August 16, 1867

CARTIER ENDORSES MCGEE

Following claims from the Bernard Devlin camp that Hon. George-Étienne Cartier, leader of the Québec Conservatives, would prefer to see Devlin in Ottawa than Tory Thomas D’Arcy McGee, Cartier has released a letter indicating his preference for McGee. That the letter consisted solely of this sentiment and included no elaboration on Cartier’s feelings about McGee has been taken by the Globe as a sign that Cartier’s heart wasn’t in the endorsement.

ELECTION CALENDAR

This section will be updated daily as information is received.

August 19, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 21, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Lincoln
• London

August 22, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• East Durham

QUEBEC

Nominations

• Montreal

August 23, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• East Toronto
• West Toronto
• West York
• South Wentworth

August 24, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• West Hastings
• North Wentworth

August 26, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Hamilton
• East Hastings

Polls

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 27, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• North Renfrew

Polls

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 28, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• London

August 29, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Durham
• London

August 30, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Durham
• Toronto East
• Toronto West
• South Wentworth
• West York

August 31, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Toronto East
• Toronto West
• South Wentworth
• West York

September 1, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• West Hastings

September 2, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• West Hastings

QUEBEC

Polls

• Montreal

September 3, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Hamilton
• North Wentworth

QUEBEC

Polls

• Montreal

September 4, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Hamilton
• East Hastings
• North Renfrew
• North Wentworth

September 5, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Hastings
• North Renfrew

August 15, 1867

WHO PROMOTES YOUR INTERESTS?

This is the question posed by the Ottawa Daily News, a Conservative paper. For years, Ottawa has made common cause with Lower Canada because it was, by the strength of section’s representation in the Legislative Assembly of Canada, that John A. Macdonald was maintained in office and George Brown kept out of it. With Confederation, the paper argues, the calculation has changed.

First, representation by population, the issue closest to Brown’s heart and that for which he was most feared, has become the law of the land. The result being that the influence of Québec in the new Dominion House of Commons is much reduced and will continue to be so following the next census in 1871. Ontario now has almost half the seats in the Commons and as the country continues to grow it will not require any great passage of time before there are two members to the west of Ottawa for every one to the east of it.

Second, there is no Québec section within the new provincial legislature with which Ottawa can continue its common cause. The issues addressing Ontario will, in the main, be looked after by Ontarians within their own local legislature. What party will be attentive to Ottawa’s needs?

Third, when one further takes into account that the future of Ottawa’s lumber industry depends on continued Western growth and expansion it becomes clearer still that the old alliance with Québec is of lesser and lesser value with each passing day.

A recent prediction forecast John A. Macdonald being maintained in office with a sixteen-seat majority that will be constructed largely on his party’s strength in Québec. He is expected to lose the other three provinces. This appears to illustrate the Ottawa dilemma posed by the Daily News and lends further credence to the prime minister’s recent call for a new party system that reflects the realities of Union.

These are the types of questions that all voters will be asking themselves as their polling day approaches and, while we will get an answer, when the new Commons assembles in Ottawa on September 24, we suspect that it will be only a bit part in the ongoing development of this new and great Dominion.

TORONTO POLLING DELAYED ONE DAY

The two Toronto constituencies will cast their votes on August 30 and 31. The nominations will be taken on August 23. These dates are each one day later than previously announced. No reason has been given for the delay but it has also been announced that there will be additional polling places in the city: four in St. John’s, and three each in St. Patrick’s, St. Andrew’s, and St. George’s. The additional locations are expected to aid in making the voting process smoother for voters in the city.

ELECTION CALENDAR

This section will be updated daily as information is received.

August 19, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 21, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Lincoln
• London

August 22, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• East Durham

QUEBEC

Nominations

• Montreal

August 23, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• East Toronto
• West Toronto
• West York
• South Wentworth

August 24, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• West Hastings
• North Wentworth

August 26, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• Hamilton
• East Hastings

Polls

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 27, 1867

ONTARIO

Nominations

• North Renfrew

Polls

• Carleton
• Kingston
• South Ontario
• Ottawa

August 28, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• London

August 29, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Durham
• London

August 30, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Durham
• Toronto East
• Toronto West
• South Wentworth
• West York

August 31, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Toronto East
• Toronto West
• South Wentworth
• West York

September 1, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• West Hastings

September 2, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• West Hastings

QUEBEC

Polls

• Montreal

September 3, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Hamilton
• North Wentworth

QUEBEC

Polls

• Montreal

September 4, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• Hamilton
• East Hastings
• North Renfrew
• North Wentworth

September 5, 1867

ONTARIO

Polls

• East Hastings
• North Renfrew

August 14, 1867

JOBBERY OF THE PUBLIC PURSE

A more-than-doubling of the cost of tax collection over eight years of Macdonald-Cartier government produced barely $800,00 more in revenues for the government.

Public records show that in in 1853, the year before Macdonald-Cartier took office it cost $175,163 to collect $4,228,754 in customs and excise revenue. By 1861, the government was spending $395,281 to collect $5,063,260.

Government spending increased from $4,143,629 to $10,490,084 over the same period and the average annual deficit is reported to have been $2,060,365.

Such growth can only be explained, suggests the Globe by wanton jobbery perpetrated by a prime minister who seeks to purchase support through the control of government patronage, jobs, and emoluments, rather than through the advance of political principles and ideas.

Having spent the pre-writ period arguing in principle against the concept of Coalition, the Liberals have opened up this new front, in which they hope to demonstrate to electors that the coalition is practically problematic, not just theoretically so.

ELECTION CALENDAR

This section will be updated daily as information is received.

Ontario

Carleton: Nomination August 19; Poll August 26/27

East Durham: Nomination August 22; Poll August 29/30

Hamilton: Nomination August 26; Poll September 3/4

KIngston: Nomination August 19; Poll August 26/27

London: Nomination August 21; Poll August 28/29

South Ontario: Nomination August 19; Poll August 26/27

Ottawa: Nomination August 19; Poll August 26/27

North Renfrew: Nomination August 27; Poll September 4/5

Toronto East: Nomination August 22; Poll August 29/30

Toronto West: Nomination August 22; Poll August 29/30

South Wentworth: Nomination August 23; Poll August 30/31

August 13, 1867

“SAVING THE UNION” TO BE CAMPAIGN CALL

The Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald is expected to arrive in his home city of Kingston in time for the August 19th nomination day. The crux of his campaign to retain the prime ministership is expected to be a call to save the new Confederation from forces who have earlier opposed it and would still wish to see it undone.

GALT ENDORSED ANNEXATION

The Globe alleges that Hon. Alexander Galt, current Dominion Minister of Finance was dismissed from his officer’s commission with the First Battalion, Regiment of Sherbrooke, for having signed the Annexationist Manifesto of 1849. Galt had earlier resigned his seat in the Legislature over the issue.

ONTARIO RIDING ROUND UP

Carleton

Two government supporters in the persons of John Rochester, brewer, and John Holmes, Warden of Ottawa County, have put their names forward for the Commons seat for Carleton.

The candidates for the provincial legislature are Senator James Skead and the Mayor of Ottawa, Robert Lyon. Both are supporters of the administration, with Skead identified as a Tory and Lyon as a Liberal-Conservative. A third candidate, identified only as Mr. Eastman has put his name forward as an independent.

