behalf I must first express her pleasure in giving you the prizes
awarded for mental worth and also for physical exercises--(applause)--
and I cannot say how much satisfaction I have had today in seeing the
manoeuvres so well executed during the very pretty little field day you
have gone through, and in thoroughly examining into every part of this
Institution, and seeing myself the place which, I believe, will
hereafter be as famous in Canadian history as the training place of the
officers in whom Canada puts her trust as is Woolwich in England, or
the Academy at West Point, among our neighbours. (Applause.) In being
here I confess I think your lines are cast in pleasant places, and it
is well that it should be so, for to judge from my own experience when
going through a course of training at Woolwich, it may be possible that
in future years you will re-visit this scene of your early labours. It
is often the case that after some years' service, students of the
military art find that owing to the constant progress made in military
science, they have fallen a little behind, have perhaps become a little
rusty, and have to go back for a time to drill. This may be the case
here as well as in other armies, and if ever I have the pleasure in
future years again of visiting Kingston, I may find some of the young
and soldier-like body whom I have now the pleasure of addressing, again
going through "repository" work as stout captains or as weighty
majors--(laughter)--here again for a while to polish off any little rust
that may have accumulated in their minds. It is certainly a matter of
surprise to find what wonders have been accomplished by this school in
a short time, and how under the able, energetic, and genial leadership
of Col. Hewitt, and of the instructors, to whom you owe an uncommon
debt of gratitude, for their work has been very hard, and like the
British Infantry, they are excellent, but they are too few--(applause)--a
school of arms has arisen which will bear comparison with some of
the oldest of similar institutions in other countries. The good which
has been done in this school is evident to all who visit it, and this
is recognised by those who have not had that advantage, but who,
hearing of your progress, and reposing, with good reason, confidence in
the able board of officers who guide your studies, have afforded their
support to an experiment which may be already pronounced a great
success. It is not only one Province that is represented amongst you,
but the Dominion at large, and we may look forward to having many from
the gallant Province of Quebec--(applause)--whose famous military
annals will, I am confident, should necessity arise, be reproduced in
the actions of her sons. (Applause.) The life that you have led in this
place and the spirit of comradeship here engendered will be a bond of
union for our Canadian Dominion--(applause)--and many of you when you
leave this will feel for your Alma Mater that sentiment of affection
which Napoleon felt for St. Cyr. May this Kingston Military Academy be
a fruitful mother of armed science--(applause)--and a source of
confidence and pride to her country. You will go hence after your
studies are completed as men well skilled in many of those acquirements
which may be looked upon as wont to lead to success in civil life; but
above all, you will be officers to whom can be entrusted with
confidence the leadership of our Canadian Militia. (Applause.) It will
be your duty to command those who are called out for service first of
all for the defence of your own homes; but I doubt not that you will
always remember that in belonging to the Canadian Militia you belong to
an auxiliary force of the Imperial army, whose services are constantly
illustrating anew, in distant and various climes, and against every
kind of foe, the qualities of the British valour and the virtues which
have made Britain what she is. (Applause.) It may never be your fate to
have any share in war's convulsions, and you may have no opportunity of
doing what the Zulus would call, "Washing your spears." Do not on that
account think that your time has been misspent, or regret the
preparation which is the best means of preventing any disaster falling
upon your country. The training you have here received will certainly
not only pay well in giving you those habits of mind and knowledge
which will be of advantage to you whatever line in life you pursue, but
will help you to become good citizens, and will make you worthy
representatives of that home army which is so essential for the defence
of the land. It is the proud fortune of those who follow that
profession, of which it has been finely said that "it is their trade to
die," to know that by their life they not only foster those feelings of
manliness and hardihood without which life is not worth having, but
that it is also under their protecting arm that every profession
pursues its even way, and arts and commerce flourish, and wealth
increases in security. (Loud. applause.)
