Chapter 6

“L’HOMME QUI RIT.”

Upon accepting office as Finance Minister in the Dominion Cabinet, Sir Francis Hincks presented himself for election in the constituency of Renfrew, the sitting member, Mr. Rankin, making way for him. Sir Francis had declared that the acceptance of office at this time involved personal sacrifice on his part.

Diogenes, October22nd, 1869.

“L’HOMME QUI RIT.”

—L’astre d’un favori,Qui se croyait un grand ministre,Quand de nos maux il avait ri.—Béranger.

—L’astre d’un favori,

Qui se croyait un grand ministre,

Quand de nos maux il avait ri.

—Béranger.

SCENE FROM THE COMEDY OF “THE TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN.”

Sir Francis Hincks had but shortly returned to Canada from the Windward Islands, where he had for several years occupied the position of Governor. The claim that he was making a “personal sacrifice” in accepting office seems to have been too much forDiogenes.

Diogenes, October29th, 1869.

THE COMEDY OF “THE TICKET-OF-LEAVE MAN.”(Adapted to the Ottawa stage.)

MISS CANADA.—“YOU’LL TAKE CARE OF THE MONEY, WON’T YOU? YOU KNOW I’M NOT VERY RICH.”

MR. MELTER MOSH.—“O, YESH, MA TEAR, I’LL LOOK AFTER TE MONISH! I’M A HONEST MAN; IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME, AX BARBADOES AND DEMARARA. DEY KNOW ME, TEN YEARS.”

A MOONLIGHT SCENE ON THE OTTAWA.

This is another reference to the selection of Sir Francis Hincks as Finance Minister in preference to the other available candidates for the position.

Grinchuckle, November4th, 1869.

A MOONLIGHT SCENE ON THE OTTAWA.

GRINCHUCKLE.—“FAITH! IF HE GETS AT IT, THERE WILL BE VERY LITTLE LEFT FOR KING CROW OR ANYONE ELSE.”

KING CROW.—“IF SOME OF THESE NORTH RENFREW MEN WOULD ONLY FRIGHTEN HIM AWAY NOW, WOULDN’T THE LIKE OF ME HAVE OUR FILL!”

FROM HALIFAX TO VANCOUVER.

The project of an all rail route from the Atlantic to the Pacific on Canadian territory had begun to be agitated. The incredulity attributed to Uncle Sam in the cartoon was fully shared by many more immediately interested. The year 1886, however, saw the feat accomplished.

Diogenes, November5th, 1869.

FROM HALIFAX TO VANCOUVER.

MISS CANADA.—“THIS IS WHAT WE WANT, COUSIN JONATHAN. IT WILL GIVE US REAL INDEPENDENCE, AND STOP THE FOOLISH TALK ABOUT ANNEXATION.”JONATHAN.—“WAL, MISS, I GUESS YOU’RE ABOUT RIGHT THAR; BUT I’LL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT.”

MISS CANADA.—“THIS IS WHAT WE WANT, COUSIN JONATHAN. IT WILL GIVE US REAL INDEPENDENCE, AND STOP THE FOOLISH TALK ABOUT ANNEXATION.”

JONATHAN.—“WAL, MISS, I GUESS YOU’RE ABOUT RIGHT THAR; BUT I’LL BELIEVE IT WHEN I SEE IT.”

WAITING FOR THE CAT TO JUMP.

This cartoon gives an intimation that the views of Mr. Luther H. Holton on the subject of Canada’s future destiny were not perfectly clear and fixed. In this Mr. Holton was by no means singular among our public men. The insinuation that he was a blind follower of public opinion does him less than justice.

Grinchuckle, November18th, 1869.

WAITING FOR THE CAT TO JUMP!MR. HOLTON.—“DRAT THE CAT! I CAN’T DO ANYTHING TILL I SEE HOW SHE JUMPS!”

THE DOMINION CURTIUS.

Another ironical allusion to Sir Francis Hincks’ vast “personal sacrifice” in accepting the emoluments of office. The allusion is to the classic story of Curtius saving Rome by jumping into the chasm. The attendant heroes are Honorable George Brown and Sir John Macdonald.

Diogenes, November19th, 1869.