East Durham

Internal squabbles amongst Reformers in East Durham, as in other ridings, has hindered the nomination of candidates here. No word yet on Tory candidates, either.

East Peterborough

James Anderson is the Reform candidate here for the Commons seat.

Ottawa

There are two candidates in Ottawa for the House of Commons, Ed Macgillivray and J. M. Currier. Both men are supporters of the Government but Currier claims the support of the government for his candidacy. The Liberals have not nominated a candidate of their own and appear to be waiting until nomination day to make a final decision on whether to do so.

Richard Scott, a former Ontario MPP, has put his name forward to represent the city once again in the provincial parliament. He has received the endorsement of the prime minister. He is opposed by H. J. Friel, former editor of the Ottawa Union. Friel was recruited by opponents of Hon. Sandfield Macdonald’s “Patent Combination” but Friel has subsequently come out as a supporter of Sandfield, upsetting his recruiters.

Prince Edward

James McCuaig is the Conservatives’ Commons candidate here. He is opposed by Liberal Walter Ross. Provincially, Absalom Greeley carries the Liberal banner against Conservative Mr. Solmes.

North Lanark

Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) stands unopposed for the Commons here. Liberal Daniel Galbraith stands similarly unopposed for the provincial seat.

North Leeds and Grenville

The former member for the riding, Francis Jones, has received the endorsement of local Tories in the riding by way of a nominating convention. He is opposed by Independent Conservative, G. Montgomery.

The race for the provincial seat is a crowded one, with Ogle Gowan representing the Conservatives, H. O. Burnett signing on to Sandfield Macdonald’s Liberal-Conservative ticket, and Harry Smith carrying the Reform banner. Smith has unsuccessfully contested the riding several times in the past.

North Renfrew

The Dominion and provincial governments will carry this riding. Both Commons candidates, John Rankin and Thomas Murray have pledged their support to John A. Macdonald. John Supple, supported of Sandfield Macdonald, is expected to be acclaimed as the MPP.

North Wentworth

James McMonies carries the Reform banner for the Commons seat here. He is joined on the ticket for the provincial seat by Robert Christie. Their opponents are Tories Alexander Brown and Dr. Miller. This is historically a Liberal seat that the Conservatives are said to be eager to drag to their side of the House.

Prescott

Reformer Albert Hagar is the only candidate declared for the House of Commons here, his expected opponent, Thomas Higginson, who represented the riding in the late Legislative Assembly, having withdrawn from the race.

T. D. McGee will carry the banner for Sandfield Macdonald here. He is opposed by James Boyd, who stands against the Patent Combination.

Russell

The two candidates for the House of Commons seat are supporters of Macdonald. Robert Bell previously represented the riding in the Legislative Assembly of Canada. His opponent is Dr. James Grant. Grant is experiencing a surge in popularity and is expected to put up a serious challenge for the seat.

The race for the provincial seat in the riding is a crowded one with six candidates declared so far and a seventh being discussed. Four candidates supportive of Sandfield Macdonald have put their names forward: Messrs. Sparks, Craig, Morgan, and Dunning. Two Liberals, O’Hanly and Masson have announced their intention to stand. The field is expected to narrow by nomination day.

South Grenville

William Patrick, chairman of the Reform Convention is opposed by Montreal Tory Walter Shanly for the Commons seat.

For the provincial seat the Mayor of Prescott, Mcneil Clarke stands for the Tories. J. McCarthy, a Liberal Catholic, is his competition.

South Grey

George Jackson has returned to the campaign trail once again as the government candidate in South Grey. Jackson had earlier announced his withdrawal from the campaign, citing an unwillingness to spend the campaign relitigating the case for the Grey and Simcoe railway. The Globe reports that Jackson has allowed his name to stand once again on the promise from John A. and company that his campaign expenses would be covered. Jackson will stand for both the Commons and the provincial legislature. He will be opposed for the provincial seat by Abraham Lauder.

South Renfrew

Daniel McLachlin, Liberal, and former member, stands unopposed for the Commons seat.

John Lorn McDougall will represent the Liberals in the provincial contest here. T. B. French, received the endorsement of John A. Macdonald for the provincial seat but this is rumoured to have hurt his candidacy more than helped it.

South Wentworth

Joseph Rymal and William Sexton are the Reform candidates here. No word on who the Tories will field against them.

Toronto East and Toronto West

The writs have been received for both ridings. Nominations will occur on August 22 and the polls conducted on August 29th and 30th.

West Durham

A recent campaign meeting in the riding saw Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) and Hon. M. C. Cameron (Provincial Secretary) make the case for the two coalition governments against the Reform candidates for the riding, Edward Blake, who is running for the Commons, and John McLeod, who is running for the provincial seat. The meeting is reported to have been attended by some 500 people and did not wrap up until well past four o’clock in the morning.

West Northumberland

James Cockburn is the Tory candidate here and will be unopposed for the Commons seat. Reformer Alexander Fraser will be unopposed for the provincial seat.

West York

The writ has been received in this riding where Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) represents the government. The dates of nomination and polling have not yet been announced but a delay is not expected.

QUEBEC RIDING REPORTS

Ottawa County

Alonzo Wright, the former MLA, is unopposed for the Commons seat. He will sit with the Macdonald if he is elected. Whether he is opposed depends on the correctness of rumours that Napoléon Bourassa, son-in-law of Louis-Joseph Papineau, intends to enter the race on the anti-Coalition ticket.

The provincial candidates are Dr. Church and R. H. McGreevy, both of whom are supportive of the Hon. P-J-O Chauveau’s ministry.

Pontiac County

Tory Edmund Heath is the sole candidate for the Commons here and is not expected to draw any opposition.

For the provincial seat, John Poupore and William O’Meara will stand. Both are supporters of the premier.

130 OF 164 DEAD IN MONTREAL LAST WEEK CHILDREN

The rate at which children are dying in Montreal appears to be rising. Last week, 130 of the 164 dead in the city were children. During the third week of July, 108 of 181 deaths in the city were children. The death rate in Montreal is well above average for the total population but the fact that the majority of deaths are among children and, at that, babies, raise this to the level of a public health emergency. A review of cemetery registrations in July showed that the cause of these infant deaths is recorded as “infant disability” or “weakness”. The Herald has called for making the presentation of a medical certificate showing the true cause of death a requirement in order that some hope of bringing an end to the Grim Reaper’s rampage through the city’s nurseries.

August 12, 1867

CABINET CAMPAIGNS

With Hon. George-Étienne Cartier’s departure, the prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald is the only member of the Privy Council remaining in Ottawa. No doubt, his recent health troubles have kept him from joining his colleagues on the campaign trail.

MONTREAL WEST

All signs indicate that Montreal West may be the most hotly contested constituency in the whole Dominion as the battle between Macdonald’s man D’Arcy McGee and the former military man, Bernard Devlin threatens to burn with the intensity of a barn fire.

It is all the more remarkable for the fact that McGee and Devlin were once on friendly terms, it being Devlin who introduced McGee to Montreal’s Irish community when the former American immigrated to Lower Canada.

At his most recent meeting, Devlin challenged McGee to produce evidence of claims that Devlin and his supporters are involved in Fenianism. McGee has yet to furnish that proof but has taken the step of sending a letter to the Gazette repeating the accusation and threatening to publish the evidence.

It is an odd tack to take, to repeatedly threaten the release of documents, without actually releasing them and one begins to wonder if this isn’t just a ploy by McGee to try and run down a fellow Irishman who threatens to draw votes away from him.

