MAN WHO SAVED CANADA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 10, 10 January 1913, Page 3

MAN WHO SAVED CANADA.

One of tlie most unique gatherings ever held in Canada took place at Queenston Height® on October 13 last, when honour was paid in a marked manner to the memory of Sir Isaac Brock, who just 100 years before fell at the head of his men when he was leading them up those historic Heights against the Americans. Men prominent in the affairs of Can- ■ ada stood before the Brock monument and in eloquent phrases thanked God that a century ago He had raised up a man to save Canada to the British Empire. It was a thoroughly representative gathering, many descendants of men. who took a leading part in the early history of Canada being among those who gathered on the historic battlefield. r lhe Heights were resplendent with the bright uniforms of many soldiers, detachments of the Queen’s Own, Royal Grenadiers, Gov-ernor-General’s Bodyguard, 48th Highlanders, Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Mississauga Horse'of Toronto and the 7th Field Battery of St. Catharines being . present as a guard of, honour. .. The afternoon’s programme was opened with the pretty ceremony of laying wreaths at the foot of the monument. Magnificent floral tokens were reverently placed by representatives of St. Andrew’s Society (Toronto), 13th Regiment (Hamilton), Niagara Falls City Council, Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, Toronto Canadian Club, Six Nations Indians, U.E. Loyalists, Queenston Public School, Ontario Historical Society, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public School, Women’s Wentworth Historical Society, descendants of Colonel Macdonald, Royal Canadian Regiment, St. Catharine’s Daughters of the Empire, Niagara District Veterans of ’66, Toronto Daughters of the Empire, Mississauga Horse, Caroline School children (Hamilton), Channel Island Society (Toronto), and others. The Channel Island Society of Toronto, representing the Isle of Guernsey,, where General Brock was born, had a special floral piece, which they laid on the spot where the general fell as he and his men were charging up the Heights. .With them went Lieut. J. T. Birney, who is a son of Lieut. Birney, who helped to lift General Brock off his horse. The Speeches. The orator on the occasion was the Rev. Dr. Sterling Ryerson, of Toronto, who said that they had not assembled to glorify war, but to thank God that 100 years ago He had raised up a man like General Brock to save Canada to the British Empire. This was a gathering to remind the world that when a country is defended by free men it can never be conquered. He next spoke of the noble response to Brock’s call for men made by the French-Canadians, the hardy Highlanders, the Irish, the Red Indians, and even by negroes. And to-day these same men would rally to the defence of Canada should the occasion ever arise. “And,” said Dr. Ryerson, in concluding an eloquent speech, “it is our duty as Canadians to con- ' tribute directly towards the defence of the British Empire. A Government which will immediately subscribe 2-5 millions for that purpose need not fear to go to the country. Universal peace is not in sight. Universal military service is the duty of Canadian people in the near future; it would be better for us morally and physically” Mr A. Claude Macdonald, M.P., who is a descendant of Colonel Macdonald, who was killed with Brock at Queenston Heights, was the next speaker. He said they were there not in the spirit of militarism, but to commemorate a, great event which had been accomplished by a great man. Mr. J. A. Macdonnel, of Alexandria (Ontario), made a few remarks, after which the Seventh I ield Battery, drawn up on a position above the mo- ; nument, fired a salute of thirteen j guns, during which the 48th Highland- ' ers played a dirge. | The Hon. Dr. Fyne (Minister of Education for Ontario) said that Brock had done his duty like a true English-

man, and by so doing be bad retained ■ the finest part of the world for the British Crown. Dr. Fyne said lie fear- | od that Canada was behind the United ] States in inculcating a love of coun- ] try in the minds and hearts of the | school children. It was a good thing I to do, he said, and he hoped that I Canada would always remain a part of j the British Empire, j Colonel George T. Denison, of Toronto, took the audit nee back -53 years ago, when he, with a part of his corps, witnessed the preparations made to build the present monument to Brock, the first having been blown up by the Fenian Lett. The present monument was the finest in the world, being higher and more graceful even than the Nelson Monument in London. “General Brock made it possible for us to gather here to-day and say what we pleased without let or hindrance, ,s said Colonel Denison. It was the right thing for a nation to honour aur celebrate the brave deeds of its men. The Homans, the Athenians, the Spar tans all did so. Mr J. L. Hughes (Inspector-General of the Toronto Schools) said some pec pie had been saying that it was a ■ crime to teach boys and gilds the spirit of militarism—a crime to teach them to love their Go'd and their country. A boy should be taught to love peace, but likewise that he should not be backward to defend his country. At this point Mrs. Dr. Birdsall, of Niagara Falls, a descendant of Laura Sccord, was introduced, and three cheers were given for Laura Sccord. Dr. McCullough (founder of Canadian clubs) made a few remarks, after which Chief Shiekinora, of the Six Nationals, was called upon. He made a telling address, in the course of which he made a Powerful Plea for Indian Representation. They would not be there that day, remarked the ruling Chief, if it had not been for tljie Indians of the Six Nations, who had played a prominent part in all the battles that had saved Canada to the Empire, and the culmin- ] ating fight of which was that fought , on Queenston Heights under the gal- 3 hint Brock. “The flags waving here to-day would not be British flags had s it not been for the Indians. It was £ the Six Nations who came to the assistance of Brock, and they helped the handful of white people to build up I the foundations of Canada. Yet how have the,whites requited the Indians? He has no vote, and no representation ~ on the floor of the Parliament of Canada. Ho should have both, if the white man wishes to do justice and to deal fairly by the Indians. The white man should speak up for,the Indians. You owe all you have to us,” the Chief cried, passionately, “and'jjopi woudn’t have this country to-day if it had not been for us.” —‘Montreal Star.”