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One of Prince Edward Island's’ distinguished eons, the Honourables David Laird occupies a prominent place in Canadian history. As a man he was a great character; as a statesman he had the unique ea- perience oi contributing in large, mess e -to the development of both the eastern and western parts of the Dominion. As an Islander and a Canadian he has left such a record of loyal service and devo- tion to duty as to merit the grate- ful appreciation of hie province and his country. Hllylttlty is that of Confederation in Prince Edward Island and the ' ‘ blishment oi government in the Canadian West. It is therefore appropriate that we review- the life of this man and recall hie achievements in the light of the history oi his tlme.

PAI‘! l. Island Politics and Confedreatlen

avid Laird was born in New G asgow, P.E. Island on March l2, 1883, one of the eight. children of lion. Alexander Laird and his wife Janet Orr. The parents were close- ly associated with the early his- tory of the Island, the father being one of the sturdy Scottish pioneers who did so much to develop a thriving colony from the wilder- ness, and the mother being a member of one of the landlord families whose influence was a large factor through many years of difficulty. Alexander Laird, a native of Renfrewshire, Scotland, had emigrated to the Island in I819 and became one of the most suc- cessful farmers in Queens County. As an ofliclal of the Royal Agri- cultural Society oi Prince Edward Island, be did much to further the development of agriculture. Ann member oi the local legislature for the first district of Queens,,he gave sixteen years of service to active politics during four of which he was a member of the government. A colleague oi Hon. George Coles, he participated in the long struggle for responsible government in the province. In all these activities his son David took a keen interest, and it is thus na- tural ‘that the younger Laird should look forward to following his father's footsteps into public life. During his childhood years David Laird was undecided as to what he wished to pursue as his

Public Life or . ThelHon. Dooid Laird . “By FreEcKinnon . .

. logical Seminary in Truce. Nova

_ years _ was the

"r19 educati in West River, he attended the Presbyterian Theo-l‘

Scot-la, with e view tofentering the ministry. Bug-on graduation, be , turned selds fronitheology to sn-

u: the field of journalism», In .

use he returned to Charlottetown and founded the Patriot oi which he was to be editor for almost 1°11! Years. Soon afterwards he entered upon his first public office as a city councillor.

Vigorous Campaigner

From the dsy he published the first edition of his newspaper he became a power in local politics. He was a supporter of the Liberal Dirty and by means of his editorial columns campaigned vigorously for the Liberal cause. But almost at the beginning of his career he showed ‘that party lines would not deter him from supporting what he thought to be in the public in- terest, for, during a brief period, he opposed his colleagues on the Bible question which for several subject of bitter controversy- He was closely con- nected with the proceedings in the legislature in his capacity of reporter for the House of Assem-

bly. In i870 he made his first electo 1 bid when he ran in the first district of Queens

but he failed to gain the seat bc- cause a technicality in the count- ing of election returns had not been observed by the sheriff, Like most public men of the day, Mr. Laird was a participant in the spirited Confederation contro- versy. The developments which gave impetus to the union move- ment culminated in the Charlotte- town conference oi 1864. Origin- ally cailed to discuss Maritime union, the conference ended in the general realization that a union oi all the British North American colonies was a good possibility if suitable terms could be arranged. The terms were drawn up at another conference which was held in Quebec in the same year. The Quebe terms were ratified in the legislature of what was then called Canada, but were received with hostility in lhe Maritimes. In Prince Edward Island Mr. Laird was one of the strongest opponents oi the Quebec terms as iar as they concerned the Island, his main reasons being

i

Ben. David IAIN

remedy for the land question which had for many years retard- ed the development of the pro- vince, and that adequate com-

place -the loss of direct taxation. He adhered to thigopinion in his editorial columns until 1872. in the meantime the Island refused to participate in the Confederation oi 1867 as he found it more in her interest to remain a separate colony.

P. E. l. Railway

In 1871 the Conservative gov- ernment of the lion. J. C. Pope commenced the building of the Prince Edward island Railway, which was to become the most important single factor leading io the entrance of the province into Confederation, It was a source oi

trouble from the start. The Liberals under R.P. Haythorne and the Liberalpress of David Laird violently opposed the road

as beyond the ability of the pro- vince to maintain and as unsanc-

tloned by the electors- When ‘the Hon. James Duncan sought re- election in the Belfast district on his appointment as Chairman of the Railway Commission,‘ he was soundly defeated by Mr. Laird, in the letters first successful bid for political office. Shortly after- wards charges oi corruption were laid in the legislature against the Pope government. It appeared that n “railway ring" had developed comprised of lobyists and in- fluential politicians who vied with one another in offering bribes to members in return for assurances that the recipients would exert their influence to have the railway pass through certain settlements. The affair be- came the subject of a fierce de- bate in the legislature when Mr. William Hooper, mcmbcr for

pensation was not provided to re-,

/

- . mp cuaatorrerown GUARDIAN I___.

