“I’ve been in England two months, and sail to-morrow morning—came for two things, and accomplished both. First, the trade treaty with France begun eighteen months ago. Secondly, to raise six million sterling in London. I’ve also done that this week; and am now going home with the money, chiefly for our trans-continental railway.
“Treaty? Well, as a rule, only kings can make treaties, but in Canada we are given a good deal of power. This is the second time I have been made a Plenipotentiary in a way—a one-man affair when ready, signed by Sir Francis Bertie.”
“A treaty with France, and you don’t know French.”
“Ah, but I know my subject, Mam. Don’t scorn me for my want of French. In the province where I was born it was not wanted, and when it was needed I was too busy to learn; telephone bells or messengers were going all the time, so I had to give it up, but I’ll learn it yet, I hope.”
“Do you require French in the Canadian House?”
“No, we are mostly English members, and although some of the Frenchmen speak in French, and all things by law are read in both languages, the Frenchmen generally stop the reading and consent to take it as read. Laurier for twenty years has always spoken in English; perfect English. Lemieux speaks in English. In fact, to get the ear of the House one must speak in English.”
“Are the French-Canadians as loyal as the English-Canadians?”
“Yes, but in a different way. We are loyal because it is born in the blood; they are loyal from gratitude, and because they know England gave them freedom. They are more loyal than we should have been to France if that fight on the Plains of Abraham had been won by the French.”
Sir Wilfrid Laurier I do not know as I know Mr. Fielding or Mr. Lemieux, but Sir Wilfrid Laurier is a great personality. He struck me as a wonderful type when I first went up in a lift with him at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal, although I did not then know who he was. There is a rugged strength about his face that impresses. He is a scholar and a gentleman, speaks perfect English, and has great charm of manner.
He said in the Dominion House of Commons: