SKETCH OF Canadian Political History, 1841 TO 1879 (continued 2)
Reading edition
Canadian Illustrated News, March 29th, 1873.
149
“TOODLES,” AS PERFORMED AT THE PROVINCIAL HALL, TORONTO, ON THE 13TH INST.
Mrs. Toodles. (Hon. A——d McK——r.)—But, my dear Toodles.
Toodles. (Mr. R——t.)—Oh, don’t dear Toodles me—you’ll drive me mad—your conduct is scandalous in the extreme.
Mrs. T.—My dear Toodles, don’t say so.
Toodles.—But I will say so, Mrs. Toodles. What will become of us, with your passion for “contingencies.” I say, Mrs. Toodles, where’s the money, and echo answers, where.
Mrs. T.—I’m sure, my dear Toodles, I lay it out to the best advantage.
Toodles.—You shall not squander and waste our revenue.
Mrs. T.—My dear, I buy nothing but what is useful.
Toodles.—Useful—useless you mean. I won’t have the house turned into a museum for glass-ware and chromos. At the end of the year I ask, where’s the money—all gone too—spent in infernal nonsense.
150THE MANY-COUNSELLED ULYSSES.
This was one of a series of sketches by Mr. E. Jump, in which he cleverly dressed leading Canadian politicians in the costumes and characters of classic heroes. The aptness of the delineation in this case will be recognized by all.
Canadian Illustrated News, April 12th, 1873.
151
THE MANY-COUNSELLED ULYSSES.
“Ulysses, first in public cares, she found,
For prudent counsels like the gods renowned.”
[Pope, Iliad II., 205, 6.]
152“AFTER THE SESSION.”
On the 2nd of April, 1873, Honorable L. S. Huntington, member for Shefford, from his place in the House, charged Sir John A. Macdonald with having corruptly sold to Sir Hugh Allan the charter of the proposed Canadian Pacific Railway, for a large sum of money, which had been used as a Ministerial Bribery Fund in the preceding General Election. Shortly after this, and before any decided enquiry had been made into the matter, Parliament was adjourned (on May 23rd) until the following 13th of August. The cartoon playfully suggests the feeling of the Opposition, represented by Hon. A. Mackenzie, towards the accused Ministry during the “vacation.”
Grip, May 31st, 1873.
153
“AFTER THE SESSION; OR, ‘THE SITUATION.’”
J. A. M—C—D—N—LD.—“COME ON, OLD FELLOW, IT’S ALL RIGHT, YOU KNOW; IT’S MY TURN TO TREAT!”
A. M—K—NZ—E.—“OH, AYE, JONEY! BUT Y’MAUN RECOLLEC’ I’M TE-TOTAL—MORE ESPEECIALLY TILL AUGUST!”
154“CANADA’S LAOCOON.”
An adaptation of the classical story of Laocoon and the serpents to the circumstances of some of the parties to what was already known as the “Pacific Scandal.” The persons represented are Sir Hugh Allan, (to whom the charter was sold), Sir John Macdonald, and Sir Francis Hincks. It is due to the latter gentleman to point out that, as indicated in the cartoon, he was merely suspected of complicity in the matter, and most emphatically denied the truth of the allegation of his guilt, made in some of the newspapers.
Grip, July 19th, 1873.
155
“CANADA’S LAOCOON;” OR, VIRGIL ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION. “Ecce autem gemini a Tenedo, tranquilla per alta, &c.”—Æneid, Book II. (Freely Translated.)
“When lo! two snakes (perhaps from the Yankee shore),
Together trail their folds across the floor,
With precious scandals reared in front they wind,
Charge after charge, in long drawn length behind!
While opposition benches cheer the while,
And John A. smiles a very ghastly smile!—and—”
Everybody knows the rest!
156“WILL HE COME TO GRIEF?”
The legend of this cartoon sufficiently explains its import. The facetious occupation of the Clown had its analogue in the course pursued by the Globe during the “Scandal” excitement—an eager desire to see the hero of the business unseated.
Grip, July 26th, 1873.
157
WILL HE COME TO GRIEF? THE THRILLING ACT NOW IN THE RING OF THE POLITICAL CIRCUS.
158“DUFFERIN’S TORMENTORS.”
The Ministerial party in the House, headed by Sir John Macdonald, were exceedingly anxious for a prorogation of Parliament,—the Opposition as earnestly opposed that course. Their counter entreaties to the Governor-General on the subject suggested the familiar scene of the railway passenger and his friends the “cabbies.”
Grip, August 2nd, 1873.
159
“DUFFERIN’S TORMENTORS, OR PER VIAS RECTAS.”
J—N A. (Anxiously).—“CARRIAGE, SIR? ‘MINISTERIAL’ HOTEL—ONLY CONSTITUTIONAL PLACE IN THE CITY—COME ALONG WITH ME, SIR.”
Mc—K—NZ—(Eagerly).—“THIS WAY, MY LORD—‘REFORM’ HOUSE! TAK’ THE RIGHT COURSE—GIE’ US YER CHECKS!!”
L—D D—FF—N.—“MUCH OBLIGED, GENTLEMEN, I ASSURE YOU; BUT I HAVE A ‘RIG’ OF MY OWN AT HAND, YOU KNOW.”
160“THE DAINTY DISH.”
A note here is perhaps superfluous. The faces of the “blackbirds” in the “pie” are those of Hon. M. Langevin, (a prominent member of the Macdonald Government), Sir Hugh Allan, James Beaty, Esq., (to represent the Leader), Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Francis Hincks, “Uncle Sam,” and T. C. Patteson, Esq., (representing the Mail newspaper). On Messrs. Blake and Mackenzie devolved the task of presenting the savory dish before Parliament.
Grip, August 9th, 1873.
161
“ISN’T THAT A DAINTY DISH TO SET BEFORE A KING?”—Nursery Rhyme.
162“WHITHER ARE WE DRIFTING.”
General indignation was expressed throughout the country, when, in accordance with the advice of the implicated Premier, Parliament was prorogued, and the investigation of the scandal thus delayed. The words imputed to Sir John in the cartoon had been used by him on the floor of the House, and became a popular by-word while the discussion on the subject lasted.
Grip, August 16th, 1873.
163
WHITHER ARE WE DRIFTING?
164“THE BEAUTIES OF A ROYAL COMMISSION.”
This cartoon was intended to satirize the appointment by Sir John A. Macdonald of a Royal Commission, composed of his own friends, to inquire into and report upon the charges brought by the Hon. Mr. Huntington. The sentiment of the press and public with regard to this proceeding justified the implication of the caricature, that the accused Premier was virtually “trying himself.”
Grip, August 23rd, 1873.
165
THE BEAUTIES OF A ROYAL COMMISSION. “WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN?”
166“WAITING FOR HUNTINGTON.”
Hon. Mr. Huntington refused to acknowledge the Royal Commission appointed by the accused Minister, and declined to submit his case before it. The motive imputed to him by the Conservative press for this refusal was fear, and in the eyes of his friends Sir John sustained the attitude represented in the cartoon.
Grip, August 30th, 1873.
167
WAITING FOR HUNTINGTON!
168“THE IRREPRESSIBLE SHOWMAN.”
Apropos of the visit to Canada of Barnum, the Showman, during the Pacific Scandal “fever.”
Grip, September 13th, 1873.
169
THE IRREPRESSIBLE SHOWMAN. BARNUM WANTS TO BUY THE “PACIFIC SCANDAL.”
170“BLACKWASH AND WHITEWASH.”
“Illustrating,” as the legend goes on to say, “the recent great Opposition speeches, and the doings of the jolly Royal Commission.” The Reformers, of course, lost no opportunity of painting Sir John in grimy colors; while it was generally acknowledged that the Royal Commissioners and the Conservative press did little more during the excitement than “whitewash” him.
Grip, September 20th, 1873.
171
BLACKWASH AND WHITEWASH. ILLUSTRATING THE RECENT GREAT OPPOSITION SPEECHES, AND THE DOINGS OF THE JOLLY ROYAL COMMISSION.
172“WE IN CANADA SEEM TO HAVE LOST ALL IDEA OF JUSTICE, HONOR AND INTEGRITY.”
So said the Mail, the leading Conservative organ, on September 26th. Grip sought to point this lugubrious confession with an illustration drawn from the topic of the hour.
Grip, September 27th, 1873.
173
“WE IN CANADA SEEM TO HAVE LOST ALL IDEA OF JUSTICE, HONOR AND INTEGRITY.”—The Mail, 26th September.
174“PROGRESSING FAVORABLY.”
A peep into the hearts of the Reform leaders during the interesting period of Sir John Macdonald’s political “indisposition.” The “Poor dear Premier” may be seen, if the reader will take the trouble to peer into the bedroom.
Grip, October 4th, 1873.
175
“PROGRESSING FAVORABLY.”
MISS CANADA (Anxiously).—“DOCTORS, HOW DO YOU FIND THE POOR DEAR PREMIER?”
DR. B—N (For the M.D.’s).—“MADAM, WE’VE JUST HAD A CONSULTATION; THE SYMPTOMS ARE HOPEFUL—WE BELIEVE HE CAN’T SURVIVE OCTOBER!”
176“REHEARSING FOR THE 23RD.”
Representing the spirit in which the Leaders of the respective parties approached what was expected to be the decisive date.
Grip, October 11th, 1873.
177
REHEARSING FOR THE 23RD INSTANT.
M—K—ZIE—“I WILL FIGHT HIM UPON THIS THEME UNTIL MY EYELIDS WILL NO LONGER WAG!”—Hamlet, Act v., Scene 1.
JOHN A.—“WHAT DO I FEAR?”—Richard III., Act v., Scene 3.
178“WILL HE GET THROUGH?”
The question which was on all lips during the interim between the prorogation of the House of Commons on the 13th of August and the day fixed for its re-assembling, October 23rd. The prophecy conveyed in the unreasonable smallness of the hoop in the clown’s hand was duly realized.
