GATHERING.]
This monument under which we stand is a fit emblem of everlasting peace
and at the same time it fittingly commemorates the glorious death of the
man in memory of whom it was raised. We Canadians should ever be
grateful to Divine Providence for having favoured us with such an able
civil and military chief, because Brock was both the chief executive in
our civil affairs and Commander-in-Chief of the forces. As Administrator
of the Province of Upper Canada he was able and prudent; as
Commander-in-Chief he was experienced and fearless. It remained,
however, for the great chief Tecumseh to read the true character of the
man as man. When they first met, Tecumseh turned to his fellow chiefs
and allies, and, pointing to Brock, who stood by him, said, "This is a
man!" The correctness of this opinion was borne out in both the life and
death of Brock.
Our hero was ever dutiful. He always performed his duty and saw that
others did likewise. The performance of duty was ever uppermost in his
mind, and his ideals were always high, his aspirations noble. Permit me
to quote here one of his first General Orders issued to the troops
immediately upon his taking the field on the 4th of July, 1812:
"The Major-General calls the serious attention of every militiaman
to the efforts making by the enemy to destroy and lay waste this
flourishing country; they must be sensible of the great stake they
have to contend for and will, by their conduct, convince the enemy
that they are not desirous of bowing their necks to a foreign yoke.
The Major-General is determined to devote his best energies to the
defence of the country, and has no doubt that, supported by the
zeal, activity and determination of the loyal inhabitants of this
Province, he will successfully repel every hostile attack, and
preserve to them inviolate all that they hold dear."
The result of the war proves how well Brock himself lived up to these
sentiments.
Let us always remember that the War of 1812 was not of our making. On
the 18th of June, 1812, President Madison declared war against Great
Britain, with Canada as the point of attack. The "Right of Search," the
power to search for contraband or for deserters on board of American
ships, was claimed by Britain, but was resisted by the United States.
Strange to say, this claim was abandoned by Great Britain the very day
before war was declared by President Madison, yet the war was declared
and went on. It will be readily seen that Canada had absolutely nothing
to do with this war or its alleged cause, the "Right of Search"; and
yet, in making this war on Canada, the United States placed itself on
record as approving a forcible invasion of a neighbouring peaceful
country and of involving it in all the horrors of war. At that time the
United States had eight million people, Upper Canada had barely eighty
thousand. At the very outset the Americans placed upon a war footing one
hundred and seventy-five thousand men, whereas there were less than ten
thousand men of all kinds capable of bearing arms in Upper Canada. These
figures give us an idea of the very great disparity both in numbers and
fighting strength between the two peoples so far as we in Upper Canada
were concerned. During the two and a half years of the war there were no
less than twelve separate and distinct invasions of Canada, and
fifty-six military and naval engagements, the great majority of which
were won by our forces. While Brock lived his genius and spirit guided
and inspired the defence of the country, and after his death his noble
example and the preparations he had made for war during his life
encouraged and enabled the people to repel the invader.
Under the guise of strict discipline and the grim visage of a soldier
and fighting man, Isaac Brock possessed a warm human heart; he was ever
solicitous for the comfort and well-being of his people and especially
of his militia soldiers, and on every occasion consistent with the
safety of the Province he relaxed the rigours of war and would permit
the militia to return to their homes and farms. This is evidenced by
many of his Militia General Orders. An extract from Militia General
Orders of 26th of August, 1812, immediately after the capture of
Detroit, reads as follows:
"Major-General Brock has ever felt anxious to study the comforts
and conveniences of the militia, but the conduct of the detachments
which lately accompanied him to Detroit has if possible increased
his anxiety on this subject. The present cessation of hostilities
enables him to dispense with the services of a large proportion of
them for a short period."
