H AMERICA:

“ENGLIS

PICTURES OF CANADIAN PLACES AND PEOPLE.

SAMUEL PHILLIPS DAY,

Author of “Down South ; or Experiences at the Seat of War in America,” etc., etc,

Sondon: T. CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER,

80, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE.

1864, (THB RIGHT OF TRANSLATION 18 RESERVED.)

To JAMES WYLL, kso, MP,

ETC., BTC,, THESE VOLUMES 4RE INSCRIBED

48 AN

SXPRESSION or REGARD,

BY HIs SINCERE FRIEND,

THE AUTHOR,

CONTENTS OF VOLUME IL

CHAPTER L

THE VOYAGE OUT. PAGE.

Embarkation—Arrival at Moville—A “ Black Fast” in London- derry—Singularly-shaped Icebergs—Breaking of an Engine—

The St. Lawrence—Scenery round Cape Gaspé—Peaks and Perils of the St, Lawrence, . . .

CHAPTER II.

QUEBEC,

The Capital of Canada—Population—The First Colonista— The Citadel—Residences, Ancient an? Modern—Municipal Neglect—Historical Memories—The Marine Hospital—A Chapter of Accidents—Fétes d’Obligation—The Ship Buildiag Trade—Legend of the “Hermitage” . .

CHAPTER III.

TOPOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Scenic Beauties of Quebec—Dwellings of the Habitans—Falls of Montmorenci—The Natural Steps—Indian Village of Lorette —Burning of a Church—Peasant Life—The Legislative Bodies—Political Parties—The Parliamentary Library .

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV. MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

PAGE, The New Canadian Cabinet—Sketches of its Members—Depart- aa mental Mismanagement—Financial Position and Prosperity | of the Province—Purging the Departments—Policy of the iG | Adminstration—An Unpopular Adjutant-General . oe. « 68 { \a

CHAPTER V.

THE DEFENCE OF CANADA.

| Rejection of the Militia Bill—Passing of a Modified Measure— Recall of Colonel Lysons, C.B.—Supineness among Volun-

i teerse—Strength of the Active Militia Force of Quebec— Canada a Spoilt Child—Spirit of the French-Canadian Press—Antipathy towards England—The New York Press Condoles with the Canadians—Annexation and a French { Protectorate Denounced—Anglo-Federal Journals—-Effective Volunteer Force of the Province. . ee ’ : . 88

a | CHAPTER VIL % a THE UNIVERSITY OF LAVAL—THE GRAND AND 4 LITTLE SEMINARIES.

Grant of a Royal Charter—Prince of Wales’ Visit—Institution of a Prize—Outline of the Buildings, Cabinets, Museums, etc. i —Pupils and Professors—Government of the Seminary—The i Late Rector—The Grand Seminary for Theological Students —Financial Position of the University—Costume of the Scholars in the Little Seminary—Residence of the Prieste—

Monseigneur De Laval—His Educational Labours—Chapel of the Seminary—Saintly Relics—A Combination of Mishaps, 101

CHAPTER VII. MORAL ASPECTS OF THE CAPITAL.

Separate School Systems—The First School in Canada—How Common Schools are Supported—Educational Statistice— The Old Jesuit College Metamorphosed into a Barrack— Preponderance and Description of Crime—Visit to the Gaol —What Constitutes “Hard Labonr”"—The “Room of

Records "—A Maniac—Gaol Dietary—Condition of the Prison

and the Prisoners—Absence of Classification ey » 118

BS ae ak ein a esrb —— =

Lo aot te it ab Ba ian ee

\

AGE,

52

83

101

118 ui

CONTENTS.«

CHAPTER VIIL

LUNACY IN LOWER CANADA.-——THE ASYLUM AT BEAUPORT.

PAGE.

Lunatics Originally Confined in Religious Houses—Their Con-

dition and Treatment—Sir C. Metcalfe’s Philanthropic Exer- tions in their Behalf—First Receptions of Insane Persons at Beaufort Asylum—Pleasurable -Emotions Created in their Minds by the Change of Scene and Discipline—Description of the New Building and the Grounds—Patients and their Occupations — Rationale of Treatment Adopted — Library and News Room—Effects of Religious, Asthetic, and Social Observances—Singular Examples of Mental Aberra- tion—The Beaufort Type of Insanity . R . ‘

CHAPTER IX. MONTREAL.

Situation and Extent of the City—The “ Mountain "—Judicial

Divisions of the Province—Foundation of Montreal—Position of an Early Governor—The Coureurs de Bois—Social and Commercial Progress—Railroads and Canals—Transforma- tions—The Corporation—Assessed Property—Conspicuous Public Edifices—Eyesores—Scotch Settlers—Nelson’s Monu- ment —- The Volunteer Movement—Allegiance of the People The Flower of the Army—Prince of Wales’ Fishing Club— Editorial Amenities—Evils of Garrison Life—Scene on the Champ de Mars—Military Insubordination . : 48

CHAPTER X.

INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES AND SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE ‘‘IgLAND CITY.”

Mr. Anthony Trollope’s Strictures—The Victoria Iron Works—

Nails and Nailers—Rolling Mills—Scientific Process of Pud- dling—The Royal, City, and Canal Flour Mills—Economiza- tion of Labour—The Canada Marine Works—Vicissitudes of the Confederate Privateer, Sumpter—The Sugar Refinery— Advantages of the Lachine Canal—The Montreal Ocean Steam Ship Company—The Geological Museum, and Sir William | Povena ucational Institutes—Condition of Criminality e e e e e ° e e e e

129

156

178

CS SS eae eetiieaes pan = —————

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI.

FETES AND FEASTING.

Visit of the Governor-General—Civic and Military Display—

Scene at the Wharf—The Public Reception—His Excellency’s Reply to the Corporate Address—The Cortége—Concert at the “Crystal Palace”—Grand Review and Mimic Fight on Logan’s Farm—Banquet at St. Lawrence Hall—The Levée— blr Performance by Military Amateurs— Effects of a

rtie e e e e e e e e * e e

CHAPTER XII.

KAKOUNA, ‘‘ THE BRIGHTON OF CANADA.”

Quitting Montreal—On Board a Steamer—Town of Sorel—Its

Historical Interest—Cascade of Chambli—Riviére du Loup— Kakouna—Topography of the Place—French Canadian Lodg- ing-House Keepers—O’Neill’s Hotel—Fashionable Life at this Watering Place —A Gifted Jehu—A Yankee Speculator— An “ Artist” par excellence—An Indian Encampment—Visit

‘to a Convent—The Catholic Church—Sunday Auction for the

Benefit of a Soul in Purgatory—Drive to the Falls—A Strange Story—Atmospherical Phenomena in the Lower St. Law- rence e e e e e e e e e e e

CHAPTER XIII.

RETURN TO QUEBEC,

French-Canadian Pretensions—The Exodus from the States—

‘“ Skedaddling "—A Wo-begone Federal Soldier—Yankee Emissaries Discomfited—Outrages by Federal Sentinels at Niagara—A Volunteer Hero—The Turf Club Races— Description of the Race Course—Military Murders—Presen- tation of the Victoria Cross to Captain Burslam—Colonel Paynter Taking Farewell of the Garrison—His Observations on the Immoral Habits of the Troops . ee eta

PAGE.

211

229

254

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE LATE SIR ALLAN NAPIER MACNAB.

PAGE, I, 5E, Antecedents of the Defunct Baronet—His Progenitors—The hs School Boy Soldier and the Midshipman—Studies Law, and

Commences Practice as an Advocate—Attains the Rank of

Queen’s Counsel—Becomes a Member and Speaker of the

Legislative Assembly—He Engages in the Rebellion, and

Marches to the Protection of Toronto—He Receives the Wt

Honour of Knighthood and the Commendation of the Queen a

11 —Sir Allan’s Parliamentary Career—His Attendance Upon ¥ the Prince of Wales—His Personal Appearance and Charac-

ter—His Last Illness—Indecorous Scenes at his Death and if

Burial—The Protestant Clergyman and the Roman Catholic iy.

Bishop e e e e e e e e e e e 285

CHAPTER XV.

4 THE INTER-COLONIAL RAILWAY.

Origin of the Important Scheme—Interest Taken in the Under- taking by the British Government at various Times—Promises but no Performances—Extent of Line Formed by the Canadian Government—Conference of the Executive Representatives of the Three Provinces—Length and Expense of the Line to Com- plete the Communication—Winter March of the British

229 Troops from Halifax to Canada—Difficulties as to Routes for the Projected Railway—The Trade of Canada in Relation to

the Sister Provinces—Circular of the Finance Minister—

Monopoly of Colonial Trade by American Shipowners. .

ENGLISH AMERICA.

CHAPTER I.

THE VOYAGE OUT.

Embarkation—Arrival at Moville—A “Black Fast” in London-

derry —Singularly-shaped Icebergs—Breaking of anEngine— Scenery round Cape Gaspé—Peaks and Perils of the St. Law- rence,

On the 6th of May, 1862, I embarked from Liverpool for Quebec, in the Hibernian, one of the Montreal Ocean Steam-Ship Company’s vessels. Her appoiniments were excellent, while her mag- nificent saioon and large, lofty state-rooms are, I may safely say, unrivalled. Such advantages, apart from a plentiful if not a luxurious table, | can scarcely be overrated during a voyage even | " of twelve days’ duration. Upon leaving the Meresy we had about forty cabin and over two hundred steerage passengers. Most of the latter belonged to the better class of emigrants.

VOL. I. B

2 ENGLISH AMERICA.

The day was calm and bright—the noble river smooth as crystal ; and these benignant aspects of nature seemed to be sympathetically imparted to every one on board.

Early next morning we reached Moville, on the Irish coast, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles; As the Hibernian would be detained for some hours, owing to the embarka- tion of some one hundred additional emigrants, afew saloon passengers, including myself, took advantage of a steamer that came along-side and crossed over to Londonderry. The landlord of the principal hotel, where we took breakfast, kindly placed his private jaunting-car at our dis- posal, and directed the driver to conduct us to the beautiful new Cemetery a few miles from the city. We were very thankful for such an exhibi- tion of politeness and unaffected good nature, especially as the trip proved a pleasant one. The town wore a miserably dull aspect, as if it were doing penance in sackcloth and ashes! Most of the shops were closed, and the window-blinds were drawn down in private houses. Few persons passed in the streets, except ragged urchins and pro- fessional beggars, whose doleful whines and doltish importunities it were difficult to resist. I thought that the Mayor, or some other great functionary, must certainly have been dead, and

THE VOYAGE OUT. 3

that the attached citizens adopted these modes of giving expression to their grief. On no other grounds could I account for the direful appear- ances that presented themselves on every hand. Upon inquiry, however, I ascertained, with some degree of mortification, that the day happened to be observed as a “black fast” among the Presby- terians. Having returned to our hotel, shaken hands with our worthy host, and made a pilgrim- age around the famous walls of Derry, we re- embarked, bidding adieu to the fair Green Isle which has given birth to poets, philosophers, and orators, who will be honoured through all time, and whose names will never cease to be associated with our literature.

The Hibernian soon again got under weigh. In steaming out of Loch Foyle, I noticed a hand- some mansion belonging to Mr. Mc Cormack, the Irish railway contractor, whose speculations have proved so successful. The arrangements on board for such a numerous living freight were excellent. Shortly after we left the Irish coast, we experienced a protracted and stormy passage ; our brave vessel encountering head winds and high cross seas almost uninterruptedly. A few accidents occurred in the shape of broken arms and dislocated shoulders, which were imme- diately attended to by the surgeon. While off

B2

4 ENGLISH AMERICA.

Cape Race we passed numerous icebergs, some of which assumed fantastic shapes. One had the appearance of an ecclesiastical edifice partially in ruins, and towered to the height of four hundred feet, Another could scarcely be distinguished at a distance from a ship in full sail. The proximity to icebergs can generally be ascertained by the temperature of the sea-water, which accordingly is frequently tested in the foggy regions of the Newfoundland banks. It is these icebergs, together with field-ice, that render the passage across the Atlantic so perilous at certain seasons of the year, when the ice begins to break up in Northern latitudes.

We had just cleared Cape Ray, and were about five hundred and fifty miles from our destination, when, to add to the other miseries and dangers of the voyage, one of the ship’s engines became disabled. Eight weary hours had elapsed before the machinery could be detached or we could get under weigh again, during which time we drifted many miles towards the coast. This was a period of great anxiety to the captain, the officers, and indeed to all on board. Our suspense was par- tially relieved by having sighted a steamer a-head, which, upon being signalled, bore down to our assistance in case of danger. This vessel proved to be the Jura, one of the Montreal Ocean

2 of the y in red 1 at nity the ly is the rgs, age 30ns D in

bout ion, cers ame fore get fted riod and par- ead, our oved ean

eee

THE ST, LAWRENCE. 5

Company’s fleet, which steamed round the Hibernian until she was enabled to resume her voyage. Fortunately this un-looked-for accident did not occur on the previous day, while the vessel was in the neighbourhood of icebergs, or possibly the Hibernian (with over five hundred souls on board) might have drifted against one and gone to pieces, whild none of her numerous passengers or crew would have survived to record the tale.

‘From Cape Gaspé up the St. Lawrence to Quebec, a distance of five hundred miles, the view was quite imposing. The numerous villages extending all along the coast, presented the ap- pearance of one immense encampment; for the wooden cottages and log farm-houses, painted white, glistened in the sun, and very much resembled interminable rows of tents.

The magnificence and boldness of the scenery can scarcely be surpassed. Vast undulating mountains, densely covered with the growth of centuries, raise their kingly crests on either side of the tortuous river, inspiring the beholder with the highest impressions of the beautiful. The vil- lages and hamlets are exclusively inhabited by French Canadians, some of whom are possessed of “considerable means. 'The majority, however, are poor. A more energetic race may have further

6 ENGLISH AMERICA.

peopled the desolate waste, penetrated further across the mountains into the forests, and further reclaimed the earth. Nevertheless, they have not been idle; and the habitations of men, and the evidences of Christianity and her civilizing influ- ences, are not wanting.

The St. Lawrence is a noble river, although its navigation is difficult and dangerous. Its greatest breadth is seventy-eight miles, but it narrows into a channel of three-quarters of a mile broad at Quebec. The valley through which it flows is en- closed by mountains on either side. Fifty miles northwards the country has been but little ex- plored, and is covered with immense impenetrable forests. These wastes will possibly one day be | opened up by the indomitable energy of the Anglo- Saxon race.

Rife with picturesque grandeur and melancholy

. interest; and rich in legendary lore, is the Lower

St. Lawrence. Upon entering the Gulf two huge rocks, called the Bird Rocks, uttract attention. These are upwards of one hundred feet high, and their flat, narrow summits assume a resplen:lent whiteness. Several descriptions of birds have taken up their abode in apertures formed in these perpendicular cliffs, such as the gannet, the puffin, three species of guillemuts, and the razor-billed auks. Then there is Egg Island, memorable .on

PEAKS AND PERILS, 7

account of the total destruction of the English Armada, in 1711, under Admiral Walker, upon at- tempting the invasion of Canada. Not less re- markable is the Island of Anticosta, lying exactly in mid-channel, on whose inaccessible shores the notorious pirate, Gamache, for many years made his home, and which has been the scene of nu- merous shipping disasters, the latest in Novem- ber, 1861. Percé Rock, L’Islet au Massacre, and

Cap au Diable, have, been rendered prominent by

the dark and cruel deeds once enacted thereupon, giving rise to a number of legends concerning ap- paritions, in which sailors, proverbially supersti- tious, and the neighbouring fishermen, repose implicit faith.

At length, after a severe and tedious passage of thirteen days, we arrived on the hospitable shores of English America, to the inexpressible delight of everybody, to none more so than myself.

ENGLISH AMERICA.

CHAPTER II.

QUEBEC,

The Capital of Canada— Historical Memories—The Marine Hos- pital—A Chapter of Accidents—Fétes d’Obligation—The Shipping Trade—Legend of the ‘‘ Hermitage.”

On the western shore of the St. Lawrence lies Quebec, the oldest city in Canada,on a neck of land bounded by that river on the east, and on the north by the St. Charles. On the south side the mountain on which the city is built rises con- siderably, extending for miles in a westerly direction. Viewed either from an historical or a picturesque stand-point, it possesses an interest accorded to no other city on the American conti- nent, and being the military key to North America endows it with additional importance as a stra- tegical position for defensive operations.

The original title of what is now United Canada was, in official parlance, termed the Province of Quebec, just as under French rule it was denomi-

9

POPULATION.

nated Nouvelle France, Towards the close of the last century the appellation of province was divided between Upper and Lower Canada. In 1841, or thereabouts, these Provinces became re-united, when they were authoritatively designated ‘‘ Ca- nada East ” and “‘ Canada West.” It is somewhat anomalous that the law courts of the former should employ the words, “ that part of the Pro- vince of Canada heretofore called Lower Canada,”’ in all legal documents, scrupulously avoiding the use of the official phrase ‘‘ Canada Hast,” and that the people should still distinguish the different sections as Upper and Lower Canada. The Ottawa or Grand River, a stream probably about the magnitude of the Danube, divides these countries for the greater part of its length.

In extent, Lower Canada, in round numbers, is as three to two against Upper Canada. By the same rough calculation the population of Upper Canada is at the uttermost a little more than as twenty-seven to twenty-one against that of Lower Canada. That of the latter, by the same reckoning, is four to one French Canadian and Roman Catholic, of whom more than seven-eighths are unacquainted with English. Of the remainder one-third are Roman Catholics, but not of French extraction, and the rest Protestants: making twelve-fifteenths Roman Catholics of the French B 5

eT i aE ‘hy. a4 t a a | q a) i a | oo” i i | 3 |

10 ENGLISH AMERICA.

tongue ; one-fifteenth Roman Catholics not of the French tongue ; and two-fifteenths Protestants of various denominations.

In Upper Canada from one-fifth to one-seventh of the people are Romanists of all origins ; the re- maioder comprise different Protestant bodies. The entire western population is an English speak- ing community. The descendants of the United Empire Loyalists, or allies of Great Britain, during the American revolution of 1776, form a consider- able portion of the people, while their influence, respectability, and wealth, are more than com- mensurate with their numbers. There is a foreign element in the population, but it is not conspi- cuous. The negroes, especially fugitive slaves, though not in reality very numerous, are more abundant than in Lower Canada. In both sec- tions of the province the Indians only number a few thousand souls. There are but few full- blooded Indians in Western, and scarcely any in Eastern Canada. Those of the former consist chiefly of the Iroquois tribes; those of the latter are mostly confined to the Hurons.

The origin of the word Quebec is shrouded in mystery ; eminent authorities disagreeing as tu its derivation. Its root has never been disco- vered in any Indian language or dialect, and some have supposed that it partakes both of French

St B

THE FIRST COLONISTS. 11

and Norman derivation. It is admitted, however, that the place was called Stadacona by the Indians who inhabited it at the time of Jacques Cartier, who is generally considered the first discoverer of Canada, because he was more fortunate than his predecessor, poor John Veresan, who was eaten by the savages, and thus prevented from reaping the rewards and honours of his adventure. After the Montagnez, or inferior Algonquins, had evacuated Quebec it was taken possession of by the Hurons, by whom it was named Tia-ton-ta-rili, or ‘‘ the place of the strait,” and by this title, ac- cording to Charlevoix, it was handed down to pos- terity. Its first colonists came from Rouen, who, after much opposition from the natives, finally succeeded in effecting a permanent abode.

This antiquated city has appropriately been designated ‘‘ the Gibraltar of America ;”’ indeed, nature seems to have intended it for a position of defence. Although Quebec itself presents the appearance of a disinterred town, nevertheless it is surrounded with natural beauties which border strongly on the sublime. Perhaps no other city in the world is so picturesquely situated, or so deeply impresses the mind of the traveller, and yet no city is so neglected, or left to advance to- wards hopeless ruin. The scenic grandeur of this place has long been the subject of general eulogy.

Nn arias ae en .

SSS eens

12 ENGLISH AMERICA.

The majestic appearance of Cape Diamond and the frowning fortifications—the cupolas and mi- narets blazing in the sun—the noble basin, like a sheet of silver, wherein a hundred sail of the line may safely ride—the river St. Charles, grace- fully meandering—the numerous village spires on either side of the St. Lawrence—the fertile fields dotted with clusters of cottages—the im- posing scenery of Point Levi and New Liverpool —the charming Island of Orleans, and in the distance the bold Cape Tourment and the lofty range of purple mountains, form a coup dail almost impossible to be surpassed.

Quebec is divided into what is termed the Upper and Lower Towns—La haute Ville and La basse Ville—a precipice of rugged rock, some three hundred feet in height, separating the one from the other. The Lower Town is situated directly at the foot of the dizzy declivity, and skirts the base of the promontory to a consider- able extent on both sides. This is the chief mart of trade and business, from its proximity to the Custom-house, the wharfs and storehouses. Its site is almost entirely the creation of human in- dustry, having been obtained by excavating from the base of the precipice, and redeemed from the river by building out into its waters. Both towns are connected by a narrow passage called Mountain

= nt

THE FORTRESS OF ST. LOUIS. 13

Street—and a mountain in reality itis. This is chiefly passable for carriages and carts. Foot passengers find it more convenient to ascend and descend by what are termed Break-neck Stairs— an appellation fitly conveying the idea of danger attending this mode of transit from one part of Quebec to the other.

