FOOTNOTES:

FOOTNOTES:[1]It is the purpose of the writer of this Retrospect (in accordance with Dr. Ryerson's oft expressed wish) to prepare another volume, giving, from private letters, memoranda, and various documents, a personal history of the founding and vicissitudes of our educational system from 1844 to 1876 inclusive.[2]James Carlyle, Esq., M.D., Master in the Normal School, was subsequently appointed joint secretary with Mr. Hughes. Both rendered most valuable service in promoting the object in view.—J. G. H.As some gentlemen here named declined, and others ceased to act, the committee was finally reduced to nineteen members, including the chairman, secretaries, treasurer and the new appointments. Only those whose names are printed in italics were members of the committee at the time the statue was unveiled in 1889—seven years after their appointment. The following were the members of the committee at the time of the unveiling, viz.:—Rev. Principal Caven, D.D., Rev. Dr. Potts, Hon. G. W. Ross, Minister, Rev. H. W. Davies, D.D., Hon. Senator Macdonald, Principal Kirkland, M.A., Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Principal Dickson, M.A., Rev. Hugh Johnston, D.D., Rector McMurchy, M.A., Mr. G. H. Robinson, M.A., ex head master Collegiate Institute; Mr. David Fotheringham, Inspector of North York; Mr. R. Doan, Mr. S. McAllister, public school teacher, Toronto, and Mr. J. R. Miller, ex-inspector. Chairman, J. George Hodgins, LL.D.; joint secretaries, Mr. James L. Hughes and James Carlyle, M.D.; treasurer, Mr. Walter S. Lee. The artist-sculptor was Mr. Hamilton McCarthy, R.C.A., and the contractor for pedestal, Mr. F. B. Gullett, monumental sculptor.[3]Having asked Archbishop Lynch to commend this and subsequent appeals to the teachers of the Separate Schools, he replied as follows:—"St. Michael's Palace, Toronto, December 12, 1882."My Dear Dr. Hodgins,—I do not like to assume a prominent part in writing to the teachers of the Separate Schools outside of my own diocese, or to set an example which I fear would be criticized. However, I send you my subscription ($10) towards the erection of the statue to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson."I am, yours very sincerely,"✝JOHN JOSEPH LYNCH,"Archbishop of Toronto."J. George Hodgins, Esq., LL.D.,Chairman, etc."(The Very Reverend Vicar-General Rooney also sent $10, as his subscription to the fund).I also wrote to the Rev. Father Stafford, of Lindsay, on the subject. In his reply, dated March 9th, 1882, he said:—"You ask my opinion as to whether the erection of a monument to the late Dr. Ryerson will receive support from the Separate Schools?"Not much from Separate Schools as such, nor much from Separate School supporters. The recollection of the old controversy with the bishops of our Church, is still fresh in the memories of many."I think some of the Separate School teachers will subscribe—perhaps many of them."Personally, I must give my mite. I always found Dr. Ryerson, as you are aware, very kind with me, and very attentive to any suggestions I had to offer, and very just in all his dealings with me."I admired his ability and his love and enthusiasm for his work. No one knows better than you my admiration for that man. My idea is that the monument ought to be something very respectable—say, got up something like the one to Grattan, or Moore, or Burke, near Trinity College, Dublin; and it ought to be erected in the Normal School grounds."I wished to send a word of sympathy to Dr. Ryerson's family, but I did not know where to address them. Will you kindly say a word for me to the proper person?"Yours faithfully,"M. STAFFORD, Pr."Dr. Hodgins,"Toronto."[4]In a kind note received from Mr. Macdougall, dated St. Thomas, May 29th, 1889, he said:—"The ceremonies of unveiling were everything that could be looked for, and were well carried out. The speaking was good and quite sufficient of it.... It must be to you and to your family a gratifying reflection that you will be remembered in history as having largely contributed by personal exertion towards the erection of a monument to the memory of one of Canada's greatest sons."[5]Having submitted the draft of this inscription to several of Dr. Ryerson's clerical friends, I received the following in reply:—From the Rev. Dr. Douglass, Montreal:—"Thanks for your very kind favor. The name of Dr. Ryerson will be forever sacred in my heart's best affection. I have read the proposed inscription with very much care and interest. I think it is comprehensive in its scope, and accurate and elegant in detail. I really can offer no suggestion. I congratulate you upon the completeness with which you have executed your talk. With best wishes, ever and truly yours, G. D."From the Rev. J. A. Williams, D.D., Toronto:—"I very much approve of the proposed inscription for the memorial to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson. It recognizes his worth and distinguished ability, as a writer, as an educationist, and as a patriot. It is a fitting tribute from one who knew him well and so long. With much and sincere respect, I am, yours very truly, J. A. W."From the Rev. John Potts, D.D., Toronto:—"No pen but yours should write the inscription for Dr. Ryerson's monument. What you enclose is an elegant and eloquent tribute to our dear departed father. The committee will accept the inscription with thanks. Ever yours, J. P."From the late Rev. Dr. Nelles, Cobourg (whom the committee wished to be consulted on the matter). He said:"The inscription, in its present form, pleases me best of all, and is well nigh perfect, doing 'credit to your head and heart,' as the phrase is."I am sure we shall get the thing perfect before we leave it. And the old Doctor deserves that two such loving sons should bestow their best efforts in such a matter."The 'final revise' [subsequently sent] may, I think, now be accepted. It will bear criticism.... You have in you an illimitable power of improvement, and this last is still better than any other. Affectionately yours, S. S. N."From the Rev. Alexander Sutherland, D.D., Toronto:—"I have read the draft of the proposed inscription for the Ryerson Statue with great care and a great deal of interest. It covers the whole ground, and contains nothing that could well be omitted. The extracts from the 'Letter of Acceptance' and 'Official Circular' give it a completeness which leaves nothing to be desired. Yours faithfully, A. S."From the Rev. Ephraim B. Harper, D.D., Brampton:—"I have read over and over again with all possible attention and care your proposed inscription for Dr. Ryerson's Memorial, and candidly allow that I could not propose the change of a word, or even of a letter in it. I prepared something similar, twenty-three years ago, for a gravestone for the late Rev. Dr. Stinson, and know well the difficulty of compressing important facts within the limits permissible for an inscription. It could not have fallen into better hands, when it fell to your lot to write it. As ever, dear doctor, yours affectionately, E. B. H."From Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Toronto:—"I think the inscription admirable. Yours, W. H. D."[6]These addresses are given in full, commencing on page 17.[7]In a note from Sir John Macdonald, he said:—"Many thanks for your note, and for the photographic model of our dear old friend, Dr. Ryerson. The apparent frown on the brow is perhaps too pronounced, [the expression was modified after receipt of this note]. The pose seems to me very good."Rev. J. K. Smith, D.D., of Galt, in a note to me also said:—"Please except my sincere thanks for the excellent photo of the lamented Dr. Ryerson which is an admirable likeness. It is I suppose, as nearly perfect in every respect as a statue could be. I am persuaded that the statue will be a splendid one, and I rejoice that his great name is thus to be handed down to successive generations of our Canadian youth as a sacred memory and a powerful stimulus."[8]The Historical Paper—an abstract of which was read by Dr. Hodgins, will be found on page 26.[9]W. Kerr, Q.C., Vice-Chancellor, of Victoria University, in explaining the causes of his absence from the ceremonies of unveiling, said:—"I thank you very much for your ever thoughtful kindness in sending me a programme of the ceremonies of unveiling of the statue of our late great chief founder of the peerless school system of Ontario. I should very much like to have the privilege of being present on the occasion and of listening to the speeches and addresses, but especially your 'Historical Paper on Education in Ontario,' which no man now living so well understands as yourself.... How often I think of the late chief's farsightedness and patriotic efforts in connection with the Upper Canada Academy and subsequently with Victoria University."...[10]In his letter enclosing the manuscript of his address, Chancellor Fleming, said:—"I write to congratulate you on the complete success of the affair of last Friday. Even the weather was every thing we could desire. It was a genuine pleasure for me to be present on the occasion. In the few remarks I offered I meant every word I said, The only omission was the absence of any reference, or sufficient reference, to the right hand man of Dr. Ryerson during all the years he laboured. This often happens; but you have the happy consciousness that your work and your life has so largely entered into the imperishable monument which he has raised in the school system of the century."[11]Dr. Rand, in sending the manuscript of his address, said:—"I think the exercises were very successful indeed, and that the memorial volume, if brought out with some expedition, will prove very helpful in quickening a true appreciation of the great work done by Dr. Ryerson in building up the educational system of Ontario."[12]In a letter from Barbados, dated 31st May, 1856, he said: As to education, in which you will take the greatest interest, all I can say is that my own hopes are centered in getting a good Normal School in humble imitation of yours. I think with that all will be well. If we could train good teachers we would have an admirable system. There have been some attempts, but not to much effect. I want your advice as to the establishment of this school. Tell me how to go to work to get good men, etc. I must have your plan of boarding the Normal School pupils at the public expense, which I think essential. I also want to introduce the national books (as you did). Any advice or information will be conducive to good results.