The following was taken from the book Assemblées publiques, résolutions et déclarations de 1837-1838, texts collected and presented by Jean-Paul Bertrand, Montréal, VLB Éditeur et l'Union des écrivains québécois, 1988, 304 p. ISBN 2-89005-313-X
We had yesterday the gratifying and heartfelt pleasure of witnessing in this city one of the most loyal, numerous and respectable public meetings ever held in Canada. The object is well known throughout the Province; and we have no doubt the event will be as memorable as, we hope, the result will be beneficial to everyone who may be interested in the design of those who, in the present conjuncture, had the forethought and good sense to call the meeting together. In the words of the Requisition - a requisition signed by nearly three thousand individuals - it was for the purpose of taking into consideration the measures it might be necessary to adopt, to maintain good order, the protection of life and property, and the connexion now happily existing between this Colony and United Kingdom, at present put in jeopardy by the machinations of a disorganizing and revolutionary faction in the Province, professedly bent on their destruction. The preservation of social order is the first law of nature, as well as of government; and they who are incapable of appreciating the value and importance - the inherent strength and solidity - of British institutions towards this great end, are unworthy of being ranked among British subjects or citizens. There are few, if indeed there be any, who witnessed the imposing and formidable spectacle of yesterday, who can hesitate for an instant in coming to the conclusion, that, throughout the whole breadth and death of the vast multitude assembled in the Place d'Armes, the institutions in question were well understood and duly appreciated. It was with the view of publicity discussing the best mode of preserving and perpetuating these institutions in this quarter of the Empire, that the loyal citizens of Montreal assembled together. They found it was time to do so; and that, if they longer submitted to be menaced by a revolutionary faction with a deprivation of the first and best inheritance of British subjects, without urging their protest against it, in a manner becoming their high and enviable rank among civilized nations, they would deserve all the shame and ignominy that could be heaped upon their dastard heads. So far the loyal citizens of Montreal have preserved their integrity; and discharged a duty as honourable to themselves as, we trust, it will be of lasting benefit to their country.
But, besides devising measures for their own safety and protection against the designs of their ennemies, the meeting of yesterday found it necessary to discharge another duty - a duty, we will venture to say, than which none can be more irksome and unpleasant to the feelings and temper of British subject. It seems to us, that, in almost every case of importance, the conduct of the British Government, in respect to this Province, has been of such a description as to excite the pity and contempt - the hatred and displeasure, of the loyal part of the inhabitants, rather than their approbation, respect and attachment. The present weak, and wretched, and vacillating Administration, in all their bearing towards Lower Canada, have been peculiarly unfortunate in bringing down upon themselves the just and unmitigated indignation of every individual in the province of British name and origin. They have spurned our claims for justice, and good and impartial Government. They have rejected all our petitions for a redress of real and undoubted grievances. Their different offices are full of these petitions; and we have reason to know that, to this hour, they are as ignorant of their contents, as if Lower Canada formed no portion of the British Empire. They have endeavoured, but in vain, to conciliate the adherence and good will of the greatest ennemies of British rule and British sovereignty in the Colonies; and have heaped office and emolument upon individuals of revolutionary principles, the business and object of whose lives were to bring the supremacy of England into contempt in Canada, and to burst asunder those bonds of filial and paternal affections which had bound us so long and so closely together. In order to screen their own imbecility and ignorance, they sent a Commission of inquiry amongst us, whose labours tended only to involve us in greater difficulties than before, and whose Report is a tissue of the most insane and childish nonsense that the human intellect has ever contrived to impose upon sane and sensible beings. They have given us an Executive Government, which is a disgrace to the name -- instructed, as it has been, to favour, conciliate, and aggrandize a clamorous and ambitious faction, that had no object, as it has since been fully and satisfactorily proved, but to win the path to station, and honour, by threatening to overturn the authority of the laws, and the supremacy of the Empire. But they have done more. They have permitted a whole session of the Imperial Parliament to expire, without daring -- we use the word advisedly -- to legislate radically and effectually for this Province, notwithstanding that they were well aware of the desperate situation of our affairs, and the urgency of our demands for a better order of things.
