October 25, 1867

NEW FACTS IN COMMERCIAL BANK CASE

We draw your attention to yesterday’s publication which contained a statement of facts then known about the collapse of the Commercial Bank. To those we add the following, courtesy of the Montreal Herald:

1. The $300,000 loan the Commercial Bank received from the Bank of Montreal at the end of September was requested by the Government. It was secured by the value of Commercial Bank notes and repayable in November and December at a rate of six per cent.
2. On October 16, the Commercial sought another $500,000 from the Bank of Montreal as the Commercial was still unable to cover the withdrawal of deposits.
3. This request was denied on account of the Commercial having failed to reduce its discounts and because the latest despots had already been secured.
4. The Commercial then sought a loan from the Government which was also declined.
5. The Commercial then returned to the Bank of Montreal which again declined the request but suggested that the Commercial apply to the other banks in Ontario, offering to assist any of those banks that might wish to help the Commercial but be unable to do so.
6. The Bank of Montreal then approached the Bank of British North America and proposed that the two banks secure the loans to the other banks, should any be requested, at a rate of two-thirds and one-third each.
7. On October 21, a meeting was held at the offices of the Bank of British North America and was attended by representatives of The Bank of Montreal, the Bank of British North America, the Ontario Bank, the Bank of Toronto, the City Bank of Montreal, the Royal Canadian Bank, and the directors of the Commercial Bank.
8. The Commercial Bank then issued a request for a $750,000, offering to repay one half in four months and the other half in six months, and securing the loan with the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway bonds. It was at this point the Ontario banks were informed of the offer of the Bank of Montreal and the Bank of British North America to provide loans to the Ontario banks as required to fulfill the Commercial request.
9. The Ontario banks rejected the offer from the two banks on the grounds that they did not need any assistance.
10. The Ontario banks then argued in favour of the assistance to the Commercial being made on the proportion of capital rather than in proportion to immediate liabilities.
11. The Bank of Toronto then suggested that the Bank of Montreal surrender the securities it received for the loan in September and that the bonds of the Detroit and Milwaukee be held in common.
12. The Bank of Montreal declined the proposal stating that its previous assistance to the Commercial was not a part of the current discussions. The bank also pointed out that it had offered to advance supports to the other banks in order to secure a deal but this was rejected.
13. At this point, the Bank of Montreal representatives withdrew from the meeting to allow the banks to continue their discussions, offering to return once the banks had decided on a course of action.
14. The banks decided on aid in the following amounts:
15. British North America - $100,000
16. Toronto - $60,000
17. City - $72,000
18. Royal Canadian - $60,000
19. Ontario - $120,000 This amounted to $412,000 of the $750,000 requested by the Commercial Bank. It was felt that another $192,000 would be available from the Gore Bank, the Merchants’ Bank, and the Québec Bank, who were not in attendance at the meeting. This would make the total amount available to the Commercial $604,000. The loans were contingent on their approval by the respective bank presidents.
20. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Alexander Galt, who had been summoned to the meeting, took news of the offer to the Bank of Montreal, along with the president of the Commercial Bank.
21. Contingent on the approval of the agreement, the Bank of Montreal offered to delay the due date of its original $300,000 to coincide with the terms of the new loans.
22. The Bank of British North America then gave the Commercial an advance of $100,000 in the form of the Commercial’s own notes.
23. Some time later the telegrams arrived from Ontario with news that the bank presidents had refused the arrangements agreed to at the meeting.
24. The Commercial made one final plea to the Bank of Montreal for aid. They were again refused.
25. At this point the decision was made to move ahead with the suspension of the bank’s operations.

THE DANGERS OF MONOPOLY

It is unknown whether the facts of the case as outlined above were before the Hamilton Evening Times when they excoriated the Bank of Montreal for refusing to come to the assistance of the Commercial Bank, writing:

We fear the Bank of Montreal has the Government in its power, and is disposed to play the tyrant, not only over all other monetary institutions in Canada as far as it can, but over the Government itself. It is a matter of universal regret that any one great monied institution should have almost sole control over the currency and finances of the country. The Grand Trunk and the Bank of Montreal are the two great overshadowing monopolies that threaten the welfare and prosperity of the country.

Though the facts may not be exactly as understood at the time of the above opinion was written, it is certain that the case of the Commercial Bank has presented the Government with significant legislative challenges.

JOHN A. TO MONTREAL

The prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald left Ottawa last night on a special train to meet with the finance minister, Hon. Alexander Galt. Galt has been in Montreal for several days now, having first travelled to the city to meet Edward King, general manager of the Bank of Montreal to plead for the life of the Commercial Bank. The exact purpose of the meeting is unknown but it is hardly thought to be for positive reasons.

Meanwhile, rumours whip ‘round Parliament Hill of an imminent schism between Macdonald and Hon. George-Étienne Cartier (Militia). The Ottawa Citizen rejects these rumours as the workings of the imagination of the correspondent of the Globe stationed in Ottawa. If true, however, the opening of Parliament will be anything but a happy occasion for the prime minister.

BANK PANIC

There were runs on the Gore Bank of Hamilton and the Royal Canadian Bank of Toronto yesterday after rumours began to spread around the respective cities that the banks are big losers in the Commercial Bank drama. Each bank reports that its notes are fully backed by the gold they have in their vaults. The panic eventually subsided.

Yet where one panic ebbs, others flow. With the close of the navigation season nearly upon us, word circulates that some farmers are refusing to sell produce for anything other than specie. This despite the fact that there is zero indication that any other bank in the Dominion suffers from the same specific causes of the Commercial’s decline.

Both the Montreal News and the Ottawa Times concur that it is in the interest of every bank in the Dominion to restore the Commercial “in order to check the distrust creeping over society.” Given that the Commercial is the second bank to fail in the last two years, each in an atmosphere of general prosperity, such distrust is not so surprising.

To that end the Ottawa Times calls for the establishment of a national currency which would insulate the general public from deficiencies in a given bank’s character as well as insulate the banks from runs by any but its own depositors.

BANK OF COMMERCE

Amidst the drama of the closure of the Commercial Bank comes news from Toronto that the Bank of Commerce will establish an agency in that city.

October 24, 1867

COLLAPSE OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK

There are reports in Montreal that the money markets have tightened as a consequence of the closure of the Commercial Bank.

