THURSDAY, April 13.
House met at 3 o'clock.
The following bills were read a third time:—
To provide for the salary of the Governor's
Private Secretary ;—to incorporate the Home
Missionary Board of the Baptist Church;—to
change the name of Ratchford River;—to incorporate the Oak Point Pier Company;—to
provide for certain Bridges in the County of
Hants;—to incorporate the Trustees of St.
Matthew's Church ;—to amend the law relating to licenses.
CONFEDERATION.
Mr. MILLER said that he wished to call the
attention of the house to a subject of considerable importance at the present moment;
and
he regretted that in doing so he had not the
advantage of the presence of the members of
government, who ought to be in their places
attending to the business of the country. He
need not remind the house that one of the most
momentous questions that ever agitated the
public mind was then under discussion—the
question of the union of the British North American Colonies. He thought that in view
of
the aspect that question had lately assumed-
in view of the unmistakeable evidences of public opinion which had recently been given—
there was but little room to doubt that nineteen-tenths of the people of Nova Scotia
were
opposed to the scheme propounded by the Canadian delegates. He believed that it must
be
admitted on all sides that almost the only spot
in Nova Scotia where the subject received any
favor, was the city of Halifax; and he was
sorry to be obliged to say that some of the citizens of Halifax had acted in a manner
insolent
and overbearing to the rest of the inhabitants
of the province. (Laughter from the members
for Halifax.) The hon. gentlemen laugh, but
he (Mr. M.) would tell them that this was too
grave a matter to he laughed at. He would
tell them in the face of the house and the country that the people of Nova Scotia
were not to
be laughed at either by the citizens of Halifax
or their representatives in that house. He
trusted that beforethis discussion was finished
they would be given to understand that there
were other people in the province, whose views
were entitled to respect, besides those who resided within the limits of the metropolis.—
That morning , upon taking up the organ of the
government he found a notice of a public demonstration that was to take place that
evening in honor of the Canadian delegates, who
were expected to arrive in the steamer, on their
way to England to advocate the scheme of the
Quebec conference. Notwithstanding. as he
had said, that it was well known to those acquainted with public sentiment in this
province
t at nineteen-twentieths of the whole popula—
tion were opposed to the scheme, he could not
help looking on this demonstration as an attempt to misrepresent the state of feeling
that
existed in the minds of a great majority of our
people—to mislead the delegates and the people of England touching our views of this
great
question, and to exasperate and insult the intelligence of this country. Perhaps,
however,
he would not have felt it his duty to have called the attention of the house to the
subject but
for a circumstance connected with the demonstration, which was deserving of public
notice.
Be perceived a place assigned in the programme to the Volunteer Artillery, and the
other volunteer companies. Now, he would
ask, was it right or proper that the Volunteer
force of this province, which had ever been kept
aloof from party or political influences, should
be asked to take part in a demonstration which
was not only political in its character, but hostile to the feelings of a vast majority
of the
people of this country. He had no objections
to the citizens of Halifax as citizens indulging
in any demonstration they pleased, provided
it would not misrepresent the whole province,
but he thought that gentlemen on both sides
would agree with him that this attempt to
draw the Volunteer organization into the matter, was, to say the least of it, unwise
and in—
judicious in the extreme. It was well known
that these gentlemen who were going across
the water were going with no feelings of approval of the conduct of the people of
the Maritime Provinces. For aught that was known
they were going charged with the duty of forcing upon this people a union hostile
to their
feelings and their interests. It was understood
that in England and elsewhere Halifax would
be considered to represent the public sentiment
of Nova Scotia, and when the delegates go
home they will be able to point to their reception in this city as a proof of our
desire for confederation. He believed this was the object of
the procession that would take place that night.
Was it not then the duty of every one who
was opposed to the scheme publicly to denounce a demonstration got up in the capital
for the purpose of influencing the public sentiment of the mother country, and of
producing
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. 239
the impression that the popular voice of the
Province was in favor of a measure which had
been almost universally condemned. Let these
delegates go home, encouraged by all the
cheers and plaudits they would receive through
the streets of Halifax, but let the mind of these
gentlemen and the public mind of England be
disabused of the idea that this demonstration
was in accordance with the feelings of the
great majority of the people of Nova Scotia.—
The hon. gentleman concluded by calling upon
gentlemen opposed to the scheme to join with
him in denouncing the attempt to misrepresent
the opinion of the country upon the question.
Mr. Le Vesconte thought his colleague was
perfectly right in bringing this matter to the
notice of the house. As it was well known
that nine-tenths of the people of the Province
were opposed to the question of Union, he
thought that this demonstration exhibited very
bad taste,—independent altogether of the impropriety of bringing in the Volunteer
force,
which was organised for the defence of the
country, and not to take part in political
demonstrations of this kind.
He would conclude by a motion, so as to be
in order. The hon. gentleman then read the
following:—" Resolved that this House disapproves of the Volunteer organization (as
such organization) taking part in any party demonstration."
Mr. TOBIN said he believed this was a free
country, where everybody could enjoy his own
opinions, and he thought that the citizens of
Halifax had a perfect right to get up any
demonstration they please upon any subject,
provided they did not infringe the law. As
regards the feelings of the citizens of Halifax,
they differed upon this question of Confederation, as the people did everywhere else—there
were some warm supporters of it, and some
equally warm opponents.
He was happy to be able to say, that the
conduct of the citizens of Halifax on all public
occasions was temperate and orderly—they insulted nobody; and he did not see how this
demonstration could be construed as an insult
to this House, or the people of this Province.
Sometimes they would show a little ebullition
of feeling, when any thing distasteful to their
feelings was said, as the hon. gentleman for
Richmond had himself experienced on one occasion, and perhaps that was the cause of
the
temper; which be exhibited in introducing this
subject .
 As regards the question of Confederation, he
did not hesitate to say that he was a most enthusiastic supporter of it. He considered
it
one of the grandest schemes ever offered to a
free people; and, to his mind, it was matter of
wonder that any one could wish that Nova
Scotia should remain in her present position.
What was there in this country, he would ask,
to satisfy the ambition of her young men—or
what scope did our limited means afford for
the exercise of their talents? If honorable
gentlemen were satisfied with this state of
things, he, for one, was not; and he believed
that when the people of this country came
properly to understand it, instead of nine-
tenths being against it, more than that number would declare in its favor. He did
not intend to make a speech on Confederation; but
but while upon the subject, he would read a
letter he had recently received from one of
Nova Scotia's ablest sons-one whose career
had reflected honor open himself and his native country, and whose portrait. he was
happy
to say, adorned the walls of the Council Chamber of that building. What does he say
upon
this great subject? The hon. gentleman here
read an extract from a letter of General
Williams, as follows:
MONTREAL, March 3rd. 1865.
My life has been spent in the service of the Empire,
and I have had neither time nor opportunity to mix
myself up in your politics; and while I respect every
man's opinions in relation to them, l do most sincerely
hope that every Nova Scotian will cast away party
ties and political aspirations, and embrace the present
golden opportunity which passing events, both in Europe and America, now offer for
the knitting together
of these magnificent colonies into one great and loyal
Confederation. We shall then have combined strength,
instead of divided counsels and all its consequent evils.
The position I hold under the Crown precludes the possibility of my taking an active
part in your discussions;
but if were once more in private life, I would zealously preach intercolonial, prompt
intercolonial action,
throughout the length and breadth of Nova Scotia.
This, he thought, was strong testimony from
one who was uninfluenced by the feelings
which might affect the judgment of others
placed in different circumstances, and there—
fore was entitled to greater consideration. He
hoped that hon. gentlemen would approach Â
the discussion of this question in an enlighten—
ed spirit, and would not be influenced by party
or local prejudices.
Mr. LOCKE said that the member for Richmond deserved the thanks of the House for
bringing this subject forward, and he agreed
with him that this demonstration was exasperating and insulting in the extreme to
the
people of this country. What was the purpose of this meeting tonight? Evidently to
mislead the people of England as to the feeling of this country on the subject of
Confederation. The steamer that takes these delegates home will also carry the account
of this
demonstration, and the impression which
would naturally be conveyed would be that it
reflected the feelings of the whole Province.
This he denied most emphatically; and he
thought it was the duty of every gentleman
opposed to the measure thus publicly to denounce so unfair an attempt to produce a
wrong
impression. As regards the opinions of Gen.
Williams, he woul say that they all respected
him; but it must be remembered that although
a Nova Scotian by birth, he was thoroughy
English in all his ideas, and he thought upon
this subject as all Englishmen did.
Hon. Mr. SHANNON was surprised at the remarks that had been made, and he could not
understand what reference this demonstration .
had to the Legislature, or how it could be construed into an insult upon the people's
representatives. That time last year there was a demonstration'of another character,
in honor of
Shakspeare, and the house adjourned to hear
the oration that was then delivered-but this
demonstration would not interfere with the
public duties of any hon. gentleman. It was to
take place at night—those who did not choose
to attend could stay away—and he really did
not see what right that house had to interfere
with the citizens of Halifax in a matter of this Â
kind. He could understand how some hon;
gentlemen, who had been hissed down by a
Halifax audience, should not entertain very
friendly feelings  towards the citizens; but he Â
did not think the time of the house should be
wasted on such matters. Â Â Â
240 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
Mr. KILLAM supposed that the object of
the
demonstration was to produce the same impression upon the minds of the British
people
as had been produced upon Mr. Cardwell, viz:
that the feeling of this country was in
favor of
Confederation. As that was at variance
with
the facts, it was right that the matter
should be
brought before the house, so that any
erroneous
impression might be removed.
Mr. LEVESCONTE said that when some years
ago a volunteer company took part in a
demonstration in honor of the election of Lord
Palmerston, attention was called to the fact
in the
House of Commons. The only excuse that
was given on that occasion was that the
affair
had occurred through animadertance. He
contended that the volunteers, which were
supported by the people's money, had no
right
to take part in any political demonstration
whatever. Partcularly careful should they
be
to give their countenance to a scheme to
which
seven-eighths of the people were
unfavorable.
Mr. TOBIN called attention to the
programme,
and justified the action of the citizens.
He
thought if the hon. member was going to
load
his gun with patriotic powder he should try
and aim at something more tangible than
the
present matter.
Hon. PRO. SEC. said that he rose for the
purpose of movin that the house pass to the
order of the day. He would not feel disposed
to
interfere with any desire of the hon.
member
for Richmond (Mr. Miller) to favor the
house
with those rhetorical outbursts of
indignation
with reference to the very contemptible
character and position that Halifax occupied
in the
Province of Nova Scotia. That hon. member
had rendered himself famous for such
exhibitions, and it would be a pit to interfere
in the
slightest degree with any anxiety that he
might
have to place the city in antagonism to
the
country. It was not the most laudable ambition in the world for any one to endeavor
on
every possible occasion to excite
unpleasant
feelings between different sections of the
country. The hon. member's talents and
exertions
might be directed to a far worthier
object. It
might not be worth while, perhaps,
noticing the
hon. member's attempts to show the people
that he had take them under his patriotic
care,
and in fact to relieve their apprehensions
of
being trampled down by Halifax influence;
but when a resolution was moved which, if
passed would place the house in a false
position, it was that he (Dr. T.) should
briefly
call attention to the real circumstances
of the
case. He would state, at the commencement,
that the first time he had seen the
programme
was at eleven or twelve o'clock when he
happened to take up one of the morning
papers. I
was well known that there existed in this
city
an organization called the Union League. It
was not of a secret character; its meetings
were called by public notice in the
newspapers,
and every man favorable to the cause of
union
was invited to attend them. Most of the
leading and influential and respectable
citizens of
Halifax were engaged in that organization
for
the purpose, as they believed, of
promoting the
best interests of the Province of British
North
America and of Nova Scotia especially. No
one could deny that even if the sentiments
they held were favorablt entertained by
only
one-tenth of the people, yet they had a
perfect
right to use all legitimate means of
inculcating
their opinions without hindrance on the
part
of any one.
He would confess that he had read with
some little surprises the fact that the Volunteer
Companies were to take part in this demonstration. The question at issue, it was true,
was one that perhaps more than any other,
would warrant the Volunteers giving it their
countenance. It was known that a delegation
was on its way from Canada to England for
the purpose of discussing with the Imperial
Government the question of defence, the Reciprocity Treaty, and Confederation. Gentlemen
who had the Union cause at heart, felt
that they would be wanting in their duty if
they did not show this delegation, on its arrival that night, that there was in the
City of
Halifax a large and influential body of citizens
who were favorable to the Confederation of
British North America. If it was possible
that there could be an occasion when the
Volunteer organisation would be entitled to
turn out, it was when gentlemen were touching
our shores on their way to the Imperial Government to provide for the defence and
security of British North America. Divided, however, as public sentiment was in this
country
on this great question, he did not think it advisable that the Militia, or Volunteer,
or Artillery organization, should turn out in their uniforms. Since this debate had
commenced,
without any communication on his own part,
he had received an intimation from Captain
Chearnley, who commanded the organization,
that any members of that organization might
attend the demonstration as citizens, but non
as Volunteers.
It might be attempted to array the country
against Halifax, but no one could prevent the
fact being made known that in the political
and commercial metropolis of the Province
there was a deeply rooted public sentiment
prevading the minds of the most leading and
influential men of all classes, that the future
prosperity of Nova Scotia, as well as of all the
Provinces of British North America, depended
on the success of the scheme of Confederation.
When you read the programme for that evening's celebration, you saw that not only
the
most highly educated and intelligent members
of the mercantile community, but the bone and
sinew of the city, the artizans and the working
men, proposed to lend their aid in paying due
honor to those who were laboring to promote
the best interests of British North America at
this critical period of the world's history. He
could not understand why the feeling of some
gentlemen were so excited on this subject.-
Was there a man who would deny that an
overwhelming body of the citizens of Halifax
was in favor of Union. When the meetings in
respect to that question were held in the city,
Temperance Hall was densely packed, night
after night. So strong was the current of public sympathy in favor of Union, that,
at times,
it was almost impossible for the friends of Confederation to proceed, so enthusiastic
were the
plaudits that met them. When it was also attempted to make the House believe that
nine-
tenths of the people of this country were against
Union, a liberty was taken with the true facts
that was unworthy of any public man. Although great exertions had been made, and
large amounts of money expended all over the
face of the country, only fifteen or sixteen thousand persons had been persuaded to
sign the
same, or get some one else to sign them - for
very many are signed by a cross - to petitions
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. 241
in
reference to the question of Confederation.