[13]Full information in regard to the working of our system of education was communicated from time to time to the Privy Council Committee on Education in England. This was of great practical value (as he assured us) to the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, promoter of the noted English School Bill of 1870. In 1875 Mr. Forster visited the Education Department of Ontario. TheJournal of Educationof April, 1876, thus refers to Mr. Forster's visit:—"During the recent visits of the Right Hon. W. E. Forster and Hepworth Dixon, Esq., to the Ontario Education Department, they were kind enough to explain and discuss some of the new problems in the English Educational system, and made enquiries as to the success of our attempts at a practical solution of the same question. The two principal subjects referred to by Mr. Forster were compulsory education and denominational schools, and on these two points full explanation of our Ontario system were given."—"Journal of Education," Province of Ontario, Volume xxviii., page 49.[14]Thus, in regard to the chivalrous destruction of tea in Boston harbour, in 1773, an American historian says:"The object of the mother country in imposing a duty of three pence per pound on tea imported by the East India Company into America, while it wastwelvepence per pound in England, was mainly to break up the contraband trade of the colonial merchants with Holland and her possessions."... "Sons of the merchants [of Boston] had become rich in the traffic, and a considerable part of the large fortune which Hancock [President of the Insurgent Congress] inherited from his uncle was thus acquired."... "It was fit, then, that Hancock, was ... was respondent in the Admiralty Courts, in suits of the Crown, to recover nearly half a million of dollars, ... should be the first to affix his name to the [declaration of independence] which, if made good, would save him from ruin."...—Sabine's American Loyalists, Vol. I. (Boston, 1865), pages 8, 9, 13.So much for the much-valued patriotic act, which was a vast pecuniary gain to Hancock and other contraband tea merchants of Boston.[15]"The project of founding a College in Connecticut was early taken up (in 1652), but was checked by well-founded remonstrance from Massachusetts, who (sic), very justly observed that the whole population of New England was scarcely sufficient to support one institution."—President Dwight'sTravels in New England, vol. I. p. 168.The Legislature made a grant of £50 a year to Yale College, from 1701 to 1750, when "it was discontinued on account of the heavy taxes occasioned by the lateCanadianWar."—C. K. Adams, inNorth American Reviewfor October, 1875, p. 381.[16]Circular of Information, U. S. Bureau of Education, No. 1, 1887, page 15.[17]General Eaton, United States Commissioner of Education, in an educational retrospect in his Report for 1875, speaking of this college, says:—"The first commencement, in 1700, was a noted event. Several planters came in their coaches, others in sloops, from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Even Indians had the curiosity to visit Williamsburgh," the seat of the College.—Page xix.[18]In illustrating the fact that college-bred graduates are considerably less numerous and less conspicuous in the professions and in political life than were men of a similar education 50 or 100 years ago, Mr. C. K. Adams, in theNorth American Reviewfor October, 1875, says that, "of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 36 were college-bred, and 15 of the 26 Senators in the first Congress; while now there are only 7 of the 26 Senators 'college-bred.'" He thinks that the comparison, if extended to the House of Representatives and the State Legislatures, would be still less favorable as to the number of college-bred men in these bodies.[19]New YorkEvening Post, January, 1876.[20]For fuller details on this point, see the section on the universities, page 61.[21]Rev. John Stuart. D.D., was born in Virginia in 1736. In 1769 he went to England to be ordained, and returned to Philadelphia in 1770. For seven years he labored as a missionary among the Iroquois Indians at Fort Hunter. He was then aided by the famous Brant in translating the New Testament into Mohawk. In 1781 he came to Upper Canada and labored in this province as a missionary among the refugee loyalists and Iroquois. He subsequently became rector of Cataraqui (Kingston), and chaplain to the Legislative Council. He died in 1811, aged 75 years. One of his sons was the late Archdeacon Stuart, of Kingston; another was the late chief Justice, Sir James Stuart of Quebec.[22]Canadian Educational Monthly, February 1889, page 58.[23]Ibid., page 59.[24]In 1816, an Act was passed granting £800 for the purchase of a library for the use of the Legislative Council and house of Assembly.[25]All the Indian schools of the Province, which are chiefly sustained by various religious bodies are now under the control of the Indian Department at Ottawa. The following is an account of a typical Indian school at the Credit in 1830: The school room in a large and commodious apartment with tiers of raised benches in the rear: on one division of which sit the girls, and the boys on the other. There are also desks, and slates for ciphering and copy-books and copper-plate lines for whose who write. The Bible and Testaments, and some of the other books, are English printed and some American. No sectarian intolerance prevails in that way. Among the school furniture are a handsome map of the world, the arithmecon, attractive alphabets in pasteboard, regular figures illustrative of geometry, some of them cut out of wood and some of them made of pasteboard: the picture of Elijah fed by ravens, figures of birds, fishes and quadrupeds on pasteboard, coloured, accompanied with the history of each animal: the figure of a clock in pasteboard, by which to explain the principles of the time-piece. The walls are adorned with good, moral maxims; and I perceived that one of the rules was rather novel, though doubtful in place here. It was, "No blankets to be worn in school." The attendance is about 50 Indian children. The girls are taught by Miss Rolph, sister of the late Member of Middlesex: the boys by Mr. Edwy Ryerson, a younger brother of the late editor of theChristian Guardian, Rev. Egerton Ryerson. The translating office is occupied by Mr. Peter Jones, the Indian minister.[26]This course of study is appended herewith on the next page.[27]TheChristian Recorder, edited by Rev. Dr. Strachan, York, 1830, vol. 1, page 182.[28]Sermon on the Death of Bishop Strachan,Journal of Educationfor U. C., vol. xx. (1868), page 182.[29]Preface to "A Concise Introduction to Practical Arithmetic, for the use of Schools: By the Rev. John Strachan, Montreal. Printed by Nahum Mower, 1809."[30]The principal signers of the address were Sir J. B. Robinson, Sir J. B. Macaulay, Very Rev. Dean Bethune, Right Rev. Bishop Bethune, Hon. Chief Justice McLean, Hon. Justice Jones, Hon. W. B. Robinson, Hon. G. S. Boulton, Rev W. Macaulay, Judge (George) Ridout, Surveyor-General Chewett, Col. Gregg, Capt. Macaulay, R.A., Inspector-General Markland, Sheriff McLean, Messrs. T. G. Ridout, P. Vankoughnet, S. P. Jarvis, J. Radenhurst, R. G. Anderson, R. Stanton, and others.[31]Journal of Educationfor U. C., Vol. xx. (1868), page 183. For further reference to Dr. Strachan's educational efforts see the sections on universities, page 59et seq.[32]Col. Mahlon Burwell was born in the State of New Jersey, but early in life came to Upper Canada. He settled first at Fort Erie, then at Long Point, and finally removed to the Talbot Settlement. He was near neighbor, and for a long time, right-hand man of the noted Col. Talbot, of Port Talbot. He was a surveyor by profession, and in 1810 surveyed the townships of Malahide, Bayham, and part of the then village of London.[33]Dr. Charles Duncombe was an American by birth, and win born in the State of New Jersey in or about the year 1796. He came to Upper Canada with his parents during the progress, or immediately after the close, of the war of 1812-15, and settled in the "London District." Charles Duncombe studied medicine and surgery, and in 1827 and 1828 began to practice his profession on the town line between the townships of Burford and Brantford, near Bishopsgate. He soon obtained a large practice and with it an extended influence. During the rebellion of 1837-8, Dr. Duncombe took part and went to the United States, and remained there until 1843, when he received a pardon from Sir Charles (afterwards Lord) Metcalfe. He did not, however, remain long in Upper Canada after his return, but soon left for the Western States, whence he subsequently removed to California, and died there.[34]It is gratifying to know that, although defeated at the time, Dr. Duncombe's efforts bore fruit nearly twenty years afterwards—in 1850—when Hon. Wm. Hamilton Merritt, then President of the Council, introduced and had a Bill passed by the Legislature setting apart 1,000,000 acres of the Crown Lands for the permanent endowment of public schools in United Canada.[35]Historical Sketch of Education in Upper Canada, by J. George Hodgins, M.A., LL.B., F.R.G.S. in "Eighty Years' Progress of British North America," 1863.[36]See also the opinion of Archdeacon Strachan on this subject, in a subsequent part of this Retrospect.[37]First Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada, and the immediate predecessor of Rev. Dr. Ryerson.[38]See remarks on this anachronism on page 64.[39]By recent legislation University College has been merged in the University of Toronto.[40]This memorable prophecy, made by Dr. Ryerson in 1841, was abundantly verified in after years, chiefly as the result of his own labors in maturing the school system, of which he was the founder.[41]It it a gratifying fact that Victoria College was the first university in Upper Canada whose doors were open to receive students. The first session commenced in October, 1841; that of Queen's College University in March, 1842, and King's College University in June, 1843. The first graduate in arts who received a diploma in Upper Canada was sent out from Victoria College in 1845-46.[42]Several promising Indian youth were educated at Victoria College, and some of them became useful teachers and missionaries.[43]In the preface to theStory of My Life, I thus referred to this period of Dr. Ryerson's labours:—"Public men of the present day looked upon Dr. Ryerson practically as one of their own contemporaries—noted for his zeal and energy in the successful management of a great Public Department, and as the founder of a system of Popular Education.... In this estimate of Dr. Ryerson's labours they were quite correct. And in their appreciation of the statesmanlike qualities of mind, which devised and developed such a system in the midst of difficulties which would have appalled less resolute hearts, they were equally correct."But, after all, how immeasurably does this partial historical view of his character and labours fall short of a true estimate of that character and of those labours!"In a point of fact, Dr. Ryerson's great struggle for the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825 to 1845, as detailed in the pages of this 'story' without being impressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native country than that which is therein recorded, he would have accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen."[44]This Retrospect would not be complete without reference, in fuller detail, to the history of the Separate School question and to legislation on it in Upper Canada. It was found, however, to be so extensive a subject that no adequate justice could be done to it in this somewhat brief Retrospect. The writer has, therefore, prepared a full and exhaustive paper on the subject, which will be published separately, should it be considered desirable. The details given are largely personal, and, therefore, of special interest. In addition to private letters bearing on the subject, the paper contains official and other authentic information in regard to the whole question.[45]TheEvangelical Churchmanof the 21st February, 1887, thus refers to the vicissitudes of the Education office:—The Education Department for Ontario, or rather Upper Canada as it was then called, had its first Toronto office in Bay Street, in the building now occupied by the publishers of theEvangelical Churchman. From 1841, when the first Provincial School Law was passed, until 1844, the office was a mere adjunct to the Provincial Secretary's Department at Kingston. In that year Rev. Dr. Ryerson was appointed to the office which he so ably filled until 1876, when he retired. In 1844 the Education office was removed to Cobourg, when the present Deputy Minister of Education became its chief and sole officer under Dr. Ryerson. In 1846 it was again removed and transferred to Toronto, and was placed in a room over the front door of the presentEvangelical Churchmanoffice. The first Council of Public Instruction for the Province held its meetings in the west portion of the printing office, upstairs. In the room over the door the first reliable statistical report of the number of schools, etc., in this province was compiled. It was printed in the shape of a broad sheet, 12x15, on light blue paper, and bears date "September, 1846." This report, which is full of interesting statistics, has long since been out of print, but we have been fortunate enough to obtain a copy. The Education office had various vicissitudes in those early days of its existence. In 1847 it was removed from this building to the Secretary's office at the old Government House—long since demolished. In 1849, when the seat of Government was removed from Montreal to Toronto, it was transferred to the "Albany Chambers," now the Revere House, on King street. Thence, in 1852, it was finally removed to its present handsome quarters in St. James' square.[46]In this matter of trustees' rate bill or school rate on the property of the school section, Dr. Ryerson was quite in advance of his times. The rate-bill clause, as he had prepared it, was rejected by the House of Assembly and a school fee substituted for it. In a brief, private note from Mr. Draper, dated 22nd April, 1846, he said:—"Last night, or rather this morning at one, I got the School Bill through Committee of the Whole. I have been forced to submit to some changes, none very serious.... The rate-bill is to be on people sending children to school—not on the whole section. I fought this, but was well beaten."In his reply, Dr. Ryerson said:—"I deeply regret the loss of the original rate-bill clause. It involved a new and important principle.... I am persuaded that it will on a future occasion pass by a strong majority."It did so pass in 1850; but it was not until 1871 that the Municipal Council was authorized by the Legislature to impose the whole of the school tax as desired and predicted by Dr. Ryerson in 1846.[47]In a letter to the writer of this Retrospect from the Very Rev. Dean Grasett in 1875, he said:—"I esteem it an honour that I should have been associated with Dr. Ryerson in his Council for so many years (30), and a privilege if I have been of the least assistance in upholding his hands in performing a work, the credit of which is exclusively his own."I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings of respect for the public character and regard for the private worth of one who has rendered to his country services which entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his valuable public services from the heads of our Government ...; but I think that in his case, as in others that are familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full benefit of them."[48]In his address at the beginning of the Normal School for Upper Canada, in November, 1847, Dr. Ryerson thus referred to the then recent decease of Bishop Power. He said, referring to the harmony which had characterized the meetings of the Provincial Board of Education:—"One event indeed has occurred, over which the members of the Board have reason to mourn—the decease of the Right Reverend Prelate, who, by his colleagues had been unanimously chosen Chairman of the Board, and whose conduct as Chairman and Member of the Board was marked by a punctuality, a courtesy, a fairness, a zeal and intelligence which entitle his memory to the affectionate remembrance of his colleagues and the grateful esteem of every member of the community.... I cannot reflect upon the full and frequent conversations which I have had with him on subjects of public instruction, and with the scrupulous regard which ever manifested for the views, and rights and wishes of Protestants, without feelings of the deepest respect for his character and memory."[49]Correspondence between members of the Government and the Chief Superintendent, 1850, pp. 17-20.[50]Chief Superintendent's Annual Report for 1847-8, page 6.[51]Lord Elgin always referred to Dr. Ryerson's library scheme in his educational addresses as the "Crown and Glory of the Institutions of the Province."[52]Aproprosof this, Dr. Ryerson, in a private note to Hon. W. H. Draper, in April, 1846, said:—"The stables of the Government House may be fitted up for Model Schools, etc. It is a curious and not interesting fact that the stables of Louis the Fourteenth, at Versailles, are now used for the great National Normal School of France, and is the most splendid establishment of the kind on the Continent of Europe."[53]Dr. Ryerson constantly deprecated, in these early years, this want of the spirit of Canadian Patriotism. In an eloquent paper (in the third volume of theJournal of Education) he shows that "Canadian Patriotism (is) the Lever of Canadian Greatness." He sums it up in these words: "It cannot be too strongly impressed upon every mind that it is on Canadian energy, Canadian ambition, Canadian self-reliance, skill and enterprize—in a word, on Canadian patriotism—that depends Canadian prosperity, elevation and happiness."—Page 40.[54]In 1858 Mr. Henry Fisher (Brother of Hon. Charles Fisher) was appointed Superintendent of Education for New Brunswick. He visited Dr. Ryerson in that year to confer with him before undertaking the duties of his new office. His death occurred in 1860, and in communicating the sad news to Dr. Ryerson, Hon. Charles Fisher, referring to his brother, said:—"He wished particularly (just before his death) to be remembered to you, and that I should thank you for your kindness to him on all occasions. He was succeeding in his efforts to improve the educational interests of the Province, and had been enabled to secure the support of all parties."[55]In 1850, (the first year in which we have positive information on this subject), we find that the total sum expended in this Province for public elementary education, was $410,472; of which $326,472 were raised by local rates and fees.[56]No one is more sensible than I am of the numerous defects of our School system, and for this reason I have labored all the more assiduously to have these detects removed by our recent school legislation. As I have stated further on, I have even had to combat the views of those friends of the system who had thought that it was not susceptible of much improvement.[57]These two extracts are given simply as illustrative examples, and as they were public utterances of the Inspectors named. Similar testimony was received by the Department from other Inspectors, but, from the nature of the case, and their non-publication in the local newspapers, they were not subject to the same criticism as were the statements publicly made and published in the localities concerned.[58]Having written to the late Hon. Samuel Mills for his recollections of these school days, Mr. Mills replied as follows: "I have a distinct recollection of having had the honor of being at the Hamilton Grammar School with yourself in the years 1823 and 1824, and that the late John Law was head master at the time. He was considered a highly educated and accomplished scholar, and was so well qualified for the position he held, that the school had a provincial reputation and was patronized by many parties living at a great distance by sending their sons to it; and the very fact of your attending the school gave éclat to it, as you were then considered a well educated young man, far in advance of the rest of us. Your studies, if my recollection serves me right, were confined entirely to reading Latin and Greek, and I know Mr. Law and the whole school looked upon you as being a credit to it."[59]Mr. I. W. Powell, M.P.P., father of Colonel Powell, Adjutant-General of Canada.[60]The island within Long Point, which Mr. Ryerson's father obtained from the Crown, but which then belonged to him, was marked on old maps as Pottshawk Point, but designated on later maps, and more generally known, as "Ryerson's Island."[61]This remark evidently refers to the oft expression of my dissent from Dr. Ryerson's views in regard to the important change which he had proposed to the Government for the future administration of the Education Department. It was one of the very few subjects on which I had occasion to differ from the views of my venerated friend.[62]These sixteen were:—1. The Right Reverend Michael Power, D.D.2. Hugh Scobie, Esquire.3. Hon. Samuel Bealey Harrison, Q.C.4. The Reverend Adam Lillie, D.D.5. James Scott Howard, Esquire.6. The Reverend John Jennings, D.D.7. The Very Reverend Henry James Grasett, D.D.8. The Hon. Mr. Justice Morrison.9. The Reverend John Ambery, M.A.10. The Right Reverend Thomas Brock Fuller, D.D.11. The Reverend J. Tabarat, D.D.12. The Reverend John McCaul, LL.D.13. The Reverend John Barclay, D.D.14. The Honorable William McMaster.15. The Reverend Samuel S. Nelles, D.D., LL.D.16. The Most Reverend John Joseph Lynch, D.D.