It is therefore, no wonder, if the speeches and Resolutions of yesterday were conceived in terms by no means complimentary to neither the present Administration, nor to the Executive Government of the Province. But in the annals of the civilized world, can we discover a people similarly situated? Totally abandoned by a Government, to whom we have sworn both fealty and obediance, we are obligated to defend ourselves against the civil incursions of a seditious and revolutionary faction; and to defend the peace, the good order of society, and the bond of connexion with the Mother Country, while the Government of that country presumes to look upon our efforts with indifference, and to slumber in unpardonable sloth and inactivity, while a great and important section of the Empire is torn to pieces by anarchy and distraction. It is only necessary to add, that such a state of things cannot be long endured; and that, whether we shall be able to work out our own salvation or not, as entitled to a better policy of Government, we have, as yet, but little gratitude to record towards either the present Ministry of the Executive Government of this unfortunate Province.
Royal Standard of the United Kingdom
When we arrived at the Place d'Armes, the scene was no less cheering than imposing. In front stood the hustings, decorated with many emblems of England's glory, and surmounted by a large piece of canvass, having the electrifying words "Our Country" painted upon it. On either side, from the hustings to the houses which form the extreme northwestern wings of the Place d'Armes, were suspended high in air flags of various descriptions, with the Union flag at certain intervals. Immediately after twelve o'clock, a great concourse of people began to pour into the square from every direction. The day was beautiful, and nothing could be more animating to the friends of loyalty and good government, than the alacrity with which each man took up his station on the place of meeting, and the enthusiastic cheering with which the crowd greeted the Wards as they successively wheeled into the square, with bands of music, pipers and flags and banners innumerable. The Quebec Ward was the first to march upon the ground; of whom many were on horseback; the leader bearing a magnificent Royal Standard. This Ward, as well as all the rest carried a great number of flags, having various mottoes and devices upon them. Among others, we observed the following: -- "Reform-not Revolution." "Britons die, but never surrender." "United we stand." On a white field there was an Irish Harp, surmounted by a Crown, and Shamrocks in the corners, with the words "Erin ma Voureen," underneath. "Draw the Sword, Scotland!" "No Sinecures -- no Pluralities." "A hint to the Government -- No more Vacillation -- Be Firm! -- Be Just!" "A Reformed Council -- not an Elective one." "Our two grand objects -- Registry Offices, and the Abolition of Feudal Tenures." The St. Anne's and St. Antoine Wards were the next to march in to the place of rendezvous, in similar order and array -- led by a standard bearer, with the British and Irish flags. The following are the mottoes which appeared on several of the smaller banners: -- "United we stand -- divided we fall." "The old Royals and the Gallant 32d -- Up Guards and at them." "The Land we live in." "Civil and Religious Liberty." "God and my right." "We demand the establishment of Registry Offices." The St. Lawrence and St. Louis Wards, were the last to appear upon the field, but in such numbers, and with such an imposing display, that it is impossible to do justice to the truly loyal and British bearing of these wards. In front, and preceding an excellent band playing the "British Grenadiers", appeared their leaders and chief men, on horseback, one of them carrying a Royal standard. On their flags we observed, among others, the following mottoes: -- "For God, our Queen and our country." "Our tow grand objects -- Registry Offices and the abolition of the Feudal Tenures." " Canada must not -- shall not be given away." "England expects every man to do his duty." "To be or not to be -- that is the question." "Our fair and youthful Queen -- who would not follow thee!" "The British Empire, upon which the sun never sets -- Canada is part of it -- Huzza!" "Remember the dreadful and fatal effects of rebellion -- rapine, famine and murder." "The British Constitution, and no other." "O'Connol's cry -- the Queen and old Ireland!" "The peace and happiness of the people is the object of our meeting." "Erin go bragh." "Faugh a ballach." "Unshackle British enterprise, then Lower Canada will prosper." "The British Constitution must be kept inviolate at the expense of our lives and property." "Equal rights to all men."