Let it be marked, too, that of this number
only
3000 could be induced to express the
opinion
that they disapproved of the Confederation
of
British North America. The remaining number only said that they were not able to
make
up their minds on the subject - they wanted
more information. Contrast the meagre
results
after the tremendous efforts that had been
put forth, with those that had been
attained,
some years ago, by one party alone in this
country. In the course of some three or
four
weeks, some 26,000 petitioners had
approached
the House asking for a dissolution on the
ground that the ment then in power did not
possess the confidence of the country.
The time would come when the people could
legitimately be called upon to give their
opinion on the question - when they were
fully
informed, they would support it in the most
convincing manner. He had had an opportunity of testing the feelings of the
country already. He went up into the County of Hants,
and at a large public meeting held in the
town
of Windsor, had conclusive proof that the
sentiment there, at all events, was in
favor of
the scheme. Again, at a meeting held at
Kentville - on that was called by the opponents of Confederation, in a County where
the
most deceptive and fallacious statements
had
been promulgated - after a lengthy
discussion,
a resolution to defer the consideraton of
the
question was voted down at the close.
Again,
he had delivered a lecture on the subject
in
connection with the collegiate institution
in
that country, and on that occasion the
demonstrations given were of the most
satisfactory
character. Then he had attended a meeting
in
Colchester, and he would ask gentlemen opposite whether the Southern district would
not rise up to-morrow, almost to a man, in
favor of a Union of British North America? In
Cumberland he travelled for a hundred miles
- from Mill Village to Cornwallis - and
found
the publlic sentiment, not only of one,
but of
both political parties, in favour of the
scheme.
Then he went into Annapolis, and attended
a
meeting called at Bridgetown by the opponents of Confederation. He found he did not
stand alone there, but was supported by
some
of the most highly educated, respectable
and
intelligent men that had opposed the
Government. When the recently returned member
(Mr. Ray) moved a resolution simply asking
for delay, he (Dr. T.) called upon the
meeting
to vite it down, and not even give a
semblance
of opposition to a union of British North
America. The hon. member then called upon the
supporterd of the reolution to follow him
out,
and when they had done so, they were
hardly
missed in that densely crowded house.
Again,
he went to Annapolis, and there the same
hon.
member, who acted with a great deal of
tact,
saw that, in the temper of his
constituents, it
was not wise to move a resolution similar
to
the one at Bridgetown.
Was it to be said, then, that nine-tenths
of
the people of this country were opposed to
Confederation? He believed there were certain sections that had never hesitated to
oppose
it - some there were whose predilections
were
not so much in favour of British
institutions,
but whose feelings as well as commercial
relations drew them largely towards the
neighboring republic. But no large body of people were found actually hostile to this
great
question. Was it not known that the head of
the Episcopal Church - one of the most highly
educated and influential gentlemen in this
country - one who stood aside from all political
parties - whose great object was the advancement of his church and the common interests
of the province in which he lives - was openly
and unequivocally in favor of union. Again,
His Grace the Archbishop - a gentleman whom
all creeds and classes respect - one of the most
sagacious and far-seeing men in the country had come out boldly and fearlessly to
vindicate
union. That eminent man did not believe the
scheme would sell us to Canada; on the contrary, that it would promote the security
of
Nova Sotia and preserve its present institutions and its connection with the mother
country, and, at the same time, advance, in common
with the rest of those of the people, the interests of which he is the ecclesiastical
head. The
organs of the Presbyterian church, (the Pres:
byterian Witness,) of the Methodist, (the Weleyan,) and of the Baptist, (the Christian Messenger,) were all known to support the Confederation of these provinces. Was it to be
said, then, in the light of such facts as these
that nine-tenths of the people were opposed to
this great sheme?
Over in New Brunswick the opponents of
confederation had had a very doubtful success. Notwithstanding all their exertions
- all
the misrepresentations of the opponents of
confederation, they had only got in the whole
of the province a bare majority of the votes of
the people. So closely balances was the vote
on either side that it was almost impossibe to
draw the line between them. In fact, the opponents of confederation having polled
500
votes more than the friends of the scheme.
Yet the people of England was to be made to
believe that not only nine-tenths of the people
in Nova Scotia, but in New Brunswick as
well, were opposed to the confederation of British America.
