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Introduction
 From
the remote fastnesses of Labrador to the office of High Commissioner for
Canada at London is a long journey in human achievement. From rough
intimacy with Indian trappers and half-breeds to familiar companionship
with the political and social leaders of an Imperial capital is a
wonderful experience. But Lord Strathcona bore himself as naturally in
London as in the wilderness, he had a quiet but proud simplicity that was
his secure fortress in all circumstances. He had reserve, but no
arrogance. He had all the self-confidence which belongs to the breed from
which he sprang, but he had also an infinite discretion in temper and
outlook. All his career reveals the exact balance of caution and courage
which was the signal test of fitness for service in the Hudson's Bay
Company and for dealing with primitive men in primitive conditions.
There are many outstanding peaks
in the life of Lord Strathcona. He was greatly instrumental in checking
insurrection at Fort Garry. He dared to oppose Sir John Macdonald, with
whom he was associated in reconciling the Red River half-breeds to the
authority of Canada, and by a deliberate but guarded statement on the
floor of Parliament forced the Conservative leader to resign office. He
regained the confidence of Sir John Macdonald, gave a reciprocal
confidence, and powerfully assisted in organizing the syndicate which
constructed the Canadian Pacific Railway. In the crisis of the enterprise
he and George Stephen pledged their private fortunes to maintain its
credit. He and Stephen insisted that the company must build along the
north
shore of Lake Superior and fulfil
to the letter the contract with the country. He sought to settle the
quarrel between Manitoba and the Dominion over separate Schools, and in
the endeavor had the sympathetic confidence both of Sir Charles Tupper and
Sir Wilfrid Laurier. In the office of high Commissioner he was as freely
trusted by Liberal as by Conservative Administrations. He was the
munificent patron of McGill University. He was President of the Bank of
Montreal and Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. He organized and
transported a troop of Western horse to South Africa. These are the peaks,
but between are many works that he builded and many
monuments to his power and genius.
Lord Strathcona never gave rashly,
but he gave generously. He did not pledge his word readily, but it never
was broken. He was shrewd and even crafty in negotiation. There was more
of smoothness in his voice than there was in his manner of dealing. He got
his own share of credit for the success of enterprises in which he was
engaged. He was, perhaps, not so fine a spirit as Lord Mountstephen, for
he had more of personal ambition than his old associate in the building of
the Canadian Pacific Railway. Perhaps Mr. R. B. Angus, of whom we hear
little, was as sagacious in council and as resolute of purpose. Supporting
the group was Van home, of dauntless spirit and splendid optimism. But it
is unnecessary to assess the honor that falls to each, as it would be idle
to deny the supreme qualities of Lord Strathcona. These were exhibited
over a wide range of activities, and he never, was shamed by any company
in which he stood. Through all no spot rests upon his personal honor; no
mean ingratitude disfigures his life. Few such men appear in any country,
and what he was and what he did are a cherished possession of Canada and
the Empire.
Lord Stratheona was not a good speaker. But he had
authority, and he had power. As there was seldom any flavor of
partisanship in his speeches, he was one of the few men who had the ear of
the whole house when he spoke. He could, however, be angry and even
bitter, and this is not surprising to those who recall the long and
desperate assault that was made upon the builders of the Canadian Pacific
and the insidious methods employed in the London money market to destroy
the railway's credit. The great enterprise which we now alternately praise
and blame had a long season of adversity in a stagnant Canada. Very often
the whisper ran that bankruptcy was impending. In those times it was not
easy for Lord Strathcona and his associates to take censure with smiling
faces and to go on with stout hearts in a desperate struggle. But if the
fight was hard the reward was adequate.
For nearly twenty years we had no
knowledge of Lord Strathcona's attitude towards political controversies in
Canada. In London he was the servant of the Canadian people. It is not
recalled that he ever spoke a word which excited partisan attack in this
country. This was not merely the result of discretion. As has been said,
he was not easy in the mould of the partisan. He believed that the destiny
of Canada could be trusted to either party, and that devotion to the
Empire was the common passion of the Canadian people. Old members of the
Press Gallery will remember how approachable he was and the fine courtesy
with which he listened and answered with apparent frankness but in gentle
words that revealed nothing. This courtesy he kept to the end, as a
multitude of Canadians know who enjoyed his attention and his hospitality
in London. In assertion of the duty and loyalty of Canada to the Empire he
was always fearless; in all else he was wise, tolerant and discreet
throughout all his long and faithful service as High Commissioner. For the
office he has established ideal traditions, but who can fill his place
with such honor to Canada and snob advantage to the Empire?
Preface
The life of Lord Strathcona should be of special
interest to Canadians because it is intimately bound up with a most
eventful period of Canadian history. Beginning at a time when the
rebellion of '37 had been overcome it had to do with the experiment of
government in the union of Upper and Lower Canada, the consummation of
Confederation, the acquisition and opening up of the North-west, the
troubles with the half- breeds under Riel, the solution of transportation
problems and the adaptation of the Dominion to the Imperial concept. Lord
Salisbury said that to know the Nile is to know Egypt. In a sense to know
the life of Lord Strathcona is to know Canada.
It is only fair to say that in attempting this task I
had no idea of producing a biography, in the technical sense of that term,
that is an exact and detailed account of the life of its subject. I have
not attempted anything in the way of original research and have been at no
great pains to verify every statement made. I have simply made use of
material available to all and have tried to set forth in a popular style
the well- known facts of this great Canadian's life. I have made free use
of, and am indebted to, the works of Beckles Willson, Dr. Bryce, Prof.
Tracy, W. R. Richmond and many others. I have endeavored to portray those
events and sketch that progress of 'Canada with which Lord Strathcona was
closely identified. My only qualifications for this task were a deep
interest in the subject and a residence in Canada since Confederation. I
have endeavored to exhibit the salient features of a remarkable character
and to show how in this new country he had found an opportunity for their
exercise. If I have succeeded in showing to the young manhood of this
country an example which they might well follow I am content. If I have
failed the fault is mine. The subject itself is worthy.
J. W. P.
May 1, 1914.
Contents
Chapter I. The Lure of the West
Chapter II. The Hudson Bay Company
Chapter III. Life in the Wilderness for Thirty Years
Chapter IV. New Problems of the North-West
Chapter V. The Role of Peacemaker
Chapter VI. Mr. Smith's Account of Scott's Death
Chapter VII. The Red River Expedition
Chapter VIII. Member of Parliament and Chief
Commissioner
Chapter IX.
First Appearance in Parliament
Chapter X. Riel the Rebel
Chapter XI. Governments and Railways
Chapter XII. A Large Order
Chapter XIII. The Canadian Pacific Railway
Chapter XIV. Trials of Strength
Chapter XV. Personal Opponents
Chapter XVI. Out of Politics
Chapter XVII. Old Age Activities
Chapter XVIII. New Interests and Further
Responsibilities
Chapter
XIX. High Commissioner
Chapter XX. The Strathcona Horse
Chapter XXI. The Deceased Wife's Sister Bill
Chapter XXII. Canada from 1838 to 1914
Chapter XXIII. Practical Maxims
Chapter XXIV. The Last Reception
Chapter XXV. An Honored Burial
Chapter XXVI. Voices of Appreciation |