We very naturally ask ourselves who these troops were for whose welfare
General Brock was always so solicitous. There were of course some
British regular troops in Canada, noticeably the Forty-ninth, Brock's
own regiment, but during the earlier stages of the war, and while Brock
lived, the men of the Province, militia and yeomanry, had to be relied
upon mainly; these chiefly were the men of the York, Glengarry, Norfolk
and other militia regiments; every loyal man capable of bearing arms in
the Province turned out to fight, or to help those who fought. The York
and Glengarry militia served with great distinction, and I may perhaps
be permitted to refer to the fact that forty-three gentlemen of my own
name and family connection held commissions in the various regiments in
that war. In connection with this I might further mention a somewhat
curious incident. My own grandfather, Colonel Alexander Macdonell, was
taken prisoner by the Americans at the Battle of Niagara, and was
confined as a prisoner at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the very same
prison in which his own father, Captain Allan Macdonell, had been
confined by the Revolutionary States as a prisoner of war during the
Revolutionary War, 1776-83.
Now, happily, all is peace; we have enjoyed one hundred years of peace
and we thank Divine Providence for it. We have had preserved to us by
Brock and those who fought and fell with him a rich kingdom; we possess
it in peace and happiness and great prosperity. This is an age of peace,
and in this age and generation it is fit that we should advance all the
works and arts of peace; a very great trust in this respect has been
handed down to us and confided to our safe keeping. In these days of our
prosperity we must protect and defend and develop this great country,
this rich heritage which the heroism of our forefathers has preserved to
us. We must not only conserve it, but we must better it and develop it,
and make useful to man all these possessions which have been given us.
Our ideals and ambitions must always be high, and if we find ourselves
faltering let us look upon this splendid monument and think of the hero
in honour of whom it was raised; and let us at all times remember that
now as in 1812 in unity we possess our strength; we must become one
people if we are to be a great people, with one great common country. We
have many Provinces but only one Canada.
It has been well said by one of Brock's biographers that "it remains for
the youth of Canada to profoundly cherish the memory of Isaac Brock and
to never lose an opportunity to follow the example set for them by his
splendid deeds." It has also been truly said that "he fell ere he saw
the star of his country rise," and, although the sky over this
battlefield upon which his eyes closed forever one hundred years ago was
cloudy and overcast, yet because he lived and died those who came after
him enjoy the cloudless sunshine of peace and happiness.
Brock's family motto was "He who guards never sleeps." We know how
faithfully he guarded and safeguarded his country in life, and let us
pray that in death under this monument he sleeps well.
HON. DR. R. A. PYNE
Minister of Education, Ontario
I have a great deal of pleasure in being present here to-day on this
historic spot, and am deeply sensible of the honour conferred upon me in
asking me to represent the Government of Ontario on this occasion.
We are meeting here to-day to commemorate the deeds of a great man who
passed away in his effort to save this part of the world for the British
Empire. We must remember that at the time of the battle this part of the
world was a wilderness, and Sir Isaac Brock's wonderful capabilities
enabled him to consolidate the people of this sparsely settled country,
not forgetting our dear old friends the Indians. With a handful of
people, as compared with the country to the south of us, he made a
gallant defence, and, as I said, retained this part of the world for the
British Empire. He was not only a great soldier, but a diplomat and a
statesman, and whatever his vision may have been one hundred years ago,
everyone will agree with me that it was of such a character that he
retained one of the best and finest parts of the world for Great
Britain.
Let me say a word regarding the loyalty, the love of home and patriotism
that existed at that time on this field of battle, and it might be
asked, what are we doing to-day to create a sentiment of patriotism and
loyalty to our country and flag? Let me contrast the efforts made in
Canada to create a patriotic and national sentiment as compared with the
country to the south of us. Just here let me tell you a short story
regarding what occurred to myself in the city of Detroit some years ago,
before I was a member of the Legislative Assembly or had any thought of
public life. I have always remembered it with the keenest appreciation
of the great work in which the people to the south of us are engaged,
inculcating in the youth of the country a loyal and patriotic sentiment.