The citadel on Cape Diamond—two hundred feet higher than the base of the Upper Town—is a for- midable combination of powerful works, and may well be classed with the celebrated fortresses of Europe. Its foundation was laid by Champlain, the first Governor, in 1620, who bestowed on it the title of St. Louis. It comprises an area of forty acres. You approach it by a tortuous road, cut through the summit of the glacis, which conducts to the outward ditch of the ravelin, and thence to the principal ditch of the fortifications, built upon both sides with high walls of solid masonry, and extending along the entire circumference of the citadel on the land and city sides. Each bastion is protected by heavy ordnance, most of which are mounted on immense iron barbette-car- riages. This fortress combines every invention and precaution that science and art could devise for the security of the city and the protection of the garrison. A fine row of buildings, formed of cut stone, having a paved terrace in front, is ap-

14 ENGLISH AMERICA.

propriated for officers’ quarters. In the dark coloured slate of which Cape Diamond is com- posed are found limpid quartz crystals, in con- junction with crystalised carbonate of lime. Owing to these crystals, which sparkle brilliantly, the Cape derives its name.

Quebec, the present seat of Government, has all the appearance of a French town, and the traveller has no slight difficulty in disabusing himself of the idea. The quaint houses, long, narrow streets, the number of Catholic churches and conventual establishments with which it abounds, the array of ecclesiastics and nuns, in the costumes of their respective orders, whom one perpetually encounters, the ringing of convent bells all day long, the foreign patois one con- tinually hears spoken —nay, even the very sign- boards over the various stores, seem to convey impressively the idea that Quebec is not a Colonial city of the British crown. Everything is French.

The city, embracing within its limits both towns, is divided into districts, known as the St. Louis, Palace, St. Peter’s, St. John’s, St Roch’s, and Champlain wards, their united population numbering a little over fifty-one thousand souls, Of these nearly twenty-nine thousand are of French origin, possessing all the peculiar traits,

ert; Oo FPF fr Owe Ww OO “

15

e RESIDENCES, ANCIENT AND MODERN.

predilections, and, unfortunately, prejudices of their Norman ancestry. Although close upon a century has elapsed since the conquest, still the habitans never have amalgamated, and never will amalgamate, with the other European setilers.

™ They quietly follow their own pursuits, live for the

most part in peculiar districts, and having food and raiment appear perfectly contented with their lot, and have no ambition to improve it. In this people there exists no element of progress—a circum- stance which accounts for the Jow social condition of Quebec, fully a century behind all other Canadian towns."

The houses, generally low and inconveuiently crowded, are frequently built of wood, especially in thesuburbs. The roofs, too, are of shingle— white cedar, selected for its lightness and dura- bility—over which in the better class residences a covering of tin is placed. Some of the modern erections are of uncut stone boarded over, but brick edifices are very uncommon, A few specu- lative individuals have raised here and there huge stores, after the American style of architecture, distinguished by the magnitude of the shop fronts. Generally speaking, these had proved failures. One of the most imposing establish- ments of this class not having been found to answer the purposes of its owner, he was induced

16 ENGLISH AMERICA.

to let off the upper storys of the building to the proprietor of Russell’s Hotel, who, during the legislative session, had them fitted up as dormi- tories for his numerous guests. The lofty store was shut up all day, but was opened towards evening, when a showily-dressed yankeised-Irish- man, with a stentorian voice that could be heard distinctly a quarter of a mile off, disposed of dry goods by auction to a tag-rag and bob-tail auditory, some of whom smoked their clay pipes in cool indifference, while the energetic gentle- man on the top of a box, disencnmbered of his coat, was roaring out “going, going, gone!” meanwhile handing over to some Johnny Green of a spectator an alleged remnant of a bank- ruptcy stock, sacrificed to the cupidity of an in- exorable creditor !

Quebec has been built without the slightest regard to geometrical rule or proportion. The streets run any way, and the houses look so rickety, that there would be an inevitable crash did they not lean for security against each other. They do, however, manage to tumble down some- times, that is when a fire does not save them the exertion. Everything seems fast hurrying to decay, and yet the Aaditans appear either uncon- scious of, or indifferent to, the fact. The narrow plank footpaths and the plank and block roads

MUNICIPAL NEGLECT. 17

are in a woeful state of dilapidation, so that if you walk you are liable to break your leg at every step; and if you ride the caléche jolts so fiercely that you stand a chance either of being pitched out or else having your neck dislocated. Surely the municipal authorities have much to answer for by thus neglecting to mend their ways, and endangering the lives and limbs of her Majesty’s subjects. And yet the householders pay taxes for the especial purpose of repairing the roads and footpaths; a matter, I must con- fess, very difficult to understand.

‘How is it?” I inquired of a magistrate, ‘that the corporation suffer the highways and byways to remain in such a disgraceful condition?”

‘It is, I suppose, because they have no funds,” was the ready rejoinder: “all that they can scrape together goes towards paying interest on borrowed money.”

Even the lighting of the streets is most miser- ably managed. Some of them are not lighted at all; but even where the process is attempted— and it is nothing more—the gas is so bad, and the lamps are so far apart, that it seems a needless waste of time and money for no purpose. The lamps indeed emit but a dim ray, only serving to render darkness visible. But of this paltry

18 ENGLISH AMERICA.

glimmer the city is deprived whenever the moon shines, or whenever it is expected that she would shine—it makes no difference which—a narrow impolitic economy, only adopted in some out- of-the-way third-rate town in the “ old country.” How lamentable to think that a locality possess- ing so many eventful historical associations, and surrounded by so many natural beauties, should be suffered to fall into a hopeless state of demoli- tion, owing to the supineness of its inhabitants, or the indifference of the legislature ?

All the ancient fabrics are built of lime slate, of which the mountains and hills for many miles along the St. Lawrence are composed. A few feet from the surface this stone is so compact that a casual observer could not discover it was slate. Being easily broken and cut to the size required, it was made available for architectural purposes, after having been exposed for a year to the air and sun. The stones, however, had to be laid in a particular manner in order to prevent decay.

The stirring historical memories connected with Quebec a century since are kept alive by a few tablets to the memories of the great military leaders who fought and fell upon this classic ground. On the battle field of the Plains of Abraham is a

WOLFE AND MONTCALM. 19

simple but chaste fluted column, erected in 1849, by the officers of the army in Canada, to the memory of Wolfe, who, at an early age, was killed on this spot almost at the moment of victory. It bears the short but pithy inscription—

HERE DIED WOLFE, VICTORIOUS.

A previous monument had been erected in 1835 by Lord Aylmer, Governor-in-Chief, but it was carried away piecemeal by visitors, whose loyalty was greatly in excess of their discretion. Never- theless, it seems a disgraceful omission that so slight a mark of honour should have been deferred 1 three-quarters of a century after Canada had been es won by Wolfe’s arms for England; when, in the | eloquent language of Bancroft, “America rang with exultation ; the hills glared with bonfires ; legisla- tures, the pulpit, the press, echoed the general joy ; provinces and families gave thanks toGod. Eng- land, too, which had shared the despondency of Wolfe, triumphed at his victory, and wept for his death. Joy, grief, curiosity, amazement, were on every countenance.” Other monuments, public and private, proclaim the fame of Wolfe and Mont- calm,—the victor and the vanquished.

20 ENGLISH AMERICA.

The principal of these stands in the Governor’s Garden, and contains the annexed inscription :—

HvuJUSCE MONUMENTI IN VIRORUM ILLUSTRIUM, WOLFE ET MONTCALM, FUNDAMENTUM, P. C. GEORGIUS COMES DE DALHOUSIE;

In SEPTENTRIONALIS AMERIC PARTIBUS SUMMAM RERUM ADMINISTRANS ; OPUS PER MULTOS ANNOS PRATERMISSUM, QUID DUCI EGREGIO CONVENTIUS ? AUCTORITATE PROMOVENS, EXEMPLO STIMULANS, MUNIFICENTIA FOVENS DrE NoOvEMBRIS XV.

A. D. MDCCCXXVII,

GEoRGIO IV, BRITANNIARUM REGE.

MORTEM. VIRTUS. COMMUNEM. FAMAM. HISTORIA. MONUMENTUM. POSTERITAS, DEDIT.

The following is a translation :—

‘This monumental stone to the memory of the illustrious men, Wolfe and Montcalm, was laid by George, Earl of Dal- housie, Governor-in-Chicf over all the British Provinces in North America: a work neglected for many years, he promoted by his influence, encouraged by his example, and favoured by his munificence, 15th Nov., 1827, George IV. reigning King of Great Britain.

‘‘ Military prowess gave them a common death ; history a common fame ; and posterity a common monument, in the year of our Lord, 1827.”

Montcalm was buried in the Ursuline Convent. The remains of Wolfe were conveyed to England, and were interred in the parish church of Green- wich. Montcalm’s last words consisted in a flat- tering panegyric upon the British General, and his heroic troops. The memories of both warriors are equally cherished in Lower Canada.

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THE MARINE HOSPITAL. 21

Fronting the site of the old Chateau St. Louis, at Durham Terrace, for centuries the courtly resi- dence of the Governor, is a fashionable promenade. This place of public resort is termed “the Plat- form,”’ the construction of which cost several thou- sand pounds. It is erected on the summit of the precipice, and is securely railed in to prevent acci- dent. Fewer views could be more magnificent or imposing than that seen from this place, the eye bringing together verdant fields, and the inter- minable primeval forest, the frowning fortress, and the smiling aspects of peaceful industry. Here commingle in one harmonious extending panorama, snow-capped mountain and declivitous plain, sinuous river and broad tranquil waters, stately ship and tiny boat, gentle hill and shady valley, bola headland and rich fruitful fields, sombre bat- tlement and cheerful villa, glittering dome and rural spire, flowery garden and sombre forest,—a veritable phalanx of beauty.

It might appear ungracious were I to pass un- noticed the Marine Hospital, especially as the advantages it confers upon English sailors and im- migrants are incalculable, although its operations embrace wider bounds. This building is situated on the banks of the River St. Charles, nearly opposite the spot where Jacques Cartier wandered and wintered in 1535; and held converse with

22 ENGLISH AMERICA.

Donnacona, the Indian lord of Canada. The facade is of the Ionic order; the proportions being taken from the Temple of the Muses, on the Illissus, near Naples. With the wings it measures two hundred and six feet from east to west. The wings are ten feet in depth, and the entire pre- mises contain an area of about six acres, a portion of which has been laid out in gardens and promenade grounds for conva- lescents. On the basement floor are Protestant and Catholic chapels, with temporary apartments for the officiating ministers, besides store-rooms, apartments for housekeeper, steward, and nurses, baths and all necessary conveniences, two large kitchens, in addition to wards for sixty patients. The principal story comprises a lofty vestibule, ap- proached by a double flight of stone steps; suites of rooms for medical officers, examining rooms, operating theatres, and beds for sixty-eight patients. Apartments for the head nurses, and wards for one hundred and forty patients, occupy the third story. Higher again is a lying- in hospital for thirty-four patients; while the attics are laid out for sixty more, affording alto- gether accommodation for three hundred and sixty-two persons. ach story is fitted up with hot, cold, and vapour baths; while a number of ventilating flues convey, by peculiar

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as you enter the town by one of the three

THE ‘‘ ENGLISH CATHEDRAL.” 23

mechanism, the vitiated air to the roof of the edifice.

Lord Aylmer, governor-general, laid the first stone of this building on May 28, 18382; it was opened to the public two years afterwards. The cost of its construction amounted to twenty-three thousand pounds. Over thirteen thousand dollars a year are paid by the Canadian government for its maintenance. This sum is wholly or partially obtained by a tax of one penny per ton on every vessel arriving from sea. There were one hundred and twenty-five patients in the institution at the time of my visit. Out of the eight hundred and thirty-four seamen and immigrants who sought its shelter during the previous year, very nearly one- third were from England; one hundred and seventy-seven came from Scotland, and one hun- dred and ninety-two from Ireland. The small remnant belonged to almost every nation.

There are some fine Catholic churches that completely throw into the shade the paltry edifice designated by the sounding title of ‘“‘ English Cathedral,”” consecrated in 1804, and to which George III. presented a valuable communion ser- vice. The tall wooden spires of these churches are covered with tin, and when the sun is setting they possess a highly imposing effect, especially

24 ENGLISH AMERICA.

Macadamised roads. Quebec possesses no place of nightly amusement. There is a capital music hall in the Upper Town, but concerts are rarely given therein.

The city is deficient in first-class hotels. Indeed it contains but two that can be classed under this category, namely Russell House, in Palace Street, and the St. Louis, establishments conducted by the same proprietor. In many respects these re- semble our best English hotels.: There exist the same quiet and comfort, the same order and cleanliness, with a more abundant and even luxu- rious table. Four meals a day are provided for the guests, and at less than one-half the cost of similar houses in London. About two and a-half dollars daily cover every expense. The tables are arranged in an oblong form along either side of the dining hall, and, occasionally, small square tables for private parties occupy a portion of the centre space. These tables are exquisitely laid out and profusely ornamented with vases of flowers, plants, and silver centre-pieces, upon which all the fruits in season are prettily ar- ranged. The waiters, who are numerous, appear in black trousers and immaculate white linen jackets and aprons, and go through the ceremony of attendance with the regularity and precision of soldiers performing their accustomed evolutions.

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HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS. 25

An overlooker is employed to attend to the guests and see that the waiters perform their duty. The various courses are placed on the table and re- moved simultaneously, the sundry operations being directed by the click of a bell. Instead of

. having to afflict the waiters and distress yourself by demanding the names of the dishes, a printed bill of fare is placed by your plate, so that you have but to order whatever dish most accords with your fancy or appetite. This excellent system saves in- credible trouble, and insures wonderful expedi- tion, especially when one or two hundred guests have to be accommodated at the same time. Each employé is obliging without being servile, and seems to take a pleasure in fulfilling your behesis. Whatever you need accomplished is punctually attended to upon making known your desire at the office. Although there is a considerable ad- mixture of the American hotel system in similar establishments in Canada, nevertheless there is a substantial degree of English comfort about them which I have found lacking in the Northern and Southern States of America, during my residence in these parts of the American Continent.

Quebec appears particularly liable to frightful casualties in the form of fire. The first great con- flagration occurred during May, 1845, just after the country had become somewhat tranquillized, VOL. I. Cc

26 ENGLISH AMERICA.

and when all the “patriots ” had either been hanged or appointed to office. A large tannery first became ignited, and the wind blowing freshly, the burning embers were distributed far and wide, so that the district of St. Roch, for more than a mile in extent, was one vast sheet of flame. Half consumed human bodies and the carcases of horses and cattle were strewed about in all directions. The very same day of the following month a similar calamity occurred in the St. Louis’ suburb. By these catastrophes sixteen thousand persons were rendered homeless, while property to the amount of nearly six hundred thousand pounds was de- stroyed. During the ensuing month of June the theatre—for Quebec once possessed a temple of Thespis—was consumed during the exhibition of a diorama, when forty-five citizens, many of whom belonged to the upper classes, met with a fearful death.

Shortly after my arrival in the city, two exten- sive fires occurred during the same week, laying bare entire districts, and throwing hundreds of the poor cottage-holders upon public charity both for food and shelter. The first took place in the St. Louis’ suburb, and raged fiercely the whole day, utterly demolishing house by house, and street by street, until within a wide area nothing could be observed but a stack of tall chimneys, grim

CONFLAGRATIONS. 27

charred ruins, that made one melancholy to look upon. With few exceptions all the houses were built of wood. This fire doubled in extent that of the preceding June. Thesecond fire broke out the morning following in the populous and extensive suburb known as Boisseauville or St. Sauveur. Its ravages were more terrible than the other, and the amount of property involved was greater. In both instances the great drawback was deficiency of water.

In a metropolis like Quebec, densely populated in some parts, and containing numerous old wooden fabrics that a spark is sufficient to ignite, an effi- cient fire brigade would appear indispensable. But there is no such institution. I much doubt whether there be even a fire-engine. Of this, however, I am certain, that to the police is entrusted the duty of extinguishing fires, a feat they seldom succeed in effecting. The entire organization— nearly com- posed of habitans—for the wide and numerous dis- tricts into which the city is divided, does not exceed t) :( or at most forty men. These are generally attered in pairs about those localities considered most in need of their presence. Certainly they are the most stupid and stultified looking mortals of their class that it has been my ill fortune to have encountered in any country through which I have travelled. They arefar from being a preventive c 2

2

28 ENGLISH AMERICA.

force; and as to interfering in street quarrels, which, by the way, are of frequent occurrence, they consider it the wisest policy to avoid them. Those districts laid bare by the awful calamities to which I have referred were not long in becom- ing re-populated. But, unfortunately, most of the newly-erected dwellings are likewise of wood, plastered over, and therefore equally liable to de- struction as the others. It seems unaccountable that with a municipal bye-law prohibiting the further erection of wooden structures, the same should be suffered without opposition or even remonstrance on the part of the civic authorities. The corporation is not free from censure in this matter; for why pass an enactment for the security of life and property if they be not prepared to carry out its conditions? To create laws, and then connive at their infraction, or administer no punish- ment to the offenders, betoken a state of things over which I feel rather inclined to throw a veil. About the same time such havoc occurred in Quebec, conflagrations in the neighbouring woods were prevalent. Owing to this cause, the city for days was enveloped in dense smoke, giving to it the aspect of London during a November fog. These fires rapidly extended to the houses in the settle- ments, At Cape St. Ignace several barns were destroyed. Similar ravages took place at St. Denis.

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FETE D’OBLIGATION. 29

Along the line of railroad, as well as on the other roads contiguous to these fires, it was necessary for the scattered residents to seek shelter by effect-' ing their escape, so dense and suffocating was the smoke. One wood I myself witnessed on fire ten miles distant from the city. The sharp crackling of the branches, and the fierce roar of the mad- dened flames as they crisped round, and shot in forked curves high above the tallest trees, had a truly appalling effect.

On the festival of St. Jean-Baptiste, which occurs*on the twenty-fourth of June, the French population attempted to get up a “sensation.” The dreary streets were for a few short hours galvanised into temporary life. Branches of maple trees were nailed along the wooden pathways at the distance of three feet apart, giving an enliven- ing appearance to the monotonous thoroughfares ; while sprigs of the same were entwined around the doors and windows of numerous dwellings. Incom- memoration of the day, high mass was celebrated at the Church of St. John, which was decorated with green branches and any number of flags, the most imposing being the Union Jack, and British colours, bearing the Prince of Wales’ plume. The services having terminated, a lengthy pro- cession was formed outside the church, consisting of the St. Jean-Baptiste Society, the pupils of

30 ENGLISH AMERICA. {

the public schools, the students of Laval Univer- sity and the Seminaries, some trade guilds, and a ‘few militia-men, preceded by a band of music. Along St. John’s-road, a number of banners wafted gaily in mid-air. Looking downward from the church there seemed a vast array of them. One in particular struck me as being very conspicuous. It was an immense red flag, bear- ing large white letters, which I readily construed to represent some suitable device for the public yéte. As I approached nearer, however, I was mortified upon discovering that the banner so prominently displayed was made the medium of an advertisement; a certain tradesman thereby informing the public that he kept a “hay loft!’ Fétes d obligation are of frequent occurrence in Lower Canada; and are strictly observed as general holidays by the Catholic population. Of these the feast of Corpus Christi is perhaps the most im- portant. On the anniversary of that particular day, at the solicitation of Baron Boilleau, I accom- panied him to the French Cathedral, where high mass was celebrated. Over one hundred priests and acolytes surrounded the grand altar, which was one dazzling blaze of light; in itself a gorgeous specimen of decorative art. These ministrants were habited in snowy surplices and purple soutanes, Some of them bore silk banners,

THE FRENCH CATHEDRAL. 31

of red, white, and blue tints, fringed with gold and otherwise richly embroidered. A number of youths, tastefully decorated—literally all muslin and ribbons—carried light ornamental baskets laden with flowers; while there could not have been less than two dozen ecclesiastics bearing censers, which they manipulated in concert with wonderful dexterity, until the church was dark with perfumed incense that curled gracefully up in tinted waves towards the lofty dome. The diocesan would have been the chief celebrant had he not been in Rome at the “ canonization,” in obedience to the command of the Pope; and the archbishop’s unfortunate mental malady prevented his attendance. After the religious celebration a ‘‘ procession of the Host” took place within the walls of the sacred edifice—a ceremony which was repeated publicly in the streets on the subsequent Sunday. In the churches of Paris or Italy I have not witnessed the principal religious rite of the Roman Church celebrated with such gorgeous parade; but the music was woefully deficient, and so was the singing; consequently I came away grievously disappointed.

This cathedral, called the ‘Church of the Immaculate Conception,” was consecrated by the first Bishop of Quebec in 1666. During the siege in 1759, it was greatly injured by shells discharged

32 ENGLISH AMERICA.

from batteries on Point Levi; so that much of its ornamentation was destroyed, beside a number of valuable paintings. Some of the latter, how- ever, have been restored. These consist of nine works by Vandyke, Blanohon, Vignon, Restoul, and Carlo Maratti.

