strathcona
much truth there was in the report may be gleaned
from the following cable message, despatched on the
day the Premier received the foregoing letter.
To Lord Strathcona
OTTAWA, 22d April, 1898.
Your letter received about Colonial Marriages Bill.
There is no objection to your presenting it. On the
contrary, I think it quite proper for you to do so.
LAURIER.
The presence of the Prince of Wales and the
Duke of York,1 both of whom had taken the keen-
est interest in the question of marriage law reform,
gave special interest to the sitting of the House of
Lords on July 8, when Lord Strathcona moved the
second reading of the Colonial Marriages Bill. The
object was stated to be "to make valid, in the
United Kingdom, marriages legally contracted with
a deceased wife's sister by domiciled residents in
the British Colonies, and in dependencies, under
legal enactments sanctioned by the Crown."
The case which Lord Strathcona presented to the
House of Lords seemed an almost overwhelming
one. The bill, it may be said in passing, was con-
fined to the legalization of marriages with the de-
ceased wife's sister. Marriages with a brother's
widow or wife's niece were left untouched, and the
Bill concerned itself alone with that of the de-
bated question — marriage with the deceased wife's
sister — upon which both Houses of the Imperial
1 King George V.
318
First Speech as Peer
Parliament had expressed favourable verdicts. In
the House of Lords in 1896 the majority in favour
of the Bill was 38, and the opposition might now be
said to be confined to the extreme ritualistic clergy,
though it was clearly an anomaly and an injustice
that even in marriages made valid in Colonies
whose legislation had been revised and sanctioned
by the law officers of the Crown in Britain, a Colo-
nial married lady should, on landing at Liverpool,
become a mistress, and be under the ban of society.
Here it may be noticed that by inadvertence the
Bill was framed in broader terms than was intended.
As drawn, marriages solemnized between persons
temporarily visiting a Colony would come within
the provisions of the bill. As the remedy provided
by the Bill was sought only on behalf of domiciled
Colonists, Lord Strathcona consented to the inser-
tion of words which would limit the operation of the
Bill to marriages effected by such persons.
He had very great diffidence [he began], in ad-
dressing their Lordships.
This is the first occasion on which I have had the
honour and privilege of being present as a member of
your Lordship's House. I am confident, however, that
your Lordships will extend to me that indulgence which
is always given to a new member.
The Bill which I have to introduce has for its object
the legalizing in the United Kingdom of marriages law-
fully contracted between a man and his deceased wife's
sister in any of the British Colonies. It is intended to
deal only with the marriages of legally domiciled resi-
dents, and, in order to remove any doubts there might
Lord Strathcona
be on that point, amendments would be moved in
Committee, if the Bill is read a second time, to make
that absolutely clear. The Bill is also provided with
other safeguards to prevent its provisions from being
abused. Marriages with a deceased wife's sister have
been legalized in the Colonies with the active consent
of the Crown and with the tacit approval of the Gov-
ernment and of the Imperial Parliament, but, in spite
of that fact, the children of such legal Colonial mar-
riages were regarded in the United Kingdom as illegiti-
mate, and could not succeed to real property in this
country. It is believed, too, that they might be liable
to other disabilities, and it was to remove this stain
from the children who had been born in wedlock ren-
dered lawful by laws passed by the Colonial Legislature
and approved by the responsible advisers of the Crown
that the Bill had been introduced.
Marriage with a deceased wife's sister is not legal in
the United Kingdom, and the question does not, there-
fore, arise in the same way; but such marriages are
legal in the Colonies. Why should the children of such
marriages, when they come home to the Mother Coun-
try, bear the mark of illegitimacy? Such a Bill as this,
if it were passed, would be an act of justice to many
and would be an injustice to no one.
Representing the Colonies, and speaking with a
knowledge of what I say, every man in the Colonies
looks upon himself as an Englishman just as much as if
he had been born in the United Kingdom ; he glories in
the name of Englishman, and he has all the aspirations
of one and the same loyalty and devotion to our Empire.
As the Colonists feel that they are equally members of
the great Empire to which all Englishmen belong, I
hope your Lordships will send a message of good-will to
320
Marriages Bill shelved
those for whom I plead, a message which will be appre-
ciated throughout the Colonies; and show them that
your Lordships have as much consideration for those
in the Colonies, for whom I speak, as for those in the
Mother Country; that you desire to do justice to all.
Notwithstanding that the bill was carried by a
majority of 129 to 46, the Government refused to
take it up in the House of Commons. Some years
were destined to elapse before the measure became
law.
Meanwhile, many other affairs claimed the High
Commissioner's attention. In the summer of 1898
a Joint Conference between Britain and America
to decide outstanding disputes was decided upon
and there was much difficulty about the choice of
delegates. But before the matter was settled Can-
ada's thirty-first birthday came and went. Rarely,
if ever, had there been such a gathering of in-
fluential Canadians and friends of the Dominion
as assembled to dinner at the Imperial Institute.
Amongst those who supported Lord Strathcona was
the Duke of Norfolk, British Postmaster-General,
whose valuable assistance as the head of the Eng-
lish Roman Catholics had been invoked in the
Manitoba Schools settlement.
In proposing the toast of the evening, Lord
Strathcona said : —
I think all Canadians will agree with me that we
have one day we can call our own, one on which we can
gather together and show that while true Britons and
devoted subjects of Her Majesty, we are none the less
citizens of the Dominion. We are not a foreign nation,
321
Lord Strathcona
— but a kindred nation with Britain, — members of
the great Empire, as are those within the United
Kingdom. The advance of Canada within the last
sixty years, and especially since Confederation, has
been great, both in the development and extent of her
resources and in her financial position. We have
cause to be proud of it.
Lord Strathcona congratulated the Australian
Colonies on being within measurable distance of
federal union, knowing what great benefits federa-
tion had brought to Canada. He had similar hopes
for South Africa, and trusted that the West Indies
themselves might in future become a British com-
monwealth. In the past few years Canada had
been able to secure the denunciation of commercial
treaties which stood in the way of a closer alliance
between the Colonies. He could not see why any
foreign nation should take exception to this piece of
domestic legislation. One foreign country proposed
to exempt Canada on this account from most-
favoured-nation treatment. Canada, with such
support as she could always reckon on, would be
able to protect her own interests, for she would
always act with moderation.
It is also very pleasant to find better relations be-
tween the United States and Canada. We pray very
fervently, all of us, that the newly appointed High
Commission will give full satisfaction to each and all
of us in the difficulties they are going to deal with.
You will all be glad to find that we have amongst us
this evening Lord Herschell. With such representa-
tives as Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Mr. Charlton, and Lord
322
American Friendship
Herschell, we may have confidence that the proper
interests of Great Britain and of Canada will be well
looked after.
We do not wish to stand at arm's length with our
neighbours. We desire to be on the most friendly
terms possible with them, and it would appear that
that desire is heartily reciprocated. Still, we wish to
continue as one people with the Mother Country, and
do our part in that great Empire of which we are all
so proud.
On this occasion the Chairman's health was pro-
posed by the veteran Canadian statesman, Sir
Charles Tupper.
After Confederation took place [said Sir Charles] a
great impassable desert separated Ottawa from the
great North- West, and it was impossible to reach one
from the other except by traversing foreign soil. All
this had now been changed, and that it had been so,
was largely due to the great financial qualities of Lord
Strathcona. To his energy, ability, and indomitable
perseverance the bringing together of the isolated
Provinces was in no small measure due. Montreal to-
day possessed admirably equipped hospitals, due to
the princely generosity of Lord Strathcona and Lord
Mount Stephen. No man in Canada possessed to-day
the confidence of all classes to such an extent.
On the 25th, Mr. Chamberlain wrote Lord
Strathcona that the Queen had approved the ap-
pointment of the Earl of Minto to succeed Lord
Aberdeen.
I feel sure that Lord Minto will receive from you that
loyal support always given to the representative of the
323
Lord Strathcona
Queen, and I am convinced that the new Governor-
General will carry to Canada the most anxious desire
to do everything in his power for the welfare of the
Dominion.
On cabling the news to the Premier Lord Strath-
cona received the following reply: —
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
26th July, 1898.
Minto's appointment will be well received, especially
as he has already served in this country. Personally it
will be a pleasure for me to give him every assistance.
You can assure Mr. Chamberlain of this.
At the launching at Wallsend of the Mount
Royal, so named out of compliment to Lady Strath-
cona who performed the ceremony, the High Com-
missioner said : —
I do not care to speak any longer of Canada, and the
other countries constituting the Empire, as Colonies.
They are constituents of an Empire one and indivisible.
They are English quite as much as is Great Britain,
and to remain so to all time is the desire of Canada
and all the other possessions of the Empire. Though
we have in Canada a portion of the population who
had not originally come from Great Britain, I can say
without hesitation that they are just as good and loyal
British subjects as ourselves. They are Englishmen
only with one difference, — that they speak French
as well as English. That circumstance is a source of
safety in Canada, and one which contributes to the
safety of the whole Empire.
3*4
Bristol Celebrations
A long-deferred memorial to the sixteenth-cen-
tury discoverers, John and Sebastian Cabot, was
unveiled at Bristol in September, in which the
Marquess of Dufferin took a prominent part.
The people of Canada [Lord Strathcona assured his
hearers] are entirely with those of Bristol in doing
honour to that great navigator who was the first to
place foot on Newfoundland and on the northern por-
tion of the Western Hemisphere, and thereby made it
possible that there should be colonization of America
by Englishmen.
How much has since happened, how much has been
done even within the period of the reign of Her Most
Gracious Majesty, by the citizens of Bristol in bringing
nearer our two countries. It is just sixty years ago that
the citizens of Bristol sent out the first steamer to cross
the Atlantic, the Great Western. That marks an era in
steamboat navigation, which has grown since then,
until we have in the present day those floating palaces
in which discomfort has all but disappeared from the
sea. We must not forget that the people of Bristol were
the pioneers of this great work — that at a time when
scientific men, and among them that man who was one
of the foremost in science at that time, Dr. Lardner,
said that it was an impossibility for a steamer to cross
the Atlantic, to carry coal and to carry passengers at
the same time; you showed the road and since then it
has been well followed.
The message from the citizens of Halifax shows what
is thought of Lord Dufferin throughout the whole
Dominion of Canada. His great services there were
appreciated, I can assure you; in Lord and Lady Duf-
ferin we had in Canada those who were respected as
highly as any Governor-General and his consort could
325
Lord Strathcona
be. It gives me great pleasure to join in the vote of
thanks to Lord Dufferin for his services in laying the
foundation stone of this fine tower, placed in a position
commanding the whole of Bristol, and of which the
people of Bristol may well be proud.
In November, 1898, Lord Strathcona himself
again crossed the Atlantic for Ottawa, to discuss
with the Government the questions of immigra-
tion, the Pacific cable, the fast steamship service,
and other kindred matters. While there on one
occasion he said : —
The Hispano-American war has given occasion for
an expression of the feeling existing for America in
British hearts, and the sympathy and friendship which
the British Government and people have shown toward
the American cause may be taken as a strong under-
lying and lasting feeling of the people of the same
blood.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
MONTREAL, loth December, 1898.
Immediately on my return to Montreal, I called on
Sir William Van Home and explained to him your
views with regard to the bonding privilege question.
He appears to be entirely opposed to an Interna-
tional Commission for dealing with the matter. Mr.
Shaughnessy is equally opposed to such a commission,
although to me it appeared, when the proposition was
discussed when I met yourself and your colleagues at
the Joint Commission at Washington, that it was one
which might be expected to work equitably and fairly
for both parties. In this I must, however, defer to the
326
Canadian Securities
opinion of those who, like the President and Vice-
President of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company,
have had great experience in the working of arbitra-
tion boards, and they are evidently concerned at the
prospect of having any such International Court.
The Anglo-American Commission sat both at
Quebec and Washington; but it soon became clear
that no decision could be arrived at just then con-
cerning the chief matters in dispute.
Lord Strathcona to Sir Wilfrid Laurier
April 1 5th, 1899.
When discussing with Mr. Chamberlain, some little
time back, the question of placing Canadian Govern-
ment securities on the same footing as those of the
United Kingdom in respect of trust investments, he
suggested the possibility of an arrangement being come
to between the two Governments by which, on the con-
version of the Canadian loans, they might in a sense be
"taken over" by England, that is, that the new issue
should be guaranteed by the Imperial Government.
With this guarantee the money could, of course, be
obtained on much more favourable terms, the saving
on interest being not less than from one half to three
quarters per cent. His idea was that in consideration
of this, Canada would devote a portion of the saving
to Imperial purposes. He was very particular in im-
pressing upon me that this was partly a personal idea
of his own, wholly deprived of anything of an official
character, and it was in that sense I told him I would
bring the matter confidentially to your notice.
Of course, it is one of those things which, if thought
327
Lord Strathcona
worthy of further notice at all, would demand the
gravest consideration both in Canada and here, and
perhaps you will kindly at your convenience let me
know if you think it worth while discussing the matter
further.
You appear to be having long speeches from Sir
Charles Tupper and his friends in the House, but let
us hope that this is not an indication of a long session.
Lord Strathcona's sojourn in Montreal was ren-
dered memorable not only by his further munifi-
cence to McGill University, but also by a brilliant
social function in honour of the new Governor-
General.
It had five years previously fallen to Lord Strath-
cona to afford Lord and Lady Aberdeen their first
formal introduction to Montreal society. By a happy
coincidence the same duty was again discharged in
the case of Lord and Lady Minto. The dinner and
reception given by the High Commissioner and
Lady Strathcona at their Montreal mansion in
honour of the new Governor-General was a most
successful and brilliant function.
We have entered upon a course of prosperity which,
I believe, will bear us on for many years, and it is well
that we should know and feel that this is not dependent
on one political party or another, but that it results in
great measure from the good government we receive
from any party which may be in power. As to the
needs of the hour: We have been looking for some time
for a faster Atlantic service. We hoped to have had it
by this time. But our efforts have not been in vain.
Preparations have been made for it, and I myself have
328
Kruger and Kiel
every confidence that it is a comparatively short time
when we shall have much better communication across
the Atlantic. As to the West Indies, it is gratifying
that greater facilities had been provided for direct
intercourse with the Dominion not only by steamers,
but also by cable ; while as to the Pacific Cable, I hope
it will not be long before this is an accomplished fact.
We are looking, too, with great expectations and every
hope that we shall be able in a very short time to con-
gratulate our fellow-colonists in the South on becoming
a Dominion, and that they will, as a nation, attain to
even greater prosperity.
Early in the summer of 1 899 there began to loom
up in the distance the shadow of serious trouble in
South Africa. From the first, Lord Strathcona took
the deepest interest in the question. Once he said
to Mr. Chamberlain: —
There is a curious resemblance in many respects to
the events of 1869. Kruger, like Riel, has a complete
misunderstanding of his position. I believe that if there
was any one in South Africa that both parties and
races could trust, war might be averted.
While the negotiations between Mr. Chamber-
lain, Lord Milner, and President Kruger were in
progress and the question, raised by the Uitlanders,
of the Parliamentary representation of rapidly in-
creasing populations was being agitated, in Canada
the Laurier Ministry brought in a fresh Redistri-
bution Bill. Promptly the accusation of "gerry-
mandering" was launched against them. As the
charge obtained much currency in the English press,
Lord Strathcona sent for Miss Flora Shaw (Lady
329
Lord Strathcona
Lugard), then Colonial editor of the Times, in
order to explain to her the character of and the
necessity for the Act. Canada, like the Transvaal,
was face to face with a difficulty common to all new
countries, namely, that important interests might
at any moment spring up in desert places.
This difficulty was one with which the Canadian
statesmen who carried through the work of federa-
tion foresaw that Canada as a Dominion would
have to deal. Consequently, provision was, under
their inspiration, made for meeting it in the Con-
stitution accorded by the British North American
Act to the federated Provinces. But in acting upon
the provision, each successive Canadian Govern-
ment of necessity exposes itself to the accusation
of "gerrymandering" the constituencies in order
to acquire for its own supporters the largest pos-
sible amount of Parliamentary representation. The
accusation was therefore very freely made against
the Government of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his col-
leagues in reference to their new Redistribution
Bill which was now before the Dominion parlia-
ment. On behalf of the Government Lord Strath-
cona indignantly rebutted the accusation. All their
principal platform utterances, since the passing of
the Conservative Redistribution Acts of 1882 and
1892, demonstrated that the Bill they had intro-
duced was simply a measure of retributive justice
to constituencies shamelessly "gerrymandered" by
previous Governments.
There is nothing upon which it is more difficult to
form a just opinion at a distance than the operative
330
A Canadian Resolution
effect of a Parliamentary Redistribution Bill. The
claim of Sir Wilfrid Laurier's Government, that in
introducing the present measure they do but redeem
their reiterated election pledges, is one which can,
however, be verified by a reference to the party pro-
gramme which has been before the country since the
meeting of the Liberal Convention at Ottawa in 1893;
and the unconscious admission of the nature of the
Conservative Redistribution Acts which was made by
Sir Charles Tupper, when, in the course of a speech
attacking the present measure, he argued that if the
Bill of 1882 had not been passed in the form in which it
was passed, Canada would have lost some of the most
valuable developments of Conservative policy by
which the country has benefited since that date, goes,
it must be confessed, some way toward proving that,
from the point of view of local politics, there was
justification for the pledges of the Liberal leaders to
carry through a scheme of readjustment whenever the
power to do so should be theirs.1
A few days earlier (July 14) Mr. Chamberlain
wrote to Lord Strathcona that he had just been in-
formed by Lord Windsor that a mutual friend had
had an interview with Sir Wilfrid Laurier at Ottawa.
Sir Wilfrid has authorized him to say that he will
at once introduce into the Dominion Parliament a
resolution supporting the maintenance of Imperial
supremacy throughout South Africa, provided I in-
timate through you that such a resolution would be
welcomed. !
If Sir Wilfrid Laurier is correctly reported, I hasten
to say that such a resolution of sympathy and support
1 The Times, July 19, 1899.
331
Lord Strathcona
as he suggests Would be most cordially welcomed by
Her Majesty's Government.
The High Commissioner cabled instantly to the
Premier, but for some reason or other no reply came
until the 24th.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
24th July, 1899.
I have your favour of the 1 5th instant, repeating
your telegram of the same day about the resolution of
sympathy which we were asked to move on the Uit-
landers question. Mr. Allan had no authority from me
to wire as he did, though we are considering at this
moment if it would be advisable for us to introduce
such a resolution in the House of Commons.
In the interval Mr. Chamberlain had been grow-
ing anxious. A stage in the correspondence with
President Kruger had been reached when Canada's
expression would be of signal value. An interview
with Lord Strathcona on the 26th of July was fol-
lowed by a letter next day, the date of the sending
by the Colonial Secretary of an ultimatum to
President Kruger.
COLONIAL OFFICE, 27th July, 1899.
DEAR LORD STRATHCONA: —
Although I fully appreciate the difficulties of your
Premier's position, I hope he will not find them insup-
erable.
How greatly it would strengthen the hands of Her
Majesty's Government at this critical time if Canada's
moral support for our policy were announced, I need
332
The South African War
not urge to you. An unspoken declaration might go
far to alter the situation. The opinion of a great self-
governing Dominion, such as yours, whose leader is not
of British origin, could hardly fail to impress powerfully
the gentlemen of the Volksraad and persuade them to
adopt a more reasonable view of their position and
ours. It might have the further useful effect of check-
ing some of that sympathy and encouragement which
the Boers are receiving from many in the United
States, who are, I gather, wretchedly informed as to
the merits of the present dispute.
I shall hope to hear the moment intelligence reaches
you. Believe me,
Yours most sincerely,
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
Intelligence of a favourable character reached
the High Commissioner in a few days, which he
immediately conveyed to Mr. Chamberlain.
From Mr. Chamberlain
I did not receive your private letter of the 3Oth July
till my return from the House last night.
I am very much obliged to you for your action in
the matter, and see the result in the papers this morn-
ing with the greatest possible satisfaction. I consider
that the action of the Dominion marks a distinct stage
in the history of Imperial relations.
With deep anxiety did Lord Strathcona watch
the events — by no means favourable for British
arms — which marked the beginning of the war in
South Africa. Much as he desired to see Canada's
333
Lord Strathcona
active participation in the struggle, he felt that it
would be in the highest degree improper for him to
attempt, by word or act, to force the Canadian
Prime Minister's hand. He realized that this war
was different in strategic character from most of
those which had gone before — that the Boers re-
sembled Red Indians in their slyness, ruthlessness,
and fondness for ambuscade, and consequently
that fighters of the type of the Mounted Police of
the Canadian Prairies would be more of a match
for them than the sedulously drilled infantrymen of
the English pattern. The idea grew upon him and
was fostered by the letters and public utterances
of several Canadian friends, who had great faith
in the peculiar merit of Colonial troops. Chief
amongst these was Colonel Samuel Hughes, M.P.,1
an Ontarian militia officer, who took his military
duties seriously and who strove on all occasions to
imbue his comrades-in-arms and his colleagues in
the House of Commons with his own ardent Im-
perialism.
Meanwhile, early in November, Sir Edward
Grey's retirement from the contest for the Lord
Rectorship of Aberdeen left the way free for Lord
Strathcona's unanimous election to the office.
After the nomination the students had a proces-
sion, which came into contact with the police, who
drew their batons. To his deep concern several
students were injured and some arrests were made.
1 Lord Strathcona used to enjoy hugely Colonel Hughes's alleged
reason for dropping the "uel" from his baptismal name: "I got so
tired of explaining that I was an Orangeman and not a 'U.E.L.'
(United Empire Loyalist) by descent that I decided to 'cut it out.' "
334
Lord Rector of Aberdeen
In the course of a leading article, the Daily News
observed : —
The new Lord Rector of Aberdeen may fairly be
called the Grand Old Man of the Colonies. Lord
Strathcona is seventy-nine, but he is still High Com-
missioner for Canada, Governor of the Hudson's Bay
Company, President of the Bank of Montreal, and a
Director of the Canadian Pacific Railway. No man is
better able to trace the history of the Dominion, now
more than thirty years old, and to explain the rather
complicated system of Federalism which has been
carried out there with conspicuous success. He may
remember the beautiful Horatian motto which Lord
Derby, Prime Minister in 1867, proposed for the new
State. It was not adopted, but it was as appropriate
as it was classical. " Juventas et patrius vigor " it ran
(Youth and inherited force).
Lord Strathcona was a very young man when Lord
Durham went out to redress grievances and restore
order. The loyalty of the French-Canadians and the
readiness of many among them to serve in South
Africa are striking and impressive facts of which no-
body then dreamed.
For by this time the Canadian Ministry had de-
cided to send a contingent of troops to the theatre
of war. The High Commissioner wrote to Sir
Wilfrid Laurier : —
I fully appreciate the difficulties you had to meet
in determining to send a contingent to South Africa.
Happily, the people here were so favourably impressed
with the unmistakable and enthusiastic loyalty of the
people of the Dominion as a whole that the strictures
of one or two Quebec newspapers were hardly noticed.
335
Lord Strathcona
Albeit, the momentary indecision about sending
the troops made him secretly indignant. Even dur-
ing his brief visit to Birmingham at the close of the
black month of November, he was contemplating
some plan by which he could personally assist in
the cause of his fellow-countrymen in South Africa.
Another political uneasiness lay on his mind in
reference to the much-vaunted Preferential Tariff.
To Sir Wilfrid he wrote : —
I share your disappointment that while there has
been such a substantial increase in Canadian exports,
the imports under the Preferential Tariff have, so
far, fallen short of what might reasonably have been
expected from the change.
It appears as if [he said to Mr. Chamberlain] we had
almost been pluming ourselves upon a fiscal sacrifice
which has not yet been made. This will make our
sacrifices of another kind all the easier.
As a matter of fact Imperial Preference, to work
satisfactorily, could not possibly continue to be
one-sided. He told his audience in Birmingham,
speaking on the commercial relations of Canada
with Great Britain : —
It is an encouraging sign of the times that these
matters of inter- Imperial trade are now receiving, from
the business community of the United Kingdom, the
consideration their importance merits. This, doubt-
less, arises from the great strides that have been made
in the development of the resources of the outlying
portions of the Empire within comparatively recent
years, and from the fact that Canada and the Colonies
seem to offer the most promising markets of the future
336
No One-sided Preference
for the products and manufactures of Great Britain.
Whatever opinion may be held as to the fiscal policy
of the Colonies, it is certain that their tariffs were im-
posed chiefly for revenue, and not for the purpose of
restricting importations from Great Britain, which is
avowedly the case in many other quarters. Moreover,
statistics show indisputably that the trade of the
Colonies is largely controlled by the United Kingdom,
although it must be admitted that other nations are
doing their utmost, and with some measure of success,
to obtain a share of it — a matter which has not, per-
haps, attracted so much notice as it merits.
Mr. Chamberlain has shown a readiness to look upon
the question from its commercial aspect. Indeed,
nearly all those who have studied the problem admit
the value of the sentiment which must necessarily
surround it; but, at the same time, it is equally gener-
ally recognized that the commercial element cannot,
and must not, be ignored. What the United Kingdom
looks for is a predominance in the markets of the
Empire ; what the Colonies desire is the market of the
Mother Country for their products, which they hope
to see favourably regarded, all other things, such as
price and quality, being equal. So far as I have been
able to judge, events appear to be marching in the
direction of the fulfilment of these desirable objects;
but progress in such matters is necessarily very slow.
Still, I think the public mind is beginning to see the
advantage, to put it mildly, of the relation between
the different parts of the Empire being so arranged
as to place Imperial trade on a friendly, or shall I say
on a family, footing. Such a policy could not fail
to be beneficial to the Empire, and I cannot see any
international reason to militate against our regarding
337
Lord Strathcona
from a more favourable point of view our internal
trade as distinct from the external — or, let me say,
our "domestic trade" from "foreign trade."
During the following month matters, so far from
improving at the seat of war, became worse. A sec-
ond contingent from Canada was announced as
forthcoming. On the i8th Sir Wilfrid cabled: —
It is important that the commander of Second
Canadian Contingent be a Canadian officer as in First
Contingent. Intimate this privately to Lord Lans-
downe so that nothing may interfere with this plan.1
Lord Strathcona wrote: —
I at once went to see Lord Lansdowne, and, after
one or two fruitless attempts, managed to get an inter-
view with him yesterday afternoon.
His Lordship stated that in all probability the
Canadian force might have to be divided, but he quite
understood the importance of the matter from your
point of view, and I left him with the understanding
that he would look into it, and see that nothing was
done to interfere with your suggestion being carried out.
He is also to advise me further.
Nevertheless there were from the beginning, un-
satisfactory features about the whole arrangement
1 "We have," wrote the Prime Minister, "organized our contin-
gent on basis laid down by Colonial Office despatches of the 3d
October, which provided for the payment of our men after they reach
Africa. Efforts are being made to induce us to pay our own men.
For Imperial and local reasons my opinion is very strongly that this
question should not be pressed now, but reserved for future action,
so as to maintain uniform action by all the Colonies. But we would
like to supplement the pay of our men so as to make it amount to that
paid them when serving here." (January 19th, 1900.)
338
A Force of Rough-Riders
between the Canadian Government and the War
Office. These need not be referred to here: they
must be familiar to any who have perused the his-
tory of the painfully protracted war which brought
about the downfall of the two Boer Republics.
Shortly after Christmas the form which his pri-
vate assistance to the Empire should take had
been resolved. He mentioned it first privately to
Mr. Chamberlain, who heartily applauded, and
then formally, on December 31, to Lord Lans-
downe, as Secretary for War. Briefly, and in his
own words: —
My proposal is that four hundred men should be
recruited in Manitoba, the North- West, and British
Columbia, unmarried and expert marksmen, at home
in the saddle, and thoroughly efficient as rough-riders
and scouts. The force will be armed, equipped, and
conveyed to South Africa at my expense.
Not until the I3th of January did the War Office
accept his offer. Lord Strathcona cabled General
Edward Hutton, then Commander-in-Chief of the
Canadian Militia (or as he himself preferred to term
it " the Canadian Army") : —
Have presented mounted regiment to Imperial Gov-
ernment for service in South Africa. Request you
kindly raise same, mount same, equip same in Canada.
Please draw on my account, Bank of Montreal,
£150,000. My friend Sir Edward Clouston will pro-
vide all that is necessary.
It is no longer a secret that Lord Strathcona
would have desired that his friend Colonel Hughes
339
Lord Strathcona
should have commanded this little force, but he re-
solved to leave all the arrangements in the hands
of the Canadian authorities. Meanwhile, much as
he regretted the publicity, the fact of his offer had
reached Canada, and on the 1 3th he cabled the
Premier : —
Much concerned that matter has been allowed to
become public prematurely through the medium of
Ottawa press telegrams, as I wished without my name,
but secrecy is no longer possible. Her Majesty's Gov-
ernment has now accepted my proposition and it may
be announced. Horses preferred from North- West to
be purchased by McEachran in consultation with
General Hutton ; men to be engaged on same terms as
and equipped like Canadian contingents; all officers
and men to be passed medically under arrangements
to be made with approval of Dr. James Stewart, of
Montreal, and General Hutton. Imperial Govern-
ment takes over force on arrival, like Colonial contin-
gents, returning men to Canada after campaign, but
retaining horses, arms, and equipment except clothing
and necessaries.
He explained further: —
The matter, of course, is to be entirely non-political,
only qualification being thorough fitness and suitabil-
ity of officers and men for services required. Grateful
to you for use Militia Department, which will assure
every economy compatible with fullest efficiency and
thorough equipment of force. Will greatly appreciate
if can have benefit of experience of General Hutton in
the selection of men and purchase of horses, arms, and
equipment. Officers to be nominated by him and
340
Strengthening the Bond
names and particulars submitted my approval. All
accounts connected with the force till its embarkation,
endorsed by General Hutton, will be paid by Edward
S. Clouston, General Manager Bank of Montreal. Any
stores or equipment not obtainable in Canada will
purchase here as done for contingents. Am enquiring
about transport and will cable further. Please tele-
graph meantime how soon force likely to start.
His generous and unprecedented offer aroused
the utmost enthusiasm in Canada and was warmly
praised in Britain. The Times, in referring to it
remarked : —
How immense is the reserve of strength on which
England, in a just cause, can draw, is strikingly re-
vealed in the munificent offer we have the gratification
of recording to-day. It comes from one who is at once
a Canadian citizen and a British peer — Lord Strath-
cona and Mount Royal, the Agent-General for the
Dominion. The estimated cost of this munificence is
said to be a million dollars, or £200,000. There are
not many countries in the world where individual
citizens are to be found able and ready to prove their
patriotism on so splendid a scale. Such an offering to
the common cause of the Empire would have been
welcome from any quarter. It is doubly welcome from
the representative of our greatest self-governing Col-
ony. It is a proof how this war and these misfor-
tunes, which, in the eyes of superficial Continental
critics mark the beginning of our downfall, are in truth
knitting us all together as we never were knit before.
Blood and iron are doing their work.1
1 Read fifteen years later what added significance have these
passages!
341
Lord Strathcona
It was the opinion of many military critics that
no more efficient rough-riders and scouts could be
desired than these men of the saddle and rifle from
the prairie. It would have been easy to raise in
Canada ten times the number: and the hope was
expressed that when he had them Lord Roberts
would accord them the fullest opportunities at the
front. This fresh illustration of the Canadian
spirit was received in a far less aloof and conde-
scending spirit than was the case when the first
Canadian contingent was offered and accepted.
The Canadian Gazette declared : —
It is for want of just such men as these Canadian
mounted riflemen, and the scouting and irregular work
they can do so well, that our army has suffered severely
in South Africa in face of a mounted enemy. What
four hundred of the Canadians and Australians did at
Modder River under Colonel Pilcher is what might
have been done at the outset of the campaign with the
greatest advantage.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
53 CADOGAN SQUARE, S.W., igth January, 1900.
I now take the opportunity of writing to confirm
the various cablegrams that have passed between us,
respecting the organization of my little force for South
Africa, and at the same time to thank you most cor-
dially for the time and trouble you are devoting to
the matter.
I was very grateful, indeed, to you for your willing-
ness to place the organization of the Militia Depart-
ment at my disposal, for the raising of the force, the
342
Explains his Objects
purchase of the horses, arms, and equipment, and the
conveyance of the corps to South Africa.
In the first place, my impression was, that as the
force is to be a personal one, it might be desirable to
deal with it as far as possible in that manner, so that
it should be considered not as being in any sense of an
official character. I recognized naturally that it would
be difficult to carry out the arrangements without the
help of the Government and Militia Department, but
I thought the object I had in view would be better
achieved if arrangements could be made for General
Hutton to act practically as my representative in the
matter, and to have charge of the detailed arrange-
ments, of course, in connection with the Minister of
Militia, and not in any sense independent of Dr.
Borden.
You will, I know, believe that, in mentioning my
desire that the matter should be regarded entirely as
non-political, I had no idea of making any reflection
upon the organization of the First and Second Con-
tingents. The expression was merely an incidental one,
on the line of my idea that the force should not be
official in any way in its character. Had I not been
convinced thoroughly that no considerations of a
political nature had been allowed to intervene in con-
nection with the Government contingents, I should
hardly have been disposed to move in the matter at all.
You will understand, I am sure, that the principal
concern I have is that the force to be raised should be
thoroughly efficient in every way, that the men and
the officers should be the most suitable that can be
obtained for the services for which they are likely to
be required. And further, that the equipment and
armament should be as perfect as possible, and I am
343
Lord Strathcona
sure that this could not be done on better lines than
those that have been adopted with the Government
contingents.
With regard to the officers, I should like, of course,
to have the names of those who are nominated sub-
mitted to me for approval, with any particulars about
them that may be available, and there will be no delay
on my part in reply to any communications I may
receive on this branch of the subject.
As I mentioned in one of my telegrams, I am quite
willing that the force should be increased to four
hundred and fifty or five hundred men, if this is found
to be practicable, and if a suitable ship can be obtained,
to convey the number of men that may be selected
within these limits, and the necessary horses. I am
strongly of opinion that the men and horses should go
in one ship.
It will be understood, of course, that the men will be
paid at the same rates as the men forming the Govern-
ment contingents. While I shall be responsible to that
extent, and for the expenses connected with the pur-
chase of the arms, horses, equipment, and of the trans-
port, no other responsibility will attach to me, as the
force will be taken over, like the Government contin-
gents, by the Imperial Government, on its arrival in
South Africa.
Unhappily, Lord Strathcona had not been in-
formed of the strained relations which existed be-
tween General Hutton and the Laurier Ministry,
which were now at all but the breaking-point.
Moreover, General Hutton's rather too-frank ex-
pression of his opinion of the merits of the Colonial
militia, as compared with British regulars, had
344
Colonel Sam Hughes
angered several of the leading militia officers,
amongst them, Colonel Hughes. The latter, in pro-
test, had addressed an open letter to the Com-
mander-in-Chief , which General Hutton considered
"unpardonable." Yet there were many passages
in this production of manifest truth and force
and even of eloquence. The upshot was that its
writer found himself unable to obtain employment
with the First or Second Contingents.
It was finally through Lord Strathcona's medi-
ation, when General Hutton shortly afterwards
arrived in England, that Colonel Hughes was per-
suaded to take a step toward a formal reconcilia-
tion which resulted in his being given employment
in South Africa. His disappointment was keen that
he was not to command the Strathcona Horse.
An offer of a captaincy in that troop he had thought
it proper to decline.
Colonel Hughes to General Hutton
I desire to make full and ample apology to you for
certain letters written by me to you during recent
months, letters written under excitement caused by the
belief that I was to be debarred from participating in
the deeds of a Canadian contingent in the Imperial
service, should one be sent to the Transvaal, a project
which I, as the proposer for many years, felt deeply at
heart. I especially regret one reflecting, in a sense,
upon the system, but the remarks I deemed a provo-
cation — as I construed them — were a reflection upon
Canadians ; two or three incidents occurring practically
on one day which I, from the viewpoint of one more
345
Lord Strathcona
familiar with constitutional law rather than of British
military practice, believed to bear upon my honour and
rights as a citizen, caused me to express sentiments that
are foreign to my belief in the form in which they seem.
I most respectfully wish to retract all letters written
in what, to your military instinct, may seem insubor-
dination, but which were not so meant by me.
Meanwhile, an excellent officer for the force had
been found, another Ontarian, Colonel S. B. Steele,
who had already distinguished himself in the
Mounted Police. He writes : —
Two months after the First Canadian Contingent had
sailed for South Africa I heard that it was likely that a
mounted corps would be sent to the war. I went to
Halifax, and had been there only two days when Sir
Frederick Borden, Minister of Militia, telegraphed for
me to return to Ottawa and raise and command a corps
of mounted riflemen for Lord Strathcona, who was
sending a regiment to South Africa at his own expense.
I was to be allowed to take with me any officers and
men of the Mounted Police who had volunteered for
the service and could be spared from their duties, and I
could have the service of the remainder to recruit the
corps.
One squadron was to be raised in Manitoba, another
in the North-West Territory, and the third in British
Columbia; the whole of the saddlery, clothing, trans-
port wagons, and many other articles of equipment had
to be manufactured. The horses had to be purchased
at the very worst time of the year and were to be cow-
horses, that is, animals trained in round-up and all
range work. Recruits were not wanting; one could
have got thousands of the best men in Canada. I had
346
Colonel Steele in Command
an offer from six hundred first-class Arizona stock men.
They were prepared to supply their own arms, pay for
any class of rifle that I desired, furnish their own
horses, spare and riding, if I would take them for
Strathcona's Horse. I had, of course, to decline, but
it was clear proof of what the Empire can expect in
time of trouble. One could have had the assistance
of thousands of the finest horsemen in the United
States.
The recruiting was completed on February 8, and
was most satisfactory. On the I4th, we reached Ot-
tawa, and were quartered in Lansdowne Park Exhib-
ition Ground. The regiment was cheered at every
station en route. March 6, I paraded the regiment
for inspection of the Governor-General. Our space
was limited, and the snow, being above the horses'
knees, prevented me from doing more than march past
in sections of fours, but the corps looked well.
The corps was at last complete and ready to move
at a moment's notice, all the result of one month's
work. During these strenuous days I had much en-
couragement from Lord Strathcona, who wrote me
several kindly letters, impressing upon me that I was
to spare no expense in providing for the comfort of the
men and the efficiency of the regiment. I could say
that in every respect I had carried out his wishes to the
fullest extent and with due regard to economy, and
thanks to his liberality and the active assistance I
received from all concerned, I am sure it would have
been impossible to find a better equipped corps in the
world.
On March 17, the Strathcona Horse embarked
upon the Monterey at Halifax, numbering 28 offi-
cers, 512 other ranks, and 599 horses.
347
Lord Strathcona
The following cable message was received from
Lord Strathcona, which, when published on board,
was received with hearty cheers in every part of the
ship : —
Very sorry I cannot see my force embark. Have
transmitted Dr. Borden gracious message I have
received from Her Majesty, which he will publicly
convey to you and the men under your command.
Have also asked him to express my best wishes to you
all, and that you have a pleasant voyage, every suc-
cess, and a safe return. Appointments of all officers
gazetted ; they will receive their commissions from the
Queen. Hope to forward them to reach you at Cape-
town, where you will find a letter on your arrival.
Report yourself to the General Officer Commanding,
Capetown. STRATHCONA.
Excellent as were the arrangements on board for
the comfort of all ranks, the voyage was not a
pleasant one.
No sooner [writes Colonel Steele] did we get out into
the open sea than, in spite of the fact that it could not
be called rough, the vessel rolled heavily, a motion
which she kept up on the slightest excuse for the
greater part of the trip. After a few days one of the
horses developed pneumonia, and from day to day
many went to feed the sharks. The greatest care was
taken, but it was of little avail, the disease had to run
its course, and it was a pitiful sight to see so many
exceptionally fine animals thrown overboard.
On April loth the Monterey arrived and an-
chored in Table Bay and the commander found
letters from Lord Strathcona, "all containing use-
348
Hutton and Borden Quarrel
ful advice. He sent out 150 field-glasses and wire-
cutters, whilst money was placed to my credit to
purchase lassoes, extra tea, and tobacco."
Colonel Steele describes how, while the Strath-
cona Horse were on the march, Sir Redvers Buller
rode up with his staff, and passed in and out
through the column of troops, expressing himself
very much pleased. He said: —
I knew Lord Strathcona very well, when I was in
Winnipeg on the Red River Expedition of 1870. It
was arranged with him that I should go west to dis-
tribute the Queen's proclamation; but it turned out
that I was required with my regiment, and Butler
went instead, a very good thing too ; for he wrote a very
good book describing his journey, which I could not
have done.
This is somewhat in advance of our narrative.
The quarrel between General Hutton and Dr.
(later Sir Frederick) Borden, led to a demand for
the former's recall. Mr. Chamberlain had in vain
endeavoured to heal the breach.
From Mr. Joseph Chamberlain
I3th February, 1900.
DEAR LORD STRATHCONA: —
Thanks for your letter of the loth instant, telling me
of the message which you have received from Sir
Wilfrid Laurier about General Hutton. I can only say
that I deeply regret that after my promise to endeav-
our to settle the matter to the satisfaction of the
Dominion Government, they should have thought it
349
Lord Strathcona
necessary to send an official application for General
Hutton's recall. Their action will necessitate my
sending an official reply, going into the whole history
of the relations between the officers appointed by the
Imperial Government and the Dominion Ministers.
"What is the matter with your Ministers of
Militia in Canada?" asked the Colonial Secre-
tary. " Is there no one of our Imperial officers with
whom they can work harmoniously? I confess
frankly I am disappointed. I thought Hutton and
Dr. Borden would get along well together."
Alas, four years later, as we shall see, there was
to be a further rupture with another British com-
manding officer. On that occasion Lord Strath-
cona privately deplored the part politics had al-
ways played in militia affairs in Canada. "I'm
afraid it will take years or some great national
danger to put our military service on a plane above
party interests," he said.
From Lord Strathcona
February lyth, 1900.
MY DEAR SIR WILFRID: —
The position with regard to General Hutton as
shown in your confidential letters of the 3Oth inst.,
received yesterday, is a most regrettable one and
gives much concern both to Mr. Chamberlain and
Lord Lansdowne.
The experience with the generals sent out to com-
mand the militia has been anything but a satisfactory
one, and ever since the retirement of Sir Selby Smyth,
five in succession, including General Hutton, have
350
General Hutton recalled
been recalled, as being for one reason or another
unacceptable to the Canadian Government.
On getting your confidential telegrams I communi-
cated on the subject with Mr. Chamberlain, who made
a suggestion to the War Office of appointing Hutton
for service in South Africa. It may be impossible at
the moment to find an officer in every way qualified
to be his successor.
He assured me that not a moment was being un-
necessarily lost in carrying out your views concerning
the transfer of the General for service elsewhere. I
communicated to him your suggestion about Lake.
I called on him yesterday, and he then said that
they would not be able to send Colonel Lake to replace
General Hutton, who I presume will soon be here on
his way to South Africa.
That same day the High Commissioner received
a cable from Sir Wilfrid : —
1 6th February, 1900.
Concerning the official despatch for the recall of
General Hutton, we would have been all along willing
to have a confidential communication. The demand
for official communication did not come from us. That
communication when received may be kept in abey-
ance to be withdrawn, unless General Hutton forces
whole question before Parliament.