On the 24th May 1879, after an interesting review at Montreal of a
militia force, comprising one regiment of American Militia from New
York State, a dinner was given at the Windsor Hotel, and, in reply to
the toast of his health, the Governor-General rose and said:--
Gentlemen and Officers of the Canadian Militia,--Allow me to thank you
from the depth of my heart for the extreme kindness of your reception,
but you must allow me to ascribe that reception to my official position,
for I am fully conscious that I have been too short a time among you to
be able to do more than to claim your kindness and consideration. With
the Princess it is different, and I believe I can claim for her
personally a warmer feeling. (Tremendous applause.) I cannot tell you
enough on her behalf of her feelings as to the manner in which she has
been received by every section of the Canadian people. I am often asked
how she likes this country, and I can only reply to the numerous
inquirers by repeating what I have said to those who have asked
personally, that although she likes this country very much, she likes
the people a great deal better. (Great cheering.) I must not forget to
thank Sir Edward Selby Smyth for the extreme cordiality with which he
was so good as to propose this toast, and I can assure him that it is
not only here amongst Canadian officers, but anywhere else, I should
have been proud to hear from him the words he has used. (Cheers.) He
has, I am sure, earned the gratitude of every militia regiment in
Canada during the time that he has been here, and he speaks, I am sure,
as your representative, with the full voice of your authority. (Renewed
cheering.) He has held before your eyes a high standard, he has held
that standard up with a most efficient hand, and I believe you
thoroughly well know how valuable his services have been, and what an
advantage it is to have an officer at the head of the Canadian militia
who has had experience in active warfare. (Loud cheers.) The manner in
which the manoeuvres were performed to-day show how much value you have
attached to his teaching--what full advantage you have taken of all the
opportunities given to you. And while I am speaking on the subject of
the review, allow me to congratulate you on having in your midst to-day,
and forming so splendid a part of your spectacle, the gallant American
regiment, many of whose officers I have the pleasure of seeing in this
hall. (Great cheering.) I wish to repeat to them to-night what I had
the honour of saying to the regiment at large, that I thank them most
sincerely for having come this journey to honour our Queen's Birthday--
(tremendous applause)--and I regard their having undertaken the journey,
and having come here, as a proof of the amity of feeling and sentiment
for us which is as strong in the breasts of the American people as is
their community with us in that freedom in which we recognise our
common heritage. (Cheering.) I believe I am not wrong in saying that
they have paid us an unusual compliment in allowing their band to play
our National Anthem, while a part of their musicians were arrayed in
our national colour. Some of the band wore the Queen's! colour, and I
believe I am not misinterpreting the feelings of the officers here
present when I say, that the very many Americans, not only those of
British race, but many others, wear in one sense the Queen's colour at
their hearts--(loud cheers and applause)-not only because she is the
Queen of that old country with which so many of their most glorious
memories are for ever identified,--that old country of which they are
in their hearts as proud as I can honestly say England is of them,--but
also because the Americans are a gallant nation, and love a good woman.
(Great applause.) They have lent us a helping hand to-day, and I
believe they will always be ready to do so, should occasion arise on
which we may ask them to stand by us. (Tremendous cheering.) We have
had a very pleasant day together, which has been followed by a restful
evening and a pleasant dinner--pleasant to all, I venture to say-but
restful only to those whose fate it has not been, when the dessert has
been put upon the table, and the wine has been passed round, to be
obliged, by making speeches, to "open fire" again. (Laughter and
applause) If an army could always depend upon having such a good
commissariat as our little force has enjoyed to-day, it is my belief
that field days would be even more popular than they are--(laughter)--
and I doubt if the finances of any people, no matter how many changes
they should make in their tariff, could long stand the expense.
(Laughter.) But if nations are happier when there is no need for them
to squander wealth, and spread sorrow and disaster by the maintenance
of large forces kept on foot for purposes of offence; yet it will be
generally conceded that no nation should be content without a numerous,
an efficient, and well-organised defensive force. This Canada and the
United States fortunately possess--(applause)--and the motto which was
proposed by Lord Carlisle as that which the volunteer force of England
should take, viz., "Defence, not defiance," is one which is equally
suitable to our kindred peoples. At our review to-day we have had one
of the few occasions on which it has been possible of late to bring a
fair number of men together for united drill Good drill requires
constant attention and work, and I believe it has certainly been the
opinion of the spectators of the force to-day, that officers and men
have made the best use of the opportunities which have been given them.