The Minister of Finance, Hon. Alexander Galt remains in Montreal after having traveled there with Commercial Bank President R. J. Cartwright in the hopes of helping Cartwright obtain a loan from the Montreal Bank.

A report from the Montreal Gazette suggests that previous reports on the demise of the Commercial have been incorrect. They report

1. That Edward King, General Manager of the Bank of Montreal was quite willing to advance funds to the Commercial Bank and proposed that his Bank and the Bank of British North America should supply the Commercial with the money required (on a division of two-thirds and one-third, respectively) provided the money was guaranteed and secured by the Commercial Bank.
2. When this proposal was rejected by the Ontario banks, Mr. King departed the meeting, declining to take part in any other arrangement.
3. It was then proposed that each bank loan the Commercial Bank enough funds, in proportion to its capital, so that the money required was provided. This proposal was rejected by the bank presidents on the grounds that the security offered — Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad bonds — were no security at all.

The Montreal Herald reports that Commercial Bank stockholders include the Church of Scotland in Canada (stock valued at $126,400), the Queen’s College Fund of the Church of Scotland in Canada (stock valued at $32,000), and the City of Kingston, Ontario (stock valued at $25,000).

SPEAKERSHIP OF THE SENATE

It is reported on authority that Hon. Joseph-Édouard Cauchon is to be appointed Speaker of the Senate. Readers will recall that M. Cauchon, who was recently acclaimed as the MP for Montmorency, attracts controversy wherever he goes.

Back in July, Cauchon was tapped to be premier of Québec but had to resign after his chosen cabinet ministers refused to serve alongside him.

Cauchon’s recent acclamation is owing to the alleged kidnapping of Ferdinand Lefrancois, who desired to oppose Cauchon in the Montmorency constituency.

Given that Cauchon is not currently a Senator and there are no vacancies in the Upper House there have been several attempts to create one. To date, Senators Ulric Joseph Tessier and Joseph Noel Bosse have refused to step aside.

Senator Louis Auguste Oliver is to be offered the Judgeship of Kamouraska. If he accepts, Cauchon’s vacancy will have been found.

It bears noting that the Dominion government is seeking to accrue to itself the appointment of all judges in country, a power that appears by any fair reading of the British North America Act to belong to provincial jurisdiction. We see now that the usurpation of the provincial power will be a useful aid in the apportioning of patronage.

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES TO RECORD WORK TIME

The Government is set to introduce an English practice requiring government employees to sign in and out at the start and end of their work day, recording the time they arrive and leave each day. The “register of habits” will be the basis for promotions.

QUEBEC TIMBER DUTY

The Government of Québec is said to be considering a tax on timber leaving the province on the belief that fortunes are being made while the provinces forests are denuded. The government hopes a duty will curb the disappearance of the forests and also stimulate the import market.

PARLIAMENTARY GAS

The Ottawa Gas Company appears to be making good on the terms of its renewed contract to provide the parliamentary gas at the Ottawa Public Buildings as it has been observed beginning the laying of the independent gas line cited in the contract.

GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS

The Government has made the following appointments:

• Clerk of the Senate: John Fennings Taylor Sr.

• Clerk of the House of Commons: William Burns Lindsay, Jr.

• Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod: René Kimber

• Sergeant-at-Arms: Lieutenant Colonel Donald William MacDonnell

Mr. Lindsay and Colonel MacDonnell continue in the roles they held in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada.

October 23, 1867

BANK OF MONTREAL SINKS RIVAL

More news on the collapse of the Commercial Bank:

Those knowledgeable of the discussions amongst the various bank executives regarding the Commercial Bank have revealed that the Bank of Montreal was the lone hold out, sinking the deal.

The position of Edwin King, general manager of the Bank of Montreal was such that having already advanced $300,000 to the Commercial a few weeks ago it was not in a position to make a second loan without a guarantee from the others. The other banks, willing to help out the Commercial could not agree to the Bank of Montreal having special terms and so the bailout has come to naught.

The Globe reports that the original $300,000 loan from the Bank of Montreal was arranged by the Government after an application for help had been made to it by the Commercial Bank. The Globe also suggests that the all banks had requested security for the additional loan. The negotiations fell apart, the Globe says when the Commercial offered Detroit and Milwaukee bonds as security.

The Globe is satisfied that the failure of the bank is owning solely to mismanagement and not any broader economic difficulties in the Dominion.

The Globe reports that in addition to the $1,800,000 loan to the Detroit and Milwaukee Railway that is the source of such the bulk of the bank’s troubles, there is $1,100,000 in loans reported lost that was lent to the old directors of the Bank, including some two or three hundred thousand dollars that was loaned to a single director who was insolvent at the time the loan was made. At least three directors are reported to be indebted to the bank and are unable to repay their loans.

The Globe further reports that the run on the bank began when the Home District Building Society withdrew $60,000 of the $180,000 it kept at the bank. This was followed by a demand from the Court of Chancery for additional security on the $200,000 it has deposited at the bank. The security was granted owing to the understanding that the Court would have withdrawn its savings without it. When word of these transactions leaked the result was several other depositors withdrawing large sums.

The run has been mimicked amongst bill holders.

The Lawson Brothers have placed a notice in the Hamilton Evening Times announcing their desire to purchase Commercial Bank bills “at the highest rates”. Such rates are reported to range from fifty to seventy-five cents on the dollar. In Toronto the notes are being purchased for between sixty-five and eighty cents per dollar.

MINISTERIAL MARRIAGE

Hon. Samuel Tilley (Customs) has married Alice Starr Chipman. This is Mr. Tilley’s second marriage. Mrs. Tilley is the daughter of Zachariah Chipman and Mary Eliza.

NOTES FROM NEW BRUNSWICK

The Speakership

The Fredricton (N.B.) Head Quarters has endorsed Bliss Botsford, Esq., for the position of Speaker in the Legislative Assembly of that province owing not only to his ability but as a show of unity to bury the political animosities of the fight over the question of Union. The paper hopes that the supporters of Union will see the wisdom of the recommendation rather than declaring Botsford illegible for his having previously argued against Confederation.

The Lieutenant-Governor

His Honour, the Honourable Colonel Francis Pym Harding was sworn in as Lieutenant-Governor on October 19 by Judge Allen in the Legislative Council Chamber at the Provincial Buildings. He was saluted with a military ceremony, the firing of a cannon, and a guard of honour from the 22nd Regiment.