THE DOMINION CURTIUS.

MACDOUGALL’S SOLILOQUY.

Hon. William Macdougall was appointed to the Lieut.-Governorship of the North-West Territories on the cession of that country to the Dominion by the Hudson Bay Co. The Half-breed settlers, however, deeming it an infringement of their rights that the country was ceded without their formal consent, opposed Mr. Macdougall’s entrance on his arrival. He was obliged to return without enjoying the office he had gone to assume.

Grinchuckle, November25th, 1869.

MACDOUGALL’S SOLILOQUY.“THERE IS NOT MUCH FUN IN THIS GAME, BUT A MOVE MUST BE MADE WHEN THE KING IS IN CHECK.”

“HOPE TOLD A FLATTERING TALE.”

Sir Narcisse Fortunat Belleau, Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, is the principal figure in this cartoon. The financial position of the Province was not satisfactory at this time, and the hope expressed in the speech from the throne, to which allusion is made, was one which the people would cordially share.

Grinchuckle, December2nd, 1869.

“HOPE TOLD A FLATTERING TALE.”

“I AM HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO ANNOUNCE TO YOU THAT SUCH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE DIVISION OF THE SURPLUS DEBT OF THE LATE PROVINCE OF CANADA AS TO LEAD ME TO EXPECT AN EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE QUESTION.”

Lieutenant-Governor’s Speech, Opening of Quebec Legislature.

ENOUGH IS AS GOOD AS A FEAST.

This was an allusion to the debate which took place on the Nova Scotia “better terms” resolution in the House of Commons. Mr. Blake introduced a motion setting forth the unconstitutionality of the bargain which had been made after the Act of Union, under which Nova Scotia got additional subsidy. Honorable J. S. Macdonald, on the other hand, supported the action of the Government. In connection with this cartoonGrinchuckleaddressed the following lines to “Joe Howe”:—

It’s of no use, Joe Howe, to be craving for plunder,For we know you are but a political rake;And Ontario will never consent to strike under,While she has for her leader redoubtable Blake.Old Sandfield, we know, is a premier squeezable,And he’s willing to give, and you’re eager to take;He would buy up your Province by any means feasible;But he cannot buy up that redoubtable Blake.

It’s of no use, Joe Howe, to be craving for plunder,For we know you are but a political rake;And Ontario will never consent to strike under,While she has for her leader redoubtable Blake.

It’s of no use, Joe Howe, to be craving for plunder,

For we know you are but a political rake;

And Ontario will never consent to strike under,

While she has for her leader redoubtable Blake.

Old Sandfield, we know, is a premier squeezable,And he’s willing to give, and you’re eager to take;He would buy up your Province by any means feasible;But he cannot buy up that redoubtable Blake.

Old Sandfield, we know, is a premier squeezable,

And he’s willing to give, and you’re eager to take;

He would buy up your Province by any means feasible;

But he cannot buy up that redoubtable Blake.

Grinchuckle, December9th, 1869.

ENOUGH IS AS GOOD AS A FEAST.

J. S. McD——LD.—“YES, MY PET, YOU SHALL HAVE IT. I COULD NOT FIND IT IN MY HEART TO DEPRIVE YOU OF IT.”

E. BL——E.—“YOUR PET! SHE WAS NOT ALWAYS SO; BUT IF YOU DARE, I’LL TEAR THE LOLLY-POPS FROM YOUR MEDDLING HAND.”

THE CANADIAN BARNUM NOW EXHIBITING AT QUEBEC.

The “Court” of Lieutenant-Governor Belleau was conducted in a style of magnificence quite out of harmony with the democratic spirit of the people, as well as the condition of the Provincial purse. This grandeur, with its ridiculous accompaniments of “state balls,” etc., was encouraged by Sir Geo. Cartier, whose own tastes were courtly. The subject offered too tempting a theme to escape caricature.

Grinchuckle, January6th, 1870.

THE CANADIAN BARNUM NOW EXHIBITING AT QUEBEC.C—RT—R.—“HERE YOU SEE DE LEETLE CREATURES PERFORMING SOME OF DERE AMUSING—WHAT YOU CALL IT?—FEATS.”

