January 28, 1868

PARLIAMENTARY INDEPENDENCE

The Ontario Legislature disposed of two pieces of legislation by moving the six months’ hoist.

First, the Independence of Parliament Act introduced by Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac), was given the hoist following a lengthy debate. The legislation sought three major changes:

1. Preventing members from holding seats in both House of Commons and Ontario Legislature concurrently;
2. Removing the requirement for members to stand for re-election before entering the cabinet;
3. Excluding from membership in the Ontario Legislature, those who receiving emoluments from the Crown through the Dominion Government and office holders under the Provincial Government.

The second bill, introduced by Edward Blake (Liberal, South Bruce) sought only to prevent dual membership in the Commons and the local parliament. This Bill was narrowly given the hoist on a division of 32 to 30.

Both bills were opposed by the Government, with the Premier arguing that the current system, new as it was, ought to be given a chance to work before alterations were made to it.

POLICE HANDCUFFING

The Globe is questioning the use of handcuffs on a prisoner by whisky detective G. A. Mason and policeman Clark.

The paper recounts a story in which the two officers were escorting the gaol car up Yonge Street towards No. 2 Station when the policemen stopped the van to talk to some people they met on the street. After a delay, one of the prisoners began to complain, arguing that the delay was unwarranted, and upset at the heckling he was receiving from passersby.

Mason and Clark warned the prisoner that if he kept up his complaints he would be handcuffed.

He did and he was.

The paper is asking if this is a case of justifiable use of handcuffs and presumably will seek answers from the police and the mayor.

January 27, 1868

LADY MACDONALD JOINS ORPHAN’S HOME

Lady Macdonald has been appointed 1st Directress of the Ottawa Orphan’s Home. She has furnished an account of her impressions of the organization, dated January 19:

Sunday. 19th

Pleasant, but still cold weather. I never remember so severe a winter. It is however a happy one. I have accepted the post of 1st Directress to the Ottawa Orphan's Home. It seems to be anything but a "bed of roses" The old Committee seem to have quarrelled, & parted, & now I find the Debt on the new building is nearly 3500 dollars. -besides there is Smallpox in one part of the Building & no water in the well!

These facts sound discouraging. I drove out yesterday afternoon after walking with my husband to his office, to see the 2nd Directress. Her husband is an American Lumberman & I am told she is charitable & kind. Her house is long & low & looks out upon a cheerless reach of snow. I found her a dried-up looking prim woman - who seemed disposed to act on the defensive, but she soon thawed, when I spoke cordially & said I had undertaken charge from a conviction that it was right & from a desire to do some good to my suffering & destitute fellow creatures. I added that I had purposely refrained from asking any particulars about the causes of dissension & difficulty - tho some of the committee who had resigned were personal friends of mine - lest I should enter on my duties with any prejudices. She thanked me & seemed pleased, & then entered into a detail of the present state of the Institution...

I do hope I can be useful. I have prayed about it.

January 25, 1868

CANADA DOMINION STOCK

Tenders may still be made until noon, 31st January, on the issue of $1,500,000 of Canadian Dominion stock announced earlier this year by Hon. John Rose (Finance).

The stock will pay an annual interest rate of six per cent per year payable half-yearly at the end of March and the end of September.

Purchases of the stock may be made for a minimum of $100 or any multiple of that amount.

Deposits of ten percent are required within two days of individuals advising their intention to purchase the stock. The balance must be paid no later than the 2nd March, 1868.

No further issue of stock will be made before 1st July, 1868.

January 24, 1868

SENATE VACANCY

Hon. Joseph Bossé, of Québec, has resigned his seat in the Senate to accept appointment to the bench. It is believed that Hon. J.C. Chapais (Agriculture) will be appointed in his stead, solving the problem of Mr. Chapais’ remaining in cabinet while not having a seat in Parliament. Chapais had intended to stand for election in Kamouraska before that election was cancelled owing to a riot provoked by alleged actions taken by the Returning Officer to benefit Mr. Chapais.