Ever since the year 1787—as far back as the public records go—a regular ship-building trade has been carried on in Quebec. From that period to 1824 inclusive, a cycle of thirty-eight years, the average number of vessels built annually did not exceed twenty-four, the highest numbers being fifty-eight and fifty-four in the years 1788 and 1811 respectively, and the lowest number, six, in the year 1792.

From the year 1825 to 1861, on the other hand, the average number of ships built amounted to about fifty-six annually, the maximum number being ninety-five in 1855, and the minimum twenty-four in 1832. The number of vessels launched during the last decennial period was six hundred and eighty-two; but during the con- cluding five years of the decade they merely amounted to two hundred and eighty-one; thus exhibiting a considerable decline in this important branch of trade. The total number of vessels built at the port of Quebee since 1787 was two thousand nine hundred and

SHIP-BUILDING. 33

thirty-nine, their aggregate measurement reach- ing 890,201 tons. In March 1862, there were twenty-six ships on the stocks building under the inspection of Lloyd’s surveyor. The gross tonnage of these vessels was 22,330 tons. Theship-building firms are about fifteen in number. Canadian- built vessels, now enjoying through the liberality of the French Government equal privileges with those of British build, are likely to prove advantageous to the ship-building interest of Quebec. Indeed, there is an increase of seven vessels and 3,000 tons in favour of 1862 over the preceding year.

As early as 1749, when Quebec was the seat of Western French Empire, ship-building, con- sidering the capabilities of the place, was carried on rather extensively. Ships of war had been built for the French navy, until a prohibition arrived to discontinue the work, owing to the nature of the material—the American oak —not being considered so sound or useful as European timber of a like description.

The shipping trade of 1862 contrasted most favourably with that of the four preceding years, judging from the comparative statement of the im- ports and exports, and the duties collected. In 1861 the exports amounted to 8,316,322 dollars ; the im- ports to 6,434,360 dollars; and the duties to Ct)

34 ENGLISH AMERICA. 494,103 dollars—sums greatly in excess of those given for the previous periods.

The lumber merchants of Quebec generally carry on a brisk business during the season ; but the American war had caused a depression in the English markets on timber as well as on other ex- ports, which circumstance, combined with the ex- cessive quantity of the commodity brought down from Ottawa; had rendered that branch of commerce very inactive. A faulty system of arrangement seems to exist between labourers and lumber masters, which injuriously operates against both. At one time the former are glad to earn from twenty-five to fifty cents. a day, whilst at another they will demand from one to two dollars —just as emergency and scarcity of hands arise.

In the suburbs is a habitation called the ‘¢ Hermitage,” which no one can be prevailed upon to inhabit. Its history is variously told. The received version is that it was constructed in 1712 by one of the French Intendants, Mons. De Bigot, as a place of confinement for a fair paramour,—the wife of Philbert, a Quebec merchant,—who proved false to her husband and subsequently false to her seducer. Herein she was confined for life, and deprived of holding converse with any human being. Her ghost is supposed still to haunt the ‘“‘ Hermitage.” But this dwelling is not its only re-

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THE ‘*‘ HERMITAGE.”’ 35

sort, ‘‘when churchyards yawn.” It is also sup- posed to re-visit the residence of her deserted spouse; and several persons now living in Quebec speak confidently of having seen it. The house referred to is the building occupied as the General Post Office, an object of curiosity from the circumstance of a * Chien d Or,” or Golden Dog, being over the door. It is a gilt figure in relievo, representing the animal gnawing a bone, under which, by way of illustration, is the following doggrel :—

‘¢ Je svis vn chien qvi ronge mon 0s; En le rongeant je prends mon repos, Vn jovr viendra qvi n’est pas encore venv, Ov je mordrai celvi qvi m’avra mordv :”’

Signifying “I am a dog gnawing a bone; in gnawing I take my repose. The day will come that I will bite him who has bitten me.” This device is said to have been invented by the en- raged husband in testimony of the antipathy he bore Bigot, so notorious for having made such exorbitant drafts on the Treasury of France that one of the French Queens began to suspect that the walls of Quebec were not metaphorically but literally built of gold. Tradition gives more than one account of the Chien d Or as well as of the “‘ Hermitage,” but it is agreed that the latter

36 ENGLISH AMERICA.

was a woman’s solitary prison where she had been incarcerated through the jealousy of her seducer, and that the spirit of the sufferer re-visits the scene of her earthly sorrows.

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CHAPTER III.

TOPOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

Scenic Beauties of Quebec—Falls of Montmorenci—Indian Village of Lorette—Burning of a Chvrch—Peasant Life— The Legislative Bodies—The Parliamentary Library. -

THE scenic beauties of this region are in point of loveliness perhaps unrivalled by any other scenery in the world. Among the prominent objects of interest are the Lake St. Charles, the Island of Orleans,—called the Isle of Bacchus by Jacques Cartier, from the luxuriant fruits and vines with which it abounded—dividing the St. Lawrence into twocurrents, and the cascades of Chaudiére, Lorette, and Montmorenci. The last is, indeed, a beauteous cataract, which discharges itself into the St. Lawrence. Narrowing into a channel of about forty feet, the Montmorenci river becomes pre- cipitated over a perpendicular ravine, about two hundred and fifty-feet, thundering down the dizzy precipice with such fury as to send up snowy

Inn a a

38 ENGLISH AMERICA.

wreaths of vapour into mid-air, that are ever varying and assuming fantastic forms, so as to produce a fascinating effect upon the beholder. In winter, the spray thus flung upwards becomes frozen, and forms a solid cone of con- siderable altitude. When the wind is in a favourable direction the sound of these waters is distinctly heard in Quebec, seven miles dis- tant. A mile or two above the Falls the river becomes contracted between lofty vertical rocks, thereby increasing its velocity and forming here and there cascades of ten or twelve feet in depth. In this locality may be observed what are fami- liarly designated the ‘‘ Natural Steps”—a geolo- gical curiosity. These appear to have been formed by the attrition of the neighbouring stream, occasioned by the melting of the snow imparting to it an augmented rapidity. These steps are so ex- tensive and regular in their formation as to make one fancy they were the laboured results of human art and not the operation of unaided nature.

I made several visits to the delightful Falls of Montmorenci; not so much for the purpose of observing the foaming cataract, dashing its snowy spray almost to the clouds, as of studying French Canadian peasant life. In few places can this be seen to greater advantage than along the village of Beauport, which extends almost the entire

DWELLINGS OF THE: HABITANS. 39

distance from Quebec to Montmorenci. The form of the cottages, the appearance of the Aaditans, the decorated crosses on the road side, are truly French. There is one thing, however, that distinguishes these people from their Norman ancestors, and gives to the village of Beauport an aspect not to be met with in similar districts of France. This characteristic feature consists in cleanliness, car- ried almost to an excess. The exterior of the houses and the door-steps—for a high door be- comes necessary during winter, when five or six feet of snow cover the ground—are mostly coloured white, while the small windows are filled with flowers, imparting an air of gaiety to the village, quite charming to behold. Although the farms are small, they are well kept, and yield an abun- dant produce. In this region vegetation is very rapid, so that in two or three weeks after the snow disappears, the land is covered with verdure, fruits blossom, and corn and vegetables spring up without the aid of much human labour.

Once, in driving along the St. Foy road along with Baron Boilleau and his amiable lady, he di- rected my attention to a column, not very long erected, to the memory of General St. Foix, a French officer, of whose military renown but one historian, I believe, has made prominent mention. This column is of iron, and looked very unsightly,

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40 ENGLISH AMERICA,

being partially covered with rust. When Prince Napoleon was on a visit to Baron Boilleau he was shown this evidence of French Canadian feeling, and, I was informed, promised to have a statue made of St. Foix, with which to surmount the monument. Nothing further, however, had been heard about the generous offer up to the time of my quitting Canada.

Baron Gauldrée Boilleau is a Frenchman, though not a French Canadian. In Quebec he holds the office of Consul-General of France. He was honoured by the present Pope by being made Commander of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great, as a reward for the services he had rendered to the Church, while discharging the high functions entrusted to him by the French Government, in Asia, America, and Europe. Some few years ago the Baron married Miss Benton, daughter of the Honourable Thomas Hart Benton, United States’ Senator, author of ‘ Thirty Years in the Senate.”” Another daughter of the American legislator is the wife of General Fremont, of the Federal States army.

In close proximity to the Falls is a mansion — built by General Haldimand, once the Governor of the Lower Province. It was subsequently oc- cupied by the Duke of Kent, but is at present held by the proprietor of an adjacent saw mills,

AY

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AN INDIAN VILLAGE. 41

Eighty feet above this Mansion, hanging like a spider’s web, was once a suspension bridge, the towers of which only now remain. In the Spring of 1856 it gave way, burying with it a few people in the boiling waters below.

Inspired with that restless and sateless curiosity inherent in most travellers, I was induced to visit the pretty Indian village known as Lorette, thrée miles distant to the westward of Quebec. Here reside the last remnant of the Huron tribe, with their chief and “‘ Queen.’’ Their residences are built in the French style, and the whole aspect of the district is essentially Norman. These Indians are frugal and industrious in their habits, and live partially by the manufacture of fancy articles, or grimcracks, which they sell to visitors, and by the cultivation of smallfarms. They entirely abstain from intoxicating liquors; following in this re- spect the example of their ancestors, who, upon being converted to christianity, solemnly vowed never to imbibe strong drinks, the great bane of their race.

On my arrival I observed a large paper mill on fire, which had ignited the old Indian church. Between this church and that of the Santa Casa at Loretto, in Italy, from which the village takes its name, there existed, it is said, some resem-

42 ENGLISH AMERICA,

blance. All the rich and elegant priestly vest- ments, and the sacramental vessels of pure silver, presented by one of the French Emperors, were fortunately secured and deposited with the venerable chief. It was a touching sight to have observed the squaws and Indians removing their household effects, including a miscellaneous collec- tion of furs, snow shoes, etc., lest they should be destroyed. The roofs of the little wooden houses, scarcely better than shanties, swarmed with young Indians of the sterner sex; while numberless buckets filled with water were handed up to them by women and children, the contents being thrown over the roofs, thereby rendering them less liable toignition. It was useless to have attempted saving the church, for the flames were so violent that it was speedily demolished. The stone resi- dence of the priests adjoining escaped uninjured.

Both the “ King”’ and ‘‘ Queen of the Hurons” visited London in 1825, for the purpose of urging some claims on the Government, on which occa- sion the “‘ Queen” was presented by the Lord Mayor with a silver medal, of which mark of distinction she appeared exceedingly proud.

Immediately inside of Prescott gate stands the Parliament House, a plain, inconvenient building, erected on the site of the old archiepiscopal palace.

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THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. 43

Upper and Lower Canada return one hundred and thirty members to the House of Assembly, being exactly sixty-five for each division of the Province.

Prior to 1854, the Legislative Council, or mem- bers of the Upper House, were appointed for life by the Crown. The law rendering this body par- tially elective, first came into operation in 1855, when the Province was divided into forty-eight electoral divisions; twenty-four for Eastern, and the same number for Western Canada. These forty-eight sections were again sub-divided into four classes, when the ballot was drawn of twelve electoral divisions each. The elections for the first division took place in 1856; for the second, in 1858; for the third, in 1860; and for the fourth, in 1862. A candidate for the Legislative Council must possess a property qualification of two thousand pounds, and has either to reside in the division he represents or else hold an estate in the country. One-fourth of the members thus elected retire in succession every two years, but become legally eligible for re-election, Twenty- seven members are still in the Council who were elected by the Crown. By the same act the office of Speaker is rendered likewise elective. In order to counterbalance political and personal jealousies, which are very rife, the speakerships of both Houses are bestowed alternately upon Upper and

44 ENGLISH AMERICA.

Lower Canadian members; an arrangement which appears to work well.

The politicians of Canada comprise various grades, but they are generally classified under six denominations, viz :—

Blues,—Persons who uphold the doctrine of | the temporal power of the Roman Church. .

Rouges,—Those who oppose the Church of Rome on temporal questions.

Tories,—A party almost extinct, but who once were the supporters of ‘the Old Family Com- pact.”

Conservatives,—The adherents and admirers of the J. A. McDonald and Cartier’s administra- tion and policy.

Hincksite Reformers,—Adherents to the policy of Baldwin, associated with that of the Grand Trunk, |

Clear-Grits,—Outré Democrats. These em- brace every class of politician in Canada, so far at least as it has been possible for me to ascertain.

The Premier having rendered me free of both Houses, I occasionally was accommodated on the benches while witnessing the proceedings of the legislative bodies. Ordinary parliamentary busi- ness was conducted with much gravity, order, and due dispatch. In the Lower House I was privileged “

to hear an angry debate upon a public question, on which occasion a great deal of rough oratory and personal invective was displayed. The speeches were delivered in French and English; an awkward arrangement, as many of the mem- bers are acquainted but with one language. Some of the English members possess remarkable natural talent; but the deficiencies in their edu- cation are easily perceptible.

Parliament was prorogued by Lord Monck abet the middle of June. The ceremony of pros. s{ion was somewhat interesting, although, of cvurse, infinitely inferior to such a sight in the ‘old country.” A guard of honour lined the streets from Lord Monck’s residence to the House of Assembly, guns were fired from the platform, and nothing was omitted that could render the event imposing.

Quebec returns three members to the provincial Legislature ; namely, one member for each ward. It possesses six newspapers, four of which are English, and two French; viz: the Chronicle, Gazette, News, Vindicator, Journal, and the Debate, Of the English journals two are Conserva- tives, one Radical, and the other Liberal. Both the French papers advocate the Liberal interest.

And here I shall take the opportunity of giving an account of the Parliamentary Library.

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. 45

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46 ENGLISH AMERICA.

During the union of the provinces in 1841, both Houses of the Canadian Legislature possessed extensive libraries. These consisted principally of parliamentary records, works of general history and jurisprudence, and a rare collection of books treating of America and Canada. By means of annual appropriations, these collections had in- creased in the year 1849 to about ten thousand volumes in the Legislative Council library, and to twelve thousand five hundred volumes in that of the Legislative Assembly. Upon the burning of the Houses of Parliament, then situated at Mon- treal, on the 25th of April, 1849, by a riotous assembly, during a time of high political excite- ment, both these fine collections were totally de- stroyed.

On the 3rd July following, the Hon. A. N. Morin, Speaker of the Lower House, in a letter to the provincial parliament, thus alludes to this unfortunate calamity :—“ The loss has fallen not merely upon the parliament itself, but generally upon the people of the Province, who, by the liberality of the members of both Houses, were permitted access to the books, in default of other opportunities of literary gratification and research, there being no other library in Canada, of any magnitude, to which the public were admitted.” The Speaker was finally empowered by the Legis-

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PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY. 47

lative Assembly, to communicate officially the grievous loss and deprivation the country had thereby sustained to the principal representative bodies in the mother-country and America, as the existing state of the provincial finances did not, at the time, warrant any considerable outlay for its reconstruction. It was suggested that these individuals should be made acquainted with the extent of the calamity, and their generous assist- ance solicited, by sending copies of such of their journals, statutes, or other printed documents, as could be spared to form a nucleus for a new library.

This official application met with a very liberal response from the Secretary of State for New York ; Mr. Wynne, of Paternoster Row, London; the Parliamentary Agent; the Executive Council of Nova Scotia; and the Rt. Hon. the Speaker of the British House of Commons. The latter im- parted a very important aid, having presented a valuable series of journals and sessional papers of the House from 1801 to 1848 inclusive, compris- ing nearly fifteen hundred volumes. ‘ The worth of this collection,’”’ observes the first Report (2nd Aug., 1850), ‘‘as a repertory of parliamentary, historical, and statistical information, can scarcely be overrated. It will be found of immense utility to all persons engaged in the business of legisla-

48 ENGLISH AMERICA.

tion, or who may have occasion to refer to the origin and progress of those great questions which have occupied the attention of the British parlia- ment within the last half century.”

The appeal of the Canadian parliament to legislative and other representative bodies in foreign countries was not without precedent. In 1834, when the building wherein the sittings of the British parliament were held was destroyed by fire, entailing the additional loss of the libraries, a similar munificence was evinced by the Cham- bers of Peers and Deputies of France. These dis- tinguished bodies transmitted to our Lords and Commons splendid sets of their journals and other official publications, together with many valuable works of a general character.

On the 3rd June, 1850, a standing committee of seven members was appointed to assist the Speaker in the reconstruction of the library, among whom was the late Sir Allan Mac Nab. A joint library for both Houses was finally recommended, and acceded to by the Legislative Council, who appointed four members on the part of that House to augment and assist the standing committee. A second report was presented on the 9th of the same month, when the sum of two thousand pounds was voted in aid of the national project. Up to 1854 the library had again increased to

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LIBRARY. 49

nearly seventeen thousand volumes, when, unfor- tunately, a second disaster occurred, by the acci~ dental destruction of the Legislative Buildings in Quebec, on the !st February of that yea. This time, however, the loss was not very severe. About nine thousand volumes were: saved from the conflagration ; while the value of the remainder was obtained from various Insurance Companies —assurances having been effected upon the entire collection, previous to the fire.

With the sum of money thus obtained, together with increased pecuniary assistance provided by the legislature, Mr. Todd, the librarian of the Legislative Assembly, was despatched to Europe during the ensuing year. His mission was not altogether confined to the purchasing of books towards again reconstructing the library, but had for its object a wider field. He was also instructed to solicit from the governments of England and France donations towards that desirable object. In the prosecution of this onerous and delicate enterprise Mr. Todd was eminently successful. The library speedily assumed an aspect very su- perior to that it had presented at any previous period. It now contains upwards of fifty thou- sand volumes in every department of literature. Some of the books are extremely rare and costly, such as Audobon’s “ Birds of America,” five octavo VOL. I. D

50 ENGLISH AMERICA.

volumes, with four volumes of large folio plates, which cost 1200 dollars; a splendid copy of Dug- dale’s ‘“‘Monasticon Anglicanum,” the “ Acta Sanctorum,” fifty-four volumes, in vellum; and a fine collection of the Antiquities of Italy, etc.

One excellent feature of this superb collection consists in its being accessible throughout the year, and especially when parliament is not in session, to the respectable portion of the com- ' munity. So far, it is essentially a public library, for the use and benefit of all literary persons in Canada, who possess the time and opportunity to avail themselves of its advantages. It comprises the best modern standard works in theology, history, metaphysics, science, and the arts, law, politics, political economy, and belles-lettres. All new publications of interest are added to the collection as soon as published. The library, moreover, embraces an extensive series of works on Canadian history, including a considerable number of MSS. obtained at no small labour and expense, illustrative of the early history of the Province. Additions are annually made to these, so that the future historian of Canada will have no reason to complain of a deficiency of material.

The ponderous assemblage of books is for the present rather incommodiously placed in the

vr

LIBRARY AT OTTAWA, §1

temporary buildings used for the legislature dur- ing their sojourn

Indeed, some had to be transferred

52 ENGLISH AMERICA.

CHAPTER IV.

MINISTERIAL CRISIS.

The New Canadian Cabinet—Sketches of its Members—Finan- cial Position of the Province—Policy of the Administration.

SHORTLY after my arrival in Quebec, I found con- siderable political excitement prevailing among the people. This was occasioned in consequence of the old coalition government having resigned office upon being defeated in their project to carry the militia bill through the Legislative Assembly. A new administration was accordingly appointed by His Excellency the Governor-General, consist- ing of the following members :—

Premier and Attorney-General, West.—Hon. J. SANDFIELD MACDONALD.

Attorney-General, East.—Hon. L. V. SICOTTE.

Receiver-General.—Hon. JAMES MORRIS.

Provincial Secretary.—Hon. A. A. DoRION.

Postmaster-General.—Hon. M. H. Fo.ry.

Commissioner of Crown Lands.—Hon. W. M’DOUGALL,

Minister of Finance.—Hon. W. P. HOWLAND.

Commissioner of Public Works.—Hon. U. J. TESSIER.

President Executive Council.—Hon. T, D. M’GEE.

Minister of Agriculture and Statistics—Hon. FRANCIS EVANTUREL.

Solicitor-General, West.—Hon, ADAM WILSON,

Solicitor-General, East.—Hon, J. ABROTT,

cIs

a as

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SKETCHES OF THE CABINET. 53

And here it will be pertinent to subjoin a brief memoir of these politicians, more particularly as the majority of them belong, either directly or in- directly, to Great Britain.

THE HON. JOHN SANDFIELD MACDONALD, Q.C.