EXTREMES MEET.

The Half-breeds of Manitoba were in rebellion under the leadership of Louis Riel, on account of their alleged rights having been ignored in the bargain with the Hudson Bay Company. They demanded compensation for the land assumed by the Dominion. The artist cites this as a parallel to the position assumed by Mr. Howe on behalf of Nova Scotia, when “better terms” were demanded, and secured.

Grinchuckle, January27th, 1870.

EXTREMES MEET.

JOE (FROM THE EAST).—“GO IT! BE A PATRIOT; AND YOU’LL SELL WELL,—LIKE ME.”

LOUIS (IN THE WEST).—“YOU’RE AN UNPRINCIPLED OLD SCAMP; BUT IF I DON’T GET MY $5000 A YEAR, BLOW ME TIGHT.”

THE YOUNG LADY’S APPEAL TO A “GALLANT KNIGHT.”

Sir Francis Hincks was the author of the Canadian “Shinplaster” currency, a scheme adopted to drive out the American silver. The cartoon will be understood from the following legend which accompanied it:—Miss Canada: O, Sir Francis, I am suffering so much from this light American silver skate. It is no mate for the heavy gold one on my other foot. The doctors differ, but I shall never get along without another gold one.Sir Francis H——s: The doctors be fiddled! Who asked the doctors? I’m your doctor! You shall have the gold skate, my dear. Mr. Weir will attend to it. Meantime you can strengthen your ankle with a twenty-five cent Dominion plaster.Miss Canada: A thousand thanks. Oh, I’m so glad! (Aside:But I’ll burn the Plaster!)Sir Francis H——s(whose hearing is sharp): I hope you will?

Miss Canada: O, Sir Francis, I am suffering so much from this light American silver skate. It is no mate for the heavy gold one on my other foot. The doctors differ, but I shall never get along without another gold one.

Sir Francis H——s: The doctors be fiddled! Who asked the doctors? I’m your doctor! You shall have the gold skate, my dear. Mr. Weir will attend to it. Meantime you can strengthen your ankle with a twenty-five cent Dominion plaster.

Miss Canada: A thousand thanks. Oh, I’m so glad! (Aside:But I’ll burn the Plaster!)

Sir Francis H——s(whose hearing is sharp): I hope you will?

Grinchuckle, February10th, 1870.

THE YOUNG LADY’S APPEAL TO A “GALLANT KNIGHT.”

THE MID-DAY GUN AT OTTAWA.

This cartoon is chiefly interesting as giving amusing portraits of a number of prominent parliamentarians. It is the custom to fire a gun from Nepean Point, opposite the House of Parliament, at twelve o’clock, noon, each day, which gives distinguished personages and others an opportunity of regulating their watches. At the date of this cartoon, workmen were engaged in making some additions to the central block.

Canadian Illustrated News, May11th, 1872.

THE MID-DAY GUN AT OTTAWA.

JOHN CANUCK’S NEW ROAD.

Great dissatisfaction was expressed in the Maritime Provinces at the rejection of the St. John Valley route for the Intercolonial Railway. The change to the route subsequently selected—a much longer and costlier one—was made as the result of a conference with the Imperial authorities by Sir F. Hincks and Hon. Mr. Chandler, of New Brunswick. The contemplated expense of the road was a matter of serious concern, however, to all the Provinces.

Canadian Illustrated News, May11th, 1872.

JOHN CANUCK’S NEW ROAD.

Mr. John K. Nucke(a gentleman farmer).—“A fine balance at my banker’s, eh! Glad to hear it! What’s the next improvement you intend carrying out? For I’ve noticed a surplus always indicates some grand scheme concocted between you and the hands on the farm. Now tell me; out with it!”

Steward.—“Well, Your Honour ought to have a road made to the lake; it would open up your property, and keep the hands busy, and——”

Mr. J. K. N.—“Well, well! and what will it cost?”

Steward.—“Oh! a mere trifle; some thirty millions or so; and if that don’t pay the contractor we will give him some of our waste land, you know. We might spare 40 or 50 million acres and never feel it!”

Mr. J. K. N.—“Whew! (whistle). Hem! Ho, ho! Well, we’ll talk over it.”