ONTARIO TAVERN TAX

The Bill to establish a tavern tax was reported back to the Legislative Assembly without amendment. It will receive third reading later today and is expected to be adopted. Once passed, tavern keepers will be required to pay duties on their licences (in addition to any other fees) in the following amounts:

• in the cities, $12
• in incorporated towns, $10
• in all other locations, including aboard vessels, $5.

PROTECTION FOR BUTTER AND CHEESE MANUFACTURERS

The Bill for the protection of Butter and Cheese manufacturers was referred to a select committee of the legislature yesterday following second reading. Adam Oliver (Liberal, Oxford South), the Bill’s mover, said that the butter and cheese industry had grown in size so as to nearly be the equal of the timber interest and that Canadian cheese, exported to Europe, was displayed on an equal footing with cheese from British and American manufacturers. There are, he said, some 180 cheese factories in the province currently in operation, producing some 12,000,000 lbs of cheese. Last year, cheese export revenues reached $1,200,000. Of the 180 factories, 52 are in Oxford County, the southern part of which is represented by Mr. Oliver.

MONTREAL NEWS

Property owners along Great St. James Street in Montreal are said to be organizing to protest their taxation to pay for the widening and improvement of Little St. James Street.

Meanwhile, exports from that city for 1867 were reported at $15,582,176, up from $12,862,937 in 1866.

January 23, 1868

POLITICIANS AND THE PRESS IN QUEBEC

Members of the Québec Legislature were in an uproar yesterday following the publication of an article in the Journal de Québec complaining that there were too many English MPPs on the Private Bills Committee. A motion to add Louis-Charles Boucher de Niverville (Conservative, Trois-Rivières) and Louis Beaubien (Conservative, Hochelaga) to the committee produced a lively debate.

Mr. Beaubien was outraged that a paper such as the Journal would attempt to inflame national and religious prejudices in the province and, it was all the more objectionable for the fact that it was believed that article was written by a member of the legislature.

Hon. Joseph Cauchon (Conservative, Montmorency) objected to the motion on the grounds that notice was not given. It was beneath the dignity of Parliament, he said, for the House to “notice every time the press appeared to overstep the bounds of propriety.” The article sought only to sow division in the province and in the House and to recognize it through this motion was to raise it to a level it did not deserve.

The motion was adopted.

ONTARIO ELECTION LAW AMENDMENT

One day following the protestations of Hon. Sandfield Macdonald (Premier, Attorney General) about the moving of legislation on matters of government concern, the Government acquiesced to the passage through Second Reading of Bill No. 7, An Act to amend Chapter 6 of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, respecting elections of members of the legislature , which had been moved by Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac).

The amendments proposed by the legislation will restrict polling and nominations for all elections to one day to be held concurrently across province. The amendments are intended to reduce the influence of bribery and corruption on elections.

In debating the Bill, members were unanimously of the opinion that the election law required amending but were of more diverse opinions on just what amendments ought to be made and when. The House referred the bill to a special committee to fill out its details. The committee is comprised of the Hon. Attorney-General Macdonald, Hon. Mr. Cameron (Provincial Secretary), Sir Smith, and Messrs. Blake, Pardee, R. Scott, Ferrier, Tett, and Lauder.

January 22, 1868

WHO GOVERNS ONTARIO?

Who governs Ontario? This was the question Hon. Sandfield Macdonald (Premier) was asking in the Legislature yesterday after John Coyne (Conservative, Peel) attempted to introduce a Bill related to the Divisional Courts of the province.

The Premier (and Attorney General) objected to Coyne’s legislation saying that it was another in a string of measures that had been introduced by so-called supporters of the government on the back benches of the legislature that, in Macdonald’s opinion, intruded on the Government’s domain. It is high time, Macdonald suggested, that the legislature leave the business of governing to the Government.

Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac), whose own legislative agenda is thus far more robust than the Government’s, having introduced, among other things, legislation dealing with the independence of Parliament and the protection of game in the province, objected to the Premier’s outburst. The Government, he said, had made its intentions known in the Throne Speech, and they told the House they intended only two specific pieces of legislation dealing with land grants and a Homestead Law. If the Government had any plans beyond those they ought to have included them in the Speech and, failing that, members were free to introduce any legislation they saw fit. If, Smith said, the Government wished to take control of them, as he had asked the Government to do with his Bills, they were free to do so.

