The Loyalists: The Meeting at the Institute Last Evening

Année
1882
Mois
5
Jour
19
Titre de l'article
The Loyalists: The Meeting at the Institute Last Evening
Auteur
-------
Page(s)
2
Type d'article
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Contenu de l'article
THE LOYALISTS. The Meeting at the Institute Last Evening. RESOLUTIONS PASSED FOR THE ERECTION OF A MEMORIAL HALL. Addresses of Various Speakers. Last evening, the literary and musical festival, under the auspices of the New Brunswick Historical Society, was held in the hall of the Mechanics’ Institute. The band of the 62nd Fusiliers was in attendance, and also the ladies and gentlemen of the St. John Oratorio Society, who, with Mr. Peiler as pianist, furnished the music for the occasion. His Worship Mayor Jones occupied the chair. THE GENTLEMEN PRESENT ON THE STAGE WERE: Mayor Jones, chairman. Jos W Lawrence, Jas Harris, Senator Boyd, Isaac Burpee, M. P., John Sears, Dr Botsford, S K Foster, Judge Weldon, W Elder, M. P. P., Gen Warner, W. D. W. Hubbard, Geo Garrison, James Clark, D W Clark, Rev G M Armstrong, Rev D D Currie, Uriah Drake, A A Stockton, D S Kerr, Ex Ald Brittain, A C A Salter, Dr D E Berryman, and others. The appearance of His Worship the Mayor, Mr. Lawrence and others on the stage was the signal for an outburst of hearty applause. The body of the Institute was about two-thirds filled by a very enthusiastic audience who applauded most of the good points made by the several speakers. The Exercises. Mayor Jones, on taking the chair, called on the Rev. Geo. M. Armstrong, to engage in prayer, the rev. gentleman saying a collect for the Queen. His Worship then briefly introduced MR. J. W. LAWRENCE, whom he styled the father of this movement. Mr. Lawrence, who was loudly applauded on rising, said that it was certainly no part of the programme that he should take part in the exercises. He then read a telegram from Lieut. Governor Wilmot, regretting that official business in Fredericton rendered his presence at the Institute impossible, and also a letter from Chief Justice Allen, of the same tenor, and naming Judge Weldon as worthy to represent both bench and bar. Mr. Lawrence endorsed this sentiment, saying that Judge Weldon is a son-in-law to Judge Upham, one of the members of the first bench of this Province. After a pleasant allusion to a personal reference to himself in Thursday’s Telegraph, Mr. Lawrence announced a change in the programme, consequent upon the Lieut. Governor’s absence, and called on the band of the Fusiliers for a selection. The band then gave the audience a decided treat, playing a grand “Selection from Lurline” – heard for the first time in St. John. The chairman next introduced SENATOR BOYD, who received a warm welcome. After a brief allusion to the changes in the programme, the speaker expressed his regret, which he knew would be shared by the audience, at the unpleasant position occupied by Mayor Jones, consequent upon the non-receipt of intelligence from the ice-bound Peruvian, on which his son is a passenger. Senator Boyd then moved the following resolution: -- Whereas, The 100th anniversary of the landing of the Loyalists at the mouth of the St. John River will be in 1883; therefore Resolved, That an event so important in New Brunswick history be marked by the erection, in the City of St. John, of a Memorial Hall, to be the home of an Art Gallery, Museum, Free Library, Reading Room, Gymnasium, Natural History Society, Historical Society, etc., etc., and that the sixty thousand teachers and scholars of the Province be invited to co-operate in this grand educational, social, moral and patriotic work. Thirty-three centuries ago, said the speaker, the great leader of a people was told to go into another land and possess it. He was told to take with him the Book of the Law to peruse it and he would be prosperous. How history repeats itself in the events of 1783, on the banks of the St. John, which reminds us of similar events on the banks of the Jordan and Euphrates, thirty-three centuries ago. They were told to take twelve stones and place them in conspicuous positions to stand for all time, so that future generations would see in them a memorial of their forefathers passing over. We have met to-night, said the speaker, for a similar purpose, in memory of the Loyalists of old, who left their happy homes and in many cases rich estates, to come up and possess a land where they might worship their God and honor their King in their own way. (Applause.) This memorial, which our friend Mr. Lawrence has taken hold of, is the commemoration of these men who suffered so much and gave up for conscience sake so much which we are now enjoying in this city that they founded about one hundred years