SCENE FROM THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.

An allusion to the annexation utterances of Hon. Joseph Howe. The figures in the group are Sir George E. Cartier, Sir John Macdonald, Sir Francis Hincks, and Mr. H. L. Langevin.

Canadian Illustrated News, March30th, 1872.

SCENE FROM “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.”SHALLOW.—“I HAVE LIVED FOUR-SCORE YEARS AND UPWARDS; I NEVER HEARD A MAN OF HIS PLACE, GRAVITY, AND LEARNING, SO WIDE OF HIS OWN RESPECT.”—Act III., Scene I.

THE GAME OF SEE-SAW.

The Maritime Provinces exhibited much fickleness in the bestowal of their political favor. In the first general election after Confederation only one supporter of the Conservative ministry was returned. In the next election, this state of affairs was exactly reversed.

Canadian Illustrated News, May4th, 1872.

A GAME OF SEE-SAW.Sketches from the Capital.

“TOODLES” AT TORONTO.

Mr. Rykert, a prominent member of the Opposition in Ontario, had taken a prominent part in the attack made upon the Government for extravagant expenditure in the furniture and fittings of the apartment occupied by Hon. A. McKellar, Minister of Agriculture.

Canadian Illustrated News, March29th, 1873.

“TOODLES,” AS PERFORMED AT THE PROVINCIAL HALL, TORONTO, ON THE 13TH INST.

Mrs. Toodles. (Hon. A——d McK——r.)—But, my dear Toodles.Toodles. (Mr. R——t.)—Oh, don’t dear Toodles me—you’ll drive me mad—your conduct is scandalous in the extreme.Mrs. T.—My dear Toodles, don’t say so.Toodles.—But I will say so, Mrs. Toodles. What will become of us, with your passion for “contingencies.” I say, Mrs. Toodles, where’s the money, and echo answers, where.Mrs. T.—I’m sure, my dear Toodles, I lay it out to the best advantage.Toodles.—You shall not squander and waste our revenue.Mrs. T.—My dear, I buy nothing but what is useful.Toodles.—Useful—uselessyou mean. I won’t have the house turned into a museum for glass-ware and chromos. At the end of the year I ask, where’s the money—all gone too—spent in infernal nonsense.

Mrs. Toodles. (Hon. A——d McK——r.)—But, my dear Toodles.

Toodles. (Mr. R——t.)—Oh, don’t dear Toodles me—you’ll drive me mad—your conduct is scandalous in the extreme.

Mrs. T.—My dear Toodles, don’t say so.

Toodles.—But I will say so, Mrs. Toodles. What will become of us, with your passion for “contingencies.” I say, Mrs. Toodles, where’s the money, and echo answers, where.

Mrs. T.—I’m sure, my dear Toodles, I lay it out to the best advantage.

Toodles.—You shall not squander and waste our revenue.

Mrs. T.—My dear, I buy nothing but what is useful.

Toodles.—Useful—uselessyou mean. I won’t have the house turned into a museum for glass-ware and chromos. At the end of the year I ask, where’s the money—all gone too—spent in infernal nonsense.

THE MANY-COUNSELLED ULYSSES.

This was one of a series of sketches by Mr. E. Jump, in which he cleverly dressed leading Canadian politicians in the costumes and characters of classic heroes. The aptness of the delineation in this case will be recognized by all.

Canadian Illustrated News, April12th, 1873.

THE MANY-COUNSELLED ULYSSES.

“Ulysses, first in public cares, she found,For prudent counsels like the gods renowned.”[Pope,Iliad II., 205, 6.]

“Ulysses, first in public cares, she found,

For prudent counsels like the gods renowned.”

[Pope,Iliad II., 205, 6.]

“AFTER THE SESSION.”

On the 2nd of April, 1873, Honorable L. S. Huntington, member for Shefford, from his place in the House, charged Sir John A. Macdonald with having corruptly sold to Sir Hugh Allan the charter of the proposed Canadian Pacific Railway, for a large sum of money, which had been used as a Ministerial Bribery Fund in the preceding General Election. Shortly after this, and before any decided enquiry had been made into the matter, Parliament was adjourned (on May 23rd) until the following 13th of August. The cartoon playfully suggests the feeling of the Opposition, represented by Hon. A. Mackenzie, towards the accused Ministry during the “vacation.”

