He Eschewed Public Honors.
Although closely and prominently connected with many public movements, especially those of a patriotic and charitable character, an exceptionally able and forcible speaker, with a full knowledge of the world’s affairs, Lord Shaughnessy could never be induced to enter political life, although he was frequently approached with tempting offers to devote himself to public affairs. He could have at different times been a Cabinet Minister or the leader of the Opposition, but he invariably declined. The presidency of the C.P.R. was the height of his ambition. Besides, between you and me, his ideas of how governments should be run—on strictly business principles—would probably not have retained the staunch support of the practical politician and the ward healer and others of that stripe. This incident may give an idea of his attitude:
BARON SHAUGHNESSY, K.C.V.O.
In 1911, several weeks before the general election, a telegram—prompted, no doubt, by the appearance of Sir William Van Horne at several of the Conservative meetings—was received from an Ontario news agency. It read:
“Sir Thos. Shaughnessy,
Montreal.
“Reported here that ‘C.P.’ behind anti-reciprocity movement. Is this correct?”
Without a moment’s hesitation the following reply was dictated and sent off:
“Yes! ‘C.P.’ behind anti-reciprocity movement—‘Canadian People.’ T. G. Shaughnessy.”
He held pronounced views on the temperance question, and, while not by any means a total abstainer, believed that intoxicants should be greatly restricted and sparingly used. When the Montreal Witness attacked the C.P.R. for selling liquor on its dining-cars, I called upon my good friend, John Dougall, the editor of that paper, and explained that the flask had almost entirely disappeared from the smoking-rooms in the trains through passengers being able to get a drink in the diner. It was the same old story of Adam and Eve and the forbidden fruit. My argument was that the C.P.R. was as great a temperance reformer as any temperance organization, for no trainman was allowed to go on his run if there was the slightest taint of liquor on his breath, and sobriety was required of all employees when on duty. Besides, when one happened to fall from grace, he was called on the carpet, and a repetition of his offence was punished with dismissal. Then I instanced that once, out at Moose Jaw, when Lord Shaughnessy saw some trainmen entering the bar at the company’s hotel, he called to Sir William Whyte: “Whyte close that bar.” Several hours passed and Lord Shaughnessy noticed that the bar was still open. Calling Sir William, he sharply said: “Whyte, I told you to close that bar. Why wasn’t it closed?”
“I am going to do so to-night at closing time.”
“No, you’re not. Close it now.”
And it was closed instanter.