Sir John’s Trusted Lieutenant.
Sir John’s most trusted lieutenant for years was Hon. John Henry Pope, of Compton, father of Senator Rufus Pope. “John Henry,” as he was familiarly called, had all the shrewdness and foresight of the statesman, and materially assisted in directing the policy of the party. He was not a polished or verbose speaker, but when he spoke the few words he uttered always meant something. Once when fiercely attacked by Sir Richard Cartwright in the House, he made the shortest but most effective speech ever delivered in the Green Chamber. When Sir Richard had taken his seat amidst the loud applause of his followers, Mr. Pope slowly rose and quaintly said: “Mr. Speaker, there ain’t nothin’ to it.”
The House cheered wildly, and Sir Richard warmly joined in the expressions of admiration. That ended the discussion.
I recall that Bob White, one of the active members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, and one time member for Cardwell, got off a joke at Mr. Pope’s expense about this time. In those days tolls were charged on the St. Lawrence Canal System. A strong deputation came down from the Niagara Peninsula in the month of October to ask that the Welland Canal tolls be lifted for the balance of the season, but “John Henry” was obdurate. There was to be no change in the Government’s policy so far as he was concerned. Mr. White was present when the deputation was presenting its case, and when they went away after receiving the Minister’s answer, Bob, sitting in his place in the Press Gallery, sent a note to the Minister of Railways and Canals to the following effect:—
“In connection with the Welland Canal deputation, how would it do to remove the tolls from December to April?” (when the canal is closed.)
The old man missed the point of the joke and solemnly wrote back to Bob:—
“I see no reason to change the view which I expressed to the deputation.”