Brock Centenary 1812-1912 Part 7

Chief A. G. Smith, Six Nation Indians, Grand River Reserve.

Captain Charles R. McCullough, Hamilton, Ont.

Warrior F. Onondeyoh Loft, Six Nation Indians, Toronto.

SPEAKERS OF THE DAY.]

CHIEF A. G. SMITH

Six Nation Indians, Grand River Reserve

If a Mohawk Chief had in his make-up a particle of timidity I fear that your cheering would have frightened or disconcerted me.

Now, contrary to the usual preface to speeches on occasions of this nature, let me instead say that my pleasure in addressing you this afternoon is not altogether unalloyed, as I look back to the remote past, when my ancestors could make or unmake nations on this continent; their favour was then courted by the different European nations, until finally they entered into an alliance or treaty with the military authorities of the British nation, and which the Six Nations has ever held inviolate.

They, however, in my humble opinion, made a serious mistake in taking sides in the War of American Independence, as their treaty obligations only required them to a.s.sist the British when attacked by a foreign power and not in a case of family quarrel, so they could have consistently taken a neutral ground. It is not, however, so surprising that they took the step they did when we consider the influences that were brought to bear on them and the inducements that were held out to them. Consider the influence of Tha-yen-da-ne-gea--Brant, their war chief--and their own love of war. War with them was as religion. Add to these the influence of Sir William Johnson and others.

And there was the very strong inducement that they would be guaranteed a perpetual independence and self-government, and also that they would be amply indemnified for any and all losses that they might sustain by their services. Now we know that these pledges were not adequately fulfilled, yet, notwithstanding this fact, the Six Nations remained faithful in their adherence to the British Crown.

And now allow me to come down to the eventful times which more immediately concern us this afternoon. Let me at the outset briefly but most emphatically a.s.sert that in those troublous times no followers of the ill.u.s.trious Brock, whose fall and victory we are this afternoon commemorating, fought more bravely than the Six Nations; their very admiration of that great and brave general was as a spur to their bravery.

I think I may truthfully say that had it not been for the bravery of the Six Nations the Union Jack would not to-day be waving over these historic heights.

The Six Nations have never had an historian of their own to record the brave deeds of valour of their warriors, and therefore get but scant justice in the historical records of this country; naturally the historians magnify the achievements of their own peoples, while I claim that more credit should be given my own people.

Let me instance one or two samples of justice doled out to my people in various lines. You know that in Ontario manhood suffrage prevails in political elections, so that any foreigner after six months' residence can have every privilege of a full citizen, although he may have no higher interest in the country than as a place in which to earn his bread and b.u.t.ter, and whose ancestors have never shed a drop of blood for its retention by Britain, and who himself may never fight in its defence, but who may go back to fight his own country's battles, perhaps even against Britain.

But the original owners of this country, proved to be men on many a battlefield, who fought and won Britain's battles, ceased to be men and became minors after the battles were won and British predominance secured, and therefore are not allowed men's privileges.

I contend that if Canada is to do justice (and I believe it will) to the Six Nations, it will have to give them representation on the floor of the House of Commons and also respect the treaty concessions made to them, instead of gradually curtailing their tribal rights and privileges. These blood-bought rights and privileges are just as dear to the Six Nations as similar ones are to any other nation.

I fear, Mr. Chairman, that I have already taken up my allotted time, so will refrain from giving all the examples of our loyalty I would have liked to present to this vast a.s.semblage. Allow me, however, to say that as this is an influential gathering, so I hope that each individual of influence will go back to his or her sphere of usefulness and listen to the cry for justice on behalf of the Six Nations, fully appreciating the fact that it is "up to you" to see to it that justice is done this people who have rendered such inestimable service to this country and to Britain.

My remarks may not suit everyone, but I cannot help that. I am not courting popularity, for I am getting too old for that, and I am descended from too long a line of brave warriors to be afraid to speak the truth, whether it be pleasant or otherwise.

Thanking you, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, for the privilege and honour of addressing this influential a.s.semblage and for the kind hearing and attention accorded to me.

[At the conclusion of Chief Smith's speech three rousing warwhoops were given, led by Chiefs Johnson and Elliott, and joined in by all present.]

WARRIOR F. ONONDEYOH LOFT

Six Nation Indians

We are a.s.sembled to-day on this historic spot to commemorate the memory of a great soldier, a patriot and renowned son of the Empire of which we are a part.