Grip, May31st, 1873.

“AFTER THE SESSION;OR, ‘THE SITUATION.’”

J. A. M—C—D—N—LD.—“COME ON, OLD FELLOW, IT’S ALL RIGHT, YOU KNOW; IT’S MY TURN TO TREAT!”

A. M—K—NZ—E.—“OH, AYE, JONEY! BUT Y’MAUN RECOLLEC’ I’M TE-TOTAL—MORE ESPEECIALLY TILL AUGUST!”

“CANADA’S LAOCOON.”

An adaptation of the classical story of Laocoon and the serpents to the circumstances of some of the parties to what was already known as the “Pacific Scandal.” The persons represented are Sir Hugh Allan, (to whom the charter was sold), Sir John Macdonald, and Sir Francis Hincks. It is due to the latter gentleman to point out that, as indicated in the cartoon, he was merelysuspectedof complicity in the matter, and most emphatically denied the truth of the allegation of his guilt, made in some of the newspapers.

Grip, July19th, 1873.

“CANADA’S LAOCOON;”OR, VIRGIL ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION.“Ecce autem gemini a Tenedo, tranquilla per alta, &c.”—Æneid, Book II.(Freely Translated.)

“When lo! two snakes (perhaps from the Yankee shore),Together trail their folds across the floor,With precious scandals reared in front they wind,Charge after charge, in long drawn length behind!While opposition benches cheer the while,AndJohn A.smiles a very ghastly smile!—and—”Everybody knows the rest!

“When lo! two snakes (perhaps from the Yankee shore),

Together trail their folds across the floor,

With precious scandals reared in front they wind,

Charge after charge, in long drawn length behind!

While opposition benches cheer the while,

AndJohn A.smiles a very ghastly smile!—and—”

Everybody knows the rest!

“WILL HE COME TO GRIEF?”

The legend of this cartoon sufficiently explains its import. The facetious occupation of the Clown had its analogue in the course pursued by theGlobeduring the “Scandal” excitement—an eager desire to see the hero of the business unseated.

Grip, July26th, 1873.

WILL HE COME TO GRIEF?THE THRILLING ACT NOW IN THE RING OF THE POLITICAL CIRCUS.

“DUFFERIN’S TORMENTORS.”

The Ministerial party in the House, headed by Sir John Macdonald, were exceedingly anxious for a prorogation of Parliament,—the Opposition as earnestly opposed that course. Their counter entreaties to the Governor-General on the subject suggested the familiar scene of the railway passenger and his friends the “cabbies.”

Grip, August2nd, 1873.

“DUFFERIN’S TORMENTORS,ORPER VIAS RECTAS.”

J—N A. (Anxiously).—“CARRIAGE, SIR? ‘MINISTERIAL’ HOTEL—ONLY CONSTITUTIONAL PLACE IN THE CITY—COME ALONG WITH ME, SIR.”

Mc—K—NZ—(Eagerly).—“THIS WAY, MY LORD—‘REFORM’ HOUSE! TAK’ THE RIGHT COURSE—GIE’ US YER CHECKS!!”

L—D D—FF—N.—“MUCH OBLIGED, GENTLEMEN, I ASSURE YOU; BUT I HAVE A ‘RIG’ OF MY OWN AT HAND, YOU KNOW.”

“THE DAINTY DISH.”

A note here is perhaps superfluous. The faces of the “blackbirds” in the “pie” are those of Hon. M. Langevin, (a prominent member of the Macdonald Government), Sir Hugh Allan, James Beaty, Esq., (to represent theLeader), Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Francis Hincks, “Uncle Sam,” and T. C. Patteson, Esq., (representing theMailnewspaper). On Messrs. Blake and Mackenzie devolved the task of presenting the savory dish before Parliament.

Grip, August9th, 1873.

“ISN’T THAT A DAINTY DISH TO SET BEFORE A KING?”—Nursery Rhyme.

“WHITHER ARE WE DRIFTING.”