His Honour is reported to have said that his term is likely to be very short but that he would try to make it a merry one.

CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The medical convention held at Québec has concluded with the decision to form the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Charles Tupper, the former premier of Nova Scotia, MP for Cumberland, and rumoured soon to be member of the Her Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada, has been elected as the Association’s first president.

ON MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

As the first sitting of the new Dominion Parliament approaches, The Globe exocriates members who do not put the public’s business ahead of their private business. Canadians may be willing to give MPs the benefit of the doubt but

They will hold to strict account any man who attempts “to serve two masters,” and shows that his public duties are considered by him as comparatively unimportant compared with his dollars, his pleasures, or his fees. These men are worse than traitors in the present momentous crisis of our national existence, and must be made to give way to others.

October 22, 1867

CLOSURE OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK

The closure of the Commercial Bank comes following the refusal of the other banks to lend it any assistance.

R. J. Cartwright, President of the Commercial Bank released the following statement yesterday:

The Directors of the Commercial Bank of Canada deeply regret that owing to the continued drain upon the resources of the Bank by the withdrawal of deposits, and their inability to obtain adequate assistance from any source, they have been compelled to determine upon a suspension of specie payments. The Directors, notwithstanding this untoward event, have every reason to adhere to their former opinion, that all claims against the Bank will be satisfied in full, and a surplus realised for the shareholders to which end their utmost efforts will be directed.

The bank had sought assistance from the other Canadian banks in the amount of $750,000. The request was denied following a meeting of bank managers in Montreal.

The Commercial Bank is hobbled largely thanks to a $1,500,000 loan made to the Detroit & Milwaukee Railway some years ago, a loan that has grown to $1,800,000. The loan has not been defaulted but neither has it been repaid beyond the interest owing.

The result of the banks affairs is a quiet run over the last several weeks which coupled with the denial of aid forced the closure of the bank's doors.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

It is rumoured that Hon. James Cockburn (West Northumberland, Conservative) will be the Government candidate for the speakership of the House of Commons. J. Hillyard Cameron (Peel, Conservative) is also considered a possibility save for his lack of popularity amongst Catholics.

It is expected a French Canadian will be named as Speaker of the Senate.

SUPPLE HANGS ON

John Supple (North Renfrew, Conservative) has refused to resign his seat in the Ontario Legislature in favour of Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands Commissioner) who was defeated during the recent elections.

Richards is expected to remain in the cabinet but he will not likely find a seat in the Legislature before its first meeting on November 4.

FROZEN WINE IN WISCONSIN

A Wisconsin wine maker reports that wine he has made from grapes that ended up frozen last fall has produced a wine “one hundred per cent better” than that produced from grapes that were not first frozen.

WHAT TO CALL PROVINCIAL POLITICIANS

An unanticipated consequence of the choice of a federated union for the Dominion is confusion over the legislative designation of the members of local legislatures. The Canadian politicians were, until recently, styled members of the Provincial Parliament, or MPPs. With the unification of the various provinces under the Dominion, itself governed by a Parliament, debate has arisen whether or not the provinces can be said to have parliaments themselves. Indeed, the local legislatures have been styled “Legislative Assemblies” suggesting that the designation “member of the legislative assembly” or MLA is more appropriate.

This is the position taken by the Ottawa Times.

The Toronto Telegraph prefers MPP but sees the case for MLA and wishes an official decision be published in the Gazette. This, the Citizen says is not possible because the office is “conferred by the people, not by the favor of the Crown.”

It being an uncomplicated matter we expect it to be resolved quickly.

LIBRARY OF PARLIAMENT

The Library of Parliament has suspended the loan of all materials to the public until further notice and requests that all items currently on loan be returned.

MILITIA ARMS

The government has taken possession of and distributed to the militia in Ontario and Québec the 30,000 breech-loading Snider Enfield rifles alluded to back in July.

GALE STRIKES LABRADOR

A gale is said to have struck Labrador on October 9th, killing 49 and destroying some 30 boats and large amounts of property, leaving 1,000 destitute. Steamers have recently left St. John’s bearing relief.

October 21, 1867

COMMERCIAL BANK CEASES OPERATION

The Commercial Bank has ceased operations. The bank, the third largest in the Dominion, with a paid up capital of $4,000,000 reported to the Auditor of Public Accounts that as of September 30 it had assets of $9,140,982.00 and liabilities of $4,657,048.00. The Montreal Herald suggests that these numbers cannot be taken to have any meaning in the face of a recent recommendation that the bank reduce nominal capital by 40%, as well as losses the bank is known to have suffered as a result of the failure of Buchanan & Co. and other companies. Bank shares were trading at $46 at the close of the Toronto Stock Market on October 16.

SESSIONAL ALLOWANCES IN QUEBEC

MLAs in Québec will receive a $300 sessional allowance regardless of the length of the session.

MINOR SMOKING BAN IN HALIFAX

The City of Halifax has passed a by-law prohibiting minors from smoking in the streets. Opponents believe the police have more important things to do than enforce it.

CHATHAM MAN TARRED AND FEATHERED

A Chatham man was tarred and feathered on October 16th after harassing women in the town. The man, named Neddo, well-known for insulting women who passed by him on the street was chased down a few nights ago and beaten by a relative of one of the women he had harassed. Following the beating, Neddo was stripped to the shoulders after which he tar was poured over his head, face, and neck, before being covered in feathers.

QUEBEC LG OFFICE HOURS

His Excellency, Sir Narcisse-Fortunat Belleau, Lieutenant-Governor of Québec, will see those who desire to meet him on business, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11 am and 1 pm and again from 2 pm to 4 pm each week until further notice.

October 19, 1867

FENIANS ATTEMPT BORDER CROSSING

Two Fenians in full uniform crossed the Suspension Bridge at Niagara Falls, landing on the Canadian shore before being stopped by the bridge guard. Upon questioning the men said they had fought at Fort Erie in June 1866 and that they were planning another trip into Canada that would soon take them further into the Dominion. Upon drawing a crowd of onlookers the two retreated back to the United States.