In the following year the whole question was un-
happily forced upon the Canadian Parliament,
when it was conclusively shown that the Govern-
ment could hardly have overlooked the indiscre-
tions of the Commander-in-Chief, in certain pub-
lic speeches reported in the newspapers, without
35i
Lord Strathcona
sacrificing its dignity or impairing the prerogative
of the Minister of Militia.
The surrender of the Boer General Cronje at
Paardeberg caused much satisfaction in Canada.
Lord Strathcona cabled the news instantly to Sir
Wilfrid Laurier: —
February ayth, 1900.
Lord Roberts reports that at 3 A.M. to-day a most
dashing advance made by Canadian regiment and
some engineers, supported by First Gordon Highland-
ers and Second Shropshire, resulted in our gaining a
point some six hundred yards nearer the enemy and
within eighty yards of his trenches, where our men
entrenched themselves and maintained their position
till morning. A gallant deed worthy of our Colonial
comrades and which I am glad to say was attended
with comparatively slight loss. This apparently
clinched matters, for at daylight to-day a letter signed
by Cronje, in which he stated that he surrendered
unconditionally, was brought to our outpost under a
flag of truce. Lord Roberts's despatch was read in
House of Commons and House of Lords to-day and the
reference to the gallantry of Canadian regiment was
loudly cheered.
The Paardeberg success apparently suggested
to Mr. Cecil Rhodes that another Canadian bat-
talion might be employed in Rhodesia, and he com-
municated the suggestion to Mr. Chamberlain.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
March Qth, 1900.
The Colonial Secretary proposes recruiting in West-
ern Canada for special service in Rhodesia: this force
352
Rhodes asks for Canadians
to be raised at a special rate of pay, and as we under-
stand from an agent here practically for service of the
Chartered Company. If anything of the kind was to
be done it will be necessary to have an official despatch
from Colonial Secretary making unmistakable distinc-
tion between proposed force and those already sent
to South African War. If such distinction is clearly
marked and the purpose of force stated in express
terms at the time of recruiting, then there would be no
objection to course proposed. Without such clear dis-
tinctions, object of recruiting might be misconceived
and create serious embarrassment. See Colonial Secre-
tary, discuss subject, and advise us.
Lord Strathcona wrote: —
I at once communicated this message personally
to Mr. Chamberlain. I understood your suggestion
would be adopted if the matter were proceeded with,
but owing to difficulties the subject would probably
be dropped.
The Colonial Office have since sent me, for my con-
fidential information, a copy of a telegram which was
addressed to the Governor-General on the 2d inst., to
the effect that Her Majesty's Government did not
propose to proceed with the proposal.
He much desired that his friend Sir Charles
Tupper, the leader of the Opposition in Canada,
should be present at the departure from Halifax of
the Strathcona Horse. This proved impracticable,
but he was much gratified at receiving the follow-
ing: letter: —
353
Lord Strathcona
From Sir Charles Tupper
OTTAWA, March i8th, 1900.
MY DEAR LORD STRATHCONA: —
Your kind cable of the 9th inst. gave me a great deal
of pleasure as far at it referred to myself, but I was
very sorry to hear that you had been so ill. I would
have been very glad to comply with your wishes that
I should see the Strathcona Horse off at Halifax, but
I learned that Borden was going, and it was very
difficult for me to leave the House at such a critical
period of the Session. I had the pleasure of expressing
the feeling of the people of Canada upon your munifi-
cent act, which has done so much for our Dominion,
during the Debate on the Address, and of speaking to
your contingent on the grounds at their quarters, and
at Parliament Square, where they were reviewed by
the Governor-General.
If you will accept it, I have no doubt to the joy of
all Canadians, you will be the successor of His Excel-
lency, nor do I doubt the British Government will
mark your valuable services to the Crown by making
your Peerage descend to your daughter and her son.
We are, I think, on the eve of a general election, the
result of which I feel confident will be our return to
power. I will not say more than to beg you on no
condition to vacate the High Commissionership before
a general election takes place.
Do not fail to take care of your health, upon which
the whole country is so anxious.
With kindest regards to Lady Strathcona and your-
self, I am, always,
Yours faithfully,
CHARLES TUPPER.
354
Tupper's Suggestion
On the same day Sir Charles also wrote: —
To Mr. Joseph Chamberlain
OTTAWA, March i8th, 1900.
MY DEAR MR. CHAMBERLAIN: —
I am sure you will be satisfied I made no mistake,
either from a Canadian or an Imperial standpoint, to
suggest that a peerage should be conferred upon Sir
Donald Smith, and I feel certain that you will excuse
me for saying that all Canadians will rejoice if his great
services to the Crown at an important crisis are rec-
ognized by arranging that his peerage shall descend
to his only child, the Honourable Mrs. Howard. She
is the wife of Dr. Howard, who is the first Canadian
who took the fellowship of the Royal College of
Surgeons. His father was the most eminent physician
in Montreal, and a professor in the McGill University.
Mrs. Howard would grace any position, and her
family of sons and daughters are bright and interest-
ing. You can imagine what it would be for Lord
Strathcona, like myself so near the close of life, to feel
that his grandson, Donald Howard, would one day
wear his title. It is right you should know that no
person living knows I have made this suggestion to
you, and I am quite sure you will appreciate the spirit
in which it is made.
You, beyond all your predecessors, have established
the principle that service to the Crown shall receive
the same recognition in the outlying portions of the
Empire as in the Mother Country.
I was glad to find, when addressing a great meeting
on the 5th at Boston, in favour of the Patriotic Fund,
355
Lord Strathcona
a reference to yourself and your policy on the Transvaal
was received with the wildest enthusiasm.
With best wishes, I remain,
Yours faithfully,
CHARLES TUPPER.
It had been Lord Strathcona's ardent wish, al-
though Providence had denied him a son, that he
should be the founder of a family bearing his name
and continuing in the path he had marked out and
so long had trod.
Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Charles Tupper
COLONIAL OFFICE, 3ist March, 1900.
DEAR SIR CHARLES TUPPER: —
I have to thank you for your letter of the i8th, and
the suggestion which you made in it. No one appre-
ciates more than I do the character and services of
Lord Strathcona, and I shall be delighted if I can for-
ward his wishes in any way. As a matter of fact, how-
ever, when the peerage was conferred, the subject of
its continuance to a daughter was considered, and it
was found that there were great difficulties in the way
of such an unusual grant. It is possible that these dif-
ficulties may ultimately be surmounted, and you may
count on my seizing any opportunity of securing the
desired result.1
I am, etc.,
Yours very faithfully,
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
Nothing could exceed his pleasure at the pros-
pect held out that certain obstacles, which he
1 The new royal patent was granted a few months later.
356
His Gratitude to Tupper
knew were founded upon error, but which he was
too proud himself to point out, might, through the
unsolicited exertions of his friends, be removed.
To Sir Charles Tupper
53 CADOGAN SQUARE, S.W.,
May 4th, 1900.
MY DEAR SIR CHARLES: —
Your letter of the 22d April, having under cover
copy of a letter from yourself to Mr. Chamberlain, of
the 1 8th March, and of his reply of the 3ist of that
month, has this moment reached me, and I must send
you a word of grateful thanks for all your great kind-
ness to me and mine, to catch to-day's mail.
The kindness which actuated you in writing to Mr.
Chamberlain as you did, I appreciate infinitely more
than I would the fulfilment of the object you had in
view in doing so, and I need only say that I am truly
grateful to you. My wife and daughter will be not less
so; but let me say that I would never have moved a
finger, or said one word in furtherance of that object,
however much I might desire it for my daughter and
her children.
It is true that when a peerage was offered me, a word
was said on the subject, but the thought was then dis-
missed from my mind, and in anything I may have said
or done has not recurred to me since.
In a letter you most kindly wrote to me, bearing on
the reception in Ottawa and Montreal to my little
corps of mounted men, you brought up the subject in
the kindest terms, but I had no expectation you would
have gone further, and what is said in your present
letter is therefore, with its contents, its enclosures, a
pleasant surprise, that in one quarter at least on this
357
Lord Strathcona
side there is an appreciation of what little I may have
endeavoured to do for the benefit of Canada.
Again I thank you. I am not sure I have yet ex-
pressed to you how sensible I am of all you did in the
send-off of my little battalion from Ottawa, but I hope
you know how deeply I feel all the kindness and at-
tention shown to them by yourself and other friends.
We were much grieved to hear of the serious acci-
dent to Lady Tupper, and we earnestly trust she is
now quite recovered.
With our kindest regards for her and yourself, and
in much haste, I am,
Very sincerely yours,
STRATHCONA.
A fortnight before he had written : —
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 2ist April, 1900.
It was a great regret to me not to have undertaken
my intended visit to Canada this past winter, but as
I had a sharp attack of pleurisy the doctors thought
it more prudent I should not venture crossing the
Atlantic till later on; but I still look forward to being
in Canada early in the summer, as I have quite re-
gained my accustomed health.
The very valuable service of Archbishop Bruchesi
and Principal Peterson, in their efforts to heal the
breach so unfortunately caused by some of the McGill
students in their over-zeal and enthusiasm in connec-
tion with the war in South Africa, to which you refer,
cannot be too highly appreciated by all who have the
true interests of our country at heart.
358
A Bi-cameral Advocate
Both His Grace and the Principal have been good
enough to write me on the subject, the letters of the
former having only just come to hand. To Dr. Peter-
son I had already written, and I shall not fail to write
to the Archbishop expressing my deep sense of the
obligation we owe him for having so successfully helped
to avert a racial cleavage, than which I am entirely
of opinion with you nothing could be more deplorable
as affecting the future of the Dominion.
I need not say to you how your own efforts in the
cause of the unity of the Empire are appreciated both
here and throughout the Queen's Dominions.
During April the delegates from the Australian
Colonies to the Imperial Parliament, seeking na-
tionhood under the British flag, arrived in England.
At a banquet in their honour Lord Strathcona,
who responded to the toast of "The Home and
Colonial Legislatures," told his hearers —
that they would do well, instead of speaking of the
Home and Colonial Legislatures, to speak of the
Legislatures of the Empire. But they all looked to
the Home Legislature, to our Lords and Commons.
In all the countries to which Englishmen had gone,
they thought of that Mother of Parliaments, the Par-
liament of Great Britain, and they had also thought
of and loved that cradle of liberty, their Mother
Country. They had, he believed, in almost every
country, decided that it was a wise thing that there
should be two branches of the Legislature — one a
check upon the other. When there was only one
there might be some hasty legislation which might
cause regret in the future. When there was a second,
the opportunity was given for revising what had been
359
Lord Strathcona
done. In the Legislatures of the outlying portions of
the Empire there were altogether some fifty distinct
and separate Governments having their distinct Leg-
islatures. Of these he thought there were some eleven
having responsible government. If they counted the
Dominion of Canada as one of the nations equally
with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, which all contributed
to the prosperity of the United Kingdom, if they
counted the seven or eight Provinces of Canada,
they would have, instead of eleven responsible gov-
ernments, something like eighteen or twenty. We
were now about to have another commonwealth or
nation. They were all proud and pleased to be there
that evening to join in receiving and doing honour to
the delegates who came for that great and momentous
purpose of forming a new nation. But while it would
be a new nation, it would not be, less than Canada,
one in the most complete union with the Mother
Country. They had with very great care and very
great consideration come to the determination that
instead of being isolated, — if he might so speak of
the Colonies, — they should be one people for all
purposes of legislation ; and they came to the Mother
Country with the full assurance that the Imperial
Parliament would be only too happy to help them to
carry out that which they believed was a measure the
best that could be devised for the purpose of the ad-
ministration of their country.
Speaking elsewhere Lord Strathcona said : —
Australians had a good example in Canada, but they
have not followed us in any detail, having looked
rather to the United States of America in regard to
the relations of the Provinces to the Federal Power.
360
"General" Strathcona
He was, besides, all for the retention of the ap-
peal to the Imperial Privy Council, which the Com-
monwealth Bill disallowed. The clause was, owing
to Mr. Chamberlain's opposition, deleted before the
Act was passed by Parliament.
During the Boer War Lord Strathcona was in
constant receipt of extraordinary letters, many of
them anonymous, giving him advice and informa-
tion as to events connected with hostilities. Some
of his correspondents, especially those in remote
parts of the Empire, even in Canada, laboured
under a curious delusion as to his own personal
status. Letters addressed to "General" or "Colo-
nel" Lord Strathcona were not, infrequent. One
which greatly entertained him spoke of his "well
known bravery and skill on the battlefield of which
the newspapers are now full." This he forwarded
to Colonel Steele, marking it, "wrongly addressed."
Another was hardly so complimentary. It was
from an old Hudson's Bay employee, who wrote: —
I have been reading your doings in South Africa
with great surprise. Little did I think in the old days
that you would ever make a soldier. Peace, I thought,
was more in your line.
I hope " Strathcona's Horse" [wrote another un-
known correspondent with more enthusiasm] will plant
the Union Jack on the Court-House of Pretoria, and
that the Canadians will be the first to reach Mafeking,
and the God who made a way for his ransomed people
to cross the Red Sea, closed the lion's jaws for Daniel,
tempered the flames for Shadrach, Meshach, and
Lord Strathcona
Abednego, and the host whom Elijah prayed the Lord
to open the eyes of his servant to see, — may that
same host encompass our soldiers and be a cloud by
day and a light by night until they come home again.
And may God always bless our Empire, keep our men
true to her, always remembering the knightly hero
St. George, their patron saint. And right worthy is
Strathcona to carry the Standard of St. George.
Never forget that you belong to Canada and Canada
to you!
One letter was so singular that the High Com-
missioner forwarded a copy of it to the Prime
Minister: —
ST. CATHERINE, ONTARIO,
April 5th, 1900.
As you are a statesman that we trust, give this
matter your closest attention at once. Certain Yankees
are secretly encouraging the Fenians, furnishing them
with firearms and giving them advice, the principal
one just now being to blow up part of the Welland
Canal, thus diverting trade from Montreal and way
ports to New York. I am telling you facts; it is fully
discussed in the States. Forewarned is forearmed!
They have an opinion they could take Canada in
twenty-four hours if they wanted to.
Having read and smiled at this letter, which was
filled with extravagances, Lord Strathcona picked
up the Times, therein to read that an attempt had
actually been made on the Welland Canal.
Lord Strathcona in responding, at the Press
Club annual dinner, to the toast, "The Imperial
Forces," in April, 1900, said: —
362
Canada's Simple Duty
Had the toast been submitted in its old stereotyped
form it would have been very little appropriate for
him to have responded to it. It was formerly of so
local a character that those who came from the out-
lying portions of the Queen's dominions could hardly
have been expected to answer to such a toast other-
wise than by expressing the fullest sympathy with the
Mother Country. Now, however, the toast, instead of
being "The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces," was
given in what he considered the improved form of ' ' The
Imperial Forces." It showed that there was an Empire,
and that Great Britain alone could not form that
Empire; that without her Colonies there could be no
Empire in reality. The Colonies recognized this, too,
but they considered that their fealty, their duty, their
homage, was owing to the mother who sent them forth.
A few years ago they had the example of one of the
Australasian Colonies coming to the aid of the Mother
Country; now every outlying portion of the Empire
where Englishmen were to be found not only came to
the aid of the Mother Country, but fought the battles
of the Empire and of her who was Queen and Empress of
the whole of our great dominions. The men from Aus-
tralasia had done well, the men from Canada had also
done well, but they had not done more than the great
and true men of the Imperial Army, and he was sure
that they themselves would be the last to assume that
they had done anything more than their simple duty.
War was a dreadful thing, but war had its lessons,
and, if it disclosed weaknesses and imperfections oc-
casionally, it also gave an opportunity for remedying
them, and that opportunity would not be lost on the
nation. Nothing could have shown the unity of the
Empire as this war had done, and in that respect it had
363
Lord Strathcona
been a good rather than an evil. It had been an object
lesson for the world; one which the nations would
doubtless take to heart. The unity of the British
Empire was no longer an ideal, it was a fact. Nothing
could contribute more to that unity than the fact
that the sons of the Empire were fighting together and
nobly and willingly giving their blood for its weal.
Citizens of the Empire looked to the Army and the
Navy and to the Imperial forces — and he was sure
they would never look in vain — to maintain the
dignity, the honour, and the solidarity of the Empire.
Said the Duke of Argyll, at a public meeting in
April: —
I cannot avoid referring to the patriotic efforts of
Lord Strathcona in raising the regiment which has
borne his name, and sustaining it in the field for so
long a time in Africa. " Strathcona's Horse" is a
remarkable force, and its composition epitomizes the
opinion which Canada has deliberately formed as to
the rights and wrongs of the war that is, unfortunately,
still proceeding. The people of the Dominion were not
blinded by any of the party feelings in which some
may indulge at home; and, looking across the seas,
they see, as they thought, that the cause of Britain is
the cause of right, freedom, and justice. They have
acted upon that opinion, and have come forward
ready to serve in South Africa in such great numbers
that many excellent men have, of necessity, to be left
at home. Such an experience is without parallel, and
none can recollect a similar case, where one private
individual has come forward and equipped so magnifi-
cent a body of men. That is not, however, the only act
for which we ought to be grateful to Lord Strathcona.
364
Invitation to the Prince
He has lately been the means of inducing the Canadian
Government to offer medals in the schools of Britain
for proficiency in knowledge concerning Canada.
Over one thousand such medals have already been
distributed; they are being most eagerly sought, and
I am sure that the action of the Canadian Government
will be attended by most excellent results.
At the Colonial Institute Dinner in May, 1900,
Lord Strathcona suggested that the Prince of
Wales should again visit Canada: —
There were many — he amongst them — who looked
back with the most pleasurable feelings to the visit of
the Prince of Wales to Canada some forty years ago.
Canada, at that time, was not a federation, not a
Dominion, not a nation, as it is to-day, and he was
sure that, should His Royal Highness go there in the
near future, he would find a people not less loyal than
they were nearly half a century ago.
It was true [he continued], that in Canada some
sixty years ago there was what was called an insur-
rection ; but the condition of the Colonies in those days
was very different from what it is now. The Colonial
Office is very different to-day from what it was then,
when they imagined they knew a great deal more
about what was good for those outlandish places called
Colonies than the Colonies themselves. Now the Col-
onies felt that in the Mother Country they had a
strong friend, while at the head of the Colonial Office
was a statesman most anxious at all tunes to do every-
thing that was in the best interests of the Colonies.
He could only state that nowhere in the United King-
dom could they surpass the loyal reception which would
be given to the Prince of Wales or any other member
365
Lord Strathcona
of the Royal Family should they visit the Dominion.
Let us hope that this suggestion, which is as yet in " the
air," will come to pass, and that we shall have a visit.
Hearty cheers greeted Lord Strathcona's con-
cluding expression of the joy all had felt at the
escape of the Prince from the hand of an assassin.
The visit of the Heir Apparent (now George V)
took place in the following year.
Referring elsewhere to Canada's contribution to
the South African Army, Senator Drummond said :
To ourselves it is a source of pride that among them
is a corps of mounted infantry consisting of 589 men,
equipped, armed, and carried to the seat of war
through the princely liberality of the president of this
bank. Heavy as is the price exacted in war for any
benefits — not in treasure alone, for that is secondary,
but in blood — Canadians now occupy a place among
the nations not hitherto accorded to them, and can
realize as never before that their country is part and
parcel of the Empire, while the more distant shore
where our flag flies is but a portion of our heritage.
That summer, in South Africa, the "Strathcona's
Horse" performed much useful service. When, in
October, Lord Dundonald parted from them on his
return to England he addressed them thus: —
I have never served with a nobler, braver, or more
serviceable body of men. It shall be my privilege
when I meet my friend Lord Strathcona, to tell him
what a magnificent body of men bear his name.
Later, as they entrained for Pretoria, Lord Dun-
donald stated that he was very proud of "Strath-
366
Strathcona's Horse praised
cona's Horse." From the time the regiment joined
the brigade under his command it had covered a
great deal of ground and had undertaken and suc-
cessfully carried out many dangerous duties.
Major-General Barton also wrote their com-
mander in November: —
I cannot speak too highly of the practical and effec-
tive manner in which the duty assigned to your splendid
corps was carried out by yourself and all under your
command yesterday, and I have specially mentioned
this in my report to the Field Marshal Commanding-
in-Chief . I only regret that circumstances prevented
my supporting your movements by advancing further
with the main body.
Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief in South
Africa, bidding farewell to the regiment on Jan-
uary 15, 1901, publicly thanked them for their
services and stated that they had marched through
nearly every part of the Transvaal and Orange
River Colony, that he had never heard anything
but good of the corps, and that they would be
greatly pleased if he told them of the number of
letters he had received from general officers all over
the country asking for "Strathcona's Horse." l
The regiment sailed from Cape Town on Jan-
uary 21. All hands had been refitted with new
clothing from head to foot and new hats sent out
by Lord Strathcona, who, on their arrival in the
Thames, sent them a telegram of welcome.
Subsequently, His Majesty King Edward re-
1 Major-General S. B. Steele, Reminiscences.
367
Lord Strathcona
viewed " Strathcona's Horse," thus addressing
them : —
Colonel Steele, officers, non-commissioned officers,
and privates, I welcome you to these shores on your
return from active service in South Africa. I know it
would have been the ardent wish of my beloved
mother, our revered Queen, to have welcomed you
also, but that was not to be, but be assured she
deeply appreciated the services you have rendered, as
I do.
It has given me great satisfaction to inspect you
to-day, and to have presented you with your war
medals, and also with the King's colours.
Be assured that neither I nor the British nation will
ever forget the valuable service you have rendered in
South Africa.
Lord Strathcona gave a "magnificent banquet,
modestly called a luncheon," to the whole corps.
Many leading persons were present, including the
Earls of Derby and Aberdeen (ex-Governors-Gen-
eral of Canada), the Earl of Dundonald, Major-
General Laurie, M.P., Major-General Hutton, and
many other officers of the army, prominent Colo-
nial statesmen and gentlemen interested in the
Dominion and other oversea portions of the Em-
pire. Lord Strathcona, surrounded by his guests,
received each officer and private at the entrance of
the banque ting-hall, and afterwards proposed the
health of the regiment. The occasion of his own
toast being drunk produced the wildest enthusi-
asm, the officers and men springing to their feet
and making the roof echo with their ardent cheer-
368
War Office Alacrity
ing. The names of Sir Redvers Buller and Lord
Dundonald, who, in the absence of Lord Roberts,
took his place on Lord Strathcona's left, were also
heartily received, the whole corps rising to honour
them.
Before their return to Canada, Lord Strathcona
gave a further banquet to the officers of the regi-
ment. He received all the guests in the great draw-
ing-room of the Savoy Hotel. Colonel Steele had
the place of honour on his right, Earl Roberts, the
Lord Mayor of London, Lord Lansdowne, Secre-
tary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joseph Cham-
berlain, Sir Redvers Buller, Lord William Seymour,
Sir James Ferguson, and about thirty others were
present.
Colonel Steele mentions a typical incident. He
and other officers were returning to the Govern-
ment for further service.
He [Lord Strathcona] went with us to obtain pas-
sages from the War Office, where it was somewhat
difficult to get the officers to understand that, as we
were commissioned officers of a force which was paid
by the British Government and were going out to
the War, we were entitled to our passages by military
transports. From the War Office back and forth to the
Colonial Office we went; but Lord Strathcona event-
ually put matters right, and it was arranged that we
should sail on the transport Makool, the same ship
which had taken Strathcona's Horse to Kosi Bay.
So delighted was Lord Strathcona with the ex-
ploits of the Canadians that he cabled out the bulk
369
Lord Strathcona
of the leading article in the Times to Sir Wilfrid
Laurier: —
All classes of our troops, in success as in defeat, have
displayed splendid qualities, but if anything could
enhance the intense and widespread satisfaction at
their achievement, it is the knowledge that the Cana-
dian Contingent played a principal part in the move-
ments which forced the stubborn Boer leader to own
that he was beaten.
Lord Strathcona added that the military arti-
cle in the same journal also stated : —
It is peculiarly interesting to note that the "coup de
grace" to General Cronje's force was delivered by the
Canadian regiment, whose action at an early hour of
yesterday is described by Lord Roberts as a gallant
deed worthy of our Colonial comrades. The fact that
the force voluntarily offered by the great self-govern-
ing Colony of Canada had greatly distinguished itself
in another continent is one which will not be forgotten.
The gallant Canadians who fell yesterday have helped
draw closer the bonds which unite our Empire.
Nevertheless, he was much concerned over the
circumstance of the short enlistment of the Cana-
dian contingents, — a single year only, — and
his impatience was great when six out of eight
companies refused to accede to Lord Roberts's
request to prolong their term of service by a few
months. Had it been possible he would himself have
wished to interfere and appeal to the men : but re-
flection showed that it was best not to call too much
attention to the incident. He contented himself
370
Imperial Defence
with explaining the matter to the Commander-in-
Chief : —
To Field Marshal Earl Roberts
February loth, 1901.
We in Canada have been so long isolated and ab-
sorbed in our own material development that it will
take us some time to recognize fully the gravity of
Imperial defence outside our own borders, But the
temper of the Canadian people is elastic and will be
found to fit the situation should it ever arise in the
future. They will only need to be impressed by its
gravity to come forward to meet it. This war, if only
a beginning, has, I trust, proved that.
CHAPTER XXV
THE GROWING TIME
1903-1909
LORD STRATHCONA may well have felt embar-
rassed by the overwhelming character of his recep-
tion when he visited Montreal in the summer of
1900. On his arrival at the station he was greeted
by a deputation of prominent citizens and twelve
hundred students of McGill University, whose ex-
uberance was no whit dampened by a steady down-
pour of rain. The interval of waiting for the Chan-
cellor was employed in pulling down tradesmen's
signs, upon which the magic name "Strathcona"
was then chalked. A baker's cart was "held up"
and deprived of its load of loaves, which, soon ren-
dered sodden by the rain, made excellent missiles
for those whose enthusiasm seemed to require a
stimulus. When at last the train steamed into the
station, the deputation, headed by Sir William Van
Home, boarded the car and welcomed Lord Strath-
cona at his homecoming. " Canada does not forget
such lifelong services as Lord Strathcona has ren-
dered." That inscribed on a banner was the note
of the occasion. The McGill students, shouting
and cheering, waving their hats, called for three
cheers for Lord Strathcona, and thousands took
up the chorus, "For he's a jolly good fellow."
When the object of their demonstration de-
scended the steps of the station a mighty roar went
372
Reception in Montreal
up, and it was with difficulty he made his way to
his carriage, from which the horses had been with-
drawn and to which ropes were attached by the
students. Torrents were descending, but the wel-
coming multitude, wet and covered with mud, with
broken umbrellas, and boots and trousers past
recognition, evinced no diminution of ardour.
They emitted the college yell ; again and again they
called for cheers for Strathcona and Strathcona's
Horse, and while the bells of St. George's Church
loudly pealed a welcome, the carriage was drawn
along to Lord Strathcona's residence in Dorchester
Street.
Arrived at his residence, and touched at such
evidences of a popularity his prime had never
known, Lord Strathcona addressed the students: —
I feel deeply [he said] the kindness of your recep-
tion and its heartiness, and I hope that I shall have the
opportunity of meeting you all during my short stay
here. The reception which you have given me to-day
will remain vividly imprinted on my memory during
the remainder of my life, however long or short that
may be. I cannot in reason expect that many more
years remain to me.
At this point a crowd of students interrupted his
remarks by giving him three cheers, and before the
sound of this had died away, some one in the crowd
asked, "What's the matter with Strathcona's
Horse?" to which the whole crowd duly responded.
Lord Strathcona then said : —
Yes, gentlemen, they are "all right." They have
done, and will do, their duty like all the soldiers of
373
Lord Strathcona
the Queen, no matter from what part of the Empire
they are gathered, and in the same spirit McGill will
do its duty.
Loud cheers greeted the conclusion of this
speech.
He later told the Montrealers: —
Imperialism is not confined to any one class in Eng-
land now; it pervades the whole nation. It is no
longer a sentiment of any one district. In the parts of
the country where the labouring classes toil, there you
find the feeling very, very strong.
Mr. Chamberlain is essentially a Colonial Minister.
He has done more for the Colonies, I think, than any
Minister preceding him in the Colonial Office. He is a
man of wonderful energy and vigour, determined to
strengthen the connection between the Mother Coun-
try and her Colonies. The policy of a closer union has
become astonishingly popular on the other side. It is
not now momentary or evanescent. The war in South
Africa has stirred the people in a wonderful manner.
The country has seized every opportunity of showing
its interest for, and sympathy with, the outlying mem-
bers of the Empire.
This feeling [he predicted] was sure to be lasting,
simply because it was entirely voluntary. It is a free
government in Canada as in England. If Canadians
had felt that they were compelled to aid England in
the recent struggle, some of them might possibly have
been disposed to rebel. The assistance tendered to
the Empire was not compulsory; no such feelings were
engendered. What is this seeking after a closer bond
between the Colonies and the Mother Country, after
all? Is it not a common necessity? The Mother Land
is necessary to the Colonies and_the Colonies are
374
Federation not to be forced
necessary to the Mother Country. A close bond of
Union is our strength — it is her strength ! Think of
its effect on the other nations! It is a course with
mutual advantages to the Colonies and to England.
As to the desire for closer union leading to some
formal arrangement by which the Colonies would be
represented in the Imperial Councils, I do not think
this question should be forced. Should the trend of
feeling eventually run in that way, means will be
found to devise a working arrangement. At present I
would not urge it. A common impulse is now felt in all
parts of the Empire. When the Empire is engaged in
war, all the component parts feel that they, too, are
concerned. There is a oneness of feeling which could
not have been dreamt of before the Transvaal War.
I would not be in a hurry to force this sentiment into
legal or binding shape. Canada has gained greatly by
her action in sending out the contingents. She is known
now in England in a way which would have been
simply impossible some years ago. It is felt by people
in England that they may invest their capital in
Canada with as much security as they can at home.
Canada has come to be regarded as an integral part
of the Empire, sharing in the Imperial thought.
Speaking of the conduct of Strathcona's Horse,
Lord Strath cona said : —
There is another thing of which I am very proud,
and that is the fine stand our Canadian horses took in
the hardships of the contest. I have it on excellent au-
thority and from many sources that the horses which
were shipped from the Canadian North-West to South
Africa have proved themselves to be the finest class of
horses used there by the British Army.
375
Lord Strathcona
Everywhere he went and every day of his brief
sojourn in Canada, the heartiness of his reception
was the same.
The Toronto Board of Trade gave him a banquet
at which four hundred representative persons of
the Province of Ontario were present. "The gather-
ing," commented the Globe, "was a great tribute to
the philanthropic nobleman who had done so much
for Canada and the Empire."
We are told that, on his rising to speak, the
guests and spectators in the galleries cheered for
several minutes, the band playing " Rule Britannia."
The principal theme of his speech was the bond of
union between the Mother Land and her Colonies,
now cemented by the blood their sons shed together
on the soil of South Africa.
When we speak of a united Empire, we speak of the
Dominion and the other Colonies coming closer to-
gether. May we not express a hope, too, that in our
Dominion there may be less provincialism amongst
us? Whether in Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime Prov-
inces, the Prairie Provinces, or in that great Western
country which was once called a sea of mountains, and
which they now know to be a rich sea of mountains,
they ought to feel in all their legislation they desired
to come together in everything that was good for the
Dominion at large.
A few years ago people from Canada and the
Colonies were regarded in England as merely those to
whom it was well to be civil — very worthy back-
woods people, but hardly worth while crossing the
sea to recognize. We know that our neighbours of the
376
« Worthy Backwoods People"
United States were thought highly of, and seen every-
where in society, but was it so of ourselves from
Canada and the other Colonies, as we had a right to
expect? How is it to-day? To be a Canadian citizen
or a citizen of any other Colony is to have the warm-
est good wishes of all the best people of the Mother
Country.
The feeling that has gone forth toward the Colonies
is not, I feel assured, an evanescent one. While we are
the first among the nations within the Empire, we are
glad to know that there is another true-born nation
which is to take its place alongside of Canada in a very
few weeks. The grandson of Her Gracious Majesty the
Queen goes there to assist in opening the new Parlia-
ment, and I trust that the occasion will not be lost of
having that same member of the Royal Family, as
representing Her Majesty, come also amongst us on
his return.
We should now be regarded as one people, one great
Empire of Englishmen, no matter what our mother
tongue may be. There is one agency which I trust
within a very short time we shall see as an estab-
lished fact, and which I believe will be a factor in that
direction. I feel we may be confident that we shall, at
the close of 1902, have cable communication direct
from Canada to Australia. While we have but little
business connection with the Southern Federation,
doubtless it will go on increasing to great proportions,
as there is much in each country that the other
needs.
To the Warden of Victoria College he had pre-
viously written : —
377
Lord Strathcona
To Miss Hilda Oakeley
5th May, 1900.
It is a great satisfaction to me to learn from you
of the excellent progress being made in the Royal
Victoria College for Women, and perhaps it is an
advantage that for the first year there should be only
a few resident students.
You correctly interpret my wishes with regard to
the College when you say that I had mainly in view in
establishing it, "that the more studious students who
are taking the strict University course should work
under the happy conditions of home life with those who
share their ideals and interests." Our object ought
certainly to be to induce as many of the Canadian
young women as can be properly accommodated to
take the entire course as under-graduates, while at
the same time finding room, as far as practicable,
for those who are only occasional students.
It was a great regret to me that I was unable to
visit Canada this last winter and to be present during
your session, but the doctors interposed their veto on
my going out while I was not altogether strong and in
the best of health. I am still very hopeful of being in
Canada sometime early in the summer, and look for-
ward as well to be there again in the autumn or early
winter during your second session.
It was during this visit that he formally opened,
in November, the College he had founded. Lord
and Lady Minto were present, as well as hun-
dreds of Montreal citizens and many students of
McGill University, at a reception which exceeded
378
Victoria College Opening
in size and magnificence any private entertainment
previously given in Montreal, and even surpassed
that given by Lord and Lady Strathcona at the
Imperial Institute, London, in the summer of 1897,
at which all the Canadians then in the English
metropolis were invited guests. On this occasion
Lady Minto unveiled the statue of the Queen, exe-
cuted by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, at the
entrance to the college. Miss Oakeley, as Warden
of the college, then presented Her Excellency with
an immense bouquet of roses, tied with the college
ribbon.
In the year following, Lord Strathcona wrote to
Miss Oakeley: —
May 25th, 1901.
The account you are able to give of the Royal
Victoria College and those who have the good fortune
to be under your care in it, shows indeed a satisfactory
record for the Session which has just closed, and I have
no doubt that as time goes on, the College will be in-
creasingly useful to the people of Montreal and Canada
in training up well-educated gentlewomen.
October 28th, 1901.
It is only now, too, I am able to send a reply to the
kind letter of the "Delta Sigma" Society, asking if I
would give an address — the annual lecture — before
their literary society, a request which at their sugges-
tion is enforced in your note. Any such effort on my
part would, I fear, be a sad disappointment, as I cannot
hope to do justice to what ought to be the standard of
such an occasion, but entirely apart from this, fearing
greatly, owing to my engagements, I could not name
379
Lord Strathcona
an evening when I could be present for the purpose.
This, pray believe me, is a sincere regret to me, and
let me add how proud I am to have my name, both
Christian and surname, so pleasantly associated with
the Delta Sigma Society.
In another speech to the citizens of Montreal,
Lord Strathcona foreshadowed his return to Canada
" upon the completion of important works in which
he had been much interested," which were taken
to mean the Pacific cable and the establishment
of a fast Atlantic service. Once again he reminded
his hearers that " the action of the Colonies in send-
ing troops to South Africa was not merely a matter
of patriotism, for the Colonies," he said, "are as
necessary to Britain as Britain is to the Colonies."
One of the first of his duties on his return to
England was to take part in the national welcome
of the war-worn body of Canadian troops returning
from South Africa under Colonel Otter's command.
A great reception was given at the Imperial Insti-
tute in their honour. Addressing the assembled
company, he said : —
The citizen soldiers of Canada had been received as
brothers not only by the Queen's soldiers of the
United Kingdom, but by the whole of London, repre-
senting admirably the people of Great Britain. It was
needless to speak of the different battles in which these
citizen soldiers had been engaged, for their record was
well known. All the Queen's soldiers had done their
duty gallantly and well, those from Canada and the
other Colonies side by side with the rest. This had
been expected of them by all Canadians, and they
380
Queen Victoria's Death
had not been disappointed. Colonel Otter and his
officers and men, and indeed the whole Canadian
Contingent, would be the last to say they had done
better than others ; but they only claimed to have done
what they could to conserve the honour, the dignity,
and the integrity of the Empire. What these troops
have done in the past they would be equally ready to
do in the future, if the need of the Empire should arise.
The illness and death, on January 21, of the
universally beloved and revered Queen Victoria
had profoundly affected him. He and Lady
Strathcona were present in St. George's Chapel,
Windsor, at the funeral service, where he was heard
to remark several times to acquaintances, "Think
of it — think of it — Queen Victoria is dead!"
To him the event meant more than to most. His
memory could travel back to the London of the first
year of Victoria's accession, when as a fresh-faced
youth, with all his career before him, he had lin-
gered in the streets hoping to be "rewarded by
the spectacle of Her Majesty."
At a special court of the Governors of the Royal
Scottish Corporation, held in order to pass a reso-
lution of sorrow on the Queen's death, of sympathy
with the Royal Family on their bereavement, and
congratulation to His Majesty King Edward VII
on his accession to the Throne, Lord Strathcona
attended with Lord Rosebery. Canada's High
Commissioner seconded the resolution, which was
proposed by the ex- Prime Minister. He said: —
But little is ever required from one who seconds
Lord Rosebery. It might, however, coming as he did
Lord Strathcona
from an outlying portion of the Empire, be permitted
to him to say a word as to the feeling of the Colonies
on that most sad occasion.
If they went back to the commencement of the reign
of her late Majesty, they would find in Canada symp-
toms of disloyalty, of race hatreds, and not everywhere
the warmest possible homage to her name. They had
different peoples there — there were the natives, there
were the French, and there was not anywhere at that
time that feeling of love for the Mother Country that
was now so conspicuous a feature in our great Western
Dominion. But it was felt for the first time under the
beneficent reign of Her Majesty that justice would be
given to all. In his Colony, when her sons visited the
Mother Country, they must see the Queen. He had
had a very touching instance of this quite recently. A
poor man had come to him, stating that he had come
home from Canada for the express purpose of seeing the
"great, good mother," and when he had accomplished
that he would go back again. He was enabled to
secure for this poor man the privilege of seeing the
Queen in one of her drives. After that this Canadian
returned home at once, and said the wish of his life
had been accomplished.
At that moment, Canada, as well as the other out-
lying portions of the Empire, joined in the sorrows of
the Mother Country. And, likewise, in the United
States of America it was felt that a great English
sovereign had passed away, whose life was full of years
and honours, and who had provided so bright an ex-
ample to all. It was not alone in Canada that grief
was felt, but throughout the whole of that great Re-
public which was its neighbour. As to His Majesty
King Edward VII, the people of Canada, like all his
382
Glencoe's Associations
subjects, heartily congratulated him, and hoped that
he might be spared for many long years to follow in the
steps of his predecessor. They in Canada had a pro-
found and pleasant recollection of his visit when Prince
of Wales, forty years before.
In April, before a distinguished audience at the
Imperial Institute, he read a paper on "Canada
and the Empire." The Duke of Argyll in his hap-
piest vein introduced the lecturer. Everybody, he
said, knew what Lord Strathcona had done, and
the Duke, being a Scotsman himself, maintained
that only a Scotsman could have done what Lord
Strathcona had done; and only a Scotsman who had
had a long residence in Canada, benefited by her
air, her institutions, and by the experience acquired
on her soil. The Duke was particularly grateful to
Lord Strathcona in that he had become an Argyll-
shire man, and had brightened with his presence a
place which formerly had rather dismal associations.
Glencoe was associated with the great cruelties
practised upon some of those who were not up to
what might be called the " Imperial " ideal of their
time. The Duke pointed out how matters had
changed, and the locality was now a centre of light
and leading in the Imperial feelings of the day.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 2d May, 1901.
The other day Mr. Chamberlain asked me to see him
about some matters which could be better explained
verbally than in writing.
383
Lord Strathcona
First, he referred to the National Monument to
Queen Victoria. It was evident from what he said
that it would be very gratifying to the King and to
the Government here that Canada should show an
interest in the matter, by contributing to the fund
being raised for it, the amount of the contribution being
of much less consequence than the assurance that the
Dominion entered cordially into the idea of there being
one grand memorial in London, joined in by every part
of the Empire. I am sure that your cooperation in this
will be regarded with the greatest appreciation here.
The other matter suggested is that a certain moder-
ate sum should be placed at the disposal of the Gov-
ernor-General to enable him adequately to entertain
the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall on their visit to
Canada. Indeed, I believe that Lord Minto has given
Mr. Chamberlain to understand that his personal
means do not permit of his doing what he could wish
in this way.
About these somewhat delicate matters to deal with,
I write you frankly, as I know you will not mis-
understand the spirit in which I bring them to your
notice, and I also feel sure you would like to have
placed before you what is passing in the minds of the
people here on such subjects.
While I have the pen in hand, let me say that just
before the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall left for
Australia their reception in Canada happened to come
up in conversation with Mr. Chamberlain, on which I
said that if quite agreeable to the King, and of course
also to your Government, I should be glad to assist
in the welcome of the royal party in Montreal, to which
the response was that anything I might do in that
respect would be acceptable.
384
The St. Lawrence Route
Please understand that I do not wish unnecessarily
to put myself forward, but if you entirely concur, I
shall be pleased to go to Montreal in September to aid
as best I can either by accommodation and entertain-
ment, or otherwise in my house.
To C. R. Devlin, M.P.
5th August, 1901.
It is quite unnecessary to take any notice of Mr.
Henri Bourassa's statement, a sufficient answer to it
being that on his resolution in condemnation of the
course of the Government in connection with the
South African War, he had only three supporters in a
full House. As regards the action of the Contingent
from Canada, their deeds speak fully for the admirable
way in which they conducted themselves, along with
their fellow-soldiers from the Mother Country and
other parts of the Empire.
All of this year, as of preceding ones, he had been
agitating the scheme of a fast Atlantic steamship
service. As for that other matter of the Pacific
cable, it had happily reached finality. The cable
was being rapidly laid and would soon be one of
the Empire's assets. But the line of twenty-five-
knot steamers was still as far away as ever. Lord
Strathcona said : —
The Canadian Government realizes fully that the
St. Lawrence route should be made as safe as human
foresight can make it. The insurance rate for Canada
is from seven and one half to eight guineas, as against
three to New York, Boston, and other United States
ports. Thus we are heavily handicapped, and the
385
Lord Strathcona
Government should, and I am convinced will, do all in
its power to improve the route if this is possible and if
such drawbacks exist. There is no sentiment in this
question of insurance; it is purely a business matter.
Competition is too keen nowadays for any sentiment
to intervene, and if it were safe to take lower rates, you
may be sure there would be plenty of offers.
If the Government sees its way to grant a subsidy
which would meet the views of Sir Christopher Fur-
ness, I have no doubt he would be willing to tender
for the service. He is firmly convinced that only a
first-class service will be of any use; a fast service — a
service that can compete with the United States lines.
