March 20, 1868

New Brunswick News

The New Brunswick government has survived its first challenge, defeating a want of confidence motion at two o’clock yesterday morning by a vote of 31 to 6.

Concurrently, news from the province suggests that Judge Lemuel Allan Wilmot has been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of that province and Premier Hon. Andrew Rainsford Wetmore will be appointed to the bench and succeeded by Hon. George Edwin King, who currently serves as minister without portfolio. Another rumor suggests that Hon. Charles Fisher, former premier and current MP for York will be appointed to the bench rather than Wetmore.

Rumours have been circulating since October that Wilmot has been in line of a governorship. First it was suggested he would replace Major General Stisted in Ontario. His appointment in New Brunswick has been rumored since February.

March 19, 1868

Death of Col. Dunn

News arrives of the death of Colonel Alexander Dunn VC. Dunn, Commander of the 33rd Regiment of Foot was killed in Abyssinia in a hunting accident at Senafe.

Dunn was born in Toronto in 1833 and attended Upper Canada College and Harrow School.

Dunn was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions as a lieutenant in Lord Cardigan’s 11th Hussars during the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava. Dunn and the Hussars were outnumbered by the Russians 30 to 1. The Globe describes Dunn’s experience at Balaklava thusly:

Colonel Dunn’s share in this transaction was worthy of his lineage and country. He not only overthrew all with whom he came into direct conflict, but left the ranks more than once to rescue troopers whom he saw engaged singly against numbers, and to whom he brought succour of his resistless sword arm. It is thrust he tale is written of him; and when Her Majesty was advised to institue a new military order, for the distinction of cases of individual valoir in action with the enemy, and a demand was made for the most disgitinguished men for personal gallantry in the terrible Balaklava charge, Col. Alex. Dunn’s was the name which, by the common accord of officers and men, was returned. The Victoria cross was publicly delivered to him in Hyde Park, by the hand of the Queen herself.

His citation for the Victoria cross, published in the London Gazette on February 24, 1857 reads:

“For having in the Light Cavalry charge on the 25th October, 1854, saved the life of Serjeant Bentley, 11th Hussars, by cutting down two or three Russian Lancers who were attacking him from the rear, and afterwards cutting down a Russian Hussar, who was attacking Private Levett, 11th Hussars.”

After the war, Dunn returned to Toronto where he helped raise the 100th (Prince of Wales’ Royal Canadian) Reigiment Of Foot, where he served as major. In 1864, he transferred to the 33rd Regiment of Foot, becoming te first Canadian to command a British regiment and the youngest colonel in the British army.

Dr. Tupper’s Trip to Downing Street

As Hon. Joseph Howe (Anti-Confederate, Hants) has gone to Downing Street to make the case for the abrogation of Confederation as it affects Nova Scotia, so has Dr. Tupper gone to make the case for its maintenance. Hon. Alexander Galt (Liberal-Conservative, Sherbrooke) was reportedly asked to accompany Dr. Tupper but is said to have refused. It appears that Galt who has not been invited back into the Cabinet despite vacancies, is unwilling to do the Government’s bidding.

March 18, 1868

Currency Bill

Hon. John Rose has introduced a currency Bill which will bring the Nova Scotia currency inline with that of the rest of the Dominion. Currently a pound sterling is worth five Nova Scotia dollars as compared to four dollars and 86 2/3 cents in the rest of the Dominion.

Geological Survey of the Dominion

The government is planning to spend $30,000 over the next five years to complete a geological survey of the Dominion. Sir William Logan has been in charge of the survey in Canada for the last few years and he will now oversee the survey of the Maritime provinces as well.

March 17, 1868

Great Flood in Chatham

The greatest flood in 30 years has overtaken the town of Chatham, Ontario, this past weekend. Streets in the town have been flooded to a depth of four or five feet and the river at one point reached a height of 20 feet greater than the normal summer level. The Fifth Street covered bridge has been taken out by masses of ice and timber pushed down the river. No trains have been able to pass through the town since the flooding began with miles of Grand Trunk track submerged.