In the conclusion, he called upon the House to
consider the position in which it would be
placed if it passd the resolution. Would it
elevate itself in the opinion of strangers, if it
were to so far forget what was due to its position and dignity as to express unfriendly
feelings on an occasion when some of the most
eminent statesmen of British North America were
touching our shores? He would recall the attention of gentlemen to the kindliness
and generosity with which the people of Canada had
greeted the Delegated from the Maritime Provinces. So far was the feeling in Quebec
at the
commencement from being cordial towards the
object of the delegates, that the chairman of the
Board of Trade, at the dinner, actually felt
himself bound to say that that Association did
not feel itself prepared to express any approval of Union. The Delegates went to that
dinner under the conviction that a large number
of the most eminent merchants of Quebec were
in a position of avowed hostility to the objects
of the Conference. But they did not attempt
to hiss the Delegates when they explained their
position, - they behaved themselves like educated gentlemen, - they felt they could
tender
their hospitalities without compromising their
own opinions. The feeling that prevailed all
through Canada, wherever the Delegates went,
was that the visit was an occasion for the display of inter-provincial courtesy. Political
men of all shades of opinion vied with each
242 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
other how they might best testify their
respect
and regard which they had for
the Province of
Nova Scotia. At the dinner at Montreal there
were scores of opponents of the scheme—Dorion and Holton for instance, who had fought
against it to the death on the floors of Parliament. John Sandfield McDonald also
treated
the delegates with the same consideration. In
what position, then, would this country be placed, if it were to display, through
its Legislature, feelings of hostility to
the statesmen of a
country who had treated our own public men,
irrespective of party, with so much courtesy
and attention? He would only add, that he felt
when he had made the observation
that he did
in reference to the volunteers, that he was making a reflection upon Canada, for one
of the
finest displays that met the eye of the Delegates had been the march of the splendid
volunteer artillery past the hotel in Montreal.—
One part of the reception. at Toronto that had
been arranged, but prevented by
the weather,
was a grand display of all the volunteers that
could he collected in the city.
Mr. STEWART CAMPBELL said that the Provincial Secretary, a few days ago,
had himself
related an anecdote of a person who could always tell who had the worst of a controversy.
Whenever one of the individuals engaged in
the dispute showed a great deal of temper and
excitement, then it was sure evidence that he
was getting the worst of it. On
the present
occasion the Provincial Secretary
had exhibited a great deal of unnecessary temper.
Mr. CAMPBELL: The hon. gentleman had reflected upon the course taken by the hon.
member for Richmond in bringing this matter
to the notice of the house. Now if there was
any one in the house who was better justified
than another in bringing it up, it was that
same hon. member. Any one who was acquainted with the question through its various
phases, must be aware that on a certain occasion at Temperance Hall, that gentleman
was
treated with an indignity which he did not deserve. It was felt to be an insult not
to him
alone, but to the people thrbugh the length and
breadth of Nova Scotia. He (Mr. C.) was also
one of those who felt that the City of Halifax
was not the Province of Nova Scotia. It had
been said that there were certain individuals
about the streets who were underrating the
position of members of the House who came
from the rural districts. These individuals
might have stock in the bank—real estate in
this city and country,—but they had never appealed to any constituency in this Province
and obtained the confidence of the people.
Therefore they had no right to talk in
such disparaging terms of gentlemen who
for years had represented the rural districts. He was one of those who objected
to the demonstration—not because it was
intended, as the Provincial Secretary would
make the House believe, as a reception
to gentlemen from a sister colony. He objected
to it because he could see through the motive
and design with which the demonstration was
got up. The people of the parent country had
all been misled upon the question, and the
course now about to be taken was for the purpose of keeping up that deception. Now
he
wished the people of England to be informed,
as far as the house could inform them, of the
sense of the people of this country. The
delegates reported to Great Britain when there
was no legislature in session, and they had it
all their own way. They misled the government of England, and as to the feelings
of the
people of these colonies; and he therefore
thought the house, being now in session, owed
it to themselves and those they represented, to
take care that nothing tool: place with the concurrence of the government that
could have
the slightest tendency in the same direction.
It was the Hon. Provincial Secretary himself
that was attempting to place the house in a
false position. He wished to have the impression go abroad that the house
sympathized
with the sentiments of those gentlemen who
were now taking part in the demonstration in
question. The hon. gentleman had alluded to
the Union League, and had not paid a very
high compliment to many
gentlemen who, in
times past, has been his valuable and active
supporters. He had instituted a comparison
between the members of the League and those
who were opposed to it. He had ventured to
say that the—to use his own language—most
leading, influential, respectable
citizens of Halifax were members of the League.
Then it
may be a natural deduction that those who did
not belong to this organization did not compare
in point of respectability or position with its
members.
The hon. Provincial Secretary had gone
through the Province and expressed his opinion as to the feeling of the country from
what
took place at some meetings at which he was
present. Now few gentlemen would be ready
to accept his version of the results of those
meetings. Now talk was all very
good, but it
would have been more satisfactory
if they had
the best evidence that could be given of the
feeling of the country—the evidence obtained
from the votes of the people themselves.
He
challenged the hon. gentleman to produce one
petition that had been sent to the house, endorsing this scheme of Confederation.
The
hon. Provincial Secretary had stated that the
majority of the petitioners before the house
expressed no positive opinion with reference
to the question. But these petitions said in
effect to the Provincial Secretary: You have
said that the people of this country are in favour of this measure—that if you don't
obtain
the approval of the representatives of the people you will dissolve the house; now
we call
upon you to fulfill your promise, and dissolve
the Legislature if you dare. Need the house
he told that the hon. gentleman had paid some
heed to the language of these petitions? He
knew the feeling of the people and dared not
test it.