On the question of a Canadian terminal I cannot
but think that the port must be the one giving the
shortest sea passage from land to land, and I should
think some point in Cape Breton is the place, if it
affords good harbour accommodation, and where pas-
sengers, perishable and certain other kinds of freight,
can be taken on board. That is the only way we can
ever secure a thoroughly good, efficient, and up-to-date
service.
I have always taken a very great interest in this
question; I have been working at it for years, and I
have always maintained that it was a necessary adjunct
wherewith to maintain the reputation of our trans-
continental route to the east. The Canadian Pacific
are taking steps to accelerate the speed of their Pacific
steamers, and we must have a fast service on the
Atlantic.
Highly did he appreciate the distinction when in
October, 1902, the honorary degree of D.C.L. was
conferred on him by the University of Oxford, on
the occasion of the Bodley Tercentenary.
386
The Tariff Reform Movement
The launching by Mr. Chamberlain of his great
scheme of tariff reform for the United Kingdom
caused Lord Strathcona the greatest satisfaction.
"Although," he told the Colonial Secretary, " I can-
not from my position publicly support you, nor
even hint in public here at my sentiments, you know
what those sentiments are."
He held the view strongly that free trade in
England was building up the prosperity of Ger-
many and other nations and retarding, and perhaps
forever preventing, the commercial unity, and
therefore the real unity, of the British Empire.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
May i6th, 1903.
Mr. Chamberlain made a remarkable speech at
Birmingham and the report of it, as given in the Times
this morning, I enclose with this, also a report of Mr.
Balfour's reply to a deputation which waited on him
yesterday on the question of the corn and flour duties.
It is very evident that the people of the United
Kingdom are not yet quite ripe for any measure of
protection, but there is certainly a strong and growing
feeling that there ought to be a preference to the
Colonies.
A fortnight later he wrote: —
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
May 30th, 1903.
Mr. Chamberlain assured me that should pressure
to impose duty on flour be irresistible, he will insist on
drawback for Canada.
387
Lord Strathcona
He thought it just possible that the Chancellor of the
Exchequer might have to give way to the insistence
for a duty on flour, but he very decidedly said that if
so, Canada must be exempt.
I have since had some conversation with him on
"the new departure," and I have sent you the text of
his speeches and all pamphlets on the subject which
have appeared in the principal London papers, so need
not here trouble you as to anything further about it,
than to say that Mr. Chamberlain has evidently come
to regard the position from your point of view, that it
is the wish of the Imperial Government to formulate
its own policy and then to approach the Colonies on
the subject.
At the annual Dominion Day Banquet, he
said : —
In a very short time Canada would be able to pro-
vide every pound of breadstuffs required in this coun-
try, and with a strong navy the Mother Country would
be proof against the pinch of necessity. Whilst Canada
has been glad to give a preference to the Mother Country
there was at present a good deal in the air regarding
preferential relations within the Empire. Many who
had been working in the past for that end now saw
a gleam of sunshine before them, and he hoped such a
result would be obtained without depriving themselves
of their trade with foreign countries. Was there any
reason why in their domestic affairs they should not
be one great family throughout the British Empire?
Surely it was only reasonable that the different parts of
that Empire should exhibit a preferential feeling to-
ward each other. They were all proud of that great
statesman who had done so much for the Colonies —
388
American Resentment questioned
he had the courage of his convictions. Was it proposed
that they should stumble at once into something very
different from what they had now? Was it not asked
that they should consider the situation carefully, and
then do what was thought best for the whole of the
King's dominions? In Canada they had no fear of the
outcome of the enquiry, but whatever happened the
loyalty of the Dominion would remain undisturbed.
In conclusion, the Chairman mentioned that
during the last ten months 104,000 people had
entered Canada, "a considerable proportion of
them being good citizens of the United States,
who had now gone to help build up the Empire, and
be as loyal subjects of the King as any others."
When some one suggested to him that there
might be some resentment in America at any pref-
erential treatment of Canada — especially if Ameri-
can industries suffered thereby, he asked : —
Why should there be any resentment? Americans
are business men. Between their own States there
exists an arrangement for the most complete mutual
benefit, while they interpose a tariff against the out-
side world. Why should they resent the establishment
between the States of Greater Britain of a mutually
benefiting arrangement? Or why should they resent
the withdrawal on the part of Great Britain of advan-
tages which she has voluntarily given them if she does
so in pursuit of a policy of advantage to the constitu-
ent parts of her Empire? We do not resent any part of
the domestic policy of the United States. Why should
her citizens, as business men, resent any change in our
domestic policy?
389
Lord Strathcona
Was not Canada herself apprehensive of the results
of a change from her present conditions? Did not the
Government believe, for instance, that the disturbance
of fiscal relations with the United States might result in
the aggravation of friction in questions of policy, such,
for example, as the Alaskan Boundary Question? In
short, was there not a feeling in Canada that any
change might be a change for the worse, and that it
would be better to leave matters alone?
To these questions Lord Strathcona replied that
he did not believe in that expression as the feel-
ing of Canada. "I do believe that throughout
the Dominion there exists, on the other hand, the
greatest confidence in the statesman who is now at
the Colonial Office. And I think that Canada
believes in him, and trusts to his judgment and
ability."
During Lord Strathcona's annual absence in
September of this year Sir Walter Peace, Agent-
General for Natal, suggested that the representa-
tives of the self-governing Colonies should unite in
tendering Mr. Chamberlain an official banquet on
his retirement. In this he wished Canada to take
the initial steps. If Canada approved, Sir Wilfrid
Laurier would be asked to cable the various
Colonies to instruct their representatives to co-
operate.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
The Canadian Government continues firm in the
conviction that preferential trade on the lines laid
down at the Colonial Conference last year is the best
390
Mr. Chamberlain's Retirement
policy in the interest of the British Empire and we
warmly recognize and appreciate Mr. Chamberlain's
services as Colonial Secretary, especially his endorse-
ment of that policy. At the same time we are strongly
of opinion that the proposed demonstration would be
ignoring His Majesty's advisers at this moment as
appearing to take sides in what has unfortunately be-
come a party question in England and a crisis which is
now submitted to the judgment of the British elector-
ate.
This seemed sound doctrine and practice. Never-
theless, Lord Strathcona did not fail to avail him-
self of this and every opportunity to express pub-
licly his appreciation of the services of the retiring
minister.
It was no disparagement to his predecessors to say
that he had done more than any man to promote
Imperial unity and the development of the Empire.
During the term of his office many events of impor-
tance bearing upon the Colonies and the Empire had
taken place. I would refer to the Conferences of 1897
and 1902, and it is gratifying to learn that such gather-
ings were likely to be held in the future.
I would also point to the Federation ' of Australia,
the introduction of preferential tariffs in Canada and
South Africa in favour of British imports, denuncia-
tion of the German and Belgian treaties, the laying of
the Pacific cable, the establishment of penny postage
within the greater portion of the Empire, the abolition
of the sugar bounties, the inclusion of Colonial stock
among trustees' securities, and the visit to South
Africa — a precedent which we hoped would be
widely followed in the future. All these constituted
39i
Lord Strathcona
a record of which he and the Government might well
be proud. He has always been most considerate and
most appreciative in regard to all matters affecting
our Dominion of Canada.
He repeated these sentiments on several other
occasions, notably in February, 1904, when he de-
clared : —
Mr. Joseph Chamberlain is a great man and a great
statesman. The Colonies look upon Mr. Chamberlain
as their very best friend and one who, in the high posi-
tion he has held, has done more for the Colonies, and is
doing more for the Colonies, for the Mother Country,
for the Empire, and for the general good, than any
other man. But what have British political parties
done for the Colonies? Other countries have been
seeking to be connected closely with them, even more
so, perhaps, than the Mother Country, for the time
was not far past when some of their statesmen con-
sidered that it would be to the benefit of the United
Kingdom if the Colonies were gently allowed to go
their own way. Where would their Empire be if
England were alone? Was it not better that they
should be brought together, for then they would have
an Empire of which they might well be proud? During
the South African War the Colonies had come to the
assistance of the Mother Land because they felt that it
was only by being united that there could be real and
true strength within the Empire.
As they did in the past, so would they do in the
future. Therefore, it will be wisdom on their part
to endeavour to draw closer and still more closer
to the Colonies than is at present the case, making
392
Correct Official Behaviour
such arrangements in a commercial sense as will
enable them to have within the domestic circle of
the Empire the cooperation and union and reciproc-
ity that would make one great family.
He was not to go without criticism, and he took
an early opportunity to reply to the attack made
on him in the Canadian House of Commons. By
one member he was accused of exceeding his rights
as Canadian High Commissioner, by practically al-
lying himself with one of the British political par-
ties and campaigning with Mr. Chamberlain. If
the charge were true, and if he had been guilty of
allying himself with Mr. Chamberlain, it is only fair
to say that in so doing he would have acted ex-
actly as the vast majority of his fellow-Canadians
would have been proud to have him act. But the
truth is, he was always very careful to remember
his semi-diplomatic position in London, and to keep
himself clear of British party politics.
He retorted that while a very great admirer of
Mr. Chamberlain, he had never in any way been
connected with that statesman's fiscal crusade, and
that in his position as representative of Canada,
he knew no politics, British or Canadian.
This [declared a leading Montreal journal] is an
entirely satisfactory reply to the criticism in question.
No attitude could be more proper. Canadians would
generally not want him to conceal his personal belief
in Mr. Chamberlain's pro-Canadian policy; but they
will agree with him that his delicate and highly impor-
tant work in London can best be done from a position
of party neutrality.
393
Lord Strathcona
His visit to Canada that year, if not marked by
such scenes of tumultuous enthusiasm, was again
very pleasant, and awoke many happy memories.
He said in the course of a public speech : —
To me it appears looking back as a dream. It dis-
poses me to rub my eyes sometimes and feel if I am
really awake. Who could have thought fifty years ago
of the transformation which has taken place? Seeing
what has been done in the past by the people of
Canada, it is an earnest, and a good one, too, that
they will still be up and stirring, and that they will not
be contented only with what they and their fathers
have done, but that they themselves will still continue
to do their utmost, and that they will instill into the
minds of their children, and the children again of these,
that there is an inheritance which is theirs, and that it
would be a humiliation to all of them not to do their
utmost to sustain it, and to still press forward.
Even sixty years ago I was an optimist. Pessimism
is not a good thing to live upon. You may go upon it
for a while if you will, but for a country or a person,
depend upon it you will make more out of anything by
thinking good of it than by holding it in ill favour.
And that is how it will be with Canadians.
From time to time rumours of his approaching
retirement appeared in the newspapers. In the
autumn of 1903 these rumours brought forth an
official denial from the Honourable Mr. Field-
ing in the Canadian House of Commons. General
cheers greeted the Minister's statement, and there
was in England many an echo of congratulation.
The burden of eighty-three years now rested upon
394
Lord Dundonald
his shoulders, yet he had no sooner returned to
England than he at once plunged into the heart of
things Canadian, especially the scheme, not yet
realized, for a fast Atlantic line.
Of the many admirers of the Earl of Dundonald,
who had gone out to Canada to fill the post formerly
held by General (now Sir Edward) Hutton, he was
not the least. He deplored the political partisan-
ship which, in the Dominion, too often ruled in the
appointment of militia officers. Of Dundonald,
Colonel Hughes, M.P., said in the Canadian House
of Commons : —
One of his ancestors was the famous admiral who
commanded the British frigate, Navarion; another fell
at the capture of Louisburg in the eighteenth century;
and the General himself is distinguished in every part
of the world where he has served. The Strathcona
Horse and other Canadian corps followed him again
and again to victory in South Africa, and I can readily
understand the annoyance that an officer of his stand-
ing should feel, on coming out here, with the best
interests of the Empire at heart, — with the best
interests of Canada at heart, because the interests of
Canada are the interests of the Empire, — at having
to put up with this thing from week to week, and
finally becoming so exasperated, as at a banquet,
determined that come what might he would for all
time to come put a stop to such petty meddling as
has been indulged in.1
None the less, it was clear, as the facts came
out, that Lord Dundonald had been imprudent —
1 Parliamentary Debates, June 10, 1904.
395
Lord Strathcona
indeed, in his protest against what he conceived to
be an evil, that he had cast prudence to the winds.
The result was an Order-in-Council relieving Lord
Dundonald of his duties.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
OTTAWA, loth August, 1904.
MY DEAR LORD STRATHCONA: —
His Excellency, the Governor-General, has for-
warded, by this mail, to the Secretary of State for the
Colonies, copy of an Order-in-Council concerning the
actions of the Earl of Dundonald, whilst he was acting
as General Officer Commanding the Canadian Militia.
I enclose herewith copy of the same Order-in-Council,
for your lordship's information. I deem it expedient
that you should be in possession of all the facts con-
nected with this unfortunate affair, so as to be in a
position to discuss it in all its aspects, with Mr. Lyt-
telton, and also, if need be, with Mr. Arnold- Forster.
Up to this present time I did not deem it advisable
to trouble your lordship with this case, otherwise than
to send you copy of the Order-in-Council relieving the
Earl of Dundonald from his command, and to ask you
to communicate it to Mr. Lyttelton.
The document which I now enclose shows that, in
the exercise of his functions as General Officer Com-
manding the Canadian Militia, the Earl of Dundonald
gave direct orders to his subordinates to conceal from
the Minister of Militia certain information which he
was bound to place before him. This document throws
a flood of light on the manner in which the Earl
of Dundonald understood and practised his duties
toward the Minister, under whom he had accepted to
396
Dundonald's Dismissal
serve, and, indeed, it is impossible to explain how an
honourable man, holding the rank and position of the
Earl of Dundonald, could justify such an action. The
least that can be said of it is that it was an act of dis-
loyalty to his chief, and it may give the cue to other
acts of his violation of the King's regulations, which
eventually forced the Canadian Government to take
the only course with which such deliberate insubordi-
nation can be treated.
I abstain from further comments, but I would be
obliged if you would interview, first, Mr. Lyttelton,
and then Mr. Arnold- Forster, and assure both of them
that we regret as much as they do themselves that
the action of the Earl of Dundonald left us no alterna-
tive, and that the course which we took was dictated
by the necessity of maintaining the discipline of the
force and of vindicating the authority of the Govern-
ment.
In reply Lord Strathcona wrote in September
from Glencoe: —
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
There has been much delay in carrying out the in-
structions conveyed to me in your letter, but this was
unavoidable as both Secretary Lyttelton and Mr.
Arnold- Forster had left London before its receipt, the
former for Scotland and the latter for the Continent.
Neither of these gentlemen intends being in London
until October, and it was not without some difficulty
I at length succeeded in seeing both of them in
Scotland.
As to the substance of the conversation I had with
Mr. Lyttelton and Mr. Arnold-Forster with regard to
397
Lord Strathcona
the Lord Dundonald incident, I discussed the matter
most fully with both. The former considers that the
action of the Commandant, as shown in report of the
Privy Council of August 4, was most reprehensible,
and would not recommend his having any preferment
or appointment at present. The Secretary for War
says the Commandant affair does not affect Imperial
Government so immediately as it does the Canadian
Government whose servant he was and who dealt with
his case by dismissing him.
We may, I think, feel assured that they greatly dis-
approve of the action of Lord Dundonald and there is
no fear that anything will be done either by the War
Office authorities or the Colonial Secretary in giving
preferment or employment to the late Commandant
of the Canadian Militia for some time to come. Mr.
Arnold- Forster informed me that he has called upon
Lord Dundonald for an explanation of his conduct.
Lord Strathcona's friend, Colonel Hughes, how-
ever, championed the cause of Lord Dundonald as
vigorously as he had denounced General Hutton
four years before. In the course of a letter Colonel
Hughes asserted : —
The dismissal of Lord Dundonald by Sir Wilfrid
Laurier's Government and the appointment of a
Canadian Major-General of the military forces of the
Dominion, if resented by the Imperial Government,
may sunder the tie that binds Canada to the Empire.
Happily, the Imperial Government did not re-
sent either.1
1 In the course of a debate in the Canadian Parliament Mr. (now
Sir) Robert Borden said: "While I regard this as a very regrettable
398
Earl Grey's Appointment
It was fortunate that the Imperial tie should be
strengthened rather than weakened by the arrival
that year of so strong, ardent, and intelligent an
Imperialist as Earl Grey, who came to take up
the Governor-Generalship, which Lord Minto had,
after six notable years, relinquished for the great
post of Viceroy of India.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
OTTAWA, September i3th, 1904.
I enclose a letter to Lord Grey, our new Governor-
General, which I would respectfully ask you to deliver
to him personally. I desire that you would at the
same time express to Lord Grey that his selection by
His Majesty for this most important position has been
received by all classes in the country with very great
satisfaction.
I have suggested to Lord Grey that it would be
extremely desirable that there should be the shortest
possible interreign between Lord Minto's departure
and his arrival in Canada.
incident, it will not be without benefit to the country, if, in the future,
it will lead to the withdrawal of partisan interference in the appoint-
ment of officers of the militia, whether that interference may come
from the Government now in power or may be sought to be applied
by any Government which may come into power in the future. We
do not want political interference in military matters in Canada.
The people pay a considerable amount for the military service of this
country; they are willing to pay that amount for an efficient mili-
tary service; but we do not want that service to deteriorate or be-
come inefficient by reason of party politics entering into it in any
way. We have had this afternoon a confession which indicates that
party politics has been entering into it for some time past, on the
part of the Minister of Agriculture at any rate." (Parliamentary
Debates, June 10, 1904.)
399
Lord Strathcona
Lord Minto intends to sail on the 2 1st of October,
but that date is not fully determined. But whenever
Lord Minto sails for England, my opinion is very
strong that Lord Grey should also forthwith sail for
Canada. I urge this point, because, after the depar-
ture of Lord Minto, until the arrival of his successor,
matters of routine alone could be attended to, all
important questions would have to be deferred, and
sometimes great prejudice might arise.
With Mr. Chamberlain's successor at the Colo-
nial Office, the Honourable Alfred Lyttelton, the
High Commissioner was on the most cordial terms.
During his term the long-desired boon of penny
postage to Canada was established, and at a Canada
Club dinner, in 1905, Lord Strathcona expressed
the earnest hope that before long the Imperial
Government would extend the same preference to
the postage of newspapers sent from the United
Kingdom to Canada.
It would be very greatly appreciated, indeed, if they
could have their newspapers sent at a preferential
rate, a rate lower than that which had been given to
foreign countries. He regarded that as a matter of
some importance; for they had coming to them from
their neighbours, cousins, and happily, he could also
say, their warm friends in the United States, the pa-
pers of that country by thousands. They were glad
to see the telegrams and news in these papers, but
they would prefer to have their own papers from the
Mother Country to tell them everything that was of
interest to that country, and also to them as members
of the same Empire. He trusted that before long they
would have that privilege.
400
English Newspaper Postage
This boon was at last granted in 1908 and has
been of incalculable advantage to British sentiment
and a knowledge of things British in Canada, al-
though it is to be feared that it has not yet exerted
a due effect upon the tone of our native newspapers,
which, as a prominent Canadian complained to
Lord Strathcona, " technically and literately are
inferior to those of any other part of the Empire."
Lord Lansdowne to Lord Strathcona
November 23d, 1904.
Owing to the death of a near relative, I find myself
with great regret prevented at the last moment from
enjoying the hospitality of the Canada Club.
It would have been delightful for me to join in doing
honour to a Governor-General-elect, who, as an old
friend, I regarded with sincere affection, and for whom,
as a public man, I entertain feelings of the greatest
respect. Twenty-one years ago I was just arriving in
Canada at the commencement of a term of office
which I have never ceased to look back upon as one of
the happiest and most instructive periods of my life.
I recall with pleasure the circumstance that in those
days Lord Grey, who was amongst our visitors, al-
ready showed keen interest in the Dominion and its
affairs. He is, in my opinion, greatly to be envied, and,
if I may be allowed to say so, I think the Dominion is
to be congratulated on the appointment of one who
stands so high in the esteem of all who know him.
Year after year Lord Strathcona sounded at
Dominion Day banquets, at which he always pre-
sided, the same note, of which neither he nor his
401
Lord Strathcona
hearers ever tired, the note of jubilation at Canada's
material triumphs and confidence in her future
prosperity.
The progress of Canada since Confederation has been
[he said in 1906] miraculous. In every respect, through-
out the reign of Queen Victoria it has progressed. The
transcontinental railway, for which many prophesied
disaster at the time of its construction, is soon to be
supplemented by at least one other similar road. In
agriculture, trade, industry, and mining, the country
has gone ahead by leaps and bounds.
It was indeed a "growing" time for the once-
neglected Dominion.
It seems only a few years since, by a liberal sub-
sidy, Canada obtained a railway across the continent.
There had been a prevalent opinion that the enterprise
would be most disastrous for those who took it in hand.
Last year the gross income of the Canadian Pacific
Railway reached £12,000,000 sterling. We now feel
assured that there will be abundant work not only
for the Canadian Pacific, but for two and perhaps
three other transcontinental railways. In a few years I
hope there will be steamers crossing from the United
Kingdom to Canada in three and a half or four days,
so that travellers from this country can reach the
Pacific Ocean in eight days, going on thence to Japan
and other Asiatic regions, with which Canada was
coming into close connection commercially.
Touching the latter project, Lord Strathcona
never hid his own confident belief in the commer-
cial success of a twenty-five-knot service between
Britain and Canada, devoted to passengers alone,
402
The "All-Red Route"
and his dissatisfaction with anything falling short
of that standard. In other words, the most experi-
enced, and, one might add, the most cautious, of
Canadians never wavered in his confidence that
Canada would not be satisfied with a service in
any respect inferior to the best that is provided
on the New York route. He even expressed his
readiness to subscribe himself £100,000 toward
such a service from any British or Irish port that
could be justified as the best port for the service,
and provided that it were under thoroughly capable
and experienced management. In February, 1907,
he said : —
I should be very glad if there were a faster service.
The present services are very good, and are doing
very well, but we want it faster yet. The faster we
can go the more we will come together on both sides.
There is a real need for a faster service. The numbers
of Canadians who come to this country seem to justify
the demand. In July last I saw at one time and in
one place in London no fewer than twelve hundred
Canadians. When we see so many people crossing
from the Dominion, we are naturally desirous of
securing the best facilities for their transit across the
Atlantic.
The "All-Red Route" was a phrase adopted for
the sake of brevity to describe a notable scheme
of improved inter- Imperial communications which
Sir Wilfrid Laurier proposed at the Conference
in 1907, and which the Imperial Government ac-
cepted.1
1 "That in the opinion of this Conference the interests of the
403
Lord Strathcona
If [said Sir Wilfrid Laurier] we had on the Atlan-
tic Ocean between Canada and Great Britain a mail
service equal in speed and character to the service now
in existence between England and New York, there is
no doubt, and there can be no doubt at all, that we
should save in the journey at least two days, or about
two days, inasmuch as we have an advantage in our
favour in distance of nearly nine hundred miles.
The President of the Board of Trade (Mr. Lloyd
George) was equally emphatic on this point. In
his speech to the Conference (May 6) he said : —
The problem that has been suggested to us by
Sir Joseph Ward and Sir Wilfrid Laurier and other
speakers is to reduce, as far as possible, the natural
disadvantage of distance under which we suffer. The
prompt and the cheap delivery of foods, perishable
articles, and raw materials is a very big factor to the
consumer and manufacturer, and it is these commodi-
ties which are so largely produced in the Colonies and
so largely required in this country. The development
and acceleration of inter- Imperial communication for
business purposes would undoubtedly be a movement
in which all parts of the Empire would share for their
mutual benefit. It would result not only in increased
facilities for the marketing of goods and for stimulat-
ing the development of trade, but in giving important
Empire demand that, in so far as practicable, its different portions
should be connected by the best possible means of mail communica-
tion, travel, and transportation;
"That to this end it is advisable that Great Britain should be
connected with Canada, and through Canada with Australia and
New Zealand, by the best service available within reasonable cost;
"And for the purpose of carrying the above project into effect
such financial support as may be necessary should be contributed by
Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in equitable
proportions." (Resolutions of the Imperial Conference, 1907.)
404
Advantages of the Scheme
opportunities to the movement of individuals from one
part of the Empire to another. By bringing the dis-
tant parts of the Empire nearer to the centre it would
make the Empire more compact. All that is an es-
sential element in trade.
He himself had thus explained its advantages:
The All-Red project would be a great thing, not only
for Canada, but also for all parts of the Empire ; and I
earnestly hope to live to see it an accomplished fact.
The establishment of an eight-day service between
Liverpool and Vancouver, which would be a result of
it, would cause large quantities of foreign capital to
flow into the country. Many people who are now
deterred, by the length of time necessary for the jour-
ney, from going so far west as the coast, would, with
the establishment of the new service, be led to do
so, and the sight of the great resources of the prairie
regions would lead them to invest their capital in
Canada rather than in foreign countries. It is merely a
matter of cost. There is no reason why the thing could
not be done if the money were forthcoming. And I
think it is a thing worth spending money to accom-
plish. We spend a great deal on mere local improve-
ments, and here is something that would be a great
benefit not only to Canada, but to the whole Empire
as well. I think that in such a case we should be very
much more willing to disburse the necessary funds. I
feel quite confident of its ultimate success. A definite
offer has been made by a steamship company to un-
dertake the fast service on the Atlantic, as a part of
the project, for a subsidy of £500,000 a year, and the
Canadian Government are prepared to bear half of
this subsidy, £250,000 a year.
405
Lord Strathcona
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 26th April, 1907.
I have thought a good deal upon the subject of a
new mail service between England and Canada, and
connected with it, a service between Canada and the
Orient. This is one of the most important matters that
we have had to deal with in many years, and I would
attach much importance to your active cooperation
in the same. I am strongly of the opinion that if you
were to interest yourself with this service it would be
made a complete success.
Replying to this Lord Strathcona wrote : —
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
29th April, 1907.
It is a great gratification to me to know that you
have under favourable consideration a more expedi-
tious mail service between England and Canada, and
also between Canada and the Orient.
Let me say that so fully convinced am I that such a
fast mail and passenger service would be one of the
most potent factors in the prosperity of the Dominion
that I shall most cordially, to the best of my ability,
second your efforts in bringing it about.
The "All-Red Route" occupied his attention to
the close of his life. He even enjoyed the jest of the
eminent surgeon called in to examine his heart and
arteries, who tapped him significantly in the cardiac
region and remarked, "We must attend to the
All-Red Route, my Lord."
406
The "All-Red Route"
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
1 5th February, 1908.
For some little time not much has been said about
the All-Red Route in the press here, but it is under-
stood that the Government continue to be as well
disposed toward it as they were at the time of the
Conference.
Immediately on receiving your letters regarding the
extension for two years of the subsidy to the Canadian
Pacific Railway Company for their steamers from
Vancouver to Japan and China, I communicated with
the Government, but am yet without their answer. I
am, however, to have an interview with Lord Elgin on
Monday next, and hope then to learn from him some-
thing of a definite character with regard to the views
of himself and his colleagues in the matter.1
It was in the autumn of 1906 that there occurred
the truly remarkable Aberdeen University cente-
nary celebration. As Chancellor, Lord Strathcona
was the foremost figure. On the first day he led
a great procession through the streets of Aber-
deen to the temporary hall erected at his expense.
There he received the congratulatory addresses
handed in by representatives of many universities
1 The gross revenue collected by the British Post-Office on the
letter and parcel mails despatched from this country by the Cana-
dian Pacific service for the year 1907 was estimated at £35,000. To
this should be added a sum of about £3000 received for the convey-
ance of foreign and colonial mails. The annual subsidy payable to
the Canadian Pacific Railway Company was £60,000, of which
£15,000 is contributed by Canada and £45,000 by the British Gov-
ernment. The subsidy, of course, did not cover the cost of dealing
with the mails in Great Britain.
407
Lord Strathcona
and learned bodies. There again he entertained at
dinner the same representatives and all the gradu-
ates of the University who returned for the cele-
brations, and representatives of the undergraduate
body.
It is easy [writes Miss Hurlbatt] for me to recall the
persistent voice that succeeded in penetrating to the
recesses of that great hall, and to call up again the
scene as with quiet dignity he presided over that
colossal dinner party. It was my good fortune to be
one of only two ladies at the group of high tables
(there were, of course, women at the graduate tables,
for the University opened its doors to women in 1892)
and from a near vantage-point to watch the face of
our host.
It was he who received King Edward in the great
courtyard of Marischal College, when the latter
came to declare open the new buildings that had
been erected as the gift of Lord Strathcona himself.
Before Lord Strathcona became Chancellor [wrote
Sir William Robertson Nicoll], the Chancellorship was
a mere name. The Chancellor of my time took no
interest in the University, and did nothing save to
meddle once in a foolish way with the Rectorial
election. Lord Strathcona's liberality has been un-
bounded, and he has taken the keenest interest alike in
the erection and equipment of the new buildings and
in the ceremonies of their opening. He built for the
occasion a wooden hall which accommodates between
four thousand and five thousand people. There was
genuine and wise kindness in this action. For one
thing, it enabled many to have a share in the celebra-
408
"A Powerful Old Fellow"
tions who could not otherwise have been present. For
another, it gave Lord Strathcona an opportunity of
entertaining some twenty- five hundred guests. If it
had not been for this, no satisfactory provisions could
have been made for the multitudes who had a real
claim to share in the festivities. Lord Strathcona is
indeed a wonder. Though he bears the burden of
eighty-six years, he is as erect as ever, as keen, as
alert, as eager as the youngest. He speaks with great
fluency, but his voice was scarcely strong enough to
carry over the immense buildings in which he had
to use it. Nevertheless, his speeches, when read, are
seen to be graceful in style, and full of wisdom. A
famous Irish delegate said to me after the Music Hall
gathering: "I was most interested in Strathcona; he
is a powerful old fellow."
To us here [says the Principal of Aberdeen Univer-
sity] what Lord Strathcona did for our University
comes most directly home. First, as Lord Rector,
chosen by students, then as Chancellor, elected by
graduates, he gave ungrudgingly his time, thought,
and substance — wise words treasured in our memo-
ries and our chronicles, generous gifts enshrined in our
academic history. His name will ever be associated
with those of the elder and younger Mitchells as one
of the noble trio whose outstanding munificence and
stimulating sympathy enabled the heads of our city
and University to bring our Marischal College exten-
sion to successful consummation, while in more re-
cent days his endowment of the Chair of Agriculture
has supplemented effectively the bounty of the great
Carnegie Trust. At our quarter-centenary in 1906, our
Chancellor's keen interest and active participation
409
Lord Strathcona
from first to last in the celebrations evoked universal
admiration. And when his bold proposal to gather
students, graduates, officials, delegates — membra qu&-
libet — into a vast social assembly, as the embodiment
of academic unity and brotherhood, when that bold
proposal at first met with the response that no hall
in our city could accommodate so enormous a throng,
we recall how the maker of the Pacific Railway smiled
away the mountain of obstacle. "Who art thou, oh
Mountain? Before Zerubbabel a plain."
Within three weeks we were commemorating our
quarter-centenary in the great Strathcona Hall.
Less imposing to the carnal eye, but invested with
a pathos yet more impressive, was our aged Chancel-
lor's memorable visit at the graduation of 1909, when
our late lamented Principal lay on that sick-bed over
which the angel of death was already hovering. Our
grand old man, scorning all risk to health, and with a
fine chivalry toward the stricken Principal and the
expectant graduates, travelled overnight at, for him,
a most busy time to fulfil the Vice-Chancellor's duties,
to crown the proud alumni and alumnae with the cap
of academic imprimatur, and to address, amid rever-
ent and unwonted stillness, his never-to-be-forgotten
words of encouragement and counsel.
It was on this occasion that Lord Strathcona gave
one of the most elaborate feasts of modern times,
and at the time the British press gave a detailed
account of the whole affair. There was no caterer
in Scotland capable of undertaking such a large
contract as a dinner to the whole University, so
it was let to a London caterer, who made truly
Gargantuan preparations in his own establishment
410
A Gargantuan Feast
in London and then moved his outfit by special
train to Aberdeen — waiters, food, dishes, and
everything ready to spread on the tables. The
serving-staff numbered six hundred and fifty, and
between them they had to supply a mile of tables.
There were twenty-five thousand plates of one
design in use, twelve thousand glasses, and the
entire service was of silver. A feature of the menu
was the turtle soup. The dinner cost Lord Strath-
cona about eight thousand pounds, this including
about three thousand pounds as the cost of the
temporary hall in which it was held. The platform
alone accommodated one thousand guests, and
altogether there were present as his guests two
thousand four hundred and forty people.
In the autumn of 1907 the unfortunate anti-
Japanese riots, which broke out in Vancouver,
caused Lord Strathcona to have several consulta-
tions with the Foreign and Colonial Offices. Lord
Grey sent the following despatch to the Mayor of
Vancouver : —
His Excellency the Governor-General has learned
with the deepest regret the indignities and cruelties
of which certain subjects of the Emperor of Japan, a
friend and ally of His Majesty the King, have been
the victims, and he hopes that peace will be promptly
restored and all offenders punished.
Although the troubles subsided, Lord Strath-
cona saw that all was not well in this direction. He
was much interested in the statement and pro-
posals which reached him from one of his corre-
411
Lord Strathcona
spondents, who had studied the whole question,
and this remarkable letter he forwarded to Sir
Wilfrid Laurier.
While it is futile [the author of the letter wrote] to
exaggerate the mob riots with Japanese at Vancouver,
there can be little doubt that a repetition of them
on a larger scale would jeopardize the status of the
present Government of Canada, and England's present
alliance with Japan. But racial strife in British Colum-
bia, or indeed in any part of the Dominion, would of
necessity, by estranging capital and checking the ad-
vent of immigrants, become most serious in arrest-
ing the development of Canada.
The fact that Canada has no army or navy of its
own, while Japan in its armaments ranks as a first-
rate power, might be counterbalanced by the influence
and power of England but for two things, first, the
actual alliance of England with Japan, which enabled
England to denude the Pacific of her battleships, —
i.e., the indispensable in maritime war, — and next,
England's determination not to interfere with the in-
ternal affairs of her Colonies, and to retain only a
nominal suzerainty.
This non-interference should enable Canada to
make (with England's knowledge) a commercial treaty
with Japan to the benefit of both countries, and an
essential part of such treaty would be the regulation
and restriction of Japanese immigrants, both as to
number and system of supervision.
White men refuse to compete with Asiatic labour,
and their present condition of life and habits freely
justify them if, indeed, they are right in saying, "This
is the white man's country and we mean to keep it so."
412
Canadian-Japanese Question
The Japanese retort, "You forced your way into our
country, now we only assert our rights to do likewise."
To reconcile interests and to find a modus vivendi
both for Canadians and Japanese, I would foster
manufactures (where coal permits) in the first instance,
and so give employment and profit to Japanese, who
might otherwise work in the lumber trade and fisheries
as they do to-day. But the white man should alone
own and work the soil, unless, in the course of time,
the Canadian Government is willing conditionally to
permit the Japanese to become British subjects and
make their allegiance to the British Empire. They
would then, of course, have votes.
Furthermore, to remove prejudice and racial feel-
ing, I would establish a Canadian-Japanese College for
general and technical knowledge, where all boys would
be on the same footing.
Ever most tenacious was Lord Strathcona of the
dignity and attributes of the office of High Com-
missioner. He disliked intensely the prospect of
Canada's representation at the seat of Empire
being frittered away into subordinate cliques. Yet
he was made constantly aware of the desire on the
part of the Agents-General of the different Prov-
inces to raise their status and consequence, which,
of course, could only be at the expense of the higher
office. Some years ago, Sir Richard McBride, the
Premier of British Columbia, intervened on behalf
of his Agent-General, the Honourable J. H. Turner,
whose personal claims were, in addition, regarded as
somewhat more favourable, in that he had formerly
himself held the office of Premier of the Province.
Lord Strathcona
From the Honourable Richard McBride
VICTORIA, B.C., January 4th, 1908.
As you are no doubt aware, through conversation
with Mr. J. H. Turner, he has felt that it would be
advisable were the office of the Agent-General to
receive official recognition from the Imperial Govern-
ment, as it would be of assistance in his work were
such the case. I discussed the matter fully with him
while he was here last autumn, and we both felt that
such recognition would be beneficial in his position and
would meet with your approval.
Consequently the Executive Council to-day passed
an Order-in-Council requesting the Dominion Gov-
ernment to bring the matter to the attention of the
Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a view of
securing the desired official recognition of the Im-
perial Government. I would be pleased if you would
kindly use your good offices to assist.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Lord Strathcona wrote,
deploring any such action : —
I cannot but think that any such action as that
recommended by Mr. McBride would be a retrograde
movement and opposed to the spirit of the federation
of the Provinces of the Dominion; and one which, if
acceded to, might readily tend to confusion and even
to embarrassment.
And in this view he was upheld by the Dominion
Government.
414
Provincial Agents-General
To the Honourable Richard McBride
March 8th, 1907.
Let me say at once that I have always been most
willing and desirous, both officially and personally, to
further the interests of British Columbia in common
with the other Provinces of the Dominion, by every
means in my power; but if Mr. Turner was under the
impression that I had ever given expression to views
favourable to an extension of the powers of the Pro-
vincial representatives in London, he was certainly
under a misapprehension.
As you are well aware, under the terms of the British
North America Act, there is no provision for such repre-
sentation as is sought, and, in my view, any extension
of the present principle could only operate unfavourably.
Doubtless you have given much attention to the
matter, and will be well aware of the constitutional
difference between the States of Australia and that
of the Provinces of Canada. However attractive the
status of the representatives in London of the several
Australian Governments may appear to be, in prac-
tice it can hardly be said to have worked satisfactorily
or smoothly, and in this matter Australia is confronted
by an awkward problem, as yet unsolved, but un-
doubtedly one which might be productive of great
embarrassment; and I do not think the interests of
Canada would be promoted by retrograding to the
condition of affairs which our Australian friends have
to contend with and which they regard with anything
but equanimity.
I have delayed answering your letter, but think it
well now to write to you thus frankly. Of course
the matter is one for the Government of Sir Wilfrid
415
Lord Strathcona
Laurier to decide, and we shall doubtless be made
aware, in due time, of the course it may be determined
to follow.
What that decision was, may be gathered from
the following passage in Sir Wilfrid's subsequent
letter: —
Let me say at once that I altogether approve of
your attitude in this matter and I absolutely share
the views you have expressed to Mr. McBride.
When the present King, then Prince of Wales,
visited Quebec in 1908 on the occasion of the
Tercentenary celebration, there was some anxiety
lest the visit should be marred by any untoward
incident. More than ordinary precautions were
deemed necessary. Police officers were sent to
Quebec more than three weeks ahead of the Prince,
so that they might have time to pick up any avail-
able information.
From Sir Edward Henry
May 3 1st, 1908.
Under ordinary conditions no one would be appre-
hensive of an outrage taking place on Canadian soil,
but as Quebec is within comparatively easy distance
of certain centres in America where the Clan-na-Gael
flourishes, an organization very embittered against all
British institutions, we must not overlook the possi-
bility of the prince's visit being deemed a suitable
opportunity for some form of hostile demonstration
by some of its members.
This is the view we have independently formed, and
416
His Visit to Winnipeg
as the same view is held by our Consulate General in
New York, it is one that cannot be lightly put to one
side. We think it highly advisable, therefore, that all
police officers should be on the alert so as to be in-
formed of the arrival of American emissaries, with the
object of keeping them under really effective super-
vision, thereby frustrating the execution of any plan
they may have formed.
Luckily, nothing happened; but Lord Strath-
cona himself, on his visit to Quebec, could not help
being reminded of former occasions when fear
of the Fenians was uppermost in the minds of
Canadians.
In the summer of 1909 Lord Strathcona made an
extended tour of Canada with two of his grand-
children, Mr. Donald Howard, who is heir to his
mother, now Baroness Strathcona, and Miss How-
ard, now Mrs. Kitson. They travelled from coast
to coast, and made many side expeditions. In Win-
nipeg it was arranged that he should act the host
while the British Association for the Advance-
ment of Science held its meeting there in old Fort
Garry, the scene of so many years of his labour.
Rarely in history has a populous city paid so
enthusiastic a tribute, even to one of its sons, as
was paid to Lord Strathcona by Winnipeg, on the
occasion of this visit. Something, of course, must
be allowed for the natural exuberance of the youth-
ful West, but when all is conceded, it was still a
unique manifestation of personal regard.
On the evening of his arrival the streets in the
vicinity of the station were choked with humanity ;
Lord Strathcona
his carriage had a military and musical escort, and
along the route, two miles long, from the station to
Government House, lit up by electricity, were
cheering multitudes. For several days the popula-
tion was en fete in his honour. Welcoming banners
hung across the leading thoroughfares — thousands
daily wanted to catch merely a glimpse of the white
hair and benignant features of the object of their
adoration. Bevies of maidens waited on him with
flowers. At the banquets and public receptions his
appearance was hailed by deafening cheers, followed
by a wonderful silence when he opened his lips to
speak. His lightest word was received as sanctified
incense. Every movement — nay, almost every
gesture of the patriarchal figure was chronicled in
the newspapers. Day succeeded day, and still the
populace of Winnipeg did not tire of acclaiming
"Strathcona!"
Forty years before he had entered Fort Garry
almost furtively to become the prisoner of Louis
Kiel. On the site of Fort Garry there is now up-
reared a noble building, ten stories high, bearing
its name, with corridors of marble and replete with
beautiful furniture and every luxury. How great
the contrast a night's lodging here to the wretched
accommodation, which, in 1869, was the lot of
Donald Smith!
Leaving Winnipeg, several visits were made to
points in the West, including British Columbia,
where his uncles, John and Robert Stuart, had
long adventured. During one of these expeditions
in the Okanagan Valley, he incurred what might
418
easily have been a serious or fatal accident to one
of his eighty-eight years. A wagonette and a pair
of horses overturned down a hill, and literally shot
the four or five occupants, including Lord Strath-
cona, out on to the bank and field. The driver had
both legs broken. Lord Strathcona was quite un-
hurt, excepting for a cut and strain of the hand
and arm, which he carried in a sling for some weeks
afterwards.
Lord Strathcona had been Canada's High Com-
missioner in the United Kingdom for a full decade,
with infinite advantage to Canada and the Empire.
The Duke of Argyll to the Author
KENSINGTON PALACE.
[2ist April, 1906.]
It was a happy thought of yours to mark Lord
Strathcona's decade as High Commissioner by a testi-
monial from Canadians living in London and I hope
it will be taken up. He has done so much for others
that it will be a change for others to do a little some-
thing for him.
Having canvassed the Anglo-Canadian commu-
nity, the idea was duly " taken up." But it was not
until the autumn of the following year that the
Duke of Argyll, acting on behalf of the sub-
scribers, presented to his lordship a beautifully
executed centre-piece illustrative of the various
phases of his career. It was on that occasion
recalled with interest that the Duke first met Lord
Strathcona thirty years before, when the Mr.
Donald Smith of that day was strenuously engaged
419
Lord Strathcona
in building the foundation of trade and commerce
and civil administration in what was then the
untamed wilderness of Manitoba, of whose first
Provincial Legislature he was a prominent member.
It was in this year that he made a splendid gift
for the benefit of the young people of the Dominion.