Grip, October 18th, 1873.
179
“WILL HE GET THROUGH?”
180“A CASE OF RIEL DISTRESS.”
The murder of Thomas Scott, at Fort Garry, during the Red River Rebellion, naturally excited great indignation throughout the Dominion, and a universal demand was made for the apprehension and punishment of Louis Riel, the leader of the malcontents, at whose instigation the deed was committed. This righteous sentiment, however, ultimately resolved itself into mere political “claptrap,” the Conservative Government, then in power, having secretly promised the rebels an amnesty, while publicly professing an anxious desire to “catch him.”
Grip, October 25th, 1873.
181
A CASE OF RIEL DISTRESS!
182 “Of comfort no man speak;
Let’s talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs!”—Shakespeare.
Typical of the overwhelming grief which seized the Conservative party on being turned out of office, after a reign of nearly twenty years.
Grip, November 1st, 1873.
183
“OF COMFORT NO MAN SPEAK; LET’S TALK OF GRAVES, OF WORMS, AND EPITAPHS!”—Shakespeare.
184“MISS CANADA’S SCHOOL.”
Being a word of advice to the new Premier. The persons represented in the Cartoon are, commencing at the head of the “class,” Hon. A. Mackenzie, Hon. Edward Blake, Hon. George Brown, Hon. E. B. Wood, Louis Riel (who had been elected M.P. for Provencher, Manitoba), Hon. M. Langevin, James Beaty, Esq., M.P., T. C. Patteson, Esq., manager of the Mail, Sir Francis Hincks, and Sir John Macdonald. Monitor, His Excellency, Earl Dufferin, Governor-General.
Grip, November 8th, 1873.
185
MISS CANADA’S SCHOOL (Dedicated to the New Premier). MISS CANADA (To the Boy at the Head)—“NOW, ALEXANDER, BE VERY CAREFUL, OR I’LL PUT YOU WHERE JOHN IS!”
186“THE POLITICAL MOTHER HUBBARD.”
It had been currently reported in the newspapers that the dignity of the Lieut.-Governorship of Ontario was to have been bestowed on the Hon. George Brown, immediately on the accession to power of the Reform Government. The new Ministers discovered, however, that Sir John Macdonald had, in the last gasp of his official life, appointed one of his own colleagues (the Hon. John Crawford) to the position in question, besides disposing of ninety-nine other “places” in the gift of the First Minister.
Grip, November 15th, 1873.
187
THE POLITICAL MOTHER HUBBARD AND JOHN A.’S “DYING INIQUITY.”
188“THE IRREPRESSIBLE JACK.”
The circumstances under which Sir John Macdonald was deposed from power seemed to warrant the assumption of the Reformers that he was “done for.” But, on the contrary, it only seemed the signal for additional honors to be heaped upon him by the Conservative Party, who unhesitatingly chose him leader of the Opposition, and nominated him as member for Kingston, West Toronto, etc., not to mention banquets, and other species of emphasis.
Grip, November 22nd, 1873.
189
THE IRREPRESSIBLE JACK; OR, THE CONSERVATIVE RESUSCITATION. JOHN A. (Side Showman)—“DID YOU THINK THE LITTLE FELLER’S SPRING WAS BROKE, MY DEARS?”
190“THE PREMIER’S MODEL.”
In an address to the electors of Lambton, soon after the accession to power of the Reform Party, Mr. Mackenzie declared the cardinal points of the Policy he would inaugurate, as leader, to be “Electoral Purity” and “the Independence of Parliament.” (Before entering political life, Mr. Mackenzie followed the vocation of stone-mason.)
Grip, November 29th, 1873.
191
THE PREMIER’S MODEL; OR, “IMPLEMENTS TO THOSE WHO CAN USE THEM.” Canada—“WELL AND BRAVELY DONE, MACKENZIE; NOW STAND BY THAT POLICY, AND I’M WITH YOU ALWAYS!”
192“THE POLITICAL GIANT-KILLER.”
The “Canada First” movement, having for its object the cultivation of a national sentiment and the extinction of political party strife, was inaugurated about this time.
Grip, December 13th, 1873.
193
THE POLITICAL GIANT-KILLER; OR, “CANADA FIRST.”
194“THE WEST TORONTO RUN.”
In the General Election which followed the defeat of the Conservative Government, Mr. E. O. Bickford contested West Toronto in the interest of the New Opposition, and rested his claims to the seat mainly on the prestige of Sir John Macdonald, declaring that, if elected, he would follow that honorable gentleman through weal or woe. As the cartoon suggests, he met with defeat.
Grip, December 20th, 1873.
195
THE WEST TORONTO RUN. B—CKF—RD (Jockey of the Nag “John A.”)—“SAY, GOV’NOR, LOOK HERE, THIS HOSS AIN’T WO’TH SHUCKS ON HIS OWN MERITS!”
196“CHRISTMAS PIE.”
The treat which Santa Claus had in store for the Reformers.
Grip, December 27th, 1873.
197
“CHRISTMAS PIE.”
198JOHNNY’S “TURN;” OR, NEW YEAR’S JOY.
The election of Mr. D’Arcy Boulton as Conservative member for South Simcoe, in the Ontario Legislature, took place about this time. Although the influence of this event on the fortunes of the late Premier of the Dominion was hardly discoverable, it was hailed by the Conservative press as the earnest of a reaction in favor of that party. A Mr. Saunders (whose face our artist had not seen) was Mr. Boulton’s opponent in the contest.
Grip, January 3rd, 1874.
199
JOHNNY’S “TURN,” OR NEW YEAR’S JOY.
200“THE CRUEL OBJECT OF DISSOLUTION.”
Mr. Mackenzie and his colleagues advised the dissolution of Parliament on taking office. This was accordingly carried out, with the object, as the cartoon suggests, of keeping Sir John and his comrades “out in the cold.”
Grip, January 10th, 1874.
201
THE CRUEL OBJECT OF “DISSOLUTION.”
202“POLITICAL PASTIMES.”
Political sport, analogous to this, occupied the minds of the “boys” and the newspapers during the recess.
Grip, January 31st, 1874.
203
POLITICAL PASTIMES.
204“PITY THE DOMINIE; OR, JOHNNY’S RETURN.”
Anent the re-election of Sir John A. Macdonald as member for Kingston, in the general election which followed the accession of the Reform Government.
Grip, February 7th, 1874.
205
PITY THE DOMINIE; OR, JOHNNY’S RETURN. Canada—“HERE’S OUR JOHNNY FOR YOU AGAIN, MR. MACKENZIE! YOU’LL FIND HIM APT ENOUGH, BUT FRANKLY, SIR, HE’S FULL OF MISCHIEF!”
206“THE NEW DEPARTURE.”
Hon. Edward Blake’s withdrawal from the new Government, very shortly after it had taken possession of the Treasury Benches, created an unpleasant sensation throughout the country. The hon. gentleman had been perhaps the main instrument in bringing about a fall of the preceding Cabinet.
Grip, February 21st, 1874.
207
THE NEW DEPARTURE. Spouse B——e.—“FAREWELL FOR THE PRESENT, DEAR; YOU AND THE GIRLS MUST MANAGE THE HOUSE IN MY ABSENCE!”
208“THE CURSE OF CANADA.”
Whiskey.
Grip, February 28th, 1874.
209
THE CURSE OF CANADA. IS THERE NO ARM TO SAVE?
210“THE OPPOSITION QUARTETTE.”
The most prominent members of the Opposition (Conservative) in the Ontario Legislature were Messrs. M. C. Cameron, Q.C., J. Chas. Rykert, A. W. Lauder and A. Boultbee. These gentlemen were always most active and energetic in their labor of fault-finding, and at the time of the cartoon were ringing the changes on the public accounts of the Province, which were undergoing examination in Committee.
Grip, March 7th, 1874.
211
THE OPPOSITION QUARTETTE. PERFORMING THE NEW AND HIGHLY AGGRAVATING AIR ENTITLED “PUBLIC ACCOUNTS.”
212“A QUESTION FOR PAY DAY.”
The “Opposition Quartette” had vigorously assailed the action of the Hon. A. McKellar for having, in his capacity as Minister of Public Works, granted a half holiday (at the public expense) to the workmen engaged in building the Central Prison at Toronto, to allow them an opportunity of attending a nomination meeting in the West Division of the city. In view of the meagre amount of work done on the left side of the Speaker during the session, Grip’s question was quite logical.
Grip, March 21st, 1874.
213
A QUESTION FOR PAY DAY; OR, “CENTRAL PRISON” LOGIC APPLIED. GRIP (LOQ.)—“GENTLEMEN, IS THERE ANY ‘SCANDAL’ ABOUT YOUR DRAWING A FULL SESSION’S PAY FOR NO WORK AT ALL?”
214“‘GRIP’S’ PERPETUAL COMEDY.”
The adjournment of the Ontario Legislature was immediately followed by the assembling of the Dominion Parliament at Ottawa.
Grip, March 28th, 1874.
215
“GRIP’S” PERPETUAL COMEDY. “THEY HAVE THEIR EXITS AND THEIR ENTRANCES.”
216“THE VACANT CHAIR.”
Louis Riel, the leader of the Red River Rebellion and alleged murderer of Thomas Scott, had been returned for Provencher, Manitoba, to the Dominion Parliament. He prudently failed to take his seat in the House, while the unanimity with which both sides cried for his arrest made “the vacant chair” a bond of union for the time being.
Grip, April 4th, 1874.
217
THE VACANT CHAIR. A RIEL BOND OF UNION.
218“THE SCIENCE OF CHEEK.”
A great sensation was caused throughout the country at the announcement that Riel had actually appeared in the House at Ottawa and signed the Members’ Roll. This he did incog., and immediately afterwards disappeared. The cartoon anticipated his next step in the “Science of Cheek.”