Speech of Peter McGill, chairman
At nearly one o'clock, the meeting was organized, Samuel Gerrard, Esq. seconded by George Auldjo, Esq. proposed the Hon. Mr. McGill as chairman of the meeting which being carried by acclamation, Mr. McGill came forward and explained the object of the meeting in nearly the following terms:
Peter McGill, member of the Legislative Council from January 1832 to March 1838.
Fellow Citizens and Friends, -- Though I am fully conscious of my inability and unfitness, it would be an affectation of diffidence which I do not feel, and a piece of hypocrisy foreign to my nature, if I hesitated a moment in accepting the call which has just been made by my friends near me, to preside over your deliberations and conclusions on this highly interesting, imposing and important occasion -- the more especially, when that call has been so unanimously, and enthusiastically approved of by yourselves. We have assembled together, my friends, in the terms of the Requisition, "to take into our serious consideration the measures which, in the present crisis, it may be found necessary to adopt, to maintain good order, the protection of life and property, and the connexion now happily existing between this Colony and the British Kingdom, at present put in jeopardy by the machinations of disorganizing and revolutionary faction within this Province professedly bent on their destruction." Knowing well the value of your time, and of your general acquaintance with the proceedings, the "sayings and doings" of the party to which allusion has just been made -- a party which I regret to say, has risen into power, strength, and consequence by the timid, ill-advised, ill-judged, and, to borrow a word from one of the flags which I see before me, "vacillating" policy, which has for some years past characterized the Colonial Department; I will endeavour to limit my observations within a very narrow compass, because I shall undoubtedly be succeeded by gentlemen, much better qualified than I am, to explain to you in detail the objects of the meeting. You are well aware, my fellow citizens, that those differences of opinion unfortunately existing for some years past between the House of Assembly and the other branches of the local Legislature, and between that body and the Imperial Government, pervading to a very considerable extent the whole population of the Province, arising from its fiscal concerns, difference of origin question, and other causes, unnecessary for me to detail -- have latterly assumed a character, altogether incompatible, with the stability of social order and happiness -- injurious to the prosperity and peace, and security, of the whole community, and aiming at the annihilation of British authority in the Colony. A number of individuals, from disappointed ambition, and other evil motives -- many of them more conspicuous for their talents, than, judging from their actions and opinions, the soundness of their principles, either religious or moral, without which they can be neither good citizens, nor true patriots -- all of them apparently imbued with a mortal hatred of British supremacy, which ought to be their pride and their boast; -- under the specious plea of Reform, and resistance to tyranny and oppression, which exist only in their own heated imaginations, are industriously and perseveringly endeavouring to sap the allegiance, and to weaken the confidence of their honest, and hitherto peaceably disposed, but credulous fellow-countrymen, in the justice and benignity of the British Government, and, if I am rightly informed, by the most absurd misrepresentations, and incredible stories, engendering rancour and animosity in their minds, against all those whose views and opinions are opposed to their own nefarious designs. These prejudiced, and I am sorry to add, disloyal men, with reform on their lips, but treason and revolution in the their hearts; by means of meetings throughout the Province, at which are delivered the most inflammatory speeches, assailing alike the Altar, the Throne, and the Bench; having at their command a venal and licentious press, promulgating with impunity doctrines of a most seditious and disorderly nature, utterly at variance with the duty and respect which they owe to the legal and constituted authorities of the land, have cause great excitement in the public mind, and aroused and inflamed the vicious passions of the multitude in several sections of the Province, leading to a contempt of the laws, and ending in excesses in many instances. This excitement and bad-feeling have especially manifested themselves in the cities, particularly in our own. Large bodies of men have assembled and paraded the streets on the dead of night -- and if report is to be credited, many of them armed. Emboldened by their success -- they have openly on the Sabbath-day collected in considerable numbers, and made a semblance of learning and practising military manoeuvres, and -- judging from the public declarations of their organs, -- all this is not certainly for any loyal or legal purpose, but very apt to lead to breaches of the peace, riot, and bloodshed. As to a general rising against the Government by the mass of the population -- still I trust under the influence of their venerable and respected