The announcement was made in Parliament by
Sir Frederick Borden, the Minister of Militia, that
Lord Strathcona would contribute $250,000 to
create a fund of $10,000 a year for the encourage-
ment of physical and military training in the public
schools of the Dominion. Applause greeted the
announcement from both sides of the House and
by unanimous resolution the thanks of Parliament
and the people of Canada were tendered to the
donor.
In conveying the gift, he wrote : —
To Sir Frederick Borden
While I attach the highest importance to the advan-
tages of physical training and elementary drill for all
children of both sexes, I am particularly anxious that
the especial value of military drill, including rifle-
shooting for boys capable of using rifles, should be
constantly borne in mind. My object is not only to
help to improve the physical and intellectual capabili-
ties of the children by including habits of alertness,
orderliness, and prompt obedience, but also to bring
up the boys to patriotism, and to the realization that
the first duty of a free citizen is to be prepared to
defend his country. The Dominion at the present time,
and for many years to come, can hardly hope to be
420
The Strathcona Trust
able to give so long a period of training to her military
forces as by itself would suffice to make them efficient
soldiers, but if all boys had acquired a fair acquaint-
ance while at school with simple drill and rifle-shooting,
the degree of efficiency which could be reached in the
otherwise short period which can be devoted to the
military training of the Dominion forces would, in my
opinion, be enormously enhanced.1
Of Sir Robert Baden-Powell's Boy Scout Move-
ment, he said it was "one of the finest plans for
the betterment of the race that has been evolved
in our time."
1 He himself was four times a colonel. In 1898, he was appointed
honorary lieutenant-colonel of the Victoria Rifles, Montreal, a
tribute to the interest he had taken in the military movement in
Canada. In 1902, he became honorary colonel of the Eighth Volun-
teer Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment. In 1909, he
was honoured by being made honorary colonel of the Fifteenth
Light Horse, and in 1910, he received the honorary colonelcy of
the Seventy-ninth Highlanders.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE CLOSING DAYS
1910-1914
IT was not altogether unnatural, nor indeed
unexpected, that after enjoying so long a term of
public favour as the most popular of the Colonies,
a reaction should supervene in some quarters, and
that Canada should suffer occasional detraction.
Lord Strathcona was so jealous of Canada's good
name that every such attack filled him with indig-
nation. "I don't care what they say of myself,"
he once told Mr. Alfred Lyttelton. "I am accus-
tomed to abuse and to having my character as-
sailed, although I get less and less of this as I
grow older. But they must not abuse Canada
while I am alive to defend her."
To him, so long had he been sounding the
praises of the vast Dominion, of her mountains
and prairies, her railways, her wheat-fields, her
institutions and the loyalty of her people, that
he grew to believe, in every line of every stanza,
all that he sang. The praises of Canada on a
stranger's lips gave him as much pleasure as if of
himself or of his own family circle. This high
ideal of patriotism he exacted from others.
422
His Resentment at Calumny
To N. F. Damn, M.P.
I do not think Mr. , if he had reflected on the
effect of his words, would have uttered them at this
time. However, one may be tempted by pique or a
sense of neglect, it is far better to be silent than to
asperse one's own country amongst strangers.
Once a London journal published an unusually
violent attack, of which the following is an extract :
Canada is at this moment making every endeavour
to entice young able-bodied Englishmen to, her do-
minions; her agents are scouring the country with
specious promises and glowing reports, which are
attracting young men by the thousands to try their
luck in her western regions, which are nothing more or
less than death-traps for all but those who go out well
provided for. Train-loads of raw lads, with from £10
to £100 in their pockets as their sole possession, and
the barest of ordinary outfits, are being dumped into
her western towns. In these towns they are compelled
to stop until the snow and slush have disappeared,
perhaps for a month or six weeks, or longer, the cost of
living alone being six shillings a day. The majority get
to the end of their resources before they can be moved
to the particular claim district to which they are bound.
Once on the spot, their condition is pitiable in the
extreme. Penniless, and without the means to move
their small belongings, they have to scour a vast dis-
trict in semi-starvation in search of work or for a likely
claim. They are useless for skilled work, and so most
homesteads pass them by.
At first Lord Strathcona was so angry as to con-
template taking legal action at once. Afterwards
423
Lord Strathcona
he thought of visiting the office of the paper and
insisting upon an immediate disavowal of the libel.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
i6th December, 1910.
The article is an instance of journalistic depravity
much to be deplored, yet, so far, at any rate, I can
come to no other conclusion in regard to the matter
than that to take any official action would simply serve
the ends of the proprietors of the journal without any
corresponding benefit to Canada, and would only
encourage them to proceed still further in their libel-
lous course.
I am bound to add, however, that a feeling of indig-
nation in regard to the articles has been aroused in
Canadian circles, and should you, while concurring
generally in my view, think that some action ought to
be taken, I shall be glad to hear from you by cable.
The trouble is that Mr. of course knows well
that a nation cannot be libelled in the legal sense, and
that we are thus debarred from taking the only meas-
ures to which a gentleman would be amenable.
He himself was constantly, as we have seen, be-
ing dragged into the arena of party politics and
more than once was obliged to issue a denial of
views attributed to him in the newspapers.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, i6th December, 1909.
I find by press reports that my name is used in refer-
ence to the present political contest in the United
Kingdom. It is well known in this country that I am
424
Tenders his Resignation
never interviewed. I have not in this instance departed
from this rule and have had no interview with any one.
If I had any opinion to express on the present contest
I would claim the privilege of doing it in my own
words, but I would consider it absolutely out of place
for me to say or do anything which might be considered
ever so remotely as an interference in any party contest
now before the electors of Great Britain and Ireland.
Please cause this to be published in such manner as
you think best.
For some time — ever since his memorable and
triumphal progress through the West — he had
been far from enjoying his usual health. The injury
to his right arm caused by the accident at Vernon
prevented him from writing. " I am still very deaf,"
he tells Sir Wilfrid, toward the close of the year,
"from the effects of a concussion caused by the
report of a cannon fired at a short distance from
my ear some months back." He decided that the
time had at last come for him to resign the High
Commissionership and he wrote to this effect to the
Prime Minister. In reply Sir Wilfrid earnestly
begged him to reconsider his decision.
From Sir Wilfrid Laurier
I5th March, 1910.
I am in receipt of your favour of the 5th instant
wherein you express the desire to be relieved as High
Commissioner for Canada, on the 1st of July next. I
keep this letter to myself and will not communicate it
to anybody until I hear again from you that it is your
absolute and settled determination.
425
Lord Strathcona
In the mean time let me express the hope that you
will reconsider the question. I make due allowance
for the fact that you may desire at your time of life to
be disconnected with the duties of the office. Permit
me to observe, however, that your resignation will be
the cause in Canada of universal regret, and I still hope
that you may defer this determination.
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
LONDON, 8th April, 1910.
For your most kind letter of the I5th, in acknowledg-
ment of mine of the 5th March last, I thank you very
much, and very cordially do I appreciate the terms in
which you refer to my desire to be relieved as High
Commissioner for Canada, on the 1st of July next.
I have felt it the more desirable that the date of
demitting my present charge should not be left alto-
gether indefinite, as I am still inconvenienced and
suffering somewhat from the effects of the accident
to my right arm at Vernon, in September last, and
of a subsequent slighter injury to the other arm from
a motor collision here.
It is, however, needless for me to say that I am
truly grateful for your consideration and kindness to
me now as on all occasions, and in deference to your
wish that I will reconsider the question, I would sug-
gest that instead of the 1st of July, my resignation
should take effect at the end of the fiscal year, 3ist
March, 1911, or with the close of the present calendar
year 3ist December, as may be most convenient for
you in appointing my successor.
A few weeks later King Edward died. 'The
loss," he wrote on the day of the King's death,
426
« Dear Old Uncle Donald >!
"sustained by the Empire by the death of His
Majesty would have been heavy in any circum-
stances, but, coming as it does at this juncture of
affairs, it is indeed a great calamity."
For Edward VII Lord Strathcona had always
a great personal regard, and this was reciprocated
by the Sovereign, who had long been deeply inter-
ested in the career of "dear old Uncle Donald," as
he affectionately spoke of him. " Here comes Uncle
Donald," His Majesty once exclaimed, seeing the
High Commissioner approach at a garden party,
but without his wife, "but where is 'Our Lady of
the Snows'?"
Between Queen Alexandra and Lord Strathcona
the bond of personal affection and of veneration, on
the one hand, and of a chivalrous loyalty, on the
other, was very noticeable.
For some years, owing to the " tariff war," fol-
lowing on the denunciation in 1897, at Canada's
instance, of the existing commercial treaty, rela-
tions between Germany and Canada had not been
friendly. This era seemed now over, and in Octo-
ber, 1910, Lord Strathcona again visited Germany
to take part in the Berlin celebrations which marked
the centenary of the leading university of Germany.
Every university of mark throughout the world
sent its representative; to few, if any, was more
honour paid than to the nonagenarian who com-
bined the Chancellorships of McGill and Aberdeen
with the High Commissionership for Canada in
Europe. Lord Strathcona was the bearer of cordial
greetings from the Canadian university to the seat
427
Lord Strathcona
of learning which began its career when the Prus-
sian capital was in the occupation of French troops.
As the Chancellor of Aberdeen University, Lord
Strathcona had also had the pleasing task of laying
a memorial wreath sent by that university upon
the statue in the Wilhelmsplatz of Field Marshal
James Keith, one of Frederick the Great's officers,
a Scotsman, who, from 1711 to 1715, was a college
student at Aberdeen.
Being, moreover, the senior representative pres-
ent, he was selected as the spokesman for the uni-
versities of the United Kingdom and the Empire
as a whole, and on their behalf conveyed to the
Berlin authorities a message of cordial greetings
and congratulations.
He could not but be aware, while in Berlin, of the
striking prepossession of the governing classes for
war, even in the midst of profound European
peace; but expressed the hope, in one of his letters,
that the military skill and resources of the German
people would never be put to the test. While he
had confidence in the power and wish of the
Emperor for peace, he thought that after him any
danger there was lay with the Junker party, led by
the Crown Prince. But these hot-headed young
men would grow mature, and after all it was "so
obvious that Germany's best interests now would
be served by peace and industrial activity."
On a wintry day at the beginning of January,
1911, he journeyed down to Westerham, in Kent,
in defiance of his doctor's orders, to participate in
the ceremony of the unveiling, by Lord Roberts, of
428
The Taft- Fielding Agreement
the statue to General Wolfe.1 For an hour he stood
bareheaded in the open air on a platform, occa-
sionally swept by sleet, and afterwards spoke at a
public luncheon, proposing Lord Roberts's health.
To-day we have Canada before us all in this memo-
rial of the services rendered by Wolfe one hundred and
fifty years ago. It is, perhaps, somewhat humiliating
to us that those services have not been so recognized
earlier, as they ought to have been, for did not Wolfe's
victory give to Great Britain the Dominion of Canada
as the first nation within the Empire? Lord Roberts
[he added] was himself one of those great captains who
have given us an Empire within an Empire in India —
and the name of Lord Roberts will ever continue to be
with us a household word.
Deeply did he regret the fatal step taken by the
Laurier Ministry, early in 1911, in connection with
commercial reciprocity with America. He saw in-
stantly that, regarded as Canada's national policy,
the step was a backward one. Yet he strove loyally
to put the best face on the matter of which it was
capable.
Canada is free [he pointed out] to do anything she
may desire, by legislation, in respect of British pref-
erence. The agreement does not prevent her in any
way from doing that. It is not in the form of a treaty ;
but assurances of concurrent legislation are mutually
given, and while the reductions made by Canada are
comparatively small, those made by the United States,
owing to their high tariff, are very considerable.
1 He had early joined a committee of which I was secretary,
and together with Lord Roberts had personally assisted in drafting
an appeal to the nation on behalf of a memorial to Wolfe.
429
Lord Strathcona
I repeat that the agreement does not, and will not,
prevent Canada from making any preferential ar-
rangements with the Mother Country or with any of
the overseas dominions which she may consider de-
sirable.
In no sense will the ultimate effect of the agreement
be to weaken the bonds which unite Canada to the
Empire. The arrangements on the Canadian side apply
to articles which are obtained mainly from the United
States, and only in one or two classes from England.
Nevertheless, as the Liberal plan of campaign
developed, an opposition arose throughout the
length and breadth of Canada to the Taft-Fielding
proposals, amongst which nearly all Lord Strath-
cona's former commercial associates in the Domin-
ion were numbered. Yet even then he permitted no
expression of opinion of his to appear. He indig-
nantly cabled to Sir Wilfrid Laurier in March : —
To Sir Wilfrid Laurier
nth March, 1911.
The statement attributed to me by Mr. Goodeve in
the House of Commons, Ottawa, on the 9th instant,
as reported in to-day's London Times by their Ottawa
correspondent, that I had said "that the Canadian
Ministers had been hypnotized by the brilliance of the
American offer and had fallen into a trap," is entirely
baseless and without foundation in fact. It is un-
warranted by anything I have ever said in connec-
tion with the Reciprocity Agreement, which I have
refrained from discussing. Will you kindly make this
known in the House?
430
Laurier Ministry falls
Reluctantly, at last, at the Dominion Day
Banquet in that year, at which H.R.H. the Duke of
Connaught made his appearance as Governor-
General, designated to succeed Earl Grey, did
Lord Strathcona allow Sir Wilfrid to announce his
resignation of the post of High Commissioner which
he had held for fifteen years : —
I shall never forget the general blank looks of con-
cern and dismay which greeted that announcement
[recalls Major-General Hughes], I went to him after-
wards and told him in the strongest terms, he should
not — must not, resign. "But," he said, deprecat-
ingly, "they want my resignation, do they not? I am
now nearly ninety-one. It is fitting that I should make
way for a younger man." I told his lordship that no
one in Canada wanted him to resign — that his
resignation would be a national calamity, and that in
any case he must await the issue of the impending
elections.
The Canadian elections duly took place in
September. Lord Strathcona took the liveliest in-
terest in the progress of the campaign, especially
the appearance of his friend, Sir William Van Home,
in the role of political orator, for the ex-President
of the Canadian Pacific Railway, in company with
many other eminent men of affairs, exerted all
their powers of persuasion to prevent the conclusion
of a pact which seemed to them inimical to the
present and future welfare of Canada.
On the 2 ist, the issue was decided against the
Laurier Government, which had been in power since
1896. A few days later and the Ministers tendered
Lord Strathcona
their portfolios to the Governor-General, Earl Grey,
who called upon Mr. Robert Laird Borden to form
a Ministry.
Scarcely was the result known than the High
Commissioner undertook a trip to Canada to salute
the new Prime Minister and to place his office at
his disposal. Concerning his official relations with
Lord Strathcona, Sir Robert Borden writes me : —
When I visited London, while leader of the Oppo-
sition in 1909, he was most kind and attentive in every
way. I was struck at that time with an almost pathetic
earnestness in the discharge of even the minor duties
of his office. To this I alluded in speaking in the
House of Commons upon the occasion of his death.
Returning to London after a garden party and
dinner at some distance in the country, I found that
Lord Strathcona had called on me in Brown's Hotel
and was then engaged with the Honourable Frank
Oliver. Having sent word to him that I had returned,
I was shortly afterwards informed that he would like
to see me; and going downstairs at midnight I had a
long conversation with him, in the course of which I
learned that he was engaged in a somewhat acrimoni-
ous correspondence with the Lord Chamberlain re-
specting an invitation for myself and my wife for the
approaching State Ball. As you are aware, no person
is entitled to be invited to such a ball unless he or she
had first been presented; and my wife and I had not
enjoyed that honour. But Lord Strathcona had taken
the ground that, in view of my position as leader of a
political party in Canada, this prerequisite should not
be insisted upon. It was with the greatest difficulty
that I induced him to forego any further effort or corre-
432
Mr. Robert Borden
spondence; and he acceded to my wish only after he
had become convinced that my wife and I earnestly
desired to go for a proposed holiday in the country.
During my visit as Prime Minister in 1912 he was
in evidence on every occasion. He met us at the
station upon our arrival in London; he regularly
called upon us at our hotel ; when I left London to visit
Paris, I found him (to my great astonishment) waiting
for me at the hotel door early in the morning in order
to accompany me to the train. On that occasion he re-
proached me for not having given him formal notice of
my departure ; and he seemed to feel that his failure to
attend would have been almost a disgrace. He was so
earnest on the subject that when I returned from Paris,
I gave him by telegraph the formal notice which he
desired, and of course I found him again at the station
to meet us.
During the autumn before his death he visited
Canada and I discussed with him then, as well as in the
summer of 1912, his continuance as High Commis-
sioner. On both occasions I strongly urged him to con-
tinue the discharge of his duties, and I offered him an
additional secretary or secretaries to be selected by
himself, and otherwise I assured him that any arrange-
ments to lighten his labours would be willingly made
by the Government. At my most earnest request he
continued to discharge the duties of his high office.
To Honourable Robert L. Borden
LONDON, iQth October, 1912.
We all felt sure that your welcome back to Canada
would be of the warmest character throughout, seeing
how worthily the Dominion was represented during
your stay here.
433
Lord Strathcona
I can quite understand that the large accumulation
of public business during your absence will occupy you
very closely for some weeks, and I cannot think of
troubling you with more than a few words at the
present moment.
To my wife and myself it was a great disappoint-
ment that we had not the pleasure of welcoming you
in our Scottish home of Glencoe, but we knew how
impossible it was for you to put aside even for a day
or two the exacting work which occupied you during
your whole stay in England; and we can only hope
that we may be more fortunate when next you cross
the Atlantic, and that Mrs. Borden and you may then
be able to stay with us for a few days.
In the following month he writes with reference
to the commemoration, in St. Paul's Cathedral, of
the one-hundredth anniversary of the death of Sir
Isaac Brock, the hero of Queenstown Heights: —
The presence of so many distinguished men on the
occasion shows that Canada is now much more in the
minds of the people of the United Kingdom than it
ever was before, and that, as you so well observe, the
great event commemorated is regarded as having a
profound influence on the destiny of the Dominion as
an integral part of the Empire.
At the Royal Society of Arts, Adelphi, London,
on November 15, 1912, Lord Sanderson, on behalf
of the Duke of Connaught, president of the society,
presented the society's Albert Medal to Lord Strath-
cona, " for his services in improving the railway com-
munications, developing the resources, and pro-
434
Imperial Naval Assistance
moting the commerce and industry of Canada and
other parts of the British Empire."
Lord Sanderson read a message from the Duke of
Connaught in which His Royal Highness said : —
In my present office of Governor-General of Canada
I have had special opportunities of fully realizing the
great services Lord Strathcona has rendered to the
Dominion, and to the industrial and commercial prog-
ress of the British Empire. As an old friend of many
years' standing I rejoiced that, as president of the
Society of Arts, I had been able to add another mark
of appreciation of his long and valuable career of use-
fulness.
No one was more rejoiced than Lord Strathcona
at the announcement by the new Prime Minister of
a measure of assistance to the Imperial navy.
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
7th December, 1912.
Your announcement of Canada's Naval Emergency
Policy has naturally been of profound interest. Mr.
Bonar Law, M.P., has given notice that in the House
of Commons on Monday, the Qth instant, he will ask
"when the Government will afford the House a suit-
able opportunity of expressing its deep appreciation
of the public spirit and patriotism displayed by His
Majesty's Dominions overseas in contributing toward
the efficiency of Imperial defence."
No doubt a sympathetic answer will be given and
an opportunity afforded for the House of Commons to
express its appreciation of Canada's splendid gift.
435
Lord Strathcona
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
4th February, 1913.
As you are aware, the attention of the public during
recent months has been called rather persistently, by
the press and by the speeches of prominent men, to the
extent to which Canada has been drawing money from
this country. Lord Faber complains of the neglect of
gilt-edged securities at home. During last month over
forty millions sterling had been found for new com-
panies, against twenty-two millions in January last
year, and twenty millions in January, 1911, and only
five millions had been placed in this country. Twenty-
nine millions had gone to the Colonies and ten millions
to foreigners. Nearly the whole of the twenty-nine
millions had gone to Canada. He did not want to
be an alarmist, because he had a great opinion of
Canada, but there should be a moderation in all things.
As an illustration of the position he mentioned, a cer-
tain bank had to collect a bill of about five hundred
pounds from a Canadian corporation, and the bill
came back unpaid, with a request that it should be
presented again when the corporation had obtained the
proceeds of a loan from England. It was a very serious
matter. Certain financial papers have suggested that
it was good for trade to have money invested abroad,
but we ought first to see that we had sufficient money
for the home trade without a high bank rate. No
doubt new taxes and the fear of war, which he hoped
would never take place, had driven capital away from
this country.
The position of Canada here at present is rather
susceptible to adverse rumours and requires careful
attention.
436
New Critical Attitude
In truth, proof was almost daily forthcoming
that the old days of unquestioned acceptance, when
the great Dominion ("the Mayfair of the Colo-
nies") bounded fresh and blooming into the hearts
and stock-markets of Britain, were now over. Yet
his sanguine faith continued as ever.
The Honourable W. T. White to the Honourable
R. L. Borden
OTTAWA, February 18, 1913.
I return herewith Lord Strathcona's letter of the
4th instant, which I have read with much interest. I
still hold the view, notwithstanding Lord Faber's
opinion, that the money stringency will gradually
abate, and, while there may be a wholesome check
for some months, that in due course British capital
will be attracted here in as large or larger volume than
in the past.
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
2 ist February, 1913.
An anonymous letter has appeared in the Economist
dealing unfairly with the question of Canadian crops
and wheat production. It puts forward official figures
showing decreased acreage under field crops and wheat
— asserts land is going out of cultivation. The answer
to this could be that over a million and a quarter acres
of fall wheat and hay and clover meadows were winter-
killed and that considerable areas hitherto devoted
to wheat were diverted last year to oats, barley, and
flax.
To disclose these facts in an official communica-
tion controverting the Economist and disclosing the
437
Lord Strathcona
extent of the area of winter-killed wheat might be
even more prejudicial to Canada than the statement of
the Economist, which, although an important paper,
has only limited circulation. The position here is del-
icate — quantities of undigested municipal and other
securities not alone Canadian are causing embarrass-
ment to underwriters; and in my view there is danger
that an official communication might precipitate an
unfortunate controversy. Canadian interests gener-
ally are in satisfactory position — the prospects of
British emigration indicate that the available trans-
portation facilities will be taxed to the utmost during
the coming season. Therefore, while recognizing the
seriousness of the attack in the Economist, after careful
consideration I am inclined to the opinion that we had
better refrain from officially controverting it; but I
would greatly appreciate an expression of your view.
Mr. Borden wrote: —
My colleagues, and I, entirely concur in your view
respecting the anonymous letter in the Economist. Any
official answer or explanation is quite inadvisable.
Lord Strathcona wrote later: —
;
It seemed fairly clear that the author of the letter
had written with animus, and as the Economist is one
of the leading financial journals here, it was not a
matter which could be passed over unconsidered. I
came to the conclusion, however, that the explanation,
owing to its nature and the fact that it would be given
in an official communication, would be more harmful
than the anonymous letter, as it might not only pro-
voke a controversy, but would probably be widely
quoted by other journals and newspapers, and thus
438
Defends Canada's Credit
give great prominence to an abnormal condition the
knowledge of which would otherwise be confined to a
very limited number. I am glad to learn that you and
your colleagues agree in thinking it best to allow the
attack to pass unanswered.
He was equally concerned when a statement
appeared in a London daily paper to the effect
that the Prime Minister of the Dominion of Canada
had come to an understanding with the leaders of
the Unionist Party in the United Kingdom in regard
to the fiscal policy of the latter country.
This statement [he wrote] was so foreign to what I
believed to be the truth that an early opportunity was
taken of placing the matter before Mr. Borden, and I
send you a copy of a letter I have received from him
on the question. In the political development of the
Empire in recent years no principle has become more
firmly established than that each Dominion should
be entirely untrammelled in the management of its
affairs.
From the Honourable R. L. Borden
OTTAWA, January 20, 1913.
I beg to acknowledge your letter of January 3,
respecting the controversy which has arisen in the
United Kingdom respecting the policy of food taxes,
in the course of which assertion has been made that
I had entered into some understanding, arrangement,
or agreement with the leaders of the Unionist Party
in respect to that question. I hardly need to assure
you that any such assertion is most absolutely and
unqualifiedly untrue. Inasmuch as the fiscal policy
439
Lord Strathcona
of the United Kingdom is a question of domestic con-
cern, we most carefully refrained from discussing the
subject in public and from any arrangement, under-
standing, or agreement with either party thereon.
The extraordinary vigour and industry of Lord
Strathcona' s old age had become proverbial. He
was accustomed to attend at his office in Victoria
Street, for many hours daily, whenever in or near
London. ''I have breakfast at 9 A.M. and din-
ner at 9 P.M.," he would say, "and that gives me
eleven hours daily for work." He was a constant
diner-out, both publicly and privately, but ate and
drank always very sparingly. His watchword was
"duty" and he systematically did it as quietly as
possible, never losing his temper or "fussing."
He never ceased work, and one of the many
stories told of him related to an occasion in 1906
when he had been advised to give himself a rest
from his labours.
"You will be gratified to learn," Sir Thomas
Shaughnessy told an Anglo-Canadian gathering in
London, "that, yielding to the earnest entreaties
of Sir Thomas Barlow, Lord Strathcona has
decided to relax his energies. He has succumbed
to the united pressure of his medical man, his
family, and his friends, and has been induced to
promise to leave his office at 7.30 each evening
instead of 7.45."
His habit of long hours became so well known,
that amongst the other Colonial Government
offices in Victoria Street that of Canada was called
"The Lighthouse," because a light was to be seen
440
Work and Duty
burning in his room long after other premises were
shrouded in darkness.
Work and duty might be considered the two
predominating keynotes of his life. He himself
said, indeed, that hard work was the best tonic a
man could have. "When he has his duty to do, he
has n't time to think of himself, nor to allow him-
self any indulgences which will make him slack and
spoil him for good work." And so Lord Strathcona
kept the Spartan tenor of his way.
Repeatedly had he offered his resignation to the
Government : his family and friends ardently wished
him to retire. To their solicitation was added that
of his physician. His life-work was over. "It is
good," says the Dutch proverb, "for a man to end
his life ere he die."
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
LONDON, 8th February, 1913.
Deeply sensible am I of the very kind and far too
indulgent terms in which, in your confidential letter of
the I Qth December, you refer to my services as High
Commissioner, and ask me to dismiss from my mind
the idea of retiring which I submitted to you when you
were last in London. You with much generosity offer
to give me any additional clerical or other assistance
I might desire which would make my duties less exact-
ing and less onerous.
But the fact really is that, since I entered the High
Commissioner's Office in 1896, the course of events
have been such that Canada has become far better
known and is now so thoroughly in the minds of the
441
Lord Strathcona
people that, although the volume of work has largely
increased, the duties are really much less exacting
than they then were, and the staff, which has been
considerably increased, is, as it at present exists, quite
capable of coping with the requirements. Let me say
that, in deference to the earnest insistence of my
medical adviser, Sir Thomas Barlow, I tendered my
resignation on two occasions to Sir Wilfrid Laurier
when he was Premier, and at my request Sir Wilfrid
announced this at the Dominion Day Dinner in
London on the 3Oth June, 1911. The resignation then
tendered has never been withdrawn, but when I met
you in Ottawa on the 2d October, 1911, you, as
Premier, in the most kind words did me the honour of
asking me to retain office, and I gladly consented to
discharge the duties until it might be convenient for
you to appoint my successor, and so it has stood ever
since. Almost a year ago, I was very seriously ill, and
as Sir Thomas Barlow has been even more insistent
than before that I should give up much of the work
that I now have in hand, I feel that I ought to act on
his advice. I shall therefore be greatly indebted to
you if you will kindly relieve me from the duties of
the office in May next, when I shall have served seven-
teen years. Permit me at the same time to give ex-
pression to my deep sense of gratitude to yourself and
to the members of your Cabinet, as well as to Sir
Wilfrid Laurier and his colleagues, for the unvarying
kindness and consideration and ever ready advice and
support you and they have extended to me throughout
my long term of service, a service in the interests of
Canada which has been to me one of love.
442
Proposed Canadian Building
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
LONDON, March 22d, 1913.
Am indeed deeply moved by your most kind and
far too indulgent message of the 3d instant in reply to
my telegram of 3d February. Looking to your great
kindness and consideration, I feel that instead of
retiring in May next, I should meet your wish that I
defer relinquishing the duties of High Commissioner
until an opportunity offers of a personal interview with
you, and to this I very gladly accede. Let me assure
you how sincerely I appreciate your own and your
colleagues' kind remembrances and warm wishes for
my health and strength, and that these are most
earnestly reciprocated on my part.
Amongst the last — indeed, as it chanced to be,
the very last — of the many projects he had in
hand when he came to be stricken down, was the
acquisition of a suitable site for the erection of a
building to house the High Commissioner's Office
and all the Dominion's interests in London under
one roof. For upwards of a year the matter had
been in agitation. Personally, he desired no change.
The offices in Victoria Street, sombre and in-
adequate and wholly unsuggestive of Canada as
they were, had become endeared to him by years
of association. Yet if a change were deemed neces-
sary, he wished the new offices to be close to the
Parliament buildings, and in dignified keeping with
the position Canada had attained in the Empire.
In June, 1912, two emissaries of the Canadian
Government arrived in London, the Honourable
443
Lord Strathcona
George Foster, M.P., and Sir Edmund Osier, M.P.
They found him still in bed, but ready to propose
that his first outing, after several months' seclusion,
should be devoted, with them, to the search of a
site.
To the Honourable Robert L. Borden
I5th June, 1912.
My recovery from the serious illness which took
hold of me in the middle of February last, although
what the doctor, Sir Thomas Barlow, considers satis-
factory, is very slow, and it is only during the last
week or so that I have been able to move about ; but
within the last day or two I am feeling stronger and
better. I may not, however, be quite well enough to
meet you at the steamer on your arrival, but shall
arrange that Mr. Griffith will be there with all the
letters for you, of which there will doubtless be a good
many; and when you get here I shall be most happy
to be of use to you in any and every way I can.
Let me now thank you and your colleagues for your
kind and thoughtful good wishes at a time when I
was, owing to the severity of my illness, incapable of
giving attention to correspondence myself, but pray
believe that I am grateful for your and their kind
consideration.
He continued in a further letter: —
To-day we drove to view such sites as, after con-
sideration, were deemed to be eligible. The ones which
I think were viewed with most favour were the West-
minster Hospital site, and Morley's Hotel, facing
Trafalgar Square. As to the latter, we have yet to get
full particulars, and the vendors of the hospital site
444
Earl Grey's Scheme
are holding out for what appears to be a rather high
price.
I arranged with Mr. Foster that he should cable you,
with a view to ascertaining whether the Provinces
would join in a general scheme, in the same way that
the Australian States are doing, and if this could be
arranged, it would, no doubt, simplify matters.
But the matter dragged along, and in Decem-
ber nothing had been decided. He wrote in that
month : —
A personal interview has been arranged for at an
early date between the Chancellor of the Exchequer
and myself, to discuss the matter of the Westminster
Hospital site, which I hear, informally, the British
Government may have some idea of acquiring — at
least in part, and I will take this opportunity of
bringing up the matter that you mention.
I had hoped to have seen Mr. Lloyd George before
the Christmas holidays, but it is now scarcely likely
that I shall be able to do so before next week, when
I will immediately communicate with you.
Meanwhile Earl Grey had launched his pre-
tentious scheme for a Dominions House in the
Strand, in which all the representatives of the
nations of the Empire should be gathered together.
Nothing attracted Lord Strathcona less. His own
views on the matter he took no pains to conceal,
and was accordingly much relieved when Mr.
Borden wrote him in December, 1913, that the
Ministry "did not consider the time opportune for
expending a very large sum of money." To this
letter he replied at some length only three days
445
Lord Strathcona
before he died. He composed and signed the letter
on his death-bed. It was the last he wrote, and
there is pathos in this evidence of his devotion to
Canada's interests when it is remembered that till
then he had done little or nothing in the final
arrangements of his own.
To the Honourable R. L. Borden
I7th January, 1914.
DEAR MR. BORDEN, —
In view of the circumstances mentioned in your
letter I am by no means surprised that you and your
colleagues do not consider the time opportune for
expending a very large sum of money in connection
with the site and buildings for a business home in
London for the Dominion of Canada. While less than
twenty years ago there was little belief in the future
of Canada by men of affairs in the United Kingdom
or by the peoples of the world generally, the position
is now entirely changed. To-day the Dominion oc-
cupies a foremost place in the thoughts of all people,
and requires no adventitious advertising of a spectacu-
lar character to draw attention to her merits and to
the opportunities offered to those from other countries
who are capable and determined to make a place in
the world in which they can settle down and become
prosperous.
An enormously expensive edifice near the Strand,
on the plan put before me by Lord Grey, with an ele-
vation overtopping not only the Commonwealth and
other buildings in the immediate vicinity, but the dome
of the great Cathedral, St. Paul's, I could not pos-
sibly regard as other than an unpardonable expendi-
446
His Ninety-third Birthday
ture, and in my mind such a vast building, with a
dominating pinnacle erected as a striking advertise-
ment, would provoke ridicule rather than bring ad-
vantage to our great country and its people. I am
more convinced every day that it is not in the grand
architectural effect of the offices of the Dominion in
London that the requirements of the situation are to
be found, but in the work that is actually done within
them in the interests of the Canadian people.
At the same time a syndicate or company registered
as the Exchange of International and Colonial Com-
merce, Limited, has formally asked me to place before
you certain statements in connection with the Aldwych
site and their negotiations with Lord Grey, which
they consider should be brought to your knowledge,
and I enclose the statutory declaration they have
forwarded for this purpose.
Believe me to be, dear Mr. Borden,
With kindest regards,
Yours sincerely,
STRATHCONA.
For the greater part of his ninety-third birthday
Lord Strathcona had sat at his desk in London
working as usual, seeming rather surprised that
the numerous journalists, who crowded his office,
should take any notice of the fact that he was
within seven years of attaining his century of life.
"I have no golden rule of my own making," he
said; "no secret to practise in living my life. But I
might say that I have taken no account of the pass-
ing years. I have not counted them as they came
and went; I have not considered them as some men
do." His last visit to Glencoe was in September,
447
Lord Strathcona
when he made a prolonged stay. He left Glencoe
on the 4th of October accompanied by Lady Strath-
cona, and few then thought that neither of them
would again see their Highland estate with its
romantic surroundings, which they cherished so
warmly.
But the year was not to pass without his suffer-
ing the blow from which he was not destined to
recover. The whole Empire, which regarded him
with affection and veneration as a type of what was
worthiest within it, learnt with regret of the break-
ing of the tender tie which bound him to his be-
loved wife.
Lady Strathcona had of late been frail, subject
to colds, and much confined to the house. On sunny
days she would take short walks in Grosvenor
Square, opposite her London home, accompanied
by a companion, and her faithful little Yorkshire
terrier. On Friday, November 7, she suffered from
what at first seemed a usual cold, but it rapidly
developed into influenza and pneumonia, and she
died on the evening of the I2th in her eighty-ninth
year. Thus terminated a union lasting through
six decades.
A friend wrote at her death : —
When her ladyship was away from London, Lord
Strathcona would allow nothing to stand in the way
of his daily message to her. During her last visit to
Glencoe, Lord Strathcona was seen, in seeming peril,
dodging in and out of the crowded traffic of Victoria
Street, opposite the High Commissioner's Office. A
Canadian friend, with the kindliest intentions, offered
448
Lady Strathcona's Death
to escort his lordship to his destination. His help was
unnecessary. Hastening into the High Commission-
er's Office, this Canadian begged that some one might
be sent to do the High Commissioner's message for
him. He did not know that the nonagenarian High
Commissioner went out every night at that hour to
the telegraph office across the way. He would entrust
a thousand messages to messengers, but this one
message no one was allowed to handle but himself. It
went to Lady Strathcona at Glencoe.
She knew what work was and loved to be busy.
When you called, you might expect to find her knitting
some little woollen presents for her grandchildren or
for near friends. Even her husband and daughter
knew nothing of many gifts of money and self-knitted
goods with which she relieved poverty and distress.
Her last notable exertion was her hurried visit
to Canada in the previous August. When, in 1912,
Lord Strathcona made his penultimate trip to
New York and Montreal, she declared that he
should never go again without her. She was, she
said, quite as well able to go as he, and nothing
could prevent her keeping her word, certainly not
the reminder that she had always been a bad
sailor, sometimes withdrawing into her cabin on
the first day of the voyage, only to leave it when
the steamer touched American soil. A visitor re-
ferred to this trip when calling upon her shortly
before her death, and her remark was, "Yes, I am
very glad I went. I long desired to see Canada again.
How wonderful it is ! "
The memory of Lady Strathcona, which many
449
Lord Strathcona
Canadians cherish, is of a sunny summer garden
party on Dominion Day, in the beautiful expanse
of Knebworth Park, where she made welcome
her friends and showed her unfeigned delight in the
shrill music of the Scottish pipers.
Although a woman of retiring and altogether un-
ostentatious nature, Lady Strathcona throughout
her life splendidly seconded her husband in his in-
numerable acts and schemes for the benefit of the
people of Canada and of mankind at large. With
her daughter, the Honourable Mrs. Howard, Lady
Strathcona gave one hundred thousand dollars to
McGill University for the erection of -a new wing
to the Medical Building. To Queen Alexandra's
fund for the relief of the unemployed of Great
Britain, she gave liberally, and from time to time
her helpfulness was shown in many directions. That
in him her death produced a poignant anguish the
following affecting letter shows : —
To Sir Charles Tupper, Bart.1
28 GROSVENOR SQUARE, W.,
ijth November, 1913.
MY DEAR SIR CHARLES TUPPER: —
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your
most kind letter of sympathy in the greatest sorrow
I have ever experienced. She was my stay and com-
1 Sir Charles had written :" No poor words that I can command
can express the sorrow I feel at learning that the beloved partner of
all your joys has been called away. From the first hour of our ac-
quaintance my lamented wife and I were indebted to her for unre-
mitting kindnesses and attention."
450
His Final Illness
forter throughout a long life, and I can hardly yet
realize that she has passed away from me. You, my
dear Sir Charles, have been through the same trial, and
only those who have done so can fully realize what it
means, after so many years of dear companionship. I
know of the affection which existed between Lady
Tupper and my wife, and of her great regard for you,
and this makes me the more grateful for your kind
thought of me in my sorrow.
I hope that by this time you are feeling better and
more comfortable, and with the kindest regards to
you, Mrs. Cameron, and all the family, in which Mr.
and Mrs. Howard join,
Believe me, my dear Sir Charles,
Yours gratefully and sincerely,
STRATHCONA.
After his wife's death the catarrhal malady,
which for some time past had troubled him, in-
creased. He became confined to his room, and on
the 1 7th he was found to be suffering from great
prostration, heart failure threatening. His condi-
tion continued very grave, with no signs of im-
provement, and it was stated on the evening of
Monday (the iQth) that he was sinking.
Now to the simple piety of his boyhood, in a
northern Scottish town long ago, his thoughts on
his death-bed returned.
Never shall those who were around him forget the
emotion with which they heard him repeat, not many
hours before he died, without error, pause, or con-
fusion, the whole of the Second Paraphrase, so dear
to Scottish hearts : —
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Lord Strathcona
"O God of Bethel, by whose hand
Thy people still are fed."
To-morrow that great hymn, dearest of all hymns
to our people throughout Scotland, Canada, and the
Empire, will echo down the arches of Westminster
Abbey as we bear him to his rest. And we shall re-
member that, halfway up the nave, under the slab
over which he will be carried, rests the body of another
Scotsman, David Livingstone, the immortal of an-
other continent. This paraphrase, we are told, Living-
stone, when lost and famishing in the desert, would
read aloud to himself under the scorching sun, just as,
possibly at the very same time, Donald Smith was
reading or repeating it on the waste of snows in
Labrador. Thus did these two great solitaries meet —
in a Scottish hymn, learned at a mother's knee —
before the throne of God.1
He never rallied, and passed away very peace-
fully, at five minutes to two on the morning of the
2 1st of January, in the presence of the immediate
members of his family, including Mrs. Howard, his
daughter; Dr. Howard, his son-in-law; and Sir
Thomas Barlow, his physician, who had been in the
house almost continuously for several days.
He made a brave fight for life, full of the desire
to conquer his illness. Even on the Saturday
preceding his death, when suffering great weak-
ness, when, indeed, his life was despaired of, he
summoned all his lingering strength to request that
official letters and documents should be sent to his
house in Grosvenor Square from the High Com-
1 The Reverend Archibald Fleming.
452
His Death
missioner's Office, that they might duly receive his
official signature.
The news of the High Commissioner's death was
at an early hour communicated to the King; the
Duke of Connaught, Governor-General of Canada;
and the Canadian Government, from whom mes-
sages of sympathy and regret at the loss Canada
had sustained were duly received.
The moment it became known in the City of
London, the Lord Mayor, Sir Vansittart Bowater,
despatched the following message : —
The death of Lord Strathcona occasions great grief
in the city of London. His devoted services to the
Empire entitle him to a lasting grateful appreciation
and recognition in the pages of its history, and his
long, useful, loyal life affords a grand example to his
fellow-countrymen.
The Duke of Argyll telegraphed from Kensington
Palace: —
"Our greatest, yet with least pretence," as Tenny-
son said of Wellington. ARGYLL.
In Canada, the grief at his death was widespread
and profound. Flags were flown at half-mast on
the Bank of Montreal, at the Windsor Station, the
offices of the Grand Trunk Railway, Canadian and
Dominion Express Companies, and nearly all the
principal business houses in this, the commercial
capital of the Dominion, of which he was a citizen.
The Governor-General, H.R.H. the Duke of
Connaught, despatched the following message: —
453
Lord Strathcona
Please accept expression of very deep sympathy
from the Duchess of Connaught and myself. Lord
Strathcona's lofty ideals, his splendid patriotism, as
well as his distinguished services as High Commissioner
have long been a source of pride and stimulus to his
country. Among Lord Strathcona's many great
qualities, his truly magnificent generosity was prob-
ably the most outstanding and his memory will ever
be kept green in the Dominion as the generous man
of Canada.
In the Canadian Parliament the Prime Minister
moved the adjournment of the House. Said the
Right Honourable Mr. Borden : —
It is fitting, I am sure, and all the members of both
sides in this House will agree, that we should pay a
tribute to the memory of the great Canadian who
passed away yesterday. I speak of Lord Strathcona
as a Canadian, because, although born across the sea,
his life-work was almost altogether carried on in this
country, to the service of which he consecrated many
years of his life.
He had a notable career, a career marked, especially
in the earlier years of his life, by conditions and
difficulties more arduous than those which most men
are called upon to meet.
When one looks back upon the great span of years,
over which his lifetime stretched, one is tempted to
recall all that has transpired in His Majesty's Domin-
ion on this side of the Atlantic since Lord Strathcona
came to this country at the age of eighteen.
