DIARY OF THE CONFEDERATION NEGOTIATIONS, 1870
[June 2-th, 1870]
[Presumably the Canadian Cabinet next proceeded to consider the question of union in the light of the information garnered from the discussions with the representatives of British Columbia. The visit made meanwhile by the delegates themselves to Montreal and Quebec seems to have assumed the character of a "stumping tour" in the interests of confederation and the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
The two paragraphs which immediately follow are clearly an interjection into the regular diary. Upon his return to Ottawa, Dr. Helmcken evidently jotted down, in the notes which follow, his recollections of certain conversations relating to the question of union which he had had in the course of the journey.]
Proceeded to-day by steamer to Montreal, Mr. Tilley and Mr. Mitchell [Minister of Marine and Fisheries] accompanying. We had long conversations upon the subject of our mission. Mr. Tilley said the Govt. wished to grant all they possibly could, but we must recollect that they had the Parliament to deal with and that they could only grant such things as they were able to carry through the House.
He spoke very favourably about steamboat communication with Puget Sound,1 but he could not advise to allow the Govt. of B.C. to alter the tariff. He made various enquiries about the colony. Mr. Mitchell said that he would do all he could to promote our wishes. At Montreal we saw various Senators, Governors and other influential people to whom we talked railway and confederation. All appeared to be impressed with the necessity of a Railway to connect the Colonies.
From Montreal we went to Quebec and there saw many influential people likewise. The general character of our conversation was the same, and the wishes and desires of the people there in regard to Railways and other matters seemed to be about the same.
| Noon, June 8 |
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June 25 |
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