General indignation was expressed throughout the country, when, in accordance with the advice of the implicated Premier, Parliament was prorogued, and the investigation of the scandal thus delayed. The words imputed to Sir John in the cartoon had been used by him on the floor of the House, and became a popular by-word while the discussion on the subject lasted.

Grip, August16th, 1873.

WHITHER ARE WE DRIFTING?

“THE BEAUTIES OF A ROYAL COMMISSION.”

This cartoon was intended to satirize the appointment by Sir John A. Macdonald of a Royal Commission, composed of his own friends, to inquire into and report upon the charges brought by the Hon. Mr. Huntington. The sentiment of the press and public with regard to this proceeding justified the implication of the caricature, that the accused Premier was virtually “trying himself.”

Grip, August23rd, 1873.

THE BEAUTIES OF A ROYAL COMMISSION.“WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN?”

“WAITING FOR HUNTINGTON.”

Hon. Mr. Huntington refused to acknowledge the Royal Commission appointed by the accused Minister, and declined to submit his case before it. The motive imputed to him by the Conservative press for this refusal was fear, and in the eyes of his friends Sir John sustained the attitude represented in the cartoon.

Grip, August30th, 1873.

WAITING FOR HUNTINGTON!

“THE IRREPRESSIBLE SHOWMAN.”

Apropos of the visit to Canada of Barnum, the Showman, during the Pacific Scandal “fever.”

Grip, September13th, 1873.

THE IRREPRESSIBLE SHOWMAN.BARNUM WANTS TO BUY THE “PACIFIC SCANDAL.”

“BLACKWASH AND WHITEWASH.”

“Illustrating,” as the legend goes on to say, “the recent great Opposition speeches, and the doings of the jolly Royal Commission.” The Reformers, of course, lost no opportunity of painting Sir John in grimy colors; while it was generally acknowledged that the Royal Commissioners and the Conservative press did little more during the excitement than “whitewash” him.

Grip, September20th, 1873.

BLACKWASH AND WHITEWASH.ILLUSTRATING THE RECENT GREAT OPPOSITION SPEECHES, AND THE DOINGS OF THE JOLLY ROYAL COMMISSION.

“WE IN CANADA SEEM TO HAVE LOST ALL IDEA OF JUSTICE, HONOR AND INTEGRITY.”

So said theMail, the leading Conservative organ, on September 26th.Gripsought to point this lugubrious confession with an illustration drawn from the topic of the hour.

Grip, September27th, 1873.

“WE IN CANADA SEEM TO HAVE LOST ALL IDEA OF JUSTICE, HONOR AND INTEGRITY.”—The Mail, 26th September.

“PROGRESSING FAVORABLY.”

A peep into the hearts of the Reform leaders during the interesting period of Sir John Macdonald’s political “indisposition.” The “Poor dear Premier” may be seen, ifthe readerwill take the trouble topeerinto the bedroom.

Grip, October4th, 1873.

“PROGRESSING FAVORABLY.”

MISS CANADA (Anxiously).—“DOCTORS, HOW DO YOU FIND THE POOR DEAR PREMIER?”

DR. B—N (For the M.D.’s).—“MADAM, WE’VE JUST HAD A CONSULTATION; THE SYMPTOMS ARE HOPEFUL—WE BELIEVE HE CAN’T SURVIVE OCTOBER!”

“REHEARSING FOR THE23RD.”

Representing the spirit in which the Leaders of the respective parties approached what was expected to be the decisive date.

Grip, October11th, 1873.

REHEARSING FOR THE23RDINSTANT.

M—K—ZIE—“I WILL FIGHT HIM UPON THIS THEME UNTIL MY EYELIDS WILL NO LONGER WAG!”—Hamlet, Act v., Scene 1.

JOHN A.—“WHAT DO I FEAR?”—Richard III., Act v., Scene 3.

“WILL HE GET THROUGH?”

The question which was on all lips during the interim between the prorogation of the House of Commons on the 13th of August and the day fixed for its re-assembling, October 23rd. The prophecy conveyed in the unreasonable smallness of the hoop in the clown’s hand was duly realized.

Grip, October18th, 1873.

“WILL HE GET THROUGH?”

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