I was in Detroit on a school _fete_ day when the children of each school
were marshalled together for a march past the Detroit City Hall, where
they had a large picture of the President surrounded by their national
flag, the Stars and Stripes. As each school reached the entrance to the
City Hall the scholars halted, saluted, and gave three cheers. To a
little urchin on the street near me who was selling papers I said, "Why
do they stop and cheer?" He replied, "They are cheering for the old flag
which we call 'Old Glory,' and, sir, let me tell you that is the flag
that was never licked!" I possibly did not agree with the accuracy of
his history, but I realized the sentiment that had been created in that
youngster's mind, a sentiment of loyalty and patriotism no doubt
inculcated in his mind at school.
You may reasonably ask, "What are we doing to create a sentiment of
loyalty and patriotism in this country?" and I may say that we have
succeeded in placing the Union Jack, the flag of civilization, over
every rural school in the Province of Ontario. I am also reminded of
what took place the other day in the State of New Jersey, and as you are
a reading people, this episode would not pass unnoticed by you--it
appeared in all of the papers of last week. A boy attending a high
school in the State of New Jersey was asked, as is their custom Monday
morning, to salute the flag and to announce allegiance to the United
States. The boy stated that he had no objection to salute the flag, but
he could not give his allegiance to the United States as he was a
British subject. Mr. President, I find that the State regulations of New
Jersey call upon every scholar in their schools to salute the flag on
each Monday morning and to declare their allegiance to the United
States. This boy, being a British subject, could not conform to that
part of the regulations, and was dismissed from the school. What would
our people think of a regulation of that kind? I leave it for your
meditation.
I hope and trust this meeting will be an inspiration that will extend
all over this Dominion of Canada, and that some definite and proper way
shall be found to commemorate the deeds of our ancestors and those great
heroes whose efforts we to-day jubilate in this part of Canada,
realizing the great heritage that has become ours through the agency of
those great men who have passed away. May Canada always remain a
part--and by the Almighty's help I believe it will always remain a
part--of the British Empire.
Mr. President, let me congratulate the Historical Societies, the
volunteers and cadets here assembled for bringing about this wonderful
meeting, which I trust will have an influence in making this an annual
celebration for all time to come.
COLONEL GEORGE T. DENISON
Toronto
It is a great satisfaction to me to be here to-day and to know that so
many patriotic societies and organizations have clubbed together to
commemorate so splendidly the one hundredth anniversary of the notable
victory gained upon this field.
The great, virile nations of the world have always commemorated the
brave deeds and victories of their fathers. The Romans did everything in
their power to inspire their young men with love of country by relating
stories of their glorious past. Some of them were evidently legends, but
they all tended to create and instil a pure national spirit.
For five hundred years after Marathon the Athenians commemorated the
glorious victory won against overwhelming odds. The Spartans never
forgot the death of Leonidas and his three hundred brave, unflinching
followers, who died for the honour of their country at Thermopylae.
Pausanias the historian was able to read six hundred years after upon a
column erected to their memory in Sparta, the names of the three hundred
Spartans who had died with their king in that fight.
In Russia also the same spirit of reverence for their great heroes has
always shown itself. Dimitry saved Russia by a great victory over the
Tartars in 1380. Over five hundred years have elapsed, but still the
name of Dimitry Donskoi lives in the memory and the songs of the Russian
people, and still on "Dimitry's Saturday," the anniversary of the
battle, prayers are offered up in memory of the brave men who fell on
that day in defence of their country.
Switzerland is another example of the patriotism of a free people. They
won their freedom by three great victories won against overwhelming odds
at Morgarten, Sempach and Naefels. Naefels was the final victory, and
every year the people commemorate the great event. In solemn procession
the people revisit the battlefield and the Landamman tells the fine old
story of their deliverance from foreign rule. The five hundredth
anniversary was celebrated in 1888, and people from all parts of
Switzerland flocked to participate in the patriotic and religious
services. This national spirit has kept Switzerland free although
surrounded by great powers. Her children are all trained as soldiers in
their public schools, and compulsory training of all their youth is
rigidly enforced. We could learn a lesson from them in this.
