Senator Poirier’s Meandering’s

Year
1887
Month
2
Day
9
Article Title
Senator Poirier’s Meandering’s
Author
A French Acadian
Page Number
3
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
Senator Poirier’s Meandering’s. MR. EDITOR, -- In reading the Moniteur Acadien’s report of the Wood meetings held in the different French districts, I see that Senator Poirier is represented as making some very queer statements, the veracity of which, any person acquainted with the facts, would call into question. Speaking of Mr. Wood, he is represented as saying: “Mr. Wood has always shown himself favorable to the Acadians in Parliament.” I would like to have Mr. Poirier answer the following questions: -- Why did he (Poirier), take up the case of D. M. Cormier, who was wrongfully discharged from the general offices here, before the Senate, instead of allowing Mr. Wood (Westmorland’s mis-representative) to bring it before the House of Commons and demand an investigation? Surely the Senate was not the place for such an investigation! The reason was simply this: Mr. Wood, fearing the disclosures that might follow the investigation, would not do so. Another instance: Why did not Mr. Poirier leave the task to Mr. Wood of bringing Stanislas Bourque’s case before the House of Commons, instead of him, (Poirier) bringing it before the Senate? These are questions which, I think, are rather hard for Senator Poirier to “stomach.” Surely this is not what he styles Mr. Wood, “showing himself favorable to the Acadians in Parliament.” If Mr. Wood had shown himself “favorable to the Acadians” Mr. Poirier would not have had to bring up in the Senate that which properly belonged to the Commons. The question arises: Is Mr. Poirier’s statement founded on facts, or is it not? Judging from what I know it certainly cannot be. Again, he says, referring to his appointment as Senator: “And when you (the Acadians) demanded a representative in the Senate, Mr. Wood was the man that so ably seconded the efforts of Mr. Landry, which, as everyone knows – and none better than myself – were so successful.” Horror of horrors! Does Mr. Poirier mean to imply that Josiah Wood was the means whereby the demands of the Acadian people were acceded to? Surely not! What action did Josiah Wood take in the matter? Was he ever consulted about it? I say no, and I know whereof I speak. If there is anyone in particular to thank it is the French Acadian electors of Westmorland, who, after holding several meetings and after fully discussing the matter decided to petition the Government to appoint Mr. Poirier as Senator, knowing him to be a man worthy of the trust put in him. I would like to ask him when (upon his return from Ottawa, after having received the appointment) he was feted here in Moncton by the Acadians in Babin’s Hall, whom did he thank for the honor conferred on him? Was it Mr. Wood, or even Mr. Landry? It is needless to say that he did not; but when answering to the toast of the evening “Our guest” he said: “I cannot thank you too highly for the honor conferred upon me. I owe my present position in life to the united action of the Acadians of Westmorland Co. Recognizing, as you did, that in unity lay your strength, you have acted wisely in uniting and demanding a representative in the Senate. The Government also recognized this fact and could not disregard your petition. You were entitled to a representative in the Senate by population and justice. I am happy to be the first Acadian Senator. Again I thank you sincerely, and shall always entertain fond recollections of your kindness to me.” I would also refer him to his speech at the Landry banquet. Let Mr. Poirier recall to memory those words, and after doing so, see if they do not conflict with the statement imputed to him concerning Mr. Wood’s efforts in his behalf. I have always regarded, and still do, Senator Poirier as an honest and upright man, and have always esteemed him as being one of our smartest men; but when I see such statements as the above imputed to him, I cannot help thinking that either he has been misrepresented by the Moniteur, or that he was so taken up with politics that he never thought of what he was saying. I would say to him that always in future keep to the line and “give to Cæsar that which is Cæsar’s,” and not go giving credit to Mr. Wood for things he has never done. Hoping the Senator may see his way clear, and reflect upon the course he has taken in his campaigning tour, I remain Yours Truly, A FRENCH ACADIAN. (One who signed the petition.)