At that time there was much political unrest in
Canada, carried in some parts of the country even to
454
Prime Minister's Tribute
the extent of rebellion. At that time we had not
achieved the right of self-government or many of those
constitutional liberties which have been developed,
and have come into force from time to time. Nearly
half the period of Lord Strathcona's allotted existence
had passed when this Confederation was formed, and
from 1838, when he first came to Canada, during the
period of his life which succeeded, he saw what one
might call a complete transformation of the northern
half of this continent. He had been a prominent
figure in the public life of this country before he under-
took, at the age of seventy-six, to discharge the
duties of the high office of High Commissioner of
Canada. My right honourable friend knows, perhaps
better than I do, the devotion which Lord Strathcona
gave to those duties. I have known many men in my
own lifetime who have been inspired by a high sense
of duty, but I do not know of any man in my acquaint-
ance and knowledge who has been inspired by a higher
conception of duty than was Lord Strathcona. As
the weight of years pressed upon him, it was almost
pathetic to see the devotion with which he insisted
upon performing even the minor duties of his posi-
tion.
In all the time I have known him, and that was in
the later years of his life, I was struck with the fact
that time did not seem to have dimmed the freshness
of his spirit, the vigour of his will, or his strength of
purpose.
The duties of the office which he discharged were
always important and sometimes delicate, and it is
satisfactory to us to remember that no man more than
he had a higher pride in this country, in all that it has
achieved, in all that it might achieve in the future, and
455
Lord Strathcona
no man more than he had a deeper interest in all that
concerned the honour, dignity, and interests of Can-
ada, nor was more concerned to do his duty.
I think that the example of his life may well be an
inspiration to us Canadians. Some one said many
years ago that Thomas Carlyle spent his life preaching
earnestness to the most earnest people in the world.
It is not for me to speak at length of his great public
service; in the office which he filled he performed a
great and important public service to Canada and to
the Empire.
Besides that, his many benefactions for great chari-
table purposes are known to all men, so that I do not
need to do more than allude to them to-day. I con-
sider that it would be a fitting tribute of respect to his
memory that this House should stand adjourned till
to-morrow, and I shall move, seconded by Sir Wilfrid
Laurier, that the House do stand adjourned.
In seconding the motion for the adjournment of
the House, Sir Wilfrid Laurier joined the Premier
in expressing the deep sympathy of the Canadian
people in the loss sustained by the death of Lord
Strathcona. He said in part: —
Since Sir John Macdonald, I do not think there has
been any Canadian whose loss has occasioned so
deep and so universal sorrow. He is mourned by His
Majesty, by the authorities of commerce and finance
in London whose equal he showed himself to be, by
the poor of London for his generosity, by the people
of Scotland with whom he remained in close relations
to the end, and by Canadians, high and low, rich and
poor, of whatever race or creed.
456
Canadian Eulogies
A former Prime Minister, Sir Mackenzie Bowell,
paid the following tribute to the memory of Lord
Strathcona on learning of his death : —
It is a great loss to the Empire and especially to
Canada. He has done so very much for this country,
the value of his life and work are well known to
every Canadian. We all had the very highest appre-
ciation of Lord Strathcona's ability, and his devotion
to this Dominion and to the Empire has been equalled
by none. The Government will have difficulty in re-
placing him.
Said Sir George Ross, ex-Premier of Ontario : — •
Canada owes him a great deal for the standing he
has given to the High Commissioner's office and for
his assistance in directing investments in London and
maintaining the honour and credit of the Dominion.
It will be no easy matter to replace him with a man of
equal generosity and adaptability for the position he
has held for so many years.
In his own Province of Quebec, the Prime Min-
ister and the leader of the Opposition both paid
tribute in the Assembly to the work of Lord
Strathcona. In moving the adjournment of the
House, Sir Lomer Gouin said : —
The death of Lord Strathcona involves a great loss
both to Canada and to the Empire. Of him it may be
truly said that he was one of the builders of this coun-
try, and a national benefactor. He represented us
with the utmost dignity in London, and powerfully
contributed in making Canada better known in
Europe. His splendid works and his many acts of
457
Lord Strathcona
munificence will perpetuate his memory and fill one of
the brightest pages in our annals.
Mr. J. M. Tellier, leader of the Opposition, in
seconding the motion, said that the sentiments
expressed by the Prime Minister were those of
every member of the House. He added : —
Our loss is a heavy one by the death of one who has
represented us so worthily in London.
Canada [declared Archbishop Bruchesi] has lost her
greatest citizen, the Empire a noble son, and humanity
a most generous benefactor.
I long ago learned to esteem and honour the great
man who has just gone out from amongst us, leaving
behind an honoured name, a reputation for unequalled
patriotism, and as a Canadian that of an unexampled
Empire-builder. Although a much younger man and
of a different faith and nationality, I am proud to say,
now he has departed, that Lord Strathcona was a
generous, broad-minded friend, and on more occa-
sions than one the venerable High Commissioner gave
ample evidence of his love for all the races composing
this great Dominion and his deep respect for the ad-
herents of the Roman Catholic faith. His donations
were especially generous to the poor of this city, and to
those he had known in other lands, and although the
very large sums were given to other institutions than
my own, I hasten to express my gratitude for what he
did for our institutions and to myself personally. His
lordship gave me ten thousand dollars for the Home for
the Incurables, and when Father Quinlan was parish
priest of St. Patrick's, Lord Strathcona gave five thou-
sand dollars toward the Catholic High School, to the
458
Archbishop Bruchesi
great satisfaction of the Irish Catholic faithful of the
city. Then, when the noble Canadian peer learned of
the Eucharistic Congress, he hastened to place the
sum of five thousand dollars to my credit for that
splendid manifestation of Catholic faith, and for this
alone how could we ever forget Lord Strathcona? He
also placed his palatial home at my disposition during
the same Congress, and Cardinal Bourne was, while
occupying the residence in question, treated by his
lordship in a princely manner. During one of my
recent trips to the other side of the ocean I was hon-
oured by an invitation to one of his splendid homes in
England, and for three days I not only enjoyed his
never-ending kindness and hospitality, but I espe-
cially learned to appreciate his qualities as a father and
as a husband and many other traits which drew him
so closely to those who were near and dear to him.
They will all deplore the loss that has just fallen upon
them.
Truly had he been the friend of McGill Uni-
versity, whose Board of Governors met and passed
the following resolution : —
The Board of Governors desires to enter on the
minutes of this meeting, convened on the very day of
the funeral service at Westminster Abbey, a heart-
felt expression of their deep regret for the death of
Lord Strathcona, who, in addition to his other im-
portant public offices, had held for more than twenty-
three years the position of President of the Royal
Institution for the Advancement of Learning and
Chancellor of McGill University. The members of the
Board have felt it an honour to be associated with such
a man in the administration of the University, and his
459
Lord Strathcona
death comes home to each and all of them with a sense
of personal loss. It is a matter of satisfaction that, in
spite of distance and advancing age, his lordship had
felt able to visit the University as recently as Septem-
ber of last year, when he was one of the central figures
of the great and historic gathering convened by the
American Bar Association. Passing from life now full
of years and honours, dying, as it were, in harness,
while still in the active discharge, at the metropolis
of the Empire, of his official duties as High Commis-
sioner for Canada, he has left behind him memories
that will live long in every Canadian heart.
McGill in particular feels under the greatest obliga-
tions to her late Chancellor for services rendered dur-
ing the long period in which he watched over her
interests; for his wise counsel, his unfailing generosity,
and the inspiration of his noble example.
. Said Chief Justice Sir Charles Davidson : —
I
Strathcona and Rhodes were two magnificent men
of our day and generation. We who are still living
will not look upon their like again. Thank God that
they have been of the brood of the Empire.
We need not fear exaggeration in speaking of Lord
Strathcona. In especial degree has he enriched and
uplifted Canadian life. May we emulate even if we
cannot in the mean while at least reach to the lofty
standards of his public and private careers.
He stood supreme in the superbness, constancy, and
catholicity of his benefactions. Only when the story
of his life is written shall one fully know of how mighty
a part he played in his life's ambition, the welding
together, with enduring bonds, of all British posses-
sions and the Mother Land.
460
Montreal's Loss
There should be engraven upon his tomb: "Here
lies the great and good Lord Strathcona."
Declared Mr. H. V. Meredith, President of the
Bank of Montreal : —
Lord Strathcona' s services to Canada and the
Empire and his deeds of charity and princely bene-
ficence, will long be remembered and cherished by all
Canadians. His connection with the Bank of Montreal
as Director, Vice-President, President, and Honorary
President, extended over a period of forty-one years,
and during all that time his wise counsel and wide
experience were of great value to the bank, and were
freely placed at its disposal.
The French-Canadian Mayor Lavallee, of Mon-
treal, wrote: —
The severance of this great man from mortal
things is an incalculable loss not only to Canada, but
to the whole of the British Empire. It is given to few
men to be so revered and loved. This universal esteem,
however, was the outcome of a life well spent. The
world is a better world by Lord Strathcona having
lived in it. He was not only a brilliant man, but a
kindly and charitable one. Great as was his position
in the Empire, he never forgot that it was not wealth
and position which counted so much as sterling merit,
and the forming of a character in which charity and pity
for others does so much to ease the pathway of those
who have little of this world's wealth and honours.
To me, one of the most striking characteristics of Lord
Strathcona was his natural goodness of heart — a trait
that graciously broadened with the passing years.
The life of Lord Strathcona will stand out in
461
Lord Strathcona
Canadian history as a splendid example of what self-
denial, right living, and ambition can accomplish.
For generations to come the young men of our country
will have a glorious pattern to imitate. Canada is
especially indebted to the late High Commissioner
for much of the phenomenal progress it has made.
It was believed at first that his mortal remains
would find fitting sepulchre in Westminster Abbey,
and indeed the Dean and Chapter offered this, the
greatest honour that can be given to Britain's
noblest dead. But he had expressed on his death-
bed a wish to sleep his eternal sleep beside his wife
in the cemetery at Highgate, and this wish was
respected by his family. It was, however, at the
Abbey that the funeral service was performed.
Before the arrival of the body at the Abbey, Sir
Frederick Bridge, who was at the organ, played an
ancient and a modern lament for the dead. The
first was the sonorous music composed by Purcell
for the funeral of Queen Mary in 1694, and the
other was Chopin's well-known "Funeral March."
The great bell of the Abbey was tolling as the
funeral procession drove into Dean's Yard. At the
door of the West Cloisters the body was received
by the Dean of Westminster, the clergy and
choristers, and the pallbearers. The coffin was
borne into the church hidden from view beneath
the heavy folds of the Abbey pall, of deep purple
velvet with an edging of silver and gold lace, and
thickly strewn with lilies-of- the- valley and fern.
The ten pallbearers, selected on account of their
special connection with Canada or personal rela-
462
Westminster Abbey
tionship with Lord Strathcona, were as follows:
Lord Aberdeen, Lord Lansdowne, Lord Lichfield,
the Very Reverend George Adam Smith (Principal
of Aberdeen University), Mr. W. L. Griffith (Secre-
tary of the Canadian High Commissioner's Office),
the Duke of Argyll, the Lord Mayor, Mr. Harcourt
(Colonial Secretary), Sir William Osier (Regius
Professor of Medicine, Oxford) , Sir Thomas Skinner
(Deputy-Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company).
The chief mourners included the Honourable
Mrs. Jared Bliss Howard (the present Baroness
Strathcona), Mr. Howard, and their sons and
daughters, Miss Smith (niece), Mrs. Grant (niece),
and the Misses Grant, Lieutenant Kitson, R.N.,
Mr. A. May, private secretary, and Mr. James
Garson, W.S., the family solicitor.
One wreath was carried behind the coffin. Com-
posed of lilies of various kinds and heliotrope or-
chids, it was sent by Queen Alexandra, and attached
to it was a card bearing the words, in Her Majesty's
handwriting : —
In sorrowful memory of one of the Empire's kindest
of men and the greatest of benefactors, from
ALEXANDRA.
After the opening sentences of the Burial Serv-
ice had been read, the procession passed up the
nave to the singing of "O God of Bethel," his
favourite hymn, recited by him with his dying
breath. The coffin was then placed on a bier be-
neath the Lantern, and around it six candles
dimly burned.
463
Lord Strathcona
The Dean of Westminster (Bishop Ryle) and the
Precentor of the Abbey (the Reverend L. H.
Nixon) officiated. Always beautiful and impres-
sive, the Burial Service is especially solemn and
uplifting in this ancient fane, with its historical
associations and monuments which proclaim how
great, if fleeting, is the gift of life, and how noble
and enduring are the things of which mortal man is
capable. The choir led the singing of the Ninetieth
Psalm, after which the Dean read the lesson from
I Cor. xv. The anthems were Blair's paraphrase,
" How still and peaceful is the grave," to music by
Tye, and Goss's " I heard a voice," followed by the
burial prayers which were read by the Precentor.
Very touching was the singing of the calming and
consoling hymn, " Now the labourer's task is o'er."
Finally, after the Benediction, when the funeral
procession, with the coffin, left the Abbey, the
"Dead March" in "Saul" was played, conveying
its high, impassioned sense of the dignity of death.
The coffin, covered with beautiful wreaths, was
placed in a glass-framed motor-hearse, which was
followed by about a dozen motor-cars with the
relatives and other chief mourners. No horses,
either ridden or driven, were to be seen in the pro-
cession. It went by Upper Grosvenor Street, Park
Lane, Grosvenor Gardens, and Victoria Street.
The blinds of many of the houses along the route
were drawn. In Victoria Street the offices of the
High Commissioner of Canada, the scene of so many
activities of Lord Strathcona, were closed, and over
the door hung the Union Jack at half-mast.
464
Highgate Cemetery
The funeral proceeded to Highgate Cemetery by
Whitehall, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross Road,
Tottenham Court Road, and Hampstead Road.
The vault in which Lady Strathcona was buried lies
at the northern end of the burial-ground, a pleas-
antly situated corner almost within the shadow of
the trees of Waterlow Park. Here a large number
of people gathered behind the barrier of ropes which
marked off the space roundabout the graveside.
Before the arrival of the hearse and procession of
motor-cars, which reached the cemetery shortly
after one o'clock, carriages were continually driv-
ing up laden with wreaths which had been brought
direct from Grosvenor Square. These were so dis-
posed as to form a beautiful floral hedge enclosing
the boarded and carpeted space where the Burial
Service was read. Those who sent wreaths, in
addition to Queen Alexandra, were Princess Louise
and the Duke of Argyll, the Duchess of Albany,
Prince and Princess t Alexander of Teck, the Land-
graf of Hesse, the Prime Minister of Canada and
Mrs. Borden, and the Dominion Government.
The white enamelled walls of the vault had been
hung by the cemetery authorities with festoons of
laurel and wreaths of lilies.
The service at the graveside was marked by the
same simplicity as the proceedings in the Abbey.
The chief mourners stood around the vault, while
those who had driven from the Abbey, including
the Duke of Argyll and Lord Aberdeen, were
grouped behind them. The committal portion of
the Church of England service was read by the
465
Lord Strathcona
Reverend Archibald Fleming, of St. Columba's
(Church of Scotland), Pont Street, with the addi-
tion of special prayers taken from the Church of
Scotland Order. The coffin was finally lowered
into the grave and placed beside the body of Lady
Strathcona, with the two wreaths sent by mem-
bers of the family reposing upon it.
It was not a state, nor yet a public, funeral. With
all the greatness he had attained, Donald Alexander
Smith was a simple and homely man; and it was
the desire of his family that his burial should be
in keeping with his character, as private and devoid
of show as possible. Accordingly Lord Strathcona
had been borne to his tomb without pomp, but
otherwise with many marks of honour, national and
Imperial, befitting the obsequies of one who had
given his long life to the enrichment of the Empire
and the knitting-together of its strength.
Nor were manifestations of mourning on the part
of the general community lacking. The public — •
to whom Lord Strathcona appealed as a wonder-
ful veteran of ninety-four serving his country
almost to the last hour of his long life — paid
such tributes of respect to his memory as were in
their power. They crowded the unreserved spaces
of the Abbey, filling the great nave. They as-
sembled at various points of the way from the
Abbey to Highgate, and reverently uncovered and
in silence saluted the coffin as it passed them by.
CHAPTER XXVII
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
IT is perhaps unexampled in history for the life
of a single individual to coincide at so many points
with the life of a nation as does Lord Strathcona's
with that of Canada. The date of his birth is so re-
mote as almost to take us back to the reign of that
monarch to whom New France surrendered and for
whose sake the United Empire Loyalists made their
immortal sacrifice. He came to Canada in the very
first year of Queen Victoria's accession and at a cru-
cial moment in our history. Lord Durham's mission
marks a new constitutional epoch; the subject of
these pages was himself an eye-witness of the events
which the famous pro-consul reported. His activi-
ties were intimately connected first with the Far
East and then with the Far West. He began his
political career soon after the Dominion of Canada
was born. He saw the genesis of Manitoba and was
her first representative. He was concerned in the
creation or the supreme control of some of Canada's
greatest institutions, — the fur-trade, the bank
system, and the railways. He was largely instru-
mental in peopling the West and in educating the
East. He saw the growth of Canada's first period
of great prosperity, to which his own efforts had in
full measure contributed, and he died on the eve of
a new era when our people, stimulated by his teach-
467
Lord Strathcona
ing and his example, sanctified forever by thou-
sands of lives and millions of money the bond
which binds them to the British Empire.
At the public meeting of the citizens of Montreal
in 1900, which resulted in the erection of the
Strathcona Monument in Dominion Square, he
told his hearers that he could then look back on
more than sixty years of work in Canada. Yet, as
Sir William Peterson reminds us: —
Already for some time past, he had held his high
office as the nation's representative in London — an
office which would have sufficed in itself, even apart
from his great personality, to mark him out as one of
the most distinguished citizens of the Empire. But it
was easy to see that at the root and foundation of the
high position he had won lay the long years of prepara-
tion for it. From his native Scotland he had taken to
Labrador all the best results of a careful home training,
which revealed itself in the remarkable rapidity with
which he rose to the very top in the service of the
Hudson's Bay Company. When the call to action came
to him in connection with the trouble in the North-
West, it found him a resolute and experienced man of
affairs, who knew the hearts of others as they knew
his. Then came the period of service at Ottawa and
Montreal, which completed his preparation, and gave
him such a place in the esteem and affection of his
fellow-countrymen that none but he could be looked
to when there was a need for some one to take up the
r61e of Canadian representative in London.
To quote Mr. Austen Chamberlain: —
He was a splendid illustration of the opportunities
which the British Empire affords to its sons and of the
468
A Conspicuous Figure
use the best of them can make of those opportunities.
With no advantages of birth or fortune, he made him-
self one of the great outstanding figures of the Empire.
He made a great fortune, but what was more, he used
it nobly, not for himself, but for his country and his
Empire. He did more than make a fortune. He helped
to make a great nation, the greatest of our sister
nations over the seas, and to encourage in that nation
a larger patriotism which, abating not one jot of its
own local spirit, can yet impress the Empire as a whole,
can think Imperially and place Imperial interests before
any local interests, however important at the moment
they may seem. Such a life is an example to us all;
we must resolve that the great lesson which Lord
Strathcona's life taught shall be learned by us all,
and that each, according to his means and in his own
capacity, will be a true and faithful servant, as Lord
Strathcona was, of the country which bred him and
the Empire of which he was a citizen.
In the years immediately preceding his death,
his great age, his venerable aspect, his high Im-
perial reputation, his personal rank and vast
wealth, combined with his official status as
Canada's representative to make of him a central
and commanding figure at Imperial gatherings.
Never did he shirk the least duty when his presence
or his counsel seemed needed in Canada's interests.
Commenting on his maxim that patience and work
were the best prescription for health, one of his
friends writes : —
To patience and work there was added this: that he
was serving others, not striving, working, planning
for himself, but bearing a responsibility of office, of
469
Lord Strathcona
authority, and as so often happens, finding stability
under that burden.
Vast as his wealth was, his sense of responsibility
kept him a constant servant to the public interest
as it also kept him from devising fantastic and
pretentious systems of expenditure whose final
utility, even as means of commemoration, is ques-
tionable.
To quote again the Principal of McGill Uni-
versity : —
He carved out his career in the heroic days of
Canadian history, — when individual pioneers were
privileged to write their names in large characters
across the whole breadth of a continent. And after all
he was no mere sordid seeker after gain, nor did his
material prosperity ever blunt the edge of his moral
and social ideas and aspirations. In a word, his soul
was not submerged, as is sometimes unfortunately the
case, by the gathering tide of worldly success. Duty
was his guiding star — duty and conscience. We
ought to be glad, too, — ought we not? — in our day
and generation, that Canada can boast of him as a
man of unspotted integrity. His word was as good as
his bond. But he carefully weighed nearly every word
he uttered, and most certainly every word he ever
wrote. None could apply the pruning-knife more
remorselessly than he to the language of any docu-
ment for which he was expected to make himself in
any way responsible. He was above everything
accurate even in the use of words. I fancy he had
done most of his reading in early life when in the long
silence of Labrador he acquired that stock of ideas,
and that power of expression, which stood him in such
470
Agmina Ducens
good stead when he had to address himself, compara-
tively late in life, to the difficult art of public speaking.1
And he could appreciate a telling phrase, or the
pointed turn of a sentence. I remember when he
asked me to supply him with a Latin motto for his new
coat of arms, which had hitherto contained the one
English word " Perseverance." When I enquired what
idea he would like to have expressed, he half- whispered,
" In the van." I gave him "Agmina ducens," and there
it stands to-day. And yet, for all his eagerness to be
"in the van," one can never think of him as anything
but essentially modest and unassertive. You all know
what his bearing was on the various occasions on
which he was seen in our midst, — inwardly glad, no
doubt, to receive the homage of our love and praise,
but genuinely anxious at the same time, that no one
should be put to any inconvenience because of him.
And all the qualities of which he gave evidence in
public were familiar to those who knew him in his
home. The death of his wife, but ten short weeks
before his own, was naturally the greatest sorrow of
his whole life. One who saw much of him at the time
has told me how it seemed to shake his soul to its
depths, and thereafter he was as a stricken man. The
friends who met the aged pair on the occasion of their
last visit to Montreal will recall some of the instances
of the kindly humour that always characterized their
intercourse with each other; and it is a satisfaction
1 " I have heard him," writes the Reverend Dr. Robert Campbell,
of Montreal, "on several occasions speak of the manner in which
he spent the long winter nights in Labrador, when he had books
only for his companions. He used to laugh when he mentioned the
variety of reading matter found in the Post's library, and of the
necessity he was under to wade through some not very attractive
books, for lack of anything more interesting to occupy his mind
with."
471
Lord Strathcona
to remember, now that they are both gone, that
through their loving and devoted daughter their line-
age is continued in the third generation.
Lord Strathcona lived a strenuous and a useful life,
characterized by courage and high resolve in critical
and anxious times. He always showed that he could
"rise to the height of great occasions." Alongside of
that should be placed the continuous response of
constant applications for public and private charity,
to which his resources were fortunately adequate, —
a charity that was never exercised, be it remembered,
in mechanical fashion, but always with some personal
touch of kindly courtesy and consideration. Even in
his latest days he was thinking of what he could do for
others: and it ought to be mentioned here that, evi-
dently remembering of his own accord a certain pay-
ment which he was in the habit of making to the Royal
Victoria College about the time of the New Year, he
cabled me the sum of forty-five thousand dollars,
on the very day before he died. He was given to
hospitality; and his Montreal home was long a recog-
nized place of meeting for many who, under the
divided conditions of our civil life, seldom met any-
where else. He was full of the conviction that in our
province French and English must perforce agree to
live together, for the very good reason that here
neither of the two races can live without the other.
While thus his personal motto was "in the
van," he never failed to give full credit to others
in the Canadian Pacific Railway and other great
enterprises in which he was identified. Albeit non-
partisan, he "heartily sympathized with Mr. Cham-
berlain's idea that our Empire should become more
472
Aristotle's Definition
conscious of itself. The late Chancellor's contribu-
tion to education constituted no mere stereotyped
or conventional form of benevolence. In scientific,
medical, and higher education for women he was a
pioneer with a marked power of initiative which
had been felt all over Canada. He was no sordid
seeker after gain, nor did material prosperity ever
blunt the edge of his moral and social ideals and
aspirations. In a word, his soul was not submerged
by the gathering tide of worldly success. A man of
unspotted integrity throughout his long career, he
measured up to Aristotle's definition of 'high-
mindedness.' '
And truly no reader of the Ethics, bearing Lord
Strathcona in mind, but must be struck by the
remarkable appositeness of many passages in which
the Greek philosopher dwells upon the virtues
of ' ' high-mindedness ' ' (/xeya\oi/a>xta) and ' ' munifi-
cence" (/xeyaXoTT/acVeta). So apposite are they that
I offer no apology for recalling them here.
Munificence [he says] differs from Liberality in the
largeness of the sums with which it deals. Its general
characteristic is magnitude; but this must be in rela-
tion to three things: — the person who gives, the cir-
cumstances of the gift, and its object. Hence every
munificent man is liberal, but not every liberal man is
munificent. The vice or defect is Meanness. The vice
of Excess, which we describe as Bad Taste and Vul-
garity, errs not in the greatness of the amount spent,
but in the inappropriateness in different ways of the
expenditure. There is a sort of scientific skill implied
in Munificence. This is needed to decide under what
473
Lord Strathcona
various circumstances, as they actually occur (for
action is the only real test of disposition in this as in
other Virtues), great expenditure is befitting and
appropriate. The occasion must be worthy of the
expenditure, and the expenditure of the occasion.
There must also be the same motive as in all the other
virtues, viz., the desire for what is noble. Again, the
munificent act must be done cheerfully and un-
grudgingly: there must be no close calculations; no
considerations of "How much, or how little will it
cost?" but rather, "What will be the grandest and
most appropriate way of doing it?" And hence the
munificent man will necessarily be liberal also; but
besides the mere grandeur of the amount spent, there
is a grandeur of manner which imparts a special lustre
to the acts of a munificent man beyond what would be
achieved by mere liberality even with the same expen-
diture. For a work and a possession are not to be esti-
mated in the same way. In the latter case there is only
a question of intrinsic value; in the former, we must
take into consideration the grandeur and the moral
effect produced on the beholders.
As to the occasions which are fitting for the dis-
play of Munificence [Aristotle notices] first, the
service of religion, and next, great public or patriotic
services. In all these cases, however, regard must be
had to the social position, and to the means of the doer,
as well as the work done. It would be out of place
for a man of small or moderate means to aspire to
be munificent. It is a virtue reserved for those of
great wealth, inherited or acquired, good birth, high
station, and so forth.
Without merit they cannot form the ground of that
self-esteem which constitutes High-mindedness, nor
474
Miss Hurlbatt's Recollections
again can they justify the superciliousness in which
their possessors ape the high-minded. Unlike him they
have no superior merit to warrant that feeling, nor
discrimination in its exercise. The High-minded man
will not court danger, but if it be great and worthy of
him, he will face it without regard to his life, which he
does not think worth preserving at the cost of honour.
He loves to confer and is ashamed to receive benefits,
and he hastens to requite them with increase. He is
reluctant to ask a favour, though ready to confer one.
With great men he carries his head high, while with
ordinary men he is unaffected. He is no gossip: he is
a man of few words, sparing alike in his praise and in
his reproaches. His gait, his voice and his manner of
speech will be grave, dignified, and deliberate. Such is
the High-minded man.1
To the judgment of many of his contemporaries
already given it is fitting that some recollections of
his traits and habits of daily life, by those closely in
touch with him, should be added.
Miss Hurlbatt, Warden of Victoria College,
writes : —
I knew him only as a very old man, always with a
certain detachment of manner, as if he had already
passed some boundaries of time and space beyond his
fellows, and while occupied and keenly interested and
ceaselessly concerned with work and duty and service,
really alone with himself. Perhaps he was always like
this — utterly master of himself and of his fate. The
early years of discipline and loneliness may have
worked this in him. Certain it is that whatever he had
suffered of "fret and dark and thorn and chill" had
1 Aristotle, Ethics, translated by the Reverend E. Moore.
475
Lord Strathcona
with him "banked in the current of the will" to uses,
arts, and charities.
Vividly does Miss Hurlbatt recall her first inter-
view with him : —
I found him in his office in Victoria Street, as he
has been seen by so many who came to him from far
and near, seated by his desk in a very bare and un-
pretentious room, in an attitude with which I was to
become familiar, and which has been characteristi-
cally recorded for us by Mr. Robert Harris in the por-
trait that hangs in our Hall, one hand holding his
chair, the other resting on his knee, an attitude that
with many people would suggest relaxation and would
be an attitude of repose — with him, as you will have
noticed, it was compatible with alertness and a keen
concentration upon any affair at the moment in hand.
This attitude, apart from his white hairs and vener-
able expression, was the only thing which suggested
age — it was as if he gave his body rest that his mind
should be more free and have the use of all his force. . . .
I think that then, and whenever I have since met
him, I was conscious that his voice was a revelation of
his personality; in an almost startling way it betrayed
in an instant the man. It was resonant, far-reaching,
almost hard in the way every word and every inflection
was sent out to reach its purpose, every word convey-
ing a sense of power behind it. His voice was even and
exact — and it was so when it was kindest and most
gentle, and even when other signs betrayed that he
spoke with a sense of amusement.
I cannot do better than describe a certain char-
acteristic incident in Miss Hurlbatt's own words.
476
Dr. Grenfell's Testimony
It reveals the tender relationship existing between
Lord Strathcona and his wife.
On a winter's morning at Euston Station, London, as
our train was leaving for Liverpool, I caught sight of
a rather alarming scene that had a touching sequel.
The train was due to start, the guard's whistle had
been blown, but there was a moment's pause and Lord
Strathcona was seen hurrying up the platform and
mounting the train as it began to move, and there
behind on the platform was the figure of Lady Strath-
cona supported by four strong arms, lifting her from
her feet, so that she could see into the window of the
carriage and wave her farewell. The pathos of that
figure I shall not soon forget. I had many opportunities
on the voyage of hearing from Mr. Garson, Lord
Strathcona's Scottish agent, and who counted Lady
Strathcona as his dear friend, of the anxiety and
loneliness that these great undertakings and sudden
partings and absences caused her, how Lord Strath-
cona wished always to have her with him, but how she
shrank from the journeys. It was said that when
Lord Strathcona decided upon his last visit to Canada
in September, 1913, she again wished to remain behind,
until he gently suggested that perhaps there might be
for him no returning. That was enough, and we know
how she came on that last lightning visit, an almost
miraculous effort at their age.
All those who were brought into close touch with
him in his later years bear witness to the same
traits of character which his old fur-trading asso-
ciates had long since noted.
His insistence [writes Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, the
famous Labrador missionary] on the greatness of
477
Lord Strathcona
little things never failed to impress those who came in
contact with him, and this was combined with his
distrust of conventions, and emphasis on the reliability
of plain common sense. I long ago realized how he
came to be possessed of that secret of greatness, and
faculty of arriving quickly at correct conclusions,
unsurpassed even by a Sherlock Holmes.
As a tiny illustration of this, once at breakfast the
lamp under the hot-water kettle had gone out. The
butler, apologizing, said he had forgotten to put any
spirits into it. Without the slightest display of anger,
but like a man insisting on some great universal
principle, our host said quietly, "Remember, James,
you have only certain duties to perform. This is one.
Never, under any circumstances, let such an omission
occur again." Whatever that dignified official got out
of it, I learned a truth of no small value. In my own
craft of surgery, the omission of some apparently
trifling detail — and it is equally true of ordinary
business — might at any time cause irreparable dis-
aster. One of the chief reasons why the Turks, though
a virile race of physical fighters, are unable to hold
their own, is because they make " Fate" or " Kismet"
responsible for their failures and neglect.
About twenty years ago Dr. Grenfell arrived in
Montreal just before Christmas Day, anxious to
get an early appointment with Lord Strathcona.
He himself was overwhelmed with engagements and
it seemed impossible for him to give the time we
sought, and it looked as if we would have to go away
without seeing him. It was entirely characteristic of
his courtesy, however, that he should have replied to
our request, that if we would come on Christmas Day,
478
A Christmas Day Appointment
he would be able to give us the time we desired; but
when we noticed that he had appointed Hudson's Bay
House for the rendezvous on that day, we were a little
surprised. When we found it, it was away downtown,
and a purely business place, and we knew that, of
course, all the employees would be away keeping the
holiday. I still remember vividly the deserted streets,
so impressive in the big busy centre: the silence and
the entire absence, even on the streets, of any living
thing, and at last the great, towering portals of the
world-famous Company's offices. I climbed the steps
with no little trepidation, and the bell startled me,
when its echoes rang out, as if in some long-deserted
haunt of men. Finally, the great door swung open, and
there stood, quite alone, the smiling old gentleman,
already white-haired, positively apologizing for keep-
ing me waiting. ''There's no one in the house," he
began, "so I have to answer the door myself." Our
amazement at seeing him there at all on that day was
so badly disguised that he went on to explain that the
famous physician, Sir Andrew Clark, had more than
once warned him that to stop work would be fatal to
him, and that he realized it was true.
When we went in, he was opening letters from an
almost endless pile. "These are all requests for help,"
he went on. " I like to deal with them personally when
I can get time, but I have calculated that if I granted
them all, I should n't have a single cent left."
On one occasion he was asking me about old
Labrador acquaintances, and as it was then fifty years
since he had left the coast, it might have been expected
that, with all his multiplicity of interests, he would
long before have forgotten the individuals. He hap-
pened to ask after a certain woman who had been his
479
Lord Strathcona
servant so many years before. I told him that she
had long ago passed away, but that her daughter, who
was married and had a very large family, had often
spoken of her mother's connection with him. He asked
how she was faring with so many children, but
appeared to take very little notice when I told him
that the family were having hard times. However,
the next time I visited that part of Labrador, I heard
that he had sent a special Labrador order of pork,
flour, molasses, butter, and many outfits of clothing
for herself and the children. The method of accom-
plishing this was to us just another demonstration of
his greatness. To this day the woman is wondering
"where on earth that winter's diet, and all that cloth-
ing could have come from."
My last interview with him was just before his
death. He had come to the office of the Hudson's Bay
Company for the discussion of a new policy. While
we lunched, he sat and talked. There was hardly a
line on his face, and every faculty was on the alert.
He had come down, in spite of the doctor's orders not
to leave the house, to hear what I had to say about
Labrador. One of his first enquiries was after the
little hospital steamer, which for so many years had
borne his name on the coast. He was concerned to
hear that her boilers had blown out, and that she was
laid up owing to the lack of the necessary funds to
replace them. It seems almost superfluous to say that
he at once ordered them to be replaced at his expense,
so as to make the ship as efficient as possible, and the
day after I received a letter to confirm his wishes.
A gap of two years had elapsed since I had last seen
Lord Strathcona, and even then he was ninety years
of age, and one might have supposed that, so long after
480
A Solitary Landmark
the allotted span of threescore years and ten, a man
whose life had been spent under such strenuous cir-
cumstances must be verifying the words of the psalmist,
and finding his days "but labour and sorrow." Not so,
however, with this man. So far as his keen interest in
life was concerned, his natural force seemed in no way
abated. He still found his greatest pleasure in a full
day's work, and when the day itself had gone, the
same sufficient satisfaction in the company of the long-
time partner of his life — and of their family.
This time, however, a blind man could realize a vast
difference in his attitude toward the world. The same
interest, the same courage, but no longer the same man.
He seemed to me like one of the great solitary rocks
of our barren coast, which, from time immemorial, far
out in the wide ocean, during the season of open water,
has raised its head above the gigantic rollers of the
Atlantic, and in winter, towered over the resistless
grinding of the Atlantic field ice.
Alone left of his generation, Lord Strathcona seemed
now to me to loom up as just such another wonder.
The discussion on the business which had brought us
together had come to an end. We were thinking of
saying good-bye, when suddenly he leaned over
toward me and said, "You will let me know about the
boilers for the hospital ship? See that they are done
as well as they can be and come and see me before you
go back to Labrador." The word seemed involun-
tarily to have carried his thought back to the long-
ago scenes of that country where first he had met the
wife whom he had loved so truly. It seemed to me
that his white head bent a little lower, as he added,
"Doctor, a terrible blow has come to me since you
were here last, — terrible! terrible! " he repeated.
481
Lord Strathcona
The next reference which we saw to our old friend
was the public despatch in the newspaper telling of his
death, and that he was to find a last resting-place in
the Abbey, the Valhalla of the nation's mighty dead.
But later came the news that his wishes were to be
respected, and that the personal honour, so much
coveted by many, found no echo in this great man's
life. He had chosen to sleep his last long sleep by the
side of her he loved so well. So even in death he has
left the nation a better legacy than silver and gold, in
reminding us again of the greatest of all secrets of the
greatest of all lives — the possession, not of money,
but of the spirit of simple love.
In religious matters he was truly catholic: and in
his religious benefactions favoured in turn Roman,
Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian.1
Dr. Archibald Fleming, of the London Presby-
terian Church of St. Columba's, with which church
Lord Strathcona and his family were long con-
nected, thus pays his tribute to one who was "a
great benefactor of our church in London": —
I wish to speak of him as I knew him — a humble
Christian and a deeply religious man. Lord Strath-
cona was a loyal and generous son of the Church of
Scotland; and almost with his last breath he told me
— as he had often done before — how deep was his
1 Once in giving a donation of one thousand pounds to a Roman
Catholic institution he wrote: "Whilst I am personally more con-
nected with the Protestant Church and institutions of the country,
not the less have I a warm feeling for the fellow-citizens of other
denominations, including the Catholics, both English- and French-
speaking, and I would gladly, as far as possible, aid them in their
efforts for higher education."
482
His Religious Toleration
affection for her simple worship, and how he valued
her ordinances most of all.
But in saying this he added — and, speaking as one
who was delivering a testimony, he bade me repeat
it to others — that in his long life he had learned a
great toleration, and had come to realize that God
reveals Himself to his faithful people by the lips of all
the churches; for it had been his experience that he
could receive benefit from them all; so that to him,
denominational distinctions, and even the distinction
between Protestant and Roman, almost ceased to
exist in view of the great elemental truths which all,
according to their ability, strove to represent; the
"Good and Great Creator" could and would reveal
Himself somehow to us through them all. Such was
the wide sweep of this great man's spiritual vision, and
such the large charity of his great heart.
In other words, Lord Strathcona's religion was
vital rather than technical.
"To be religious in the technical sense of the
word," Mr. A. C. Benson remarks somewhere, "to
care for religious services and solemnities, for
priestly influence, for intricate doctrinal emotions,
implies a strong artistic sense and is often far re-
moved from any simplicity of conduct. But the
simple man will have a strong sense of responsi-
bility — a deep confidence in the will of God and
his high purpose."
In private life he was a most engaging host.
He does not [testified a visitor fifteen years ago]
greatly care for personal talk. He is too self-contained
and too watchful to be drawn out. Control and a sort
483
Lord Strathcona
of lofty prudence are expressed by his bearing and by
the intrepid look in his eyes. He carries with him the
atmosphere that surrounds all men who have dwelt
long in solitude. His favourite attitude when con-
versing is a strong folding of the arms and a down-
ward, pondering look. His hair is now snow-white;
his skin is fresh, and about him there is a pleasant
vigour that is wonderful for his eighty years. His talk
is bright, and he is equally at home in American,
Canadian, or English politics. There is not a financial
movement of importance anywhere in the world that
he is uninformed upon, and his gallery of acquaintances
and friends is of amazing extent and variety, from the
clerk at some outlandish post of the Hudson's Bay
Company to the King of England.
He was [relates Sir Thomas Shaughnessy] the soul
of hospitality, loved to have people about him as his
guests, spared no effort or expense to contribute to
their comfort and pleasure, and in his dealings with his
fellow-men he was a model of courteous consideration.
He never forgot his old friends.
"A model of courteous consideration" expresses
but the exact truth.
The one thing that lives in my memory of one night
is not the singing of the great diva, Patti, but the
courtesy of Lord Strathcona, as long after midnight,
hatless and coatless, his white hair resplendent in the
bright electric light, he insisted on standing out in the
cold night wind, seeing his guests personally into their
carriages, and finally sending us, strangers from a far-
away country, back to the hotel in a carriage.1
1 Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, C.M.G.
484
His Later Reading
The last forty years of his life were so entirely
given up to affairs that he had little or no time for
the reading of books. But he was a close and dis-
cerning reader of the newspapers. He showed a
considerable familiarity with the standard authors
whose works he had studied in his youth. Amongst
the novelists, after Scott, he had a relish for
Dickens, whom besides he much esteemed as a man.
On the approach of the centenary of Dickens's
birth, he was much moved when I told him that
certain descendants of the great novelist were in
necessitous circumstances, owing to the nature of
the laws affecting literary property. "Of course,"
he said, "we must help them. That would be the
best way to celebrate the Dickens Centenary." 1
Lord Lytton had not been one of his favourite
authors (he recalled in his younger days having
read The Last Days of Pompeii) ; he rather knew
him as a statesman and especially as Colonial
Secretary. But when he leased Knebworth, the
ancestral seat of the Lyttons,2 the association of
the famous author and his gifted son had a gen-
uine interest for him. But the old-world beauty of
1 Not only did he become one of the first subscribers to the Fund,
which exceeded ten thousand pounds, but later undertook its in-
vestment in Canada at a higher guaranteed rate of interest than was
obtainable by us in England.
2 The present Lord Lytton writes: "During the latter years of
his life, Lord Strathcona, in spite of his great age, was incessantly on
the move. While he was at Knebworth he would come down by a
special train after dining in town and return to London at nine
o'clock next morning. At other times he would motor down from
London on a Sunday for the day, returning the same evening. He
was the most active man for his age that I have ever met."
485
Lord Strathcona
Kneb worth was its greatest charm. He and Lady
Strathcona used on special occasions to receive
their guests in the great hall, with its groined roof
and stained-glass windows, whence the visitors
passed out into the gardens beyond, where a band
usually discoursed sweet music. During the inter-
vals a couple of pipers of the Scots Guards marched
up and down the paths playing the bagpipes. Tea
was served in a large marquee and at small tables
dotting the incomparable lawn. The valuable
pictures and objects of art in the state rooms on
the first floor of the house, he took pleasure in
showing, as also Queen Elizabeth's chair in a gal-
lery overlooking the hall. But he loved most to
walk about in the gardens and converse with his
friends.1
To a former colleague
KNEBWORTH HOUSE, STEVENAGE HERTS,
May I2th, 1907.
To-day is quite a summer day, bright and warm, and
the grounds are looking very beautiful. A letter from
our old friend puts me in mind of other days like this,
long, long ago — at North- West River, Esquimaux
1 He once told me he shared my partiality to dwellings having
historical and personal associations. When he and his daughter, the
present Lady Strathcona, paid a visit to me at Westerham in 1910,
he evinced the deepest interest in the scene of Wolfe's boyhood and
the relics there assembled. A day or two later he wrote me a letter
which I cherish, referring to this visit.
When I last saw him in the spring of 1913 he said, "So you are
going to live in the old home of Haliburton. It ought to be a fine
inspiration for you. Haliburton was a very brilliant writer" —
adding significantly, — "and his mother was a Grant of Strath-
spey!''
486
Improvised Hospitality
Bay, and later at "Silver Heights" — only there the
peace was invaded sadly by such pests as mosquitoes
and black flies.
Many years ago he invited a large and distin-
guished party of tourists, including two Continental
princes, to dine and pass the night at "Silver
Heights" on their way through to the West.