The estimable subject of my sketch, was born at St. Raphael, county of Glengarry, Upper Canada, in December, 1812. His early history is not devoid of romantic adventure, interspersed with a dash of wilfulness. At the early age of eleven he became a fugitive from his father’s house. While attempting to escape far beyond parental con- trol, he was discovered just in time to prevent him from carrying out his intention. However, upon being brought home, he played the truant again, but this time with more success. Having wan- dered for a long distance, he was compelled by necessity to article himself to a store-keeper, at a small remuneration. After two or three years passed in this manner, his judgment ripened, and he began to feel the indignity of his position; events which one or two humiliating incidents seem to have effected. Finally, he suddenly threw up serving in a store, and decided upon studying law—a resolution to which his present high station is entirely attributable. Thus do great events spring from trivial causes.

ea —_— See eee . a a . — 7 SS EIA TI AOA ar 5B a stat aaeenees mie ee ereeenenanens ae nt ran ae —— 3 :

54 ENGLISH AMERICA. @

In 1832, Mr. Macdonald studied law under the tuition of Dr. Urquhart. At the termination of two years he made such proficiency that at the competitive examination he took precedence of all his class-mates. He was called to the bar in June, 1840, having previously practised as an attorney,—an usual occurrence in Canada. His high reputation quickly obtained for him lucrative and increasing practice as an advocate. In March, 1841, he was elected to serve in parlia- ment, and not long since was the only member in the House of Assembly who had sat since the union of the provinces. Lord Sydenham had been sent from England to carry the Union into effect, and with that view many of the Lower Canadian elections, where the constituents had been opposed to the measure, were gained by violence. Mr. Cuvillier, the nominee of the government, was then elected speaker in opposi- tion to Sir Allan MacNab. In Canada, a speaker seldom retains his seat in that capacity beyond one session. Every new House of Assembly elects its own speaker, so that there are often several ex-speakers in the prime of political life who return to the floor of the House.

The government at this time was composed of politicians whose differences were irreconcilable. Nor was the legislature itself free from placemen.

HON. J. 8S. MACDWNALD. 55

Heads of departments were not presided over by representatives of the people in whom some con- fidence may be reposed. In 1839, Lord John Russell forwarded a despatch in which the alternative of either supporting the government or retiring from office was proposed to those who had seats in either branch of the legislature. The manner in which the Union had been forced upon Lower Canada caused many representatives to join the Opposition ranks. Mr. Macdonald, although disagreeing with the government, being an Upper Canadian, could not sympathise wiih Sir Allan MacNab, the Opposition leader of that section of the country. The rebellion, of which the effects had scarcely passed away, had reduced everything to a question of loyalty, especially in

that portion of Central Canada which Mr. Mac-

donald happened to represent. His position was delicate and peculiar. In conjunction with the Conservatives of Upper and the Opposition of Lower Canada, he voted against the government, but he never attended a party meeting and had no intimate alliance with members of the Opposi- tion.

During the first session of that parliament re- solutions were passed establishing responsible government. With evident reluctance, but os- tensible good grace, Lord Sydenham accepted the

56 ENGLISH AMERICA.

principle. So adroitly were the preliminaries managed, that some of the resolutions proposed in the House were framed so as to make it appear as if the principle of executive responsibility had actually emanated from the government itself. The doctrines thus founded were attempted to be subverted by Sir Charles Metcalfe in 1843, and the elections that ensued turned upon a contest between the Governor-General and the late Council.

In this contest Mr. Macdonald espoused the cause of the ex-ministers; rather a perilous ex- periment among the Highlanders of Glengarry, so remarkable for their loyalty. Singular to say, at the hustings he was returned by a larger majority than before. During the vears 1848, 1852, and 1854 he was elected without a contest to represent his old constituency. In 1849 he was appointed Solicitor-General, under what is known as the Lafontaine-Ba!dwin government, which important post he filled until the autumn of 1851, when that ministry became dissolved. The following year tie was elected Speaker, and maintained that position till the political rupture of 1854. In 1858 he was raised to the rank of Attorney-General in the Brown-Dorion cabinet. Until within a comparatively short time Mr. Macdonald had been connected with the Opposition,

HON. J. S. MACDONALD. 57

when he abandoned the ‘ clear-grit party’ and became an ‘independent member.’

Although an Upper Canadian, Mr. Macdonald has persistently opposed the doctrine of repre- sentation by population; and notwithstand- ing being a Roman Catholic, has resisted the separate school system—a policy that has rendered him very unpopular with the priests, who have recommended from the altar that electors should give their suffrages to Protestant candidates in preference to him. The Highlanders, however, discarded the admonition and re-elected their old representative, who, he has assured me, never so much as issued an address to his constituents, Of the eighteen thousand inhabitants of Glen- garry county, nineteen-twentieths are of Highland Scotch extraction. Among these there were at the time of the last census more than three thou- sand three hundred Macdonalds, all of whom speak Gaelic.

In 1840 Mr. Macdonald marriled a lady from Louisiana, the daughter of a Senator of the United States, who owned an extensive plantation, but who was,in 1843, unhappily shot in a duel. The Premier is of spare build, rather tall, and of the nervous type. His face is pale, but his brow is expansive and intellectual. Except to particular friends he is seldom very communicative, neither

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58 ENGLISH AMERICA.

does he shine as aspeaker. His many amiable and excellent qualities, however, more than atone for these slight natural deficiencies.

The other members of the government fairly represented the mixed population of the country. Four of them, Messrs. Sicotte, Dorion, Tessier, and Evanturel, are French Canadians ; Mr. Abbott is an Englishman; Messrs. McDougall, Wilson, and Morris are Scotch; Mr. Howland is of American birth; Messrs. M’Gee and Foley are Irish, the former being a Roman Catholic and the latter a Protestant. A few words in relation to each of these will not be irrelevant.

THE HON. LOUIS VICTOR SICOTTE.

This gentleman, who ranked as the Lower Canadian leader in the administration, is by birth connected with the French part of the Province. Like most of his colleagues he is a lawyer; and in consequence of the radical difference between the two systems of civil law existing in Upper and Lower Canada, he is the French Attorney- General, as Mr. Macdonald is the English. These gentlemen, now close coadjutors, were at one time placed in a curious position of rivalry by party exigencies. In 1854 both were candidates for the speakership, and the ministry of that day, headed by Mr. Hincks, unexpectedly cast their votes for

HON. L. V. SICOTTE. 59

Mr. Sicotte, the younger member, and the candi- date of the regular Opposition, in order to defeat. Mr. Macdonald, the independent candidate. The consequence was, that Mr. Sicotte was elected, who continued to discharge the duties of his office until the dissolution, in 1857, with universal satisfaction. His grave and dignified demeanour well fitted him for presiding over a popular assembly; and his friends allude with pride to the fact that never once was there an appeal from his decisions in the chair. In 1858 he was for a few months Commissioner of Crown Lands, but retired from that position, being unable to agree with his colleagues on several points of their policy.

THE HON. ANTONIE ARINE DORION

Is the least known of French Canadian poli- ticians. Some twenty years ago, being then a young man just out of one of those rural colleges with which Lower Canada abounds, he attached himself devotedly to the returned exile, Lewis Joseph Papineau, who still lives, at an advanced age, on his estate on the Ottawa River. Papineau’s . conversational gifts, no less than the halo of ‘martyrdom’ with which he was invested, gave him immense power with the young doctrinaires of Montreal and Quebec, many of whom were full

60 ENGLISH AMERICA.

of promise, but few have ripened into influence or authority save the subject of this sketch. Mr. Dorion was elected for Montreal, in 1854, with Messrs. Young and Halton; in 1857, with Messrs. M’Gee and Rose; again in 1858, after the crisis of that session; but in 1861 was left in a small minority by ex-Attorney-General Cartier. He has long been regarded as the leader of the Liberal portion of the French Canadians; and although temporarily without a seat in the House, his assistance was considered indispensable by Mr. Sicotte, in order to command in the legislature a Lower Canada majority.

THE OTHER FRENCH CANADIANS

Consisted of the Hon. Messrs. Tessier and Evan- tural, both of whom belong to Quebec. The former represents in the Upper House the division of the Gulf, and holds in the ministry the portfolio of Public Works. The latter, who is the son of an old soldier of Napoleon’s wars, sits for the adjoining county, and is charged with the department of Agriculture.

THE LOWER CANADIAN SIX

Were completed by Mr. J. J. G. Abbott, a Mon- treal lawyer of high standing, and Mr. Thomas D’Arcy M’Gee, whose name is, perhaps, more

a

HON. T. D. M’GEE, 61

generally known out of Canada than that of any other member of the ministry. Of Mr. Abbott, who had but recently entered public life, little of interest can be stated ; but of Mr. McGee’s career, which has been an eventful and chequered one, many curious circumstances are related both by the honourable gentleman himself and by others, One thing is certain that he never disguises his opinions or antecedents.

THE HONOURABLE THOMAS D’ARCY M’GER

Is a native of Carlingford, in the north of Ireland, and at the time of his appointment had but just attained his thirty-seventh year. At the early age of seventeen he left school and migrated to America without the consent of his family, land- ing at the desolate port of Quebec, a wild adven- turous boy, rich only in goldin thoughts and aspirations, just twenty years to the day in which he was sworn in by Lord Monck, as President of the Executive Council.

He followed the stream of the Irish exodus to the United States, and before he was twenty years old edited a weekly newspaper at Boston. Subse- quently he returned to Ireland ai the invitation of the proprietor of a Dublin journal, and in 1848 became compromised, or at least suspected, as a ‘young Irelander.’ His rebellious prose and verse

MD it

SAR i 4 \

err ee rr

62 ENGLISH AMERICA.

were as bitter and as juvenile as most of his party. He had not reached his twenty-third year, when he made his second unwilling exit from Irish ground. Though he returned to the United States deeply tinctured with the revolutionary iceas of his school, he soon became disenchanted of democracy as exhibited in New York, strictly refraining from becoming a ‘citizen,’ or mixing in the party politics of the Republic. He visited Canada in 1854, and during subsequent years, when he made many personal friends. finally, in 1857, he took up his abode permanently in Montreal, for which city he was elected during the same year, and has since been twice or thrice re-elected by acclama- tion. Mr. M’Gee bears a high reputation as an orator and a debater ; to which gifts, as well as to .his fine social qualities, he, inalarge degree, may attribute his position.

THE HONOURABLE MICHAEL HAMILTON FOLEY

Is a native of Tuam, but not of the fold of “ the lion of the tribe of Judah.” His youth and man~ hood have been entirely spent in Western Canada, where his personal popularity exceeds that, perhaps, of any of his colleagues in the ministry. In 1854 he was elected for North Waterloo, an Anglo- Dutch constituency, which has ever since ad- hered to him with proverbial constancy. During

63

HON. MESSRS. FOLEY AND MCDOUGALL.

the crisis of 1848 he held the office of Post- master-General, which honour has been again conferred on him. Asa practical man of business he is well qualified to discharge the onerous and important duties inseparable from such a posi- tion.

THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM MCDOUGALL,

A Highland Celt by descent, was born in the county of York, Canada West, and like the majority of his colleagues, is under forty years of age. Having edited for a length of time a very able party journal, entitled the North American, he rendered his name familiar in connection with the press. Since 1858 he has represented South Oxford in the provincial parliament. Although not possessing in debate-the readiness of Foley or the reputation of M’Gee, he is invariably listened to with respect, from the strong vein of common sense, and the accurate and abundant sources of information, that characterise his addresses.

THE HONOURABLE WILLIAM PEARCE HOWLAND.

This member of the cabinet has sat in Parlia- ment since 1857 for one of the Ridings of York, adjoining Toronto. He is of American origin, I believe of American birth ; and belongs to an old Quaker family. As a miller and corn merchant

64 ENGLISH AMERICA.

he is prominently connected with one of the most extensive and reputable firms in Toronto. For many years he has been President of the Toronto Board of Trade. Notwithstanding a singularly quiet and rather valetudinary look, he is said to possess in a high ‘egree the application and energy necessary to his office as Finance Minister.

THE HONOURABLE ADAM WILSON,

Solicitor-General, West, is a Scotchman, a lawyer of repute, and a resident of Toronto. He was first elected to parliament about the end of 1859, and has ever since represented North York. At previous elections he twice contested Toronto with Mr. Robinson unsuccessfully, but retained his rural constituency. He ranks asa Queen’s Coun- sel, and holds a very leading and lucrative position in his profession.

Such, so far as I could learn, are the antecedents of the ministry who composed what is termed the Mc’Donald-Sicotte administration. Since my re- turn to England, however, a few changes have been instituted, some of them unimportant, owing to further political complications having produced a partial disruption of the government.

The Macdonald-Cartier ministry had held office through many vicissitudes, for about eight years, with the exception of the short prelude when the

HON, ADAM WILSON. 65

Brown-Dorion administration were in power,—a period of two days. In July, 1858, the ministry were defeated relative to carrying out the Queen’s decision respecting the removal of the seat of Government to Ottawa. The Brown-Dorion cabinet was there- upon hastily formed, when it received a vote of want of confidence in both Houses of the legisla- ture. Although having held office for several years, the John A. McDonald administration was continually changing some of its members. It was composed of coalition after coalition; and while avowedly Conservative, failed to satisfy the demands and desires of that particular class. The public, of all shades of political opinion, had, I apprehend, grown thoroughly tired of their rulers, and became desirous of a change, were it even from bad to worse. With aperiodically diminish- ing revenue, it exercised no economy or foresight, while flagrant abuses were suffered to exist, for which no one seemed responsible.

The “ Report of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts” printed, shortly after the change of ministry, by order of the Legislative Assembly, : presents the financial position of the Province in a very serious aspect; while the recklessness, fraud, and jobbery it exposes, one would suppose almost beyond credence. With a public debt in outstanding debentures amounting to nearly sixty-

66 ENGLISH AMERICA.

six million dollars, the deficit in the revenue had approached during four years to close upon five and a half millions. According to Mr. Galt, the late Finance Minister’s report, this deficit has been as follows, omitting the cents :—

Dollars. In 1858 . ° . . 2,535,610 In 1859 . . ° ° 451,979 In 1860 - - - - 768,793 In 1861 - . . ° 1,476,868

Total . 5,233,250

Moreover, the public offices appear to have been imperfectly organized. Irresponsible per- sons in departments, were in the habit of giving orders for stationery, and other supplies, without ascertaining the cost. For these articles, the most fabulous prices would be charged, the money paid, and yet no certificates could be produced to show that the goods had been received by the various bureaus.

Sometimes, in the collection of customs duties, so carelessly had supervision been exercised, that the amount expended was actually in excess of that received. For example, at Dunville, the charges upon collecting 1942 dols. 75 cents amounted to 1973 dols. 12 cents, or 30 dols. 47 cents more than the sum collected; and yet no satisfactory reason could be assigned for this anomaly. The new administration evidently assumed the reins of

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DEPARTMENTAL MISMANAGEMENT, 67

office under very trying circumstances. <A few of its members, it is true, have had little or no ex- perience; but those who did not hold office in i previous governments were considered to be en- j dowed with fair natural ability and respectable administrative sense. A statesman, in the Eu- ropean signification of the term, Canada cannot boast of; nor is it likely that she will possess such a desideratum for many years to come.

The Quebec Chronicle, then the ministerial organ, in dilating upon the financial position of the , Province, boldly averred that the time was not far distant when resort must be had to other sources of revenue than the customs duty upon imports and the sale of Crown lands. But direct taxation in any form is as repulsive to the Canadian as to the American mind. Although such a contingency is not improbable, and for many reasons would be desirable, it must be a strong government who would peril their existence by having re- course to such an alternative. How Mr. How- land, the Finance Minister, is to relieve the coun- try of the heavy burden of debt under which it groans, remains to be seen. The retrenchment or ‘¢ cheese-paring”’ policy, as it was termed, initiated by the cabinet, did not appear calculated to restore the necessary equilibrium to this over-poised de- pendency of the British Crown.

68 . ENGLISH AMERICA.

The gross receipts for the financial year 1861-2 were 12,655,581 dollars. This amount, however, included 2,764,002 dols. received for debentures, and a further sum of 934,048 dols. on account of special funds, which are fluctuating, and in this instance unusually large. A reduction of the gross aggregate to about 9,500,000 dols. was, therefore, strictly produced by these two items. The total expenditure of the Province amounted to 14,742,834 dols., to meet which the Financial Minister had a revenue of merely 9,500,000 dols., leaving him a ponderous deficit of 5,200,000 dollars. Mr. Galt, the predecessor of Mr. Howland, a very able and distinguished statesman, was fully aware of the difficulty under which the country laboured. His shrewd and capacious mind readily perceived that the ordinary sources of revenue —in some instances exhibiting an average loss of twenty-six per cent. —did not keep pace with the necessarily large and growing expenditure of the Province. With the view of replenishing, even but partially, an exhausted exchequer, and of providing for the increasing outlay consequent upon the develop- ment of the country having created fresh demands upon the administrative functions of the govern- ment, this financier meditated a few fresh sources of permanent revenue, so as to augment the fiscal receipts by two millions of dollars.

AN EXHAUSTED EXCHEQUER. 69

On introducing the Budget of 1862, in Committee of Ways and Means, Mr. Galt, in an elaborate and exhaustive speech, clearly pourtrayed the pecu- niary embarrassments under which he officially laboured. He, therefore, proposed a few additional sources of permanent revenue, such as the aug- mentation of the tariff duties on tea, coffee, sugar, molasses, rectified spirits, beer, tobacco, etc.; to- gether with the institution of astamp duty. These imposts he considered would create no dissatisfac- tion or raise any opposition in the minds of the people, who would not thereby be taxed per head more than they had been five years previously. The philosophical and statesman-like views enter- tained on fiscal legislation by this eminent and well-known financier, may be gathered from the following passage in the address to which reference has been made :—

‘In establishing,” observes Mr. Galt, ‘ the taxation of a country, it is desirable that we should endeavour to avoid as much as possible anything approaching to class legislation; that we should distribute the burdens on the members of the community as equably as possible, and that we should not offer any inducements or advan- tages to one class of our fellow-subjccts over another. It is desirable, in considering the prin- ciples of taxation,,that we should take those taxes

ne snpcenpe et CCU: Ot OC O T

70 ENGLISH AMERICA.

which can be most readily collected, which are least likely to run counter to the moral sense of the vommunity, and which can be collected at the least expense.” These sentiments are fair, just, and every way creditable to a leading statesman.

How Mr. Galt’s successor in office intends to place the provincial exchequer permanently beyond such casualties as the fluctuations of special revenue, the sale of debentures, and receipts from trust funds, is a problem Icannotsolve. It must have been a source of much painful anxiety to Mr. Howland and his colleagues that there should have existed a ponderous deficit in the revenue just at the time of their taking office. To remedy this state of things was, doubtless, a Herculean task, but one nevertheless that demanded to be resolutely undertaken. <A deficit of over five millions of dollars, and the possibility of having to levy new imposts, were the remorseless Furies that incessantly pursued the financial Orestes. Accordingly one night, shortly after his induc- tion into office, Mr. Howland sent down to the House of Assembly the following amended resolu- tion upon the Tariff :-—

“ That it is expedient, in addition to the ad valorem duties of customs on the following articles, that specific duties be levied as follows :—Coffee, 3 cents. per Ib, ; ni ig 5 cents. per gal- lon; raw sugar, 2 cents. per Ib. ; refined sugar, 3 cents, por Ib. ; confectionery, 3 cents. per lb.; that the duty on tea now im-

NEW IMPOSTS. - 71

posed by the sliding scale be repealed, and that a specific duty of 4 cents. and an ad valorem of 15 per cent. be levied in lieu thereof; that in lieu of a specific duty, 18 per cents. per gallon on whiskey and 25 cents. on rectified spirits be imposed ; that a duty of 10 cents. per gallon be imposed upon kerosene, coal and petroleum oil, distilled or refined; that scrap, brass and drain tiles, and articles for regimental mess, be added to the free list.

‘That it is expedient to increase the duty on spirits and beer distilled and brewed in the province, and on the licences of dis- tillers, rectifiers, and brewers; that it is expedient that the additional duty on spirits distilled and made in the province be 9 cents. per wine gallon of strength proof, and so in proportion for greater or less strength than that proved by Sykes’s hydro- meter; that it is expedient that the additional duty on beer be three cents. per wine gallon, and the said additional duty shall take effect on and after such day as the Governor in Council shall, by proclamation, direct. That it is expedient that the additional duty on licences of distillers or rectifiers by any process other that filtration, to 160 dols., making a total duty of 200 dols. ; on licences of distillers or rectifiers by filtration only, 60 dols.—making the total duty 100 dols.; on the licences of rectifiers by filtration, not being distillers, 60 dels., making a total duty of 100 dols. ; on licences of brewers, 50 dols., mak- ing a total duty of 60 dols.—said additional duties to be payable on the next renewal of existing licences or upon taking out any new licence,”’

Thus a system of taxation was initiated that may have to be considerably extended. Indeed, the British Whig, a journal published in Kingston, Canada West, advocated the adoption of direct taxation in order to meet the necessary expendi- ture of the Province, and keep faith with public creditors, among whom is Great Britain herself, since she has guaranteed the four per cent. loans. It stated that Canadians were ever talking about their loyalty, but never doing anything to show it; and then recommended that two millions of

72 ENGLISH AMERICA.

dollars should be added to the county assessment and gathered directly from the people; the levy to be in proportion to each taxpayer’s means. This journal further denounced the policy of the Province in having created and constantly aug- mented the tariff on British manufactures, ob- serving :— }

“Two millions of dollars taken off annually from the duties on British manufactures would be a material relief to the grumbling folks at home, and two millions of dollars added to the county assessments would be a mere bagatelle for two millions and a half of people to pay. Were Canada to do this instead of prating about loyalty and shouting out ‘God Save the Queen’ at every opportunity, she would then be acting, and a better feeling would soon manifest itself. The only possible use that Canada can be to the British Empire is as a field for the introduction of her manufactures ; and were they admitted into the Province at a low, instead of a high duty, they

would soon find their way all over this wide con- .

tinent, This should be the true policy of Canada,”

It is to be hoped that these suggestions may be duly weighed by the legislature and the govern- ment, for they seem to be pre-eminently worthy of attention,

(

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE. 73

It may not beconsidered superfluous to acquaint the general reader from what scources the pro- vincial revenue is derived. I therefore annex a concise statement of the

REVENUE FOR 1862.

