When big John arrived with a band of his braves, M. Corriveau, who was acquainted with “Big John,” introduced him to his friends. After a few words of conversation, Sir Wilfrid Laurier asked the Indian how old he was.
“I am 43 years old,” he replied.
“We are almost of the same age,” said Mr. Laurier, “I will be 43 at my next birthday.”
“Well,” replied Big John, “when I die, you shall be frightened.”
Everybody nearby had a good laugh on hearing the Indian’s words, and Big John went away.
Big John died on Sunday, February 23rd., and Sir Wilfrid on Monday, February 24th.
Some years ago a retired Baptist minister told the following story: “When I was a young man I lived in a small town in Eastern Canada, and about the only well educated men in the place were a lawyer and a doctor, both Roman Catholics. We used to meet almost every afternoon in the lawyer’s office and discuss the affairs of the nation, and almost every subject from religion to politics. One day the young lawyer made a certain statement, when the doctor asked: ‘Where did you get that idea?’ and the lawyer replied (pulling open a drawer in his desk and bringing forth a well-worn Bible), ‘Why, from this Book.’ The doctor said, ‘Why, you don’t read that Book, do you?’ ‘Yes,’ replied the lawyer, ‘I have had this with me since I left home. I promised my mother to read it every day, and I have never broken my word, because, no matter where I am, I have read a portion of this good Book every day of my life since I gave that promise.’” Mr. Richardson asked me who I thought the young lawyer was, but I could not tell, so he said, “It was Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and we have been close friends ever since, although he is a Roman Catholic and I am a Baptist minister. Does this not in some manner account for Sir Wilfrid’s broad-mindedness in matters of religion?”
A gentleman brought a friend in to lunch at the Reform Club. On that particular day Sir Wilfrid happened to be there, lunching. The friend’s name was Mr. Lambe and he expressed a desire to be introduced to Sir Wilfrid, so, after luncheon in the clubroom, he was presented. When shaking hands with the “Chief” he started to explain that he was not a supporter of the Liberal party. Sir Wilfrid continued shaking hands during the short explanation, and then reached over with his left hand, and, placing it on Mr. Lambe’s shoulder, said:
“Well, never mind, Mr. Lambe, you know there is more rejoicing in Heaven over the return of one lost sheep,” etc.