Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-07-02
THE PRECAUTIONARY,
Programme for Celebration Es-
sentinIly Canadian in
Every Respect.

Under the title of Errors and Pre-
JUDGES there appears. in the June num-
Der Of LA Nouvelle France an article
signed by Raphael Gervais. which, it
may be stated without unduly disclosing
any condolences. is inspired by a high &C.
Clesiastical authority. The author, who
proves himself to be an apologist of no
mean order for the tercentenary celebra-
ton. undertakes to set right certain mis-
approximations regarding the approaching
festivities. and acquits himself of an ex-
tremely delicate task in a manner which
can give no offense to anyone.
In his opening sentences Mr.. Jervivs
expresses the opinion that, according to
sensible people, far too much has been
both said and written concerning the ter
centenary with a view to creating unrest
and ill-feeling. He even goes so far as to
state that some of those who might have
been expected to be the soul of tho or
ganization have given vent to utterances
intended to convey the idea that the fetcs
will only display an inopportune and
indicate display of Imperialism. His
conclusion is that the celebration will
not only suffer thereby, but will not also
lose much Of lis usefulness.
He then goes on to point out that
what the festivities will lose of their
more intimate character they will gain
in solemnity through the invitation to
participate extended to those of another
origin. and from foreign lands.
However, those desiring a more nom
ogenots celebration will find one In the
laval fetes OF this week, which will give
the French Canadians the nance Of en-
Toying a purely family gathering. The
tercentenary celebration has been design
ed with quite n different object.
While the French-Canadian, he says. is
here called upon to live In a mixed com
munity, he need neither isolate himself
nor be absorbed. Isolation would mean
Importance, absorption would mean ma
tional death. The Canadian nation as n
whole can only live and flourish through
! etter mutual understanding and esteem
and n more perfect respect Of one an
others rights and aspirations. There Is
no reason for either factor to abandon
Its principles and rights, but both Eng
lish and Frcnch-Canadians must perfect
ly understand and appreciate each other
Both clements nave had among then
thoughtless and irresponsible writers
and speakers who have sown seed.
of mutual mistrust and discord, bu
IT had been hoped that the series %
Historical pictures TO be presented at thi!
celebration would have enabled one anc
all to n better Judge the attitude of on
people. to appreciate their attachment t.
their matchless traditions. and to give
very real and necessary lesson in tru'
Canadian patriotism.
After stating once moro that neithe
race fusion nor antagcnism, nor tn
predomlnance OF one over the other, bu
!. mutual esteem and brotherly love con
stitute true patriotism, the author repeat
the ~oft-Quoted sentiment that the corne
stone and foundation of British sovcr
eighty In America is Roman Catholic an
rcnch Quebec.
"Doubtless," he continues, 'most o
those who attend will come to glorif,
Anelo-Saxon ho~mogenolty and to hear
glorihed. How many Of them will refec
that Great Britain owes Canada, an
half Of North America. neither to II
armies nor TO It's political genius, but I
the sixty thousand souls whom 1t con
ouered one hundred and nifty years age
and who have nevertheless remained,
spite Of her. both French and Roma
Catholic"
The tcrcentenary champion next pre-
ceeds to show that, Notwithstanding sey
eral foolish projects brought forward
there Is nothing In the official pre-
grammc which can offend the most su'
ccptible, and that, ". by Indifference an
lack Of intelligence the fetes are allow
ed to become a failure, it Is neither Grea
Britain nor Imperialism that will SUITE
but Professionalism influence and rep'
%tation. ON the other hand, he points OF
.lot thnvo - manu- oll L~nulto1 Gnpn