The General Elections

Year
1890
Month
8
Day
14
Article Title
The General Elections
Author
-----
Page Number
2
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
THE GENERAL ELECTIONS. The Toronto Mail, an independent Conservative journal appears to think that the general elections are imminent. It says while discussing the idea of an early accession yet “on the other hand events point to the probability of an early election. Ministerialists tell us that the census must be taken and a redistribution effected before a contest can be decided upon. But, it is obvious that Sir John would rather go into a fight without the census figures than with them. When the decennial statistics are produced it will be the work of the Opposition to show from them that the country is rapidly going to do the dogs. Some of the provinces in all probability have not experienced a satisfactory advance in population, and the North-West has certainly not been colonized with the rapidly promised when the Canadian Pacific grant was secured. The figures will necessarily show a marked disparity between promise and performance. Then the manufacturing returns will scarcely be flattering to the National Policy. We were led to expect a great deal from the protective duties. With the census figures in their hands, the opponents of the administration will be able to demonstrate that, industrially, we have moved forward very slowly. The taking of the census, therefore, makes for an early election rather than a late one. Another consideration that will, no doubt, influence the Government, is the financial condition of the farmer. There has been a very good harvest this year, and the prospect that prices will be fair. If the farmer is in reasonably comfortable circumstances, the whole course of trade will necessarily be favorable. The retailer will receive his dues, stocks will be replenished, and the wholesaler will give orders to the manufacturer, and thus set machinery in motion once again. During such a spurt it will be comparatively easy to appeal for support on National Policy grounds. A third factor which points to an election is the French question. It stands to reason that the Government would like to pass the national ordeal before this matter has again been threshed out in Parliament and while the Liberal admission that Mr. McCarthy is not an ally is fresh upon the public mind. Sir John has always been alive to his opportunities; and we can depend upon it that it to him the sky looks clear, he will take the chance which presents itself regardless altogether of the redistribution which, after all, the census figures may not warrant. The reasons given are certainly worthy of consideration, and above all it must not be forgotten that Sir John Macdonald delights in surprises. French Lectures in Kent. Editor Transcript: - The St. John Sun of the 9th inst. says: “J. C. Chapais, assistant Dominion Dairy Commissioner, lectures on ‘Dairy Topics,’ in Cocagne, Aug 15; Bouctouche, Aug 16; St. Mary’s (Kent) Aug 17, St. Louis, (Kent) Aug 19, and Rogersville, Aug 20” And these arrangements have been made for Kent County after Dr. Legere has been elected for that constituency by a large majority. The government organs claimed that Dr. Legere contested this county as a Conservative – which may sound very well to the uninitiated. In the French parishes the Acadians were told to vote for their blood; and suiting the action to the word the arm was laid bare, and the veins were pointed to, to emphasize the words of the canvasser. Dr. Legere really contested this county as an Acadian – as a Frenchman – and owes his election to the votes he polled in the French districts; and J.C. Chapais, Assistant Dominion Dairy Commissioner, will lecture on “Dairy Topics”, in the districts were Dr. Legere’s real constituents reside. Acadie for the Acadians; and lectures on “Dairy Topics” by Assistant Commissioner Chapais will be delivered among the French of Kent. In district No. 20, comprising Kingston (south) Jardineville, and the Galloway’s, where Dr. Legere received two voices out of one hundred and sixty one; in the Parish of Welsford which gave Dr. Legere twenty-eight votes out of seven hundred and ninety-three ; and in other of the English speaking districts and parishes were the successful candidate received a small portion of the votes polled, the residents and farmers thereof are not to be favored with lectures on “Dairy Topics.” Comment is unnecessary. The foregoing facts go to prove that the portion of the Kent county electorate who did not view matters in an Acadian light are to be ignored - not only in the distribution of offices, but in matters pertaining to the welfare and enlightenment of the sturdy farmer. MORE ANON. Kent County, Aug. 12, ’90. NOTE. – The criticism by our correspondent is hardly just or generous. Mr. J. O. Chapais is a lecturer in French on “Dairy Topics,” and it is to the French people he is supposed to especially address himself. There are English lecturers for the English, and if Kent county does not also obtain their services then Dr. Legere will be to blame; but we hardly think it just to attack Dr. Legere because a French lecturer addresses the French farmers, and especially as in all probability the programme of Mr. Chapais tour was arranged before Dr. Legere’s election. –Ed. TRANSCRIPT.]