Accommodation being scanty it was necessary to
add a series of bedrooms to the house and otherwise
to improvise domestic arrangements. The notice
was brief: a force of workmen was engaged, mate-
rials were hastily shipped from St. Paul, but
although the work was pressed forward at high
speed, the night of the party arrived and the bed-
rooms were not quite finished. The guests were
dined at the club in Winnipeg, a large staff of
waiters having been put into a strange livery for
the occasion, and dinner was protracted until a late
hour, in order to give the carpenters and furnishers
time to put on the finishing touches to "Silver
Heights." In fact it was after midnight when a
welcome telephone message reached Sir Donald to
say that his guests could start for the house. By
that time several were overcome with sleep and
perhaps an excess of hospitality! There was no
doubt whatever as to the condition of the carriage
drivers: they were intoxicated to a man. However,
all were finally got to Sir Donald's roof, and none,
surveying their sumptuous sleeping-quarters, could
have had the slightest suspicion that the whole
had risen like a mushroom in the course of a few
487
Lord Strathcona
hours. Unhappily, the host, having seen the com-
pany to bed, found that he had reckoned without
himself : there was neither bedroom nor bed for his
repose. Weary with his efforts, in which anxiety had
played no small part, he flung himself into a chair
and slept till morning.
Sir Sandford Fleming relates that once, being in
the train with a fishing party, Lord Strathcona in-
vited all to dine and sojourn with him for the night
at his fishing-lodge at Matapedia, which had for-
merly belonged to the Marquess of Lome and the
Princess Louise.
Next morning, wishing to be abroad early to join a
friend, I dressed hastily and descended the stairs in
the half-light. On the bottom stair my feet touched a
figure, which sprang up, and I recognized my host.
Though he smiled genially and bade me good-morning
and was full of solicitude, I knew he had been asleep
all night on that bottom stair, having given up his
bedroom either to me or to some other of the party.
Reflecting [continued Sir Sandford] upon my long ac-
quaintance of over forty years with Lord Strathcona,
and remembering so many traits of his quiet benevo-
lence, I think one may say of him that he was a man
whose greatest happiness was in making others happy.
When I in turn related Sir Sandford 's anecdote
to a well-known statesman in England, he ex-
claimed : —
Count upon the fingers of your hand the great men
of the age who could have done that! Can you see
Cecil Rhodes crouching all night on that bottom
stair? Can you see Pierpont Morgan or Rockefeller?
His Favourite Season
Power combined with humility — it is as rare as it is
irresistible !
He was, as has been aptly said, "studiously care-
less" about his health. His chief affliction was
colds, and it is a wonder that these did not, through
his imprudences, lead to serious illness.
An old Montreal friend, Mr. C. R. Hosmer,
recalls a typical incident which happened nearly
twenty years ago.
Lord Strathcona was declared to be very ill and
threatened with pneumonia. His private car at the
time was ordered in readiness for Florida. He learned
suddenly that his presence might be useful in Winni-
peg, where the Manitoba School Question had come to
the front. Without saying a word to his doctor or to
anybody, he ordered his car to be attached to the
Winnipeg train and off he went. Lady Strathcona was
greatly alarmed and came to my office next morning.
I was then General Manager of the Canadian Pacific
Railway Telegraphs. We found out that he was as far
as the north side of Lake Superior at the time and it
was thirty degrees below zero there. The night after
he arrived in Winnipeg he gave a banquet to the
Bishop of St. Boniface. Later, when he returned, I
spoke to him of how deeply concerned, not to say
alarmed, Lady Strathcona had been. He smiled and
said, "Yes, I remember that cold morning; I had to
break the ice in the pitcher when I got up."
Yet of the seasons he loved winter best. He
liked to look out upon a world bathed in sunshine
— a world in which the trees sparkled with frost,
and the air exhilarated like wine. It was then he
489
Lord Strathcona
would oftenest exclaim, "What a beautiful day,
what glorious weather!" Once he said to a guest,
Mr. William Garson, "It has been said that power,
that empire came from the north. Northern people
have always stood for courage and unconquer-
ability. They have the muscle, the wholesomeness
of life, the strength of will. In Canada we have
upon the whole, the best climate in the world. Our
winters may be cold, but think of the dry and ex-
hilarating atmosphere, which makes for health and
every sort of alertness. Those who are accus-
tomed to the North might taste a little experience
of the South, and the South might drop in upon
the North once in a while, doubtless with mutual
advantage."
His London house was at first number 53 Cado-
gan Square, and afterwards 28 Grosvenor Square.
But he long considered his real home as at Mon-
treal. His Dorchester Street mansion always con-
tinued as if its owner was in residence. He had
there a collection of pictures containing examples of
Raphael, Titian, Turner, Reynolds, Gainsborough,
Romney, Millais, Rosa Bonheur, Constable, Con-
stant, Alma Tadema, and other painters. One work
of art which he was fond of showing was unique in
its way. It was a carving done by Esquimaux of
the remoter North, and presented by them to
Lady Strathcona. It shows a portion of an Esqui-
maux village, huts covered with snow, sledges, and
a kayak. Men and women are very cleverly
modelled, while a fox, a penguin, and a willow
grouse are carved in walrus ivory. The whole
490
His Residences
production is executed very prettily, and testifies
to the artistic capacity inherent in those natives
of the Arctic regions.
When his lease of Knebworth expired, he pur-
chased Debden Hall in Essex. In 1905, he had
acquired the famous Black Corries estate of Glen-
coe, one of the finest grouse and deer preserves in
the Highlands, to add to his other property there.
Black Corries formerly belonged to the chiefs of
Glencoe, but passed from the representatives of
the massacred Macdonalds after the rising of '45.
It extends to Rannoch and Black Mount, a dis-
tance of some twenty-five miles, and adjoins the
estate of Sir John Stirling Maxwell, M.P., Sir
W. Menzies, Lord Breadalbane, and others. The
famous massacre that inspired Macaulay's refer-
ence took place in 1691. That the character of
the scenery suggests dark deeds is confirmed
by Dickens, who described this part of Argyllshire
as "perfectly terrible." It was not so to him.
In London, Lord Strathcona was a familiar
figure at the Athenaeum Club in Pall Mall, which
may be called the centre of British culture. Here
he met some of the most eminent figures of the
day, and in one of its handsome dining-rooms he
delighted to gather together distinguished men
to meet Canadians of high rank on a visit to the
Mother Country.
As a public speaker he was solid rather than
brilliant, although there are passages in his speeches
of real eloquence. He had formed himself on the
best models and within his self-appointed bounda-
49i
Lord Strathcona
ries was always fluent and self-possessed. As an
example of his manner, which was rarely ironical
or patronizing, it may be recalled that on one
occasion, in 1887, Mr. Edward Blake made merry
over Sir Donald Smith's glowing picture of the
future North-West. The member for Montreal rose
and remarked gravely : —
The leader of the Opposition is very facetious, very
facetious, indeed. He spoke in a vein of engaging
pleasantry, and I am sure we were all delighted to see
him so condescend. Will he permit me to tell him that
I think he would live more and more in the affections
of his fellow-citizens if he would more frequently ex-
hibit that milk of human kindness, that sympathy for
his fellow-men, and that love of his country which is
due from every one who is a citizen of Canada? l
Although he scarcely ever in his life was known
to utter a too forcible expression, on at least one
occasion he acquiesced in one. It was after the
stormy campaign in 1 880, in which he was defeated
for Parliament by the late Colonel Scott. On the
day of the election one of the Hudson's Bay Com-
pany employees named Cole, who had involved
himself in many election bets, each of which had
to be sealed by a drink, awoke from a doze in the
open air to find his revered candidate, Mr. Smith,
approaching. Cole staggered to his feet, and after
a profuse exchange of courtesies, enquired how the
election had gone. When the painful truth that he
had been ignominiously defeated had been dragged
1 Parliamentary Debates.
492
Vicarious Profanity
from the member, his supporter's rage knew no
bounds.
"The scoundrels!" hecried, "the
scoundrels!"
The defeated member rubbed his hands and
nodded his head benignantly. "Are they not, Mr.
Cole?" he exclaimed; "are they not?"
In the closing years his voice failed him in
attempting to reach large assemblages.
"I shall always remember the last Dominion
Day dinner which I attended," recalls a well-known
Canadian. "While the veteran statesman was
speaking, although by reason of his great age his
words were only audible to those at his own table,
there prevailed what I can best describe as a
'mighty hush' amongst the five hundred diners.
As a Canadian at my table remarked at the
speech, 'Although we cannot hear it, you can bet
your last dollar that it is well worth listening to by
those who can."
He was fond of stories of his Scottish country-
men. One which pleased him highly I have heard
him often repeat. A Scot was once boasting that
Scotch apples were far better than the Canadian
variety. "Really," exclaimed his friend, "you
can't mean that!" "I do mean it," was the
response; "but I must premeese that for my ain
taste I prefer them soor and hard."
Another favourite was the naive remark of an
Indian, the shikari of an English titled sportsman.
"He shot magnificently"; adding, "But God was
merciful to the beasts."
493
Lord Strathcona
One story told of his native town could hardly
fail to delight him, although he professed incredu-
lity. The superintendent of the Forres Sabbath
School had prepared a list of questions for the
junior class. Name the strongest man; the wisest
man; the meekest man. Only one child, a cynical
little elf she was, answered correctly: Samson,
Solomon, Moses. All the others wrote or printed,
according to their capabilities, opposite the queries,
the name of the hero of their hearts — .Lord Strath-
cona. There might be stronger, and wiser, and
meeker men, but the junior class was not "ac-
quainted wi' 'em."
It has been noted that he was always abste-
mious in his diet and latterly became more so.
Frequently a friend breakfasting with him was
surprised to notice that he drank both tea and
coffee. Lord Strathcona explained that in his
younger days, living often through necessity in
small Canadian hotels, he would find the tea so
bad that he would afterwards as an antidote ask
for coffee. "In that way," he said, his eyes twin-
kling, " I got into the habit of both, so that I can't
make breakfast now with only one beverage."
When he came to the High Commissionership,
the duties of Secretary were being ably performed
by Mr. Joseph Grose Colmer, C.M.G., and to this
gentleman and his successor, Mr. William Griffith,
he gave the fullest confidence and loyalty. Re-
peatedly, in his holograph correspondence with the
Prime Minister, occur testimonials to their zeal and
ability and his desire that their services should be
494
Old-fashioned Epistolary Methods
acknowledged in a practical manner. Even for
those subordinates, who he had reason to suspect
were not cordially disposed toward him, he was
constantly exerting his influence, and when these
were criticized or attacked he was ever offering an
apology or defence. As one Minister put it to me,
" Lord Strathcona regarded his staff as if they were
members of his own family and could not bear to
have a word said against them."
"Nothing," Mr. Colmer bears testimony, "was
too insignificant for his personal attention. It
was a favourite saying of his that ' what you have
to do is worth doing well,' and that axiom was
the keynote of his life. While not a great reader
of current literature, he was essentially a well-
informed man. How he acquired his knowledge
was often a surprise. But he had the knack of
making people whom he knew and with whom he
came into contact talk on any subject which inter-
ested them and him, and in that way acquired
information more or less at first hand. His memory
for facts, figures, and faces was phenomenal."
A characteristic trait of Lord Strathcona was
his adhesion, to an advanced period of life, to old-
fashioned epistolary methods. He long shrank
from the use of an amanuensis or a typewriter as a
breach of courtesy ; the openings and subscriptions
of his letters were patterned on the old Hudson's
Bay model. Even the most official or the lengthiest
letter he persisted in performing by hand, at an
almost incredible cost in time and patience. On
one occasion at least considerable physical suffering
495
Lord Strathcona
was involved. He had had the misfortune, twenty
years before while in Scotland, to fracture one of
the bones and otherwise seriously injure his right
wrist, necessitating complete disablement. His
arm was put in splints, and while chafing under the
restraint he seized the occasion to make a voyage
to Canada vid New York. In transit his arm be-
came worse, the inflammation spread, and he found
himself unable to leave his berth. On his arrival at
New York he was met by Sir William Van Home,
who found him in a very feverish and distressed
state. Nevertheless, he insisted on accompanying
his friend immediately through to Montreal, where
he was induced to put himself in the care of a
surgeon. What preyed upon his mind most was
that he had a number of letters to answer, and in
spite of his injured hand these must somehow be
answered.
" But," urged his friend, "surely you can employ
an amanuensis."
The proposition seemed repugnant to him.
" I Ve never done such a thing," he declared em-
phatically. " It would give great offence, I assure
you. I have always written my letters myself and
I must do so now."
Albeit, after considerable expostulation, and
upon a competent stenographer being produced, he
consented to try the experiment.
"But at least I must sign the letters," was his
stipulation. " Put the pen between my fingers, and
although it will perhaps be a little difficult and
painful I must certainly sign the letters myself."
496
No Strict Sabbatarian
So duly the letters were dictated, and when the
sheets were brought to him the invalid begged to
be left alone to consider them and affix his signa-
ture. A pen was fastened between two of his dis-
engaged fingers and a bottle of ink placed on the
table.
When a couple of hours later the secretary
entered to take charge of the correspondence and
despatch it, they found that to every letter had
been added a postscript, scrawled slowly and pain-
fully, explaining how and why the writer had been
forced to depart from his lifelong practice of manu-
script and apologizing for the same.
"And in each case," concludes the narrator of
the anecdote, "the postscript was longer than the
body of the letter!"
On one occasion, leaving London hurriedly for
Glencoe with an accumulation of work, he was
prevailed upon to take with him a young steno-
grapher with whom he was personally unacquainted.
Arriving at his Highland seat on Saturday evening,
he looked forward to disposing of a number of
pressing letters largely dealing with his various
charities, so as to catch Monday morning's mail.
On the Sunday morning when he mentioned his in-
tention to the stenographer, the latter said: "Oh,
but Lord Strathcona, I 'm afraid I cannot do what
you ask. I have never worked on the Sabbath."
For a moment Lord Strathcona seemed dis-
concerted. Then he said quietly, "Say no more
about it. Go and take a walk up the Glen."
Relieved at getting off so easily, the young man
497
Lord Strathcona
seized hat and stick and went for a delicious stroll,
which he found so alluring that he did not return
until near nightfall. Weary and footsore he ate a
hearty supper and retired to bed. Promptly at
midnight, when he was wrapped in the soundest
slumber, a thunderous knock at his door startled
him. He sprang out of bed and encountered Lord
Strathcona, taper in hand and a winning smile on
his face.
"Come, Mr. Blank — the Sabbath is now over,
and we must make haste with those letters, you
know, so as to catch the morning mail."
It only remains to add that by dint of incessant
industry, the morning sun had not risen very high
over the Vale of Glencoe, when the letters were
finally despatched, and Mr. Blank, a sadder and a
wiser man, once more sought his couch to snatch
a couple of hours' repose before breakfast.
It cannot be said that he was an easy taskmas-
ter. Generally speaking, none in his employ held
a sinecure: but at least he asked none to do that
which he was not ready to do himself. And idleness
was a fault he found it hardest to condone.
The main sources of Lord Strathcona's wealth
have already been revealed. He left at his death a
fortune of several millions, the bulk of which, after
the payment of many legacies amounting to nearly
a million sterling, was left in trust to his daughter,
who succeeded him in the title.
Truly was it said of him: "A sound judgment
and high purpose marked his great public bene-
factions." The total amount of his donations
498
His Benefactions
exceeds a million and a half sterling. The principal
are as follows : —
King Edward's Hospital Fund £200,000
Cost of raising Strathcona's Horse 200,000
Royal Victoria College for Women, Montreal 200,000
Victoria Hospital, Montreal (with Lord Mount Stephen). 200,000
Victoria Hospital endowment 200,000
McGill University, Montreal 410,000
Yale University 100,000
Victoria Hospital (restoring after fire) 50,000
Aberdeen University 35,ooo
Queen's University (Kingston) 20,000
His charities of a private nature, which were
incessant, were made with a kindness and sym-
pathy which won for him much personal affection.
A simple list of the recipients of his bounty would
astonish by its length no less than by the charac-
ter of the recipients.
A highly characteristic anecdote is related by
his solicitor, Mr. Garson : —
I was running over the stubs of a cheque-book with
Lord Strathcona, checking up the various items, when
I came across the record of a cheque for one hundred
pounds made out to a man whom I knew to be un-
worthy. Calling Lord Strathcona's attention to it, I
expressed my surprise, but, as he made no comment,
I said nothing more, and continued running through
the stubs of the cheque-book.
To my amazement, I shortly came across another
cheque for the same amount, made out to the same
individual. This time I ventured to suggest to Lord
Strathcona that the man's reputation did not justify
confidence in him and that if he desired an investiga-
tion, I believed the reputation would be amply borne
499
Lord Strathcona
out by specific evidence. I waited for a reply, but he
still kept silence, and I went on looking over the stubs.
Finally, I came across a third cheque for the same
amount to the order of the same individual. When I
called his attention to it, he said, in his quiet way:
"Well, Garson, if one in twenty is worthy -
Upon the lesson furnished by his character in
this our age, when national complacence, indolence,
and luxury have had need of the fiery corrective of
war, I need not dwell. Industry had with him a
sleepless inward monitor. Frugality was a habit;
yet conjoined to a benevolence which could never
rest until those around him were happier and better.
Duty was a passion. Thoroughness, a sense of per-
sonal responsibility and personal dignity, were
salient traits in the character of a man ever
"scorning delights to live laborious days."
Amongst ourselves, we should cherish, above and
beyond all, the feeling he had for Canada — a feeling
helped by the consciousness that he had assisted
in her development. It was akin to that of an
engineer in the powerful mechanism he has himself
helped to forge and assemble, fragment by fragment,
and later, with pride, beholds it tirelessly respond
to his functioning.
With his last breath he served the Dominion.
The people of our country have confronting them
daily, in their streets and roads, their banks, their
schools and hospitals, their shops, their public
works, their parks, and their homesteads, even if
this record of his career had never been written,
500
Conclusion
abundant reasons for holding in perpetual rever-
ence the name — clarum et venerabile nomen —
of STRATHCONA.
" So pass, O peaceful warrior, to thy rest,
One gentle step from service to long sleep,
And thou art with the memories that keep
A nation steadfast, loyal to the best
Her hero sons have by their lives confest." l
1 Lines in the Pall Mall Gazette on his death.
THE END
Appendix
HUDSON'S BAY COMPANY PROFITS
IN the year 1914 the profit from the Fur-Trade
amounted to £55,008 55. 3d., and that from the Stores
tO £63,757 115. ^d.
Farm-Land Sales, for the year ending 3ist March
last, comprise 26,292 acres for $572,837, an average of
$21.78 per acre. Sales of Town Lots amounted to
$131,170. Total sales amounted to £144,658 igs. $d.
compared with £1,507,362 for the year preceding.
The balance to the credit of the Land Account is
£451,928 I2S. lOd.
In addition to the dividend on the Preference
Capital an interim distribution of 15 per cent was
made on the Ordinary Capital in January last, and
a further distribution of 25 per cent is now recom-
mended, making a total of 40 per cent for the year.
The unsold lands now in possession of the Company
amount to 4,091,376 acres. (From the Report laid
before the Shareholders, 29th June, 1914.)
Index
Aberdeen, Earl of, appointment to
Canada, 2, 153; and ministerial
crisis (1896), 154; and Manitoba
schools question, 159, 170-172;
and Strathcona's Horse, 368; at
S.'s funeral, 463.
Aberdeen University, S. as Lord
Rector, 2, 334, 335; quater-cen-
tenary, 407-411.
Abbott, j. J. C., and Pacific Rail-
way scandal, 1, 464.
Abbott, Sir John, and Canadian
Pacific, 2, 1 19.
Adams, W. H., to S. on deteriora-
tion of the Company, 2, 181; on
dividends of the Company, 202;
on sacrifice of fellow-officer, 203 ;
to MacFarlane on Mackenzie,
206.
Aigneau, Count d', free-trader, 2,
205.
Alabama claims, 1, 204.
Alaska, free navigation of rivers, 1,
417; Hudson's Bay Co. posts and
trade (1871), 510-512; competi-
tion with Hudson's Bay Co.,
526-532, 2, II, 18, 19, 22-24.
Albert Medal presented to S., 2,
434-
Alexander, Fort, Hudson's Bay
Co. post, S.'s headquarters, i,
369, 388.
Alexandra, Queen, and S., 2, 427;
and death of S., 463.
All-Red Route, project, S.'s inter-
est, 2, 403-407.
Allan, Andrew, S.'s commercial con-
nection, 1, 225; and Pacific Rail-
way scandal, 464, 468.
Allan, Sir Hugh, meets S., 1, 213;
S.'s commercial connection, 225;
career, 460 ; plans Pacific Railway,
461; policy to amalgamate rival
plans, intrigue and bribery, 462-
468; campaign contribution to
Ministry, 467 ; McMullen's black-
mail, 468, 470.
Amnesty for Riel Rebellion, con-
ference on, with delegates, 1,
377» 378, 497 «•; and assistance
against O'Donohue, 445-448;
question of private promise,
449; complication of Scott exe-
cution, 450; Tache's promise,
450, 452, 453; attitude of British
Ministry, 450, 451; temporizing
of Canadian Ministry, 451-454;
resolution of Manitoba Legisla-
ture, 454; purchased withdrawal
of Riel from country, 455-458,
474, 478-482 ; committee of Par-
liament, 495; Dufferin's action,
496, 497 n.
Anderson, James (a), goes to Eng-
land, 1, 164; and Deed Poll nego-
tiations, 198, 203, 219, 220, 407,
423, 424, 429.
Anderson, James (b), on W. L.
Hardisty, 1, 145; death, 534.
Anderson, Jonathan, bequest to
Forres, 1, 12.
Anderson, Tom, death, 2, 203.
Anglo-American Commission of
1898, 2, 321, 322, 327.
Angus, Richard B., and St. Paul
and Pacific Railway", 2, 62, 63,
69; Canadian Pacific Syndicate,
98.
Annexation to United States, party
in Red River region (1869), 1,
241, 253 n., 258; O'Donohue's
activity, 393; S. and others on
danger during Riel Rebellion,
432-436; Minnesota Legislature
and newspaper on, 436-439;
Fenian support of Riel, 439; pro-
paganda, 440-442; O'Donohue's
invasion of Manitoba, 442-449.
Antiseptic treatment, frontier prac-
tices, 1, 134.
Apportionment. See Redistribu-
tion.
Arbitration, Hoar's anecdote, 1,
418.
505
Index
Archambault, Louis, and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 468.
Archibald, Adams G., Lieutenant-
Governor of Manitoba, 1, 379 n.\
arrives, 391; and disorders, 395,
396; opens first Legislature, 402-
404; and O'Donohue's invasion,
appeal to Riel, 445-447, 497 n.;
and bribe to Riel, 455, 457, 479,
481.
Argentine, encouragement to im-
migrants, 2, 283 n.
Argyll, Duke of (Marquess of
Lome), on Canadian Pacific, 2,
127; letter from S., 152; on S.,
253, 266, 283; on Canada and
South African War, 364; and
testimonial to S., 419; on death
of S., 453; at S.'s funeral, 463.
Aristotle, on high-mindedness, 2,
473-475-
Armit, Secretary of Hudson's
Bay Co., 1, 407.
Arnold-Forster. H. O., and Dun-
donald controversy, 2, 397, 398.
Assuapmoussin, Hudson's Bay
Co. post, 1, 76 ».
Athabasca, free-traders at, 2, 22.
Athenaeum Club, 2, 491.
Atlantic and Pacific Transit and
Telegraph Company, 1, 186.
Atlantic cable, plans for sectional
(1860), 1, 157, 158; S. and com-
pletion, 211, 212.
Australia, S. and federation, 2, 274,
322, 329, 359-361, 377-
Austria, restrictions on emigration,
2, 281, 287, 291-293; working of
Canadian propaganda, 294.
Babel, Pere, missionary, 1, 88; mis-
sion to North-West River, 223.
Back, and John Stuart, 1, 31.
Baker, Archer, and visiting colo-
nial Premiers (1897), 2, 259.
Ballantyne, R. M., on Tadousac, 1,
77-
Ballin, Albert, and emigration to
Canada, 2, 297-301.
Bank of Montreal, S.'s connection,
1, 138, 214, 2, 461.
Bannatyne, A. G. B., on Howe in
Red River region, 1, 257.
Barber, Jimmy, free-trader, 2, 24.
Baring, Thomas, Grand Trunk
Railway, 1, 459 ».
Baring Bros., and Canadian Paci-
fic, 2, 120, 121.
Barlow, Sir Thomas, as S.'s physi-
cian, 2, 440, 442, 444.
Barnston, George, and reorganiza-
tion of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 181 ;
corresp. with S., 199; death, 2, 31.
Barton, Major-Gen., on Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 367.
Bauerman, Hilary, in Labrador, 1,
214.
Beauharnois, in Rebellion of 1838,
1,69.
Beaver, as unit of value, 1, 81, 113,
114.
Bebel. See Babel.
Begg, Alexander, on S.'s arrival at
Fort Garry, 1, 323 n.
Belanger, Horace, to S. on retire-
ment, 2, 191 ; death, 192, 194.
Belgium, and Canadian preferen-
tial tariff law, 2, 252.
Bell, Peter W., to S. on salmon
traffic, 2, 184; to MacFarlane on
appointment of officers, 194; to
S. on conditions at Ungava, 195;
on right to furlough, 204; death,
S. on, 208.
Benson, and reorganization of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177.
Benson, A. C., on technical religion,
2, 483-
Berens, H. H., and claim to Red
River region, 1, 169; and reor-
ganization of the Company, 173,
177, 178; and fund for wintering
partners, 502.
Berlin University, S. at centenary,
2, 427, 428.
Bernard, Mountague, Joint High
Commission, 1, 411-418.
Bersimits, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, attached to Labrador dis-
trict, 1, 223.
Bersimits River, described, 1, 89.
Betournay, Justus, charge of S.'s
undue influence, 2, 83, 84.
Black, Judge John, delegate to
Ottawa, 1, 349, 350, 376, 497 n.
Black, Rev. John, and opening of
Manitoba Legislature, 1, 403.
Black Cprries estate, 2, 491.
Black flies, plague in Labrador, 1,
112.
Blackfeet Indians, condition
(1873), 1, 533-
506
Index
Blake, Edward, and reorganization
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177;
and Canadian Pacific Railway,
2, 99, 101, 114; and Manitoba
schools question, 179; S.'s sar-
casm, 492.
Blockade running, Canadian in-
vestments, 1, 217.
Bonds, British guaranty of Cana-
dian, 2, 327.
Borden, Sir Frederick, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 348; quarrel with
Hutton, 349; letter from S., 420.
Borden, Sir Robert L., on Dundon-
ald controversy, 2, 398 n.; Min-
istry, 432; on relations with S.,
432-434; letters from S., 435,
436. 43 7 1 444. 446; and article
attacking Canadian credit, 438;
and charge of understanding
with Unionists, 439; and S.'s
desire to resign, 441-443; tribute
to S., 454-456.
Boscowitz, free-trader, 2, 24, 25.
Bouchette, R. S. M., Canadian rebel,
1. 54-
Boulton, Major, on contest over S.'s
papers, 1, 331 n.; rising against
Riel, 350-352, 364, 37i; saved
from execution, 352, 353.
Bourassa, Henri, S. on, 2, 385.
Bowater, Sir Vansittart, on death
of S., 2, 453; at S.'s funeral,
463-
Bowell, Sir Mackenzie, and Riel,
1, 481, 496; ministerial crisis
(1896), 2, 153, 154; and Mani-
toba schools question, 165, 166;
and High Commissionership for
S., 214; at Pacific Cable Confer-
ence, 221; yields Premiership,
231 ; tribute to S., 457.
Bown, Walter R., intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 257.
Bompas, William C., and Indians,
2,27.
Boy Scouts, S. on, 2, 421.
Brazil, encouragement to immi-
grants, 2, 283 n., 292.
Bridge, Sir Frederick, at S.'s fun-
eral, 2, 462.
Bright's disease, frontier remedy,
i, 156.
Bristol, S. on, and steam transpor-
tation, 2, 325.
British Columbia, gold (1877), 2,
15; and transcontinental rail-
way, 49, 50.
Brock, Isaac, centenary of death,
2, 434-
Broughton, W. K., on character of
pension, 2, 193.
Brown, George, and Canadian
claim to North-West Territory,
1, 218; and Pacific Railway scan-
dal, 464.
Bruce, John, in Riel Rebellion, 1,
265; on Mactavish and opposi-
tion to Canada, 275 n.
Bruchesi, Paul L. M., and trouble
in McGill University, 2, 358, 359^
tribute to S., 458.
Brydges, Charles J., Grand Trunk
Railway, 1, 459 n.; and Allan's
plan for Pacific Railway, 463;
Land Commissioner of Hudson's
Bay Co., 2, 20.
Buckingham, Duke of, and nego-
tiations for transfer of North-
West Territory, 1, 235.
Buffalo Lake Indians, 1, 532.
Bulldog, on coast of Labrador
(1860), 1, 157, 158.
Buller, Sir Redvers, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 349, 369.
Bunn, Thomas, and Riel Rebellion,
1, 336.
Burpee, and Canadian Pacific Rail-
way, 1, 472 n.
Butler, Sir William F., on Hudson's
Bay Co., 1, 155; on Riel, 242;
on expedition against Riel, 389;
on disorders, 390; on Riel's
flight, 391, 393; movements,
534, 536; to MacFarlane, on the
Company and wintering part-
ners, 2, 41, 43; letter from S.,
152-
Cabinet. See Ministry.
Cairns, Sir Hugh, and Hudson's
Bay Co.'s Deed Poll, 1, 221.
Caledon, Lord, tour with George
Simpson, 1, 74.
Caledonian Bank, failure, 2, 17.
Cameron, death, 1, 203.
Cameron, D. R., and Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 267; and McDougall, 318.
Campbell, Robert, and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222, 407, 423;
at Carlton, 2, 5; to S. on Indians
under the Company, 9; on treat-
507
Index
' ment of wintering partners, 16;
on ruin for fur-trade, 517.
Campbell, Rev. Robert, on S.'s
reading, 2, 471 n.
Canada, S. and Rebellion of 1837,
1, 38-40, 52, 53; conditions
(1838), 45, 46; Durham's rule,
52-54; Rebellion of 1838, 68-70;
origin of name, 85; Dominion
proclaimed, 224; first Ministry,
224; prophecies of strength and
loyalty, 430, 431; S. on progress
under Victoria, and future great-
ness, 2, 146, 223, 253, 267, 382,
394, 402; S. on loyalty, 224; S.
as interpreter of, to England,
234; and Jubilee of 1897, 251,
276; S. and "Our Lady of the
Snows," 254; paucity of news in
British papers, 256-^258; S.'s
resentment of, detractions, 422-
424, 437-439; drain of British
funds, 436, 437; S.'s services,
500.
Canada Central Railway, absorbed
by Canadian Pacific, 2, 112.
Canada Land and Improvement
Company, 1, 468 ».
Canadian Gazette, on Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 342.
Canadian High Commissioner. See
Strathcona (High Commissioner).
Canadian Pacific Railway, first
resolution of Parliament for a
railway subsidy, 1, 459; plans of
Grand Trunk, 459; Allan's com-
pany, 460-462; plan to amalga-
mate rival interests, bribery,
462-468; Allan's campaign con-
tribution, 467; provisional board
of directors, 467; charter, 468;
construction contract, 468 n.;
exposure of campaign contribu-
tion, fall of Ministry, 468-478;
as monopoly, 2, 28; attempted
piece- meal construction by Gov-
ernment, 49; S. on need (1876),
50; Dawson route, 51-53; S.'s
early disbelief in private con-
struction, 55, 56; controversy
over route through Manitoba,
56-59» 73-76; failure of govern-
mental construction, 92; Mac-
donald's policy, 92-94; negotia-
tions for private construction,
94-98; terms of construction, 98;
opposition, 99-101; S. on spirit
of syndicate, 102; construction,
Van Home, 102-104; financial
troubles, loans from Canadian
Government, 104-109, 114-120,
124 n. ; pays running expenses
during construction, 107; ob-
struction by rivals, no, 135 «.;
opposition to governmental loans,
111-114; connection of Baring
Bros., 120, 121 ; last spike, 122;
branch line to S.'s home, 124,
125; first through train, 125;
achievement, effect on Domin-
ion, 125-131 ; honors to construc-
tors, 128; S. on early through
freight, 129; S. and construction,
131, 132; effect in fifteen years,
132.
Cantlie, James A., and S.'s return
to Parliament, 2, 135.
Cardwell, Edward, and opening' of
North- West Territory, 1, 189,
218.
Caribou, protective coloring, 1,
105.
Carlton, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
steamer to, 1, 536, 538.
Cartier, Sir George E., and negoti-
ations for transfer of North-West
Territory, 1, 235 »., 236, 380;
and survey in Red River region,
243; and delegates from North-
West, 377, 378; and S. as M.P.,
404; and Joint High Commis-
sion, 416; and amnesty for Riel
Rebellion, 450, 452, 456; resolu-
tion for Pacific Railway, 459; and
Pacific Railway scandal, 459,
462, 465-467, 471; election in
Manitoba (1872), 493.
Cartwright, Sir Richard J., on Wm.
McDougall, 1, 268 n.; on Mac-
donald and amnesty for Riel
Rebellion, 458; on Pacific Rail-
way scandal, 469; on Canadian
Pacific, 2, 132.
Case, George W., and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 461.
Castor, as unit of value, 1, 81, 113,
114.
Chamberlain, Austen, on S. as il-
lustrating opportunities, 2, 468.
Chamberlain, Joseph, and Mani-
toba schools question, 2, 178,
179; S. on, and Imperialism, 222,
508
Index
365, 374.. 390-393; and S., 230;
on appointment of Minto to
Canada, 323; and Canadian
resolution on South African War,
331-333; S. on tariff reform, 337,
387-390; and Strathcona's Horse,
338» 369; and recall of Hutton,
349. 35°; and Canadian batta-
lion for Rhodesia, 352, 353; and
descent of S.'s peerage to daugh-
ter, 355, 356; on Imperial inter-
est in memorial to Victoria, 383,
384; on royal visit to Canada,
384; question of official colonial
banquet to, on retirement, 390.
Chapleau, Sir Adolphe, on Cana-
dian Pacific, 2, 127.
Charles, William, to S. on treat-
ment of wintering partners, 1,
§19, 2, 42; letter from S., n; to
. on future of British Columbia,
14; on Boscowitz, 25.
Charlton, John, on Canadian Pa-
cific, 2, 111; American Joint
Conference, 322.
Cheeryble Brothers, originals, 1,
20, 24, 25.
Chicago, opportunity (1857), 1,
146.
Chicoutimi, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 76 n.
Chicora, Sault Ste. Marie Canal
incident, 1, 383-388.
Chile, encouragement to immi-
grant?, 2, 283 n.
Chimo, Thomas, Nascopie chief,
1, 104.
Chipewyan Indians, 1, 532.
Christie, Alexander, and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222; death, 534.
Christie, David, and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 467.
Christie, William J., and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222; and O'Don-
ohue's invasion, 448; move-
ments, 536; to S. on gloomy fu-
ture of fur-trade, 2, 12, 180.
Churchill, Lord Randolph, S. on
political action (1887), 2, 136.
Circee Indians, 1, 534.
Clark, Sir Andrew, S.'s physician,
2, 479-
Clark, W., to S. on transportation,
2,5-
Clarke, H. J., in Manitoba Assem-
bly, 1, 403.
Clarke, Lawrence, and claim of
wintering partners, 1, 424; and
O'Donohue's invasion, 448; to
S. on conditions at York Fac-
tory, 532.
Close, James R., and Deed Poll
negotiations, 1, 198.
Clouston, Sir Edward, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 339, 341.
Cochrane, Henry, at opening of
Manitoba Legislature, 1, 403.
Colbourne, Sir John, and rebellion,
1,69.
Colmer, Joseph G., as S.'s secre-
tary, 2, 494; on S.'s traits, 495.
Colville, Eden, and reorganization
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177,
186; on impression of S., 194;
Governor of Hudson's Bay Co.,
2, 33; and wintering partners, 1 83.
Committee of 1857, investigation
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 148^-152.
Congress of Chambers of Com-
merce, 2, 224.
Connaught, Duke of, Governor-
General, 2, 431; on S., 435; trib-
ute to S., 453.
Connolly, Henry, and S., 1, 109.
Connolly, William, 1, 109 n.; and
paper money, 114.
Cooke, Jay, and Canadian Pacific
Railway, 1, 461, 468 ».
Corcoran, death, 1, 203.
Cotter, James L., to S. on condi-
tion of wintering partners, 2, 39;
destitution of family, 182.
Councils of wintering partners, 2t
3, 35, 186, 194.
Coursol, Charles J., and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 468.
Cowan, William, and Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 340 n., 346, 348 »., 349,
350; in London on claims of
wintering partners, 407, 424;
treatment by Company, 518.
Cowie, Isaac, on duties at fur-trad-
ing post, 1, 80 n.', on life at trad-
ing post, 113.
Cox, on Peter Ogden, 1, 33 n.
Craigellachie, B. C., origin of name,
2, 123 n.
Craigellachies of Strathspey, 1, 6.
Cree Indians, condition (1873), 1,
533-
Gumming, Cuthbert, fur-trader, 1,
18.
509
Index
Curley, Thomas, attempted in-
vasion of Manitoba, 1, 444.
Customs. See Tariff.
Dallas, Alexander G., as head of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 170; and
control of North- West Territory,
171; on reorganization of Com-
pany, 182, 183; and Deed Poll,
220; resigns, 236; on Company's
decline in Red River region,
240 n.
David, L. O., and history of Hud-
son's Bay Co., 2, 197 n.
Davidson, Sir Charles, tribute to
S., 2, 460.
Davin, Nicholas F., and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 172.
Davis, J. C. Bancroft, on Chicora
incident, 1, 386.
Dawson, on Forres, 1, 3 n.
Dawson, Simon J., report on Red
River region, 1, 168; and survey
in Red River region, 244; on
Canadian Pacific, 2, 114, 118 n.
Dawson route, 2, 51-53.
Dease, Peter W., explorer, 1, 70.
Dease's House, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 529.
Deceased wife's sister, S. and bill
to legalize colonial marriages, 2,
316-321.
Deed Poll of 1821, and reorganiza-
tion of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 184,
185, 196-199, 203, 204, 219; new,
513-516, 518, 521, 522. See also
Wintering partners.
De Grey and Ripon, Earl, Joint
High Commission, 1, 411-418.
Delorme, Pierre, member of Do-
minion Parliament, 1, 404.
Denmark. See Scandinavia.
Dennis, Stoughton, and surveys
and trouble in Reid River region,
1, 244, 247-249, 266; and Riel
Rebellion, 267; and McDougall's
proclamation, 285-289.
Derby, Earl of, retires from Gov-
ernor-Generalship, 2, 153; and
Strathcona's Horse, 368.
Desjardins, Alphonse and Mani-
toba schools question, 2, 173.
Des Rivieres, R., Canadian rebel,
li 54-
Devlin, C. R., letter from S., 2,
385.
Dickens, Charles, originals of
Cheeryble'Brothers, 1, 20, 24, 25;
S. and centenary, 2, 485.
Dickey, Arthur R., and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 173.
Disraeli, Benjamin, on S.'s report
on Riel Rebellion, 1, 374.
Dogs, distemper, 1, 163.
Dominion Day, S.'s celebrations
as High Commissioner, 2, 231,
321, 401.
Donalda Department, 2, 151, 233.
Donelly, ]. J., attempted invasion
of Manitoba, 1, 444.
Doukhobors, in Canada, 2, 305.
Draper, William H., on future of
Western Canada (1857), 1, 152.
Drummond, George A., on Canada
and South African War, 2, 366.
Dufferin, Marquis of, on weakening
of power of Hudson's Bay Co.,
1, 238 n.; on Riel Rebellion,
284 ».; and amnesty for Riel
Rebellion, 448 n., 496, 497 n.; on
Pacific Railway scandal, 470 n.;
S. on, 2, 325.
Dugas, and S., 1, 81-85.
Dugas, Rev. George, at opening of
Manitoba Legislature, 1, 403.
Dundonald, Earl of, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 366, 368, 369;
controversy in Canada, 395-398.
Durham, Earl of, in Canada, 1, 52-
54,68.
Economist, S. and article attacking
Canadian credit, 2, 437-439.
Edgar, J. D., on 1897 and Imperial-
ism, 2t 250.
Education, S. on technical, 2, 138,
139; S.'s endowment for higher
education of women, Royal Vic-
toria College, 147, 151, 333, 377-
380; S.'s address as Chancellor
of McGill, 149.
Edward VII, and Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 367; at centenary of
Aberdeen University, 408; death,
426; and S., 427.
Egg Island, wreck of Walker's
fleet, 1, 89.
Elgin, County of, aspect, 1, 2.
Ellice, Edward, Sr., and S., 1, 41,
57,70; and Rebellion of 1838, 69;
and Committee of 1857, 151,
152, 169.
510
Index
Ellice, Edward, Jr., on policy of
Hudson's Bay Co. towards em-
ployees, 1, 63; and reorganiza-
tion of Hudson's Bay Co., 178.
Eisner, Moravian missionary in
Labrador, 1, 132.
Emerson. See Pembina.
Emigration, Scottish, 1, 7, 8. See
also Immigration.
Enterprise, Hudson's Bay Co.
steamer on Puget Sound, 2, 14.
Esquimaux, Southern, 1, 97; origin,
L 107; and Moravian missionaries,
1 08, 132; odour, 116; native re-
ligion, 131.
Esquimaux Bay, described, 1, 97-
101, 114-116.
Ewart, J. S., on surveys in Red
River region, 1, 250 n.; on Riel s
reception of S., 325 n.
Fargo, W. G., and Canadian Pa-
cific Railway, 1, 461.
Farley, James J., and St. Paul and
Pacific Railway, 2, 70-73.
Farm, S.'s at North- West River, 1,
124-127, 147, 158, 160.
Federation, S. and colonial, 2, 274,
322, 359-361.
Fenchurch Street building, suit, 1,
220, 226, 421.
Fenians, raid, 1, 205, 231; precur-
sors, 230; organization, 230, 231 ;
warn S., 312, 313; and Chicora
incident, 385; and Riel Rebellion,
438, 439; attempted invasion of
Manitoba (1871), 442-449.
Ferguson, Sir James, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 369.
Ferland, Pere, missionary, 1, 88.
Ferrier, James, Grand Trunk Rail-
way, 1, 459 n.
Fertilizer, S. and fish, 1, 137.
Field, Edward, and Catholic mis-
sionaries in Labrador, 1, 131.
Fielding Tariff Law, 2, 252.
Finlayson, Duncan, 1, 70.
Fish, Hamilton, Chicora incident,
1, 385.
Fish, S. and fertilizer from, 1, 137;
S. on diet, 142.
Fisheries, S. on Manitoba, 1, 406;
expiration of reciprocity and
controversies, 408; controversy
before Joint High Commission,
•410-418. See also Salmon.
Fitzpatrick, and Manitoba schools
question, 2, 178, 179.
Flag of Riel Rebellion, 1, 336.
Fleming, Archibald, on S., 2, 451,
452; at S.'s funeral, 466; on S.'s
religion, 482.
Fleming, Sandford, and develop-
ment of North- West Territory,
1, 171; and Canadian Pacific, 2,
56> 57. 99. 107, 124; on S.'s hos-
pitality, 488.
Fletcher, William, at opening of
Manitoba Legislature, 1, 403.
Flint, Thomas B., and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 172.
Fond du Lac, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 532.