Mr. Coyne eventually withdrew his Bill but to before the Premier threatened to resign if Sir Smith persisted in introducing measures of a governmental nature.

ONTARIO AID TO NOVA SCOTIA

The Ontario Government has proposed sending $5,000 in relief for the fishermen of Nova Scotia.

January 21, 1868

MORE AID FOR NOVA SCOTIA

Hon. Sandfield Macdonald (Premier) has advised the Ontario Legislature that a motion will be introduced, likely tomorrow, to grant aid to Nova Scotia. Campaigns are being undertaken in Ottawa and Toronto as well.

SOUP KITCHENS

The Québec Board of Trade met last week to arrange for the establishment of a soup kitchen in that city. The Montreal soup kitchen, meanwhile, fed 517 people last week.

FIRE AT QUEBEC LEGISLATURE

A fire was discovered in the chambers of the Speaker of the Legislative Council of Québec. The fire originated from the gas works in the chambers and was extinguished with little damage.

January 20, 1868

AID FOR NOVA SCOTIA

Readers will recall the scenes of destitution amongst the fishermen in Nova Scotia recently recounted.

A meeting was held recently in Hamilton, chaired by Mayor Charlton, that resolved to canvass the city for subscriptions to provide relief for the residents of that province. The Hamilton Committee for Nova Scotia relief has further resolved itself to approach the townships in Wentworth County to commit to a similar undertaking. The campaign will run until the 4th of February.

OPERATIONS OF THE NOVA SCOTIA AND NEW BRUNSWICK RAILWAYS

The Cabinet recently approved sums of $51,000 and $30,000 for the operation and expenses of the Nova Scotia Railway (1868-0224) and the New Brunswick Railway (1868-0225) respectively.

January 18, 1868

BEAUDRY DISQUALIFIED

Jean-Louis Beaudry, the former mayor of Montreal is said to be disqualified from the current contest for being engaged in a lawsuit against the city.

MORTALITY STATISTICS FOR TORONTO

Deaths in Toronto from dysentery, cholera, diarrhea, teething, and brain fever increased during the last six months of 1867 as compared to the same period in 1866. Between July and December of 1867, 153 people died of these diseases. During this period in 1866, the number of deaths was 103.

January 17, 1868

DEATH OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY

The Paris Star in an editorial carried by the Sarnia Observer takes notice of the “unanimity with which the members (of the Ontario Legislature) with conservative antecedents declare that party lines have become completely obliterated in Ontario.” If they are to be believed, the Star writes, then “the great Conservative party is dead and buried, never to come out of its grave again.” But, the writer cautions, such death can only be confirmed once those old Tories have renounced their “hereditary love of office” as they claim to have renounced party lines.

The Star says Ontario is two-thirds Reform and any election conducted purely on party issues would see the Conservatives reduced to a minority and they would be swept from government.

ONTARIO LEGISLATURE

No business of consequence was conducted in the Ontario Legislature yesterday. Members have adjourned until January 20 in order to allow members to attend the funeral of Charlotte Ross Cameron.

KAMOURASKA ELECTION TO BE INVESTIGATED

The Committee on Privileges and Elections has been tasked with reviewing the events in Kamouraska during the election campaign. The investigation is being undertaken on a motion from Hon. Pierre Chaveau (Premier).

CITIZENS’ ASSOCIATION

A society calling itself the “Citizens’ Association” has organized itself in Montreal under an Executive committee of 16. The stated purpose of the organization is to keenly observe the actions of City Hall as well as legislation passed by the provincial legislature that affects the city. The Association aims to act as a conduit for discussions between the citizens and the politicians ensuring that both understand the effects of measures adopted.

January 16, 1868

MIDDLESEX EAST ELECTION PROTESTED

Edward Blake (Liberal, South Bruce) has moved a motion that the Ontario legislature investigate the actions of William Taylor, the Conservative candidate in Middlesex East, who has been accused of tampering with the voters list. Readers will recall the case was heard in a London courthouse prior to the election but Taylor was still allowed to stand for election. He was defeated by Liberal James Evans.

The Premier, Hon. Sandfield Macdonald has asked that the motion be left to stand until the petition recently tabled in the Legislature on the matter has been printed.

TORONTO GENERAL HOSPITAL

The Ontario Legislature passed a motion yesterday to establish a Select Committee to inquire into the management of the Toronto Hospital. In agreeing to the motion, Hon. Sandfield Macdonald (Premier) said that the government would not give a dollar to the hospital until it had been made clear why it closed and until new management was in place to justify a grant. Hon. Stephen Richards (Crown Lands) will represent the government on the committee.

January 15, 1868

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Toronto City Council is petitioning the provincial government to take over management of the Toronto General Hospital by appointing a Board of Trustees and making provisions for the annual maintenance of the institution. The City argues that the Toronto hospital is a public institution that benefits the entire province, not just through the treatment of the sick and poor from all across Ontario, but also for the number of medical students who receive their training there each year. The City proposes a tax be established to be paid by municipalities in proportion to the number of patients they send to the hospital each year.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa General Hospital and Alms House has submitted to the legislature a petition for their annual grant.

DOG TAX

Petitions are being submitted to the legislature from municipalities across Ontario desiring the imposition of a tax on dogs. The legislature is considering the establishment of a special committee to deal with the matter.

PROTECTION OF BUTTER AND CHEESE MANUFACTURERS

Adam Oliver (Liberal, Oxford South) has introduced a Bill to provide for the protection of Ontario’s butter and cheese manufacturers by introducing punishments for those who pass bad milk to manufacturers of butter and cheese. Mr. Oliver said that he believed the Legislature would be amenable to affording “every legitimate encouragement to so important an interest.”

DEATH OF CHARLOTTE ROSS (WEDD) CAMERON

Charlotte Ross Cameron, the wife of Hon. Matthew Crooks Cameron, the provincial secretary and registrar of Ontario, died suddenly yesterday evening. Mrs. Cameron was born in Maidstone, England, on October 12, 1830, to Amy Charlton and William Wedd. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron were married on December 1, 1851, and had six sons and three daughters.

INDEMNITIES FOR QUEBEC MPPS

MPPs in Québec are debating their sessional allowances. A resolution proposes a rate of $6 per day for sessions shorter than 30 days. For sessions that extend beyond 30 days, a flat rate of $450 will be payable.

QUEBEC MAYOR DECLARES INTENTIONS

The new mayor of Québec City has taken his seat in the City Council. Jean Lemeaurier says he plans to improve the state of city affairs, beginning with a reduction in the number of City employees, and an overall reduction in expenditures. Mr. Lemeaurier entertained members of Council at a dinner to mark his inauguration.

January 14, 1868

TAVERN TAX TO BE DEBATED

The Ontario Premier, Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald, has introduced a series of resolutions that, if passed, will enable the provincial government to impose a new surcharge on tavern keepers. Those holding tavern licenses within cities will pay a duty of $12 on top of any other fees. Those in incorporated towns will pay $10. Those in all other locations, including aboard vessels, will pay $5. The resolutions will be debated tomorrow.

NEW POLICE LEGISLATION

John Coyne (Conservative, Peel) has introduced Bill 15, An Bill to amend Section 397 of the Municipal Institutions of Upper Canada. The bill, if passed, will remove the prohibition on police officers belonging to secret societies. The legislation will allow Orangement, Freemasons, and members of other secret societies to work as police officers in the province.

January 13, 1868

Lady Susan Agnes Macdonald, wife of Sir John A. Macdonald, has furnished us with an account of the prime minister’s birthday which was celebrated on January 11 with a dinner at Rideau Hall. The prime minister turned 53.