ago. But a few years ago, and we could put our hands on the memorials these men had set up – in old Trinity, old St. Andrew’s, old Germain Street Methodist and old Germain Street Baptist churches – mementoes of the glorious faith of these grand old men of other days. But though the old churches had gone down before the flood of fire that swept over our city, they had been re-erected in greater grandeur, and stood to-day to remind us of the faith of those who had been their founders. Taking up his resolution in its special reference to the schools, Senator Boyd pointed out that amid the stern realities of life which pressed in fast upon the pioneers of civilization in St. John, they had little time and less money to devote to the education of the youth of that day; and passing on he pictured in bold contrast the school system of to-day, with its spacious houses and admirable facilities, with the humble educational efforts of years ago. He expressed the confident belief that if the Loyalists could just step into the Victoria school, with its 900 pupils, they would say that in the hurry and bustle of nineteenth century life, we had not forgotten the most useful of all – the getting of understanding. After a passing allusion to the harmony that now reigned in school matters, and the total disappearance of the sadness and misunderstanding that attended the inception of the free schools system – a sentiment that was loudly applauded – the Senator said though some complained of the cost, he regarded the money spent for education as a good investment and in the same light as the cost of the Indian policy of the Government. Surely it were better to spend our money in this way than for powder and shots, jails and penitentiaries, soldiers and police. The United Empire Loyalists, could they rise up and see St. John to-day, could hardly believe that they were the founders of this prosperous city, and of a new British Empire extending from ocean to ocean, that was now supplying the old land with flour, beef and corn, and which, did serious necessity arise, could give help of a different kind. (Applause.) The speaker expressed his pleasure at meeting General Warner to-night, for the first time since his return again as United States consul, pointing to his re-appointment as a refutation of the proverb that republics are always ungrateful. The empty sleeve of this gallant soldier reminded him that when the United States needed Loyalists, Gen. Warner was found at the front. (Applause.) He recalled Gen. Warner’s description of the centennial celebration at Yorktown, and the saluting of the British flag there with imposing ceremonies, and predicted that at the Centennial of the Loyalists in 1883, the compliment would be returned and the Stars and Stripes saluted as they floated from the highest staff in St. John. (Great applause.) He promised to use his best personal efforts to secure the co-operation of the teachers and scholars in carrying into effect the resolution, which he had much pleasure in moving. (Applause.) The resolution was seconded by James Harris, Esq., and adopted by the assembly with but one dissenting voice – that of D. S. Kerr, Esq. His Worship, in putting the resolution, thanked Senator Boyd and the meeting for sympathetic feelings with respect to the non-receipt of intelligence from his son, expressing the opinion that, though of Loyalist stock, he lacked their fortitude to withstand adversity. The Oratorio Society, led by Mr. Peiler, then sang the first piece on the programme. REV. D. D. CURRIE. Rev. D. D. Currie in moving the second resolution said: -- I am quite aware that we have a good deal to do this evening; that the programme is somewhat lengthy; and therefore I will make my remarks brief, and put my points in as concise a manner as possible. The resolution expresses the opinion that the ladies should be called upon to assist in the work which we have in contemplation – the erection of a Memorial Hall to the memory of the Loyalists. I am sure they will aid in the object. I feel glad that we have thus early inaugurated a series of celebrations to the memory of our fore fathers. Ninety-nine years ago, to-day, there lay in the harbor of St. John twenty vessels, and from them the first arrivals of the Loyalists landed. Among those who landed that day there were no women and children – all were men. It is a very encouraging thing that in so short a time as 99 years we have begun to celebrate their arrival. Looking at the Pilgrim Fathers and the Puritans more time passed than that before the anniversary of their landing was counted worthy of being honored. In this respect we have done better than the descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers; and I hope this