July 13, 1867

CABINET REVOLT LED TO CAUCHON’S DOWNFALL

The tensions between English and French that nearly led to the collapse of John A. Macdonald’s Dominion ministry are the very same that consumed the infant ministry of Joseph-Édouard Cauchon in Québec City. Reports from La Vielle Capitale reveal that M. Cauchon’s hostility towards the Québec English, as demonstrated by his response to the Education Bill, resulted in the outright refusals of Messrs. George Irvine and Christopher Dunkin to join the cabinet. It is suggested that several others, including some of the French-speaking nominees were similarly reluctant to serve alongside M. Cauchon for the same reason.

SOUTH LEEDS TORIES REFUSE COOPERATION WITH REFORM

The South Leeds (Ontario) Conservative Party met last week to nominate candidates for the upcoming Dominion and Provincial elections. John Crawford will carry the party standard for the Commons and Benjamin Tett will put his name forward for the Ontario legislature.

D. Ford Jones had been the convention’s initial choice to stand in the Dominion election but declined on the grounds that he could not afford the three or four thousand dollars it is anticipated the campaign will cost. Mr. Jones nominated Mr. Crawford in his stead. Mr. Crawford accepted the nomination despite hailing from Toronto and being unfamiliar with both the constituency and its residents.

When the question of cooperation with the Reform contingent in the riding was put the meeting broke down into chaos. Order was restored long enough for the party membership to reject the idea of not contesting the provincial election in the riding in return for the same consideration from Reform in the Dominion contest.

TARIFFS BLAMED FOR DECLINE IN IMPORTS TO MONTREAL

The Port of Montreal reports the importation of goods with a total value of $25,045,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1867, which marks a decrease from the previous year of some $203,000. Tariffs are blamed for the loss of trade. Coffee is particularly affected and cannot, by some reports, be sold for a profit due to import duties.

DOMINION ELECTION EXPECTED IN SEPTEMBER

The Journal de Québec reports that the Dominion election will be held in the middle of September.