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The Scot in New France (1535-1880)


spirit, that proud regard for duty, infused into our press by such master-minds as John Neilson and Daniel Wilkie, still continue to inspire the "Fourth Estate," whether confided to Scotch or other hands.

Ladies and. Gentlemen, we have uttered the word "education" in connection with the Scotch element in the Province of Quebec and space commands us to be brief. Rest assured that the love of instruction, which has in the past so powerfully helped to mould the popular mind north of the Tweed, and has found a vent in the Scotch parochial school system, had also its votaries on our shores.

Who has not heard of the liberal endowments made by Scotchmen, in our commercial metropolis, Montreal? of fortunes spent in founding seats of learning or building up that proud city? fortunes accumulated in Montreal or in those great trading companies of the Hudson Bay and the lone land of the North. Scotch capital and enterprise formed colonies and settlements in these Northern latitudes, such as Selkirk’s. Lord Selkirk was ably seconded by another Scotchman knighted for his services and public spirit, Sir George Simpson, who died in Montreal, in 1860. Monuments most creditable to the cause of education were erected by them also. Who has not heard of the McTavishes, McGillivrays, McLeods, McKenzies, McGills, McLaughlins and their successors, as discoverers, merchants, travellers, barons in the bank parlor, patrons of education. That noble seat of learning in Montreal, the University of McGill College—who imparted to it the breath of life ? a Scotchman, the Hon. James McGill! * Who again was one of its truest friends and most useful Presidents? another Scotchman. the Hon Peter McGill! who in September last, so munificently endowed its Museum ?


* Born at Glasgow in 1744, a successful merchant, a member of Parliament, subsequently, a member of the Legislative Council; finally, an Executive Councillor, he served in the war of 1812, when he became a Brigadier-General


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