The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-05-31
SIR JOHN MACDONALD.

SIR JOHN MACDONALD.
With the death of Sir John A. Mac
donald, Canada loses her most pop
ular citizen, the British colonial empire
it's foremost statesman, and the throne
of England one of its staunchest bull
warks. Born in Scotland more than
seventy-tive years ago, the future pre-
mier accompanied his parents to Can
ada at the early age of six. In every
sense but birth, in rearing and educa-
ton he was a colonial of the colonials.
Though he never enjoyed the advan-
tone and conversation showed the deep
~ read and polished scholar. Amidst
all the exciting incidents of an exciting
political career, he never ceased to be
the omnivorous reader Of all kinds Of
literature that he had been in early
youth. In 1886, he was called to the
bar of upper Canada, and for the next
eight years he won both fame and prof
it in the legal profession. 1t is inter
esting to remember that Oliver Mowatt,
the 'little premier" of the province of
Ontario, was a fellow student with Mac
donald in a law office at Kingston. The
friendship thus began was never laid
aside or forgotten, in spite of strong
political antagonism between the two
men. In 1914, John A. secured a seat
in parliament, and his political rise was
rapid. Within two or three years he
had become a member of the govern
ment, and ever since his name has been
synonymous with Canadian enterprise
and advancement.
Socially and personally, Sir John was
a man Of rare power. His undoubted
ability was united with a personal mag
netism that never failed to attract.
their provincial triumphs. One was
greatest in Quebec, another led the van
in Ontario. Sir Johns reputation and
popularity alone were as wide as the
boundaries of the dominion itself. He
was always "John A." or "The Chief
tain" or some other kindly appellation.
Even his political opponents could find
no harsher epithet for him than "Old
Tomorrow" When they were finding
fault with his well-developed opportu-
mist tendencies. His sparkling repartee,
brilliant wit, and generous hospitality
made him one of the foremost figures in
social circles. His tact and knowledge
of men were simply marvellous. For
twenty years he held the reins of power
over such a wonderful admixture of
contending national and religious ele-
ments as Canadian politics represents.
His capacity for work was enormous,
and his encouragement of new blood
was one of the shrewdest of his many
striking characteristics.
Politically, John Macdonald would
have made his mark in any country and
IN any age. Canada today is what he
made her. Prior to 1867, British North
America was an aggregation of prov
inces separated by hostile tariffs. Com
munication between the maritime prov
inces and Ontario, except by water,
there was none. Manitoba was an un-
known country. The Hudson Bay com
pany controlled and owned the whole OF
the country west of Lake Huron to the
Rocky mountains. 1t was simply a pre-
serve for buffaloes, Indians, and fur.
bearing animals.
British Columbia could only be
reached by way of the United States
and by steamship from San Francisco
The policy Of Sir John and his col.
leagues has united the provinces 10y
railroads, and has established IA system
OF provincial free trade from ocean to
ocean. An enormous country has beer
opened up for settlement, and trade has
correspondingly increased. Local i'm
provement is visible everywhere. Mani
toba and the northwest territories are
within easy reach. The Canadian Pa.
ciic brings British Columbia within q
journey of four days from Ottawa
Steamship lines unite Canada with the
northern country, with China, Japan.
and the West Indies. And all this ad,
vancement may fairly be set down to the
far-seeing policy of the premier and bis
colleagues.
Sir John passes away in the hour oil
victory. The events of the recent cam,
paign must be fresh in the minds OF our
readers. The liberal party made a bic
for office by the advocacy of closer
commercial relations with this country
The leader of the government chose tc
look upon their movement as the first
step towards ACKNOWLEDGMENT of thu
British empire. Ills appeal to the pa
triotism of the Canadian electorate wal
rewarded with a substantial majority il
the house. He was, above all things.
devoted adherent of the monarchica
principle. His latest manifesto closec
with his political confession of faith
"a British subject | was born, a British
subject | will die" He has had hi
wish, and few men have done more 70
the consolidation and strength of tn
British empire.
THE prospectus of the Leland Stan