Grip, April 11th, 1874.
219
THE SCIENCE OF CHEEK; OR, RIEL’S NEXT MOVE. RIEL (LOQ.)—“FIVE TOUSSAND DOLLARS! BY GAR, I SHALL ARREST ZE SCOUNDREL MYSELF!”
220“A TOUCHING APPEAL.”
On the accession of Mr. Mackenzie’s Government a large deficit in the treasury was discovered. Mr. (now Sir Richard) Cartwright, Finance Minister, in his Budget speech, attributed this to the extravagance and corruption of the preceding Administration. A new tariff was issued, in which the duties on various articles were raised considerably.
Grip, April 18th, 1874.
221
A TOUCHING APPEAL. (“TOUCHING” THE SECRET OF INCREASED TAXATION.) YOUNG CANADA—“SAY, UNCLE JOHN, WON’T YOU GIVE ME A ‘DEFICIT?’ MA SAYS YOU GAVE THE GRITS ONE!”
222“MRS. GAMP’S HOME-THRUST.”
Early in the session a committee was appointed to inquire into the cause of the North-West difficulties, and during the progress of the inquiry evidence was elicited (mainly from Archbishop Tache) which implicated Sir John A. Macdonald. The Reform Party is represented in the cartoon as facetiously anticipating a repetition of the right hon. gentleman’s famous asseveration of his innocence.
Grip, May 2nd, 1874.
223
MRS. GAMP’S HOME-THRUST. SAIREY GAMP (The Reform Party).—“’AVEN’T GOT NOTHINK TO SAY ABOUT THEM ’ANDS THIS TIME, I SUPPOGE, MISTER SIR JOHN?”
224“PACIFIC PASTIMES.”
The Reform Government took up the Pacific Railway scheme, but initiated a new policy with regard to it. Sir John Macdonald had pledged the country to complete the entire work within ten years. Mr. Mackenzie characterized this as a physical impossibility, and proposed, as the cartoon has it, “to tak’ the distance in sensible like jumps, ye ken!”
Grip, May 16th, 1874.
225
PACIFIC PASTIMES; OR, THE HARD “ROAD TO TRAVEL.”
226“DIGNITY” WITHOUT “IMPUDENCE.”
The Dominion Senate, usually so passive and quiet, strikingly signalized its life and vim during this session by throwing out a bill introduced by Mr. Cameron, M.P. for South Huron, having for its object the re-distribution of the electoral divisions composing that Riding.
Grip, May 23rd, 1874.
227
“DIGNITY” WITHOUT “IMPUDENCE.” OLD MADAME SENATE—“I SAY, MR. LOWER-HOUSE MACKENZIE, WHO’S RUNNING THIS COUNTRY, ANYHOW?”
228JUSTICE AND GENEROSITY
Hon. (now Sir) A. A. Dorion, a prominent leader of the Rouge or French Reform Party, occupied the office of Minister of Justice in the Government of Hon. Alexander Mackenzie. In this capacity he offered to himself in the capacity of an able lawyer, a seat upon the Bench of his Province, which offer was gratefully accepted. He still occupies the position (1886).
Grip, July 6th, 1874.
229
JUSTICE & GENEROSITY; OR, “HOIST WITH HIS OWN”—PREROGATIVE. MRS. MINISTER OF JUSTICE DORION (To the Hon. A. A. Ditto)—“HE WAS A GOOD ’ITTLE GRITTSY-TITTSY, SO HE WAS, AND HE SHALL HAVE A NICE ’ITTLE SOFT SEATSY-TEETSY, SO HE SHALL!”
230ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON
As an outcome of reckless malice, amidst the passionate decisions of politics about this time, one of the Conservative papers published a scandalous libel reflecting upon the Hon. George Brown’s private character. With characteristic promptitude the assailed gentleman had the paper indicted, and a full apology was made. To those who knew Mr. Brown, there was no need of his trouble in this matter, but the event served as an illustration of his uncompromising self-respect.
Grip, August 8th, 1874.
231
“SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON.”
232THE CHIEF MOURNERS
An ingenious romancer on the staff of the Mail, had, some months before this, concocted a “scandal” at the expense of Hon. Archibald McKellar, a member of the Ontario Cabinet. The story—which was regarded from the first as a joke—was to the effect that Mr. McKellar had purchased for his official apartment a portrait of an unknown lady. This imputation of gallantry to the bucolic Minister—a man in all respects the reverse of the ideal knight—was what constituted the “point.” The alleged picture soon took its place in the armory of the Opposition and was constantly referred to as that of “Little Mrs. Blank.” In the Public Accounts Committee about the date of our cartoon, explanations were made by Messrs. Ewing & Co., from whom certain pictures had been purchased, which completely killed this pleasant fiction, and “Little Mrs. Blank” was no more. The leading Members of the Opposition—Messrs. M. C. Cameron, A. Boultbee, C. J. Rykert and A. W. Lauder—were supposed by the artist to have been much cast-down at the sudden demise of such a valuable auxiliary.
Grip, September 12th, 1874.
233
THE CHIEF MOURNERS.
234THE PLAIN FACT
The amended election law (introduced by the government of Mr. Mackenzie) was purposely made very stringent as a measure against bribery and corruption, and at this time trials were first conducted under its provisions. It so happened that the first victims were members of the party that had passed the measure, but the slaughter was by no means confined to that party. The expression “Come along, John, and put down bribery and corruption” had been imputed to a supporter of one of the unseated members, in the course of the election trial of Col. Walker, the member elect, at London, and for a considerable time the phrase was one of the catch-words of the Conservative Party.
Grip, September 19th, 1874.
235
THE PLAIN FACT. MACKENZIE—“COME ALONG, JOHN, AND PUT DOWN BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION; NEITHER OF US CAN RIDE VON MULE YET AWHILE.”
236THE PROFESSOR’S “BRIDAL” FOR PARTYISM
In the columns of the Canadian Monthly and the Nation (a weekly paper devoted to “Canada First” ideas), Prof. Goldwin Smith had written eloquently against the system of party government, more especially in the Provincial Houses. He advocated a fusion of the parties on the ground that there were no questions of principle to divide them. Mr. Brown, in the Globe, strongly opposed the theory, as a matter of course. Mr. William H. Howland was the originator of the Canada First Party, and a warm friend of Prof. Goldwin Smith.
Grip, October 10th, 1874.
237
THE PROFESSOR’S “BRIDAL” FOR PARTYISM; OR, THE DREAM OF “CURRENT EVENTS.” See The Canadian Monthly for October.
238SIGNOR BLAKE IN HIS CELEBRATED ACT OF KEEPING THE GLOBE IN SUSPENSE
Mr. Blake had made what the Globe called a “disturbing speech” at Aurora, in which he expressed some advanced ideas, and referred rather vaguely to the existence of a Reform Party that could find nothing to reform. As Mr. Blake was regarded as a man whose whole-hearted support was all but essential to the success of the Reform Ministry then in office, the attitude he occupied was most unsatisfactory to the chief Government organ. Mr. Goldwin Smith and Mr. Howland, as representatives of the Canada First Party, fancied they could detect some gleams of hope for that propagander in Mr. Blake’s speech.
Grip, October 31st, 1874.
239
SIGNOR BLAKE IN HIS POPULAR ACT OF KEEPING THE GLOBE IN SUSPENSE.
240THE NEW CONSERVATIVE
By way of indirect reproof to Mr. Blake for his “disturbing” speech, and, perhaps, with special reference to that gentleman’s implied stricture on a “Reform party with nothing to Reform,” the Globe expressed its disapproval of the spirit of restless change, and intimated that there were times when Reformers could “rest and be thankful” without losing their right to the name. The Conservative party in the Ontario House were, at the time, in sore need of recruits; and, no doubt, would have welcomed the accession of this new Conservative.
Grip, November 7th, 1874.
241
THE NEW CONSERVATIVE. See The Globe, Wednesday, Nov. 4.
242SIX AND HALF A DOZEN
As a reply to the jibes of the Globe on the subject of political corruption, the Conservative party recalled the record of Mr. George Brown in the Brown vs. Gibbs contest in South Ontario, some years previously. This election, it was alleged, had been characterized by glaring instances of bribery on the Reform side; but there was, in those days, little or no legal restraint put upon such tactics.
Grip, November 28th, 1874.
243
SIX AND HALF A DOZEN. SIR JOHN—“MR. BROWN, DO YOU THINK YOU COULD GO THROUGH THIS HOOP AS WELL AS I WENT THROUGH THAT ONE, IF YOU HAD A ‘TRIAL’”?
244CHRISTMAS MORNING
In accordance with the time-honored custom, Mr. Grip fills the stockings of his proteges with good things, in recognition of Christmas, which comes “but once a year.”
Grip, December 26th, 1874.
245
CHRISTMAS MORNING; OR, THE POLITICAL STOCKINGS.
246POLITICAL PLUCK
This widely-known chromo was adapted to the situation of the Ontario Opposition without the necessity for any change in the figures. Messrs. Cameron, Rykert and Boultbee, as the acknowledged leaders of the Conservatives in the Local House, maintained a constant allegiance to their Federal leader, Sir John Macdonald, both in and out of the local arena. It was a well-known fact that amongst that astute politician’s most eager desires, was a longing to get possession of the treasury benches of Ontario, upon which a Reform Government had long been firmly seated.
Grip, January 16th, 1875.
247
“POLITICAL PLUCK.” (PLAYFULLY ADAPTED FROM A WELL-KNOWN CHROMO.)
248THE POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICE
Hon. Adam Crooks, Minister of Education in the Mowat Cabinet, having been defeated in East Toronto, remained for some months without a seat in the House. Hon. William Macdougall, who had been politically “everything by turns and nothing long,” and who had failed to get a Lieutenant-Governorship in Manitoba, or a seat in East York, was at this time showing a disposition to throw in his lot with the Reform Party, but met with small encouragement.