offered $1,000 by llr._Ca1eb Carle- ton of Souris if be wbuld vote for a branch line to the eastern end of the island. Mr. Carleton, when summoned to the bar oi the House freely admitted that he had offer- ed money to Hooper, for he knew "parties to the eastward that‘ would subscribe pretty liberally, and help to shove elong the branches." Though it was not proved that he government bad been implicated in the “railway ring," Pope and his found that they had lost the con- fldence of the House. They appeal- ed to the electors and were de- feated by the Liberals under Hon. R. P. l-Iaythorne. Shortly after Mr. HI-ythorne formed his new gov- ernment on April 22, 1872, Mr. Laird, who had again been return- ed for Belfast, became a member of the Executive Council.

Liberal Policy

A peculiar situation then arose. The new administration which, when in opposition, had so strenuously opposed the construc- tion of the railroad, immediately proceeded to build costly branch lines to Tignish and Souris. Mr. Laird explained in ihc House that this policy was designed to meet requests for transporlaum from ‘these parts of the Island not serv- ed by the main line. lie deciared that since all districts contributed to the railway funds, all should share its benefits. This policy was immediately censured by the op- position, but it was foilowed and the branches were completed.‘ Both the Conservative and Liberal governments of this period have been severely censored for their railway policies. But in fair- ness to them it must be realized that their hands were forced by a small.group oi members who were more concerned with the interests of their constituencies than with the good of the province as a wholc. The legislature was made up of several factions whose dis- tinguishing characteristic was support of or opposition to con- federation, separate schools, or railway building. in order ma: either of the political parties could form a government, consideration had to be given to the wishes oi these factions and various com- promises arranged. When the Haythorne government took office

it found that the balance of power among its supporters “was heid by

a group of members who were rc- turned at the polls pledged to the construction of the branch lines. . It seems evident that the govern- ment dld not wish to build the branches, but if it refused. thc~ pledged members would support

colleagues .

dependent on factional support that it would have had to build the lines in order to form a gov- ernment. ln such circumstance! _the Haythorne administration-om- barked on what seemed to be the only scourse open to it.

More Difficulties

Further and greater difficulties then arose. Building the. railway proved more costly than bad origin- ally been expected. the reason being that the contractors were paid ap- proximately five thousand pounds e mile, but without any. stipulation as to what the total mileage should be, with the result that an abundant: of curves and detours lengthened the line and increased the cost. ‘Then, mo, adequate financial pro- visions had not been made, and it was found that the provincial deben- tures which had been issued to the contractors to cover the transaction and which had been placed in the Bank of P. ll. Island as pledges for loans, could not be sold except at a

loss. The government, the contrac- tors. and the bank (several of the directors of which were prominent in the government) then became alarmed and decide‘ that something had to be done or the Island's posi- tion in the money markets would be imperilied and the whole economy of the province would collapse. The political leaders felt that the only way out seemed to be union with Canada, if the Dominion could be persuaded to take over the railroad. This became more evident when Mr. Charles Palmer, president of the Union Bank and a. brother of Hun. Edward Palmer, the Attorney Gen- eral, wrote Sir John Rose. a London banker with respect to putting Island bonds on the London market and received the reply that if there was an assurance that the Island would join Canada, ‘the bonds could be placed at a very good ratc. The government immediately commenc- ed to sound out the opinion oi the Canadian government and to ascer- tain if Sir John Macdonald and his colleagues would offer favourable terms.

Pockets "Far More Sensitive"

But the wary Sir John was fully informed of the difficulties which prompted the overtures of the Island government, and~was prepared to play a cat-and-mouse game with the provincial politicians. W. H. Pope ' had written him saying that “their I pockets are far more sensitive than ' their undertaking,“ and Colonel I John Hamilton Gray had advised that "immediate profit or loss is the

Sir John Rose, too, had told him of his correspondence with Charles Pal-

I I only thing that will move them." w

mer. Furthermore. the Prime Minis- ter wns not disposed to dealing with

PAGE, ‘s hstrkll i ‘in

following excerpt from a letter writ- I government on all three points, stat-

ten by Sir John Maodonald to Sir John Rose is significant:

"Governor Robinson of P. L‘. Island has written privately. and as if oii his own bat, to Lord Dufferin, say- ing that he thought he could bring round his Government to consider the subject of union if Canadl were still inclined in that direction. lie wrote. beyond r doubt, at the insti-

gation oi his Council, and, as we ~

know from experience the style d these men we answered guardedly. Lord n. answered that smi- what had occurred Canada did not pro- pose to initiate a renewal of negotia-

' tions. Bhe would, however, carefully

consider any proposition made by Prince Edward Island. I-le added that Canada had no desire to recede from the offer of‘ "better terms" made by Tilley in '69. Since then Robinson telegrap” ’ in cypher so know whether he was to understand that the Island Railway debt would be taken into consideration. The answer was that the Railway debt was a proper subject for negotiation and that any proposition with re- gard to it would be carefully con- sidered.”

Ottawa Delegation

When the Haythorne government asked the ‘Dominion to grant "better terms," amongst which was to be the taking over of the railroad, Mac- donald refused to negotiate by letter, and suggested that representatives of the provincial government come to Ottawa to consider the matter. A delegation was forthwith appoint- ed consisting of R. P. Haythorne and David Laird.

The delegation proceeded to Or.- tawa in January 1873, and spent several days negotiating with the Dominion cabinet. Though financial necessity was tne motivating factor behind Haythorne and Lands presentations, they requested the Canadian government to grant bet- ter terms "in order to overcome the widespread disfavour of llliiflll on the Island." "Better terms‘ wc-‘e oo- talned, so much better thn: Lord Dufferin wired congratulations to Llcutcnaxit Governor Robinson, at the same time indicating that "my ministers are of the opinion, an opinion in which I fully coincide, that no additional uuflflflSSlOsa would have any chance of being accepted by the Parliament of Canada." Hay- thomc and Laird returned to Char- lottetown, confident that the; had secured the best possible ierms, and ready to dissolve the legislature in order to put the terms before the people in a general election

Unfortunately for the Liberals the election which followed was con- fused by the three issues: the terms of union. the government's railway

policy. and the separate school ques-

ing that the terms of union were not sufficient, that the sorry state of the railway finances were caused by the building of the‘ branch lines. and that action should be taken on the school question. As a result, the Hsythorne-Iaird party was defeat- ed and a new government took of- fice under the premiership of Hon. J. O. Pope. Shortly after the elec- tion David Iaird became the leader of the provincial Liberal party.

Union Policy Maintained

The change in government did not ‘mean any diversion from the original policy of union with Canada, for Mr. Pope and his oolleagu were as determined as had been the Liberals to join confederation. But there was a great change in the personal rela- tionships involved. in Ottawa the Conservative victory was well re- ceived. Bir John Macdonald was de- lighted. To the Governor General he wrote:-"?ope's party which has triumphed was always in close al- liance with us of the Dominion on the subject of confederation.”

Mr. Pope's confederation policy was to seek still better terms. but Mr. Laird insisted that the Island had no grounds for seeking further con- sideration from the federal govern- ment. ln this view he was ably sup- ported by a new and promising young member oi thc legislature, Louis Davies. In some quarters it was rumoured that Laird would jflln in a coalition under Pope, but there is no evidence that Mr. Laird hnd any intention of doing so. The Cana- dian Prime Minister heard thc ru- mour, and thereupon _ advised i..o;d Dufferin that “I understand that

Laird who was here with l-iavtliorne will join Pope's administration. I

hope this is so for the sake of lhe cause, although it docs not misc

Mr. Laird in my estimation. i-iis presence there will shield us from any attempts at still better terms."

But Mr. Laird did not Join with Pope, and the Ottawa government was not shielded from attempts at still better terms. 0n May 3, 1373 ‘Mr. Pope together with Hon. T. I-ledih l-luvilrnd and l-loya (‘rorzte W. l-Iowlan travelled to-Oitawa "o make a new bargain. They con- ferred with a committee of the Privy council, obtained a few added concessions, and returned to the Island to submit the terms for ap- proval. These terms, which were sup- ported by both Conservatives and Liberals. were approved in the logis-

lature by a vote of 28 to 2 and be- came the basis of the legislation ov which the Island bezame a part of Canada on July 1, i873. It is signifi- cant that when the Govcrnor General visited Charlottetown that summer the arch of welcome which greeted him bore the slogan "Long courted, won at last."

Eivlng our Enemies" the minister. G

v. TJI. Bussell Somers, "said:

the debauchery of the far comm-y. is an inaccurate use of language.

