(See Page 40.)
LORD ELGINS VALEDICTORY ADDRESS.
The following affords a fair
specimen of the pleasing style of oratory of the Earl of Elgin, on
quitting Monklands, Montreal, at one time the seat of Government. Lord
Elgin in a very felicitous manner alludes to the painful scenes of riot,
&c., consequent on his courageous attitude, when called on to carry out
the views of his constitutional advisers. "For nearly eight years, at the
command of our beloved Queen, I have filled this position among you,
discharging its duties, often imperfectly, never carelessly, or with
indifference. We are all of us aware that the period is rapidly
approaching when I may expect to be required by the same gracious
authority to resign into other, and I trust worthier, hands the office of
Governor General, with the heavy burden of responsibility and care which
attaches to it. It is fitting, therefore, that we should now speak to each
other frankly and without reserve. Let me assure you, then, that the
severance of the formal tie which binds us together will not cause my
earnest desire for your welifare and advancement to abate. The extinction
of an official relationship cannot quench the conviction that I have so
long cherished, and by which I have been supported through many trials,
that a brilliant future is in store for British North America; or diminish
the interest with which I shall watch every event which tends to the
fulfilment of this expectation. And again, permit me to assure you, that
when I leave you, be it sooner or later, I shall carry away no
recollections of my sojourn among you, except such as are of a pleasing
character. I shall remember and remember with gratitude, the cordial
reception I met with at Montreal when I came a stranger among you, bearing
with me for my sole recommendation the commission of our sovereign. I
shall remember those early months of my residence here, when I learnt in
this beautiful neighbourhood to appreciate the charms of a bright Canadian
winter day, and to take delight in the cheerful music of your sleigh
bells. I shall remember one glorious afternoon—an afternoon in April—when,
looking down from the hill at Monklands, on my return from transacting
business in your city, I beheld that the vast plain stretching out before
me, which I had always seen clothed in the white garb of winter, had
assumed, on a sudden, and as if by enchantment, the livery of spring;
while your noble St. Lawrence, bursting through his icy fetters, had begun
to sparkle in the sunshine and to murmur his vernal hymn of thanksgiving
to the bounteous Giver of light and heat. I shall remember my visits to
your Mechanics’ Institutes and Mercantile Library Associations, and the
kind attention with which the advice which I tendered to your young men
and citizens was received by them. I shall remember the undaunted courage
with which the merchants of this city, while suffering under the pressure
of a commercial crisis of almost unparalleled severity, urged forward that
great work which was the first step towards placing Canada in her proper
position in this age of railway progress. I shall remember the