Grip, January 30th, 1875.
249
THE POLITICAL INTELLIGENCE OFFICE; OR, SITUATIONS WANTED.
250LOYALTY IN A QUANDARY
In the House of Commons, Sir John Macdonald sought to make a point against the Mackenzie Government for having declared an amnesty to those concerned in the Half-breed rebellion in Manitoba, which amnesty included Lepine, one of the rebel leaders, who had been condemned to death. As, at this time, the prerogative of clemency was vested in the Crown, the action to which exception was taken was that of the Governor-General and not of the Government. By the efforts of Hon. Edward Blake, a change was subsequently made in the Governor-General’s instructions, by which the responsibility in this, as in other matters, was vested in the Government.
Grip, February 6th, 1875.
251
LOYALTY IN A QUANDARY; OR, THE “LEPINE CASE” MADE PLAIN.
252OTHELLO BROWN’S APOLOGY
Hon. George Brown had undertaken a mission to Washington, on behalf of the Government, to secure a reciprocity treaty between the United States and Canada, but was unsuccessful in his efforts. Mr. Brown was now a prominent member of the Canadian Senate.
Grip, February 27th, 1875.
253
OTHELLO BROWN’S APOLOGY, BEFORE THE SENATE, FEBRUARY 15TH, 1875.
254WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL
The growing sentiment of the country against the liquor traffic had been voiced in Parliament by Mr. G. W. Ross, a member of the Reform Party. The Government expressed a willingness to consider the subject of Legal Prohibition as soon as they had evidence that a majority of the people desired such a measure. Rev. Mr. Afflick, an eloquent English lecturer, was at this time making a tour of Canada in the interest of the temperance cause.
Grip, March 6th, 1875.
255
WAITING FOR THE SIGNAL.
256ARTEMUS WARD MILLS AND BETSY JANE SENATE
Hon. David Mills, Minister of the Interior in the Mackenzie Government, had moved a resolution in the House looking to the reorganization of the Dominion Senate. By the Confederation Act, the Members of the Senate were appointed for life, by the Governor in Council. A Conservative Ministry having made most of the appointments the Chamber naturally partook of a complexion highly unsatisfactory to the Liberal Party.
Grip, March 13th, 1875.
257
ARTEMUS WARD MILLS AND BETSY JANE SENATE.
258THE NERVOUS PASSENGER
The Globe looked upon Mr. Mills’ anti-Senate agitation with disfavor perhaps because Hon. George Brown had assented to the appointive principle as a member of the Government which drew up the Constitutional Act. It has already been noted that Mr. Blake’s Aurora speech had “disturbed” the Liberal organ, and that Mr. Goldwin Smith’s theories were also regarded as dangerous in that quarter. Under this combination of circumstances Mr. Brown’s Conservative tendencies were severely jolted.
Grip, March 20th, 1875.
259
THE NERVOUS PASSENGER.
260THE POLITICAL SPELLING-SCHOOL
The popular craze at this date was “Spelling Matches.” The persons represented in the cartoon were prominent members of the respective parties; those on the left (Conservative) being: Sir John A. Macdonald, Hon. M. C. Cameron, Messrs. P. Mitchell, Beatty, Patteson, Bunster, Alonzo Wright and Rykert; on the right (Reform) Messrs. Brown, Blake, Mackenzie, Laird, McKellar and Mowat, with Mr. Goldwin Smith. Mr. Samuel Platt, M.P., for East Toronto, had just passed successfully through the ordeal of an election trial, and is commended for his correct spelling of “Purity,” a word which had often bothered some of the other boys.
Grip, May 1st, 1875.
261
GRIP’S POLITICAL SPELLING MATCH.
262A GUESS AT THE GREAT SLEEPER’S DREAM
Mr. Blake had on several occasions spoken in favor of Imperial Federation—a scheme under which the colonies would send representatives to the Home Parliament. Taken in connection with the known fact that public life in Canada was but little to the taste of the able gentleman, Grip ventured to conjecture that a seat in the Imperial House, with its broader arena, might be amongst the visions of his moments of reflection.
Grip, May 15th, 1875.
263
A GUESS AT THE GREAT SLEEPER’S VISION.
264RE-ORGANIZING THE QUARTETTE
Hon. William Macdougall, at that time a Member of the Ontario Assembly, was regarded as an opponent of the Government. His ability assured for him a prominent position, and Mr. C. J. Rykert having obtained a seat in the House of Commons, Mr. Macdougall was supposed to have taken his place as a member of the celebrated “Quartette.” The cartoon represents the members as tuning up for a performance.
Grip, May 22nd, 1875.
265
RE-ORGANIZING THE QUARTETTE. WILLIAM McD—G—LL (New Recruit)—“I’M PERFECTLY IN ACCORD WITH MR. CAMERON.”
266MR. DAVENPORT BLAKE IS PUT INTO THE CABINET
Mr. Blake was induced to accept a seat in the Mackenzie Ministry without portfolio. His presence added a great element of strength to the Government, but the gratification of his colleagues at his accession was somewhat modified by the fear that he might at any moment begin to play upon the “disturbing” instruments.
Grip, May 29th, 1875.
267
MR. DAVENPORT BLAKE IS PUT INTO THE CABINET.
268PERFECT FREEDOM! O, FOR LIBERTY!
Mr. Mackenzie was at this time on a visit to his native country, where he was honored with the freedom of Perth and Dundee, and otherwise handsomely recognized. It had long been a common saying in Canada that Mr. George Brown, through the Globe, exercised a supreme influence over the Reform Government.
Grip, July 24th, 1875.
269
PERFECT FREEDOM! O, FOR LIBERTY!
270THE POLITICAL SITUATION
Mr. Goldwin Smith’s teachings on the subject of “No Partyism” excited the hostility of both Grit and Tory partizans, and his position between the Globe and Mail was precisely that of the hapless school-boy pictured in the chromo of which the cartoon is an adaptation.
Grip, July 31st, 1875.
271
THE POLITICAL SITUATION. (ADAPTED FROM A POPULAR CHROMO.)
272THE UNPATRONIZED NOSTRUM VENDOR
The note to Cartoon No. 120 might be repeated as a comment upon this. Mr. Smith was the recipient of a good deal of violent abuse in reply to his attacks on Partyism, and being naturally a man of uncommon sensitiveness, and very impatient of criticism, his lot was indeed “not a happy one.”
Grip, August 7th, 1875.
273
THE UNPATRONIZED NOSTRUM VENDOR.
274PROFESSOR SMITH’S SERMON ON PARTYISM
It is needless to say to those who know anything of Mr. Goldwin Smith that he defended himself against his critics with passionate brilliancy. The sentence he is represented as speaking in the cartoon occurred in one of his retorts upon the Globe, and was considered unusually cutting as an exposition of that journal’s strict religious orthodoxy in contrast with its merciless treatment of its opponents.
Grip, August 21st, 1875.
275
PROFESSOR SMITH’S SERMON ON ATHEISM. (See the “Nation,” August 13th.)
276INCONSISTENT PRACTICE OF FREE TRADE DR. BROWN
Mr. George Brown was an earnest advocate of the Free Trade principle in political economy, and was always vigorous in his denunciation of the opposite principle in any direction. About this time the Globe had earnestly denounced the action of the Ontario Society of Physicians and Surgeons for having prosecuted an unlicensed practitioner, under a law which the Globe always regarded as narrow and tyrannical. This was not very consistent with the attitude it sustained towards Mr. Goldwin Smith as a healer of the body politic. Mr. Alderman Baxter, well-known in Toronto, is used as a metaphorical figure of Justice.
Grip, September 4th, 1875.
277
INCONSISTENT “PRACTICE” OF FREE TRADE DR. BROWN.
278PISTOLS FOR THREE
Rev. Egerton Ryerson, D.D., was drawn into the Brown-Smith controversy, and it soon became what is known as a “game of cut-throat”—each against the others. Grip, believing that, in the stereotyped newspaper phrase, “this correspondence had gone on long enough,” was tempted to suggest a fatal shot all round as perhaps the only way of securing a “rest” for the reading public.
Grip, September 11th, 1875.
279
PISTOLS FOR THREE; OR, THE TRIANGULAR “DUEL.”
280CANADIAN POLITICS: A PICTURE FOR THE PARTIES
Mr. Goldwin Smith continued his attacks upon Partyism with unabated vigor in the columns of the Nation and the Canadian Monthly, his contention being that the chief end and aim of both “factions” was office.
Grip, September 25th, 1875.
281
CANADIAN POLITICS: A PICTURE FOR THE “PARTIES.”
282POLITICAL PURITY; OR, POT AND KETTLE
Mr. George Brown had written a letter to a political friend—Senator Simpson—asking for a contribution towards the election fund of the Reform Party in the heat of the general election. This letter was secured by the Conservative Party, and commented upon as a set-off to the celebrated telegram of Sir John Macdonald, calling upon Sir Hugh Allan for “another $10,000.” Mr. Brown vigorously denied that he had used any of the money contributed for other than legitimate expenses, or that his letter had been written with any corrupt intent.
Grip, October 2nd, 1875.
283
POLITICAL PURITY; OR, POT AND KETTLE.
284THE MINISTERIAL SHANTY
Mr. Joseph Cauchon, a prominent representative of Quebec, was taken into the Mackenzie Cabinet. M. Cauchon had, some time previously, been denounced by Mr. Brown, in connection with an episode in his Provincial career, as a most unworthy man. The incident referred to—that of making a speculation at the expense of the inmates of the Beauport Asylum at Quebec—was characterized by Mr. Brown as an offence that was “rank and smelled to heaven,” and this expression was constantly quoted by the Tory press during M. Cauchon’s connection with the Ministry.
Grip, December 18th, 1875.