[1]It is the purpose of the writer of this Retrospect (in accordance with Dr. Ryerson's oft expressed wish) to prepare another volume, giving, from private letters, memoranda, and various documents, a personal history of the founding and vicissitudes of our educational system from 1844 to 1876 inclusive.

[2]James Carlyle, Esq., M.D., Master in the Normal School, was subsequently appointed joint secretary with Mr. Hughes. Both rendered most valuable service in promoting the object in view.—J. G. H.As some gentlemen here named declined, and others ceased to act, the committee was finally reduced to nineteen members, including the chairman, secretaries, treasurer and the new appointments. Only those whose names are printed in italics were members of the committee at the time the statue was unveiled in 1889—seven years after their appointment. The following were the members of the committee at the time of the unveiling, viz.:—Rev. Principal Caven, D.D., Rev. Dr. Potts, Hon. G. W. Ross, Minister, Rev. H. W. Davies, D.D., Hon. Senator Macdonald, Principal Kirkland, M.A., Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Principal Dickson, M.A., Rev. Hugh Johnston, D.D., Rector McMurchy, M.A., Mr. G. H. Robinson, M.A., ex head master Collegiate Institute; Mr. David Fotheringham, Inspector of North York; Mr. R. Doan, Mr. S. McAllister, public school teacher, Toronto, and Mr. J. R. Miller, ex-inspector. Chairman, J. George Hodgins, LL.D.; joint secretaries, Mr. James L. Hughes and James Carlyle, M.D.; treasurer, Mr. Walter S. Lee. The artist-sculptor was Mr. Hamilton McCarthy, R.C.A., and the contractor for pedestal, Mr. F. B. Gullett, monumental sculptor.

[2]James Carlyle, Esq., M.D., Master in the Normal School, was subsequently appointed joint secretary with Mr. Hughes. Both rendered most valuable service in promoting the object in view.—J. G. H.

As some gentlemen here named declined, and others ceased to act, the committee was finally reduced to nineteen members, including the chairman, secretaries, treasurer and the new appointments. Only those whose names are printed in italics were members of the committee at the time the statue was unveiled in 1889—seven years after their appointment. The following were the members of the committee at the time of the unveiling, viz.:—

Rev. Principal Caven, D.D., Rev. Dr. Potts, Hon. G. W. Ross, Minister, Rev. H. W. Davies, D.D., Hon. Senator Macdonald, Principal Kirkland, M.A., Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Principal Dickson, M.A., Rev. Hugh Johnston, D.D., Rector McMurchy, M.A., Mr. G. H. Robinson, M.A., ex head master Collegiate Institute; Mr. David Fotheringham, Inspector of North York; Mr. R. Doan, Mr. S. McAllister, public school teacher, Toronto, and Mr. J. R. Miller, ex-inspector. Chairman, J. George Hodgins, LL.D.; joint secretaries, Mr. James L. Hughes and James Carlyle, M.D.; treasurer, Mr. Walter S. Lee. The artist-sculptor was Mr. Hamilton McCarthy, R.C.A., and the contractor for pedestal, Mr. F. B. Gullett, monumental sculptor.

[3]Having asked Archbishop Lynch to commend this and subsequent appeals to the teachers of the Separate Schools, he replied as follows:—"St. Michael's Palace, Toronto, December 12, 1882."My Dear Dr. Hodgins,—I do not like to assume a prominent part in writing to the teachers of the Separate Schools outside of my own diocese, or to set an example which I fear would be criticized. However, I send you my subscription ($10) towards the erection of the statue to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson."I am, yours very sincerely,"✝JOHN JOSEPH LYNCH,"Archbishop of Toronto."J. George Hodgins, Esq., LL.D.,Chairman, etc."(The Very Reverend Vicar-General Rooney also sent $10, as his subscription to the fund).I also wrote to the Rev. Father Stafford, of Lindsay, on the subject. In his reply, dated March 9th, 1882, he said:—"You ask my opinion as to whether the erection of a monument to the late Dr. Ryerson will receive support from the Separate Schools?"Not much from Separate Schools as such, nor much from Separate School supporters. The recollection of the old controversy with the bishops of our Church, is still fresh in the memories of many."I think some of the Separate School teachers will subscribe—perhaps many of them."Personally, I must give my mite. I always found Dr. Ryerson, as you are aware, very kind with me, and very attentive to any suggestions I had to offer, and very just in all his dealings with me."I admired his ability and his love and enthusiasm for his work. No one knows better than you my admiration for that man. My idea is that the monument ought to be something very respectable—say, got up something like the one to Grattan, or Moore, or Burke, near Trinity College, Dublin; and it ought to be erected in the Normal School grounds."I wished to send a word of sympathy to Dr. Ryerson's family, but I did not know where to address them. Will you kindly say a word for me to the proper person?"Yours faithfully,"M. STAFFORD, Pr."Dr. Hodgins,"Toronto."

[3]Having asked Archbishop Lynch to commend this and subsequent appeals to the teachers of the Separate Schools, he replied as follows:—

"St. Michael's Palace, Toronto, December 12, 1882."My Dear Dr. Hodgins,—I do not like to assume a prominent part in writing to the teachers of the Separate Schools outside of my own diocese, or to set an example which I fear would be criticized. However, I send you my subscription ($10) towards the erection of the statue to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson."I am, yours very sincerely,"✝JOHN JOSEPH LYNCH,"Archbishop of Toronto."J. George Hodgins, Esq., LL.D.,Chairman, etc."(The Very Reverend Vicar-General Rooney also sent $10, as his subscription to the fund).

"St. Michael's Palace, Toronto, December 12, 1882.

"My Dear Dr. Hodgins,—I do not like to assume a prominent part in writing to the teachers of the Separate Schools outside of my own diocese, or to set an example which I fear would be criticized. However, I send you my subscription ($10) towards the erection of the statue to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson.

"I am, yours very sincerely,"✝JOHN JOSEPH LYNCH,"Archbishop of Toronto.

"J. George Hodgins, Esq., LL.D.,Chairman, etc."

(The Very Reverend Vicar-General Rooney also sent $10, as his subscription to the fund).

I also wrote to the Rev. Father Stafford, of Lindsay, on the subject. In his reply, dated March 9th, 1882, he said:—

"You ask my opinion as to whether the erection of a monument to the late Dr. Ryerson will receive support from the Separate Schools?"Not much from Separate Schools as such, nor much from Separate School supporters. The recollection of the old controversy with the bishops of our Church, is still fresh in the memories of many."I think some of the Separate School teachers will subscribe—perhaps many of them."Personally, I must give my mite. I always found Dr. Ryerson, as you are aware, very kind with me, and very attentive to any suggestions I had to offer, and very just in all his dealings with me."I admired his ability and his love and enthusiasm for his work. No one knows better than you my admiration for that man. My idea is that the monument ought to be something very respectable—say, got up something like the one to Grattan, or Moore, or Burke, near Trinity College, Dublin; and it ought to be erected in the Normal School grounds."I wished to send a word of sympathy to Dr. Ryerson's family, but I did not know where to address them. Will you kindly say a word for me to the proper person?"Yours faithfully,"M. STAFFORD, Pr."Dr. Hodgins,"Toronto."

"You ask my opinion as to whether the erection of a monument to the late Dr. Ryerson will receive support from the Separate Schools?