I am pleased to note the presence of so many chiefs and warriors of the Six Nations who are here a.s.sembled on the basis of one common citizens.h.i.+p with you, to join with our white brethren to pay respect and homage to the late hero, General Sir Isaac Brock, who offered his life as a sacrifice in the cause he so gallantly defended. He was the brave leader who led the white man and Indian in the defence of our country, our flag, and all that pertained to the maintenance of British inst.i.tutions.

Our act to-day is a n.o.ble one. It is of a kind that touches deep down into the heart that throbs with affection's glow. It is one worthy of emulation by our posterity. We as a people should never lose sight of the great importance that must attach to this occasion, and of the duty we owe to our children to do all we can to impress their minds with the precepts of loyalty to the king and crown, that should be ever steadfast and immovable.

As a member of the Six Nations it is not altogether my wish that I should be looked upon on this occasion as a mere representative of my nation, but rather as a representative of the n.o.ble native Indian race which has so conspicuously identified itself with British arms at critical periods in the history of our fair Dominion.

One hundred years ago our country and people were befogged by conditions that were grey and ominous. It was very uncertain as to the part, if any, the Indians would take in the impending conflict.

From this spot, almost, General Brock set out for Amherstburg to arrange plans of campaign, and there met and shook hands with Tec.u.mseh, this patriot Indian giving the a.s.surance to his chief in command of the forces that he and his united Indian tribes composed of the Shawanoes, Wyandottes, Chippewas, Ottawas, Foxes and others, were ready to go into the field of action in defence of the British cause.

Like General Brock, this n.o.ble red man, as a leader of his kinsmen, also sacrificed his life in the cause of his king and country. And sad is it to say that not even a heave of the turf marks his last resting-place.

It is not for me to laud or unduly magnify the important part the Indians have played in wars that have marked our country's history-making: but should such an emergency again present itself, I feel confident that the Indians will never be found wanting.

MR. CHARLES R. McCULLOUGH

Honorary President of the a.s.sociation of Canadian Clubs

I tender my thanks to the Committee for honouring the hundred clubs of the Dominion by inviting their honorary president to take part in the proceedings of this great day.

The real celebration of the centenary of the battle and the fitting remembrance of the hero who gave up his life for Canada one hundred years ago, has already taken place in the six thousand schools by six hundred thousand scholars of this premier Province of Ontario. By this vast army of patriots in the making there has been celebrated within the past few days in song and story the splendid heroism of the immortal Brock, and the work done by him for our common country a century ago.

In that great work he was n.o.bly seconded by the brilliant young Glengarrian Macdonell, who, like his ill.u.s.trious leader, fell on the slope of this sacred hill.

In this dread contest there fought side by side regular soldier and militiaman; the n.o.ble red man and the freed black man contended against a common enemy to that freedom and that const.i.tution that every Briton loves so well.

It was indeed a proud thing for Canadians to remember that whilst there was a great Imperial officer to lead the little band, close beside him in the great struggle there ever stood a valorous Canadian aide-de-camp.

Yes, for every regular that contended for the maintenance of British law and authority in this Canada of ours there were fighting by his side the farmer and the tradesman of those heroic days.

Was not this prophetic of that future co-operation between mother and daughter states? Was it not full of the deepest meaning for us of the twentieth century? Could we not say "Thy people are my people and my people thy people"? As in the days of yore, so in these days of Canada's abounding prosperity and increasing national greatness, there would be found men and means for any national or Imperial emergency that the future might have in store for us.

Our magnificently proportioned Canada must have a magnificently proportioned soul if she would fulfil her high destiny of eventual leaders.h.i.+p in the band of sister nations within an Empire indissolubly bound by ties of love and sacrifice. In enlarging the soul of our people such celebrations as these have their sure and certain part, and the thrill of Brock's great name will stir this people's soul so long as Canada shall endure.

A brief and eloquent speech was also made by Mr. W. M. German, M.P., Welland, Ont.

[Ill.u.s.tration: MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE AT QUEENSTON HEIGHTS

Alexander Fraser, LL.D., Dr. Alexander Dame, Col. Geo. S. Ryerson, Miss Helen M. Merrill, John Stewart Carstairs, B.A., Allen W. Johnston.]

APPENDIX I.

HIGHLAND HEROES IN THE WAR OF 1812-14[1]