Tar and Feathering in London

The London Prototype reports that James May and Mrs. Caroline Dunew were tarred and feathered by a mob of Mrs. Dunew’s husband’s friends and neighbours. According to the paper, a fight had broken out between Mr. Dunew and Mr. May that resulted in Mr. Dunew being severely beaten by Mr. May and his wife. He later returned with his neighbours who tarred and feathered the pair and warned May that he had until Saturday past to leave town or have the deed repeated.

March 16, 1868

Admitting British Columbia to Confederation

A recent Order-in-Council (1868-0345) discussing resolutions passed in Victoria, British Columbia, seeking admission to the Dominion were somewhat favourably received by the Canadian government. The opinion of Her Majesty’s Privy Council is that in the absence of a request from the legislature of British Columbia no action can be taken by them on the matter. The Ministry has therefore asked His Excellency, the Governor General to transmit the resolutions to the Duke of Buckingham and to ask him to instruct the Governor of British Columbia, Frederick Seymour, to obtain the necessary resolutions.

March 14, 1868

Commons Meeting

The second attempt at a meeting of the Commons was only more successful than the first. The Speaker took the chair at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon and the Ministry gave notice of its intention to introduce several pieces of legislation next week:

• The Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, gave notice that on the 17th next, the Government would introduce legislation respecting the Her Majesty’s treaty with the United States for the apprehension of offenders, plus legislation respecting penitentiaries, controverted elections, and the continuance of Parliament in the event of the death of the Crown.

• Hon. John Rose (Finance) gave notice that he will introduce legislation respecting currency, geological surveys, the establishment of a consolidated revenue fund, insurance companies, the civil service, and to allow banks to use Dominion notes rather than issuing their own.

• Hon. Georges-Étienne Cartier gave notice of a Bill respecting railways.

Following the notices of introduction, John A moved adjournment of the House owing, he said, to the “hoarseness” of Luther Holton (Liberal, Chateauguay). The government, John A. Said, did not wish to take advantage of Mr. Holton if he was unable to participate in the debate.

Before adjourning, the prime minister said, in response to a question from Alexander Mackenzie (Liberal, Lambton), that the government position with respect to the number of government departments would be answered when legislation relating to the organization of the departments was introduced.

Benson Appointed to Senate

James Benson (Liberal-Conservative, Lincoln) has been appointed to the Senate to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Hon. Fergusson Blair. Mr. Benson’s appointment has met with nods, as the Hamilton Evening Times explains, because Mr. Benson had previously been appointed to the Legislative Council but had never taken his seat owing to the change in the Constitution. Benson was subsequently left off the list of lifetime appointments to the Senate made by Her Majesty at the time of Confederation.eeee

Impeachment Trial in Washington

The impeachment Court in Washington reassembled yesterday and refused President Andrew Jackson’s request for forty days of preparation. They have instead granted him ten. The impeachment trial will begin on March 23, 1868.

The Welland County Jail

The first occupant of the County Jail in Welland is the editor fo the Welland Telegraph, imprisoned for twenty-four hours last week for refusing to testify in court. The editor retaliated by suing the Magistrate for redress and publishing an account of cell No. 1 and stating that all one needs to break out of the jail is “a small pair of editorial scissors” and “a good deal of patience”.

March 13, 1868

Parliament Adjourns

Despite the date of Parliament’s return having been fixed in December, fewer than one-third of MPs were in the Commons yesterday ready to resume their duties. As a result of the thinness of the benches on all sides of the Commons, the Commons adjourned after just 15 minutes without transacting any business being receiving reports and the seating of Jean Langlois, elected in the Montmorency by-election following Hon. Joseph Cauchon’s appointment to the Senate. Members will reassemble today for a second attempt thought it is reported that several members from New Brunswick only departed their province yesterday on an Ottawa-bound steamer.

The Senate, meanwhile, has adjourned until March 16 to mark the passing of the late Hon. Mr. Fergusson Blair.

Restigouche By-Election

There was good news for the Dominion in New Brunswick as the pro-Confederation forces held on to the Restigouche riding following the appointment of John McMillan (Liberal) as Inspector of Post Offices in that province.