"Not much from Separate Schools as such, nor much from Separate School supporters. The recollection of the old controversy with the bishops of our Church, is still fresh in the memories of many.

"I think some of the Separate School teachers will subscribe—perhaps many of them.

"Personally, I must give my mite. I always found Dr. Ryerson, as you are aware, very kind with me, and very attentive to any suggestions I had to offer, and very just in all his dealings with me.

"I admired his ability and his love and enthusiasm for his work. No one knows better than you my admiration for that man. My idea is that the monument ought to be something very respectable—say, got up something like the one to Grattan, or Moore, or Burke, near Trinity College, Dublin; and it ought to be erected in the Normal School grounds.

"I wished to send a word of sympathy to Dr. Ryerson's family, but I did not know where to address them. Will you kindly say a word for me to the proper person?

"Yours faithfully,"M. STAFFORD, Pr.

"Dr. Hodgins,"Toronto."

[4]In a kind note received from Mr. Macdougall, dated St. Thomas, May 29th, 1889, he said:—"The ceremonies of unveiling were everything that could be looked for, and were well carried out. The speaking was good and quite sufficient of it.... It must be to you and to your family a gratifying reflection that you will be remembered in history as having largely contributed by personal exertion towards the erection of a monument to the memory of one of Canada's greatest sons."

[5]Having submitted the draft of this inscription to several of Dr. Ryerson's clerical friends, I received the following in reply:—From the Rev. Dr. Douglass, Montreal:—"Thanks for your very kind favor. The name of Dr. Ryerson will be forever sacred in my heart's best affection. I have read the proposed inscription with very much care and interest. I think it is comprehensive in its scope, and accurate and elegant in detail. I really can offer no suggestion. I congratulate you upon the completeness with which you have executed your talk. With best wishes, ever and truly yours, G. D."From the Rev. J. A. Williams, D.D., Toronto:—"I very much approve of the proposed inscription for the memorial to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson. It recognizes his worth and distinguished ability, as a writer, as an educationist, and as a patriot. It is a fitting tribute from one who knew him well and so long. With much and sincere respect, I am, yours very truly, J. A. W."From the Rev. John Potts, D.D., Toronto:—"No pen but yours should write the inscription for Dr. Ryerson's monument. What you enclose is an elegant and eloquent tribute to our dear departed father. The committee will accept the inscription with thanks. Ever yours, J. P."From the late Rev. Dr. Nelles, Cobourg (whom the committee wished to be consulted on the matter). He said:"The inscription, in its present form, pleases me best of all, and is well nigh perfect, doing 'credit to your head and heart,' as the phrase is."I am sure we shall get the thing perfect before we leave it. And the old Doctor deserves that two such loving sons should bestow their best efforts in such a matter."The 'final revise' [subsequently sent] may, I think, now be accepted. It will bear criticism.... You have in you an illimitable power of improvement, and this last is still better than any other. Affectionately yours, S. S. N."From the Rev. Alexander Sutherland, D.D., Toronto:—"I have read the draft of the proposed inscription for the Ryerson Statue with great care and a great deal of interest. It covers the whole ground, and contains nothing that could well be omitted. The extracts from the 'Letter of Acceptance' and 'Official Circular' give it a completeness which leaves nothing to be desired. Yours faithfully, A. S."From the Rev. Ephraim B. Harper, D.D., Brampton:—"I have read over and over again with all possible attention and care your proposed inscription for Dr. Ryerson's Memorial, and candidly allow that I could not propose the change of a word, or even of a letter in it. I prepared something similar, twenty-three years ago, for a gravestone for the late Rev. Dr. Stinson, and know well the difficulty of compressing important facts within the limits permissible for an inscription. It could not have fallen into better hands, when it fell to your lot to write it. As ever, dear doctor, yours affectionately, E. B. H."From Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Toronto:—"I think the inscription admirable. Yours, W. H. D."

[5]Having submitted the draft of this inscription to several of Dr. Ryerson's clerical friends, I received the following in reply:—

From the Rev. Dr. Douglass, Montreal:—

"Thanks for your very kind favor. The name of Dr. Ryerson will be forever sacred in my heart's best affection. I have read the proposed inscription with very much care and interest. I think it is comprehensive in its scope, and accurate and elegant in detail. I really can offer no suggestion. I congratulate you upon the completeness with which you have executed your talk. With best wishes, ever and truly yours, G. D."

From the Rev. J. A. Williams, D.D., Toronto:—

"I very much approve of the proposed inscription for the memorial to the late lamented Dr. Ryerson. It recognizes his worth and distinguished ability, as a writer, as an educationist, and as a patriot. It is a fitting tribute from one who knew him well and so long. With much and sincere respect, I am, yours very truly, J. A. W."

From the Rev. John Potts, D.D., Toronto:—

"No pen but yours should write the inscription for Dr. Ryerson's monument. What you enclose is an elegant and eloquent tribute to our dear departed father. The committee will accept the inscription with thanks. Ever yours, J. P."

From the late Rev. Dr. Nelles, Cobourg (whom the committee wished to be consulted on the matter). He said:

"The inscription, in its present form, pleases me best of all, and is well nigh perfect, doing 'credit to your head and heart,' as the phrase is."I am sure we shall get the thing perfect before we leave it. And the old Doctor deserves that two such loving sons should bestow their best efforts in such a matter."The 'final revise' [subsequently sent] may, I think, now be accepted. It will bear criticism.... You have in you an illimitable power of improvement, and this last is still better than any other. Affectionately yours, S. S. N."

"The inscription, in its present form, pleases me best of all, and is well nigh perfect, doing 'credit to your head and heart,' as the phrase is.

"I am sure we shall get the thing perfect before we leave it. And the old Doctor deserves that two such loving sons should bestow their best efforts in such a matter.

"The 'final revise' [subsequently sent] may, I think, now be accepted. It will bear criticism.... You have in you an illimitable power of improvement, and this last is still better than any other. Affectionately yours, S. S. N."

From the Rev. Alexander Sutherland, D.D., Toronto:—

"I have read the draft of the proposed inscription for the Ryerson Statue with great care and a great deal of interest. It covers the whole ground, and contains nothing that could well be omitted. The extracts from the 'Letter of Acceptance' and 'Official Circular' give it a completeness which leaves nothing to be desired. Yours faithfully, A. S."

From the Rev. Ephraim B. Harper, D.D., Brampton:—

"I have read over and over again with all possible attention and care your proposed inscription for Dr. Ryerson's Memorial, and candidly allow that I could not propose the change of a word, or even of a letter in it. I prepared something similar, twenty-three years ago, for a gravestone for the late Rev. Dr. Stinson, and know well the difficulty of compressing important facts within the limits permissible for an inscription. It could not have fallen into better hands, when it fell to your lot to write it. As ever, dear doctor, yours affectionately, E. B. H."

From Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., Toronto:—

"I think the inscription admirable. Yours, W. H. D."

[6]These addresses are given in full, commencing on page 17.

[7]In a note from Sir John Macdonald, he said:—"Many thanks for your note, and for the photographic model of our dear old friend, Dr. Ryerson. The apparent frown on the brow is perhaps too pronounced, [the expression was modified after receipt of this note]. The pose seems to me very good."Rev. J. K. Smith, D.D., of Galt, in a note to me also said:—"Please except my sincere thanks for the excellent photo of the lamented Dr. Ryerson which is an admirable likeness. It is I suppose, as nearly perfect in every respect as a statue could be. I am persuaded that the statue will be a splendid one, and I rejoice that his great name is thus to be handed down to successive generations of our Canadian youth as a sacred memory and a powerful stimulus."

[7]In a note from Sir John Macdonald, he said:—

"Many thanks for your note, and for the photographic model of our dear old friend, Dr. Ryerson. The apparent frown on the brow is perhaps too pronounced, [the expression was modified after receipt of this note]. The pose seems to me very good."

Rev. J. K. Smith, D.D., of Galt, in a note to me also said:—

"Please except my sincere thanks for the excellent photo of the lamented Dr. Ryerson which is an admirable likeness. It is I suppose, as nearly perfect in every respect as a statue could be. I am persuaded that the statue will be a splendid one, and I rejoice that his great name is thus to be handed down to successive generations of our Canadian youth as a sacred memory and a powerful stimulus."

[8]The Historical Paper—an abstract of which was read by Dr. Hodgins, will be found on page 26.

[9]W. Kerr, Q.C., Vice-Chancellor, of Victoria University, in explaining the causes of his absence from the ceremonies of unveiling, said:—"I thank you very much for your ever thoughtful kindness in sending me a programme of the ceremonies of unveiling of the statue of our late great chief founder of the peerless school system of Ontario. I should very much like to have the privilege of being present on the occasion and of listening to the speeches and addresses, but especially your 'Historical Paper on Education in Ontario,' which no man now living so well understands as yourself.... How often I think of the late chief's farsightedness and patriotic efforts in connection with the Upper Canada Academy and subsequently with Victoria University."...