spirit will be kept up, and that hereafter the day of the landing of the Loyalists will be kept as a day worthy to be honored. In these 99 years we have been very busy. In one sense 99 years is a long period; but in another sense it is a very brief one. There are men living now in this Province who were living then. But think what has been done here in that time to change the scene which our Loyalist forefathers witnessed. When they came here the site of this city was covered with scrubby spruce and cedar. Consider what labor has been expended in clearing the rocks; in cutting down the streets; in removing the trees. So much of this work has had to be done that we have not had time to think much of celebrations. But I am glad that the ladies have been called upon to assist in this great and important work. We all know that the ladies can take up a sentimental question better than we can and carry it to a more successful issue. We may lean on the ladies with all safety and trust in their zeal. Whatsoever things are lovely or of good report, we may call on them to organize and carry out. It is well for us to be a practical people and a money making people, for success depends largely upon these things. But we ought not to forget this matter of patriotism and of loyalty. We should cherish the memory of our forefathers – who cut out homes for themselves in this rude land. We ought to honor them for their strength, their courage, their loyalty, their devotion. We hear sometimes, even from some of their descendants, that they made a great mistake in coming here. I don’t think that they did make a mistake. We hear about King George and how obstinate he was and what an error it was for them to let their loyalty carry them so far. I don’t agree with that view. It is true there was in the old times a dream of a united Anglo-Saxon empire, which dream was rudely shattered by the revolution. But I believe there is a God in history and that he does all things right. I believe in the irresistible sweep and drift of Providence, which brings about what is to be. If the colonies were lost by the revolution, we have here another England in which the institutions of the mother country have taken root and flourished. I believe that whatever is inevitable is beneficent, because it is the will of God. Therefore we must get over this idea that our forefathers made a mistake in being so loyal. Many times men, when they take a half a view of a thing, think they have made a mistake. Look at the Jews when they were led out of Egypt by Moses how often they murmured in the wilderness and longed for the fleshpots of Egypt. They thought that Moses had made a mistake in leading them forth, but were they right in their judgement? Did not good grow out of that event, not only to them but to the generations which followed them? Look at the history of the Pilgrim Fathers, and how often, amid their privations and trials, they murmured at the error they thought they had committed in leaving comfortable homes on the other side of the ocean. What fools they were to leave England, must have been their frequent thought. But was it a mistake? Two centuries had to pass before New England became the beautiful land it is now, but their descendants are reaping the reward of their constancy and courage. I don’t believe that our forefathers made a mistake in coming here, and showing what loyal men could do and have done for the sake of a principle. It was well they came here, and I rejoice that they came. I have talked with some of these old men, the feeble survivors of that brave band of Loyalists, and I have heard them relate their trials and difficulties. They suffered much, but the hand of God was in it, and we have here, as the result of their labors, a new nation. It may be that we were born 50 years too soon to see the full fruition of the Loyalists’ work, but no doubt our children will see it and behold a grand nationality here standing high among the nations of the earth. But I must return to the work of the ladies. I remember when Daniel Webster delivered his great speech at the finishing of the monument to commemorate the battle of Bunker Hill. It took fifteen or twenty years to erect that plain granite shaft. The enterprise hung fire until the women took a hold of it, and then it became a success. Now if we can induce our ladies to enter into the work with the same spirit it cannot fail to be carried out. Perhaps it is well that I should remind you of the very short period of time that we have existed, only 99 years. Queen Victoria has been on the throne nearly half of that period. Nearly all the railroading and steamboating and electric telegraphing and kindred inventions that we have seen have been in her reign. If we