William Murray Caldwell (Liberal) was elected with 353 votes to Mr. Moffatt’s (Anti-Confederate) 306.

News from the Colonies

A meeting of citizens in Cariboo, British Columbia, unanimously passed resolutions in favour of joining the Canadian Dominion.

The Prince Edward Island legislature opened on March 4 with no mention of Confederation made in the Governor’s speech.

March 12, 1868

Parliament Resumes Today

The Dominion Parliament resumes today to begin its spring sitting. The House last met in December. The Government is expected to raise the matter of the Intercontinental Railway in the coming days. Sanford Fleming has been organizing a new expedition of men south of Rivière du Loup.

February 11, 1868

NO COUNCIL MEETINGS IN TAVERNS

Amendments to the Ontario Municipal Act will make it illegal for Township councils to hold meetings in taverns.

February 10, 1868

QUEBEC NEWS

With Hon. Christopher Dunkin (Treasurer) delayed in bringing down his financial statement, Premier Hon. P-J-O. Chaveau announced that the legislative session will most likely conclude by the end of February.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND LEGISLATURE TO MEET

The Legislature of Prince Edward Island will convene on March 4, 1868.

SCARLATINA OUTBREAK IN OTTAWA

The disease is said to be prevalent in some parts of the city at the moment.

February 8, 1868

NOVA SCOTIA RESOLUTIONS AGAINST CONFEDERATION

The real business of the Nova Scotia Legislature, being the attempt to undo the Act of Confederation, has been laid on the table in a series of 15 resolutions to be debated today. The resolutions are summarized here:

• The first resolution declares that the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia convened in 1863 had no authority to make or consent to material changes to the constitution of the colony without submitting those changes to the voters for approval;
• Resolutions 2 through 4 declare that the delegation assembled to negotiate the Union was improperly constituted therefore doubly over-stepped its bounds, first by arranging the Union without including Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island and second, doing so while not adhering to the terms of its founding resolution;
• Resolution 5 states that the delegation did not “ensure just provision for the rights and interests” of Nova Scotia by agreeing to an arrangement that degrades the province to a dependency of Canada;
• Resolution 6 and 7 states that changes to the provincial constitution could only be made by submitting them to the public at the polls and this was not done until two-and-a-half months after the Queen’s Proclamation, which deprived the people of their liberty;
• Resolution 8 states that without any provincial legislation confirming the British North America Act, of which there is none, the province has not consented to its inclusion in the Union;
• Resolution 9 states that the preamble of the British North America Act claims the “desire of Nova Scotia to be confederated” is patently untrue, rendering the Act unconstitutional;
• Resolution 10 states that the provincial government systematically kept the proposal from the people, ignoring petitions signed by thousands;
• Resolution 11 states that the September election was dominated solely by the issue of Confederation and the people expressed their desire to not be annexed to Canada;
• Resolution 12 declares that the “Quebec Scheme” regardless of the way in which the Confederation was forced on the people of Nova Scotia, the terms of Confederation have created “wide-spread irritation and discontent” and need to be withdrawn;
• Resolution 13 declares that the colonies were already “politically allied to each other by their common relationship to the Queen and her Empire”. Such alliance was “more peaceable and less dangerous” than what any form of Confederation could encourage;
• Resolution 14 absolves the Queen and Her Parliament of any intentional injustice. The fraud was perpetrated by those who misrepresented the public will of Nova Scotia and “desired that Confederation might be forced upon this Province, without consent and against the will of the people;
• Resolution 15 requests an address be made to the Queen, containing the substance of the resolutions, “informing Her Majesty, that her loyal people of Nova Scotia, do not desire to be in any manner confederated with Canada, and praying Her Majesty to revoke her Proclamation, and to cause the British North America Act to be repealed, as far as it affects the Province of Nova Scotia.

February 7, 1868

PREMIER’S DINNER

Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald, Premier of Ontario hosted MPPs and prominent citizens at a dinner yesterday evening at the Rossin House Hotel, at the corner of King and York Streets in Toronto. Music was provided by the band of the 13th Hussars.