pastors, and holy religion which inculcates loyalty to the Sovereign, and obedience to the laws, I think there are no grounds for alarm, -- but under the circumstances and from the causes I have mentioned, there being reason to apprehend partial disturbances, it seems necessary, and prudent, and proper, that all loyal and well disposed citizens, of all origins and all creeds, who wish to maintain good government, law, and good order, should for that purpose unite and form themselves into ward and sectional Committees of vigilance and safety, that by organization, and concentration, they may be prepared to put down, or assist in putting down, any thing and every thing, tending to an infraction of the law, by which either life or property may be endangered. I do not wish for a moment to be understood, that I recommend any other measures to be adopted than those of a purely prudential and defensive character. I cannot, for a moment encourage in your breasts to growth of any other than the most brotherly feeling, towards the great body of our fellow subjects of French or of other origins, who may honestly differ in opinion with us, respecting any of the measures or acts of the Government, whether Imperial or Colonial. We must admit their constitutional right to meet and discuss such measures, and to petition and remonstrate against them, if they feel or fancy themselves aggrieved; but any and all of them who overstep the bounds prescribed by the laws in doing so, who outrage the feelings of loyal and well disposed peaceable citizens by overt acts verging on rebellion, ought to be made to understand, that such conduct can be no longer tolerated with impunity. We are, all of us, I am persuaded, at the call of loyalty and of duty, ready to make any sacrifice in maintaining the legitimate authority of our young and beauteous Queen over this important portion of her Empire. With reference to our local concerns, about which principally we are met today, I hope you will come to the determination of placing yourselves in a position and an attitude calculated to repress insult and disorder, from whatever quarter arising. In conclusion, my friends, I take leave to recommend regularity and solemnity in our proceedings, and when they are concluded, that you will peaceably and quietly return to your respective homes.
During the delivery of this excellent speech, Mr. McGill was frequently interrupted by the cheers of the meeting; and upon its conclusion, the Hon. gentleman was saluted with three distinct rounds of applause.
Resolutions
The following resolutions were than proposed, seconded, and unanimously carried. The first resolution was supported by an excellent and eloquent speech from Campbell Sweeny, Esq.; the second by B.A.G. Gugy, Esq.; and the third by a short but electrifying speech from Adam Thom, Esq. These, with the otyher speeches made on the occasion, we hope to be able to lay before our readers in our next:
RESOLVED: That all citizens have an equal right to the protection of the Government, which consists not merely in the suppression and punishment of disorder, but in the employment of adequate means to anticipate and prevent the commission of those crimes with which the social peace may be threatened, and that by the machinations of a disorganizing and revolutionary faction in this Province acting partly by means of turbulence and excitement of public meetings, at which the most unfounded and inflammatory speeches are delivered, and partly through the medium of a licentious press which inundates the Province with slander and sedition, public feeling has been excited, the foundations of social and moral order have been shaken, the Government has been brought into contempt and the connection between this Province and the Mother Country attempted to be destroyed.
Moved by George Auldjo, Esq., seconded by H. L. Routh, Esq.
RESOLVED: That this meeting has seen with alarm that the prerogative of the Crown has been deliberately perverted, by the appointment to offices of trust and responsibility of advocates of sedition and of ennemies of the existing Constitution of the Province, and that the present excited state of public feeling has been promoted and encouraged by the unjudicious and ineffectual attempts at conciliation of the Executive Government.
RESOLVED: That as isolated individual exertion would be utterly inadequate to cope with all the evil energies now arrayed against public order and the public peace, and as those evils cannot be effectually prevented without the active, zealous, and persevering co-operation of every good subject, which co-operation to be effectual must be the result of regular and systematic union of individuals, this meeting considers it expedient, that the loyal and well disposed part of the community, do form themselves into associations within their respective wards, for the purpose of organization and general concert in case of emergency or necessity; that the several Associations do appoint their respective Committees from among their resident members, to whom the local organization and management shall be entrusted; and that Sub-Committee, consisting of two members from each Ward Committee, shall assemble to concert a general system of measures to be pursued in case of urban disturbance.