It is odder still considering Devlin’s strong record of fighting against Fenianism not just in word but also in deed, having served as an officer in the Prince of Wales Rifle Regiment during last summer’s Fenian raids.

The next move is McGee’s and we shall be watching closely.

SOUTH ONTARIO RIDING

The de facto leader of the Dominion Liberals, George Brown, will be one of the first prospective members of the new Dominion Parliament to face the electors. The election writ for the riding of South Ontario has been received and the dates set for the nomination (August 19) and polling (August 26 and 27). These are the earliest dates allowed under the election law.

Brown and his supporters are bullish about his chances in this riding not least because his opponent, Thomas Gibbs, was recently caught having lied about making a $500 donation to the Volunteer Relief Fund for militia men injured at the Battle of Ridgeway.

August 10, 1867

DOMINION ELECTIONS

The Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald and the Minister of Militia, Hon. George-Étienne Cartier are the only cabinet ministers remaining in Ottawa as of last night. Hon. Alexander Campbell (Post Master General) has departed for Kingston and Hon. Alexander Galt (Finance) will have arrived in Montreal as of this writing. According to one observer’s count, Mr. Galt has spent little more than seven days in Ottawa out of the last forty-one.

The prime minister has spent another day laid up at home.

ONTARIO ELECTION

It is heard on authority that writs for some forty Ontario constituencies were dropped in the mail over the last two days.

OTTAWA MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The writs have been issued for municipal and county elections in Ottawa. The polls will be held on August 26 and 27, 1867. Nomination day is August 19, 1967.

August 9, 1867

QUEBEC ELECTION WRITS ISSUED

Québec yesterday joined the Dominion, Ontario, and Nova Scotia on the campaign trail with a issuing of writs by the Lieutenant-Governor. The Québec campaign will run 47 days, from August 8 to September 24, 1867.

A delegation from Québec arrived in Ottawa yesterday. Sir N. F. Belleau, Lieutenant-Governor of the province was accompanied by his ministers Hon. Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau (Premier, Provincial Secretary, Registrar), Hon. Gédéon Ouimet (Attorney-General), Hon. Charles-Eugène Bouger de Bouchervile (Speaker of the Legislative Council, and Hon. George Irvine (Solicitor-General).

The Québeckers first stopped in Hull to hold a cabinet meeting where the Great Seal was affixed to His Honour’s election proclamation. The group then proceeded to Ottawa where they joined their Ontario and Dominion counterparts for discussions.

The discussions were likely short as the politicians were anxious to return to their various corners of the Dominion and begin their campaigning in earnest. The Prime Minister appears to have recovered from his carbuncle as he was present at the Parliament Building today.

His Excellency, Lord Monck departs Ottawa by boat this morning, bound for Québec where it is believed he will greet his son who has come from England to visit.

MCGEE CHALLENGED IN MONTREAL

The temperature in Montreal yesterday reached 95 degrees in the shade, leaving horses overcome by the heat.

It was no cooler that evening amongst supporters of Bernard Devlin, Liberal candidate in the riding of Montreal West. Mr. Devlin stands opposed to D’Arcy McGee, the ministerial candidate. Devlin’s supporters charged that he, and not McGee, is the candidate the government’s Québec leader, George-Étienne Cartier wants to see returned to Ottawa since McGee was left out of the cabinet. (McGee’s absence from the cabinet was explained by the man himself some weeks ago when he revealed correspondence between himself and Sir John A. In the course of that explanation, McGee allowed that he had declined the cabinet position offered him in favour Senator Edward Kenny, an Irish Catholic from Nova Scotia.)

Devlin challenged his opponent to produce the evidence he claims he has about local men involved in Fenianism.

ORDERS-IN-COUNCIL

The Governor-in-Council has approved an application (1867-0046) from Mary Anne Whyte, widow of the late John Whyte, an employee of the Montreal Custom House, for a gratuity equal to 30-days of Mr. Whyte’s pay. The gratuity is standard and based on the policy contained in the Order-in-Council dated February 2, 1861.

An Order (1867-0046 1/2) from the Minister of Public Works, Hon. William McDougall, seeking $6,500 for fittings and furniture for Rideau Hall has been set aside by the Privy Council.

NEWS FROM GERMANY

It has been announced that a military treaty has been signed between Hamburg and Prussia. At the same time, a convention of the Liberal Party of Southern Germany was held in Stuttgart. The party is calling for the unification of the Southern and Northern States of Germany.

August 8, 1867

PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS CALLED

In addition to the Dominion elections, underway as of yesterday, elections are, or are about to be, under way in three of the four Canadian provinces. His Honour, Major-Gen. Stisted Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario and His Honour, General Williams Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia executed writs yesterday for elections in those two provinces. Sir Belleau, Lieutenant-Governor of Québec will execute writs for elections in Lower Canada when he arrives in Ottawa later today.

The writs are identical to those issued for the Dominion election, save for the Québec ones which will be dated today. The writs are returnable to their respective provincial capitals on September 24, 1867.

No word yet on when the writs will actually be dropped in the mail.

CABINET MEETING

The Cabinet met again yesterday. In attendance were Hon. George-Étienne Cartier, Hon. Alexander Galt, Hon. Alexander Campbell, and Hon. Hector Langevin. The prime minister did not attend the meeting as he has been incapacitated by a carbuncle.

TORONTO CENSUS

Women continue to outnumber men in the provincial capital though the gap is much smaller now than at the time of the last census in 1861.

The census recently completed sets the population of Toronto at 49,016 persons, up from 44,821 in 1861. There are 24,109 men living in the city as compared to 24,907 women.

Six years ago, the population was divided between 21,677 men and 23,144 women.

EAST MIDDLESEX VOTE LIST TAMPERING CASE ADJOURNED TO AUG 14

The court case regarding allegations of tampering with the voters’ list by William Taylor, Clerk of London Township and the Conservative candidate in the riding for the provincial election, was again adjourned today by Deputy Judge Parks. The adjournment was made because the Judge is currently away and will not return until August 14.

Mr. Cornish, lawyer for the plaintiff, asked Deputy Judge Parks to proceed with the case given its timeliness. The Deputy Judge asked William Elliott, counsel for Mr. Taylor if he wished to proceed. Mr. Elliott replied only that he was ready if the Deputy Judge decided to proceed. In refusing to answer the question put to him three times, Elliott essentially forced the adjournment.

On inquiry from Mr. Cornish, Deputy Judge Parks said that he would not adjourn the case further even in the event that the Judge had not returned by the 14th.

GREGOIRE LAPOINTE APPOINTED RAILWAY CLERK

Hon. Alexander Campbell (Post Master General) has recommended (1867-0044) the appointment of Gregoire Lapointe as a Railway Clerk following the death of B. Michaud. The appointment was approved August 7, 1867.

Campbell also recommended (1867-0045) the transfer of William T. Thomas to the Post Office from the Crown Lands Department but the Privy Council saw fit to refer the matter back to the Post Master General and the appointment was not approved.

August 7, 1867

DOMINION ELECTION CALLED; 48-DAY CAMPAIGN

The Dominion elections have been called. The writs are dated August 7, 1867, and due back in Ottawa by September 24, 1867. The House of Commons has been summoned to meet in Ottawa that same day “to have conference and treaty with the Great Men and Senate….”