The men were part of a demonstration of Fenians who arrived in Niagara Falls, New York, from Buffalo aboard a train that consisted of some “nine car loads of Fenians, roughs, prostitutes, &c”, according to the St. Catharine’s Journal. The Fenians were kitted out in uniforms with rifles, bayonets, knapsacks, etc. Their parade around the town was led by a fife and drum band.

It is hard to escape the conclusion when taken in conjunction with yesterday’s report, that no exaggeration accompanies the Fenian threats of a renewed attack on our country.

The Fenians ended their excursion in a brawl amongst themselves following an evening of dinner, dancing, and drinking.

Meanwhile, a petition seeking the release of Father John McMahon has been submitted to Lord Monck. Father McMahon was convicted last year of having participated in the Fenian uprisings of 1866 and was sentenced to be hanged by the neck until he was dead.

Lord Monck, acting on instruction from the colonial secretary, commuted McMahon’s death sentence, along with those of the other Fenian prisoners, converting them to 20 years hard labour at the Kingston Penitentiary.

JOSEPH HOWE TO BREAK SILENCE

Joseph Howe, leader of the Anti-Confederationists in Nova Scotia will make his first public appearance since the election when he speaks at the Protestant Workingmen’s Concert in Montreal on October 22.

The speech will hopefully answer some of the questions facing the Anti-Confeds as the first meeting of Parliament approaches. Will Joseph Howe accept a cabinet seat if offered? Will the Anti-Confeds take their seats in the Commons? Was the election seen as a referendum on Dr. Tupper’s government or was it an actual vote against Confederation?

We will endeavour to bring you a report.

October 18, 1867

FENIANS PREPARING ANOTHER ATTACK

The Fenians are amassing a cache of no less than 4,000 arms at Potsdam, some thirty-six miles from Ogdensburg. The arms are the very same seized by the American Government last year and removed to Sacket’s Harbour where they have since been returned to the Fenians.

The rifles have been transported from Sacket’s Harbour to Watertown by waggon and then by train to Potsdam, the trains arriving in the middle of the night where they were met by a second set of waggons that secreted them into the country.

The Fenians are said to be planning their attack for to coincide with the New York state elections, at which time both political parties will be seeking to curry their favour. At a recent gathering of the Republican Party in Ogdensberg, loud applause greeted a boast of a future successful Fenian attack.

ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

The cabinet has been busy meeting over the last few days. Of note, they approved the organization of two departments: Marine and Fisheries and the department of the Secretary of State for Canada. Their responsibilities are as follows:

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND FISHERIES

The Minister of Marine and Fisheries, Hon. Peter Mitchell, has submitted to the Privy Council, and had approved, his proposal (1867-0100) for the various responsibilities of the departments that he oversees.

The Marine Department will be responsible for:

• construction, location, management and furnishing of light houses, light ships, signals, beacons, buoys, provision depots (for the relief of shipwrecked mariners), Provincial Steamers and other craft owned by or employed in the service of the Dominion;
• Examination into causes of wrecks;
• The classification of vessels and inspection of Steamboats;
• Examination and granting of certificates of competency to masters, etc.;
• The charge of pilot services;
• The direction and engagement of seaman’s Hospitals,
• The regulation of harbours, ballast, anchorage and quarry grounds;
• The {illegible} Boards, as well as such services as affect the Maritime interests of the Dominion.

The Fisheries department will be responsible for:

• The management, regulation, disposal, protection and development of deep sea, coast and island fisheries;
• The inspection of fish {illegible};
• And generally the promotion of fishery interests.

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CANADA

The Secretary of State for Canada, Hon. Hector Langevin, has submitted to the Privy Council, and had approved, his proposal (1867-0105a) for the various responsibilities of his department. They are:

• The Secretary of State for Canada shall be the medium of communication between the Government and the public, in all matters that are not specially within the province of the Secretary of State for the Provinces, who shall e the medium of communication between the Government of Canada and the Local Governments of the Provinces composing the Dominion;
• The Secretary of State for Canada shall also be the Registrar of the Dominion, and have the superintendency of Indian Affairs and lands and of the Ordinance lands belonging to the Dominion;
• The department shall be divided into four branches;
  1. The Corresponding Branch;
  2. The Registry Branch;
  3. The Indian Lands Branch; and
  4. The Ordniance Lands Branch.

GAMBLING IN HONG KONG

Seeking some $250,000 to $300,000 per year in estimated revenue, the Governor of Hong Kong is said to be considering licensing gambling houses in the colony.

STISTED REVIEWS THE TROOPS

His Honour, Major General Stisted, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario was in Hamilton earlier this week where he reviewd the 29th Regiment and gave them highest praise for their discipline and condition.

October 17, 1867

NEW LIEUTENANTS-GOVERNOR IN THE MARITIMES

Sir Charles Hastings Doyle, the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, has been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia as earlier reported.

Francis Pym Harding has been appointed as the new Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick.

The appointments were made by His Excellency, Lord Monck, yesterday (1867-0095).

BRIGHT LIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT

Though the newly elected members of the Parliament no doubt consider themselves among the brightest lights in the Dominion they shall find themselves sitting in darkness soon enough if the Ottawa Gas Company fails to make good on its contract to supply the Parliament Buildings with the gas necessary to turn the lights on.

The Ottawa Gas Company entered into a contract the with government on June 10, 1865 that would require them to supply gas to the Houses of Parliament and the Government Offices for ten years a t a price of $2.79 per thousand cubic feet.

On October 4, just days after the government announced that Parliament would begin sitting on November 6, the Gas Company has notified the government that it is unable to meet its contractual obligations.

The Gas Company says the agreed upon price is too low for the company to construct the works, specifically an 8-inch independent pipe from their location on Cumberland Street to the entrance of the Government Grounds, necessary to deliver the gas Parliament requires.

They will be able to deliver the gas if the price is increased to $4.00 per thousand cubic feet and if the Government furnishes the company with an $8,000 loan.

Hon. William McDougall, in presenting the problem to the cabinet (1867-0096), has said there is nothing to be done. The terms of the Gas Company must be agreed to since Parliament meets in just three weeks.

The Minister has recommended to the Cabinet that the contract be amended to pay the Gas Company the same rate as is paid by private customers (to a maximum of $4.00 per thousand cubic feet) and that the loan of $8,000 be made once the correct and complete laying of the necessary pipe is certified by a government inspector and that the loan be repayable in quarterly instalments at a rate of $2,000 per year, with 6 per cent interest charged on the outstanding balance.