Dollars,

Customs, deducting loss . ‘ ‘ ° ° . 8,840,746

Excise. . ° ‘ ‘ ‘ . . . 402,404 Various items, including Post-office, Public works, In-

vestments, Special Revenues, etc. . . . 3,131,900

Total ° ‘ . 7,375,050

The expenditure of the Province is generally under ten millions of dollars annually; but as 1862 proved an exceptional year, the revenue was less than ordinary by nearly a million of dollars.

In 1861 the public debt of the country amounted to over fifty-eight millions of dollars, or about twenty-three dollars per head of the popy- lation ; being considerably less than for the three preceding years.

This, of itself, is a favourable omen, inasmuch as it shows that the proportion of debt per head of the population has somewhat diminished. In 1861 the interest on the public debt was 3,286,457 dollars ; the amount when distributed amongst each individual of the population being one dol. thirty-one cents—a proportion less by three cents per head than in 1858. The ordinary ex- VOL. I E

74 ENGLISH AMERICA.

penditure of the Province during the latter period was 8,939,809 dollars, being three dols. ninety- five cents. per head, while in the former year, 1861, the expenditure amounted to 9,318,180 dollars, or three dols. seventy-one cents. per head, for precisely similar purposes. This saving of twenty-four cents per head, on a population of 2,507,657, is equal to 601,837 dols., 68 cents.

Notwithstanding the financial embarrassment under which Canada laboured during 1862, the country has been gradually increasing in popula- tion, wealth, and productiveness. In these re- spects, comprising a period of nine years, she has exhibited a very successful career, so much so as to inspire well-grounded expectations of a highly prosperous future. <A few statistical details, for which I am partially indebted to the Census Returns, will place this assertion beyond dis- pute.

In 1852 the population of Canada West was 952,004, while in 1861 it reached 1,396,091 ; showing an increase of over forty-six per cent. During the same period the population of Canada East was 890,261 and 1,111,566 respectively ; giving an increase of twenty-five per cent. for that comparatively unprogressive division of the Province.

Moreover, the lands held in Upper Canada

in 1852 amounted in acres to 9,825,915, and

PROSPERITY oF THE PROVINOE, 7

those under actual ¢ in 186] there was

rty-five and In Lower Canada the

q three-fourths per cent,

contrast between these two Periods is, of course, not so striking, but we have a considerable in-

crease nevertheless, The lands held in 1859 were 8,113,408 acres, while in 186] t 10,223,959 acres,

Ie cena

and the value of li four millions of dollars -

of dollars,

tics of wheat and other ce- bai reals demonstrate more unerringly than any at criterion the affluence and

try. In thig Tespect the Pr ing results, Comp Canada exhibits an in case of Wheat, an other grain; go

E 2

76 ENGLISH AMERICA.

grain are now grown where but one bushel was raised a few years ago. Jn Lower Canada, for the same periods, there is an increase of sixteen per cent. for wheat, and of nearly one hundred per cent. for other cereals—a remarkable result, con- sidering the peculiar character and habits of the people.

Canada presents unusual facilities for the growth of flax, the general cultivation of which, by and bye, will greatly augment the resources of the country. Farmers are now directing their attention to this staple; for in this product there has been an increase in Upper Canada from 59,680lbs. in 1852 to 1,225,937Ibs. in 1862— nearly two thousand per cent. In Lower Canada the product was 145,755lbs. in 1852 against 976,495lbs. in 1861; or an excess of nearly six hundred per cent.

These details are important, inasmuch as they prove that Canada, taken as a whole, although experiencing temporary financial pressure, is ad- vancing with mighty strides in her glorious path of progress.

That ‘a new broom sweeps clean’ is » popular and trite apothegm; so ‘he Canadian adminis- tration speedily commenced clearing out the foul Augean stable left by ti:eir predecessors, with an unsparing, almost a relentless hand. ‘ Retrench-

‘RETRENCHMENT’ POLICY. 77 ment’ seemed the order of the day. Indeed the adoption of this principle became one of the strongest claims they possessed to public confi- dence and support. Hence the pruning knife was brought into rigorous requisition; and use- less or cumbersome branches were felled from the departmental tree. Superabundant employés were daily dismissed from the various public offices; and some cases seemed not only cruel, but almost bordering upon injustice. By the ‘snuffing out’ of one hundred and fifty pound clerks, a saving of eight thousand dollars in the Militia Department alone was said to have been effected. Still, all this cheese-paring economy would go but a small way towards making up a deficiency of five millions of dollars. Some journals were disaffected enough to avow want of comfidence ia the administration, and even to hint that the retrenchments then effect- ing were but temporary, and that, ultimately, one class of officials would be replaced by another. This, however, I cannot believe, judging from the character of those who held power. Having had the pleasure of intimate acquaintance with several members of the cabinet, my impression is that their intentions were honourable, and that they meant to retrench earnestly, until the finances of the Province were placed on asecurer basis. The

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78 ENGLISH AMERICA,

previous government had left the country in a woeful position. There seems to have been a wil- ful and prodigal waste of the public funds; and when the burden of debt became so excessive, and the revenue so deficient, to restore the Province to a state of financial equilibrium necessitated a labour almost as formidable as that of bringing order out of chaos, or of draining the ocean dry. The example set bv the Attorney-General, West, was assiduously imitated by his col- leagues in the government. A clear gain of two thousand dollars a year was said to have been ef- fected by the Postmaster-General, in dispensing with the services of one inspector, who, during the five years he was postmaster at Montreal, through his mismanagement, suffered that de- partment to get into arrears of over five thousand dollars. In 1860 an investigation took place into he afiairs of the office, and Dr. Meilleur was re- moved. Notwithstanding that he avowed his inability to refund the amount of arrears, and that the direction of the Post-office gave anything but satisfaction, he was elevated to the dignity of Post-Office Inspector. It was stipulated, how- ever, as one of the conditions of his appointment to the inspectorship, that he should not discharge any of its duties! The secretary of the depart- ment was deputed to do the doctor’s work, so the

a EH tien

PURGING THE DEPARTMENTS. 79

latter had but to draw his stipend—a pleasant sort of sinecure, certainly. I mention this circumstance as illustrative of the recklessness of the former administration, who were as remarkable for their prodigality as their successors became for their parsimoniousness. :

Then again, the Commissioner of Crown Lands, who only commenced the work of re- trenchment, had in a short time caused a saving to the Province of several thousand dollars per annum, by dispensing with the services of super- fluous officials. The Finance Minister also had retrenched to the extent of fourteen thousand dollars annually ; and it was confidently expected that before he had ceased applying the pruning knife that sum would be at least quadrupled. This wholesale, if not wholesome, reform was carried even to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Upper Canada. The Clerk of the Court receives a salary of eight hundred pounds a year, and his duties had hitherto been delegated to super- numeraries, employed and paid by the Province. These the Premier had ordered to be discharged or else renumerated by the Clerk of the Court out of his income. The result has been a positive saving to the public revenue of three thousand dollars annually.

In the Court of Common Pleas a similar policy

80 ENGLISH AMERICA.

was adopted. By these and other meditated re- trenchments it was estimated that the annual ex- -penditure of the civil service would be perma- nently diminished by four hundred thousand dol- lars, or eighty thousand pounds. In the face of such palpable occurrences there were public organs which inveighed against the policy and purposes of the government, designating the retrenchment scheme as nothing better than a ‘sham.’ The Quebec Daily News was one of these. That journal accused the administration of appointing their friends to office right and left; observing that no less than eight or ten appointments had been made in the Militia Department to fill the vacancies created by those recently dismissed ; that the office of Inspector of Custom-houses had been re-established—au office abolished by the previous government tliree years before; and that this contemptible higgling plan of discharging decrepid and invalided, although faithful, public servants ; of sending one set of needy adventurers adrift to make room for another still more needy and unscrupulous, while pretending to purge the departments and initiate a spirit of economy into the civil service, was so hollow and transparent as to be deserving of the utmost contempt.

Now was it without grounds that this bitter oppo- sition had been evoked. One Saturday Mr. Nash,

81

AN UNPOPULAR ADJUTANT-GENERAL.

Deputy Adjutant-General for Upper-Canada, was suddenly suspended, and on the following Monday Mr. Walker Powell, ex-member for Norfolk, quietly stepped into his place. This ill-advised appointn.ent speedily raised up a storm of vitu- peration against the ministry. It was publicly stated that Mr. Powell was anything ' © qualified for the responsible office into which been thrust, while his loyalty became more ius sus- pected. I was informed that he made a practice of displaying the ‘Stars and Stripes’ from his resi- dence every Fourth of July, and that the American Standard sometimes got torn down by his incensed fellow-townsmen. It was more than rumoured that the post of Adjutant-General of Militia was conferred on Mr. Powell by the Premier on the requisition of another member of the cabinet, who was said to have been under obligation to the family of the individual thus promoted. Had such been the case, it savours too much of that purblind policy pursued at Washington, while it evinces the adoption of the principle by the ad- ministration that ‘to the victors belong the spoils,’ or, in other words, the perquisites of office.

It cannot be denied that the local government of the Province has at all times very arduous duties to perform, and no small difficulty in en- E 5

§2 ENGLISH AMERICA.

deavouring to smooth down the ruffled sea of faction, which is ever restless and boisterous. Between the people of Upper and Lower Canada a great gulf is fixed that no administrative policy can bridge over. There is the representation by ‘double majority,’ and by ‘population’ parties, while the people of both sections of the Province are always jealous of their assumed rights and privileges, which each consider to be ignored by the other. In Canada West the Protestant and Roman Catholic members are invariably at loggerheads, and a politico-religious party amongst the latter have been for some time battling for a separate school system. Again, in Canada Kast, the French population are provokingly exacting, and do not amalgamate with the other European settlers. They want this portion of the Province exclusively for the French; have an objection to people of other countries living amongst them; and are opposed to progress in every way. Even their loyalty is questionable, although they may display the British flag in their chapels on féte days.

CHAPTER V.

THE DEFENCE OF CANADA.

Rejection of the Militia Bill —Passing of a Modified Measure— 1 of Colonel Lysons, C.B.—Supineness among Volun- teers—Strength of the Active Militia Force of Quebec— Antipathy towards Englund—The New York Press Condoles with the Canadians—Annexation and a French Protectorate Denounced—Anglo-Federal Journals,

A false impression was created in England by the voting down of the Militia Bill in the Canadian parliament upon its second reading, which circum- stance was so far denunciatory of the principle in- volved therein. Some averred, and no doubt the statement was accredited in Great Britain, that the Roman Catholic population of Upper Canada were more or less disloyal to the Crown; that their representatives in the House of Assembly, naturally enough, shared the principles and pre- dilections of the constituencies by whom they had been elected; and that had they suffered the proposed Militia Bill to pass it would have savoured of hostility to the Federal Government of America,

84 ENGLISH AMERICA.

while it would involve an amount of attachment to the Crown and constitution of England, for which they had no desire to receive the credit. Disloyal constituencies there may exist, and disloyal repre- sentatives also, but I am convinced that the great mass of the Canadian people are staunchly and unswervingly attached to British rule.

On the subject of the rejection of the Militia Bill I have held several conversations with the Premier and other members of the new or ‘ Liberal’ administration, by whom I was assured that no disloyalty was intended by its rejection.

So far from opposing the principle therein in- volved, amodified bill for a similar organization was introduced by the government, somewhat analagous to the volunteermovement at home. The paramount objection to the measuve of the previous ministry was the expense it would have entailed on the Pro- vince, which, owing to the adverse operations of the American war and other causes, had produced a

. deficit of five millions of dollars below the ar’ 41 revenue. The customs receipts alone, fro:r .e lst January to the 13th May, 1862, had been less by five hundred thousand dollars than they were for the same period of the previous year. An ad- ditional grant of seven hundred thousand dollars had been voted for the completion of the Parlia-

ment Houses at Ottawa; while the redemption of

MODIFIED MILITIA BILL. 85

municipal bonds and the Seignorial Tenure formed a combined item of nearly two million four hun- dred thousand dollars. How then, it was gravely asked, could one million of dollars additional be voted for the purpose of organizing a militia force and placing it upon a proper footing? The new government, to their credit, have appropriated two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for this object ; just one-fourth of the amount proposed in the sup- plementary estimates of the previous ministry ; and forty thousand dollars in excess of the regular annual appropriation for the purpose of colonial defence. Had the rejected bill been brought for- ward during the excitement occasioned by the Trent difficulty, it would have met with no dis- couragement from the Opposition ; indeed, would have been carried without a dissentient vote. The amicable relations subsequently existing between England and America, in conjunction with financial pressure, induced hostility to the mea- sure, creating the ministerial crisis so humilia- ting to the Conservative party.

The modified Militia Bill introduced by Colonel Haultain, on behalf of the new government, and carried through both Houses of the legislature, contains but eleven short clauses, amending the act previously in force. Section twenty-two of this act is repealed, and a new section substi-

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86 ENGLISH AMERICA.

tuted, to the effect that the active militia in time of peace shall be composed of volunteer forces, and that they shall be armed and formed at such places and in such manner as may from time to time be designated by the Commander-in-Chief. The total strength of each volunteer corps is not to exceed ten thousand officers and men in the first class. Each volunteer is to receive clothing while on drill or service, or six dollars a year in- stead. Brigade-Majors may be appointed, not exceeding one for each military district, to be re- munerated at the rate of four hundred dollars annually. The fortieth section of the old act is likewise repealed, and a clause inserted, giving to the active militia fifty cents. each day during the twelve days’ drill imposed, and allowing a dollar additional for each horse. The pay of the militia, if called out for active service, is to be similar to that of regular troops. Power is also given to appoint one hundred drill sergeants, at the re- muneration of one dollar and a half per day, when employed. In the event of a war with the Federal States, volunteer regiments of militia may be enlisted for general service during the war, in addition to the active and sedentary militia. By the tenth section of the act, the Commander-in-Chief is empowered to sanction the organization of associations for the purposes

COLONEL LYSONS. 87

of drill, and of independent companies of infantry, consisting of professors, masters, or pupils of universities, or of persons engaged in or about the same, who are to provide their own arms, accoutrements, and clothing, and to receive no pay.

I was invited to dinner one evening at the hospitable mansion of the late Mr. Stewart Derbi- shire, the Queen’s printer—a generous-hearted, highly-gifted, and popular English gentleman ; who, for services rendered to Spain, was honoured with the ribbon of a noble oder. Amongst the distinguished company present was Colonel Lysons, ©.B., who had been despatched to Canada some months before by the Imperial government in order to organize the militia, and who, upon being recalled, was about to sail for Europe* He appeared greatly chagrined at the failure of his mission and the frustration of his plans. During the evening he afforded me considerable insight into the merits and advantages of the rejected bill, which left no doubt on my mind that in a military sense he was right, however impracticable may have been the

* Colonel Lysons has since revisited Canada, and occupies the distinguished military post of Quarter-Master Genera] in Mon- treal, an office which his high soldierly talents and attainments will, doubtless, enable him to fulfil both with honour to him- self and advantage to the service,

88 ENGLISH AMERICA.

carrying out of its details. Next day I received from him a pamphlet, which he had written, entitled “‘ Parting Words on the Rejected Militia Bill.” The gallant author’s object evidently was, judging from the perusal of this brochure, to correct misrepresentations with respect to the intentions of the Commission in regard to the volunteers of Canada, who had shown zeal and devotion in preparing for the defence of their country. Colonel Lysons observes :—

‘¢ Had the proposed system been carried out, I cannot but think that it would have gained popularity day by day in its working in the rural districts, and would soon have become so com- pletely interwoven in the habits and ideas of the people that nothing would have interrupted its welfare.”

He concludes by remarking :—

‘In taking leave of the people of Canada, I can assure them that I have conscientiously laboured in their cause, and have recommended what my experience in military matters has led me to believe was necessary for their safety in case of attack. I feel certain that no amount of desultory drill, no amount of theoretical know- ledge without practice, will be a sufficient protec- tion to them in the hour of danger. Nothing short of a broad organization, which will enable

APATHY AMONGST VOLUNTEERS. 89

this Province to put forth her whole power in the very best formation, under the most advantageous circumstances, will enable her to preserve her liberty and her independence in case of a war with the neighbouring States.”

And here it is but just to mention that the popular clauses in the defeated bill were of the ex-ministry’s initiation; the obnoxious clauses having been forced upon them by the Commission. It was thought that two hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars voted in the supplementary estimates by the new cabinet would, if properly and judi- ciously applied, more than double the active militia force then existing.

The volunteer movement in Quebec had only just commenced to crawl. In no part of Canada was such sluggishness and supineness manifested amongst the militia forces. Should the citizen soldiery happen to be called together for purposes of drill, but few of them would muster. Owing to this apathy, officers of battalions and companies thought it advisable not to summon their respec- tive corps at all.

‘¢T have raised several companies,” observed the Honourable Mr. Couchon, ex-Commissioner . of Works, one day to me, “but I could never get my men together. Sometimes they could not even be found.”

90 ENGLISH AMERICA.

From notifications in the local journals, I dis- covered that a few energetic commanders of com- panies attempted the experiment of inducing the volunteers to assemble for instruction, though I believe with dubious results.

The annexed return, exhibiting the strength of the Active Volunteer Force in Quebec, was, upon my solicitation, kindly furnished to me by the Adjutant-General :—

DENOMINATION OF CORPS. STRENGTH. Quebec Field Battery

1st Quebec Foot ameniiery Company 2nd ditto -

8rd ditto - ° -

4th ditto - . - Quebec Engineers -

1st Levi’s Troop of Cavalry 1st Quebec ditto -

2nd ditto - - : 8rd ditto

7th Battalion Rifle Volunteers 8th ditto .

9th ditto

Major Corneil’s Volunteer Rifle Company Civil Service Rifles -

Total strength .

It is much to be lamented that the volunteer body should be found in such a comatose condi- tion, although one would surmise that the pre- sence of a large garrison would stimulate the stolid spirit and dormant energies of the people.

The debates in the British parliament, on the defences of Canada (which directly followed the

CANADA, A SPOILED CHILD. 91

rejection of the Militia Bill), and the comments of influential metropolitan journals thereupon, produced a very strong and irrascible feeling throughout the Province. The Canadian press bristled with sharp strictures upon those English peers and English editors who presumed to school and to scold Canadians into the adoption of a policy which Canadians themselves considered impracticable. A good deal of grumbling and growling was indulged in, mingled with not a little sulkiness ; while England was plainly and pertly told to mind her own business—that Canada must not be dictated to—that Canadians know their own affairs best, and would not be forced like slaves at the crack of the English manufac- turers’ whip-lash !

One journal, somewhat remarkable for croaking and crotchets, asserted that ‘‘ the rejection of the . Militia Bill brought in by the late government was but a pretext for the present ebullition of ill-humour,” and that ‘ the true grievance is to be traced to the fiscal policy which this country has thought proper to adopt.” The truth is, that Canada has become a spoiled child of the mother- country. She has, from her infancy, been so delicately nurtured and petted that she cannot brook being chided, but grows fretful and restive upon being reprimanded for her faults or directed

92 ENGLISH AMERICA.

in her duty. The New York press, and the Herald in particular, expressed sympathy for the Canadians, who were said to be “‘sharply stung by the snubbing and sneers” they had received, and to be the victims of “studied contempt and studied indifference.” Even the Herald went so far as to observe, ‘“‘ Weshould not be surprised if the reaction of feeling produced by the recent display of English indifference to them should lead to the Canadians either setting up for them- selves or annexing their territory to the United (Northern) States !”’

This affected sympathy of the New York press was, however, estimated at its proper worth; and several journals vehemently de- nounced the vile insinuations therein contained. The Canadians do not possess such defective mental vision that they could be imposed upon by so flimsy a disguise. The desire for ‘ annexation’ is entirely unknown in Canada. There is no party in the Province who favour such a project.

‘¢ In the depths of our colonial ignorance and pre- judice,”’ observes the Chronicle, ‘‘ we fail to see the advantages that would accrue by rending a connec- tion with the greatest and most beneficent Power in the world for one whose political theories and prac- tices are of the narrowest and most retrograde kind. We cannot detect the gain to be derived from

— or FH VB ES SON DODD

‘ANNEXATION’ V. A ‘FRENCH PROTECTORATE.’ 93

giving up a condition of peace and prosperity to become a participant in civil war, with all the ruin and misery it entails . . +. . Ina word, we regard the idea of annexation as a solemn humbug, which among Canadians is never approached but with derision ; and the sooner our neighbours quite comprehend this truth the better for them. It may save them a fatal faux-pas some day.”

These sentiments, I feel persuaded, properly represent the feeling of the whole Canadian po- pulation. Discussing the mooted subjects of a French protectorate and annexation with the Northern States, Le Journal de Quebec thus flat- teringly refers to the benefits conferred upon Canada by her existing relations with the mother- country :—‘“‘ We are in a most exceptional posi- tion, and he would be blind indeed who cannot understand the immense advantage we enjoy in living under the shelter of the British flag; and guilty—yes, extremely guilty—those men who, for a local and momentary triumph, would attempt to drive us to another state of things.” The writer then discusses in an able manner the in- evitable evils that would ensue should the country enter upon a new state of political life.

