The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Recollections & Experiences — John Shaqi
The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Recollections & ExperiencesDenison, George T. (George Taylor)
History
The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Recollections & Experiences
Denison, George T. (George Taylor)
Canada -- History -- 1867-1914
Resolved, in view of the proposed amnesty to Riel and withdrawal of
the expedition, this meeting declares: That the Dominion must and
shall have the North-West Territory in fact as well as in name, and
if our Government, through weakness or treachery, cannot or will not
protect our citizens in it, and recalls our Volunteers, it will then
become the duty of the people of Ontario to organise a scheme of armed
emigration in order that those Canadians who have been driven from
their homes may be reinstated, and that, with the many who desire
to settle in new fields, they may have a sure guarantee against the
repetition of such outrages as have disgraced our country in the past;
that the majesty of the law may be vindicated against all criminals,
no matter by whom instigated or by whom protected; and that we may
never again see the flag of our ancestors trampled in the dust or a
foreign emblem flaunting itself in any part of our broad Dominion.
In moving this resolution, I said, as reported in the Toronto
_Telegraph_:
The indignation meeting held three months since has shown the
Government the sentiments of Ontario. The expedition has been sent
because of these grand and patriotic outbreaks of indignation. Bishop
Taché had offered to place the Governor-General in possession of
British territory. Was our Governor-General to receive possession
of the North-West Territory from him? No! there were young men from
Ontario under that splendid officer Colonel Wolseley who would place
the Queen's Representative in power in that country in spite of
Bishop Taché and without his assistance (loud cheers). We will have
that territory in spite of traitors in the Cabinet, and in spite of a
rebel Minister of Militia (applause). He had said there were traitors
in the Cabinet. Cartier was a traitor in 1837. He was often called a
loyal man, but we could buy all their loyalty at the same price of
putting our necks under their heels and petting them continually. Why
when he was offered only a C.B. his rebel spirit showed out again; he
whined, and protested, and threatened and talked of the slight to a
million Frenchmen, and the Government yielded to the threat, gave him
a baronetcy, patted him on the back, and now he is loyal again for a
spell (laughter and cheers).
I also pointed out how, if the expedition were recalled, we could, by
grants from municipalities, &c., and by public subscription, easily
organise a body of armed emigrants who could soon put down the rebels.
This resolution was seconded by Mr. Andrew Fleming and carried with
enthusiasm.
Mr. Kenneth McKenzie, Q.C., afterwards Judge of the County Court,
moved, and W. A. Foster seconded, the last resolution:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account