-Say if we will um tn 1 the of emu r m ' n n. t‘ n 1 1th a" “W” m“ “m” P” °‘ ‘°'¥“'°" ‘the Prodigal Son wasewillling: to desire ipeflbigitrelga, w: ‘ffligfiagedl gfisitggnmslbguaulggftg. the dammed. forgive him. Indeed he waei lie unhble to pardon no mater how 1015M by me only tlilnsgpthlhiogofild

Nice-Se it-the penitence of the

process It wil

4 But he

invectlv forgive, {nest so

Chicken Sous-

ages

nation Jerusale

Grtsaup’ Creep

unmb would I

<3 P lened r8“

3 lbs.

mfg -

l lb. 4 tokens

2 lbs. not r 6

tokens

I lb. 3

tokens

to spend each week

Let's

lies. keeping your ration f

- lambchops. On Thursday

_ make s dish which will ester eatisfyingly to the Fall days.

hearty appetites of these bill?

. n ,to m: oou us, as-weil- as-your popularity as a ‘$12.’ 1°.- rdeziofihngus. ram. - hos , lbepnratloned chicken for Friday's m“ 3M1 n °"" f? ‘°'5I'.;.l°" °8.‘.'.'.‘.'n‘°"3i° ’ “m?” ' v --- 0-»- 1°31“ s . or e7 - us or e ' p-Saturdey. provide a quiche meai for ‘only three 1f"3i,';,",;,,.$,,° Ml s?“ ‘nwhm ,, ‘to \_ I‘ A ~31‘? u_ are at the and of a woelr ‘oonnm, ashore-x Angus, m», __of goo _.eati ' _ tokens to hoard for sfutum m“ Bfil..§'_.___ " A oyx/i ,5. , _. . ~ . _ lac-roster a up! v .

Q tokens to c511 over, aft-over chicken for Sunday pie.

, .

Is it possible to have roasts under meat rationing? Oi cour . The family oi four with four meat coupons can start on Sunday with s ~ three-pound meet of veal requiring ' have e good dressing and plenty of testy brown gravy to accompany it. Enough will remain to combine with some" colorful vegetables and a good dream sauce to serve shortesise-ieshion on your best baking-pow er. biscuits on Monday. fish might well provide the protein dish of the meal aehion in line with the meatless day observance in restautaate.

Four tokens ere ration change fer Wednesday's

release, summe

only two coupons.

of

For Tuesday.

For Official Puribaea V braised short not of beef -““'°“ “fig...” ,,,. n , Tin, _ ‘i’

A boon

son returned homeJJenltent, who;

wrongdoer, Men and women. for- sivcness is a much more 59110115

Willi! makes it out to bel

there. He did forgive, sevent times first?“ "w i?“ ‘a. . we, s u the 11am. often nfinggwnhl. "m falling m catch his spirit, and sev- enty times seven he forgave them.

son too- hell, of altar that a treat millstoho should be hanged about his neck be cast into the midst of the sea. "Whited sepulchres," he ori some men he saw, "which outwardly aglpear beautiful, but in f l of dead men's bones, and of all uncleannese." If, says, Jesus contradicts himself, he is not forgiving, when he was

lterature, , third changer, where his condem- s

the prophet-s. d to th

that are sent uhnto hlel-Fehgw soil.‘ together. even as a hen gsthereth her chickens under her ye would not!" Always orgive he was, but even he could

o W fill ill d 111788 l breliless to m o c" m“ “m!

Official List

slag Al!!! OANOAD

(Mariflme Iroviaofl) Previously Ienorted

Mrs. Margaret H.

The "dog-toothed violet’? l3 not a k violet. but s

ma“ W!‘ Popular sentimen-

LA-NTIGELN

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ciples truth,

met another kind of per- d as nails and cruel as whom he said that it were

. and he

LANTIGEN

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en someone I answer, No, even thus hottest in his c, he still was willing to and at the close of that athing philippic in

S Matthew's twenty-

is tering, he cried, "O n1, Jerusalem. that killeth

LANTIGEN

have gathered thy children .

w s, nd wlhfinga to

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ve until the conditions

iri l and to forgivneisxilgssuite Ezontf n.

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Casualties

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l Dissolved lsseise lo In lakes by aeslii

SCIATICA, LUMBAGO,

Cererrbal

SPONDYLITIS, rianosrrls, NEURlTlS AND 0mm emu-cavern lil-IEUMATIC DISORDERS

AN IMININI’ PHYSICIAN

Writing in the “British Medical I speaks as follows in the issue oi’ January l5- 1936: “In my experience, the oral antigens have been mostly employed for cases of , rheumatic conditions