In 1906, when Sir Wilfrid was returned to power, the Liberals gave him a reception at the old Horticultural Gardens. The “Chief” arrived, accompanied by quite a party, and, as a prominent supporter was about to shake hands with him, a little man who had been imbibing, pushed him aside, held out his hand, and said in a loud voice:
“Welcome to ‘Taranta,’ Mr. ‘Larier’.”
This was momentarily embarrassing to those assembled, but the “Chief” shook hands heartily with him and asked his name. The little man gave his name as Lynch, whereupon the “Chief” exclaimed:
“A good Irish name, and a good Irish welcome,” and thus passed off lightly what might have proved embarrassing.
A very illuminating incident occurred at the Union Station on one of Sir Wilfrid’s last visits to Toronto which reveals the manner of his appeal to his people. Two young ladies spied the old statesman walking up and down the platform by his private car. One of them insisted that it was Sir Wilfrid, the other that it was not. A newspaper reporter overheard the argument and settled it by answering them that it was, indeed, the dean of the House of Commons.
“I wonder if we could shake hands with him?” enquired the girls, excitedly.
The reporter approached Sir Wilfrid and said:
“There are two young ladies who would esteem it an honor to shake your hand. May I bring them to you, Sir Wilfrid?”