[10]In his letter enclosing the manuscript of his address, Chancellor Fleming, said:—"I write to congratulate you on the complete success of the affair of last Friday. Even the weather was every thing we could desire. It was a genuine pleasure for me to be present on the occasion. In the few remarks I offered I meant every word I said, The only omission was the absence of any reference, or sufficient reference, to the right hand man of Dr. Ryerson during all the years he laboured. This often happens; but you have the happy consciousness that your work and your life has so largely entered into the imperishable monument which he has raised in the school system of the century."

[11]Dr. Rand, in sending the manuscript of his address, said:—"I think the exercises were very successful indeed, and that the memorial volume, if brought out with some expedition, will prove very helpful in quickening a true appreciation of the great work done by Dr. Ryerson in building up the educational system of Ontario."

[12]In a letter from Barbados, dated 31st May, 1856, he said: As to education, in which you will take the greatest interest, all I can say is that my own hopes are centered in getting a good Normal School in humble imitation of yours. I think with that all will be well. If we could train good teachers we would have an admirable system. There have been some attempts, but not to much effect. I want your advice as to the establishment of this school. Tell me how to go to work to get good men, etc. I must have your plan of boarding the Normal School pupils at the public expense, which I think essential. I also want to introduce the national books (as you did). Any advice or information will be conducive to good results.

[13]Full information in regard to the working of our system of education was communicated from time to time to the Privy Council Committee on Education in England. This was of great practical value (as he assured us) to the Right Hon. W. E. Forster, promoter of the noted English School Bill of 1870. In 1875 Mr. Forster visited the Education Department of Ontario. TheJournal of Educationof April, 1876, thus refers to Mr. Forster's visit:—"During the recent visits of the Right Hon. W. E. Forster and Hepworth Dixon, Esq., to the Ontario Education Department, they were kind enough to explain and discuss some of the new problems in the English Educational system, and made enquiries as to the success of our attempts at a practical solution of the same question. The two principal subjects referred to by Mr. Forster were compulsory education and denominational schools, and on these two points full explanation of our Ontario system were given."—"Journal of Education," Province of Ontario, Volume xxviii., page 49.

"During the recent visits of the Right Hon. W. E. Forster and Hepworth Dixon, Esq., to the Ontario Education Department, they were kind enough to explain and discuss some of the new problems in the English Educational system, and made enquiries as to the success of our attempts at a practical solution of the same question. The two principal subjects referred to by Mr. Forster were compulsory education and denominational schools, and on these two points full explanation of our Ontario system were given."—"Journal of Education," Province of Ontario, Volume xxviii., page 49.

[14]Thus, in regard to the chivalrous destruction of tea in Boston harbour, in 1773, an American historian says:"The object of the mother country in imposing a duty of three pence per pound on tea imported by the East India Company into America, while it wastwelvepence per pound in England, was mainly to break up the contraband trade of the colonial merchants with Holland and her possessions."... "Sons of the merchants [of Boston] had become rich in the traffic, and a considerable part of the large fortune which Hancock [President of the Insurgent Congress] inherited from his uncle was thus acquired."... "It was fit, then, that Hancock, was ... was respondent in the Admiralty Courts, in suits of the Crown, to recover nearly half a million of dollars, ... should be the first to affix his name to the [declaration of independence] which, if made good, would save him from ruin."...—Sabine's American Loyalists, Vol. I. (Boston, 1865), pages 8, 9, 13.So much for the much-valued patriotic act, which was a vast pecuniary gain to Hancock and other contraband tea merchants of Boston.

[14]Thus, in regard to the chivalrous destruction of tea in Boston harbour, in 1773, an American historian says:

"The object of the mother country in imposing a duty of three pence per pound on tea imported by the East India Company into America, while it wastwelvepence per pound in England, was mainly to break up the contraband trade of the colonial merchants with Holland and her possessions."... "Sons of the merchants [of Boston] had become rich in the traffic, and a considerable part of the large fortune which Hancock [President of the Insurgent Congress] inherited from his uncle was thus acquired."... "It was fit, then, that Hancock, was ... was respondent in the Admiralty Courts, in suits of the Crown, to recover nearly half a million of dollars, ... should be the first to affix his name to the [declaration of independence] which, if made good, would save him from ruin."...—Sabine's American Loyalists, Vol. I. (Boston, 1865), pages 8, 9, 13.

So much for the much-valued patriotic act, which was a vast pecuniary gain to Hancock and other contraband tea merchants of Boston.

[15]"The project of founding a College in Connecticut was early taken up (in 1652), but was checked by well-founded remonstrance from Massachusetts, who (sic), very justly observed that the whole population of New England was scarcely sufficient to support one institution."—President Dwight'sTravels in New England, vol. I. p. 168.The Legislature made a grant of £50 a year to Yale College, from 1701 to 1750, when "it was discontinued on account of the heavy taxes occasioned by the lateCanadianWar."—C. K. Adams, inNorth American Reviewfor October, 1875, p. 381.

The Legislature made a grant of £50 a year to Yale College, from 1701 to 1750, when "it was discontinued on account of the heavy taxes occasioned by the lateCanadianWar."—C. K. Adams, inNorth American Reviewfor October, 1875, p. 381.

[16]Circular of Information, U. S. Bureau of Education, No. 1, 1887, page 15.

[17]General Eaton, United States Commissioner of Education, in an educational retrospect in his Report for 1875, speaking of this college, says:—"The first commencement, in 1700, was a noted event. Several planters came in their coaches, others in sloops, from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Even Indians had the curiosity to visit Williamsburgh," the seat of the College.—Page xix.

[18]In illustrating the fact that college-bred graduates are considerably less numerous and less conspicuous in the professions and in political life than were men of a similar education 50 or 100 years ago, Mr. C. K. Adams, in theNorth American Reviewfor October, 1875, says that, "of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 36 were college-bred, and 15 of the 26 Senators in the first Congress; while now there are only 7 of the 26 Senators 'college-bred.'" He thinks that the comparison, if extended to the House of Representatives and the State Legislatures, would be still less favorable as to the number of college-bred men in these bodies.

[19]New YorkEvening Post, January, 1876.

[20]For fuller details on this point, see the section on the universities, page 61.

[21]Rev. John Stuart. D.D., was born in Virginia in 1736. In 1769 he went to England to be ordained, and returned to Philadelphia in 1770. For seven years he labored as a missionary among the Iroquois Indians at Fort Hunter. He was then aided by the famous Brant in translating the New Testament into Mohawk. In 1781 he came to Upper Canada and labored in this province as a missionary among the refugee loyalists and Iroquois. He subsequently became rector of Cataraqui (Kingston), and chaplain to the Legislative Council. He died in 1811, aged 75 years. One of his sons was the late Archdeacon Stuart, of Kingston; another was the late chief Justice, Sir James Stuart of Quebec.

[22]Canadian Educational Monthly, February 1889, page 58.

[23]Ibid., page 59.

[24]In 1816, an Act was passed granting £800 for the purchase of a library for the use of the Legislative Council and house of Assembly.

[25]All the Indian schools of the Province, which are chiefly sustained by various religious bodies are now under the control of the Indian Department at Ottawa. The following is an account of a typical Indian school at the Credit in 1830: The school room in a large and commodious apartment with tiers of raised benches in the rear: on one division of which sit the girls, and the boys on the other. There are also desks, and slates for ciphering and copy-books and copper-plate lines for whose who write. The Bible and Testaments, and some of the other books, are English printed and some American. No sectarian intolerance prevails in that way. Among the school furniture are a handsome map of the world, the arithmecon, attractive alphabets in pasteboard, regular figures illustrative of geometry, some of them cut out of wood and some of them made of pasteboard: the picture of Elijah fed by ravens, figures of birds, fishes and quadrupeds on pasteboard, coloured, accompanied with the history of each animal: the figure of a clock in pasteboard, by which to explain the principles of the time-piece. The walls are adorned with good, moral maxims; and I perceived that one of the rules was rather novel, though doubtful in place here. It was, "No blankets to be worn in school." The attendance is about 50 Indian children. The girls are taught by Miss Rolph, sister of the late Member of Middlesex: the boys by Mr. Edwy Ryerson, a younger brother of the late editor of theChristian Guardian, Rev. Egerton Ryerson. The translating office is occupied by Mr. Peter Jones, the Indian minister.

[26]This course of study is appended herewith on the next page.

[27]TheChristian Recorder, edited by Rev. Dr. Strachan, York, 1830, vol. 1, page 182.