MONTREAL THE FUTURE CAPITAL OF THE EMPIRE: MICHEL

Sir John Michel, the late commander of the British Forces in Canada, has returned to England, having left Montreal two days ago on the HMS Himalaya.

General Michel believes Montreal sits poised to be the future capital of the Empire, the centre of a vast trading network that crosses a continent and an ocean. But in order for peace to accompany prosperity, Canada must take steps to rectify the military vulnerability of the island city.

The General, in his final address, counselled Canada to fortify Montreal, Kingston, and Prescott; to establish a standing army that is supported by the existing volunteer militia; to open the Ottawa and French river routes to the West.

I see before me a vision of the great west, both of the United States and the Hudson Bay territory pouring its volumes of agricultural wealth by this route to Montreal, and thence to Albany and Québec to Europe. I see vast metallic fields on the shores of Lakes Superior and Huron, and the upper rivers pouring forth their wealth. I see unemployed millions of the old world hastening to this land of plenty, and I behold Montreal the undoubted capital and queen of this noble Empire. It is in truth no vision. It is a reality of the future; and so I say open quickly your canals, develop your resources; fortify and arm, and peace and plenty will be the result.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL PRISON CONSTRUCTION

The total appropriation for the construction of the was $91,479.23. To date, $82,441.87 has been spent. Yesterday, by Order-in-Council (1867-0094), presented yesterday, seeks authorization to spend the remaining $9,037.40.

October 16, 1867

MILITIA DISPUTE

Col. Patrick McDougall, Adjutant-General of the Canadian Militia appears set to resign amidst a dispute with the Minister, Hon. Sir George-Étienne Cartier. The details of the argument are unknown but it is believed to stem from a disagreement between the two men over which actions of the Adjutant-General’s require the sanction of the minister and those that do not.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS REQUIRED TO PAY POSTAGE

In the eyes of the Post Office Department, led by Hon. Alexander Campbell, the provincial governments have a similar relationship to the post office as do municipal governments and will therefore be required to pay postage on their mail.

DUCK HUNTING SEASON OPEN

Reports of an unusually large number of ducks on Burlington Bay and the Dundas Marsh coincide with the opening of hunting season.

October 15, 1867

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT

It is being discussed as fact that when Parliament convenes on November 6, it will be for a short sitting of just one month. The politicians will then reconvene in February when the main agenda will be pursued.

MONCK’S MONTREAL TROUBLES

His Excellency the Governor-General Lord Monck finds himself assailed in the Montreal Gazette for failing to invite members of the House of Commons to dine with him at Rideau Hall.

The Tory paper grumbles that the Governor-General is paid well enough (some $10,000 a year) that he should be entertaining more — one might add especially now that the Government has paid so much money to renovate the new vice-regal home. For what, if not the service of “roast beef and burgundy” to the esteemed members of our new Parliament, who are expected to approve such expenditures on the Governor-General.

The Globe runs the theory that the regular attacks on the Governor-General by the Gazette are the payment of the Messrs. Cartier and Galt, who remain upset that their honours were of lesser prestige than that conferred upon the prime minister. The Globe theorizes that the two men must believe that Monck remained silent when a word from him might have elevated them to the rank they believe they were due.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

The Montreal Herald pans a rumour reported by the Ottawa Citizen that Hon. Alexander Galt (Finance) will introduce legislation fixing the value of the American dollar at 80 cents and the half-dollar, quarter, dime and half-dime fixed at forty, twenty, eight, and four cents respectively.

The Herald does not believe that the problem of American silver will be dealt with in this way, arguing that it would see the removal of the currency from the country altogether which pose an inconvenience greater than the nuisance it is meant to solve.

October 14, 1867

MCGEE AND DEVLIN IN STREET FIGHT

Though D’Arcy McGee was victorious in the election in Montreal West, the battle between him and his Liberal opponent, Bernard Devlin continues, this time in a fight between the two men in the street in front of Mr. Moretti’s shop on Great St. James’ street.

McGee had just left the shop when Devlin, approaching from Place D’Armes stopped to confront McGee about a letter the Tory had recently published in the Montreal Gazette suggesting that records existed at the Court House that would have brought Mr. Devlin’s character into question, but that out of an interest in having a clean election, McGee left the documents to rest.

Devlin asked what McGee meant by the statement. McGee said the meaning was obvious enough. Devlin spat in McGee’s face and called him “a d——d scoundrel”. McGee then struck Devlin several times in the shoulder with his cane before his friends intervened.

The two men would do well to check their ongoing enmity lest the violence continue to escalate.

QUEBEC BOUND MAIL STILL GETTING LOST

Mail bound for locations within the Québec province continues to get redirected to the local capital as the postal service and citizens are slow to get accustomed to the new provincial name.

Attempts to devise a standard for addressing letters in the province have thus far failed, the abbreviations “Q” and “PQ” failing to catch on. The latest scheme hopes that users of the mails will use the full name only when they intend a letter for the city and the abbreviation “Q” only for the province.

UNITED STATES ELECTIONS

Recently concluded elections in the United States have seen the Democrats sweep out the Republicans in Illinois and Ohio, as well as making large gains in Iowa, Indiana, and Connecticut.

The constitutional amendment to extend suffrage to blacks in Ohio was defeated by a large majority.

The Republican defeats are attributed in part to dissatisfaction with extravagance and corruption in the state legislatures but a bigger issue appears to be “the friendship of the Republican party for the black race” which is seen as a strong argument against it for “the ignorant and the prejudiced masses” — such prejudice being still “disgracefully strong”, according to The Globe.

JEFFERSON DAVIS IN MONTREAL

As the United States moves towards a trial for Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederate States continues his residency in Canada. Last week he was seen travelling through Hamilton and is now reported to have arrived in Montreal direct from Toronto.

MACDONALD PLAN TO USURP LOCAL POWER

Sir John A. Macdonald’s plan to assert the right of the Dominion government to appoint all magistrates in Canada, a clear violation of section 92 of the British North America Act, appears set to be met with opposition from the premier of Ontario, John Sandfield Macdonald.