Canadians aver that English people know but little about: either the inhabitants or the resources

04 ENGLISH AMERICA.

of their country. If such statement be true there are abundant excuses for our alleged ignorance in these respects ; but there can be no such ex- tenuation for that of the Americans. And yet the gross ignorance betrayed by the journalists of New York was unprecedented when they hinted the probability or advocated the desirability of the annexation of Canada. Their ignorance was only equalled by. their impertinence, and the mock sympathy they extended to our colonists, whom they characterised as the victims of ‘‘ studied con- tempt and studied indifference.” The Canadians were not so thin-skinned as to feel either ‘dis- gusted’ or ‘snubbed’ because the English parlia- ment and the press did not exactly compliment or flatter them. They can bear reproof from England, even if unjustly offered; nay, they will even brook dictation ; but they spurn the maudlin sympathy of the Federal States, and de- precate individually and collectively a closer con- nection with them than that which the growth of mutual commerce has engendered.

Did some English journalists but anticipate the immense merriment which their sage lncubrations would receive in our Canadian dependency, as- suredly their scribes would have been silent instead of prating about subjects they did not comprehend. The Morning Star—that brilliant luminary in a

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A BRIGHT IDEA. 95

Bright constellation—emitted rays, which, however dazzling to the politicians of Manchester, flung a total eclipse over the mental horizon of those resident in Canadian latitudes.

‘¢ Tf,”” observes that sapient organ, at a time of considerable excitement, “ the Canadians be not invincibly loyal they will forthwith set up as an independent state. Never had a people such en- couragement to assert for themselves a place among the nations. Not only are they plainly told that Great Britain will make no effort to hold them to their allegiance, but they are almost scolded for continuing a connection in which, it is said, all the advantage is on their side. They are reproached with insensibility to their duties and with an undue enjoyment of their privileges. They are threatened with desertion if ever an occasion should arise to which the help of the mother-country is needed. The young bird, having outgrown its subjection to the parental will, is stimulated by beak and claws to take its flight; and if we are not mistaken in the nature of the fledgeling, it will presently plume its wings and soar away with a scream of conscious power.”

Even when Canada was assailed in both Houses of parliament she was as devotedly attached to the Crown of England as she had ever been. Not only so, but she exhibited dignified meekness and

Ses SE Ss ph ngs ocd. Sos oe ae

96 ENGLISH AMERICA.

composure under the severe castigations she re- ceived from certain noble lords and the public journals, under the belief that when this country was duly informed of the complicated causes that led to the throwing out of the Militia Bill, and the consequent dissolution of the government, that her loyalty would not be impeached. Her ‘‘ withers” did not ‘“‘ wince” under the castiga- tions she received, however undeserved. Nor had she then, as now, the slightest desire of throw- ing off the English yoke, pluming her young wings, and ‘Soaring away with a scream of conscious power ”—whither the oracle did not say. People are not addicted to ‘tar and feathering’ in Canada; but were the writer who advanced such unsavoury and disloyal sentiments there at one time, I am inclined to think that institution would have been improvised for the nonce.

It is but just, nevertheless, to observe, that the debates in the English parliament upon our colo- nial defences met with a very unfavourable recep- tion from one portion of the Canadian population. French journals generally employed most tren- chant language in denouncing the sentiments uttered in those discussions. The leading French organs in Quebec are Le Courrier du Canada, and Le Canadien. The former had been Conserva- tive in its principles, but was subsequently reputed

=.

SPIRIT OF THE FRENCH CANADIAN PRESS. 97

to be under the influence of the Catholic priest- hood. With regard to the latter, it became the avowed organ of the French members of the newly-formed Cabinet, who purchased it about a month previous to the ministerial dissolution. This journal was conducted by M. Barthé, whose hostility to England is well known, having pub- lished some few years since a brochure entitled ‘¢ Canada Reconquered by France.”

Animadverting upon Lord Palmerston’s ob- servations on the occasion of the debate, Le Courrier contended that his lordship could not have meant what he said, or have spoken more adversely of a colony that he was about to abandon to its fate; that the Government of England had assumed a fearful responsibility ; that the policy of that country was based upon egotism and fear; that the allusion to the danger from America was but a pitiable excuse; and, finally, that the abandonment of Canada was a project deeply seated in the breast of the British parliament.

Commenting on the same fertile topic, Le Canadien grew vituperative and surly, and growled like a bear with a sore head. ‘It is useless,” this uneasy and querulous organ remarked, “ to disguise the fact, that Canada understands her duties and her interests better than to change her VOL. I. F

98 ENGLISH AMERICA,

obligations from day to day merely to suit the views of England. It is an absurd idea to talk of enrolling our peaceable agricultural population for soldiers, and placing them upon our already exhausted treasury. From that we should be led to the construction of gunboats, the raising of bastions, the fortifying of posts, and the forma- tion and defence of strategic points—thus incur- ring fabulous expenses. Such is the extravagant folly of those who endeavour to charge Canada with a million and a half for the purchase of the Hudson’s Bay Company. We may as well put Canada up to auction. ...... Let England henceforth understand that the colonies are not children, but must be treated as those who have arrived at maturity, upon fundamental questions affecting their destiny........ The Cana- dian parliament to-day, as in 1812, has been faith- ful and true in its determination. There is no recoil but before impossibilities, and who will dare push us to that ?”

Such is the gist of the rabid article that ap- peared in Le Canadien.

My impression is that Canada had been more or less traduced by certain members of the British parliament, and by one at least of the leading journals. The rejection of the Militia Bill had given rise to much false conjecture.

THE VOLUNTEER FORCE.

People at home naturally enough inferred that this act of the Canadian legislature reflected in- juriously upon the loyalty of the Canadians gene- rally. So far as regards the real merits of the intended measure, I did not hear a dissentient or disparaging voice; but, however excellent, it was utterly impracticable, and therefore was voted down. Out ofa sparse population of two and a half millions it would surely be difficult to raise a body of active militia one hundred thousand strong. But even if this could have been accomplished, how were farming labours to be carried on meanwhile? The necessities of the country would not admit of such an abstraction of labour, and at a particu ar season of the year, when the crops required to be cut and garnered.

The effective volunteer force of Canada, existing and recognised by the Government at the time the projected Bill was introduced into parliament, amounted to 14,219. Of these 10,615 were in- fantry, 1687 were artillery, and 1615 were cavalry, in addition to 200 engineers. Other corps were undergoing drill instruction, and only awaiting Government recognition to be armed, accoutred, and regularly enrolled. These unrecognised com- panies would have raised the aggregate militia force of the Province to something over 16,000 effective troops. The new act, however, author- F2

100 ENGLISH AMERICA.

ised the enrolment of 10,000 additional volunteers, thereby augmenting the active strength of that defensive body to 26,000. So far Canada con- sidered she had done her duty, and as much as could reasonably have been expected from her. Hence she chafed under the animadversions flung so reck- lessly upon her energy and her allegiance, as though she were some political changeling, who had evinced no attachment for her natural parent.

Another consideration is that in Canada there are very few individuals who can properly be desig- nated wealthy. Everybody has to labour in one sphere or another, and labour constantly too. When this circumstance is duly weighed, it will be found that our colonists are neither regardless of their obligations nor indifferent to the just demands of the English Government; and that | an active force of 26,000 volunteers, raised under such conditions and disadvantages, is an honour- able evidence of Canadian loyalty. Of this I feel fully persuaded, judging from the universal, un- disguised sentiment of the people, that should England unfortunately become embroiled in hostili- ties with the Federal States, and Canada become the battle-ground, there would not be wanting willing hearts and brawny hands to -— in de- fence of the flag that

‘“ Braved a thousand years, The battle and the breeze.”

CHAPTER VI.

THE UNIVERSITY OF LAVAL.—THE GRAND AND LITTLE SEMINARIES,

Grant of a Royal Charter—Prince of Wales’ Visit —Institution of a Prize—Outline of the Buildings, Cabinets, Museums, ete. —Pupils and Professors—The Late Rector—The Grand Se- minary for Theological Students—Financial Position of the University—Costume of the Scholars in the Little Seminary —Residence of the Priests—Monseigneur De Laval—His Educational Labours—A Combination of Mishaps.

THE principal educational institution in Quebec is LD’ Université-Laval, It was commenced in 1852, upon the grant of a Royal Charter by Queen Vic- toria, on the joint recommendation of the Executive Council of Canada, Lord Elgin, the Governor- General, and Sir John Pakington, the Colonial Secretary. The cost of its construction amounted to forty-five thousand pounds. In appearance it is extensive, but unimposing; the main building being of oblong form, two hundred and eighty feet long, fifty feet wide, and five storys high. It has a flat roof, with a sanded platform running the entire extent of the edifice, railed round with strong wooden pillars. Here the students

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occasionally walk, talk, smoke, and otherwise recreate themselves. On one side of the platform is a capacious water tank, always supplied so as to be available in case of fire. The site - espe- cially the view from the summit—commands an xtensive prospect of the majestic St. Lawrence, and the vast amphitheatre of massive mountains that lift their rugged crests as far as eye can stretch, until their misty forms are lost among the clouds. When the Prince of Wales visited Quebec, he generously contributed the sum of two hundred pounds to the University, so that a prize has been founded, called the “ Prince of Wales’ Prize,” for which the pupils annually compete. Long prior to the grant of the Royal Charter and the erection of the new building, a scholastic foundation stood, and still stands, upon this spot, to which Pius IX. has accorded the privileges of a university. It is divided into two branches, distin- guished as the Grand Séminaire and the Petite Sé- minaire. The branch attached to both colleges is now termed the University. Here the principal arts and sciences are taught under competent professors, two of whom belong to the Anglican communion. This seems a very politic arrangement, as the privi- leges of the institution are open to pupils of every creed. The great hall, wherein public ceremonies take

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THE CABINETS AND MUSEUMS. 1038

place, degrees are conferred, and public lectures are delivered, is one hundred and fifty feet in length, and can comfortably accommodate over two thousand persons, Galleries extend all round this department, to which ladies are exclusively admitted. On the ground floor, a room is ap- propriated to Indian antiquities. These consist of skulls, stone pipes, pottery, axes, arrows, and tomahawks, the last of which, in all probability, have been embued in the blood of the white man during many sanguinary conflicts. On one of the pipes a fox’s head is carved, and so excellently is it executed as to impart to the figure a semblance of life. In the centre of another department was dis- played a valuable collection of medical instruments, manufactured in Paris for the institution. These were carefully protected against atmospheric in- fluences by tight-fitting glass cases. Similar cases, only differing in form, were arranged at either side of the Museum, wherein are preserved a rare collec- tion of casts, skeletons, and human bones, origi- nally brought from the French capital.

The University likewise possesses a fire-proof chemical laboratory, on the plan of that at King’s College, London; replete with every modern im- provement. This department is under the super- intendence of a talented American, Dr. Sterry Hunt, F.R.S. The Cabinet of Natural Philosophy

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is similar to that at Brussels, and cost about three thousand pounds. For the most part the ex- tensive apparatus was manufactured in Paris and London; but a portion of it came from the States. In addition to these are Geological and Minera- logical Museums—the latter embracing a rich collection expressly prepared by the late eminent Abbé Haiiy, whose name is extensively known in European scientific circles. In other departments of a like nature, I observed French and Canadian specimens. These are likely to become extensive, as the local Government have pledged themselves to present to the institution specimens of minerals and geological fossils. In an adjacent room was a magnificent array of crystals, said to be highly valuable. Another apartment was devoted to zoology ; but, save a carabou, or Canadian deer, badly stuffed, there was nothing to excite parti- cular attention.

There is a spacious, well-lighted, and airy lec- ture room, for the elucidation of history and phi- losophy. The professors’ chair is of Canadian black walnut, a timber almost undistinguishable from rosewood. Over the chair stands, boldly displayed, the coat-of-arms of the Faculty of Arts, consisting simply of an open book, surmounted by entwined laurel leaves. An immense apartment, embracing two storys formed into one, is appro-

PUPILS AND PROFESSORS. 105

priated to the Library. Therein are deposited twenty-eight thousand volumes, comprising his- tory, theology, science, Latin and Greek classics, and numerous works in English, French, Spanish, and German. The proportion of English and French literature is about equal. Two excellent reading rooms, are set apart for the use of the students—to one of which only those who are studying medicine gain admission. The dissecting- room is a large, well-ventilated, and appropriately furnished chamber, possessing every modern ap- pliance. To this apartment no pupil has access without one of the professorsbeing present. Such I regard as a salutary arrangement, which may be beneficially followed in other schools of asimi- lar ogaracter, both at home and abroad. There are three terms in each scholastic year, each of three months’ duration. The pupils are required to be familiar with English and French; lectures being delivered in both languages, at the option of the professors. About sixty-five young men were attending the University at the time of my visit; some of whom came from various parts of Europe and America. A private apartment, or robing-room, is assigned fo each professor—and there are no less than thirty attached to the various chairs—an arrangement productive no less of public order than of private comfort.

F 5

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The Council Chamber is spacious and hand- somely furnished. Over the mantel-piece was a full-sized portrait of the Rev. Monsieur Casault, who died a short time before, and to whose funeral people flocked from, all parts of the Province. The portrait referred to was presented to their Superior by the professors a¢ few months previous to his decease, in testimony of their es- teem and veneration. Casault was the Legislator and Rector of the University, and fulfilled his responsible trust with zeal, ability, and honour.

In close proximity to the chief edifice is a lofty structure used as a ‘boarding-house by the stu- dents. This is capable of accommodating fifty persons. It contains an excellent saloon, fur- nished with a pianoforte, a smoking room, segeral studies, and every requisite for domestic comfort and cleanliness. A well arranged garden is at- ached to the college, adjoining which is an ex- . tensive playground. The entire group of build- ings, which are laid out in quadrilateral form and cover a large area, may be classified as follows: Firstly, the Grand Seminary, where students live who are preparing for the priesthood; secondly, the Little Seminary, or® college for the study of Classics ; thirdly, the University for the prosecu- tion of the several sciences. Connected with both colleges is a very antiquated French structure,

THE SEMINARY. 107

having massive stone walls, looking as though they were built for purposes of defence. Herein the ecclesiastics, or masters, reside. All the scholars in the Petite Séminaire wear a peculiar costume, consisting of a blue walking coat with facings of white braid, a cap of similar material, and a sash of green segge. This livery, although absurd enough, certainly looks far less grotesque than the monkish habiliments worn by the pupils of Christ’s Hospital. e

Respecting the financial position of the Laval University there is little to say, further than it is far from flourishing. Since the opening of the institution—just seven years from the time of my visit—over seventy-four thousand pounds have been expended. For the year 1861 the disburse- ments were 14,626 dollars, while the receipts from all sources merely amounted to 2,693 dollars, thereby leaving a deficit of 11,933 dollars. With such a paucity of pupils, the low, charges de- manded, and inadequate resources, I cannot see how the University can be efficiently maintained without liberal parliamentary appropriations.

And here it will be expedient to make a few remarks respecting that ancient institution, the Seminary of Quebec. This establishment was _ originally founded and endowed by Monseigneur De Laval de Montmorency, the first Roman Ca-

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tholic Bishop of that diocese, in the year 1663. At the outset it was principally intended for the education of a few candidates for the priesthood. ' When the Jesuit Order was abolished by the French Government, the members of the Semi- nary flung open its doors to the youth of the country; although the resources of the institution scarcely warranted such a generous act. Pro- fessorships were duly inaugurated, and the ordi- nary branches of education began to be taught. Twice, during the life of its founder, were the buildings of the Seminary burnt to the ground. The first fire occurred in November, 1708, during the absence of most of the ecclesiastics ; when the bishop, who resided on the foundation, had to escape half-dressed from the burning edifice. The French Court, upon an urgent representa- tion being made to it, granted an annual pension of four thousand livres towards its reconstruction and sustentation. After four years’ labour had been bestowed upon the new structure, and when not far from completion, it was again set on fire through the negligence of a workman. The edifice was finally rebuilt, but was again almost totally destroyed by fire during the siege of 1759, just previous to the famous battle of the Plains of Abraham, which won Canada for the British

rown. The disasters of the Seminary were not

GOVERNMENT OF THE SEMINARY. 109

even yet complete; for it was once more partially consumed in 1772—a cowbination of mishaps truly.

The authority of the Seminary resides in a Board of Directors (one of whom is Superior), who are elected triennially. The other officers consist of two.assistants ; the Procureur, a director of the theological department, or Grand-Sémi- naire; the director and principal Préfet des Etudes of the college; and the steward, or Assistant-Procureur. All of these, with the ex- ception of the last-named, are appointed annwally by the Board. The ecclesiastics, or members of the Seminary, receive no emoluments. The foun- dation simply guarantees to them “ food and rai- ment in sickness and in health.” They make no special vows, like members of monastic orders. Hence they are at liberty to resign their offices and leave the institution whenever any important cause arises to justify such a course. The pupils number over two hundred, about one-half of whom are pensionnaires, maintained on the founda- tion. In this institution no fees are paid for tuition. The boarders are required to pay 17/. 10s. per annum; but in case of absence for eight days or over, a deduction is made accordingly. The day scholars disburse ten shillings in the Fall, and @ similar sum in the Spring, to meet the cost of

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wood, candles, etc. Largesums of money arising from the sale of property bequeathed to the insti- tution by several wealthy individuals in France, previous to the French Revolution, and which has been recovered since the restoration of the Bour- bons, have enabled the directors, since 1820, to re-build the Seminary on a more extensive scale than the original edifice.

Having been introduced, and politely conducted over the entire range of buildings by the Recorder, J. Crimazie, Esq., LL.D. (who likewise holds thevchair of the Faculty of Law), and the Se- cretary, the Rev. Thomas E. Hamel, I was finally shown into the Chapel of the Seminary. Here are preserved valuable paintings by French Masters. The leading subjects are “‘ The Flight of Joseph,” by Jean Baptiste Vauloo, painter to the King of France, but who afterwards resided in London, where he obtained great fame; ‘‘The Wise Men of the East,” by Bourien; ‘The Ascension,” “The Day of Pentecost,” and “St. Jerome Writing,” by the brothers Champagnes; ‘ The Trance of St. Anthony,” by D’Avignes; and ‘¢ Peter’s Deliverance,” by De la Fosse, a disciple of Le Brun, and whom Louis XIV. sent to Rome to complete his studies, where he imitated Titian and Paolo Veronese, and became an excellent colourist. Being addicted to large compositions,

SAINTLY RELICS, 111

he was much engaged in royal palaces and public buildings; and was finally invited to England by the Duke of Montague, who employed him in or- namenting his town residence, which occupied the site upon which the British Museum now stands. In addition to the works already mentioned, I observed excellent paintings by Halle, D’Hullin, Guillot, De Dieu Lagreneé, and Monet; but to my apprehension the most exquisitely executed of them all is a small oval picture representing ‘* Two Angels,” by Charles Le Brun, an_ illustrious French painter of Scotch extraction, who is: said to have drawn figures with charcoal at three years of age! _ At either side of the grand altar, my at- tention was attracted to a large cabinet containing human skulls, and sundry fragments of bones, displayed in divers forms, and enclosed in a glass case—a shocking and repulsive sight.

‘‘T perceive, Monsieur,” I observed to the priest who accompanied me, “that you have got relics here; have the goodness to inform me whose they are ?”

‘‘Qh,” rejoined the ecclesiastic, evidently startled at the boldness of my interrogation, ‘ they are the relics of unknomwn saints.”

I said no more, but cogitated considerably upon the candid, if not lucid, confession of the good but simple priest, who so far essayed to dispel my

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heretical ignorance. After all, what a comforting doctrine is implicit faith ; from what mental misery and perplexity does it not sometimes save us! Altogether my visit to Laval University was highly pleasurable. I regard such an institution, if properly conducted, and efficiently supported, of vital importance, and as calculated to break down the strong barriers of religious resentment and political party-feeling, so prevalent through- out Canada. In this seat of learning, Protestant and Catholic youth, while acquiring proficiency in the arts and sciences, may also learn lessons of no less advantage, because purely of a social character. The attrition of thought, similarity of pursuits, and continuity of intercourse neces- sarily engendered, will tend to foster those amenities of life, and that urbanity of demeanour and suavity of mind, calculated in themselves to destroy sectarian prejudices and party predilec- tions—the unmitigated banes of the Province.

CHAPTER VII.

MORAL ASPECTS OF THE CAPITAL.

Separate School Systems—How Common Schools are Sup- ported—Educational Statistics—The Old Jesuit College Me- tamorphosed into a Burrack—Preponderance and Description of Crime—Visit to the Gaol—What Constitutes ‘ Hard Labour”—The ‘‘ Room of Records ’’—Condition of the Prison and the Prisoners—Absence of Classification—Gaol Dietary.

Notwitxstanvine that the system of public in- struction has been but ten or twelve years in ope- ration, elementary education is widely diffused throughout Canada, and schools are rapidly ad- vancing in number, organization, and efficiency. Both sections of the Province enjoy separate school laws, adapted to the religious elements prevailing in either. The common schools are supported partly by Government, and partly by local, self- imposed taxation, and occasionally by the pay- ment of a small monthly fee from each scholar. One of the best educational institutes in Quebec is the High School. It was originally founded by the Rev. Dr. Cook, of St. Andrew’s Church, who has been chairman of the Board of Directors

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since its establishment. The first Rector was the Rev. Daniel Wilkie, LL.D., who died in 1852, through whose exertions this establishment be- came raised in importance.

