Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/653

 627 LADY OF QUALITY i picturesque French homesteads on the St. Lawrence River and the delightful chivalry of the scions of the old French families a most agreeable element in her official life. The very name of the Citadel of Quebec brings to mind stirring historic scenes. Though taken possession of by the French in 1525, the first Canadian colony, Quebec, Was not actually founded until 1608-9. The British forces under General Wolfe captured it in 1759, and the rest of Canada was ceded to Great Britain by the Treaty of Paris, 1763, and provision made for the government of the colony. The Qovernment of Canada It Was later divided into Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec). The latter retained the French characteristics of the original settlers, and the " Canadas " were practically two nations under one flag. They were united in 1840, and eventually, in 1869, were, with the other provinces of British North America, formed into the Dominion of Canada. It has its own Parliament, is ruled for the Crown by a Governor-Creneral, and each province has a Lieutenant-Governor, and a local House of Ixjgislature. That settlement was the result of the policy first advocated by Lord Durham. His wife also claims recognition for the pacific part which she played as the wife of the Governor- General during the most critical period of Canadian history. Lady Durham was on the platform beside her husband at that historic meeting in Quebec, the largest political assembly ever held in Canada, when he read the Proclama- tion setting forth the policy for the govern- ment of the colony which he proposed to suggest to his government at home. Amidst suppressed excitement an address of con- fidence in Lord Durham was signed by some 5,000 representative Canadians. He had found the colony in rebellion. With the French and British settlers in constant feud, and thought that a remedy might be arrived at by giving Canada self-government. Ix)rd Melbourne's Ministry did not approve his policy, and Lord Durham returned home to tender his resignation, " Little did I imagine," wrote Lady Durham, in her journal, " that 1 should ever feel regret on returning home." She had grown to love the Canadians, French and British alike, and had struck the true note for a Governor-Generars wife by trying to understand the colonial point of view. Modern Canada Sad, indeed, Was the homeward voyage. with hopes frustrated and her hu.sband ill with fever. Lord Durham did not long survive his return, and Lady Durham died sixteen months after him. She Was a valued friend of Queen Victoria, but resigned her position in the young Queen's household because of the presence of Lord Melbourne, who had failed to support her hu.sband'9 policy for the pacification of Canada. To-da>r all is smooth sailing for the wile of the Governor-Cieneral of the great Do- minion, which is ever forminfj new provinces out of the limitless prairies of the far North- West. So rapid is the growth that each successive holder of the position has extended interests to appeal to her. Her Excellency has her first experience of Canada at Que Dec, where the Governor- General is sworn in -and receives various addresses. The drive through the Old Town fills her with admiration, and by the time she has sailed from Quebec up the St. Ivawrence to Ottawa, to take up her abode at Government House, she probably longs for nothing to do but to write a descriptive journal, sketch, and take photographs, so magnificent are the views. In this first journey she gains an insight into the French element of Canadian hfe. ^^ideau Hall, the ofTicial residence at Ottawa, presents solid British comfort rather than picturesque appearance. It is close to the fine Parliament Houses, and the Governor-General's wife finds herself ac- corded an unexpected privilege — she may listen to a debate in Parliament, but her husband may not. A seat for her Ex- cellency is provided on the floor of the House next to that of the Speaker, and she may remain even to an all-night sitting. Social Life It is common testimony that Canadian society is easy to get on with. The people are simple and natural and very ready to be pleased. Her Excellency soon feels quite at home amongst them, and her dinners and receptions are functions which she enjoys herself as well as being pleasurable to her guests. Etiquette has its place, but is not an oppressively rigid matter in colonial society. Guests have a pleasant, friendly way of talking entertainingly and trying to make her Excellency feel at home. They have the sensible idea that, as every- thing is strange to her, she should not be expected to make all the conversation. How simple the entertainment of a Governor-Creneral's wife may be is instanced by Lady Duflerin's first reception. It was an informal garden-party to the people at Riviere-du-Loup, where she was sta>nng with her children. She decorated the rooms with wild flowers which she had gathered, and borrowed extra chairs from her neigh- bours. Her Excellency and her friend. Lady Harriet Fletcher, having carried out the bed from the best bedroom, made the latter a reception-room. Croquet and conversation were sufficient to keep everybody amused. When the party broke up. the ncightwurs removed the goods which they had lent — in sight of the departing guests. This was in 1872, a few years after the Dominion had been proclaimed. But in an ever-spreading colony there are alwa>'s new places where, if she visits them, the Governor-