[Illustration:
Hon. R. A. Pyne, M.D., M.P.P., Minister of
Education, Toronto.
James L. Hughes, LL.D., Chief Inspector of
Schools, Toronto.
Colonel George T. Denison,
Toronto.
SPEAKERS OF THE DAY]
Canada has shown the same virile spirit as other great nations, and we
may take pride in the way in which our people have recognized what they
owe to General Brock and the men who fought with him on this field one
hundred years ago. This spot has seen several inspiring demonstrations.
Brock and Macdonell had been buried in Fort George in 1812. In 1824
their remains were removed and buried again under the first monument
here. In 1824 there were no railways, practically no steamers, and the
population of the Province was very small, and yet in the funeral
cortege there were 560 men on horseback, 285 carriages and wagons, and
thousands of persons on foot, in all estimated at about ten thousand
people, who followed the remains the seven miles from Niagara to this
place. That was a remarkable tribute to the memory of the great general.
In 1840 the monument was blown up on Good Friday by an Irish rebel or
Fenian named Benjamin Lett. This aroused intense indignation throughout
the Province, and a great demonstration was organized to arrange for
building a new monument on a grander scale. The meeting was held in
July, 1840, and a great number of the foremost men in public life
attended. Ten steamers, all crowded with people, moved up the river in
procession. About eight thousand persons were present. A new monument
was decided upon and it is here above us now. It is a wonderful monument
to have been erected by a small community when there was very little
wealth in the country. This monument is as a column the finest and
grandest I have seen. I put it far above the column to Alexander I. in
front of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. It is about forty feet
higher than the one to Nelson in Trafalgar Square. The National German
Monument in the Neiderwald does not strike me as being so impressive.
In 1859, on the anniversary of the battle, there was another great
gathering here for the inauguration of the monument. I was here with a
detachment of my corps and there were a great many other detachments and
people, and about two hundred of the old veterans of the war who came
again to do honour to their dead chief. In the following year the late
King was visiting Canada, and naturally he came here to do honour to the
memory of the great general and to meet the surviving veterans of the
war. There was another great demonstration and I was there on that
occasion also. Could anything show more clearly the deep hold that
General Brock had on the affection and memory of the Canadian people
than these repeated gatherings? And now, after another fifty-two years,
there is this splendid demonstration of respect and gratitude. I am
proud that our people have done their duty to-day, and I hope that our
action will inspire our children a hundred years hence to commemorate
the great event. I make no apologies for coming here to glory over the
victory. Brock died on this field and our fathers fought here that we
should be a free and independent people, and we have enjoyed that
position for a hundred years, thanks to their efforts. How can we use
that freedom better, than in testifying in the heartiest manner our
gratitude and appreciation for the priceless boon which we owe to those
who then won it for us!
[Illustration: J. A. MACDONELL, K.C., GLENGARRY, ADDRESSING THE
GATHERING.
Dr. Alexander Dame, Col. George Sterling Ryerson, Dr. James L. Hughes,
Col. George T. Denison, Major W. Napier Keefer (next right of speaker),
Major Gordon J. Smith, Dr. Charles F. Durand.]
MR. J. A. MACDONELL, K.C.
Glengarry, Ontario
Permit me to express on behalf of the members of this generation of the
family to which the former Attorney-General Macdonell belonged, my warm
appreciation of the honour which was done to that gentleman's memory, by
the invitation which in terms so generous and complimentary and so
appreciative of his services, was extended to me as the representative
of his family, to be present on this most interesting occasion as the
special guest of your Committee.
We are assembled here to-day to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary
of the death of Sir Isaac Brock, to give evidence that we Canadians hold
in grateful remembrance the inestimable services which he rendered to
our country, and to record it as our firm and solemn conviction that it
is to that illustrious man of glorious memory we owe the preservation of
this country, our connection with the Motherland and those British
institutions which it is our happiness now to enjoy.