If the predictions are correct, the prime minister will win a sixteen seat majority, carrying 98 seats to the opposition’s 82.

Official Ottawa was a flurry of activity yesterday as the cabinet met to approve the recommendations of the Prime Minister regarding the elections and summoning of Parliament (1867-0040; 1867-0041).

His Excellency, Lord Monck, the Governor-General, arrived at the wharf in Ottawa accompanied by his private secretary and he proceeded directly to Rideau Hall where he signed the Proclamations as recommended by his Privy Councillors.

The cabinet ministers in attendance at yesterday’s meeting were the prime minister, Hon. George-Étienne Cartier, Hon. Alexander Campbell, Hon. Alexander Galt, and Hon. Hector Langevin.

There will be a single polling day in each constituency but that date is left to the discretion of each returning officer provided the writ is returned by the due date. The exceptions are the constituency of Gaspé and the constituency of Chicoutimi and Saugenay which have until October 24, 1867 for the return of their writs.

Polls cannot be held until the returning officer is in possession of the writ and there is no requirement that all writs be dropped in the mail at the same time. As the Cabinet controls the writs, it is believed that they will be delivered first to ridings where the prime minister expects a friendly result and delayed for ridings where the opposition is expected to prevail.

ELIGIBILITY OF ELECTORS FOR DOMINION ELECTIONS

The qualification for electors in the first Dominion election is governed by the Municipal Act of 1866. To be eligible to vote in the elections just called, one must be the owner or occupant of real property with a value of:

• in cities, $600;
• in towns, $400;
• in villages, $300;
• in townships, $200.

The voters’ list will be prepared from the municipal assessment roll of 1867 if that roll has been prepared and deposited with the Clerk of the Peace one month before the date of the writ. That means the voters’ list will be based on the 1867 assessment roll where that roll filed prior to July 7, 1867. In cases where this did not occur, the voters’ list will be prepared using the 1866 assessment roll.

Once the revisions of the voters’ list have taken place, the lists are final and an elector’s qualifications cannot be disputed. An elector’s identity, however, can be challenged at the polls.

In Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia, votes will be cast verbally by electors on enquiry by the Returning Officers. In New Brunswick voters will vote by secret ballot.

QUEBEC APPOINTMENTS

Phillip Jolicœur, Q.C. has been appointed Assistant Provincial Secretary and Henry Hopper Miler has been appointed Recording Clerk of the Council of Public Instruction. Hon John Ross is expected to be appointed Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench and Okill Steward, Q. C. and Charles Holt, Q. C., will be appointed Superior Court judges for the province.

STILL NO CITY BUDGET

Necessary municipal repairs in Toronto may not get completed before the arrival of winter owing to the failure of the council finance committee to produce a budget. While other departments continue their operations on the expected appropriations but the Board of Works is being delayed. This is the longest it has ever taken the finance committee to produce a budget for the City.

MCGEE ILL

Just a few days after being egged by a Montreal crowd, D’Arcy McGee is said to have fallen ill and is contemplating withdrawal from the election.

FRANCO-PRUSSIAN DIPLOMACY

French media in Paris are denying the existence of a “sharp diplomatic note” reported to have recently been sent by the Marquis de Moustier to Berlin. Local media report that France and Prussia are on “the best of terms”. Observers, however, dispute the account, and point to an “acrimonious tone” towards France emanating from the Prussian Government, coupled with the stockpiling of arms and munitions by the Prussians.

It is reported by Observers that Bismarck is prepared to punish France for its failure to execute Article 5 of the Treaty of Prague, as well as attempts at annexing southern Germany through the extension of commercial interests in the territory.

August 6, 1867

OTTAWA STILL

In what must surely be the calm before the storm, the Privy Council has remained silent on the issue of elections. There was news yesterday of two Orders-in-Council prepared for Cabinet consideration when it next meets. The first, 1867-0037, acknowledges the receipt of the resolutions adopted by the settlers of Portage La Prairie, this past June, seeking the extension of British law to their settlement. The Order will be referred back to the minister of State. A second order, 1867-0038, prepared by Hon. Alexander Campbell (Post Master General) seeks the appointment of Hon. John McMillan as Post Office Inspector for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Mr. McMillan previously served as Post Master General for New Brunswick. If approved, his salary will be $2,000 per year.

MITCHELL CONTINUES TO HANG ON IN NEW BRUNSWICK

Hon. Peter Mitchell, Minister of Marine and Fisheries in the Dominion government has resigned his seat in the Legislative Council of New Brunswick and is no longer a member of the local legislature but continues to retain the position of premier of the province. It is rumoured that Mitchell’s retention of the premiership in the province is part of an on-going scheme by the Dominion government to dictate control of the provincial governments.

HOTEL FOR TORONTO ISLAND

The Globe has endorsed a proposal for the construction of a hotel on the Toronto Island. Such a hotel will increase use of the Island, ensuring that those who live in the city have easy access to refuge from “the city’s heat and noise”, just ten minutes away. The recent acquisition of the Island by Toronto City Council oughts smooth the way for further developments there.

WEST TORONTO

In West Toronto, the contest for the provincial legislature is between Reformer Adam Crooks and Conservative John Wallis.

August 5, 1867

ELECTION CALL TODAY?

There was a small cabinet meeting late Saturday evening with only a quorum of ministers in attendance: the Prime Minister Hon. Sir John A. Macdonald, the Minister of Militia Hon. George-Étienne Cartier, the Post Master General Hon. Alexander Campbell, and the Secretary of State for Canada Hon. Hector Langevin. The meeting appears to have been called so that the prime minister, in his role as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General could present an Order-in-Council (1867-0036) for the payment of a bond for the performance by William Ferguson, Esquire, of the duties of Sherriff of Frontenac.

With still no word of the election writs we have correspondents staked out around the capital today to bring you any movements of the Privy Council we can find.

MACDONALD PREDICTED TO WIN ELECTION 98-82

With the election call delayed still further concern continues to grow amongst supporters of the prime minister that he has waited too long to call the election. Predictions in both the Reform and Conservative press presage a difficult election for Sir John A. Macdonald, who though projected to win the campaign 98-82, will only do so on the back of an overwhelming majority in Québec. The Opposition is expected to carry the other three provinces. The following is a breakdown of seats expected to be won by each faction once the writs are returned to Ottawa:

Ontario

30 - Conservatives/Liberal-Conservatives
52 - Reformers

Québec

55 - Conservatives/Liberal-Conservatives
9 - Liberals

Nova Scotia

7 - Government Supporters
12 - Opposition Supporters
(In Nova Scotia, the candidates have arrayed themselves as supporters or opponents of Confederation with such support not being indicative of whether they would support the existing ministry of Sir John A.)

New Brunswick

6 - Conservatives/Liberal-Conservatives
9 - Reformers

EAST MIDDLESEX VOTERS’ LIST IN COURT

Lawyers have appeared in the London courthouse this morning before Deputy Judge Parks to try allegations that the Clerk of London Township, William Taylor, who is also the Conservative candidate in the riding for the Ontario legislature, has tampered with the list, omitting some 200 names that ought to have been included.

Deputy Judge Parks has ordered the production of the assessment rolls on which the voters’ list is based, as well as the original notes of the assessors which, the lawyers involved believe will prove their claims. They are seeking the return of the missing names to the voters’ list.