(Loud cheering.) Our militia force is large in number, and we have had
during the last two years the best proof of the spirit with which it is
animated. I should be neglecting an important duty were I not to take
this opportunity of tendering the warmest thanks of Her Majesty, and of
the Imperial authorities at home, to those gallant officers of the
Canadian Militia Force who have of late so often offered themselves for
service in active warfare--(cheers)--and to assure them that although
it was not necessary to take advantage of their offers, that their
readiness to serve has been none the less valued, noted, and
appreciated, and that the patriotic spirit which binds together all
branches of our Queen's army in whatever quarter of the globe they may
stand, and from whatever race they may spring, is seen with pride and
satisfaction. (Loud applause.) And, gentlemen, although the bearers of
commissions in our militia service have not been able to show their
devotion personally to their Sovereign and country among the lofty
ranges of Afghanistan, or on the bush-covered slopes of Zululand, yet
the news of the distant contests waged in these regions has, we know,
been watched here with as close an interest, as intense and hearty a
sympathy, as in Britain itself--(applause);--and the sorrow at the
loss of such gallant officers as Northey and Weatherley--(tremendous
cheering)--has been shared with our comrades in arms in the old
country, not only because the same uniform is here worn, but also
because the honoured dead are united with our people by ties of the
closest relationship. The dividing seas have not sundered the
brotherhood which the love of a gracious Sovereign, and the passion for
freedom, make the lasting blessing of the great English communities--
(great cheering);--and just as our country shows that she can strike
from the central power whenever menaced, so will her children's States,
wherever situated, respond to any call made upon them, and prove that
England's union with the great colonies is none the less strong because
it depends on no parchment bonds or ancient legal obligations, but
derives its might from the warm attachment, the living pride in our
Empire, and the freewill offerings of her loving, her grateful, and her
gallant sons. (Long continued cheering.)
The opening of an Art Institute at Montreal in 1879 gave occasion to
the following reply to an address:--
Ladies and Gentlemen,--This is the first occasion, I believe, on which
a large company, representing much of the influence and wealth of this
great city, has met together in order formally to inaugurate the
opening of the buildings of an Art Institute. Through the kindness of
the President and Vice-President, I have already had an opportunity
to-day to inspect the works with which this city, through the munificence
of Mr. Gibb, has been endowed. I think Montreal can be honestly and
warmly congratulated, not only upon the possession of a collection
which will go far to make her Art Gallery one of the most notable of
her institutions, but on having succeeded in getting possession of
funds enough, at a time by no means propitious, to give a home to this
collection in the Gallery in which we are assembled and to have erected
a building large enough to exhibit to advantage many other pictures
besides those belonging to the bequest. It is perhaps too customary
that the speeches of one in my position should express an over-sanguine
view of the hopes and aspirations of the various communities in the
country, and I believe the utterances of a Governor-General may often
be compared to the works of the great English painter, Turner, who, at
all events in his late years, painted his pictures so that the whole of
the canvas was illuminated and lost in a haze of azure and gold, which,
if it could be called truthful to Nature, had, at all events, the
effect of hiding much of what, if looked at too closely, might have
been considered detrimental to the beauty of the scene. (Applause.) If
I were disposed to accept the criticisms of some artists, I should be
inclined to endorse the opinion I have heard expressed, that one of the
few wants of this country is a proper appreciation and countenance of
Art; but the meeting here to-day to inaugurate the reign of Art in
Montreal enables me to disprove such an assertion, and to gild over
with a golden hue more true than that of many of Turner's pictures this
supposed spot upon the beauty of our Canadian atmosphere. Certainly in
Toronto, here and elsewhere, gentlemen have already employed their
brush to good effect. We may look forward to the time when the
influence of such associations as yours may be expected to spread until