In Nova Scotia, several magistrates were appointed recently, in a clear exercise of provincial rights (though they were recommended by a ministry that had recently been defeated at the polls and made by a Lieutenant-Governor who says he cannot accept the resignations of that same ministry).

NOVA SCOTIA CABINET SEAT

The drama over the Nova Scotia cabinet seat currently occupied by the recently defeated Hon. Adams Archibald continues. It was reported recently that Dr. Tupper has refused the appointment and word comes now that Senator Jonathan McCully, a Liberal from Halifax, has offered his place in the Senate to Archibald should he wish to accept it.

October 12, 1867

CARLING BACK FROM WHENCE HE CAME

Hon. John Carling will be sitting to the Speaker’s right, along with other members of the Government when the Commons begins sitting next month.

It was earlier reported that Carling had taken a seat amongst the Opposition members but he has denied any knowledge of the matter and his name has since been removed from the desk in question.

NEW PLANET DISCOVERED

Christian Peters, an astronomer at Hamilton College in the United States and Friedrich Tietjen, of Berlin, are said to have simultaneously discovered a new planet on July 7. The planet is called Undina, named for the water spirit Undine, the heroine of the fairy tale by Freidrich de la Motte Fouqué. Undine married a knight named Huldebrand in the hopes that she might gain a soul.

October 11, 1867

CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS IN NOVA SCOTIA

A constitutional crisis is brewing in Nova Scotia following the wholesale defeat of the Conservative administration in that province in favour of the Anti-Confederates.

A few days ago, Hon. Hiram Blanchard, Premier, and one of only two Tories elected to the provincial assembly, and his ministers tendered their resignations to the Lieutenant-Governor, His Honour, Sir William Fenwick Williams. His honour declined to accept them.

The Lieutenant-Governor reasons that because he is soon to be replaced by a successor it would be unconstitutional for him to accept resignations or to appoint a new ministry.

The Anti-Confederates are vexed and the Blanchard Tories stymied by Williams’ inaction. The Tories recognize they no longer have any legitimate claim to the levers of power following the election which “resulted adversely to the Administration” and the Anti-Confederates are eager to begin their work. They argue that if it is unconstitutional today to accept Blanchard’s resignation then it was unconstitutional to accept Charles Tupper’s resignation in July when Williams’ appointment was as provisional as it is today.

Despite his claim that he cannot exercise the powers of his office as it relates to the dismissing and appointing of ministers, Williams continues to act on the advice of the ministers he refuses to dismiss and make appointments of magistrates and county officials.

Williams is scheduled to leave Halifax on the 24th of this month so the appointment of his successor is anticipated in short order.

“JUST SO LONG AS WE CANNOT HELP”

This is the length of time Nova Scotia plans to remain in the Dominion now that she has elected the Anti-Confederates in landslide majorities to both the House of Commons and the provincial legislature. This, according to the Halifax Chronicle which writes:

Whatever ‘turns up,’ the Dominion cannot last. It is sick already — sick for the want of Newfoundland and Prince Edward’s Island; sick if Nova Scotia should go; sick even if she should remain. And if the new nation were now on the death death bed, there would be few mourners for it in Nova Scotia.

MONCK TO GET A RIVER VIEW

The cabinet continues to pour money into improvements at Rideau Hall, the Governor-General’s new official residence into which he moved just last week.

Yesterday we reported that the Government has spent $27,000 so far this year on the upkeep of the mansion and today we learn that the Minister of Public Works has sought another some of money to expand the grounds of the vice-regal estate.

Hon. William Howland has submitted to the cabinet for approval details of a plan (1867-0089)to purchase 11 acres of river frontage from the McKay Estate.

According to the terms of offer, the sale price will be determined by either negotiation or arbitration with a deadline of September 1, 1868. The McKay family has offered the government use of the land until the conclusion of negotiations at a lease rate for one year of $240.

Howland is seeking immediate approval from the Cabinet to lease the land for the state price “as he deems it desirable to prevent this property from falling into other hands and because its future acquisition by the Government would greatly add to the value of the Rideau Hall Estate.”

WEEKLY STEAMER SERVICE COLLINGWOOD TO FORT WILLIAM

Tenders have been issued and bids received for weekly steamer service proposed to run the length of Georgian Bay and across Lake Superior to Fort William. It is estimated that the cost of such a service would run $14,000 for the entire season. Once operational it will go a long way to opening up the North West, removing the need of settlers to travel south through the United States, shaving several days and hardships off their journeys.

October 10, 1867

ORDERS-IN-COUNCIL

Herein, a review of some recent decisions of the Privy Council for Canada:

1867-0073: $4,985.95 for repairs to the public works in St. Maurice, Québec, including Trois Rivieres for the six months ending December 31, 1867.

1867-0074: $1200 for the construction of a new Swing Bridge over Lock No. 25 on the Iroquois Canal, the existing one being worn out and beyond repair.

1867-0075: $230 from the appropriation for the rents and repairs of public buildings for repairs to the new Customs House in Québec City.

1867-0076: Approved the construction of a Drill Shed, 80x46, with armoury, on the banks of the Rideau Canal near the No. 19 Boundary Stone, on the application of Lieutenant-Colonel Atcherly, DAG, of the Prescott Militia.

1867-0079: $800 approved to rebuild the icebreaker at Farran’s Point, recently destroyed by fire.

1867-0082: To bring under the control of the Dominion Government, in accordance with the Act of Union, the railways and railway stocks of the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

1867-0084: Hon. Peter Mitchell (Marines and Fisheries) has laid before the Privy Council a report that would extend bounty payments to the fishermen of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick equal to those paid to fishermen from Ontario and Québec. Last month the cost of a fishing license for an American in Canadian waters doubled to $1 per ton, up from 50 cents, with the expectation that the additional funds would be used to extend the bounty to Maritime fishermen. The Privy Council has not acted on the report.

1867-0086: An additional $7,000 has been approved for further repairs “to put ‘Rideau Hall’ into such a condition as to render it a fit residence for the Governor General of Canada.

October 9, 1867

CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS

Hon. John Carling (London, Liberal-Conservative and Minister of Agriculture and Public Works, Ontario) has ruffled Liberal feathers by selecting a desk in the House of Commons that is to the left of the Speaker’s chair. Such desks are traditionally reserved for members of the Opposition are hoping to force Carling back across the aisle.