Deputy Judge Parks has adjourned the proceedings until tomorrow morning.

The penalty for tampering with a voters list is imprisonment in a penitentiary for a period not less than two years and not more than seven.

JOE SIMPSON BLOCKED BY HON. W. HOWLAND

A letter appears in today’s Globe from manufacturer Joe Simpson, upset that Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) has blocked Simpson’s attempts to communicate with him. Simpson has written two letters thus far to the minister, both of which have gone unanswered and for which Simpson has not even received an acknowledgement of receipt. Simpson writes:

Permit me to remind you, sir, that, as an official of Government, one of whose supposed offices is the protection of individual right, you have been guilty of a sad dereliction of duty. As a gentleman you have committed a grave discourtesy, as a politician a most unlucky faux pas, and as a man a most unappreciable sense of your obligations.

It is burning question whether citizens have a right of reply when they attempt to communicate with their politicians.

MÊLÉE FOR MCGEE

An election meeting called by D’Arcy McGee and Alexander Ogilvie, Conservative candidates for the Dominion and provincial seats in the constituency of Montreal West was ended before it began when an angry mob began hurling rotten eggs at McGee. McGee and Ogilvie fled the scene after police were unable to stop the attack. McGee, undeterred has scheduled another meeting at Point St. Charles.

August 3, 1867

NO CABINET MEETING ELECTION CALL DELAYED AGAIN

The Dominion cabinet did not meet yesterday as anticipated. As a result, the election writs have not been issued.

THE NEW CANADIAN DOMINION

The Rev. Dr. Egerton Ryerson has published a pamphlet entitled “The New Canadian Dominion: Dangers and Duties of the People in Regard to Their Government” in which he warns of the dangers of partisanship. Parties, in the Reverend’s opinion, foment discord and create division. Good government is dependent on such discord and division being set aside in order that true progress in society be made.

The pamphlet has been received with mirth by editors at The Globe who have made clear their belief in the importance of partisan government to ensure, in their view, that elections be about principles rather than patronage.

If both parties in this debate get their way, the main question in the upcoming Dominion and Ontario elections will be coalition, yea or nay.

RIDING NEWS

Where will Crooks Cameron Run?

Ontario’s Provincial Secretary and Registrar, Hon. Matthew Crooks Cameron is having difficulty choosing a riding. While in in Brantford last week, supporting his cabinet colleague, Hon. E. B. Wood (Provincial Treasurer), Crooks Cameron told the audience that he would carry the “Patent Combination” banner in the constituency of North Brant. This week, however, at a meeting in North Ontario, the Provincial Secretary told the audience there that he would be putting his name forward in the East Toronto. The sooner the honourable gentleman decides on a the people he desires to represent in the provincial legislature, the sooner the people will be able to decide if they desire his representation.

West York

Hon. William P. Howland (Inland Revenue) has confirmed his support for Dr. Bull, Reform candidate in the riding of West York. While The Globe attempts to stir the pot amongst Conservatives in the riding, not least because Dr. Bull defeated Mr. Howland’s brother for the nomination, it was reported following the meeting that Dr. Bull’s nomination was considered an olive branch to Reformers in the riding after Howland and his Conservative supporters hijacked the Reform nominating convention.

HOME FOR INEBRIATES CONSIDERED FOR TORONTO

A meeting will be held at the Music Hall in Toronto on Monday, August 6, to discuss the establishment of a home for inebriates. Present at the meeting will be Dr. Bovell, Mr. McNabb, the Police Magistrate, Sheffif Jarvis, and a number of ministers. The idea is based on that which has been implemented in Boston and Chicago.

ALABAMA CLAIMS STILL UNRESOLVED

Another attempt by US Secretary of State Seward to obtain possession of British Columbia has failed, according to a report in The Herald. The latest scheme would have seen the Pacific colony turned over to the United States in return for the settlement of the Alabama claims. This plan has been abandoned on the grounds that it is not feasible.

August 2, 1867

NEW BRUNSWICK GOVERNMENT CLINGS TO POWER

One month following New Brunswick’s transformation from colony to province, the previous administration continues to remain in office with the only resignations being Hon. Samuel Tilley, who has been serving as Minister of Customs for the Dominion and Hon. Edward Williston, solicitor-general, who has been appointed to the County Courts as a judge.

Hon. John McAdam has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Public Works.

Hon. George Kerr will assumer the role of provincial secretary, vacant since Mr. Tilley’s resignation.

There is much feeling in the province that the ministry in place should resign and allow for a new ministry to be formed, something that has occurred in the other three provinces in the Dominion.

TAMPERING WITH VOTERS’ LIST ALLEGED IN EAST MIDDLESEX

The Globe is alleging irregularities with the voters’ list in the Township of London in the constituency of East Middlesex. According to the paper, a review of the list has shown that some voters appear on the list more than once while some notable local Reformers do not appear on the list. The Globe reports that William Taylor, the Conservative candidate for the provincial seat for this riding is the clerk for London township and therefore responsible for the maintenance of the assessment rolls upon which the voters’ list is based.

August 1, 1867

ELECTION WRITS TO BE ISSUED

Sir John A. Macdonald (Prime Minister) has returned to Ottawa following his pre-election tour of Western Canada. Multiple sources are reporting that the prime minister’s return to the capital presages a Privy Council decision on Friday as to the issue of writs for the forthcoming Dominion elections.

Sources indicate that there is some concern that John A. has delayed too long in calling the elections and that any further hesitation will irreparably harm his chances at the polls. With the decision expected on Friday, it is believed that the writs will be dropped in the mail on Saturday and certainly no later than Monday with receipt expected by the returning officers by August 8th or 9th. Once received, the poll in each constituency will be held on a day of the returning officer’s choosing.

The roll of voters to be used in each constituency will be either the assessment role of 1866 or 1867. In municipalities where the 1867 assessment roll has been filed one month prior to the issuance of the writ of election that roll will be used. In all other cases the 1866 roll will be used. The rolls for 1867 are not due to be filed until October 1, meaning that only in those municipalities with an eager clerk will the 1867 roll be used.

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION A DUTY

From a lengthy Globe editorial on the importance of every man’s participation in politics:

Let no good Canadian citizen then believe that he makes any but a very stupid remark when he avers that the never meddles with politics. If he is to do his duty in a free State with any degree of success, HE MUST BE A POLITICIAN and the sooner the “reputable” come to understand and act upon that the better for them and theirs.

REFORM BILL TO PASS IN UK

The Reform Bill appears set to pass the United Kingdom Parliament, extending the franchise to nearly all working class males in the country. Benjamin Disraeli has accepted a number of amendments to the legislation over the course of the parliamentary debate so that the bill offers reforms in excess of those originally sought.

ANSWERS SOUGHT IN CHILD DEATHS; MEDICAL CERTIFICATES SOUGHT

As was reported a little over a week ago, the deaths in Montreal for one week period stood at 181, more than three times the average rate of fifty-four. At the time it was reported that 151 of these deaths were children. That number has been revised to 154. Most disturbing is that of these, 108 of the children who died in Montreal that grim week were under one year of age.

The records filed with the cemeteries offer no clue as to the cause of death of these children. They are recorded as “infant disability” in the Protestant cemetery and “faiblesse”, or weakness, in the Catholic cemetery.