we have here, what they formerly had in Italy, such a love of Art that,
as was the case with the great painter Correggio, our Canadian artists
may be allowed to wander over the land scot free of expense, because
the hotel keepers will only be too happy to allow them to pay their
bills by the painting of some small portrait, or of some sign for "mine
host." (Laughter and applause.) Why should we not be able to point to a
Canadian school of painting, for in the appreciation of many branches
of art, and in proficiency in science, Canada may favourably compare
with any country. Only the other day Mrs. Scott-Siddons told me that
she found her Canadian audiences more enthusiastic and intelligent than
any she had met. Our Dominion may claim that the voices of her
daughters are as clear as her own serene skies; and who can deny that
in music, Nature has been most ably assisted by Art, when from one of
the noble educational establishments in the neighbourhood of this city,
Mademoiselle Albani was sent forth to charm the critical audiences of
Europe and America? Canada may hold her head high in the kindred fields
of Science; for who is it who has been making the shares of every Gas
Company in every city fall before the mere rumours of his genius but a
native Canadian, Mr. Edison, the inventor of the electric light? In
another branch of Art her science must also be conceded. In photography
it cannot be denied that our people challenge the most able competition.
(Applause.) I have heard it stated that one of the many causes of the
gross ignorance which prevails abroad with reference to our beautiful
climate, is owing to the persistence with which our photographers love
to represent chiefly our winter scenes. But this has been so much the
case, and these photographs excite so much admiration, that I hear that
in the old country the practice has been imitated, so that if there may
have been harm at first the very beauty of these productions has
prevented its continuance, because they are no longer distinctively
Canadian, and the ladies in the far more trying climates of Europe are
also represented in furs by their photographers, so that this fashion
is no longer a distinguishing characteristic of our photography; in
proof of this I may mention that in a popular song which has obtained
much vogue in London, the principal performer sings:--
"I've been photographed like this,
I've been photographed like that,
I've been photographed in falling snow,
In a long furry hat."
No doubt these winter photographs do give some of our friends in the
old country the belief that it is the normal habit of young Canadian
ladies to stand tranquilly in the deep snow, enjoying a temperature of
33° below zero--(laughter);--and it would certainly give a more correct
idea of our weather were our Canadian ladies and gentlemen to be
represented, not only in bright sunshine, but also amongst our
beautiful forest glades in summer, wearing large Panama hats, and
protected by mosquito veils; but I suppose there are obstacles in the
way, and that even photographers, like other mortals, find it difficult
properly to catch the mosquitos. (Renewed laughter.) I think we can
show we have good promise, not only of having an excellent local
exhibition, but that we may in course of time look forward to the day
when there may be a general Art Union in the country; a Royal Academy
whose exhibitions may be held each year in one of the capitals of our
several Provinces; an academy which may, like that of the old country,
be able to insist that each of its members or associates should, on
their election, paint for it a diploma picture; an academy which shaft
be strong and wealthy enough to offer, as a prize to the most
successful students of the year, money sufficient to enable them to
pass some time in those European capitals where the masterpieces of
ancient Art can be seen and studied. Even now, in the principal centres
of population, you have shown that it is perfectly possible to have a
beautiful and instructive exhibition; for besides the pictures
bequeathed to any city, it may always be attainable that an exhibition
of pictures be had on loan, and that there be shown besides the
productions in both oil and water-colour of the artists of the year. It
may be said that in a country whose population is as yet incommensurate
with its extent, people are too busy to toy with Art; but, without
alluding to the influence of Art on the mind, which has been so ably
expressed in your address, in regard to its elevating and refining
power, it would surely be a folly to ignore the value of beauty and
design in manufactures; and in other countries blessed with fewer