Annexed is a synopsis of the elaborate educa- tional statistics collected by the Inspectors of Schools, with reference to the district of Quebec, taken from the latest published returns :—

Elementary Schools - 629 #£Pupils - 384,957 41

Primary Schools ° iy - 2,541 Dissentient Schools - ill : 365 Academies : . 14 9 : 997 Colleges - . ° 4 Pf : 898 Normal School -~—- 1 ” : 94 yy ‘ Educational Convents - 17 s - 8,828 Independent Schuvols - 110 ” - 6,924 Total Institutions - 827 ” - 49,099

It is somewhat remarkable that out of over 49,000 scholars, only 6,400, or thereabout, attend the Roman Catholic public schools, including the University of Laval; and this, amongst a com- munity of at least two-thirds French Canadians. When it is considered likewise that the convent schools afford the best education, the fact appears the more unaccountable.

The first school in Canada was opened in Quebec as far remote as 1632. At this time it cortained but two pupils—a negro lad and an Indian boy, who were instructed in the rudiments of the French tongue, and initiated in the art of writing.

THE OLD JESUIT COLLEGE. 115

The following year the number of scholars in- creased to twenty, and by the assiduity and enthu- siasm of its founder, this institution‘ became the nucleus of the famous Jesuit College—a seat. of learning wherein the course of study had been similar to that pursued in the College of Louis- le-Grand, Paris.

The history of the Jesuit College may be suc- cinctly told. Two years after Champlain had re- sumed the government of New France, namely, in 1638, the foundation of the original College was laid. At this time there were but fifteen priests and four lay-brothers in Quebec, the latter being employed in the instruction of youth. The idea of establishing such a seminary was first en- tertained. by the eldest son of the Marquis de Gamache, one Rene Rohault, who had joined the Jesuit confraternity ; to further whose project his family gave six thousand crowns in gold to the General of the Order. The capture of the city by the British retarded the prosecution of the plan; but after the Restoration, the original design was carried into execution. Accordingly, the founda- tion was laid with great ceremony in December, 1635. Five years after its erection the College was completely destroyed by fire. It was subse- quently re-built in its present form, and on pre- cisely the same site, and must, doubtless, have

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looked imposing in its day. It isa large, quad- rangularly-shaped stone building, and covers a considerable area of ground. The edifice looks gloomy and prison-like, and the open space within recalls anything but the idea of those umbrageous walks where the Jesuit fathers were wont, after the manner of philosophical sages of old—inter sylvas academi querere verum.

Just as in England prior to the Reformation, the members of the Jesuit Order in Canada had acquired immense revenues. These were obtained by private purchases, by royal grants, and by the bequests and donations of devout and admiring Catholics. In 1764 the King of France abolished the dangerous confraternity, when its members sank down to the condition of humble citizens. The last Jesuit connected with the College was Father Casot, who died in 1800, when the property of the Order fell to the Crown, in which it is still vested. The spacious building is now devoted to the purposes of a barrack.

Having thus far treated of education, I now come to consider the condition of crime in Quebec. This I am enabled to do, owing to the kindness of his Honour the Judge of the Sessions of the Peace, who caused tabular statistics to be spe- cially prepared for my information.

The total number of prisoners arrested by the

CRIMINAL STATISTICS, 117

city police, from the 1st of January to the 31st of December, 1861, amounted to 3,441. Of these 2,547 were men, and 894 women. The offences with which those persons were respectively charged are classified under twenty-eight heads, which it is unnecessary, and would prove weari- some, to particularise. I find, however, that the largest proportion of offences is manifestly trace- able to inebriety. For example, the number of persons arrested for ‘‘ drunkenness and impeding passengers”? was 1,363 men and 289 women, making a total of 1,652; while those charged with breaches of the peace and resisting the police —very probably also the effects of intemperance —amounted to 198 men and 44 women, or an ag- gregate of 242 persons.

The next largest numbers charged with positive infractions of the law are as follows :— Larceny, 101 males and 45 females, altogether 146 cases. Then 87 persons were arraigned for offences against the bye-laws. The number of persons ar- rested for the higher class of offences is compara- tively small, viz., murder, 1; manslaughter, 1; assault with intent to maim, 4; having on the person deadly weapons, 6; stabbing and wound- ing, 9; robbery with violence, 3. The number of *‘ vagrants, and persons claiming protection for

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the night,” amounted to 1,192,—720 males and 472 females. It is certainly difficult to accredit that in a country like Canada, where labour is affirmed to be scarce and well remunerated, so many houseless wanderers should be found in one city during the brief period of twelve months. Surely there must be “something rotten in the state of Denmark ’’ when such misery and destitu- tion exist.

Of the 3,441 persons arrested by the police, and arraigned before the stipendiary magistrate, 1,892 were discharged (possibly for want of sufficient evidence to criminate); 384 were liberated upon payment of fine; 1,032 were committed in defaul' of payment; 37 were bound over to keep the peace ; 35 were committed for trial; 7 were com- mitted for trial but admitted to bail; and 53 were summarily convicted of larceny and other offences of a directly criminal nature. Out of 21 insane persons, one only was removed to the Lunatic Asylum. These returns, however, must not be re- garded as the true condition of criminality in this city. The police are inadequate to prevent, and too unsophisticated to discover crime. With a thoroughly efficient police organisation, the periodical criminal statistics would exhibit a more formidable array of derelicts than the re-

THE GAOL. : 119

turns at present show, although for one city of a young colony the figures are strange and startling enough.

While in Quebec, I visited the Gaol in com- pany with the Honourable J. Maguire, Judge of the Sessions. This building, situated in one of the best localities in the centre of the Upper Town, was erected during the administration of Sir James Craig, at a cost of 15,0007, which sum was defrayed by the legislature out of the public treasury. The building was first occupied in 1814, Its length is one hundred and sixty, and its breadth sixty-eight feet. Adjoining the same, with a miserably confined court-yard between where the male prisoners occasionally take exer- cise, is the House of Correction for women. The entire structure is now in a most dilapidated con- dition, so much so, indeed, as to be almost unin- habitable. Besides the incapacity of the Gaol to accommodate the increasing number of prisoners, its internal arrangements are extremely deficient, and even wofully behind the age. A new prison, however, was in course of erection on the St. Foy Road, contiguous to the classic Plains of Abraham ; but although the site is appropriate, I cannot speak approvingly either of the style or the plan of the structure. When this edifice will be completed there is no telling; nor do I believe

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that the Apollo of the Board of Works could give any definite information on the subject, did he essay to oracularise. Private bickerings and ca- balings had arisen between the architect and the builders, so that the former refused to certity for the works of the latter, and no compensation under such circumstances could be obtained from the Commissioner of Works. It was thought that the contractors would eventually have to abandon the undertaking. These remarks I make parenthetically, so now I revert to the old prison.

At the time of my visit there were 115 prisoners confined therein (73 males and 42 females), either under sentence or awaiting trial; although I was informed by the jailer—a very common-place in- dividual—that the inmates generally averaged 120. Of these 115 prisoners, two were committed for murder on the high seas; one for wounding with intent to murder; and the others comprised larceny, inebriate, and assault cases. No attempt whatever is made at classification; nor, perhaps, would the resources of the Gaol admit of its being done thoroughly. Criminals of every grade freely associate together both by day and night; for their sleeping cells abut upon their day rooms, or rather form enclosed recesses in these ill-con- structed apartments.

PRISON DISCIPLINE. 121

In the men’s ward I observed nine persons in a single room; while in the women’s wards there were a8 many as nineteen prisoners in ‘one room, and seventeen prisoners and five children in another. No wonder that the jailer should have observed to me—

‘‘T assure you, sir, they go out much worse than they come in !”—a statement I was fully pre- pared to endorse.

‘‘The inspection of a prison like the present Gaol at Quebec,” observes the Inspector, in his Report for 1860, “‘is unavailing. It is a mere temple of Cloacina, and a school of iniquity. With such materials nothing can be effected, and we must await, however impatiently, the new buildings, which will supply the means of a better organisation.”

The undeviating occupation of the male dere- licts consists in picking oakum, which, lest it should perchance hurt or spoil their delicate fingers, is previoy’ » soaked in warm water until it becomes as } st. and soft as clay in the hands of the potter. iiow the London pickpockets and other felons, sentenced to “ hard labour,” would relish such a pleasant mode of killing time! Contrary to the Prison Inspectors’ rules, the pri- soners are suffered to smoke—an arrangement VOL. I. G@

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that, in consequence of the disagreeable odour permeating the building, is almost essential to render incarceration in such exiguous, foul-smell- ing wards bearable.

Certainly, the trenchant rebuke of the inimi- table Sidney Smith does not apply to this penal establishment, however characteristic of others, namely, that ‘‘ Since the benevolent Howard at- tacked our prisons, incarceration has become not only healthy but elegant, and a jail is precisely the place to which any pauper might wish to re- - tire to gratify his taste for magnificence as well as for comfort.”

The unconquerable repugnance to cleanliness manifested by the criminal classes generally, is very remarkable, and might furnish a subject for interesting inquiry to the social science philo- sopher.

‘¢ Prisoners dread the bath, sir,” remarked the jailer; ‘‘some of them do not have an ablution until they come in here.”

Iron bars having been foolishly placed in wooden sockets outside of the windows when the building was constructed, facilities were afforded for prisoners to cut away a portion of the framework, remove the obstruction, and so escape. Fifteen years ago it was not an unusual

‘THE ROOM OF RECORDS.’ 123

occurrence for a number of felons to effect their freedom in this manner during a single night. Even in broad daylight the venture has been successful. Since the prison guard was instituted no escape has taken place; but such a precau- tionary measure should, assuredly, long before have been adopted.

One apartment in the prison is designated ‘The Room of Records,’ in consequence of the various felons from time to time confined therein, having carved their names and the dates of their incarceration on the floor, so as wholly to deface it. They take a secret pride in thus per- petuating their infamy. In illustration of the irradicable propensity to theft manifested by a certain class of offenders, the jailer informed me that some time back he had missed a silk pocket-handkerchief and another article of trifling value. After much fruitless inquiry, and re- peated examinations of the prisoners’ rooms, the missing articles were finally discovered con- cealed in the wall and beneath the flooring, a portion of which had been neatly and dexterously cut out, and the purloined property deposited therein.

Subjoined are the several dietaries for prisoners confined in the common Gaols of Canada :— a2

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Cuass I.

Prisoners confined for any time not exceeding four- teen days.

BREAKFAST.—One pint of oatmeal gruel and / six ounces of bread. DiInNER.—Twelve ounces of bread. Suprer.—Same as breakfast. All prisoners to have in addition one pint of soup at dinner twice per week; those at hard labour to have the same quantity four times per week.

Crass II.

Prisoners not employed at hard labour for periods exceeding fourteen days.

BreakFast.—One pint of oatmeal gruel and eight ounces of bread.

Dinner (two days).—One pint of soup and eight ounces of bread.

Ditto (other two days).—Five ounces of cooked meat without bone, eight ounces of bread, and 7) half a pound of potatoes,

tH Ditto (three days).—Eight ounces of bread, | one pound of potatoes, or a pint of gruel when potatoes cannot be had. Surrer.—The same as breakfast.

GAOL DIETARY.

Crass III.

Prisoners employed at hard labour for any time ex- ceeding fourteen days but not more than six necks.

BreakFast.—One pint of oatmeal gruel and eight ounces of bread.

Dinner (two days).—One pint of soup, and eight ounces of bread.

Ditto (three days).—Six ounces of cooked meat without bone, eight ounces of bread, and half a pound of potatoes.

Ditto (two days).—Eight ounces of bread, one pound of potatoes, or a pint of gruel when the former cannot be had.

Cuass IV. Prisoners employed at hard labour for any period exceeding six weeks.

Breakrast.—One pint of oatmeal gruel and eight ounces of bread.

Dinner (two days).—One pint of soup, eight ounces of bread, and six ounces of cooked meat.

Ditto (four days).—Eight ounces of bread, and half a pound of potatoes.

Ditto (one day).—Eight ounces of bread, one pound of potatoes, or one pint of gruel when potatoes cannot be had. : Surrer.—The same as breakfast.

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These regulations embrace the tables of diet for male prisoners. Those for women are some- what similar, though considerably reduced in scale; in some instances as much as one-half, Generally, however, the difference does not exceed a couple of ounces. Water and salt are allowed in abundance. This is not the place to treat of prison reform; if it were, I should certainly re- commend that the diet of prisoners be kept low; for, as an eminent English divine and sati- rist once observed :—

‘There is nobody so gluttonous as a thief, and he will feel much more bitterly fetters on his mouth than on his heels.” |

It is not an unusual occurrence for lunatics to be brought to gaol, where they remain five or six weeks, and sometimes longer, before they are trans- ferred to suitable refuges. As many as seven in- sane persons are in prison atthesametime. One poor, wretched object I observed chained in a cell. Gyves were placed round his bare leg, and fastened to a strong ring in the centre of the apartment. He looked exceedingly ferocious—and no wonder!—from the barbarous treatment he re- ceived. I did not conceive it possible to witness such a sight in any portion of the Queen’s do- minions. Another demented creature laboured under the delusion that he was going to be burned.

A MANIAC. 127

The day preceding my visit he made his way to one of the lofts and buried himself in oakum, so that the jailer thought he had effected his es- cape. My presence in the prison seemed to have augmented his delusion, for he remarked :

‘Ah, I know ’tis all over with me now. Iam to be burnt directly, and you have come to ar- range all about it!” :

Nothing that I could say seemed to alleviate the horrible impression. Of course, you cannot reason a madman out of his delusions; perhaps you rather augment his disease by the endeavour. I had not left the cell in which the wretched maniac was confined many minutes, when one of the prisoners rushed up to the jailer and informed him that when the poor fellow had his dinner served up, he seized a knife and attempted self-destruction by making a wide gash in his throat! Surely, it is highly objectionable that the insane should be sent to such places, where, so far from assuaging their mental maladies, they are certain to become aggravated.

‘‘ Inspectors say that there is no room for any more inmates in the lunatic asylums, and hence they are thrust in here, to the great disturbance of prison order and decorum.”

Such was the explanation afforded to me in extenuation of a grievous injustice and inhu-

128 ENGLISH AMERICA.

manity, which the Legislature should speedily remedy.

From the “ General Rules and Regulations for the Common Gaols, framed by the Board of In- spectors under the Consolidated Statutes,” I find that the responsibility in such cases devolves on the sheriff. Rule twenty-six is to the following effect :—

‘Under our present laws, unfortunate luna- tics are frequently placed, provisionally, in prison. While there they should be treated with all tenderness and care, and bestowed as carefully as circumstances will permit. It is, however, to be recollected that a common prison is altogether unsuited for these afflicted creatures, and it is therefore the duty of the sheriff*to take such steps as the law prescribes for the early removal of persons of this class to a proper lunatic asylum.”

CHAPTER VIII.

LUNACY IN LOWER CANADA.—THE ASYLUM AT BEAUPORT.

Lunatics Originally Confined in Religious Houses—Their Con- dition and Treatment—Sir C. Metcalfe’s Philanthropic Exer- tions in their Beha!‘—First Receptions of Insane Persons at Beauport Asylum—Pleasurable Emotions Created in their Minds by the Change of Scene and Discipline—Descrip- tion of the New Building and the Grounds—Patients and their Occupations—Rationale of Treatment Adopted—Library and News Room—Effects of Religious, A¢sthetical, and Social Observances—Singular Examples of Mental Aberra- tion—The Beauport Type of Insanity,

In the picturesque village of J3eauport, distant nearly five miles from Qvebec, the Lunatic Asylum for Lower Canada is situated. The his- tory of this institution is interesting, if only as an illustration of the growing intelligence, philan- thropy, and enterprise of our colonists.

Towards the close of the last century an order in Council was passed, authorising an appropria- tion for the maintenance of insane persons in the Lower Province. Individuals labouring under aberration of mind were at this period entrusted @ 5

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to the care of certain religious eommunities in the respective districts of Montreal, Quebec, and Three Rivers. The Government granted an an- nual sum of 32/. 10s., or 1s. 8d. per diem, for the support of each patient, besides making occa- sional trifling appropriations for the repairs of the buildings in which such persons were confined. As in similar European institutions at the period alluded to, the insane were deprived of liberty on the grounds of being unmanageable, and dangerous to the community, or to themselves. Few, if any, measures were adopted for their restoration to reason. They were incarcerated in separate cells, where the light and air of Heaven seldom penetrated ; were shut out from intercourse with the world and each other, and left to brood in sullen solitude over their disordered fancies until they became demoniacal, rent their garments, and until, finally, what was but temporary cranial dis- organization, ended in hopeless insanity or idiotcy, from which appalling condition death alone deli- vered them. Occasionally, perhaps, a patient was removed by his friends; rarely, indeed, was one discharged restored to reason. Over the portals of those conventual receptacles for the mentally infirm, might with truth have been inscribed the well-known epigram of Dante :

‘‘ Lasciate ogni speranza, O voi che intrate.”

PHILANTHROPIC EXERTIONS. 131

From time to time urgent representations were made to the Grand Juries with reference to the general unfitness of those religious founda- tions for the unfortunate inmates therein con- fined. Not the least objections were the damp, dirty, unventilated condition of the cells, and the general maltreatment undergone by the insane persons themselves. Even the ‘sisters’? were desirous of being released from the grave respon- sibility which they had charitably undertaken. They repeatedly urged the unfitness of convents as asylums for the insane, and the desirability, and even necessity, for better means of accommo- dation. :

Shortly after Sir C. Metcalfe had assumed the government of the Canadas (in 1843), in his speech at the opening of the Provincial Parlia- ment, he advocated the importance of an im- proved system of treatment for the mentally afflicted. Accordingly, in the course of the Session, one member gave notice of his intention to bring in a bill to provide for the supervision and proper management of this class. Owing, however, to press of business, the Session passed over without any direct action being taken in the matter. During the recess, with praise-worthy philanthropy, the Governor-General caused the various religious establishments in which the

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insane were incarcerated to be visited by Inspectors specially appointed for that purpose. These were authorised to prepare estimates of the cost at- tendant upon the removal to the country of such patients, together with the amount required for their due care, maintenance, and medical treat- ment. The Governor-General, at the ensuing meeting of the Legislature, again brought the subject of asylums for the insane before the House. But the Session was very short, and no further reference was made to the matter.

During the summer of 1845, his Excellency having entered into an agreement with three eminent medical gentlemen, directed that such insane persons as were then confined in the dis- tricts of Quebec and Three Rivers, should be re- moved to the temporary asylum prepared for their reception at Beauport. To this building they were accordingly transferred in the month of September following. The property whereon the asylum stood was leased for the purpose from Colonel Grugy, M.P.P., and comprised the manor house and extensive block of out-buildings, together with about two hundred acres of land. The grounds were diversified, sufficiently well-wooded, had a southern aspect, and commanded a fine view of the city and harbour of Quebec. At this time insane persons belonging to the district of

OPENING OF THE INSTITUTION. 133

Montreal were immured in the common gaol of that city—a place destitute of almost every re- quisite for a lunatic asylum. It was densely surrounded by buildings; there were no grounds attached on which the patients could be employed ; the yards were narrow and insufficient for the purpose of exercise; and, moreover, the structure itself was needed for more legitimate uses. Under these circumstances, Sir C. Metcalfe ordered the removal of lunatics from the gaol to the more fitting asylum at Beauport, the principal building of which vas rendered capable of accommodating one hundred and twenty patients.

On the 15th September, insane persons in charge of the nuns of the General Hospital in Quebec were transferred to the new institution. One of these wretched creatures had been confined during twenty-eight years; several for upwards of twenty years; and the remainder for lesser periods—shut up in separate cells, in a low, one- storied building, surrounded by a strong cedar fence twelve feet high! None of these miserable oeings had ever been permitted to leave the hos- pital—most of them not even the cramped cells in which they were immured. Excepting on an occasional visit from the Grand Jury, they had rarely seen a human countenance save those of the attendants who administered to their urgent

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wants. Of these patients nearly all had contrac- ted abnormal habits ; many were destructive, and the remainder either partially imbecile or wholly idiotic—

‘* Monstrum horrendum informe horribile ingens.”

On the 28th of the same month, fifty-two insane persons were removed from the gaol in Montreal to the pleasantly situated institution at Beau- port. Collectively they were much more intrac- table than those previously received from the other districts. As, however, their minds were less weakened by protracted confinement they be- came more amenabie to the mild curative régime so humanely adopted and successfully pursued by Dr. Douglas and his excellent colleague, Dr. Frémont.

The following month seven additional patients were brought down from Three Rivers; their condition being most deplorable. They arrived at Beauport chained and handcuffed. Some of them had been kept fastened to staples driven into the floors of their respective cells—an inhuman pro- cess which I have myself seen adopted in the gaol of Quebec! When first approached these vengeful victims to ignorance and neglect, manifested a disposition to bite even when their hands and feet had been released. After a short residence in the

INTERCOURSE OF THE INSANE. 135

asylum, they grew extremely innocuous and docile.