Saturday 11th

At home till 3 then to the Department with my Husband. & then to drive with him across the Ice. Such smooth sleighing! The whole country is a sheet of unbroken snow. dazzling to look upon The air is rare with cold. The lightness of the warm & cozy. When we go in my dressing-room looks so snug, with the blazing fire & bright gaslights as we bundled in after our cold drive and John said "How comfortable this is". It pleased me much. To make his house cheery & pleasant, to know that he is happy & at ease is indeed sweet to me. All my strong Hearts devotion is so entirely given up to him, that my only fear is such affection is sinful and too all engrossing.

Dined at Rideau Hall the Roses, Sanders, Alexanders, Coffins & Ld A Russell there. How strange it still is to be taken in by the Governor, first lady there. I try hard that these things should not be a temptation or occasion of falling to me. My Heavenly Father in his wisdom has seen fit to place me in the position I occupy unworthy - ignorant - idle me. He will give me. I trust & pray, grace & strenght to fill it to His Honor & Glory. This is all my Prayer!

My darling's Birthday & he is fifty three. I think no one could guess him as much as that. He is so bright and active. May God bless this year to him & to me. May He keep us both from harm & wrong & guide us into all truth.

One earnest Prayer I daily offer. May the all-wise Disposer see fit to give my Darling the strenght needed - that will answer my prayer.

Hewitt was almost smothered in his big Buffalo coat as we drove tonight thro' the Silent wooden Ottawa streets - all white & still! We were very jolly tho' all wrapped up - tho' the sleigh was open. Sir John wore his star for the 1st time tonight. I was so proud of him & of it - & he looked so well - with the broad red riband on his coat. Truely he deserves it - for he has faithfully served both Queen & country.

January 11, 1868

DEAF AND DUMB INSTITUTES

In response to a question from John McLeod (Liberal, Durham West), Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald (Premier) said the government has no plans to establish institutes for the deaf and dumb given the as yet unresolved financial accounts between Ontario and Québec.

ONTARIO’S NORTHWESTERN BOUNDARY

The Government has not yet established the northwestern boundary of the province. The Premier told the legislature that the resolutions recently passed in the Dominion Parliament and the forthcoming decisions from England on the matter will affect the boundaries. Macdonald said the Government will work to have the question settled as quickly as possible.

January 10, 1868

COST OF ONTARIO ELECTION

Hon. Matthew C. Cameron (Provincial Secretary) tabled a return in the Legislature yesterday showing that the Government paid a total of $26,347.18 in the operation of the late provincial election. The individual payments to returning officers around the province ranged from $200 to $806 with the largest sum being paid once each to the returning officers in Addington and North Simcoe.

COLDEST DECEMBER ON RECORD

A report from the Québec Gazette shows that the month just closed was the coldest yet experienced in many years and by a significant amount with a mean temperature of 5.4 degrees, compared to December of 1866 (the warmest in recent memory) which had a mean temperature of 21.2 degrees. Despite the variance the mean temperature for the entire years of both 1866 and 1867 was an identical 40.7.

Since 1860 the annual mean temperature at Québec has varied only slightly from a low of 40.2 in 1861 to a high of 41.3 in 1864.

These figures are provided by Mr. Heatley of the Québec Observatory.

WAGES DECLINING

The Hamilton Evening Times reports that wages in the mechanical branches of industry in both England and the United States are declining owing to a slow down in available work. Manufactory owners are contracting work hours in a bid to avoid having to contract employment as a consequence.

Mechanics wages in Canada, the paper says, are already sufficiently low that they are unaffected by this particular development in the economy but says that the cost of living Canada reflects that of more prosperous times and calls for a reestablishment of equilibrium.

January 9, 1868

MACDONALD TO HIT RESET BUTTON?

With the rocky fall session behind him and the House of Commons in recess until mid-March, speculation grows that Sir John A. Macdonald (Prime Minister) use the winter break to set about remodelling the Ministry.

There are currently two vacancies that need filling, the first being the Secretary of State for the Provinces, a position vacated by Hon. Adams Archibald following his defeat in the September election, and the second being the presidency of the Privy Council which is in want of an occupant following the death of Hon. Adam Johnston Fergusson Blair at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Hon. Jean-Charles Chapais (Agriculture) is without a seat in either of the Houses of Parliament (the election in his chosen riding of Kamouraska having been cancelled following a riot) and rumours are circulating that Hon. Alexander Campbell (Post Master General) is planning to resign.