sometimes think that our progress has not been so great as that of our neighbors of the United States, let us remember that we are very young and that we stand as well or better than the United States did when their country had been settled but 99 years. Therefore, we may confidently look to the future with hope. The enlargement of the city of St. John is another matter that I hope the ladies will take hold of. Look how circumscribed we are. Our area is too small, we have no room to grow. Our merchants have to erect their dwellings outside of our city limits. I want to see Portland taken in and part of Lancaster and Simonds, and St. John will then rise from being the seventh to be the fourth city of the Dominion. Let the ladies strive to bring about this desirable result and they will deserve our gratitude. I hold in my hand a paper published on the 4th of March, 1784. It is the 12th number of the first paper published in this Province, a very small affair, not to be compared to the papers of to-day. It is interesting from the fact that it contains some of the blue-laws of Connecticut, one of which is no woman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath day. Another is that no one shall wear lace worth more than two shillings a yard. Another that no one shall read the book of Common Prayer or play on any instrument, except a drum or a jews harp, or do a great variety of other things. Then no man shall court a maiden without the consent of her parents, a law which would hardly be obeyed now. With these remarks I beg leave to read the resolution, which has been placed in my hands and which is as follows: -- Resolved, That the ladies of New Brunswick be invited to lend their valuable assistance to the proposed Loyalist movement, and that the following be the commission with power to act and add to their numbers: -- Patroness: Mrs E B Chandler. President: Mrs Simeon Jones. Vice-Presidents: Mrs John W Weldon, Mrs John V Thurgar, Mrs John Boyd, Mrs Isaac Burpee, Mrs Chas Merritt, Mrs T W Daniel, Mrs Thos Gilbert, Mrs Henry Vaughan, Mrs Crane, Mrs Ring, Mrs Robt W Crookshank, Mrs James Lawton, Mrs Wm Thomson, Miss Wheeler, Mrs A L Palmer, Mrs Wade, Mrs Henry Jack, Mrs Robt Cruikshank, Mrs J McG Grant, Mrs W H Tuck, Mrs Gilbert Murdoch, Mrs James Dever, Mrs Luke Stewart, Mrs Edward Willis, Mrs Gideon Prescott, Mrs W H Adams, Mrs Harris Allan, Mrs Joseph Allison Mrs Dr Walker, Miss Leavitt, Mrs Carr, Mrs A A Stockton, Mrs Thos Hanford, Mrs Dr Allison, Mrs R J Ritchie, Mrs Ludlow Robinson, Mrs S D Berton, Mrs J de Wolf Spurr, Mrs J Manchester, Mrs Wm Clarke, Mrs Jarvis Wilson, Mrs E T Wetmore, Mrs Richard Knight, Mrs Robert Allan, Mrs Robert Adams, Mrs Thos E Millidge, Mrs T. Barclay Robinson, Mrs John Parks, Mrs T R Jones, Mrs Jeremiah Harrison, Mrs J Venner Thurgar, Mrs David Tapley, Mrs John Tapley, Mrs W P Dole, Mrs C H Fairweather, Mrs Stephen Hall, Mrs Lewis J Almon, Mrs John W Nicholson, Mrs Geo McLeod, Mrs Chas Watters, Mrs Robt Hazen, Mrs Howard Troop, Mrs Edward Sears, Mrs G Sidney Smith, Mrs T W Anglin, Mrs Jas A Harding, Mrs C N Skinner, Mrs F T C Burpee, Mrs Wm Hazen, Mrs Chas W Weldon, Mrs Geo Snider, Mrs R P McGivern, Mrs Wm Elder, Mrs W C Perley, Mrs R P Starr, Mrs Dr Holden, Mrs Geo F Smith, Mrs C F Kinnear, Mrs F B Hazen, Mrs John Magee, Mrs Henry Gilbert, Mrs J J Kaye, Mrs J R Reed, Mrs Dr Hamilton, Mrs Geo de Forest, Mrs Wallace Turnbull, Mrs W F Harrison, Mrs Geo W Whitney, Mrs J A Venning, Mrs Dr Travers, Miss Price, Mrs Leigh Harrison, Mrs Jeremiah Travis, Mrs John H Harding, Mrs J W Disbrow, Mrs A C Smith, Mrs B C B Boyd, Mrs David Robertson, Mrs Richard Thompson, Mrs Thos A Temple, Mrs J V Ellis, Mrs Thomas Allan, Mrs George A Clark, Mrs Uriah Drake, Mrs Henry Leonard, Mrs A C A Salter, Mrs Wm Quinton, Countess DeBury, Mrs J S Boies DeVeber, Mrs R S DeVeber, Mrs Wm Jack, Mrs H L Sturdee, Mrs David McLellan, Mrs James Holly, Mrs James Robertson, Mrs James Domville, Mrs John McMillan, Mrs R T Clinch, Mrs James Robertson, Secretary Treasurer – Miss Skinner. Dr. Botsford said he was very much pleased to second the resolution, knowing how fully able the ladies were to carry out what they undertook. (Applause). WM. ELDER, ESQ., M. P. P., was then called upon for an address. He said: Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Lawrence, President of the Historical Society, asked me to say a few words to-night, which might tend to increase public interest in the approaching centenary celebration. I am very glad to accede to that invitation, and, although others might have been found with greater leisure, and therefore better prepared to do justice to the subject, I will offer no apologies. I take the deepest interest in the subject which we have come here to