The hon. Provincial Secretary had taken -
a
liberty with an eminent Divine in this country
which it was difficult to believe
he was justified
in taking. Every one who knew the Lord Bishop
of Nova Scotia, was aware that no one coul
charge him with having ever taken a part in
any political demonstration, or even expressed
any feeling in reference to party matters, in
this country. It was very bad taste for the
Provincial Secretary, under the circumstances,
to bring the name of that dignitary, without
his concurrence, before the house. Until he
heard from another month than the Provincial
Secretary's that that gentleman is in favour of
the measure, he would be disposed to doubt
not only the authority that hon. member had for
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. 243
bringing his name there, but also the
existence
of those opinions. His Grace the Archbishop
had also been referred to—as every one was
aware, that eminent gentleman, respected bu
all creeds and classes, had made his
opinions
known. These opinions had had their course
through the country, and thier effect would
appear in due time. The Presbyterian
clergymen had also been alluded to, but how long
was it that the Provincial Secretary had
placed
such confidence in the ministry of that
denomination. A very strange revulsion of
feeling
had taken place in that hon. gentleman. A
few years ago he could not find anything,
too
coarse in the vocabulary of Billingsgate
against
Presbyterian clergymen, but he had changed
his tone all at once.
The hon. member for Halifax (Mr. Shannon)
had attempted to justify this demonstration
by reference to what took place last year
in
connection with the illustrious name of
Shake spere. No analogy could be drawn between
the two demonstrations. That of last year
was a national demonstration; not merely in
Halifax and Nova Scotia, but in all
portions of
the British empire—wherever literature and
civilization are prized. It was an honour
to
our common humanity—not an honour to any
particular nationality, but one to the
name of
man. Therefore it was that men of every
climate and every nation vied with each other
in
paying tribute to a name that will live as
long
as this world will last. Another individual
had been mentioned as approving of the
scheme of Confederation—General Williams.
No man of Nova Scotia was prouder of the
fame of that distinguished Nova Soctian
than
he himself, and it was a proud day when he
sat in the Speaker's chair and put the
resolution by which the House paid him honour. He
admired that illustrious gentleman's
talents,
but upon this question the people of Nova
Scotia and their representatives were as
competent
to form a sound and safe opinion as even
the
hero of Kars.
The hon. Provincial Secretary defended the
demonstration on the ground that it was
only
right that we should return the courtesies
paid
to the delegates. There was no doubt that
the
various bodies in Canada did treat these
gentlemen in the handsomest style. Although
this province paid very handsomely for the
visit they made, yet he rather believed
that
they travelled free—that all their
expenses,
even their washing bills were paind in Canada. No one could have the slightest
objection
to the hon. Provincial Secretary or the
Attorney General cracking as many bottles of
Champagne as they pleased as private individuals with these Canadian gentlemen, but
it
was not just or right that the governemnt
of
this country should endorse the action of
the
city of Halifax in respect to this
demonstration. Without dwelling further on the subject he would read the following
resolution as
expressing the views of himself, and as be
believed, of a majority in the House:
Whereas a public demonstration is proposed to take place this evening in the city
of
Halifax for the purpose of giving a public reception to certain gentlemen who formed
a
portion of the late convention at Quebec.
And whereas by the programme of the demonstration, it appears that a portion of the
Volunteers force are to take part in such demonstration.
Resolved, as the sense of the house of this
demonstration, that it is not, and must not be,
taken to evince the feeling of the majority of this
house or of the people of this province as being
favourable to the Union of British Colonies as
settled by the Quebec conference, and further
that in the event of the local forces taking part
in such demonstration, such action would be
highly derogatory to their true position and
distasteful and displeasing to the house, and
that the house entertaining these views cannot proceed to the order of the day without
in
the first place, in the present emergency, expressing the foregoing sentiments.
Mr. KILLAM said as the government had
conceded the position, he did not see it was necessary to keep up the matter further.
Mr. BOURINOT said that the Provincial
Secretary, in the course of his second Confederation speech had stated that the petitions
now
on the table of the house did not show that the
public opinion of Nova Scotia was opposed to
this scheme of union devised at the Quebec
Conference. Now he had the honour of representing one of the largest constituencies
in the
province; he had individually expressed no
opinion against Confederation, but at the same
time he could not help seeing that the public
sentiment of the country was opposed to the
scheme. As respects the resolution before the
house, it would not have been presented at all
if it had not been stated in the programme that
the volunteers would form part of the contemplated procession. The Provincial Secretary
had, however, stated that the volunteers
were not to be present, and therefore the whole
thing was at an end. He looked upon this demonstration in a different light to any
member
who had spoken upon the subject. Gentlemen
would re-call the demonstrations that took
place during the summer months. He was
glad that our people had given the Canadian
visitors a reception that did honour to Nova
Scotia. On this occasion, however, there was
an expression of opinion given in favor of
union. As far as the sentiment of Halifax
audiences went, it was in support of union;
but that feeling was not responded to by the
country. The delegation representing Nova
Scotia, thinking they were representing public
opinion in this province, went to Canada and
agreed to the scheme which was not before
the people. Every one knew what a feeling of
hostility existed in all the rural districts
against this proposed Confederation, Now he
looked upon this demonstration as one
which the citizens of Halifax were at
perfect liberty to make apart from any boday of
men such as the Volunteers, but why was this
affair got up. It was intended to exhibit sympathy for those despondent men who were
coming among a population who recieved them
so heartily last year. Every thing that could
soothe their disappointment at the failure of
their grand scheme would be doubtless done
that night. He trusted it would have a beneficial effect upon them, but despite all
this, let
it be remembered, that Confederation was not
and would not be adopted.