Add to this the repeated whispers of serious personality clashes said to fester amongst the remaining members of Her Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada who are said to be in constant disagreement owing, if not to the fragile nature of their coalition, than to the surprise announcement of unequal honours bestowed upon some of their number on the occasion of the formation of the Dominion.

The winter break offers the prime minister an opportunity to hit the reset button on his government which has been criticized for its slow organization and lack of initiative during the fall sitting, appearing unprepared for the delivery of its legislative program despite having four months to prepare for it from July 1 to the opening of the session at the beginning of November.

Additionally, the prime minister will need to take steps to begin to make peace with the Anti-Confederates who have returned to their ridings bearing news that all the Dominion government appears to have been done thus far is impose new duties and taxes on the Lower Provinces and sought to expand its empire westward.

If Macdonald is considering asking the Anti-Confederate leader Hon. Joseph Howe (Hants) to join him in the Privy Council he may wish to act sooner rather than later.

Alternatively, the prime minister could decide to reduce the size of the cabinet. If Campbell resigns as is rumoured and Chapais resigns as he ought to, for want of a legislative seat, the cabinet has effectively been reduced by nearly one-quarter from its original size on July 1. It is hard to see how a cabinet of nine could do any worse than a cabinet of thirteen (and it would still be one member larger than the cabinet of the United States).

ONTARIO BUDGET COMING

The Hamilton Evening Times suggests that for want of a legislative program (one not having been detailed in the Throne Speech) the treasure, Hon. E. B. Wood might be expected to submit his budget within the week. Following that, the paper calls on the legislature to deal with the Municipal and Assessment Acts which, in the view of that paper, require revision following the last sitting of the late Parliament of the Province of Canada.

NO AID FOR TORONTO

John Wallis (Conservative, West Toronto), seeking aid from the provincial government for the costs associated with the construction of the Esplanade, was rebuffed by Premier Sandfield Macdonald. Wallis said given that the railways that run across the front of the city are to the benefit of the entire province, the entire province ought to bear some of the cost. The Premier responded it had never occurred to the government that a City might be aggrieved by the presence of a railroad and no aid would be forthcoming.

BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE ONTARIO LEGISLATURE

• Bill (No. 2) An Act to repeal ch. 13 of the Consolidated Statutes, so far as the same related to the Province of Ontario, to authorise the publication of an Ontario “Gazette,” making provision for the publication of matters respecting public affairs and for official notices — Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald (Premier, Attorney-General)
• Bill (No. 3) An Act respecting the appointments of Magistrates and Coroners — Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald (Premier, Attorney-General)
• Bill (No. 4) An Act respecting the office of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly — Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac)
• Bill (No. 5) An Act for the Independence of the Legislative Assembly — Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac)
• Bill (No. 6) An Act in Amendment of Assessment Act of Upper Canada, and to follow Section 72 — Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac)
• Bill (No. 7) An Act to Amend Chapter six of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, intituled “An Act respecting Elections of Members of the Legislature” — Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac)
• Bill (No. 8) An Act to Amend the Laws of Evidence — Sir Henry Smith (Conservative, Frontenac)
• Bill (No. 9) An Act respecting Voluntary Conveyances — Edward Blake (Liberal, South Bruce)

January 8, 1868

CRIME STATISTICS FOR 1867

A report of the gaol statistics for the city of Toronto finds that the number of incarcerations has been steadily decreasing since 1862, with just 1,333 people gaoled last year as opposed to 2,091 in 1862.

Of the 1,333 incarcerations last year, 754 were men and 579 were women and more than half of the convictions were for drunk and disorderly behaviour. Men were gaoled for a far wider array of crimes than women but women found themselves convicted of the majority of drunk and disorderly crimes with 360 women gaoled for these offences as opposed to 313 men.

Women were also gaoled at higher rates for being inmates or keepers of disorderly houses and vagrancy offences.