It was indeed a privilege for any man to have served under Sir Isaac
Brock, to have been in any way associated with him, and more especially
to have been placed in a position whereby he was enabled to second his
indomitable efforts. It was the good fortune of Attorney-General
Macdonell to have been associated with him in a threefold capacity.
First he was connected with him by the most intimate ties of private
friendship, for there existed between them the most perfect confidence
and a mutual regard, amounting, as is frequently the case with men of
generous impulse, to personal affection. Then as Attorney-General of the
Province and chief law adviser of the Crown, he was the trusted legal
adviser of General Brock in his capacity of President of the Council of
the Province, and although but a young man he was equal to the
exigencies of that critical period.
Upon the declaration of war, the House of Assembly was hastily convened
in extra session on the 27th July, when General Brock, in the Speech
from the Throne, made use of those ever-memorable words: "We are engaged
in an awful and eventful contest. By unanimity and despatch in our
councils and by vigour in our operations we will teach the enemy this
lesson: that a country defended by free men, enthusiastically devoted to
the cause of their King and Constitution, can never be conquered." But
the House proved recalcitrant, and refused to comply with Brock's
request to suspend the Habeas Corpus Act. It was the Attorney-General
who solved the difficulty by giving it as his legal opinion that
Major-General Brock, as Administrator of the Province, under the
authority of his Commission from the King, had the power to dissolve the
House and proclaim martial law, and that under the circumstances it was
his duty to do so. This opinion was concurred in by his colleagues in
the Government, and, accordingly, the Government as such tendered it as
their unanimous advice to the Administrator, who immediately acted upon
it, and thereby saved the country.
As a consequence of this drastic measure, the three leaders of the
Opposition in the Legislature--Joseph Willcocks, Benjamin Mallory and
Abraham Markle--who had been chiefly instrumental up to this time in
thwarting all Brock's efforts, immediately fled to the United States,
with which they had long been in traitorous intercourse, and where all
their sympathies lay, Willcocks being eventually killed at the battle
of Fort Erie, in 1814, in command of an American regiment, and Mallory
serving throughout the war as a major in the same corps.
This measure enabled Brock also to deal summarily with their disloyal
partisans and followers, much more numerous and infinitely more
dangerous than is now generally supposed. He immediately issued a
proclamation ordering all persons suspected of conniving with the enemy
to be apprehended, and treated according to law. Those who had not taken
the oath of allegiance were ordered to do so or leave the Province; many
were sent out of the country; large numbers left of their own accord;
those who refused to take the oath or to take up arms to defend the
country, and remained in the Province after a given date, were declared
to be enemies and spies, and were treated accordingly; a large number of
this disloyal element were arrested and imprisoned early in the war, as
on the day of the Battle of Queenston Heights the jail and Court House
at Niagara as well as the blockhouse at Fort George were filled with
political prisoners, over three hundred aliens and traitors being in
custody, some of whom were tried and sentenced to death, while others
were sent to Quebec for imprisonment.
This pressing and important business having been accomplished, General
Brock entered actively upon his campaign, and determined upon offensive
measures by an assault upon Detroit. Colonel Macdonell accompanied him
as his military secretary and aide-de-camp. When the American, General
Hull, in command of a greatly superior force and in possession of a
strongly fortified position, on the 16th August proposed a cessation of
hostilities with a view to his surrender, it was Colonel Macdonell whom
General Brock entrusted with the delicate and important task of
preparing the terms of capitulation. He returned within an hour with
the conditions, which were immediately confirmed by General Brock,
whereby Fort Detroit with 59,700 square miles of American territory--the
whole State of Michigan--was surrendered. 2,500 officers and men became
prisoners of war, and 2,500 stand of arms, thirty-three pieces of
cannon, the _Adams_ brig-of-war, and stores and munitions of war to the
value of L40,000, all so sorely needed by the Canadian militia, were
handed over to the British Commander.