November 6, 1867

GALT RESIGNS

Amidst the continuing controversy at the Commercial Bank and concerns over his handling of the banking file, Hon. Alexander Tilloch Galt (Finance) has resigned from the cabinet. Galt says that he is resigning for private and urgent reasons. He retains his seat in the Commons.

Hon. William Howland (Inland Revenue) will take over the Finance portfolio on an interim basis.

The Globe is skeptical that any real change to the government’s policy will result from the resignation. They believe Galt to be a sacrifice the government has had to make to quell growing public dissatisfaction with the handling of the Commercial Bank crisis but that government will continue to follow Galt’s policy.

News of the resignation comes on the day the new Parliament of Canada is to meet for the first time and is surely a black mark for the Government.

For a review of the Commercial Bank crisis, see here.

Meanwhile, Hon. Joseph Cauchon has been appointed Speaker of the Senate.

FUNERAL OF BISHOP STRACHAN

The late Bishop of Toronto, John Strachan, was laid to rest yesterday afternoon beneath the high altar at St. James Cathedral.

Both sides of King Street were lined with members of military and volunteers in an unbroken phalanx that stretched from the Bishop’s residence to the Cathedral.

The funeral procession was led by

• One mounted troop of the 13th Hussars
• Officers of the 10th Royals
• Officers of the Volunteer Artillery Battery and Foot Artillery
• Officers of the Grand Trunk Brigade
• Officer’s of the Queen’s Own
• Volunteer Staff Officers
• Regular Staff Officers
• St. George’s Society
• St. Andrew’s Society
• St. Patrick’s Society
• The city Police Force, Officers in rear
• The Members of City Council
• The City Officials
• Upper Canada Law Society
• Law Students
• Professors and Students of Victoria College
• Students of Upper Canada College
• Masters of Upper Canada College
• Masters and pupils of Normal School
• Faculty and Students of Toronto University
• Professors of Trinity College
• Graduates and under graduates of Trinity College
• Clergy of the Diocese
• The Dean of Toronto
• The Bishop and Messrs. Givins and Scadding, Chaplains

The hearse, drawn by four black horses, was accompanied by the Pall Bearers:

• His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor, General Harry Stisted
• Ven. Archdeacon Palmer
• Dr. McCaul
• The Provost
• Chief Justice Draper
• Ven. Archdeadon Fuller
• The Mayor
• H. J. Boulton

The hearse was followed by Verger and Valet, mourners, and citizens on foot.

Along the procession route stores were closed and flags hung at half-mast.