Forres, described, 1, 1-5; origin
of name, 2 n.; Anderson's Insti-
tution, 12; railway connection,
194.
Forres Pillar, 1, 4.
Forster, H. O., Arnold-. See Ar-
nold-Forster.
Fortescue, James, on rights of win-
tering partners, 1, 426-428, 508,
509, 512, 513; on steamers, 512;
on S. and Directorate of Com-
pany, 2, 35.
Foster, A. B., and Pacific Railway
scandal, 1, 464, 467.
Foster, George E., and ministerial
crisis (1896), 2, 153; and site for
High Commissioner's office, 444.
Fox, value of fur, 1, 81.
Fraser, Malcolm, seigniory, 1, 52.
Fraser, Simon, explorations, 1, 15,
16; character, 16 n.
Fraser, Thomas, correspondence
with S., 1, 163, 165, 191; on win-
tering partners and reorganiza-
tion of Company, 181, 182; on
S., 228.
Fraser River, discovery, 1, 16.
Fur-trade. See Hudson's Bay Co.,
Strathcona (Hudson's Bay Co.).
Free-traders, Alaskan competition,
1*526-532,2, II, 18, 19, 22-24; in
North-West Territories (1873),
535. 536, 2, 205; S. on, 1, 536; in
British Columbia, 2, 24.
French Canadians, and North-
West Territory (1869), 1, 238;
S. on, 2, 144, 155 n. ; 224, 254, 276.
Furness, Sir Christopher, and fast
Canadian line, 2, 386.
Index
Gaddy, in Riel Rebellion, 1, 361.
Gait, Sir Alexander T., tariff pol-
icy, Montreal protest (1866), 1,
209-211; in Ministry, 224; reso-
lution for Pacific Railway, 459;
Canadian High Commissioner,
2, 216.
Gardiner, A. GM aphorism on S.,
2, 230 n.
Gardiner, J. P.,at opening of Mani-
toba Legislature, 1, 403.
Garry, Fort, seized by Kiel, 1, 277.
Gauvin, H. A., Canadian rebel, 1,
54-
George V, visit to Canada, pre-
cautions, 2, 384, 385, 416.
Georgetown, Minn., Hudson's Bay
Co. post, massacre, 1, 316.
Germany, restrictions on emigra-
tion, 2, 281, 288, 291-293, 297,
300; complaints of Canadian
activity, 293, 294; and Canadian
preferential tariff law, 252; S. on
militarism, 428.
Girard, M. A., in Manitoba Assem-
bly, 1, 403.
Gladstone, William E., and S.'s
report on Riel Rebellion, 1, 374.
Glasgow, bank failure, 2, 17.
Glyn, C. C., and reorganization of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177.
Glyn, Henry, and reorganization
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177.
Godbout, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 77, 78, 88.
Goddu, T. H., Canadian rebel, 1,
54-
Goodridge, Hunt & Henley's agent
in Labrador, 1, 167.
Goschen, George T., Governor of
Hudson's Bay Co., 2, 16; and
Imperialism, 227; from S. on
development of Hudson's Bay
region, 245.
Goudy, Toe, of Labrador, 1, 142.
Gouin, Sir Lomer, tribute to S., 2,
457-
Governor-Generalship, S. and sug-
gestion, 2, 268, 354.
Grahame, Cyril, at opening of
Manitoba Legislature, 1, 403.
Grahame, J. Ogden, to S. on treat-
ment by the Company 2, 185.
Grahame, James A., and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222; Chief Com-
missioner of Hudson's Bay Co.,
5431 wintering partners on, 2, 3,
4. 8, 35. 36; and S., 36.
Grand Fall, described, 1, no.
Grand Trunk Railway, and con-
struction of transcontinental line,
1, 172, 459; hostility to Canadian
Pacific, 2, no, 113 n.
Grant, and contest over S.'s pa-
pers, 1, 331 n.
Grant of Elchies, Baron, 1, 6.
Grant, Cuthbert, fur-trader, 1, 1 8.
Grant, G. M., on Hudson's Bay
Co. and land-holding, 1, 525; on
Dawson route, 2, 53.
Grant, James, clerk at North- West
River post, 1, 1 06; marriage and
divorce, 120.
Grant, Lewis, and S., 1, 57; and
Rebellion of 1838, 69.
Grant, Sir Ludovick, and clan
lands, 1| 6.
Grant, Ulysses S., and Chicora in-
cident, 1, 385-387-
Grant, William, career, 1, 20, 24,
25-
Grant clan, 1, 6.
Granville, Earl, and transfer of
North- West Territory, 1, 245;
and Riel Rebellion, 337, 343 n.,
381, 382; and Canadian fisher-
ies, 414.
Great Northern Railway. See St.
Paul and Pacific.
Greenway, Thomas, and Mani-
toba schools question, 2, 156,
161, 166, 168.
Grenfell, Wilfred T., on life in Lab-
rador, 1, 121 ; on economic waste
there, 229; recollections of S., 2,
477-482, 484.
Grey, Earl, appointment to Gov-
ernor-Generalship, 2, 399, 400;
Landsdowne on, 401; and anti-
Japanese riots at Vancouver, 41 1 ;
project for Dominions House,
445—447.
Gnffair, Charles P., and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222.
Griffith, William L., at S.'s funeral,
2, 463; as S.'s secretary, 494.
Gzowski, C. S., and Pacific Railway
scandal, 1, 464.
Hallock, Charles, on trade at Hud-
son's Bay Co. post, 1, 106; on
S.'s farm at North-West River,
Index
125, 126; on a Labrador home,
138-
Hamburg-American Company and
emigration to Canada, 2,296-303.
Hamburger Nachrichten, on emi-
gration to Canada, 2, 294.
Hamilton, John, and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 467.
Hamilton, Robert, and S., 1, 96;
on Committee of 1857, 149; at
opening of Manitoba Legisla-
ture, 403; on claim of wintering
partners, 429; on O'Donohue's
invasion, 448; on S., 499, 2, 2,
3; to McFarlane on Manitoba
election, 1, 534; on steamer,
council of officers, S. as head of
fur-trade, 539; on Governorship
for S., lands, 2, 7; to S., on retir-
ing, 10.
Hamilton Inlet. See Esquimaux
Bay, 1, 97.
Harcourt, Sir William Vernon, at
S.'s funeral, 2, 463.
Hardisty, George, in Hudson's Bay
Co., 1, 145.
Hardisty, Henry, 1, 119; in Hud-
son's Bay Co., 145; to S. on con-
dition of Plains Indians (1873),
533; search for cart route, 2, 8.
Hardisty, Isabella, 1, 119; first
marriage, 120; marries S. by
consent, 120. See also Strath-
cona (Lady).
Hardisty, Joseph, in Hudson's Bay
Co., 1, 145.
Hardisty, Maria, 1, 119.
Hardisty, Richard, Sr., chief trad-
er at Esquimaux Bay, 1, 119;
and death of Simpson, 154;
death, 154, 203.
Hardisty, Richard, Jr., in Hudson's
Bay Co., 1, 145; with S. in Red
River region, 307, 323, 324 n,,
326, 328.
Hardisty, Mrs. Richard (Suther-
land), 1, 119.
Hardisty, Thomas, 1, 119; in Hud-
son's Bay Co., 145.
Hardisty, William L., in Hudson's
Bay Co., 1, 145; to S. on Yukon
trade, 532; retires, 2, 18.
Hargrave, death, 1, 203.
Harmsworth, Alfred, as popular
force, 2, 255; party for visiting
Colonial Premiers, 259-264.
Harper, on gold in British Colum-
bia, 2, 15.
Haven, Jens, Moravian missionary
in Labrador, 1, 132.
Hay, Henry, of Labrador, 1, 143.
Hay, John, on apostles of British
Imperialism, 2, 255.
Hay River, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 532.
Head, Sir Edmund, Governor of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 182, 186;
on policy of reorganized Com-
pany, 184; and opening of North-
West Territory, 189; and offer
of American syndicate, 223;
death, 226.
Henry, Sir Edward, on precautions
for visit of Prince of Wales to
Canada, 2, 416.
Herschel, Lord, f and Imperial In-
stitute, 2, 248; American Joint
Conference, 322.
Hesperia, suggested name for
North- West Territory, 1, 174 ».
Hill, James JM first meeting with
S., 1, 368; and Riel Rebellion,
368; steamers on Red River, 2,
45; and St. Paul and Pacific Ry.,
60, 61, 63 »., 64; to S., on rates
to Winnipeg, 67; Farley's suit
against, 70-73; Canadian Pacific
Syndicate, 98, 104.
Hincks, A. S., and Pacific Railway
scandal, 1, 464.
Hind, Henry Y., on salmon trade
of Labrador, 1, 128; report on
Red River region, 168.
Hoar, E. R., on arbitration, 1, 418.
Hodgson, James S., Director of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 186.
Holton, L. H., and Riel, 1, 496 n.
Hopkins, E. M., and Simpson's
book, 1, 74 n.', and investment
of savings of Company's em-
ployees, 216; retires, 226.
Hosmer, C. R., on S.'s carelessness
of health, 2, 489.
Howard, Arthur, 2, 148 n.
Howard, Donald S. P., 2, 148.
Howard, Edith, 2, 148 n.
Howard, Frances M. P., 2, 148 ».
Howard, Robert H. P., 2, 148 n.
Howard, Robert J. B., marriage
to S.'s daughter, 2, 148.
Howe, Joseph, and transfer of
North- West Territory, 1, 235;
513
Index
and survey of Red River region,
244; mission and advice to Red
River region, 251-260, 280; con-
duct towards McDougall, 260-
264; and S.'s appointment as
commissioner to Red River, 273,
303-307; realizes blunder, 274,
275; letter from McDougall,
285; on McDougall's illegal proc-
lamation, 289, 290; to McDou-
gall on S.'s mission, 319; S.'s
reports to, 340-^343, 348, 349,
350; on S.'s services as commis-
sioner, 364, 365; on S.'s report,
370; and delegates from North-
West, 377.
Hudson's Bay, S.'s interest in rail-
way and steamship line, 2, 244-
246.
Hudson's Bay Company, Simpson
as head, 1, 59-62, 67, 70, 154;
policy towards employees, 63-
65, 164; King's Posts, 75-77;
packing of furs, 79-81; change
from beaver to money as stand-
ard of value, 81, 113, 114; sup-
ply ship and Indian trade, 106;
Nascopie post and route, 109-
ii i ; post at Ungava Bay, in,
165; relations with Labrador
planters, 140; Committee of
1857, 148-152; unconscientious-
ness, 155; and Newfoundland
taxes, 167; Canadian demand
for control and opening of North-
West, 168-172; reorganization
and negotiations for transfer
of North-West (1862), 172-179,
186-189, 217, 234-236; Direc-
tors of reorganized Company,
1 86; investment of savings of
employees, 215, 216; American
offer for territory, 223; terms of
transfer to Canada, 236, 245-
247; effect of Dominion Act on
political power, 238 n., 240 n.;
and trade with Minnesota, 240;
popular Canadian misconcep-
tion of operatives and personnel,
270-273; local officials and Riel
Rebellion, 274, 277-283, 284 n.,
286, 292, 295, 296, 298, 299 n.,
300, 301, 308, 339 n., 346, 348 n.,
349, 356 n., 373, 397~399, 436;
trouble over transfer, 299, 366,
367, 380-383; transfer accom-
plished, 383; coalescence with
North- West Company, 500;
Northcote and reorganization,
505; Alaskan posts, 510-512;
steamers on rivers, 512, 530, 531,
536-539, 2, 6-8, 27, 34; decline
of fur-trade, 1, 515, 517, 2, 13;
proposed rivals in fur-trade, 1,
519, 520, 2, 187; retrenchment
in fur-trade, 1, 523, 2, 2, 3, 14,
181, 183, 195, 202, 203; profits,
land policy, 1, 525, 526, 2, 33,
198, 202, 503; competition from
Alaska, 1, 526-532, 2, 11, 18,
19, 22-24; a"d free-traders, 1,
535, 536, 2, 24-27, 205; problem
of servants, 1, 537; proposed
sale of reserved lands to Canada,
2, 7; and Indians, 9, 28, 188;
grade of Inspecting Chief Fac-
tor, 9, 10; price of furs (1876),
II ; Victoria as fur-market, 26;
in extreme North, 28; change in
Directorate (1883), 33~35; de-
terioration of personnel, 180-
182; character of later Chief
Commissioners, 183, 184, 186;
decline of salmon industry, 184;
ignorance of the Board on fur-
trade, 190; history, 197 «.; real
death with death of S., 210;
present activities illustrated,
21 1 ; fur-tradecommissions issued
(1821-1905), 212. See c/soStrath-
cona (Hudson's Bay Co.), Win-
tering partners.
Hughes, Katherine, on Lestanc
and Riel Rebellion, 1, 333 n.
Hughes, Samuel, suggests S. for
Premier, 2, 154; and South Afri-
can War, 334; and Strathcona's
Horse, 339, 345 ; breach with Hut-
ton, apology, 345; on Dundon-
ald in Canada, 395, 398; on S.'s
proposed resignation, 431.
Hunt & Henley, operations in Lab-
rador, 1, 130, 163, 164, 1 66; sell
out to Hudson's Bay Co., 167.
Huntingdon, Lucius S., and Pa-
cific Railway scandal, 1, 469.
Hurlbatt, Ethel, on S. and Aber-
deen University quater - cente-
nary, 2, 408; recollections of S.,
475-477.
Hutton, Edward, and Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 339, 340, 343, 368;
Index
breach with Canadian Ministry,
344,349-352; Hughes's apology,
345-
Iddesleigh, Lord. See Northcote.
Immigration, Canadian, condi-
tions (1815-40), 1, 47-51; S. on
need, 2, 238, 241, 279, 314; his
activities, 239; policy of Mac-
donald Ministry, 239, 240; and
railway rates, 242, 304; practical
character of S.'s addresses, 243;
S. and non-British, 280, 305;
Continental prohibitions and re-
strictions to emigration, 281,
287-293, 297, 300; method of
propaganda on Continent, 281-
287, 294-296; and South Ameri-
can propaganda, 282, 283 n.;
propaganda and British foreign
relations, 293; attitude of Ger-
man trans-Atlantic lines, 296-
303; Scandinavian, 303; S. and
British, 305-309; freak plans for
encouraging, 309, 310; North
Atlantic Trading Co., 310-313;
amount (1897-1912), 314 n.;
denunciation, 423.
Imperial Institute, decline, S. and
restoration, 2, 246-248.
Imperialism, S. on, 2, 222, 324, 374,
376, 377; S.'s advocacy of pref-
erential duties, 225-229; S. on
development of Canada and,
235; ^97 as turning point, 250,
276-278; Canada's preferential
tariff law, 252, 275; S. and colo-
nial representation, 269, 375; S.
and colonial federation; 274,
359736i; reciprocity in prefer-
ential duties, 336-338; S. on
South African War and, 363;
Chamberlain's tariff reform, 387-
390; S. on services of Chamber-
lain, 391-393; and attempted
American-Canadian reciprocity,
429, 430; S. and naval assistance,
435.
Indians, Montagnais, 1, 85, 89, 90;
Nascopie, 102-105, 224I an.d
transfer of North-West Terri-
tory, 247, 263; and Kiel Rebel-
lion, 368, 374; Chipewyans, 532;
Buffalo Lake, 532; Crees and
Blackfeet, 533; Circees, 534;
treatment by Hudson's Bay Co.,
2, g, 28, 1 88; destitution of
Northern (1881), 27.
Inkster, Colin, on S. at Fort Garry,
1. 343 ».
Inspecting Chief Factor, grade, 2,
9, 10.
International, on Red River, 1, 240,
2, 45- .
International Financial Society,
and reorganization of Hudson's
Bay Co., 1, 179, 180, 187.
Irish Republican Union, 1, 230.
Isbister, Alexander K., before Com-
mittee of 1857, 1, 151; and S.,
196, 219; career, 196; on fund for
wintering partners, 502.
Isle Jeremie, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 78.
Japanese, Vancouver riots, 2, 411;
suggested policy for Canada to-
wards, 412, 413.
Jarvis, S. P., at Winnipeg, 1, 403.
Joint High Commission, impor-
tance of Alabama claims, 1, 409,
410, 418; fisheries question as
excuse, 410, 411; Canadian in-
terests and discord among Brit-
ish commissioners, 411-418; free
navigation of Alaskan rivers,
417; arbitration, 418, 419.
Jordan, William, and S., 1, 86."
Jubilee of 1897, and Imperialism,
2, 250, 276; Harmsworth's party
for Colonial Premiers, 259-264;
Dominion Day Banquet, 266,
267.
Kane, Paul, on pettiness of Sir
George Simpson, 1, 155, 156; as
artist, 156.
Keith, James, 1, 31.
Kelvin, Lord, jubilee, 2, 230.
Kempt, Sir James, on Canadian
immigrants, 1, 50.
Kennedy, John S., and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 465; and St.
Paul and Pacific Railway, 2, 64,
65; and Farley suit, 70-73; Ca-
nadian Pacific Syndicate, 98.
Kernaghan, William, letter from
S., 1, 146; before Committee of
1857, 151-
Kimberley, Lord, and Canadian
fisheries, 1, 413; and amnesty for
Riel Rebellion, 450.
515
Index
King, E. H., meets S., 1, 213; S.'s
commercial connection, 225.
King's Posts, character, 1, 75-77.
Kipling, Rudyard, on Canada, 2,
252, 254; and Imperialism, 255;
S. and "Recessional," 278.
Kitchener, Earl of, and Strath-
cona's Horse, 2, 367.
Kittson, Norman W., agent at St.
Paul, 1, 240; and S., 311, 316;
on Riel Rebellion, 325 n.; Red
River steamers, 2, 46; and St.
Paul and Pacific Railway, 61,
63 n., 64, 71 ; Farley's suit against,
70-73-
Klondyke gold discovery, S. and, 2,
248.
Kohn, Reinach & Co., Canadian
Pacific Syndicate, 2, 98.
Kruger, Paul, S. on, 2, 329.
Laberge, free-trader, 1, 527.
Labouchere, Henry, aphorism on
S., 2, 234 n.; on Imperial Insti-
tute, 247.
Labrador, S. and salmon trade, 1,
127-131; S. and resources, 136,
137, 214, 228, 229; economic
waste, 229; decline in salmon
industry, 2, 184, 185; conditions
(1900), 207.
Labrador, 1, 214, 232.
Labrador tea-plant, 1, 136.
Labradorite, S.'s interest, 1, 136.
Lachine, situation, 1, 58 n.
Lacombe, Pere Albert, missionary,
1, 88; to Laurier on Manitoba
schools question, 2, 173.
Lady Head, Hudson's Bay Co.
boat, 1, 541.
Laidlaw, G., plan for railway, 1,
463-
Laird, David, to S. on Indians, 2,
27.
Lake, Col., and Canadian militia,
2, 35i-
Lake St. John, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 76 n.
Lake of Two Mountains, Hudson's
Bay Co. post, 1, 72.
Lalonde, Paul, free-trader, 1, 536.
Lampson, Sir Curtis M., Director
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 186,
194; S. on, 195; onS., 224; and
transfer of North-West Terri-
tory, 246; from S. on Red River
mission, 368; threatens to resign,
407; letter from S., 412; and free
fur-trade, 2, 25.
Lands of Hudson's Bay Company,
under transfer of North-West to
Canada, 1, 236; wintering part-
ners and share in, 430, 507, 515,
520, 2, 12, 21, 29, 30, 38, 44, 183,
20 1, 202; management and prof-
its, 1, 525, 526, 2, 7, 33, 198,
503; S. in charge, 1, 543; pro-
posed sale to Canada, 2, 7 ; S. re-
tires from Commissionership, 20.
Langevin, Sir Hector L., and am-
nesty for Riel Rebellion, 1, 451-
453 > 456; and Pacific Railway
scandal, 467.
Langevin, Louis P. A., and Mani-
toba schools question, 2, 161, 179.
Lansdpwne, Marquis of, and Ca-
nadian troops, 2, 338 ; and Strath-
cona's Horse, 338, 369; on Earl
Grey, 401; at S.'s funeral, 463.
La Pierre's House, Hudson's Bay
Co. post, 1, 530, 531.
Lapp House, Hudson's Bay Co
post, 1, 511.
Laprairie, in Rebellion of 1838, 1,
69.
La Rocque, Felix, fur-trader, 1, 43.
Lascelles, Sir Frank, and Cana-
dian immigration propaganda,
2, 294, 298.
Laurie, H. J., and S.'s statement,
If 397, 398.
Laurier, Sir Wilfrid, on Pacific Rail-
way scandal, 1, 474 n.; and Man-
itoba schools question, 2, 166,
173-175, .177-179; and S. as High
Commissioner, 23 1 ; letters from
S., 247, 257, 283, 293, 311, 326,
327, 336, 342, 358, 383, 387, 424;
Ministry, 251; plans for recep-
tion in England (1897), 259-261 ;
at Harmsworth's reception, 263,
264; G. C. M.G., 264; correspond-
ence with S. on fast Atlantic
service, 270-274; and bill on mar-
riage to deceased wife's sister ,316,
317; American Joint Conference,
322; on Minto's appointment,
324; Redistribution Bill, 329-
331; and resolution on Imperial
supremacy in South Africa, 331-
333; and Canadian troops for
South Africa, 338; breach with
516
Index
Hutton, 344, 349~352: and spe-
cial battalion for Rhodesia, 352 ;
and Strathcona's Horse, 368;
opposes official colonial ban-
quet to Chamberlain, 390; Dun-
donald controversy, 395~398;
and appointment of Earl Grey,
399, 400; and All- Red Route,
403, 404, 406, 407; and status of
Agents-General in London, 414,
416; and S.'s proposal to resign
(1910), 425, 426; fall of Minis-
try, 431; tribute to S., 456.
Laval University, S. on, 2, 152.
Lavallee, Mayor, tribute to S., 2,
461.
Lawson, J. H., on neglect of old
officers, new Commissioner, 2,
182.
Leblanc, Pere, on terms Canada
and Quebec, 1, 85.
Leith, James, and John Stuart, 1,
28, 31, 33; missionary fund, 33 n.
Lemay, Joseph, and Riel Rebellion,
1, 312 n.
Lepine, Ambroise D., in Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 267, 347, 361 ; and O'Don-
ohue's invasion, 447; bribe to
leave country, 455-45$, 474, 478;
indicted for murder of Scott, 495;
commuted sentence, 496.
Lestanc, Pere, and contest over S.'s
papers, 1, 332, 333, 338; conduct
in Riel Rebellion, 333 «.; and
execution of Scott, 356, 358.
Lichfield.Lord, and wintering part-
ners, 2, 190; at S.'s funeral, 463.
Lindsay, James, and Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 381, 382.
Liquor, in fur-trade, 1, 527, 528.
Lisgar, Lord. See Young (John).
Lloyd-George, David, on All-Red
Route, 2, 407.
Lockhart, J., on claim of wintering
partners, 1, 429, 506; on new
Deed Poll, 521.
Lodge, Henry, of Labrador, 1, 139.
London Chronicle, on S.'s appoint-
ment as High Commissioner, 2,
215-
London Times, on Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 341.
Lome, Marquess of. See Argyll.
Lowe, Robert, and S., 1, 195.
Loyalty, S. on Canadian, 2, 224,
237, 275, 277, 315.
Lubbe, free-trader, 2, 25.
Luxton, VV. F., letter from S., 2, 85.
Lyall, George, and reorganization
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177, 186.
Lyttelton, Alfred and Dundonald
controversy, 2, 397, 398; rela-
tions with S., 400.
Lytton, Lord, on S.'s activity, 2,
485 n.
MacArthur, D., and claim of win-
tering partners, 1, 423; on Deed
Poll and proposed new fur-trade
company, 515, 518, 519; on free-
traders, 535.
MacAulay, promotion, 1, 537.
Macbeth, connection with Forres,
1, I.
McBride, Sir Richard, and status
of Agent-General in London, 2,
413-416.
McCarthy, Dal ton, and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 170.
McClintock, F. Leopold, in Lab-
rador, and S., 1, 157-161.
McDermott, Henry, and election
during Riel Rebellion, 1, 356 n.;
and Canadian Pacific Railway,
472.
McDonald, Archibald, from S. on
economy, 2, 2; at Carlton, 5.
Macdonald, James, and Pacific
Railway scandal, 1, 475.
Macdonald, Sir John A., and nego-
tiations for North-West Terri-
tory, 1, 186, 235, 243; Ministry,
224; and surveys in the Terri-
tory, 242, 243; and transfer of
the Territory, 246; letter from
Howe on Riel Rebellion (1869),
256; regards S. as Simpson's
successor, 270; belated advice to
McDougall, 275, 276, 282 ».,
293 «.; on McDougall's illegal
proclamation, 288, 289; confer-
ence with S. on Rebellion, 297-
301 ; appointment and instruc-
tions to S. as commissioner, 303-
306; and S.'s request for Privy
Councillorship, 312; S.'s reports
to, 326; and Tache, 343 n. ; antic-
ipates S.'s failure, 366 n.; and
delegates from North- West, 377,
440; illness (1870), 378; and
Chicora incident, 385; on fisher-
ies question, 408; in Joint High
517
Index
Commission, 410-418; on future
strength and loyalty of Canada,
431 ; on danger of annexation of
western territory by United
States, 436; on Fenians and Riel
Rebellion, 4.30^ 440; and O'-
Donohue's invasion and Riel,
447; and amnesty for Riel Rebel-
lion, 451-454; and bribe to Riel,
456-458, 474, 478-482; Pacific
Railway scandal, fall of Ministry,
467-478; breach with S., 473,
476-478, 497, 2, 78, 81-83, 87,
91, 92, 98; opposes lease to St.
Paul and Pacific Railway, 66,
76-78, 81-83; return of Ministry,
policy as to transcontinental
Railway, 92-94; negotiations for
private construction, 94-98; and
construction loans to Canadian
Pacific, 105, 109; reconciliation
with S., 134; death, 152; on im-
migration, 239.
McDonald, K., to S., on competi-
tion from Alaska, 2, II, 18, 22-
24; on free-traders, market for
furs, 25.
Macdonald, Sir William, tariff let-
ter from George Stephen, 1, 212.
McDonell, Sir James, and Rebellion
of 1838, 1, 69.
McDougall, James, in Yukon trade,
1, 510-512; to S. on competi-
tion from Alaska, 528; death, 2,
208.
McDougall, William, and Cana-
dian claim to Red River region,
1, 1 88; and negotiations for its
transfer, 235, 236, 246; and sur-
vey of region, 243; appointment
to North- West Territory, 245 n.,
252; character and frustrated
hopes, 255, 268 n.; Howe's
conduct toward, 257, 260-264;
barred out, 264, 267, 284; Mac-
tavish's warning and advice,
265-267; and Hudson's Bay Co.
officials, 274 n., 278-283, 286,
292; Macdonald's belated ad-
vice, 275, 276; furniture seized,
283; illegal proclamation, 284-
290, 292 ; accuses Canadian Gov-
ernment of deserting him, 290 n. ;
attempt to confer with Riel, 290-
292; departs, 293; on false re-
ports, 312 n.; meeting with S.,
317-320; resigns, 379 n.; Mac-
tavish on, 399.
MacDowall, D. H., on S. and win-
tering partners, 2, 204.
McEwen, offer for Hudson's Bay
Co. territory, 1, 223.
MacFarlane, C. F., letter from
Adams, 2, 206.
MacFarlane, Roderick, and claim
of wintering partners, 1, 419-
424, 2, 12, 28; acknowledgment
to, 1, 499 n. ; on competition in
Alaska, 526, 527; letters from R.
Hamilton, 534, 539, 2, 2; to S.
on need of steamers and servants,
li 537: establishes Fort Smith,
539; letters fromS., 2, 17,21,34;
memorial to the Company, 36-
38; letter from Butler, 41; from
Bell, 194; protest on treatment
of old officers, 198-201; medal,
208.
McGill, James, endowment for
McGill University, 1, 56.
McGill, Peter, Mayor of Montreal,
1, 70.
McGill University, endowment, 1,
56; S.'s inauguration as Chancel-
lor, 2, 148; problem of law school,
150; trouble over South African
War, 358, 359; students and re-
ception of S., 372, 373; tribute
to S., 459, 460; S.'s benefactions,
499-. .
MacGillivray, Simon, 1, 27, 30.
MacGillivray, William, 1, 27 n.
McGreevy, Thomas, and Pacific
Railway scandal, 1, 464.
McGrigor, Sir James, 1, 32.
Machray, Robert, and Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 307, 326, 354; at opening
of Manitoba Legislature, 403.
Mclnnes, D., plan for railway, 1,
463-
Mclntyre, Duncan, Canadian Pa-
cific Syndicate, 2, 98.
McKenny, Henry, on Howe in Red
River region, 1, 257, 258.
McKenzie, promotion, 1, 537.
Mackenzie, Alexander, and seating
of S., 1, 404; and Pacific Railway
scandal, 475; and Hudson's Bay
Co. lands, 2, 7; and transconti-
nental railway, 49; and route
through Manitoba, 74, 75; fall of
Government, 80.
518
Index
Mackenzie, Ferdinand, to S. on de-
terioration of the Company, 2,
181.
Mackenzie, Peter, letters from S.,
2, 42, 205, 206; S.'s rescue, 206.
McKenzie, Roderick, and Deed
Poll controversy, 1, 222; and
claim of wintering partners, 422 ;
and fund to recompense winter-
ing partners, 502-504; on retir-
ing, 516; on dividends, 542; to
S. on sorrows of wintering part-
ners, 2, 20, 182 ; on passing of old
officials, Manitoba, 31.
Mackenzie, Samuel, and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222.
Mackenzie River District, value,
1» 53i; policy toward (1873),
531, 532.
McKinney, and annexation, 1, 441.
McLaughlin, John, proclamation to
the Indians, 1, 152, 153; charac-
ter, 153.
McLean, John, and Riel Rebellion,
1. 352. 354. 355. 356 n.
McLean, John, on Simpson, 1, 61;
on service in Hudson's Bay Co.,
[^ 65; on Esquimaux, 108; estab-
lishes Nascopie post, 109.
McLeod, Roderick, 1, 28, 31.
McLoughlin, John, birthplace, 1,
52 n.
McMullen, George W., and Cana-
dian Pacific Railway, 1, 461,
468 n.; Allan's letters to, 463:
blackmail, 469, 470.
McMurray, William, on Commit-
tee of 1857, 1, 150-152; and
Deed Poll controversy, 222; and
O'Donohue's invasion, 448; to
S. on free-traders, 536; on gov-
ernment of North-West Terri-
tories, promotion, 2, 5, 9; abili-
ties, 9 n.; letter from S., 20.
Macnab, The, of Upper Ottawa, 1,
72.
MacPherson, David L., and Pacific
Railway scandal, 1, 459, 463,464.
MacPherson, Joseph, clerk at
North- West River post, 1, 106;
adventure, 112.
McQuestin, on Yukon, 2, 19.
Mactavish, Miss, letters from S.,
2, 128, 136.
Mactavish, D. C., to S. on decay
of fur-trade, 2, 180.
McTavish, Donald, S. on, as offi-
cer, 2, 208.
Mactavish, Dugald, letter from S.,
1» X53.' °n death of Simpson, 154;
at Washington, 226.
McTavish, G. S., and claim of win-
tering partners, 1, 429; letter
from brother, 281.
McTavish, J. H., on Riel Rebellion,
1» 293 n.; in Manitoba Assembly,
403-
McTavish, William, and Deed Poll
negotiations, 1, 197, 221; suit
against the Company, 226; Gov-
ernor, 237; and Bishop Tache,
238; and trouble in Red River
region, 253; and annexation to
United States, 253, 441; and
Howe's visit, 258, 261; warns
McDougall, 265-267; jealous of
S., 269; treatment by Canadian
officials and attitude toward Riel
Rebellion, 274, 278-283, 284 n.,
286, 292, 296, 298, 299 n., 308,
309; on seizure of Fort Garry,
277, 296; on McDougall's con-
duct, 278; on Riel's plans, 279;
proclamation, 280; on S. at Fort
Garry, 339 n., 340 n.; Riel's re-
pression, 346, 348 n., 350; S. to
succeed, 369, 379; and Gover-
norship of Manitoba, 379 n. ;
death, 391 ; and claim of winter-
ing partners, 422.
Mail, S. on preferential rate for
newspapers to Canada, 2, 400,
401.
Mair, Charles, intrigue in Red River
region, 1, 257, 263.
Malmaros, Oscar, intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 241.
Manitoba, S. on future of region
(1857), 1, 146, 147, 153, 168,
169; parliamentary investigation
of control by Hudson's Bay Co.,
148-152; provincial act, 378;
appointment of Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor, 379; origin of name, 400;
first Legislature, 401-404; S.
on resources and development
(1871), 405, 406; S.'s speech on
(1872), 488-493; settlement, 2,
31; Red River steamers, 45, 46;
S. on railway needs (1876), 50-
55; route of Canadian Pacific
through, 56-59, 73-76. See also
519
Index
Manitoba schools question,
North- West Territory, Kiel Re-
bellion, St. Paul and Pacific.
Manitoba, Red River steamer, 2, 46.
Manitoba schools question, Cath-
olic demand for restoration of
separate supported schools, 2,
155; failure of mediation of Privy
Council, 155, 156; Remedial Bill
in Parliament, problem, 156-
158, 165, 166; public opinion,
158; S.'s private mission of con-
ciliation, 158-165, 170, 489;
position of provincial Ministry,
161, 162, 1 66; S. on precedent
of 1871, 162-164; attitude of
Laurier, 166, 173-175; S.'s
speech, 166-168; ministerial
commission to Winnipeg, 173;
commission's suggestions for
settlement, 175-177; arrange-
ment, 177; S. and negotiations in
England, 178; S. on Archbishop
Langevin's action, 179.
Manitoban, on S., 1, 484, 485.
Marchessault, S., Canadian rebel, 1,
54-
Markham, Sir Clements, on S. at
North- West River, 1, 158.
Martin, Chester, on Howe in Red
River region, 1, 255; on S.'s
amnesty report, 496.
Martin, Joseph, and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 171.
Masson, Madame, and Riel, 1, 241.
Masson, Luc H., Canadian rebel, 1,
54-
Master Cutlers' Company of Shef-
field, annual feast, 2, 236.
Matheson, and reorganization of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 178.
Matheson, Alexander, to S. on fur-
trade, 1, 535; on steamer on Sas-
katchewan, 2, 6; on Directors,
16.
Matheson, Duncan, on S. and the
kyak, 1, 115 ».; and destitution
at Ungava, 2, 196.
Matthews, and Manitoba schools
question, 2, 179.
Maynard, and reorganization of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 178.
Mazocchi, Vincent, musical adver-
tisement, 1, 53 n.
Meinertzhagen, Daniel, Director
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 186.
Melville Lake, described, 1, 99-
101, 115.
Meredith, H. V., tribute to S., 2,
461.
Metabetshuan, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 76 n.
Miall, E., and Canadian Pacific, 2,
109.
Miles, Edward, and S., 1, 75.
Miles, George, on S.'s accounts, 1,
80.
Military training, S.'s fund, 2, 420.
Militia, politics in Canadian, 2, 350,
395, 399 »•
Milnes, Robert, Canadian rebel, 1,
54-
Mingan, Hudson's Bay Co. post, 1,
77, 78, 90, 91, 96; attached to
Labrador district, 223.
Ministry, first of Dominion, 1, 224;
fall of Macdonald's, 472-478;
fall of Mackenzie's, 2, 80; fall of
Tupper's, 231; fall of Laurier's,
431.
Minneapolis Tribune, on annexa-
tion, 1, 437-439-.
Minnesota, resolution for annexa-
tion of western Canada (1868),
1, 436-439-
Minnesota, Red River steamer, 2,
46.
Minnesota and Pacific Railway,
land grant, 2, 47.
Minto, Earl of, Governor-General,
2» 323, 324; S.'s reception at
Montreal, 328; and visit of Duke
of Cornwall, 384.
Missionaries, S. and Catholic, 1,
88, 223; and Moravian, 108, 109,
132, 133-
Mistassini, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 76 n,
Moberly, promotion, 1, 537.
Moisie, Hudson's Bay Co. post, 1,
76 n.
Molson, William, Grand Trunk
Railway, 1, 460 n.
Monck, Viscount, and opening of
North- West Territory, 1, 187; on
Fenian raid, 206.
Montagnais Indians, traits and
customs, 1, 85, 89, oo.
Monterey, carries Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 347, 348.
Montreal, in 1838, 1, 54-57; and Re-
bellion of 1838, 69; S.on (1866),
520
204; protest on tariff reduction
(1866), 209-211; S.'s first com-
mercial interests, 214, 225; S.
and commercial improvements,
2, 142; Royal Victoria Hospital,
146; Royal Victoria College,
1.47, I5L 333. 377-380; recep-
tion of S. (1900), 372-374. See
also McGill University.
Montreal Gazette, on commercial
effect of Atlantic cable, 1, 213 ».
Montreal Star, on S.'s peerage, 2,
266.
Moravian, 1, 227.
Moravians, missionaries and Es-
quimaux, 1, 108; S.'s interest,
109, 132, 133.
Morayshire, aspect, 1, 2.
Morris, Alexander, campaign
against S. (1878), 2, 79.
Morton Rose & Co., Canadian
Pacific Syndicate, 2, 98.
Mosquitoes, plague in Labrador,
1, 112.
Mount Royal, S. at launching, 2,
324-
Mount Stephen, Lord. See Ste-
phen (George).
Mousseau, Joseph A., and Riel, 1,
496 n.
Mulgrave, Lord, tour with George
Simpson, 1, 74.
Munro, Alexander, to S. on passing
of old officers, 2, 194.
Murdock, Sir Clinton, and Riel
Rebellion, 1, 382; and amnesty,
453-
Muskapis, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 76 «.
Musquarro, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 77, 96.
Napier, Gen., and Fenian raid, 1,
206.
Nascopie Indians, described, 1,
102-105; and Catholic mission-
aries, 224.
Nascopie post of Hudson's Bay
Co., 1, 109, 224; trail to, from
North- West River, 109-111.
Nathan, Henry, and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 468.
Nathan, N., and Pacific Railway
scandal, 1, 464.
Natural science, S.'s knowledge,
1, 122, 160.
Navy, S. and Imperial assistance,
2, 435-
Necobau, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 76 n.
Nelson, Wolfred, Canadian rebel,
1. 53. 54-
New Nation, on annexation, 1, 433.
New York Sun, on annexation, 1,
434-
Newcastle, Duke of, and Hudson's
Bay Co.'s control of North-West,
1, 171-176, 178, 187, 188.
Newfoundland, taxation in Labra-
dor, 1, 167.
Newspapers, preferential rate on
British, to Canada, 2, 400, 401.
Nicoll, Sir William R., on S. and
Aberdeen University, 2, 408.
Norfolk, Duke of, and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 178, 179.
Norman, Nathan, and S., 1, 137,
227; and Ungava Bay, 165.
North-Atlantic Trading Company,
and emigration to Canada, 2,
310-313.
North-German Lloyd Company,
and emigration to Canada, 2,
296-303-
North-West Company, Simpson s
policy after coalition, 1, 61 ; pur-
pose and terms of coalition, 500.
See also Wintering partners.
North-West Mounted Police, origin,
1. 374 «•
North-West River, Hudson's Bay
Co. post, S. transferred to, 1, 94;
situation, 100, 101; life at post,
111-114; surroundings, 114; S.'s
farm and garden, 124-127, 147,
158-160; Catholic missionaries,
223.
North-West Territory and Ru-
pert's Land, Canadian demand
for control and opening, 1, 168-
172; population (1869), 263;
attitude of French, 237-239;
under Canadian Government, 2,
5; S. and Governorship, 7; S. on
importance and future, 221, 222.
See also Hudson's Bay Co., Man-
itoba Red River region, Riel Re-
bellion, Wintering partners.
Northcliffe, Lord. See Harms-
worth.
Northcote, Sir Stafford H. (Lord
Iddesleigh), letter from Lamp-
521
Index
son on S., 1, 224; heads Hudson's
Bay Co., 226; and Riel Rebellion,
293; abandoned visit to Red
River region, 367; from S. on
Governorship of Manitoba, 379;
and transfer of North- West Ter-
ritory, 380; letters from S., 385,
394, 465; Joint High Commis-
sion, and Macdonald, 411-418;
and arbitration, 418; and claim
of wintering partners, 420, 425,
426, 428, 505; on danger of an-
nexation, 435, 436; and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 472 n.
Northcote, on Saskatchewan River,
1» 536; 2, 6-8
Norway. See Scandinavia.
Nourse, William, Chief Trader of
Labrador posts, 1, 96, 101; re-
lieved, 119.
Oakeley, Hilda, from S. on Victoria
College, 2, 378, 379.
Obe, Joseph, 1, 96.
O'Brien, Edward, letter from Jo-
seph Howe, 1, 260.
Ocean Nymph, 1, 191 »., 202.
O'Donnell, William, on S. at Fort
Garry, 1, 342 n., 343 n., 486.
O'Dpnohue, W. B., intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 241, 439; and S.
at Fort Garry, 331 n., 333, 343 n.;
flight, 393, 396; character, 442;
attempted invasion of Manitoba
(1871), 444-449-
Ogden, Peter, 1, 33; career, 33 n.
Ogden, W. B., and Canadian Pa-
cific Railway, 1, 461.
Oleskow, Prof., as Canadian emi-
gration agent, 2, 295.
O'Lone, Robert, on Howe in Red
River region, 1, 259.
O'Neill, John, career, 1, 443; at-
tempted invasion of Manitoba,
444, 449-
Oregon County, claim of wintering
partners of Hudson's Bay Co.,
If 427-
Osier, Sir Edmund, and site for
High Commissioner's office, 2,
444.
Osier, Sir William, at S.'s funeral,
2, 463-
Otelne, Nascopie chief, 1, 143.
"Our Lady of the Snows," S. and
term, 2, 254.
Oxford University, D.C.L. for S.,
2, 386.
Pacific Cable Conference, 2, 221.
Pacific Railway scandal. See Cana-
dian Pacific.
Papinachois, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 76 n.
Papineau, Louis, fugitive, 1, 53.
Paquet, Pere, missionary, 1, 88.
Parent, Etienne, letter to S., 1,
295 «•
Parliament, British, S. and colonial
representation, 2, 269.
Parsons, S. K., to S. on attitude of
Company's Board, 2, 190.
Paytabais, Nascopie chief, 1, 104,
105 n.
Peace, Sir Walter, and Chamber-
lain, 2, 390.
Peacocke, George, on Fenian raid,
1, 206.
Peel's River, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 530, 531.
Peerage for S., question of title, 2,
264-266; descent to daughter,
354-358.
Pembina, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
McDougall at, 1, 264 268, 284,
293; S. at, 321-323; O'Dono-
hue's invasion, 444, 448; plan for
railway, 463.
Pension, of wintering partners, 2,
182, 187, 193; more liberal
scheme, 198.
Peters, Klaas, Canadian emigra-
tion agent, 2, 303.
Peterson, and plans for fast Atlantic
service to Canada, 2, 270-274.
Peterson, William, on S. and con-
struction of Canadian Pacific, 2,
131 n.; and trouble in McGill
University, 358, 359; on S.'s pre-
paration for later career, 468.