[28]Sermon on the Death of Bishop Strachan,Journal of Educationfor U. C., vol. xx. (1868), page 182.

[29]Preface to "A Concise Introduction to Practical Arithmetic, for the use of Schools: By the Rev. John Strachan, Montreal. Printed by Nahum Mower, 1809."

[30]The principal signers of the address were Sir J. B. Robinson, Sir J. B. Macaulay, Very Rev. Dean Bethune, Right Rev. Bishop Bethune, Hon. Chief Justice McLean, Hon. Justice Jones, Hon. W. B. Robinson, Hon. G. S. Boulton, Rev W. Macaulay, Judge (George) Ridout, Surveyor-General Chewett, Col. Gregg, Capt. Macaulay, R.A., Inspector-General Markland, Sheriff McLean, Messrs. T. G. Ridout, P. Vankoughnet, S. P. Jarvis, J. Radenhurst, R. G. Anderson, R. Stanton, and others.

[31]Journal of Educationfor U. C., Vol. xx. (1868), page 183. For further reference to Dr. Strachan's educational efforts see the sections on universities, page 59et seq.

[32]Col. Mahlon Burwell was born in the State of New Jersey, but early in life came to Upper Canada. He settled first at Fort Erie, then at Long Point, and finally removed to the Talbot Settlement. He was near neighbor, and for a long time, right-hand man of the noted Col. Talbot, of Port Talbot. He was a surveyor by profession, and in 1810 surveyed the townships of Malahide, Bayham, and part of the then village of London.

[33]Dr. Charles Duncombe was an American by birth, and win born in the State of New Jersey in or about the year 1796. He came to Upper Canada with his parents during the progress, or immediately after the close, of the war of 1812-15, and settled in the "London District." Charles Duncombe studied medicine and surgery, and in 1827 and 1828 began to practice his profession on the town line between the townships of Burford and Brantford, near Bishopsgate. He soon obtained a large practice and with it an extended influence. During the rebellion of 1837-8, Dr. Duncombe took part and went to the United States, and remained there until 1843, when he received a pardon from Sir Charles (afterwards Lord) Metcalfe. He did not, however, remain long in Upper Canada after his return, but soon left for the Western States, whence he subsequently removed to California, and died there.

[34]It is gratifying to know that, although defeated at the time, Dr. Duncombe's efforts bore fruit nearly twenty years afterwards—in 1850—when Hon. Wm. Hamilton Merritt, then President of the Council, introduced and had a Bill passed by the Legislature setting apart 1,000,000 acres of the Crown Lands for the permanent endowment of public schools in United Canada.

[35]Historical Sketch of Education in Upper Canada, by J. George Hodgins, M.A., LL.B., F.R.G.S. in "Eighty Years' Progress of British North America," 1863.

[36]See also the opinion of Archdeacon Strachan on this subject, in a subsequent part of this Retrospect.

[37]First Superintendent of Education for Upper Canada, and the immediate predecessor of Rev. Dr. Ryerson.

[38]See remarks on this anachronism on page 64.

[39]By recent legislation University College has been merged in the University of Toronto.

[40]This memorable prophecy, made by Dr. Ryerson in 1841, was abundantly verified in after years, chiefly as the result of his own labors in maturing the school system, of which he was the founder.

[41]It it a gratifying fact that Victoria College was the first university in Upper Canada whose doors were open to receive students. The first session commenced in October, 1841; that of Queen's College University in March, 1842, and King's College University in June, 1843. The first graduate in arts who received a diploma in Upper Canada was sent out from Victoria College in 1845-46.

[42]Several promising Indian youth were educated at Victoria College, and some of them became useful teachers and missionaries.

[43]In the preface to theStory of My Life, I thus referred to this period of Dr. Ryerson's labours:—"Public men of the present day looked upon Dr. Ryerson practically as one of their own contemporaries—noted for his zeal and energy in the successful management of a great Public Department, and as the founder of a system of Popular Education.... In this estimate of Dr. Ryerson's labours they were quite correct. And in their appreciation of the statesmanlike qualities of mind, which devised and developed such a system in the midst of difficulties which would have appalled less resolute hearts, they were equally correct."But, after all, how immeasurably does this partial historical view of his character and labours fall short of a true estimate of that character and of those labours!"In a point of fact, Dr. Ryerson's great struggle for the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825 to 1845, as detailed in the pages of this 'story' without being impressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native country than that which is therein recorded, he would have accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen."

"But, after all, how immeasurably does this partial historical view of his character and labours fall short of a true estimate of that character and of those labours!

"In a point of fact, Dr. Ryerson's great struggle for the civil and religious freedom which we now enjoy, was almost over when he assumed the position of Chief Director of our Educational System. No one can read the record of his labours from 1825 to 1845, as detailed in the pages of this 'story' without being impressed with the fact that, had he done no more for his native country than that which is therein recorded, he would have accomplished a great work, and have earned the gratitude of his fellow-countrymen."

[44]This Retrospect would not be complete without reference, in fuller detail, to the history of the Separate School question and to legislation on it in Upper Canada. It was found, however, to be so extensive a subject that no adequate justice could be done to it in this somewhat brief Retrospect. The writer has, therefore, prepared a full and exhaustive paper on the subject, which will be published separately, should it be considered desirable. The details given are largely personal, and, therefore, of special interest. In addition to private letters bearing on the subject, the paper contains official and other authentic information in regard to the whole question.

[45]TheEvangelical Churchmanof the 21st February, 1887, thus refers to the vicissitudes of the Education office:—The Education Department for Ontario, or rather Upper Canada as it was then called, had its first Toronto office in Bay Street, in the building now occupied by the publishers of theEvangelical Churchman. From 1841, when the first Provincial School Law was passed, until 1844, the office was a mere adjunct to the Provincial Secretary's Department at Kingston. In that year Rev. Dr. Ryerson was appointed to the office which he so ably filled until 1876, when he retired. In 1844 the Education office was removed to Cobourg, when the present Deputy Minister of Education became its chief and sole officer under Dr. Ryerson. In 1846 it was again removed and transferred to Toronto, and was placed in a room over the front door of the presentEvangelical Churchmanoffice. The first Council of Public Instruction for the Province held its meetings in the west portion of the printing office, upstairs. In the room over the door the first reliable statistical report of the number of schools, etc., in this province was compiled. It was printed in the shape of a broad sheet, 12x15, on light blue paper, and bears date "September, 1846." This report, which is full of interesting statistics, has long since been out of print, but we have been fortunate enough to obtain a copy. The Education office had various vicissitudes in those early days of its existence. In 1847 it was removed from this building to the Secretary's office at the old Government House—long since demolished. In 1849, when the seat of Government was removed from Montreal to Toronto, it was transferred to the "Albany Chambers," now the Revere House, on King street. Thence, in 1852, it was finally removed to its present handsome quarters in St. James' square.

[46]In this matter of trustees' rate bill or school rate on the property of the school section, Dr. Ryerson was quite in advance of his times. The rate-bill clause, as he had prepared it, was rejected by the House of Assembly and a school fee substituted for it. In a brief, private note from Mr. Draper, dated 22nd April, 1846, he said:—"Last night, or rather this morning at one, I got the School Bill through Committee of the Whole. I have been forced to submit to some changes, none very serious.... The rate-bill is to be on people sending children to school—not on the whole section. I fought this, but was well beaten."In his reply, Dr. Ryerson said:—"I deeply regret the loss of the original rate-bill clause. It involved a new and important principle.... I am persuaded that it will on a future occasion pass by a strong majority."It did so pass in 1850; but it was not until 1871 that the Municipal Council was authorized by the Legislature to impose the whole of the school tax as desired and predicted by Dr. Ryerson in 1846.

"Last night, or rather this morning at one, I got the School Bill through Committee of the Whole. I have been forced to submit to some changes, none very serious.... The rate-bill is to be on people sending children to school—not on the whole section. I fought this, but was well beaten."

In his reply, Dr. Ryerson said:—

"I deeply regret the loss of the original rate-bill clause. It involved a new and important principle.... I am persuaded that it will on a future occasion pass by a strong majority."

It did so pass in 1850; but it was not until 1871 that the Municipal Council was authorized by the Legislature to impose the whole of the school tax as desired and predicted by Dr. Ryerson in 1846.

[47]In a letter to the writer of this Retrospect from the Very Rev. Dean Grasett in 1875, he said:—"I esteem it an honour that I should have been associated with Dr. Ryerson in his Council for so many years (30), and a privilege if I have been of the least assistance in upholding his hands in performing a work, the credit of which is exclusively his own."I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings of respect for the public character and regard for the private worth of one who has rendered to his country services which entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his valuable public services from the heads of our Government ...; but I think that in his case, as in others that are familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full benefit of them."