RESOLVED: That this meeting is persuaded that there exists no substancial cause for apprehension of a successful rebellion against the British government, by the mass of our fellow sujects of French origin, though the utmost activity and perseverance are employed to create disorder and sedition among them; but feeling that to guard against the pernicious influence of that activity and perseverance, and to arrest it is the bounden duty of every good suject, this meeting calls upon their fellow-subjects throughout the province to organize themselves into local associations, as the most effectual means for the security of good order, the protection of life and property and the maintainance of the connexion happily existing between this province and the British empire.
RESOLVED: That this meeting seizes this present opportunity of declaring its opposition to the application of the elective principle to the legislative council of this province, and of reiterating the claims of the inhabitants of Lower Canada of British origin, to the abolition of the feudal tenure, and an establishment of an efficient system of registration for mortgages, the want of which has not only retarded the settlement and improvement of the province, but has rendered it conspicuous for its backward condition in comparision with our sister province.
After the passage of the above resolutions, which had been previously prepared, the following additional one, after and appropriate speech from the gentleman who proposed it, was unanimously adopted.
RESOLVED: That the Irish inhabitants of this city do hereby express their unqualified abhorrence of the low and base attempts that are making to draw them over to the revolutionary party, whose designs they consider inimical to all good government and to the safety and well-being of the province, and at the same time their readiness, should it ever be necesary, to repel by force those whose every action bespeak them the enemies alike of themselves and of their countrymen in general.
The business of the meeting was then closed by three hearty cheers for the Queen and the constitution; when a great proportion of the meeting formed themselves into marching order, and proceeded to different parts of the city, by St. James Street -- Notre Dame Street -- St. François Xavier Street -- St. Paul Street, from which it diverged to the banks of the St. Lawrenc near the Theatre, proceeding downwards in front of the Barracks, and thence by Dalhousie Square and Notre Dame Street to the Place d'Armes. The procession cheered in various parts of the town -- particularly opposite to the residences of the Hon. chairman of the meeting, and the Hon. Mr. Moffatt. In going round it presented a very formidable appearance; but not one half of those who were present at the meeting joined the procession, although we are certain, that in numbers, it far exceeded the last Loyal and Constitutional meeting held here in July last. At the Place d'Armes, the wards, after three cheers for their chairman and the object of the meeting, separated and proceeded to their respective head-quarters, peaceably and orderly -- this terminating one of the largest and most important public assemblies ever held in Montreal.
Montreal Gazette,
October 24
October 28
Agreeably to our promise, we have this day the satisfaction of laying before our readers two of the excellent speeches delivered at the great and loyal meeting held here on Monday last -- we mean those of Messrs Sweeny and Thom. Mr. Gugy having, immediately after the meeting, gone to Quebec, we have been unable to obtain a report of his speech.
Speech of Sweeny, esq., on the first resolution
GENTLEMEN: -- I have been requested to speak to this resolution, and I hold it to be a fortunate circumstance both for yourselves and me, that the object for which you are at present assembled is of a character so plain, and so easily to be comprehended, that I would deem it an unjustifiable expenditure of your precious time were I to address you at any length. I shall, therefore, confine myself to a brief exposition of the causes which have led to the deplorable effects so emphatically set forth in this resolution, and which have called into existance this vast assemblage of citizens. Gentlemen, since your last met together in thousands on this ground, the work of disorganization and revolution has been rapidely progressing. The Canadian inhabitants of this Province, in themselves a virtuous, contented and happy, but unfortunately in the mass, an uneducated race, have been assailed at all points, with every argument, and by every means calculated to excite and disturb the minds of men, by an unprincipled and seditious faction, backed by a hired and licentious press, blinded by passion and prejudice, madly bent on revolution, and fostered and encouraged by the conciliatory policy, and enervated action of an inefficient Executive.
Speech of Adam Thom, esq., on the third resolution
Montreal Gazette,
October 28
Notes and Comments
The royalist faction had a different strategy than the patriotic one. Whereas the patriots invited all British subjects in the colony to join the Canadien majority in their political struggles, in a spirit of justice for all, the royalists stimulated the national prejudice of the English, Scottish and Irish immigrants against the "French". It is sad that their immoral strategy is the one that ultimately triumphed...