285
THE MINISTERIAL SHANTY; OR, THE CAUCHON AT HOME.
286THE EQUIVOCAL RECOMMEND
The note to No. 127 will sufficiently explain the difficulty the Globe found in giving M. Cauchon a very hearty “send off” as Member of the Reform Administration.
Grip, December 25th, 1875.
287
THE EQUIVOCAL RECOMMEND.
“IF THE GLOBE BELIEVES M. CAUCHON FIT TO SIT IN THE MINISTRY, IT OWES HIM AN APOLOGY FOR MALIGNING HIM IN THE PAST.”—KINGSTON WHIG.
288THE PRINCE OF ORANGE
Hon. Mackenzie Bowell occupied a high place in the Conservative ranks by virtue of his connection with the Orange Order; Sir Hector Langevin was regarded as similarly representing Ultramontane views. Politically and personally they were warm friends and colleagues. The cartoon was a satirical allusion to some Orange “bounce” that had been indulged in by Mr. Bowell out of the House.
Grip, February 19th, 1876.
289
THE “PRINCE OF ORANGE;” OR, ANYTHING TO BEAT THE GOVERNMENT.
290RUNNING BEFORE THE PROTECTION WIND
The Conservative Party, becoming weary of the cold shades of opposition, took advantage of the “hard times” to proclaim a policy of Protection to Home Industries as the only salvation for the country. The Government, it was alleged, was largely responsible for the depression, and could relieve it only by raising the tariff. This cry seemed to meet with popular approval.
Grip, March 18th, 1876.
291
RUNNING BEFORE THE PROTECTION WIND.
292THE POLITICAL SAMSON
Mr. Blake had settled down into a steady and efficient Member of the Administration, though the popular belief was that his heart was not really in his toil.
Grip, March 25th, 1876.
293
THE POLITICAL SAMSON GRINDING FOR THE PHILISTINES.
294EATING THE LEEK; OR, “HENRY V.” AS LATELY PLAYED IN THE COMMONS
Mr. Mackenzie had been charged with nepotism in connection with the purchase of steel rails for the C. P. R.—the contract for the purchase having been awarded to a firm in which it was alleged the Premier’s brother had an interest. This charge had been repeated frequently upon the hustings, although Mr. Mackenzie had demonstrated that it was unfounded. His explanation upon the floor of Parliament at this time gave the final death blow to the slander.
Grip, April 8th, 1876.
295
EATING THE LEEK; OR, “HENRY V.” AS LATELY PLAYED IN THE COMMONS. FLUELLAN.—MR. MACKENZIE. — PISTOL.—DR. TUPPER.
296THE DEPRESSION COMMITTEE SIMPLIFIED
The Protection agitation induced the Government to appoint a committee to investigate the causes of the Depression of Trade. This committee was composed mainly of Government supporters, well-known to be free-traders, and its report was to the effect that a Protective Tariff would not cure the difficulty, which arose from causes beyond Governmental control.
Grip, April 29th, 1876.
297
THE “DEPRESSION COMMITTEE” SIMPLIFIED.
298OFF WITH HIS HEAD
The Crooks Act, a measure intended to further restrict the evils of the liquor traffic, came into force at this time. Under the provisions of this Act the number of licenses to be issued by any municipality was limited, and the consequence was a wholesale “decapitation” of liquor sellers throughout the Province. The Act was framed by Hon. Adam Crooks, and in the cartoon is being appropriately carried out by Hon. O. Mowat, the head of the “Executive.”
Grip, May 6th, 1876.
299
OFF WITH HIS HEAD! “RICHARD III.,” AS PLAYED BY MR. CROOKS THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE.
300THE COOL RECEPTION
Sir A. T. Galt, a statesman to whom reference is frequently made in earlier sections of this work, felt called upon to lift a warning voice against the political pretentions of the Romish hierarchy in Canada. With this view he delivered an able lecture on “Church and State” in Toronto. His effort met with considerable popular applause but was studiously ignored by the newspaper organs of both the political parties, plainly out of regard to “the Catholic vote.”
Grip, June 10th, 1876.
301
THE COOL RECEPTION. G. B. AND JOHN A.—“SORRY WE CAN’T RECEIVE YOU CORDIALLY, MR. GALT; BUT—YOU SEE HOW IT IS.”
302MASTER OF THE SITUATION
Mr. Justice Wilson, speaking from the Bench in the matter of Simpson vs. Wilkinson (a suit for libel which arose out of the publication of a letter from Hon. George Brown to Senator John Simpson, requesting a contribution to the Reform Election Fund), declared emphatically that the letter had been written for corrupt purposes. This Mr. Brown had repeatedly denied, offering to account for the expenditure of every cent contributed to the fund in question. The Judge’s repetition of the statement—which Mr. Brown contended had been actuated by political malice—threw the Globe into great fury, and the learned jurist was “handled without gloves” in several articles.
Grip, July 15th, 1876.
303
MASTER OF THE SITUATION.
304TRYING TO SMUGGLE ACROSS
Sir John Macdonald had so far recovered his self-assurance by this time, that he and his followers were calmly asserting that there really was “nothing in” the Pacific Scandal. The Conservative press had in fact ceased to call it a “Scandal” at all; “Slander” was the word now used. The possibility that Sir John could so far regain the confidence of the Canadian people as to get back to office was amongst the things the Globe regarded as ridiculous.
Grip, July 29th, 1876.
305
TRYING TO SMUGGLE ACROSS. POLICEMAN G. B.—“NOTHING IN IT! THEN WHY NOT VINDICATE YOURSELF BY HAVING IT THOROUGHLY EXAMINED.”
306THE POLITICAL MRS. SQUEERS
To the upright and respectable members of the Conservative Party the Pacific Scandal had been a terrible blow, and amongst these there was none whose character stood higher than that of Hon. M. C. Cameron, the leader of the Opposition in the Ontario Assembly. The exigencies of his position, however, made it imperative that he should be in accord with the Party at large, and in due course he brought himself to believe that there was more slander than scandal in the unpleasant affair.
Grip, August 5th, 1876.
307
THE POLITICAL MRS. SQUEERS AND HER NAUSEOUS DOSE.
308THE ONLY SATISFYING PICNIC AFTER ALL
While the Reformers were enjoying the good things of office, Sir John and his principal colleagues were passing the summer in making a picnic tour. The political picnic had become of late years a Canadian institution, and although there were pleasures to be derived from the outings in the leafy woods, with their accompanying buns, lemonade and political addresses, these were not to be compared to the attractions of the Treasury Benches.
Grip, August 19th, 1876.
309
THE ONLY SATISFYING PICNIC, AFTER ALL!
310BRANDED
The Mail proved a most vigorous and alert Oppositionist and lost no opportunity for an attack upon the Government, whether fair or foul. For the sake of political capital it did not hesitate to “run down” the country, and thus to furnish the European press with arguments against emigration to Canada. The incident which called forth the cartoon was the Mail’s endorsation of a baseless slander on Canada which had been forwarded to the London Times from California.
Grip, September 2nd, 1876.
311
BRANDED! FOR ENDORSING UNFOUNDED SLANDERS AGAINST CANADA.
312DETECTED
During the Session of Parliament it was discovered that Mr. Anglin, Speaker of the House of Commons, and proprietor of the St. John Freeman, had, during the recess, performed $8,000 worth of “extra printing” for the Government. This, being contrary to the spirit and letter of the Independence of Parliament Act, created a strong feeling against the Cabinet. The Globe, greatly at a loss to find an excuse for the job, suggested that Mr. Mackenzie had given the work to his supporter “inadvertently.”
Grip, September 9th, 1876.
313
DETECTED. G. B. (The Innocent Page.)—“PLEASE, MR. POLICEMAN, I KNOW IT ISN’T RIGHT, BUT PERHAPS MR. MACKENZIE GAVE IT TO HIM INADVERTENTLY.”
314FALSTAFF AND HIS FOLLOWERS
In a speech at Watford, Mr. Mackenzie had stated that one of the “hon. gentlemen” who were then on a tour with Sir John Macdonald, had been the first to apply to the Reform Government for an appointment. The reference was well understood to be to Hon. William Macdougall.
Grip, September 16th, 1876.
315
FALSTAFF AND HIS FOLLOWERS. SIR JOHN A. FALSTAFF.—“IS THIS TRUE, PISTOL?”—Merry Wives of Windsor, Act i., Scene 1.
316CONFEDERATION, THE MUCH-FATHERED YOUNGSTER
Although the historical facts as to the origin of the idea of Confederation were familiar to most intelligent Canadians, (and they by no means the oldest inhabitants,) there was a standing dispute as to the party to whom the honor of its paternity belonged. Claims were put forth (amongst others,) on behalf of Messrs. George Brown, Sir F. Hincks, Wm. Macdougall and Sir John A. Macdonald.
Grip, September 30th, 1876.
317
CONFEDERATION! THE MUCH-FATHERED YOUNGSTER.
318THE TRANSPARENT FACTS
His Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Dufferin) undertook a mission to British Columbia, in connection with a vice-regal visit, to bring about, if possible, a good understanding between that Province and the Dominion on the subject of the projected Canada Pacific Railway. The British Columbians were at the moment in a state of great excitement over what they regarded as a breach of faith by the Federal Government, and were even threatening secession. Lord Dufferin was, as usual, successful in his efforts at peace-making. The “transparent facts” given in the cartoon detail the various stages of the difficulty up to the date of Lord Dufferin’s intervention.
Grip, October 7th, 1876.
319
THE TRANSPARENT FACTS. IN THE MATTER OF THE “CARNARVON TERMS.”
320THE NEW CABINET MINISTER
Mr. David Mills (to whom reference has been made in cartoon No. 113), was now taken into the Cabinet as Minister of the Interior, to the evident dissatisfaction of the Globe, which regarded him as dangerously radical in his views on the Senate and other questions. As has already been noted, Mr. Blake was also looked upon as a young man rather inclined to be “fast.” On the appointment of Mr. Mills, the Mail expressed a sympathy for Mr. Mackenzie which was very touching under the circumstances.