TRACTION ENGINES

The Traction Engine Bill has been referred to committee for study. The various provisions of the Act under consideration include the following:

• Engines shall only be allowed to run on untolled highways provided the owners of the engines have, at their own expense, strengthened all bridges and culverts that will be crossed;
• If highways are found to require levelling the initial costs shall be borne by the engine owners, though they may then recoup one-half of the cost from municipalities.

The Bill also contains a number of safety regulations:

• for three months following the first introduction of traction engines on any highway, the engine must be preceded, at a distance of forty rods, by a messenger carrying a red flag by day and a bright red light by night;
• Engines will also be required to display a red light at the front and white light at the rear;
• Engine operators shall be required to stop their machines upon encountering a horse that becomes restless. The engine operator shall provide a man to help get the horse past the engine. In the event that a horse refuses to pass, the person in charge of the horse shall turn back and leave the road at the first opportunity.

February 6, 1868

YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION

The Bill enabling the incorporation of the Toronto Young Men’s Christian Association was read a second time in the Ontario Legislature yesterday. The Bill will allow the Association to hold real estate with an annual value of $10,000 for the use of the Association. The Bill will prevent the Association from engaging in business or trading in real estate. The Bill was referred to Committee of the Whole where it will be considered tomorrow.

February 5, 1868

CABINET DISCORD

The Globe’s Ottawa correspondent contradicts rumours of discord in the cabinet that were published just yesterday.

HOWLAND RECOVERING

The Montreal Daily Witness reports that Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) has recovered well-enough from his liver congestion and the abscess under his arm that he is expected to return to work at Ottawa within a couple of weeks.

REPORTS FROM NEW BRUNSWICK

The following reports have been received from New Brunswick:

• Dr. Hiram Dow (York) is said to be the Government’s choice for Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
• The province is said to have a surplus of $200,000
• Judge Lemeul Allan Wilmot is rumoured to be set for appointment as Lieutenant-Governor

FANCY DRESS SKATING BALL AT VICTORIA RINK

The annual fancy dress ice-skating ball was held last night at the Victoria Rink in Montreal. The always popular event was reported to have been very successful and another, even more spectacular, affair is said to be in the works.

February 4, 1868

DOMINION RUMOURS

The Montreal correspondent of the Globe reports a vague rumour that a new crisis is brewing within the Dominion cabinet. Conspirators are said to be attempting the removal of Sir John A. Macdonald in order to install a prime minister who will be more acceptable to the lower provinces. No names are suggested.

Despite his appointment to the Senate, Hon. Jean-Charles Chapais is said to be continuing his contestation of the election in Kamouraska. Chapais will resign his Senate seat if he obtains the Commons seat.

TELEGRAPH FEAT

Two days ago, an uninterrupted telegraph message was sent from Valentia, Ireland, to San Francisco, California. There was one repetition, at Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, where the sea wire transfers to the land wire. The time of the conversation was 6:55 Saturday morning in Ireland, 3:15 Saturday morning in Newfoundland, and 11:11 Friday night in San Francisco, meaning the messages were arriving in San Francisco several hours before they left Valencia.

February 3, 1868

CONFIRMATION OF LIEUTENANTS-GOVERNOR

Sir Narcisse Belleau and Sir Charles Doyle have been reappointed as the Lieutenants-Governor of Québec and Nova Scotia respectively.

The initial appointments which went into effect established that the offices were to be held at pleasure. The articles of the Confederation declare that appointments to these offices made after July 1, 1867, are for five-year terms.

There is some question whether Major-General Henry Stisted will remain in his post in Ontario or a new appointment made.

BISHOP OF TORONTO

Rt. Rev. Dr. Alexander Bethune has been installed as the Bishop of Toronto. The office has been vacant since the death of Bishop Strachan in November.

Rev. Bethune had been Coadjutor to the late Bishop and Bishop of Niagara.

The Bishop is the son of Rev. John Bethune, the founder of the first Presbyterian Church in Montreal.