consider, and which is at present occupying so large an amount of public attention. It is the more necessary for me, perhaps to say so, as I stand outside of Loyalist circles. I may remind you, sir, however, that it is a common experience in the history of nations for men to take as deep an interest in the welfare of the country of their adoption as they could possibly do in the land of their birth. Frequently nations even exchange saints, as in the case of Scotland and Ireland. The same is true of statesmen. It frequently happens that men become so attached to the country of their adoption that they are willing and ready to bear any labor or sacrifice to promote its advancement, and as this celebration is intended to be promoted by others than the descendants of the Loyalists, it is fitting that an outsider like myself should represent that class in promoting the celebration. When Pericles was called on to pronounce the funeral oration on the Athenians who fell in war, and whose graves were in pleasant gardens near the city, not unlike the last resting places of some of our loyalists, he expressed anxiety lest the virtues of many should suffer by his inability to do justice to them. But I need have no such fears this evening, for I have been preceded by gentlemen, who have spoken so well as nearly to have exhausted the subject. It seems to me, Sir, that there are two classes of considerations, which should influence us in taking an interest in the approaching centenary. We owe it to the Loyalists to celebrate that anniversary We owe it to ourselves to do so. What did those men do? They left their homes, their business, their fortunes, and they came here for an idea. The men came in the first instance, but gently nurtured women and tender children followed. They came to our then unhospitable shores for an idea. They came to this bleak region inspired by a feeling of attachment to the British crown, and prepared to make any sacrifice to carry out that idea. For this we should do them honor. A question is sometimes raised in regard to them; it has been raised by my friend Mr. Currie, namely, whether the Loyalists were right in the estimate they made of the question between them and the British Crown. I have no hesitation in saying that neither the English King nor his ministers then fully understood the rights of Englishmen who had gone across the seas. It is to Chatham and Burke, and not to the Ministers of the Crown of that day, that we are to look for the best exposition of the constitutional rights of the colonists. But this fact does not detract from my admiration of the Loyalists, nor ought it to do so. It is a different question altogether. The Loyalists are to be honored because they were true to their convictions of duty and ready to carry them out at whatever sacrifice. We know how men worship success; how readily they worship the rising sun; how little they like to be on the shady side of commerce or politics. Well, these men chose the rough and perilous road, and took it because, as they thought, that duty called them so to do. Then look at the success which accompanied their efforts. Of them it may be truly said: -- They builded better than they knew. They thought, no doubt, of producing a state like that which they had left; or perhaps another New England, the name they fondly gave to the land which they left behind. Little did they think that they and their associates, the United Empire Loyalists, would be instrumental in founding a young nationality almost as great in territorial extent as that which my esteemed friend who sits here (Gen. Warner, U. S. Consul) always so ably represents. Little did they realize the vast and varied resources, the beautiful scenery of the country to which they came, a country extending from ocean to ocean. To this land they brought the well tried, matured and time-honored principles of the British constitution, principles to which the United States and English speaking countries all over the world, are indebted for their most valuable constitutional lessons and for much of their political liberty. Indeed, it seems to be true of peoples that they attain their highest development by change of place, by the mixture of the blood of races, while the nations which do not do so, however ancient they may be, become stagnant in their civilization and fossilized in their ideas. For the work that the Loyalists did for us, and the success which has crowned their efforts we should do them honor. (Applause.) Now, Mr. Chairman, I come to the other point, and I say we owe it to ourselves to honor the memory of these men. They are representatives of our early history, and who is not influenced by the past? The earth on which we tread is the product of past