Carling hasn’t commented on his choice of desk but perhaps, as the Government’s “whipper-in” he’s looking for a vantage point by which he can easily keep track of member’s attendance in the Commons.

Meanwhile, Carling and the Ontario premier, Sandfield Macdonald are present in the provincial capital, Carling having arrive on the 8th, and Macdonald yesterday.

October 8, 1867

TUPPER DECLINES CABINET SEAT?

All eyes in Ottawa continue to be trained on Dr. Tupper to see whether or not he will take a seat in Her Majesty’s Privy Council. The latest news suggests that such a seat was offered and, for a second time now, Dr. Tupper has declined the honour.

Observers suggest this opens up a path by which the prime minister can ask Joseph Howe, leader of the Anti-Confederation party, to join the Cabinet.

Calls are mounting in Toronto for the Ontario Premier John Sandfield Macdonald to dismiss Crown Lands Commissioner Hon. Stephen Richards from the provincial cabinet following his defeat at the polls. The calls are coming from Tories who wish to take assume a majority in the cabinet that they do not hold in the Legislature.

Richards, it will be recalled, was the first Reformer to accept a request from Sandfield to join his coalition cabinet.

EXCISE TAX ON REFINED OIL COMING?

The London Free Press reports that the Government will introduce a 3-cent excise duty on every gallon of oil refined in Canada.

DOMINION GOVERNMENT WANTS TO CONTROL COURT APPOINTMENTS

The Dominion Cabinet appears set to assert its right to control all court appointments in the country a move that seems sure ruffle feathers in the provinces for its encroachment on provincial powers.

D’ARCY MCGEE A TEETOTALER

On the Sunday following his recent election to the House of Commons, D’Arcy McGee announced that he had become a teetotaller. He said the decision had been made prior to the election but kept it quiet for fear of the move being seen as one of political expediency.

THANKSGIVING IN MONTREAL

The Episcopal churches in Montreal will observe a day of thanksgiving on Wednesday, October, 9.

MONTREAL DEATHS

There were 74 deaths in Montreal last week: 60 Protestants and 14 Catholics. 37 were under the age of 1. This the first week we’ve seen where the number of deceased Protestants exceeded the number of deceased Catholics.

TORONTO GENERAL HOSPITAL SITS EMPTY

Reverend John Joseph Lynch, Roman Catholic Bishop of Toronto, has written to the Toronto City Council decrying the state of affairs at the Toronto General Hospital which he describes as “a large and well-ventilated hospital building capable accommodating…300 patients. The halls, wards, and various conveniencies {sic} for the sick appear to be very good.” But, the Bishop said, just 27 patients are housed in the hospital while there are “hundreds outside in misery and suffering who might easily be relieved.”

The problems of the hospital are not owing to a lack of funds but rather to mismanagement, the Bishop claims, and he has petitioned the council to turn over management of the facility to the Sisters of Charity.

If the sick poor had the fate of the Hospital in their hands, their verdict would be to be taken from their cabins of misery and to be left in the hands of good doctors and tender nurses, no matter what their religion may be, if they only have the religion which makes them practice charity towards the poor, and especially towards the sick.”

The Bishop also called for improvements to the flow of the Don River which would serve to improve the health of those living near its banks.

October 7, 1867

MEETING OF PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES

The legislatures of Ontario and Québec have been summoned to meet on November 4, two days before the Dominion Parliament will meet for the first time. There are no fewer than 19 members of the House of Commons who also hold seats in one of the provincial legislatures including members of the Dominion cabinet, the premiers of both Ontario and Québec, and several of their ministers.

Meanwhile, several around Toronto say that Ontario’s premier, John Sandfield Macdonald has not been seen in several days and his whereabouts are unknown.

COALITION CABINET

If the appointment of Dr. Charles Tupper to the cabinet position of Secretary of State for the Provinces proceeds as rumoured the number of Tories will outnumber Liberals in the cabinet 8 to 5, according to an accounting done by The Globe.

The paper is calling for a reduction of the size of the cabinet by three and cites the previously named position as well as the Customs (held by Hon. Samuel Tilley) and Inland Revenue (held by Hon. William Howland) offices as ripe for abolition.

Mr. Archibald’s exit from the cabinet appears certain, even if a replacement has not yet been appointed. Two additional appointments have been added to the list of future work for the defeated cabinet minister. In addition to the possible judgeship, it is rumoured that Mr. Archibald has been offered a choice between an appointment to the Senate or the Lieutenant-Governorship of New Brunswick.

DOMINION ACCOUNTS

A statement from the Dominion Audit Office dated October 2 shows Canada had a surplus of $1,154,197.47 for the month of September (though the figures include revenues for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick dating from July 1, and expenditures from Nova Scotia for the same period). Total revenues reported were $1,932,253.60 and expenditures were $778,056.13.

The total debt of the United States as of October 1 is reported to be $2,495,277,416.75

RAILWAY PASSENGERS

There was a slight increase in railway revenues for August 1867 as compared to the same month a year earlier. The railways reported a total of $1,096,710 in revenue in August up from $1,045,368 a year earlier. Of this, freight accounted for the bulk of railway business, bringing in $606,188, compared to $446,201 in passenger fares. The remaining $44,321 came from the transporting of the mail and various sundries.

The average revenue for the Dominion is $474 per mile of track.

There are now 2,314 miles of railroad in operation in Canada, an increase of 77 miles from this time last year. This is due mostly to the expansion of the Nova Scotia Railway which added 51 miles of track in the last year.

SHIP CARPENTERS STRIKE CONTINUES

Details of the ship carpenters demands are emerging as the strike at Valin & Sampson’s Shipyards in Québec continues in its second week.

The carpenters have shut the shipyards over a demand for an increase in their wages from 87 cents per day to a dollar and a quarter a day.

Sources close to the negotiations acknowledge that the current rate of pay is the amount that ensures the profitability of the ship-building industry and is the amount endorsed by the carpenters union at other ship yards. The same sources say, however, that Valin & Sampson have ships that are nearly ready for delivery to their customers and the carpenters have seized on their employers anxiousness to have the boats completed to extract the additional wages.

The move comes as iron increasingly intrudes on the industry and the move by the union may be an attempt to extract what wages they can while there are still wages to be had.