Mr. MILLER said that he rose chiefly to make a
a few remarks in respect to the hon. member for
Halifax, (Mr. Shannon), who had the bad taste
to refer, in connection with the Union agitation,
to some of the disgraceful scenes witnessed in
Temperance Hall. He did so, because that gen
244 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES.
tleman had on other occasions gone out of
his way
to attack him. He had been often amused at
the
manner in which the hon. member was in the
habit of approaching the discussion of
questions
in the House. He (Mr. M.) had now been in
the
Legislature for two years, and previously
had
been frequently in the galleries, and he
had yet
to learn, from personal devotion or
otherwise,
that that hon. gentleman had distinguished
himself for industry or ability in connection
with the
public business. Yet you saw this
gentleman,
when a question came up in which his
feelings
were enlisted, getting up and addressing
the
House with a patronizing air, and in that
peculiar
dilettanti style in which he delighted.
He could
tell that hon. gentleman it would have
been more
to his credit, and those with whom he
apparently
sympathized in the remarks he had just
made, if
he had endeavoured, instead of bringing
the matter publicly before the House, to screen
the conduct of those who mis behaved themselves
on that
occasion. When that hon. gentleman stated
that
he had been hissed in Temperance Hall, he
mentioned a fact of which he was prouder than
anything else in his public life. He had
never stood,
and he never expected hereafter to stand
in a
prouder—a position more in sympathy with
the
feelings of the people—than when in
response to
to a very small portion of the audienc in
Temperance Hall, who attempted to interfere
with
freedom of speech, he told them their
disgraceful proceedings would go to the country—that
their attempt to stifle discussion would
redound
upon themselves, and that the little band
with
which he was associated would teach the
contemptible little mob that disturbed the
deliberations of
that meeting that they were not the people
of
Nova Scotia. Well they had taught these
worthies in the city that they could not
stifle public
discussion. The sentiments uttered that
night
even by one so humble as himself had
reverberated in the valleys, and along the hill
sides, and
found its echo in the Legislature of this
country.
That pledge at least had been "nobly
redeemed."
Who were those that hissed him for the
utterance
of these sentiments on that occasion ? Not the
respectable citizens of Halifax? No, he
scouyed
the idea—he knew from personal
communication
with a large number of the citizens of
Halifax
that they condemned such conduct. Those who
hissed him were a few government hirelings—a
few
claquers gathered from the street
corners
and bar-rooms—whose hostility he had the
good
fortune to have gained—men who would bring
down every young man who endeavoured, by
fair
exertion, to satisfy a laudable ambition
in this
country. He was always willing to have the
opposition of the crowd. But it was not for
the
hon. member for Halifax to taunt him in
connexion with the subject of Confederation. If
that
hon. gentleman had occupied the same
position
he (Mr. M.) assumed he would have been
more
justified in the arogance of the tone he
had adopted.
Where was that hon gentleman when that
question
was admitted to the people of this
country? Did he
step to the front like others and d clare
his views
—did he take the manly position of his
hon. col
league (Mr. Tobin)?—and determine if he
must
go down on the question, to fall like a
man? No;
during every demonstration that had taken
place
in Halifax you could not see the hon.
gentleman
face on the platform, and if you saw him
at all it
was in some obscure corner under the
galleries
watching the current of popular sympathy,
in
order to take advantage of it. This was
the gentleman that came in at the eleventh hour when
he
thought his constituents had been won to
the
cause by the labour of others, and to show
his
zeal justified the disgraceful conduct of
the rabble
at Temperance Hall. He did not envy the
hon.
gentleman's position, and the people would
appreciate it. But he would tell the hon.
member
that he was not the man to taunt one,
after skulking as he had at the proper time from his
legitimate duty. He now came in when he imagined
he
could do so without personal danger,
reminding
them of one of those creatures that follow
in the
rear of armies to pick up prey that others
win for
them
He was not at all superized at the style
in which
the Provincial Secretary had referred to
him. It
was what he expected from the hon.
gentleman.
Since he had been in public life, he had
the fortune of receiving these attentions more
frequently than others. he had got more knocks than
anything else, and which he always liked
if possible to return, altho he as becoming
indifferent
to them by this time. They did him little
harm
and perhaps some good But he was quite
prepared for the emarks of the hon. Prov.
