First Session
Assembly Chamber, Upper Fort Garry
Wednesday, 9 March 1870
The first meeting of the Legislative Assembly of Assiniboia was held in the Court-house
Upper Fort Garry today. There were present the Councillors elected under the Provisional
Government:—
French Councillors
Hon. Messrs. W.B. O'Donoghue, John Bruce, Ambroise Lepine, Louis Schmidt, A. Beauchemin,
Baptiste Touron, Baptiste Beauchemin, Pierre Parenteau, Louis Lascerte.
English Councillors
Hon. Messrs. A.G.B. Bannatyne, W. Fraser, Thomas Bunn, W. Garrioch, George Gunn, John
Norquay, E. Hay, A.H. Scott, H.F. Olone, W. Tait.
The President having taken his seat at three o'clock P.M. addressed the House as follows, in French
and English:
Gentlemen we have assembled in this Chamber on several occasions, having been sent
here by the people to deliberate on the political state of the country and to adapt
such measures as would secure the prosperity of the present and future generations.
But that all has been done so far has resulted only in what we have to-day. Yet that
"only" is a very comprehensive word. It includes your work during that period — the
work of the people in fact (cheers). We have worked here in the past in anxiety and
fear. But we have worked conscientiously. That the majority, at least, have done so,
I fully believe. One result of our labors is that the people generally now have, for
the first time in the history of this land, a voice in the direction of public affairs.
They have here a full representation. Herein, we may congratulate ourselves that our
work has been a good one; and, indeed, it may almost be said to be the only result
we have arrived at as yet. At present, we are not, perhaps, in a position to proceed
to business. But at the same time we have arrived at that stage, when there is some
public security (cheers). Let us, then, see to it that the public are no more allowed
to rush together, on one side or the other, in such a manner as they have gathered
of late. Let us be friends — and let our friendship be hearty and sincere (cheers).
On many occasions, since last fall, I have heard professions of friendship in this
Chamber; and I must say I was sorry to hear those professions, for I knew they were
— as they afterwards proved to be, insincere. There was too much of fear and estrangement
to allow of that friendship being hearty. But now that we have come together once
more, I believe we are actuated by such feelings as will lead to a thorough union
(cheers). We have come here to decide on that which we believe to be our duty, and
will do it, honestly. We are here as the public authority. We are here to act in that
capacity. Some of you were in the old Government of the country, and are familiar
with the conduct of public proceedings. You have your ideas of what is best for the
public. The Councillors as a body have their ideas on the same subject. Well, then,
let us act, — that is our motto (cheers). Let us not confine ourselves to thinking
or speaking. We must act. Let us act inside this Chamber as well as outside. The work
is urgent, — is one of the utmost consequence to ourselves and our people. In this
Council and outside that work awaits us, and we will not be faithful to ourselves
or our country if we shirk it (cheers). As to the business before us, I may say that
in the first place the Government must be completed as soon as possible. This must
be done in order to promote union in the Settlement, and give that feeling of security
which will encourage our business men to start afresh, and infuse new vigor into the
community in general. We must help the country at this crisis; and if we do so in
the way I have pointed out, I feel that we will secure general sympathy and support.
The people will support us if we support them. There are, I know, some differences
between the residents of different localities — and perhaps the easiest way to dispose
of them would be that each side should concede something. A spirit of concession,
I think, ought to be manifested on both sides; and if it is, we will be cordial and
united. If we were so united, — as was said long ago,— the people of Red River could
make their own terms with Canada. We have had here already three Commissioners from
the Dominion; and now, perhaps, we have another come among us, in the person of His
Lordship the Bishop of St. Boniface,— one who is generally beloved and esteemed in
the land, and to whose mission, I doubt not, the highest attention will be paid. For
my part I would certainly like to see in the person of His Lordship a Commissioner,
invested with full power to give us what we want (cheers). But we have to be careful:
for we do not know what that power is; and we must not rush blindly into the hands
of any Commissioners. Let us act prudently — that is all I urge,— if we do so, we
will be safe enough (cheers). This, gentlemen, is all I have to say. You cannot, of
course, expect to do anything to-day, in any way, even if all the members were present
(hear, hear). Before we separate let me say one word. Let us try to be more friendly.
Why not? We are not going to fight any more (hear, hear, and cheers) — not at all.
And I cannot, in this connection, but express regret at hearing unpleasant rumors
from the Portage. These rumors cause fear all the time at White Horse Plains. The
people there are led to believe that they are going to be crushed some day or other.
There is a want of assurance among our people which has led to a guard being stationed
in that quarter. I hope the Portage people will be able to disavow any such intentions,
and give such assurances as will lead to a better state of things. If it is not fully
according to the mind of the people, let not any one from that section deny the rumors.
But if, on the contrary, the Portage people do not harbor the designs attributed to
them, I hope it will be stated, so that a feeling of tranquility and security may
be diffused (cheers).
Mr. Hay urged an adjournment of Council, as the notice convening it had not been published
in time and all the members were not in attendance.
Mr. W. Garrioch — As the representative from Portage, I would say a word or two respecting what the
President had said concerning the rumors current among the White Horse Plain people.
I am very happy to say,— and I make the statement in all truth and sincerity — that
the rumors alluded to are utterly without foundation (cheers). Except in one instance,
we have done our utmost to keep the peace. We feel that we are in duty bound to come
under the Provisional Government, and are now on perfect good terms with all the people
of Red River. As to the rumors concerning the Sioux, I would also state that we are
doing our utmost to keep them quiet; and, as far as I know, they are listening to
us (cheers).
The President — Now that we are going home, our policies will be, — good government for the people,
as soon as we can establish it; and public prosperity by every means which we can
devise (cheers).
The House then adjourned till Tuesday following.
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