More precise answers are required in order to put an end to these premature deaths. “Does,” asks the Montreal Herald, “the disability arise from foul air, bad drainage, insufficient nourishment, feeble bodily constitution inherited from the parents, or…by the feeble beings being choked up by the clouds of filthy dust left to accumulate and be blown about by the wind….”

The Herald is calling for a change in the process of registering deaths so that a medical certificate showing the true cause of death be required before before a death can be registered.

DEATH OF JAMES LINDSAY

James Lindsay of Wallacetown, and the Reform candidate in the riding of West Elgin has died in Sault Ste. Marie. Mr. Lindsay had gone north in the hopes that the change of climate could aid his recovery but it was not to be.

July 31, 1867

PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING AS ELECTION NEARS

Though there is still no official word the signs are all around that the elections will begin at any moment. Candidates are preparing themselves in the various constituencies and the ministers have taken to the rails to cross the Dominion in search of confirmation from the electors of their good works and good intentions. Above all else, however, there can be no surer sign of an imminent poll-taking than the spending of sums on public works projects.

As speculation around grows around Ottawa that the paper work for the Dominion elections is complete save for the filling in of the dates, it should come as no surprise that the attention is being paid to the state of repair of the Dominion’s canals, locks, and harbours.

While the rest of official Ottawa sleeps, Hon. William McDougall (Public Works) was busy in his office on July 29, 1867, preparing memos for the Privy Council Office recommending the expenditure of nearly $17,000 on a number of canals, locks, harbours, and bridges in Ontario and Québec. Once submitted, McDougall departed Ottawa to join his colleagues on the campaign trail.

The memos were received by the PCO and turned into the following Orders, submitted yesterday for consideration by Her Majesty’s advisors and ultimate approval by His Excellency, the Governor-General.The Orders include:

• 1867-0030: $2,250 for the repair and operation of a steam dredge owned by the Government in the Lachine Canal. This Order will not be approved.
• 1867-0031: $2,000 for repairs to the Williamsburg Canal. Considered and approved on August 7, 1867.
• 1867-0032: $8,000 for repairs to the Lachine, Beauharnois, Chambly, and Carillon Canals and the St. Annes and St. Ours Locks. Considered and approved on August 7, 1867.
• 1867-0033: $3,500 to the Municipality of Huron and Bruce for improvements to the Southampton Harbour. These funds were part of a $10,000 grant to the municipality, dated February 20, 1866, for the improvement of the Owen Sound, Kincardine, and Southampton harbours. Payment of the grant was conditional upon the inspection of the completed work by departmental officials. That inspection now done, the Order has been made recommending release of this portion of the grant to the municipality. Considered and approved August 7, 1867.
• 1867-0034: $275 to A.W. Powell for construction of a Bridge at Farmers Rapids on the Gatineau River. The payment is an award and costs ordered by the provincial arbitrator.
• 1867-0035: $780 to Stephen Richards for arbitration services on contractor claims related to the Public Buildings, Ottawa. Considered September 28, 1867. Approved October 1, 1867.

  POSTAL CONFUSION IN QUEBEC

  With the advent of the Province of Québec and the demise of the Province of Canada East, the Montreal Gazette is warning those mailing letters to the province take care to ensure that the envelopes are clearly addressed.

The new practice of including “Québec” on the envelopes of all matter being sent to all destinations in the province have resulted in some mail being routed to Québec City by accident. The Gazette suggests that letters meant for the province include a designation like “P.Q.” be used in place of the provincial name so as to avoid the confusion.

NEWS FROM THE RED RIVER VALLEY

John Conner and William Kittson, late of the Township of Howard in Kent County, Ontario, write of their early experiences emigrating to Rupert’s Land last month. They report of

• soil that is “a rich, greasy, black, clay loam…blacker and richer than any, even of the flats and bottoms of the River Thames.”
• prairie cleanings that can be sown and reaped within one year of settling
• land “as far as the eye could see” that is “just waiting for the plough, and giving promise of food and homes for millions.”
• the purchase of 200 acres and a homestead on the bank of the Assiniboine River, fifteen miles from Fort Garry on the route to Saskatchewan, for £7 ($34)
• expecting to break 15 of their acres this year, and sowing it next, a task that would take fifteen years in Ontario
• farmers reaping crops of incredible prosperity — a six acre field producing 384 bushels of wheat, each weighing 67 lbs and another farmer who reaped 900 bushels of potatoes from 22 bushels of seed.

Messrs. Conner and Kittson warn, however that all is not rosy. The local government, such as it is, has “no energy, no life, no anything” except an obsession with furs and fur profits. The gentleman write that their emigration to the territory was made on the belief that the territory would soon be part of the Dominion and express hope that that soon occurs.

Finally, they note with some concern that on their way out they passed a caravan of some 1,050 carts bound for St. Paul, Minnesota, carrying hardly any Canadian goods. “Surely,” they write, “our country has some right to the riches of this productive land, at least to its trade, if nothing more.”

ATTACK ON IRISH GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Recent statements in Chronicle and Mercury with respect to the Irish population must be the responsibility of the politicians who support these publications through grants, patronage, and the dissemination of information, according to the Québec News.

Recent calls for Irish representation in the provincial cabinet have been rejected by the two papers. The Chronicle argues that Irish claims to specific representation are as justified as those of the Indians of Loretto. The Mercury goes further, telling the Irish they exist in Canada solely as “labourers about the docks” and “domestics in British households.”

RICHARDS IN BROCKVILLE

Hon. Stephen Richards (Commissioner of Crown Lands, Ontario) is in Brockville mooting a potential run in the South Leeds constituency.

ONTARIO PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS RENOVATED

Construction of a western wing of the of the Ontario Parliament Buildings at the corner of Front and Simcoe Streets in Toronto, is nearly complete and will house the clerks of the Crown Lands Department. The rest of the building is undergoing a complete renovation. The outside has been painted red and work on the legislative chamber is underway with a completion date still to be determined.

July 30, 1867

DOMINION NEWS

Cabinet Bare, Ministers All Away

Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Militia), the last minister in Ottawa, has departed for Montreal. He is expected to return on Thursday along with Hon. Alexander Galt (Finance) and Hon. Hector Langevin (Secretary of State of Canada).

Elections Writs Soon to Be Mailed

Writs for the forthcoming Dominion elections have been prepared and aware only to be affixed with a date and a signature and placed in the mail. It is expected the elections will begin between the 18th and 24th of August. A quorum of the Privy Council is expected in Ottawa on August 2 to deal with the matter. The writs could then be dropped in the mail the following day.

ONTARIO

Brantford Reformers Betrayed by Wood

It did not take long for feelings of betrayal amongst Brantford Reformers to surface following Hon. E. B. Wood”s announcement that he had accepted the position of provincial treasurer in Sandfield Macdonald’s “Patent Combination” cabinet. The Brantford Expositor withdrew its previously announced support for the gentleman, disappointed by his “acrobatic feat” calling into question the existence of his political principles.

The Brantford Reform Association, in the meanwhile, has announced that Mr. Wood will no longer be their candidate in the upcoming elections and that a new candidate will be nominated shortly.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Nothing has been heard from New Brunswick with respect to the formation of its cabinet.

NOTES FROM NOVA SCOTIA

Tupper a Traitor ‘Should be Shot’

Recent political events in this province have clouded consideration of the Confederation question. Rather than being mooted on its merits, support or opposition for the Union became synonymous with support or opposition for the Tupper government.