resources than ours, and in times which, comparatively, certainly were
barbarous, the works of artists have not only gained for them a
livelihood, but have pleased and occupied some of the busiest men of
the time, the artists finding in such men the encouragement and support
that is necessary. Long ago in Ireland the beautiful arts of
illumination and painting were carried on with such signal success that
Celtic decoration, as shown in the beautiful knotted and foliated
patterns that still grace so many of the tombstones and crosses of
Ireland and of the west of Scotland, passed into England, and, more
strangely, even into France. The great monarch, Charlemagne, was so
enchanted with the designs and miniatures of an Irish monk, that he
persuaded him to go to work at Paris, and for nearly two centuries
afterwards the brilliant pages of French Bibles, Missals, and Books of
Hours showed the influence of the culture, the talent, and the tastes
of Erin. Surely here there should be opportunity and scope enough for
the production of the works of the painter's hand. The ancient states
of Italy, her cities and communities of the Middle Ages, were those who
cherished most their native painters, and the names of many of those
who covered the glowing canvases of Italy with immortal work are known
often from the designation of some obscure township where they were
born, and where they found their first generous recognition and support
Here in this great Province, full of the institutions and churches
founded and built by the piety of past centuries, as well as by the men
now living, there should be far more encouragement than in poorer
countries of old for the decoration of our buildings, whether sacred or
educational The sacred subjects which moved the souls of the Italian,
German, Flemish, and Spanish masters are eternal, and certainly have no
lesser influence upon the minds and characters of our people. And if
legendary and sacred Art be not attempted, what a wealth of subjects is
still left you,--if you leave the realm of imagination and go to that
of the Nature which you see living and moving around you, what a choice
is still presented. The features of brave, able, and distinguished men
of your own land, of its fair women; and in the scenery of your country,
the magnificent wealth of water of its great streams; in the foaming
rush of their cascades, overhung by the mighty pines or branching
maples, and skirted with the scented cedar copses; in the fertility of
your farms, not only here, but throughout Ontario also; or in the
sterile and savage rock scenery of the Saguenay--in such subjects there
is ample material, and I doubt not that our artists will in due time
benefit this country by making her natural resources and the beauty of
her landscapes as well known as are the picturesque districts of Europe,
and that we shall have a school here worthy of our dearly loved
Dominion. It now only remains for me to declare this gallery open, and
to hope that the labours of the gentlemen who have carried out this
excellent design will be rewarded by the appreciation of a grateful
public.
In June 1879, his first visit was paid to Quebec, and the answer to the
Mayor's greeting is given below:--
AU MAIRE ET À LA CORPORATION DE LA CITÉ DE QUÉBEC:--Messieurs,--C'est
avec le plus profond sentiment de plaisir que nous nous trouvons au
milieu de la population de Québec, et que nous entendons, des personnes
autorisées à parler de la part de cette ancienne et fameuse cité,
les mots de loyauté et l'assurance de dévouement exprimés dans votre
adresse, et je vous prie de transmettre aux différentes institutions
et sociétés que vous représentez ma reconnaissance de la cordiale et
bienveillante réception qui nous a été offerte aujourd'hui.
La loyauté est une fleur précieuse qui ne se fane et ne se flétrit pas
facilement, s'il lui est seulement donné de croître à l'air frais de la
liberté. Elle fleurira ici aussi longtemps que le Canada existera, et
sera chérie, comme aux anciens jours, le furent les lis-d'or, pour
lesquels tant de vos ancêtres versèrent si noblement leur sang.
Comme représentant de la reine, permettez-moi de vous dire que sa
majesté est assurée de la loyauté et du dévouement de ses sujets de la
province de Québec, qu'ils soient issus de pères venant des Iles
Britanniques, ou que l'ancienne France les réclame comme soutenant,
dans un nouveau monde, l'honneur, le renom, la bravoure et la fidélité
au souverain et au pays, qui distinguèrent leurs ancêtres.
J'exprime ces sentiments dans ce beau langage qui, dans tant de pays et
durant des siècles, fut regardé comme le type de l'expression concise
et nette et le plus habile interprète de l'esprit et de la pensée
humaine.