Metis demands to Ottawa are included in Memorial


"Metis demands to Ottawa are included in Memorial to Sir John A. Macdonald on the grievances of those around Prince Albert"
The Prince Albert Times 12/6/1882 Our Wants and Wishes We publish today a memorial presented to Sir John Macdonald at Ottawa last spring, on behalf of the people of Prince Albert, which was prepared, at this special request by two of our most prominent residents. It is well known that the gentlemen who presented this memorial, are not unfriendly to the present administration, but the contrary, and that therefore, it is not conceived in hostile spirit, but simply embodies the opinions of men of experience in the North West, and who are thoroughly conversant with its wants and its wishes. A reply was promised, but like any another remonstrance from Manitoba and the Territories, the memorial was probable docketed, and it is now considered right to publish it. Although the memorial alludes to provincial organization, as one means of cure for the evils which afflict us, it does not refer in that connection to the transference of the public lands to the proposed new provinces. But with this exception it covers, we think, almost the entire ground of complaint, and had the discreet and just policy, which it indicates, been carried out, the disaster which befell the administration at the late general elections in Manitoba might have been less severe. The same complaint with regard to the delay in issuing patents to occupants entitled to them by residence, and improvement, exists there as it does here and had the Act, which was introduced a the last Session of the Dominion Parliament to remedy this injustice not been withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and some pledges been given as to the public lands, a serious defeat might have been converted into a crowning victory. For in Manitoba as in the North West Territories it is not party that is considered first, but the public interests...... * * * * * We believe that Sir John and his Cabinet are alive to the necessity of concession in these great matters but he has behind him, all the narrow mindedness of the Eastern Provinces. Go where we may, in Ontario particularly (the mother and step-mother too of Provinces) we meet with the thread bare statement, that the North West is a purchase-the property of the Eastern Provinces and to be handled by them in their own interest and independently of the feelings and interests of its inhabitants. It would be easy to demolish the absurd position had we space to do so. There is one sovereign argument however, that may be easily and briefly stated, and that is, that the people of Manitoba and the North West Territories will not submit to it. This is an argument which even children in the east can understand. Why the people of the Eastern Provinces should take the unreasonably selfish view they do, is a thing which passes the North West understanding. Why should they arouse antagonistic feeling in this country, which it may be difficult to allay? They have sent and are sending their sons and daughters here by thousands, and already a thin layer of Canadians, has been spread over the whole North West, to leaven all that follow, and to a man they are opposed to this view, though full of loyalty and affection for the Dominion.

"Metis demands to Ottawa are included in Memorial to Sir John A. Macdonald on the grievances of those around Prince Albert"

The Prince Albert Times
12/6/1882
Our Wants and Wishes
We publish today a memorial presented to Sir John Macdonald at Ottawa last spring, on behalf of the people of Prince Albert, which was prepared, at this special request by two of our most prominent residents. It is well known that the gentlemen who presented this memorial, are not unfriendly to the present administration, but the contrary, and that therefore, it is not conceived in hostile spirit, but simply embodies the opinions of men of experience in the North West, and who are thoroughly conversant with its wants and its wishes. A reply was promised, but like any another remonstrance from Manitoba and the Territories, the memorial was probable docketed, and it is now considered right to publish it. Although the memorial alludes to provincial organization, as one means of cure for the evils which afflict us, it does not refer in that connection to the transference of the public lands to the proposed new provinces. But with this exception it covers, we think, almost the entire ground of complaint, and had the discreet and just policy, which it indicates, been carried out, the disaster which befell the administration at the late general elections in Manitoba might have been less severe. The same complaint with regard to the delay in issuing patents to occupants entitled to them by residence, and improvement, exists there as it does here and had the Act, which was introduced a the last Session of the Dominion Parliament to remedy this injustice not been withdrawn at the eleventh hour, and some pledges been given as to the public lands, a serious defeat might have been converted into a crowning victory. For in Manitoba as in the North West Territories it is not party that is considered first, but the public interests......
* * * * *
We believe that Sir John and his Cabinet are alive to the necessity of concession in these great matters but he has behind him, all the narrow mindedness of the Eastern Provinces. Go where we may, in Ontario particularly (the mother and step-mother too of Provinces) we meet with the thread bare statement, that the North West is a purchase-the property of the Eastern Provinces and to be handled by them in their own interest and independently of the feelings and interests of its inhabitants. It would be easy to demolish the absurd position had we space to do so. There is one sovereign argument however, that may be easily and briefly stated, and that is, that the people of Manitoba and the North West Territories will not submit to it. This is an argument which even children in the east can understand. Why the people of the Eastern Provinces should take the unreasonably selfish view they do, is a thing which passes the North West understanding. Why should they arouse antagonistic feeling in this country, which it may be difficult to allay? They have sent and are sending their sons and daughters here by thousands, and already a thin layer of Canadians, has been spread over the whole North West, to leaven all that follow, and to a man they are opposed to this view, though full of loyalty and affection for the Dominion.