Beleaguered by public anger over the handling of the railway question, mismanagement of public finances, and providing for the funding of public schools through the use of tax dollars, Tupper found that those who opposed him were likely to oppose Confederation as well.

Given this, it should be no surprise that Tupper refused calls for a referendum on the matter. Had he done so, the scheme would likely have collapsed — not because it was a poor idea but because the people considered Tupper a poor prime minister.

The failure to put the question of Confederation has further inflamed public opinion, resulting in both he scheme and the man being more unpopular than ever. Indeed, if not common, it is certainly not rare to hear one say that he would not defend Canada against a foreign invader and declare Tupper a traitor who ought to be shot.

As the Dominion and provincial elections approach, it is hoped that cooler heads will carry the day and that the issues of Tupper and Confederation will separate in the minds of voters and be considered separately.

Riding Review

The following is a review of Nova Scotia’s eighteen constituencies and their candidates. The province will return nineteen MPs to Ottawa, with two being elected in Halifax and one in each of the remaining seventeen ridings. Given the depth of the enmity that exists in the province towards the Dominion, It is believed that the a decent result for John A. Macdonald in this province will be six or seven members returned who will support his administration though few believe the prime minister’s showing will even that strong here.

Annapolis: Former Commissioner of Railways and Conservative, Avard Longley, is the Union candidate. Liberal, William Ray is the Anti candidate.

Antigonish: Hugh Macdonald is the Anti candidate here. He may be opposed by former Attorney-General, W. A. Henry, although Mr. Henry is said to be considering standing in Richmond.

Colchester: This riding is being contested by two old Liberals. The first, Hon. Adams George Archibald, is a member of the Dominion cabinet, serving as Secretary of State for the Provinces. He is opposed by A. W. McLellan, Anti.

Cumberland: This is Dr. Tupper’s constituency. He will be opposed by the editor of the Halifax Chronicle, Hon. William Annand, carrying the Anti banner.

Digby: Former speaker of the Nova Scotia legislature, John C. Wade will represent the Union in this riding. He is to be opposed by two Anti candidates, A. W. Savery, a Liberal and William Mehan, a Conservative.

Guysborough: Steward Campbell, Anti, is currently unopposed.

Halifax: Both the Union and Anti sides have nominated two candidates each in this constituency and both has one candidate who is an old Conservative and one who is a Roman Catholic. The candidates for the Union side are S. L. Shannon and John Tobias. The candidates for the Anti side are A. G. Jones and Patrick Power. The Archbishop is supporting the Union candidates.

Hants: Joseph Howe is a candidate in this riding. He is opposed by a fellow Anti, J. W. King.

Inverness: Dr. H. Cameron, Anti; Samuel McDonell, Union.

Kings: William Chipman is considered the leading candidate in a field of several anti-Union candidates. There is no Union candidate yet declared.

Lunenburg: E. M. McDonald, Anti. H. A. N. Kaulback, Union.

Pictou: J. W. Carmichael, Anti; James McDonald, Union.

Queen’s: Dr. Forber will carry the Anti banner. John Campbell will stand for the Union.

Richmond: W. J. Croke and Dr. Roberts are both declared in this constituency and they are both standing beneath the Anti banner. M. W. A. Henry, former Attorney-General, may put his name forward here.

Shelburne: Thomas Coffin, Anti, is the only declared candidate in this constituency.

Sidney: James McKeagney, Anti, is currently unopposed.

Victoria: William Ross, Anti is the only candidate declared thus far for this constituency.

Yarmouth: Thomas William and W. H. Townsend are the two Anti candidates in this constituency. There is no Union candidate yet declared.

July 29, 1867

NEWS FROM OTTAWA

As of Saturday, July 27, only two ministers were in Ottawa, they being George-Étienne Cartier and William McDougall. The government has conducted no business in some time as a result of ministers having dispersed across the country for election purposes. Mr. McDougall is expected to join his fellow ministers on the road today.

GIBBS CAUGHT IN LIE

Government candidate Thomas Gibbs was caught in a lie two nights ago in Ashburn in the South Ontario constituency by his Reform opponent, George Brown.

The previous night, in Columbus, Gibbs told the audience that he had contributed $500 towards the Volunteer Relief Fund for those injured at Ridgeway. He did so by writing to his brother and having him make the contribution on his behalf. The story having been well received, was repeated by Mr. Gibbs’ brother, William, last night in Ashburn.

After telling electors about how Thomas had written to him and asked him to make the contribution to the Fund, William was confronted by Mr. Brown who asked him three times whether or not he had paid the money on his brother’s behalf. William did not respond to the first two questions. When the question was put a third time he admitted he had not paid the money to the Relief fund. Further questioning from Mr. Brown revealed that Thomas had only contributed $100 to the Fund.

The audience was scandalized and Brown accused the brothers Gibbs of playing a trick, attempting a fraud, and imposing a falsehood on the innocent voters of South Ontario. It comes as no surprise that Gibbs should have lost the vote taken at the end of the meeting by a margin of three to one.

While it remains to be seen what effect this episode will have on the fortunes of Gibbs and Brown once the poll is taken, Gibbs is guilty of that which many politicians before him have done and surely many more who follow will also do. That is commit an unnecessary exaggeration when the truth would suffice. Too often, politicians will say more than is necessary in order to curry favour with voters, thinking that an exaggeration of promise or past deed will give them that much of an advantage over their opponent. However, if that were true, then, as Mr. Brown asked last night, why did Mr. Gibbs not claim to have made a $1000 dollar donation? The price of such an exaggeration is low but the cost could be very high indeed.

SCHEME TO KIDNAP ABRAHAM LINCOLN

The Herald reports, according to sources in Canada with knowledge of the plan, that Col. Percy Wyndham of the Union Army was part of a conspiracy to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet and deliver them to the Confederate government in Richmond, Virginia.

July 28, 1867

Special Edition

ELECTION UPDATE FROM QUEBEC

Riding Run Down

Megantic: Hon. George Irvine, solicitor-general for the province will be contesting this riding for both the Dominion and provincial legislatures. At the his opponent for the House of Commons will be Noel Hebert and Dr. J. Reid for the local house.

Jacques Cartier: Joseph-Michel Robillard is the Liberal candidate for the provincial assembly. Mr. Brandt will be the candidate for the House of Commons.

Vercheres: Both the Conservatives and the Liberals have their candidates for both legislatures in this riding. For the House of Commons, Félix Geoffrion (Liberal) will face Mr. Marano (Conservative). For the Québec legislature, Clovis Malo (Liberal) will face André-Boniface Craig (Conservative).

Québec East: Pierre Huot (Liberal) is expected to face opposition from shipbuilder, Mr. Vallo. Adolphe Guillet dit tourangeau, former mayor of Québec, will stand for the local legislature.

Hochelaga: Antoine Dorion is the currently the only candidate nominated in this riding.

Montcalm: A Liberal nominating convention is expected within a few days. Joseph Dufresne will stand for the Conservatives.

Bellechasse: Napoléon Casault is the Conservative candidate. Mr. Rémillard will be his opponent.

Two Mountains: Jean-Baptiste Daoust is the Conservative candidate for the riding of Two Mountains. M. Daoust will contest the seat despite having been convicted of forgery in 1865. Gédéon Ouimet the provincial attorney-general will be the local candidate for the Conservatives.

