Judge Landry

Year
1896
Month
7
Day
9
Article Title
Judge Landry
Author
-------
Page Number
1
Article Type
Language
Article Contents
JUDGE LANDRY here delivered an address in French. He paid a glowing tribute to the grand Christian spirit of the late Father Lefebvre. He urged all to do what they possibly could towards the completion of this grand work and the liquidation of the debt on the building. He wanted St. Joseph’s elevated, he wanted it to be one of the grandest educational institutions of the country. He thought all should help in building an eternal souvenir to the founder of St. Joseph’s college at Memramcook. Speaking in English he urged his hearers to contribute what little they can afford to help in furthering this grand work. DR. INCH, Chief Superintendent of Education was next introduced. He said it afforded him great pleasure to have some part, however humble, in the proceedings of this historic day. It had been his privilege to be acquainted in some degree with the professors of St. Joseph’s college, almost from its beginning. Dr. Inch here referred to the necessity of teachers being conversant with the French language. He had frequently to look to old St. Joseph’s for a teacher to teach in some exclusively French district as well as sometimes mixed districts. He thought it a matter of very great necessity that those aspiring for the teaching profession should acquaint themselves with both languages. He thanked the fathers for their hearty and willing assistance to him when he required it. Whether in institutions or connected with public affairs, education is a work that should be encouraged. It is praiseworthy he said to perpetuate the memory of a good man by perpetuating the work to which he consecrated his life. He was pleased to listen to the ex-Rector of Laval, that grand historic university of Quebec, and he trusted that St. Joseph’s College would be for New Brunswick what St. François Xavier is for Nova Scotia, and Laval in Quebec. DR. BELLIVAU, of Shediac, one of the Alumni here delivered a forcible address. He referred, in French, to Father Lefebvre in a very fitting and touching manner as a man deserving of the gratitude, love and esteem of all classes. He pointed out how the deceased father had practically resurrected the French language and customs in this province. His grace, energy and determination were equal to the cause he espoused, and to-day his old students are giving a tangible expression of their admiration for him. We are erecting this monument as a guarantee of our love. We cannot conceive all the labors and deprivations he has borne for his students and compatriots. DR. ALLISON, of Mount Allison, was next introduced. He esteemed it as a very great honor to take some little part in the interesting and impressive services of this occasion. He counted himself fortunate in having this opportunity of expressing his personal appreciation of the services to his country of one who rests from his labors, one who though dead speaketh to us in this magnificent building, this educational outfit and through the thousand tongues he has trained to speak eloquently and effectively. He referred to the rapid progress that has been made during his short lifetime by the Acadian people of the Maritime provinces. He always took a deep interest in all that is connected with the French people. The speaker pointed out the great sacrifices made by Father Lefebvre for his people. Mr. Benoit of Arichat, C. B. here spoke a few words both in English and French. He was a French Canadian and he had heard so much about the work of Father Lefebvre that he determined to attend this event. MR. H. A. POWELL, M. P. also referred to the great work done by Rev. Father Lefebvre. Surely Father Lefebvre deserved some recognition for a life spent in elevating his countrymen. In this respect you can find no man to whom more credit is due. Mr. Powell urged his hearers to assist in the building of this grand edifice as a memorial to an illustrious man. HON. H. R. EMMERSON was next introduced. He was very pleased to be present and say a few words on this occasion. He said “Let me tell you my coming here awakens memories of the long ago. I don’t think that I am quite a hundred but it seems to be a good many years ago when I came as a student to St. Joseph s College. Any of you who were here in those long ago days, compare the college then with St. Joseph’s of to-day. You will realize the very great progress that has been made. As a student of this institution it was my proud privilege to be acquainted with the late Father Lefebvre, and I can bear testimony to his worth, to his kindliness of heart, to his gentle smile, known to every student, a smile that went to the heart of every boy in the institution. His work is recognized all over the Dominion. It is recognized by the people of every race and every creed. In conclusion Mr. Emmerson congratulated the promoters of the Memorial. Senator Wood here spoke briefly. During the evening there was a beautiful fireworks display. Both afternoon and evening the college band played choice selections.