Grip, October 27th, 1876.
321
THE NEW CABINET MINISTER. LITTLE BOY MACKENZIE PICKS UP MORE “FAST” COMPANY.
322THE POLITICAL COLONEL SELLERS
The character of Colonel Sellers as presented by Mr. John T. Raymond, in the comedy of “The Gilded Age,” was at this time the rage in dramatic circles. The Colonel was an amusingly imaginative speculator, who, though enduring abject penury, was “in his mind” revelling in luxury. Being obliged by cruel fortune to restrict his diet to cold water and raw turnips, he rose equal to the occasion and gave it out that these staples were his special choice as table delicacies. Being unable to afford fuel for his stove, he used a lighted candle therein, on the philosophical ground that it was not heat but merely the appearance of heat that was required. This eccentric genius found a political anti-type in Sir John, who was now bravely making the best of his reversed circumstances.
Grip, November 11th, 1876.
323
THE POLITICAL “COLONEL SELLERS.”
324THE CONSERVATIVE POSITION
That the adoption of the Protective Policy was a mere piece of political tactics on the part of the Conservative leader was demonstrated in every move from first to last. He and his chief supporters in Parliament had been throughout their whole public career adherents of the revenue-tariff system equally with their opponents, and it was asking too much of public credulity to require the people to believe that they had been soundly converted to Protectionism in a moment, and that moment just before a general election when there was wide-spread grumbling at the hard times.
Grip, December 2nd, 1876.
325
THE CONSERVATIVE POSITION. PADDY MACDONALD.—“BEGORRA, I DON’T CARE FWITCH IT’LL TAKE ME TO, AV IT ONLY TAKES ME TO ME OWLD PLACE AT OTTAWAY.”
326NOT GUILTY, BUT DON’T DO IT AGAIN
Hon. George Brown having been cited to appear for contempt of court in connection with his strictures on Mr. Justice Wilson, (see cartoon 136) pleaded justification and argued his own case. The Judges before whom the proceedings were held having disagreed, the matter was allowed to drop.
Grip, January 6th, 1877.
327
“NOT GUILTY,” BUT DON’T DO IT AGAIN! GEORGE BROWN’S LAWYER GIVES HIM A BIT OF ADVICE, GRATIS.
328ORANGE BILL CROSSING THE POLITICAL BOYNE
Demands had been made upon the Ontario Government for a Special Act incorporating the Orange Society. The Government steadily resisted the appeal on the ground that such an Act would be class-legislation, and that the demand was made, not in good faith, but for the purpose of embarrassing the Reform Party in the interests of their opponents, with whom the Orange leaders were allied. At length, however, the Globe came out in favor of the Act, and urged the Government to grant the demand and end the difficulty. This advice the Ministry disregarded through the influence, it was generally believed, of Hon. C. F. Fraser, the able Roman Catholic Member of the Cabinet. Subsequently a General Act was passed, under which any organization of a legitimate character could secure incorporation.
Grip, February 10th, 1877.
329
ORANGE BILL CROSSING THE POLITICAL BOYNE. (SLIGHTLY ALTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL PAINTING.)
330NOT A REAL LION.
At the numerous political picnics throughout the country, Sir John and his lieutenants were loud in their denunciations of the Government in connection with various scandals. In the presence of their opponents in Parliament, however, they refrained from formulating their charges or pressing for investigation.
Grip, February 17th, 1877.
331
NOT A REAL LION—EXCEPT OUTSIDE THE HOUSE.
John A.—
“You ladies, you, whose gentle hearts do fear ...
When lion rough in wildest rage doth roar, (at picnics, etc.)
Then know that I, one ‘John the Trickster,’ am
A lion’s fell nor else no lion’s dam.”—Midsummer Night’s Dream.
332THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC GOING BACK ON VENNOR
Mr. Vennor, a civil engineer of Montreal, had become widely celebrated as a weather prophet, on the strength of a rather remarkable record of successful predictions. His forecast for February, 1877, however, was utterly astray, and a great deal of ridicule was indulged in at his expense.
Grip, March 10th, 1877.
333
THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC GOING BACK ON VENNOR.
334THE BLUE GLASS CURE
Just at this time the craze for blue glass as a medium for the “healing rays” of the sun, was at its height. Marvellous cures by this agency were reported from various quarters—generally a considerable distance away. The claims put forward by the Conservatives as to the virtues of protection to cure the commercial depression, were very much like those of the blue glass specialists.
Grip, March 17th, 1877.
335
THE “BLUE GLASS” CURE FOR THE SICK CHILD.
336THE SECRET SERVICE DEPARTMENT
After the accession to power of the Mackenzie Government it was found that a balance to the credit of the secret service fund had been chequed out of the Bank of Montreal by Sir John A. Macdonald, although that gentleman was no longer in an official position. Sir John declined to make any explanation of the matter on the ground that the disposition of secret service money was a matter that no one had a right to enquire into. The affair gave rise to a great deal of discussion, but, although Sir John’s position was generally regarded as unsound, no official action was taken in the matter.
Grip, March 31st, 1877.
337
THE NEW “GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT,” AND THE SELF-APPOINTED MINISTER.
338WHAT INVESTIGATION REVEALED
During the Session of Parliament some startling facts were made known as to the relations of the Northern Railway Company to the late Government. The Company was deeply indebted to the Dominion, and had been making vigorous efforts to get the amount reduced. For the purpose of influencing favorable legislation to this end, it was found that large sums of money had been contributed to the Conservative funds in various elections, and also that money had been subscribed on behalf of the Company to a cash testimonial presented to Sir John himself, and for stock in the Mail newspaper. The transaction was vigorously denounced by the Reform and Independent press as a specimen of brazen corruption.
Grip, April 7th, 1877.
339
WHAT INVESTIGATION REVEALED.
340THE TOOLEY STREET TAILORS
Mr. Goldwin Smith’s deliverances on the subject of Canada’s destiny had an air of authority about them, suggestive of the idea that he was the accepted representative of the people. The notorious fact was that very few acknowledged sympathy with his views.
Grip, April 21st, 1877.
341
THE TAILORS OF TOOLEY STREET. “WE, THE PEOPLE OF CANADA.”
342HOME FROM EPHESUS
At the close of the Session at Ottawa, Sir John Macdonald was received in Toronto by a party demonstration, embracing torch-lights and all the usual accompanyments of such occasions. As the Northern Railway revelations were at the moment occupying public attention, the procession was pictured as it should have been rather than as it was. Mr. John Beverley Robinson, M.P. for West Toronto, had shortly before this distinguished himself in a personal encounter with the proprietor of the Toronto Telegram. Sir John had, in a speech before the Session, declared that he and Robinson intended to “fight the beasts at Ephesus.”
Grip, May 5th, 1877.
343
“HOME FROM EPHESUS.” (THE TORCHLIGHT-RECEPTION, AS SEEN FROM A GRIT STANDPOINT.)
344THE DANGERS OF DISSOLUTION
The Conservative reaction having now unquestionably set in, the Mail boldly challenged the Government to dissolve the House and appeal to the country.
Grip, May 19th, 1877.
345
THE DANGER OF DISSOLUTION.
346BILLED FOR THE SEASON
An active campaign was being conducted by the Conservative leaders, in anticipation of the general election. At political picnics in various parts of the country, Sir John Macdonald, Sir Charles Tupper and other leaders expatiated on the National Policy, and held up the “fly on the wheel” policy of the Government to scorn. Meantime, Mr. Patrick Boyle, of the Irish Canadian, continued to inveigh against “Scotch Supremacy.”
Grip, June 9th, 1877.
347
BILLED FOR THE SEASON; OR, BARNUM OUT-BARNUMED.
348CATCHING THE ST. CATHARINES ROBBER
The election of Mr. C. J. Rykert as representative of Lincoln was contested by Mr. Norris, the defeated candidate. Before the decision was reached, certain documents material to the case disappeared from the Scrutiny Court. The Conservative Association offered a reward for the recovery of these papers, but as they were known to be in favor of the Grit candidate this action was regarded with suspicion. The cartoon contains an allusion to the well-known episode in Sir John’s career—his fervent wish that he could catch Riel, whom it was afterwards found he had secretly sent out of the country.
Grip, June 28th, 1877.
349
“CATCHING THE ST. CATHARINES ROBBER.” (SHOWING HOW HISTORY RIEL-LY REPEATS ITSELF.)
350THE BILL BOARD RE-DECORATED
Not to be outdone by the Tory Circus, the Grit Party managers organized for a political campaign, and held picnics in various districts at which the policy of the Government was defended, and the “hypocrisy” and “senselessness” of the N. P. cry were eloquently exposed.
Grip, July 7th, 1877.
351
THE BILL BOARD RE-DECORATED.
352WHAT THE CHIEFTAIN HEARD
Sir John professed to hear a universal demand for the reinstatement of himself and colleagues in office. It was not doubted that some sound had reached his ears, but Grip’s view was that this sound was but the echo of his own anxious voice. In this Grip was mistaken, however.
Grip, July 14th, 1877.
353
WHAT THE CHIEFTAIN HEARD. “WHEN I WAS IN THE EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, I HEARD THE CRY ECHOING FROM ROCK TO ROCK, ACROSS THE BOSOMS OF THOSE BEAUTIFUL LAKES, AND OVER THE EMERALD FIELD,—‘COME TO OUR RESCUE, JOHN A., OR WE ARE LOST.’” Sir John’s Speech at Montreal. See the Mail, July 9th.
354LET US HAVE PEACE
The Globe exerted all its influence to allay the bad feeling which had been manifested in connection with the Montreal riots between Orangemen and Catholics, and which existed in many other parts of the country. It was strongly opposed, however, to the policy of prohibiting party processions by law, as this only tended to intensify the evil.