"I shall carry with me to the end of life the liveliest feelings of respect for the public character and regard for the private worth of one who has rendered to his country services which entitle him to her lasting gratitude. My venerable friend has had from time to time many cheering recognitions of his valuable public services from the heads of our Government ...; but I think that in his case, as in others that are familiar to us, it must be left to future generations adequately to appreciate their value when they shall be reaping the full benefit of them."

[48]In his address at the beginning of the Normal School for Upper Canada, in November, 1847, Dr. Ryerson thus referred to the then recent decease of Bishop Power. He said, referring to the harmony which had characterized the meetings of the Provincial Board of Education:—"One event indeed has occurred, over which the members of the Board have reason to mourn—the decease of the Right Reverend Prelate, who, by his colleagues had been unanimously chosen Chairman of the Board, and whose conduct as Chairman and Member of the Board was marked by a punctuality, a courtesy, a fairness, a zeal and intelligence which entitle his memory to the affectionate remembrance of his colleagues and the grateful esteem of every member of the community.... I cannot reflect upon the full and frequent conversations which I have had with him on subjects of public instruction, and with the scrupulous regard which ever manifested for the views, and rights and wishes of Protestants, without feelings of the deepest respect for his character and memory."

"One event indeed has occurred, over which the members of the Board have reason to mourn—the decease of the Right Reverend Prelate, who, by his colleagues had been unanimously chosen Chairman of the Board, and whose conduct as Chairman and Member of the Board was marked by a punctuality, a courtesy, a fairness, a zeal and intelligence which entitle his memory to the affectionate remembrance of his colleagues and the grateful esteem of every member of the community.... I cannot reflect upon the full and frequent conversations which I have had with him on subjects of public instruction, and with the scrupulous regard which ever manifested for the views, and rights and wishes of Protestants, without feelings of the deepest respect for his character and memory."

[49]Correspondence between members of the Government and the Chief Superintendent, 1850, pp. 17-20.

[50]Chief Superintendent's Annual Report for 1847-8, page 6.

[51]Lord Elgin always referred to Dr. Ryerson's library scheme in his educational addresses as the "Crown and Glory of the Institutions of the Province."

[52]Aproprosof this, Dr. Ryerson, in a private note to Hon. W. H. Draper, in April, 1846, said:—"The stables of the Government House may be fitted up for Model Schools, etc. It is a curious and not interesting fact that the stables of Louis the Fourteenth, at Versailles, are now used for the great National Normal School of France, and is the most splendid establishment of the kind on the Continent of Europe."

[52]Aproprosof this, Dr. Ryerson, in a private note to Hon. W. H. Draper, in April, 1846, said:—

"The stables of the Government House may be fitted up for Model Schools, etc. It is a curious and not interesting fact that the stables of Louis the Fourteenth, at Versailles, are now used for the great National Normal School of France, and is the most splendid establishment of the kind on the Continent of Europe."

[53]Dr. Ryerson constantly deprecated, in these early years, this want of the spirit of Canadian Patriotism. In an eloquent paper (in the third volume of theJournal of Education) he shows that "Canadian Patriotism (is) the Lever of Canadian Greatness." He sums it up in these words: "It cannot be too strongly impressed upon every mind that it is on Canadian energy, Canadian ambition, Canadian self-reliance, skill and enterprize—in a word, on Canadian patriotism—that depends Canadian prosperity, elevation and happiness."—Page 40.

[54]In 1858 Mr. Henry Fisher (Brother of Hon. Charles Fisher) was appointed Superintendent of Education for New Brunswick. He visited Dr. Ryerson in that year to confer with him before undertaking the duties of his new office. His death occurred in 1860, and in communicating the sad news to Dr. Ryerson, Hon. Charles Fisher, referring to his brother, said:—"He wished particularly (just before his death) to be remembered to you, and that I should thank you for your kindness to him on all occasions. He was succeeding in his efforts to improve the educational interests of the Province, and had been enabled to secure the support of all parties."

"He wished particularly (just before his death) to be remembered to you, and that I should thank you for your kindness to him on all occasions. He was succeeding in his efforts to improve the educational interests of the Province, and had been enabled to secure the support of all parties."

[55]In 1850, (the first year in which we have positive information on this subject), we find that the total sum expended in this Province for public elementary education, was $410,472; of which $326,472 were raised by local rates and fees.

[56]No one is more sensible than I am of the numerous defects of our School system, and for this reason I have labored all the more assiduously to have these detects removed by our recent school legislation. As I have stated further on, I have even had to combat the views of those friends of the system who had thought that it was not susceptible of much improvement.

[57]These two extracts are given simply as illustrative examples, and as they were public utterances of the Inspectors named. Similar testimony was received by the Department from other Inspectors, but, from the nature of the case, and their non-publication in the local newspapers, they were not subject to the same criticism as were the statements publicly made and published in the localities concerned.

[58]Having written to the late Hon. Samuel Mills for his recollections of these school days, Mr. Mills replied as follows: "I have a distinct recollection of having had the honor of being at the Hamilton Grammar School with yourself in the years 1823 and 1824, and that the late John Law was head master at the time. He was considered a highly educated and accomplished scholar, and was so well qualified for the position he held, that the school had a provincial reputation and was patronized by many parties living at a great distance by sending their sons to it; and the very fact of your attending the school gave éclat to it, as you were then considered a well educated young man, far in advance of the rest of us. Your studies, if my recollection serves me right, were confined entirely to reading Latin and Greek, and I know Mr. Law and the whole school looked upon you as being a credit to it."

[59]Mr. I. W. Powell, M.P.P., father of Colonel Powell, Adjutant-General of Canada.

[60]The island within Long Point, which Mr. Ryerson's father obtained from the Crown, but which then belonged to him, was marked on old maps as Pottshawk Point, but designated on later maps, and more generally known, as "Ryerson's Island."

[61]This remark evidently refers to the oft expression of my dissent from Dr. Ryerson's views in regard to the important change which he had proposed to the Government for the future administration of the Education Department. It was one of the very few subjects on which I had occasion to differ from the views of my venerated friend.

[62]These sixteen were:—1. The Right Reverend Michael Power, D.D.2. Hugh Scobie, Esquire.3. Hon. Samuel Bealey Harrison, Q.C.4. The Reverend Adam Lillie, D.D.5. James Scott Howard, Esquire.6. The Reverend John Jennings, D.D.7. The Very Reverend Henry James Grasett, D.D.8. The Hon. Mr. Justice Morrison.9. The Reverend John Ambery, M.A.10. The Right Reverend Thomas Brock Fuller, D.D.11. The Reverend J. Tabarat, D.D.12. The Reverend John McCaul, LL.D.13. The Reverend John Barclay, D.D.14. The Honorable William McMaster.15. The Reverend Samuel S. Nelles, D.D., LL.D.16. The Most Reverend John Joseph Lynch, D.D.

[62]These sixteen were:—

1. The Right Reverend Michael Power, D.D.2. Hugh Scobie, Esquire.3. Hon. Samuel Bealey Harrison, Q.C.4. The Reverend Adam Lillie, D.D.5. James Scott Howard, Esquire.6. The Reverend John Jennings, D.D.7. The Very Reverend Henry James Grasett, D.D.8. The Hon. Mr. Justice Morrison.9. The Reverend John Ambery, M.A.10. The Right Reverend Thomas Brock Fuller, D.D.11. The Reverend J. Tabarat, D.D.12. The Reverend John McCaul, LL.D.13. The Reverend John Barclay, D.D.14. The Honorable William McMaster.15. The Reverend Samuel S. Nelles, D.D., LL.D.16. The Most Reverend John Joseph Lynch, D.D.

Transcriber's note:Minor typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.Mismatched quotes are not fixed if it's not sufficiently clear where the missing quote should be placed.In the table of contents the page number for the Title and Prefatory note has been changed from i. to iii. to match the book.Page 17: "and the difficultiee with which he had to contend"—changed to "difficulties".Page 22: "this was the ——le gift which Dr. Ryerson devoted"—The dash (——le) has been inserted where there was a blank area in the printed book.Page 64: "the social and religions virtues"—"religions" changed to "religious".

Minor typographical and punctuation errors have been corrected without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained as printed.

Mismatched quotes are not fixed if it's not sufficiently clear where the missing quote should be placed.

In the table of contents the page number for the Title and Prefatory note has been changed from i. to iii. to match the book.

Page 17: "and the difficultiee with which he had to contend"—changed to "difficulties".

Page 22: "this was the ——le gift which Dr. Ryerson devoted"—The dash (——le) has been inserted where there was a blank area in the printed book.

Page 64: "the social and religions virtues"—"religions" changed to "religious".

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