MERCHANTS’ BANK TO AMALGAMATE WITH COMMERCIAL

News from Montreal that the Commercial Bank has accepted the proposal of the Merchants’ Bank to have the former amalgamated with the latter at a price of 33½ per share.

MONTREAL MAYORALTY

William Workman will stand for mayoralty of Montreal at the upcoming municipal election. Other candidates being mooted are Aldermen Gorrie and David, and ex-mayor Beaudry.

PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES RESUME SITTING TODAY

The Ontario and Québec Legislatures resume their sessions today at 3 o’clock.

January 7, 1868

TORONTO ELECTION RESULTS

The elections passed off yesterday with little excitement. There were contested races in just three wards all on the East side of the city. The elected councillors are:

• St. James’ Ward — Henderson
• St. David’s Ward — Boyd
• St. Lawrence Ward — Strachan
• St. John’s Ward — Smith (Mayor)
• St. Patrick’s Ward — Boxter
• St. Andrew’s Ward — Bell
• St. George’s Ward — Clements

In the Village of Yorkville, the incumbent Reeve, Dr. Berryman, was defeated by challenger Mr. Severn by 27 votes. Moore, Nightingale, Gibson, and Smart were returned for the council positions.

QUÉBEC CITY ELECTION CHALLENGED

The defeat of Hon. Joseph Cauchon (Senate Speaker) in last month’s mayoral election in Québec City has been challenged by Councillor Bolduc who wants council to declare the election void.

Bolduc alleges that Jean Langlois was elected owing to organized gangs of men who took possession of the polling places and prevented electors from voting. Bolduc moved a series of resolutions to “vindicate the rights of public morality” to be have the council take the necessary steps to declare the election illegal.

Observers will recall allegations that Cauchon’s elections the House of Commons and provincial legislature were secured only by the kidnapping of his would-be opponent, Ferdinand Lefrancois.

GOVERNMENT SEEKS A FRIENDLY PRESS

The Hamilton Evening Times reprints an editorial from the London Advertiser in which that paper alleges it was told by an unnamed cabinet minister that it would be “placed upon a list” for a share of government advertising and printing contracts if it declared itself a friend of the Government.

The Advertiser declined the offer: “we are at a loss to determine whether the greater disgrace attaches to those who offer or to those who accept conditions so humiliating.”

“Independent of subsidies, private or governmental, we desire to continue to be an organ of the people, and not a retailer of the second-hand views of the Hon. This or the gallant Sir That.”

January 6, 1868

TORONTO CITY ELECTIONS TODAY

We reported incorrectly a few days ago that the city elections for Toronto were to be held on January 1. They are, in fact, being held today.

The polls will open at 9 am and close at 5 pm. There is just one day of voting.

The challenge to Mayor Smith in St. John’s Ward has dissipated with both of his nominated opponents — former Mayor Francis Medcalf and Dr. W. T. Aikens — withdrawing from the race.

The Globe is hopeful that recent reforms to the municipal election law will improve voter interest in the contested races.

FÊTE OF THE EPIPHANY

Today is a legal holiday in Québec to mark the fête of the Three Kings. All courts, banks, and other public offices are closed.

MASS STARVATION IN SWEDEN

The Globe republishes a letter from W. W. Thomas Jr. of Portland, Maine, lately the United States representative in Sweden who writes that the devastation in that country is worse than has been reported:

Three hundred thousand hard-working patient Swedes are starving in Norland. Their crops for three years have been bad; last year they were an utter failure; and even now their miserable bread, made of straw and the bark of trees, has given out. They sit in their cheerless huts and die.

Mr. Thomas’ letter was addressed to the American Secretary of State William Seward asking him to commission a ship to be filled with foodstuffs donated by the American people and sent to Sweden to alleviate the suffering of the Scandinavians.

PARLIAMENTARY REPORTING PRIVILEGED: LORD CHIEF JUSTICE

The libel case of Watson versus Walter has come to a close in London with a ruling that a correct reporting of Parliamentary proceedings is privileged. Newspaper editors in Canada breathe a sigh of relief with this verdict as it appears possible our own Parliament and provincial assemblies will rely on the newspapers for their official records.