Upon the arrival of the various batches of patients at Beauport, highly pleasurable emotions are said to have been excited in their breasts by the view of Quebec, the river, the trees, and the people who passed and repassed the adjacent road. Dr. Douglas informed me that it was most interesting to have witnessed the propriety of their conduct, to have observed their actions, listened to their conversation with each other, and the amazement with which they regarded every- thing around them. All traces of ferocity, turbulence, and acerbity had suddenly vanished. They found themselves again in the world, and treated humanely; so they endeavoured to merit a continuance of such kindness. One patient, a man of education and even talent, whose mind was in fragments, but whose recollection of a confinement of twenty-eight years was most vivid, wandered from window to window. He perceived Quebec in the distance, and knew it to be a city. He could comprehend ships and boats being on the river and in the bay, but he could form no idea of steamers. Before quitting the hospital, the ‘¢ sisters”? had clothed him and given him a pair of shoes. He remarked that he had been “a long time shut up, and that nineteen years had

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transpired since he had last seen leather.” Another patient, who had been immured twenty years and always evinced a turbulent disposition, demanded a besom and commenced sweeping lustily, insist- ing that the other patients should likewise employ themselves. He observed to the physician :

‘¢ These poor people are all fools. Now, if you will give me a constable’s staff, you will see how Pll manage them and make them work.”

The effects of a mild and soothing system of treatment were soon apparent in the improved health and spirits of the inmates of Beauport Asylum. They became stronger, eat and slept better, and some improved so far as to be restored to reason. In the majority of cases, however, mental disease had grown chronic or organic, and the faculties of the brain had been so weakened by long disease as to preclude any possible hope of recovery. On the Ist October, 1845, the number of insane persons in the temporary asylum was eighty-two. From that period, to the Ist October, 1848, there were admitted two hundred and thirty-four cases, the greater number of whom had, for years previously, been subjected to treatment that tended to confirm and aug- ment their mental maladies, Of these cases forty-three were brought to the institution within one year, suffering from a first attack of disease.

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THE NEW BUILDING. 3137

Twenty-one of the latter were discharged, only two of whom subsequently exhibited symptoms of relapse.

The temporary asylum having become inade- quate to accommodate the number of insane periodically crowding its wards, Dr. Douglas and his colleague entered into a further arrangement with the Government. The result was, that an elegant and commodious structure was erected on the same property, which is indisputably a com- mendable monument to private and philanthropic enterprise. The building is constructed of grey limestone, hammer-dressed, and laid in courses. It is roofed with slates—a very unusual thing in Canada—and surmounted with a handsome dome and lantern. The frontage, including the wings, is four hundred and eighteen feet in extent. The edifice itself consists of two stories, with base- ment and attics—the former being devoted to offices and furnace rooms. Apartments appro- priated to the physician and superintendent are on the first story. On either side is a refectory, forty feet long, together with extensive corridors. The remainder of the story is divided into dormi- tories. The attics embrace large work-rooms in front, and sleeping rooms in each wing, at the extremity of which the “lodges ” are situated, consisting of four day and thirty-two sleeping

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138 ENGLISH AMERICA,

rooms. Heat is supplied by means of seven furnaces placed in the basement story. Hot-air flues of German brick distribute in winter the heated air equally throughout the entire building, while, in summer, the same assist in maintaining a system of complete ventilation. The asylum is lighted by gas manufactured on the premises—a very complete apparatus having been imported from Scotland for this purpose. The gasometer is placed in a stone building specially prepared for its reception, and the gas is produced from coal at an expense little above the cost of oil; while the trouble, dirt, smoke, and danger inseparable from the ordinary means of lighting, are avoided.

The original kitchen, not sufficing for culinary purposes, & new one was constructed of stone (forty- five feet by twenty-five feet in extent and two stories high) in the rear of the principal building. The upper stories are appropriated to dormitories for the domestics. By the aid of steam and gas the cooking is now exclusively effected. This ar- rangement is found not only cleaner, but more efficient, manageable, and economical than the usual method ; while, at the same time, it prevents the risk of fire. The house formerly devoted to laundry purposes and the manufacture of gas has been greatly increased in size, in which is erected an

THE OUTHOUSES AND FARM. 139

English-made tubular boiler of thirty-five horse- power, which generates steam for cooking, and for warming the workshops and a portion of the centre building. A range of workshops have likewise been constructed for blacksmiths, tailors, shoemakers, and other handicraftsmen, whose labour is turned to profit and mutual advantage. Bedsteads, beds, boots, shoes, and clothing— in fact, almost everything needed by the patients, are manufactured in the establishment.

One inndred and fifty acres of land are under cultiv:,.:cu, the field-work being entirely per- formed by the inmates. Cattle are reared on the farm, and daily slaughtered to supply the wants of the institution. The Riviére des Taupieres flows along three sides of the asylum, affording an abundant supply of the purest water. This is conveyed to large cisterns, placed in different parts of the building, by means of cast iron pipes, from a subsidiary reser- voir situated on the north side of thestream. A powerful force-pump in the basement acts as a fire-engine, and is connected with a cast-iron pipe that traverses the institution. In this pipe several fire-plugs are inserted, to which India- rubber hose can be attached. Similar plugs are fixed to the water pipes in each lavatory. Upon the buil dings, lands, outhouses, bakery, and work-

140 ENGLISH AMERICA. shops, upwards of twelve thousand pounds have been already expended. Every architectural arrangement and modern improvement that could in any way conduce to the comfort, enjoy- ment, welfare, and safe keeping of the insane, have been adopted, without regard to the pecuniary sacrifice thereby involved.

The rationale of treatment adopted, while it embraces supporting and tonic measures, is yet far from altogether ignoring or rejecting moderate local depletion and other antiphlogistic remedies. It does not appear, from what I could learn, that pharmaceutic treatment, per se, has influenced the results to any marked extent; while the moral treatment, sedulously pursued, has in- variably been accompanied by corresponding bene- ficial results. This remedial mode of action may justly be regarded as the most important and the most difficult that could be undertaken, because it depends principally for its judicious exercise upon observation and experience. It may ve defined as the employment of means best fitted to restore the sufferer to a healthy habit of thought and action. Of the various modes by which the patients are induced to practice self-restraint, regular employment is found to be most effica- cious. Those kinds of occupations are preferred, both on moral and physical grounds, which are

141

EXERCISES AND AMUSEMENTS.

accompanied by considerable bodily action—are agreeable to the patient, and opposed to the illu- sions of his disease. In accordance with these views the male patients are occasionally em- ployed in the extensive farm and gardens (con- taining one hundred and sixty acres) connected with the institution, with the happiest effects both as regards their general health and ultimate recovery. Other employments have been intro- duced, but agricultural occupations are those which have proved uniformly beneficial, and have justified the estimation in which they are held. Suitable out-door work has not yet been devised for the women; useful labour having been found more beneficial than mere physical exercise. The consciousness to the insane of having done some good, either for themselves or their fellow crea- tures, affords them much satisfaction, and even happiness. Such exercises and amusements as bagatelle, back-gammon, and drafts, are powerful remedial auxiliaries, and are therefore repeatedly brought into requisition.

The asylum is supplied with a library, news- papers, and magazines, which advantages are eagerly seized and intensely enjoyed by a certain number of theinmates. The pleasing and gently stimulating entertainment thus afforded produces a charm which only those who are mentally

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142 ENGLISH AMERICA,

ostricised from society can rightly appreciate. If the insane mind be considered as altogether darkened, so that no interest can possibly be ex- cited therein, owing to the incapability of mental exertion, from such an hypothesis, it would logi- cally follow that reading was productive neither of pleasure nor profit. But I am confidently informed that experience does not justify such an assumption. The diet of the patients is liberal, and the description of food does not differ from that generally used by middle class society in Canada. Very little restraint is employed, and that rarely, and only under the most urgent cir- cumstances. There is an ample and efficient body of attendants, who are held personally re- sponsible for their respective charges, and Dr. Douglas is of opinion, that by unremitting care, kindness, and attention, mechanical restraint may, in a great measure, if not altogether, be dispensed with. A leathern belt and wrist straps are occa- sionally used for the purpose of preventing patients, during periodical paroxysms, from inju- ring themselves or others. For the same reasons and objects they are sometimes immured in cells. The average number of insane placed under such restraint, or in temporary seclusion, does not ex- ceed half of one per cent. Very few of the patients are so utterly devoid of reason as not to

RULES AND REGULATIONS. 1438

P appreciate and conform to rules and regulations , which they know are directed to their personal , welfare and comfort. Religious rites are strictly | carried out every Sunday—Protestant and Roman Catholic chaplains being engaged for the ,\\";.08e

; of conducting their respective devotional services. The effects of these zesthetical observances on the

minds of the patients, as remedial measures, have

been strengthened and confirmed by experience.

During the winter months a weekly ball is given

in the institution for the recreation of the in-

mates, to which friends are occasionally invited.

Indeed, the Beauport Asylum, with its cleanliness,

airiness, order, and arrangement, freedom from

restraint, amusements, and balls, may be re-

garded rather in the character of a large social

circle, or well-conducted private family, than as

a receptacle for the insane. To an ordinary

observer it is difficult, if not impossible, to dis-

tinguish many of the patients from their atten-

dants or visitors. The more harmless are suffered

to walk out daily, and they never abuse the

privilege accorded to them. The regulations for

the attendants and servants are extremely

stringent, and are rigidly enforced. For a minor

infraction of duty, the penalty is instant dis-

missal; for a greater violation of discipline—such

as ill-treating a patient—instant dismissal and

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reference to a police magistrate. In this, as in every other respect, it has been found, that for the prevention of transgression, the certainty of the punishment is more effectual than its amount. Such, likewise, is the doctrine laid down by Beccaria, the eminent jurist, in his celebrated treatise on “‘ Crimes and Punishments.”

I was accompanied over the ssylum, out- houses, and grounds, by the principal physician and proprietor of the estate, Dr. Douglas, whom Thad met by appointment, and who has an elegant private mansion adjoining the institution, desig- nated by the title of ‘‘Glenalla.” Most favour- ably was I impressed with the cleanliness, order, and quiet that prevailed, and with the general aspect of the inmates, four hundred and forty- six in number, comprising one hundred and ninety men and two hundred and fifty women. The spectacle, however, was a sad and saddening one. ‘‘ There was a time that when the brains were out the man would die;” but here was congregated a large community, labouring under every known type of mental disorder, moving in a world of their own, each indifferent to the great world without, and living a kind of death-in-life existence !

Judging from the physiognomies and bearing of some of the most desperate lunatics, one would

DESTRUCTIVE PROPENSITIES. 145

imagine that they were the most gentle and harm- less of human beings. But appearances, in such cases, are very deceptive.

A meek-looking young man, who was possessed | of considerable pecuniary resources, had committed murder in Montreal the previous autumn. For this offence he was tried, convicted, and, the plea of insanity being received, was sentenced to confinement in the asylum. Whenever he imbibed spirituous liquors, his propensities be- came homicidal; otherwise his general conduct was irreprehensible, and such it continues to be. There are several similar cases. In the yard I observed a mere stripling, with whom I conversed through an open window. Why, what crime could that interesting, innocent-looking boy have perpetrated? None, an ordinary and unprofes- sional observer would unhesitatingly remark, had he been thus interrogated. But, oh! ye secret, mysterious workings of the human brain, how ye baffle human penetration and defy human ken! Yet, that lad, when but eight years of age, ex- hibited a horrible and incorrigible propensity to destroy whatever came within his reachh When but ten years old he cut his infant sister’s throat, and afterwards set fire to the house in which his parents resided. Another gentle-looking young man, the brother of a Montreal merchant, whom

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one would suppose incapable of harming a fly, used to gratify his destructive propensities when a mere youth by cutting off the tails of his brother’s carriage horses. For this offence he was com- mitted to prison. During his incarceration, having managed to get near a fellow-prisoner who was using an axe in chopping wood, he succeeded in getting hold of the weapon, with which he severed the poor wretch’s head from his body. This patient has been over fifteen years in the asylum, and never gives trouble to his attendants. ; Another inmate is an English woman, who has been incarcerated ten years. She first met with her husband when travelling in a railway carriage, made a hasty match, and got married in Liver- pool, Subsequently, she resided with her husband and family at Sherbrooke, in the eastern counties of Canada. Some time after her husband’s decease, she laboured under the delusion that she had a commission from Heaven to break all the windows of widows’ houses. Armed witha plen- tiful supply of stones, she accordingly went abroad, and commenced the work of demolition. Of course she was secured and finally transferred to the asylum. A female of middle age has been an inmate of the institution for fourteen years, Unhappily she had been seduced when a girl; and this misfortune so preyed upon her mind that

SINGULAR DELUSIONS. 147 eo

incurable insanity is the result. The poor creature appeared exceedingly wild and intractable.

‘‘'Who is that English gentleman?” she re- marked to the doctor; ‘“‘he murdered my father and myself !”’

A third female patient delusively fancies that she is afflicted with all manner of diseases at the same time, and gives much trouble to the physicians. The butcher to the establishment possesses a capital knowledge of all that apper- tains to cattle, but his madness is characterised by excessive garrulity.

“He would talk till to-morrow,” said Dr. Douglas to me, “ provided he had any listeners.”

One case is very peculiar. It is that of a man named Marshall, who was once employed for several years as a clerk in the Commissariat De- partment. He imagines that he has been ill-used, and that the British Government is. indebted to him some fifteen millions of pounds. On the subject of his peculiar grievance he has corresponded with the late Duke of Wellington, from whom he re- ceived an autograph letter assuring him that his Grace would inquire into the case. Marshall’s first

demand was for the comparatively trifling sum of

75,0002. ; but as the War Office did not deem it

expedient either to acknowledge or liquidate the

claim, the authorities were informed that the H 2

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148 ENGLISH AMERICA.

original amount would in future be decimally calculated. A period of fourteen years had elapsed since the original account was sent in; which sum, having been decimally increased annually, has caused the same to swell to the prodigious aggregate previously stated. Every six months this victim of an incurable delusion makes out an elaborate account,—calculated and rendered into Colonial currency, with the exactest nicety,—which is duly forwarded to Lord Monck or some other official personage. This poor maniac talks very rationally, intelligently, and connectedly on general topics; prominently exhibiting ‘‘me- thod in his madness.” Some letters of his, written to a gentleman in Quebec, are in my possession, and as a psychological curiosity, are remarkable in their way. Two of them are dated from the “Cupola of the Queen’s Bethesda, Glenalla,” another designation for the asylum.

Dr. Douglas related to me the following singular story, which exhibits the curative advantages of a lenient system of treatment in dealing with the insane :

Several years ago a very bad case of mental aberration was brought to the asylum. It was that of a well-to-do farmer, a married man, whose recovery wat considered all but hopeless. After the lapse of several months this patient

A REMARKABLE CURE.

escaped, wandered about the country, and was finally returned to Beauport. Hi

Dr. Douglas being addicted to fishing, was one ie day induced to take this poor man with him on Fee an angling expedition. He appeared highly | delighted with the excursion and the sport. Next morning, greatly to the surprise of the physician, the patient requested that he might be suffered to renew the same recreation, faithfully promising , to return to the institution. After considerable hesitation, permission was accorded; although grave doubts were entertained of the man’s sii- cerity. This privilege, however, was not abused ; ti and as the patient seemed to improve by the gentle Heh excitement the amusement occasioned, he was |" allowed to indulge his predilections very frequently.

e Permanent recovery was the gratifying result. D9 For three years this man has been residing on his farm, in the full enjoyment of mental health. He 4 r keeps up regular correspondence with !):, Douglas, he to whose leniency he attributes his freedom from e | a malady with which he had been s0 long afflicted.

It appears that when a boy ke was passionately | fond of angling. To the renewal of an employ-

ie ment, therefore, to which he was addicted in early a n, life, is attributed his almost miraculous resturation. : : S. There is a peculiar feature in this insti- il ' ,

tution, not observable in any similar establish-

150 ENGLISH AMERICA,

ment in the world, namely, the excessive presence ‘ of hereditary taint. The major portion of the inmates consists of French Canadians, whose mental disorders are aggravated by cretinism, and whose individual cases are hopelessly chronic. This terrible state of things is the result of inter- marriage between the same stock. There are now residing in the little village of Beauport, several French Canadian families, whose prede- cessors have for more than three generations in- termarried together. It is no uncommon occur- ence to have at one time in the asylum mothers and daughters, brothers, sistexs, and brothers and sisters. Nothing is more certain than that the phy- sical and mental qualities of parents are congeni- tally transmitted to their offspring ; and the same law holds good with respect to the transmission of specific and well-defined diseases, more especially when of a mental character. The effects of in- termarriage in deteriorating the species, became palpable to my view while bziolding those mise- rable creatures to whom the terrible curse had been transferred. The divine human type seemed either partially obliterated or entirely lost; and one patient, a Roman Catholic priest, possessed a countenance scarcely distinguishable from that of a baboon—a most sad, sickening, and revolting sight !

HEREDITARY TAINT. 151

One noticeable fact is, that out of four hundred ©

and forty-six patients, only seventy-five are Pro- testants. It is well known by medical practi- tioners who devote. their attention to mental affections, that members of the Roman Catholic communion, rarely, if ever, are affected with religious insanity like those of Protestant com- munities, simply because there is no such stimuli for the imagination in its peculiar doc- trines, and because its votaries do not trouble themselves to such an extent about matters of intellectual faith. The great preponderance of Roman Catholics in the asylum would, therefore, be unaccountable were it not apparent that such a result was traceable to congenital causes. The insane of both sexes are divided into seven specific classes, and treated according to principles which have been found to work beneficially. They are all addicted to the use of snuff and tobacco, and some evince a strong craving for money. I dis- tributed a few coins among some of the women; but I was shortly surrounded by a clamorous group of bedlamites, from whom I had difficulty in effecting my escape. Although the Beauport Asylum is a private undertaking, and exclusively dependent on the proprietors with regard to its domestic management, still the treatment of the

OAL CELIAC BONELESS

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inmates is subject to the control of a Board of Commissioners, appointed by the Government, who pay for the insane an annual subsidy of one hundred and forty-one dollars, or thirty pounds each.

Large, airy, and well-arranged as the asylum is, it cannot be denied that its advantages are more or less deteriorated by overcrowding; so much so, indeed, as to have attracted the attention of the authorities. Itis clear, therefore, that the institution is insufficient for the increasing wants of the Lower Canadian population.

Dr. Douglas, the principal of the institution, is a remarkable man. A Scotchman by birth, he is possessed of that sagacity, shrewdness, and perseverance, for which his countrymen are generally proverbial. Although “ silvered o’er with years,” he is nevertheless wiry and ener- getic. His success with the insane is unpre- cedented—a circumstance borne out by the fact, that, notwithstanding having from time to time under his charge the most violent and morbid of patients, not one of them has succeeded in com- mitting suicide. Every winter the doctor makes a pilgrimage to Egypt, where he passes much time in exploring interesting localities; and, as he perfectly understands photography, in taking

A FISHING EXCURSION. 153

views of the chief monuments of antiquity. These he has collected into several quarto volumes, together with typographical descriptions and explanations from the agile pen of his son, the Rev. Mr. Douglas.

Having inspected the asylum, we adjourned to dinner. After that repast was finished, we started off in a light barouche a distance of several miles for the purpose of fishing in the river St. Charles —angling being a favourite sport with the doctor. For part of the way the road was pleasant to get over, but when we reached the mountain the jolt- ing between broken pieces of rock and deep ruts was excruciating. In fact, we had to make a highway, in the absence of a regular road. For- tunately the horse did not break his neck, though he endangered ours. We could not get nearer than within a mile of the river, owing to the deep decline, and other obstructions; so we had to walk the remainder of the distance. The sight of the river had an exhilarating effect upon my companion, who, having prepared his line, walked right up to his hips in the water without taking the trouble to change his garments. I was not exactly in the proper mood for fishing, and certainly was determined not to get wet for the sake of the questionable pleasure the occupa- tion afforded. Consequently, I angled for some

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time on the brink of the river, but my industry not being rewarded, I flung down my rod in despair—not to resume it again. Dr. Douglas continued in the water for nearly two hours, al- though his “catch” was bu‘ indifferent—anything but a commensurate recompense for his industry. Finally, quite tired out, we started off by the way we came, encountering similar, if not more formidable difficulties than before.

was truly glad when I reached Glenalla again, where I was regaled with some of the fish my host had caught. Later in the evening we adjourned to the * Kgeyptian Museum”—a saloon in the house, filled with numerous relics and mum- mies, discovered or procured by the doctor while in the East. In this sanctum sanctorum, quite unique in its way, I spent a highly agreeable evening, squatted on an ottoman, @ da Turque, drinking very strong coffee and smoking Turkish tobacco out of a genuine chebouque-—rather a pleasurable contrast to the sombre experiences of the day. The night of suffering that ensued, however, I shall never forget. The tortures in- flicted on Tantalus were light compared to mine. Whether it was the effect of visiting the asylum, of drinking the coffee, of smoking, or of the three combined, I cannot say, but my brain became excited to a high pitch. No amount of cham-

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pagne it would be possible to imbibe could have produced anything like the abnormal condition under which I laboured. Even when tired nature had induced brief