influences. Its very soil is historic, for it is formed from the debris of many different rocks. Physically we are ourselves the creatures of the past; morally, intellectually, and politically it is the same. When, standing in the shadow of the Pyramids, Napoleon said to his soldiers, “forty centuries look down on you,” he enumerated this true idea. Who is it who is not inspired and affected by such sentiments? Looking at the smallness of the work which the individual accomplishes, it would seem that if men’s lives were more extended they could effect more in the interests of the race. The youngest of us, so short are our lives, might address our morituri salutamus to our surviving fellow men, as the gladiators, on entering the fatal arena, used to address the emperor, “O Cæsar, we who are about to die salute you.” But human progress is carried on in a different way than by the longevity of the individual. [illegible] physics, there is a principle known as the conservation of the forces. In tracing its operation, we see how force is changed without being lost. It becomes heat, light, power; it is altered in its direction but not lost. So it is in the intellectual and moral world. It is true as our poet has it: The individual withers, but the world is more and more. The men of the past, who have enriched the world with their ideas, their principles and their acts, cannot be said to be dead. They live and enrich humanity with their contributions. And these will go on. It is true, as Mr. Currie says, that men now advanced in years may well feel that they were born half a century too soon. What would they not give to see the scientific revelations of the next fifty years and their effect in ameliorating the condition of the sons of toil and the human race generally? What would they not give to witness the developments in our own fair land in all its vast and varied possibilities in industry, trade and commerce, as well as intellectually and morally? The Loyalists gave an impetus to this development, and we owe it to ourselves to do honor to their memory. I was glad to hear the names of the ladies’ committee. The list was pretty long and I only missed one thing in it, namely, the words “with power to add to their number.” They ought to be able to help the celebration. I noticed that Mr. Currie expects them all to turn annexationists, at least so far as St. John and Portland are concerned. I am interested in noting that Mr. Currie holds the same idea, and though I think someone has stolen it from me, I am glad to find so efficient an advocate of it, one who is ready to take in part of Simonds and Lancaster as well, and thus raise St. John to the rank it should have among the cities of Canada. I hope the centennial celebration may influence this movement. It is one that I favor; but how is it to be accomplished? It is only by the people asking for it in the city and in Portland: by their mutual consent and desire the union can consummated – just as we would admit the United States to our flag if their people expressed a strong desire to come in. In union is strength; on the union of all classes depends on our success in the approaching centennial, in which our honored friend, Mr. Lawrence has already created so deep an interest. It is a favorite idea of poets and preachers that the spirits of the departed take cognizance of those scenes on earth in which they formerly felt an interest. It is not an unreasonable imagination. If such be the case, how grateful will be the proceedings of this evening to many departed heroes; how much more so the great centennial of 1883. The Loyalist founders of St. John, as they reared their humble homes, thought of the words of Æneas: “O fortunati quorum jam mœnia surgunt,” and they made them the motto of their city. In a higher sense we repeat them to-night, for we feel that if by these anniversary celebrations we are stimulating the loyalty and patriotism of our people, we are laying the surest foundation of empire, and carrying on to a higher stage the work which the Loyalists of St. John and of Canada so nobly began. (Great cheering.) The choir then sang “Old May Day” and “The Dream of Home,” after which JUDGE WELDON moved the following resolution: -- Whereas, Among the early founders of the Province were judges and lawyers conspicuous for their acquirements, and who in consequence of their fidelity to the crown, made great personal sacrifices; therefore Resolved, That the Bench and Bar of New Brunswick, as a tribute to their public worth and private virtues, be requested to assist in the erection of a suitable Loyalist Memorial. In moving it, Judge Weldon said that the resolution he had to move referred to the first judges of the Province, who were all