October 5, 1867

RUMOURS AND WHISPERS

With the election behind us and the first meeting of the Parliament a month away, hard news is at a premium while rumours spread as easily as a barn fire. Only time can tell if the rumours will produce any heat to go along with their significant light.

We have several such rumours to report today. The first suggests that Joseph Howe and his party of Anti-Confederates has caucused over the last two days in Halifax and decided to support the Government. Several courses of action were mooted, including refusing to take their seats, but the party has decided that their effect will be better felt if they attend the House of Commons while at the same time seeking a remedy from London.

This seems to accord with the writings of several Anti-Confederate newspapers that have suggested that the government can get a fair hearing with the removal of Hon. Adams Archibald and Hon. Edward Kenny from the cabinet. Whether they are asking for the appointment of two Anti-Confederates to the cabinet in the stead of those two gentlemen goes unsaid. It is a hard bargain for the prime minister. Could he really appoint to his cabinet a gentleman or two who seeks to tear apart the newly minted Dominion?

It is one thing for such gentlemen to sit in the Commons as representatives of their feeling of their fellow citizens. It is another entirely to welcome them into the Queen’s Privy Council.

As it stands, the Dominion cabinet met yesterday in Ottawa and discussed a replacement for Hon. Adams Archibald, Secretary of State for the Provinces. Dr. Charles Tupper appears, on the one hand, as the most likely successor for Archibald, given that Archibald’s defeat reduces Nova Scotia’s representation in the cabinet by one. On the other hand, Dr. Tupper’s majority was a scant 98 votes. Accepting the cabinet appointment would require Tupper stand for re-election in a by-election where a defeat would be most embarrassing for the government.

The second rumour suggests that the Honourable Lemeul Allan Wilmot, who served as Attorney-General of the Colony of New Brunswick and is currently a judge there, is bound for Ontario where he will succeed General Henry Stisted as Lieutenant-Governor of that province.

Given that the prime minister has recently set the date for the meeting of Parliament we accept that the rumour lately reported that Sir John A. Macdonald intended to resign in favour of a court appointment is one of those that was more light than heat.

NEW BRUNSWICK CABINET

Hon. Andrew Rainsford Wetmore announced last week as the new premier and attorney-general for New Brunswick has completed the reorganization of the government in that province. The new cabinet consists of:

• Hon. John Beckwith, Provincial Secretary
• Hon. Richard Sutton, Surveyor-General
• Hon. B. Beveridge, member, Board of Works
• Hon. Alexander Des Brisay, member, Board of Works
• Hon. William Flewelling, minister without office

THANKSGIVING TO BE OBSERVED OCTOBER 10

Members of the Church of England and Ireland in Toronto will observe Thanksgiving on Thursday, October 10, by order of the Lord Bishop of Toronto. Bishop Strachan made the declaration owing to the fact that the Dominion government had not fixed a date to give thanks for an abundant harvest.

October 4, 1867

TORONTO DEATHS FOR SEPTEMBER

127 people died in Toronto in September. 98 of them were children under the age of 10. 6 of the deaths were stillborn infants, and 25 were older than 20. Just 4 of the dead were aged between 11 and 20.

46 of the deaths were from diarrheal diseases, an increase of 29 deaths by the causes from the same month last year. In total, there were 56 more deaths last month than in the same month the previous year.

October 3, 1867

PLAGUE OF LOCUSTS

The plague of grasshoppers and locusts that has been making its way across the Western United States for the last several years is now just twelve miles from Des Moines. The swarm consists of several thousands of millions of small, grey-patterned grasshoppers that have been devouring dog-fennel, corn blades, turnips, cabbage, and tomatoes just as soon as they reach it. Their march will be paused by the arrival of winter and their impact on next year’s crops will be a matter for hot stove speculation during the coming months.

FENIAN CATCH AND ESCAPE

Colonel Thomas J. Kelly, one of the leaders of the Fenian Brotherhood, was arrested in Manchester, United Kingdom, on September 11, but was sprung from a police van a week later while being transported to back to prison after his arraignment. A mob set upon the police officers taking Kelly and an accomplice, Captain Deasy, back to prison. Two of the policemen were shot, one of them killed. The two Fenians remain at large and a reward of £300 is on offer for their recapture.

BARNUM’S GORILLA

P. T. Barnum has captured and brought to New York a live gorilla. The beast was captured in the interior of Africa and transported to this continent aboard the Harding. As workers at Mr. Barnum’s museum worked furiously to secure the animal, in his fury, succeeded in bending double a wrought iron bar an inch and three quarters thick. His roars excited the other animals in the building and caused children to cry and women to faint. The gorilla is described thus by the New York Evening Post:

When standing upright it is about five and half feet in height, and is about the colour of an elephant. Its face has more the appearance of a human being than of a monkey, with an eye exactly like that of a human being. It’s hand is as delicate as that of a woman’s, and it would not seem possible that there is in it such much muscular power.

He is fed with vegetables and calmed by the placement of cloves or nutmeg in its cage.

JUARAEZ EXPECTED TO RETAIN MEXICAN PRESIDENCY

This past September 22 the electors tasked with electing the government officials in Mexico were chosen. On October 6 they will elect the members of Congress. The President and President of the Supreme Court will be chosen on October 7, with the remaining positions to be filled on October 8.

With no one daring to openly oppose the current president, Benito Juarez, his re-election is assured.

WARRANT FOR FISHERIES EXPENSES

The Cabinet has been presented with a report (Order-in-Council 1867-0067) recommending the approval of an Accountable Warrant in the amount of $10,000 for the payment of expenses within the Department of Marine and Fisheries dating from July 1, 1867. The legislative appropriation approved by the late Legislature of the united Province of Canada expired on June 30, 1867. The new warrant (which will be approved on October 14, 1867) will cover:

• expenses of La Canadienne — $6,000
• Salaries of Fishery Overseers from July 1 — $1,010
• Expenses for the fishing season dating from July 1 — $960
• Construction of Fishways — $430
• Incidental disbursements and office expenses initially paid by the Crown Lands Department — $600

An additional $1,000 is set aside to cover the expenses of those employed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia upon receipt of their claims.

La Canadienne is a government schooner that was tasked with the protection of Canadian fisheries on the St. Lawrence over the summer months. She was commanded by Pierre Fortin, Esq. from the opening of the navigation until September 1.