February 1, 1868

TRACTION ENGINES COMING TO ONTARIO

The Ontario Legislature delayed debate on Bill 50, An Act to authorize and regulate the use of Traction Engines on Highways, introduced by Frederick Cumberland (Conservative, Algoma).

The delay came following a lengthy informal debate after Cumberland moved second reading. In his opening statement, Cumberland said he had been approached following the election by the Gooderham and Worts Company seeking authorization to run the engines on provincial highways.

The distillery recently purchased one of the locomotive engines, designed to run on road rather than rail, but it was lost when the ship transporting it from England was wrecked. Cumberland has estimated that a six-horse power engine, weighing six tons and costing $1,200, could pull a load of 18 tons on a level road. A ten-horse power engine, weighs twelve tons, and can pull 30 tons on a level road.

The introduction of these engines to Ontario will require the straightening and macadamizing of the roads as well as regulations to govern the passing of other parties.

The premier, Hon. Sandfield Macdonald was concerned about what should occur if the operator of one of these traction engines was to encounter a horse that refused to pass it. He hoped that any farmer forced to turn around and return to a concession line would be compensated for his time.

Archibald McKeller (Liberal, Bothwell) downplayed Macdonald’s worries, saying that the horses and cattle had adapted to the introduction of trains and would do so just as easily with the introduction of traction engines. Nonetheless, a formal debate has been held over until next week.

January 31, 1868

OPENING OF NOVA SCOTIA LEGISLATURE

The Nova Scotia Legislature was opened yesterday with a speech from Lieutenant-Governor Sir Charles Hastings Doyle.

His Excellency warned members of the Assembly that the public accounts of the Province were in poor condition and would not likely be able to meet the government’s obligations. A financial commission has been appointed to investigate the state of financial affairs in the Province. He also called on the Assembly to move forward with planning on the recently contemplated industrial exhibition to showcase the merits of the Province.

In addressing the failure of the fisheries and the destitution amongst the fisherman, Sir Doyle advised that the Government had made significant withdrawals from the Treasury, which would be accounted for, in order to provide relief. The Lieutenant-Governor also called on the province to make unspecified amendments to the education law.

The Lieutenant-Governor’s speech did not directly address the Dominion. As the Globe points out, the Anti-Union government could not consent to have it praised, and the Lieutenant-Governor could not consent to have it condemned. Instead, His Excellency said:

The Province of Nova Scotia has ever been distinguished for loyalty and unswerving fidelity to the British monarchy, and it is peculiarly gratifying to me to entertain a firm conviction that if the people should desire any political change, they will seek the attainment of that object through their representatives in a constitutional manner, and that their sincere and ardent attachment to British institutions will not fail to manifest itself in all their proceedings.

John Joseph Marshall was elected Speaker.

January 30, 1868

CHAPAIS APPOINTED TO SENATE

As rumoured, Hon. Jean Charles Chapais (Agriculture) has been appointed to the Senate, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Hon. Joseph Bossé (1868-0259).

RECENT CABINET DECISIONS

The Dominion Cabinet has abolished the regular Saturday half-holiday for the duration of the Parliamentary session (1868-0255). So long as the Commons remains sitting, Saturdays will be considered full work days with regular hours from 9 am to 4 pm, with no overtime available.

The Cabinet has also approved $4,200 for alterations to the Parliament Buildings (1868-0256). The request was submitted to the Cabinet by Hon. William Howland (Public Works) on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Clerk of the Senate.

January 29, 1868

ST. PATRICK’S SOCIETY

Thomas D’Arcy McGee (Liberal-Conservative, Montreal West) was expelled last night from the St. Patrick’s Society following a unanimous vote. McGee’s expulsion comes following his condemnations of Fenianism during the election campaign.

AMERICAN VICE-CONSUL GENERAL

Thomas F. Wilson has been recognized as the United States Vice-Consul General for British North America.

WARDEN OF LINCOLN

John Charles Rykert (Conservative), the MPP for Lincoln, has been elected warden in that county.