Grip, August 4th, 1877.
355
LET US HAVE PEACE; OR, THE BEST WAY TO END THE “PROCESSION” DIFFICULTY.
356FRUITLESS OPPOSITION
The Mackenzie Government was assailed from time to time with charges of wrong doing, but the facts were in every case found to favor the Ministry. One after another the “scandals” were dissipated, and the Opposition felt discouraged accordingly.
Grip, August 25th, 1877.
357
“FRUITLESS” OPPOSITION.
358TEACHING THE POLLY-TICIANS WHAT TO SAY
The Pacific Scandal was by this date so far “Ancient History” that the facts of the case had undergone a complete metamorphosis as given out by the Tory orators. It was now the fashionable thing in that party to repeat the watchword given in the cartoon.
Grip, September 8th, 1877.
359
TEACHING THE POLLY-TICIANS WHAT TO SAY.
360THE POLITICAL JONAH
Hon. Jos. Cauchon was appointed to the Lieutenant-Governorship of Manitoba, and thus what was generally regarded as the scandal of his connection with the Ministry was ended. That the appointment was made for the purpose of getting rid of him in the interests of the Government could not be questioned. M. Cauchon died a few years later while still filling the post of Lieutenant-Governor.
Grip, September 22nd, 1877.
361
THE POLITICAL JONAH; OR, SAVING THE SHIP.
362THE NEEBING ROOKERY
For want of better ammunition for an attack upon the Dominion Government, the Opposition attempted to make out a scandal of the purchase by the authorities of a building known as the Neebing Hotel, at a point on the Lake Superior Section of the C. P. R., then in course of construction. It was alleged that the building was a tumble-down structure, for which an exorbitant price had been paid to the owner on the score of political partisanship. The triviality of the matter as the basis of a great Parliamentary fuss excited general amusement, especially as it proved that there was little if any ground for the charge made.
Grip, September 29th, 1877.
363
THE NEEBING ROOKERY. A GREAT BOON TO THE OPPOSITION CROWS.
364HON. WM. McPHARAOH’S DREAM
Hon. William Macdougall was thought to have made a mistake in associating himself with the Conservative Party if, as was generally alleged, the object he had in view was the great goal of most political aspirants—office. The Conservatives were now in the cold shades of Opposition, and to all appearance destined to remain there for a long time.
Grip, October 6th, 1877.
365
HON. WILLIAM McPHARAOH’S DREAM OF THE FAT AND THE LEAN KINE.
366HIS BEST FRIEND DESERTING HIM
The main hope of the Opposition in view of the general election was in the capital that was being made out of the depression of trade. A slight improvement was noticeable in the business outlook at the date of this cartoon.
Grip, October 20th, 1877.
367
HIS BEST FRIEND DESERTING HIM.
368WHY THE REFORM PULLET DON’T HATCH HER EGGS
Having assumed the responsibilities of a Cabinet office, Mr. Blake allowed his advanced ideas to remain in abeyance. This silence on his part was attributed to the influence of Mr. Brown and the Globe, whose opposition to the projects advocated by Mr. Blake has already been alluded to.
Grip, October 27th, 1877.
369
WHY THE REFORM PULLET DON’T HATCH HER EGGS. M—K—NZ—E.—“SHE’S AYE CLUCKING, BUT SHE ISNA ALLOOED TO SIT, YE SEE.”
370THE INNOXIOUS VIPER
Mr. Blake was the subject of a number of scurrilous articles in the Mail, and of several scandalous speeches by Conservative leaders. The charges, in so far as they concerned his private character, affected public opinion only against those who uttered them. In a speech at Teeswater, Mr. Blake replied in dignified and scathing terms to these criticisms.
Grip, November 10th, 1877.
371
THE INNOXIOUS VIPER. “AND HE SHOOK OFF THE BEAST INTO THE FIRE, AND FELT NO HARM.”
372THE POLITICAL PURITAN.
The Reform leaders still continued to assert it as one of the objects of the Reform Party to “elevate the standard of political morality,” notwithstanding the damaging testimony of bribery, etc., which had been made public in connection with trials of petitions against various Members elect on that side of the House.
Grip, November 17th, 1877.
373
THE POLITICAL PURITAN.
374SCARING THE MARITIME HORSE
The free trade sentiment in the Maritime Provinces was known to be strong, and it was thought that the advocacy of the National Policy would endanger the seats of the Conservatives in that section of the country. Sir Charles Tupper was the leading representative of his party from the Lower Provinces, and was one of the most efficient supporters of the Protection idea. The event proved, however, that Sir Charles understood the temper of the people down by the sea better than the theorists, as the N. P. was handsomely sustained in that part of the country.
Grip, November 24th, 1877.
375
SCARING THE MARITIME HORSE.
376SETTLING THE ACCOUNT
The arbitrators appointed to decide the dispute between Canada and the United States in reference to the Fisheries had awarded the sum of $5,500,000 to the Dominion as compensation for damages sustained at the hands of American fishermen. To this award Mr. Kellogg, the American representative, had dissented, and had afterwards sought to invalidate the award on the ground that the decision had not been unanimous. The United States had not at that time—and have not yet—paid to England the large balance remaining from the Geneva award, promptly paid by the latter Power in connection with the “Alabama” claims.
Grip, December 1st, 1877.
377
SETTLING THE ACCOUNT. JONATHAN.—“CRAWL OUT OF THAT LOOP-HOLE?” HUNKERSLIDE.—“NEVER! KELLOGG, NEVER! I’LL PAY ’EM THE AWARD NOBLY—WITH THEIR OWN MONEY!”
378ANXIOUS JOHNNY
The Conservative press had commented feelingly upon the fact that Mr. Blake was in poor health, and his retirement from official duties was kindly advised. The motive of this neighborly interest was open to question, in view of the recent attacks upon the gentleman concerned, and his influence as an opponent of the Conservative Party.
Grip, December 8th, 1878.
379
ANXIOUS JOHNNY, WAITING FOR A CERTAIN PARTY TO “RETIRE.”
380SITTING ON THE POOR MAN
An agitation for the abolition of the system of exemption from taxation had been started in the newspapers. The injustice of exempting various officials who enjoyed good salaries, and imposing a corresponding heavy burden upon those less able to bear it, was earnestly denounced, and the Ontario Government were called upon to introduce a measure to cure the evil. No action has, however, been taken up to the present time.
Grip, January 19th, 1878.
381
SITTING ON THE POOR MAN; OR, THE INJUSTICE OF EXEMPTION.
382THE MYSTERIOUS HANDWRITING ON THE WALL
The confident prophesies of the Conservatives that the Government would certainly be defeated upon an appeal to the country were regarded as mere vaporings of those over anxious to return to the good things of office.
Grip, February 23rd, 1878.
383
THE MYSTERIOUS HANDWRITING ON THE WALL.
384THE RETIRING MINISTER
Mr. Blake retired from the Ministry on account of the unsatisfactory condition of his health. The allusions in this cartoon will be understood from the comments upon preceding pictures dealing with Mr. Blake.
Grip, March 2nd, 1878.
385
THE RETIRING MINISTER.
386OUR FINANCIAL POE-SITION
Mr. (now Sir) Richard Cartwright, Finance Minister, announced a deficit in his budget speech. This furnished occasion for a vigorous attack upon the Government, and was regarded by the Opposition as emphasizing the necessity for a change of fiscal policy.
Grip, March 16th, 1878.
387
OUR FINANCIAL POE-SITION.
Hon. Richard John.—
“And my soul from out that shadow,
That lies floating on the floor,
Shall be lifted never more!”
Quoth the Raven, “Never more!”
388REACTION INTELLIGENCE
The Conservative press allowed nothing which could be construed as evidence of a reaction to pass without judicious comment. Amid the unquestionable signs of a change of public feeling there were occasional occurrences which furnished consolation to the Reform Party—such as the defeat of the Conservative Government in Quebec. The persons represented in the cartoon, besides Sir John Macdonald, are Hon. Charles Tupper, Mr. Mackenzie Bowell, Hon. H. Langevin, Hon. Peter Mitchell, Mr. Palmer (a Maritime Province representative) and Mr. Bunster, of British Columbia. The latter gentleman was well-known as an anti-Chinese agitator. Mr. (now Senator) Plumb, to whom reference is made, was a Member of the Opposition somewhat noted for long addresses in Parliament.
Grip, March 23rd, 1878.
389
REACTION INTELLIGENCE. THE CHIEFTAIN, HAVING WITHDRAWN FOR REFRESHMENT, LEARNS HOW THE CONSERVATIVE REACTION IS GETTING ON.
390WILL HE GET IT?
The action of Lieutenant-Governor Letellier of Quebec (an appointee of the Liberal Government), in dismissing the Conservative Government of Mr. DeBoucherville, was alleged to be a Party move to put the Liberals in possession of the Provincial treasury. The Lieutenant-Governor’s proceeding was roundly denounced as unconstitutional, and he was subsequently dismissed by Sir John Macdonald’s Government on account of it.
Grip, April 27th, 1878.
391
WILL HE GET IT?
392MAY-DAY IN QUEBEC
On the first of May the election made necessary by the dismissal of the DeBoucherville Government was held in the Province of Quebec, and resulted in a victory for the Liberal Party under the leadership of Hon. H. G. Joly.
Grip, May 4th, 1878.
393
MAY-DAY IN QUEBEC. GRAND JOLY-FICATION.
394PARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE PROHIBITED
In the House of Commons Sir John Macdonald and Hon. Charles Tupper had used very violent language in reference to Mr. Donald A. Smith in the course of a debate in which that gentleman’s name came up.
Grip, May 18th, 1878.
395
PARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE PROHIBITED.