Pifcher, Thomas D., in South Afri-
can War, 2, 342.
"Planters" of Labrador, 1, 140.
Pope, John H., and Canadian Pa-
cific, 2, 105, 117.
Pope, Sir Joseph, on Governor for
Manitoba, 1, 379 n.
Porcupine River, navigation in
Treaty of Washington, 1, 417.
Posadowsky Welmer, Count von,
and emigration to Canada, 2,
293-
522
Index
Potter, Richard, and reorganiza-
tion of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 179,
186.
Price, William, career, 1, 53 n.
Privy Councillor, S.'s appointment,
2, 215.
Provencher, J. A. N., and Kiel Re-
bellion, 1, 267.
Provincialism, S. on decrease, 2,
376.
Prowse, Robert H., and S., 1, 138,
191.
Quebec, origin of name, 1, 85;
Civil Code, 2, 150.
Que-hee-le River, proposed Hud-
son's Bay Co. post, 1, 529,
530.
Rae, John, on S.'s promotion, 1,
162; return to England, 164.
Railways, early plans for Canadian
transcontinental, 1, 172, 175;
S.'s interest in rolling-stock com-
pany, 225; S. on need of Mani-
toba (1871), 406. See also Cana-
dian Pacific, St. Paul and Pacific.
Ramparts, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 511; free-traders at, 2, 22, 24.
Rampini, Charles, on Forres, 1, 4.
Rankin, Colin, letters from S., 1,
232, 301, 304 n., 428, 2, 15, 19,
207, 209; from Hamilton, 1, 499.
Reciprocity, influence of treaty of
1854 in Labrador, 1, 128; and
in Canada, 407; S. on, 2,
146; S. on attempted American
(1911), 429, 430.
Red Leggins, Alaskan chief, 1, 511.
Red River, first steamers, 2, 45, 46.
Red River region. See Hudson's
Bay Co., Manitoba, North-West
Territory, Riel Rebellion.
Redistribution Bill, S. on, of Lau-
rier Ministry, 2, 329-331.
Red path, Peter, S.'s commercial
connection, 1, 225.
Reid, J. M., on Riel Rebellion and
annexation, 1, 440.
Reid, Whitelaw, on Canadian High
Commissionership, 2, 220.
Renaud, Pere, missionary, 1, 88.
Rendezvous, Alaska, fur-traders at,
If 529-
Resolution, Fort, to be abandoned,
1, 532.
Reuter's Agency, and Canadian
news, 2, 257.
Revelstoke, Lord, and Canadian
Pacific, 2, 1 20.
Revelstoke, B.C., origin of name,
2, 121.
Revillon Freres, in fur-trade, 2,
205.
Rhodes, Cecil, and Canadian bat-
talion for Rhodesia, 2, 352.
Richards, Arnold N., and Riel
Rebellion, 1, 318.
Riel, Louis, early career and char-
acter, 1, 241, 242; and O'Dono-
hue's invasion (1871), 445, 446;
bribe to leave the country, 455-
458, 474, 478-482; return, elec-
tion to Parliament, expulsion,
480, 482, 493, 494, 496; indicted
for murder of Scott, 495; out-
lawry, 495, 496; Rebellion of, in
1885, executed, 497. See also
Riel Rebellion.
Riel Rebellion, origin, 1, 189, 237-
264, 380^-383; parties in Red
River region on transfer of terri-
tory, 233, 241, 245 n., 371-373;
character of Riel, 241, 242; trou-
ble over surveys, land grabbing,
242-245, 247-250, 372; attitude
of Hudson's Bay Co. officers,
250. 253. 261, 274, 275, 277, 281,
284 n., 296, 298, 299 «., 300, 301,
308, 373, 397-399. 436; Joseph
Howe's mission and advice, 251-
260, 280; McDougall Lieutenant-
Governor, 252; Howe's conduct
toward McDougall, 260-264;
McDougall barred out, 264, 267,
284; Mactavish's advice to Mc-
Dougall, 265-267; influence of
McDougall's character, 268 ».;
Macdonald's belated advice to
McDougall, plan to placate Riel,
275, 276; Fort Garry seized, 276,
277, 296; Mactavish on McDou-
gall's conduct, 278; organization
and plan of rebels, 279; Mac-
tavish's proclamation, 280; Mc-
Dougall's illegal proclamation,
284-290, 292; arrest of Canadian
partisans, 287; S. directed to
offer assistance to Canadian
Government, 293-295; McDou-
gall's effort for conference with
Riel, 290-292; McDougall quits,
523
Index
293; S. supports Canadian claim,
297; his conference with Minis-
try, 297-303; absence of Tache,
300; S.'s appointment as com-
missioner, instructions, 301-306;
Queen's message, 306, 337; meet-
ing of S. and McDougall, 317-
320; reception of S. as Company
official, 323-325. 340, 34i; Har-
disty's activity for S., 326, 328;
S. advocates military prepara-
tion, 326; annexation to United
States feared, 327, 432-442; dis-
closure of S.'s commissionership,
contest for his papers, 329-333,
341 ; public meeting, reading of
S.'s documents, 333-338, 342;
flag. 336; Convention, 338, 339,
343-350, 2, 163; Kiel's repression
of Hudson's Bay Co. officers, 1,
339. 346, 348 n., 349, 350, 356 n.\
execution of Scott, 342 »., 356-
363, 376, 396; delegation to Ot-
tawa, 345, 349, 376, 440; bill of
rights, 345, 347~349; Boulton's
rising, 35O-354, 364, 37 1, 44o;
election for provisional govern-
ment, 350, 354-356; Kiel's plea
and promise to S., 353, 354; de-
parture of S., 363; results of mis-
sion, 364, 365, 371, 374-376; mil-
itary preparation, 366, 369, 381-
383; Indians and, 368, 374; S.'s
report, 369-374; amnesty ques-
tion, 377, 448 «., 449-458, 495-
497; Manitoba Act, 378; passage
of military supplies through
Sault Ste. Marie Canal, 383-388;
military expedition, flight of Kiel,
388, 389. 391-393; S. as tempo-
rary Governor, disorders, 389-
391, 393-396; American subsidy,
435; Fenian interest, 438, 439;
O'Donohue's attempted inva-
sion (1871), 442-449; bribe to
Kiel to leave country, 455-458,
474, 478-482.
Rigolet, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
situation, 1, 99; trade, 106; Es-
quimaux, 107; conditions(i89i),
2, 184, 185.
Riots, election, at Winnipeg, 1, 493.
Ripple, 1, 213.
Ritchot, J. N., in Kiel Rebellion,
1, 265; and S.'s papers, 331;
delegate to Ottawa, 349, 350,
376, 497 n.; and O'Donohue's
invasion, 445.
Roberts, and Fenian raid, 1, 206.
Roberts, and reorganization of
Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 178.
Roberts, Earl, and Canadian
troops, 2, 352, 370, 371; and
Strathcona's Horse, 369; at un-
veiling of statue to Wolfe, 428;
S. on, 429.
Robertson, Leith, death, 1, 203.
Robinson, H. N., intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 241; on execu-
tion of Scott, 363; and annexa-
tion, 441.
Robitaille, and amnesty for Riel
Rebellion, 1, 451, 454.
Rochester, John, attack on S., 1,
498.
Rogers, Sir Frederic, on S.'s mis-
sion to Fort Garry, 1, 366.
Roman Catholic Church, missions
of Lower St. Lawrence, 1, 88;
missions in Labrador, 131, 157,
223. See also Manitoba schools
question.
Rose, John, and transfer of North-
West Territory, 1, 246, 382, 383;
letter from Macdonald, 288.
Rosebery, Earl of, and Imperial-
ism, 2, 227.
Ross, on Cuthbert Grant, 1, 18 n.
Ross, B. R., in Hudson's Bay Co.,
1, 145-
Ross, Sir George, on S. and Pacific
Railway scandal, 1, 477; tribute
to S., 2, 457; on "Strathcona
period," 280 n.
Ross, J. J., and Canadian Pacific
Railway, 1, 468.
Ross, James, and Riel Rebellion,
1. 355-
Ross, Roderick, on gold in British
Columbia, 2, 15; on end of the
Company, 186.
Roy, Pere, missionary, 1, 88.
Royal, Joseph, Speaker of Mani-
toba Assembly, 1, 403.
Royal Society of Arts, medal to S.,
2, 434-
Royal Victoria College, S.'s endow-
ment, 2, 147, 233, 499; S. on
purpose, opening, 377-380.
Royal Victoria Hospital, 2, 146, 147.
Rupert's Land. See North-West
Territory.
524
Index
Russell of Killowen, Lord, and
Manitoba schools question, 2, 179.
Russell, Sir Charles, Director of
Hudson's Bay Co., 2, 33.
Russell, John, Earl, and Alabama
claims, 1, 204.
Russia, restrictions on emigration,
2, 281, 288-291.
Sadler, Bill, his "leg box," 1, 141.
Saguenay, Hudson's Bay Co. post,
1, 76 n.
St. Paul, S.'s interest, 1, 310.
St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, S.'s
first journey over, 1, 314, 315;
S. on prospects (1879), 2, 20;
origin, 47; first construction, 47;
bankruptcy, 48; S. on need of
line between Winnipeg and
Pembina (1876), 51, 54; plan of
S. and J. J. Hill to get control,
60; interest of George Stephen,
61, 62, 69; option on bonds,
63; reorganization, 63-65; con-
struction to Canadian border,
65; lease of Winnipeg- Pembina
line, 65-69; Farley's attempted
blackmail, 70-73; S. on question
of his connection, 76-78; charge
of discouraging Manitoban im-
migration, 87-90; influence on
Canadian Pacific, 94, 98 n.
St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Mani-
toba Railway. See St. Paul and
Pacific.
Salaberry, C. M. de, sent to Red
River region, 1, 302, 304, 323
n.; conduct there during Riel
Rebellion, 327, 328 n., 330, 332,
334, 340 n., 348, 370, 371.
Salisbury, Marquis of, and Impe-
rialism, 2, 227; on Canadian im-
migration propaganda, 293.
Salmon, S.'s development of Lab-
rador trade, 1, 127-131, 166; de-
cline in profit, 2, 184, 185.
Samluk, 1, 144.
San Francisco, land owned by Hud-
son's Bay Co., 1, 178.
Saskatchewan River, steamer on,
1. 536, 538- 539, 2, 6-8.
Sault Ste. Marie Canal, passage of
supplies for expedition against
Riel, 1, 383-388.
Scandinavia, Canadian emigration
propaganda, 2, 303.
Schreiber, Collingwood, and Cana-
dian Pacific, 2, 103, 106, 109.
Schroeder, John H. W., Director
of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 186.
Schultz, John C., intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 241, 245 n., 248,
256-258, 263, 264; arrested by
Riel, 287, 290 n.; and Hudson's
Bay Co., 350 n.; Riel's enmity,
352; and S.'s statement on in-
criminating papers, 397, 398;
election to Parliament, 493;
arrest for perjury, 535.
Scott, Alfred H., delegate to Otta-
wa, 1, 349, 350, 376, 497 n.
Scott, Hugh, and execution of
brother, 1, 376.
Scott, Thomas, execution, 1, 357-
363; excitement over execution,
376; disposition of body, 396;
execution and amnesty, 450;
indictment of murderers, 480,
495-
Scott, Thomas, campaign against
S. (1880), 2, 86, 87.
Scott, Thomas A., and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 468 n.
Scott, W. D., on North- Atlantic
Trading Company, 2, 313 «.
Scott, W. D. B., anecdote of S., 1,
91 n.; service under S., 214.
Selkirk, on Red River, 2, 46.
Semple, Robert, death, 1, 389.
Seven Islands, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 76 n., 77; attached to
Labrador district, 223.
Seward, William H., and Alabama
claims, 1, 204.
Seymour, Lord William, and
Strathcona's Horse, 2, 369.
Shaughnessy, Sir Thomas, on S.'s
hospitality, 2, 484.
Sheddon, John, and Pacific Rail-
way scandal, 1, 464.
Sherbrooke, Lord. See Lowe.
Siddons, Mrs., anecdote of Macbeth
at Edinburgh, 1, 13 n.
Sieveright, on Simpson, 1, 63 ».
Sifton, Clifford, and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 165; letters
from S., 295, 298.
Silver Heights, S.'s residence, 2,
83 n.; branch line to, 124, 125.
Simpson, Sir George, and John
Stuart, 1, 29; character, 29,
?o, 155, 156; S.'s letter of intro-
525
Index
duction, 41; importance, 59;
policy as head of Hudson's Bay
Co., 59-62, 67, 75, 92-94. 154-
170; real office, 59 n.; Napoleonic
cult, 62; and S., 72; married
life, 72; knighthood, world tour,
74; book, 74 n. ; and post at
Ungava Bay, 1 1 1, 166; and Cath-
olic missionaries, 131; on agri-
cultural possibilities of Mani-
toba region, testimony before
Committee of 1857, 147-151,
168, 169; death, 154, 157.
Simpson, Thomas, Sir George
Simpson on, 1, 151.
Simpson, Wemyss M., and S. as
M.P., 1, 404.
Simpson, Fort, conditions (1880-
87), 2, 22, 25-27.
Sinati, Yukon chief, 2, 18.
Sir Donald, Mount, significance of
name, 2, 132.
Skead, James, and Canadian Pa-
cific Railway, 1, 467.
Skelton, O. D., on Canada's pref-
erential tariff law, 2, 252; on
immigration, 314 n.
Skey, John, on immigration to
Canada, 1, 47.
Skinner, Sir Thomas, at S.'s fu-
neral, 2, 463.
Smith, Alexander, character and
ancestry, 1, 5; marriage, 5, 8;
children, 8; death, 23.
Smith, Barbara (Stuart), marriage,
ancestry, 1, 5-8; children, 8;
character, 10; death, 23; letters
from S., 36, 40; and return of
S., 192, 193.
Smith, Charles M., and Canadian
Pacific Railway, 1, 463.
Smith, Donald A. See Strathcona.
Smith, Sir Frank, and Canadian
Pacific, 2, 120.
Smith, George, S.'s ancestor, 1, 5.
Smith, George A., at S.'s funeral,
2, 463.
Smith, Jane, 1, 23.
Smith, John S., 1, 8; education,
12; doctor in East India Com-
pany's service, 22.
Smith, Marcus, on railway route
through Manitoba, 2, 57.
Smith, Margaret, 1, 8; character,
14, 15; death, 23, 86.
Smith, Margaret C. See Strathcona.
Smith, Marianne, death, 1, 23.
Smith, W. G., letter from Mac-
tavish, 1, 278; resigns from Hud-
son's Bay Co., 407.
Smith, Fort, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, 539.
Snow, John A., survey in Red River
region, 1, 244.
Society, British attitude toward
colonials, 2, 250 n., 264.
Society of St. Raphael, and emi-
gration to Canada, 2, 298.
South Africa, S. and federation, 2,
322.
South African War, S. and ap-
proach, 2, 329; question of Cana-
dian resolution of support, 331-
3331 S.'s attitude on Canadian
participation, 334; first Cana-
dian contingent, 335, 336; second
Canadian contingent, question of
command, 338; Canadian troops
and surrender of Cronje, 352,
370; question of Canadian bat-
talion for Rhodesia, 352, 353;
S. on Imperial forces, 362-364; S.
and refusal of Canadians to ex-
tend service, 370, 371 ; return of
Canadian troops, 380; conduct of
Canadians, 385. See also Strath-
cona's Horse.
Spanish- American War, S. on, 2,
326.
Spear, and Riel Rebellion, 1, 439.
Spence, Thomas, on election dur-
ing Riel Rebellion, 1, 356 n.
Spruce Bud, 1, 163.
Stanley of Preston, Lord, Governor-
General, 2, 153.
Stead, William T., on S., 2, 230 n.
Steamers, Hudson's Bay Co. river
boats, 1, 512, 530, 531, 536-539,
2, 6-8, 27, 34; on Red River, 45,
46; S. and plans for fast trans-
Atlantic, to Canada, 270-274,
328, 380, 385, 386, 402-407.
Steele, S. B., Strathcona's Horse,
2, 346-349, 366-369.
Stephen, Elspeth (Smith), 1, 208.
Stephen, George (Lord Mount
Stephen), first meeting with S.,
1, 207 ; early career, 208 ; defence
of low tariff, 21 1, 212; plan for
railway from Pembina, 463; and
St. Paul and Pacific Railway, 2,
61-64, 69; syndicate for con-
526
Index
structing Canadian Pacific, 97,
98 ; and financial problems of con-
struction, 105, 119, 120, 124 n.;
baronetcy, 128; credit for con-
struction, 131; and reconcili-
ation of S. and Macdonald, 134;
and S., 137; Royal Victoria Hos-
pital, 146, 147.
Stephen, William, and George
Stephen, 1, 207, 208.
Stephen, Mount, significance of
name, 2, 132.
Stewart, Alexander, letters from
J. Stuart introducing S., 1, 27,
41-43; and S., 57.
Stewart, James, and Strathcona's
Horse, 2, 340.
Stewart, James G., and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222.
Stikine River, navigation in Treaty
of Washington, 1, 417.
Strathcona and Mount Royal,
Donald A. Smith, Baron, Early
years and Hudson's Bay Co. : an-
cestry, parents, 1, 5-8, 10; birth,
names, 8 ; on Scottish emigration,
8; early home, 8, 9; and para-
phrases, II, 2, 451 ; education, 1,
12-14; and sister Margaret, I4iI5;
early interest in fur-trade, 15-18;
question of career, law studies,
18-22, 34; at London, 35-40;
departure for Canada, plans, 40-
45, 52; letters of introduction to
Simpson and Stewart, 41-43; on
Canada in 1838, 45, 46; at Que-
bec, 52, 53; at Montreal, 54;
enters service of the Company,
57, 65; first duties at Lachine,
66-68; on Rebellion of 1838, 68-
70; first post assignments, learns
French, 72; and Simpson, his
jealousy, 72, 73; appointment to
Lower St. Lawrence, 74, 75;
character of posts there, 75-77;
journey thither, 77; influence of
service there, 78; routine and
system, 78-81; anecdote of first
black-fox purchase, 81-85; on
Montagnais, 85, 89, 90; and
Catholic missionaries, 88, 131,
157, 223; on wreck of Walker's
fleet, 89; on Bersimits River, 89;
trouble with eyes, unauthorized
journey to Montreal, 92, 93;
transfer to Labrador as punish-
ment, 93, 94; winter journey
thither, 94, 95; new district de-
scribed, 97-101 ; and Moravian
missionaries, 109, 132, 133; and
Connolly, 109; and Ungava post,
in, 165; life at Esquimaux Bay,
its influence, in, 112, 121-124,
227 ; on mosquitoes, 1 12 ; explora-
tions and adventures around
post, 114-118; marriage by con-
sent, 120; and Indians, 123, 188;
farm and garden, 124-127, 147,
158; development of salmon
trade, 127-131, 166; and Hunt
and Henley's operations, 130,
163, 164, 166, 167; religious serv-
ice, 133; and medicine, 134-136;
and resources of Labrador, 136,
137, 214, 228, 229; correspond-
ents and Labrador acquaint-
ances, 137-140, 142-146; and
"planters," anecdotes, 140, 141;
on relative value of meat and fish
diet, 142; on future of Manitoba
region (1857), 146, 147, 153;
on death of Simpson, 157; and
Admiral McClintock, 158-161;
Chief Factor, 162, 163; and New-
foundland taxes, 167; and reor-
ganization of Company and Deed
Poll question (1862), 179-186,
189, 196, 222; winter voyage to
St. John's (1864), illness, 190-
192; on English ignorance of
Canada, 192; return to England
(1864), 192; at old home, and
mother, 192-194; and Board of
the Company, 194; on Lampson,
195; at Directors' dinner, unde-
livered speech, stage fright, 200,
201; return to Labrador, 202;
effect of trip on reputation, 202,
224; still unknown in Canada,
202; on Montreal (1866), 204;
on Fenian raid, 206; first meet-
ings and impressions of George
Stephen, 207, 211; on completed
Atlantic Cable, 212; first Mon-
treal commercial interest, 213,
214, 225; and investments of
brother officers, 215, 543, 2, 31-
J3; and Canadian investments,
,21 7 ;and blockade-running, 2 17;
on American offer for Hudson's
Bay Co. territory, 223; district
enlarged, 223; and proclaiming
527
Index
of Dominion, 224; General Man-
ager of Eastern Department,
226, 232, 233, 237; reputation in
Labrador, 227; Mactavish's jeal-
ousy, 269; considered as succes-
sor to Simpson's power, 270; fa-
ble of service in Rupert's Land,
272; regarded as Mactavish's
successor, 369; and Joint High
Commission, 407, 412-417; and
settlement of claim of wintering
partners (1871), 421-430, 502-
504, 2, 44; activity and prob-
lems as Chief Commissioner, 1,
499, 506; and improved transpor-
tation, 510, 538, 2, 34; gives up
management of fur-trade, 1, 517,
540, 541, 543; and new appoint-
ments, 519; opposes rival fur-
trade company, 520; continued
interest in wintering partners,
525, 2, 2, 14, 15, 35, 36, 41, 42,
180, 188, 189, 193, 197, 198, 203,
206-209; reorganization of fur-
trade, 1, 526; and Mackenzie
River District, 531; on free-trad-
ers, 536, 2, 205; and council of
officers (1874),!, 539; subordinate
on, 540; profits of fur-trade under
his management (1874), 540-
542 ; realizes gloomy future of fur-
trade, 543, 2, 18; on need of econ-
omy, 2, 3, 14; wintering part-
ners on management, 3; on price
of furs (1876), ll; (1901), 205; on
concessions to wintering part-
ners (1879), 19, 21, 22; retires
from Land Commissionership,
20; upsets Directorate, becomes
a Director, 33-35 ; and Grahame,
36; becomes Governor, 43; and
political position, 79; on life of
wintering partners, 197; and his-
tory of the Company, 197 n. ; on
death of old officers, 207.
Kiel Rebellion: on Riel, 1, 242;
interest in Red River controver-
sy, 268, 269; offers assistance
of Company, 293-295; supports
Canadian claim, 297; conference
with Ministers, 297-301 ; appoint-
ment as commissioner, instruc-
tions, 301-308; journey to Fort
Garry, 307-317, 320-323; request
for Privy Councillorship, 311;
warning by Fenians, 312, 313;
meeting with McDougall, 317-
320; reception as Company offi-
cial by Riel, 323-325; refuses to
take oath, 324,341; virtual con-
finement, 325, 332, 347, 350; ad-
vocates military preparations,
326; disclosure of commissioner-
ship, contest for papers, 329-333,
341 ; at public meeting, 333-338,
342 ;and execution of Scott, 342 ».,
356-362; danger and conduct,
342 n., 343 n., 371 ; assurances to
Convention, 344; and delegation
to Ottawa, 345, 349; and bill of
rights, 345, 347~349; and elec-
tion for provisional government,
35°. 354-356; and Boulton rising,
351-353. 364. 37i; departure,
363; results of mission, 364, 371,
374-376; intercepts Northcote,
367; report, 369-374; and Gov-
ernorship of Manitoba, 379; on
Chicora incident, 385; in military
expedition, 388; as temporary
Governor, and disorders, 389-
39 * • 3931 letter from Riel on his
flight, 392, 393; on destruction
of Company's papers, 397; on
danger of annexation to United
States, 432-435; and amnesty,
453. 454; and bribe to Riel to
leave the country, 454-458, 474,
478-482.
Politics: initiation, 1, 209-212;
election to Manitoba Assembly,
401 ; to Dominion House of Com-
mons, 401; introduction as M.P.,
404; and Pacific Railway scandal,
breach with Macdonald, 473-
478, 497, 2, 78, 81-83, 87, 91, 92,
98; as independent, 1, 483; popu-
larity with constituents, 483-
485; local measures, 485, 486; as
member of the Assembly, 486;
banquet to (1872), speech on
North- West, 486-493; reelection
as M.P. (1872), 493, 494, 499;
and Governorship of North-
West Territories, 2, 7; on his
clean hands, 77, 78; reelection
(1878), independence, 78-83;
charge of technical corruption,
83-85; defeated at second elec-
tion, 85-87, 492, 493; reconcil-
iation with Macdonald, 134;
election to Parliament from Mon-
528
Index
treal (1887), 135-146; on con-
duct of Lord Randolph Church-
ill, 136; on protection, 138, 140-
146; on technical education, 138,
139; on local improvements, 142;
on French Canadians, 144, 155 n.,
224, 254, 276; on customs regula-
tions, 145; on reciprocity, 146;
on Canadian progress under Vic-
toria, 146; Royal Victoria Hospi-
tal, 146, 147; Royal Victoria Col-
lege, 147, 233, 377-380; inaugu-
ration as Chancellor of McGill,
148-152; on death of Macdonald,
152; on Aberdeen's appointment,
153; and suggested Premiership
(1896), 154; and Manitoba
schools question, mission and
speech, 158-173, 489; in minis-
terial commission on subject,
173; suggestions for settlement
of question, 175-177; later con-
nection with question in Eng-
land, 178, 179; on salary of High
Commissioner and judges, 218,
219.
Railways: first connection with
St. Paul and Pacific, 1, 314, 315;
first meeting with J. J. Hill, 368;
on resources and development of
Manitoba (1871), 405, 406; on
future strength of Canada, 430;
on line between Pembina and
Winnipeg, 463, 2, 51, 54; and
Pacific Railway scandal, 1, 464,
465, 467, 472-474. 476-478; and
construction contract then,
468 n. ; and Red River steamers,
2, 46; on need of transcontinental
line (1876), 50; on Dawson route,
52-54; early disbelief in private
construction of transcontinental
line, 55, 56; and route through
Manitoba, 56-59, 73-76; control
and reorganization of St. Paul
and Pacific, 60-65; lease of Win-
nipeg-Pembina line, 65-69, 81-
83; on Stephen's connection with
St. Paul line, 69; Farley's suit
against, 70-73; on question of
connection with St. Paul line,
76-78 ; Macdonald advised to se-
cure cooperation of, 81-83; and
charge of discouraging immigra-
tion, 87-90; and Canadian Pacific
Syndicate, 97, 98 ; on spirit of the
Syndicate, 102; on abuse against
Canadian Pacific, 1 1 1 ; on burden
of construction, 115; on govern-
mental loans, 115; on connection
of Baring Bros., 121; on last
spike, 123; and branch line to Sil-
ver Heights, 124, 125; on effect
on Dominion, 125; knighted,
128, 130; on achievement of the
line, 129-131 ; credit for construc-
tion, 131, 132, 135 n.
High Commissioner : appoint-
ment ,2,21 3-2 1 5 ; public reception
of appointment, 215, 216; nature
of office, 2 1 6-22 1 ; on importance
and future of North- West, 221,
222; on Imperialism, 222, 235,
237, 324, 374, 376, 377: on prog-
ress and future of Canada, 223,
253, 315. 382, 394, 4°2; and pref-
erential duties, 225-229, 274,
336-338; at Lord Kelvin's jubi-
lee, on Canada and Imperial tele-
graph, 230; aphorisms on, 230 n.,
234 n. ; celebrations of Domin-
ion Day, 231, 266, 267, 321, 401;
under Laurier's Ministry, 231;
G. C. M. G., 232; as lecturer and
interpreter of Canada, 234; and
immigration, 238, 241-243, 279-
315; Tupper's tributes, 243, 244,
323; and Hudson's Bay railway
and steamer line, 244-246; and
Imperial Institute, 246-248; and
Klondyke gold rush, 248 ; on Eng-
lish society and colonials, 250 ».;
on Colonies and Jubilee of 1897,
251 , 276; Argyll on, 253, 383; and
term "Our Lady of the Snows,"
254; and paucity of Canadian
news in England, 256-258; and
reception of Laurier (1897), 259-
261, 263; peerage, question of
title, 264-266; expected retire-
ment (1897), 267; and Governor-
Generalship, 268, 354; and colo-
nial representation, 269, 375; and
fast Atlantic service to Canada,
270-274, 328, 380, 385, 386, 402,
403, 405-407; and colonial feder-
ation, 274, 329, 359-361, 377;
on Kipling's "Recessional," 278;
and Canada's "spectacular de-
velopment," "Strathcona pe-
riod ," 2 80 ; in House of Lords, and
deceased wife's sister bill, 316-
529
Index
321; on American-British Con-
ference (1898), 322; and ap-
pointment of Minto, 323; on
Bristol and steam transportation,
325; on Spanish- American War,
326; on British guaranty of Ca-
nadian bonds, 327; function at
Montreal for Governor-General,
328; and approach of South Afri-
can War, 329; on Laurier's Re-
distribution Bill, 329-331; and
Canadian resolution to support
policy in South Africa, 331-333;
and Canadian participation in
the war, 334~336, 338, 352, 353,
370, 37 if 380; Lord Rector of
Aberdeen, 334, 335; Strathcona's
Horse, 339~344, 348, 349, 367-
369, 373,. 375: and Mutton's
quarrel with Canadian Ministry,
345 , 349~352; a°d descent of
peerage to daughter, 354-358;
and trouble at McGill over the
war, 358, 359; and freak war
correspondence, 361, 362; on
Imperial forces, 362-364; promo-
tion of knowledge of Canada in
British schools, 365; and pro-
posed royal visit to Canada, 365,
377, 384, 385; reception at Mon-
treal (1900), 372-374; on de-
crease of provincialism, 376; and
Pacific Cable, 377, 380, 385; and
death of Victoria, 381; on Bou-
rassa, 385; Oxford D.C.L., 386;
and Chamberlain's tariff reform,
387-390; on Chamberlain as
Colonial Secretary, 391-393; crit-
icism of support of Chamberlain,
393; attempts to retire, 394, 425,
426, 431, 433, 441-443; and Dun-
donald controversy, 397, 398; on
preferential rate for newspapers
to Canada, 400; quater-cente-
nary of Aberdeen University, 407-
411; and anti-Japanese riots at
Vancouver, 411-413; and dig-
nity and attributes of High Com-
missionership, 413-416; tour of
Canada (1909), reception at
Winnipeg, 417-419; accident,
419; testimonial on decade of
service, 419; fund for military
training in schools, 420; on Boy
Scouts, 421; honorary military
offices, 421; resentment of de-
tractions of Canada, 422-424,
437-439; keeps aloof from poli-
tics, 424; on death of Edward
VII, 426; relations with him,
427; and Queen Alexandra, 427;
at centenary of Berlin Univer-
sity, 427, 428; on militarism in
Germany, 428; at unveiling of
statue of Wolfe, 428, 429; and
attempted Canadian-American
reciprocity, 429, 430; relations
with Premier Borden, 432-434;
on centenary of death of Brock,
434; presented with Albert
Medal, 434; and Imperial naval
assistances, 435; on Canadian
drain of British funds, 435, 436;
and article on Borden and Union-
ists, 439; and site for office of
High Commissioner, 443-447; ill-
ness and death, 451-453; trib-
utes, 453-462; funeral, 462-466;
coincidence with life of Canada,
467.
Traits : generosity, benefac-
tions, 1, 13, 35, 36, 2, 454, 456,
458, 460, 472, 479, 485, 498-500;
on service, anecdote of burning
of house, 1, 19, 20, 91; conserva-
tism, 38; appearance, 73, 87, 159;
no sportsman, 87; superstition,
86; temperance, 115 n., 2, 140,
494 ; reading, 1, 122, 163,2,471 n.,
485; and natural science, 1,
122, 160; frugality, 124, 138, 2,
500; gentleman, 1, 228; and sub-
ordinates, 228, 229, 2, 494, 497,
498; sarcasm, 79, 80 n., 492;
residences, hospitality, 83 n.,
472, 483, 484, 486-491; pre-
cision of language, 116, 470; re-
ligion, 155 n., 482, 483; optimism,
394; industry, 440, 441, 479,
500; old age, 447, 481, 485 n.;
and his wife, 448-450, 471, 477,
481; goodness of heart, 461;
preparation for later career, 468 ;
career as epitomizing Imperial
opportunities, 468 ; sense of duty,
469, 500; integrity, 470; motto
for coat of arms, 471 ; as illustrat-
ing Aristotle's " high-minded-
ness," 473-475; detachment of
manner, 475; characteristic atti-
tudes, 476, 484; voice, talk, 476,
484; particularity, 477, 478, 495;
530
Index
courtesy, 478, 484; and Dickens
centenary, 485 ; carelessness
about health, 489; love of win-
ter, 489; club, 491; as public
speaker, 491-493; fondness for
stories, 493, 494; information,
memory, 495; adhesion to old
epistolary methods, 495-498 ;
fortune, 498 ; lesson of character,
500; personal dignity, 500; serv-
ice to Canada, 500.
Strathcona, Isabella (Hardisty),
Lady, marriages by consent, 1,
120; letter to mother, 144; death,
2, 448; and husband, 448, 449,
471 «., 477, 481; character, 450.
Strathcona, (Margaret C. Smith-
Howard), Baroness, birth, 1,
120; marriage, children, 2, 148;
descent of father's barony to,
354-357-
Strathcona's Horse, plan, 2, 339-
344; organization, 346, 347;
voyage to Capetown, S.'s mes-
sage to, 347-349; services, en-
comiums, 366, 367; in England,
367-369; S. on, 373, 375.
"Strathcona period" of Canadian
history, 2, 280, 467.
Strathspey, Grant clan, 1, 6; emi-
gration, 7, 8.
Stuart, Barbara. See Smith.
Stuart, Donald, grandfather of S.,
1, 5; children, 6 n.
Stuart, Donald, 1, 17, 19, 31,
34 »•
Stuart, James, as law student, 1, 9.
Stuart, John, 1, 6 ».; explorations
in Canada, 15, 16; character,
16 n., 26-32; as fur-trader, 17;
and career of S., 18, 22, 35, 37,
40; travels in Europe, 33; retire-
ment, 34, 43; letters to Simpson
and Stewart introducing S., 41-
43; to S. on service in the Com-
pany, 70.
Stuart, Margaret, 1, 6 n.
Stuart, Peter, career, 1, 6 n., 29 n.
Stuart, Robert, 1, 6 ».; fur-trader,
death, 17.
Stuart, William, career, 1, 6 n.
Stutsman, Enos, intrigue in Red
River region, 1, 241 ; and Riel
Rebellion, 311 n.; and annexa-
tion, 441, 442.
Subsidy, Canadian, 2, 405, 407 n.
Supperuksoak, Esquimaux god, 1,
131.
Swanston, death, 1, 203.
Sweden. See Scandinavia.
Sylvester, free-trader, 2, 25-27.
Tache, Alexandre, as bishop of Red
River region, 1, 238, 245 «.; and
Riel, 241; and Howe's visit, 258;
and Riel Rebellion, 300, 334 n.,
343 n., 356, 367, 368, 370 n., 373;
and disorders after flight of Riel,
393; at opening of Manitoba
Legislature, 403; and promise of
amnesty, 450, 452, 453, 497 ».;
and tribe to Riel, 455, 479.
Tadousac, S.'s appointment to
trading post at, 1, 74, 75; char-
acter of post, 77.
Tariff, Montreal protest on reduc-
tion (1866), 1, 209-211; George
Stephen's defence of low, 211,
212; S. on protection, 2, 138,
140-146; S. on customs regula-
tions, 145; S. on reciprocity, 146;
S. on preferential duties, 225-
229; Canada's preferential law,
252, 275; transportation in bond,
326; S. on need of reciprocity in
preferential duties, 336-338; S.
and Chamberlain's reform move-
ment, 387-390; attempted Ameri-
can-Canadian reciprocity, 429,
430-
Taylor, Thomas, and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222.
Tea, Labrador plant, 1, 136.
Telegraph, Atlantic Cable, 1, 157,
158, 2ii, 212; plans for trans-
Canadian, 169, 172, 177, 186; S.
on Canada and all- British, 2,
230. 377. 38o, 385-
Tellier, J. M., tribute to S., 2,
458.
Temperance, S. on, 2, 140.
Thibault, Vicar-Gen., sent to Red
River region, 1, 302, 304, 323 n.;
conduct there during Riel Rebel-
lion, 327, 328 n., 330, 332-334.
340 n., 348, 370, 371; at opening
of Manitoba Legislature, 403.
Thorn, Adam, and Simpson's book,
1, 74 ».
Thompson, Sir John, death, 2, 153.
Thompson, William. See Kelvin.
Thornton, Sir Edward, and Chicora
531
Index
incident, 1, 384-387; Joint High
Commission, 411-418.
Tilley, Sir Samuel L., and negotia-
tions for transfer of North- West
Territory, 1, 235.
Torngak, Esquimaux god, 1, 131.
Torrence, Daniel, plan for railway,
1, 463-
Trans-Atlantic service, S. and fast,
for Canada, 2, 270-274, 328, 380,
385, 386, 402-407.
Trutch, Sir Joseph, banquet, 1, 405.
Tupper, Sir Charles, journey to
Fort Garry with S. (1869), 1,307-
322; letters from Macdonald on
Joint High Commission, 411,
415, 417; and Canadian Pacific,
472 »., 2, 92, 94, 109; and bribe
to Riel, 1, 479; attacks on S.,
497, 2, 78; on S. and construc-
tion of Canadian Pacific, 132; re-
turn to rescue Ministry, 153, 154,
213; and Manitoba schools ques-
tion, 165, 171; as High Commis-
sioner, 217, 243, 244; Premier,
fall of Ministry, 231; tribute to
S.,323; and Strathcona's Horse,
353. 354. 358; and descent of S.'s
peerage to daughter, 354~358;
and death of Lady Strathcona,
450.
Turner, J. H., and status as Agent-
General, 2, 413-416.
Ungava Bay, Hudson's Bay Co.
post, 1, in; S. and reestablish-
ment, 165; conditions (1888),
2, 42; destitution (1893), 195,
196; conditions (1900), 207.
United States, S. on relations, 2,
323. See also Annexation.
Vancouver, anti-Japanese riots, 2,
411.
Van Home, Sir William C., on suc-
cess of reorganized St. Paul and
Pacific, 2, 64, 65; and construc-
tion of Canadian Pacific, 104;
on origin of name of Craigellechie
Station, 123 n.\ and branch line
to Silver Heights, 124; and bond-
ing privilege question, 326; in
Canadian election (1911), 431.
Verrall, and S., 1, 96.
Victoria, Queen, and completion of
Canadian Pacific, 2, 125, 127,
128; and deceased wife's sister
bill, 316; S. on death and reign,
381-383. See also Jubilee of
1897.
Victoria, as market for furs, 2,
26.
Victoria Bridge, S. on, 1, 204.
Viger, B., Canadian rebel, 1, 54.
Vincent, Sir Howard, toast to the
Colonies, 2, 236.
Wainwright, Griffith, at Fort Garry,
1, 402.
Walker, Sir Hovenden, wreck of
fleet, 1, 89.
Wallace, James, on Howe in Red
River region, 1, 257, 258, 441.
Walrus, wrecked, 1, 534.
Watkin, Sir Edward W., and reor-
ganization of Hudson's Bay Co.,
1, 172-180; negotiations with
Canada, 186.
Watson, Robert, and S., 1, 19, 194.
Watt, William H., destruction of
papers, 1, 397; and O'Donohue's
attempted invasion, 444, 448.
Weldon, Richard C., and Manitoba
schools question, 2, 172.
Welland Canal, attempt to de-
stroy, 2, 362.
West Indies, S. and federation, 2,
274, 322; direct intercourse with
Canada, 329.
Westminster Abbey, S.'s funeral,
2, 462-464.
Wheaton, Frank, and O'Donohue's
attempt to invade Manitoba, 1,
/I /I /I, 448, 449.
White, W. T., on Canadian
finances (1913). 2, 437-
Williams, John, of Labrador, 1,
138.
Willis, N. P., on Montreal, 1, 55.
Wilson, James, on S., 1, 228.
Wilson, Joseph, and Deed Poll
controversy, 1, 222.
Winnipeg, in 1869, 1, 237; election
riot (1872), 493; and route of
Canadian Pacific, 2, 56-59, 73-
76; rail connection with St. Paul,
65-69; reception of S. (1909), 417,
418. See also Riel Rebellion.
Winslow, Lanier & Co., and Cana-
dian Pacific Railway, 1, 461.
Winter, Sir James Newfoundland
tax collector in Labrador, 1, 167.
532
Index
Wintering partners of Hudson Bay
Co., 1, 154, 500; importance, 170;
and reorganization of the Com-
pany, Deed Poll, 179-186, 189,
196-199, 203, 204, 219, 502-504;
S.'s undelivered speech on, 200,
201; Fenchurch Street building
suit, 220, 226, 421; and share in
transfer of North- West Territory
to Canada, controversy and set-
tlement, 241, 247, 253, 261, 407,
419-430, 2, 183; and share in re-
served lands, 1, 430, 507, 516, 520,
2, 12, 21, 29, 30, 38, 44, 183, 201,
202; declining condition, 1, 500,
501, 504, 506-509; Northcote's
plan to recompense, 505; and
other activities of Company,
512. 513. 52i, 524. 5435 and new
Deed Poll, S^-S1^, 5i8, 521,
522; treatment and complaints,
518, 2, 2, 16, 28-30, 35, 36, 39,
43, 180, 185-187, 190, 191, 196,
203; S.'s continued interest, 1,
525, 2, 2, 14, 15, 35, 36, 41, 180,
188, 189, 193, 197, 198, 203, 204,
206-209; councils, 1, 539, 2, 3, 35,
1 86, 194; character, i; policy of
promotion, 5; S. on concessions
(1879), 19, 21, 22; MacFarlane's
memorial (1886), 36-38, 41; need
of union, 39, 187; concessions
(1886), 42; neglect of old officers,
182; pension, 182, 187, 193, 198-
20 1 ; beneficial fund threatened,
183; on character of Commission-
ers, 183, 184, 1 86; proposed new
company, 187; characteristic re-
sentment, 192; passing of old
officers, 194; appointment of
officers, 194; S. on life, 197; all
rights as partners lost, 201;
justice of protests, 201 ; sacrificed
by policy of retrenchment, 202,
203 ; nativity, 212. See also Hud-
son's Bay Co., Strathcona (Hud-
son's Bay Co.).
Witches' Stone at Forres, 1, 4.
Wolfe, James, S. at unveiling of
statue, 2, 428, 429.
Wolseley, Sir Garnet (Lord), on
conditions in Red River region
('869), 1, 253, 254; expedition
against Riel Rebellion, 383, 388,
389; and Governorship of Mani-
toba, 379 «.
Wolverton, Lord, and reorganiza-
tion of Hudson's Bay Co., 1, 177;
Grand Trunk Railway, 459 n.
Wrigley, as Chief Commissioner, 2,
182.
Yermoleff, and emigration to Can-
ada, 2, 289-291.
Young, search for cart route,
20
» o-
Young, George, on S. at Fort
Garry, 1, 324 n., 329, 375; and
execution of Scott, 357, 361-363;
at opening of Manitoba Legisla-
ture, 403.
Young, Sir John, and Riel Rebel-
lion, 1, 307, 308, 343 n.; and
Chicora incident, 384, 386; and
amnesty for Riel Rebellion, 450,
45i, 453-
York Factory, conditions (1872),
If 522-525, 532.
Yukon, Fort, and Hudson's Bay
Co., 1, 527, 528; American trad-
ers, 2, 19, 23.
Yukon River, navigation in Treaty
of Washington, 1, 417. See also
Alaska.
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