Loyalists, and were all distinguished men in their own country. All the Chief Justices of this Province, save one, have been Loyalists or descendants of Loyalists, as are many members of the bar, so it is fitting that they should take a prominent part in the celebration of this centennial of the landing of those Loyalists. The importance and fitness of such a celebration had been so ably represented that he would not detain the audience longer than to read the resolution and express his opinion that the bench and bar should and would do their utmost to carry it out. MR. D. S. KERR seconded this resolution, and, on coming forward, was received with round upon round of applause. He explained that the reason he voted against the first resolution was that while he favored erecting something in honor of the Loyalists, as his father and mother and their parents on both sides were Loyalists, he was not in favor of erecting a memorial hall, which might be swept away, but a monument which would last as long as Cleopatra’s needle. If a monument such as he proposed were erected every stranger seeing it would ask what it meant and so could learn why it was built. He spoke at some little length in favor of his view, alluded to the influence the ladies could bring to bear in carrying on the work, and concluded by saying that he supported the resolution, and believed that the lawyers and judges in this Province would do their utmost worthily to commemorate this important era in our history. The choir then sang “Parting,” after which the last resolution was moved by HON. ISAAC BURPEE, as follows: -- Whereas, The centennial of the arrival of the Loyalists at the River St. John will mark an epoch in the history of New Brunswick, every effort should be put forth to make the celebration of 1883, worthy such an event; therefore Resolved, That the following gentlemen be a commission, with power to add, to take such action as in their judgment may be necessary to the attainment of that patriotic object: The Lieutenant Governor, His Worship the Mayor, Chief Justice, Attorney General, Provincial Secretary, the three St. John M. P.’s, the six St. John M. P. P.’s, Judge of the Court of Vice-Admiralty, Advocate General, Judge of Probates, Registrar of Deeds, High Sheriff, Recorder, Police Magistrate, Collector of Customs, Secretary of Provincial Board of Agriculture, Superintendent of Provincial Board of Education, Mayor of Fredericton, Chairman Town of Portland, Portland Police Magistrate, Assistant Receiver General, President Natural History Society, President of New Brunswick Historical Society, President of the Board of Trade, Chairman of School Board, President Mechanics’ Institute, President St. John Agriculture Society, Judge Palmer, Judge King, Rev. D. D. Currie, Hon. T. R. Jones, James Harris, D. W. Clark, David S. Kerr, S. L. Brittain, S. K. Foster, John Sears. Three members of the Common Council to be elected from their own body. A. A. STOCKTON, Treasurer; W. P. DOLE, Corresponding Secretary; DAVID H. WATERBURY, Recording Sec’y. Hon. Isaac Burpee, on coming forward, was received with loud applause. He said that the resolution scarcely needed a word of comment, as it explained itself, and all it requires is that the parties named in it should do their work well. He tendered his thanks to Mr. Lawrence for the efforts he had made in this work. He is deserving of thanks for the work he had done in connexion with the Historical Society. The resolution calls for active efforts on the part of the committee to make the anniversary next year a success, and he did not see why it should not be. He differed from the last speaker as to how the memory of the Loyalists should be preserved, as he was in favor of a memorial hall to contain a free library. COL. FOSTER was called upon to second this resolution, and in doing so said he had no idea when he entered the hall he would be called upon to make any remarks, but as a descendant of the Loyalists, he could not refrain from taking an active part in anything that would honor their memory. Forty nine years ago he had taken part in the jubilee which celebrated their landing, and was one of the guard of honor on that occasion, and ever since he had tried to celebrate each anniversary by having a salute fired upon each anniversary, and he hoped to take part in firing the salute on the anniversary next year over the corner stone of the Memorial Hall. (Applause.) He hoped the audience would join and help in carrying out the object for which the meeting was convened, and he joined the other speakers in praising Mr. Lawrence for his efforts in this direction. The choir then sang the National Anthem, and after three cheers for Mr. Lawrence and the Queen, the audience dispersed.