396ON THEIR TRIAL
The political campaign was now at its height, the general election being fixed for September. The Government were charged with many sins of commission, and with one overwhelming sin of omission in the matter of tariff reform. This bill of indictment was pressed with unusual vigor, and the result, as will be subsequently seen, was a verdict for the Opposition.
Grip, June 1st, 1878.
397
ON THEIR TRIAL.
398“GENERAL DISTRESS.”
Hon. Dr. Tupper’s suggestion for a cartoon representing the Finance Minister as General Distress giving the people the word of command “Starve!” was of course adopted by Grip’s obliged artist. Certain liberties were, however, taken in interpreting the word “people” which may not exactly have met the honorable gentleman’s idea. It was nevertheless true that the class of our population which at the moment exhibited most signs of starvation was the professional politicians of the Opposition.
Grip, June 8th, 1878.
399
GENERAL DISTRESS. “WERE I BENGOUGH, I WOULD REPRESENT MR. CARTWRIGHT AS GENERAL DISTRESS, GIVING THE PEOPLE THE WORD OF COMMAND—‘STARVE!’” Dr. Tupper, as quoted by Hon. D. Mills in a recent speech.
400THE PEERLESS PEER
Lord Dufferin had attained to a popularity unequalled by any of our Governors-General since the days of Lord Elgin, and his departure from Canada called forth expressions of sincere regret from all classes. It was difficult to convince the Canadian people that the Home authorities would find it possible to secure a successor in all respects equal to Dufferin.
Grip, June 22nd, 1878.
401
THE PEERLESS PEER; OR, JOHN BULL DIOGENES LOOKING FOR ANOTHER DUFFERIN.
402ANCIENT TROY TACTICS
This was still another repetition of the opinion that the Tory Party, in adopting the National Policy, had in view the one grand object of “getting in” to office. The allusion is of course to the familiar classic story of the method adopted by the Greeks to gain admission to Troy.
Grip, July 6th, 1878.
403
ANCIENT TROY TORY TACTICS.
404THE TRULY LOYAL BOY ALARMING THE MASTER
A great outcry was made by the Globe on the alleged anti-British tendency of the National Policy as announced by the Conservative leaders during the campaign. To the alarming statement that it would inevitably weaken British connection, the leading organ of the Opposition responded—“so much the worse for British connection.”
Grip, July 27th, 1878.
405
THE TRULY LOYAL BOY ALARMING THE MASTER.
406THE POLITICAL CONJURER
An amusing feature of the campaign was the contradictory nature of the Protectionist utterances. In Ontario Sir John Macdonald declared that if returned to power, he would vigorously protect native industries by shutting out foreign imports. This deliverance created alarm in the Lower Provinces, and in reply to an anxious enquiry from Senator Boyd, of St. John, N. B., upon the subject, the astute leader promptly declared that he had no intention of doing more than readjusting the duties. Mr. W. H. Frazer, who figures in this and some subsequent cartoons, was at the time an active official of the Ontario Manufacturers’ Association, and an ardent Protectionist.
Grip, August 3rd, 1878.
407
THE GREAT POLITICAL CONJURER. “ALL SORTS OF WINE POURED OUT OF ONE AND THE SAME BOTTLE.”
408ALL AT SEA
Another allusion to the ludicrous contradictions and inconsistencies of the principal advocates of the National Policy in their public speeches, when, in response to the popular demand, they undertook to “come down to particulars” as to what that Policy was to be.
Grip, August 17th, 1878.
409
“ALL AT SEA!” CAPTAIN JOHN A.—“FOR GRACIOUS’ SAKE, LADS, GET INTO SOME SHAPE! IF THAT SQUALL STRIKES US IN THIS CONDITION WE’LL NEVER GET IN!!”
410THE NATIONAL POLICY MINSTRELS
The point as to how a revenue was to be obtained under an exclusive tariff without a resort to direct taxation was of course raised by the opponents of the Protective theory, and no satisfactory answer had been given to the “conundrum” up to the date of this cartoon.
Grip, August 31st, 1878.
411
THE NATIONAL POLICY MINSTRELS. BRUDDER TAMBO’S ASTOUNDING FINANCIAL CONUNDRUM.
412WILL HE CAPTURE IT?
A promise of a seat in the prospective Tory Cabinet was made to Mr. John O’Donohue on condition that he would manage the “Catholic vote” in the Conservative interest in the forthcoming election. This reward Mr. O’Donohue did his best to win, but by the intervention of the Orange leaders, the “bargain” as made was not allowed to take effect. Mr. O’Donohue never got the portfolio, but had to content himself with a Senatorship instead.
Grip, September 7th, 1878.
413
WILL HE “CAPTURE” IT?
414RENEWING THE LEASE
This bold prophecy was made on the assumption that the people of Canada clearly saw through the game of the newly-made Protectionists, and that the circumstances under which Sir John and his colleagues had demitted office in 1873 would preclude the possibility of their success on this occasion.
Grip, September 14th, 1878.
415
RENEWING THE LEASE.
MISS CANADA (to John A.)—“YOU WANT THE FARM AGAIN! YOU LEFT IT IN A SHOCKING CONDITION FIVE YEARS AGO, AND THE PRESENT TENANT HAS ALMOST RESTORED IT BY HIS INDUSTRY. YOUR ‘PLAN’ LOOKS BOGUS. I WILL RENEW MACKENZIE’S LEASE.”
416O, OUR PROPHETIC SOUL!
The general election which came off on the 17th resulted in a sweeping victory for Sir John and the National Policy, and Mr. Grip’s artist humbly took his place amongst the false prophets.
Grip, September 21st, 1878.
417
O, OUR PROPHETIC SOUL! (See last week’s Cartoon.) JOHN A.—“I DON’T KNOW, BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THIS PICTURE OF YOURS, MY PROPHETIC FRIEND, NEEDS A LITTLE ‘RE-ADJUSTMENT,’ DON’T IT, HEY?”
418RIDING INTO POWER
In anticipation of the difficulty the new Ministry would meet in reconciling the various conflicting trade interests in the promised tariff changes, the N. P. was referred to as a White Elephant—a beast proverbially awkward to have on hand. That the Policy had proved a particularly “happy thought” on the part of the Conservative leader was now manifest, for it is doubtful if anything excepting this adroit appeal to the people’s pockets could possibly have restored the Conservatives to power at this time.
Grip, September 28th, 1878.
419
RIDING INTO POWER.
420CAREFUL HANDLING REQUIRED
Amongst the most able—and one of the few sincere—advocates of the National Policy, was Mr. R. W. Phipps, a well-known journalist and pamphleteer of Toronto. Sir John had during the campaign publicly accorded high praise to this gentleman for his writings in support of Protection; and indeed so great was the indebtedness expressed that Mr. Phipps came to believe that he would certainly be offered the portfolio of Finance in the New Government. Mr. Phipps, on the other hand, made no secret of his own conviction that neither Sir John nor any of his colleagues really understood the principles of political economy.
Grip, October 12th, 1878.
421
CAREFUL HANDLING REQUIRED!
422JOHN A.’S NEW MARIONETTES
The names of the Members of the new Cabinet were duly announced as given in the cartoon. Mr. Phipps was disappointed in the matter of a portfolio, and still further in the absence from the list of Ministers of the name of any person known to be a sincere Protectionist. It was alleged that Hon. William Macdougall had also entertained hopes of a seat in the Cabinet. The Manufacturers’ Association began to exhibit great activity in view of the forthcoming Tariff changes.
Grip, October 26th, 1878.
423
JOHN A.’S NEW MARIONETTES.
424THE BEST OF FRIENDS MUST PART
To the hard times Sir John and his Party were primarily indebted for their present good fortune, but (contrary to the hopes of the innocents who had implicitly accepted the anti-election promises of the N. P. advocates) prosperity did not immediately return. The persistency with which the depression continued to “hang on” was a source of much annoyance to the Government, as it was the constant theme of ridicule in the Reform press.
Grip, November 2nd, 1878.
425
“THE BEST OF FRIENDS MUST PART!”
JOHN A.—“WELL, GOOD-BY, OLD FELLOW; THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP DURING THE CAMPAIGN; BUT DON’T LET ME DETAIN YOU NOW. GOOD-BY, AU REVOIR, ADIEU, FAREWELL, TRA-LA-LA, TA-TA.”
HARD TIMES.—“CERTINGLY; BUT I AIN’T GONE YET, ME HEARTY!”
426RICHARD’S HIMSELF AGAIN
Sir Richard Cartwright, who had been defeated in the general election, was now returned for the constituency of Centre Huron. As the keenest financial critic in the ranks of the Reform Opposition, his presence in the House was considered a Party necessity in view of the prospective introduction of the new fiscal regulations.
Grip, November 9th, 1878.
427
RICHARD’S HIMSELF AGAIN!
428HURRYING UP THE ELEPHANT
Curiosity was on tiptoe throughout the country during the interim between the election and the introduction of the National Policy. The Reform press aggravated the popular impatience by constant—and not very reasonable—protests against the delay. Indeed, some of the precipitous journalists went so far as to assert that the Government had no intention of inaugurating a new fiscal policy at all.
Grip, November 30th, 1878.
429
HURRYING UP THE ELEPHANT!
430CLAMORING FOR THE FANCY DOLL
This cartoon is perhaps so obvious as to need no comment. The general feeling in the Reform Party in favor of the retirement of Mr. Mackenzie from the leadership, in favor of Mr. Blake, was not warmly shared by the Globe. When ultimately the change was effected a degree of dissatisfaction was expressed in some quarters where the impression obtained that Mr. Mackenzie had not been generously treated in the matter.
Grip, December 7th, 1878.
431
CLAMORING FOR THE FANCY DOLL.
Transcriber’s Notes: Some captions were reformatted to fit HTML restrictions. Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected. Typographical errors were silently corrected. Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only when a predominant form was found in this book.