Secy—
intended as they were for an unworthy
purpose.
He understood the policy of that hon.
gentlemen
as well as of others by whom he was
surrounded,
His object in this instancewas to injure
him in
the estimation of the vast majority of the
citizens
with whom he was proud to say he stood on
terms
of which he needed never be ashamed. He had
never, since be had the honour of a seat
in the
House, opened his mouth unfairly hostile
towards
the city of Halifax. On the contrary, he
could
appeal to gentlemen all around if he had
not, on
every occasion, when the interests of
Halifax were
not at conflict with the legitimate
interests of
these he represented, endeavoured to retain
their rights, and promote their wishes. He
had
been a member of the Committee on City
Bills,
for two years, and hardly say he did his
best
to advance the business before it, and
guard the
interests of the city. He knew that his
exertons
were fully appreciated. There was another
portion of the remarks of the hon. Provincial
Secretary, that deserved some observation. He
was
astonished at the powers of the face with
which
that hon. gentleman would stand up before
the
people's representatives, and, knowing as
he
must the feelings of the country, state
that a
vast majority of the people were not
opposed to
Confederation. He did know whether to
admire
or condemn the indifference to public
sentiment
which that hon. gentleman exhibited He
could
not imagine anything more dangerous to
public
liberty, than to have a man occupying the
position he did, prepared so to outrage the
public
sentiment of the country, and use the
influence,
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES. 245
and power
he possessed to carry out his object in definance of the people. Holding
the sentiments he did, there was great room to
fear, that
our rights and liberties were endangered ;
and
under such circumstances it was time
gentlemen
sitting around these benches, should put
thel
house in order. It should be recollected
that the
leader of the government had great powers
in his
hands—he could control the public patronage—
he had command of the public funds. He
might
be induced to use all influences to
promote a
scheme of which he was so enthusiastic an
advocate. It would be well for gentlemen to
consider
these things before it was too late. He
did not intend to follow the hon. Provincial
Secretary after
the lengthy reply of the hon. member for
Guysbro, and because a more suitable
opportunity
would offer to answer him. But he must denounce the assertion made for a purpose,
that any
large number of the people favored the
scheme of
the Quebec Conference. Such an assertion
from
any reliable source might do much harm. He
did not, however, think any statements of the
hon. member were entitled to much credit. There
were few public men in the country who stood in
a more unenviable position as respects thier unreliability than the hon. Provincial Secretary.
He thought he was done with the hon. member
for Halifax, but he found it was not the
case; that
hon. gentleman with his usual
appropriateness of
illustration, had referred to the
demonstration
given in honour of Shakespeare last
spring, which
was as far from the present case, as the
hon.
memeber himself was from the moon. It was
true
the House did adjourn, but it was more in
compliment to the occasion, than to any
living individual. What analogy was there between the
two cases—between Shakespeare and the Delegates? But he (Mr. M.) might be wrong—perhaps
he was unable to appreciate the great
acuteness of the hon. member. There might be
some
point in the comparison. That the
delegates dealt
largely in fiction will not be denied, and
if they
put their claim to a demonstration on this
ground
he could understand them. When the records
were examinined it would be found that the
works
of fiction of some of these gentlemen were
numerous indeed. If this would entitle them to such
an ovation as had been accorded to the great
dramatist, he would prefer it would be postponed till
they were 300 years dead.
Mr. Miller concluded by saying that as the
hon. Provincial Secretary had stated that the
Volunteers were not to take any part in the
demonstration of that evening his object was
gained and it was unnecessary to move any resolution on the subject.
Hon. ATTY. GENERAL said if he had ever witnessed a tempest in a teapot, it was
during that
afternoon. He could, however, easily
understant
how the gentlemen opposite would wich to
make
a demonstration which might have some effec
across the water. They had stated that
nine-
tenths of the people were opposed to
Confederad
tion, and ought now to be satisfied. He doubted,
however, the worth of the mere assertions they
had made, and the value that would be put upon
them in the mother country. It was obvious that
if gentlemen had not some covert object in view,
the whole subject would have been settled in five
minutes. If anyone had, at the outset, asked the
question, whether the volunteers were to take
part in the intended demonstration, he would
have got an answer immediately. It was useless
for gentlemen to try and persuade the House that
actually nine-tenths of the people were opposed
to Confederation. Only 3000 persons came before
the House, stating that they were opposed to
Confederation. He knew that a large number of
the petitioners were induced to sign the petitions,
through false representations that were made to
them. Here Mr. Henry went on to refer to the
fact that when the delegates were in Canada, the
volunteers, on several occasions, took part in the
celebration. He thought that some parties in
this country had attempted to mix the question of Union with party considerations
ever since
the celebrated speech at Truro. It was party influences that originated the petitions
that were got
up on this question. What he desired, was that the
people should have every opportunity of discussing the question in all its bearings.
The matter then dropped, and the House adjourned over Good Friday until Saturday,
at
11 o'clock.
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