Beauharnois: Paul Denis, reported to be a disciple of George-Étienne Cartier, will be the candidate in this riding, though it is reported that a paper supportive of the government is urging electors to return a different member.

Ottawa County: Alonzo Wright, the former MPP is currently unopposed in the race for the Commons. L. R. Church and R. McGreevy are the candidates for the provincial house.

Richelieu: M. Gélinas and M. Perrault will contest the seat against Thomas McCarthy (Conservative).

Napierville: M. Coupal, the former MPP, will oppose M. Laviolette.

Rouville: For the House of Commons, Mr. Cheval (Liberal) will stand against Dr. Poulin, the former MPP. For the provincial house, Victor Robert will carry the Liberal banner against M. Brillon.

Three Rivers: Charles Boucher De Niverville is the Conservative candidate here for both the Dominion and local legislature. For the House of Commons he will be opposed by the mayor, Sévère Dumoulin and by William Macdougall locally.

Chateauguay: As earlier reported, Luther Holton (Liberal) will stand against Mr. T. K. Ramsay for the House of Commons. Édouard Laberge is the Liberal candidate for the provincial legislature.

St. Maurice: Mr. Lajoie will be the Liberal candidate for the House of Commons here.

July 27, 1867

NEWS FROM SASKATCHEWAN

A correspondent writes from the Saskatchewan District with news from Fort Pitt on the North Saskatchewan River that the Cree are upset at their land being settled without being paid for and are complaining to the missionaries. A treaty is necessary but there is no clear authority to make it.

The Prince Albert colony further down the North Saskatchewan is in need of all manner of settlers. Spirits have been outlawed but continue to be brought in by private traders. Without liquor, it is believed that the colony will thrive, achieving “a most important position.”

ELECTION NEWS FROM NEW BRUNSWICK

Lending some credence to Sir John A. Macdonald’s call the other day for a realignment of the party system in the wake of Confederation, the candidates preparing themselves for the Dominion elections in this province are adhering to the old label of Unionist and anti-Unionist. It is believed by some to be a ploy by Messrs. Tilley and Galt to ensure a victory for the current administration through an act of political transposition by shifting support for Confederation to the Ministry.

The dominant issue in the election will be the route chosen for the Intercolonial Railway, with the route running along the river all but guaranteeing victory for the government.

Riding-by-riding predictions

The following riding-by-riding predictions for New Brunswick have been published by The Globe: St John (City): Hon. Samuel Tilley (Customs) is expected to be returned. He currently has no opponent and may be acclaimed.

St John (Couty): Hon. John H. Gray, former speaker of the colonial legislature, is the only candidate so far. He is a Unionist with a Conservative pedigree. Former MPP Cudlip’s name is raised as a possible anti-Unionist opponent for Mr. Gray.

Restigouche: Hon. John McMillan, (Postmaster General, NB) is expected to be the the MP for this riding.

Westmoreland: Hon. Albert J. Smith, leader of the anti-Unionist party will be returned for this county.

Gloucester: Hon. T. W. Anglin, a member of Mr. Smith’s 1865 government, and editor of the St John Freeman will be the MP for this riding.

Northumberland: Hon. John M. Johnson, Unionist, will be elected here.

Kent: Two anti-Unionists, Messrs. Cale and McMuney, are expected to contest this seat and whoever wins it will sit with the Opposition.

Albert: H. T. Stevens will be the MP for this riding. He is the editor of the Hillsborough Advocate and a supporter of Mr. Tilley.

Charlotte: No prediction is made for this riding which will be contested by Mr. A. H. Gilmour (anti-Unionist) and Mr. John Bolton (Unionist).

King’s: There are three candidates in this riding — George Ryan (Union) and George Orty and a Mr. McCready, both anti-Unionists. It is believed that the presence of Mr. McCready helps Mr. Orty, by taking votes from Mr. Ryan.

Queen’s: No prediction in this riding which is being contested by John Ferris (Union) and S. R. Thomson (Anti).

Sunbury: Two Union candidates are vying for the constituency of Sunbury — W. E. Perley and John Glazler. The two men have represented the riding in the local legislature. It is expected they will decide amongst themselves which shall go to Ottawa and which will remain in New Brunswick.

York: Hon. Charles Fisher is expected to be the MP from York. It is suggested that Dr. Dow and John Pickard (Anti) may contest the riding.

Carleton: Hon. Charles Connell will contest and probably be elected here. L. P. Fisher is another possible candidate.

Victoria: No prediction is made for Victoria which will be a contest between B. Beveridge (Union) and John Costigan (Anti).

ELECTION NEWS FROM QUEBEC

We have received at a late hour a review of the election situation in Québec. It will be published in a special July 28 edition.

GLOBE DECLARES LACROSSE CANADA’S NATIONAL GAME

An article in The Globe declares lacrosse Canada’s national game and suggests that with its growing popularity in the Dominion it is not likely to remain the exclusive domain of aboriginal Canadians much longer. Reference is made to a recent match in Montreal where 10,000 spectators attended, 2,000 of whom were women.

July 26, 1867

BROWN HOLDS 800 HOSTAGE IN BROOKLIN

Last night in Brooklin, on the fourth night of his election tour of the South Ontario riding, Reform candidate George Brown began speaking just after 7:30 pm. He did not stop for five hours.

It was not ten days ago that Brown declined to speak at a meeting in Vaughan after attendees passed a motion limiting his speaking time to 30 minutes. According to accounts, Brown said it was the first time that he had been “denied the freedom of speaking as long as the audience were willing to listen.” Brown later left that meeting and addressed followers around a tree stump.

It was approximately 12:30 am before Brown’s rival, Thomas Gibbs was able to take the stage and respond. With only thirty minutes allowed him, Gibbs’s defence was grasping at best. It is said that Gibbs “wilted under the flagellation” he received from Brown but it might be more fairly claimed that Gibbs was done in by the speech’s length rather than its strength, regardless of its merits.

Come 1:00 am, the Hon. Matthew Crooks Cameron, provincial secretary and registrar for Ontario, who had travelled to Brooklin in support of Gibbs had not yet taken the stage. The contents of his speech are not known as the reporter left owing to the late hour.

KIDS TODAY SPOILED; SHIRKING HONEST LABOUR

An editorial in The Globe decries the unwillingness of the youth of today to engage in honest labour, including “the great business of Canada — farming. The youth of today

would like, no doubt to make money — they would above all things, be pleased to appear genteel, but the great thing is to be, at any rate, relieved from any thing like hard work.

Across the country, they are taking positions at reduced wages “simply because it is thought more respectable to do that than something else which would oblige them to take off their coats and make their hands harder and browner than they have any taste for.”

Do not get the author started on young women who now refuse to do house work and insist on having hired help which, in turn, induces young men to avoid marriage on the grounds of the expense involved.

The author closes, incredulous at the notion that young people today have the temerity to believe that it is “absolutely necessary that they should begin life in the same style in which their parents are now ending theirs”.

CIGAR MANUFACTURERS ORGANIZE IN FACE OF FOREIGN IMPORTS

The Cigar Manufacturing Association of Canada was formed at a meeting held two days ago at the Globe Hotel on Yonge Street in Toronto. The Association was formed out of necessity as the manufacturers believe their industry is threatened by virtue of the fact that their products are subject to higher duties and taxes than foreign imports. The Association is calling on the Dominion government to “place such a duty on imported cigars as will give us the required relief.”