Page:The New England Magazine 1891, 5.1.djvu/119

Of course, all peasants are not alike in this respect. There are many who are sensitive to party views or appeals on grounds of principle, and will form opinions and honorably back them at the polls. There are also the old families connected with political traditions, who adhere to them strictly. This is so well-known to canvassers during election times that in computing the votes of a county they always place to one side a certain number known beforehand to belong to one side or the other, and consequently unapproachable or unpurchasable.

The triumphal procession immediately after the election in a constituency is an important feature of the campaign, arousing general attention and exciting unusual interest among the friends of the victor. The turnout is often attractive as regards decorations, numbers, and triumphal insignia. The party, preceded by the Union Jack, is headed by the carriage containing the new member with a guard of friends, the bulk of the voters following in a train of carriages, two-wheeled open carts, and other vehicles. A few fiddlers and clarionet players accompany the cortege. The route is generally gay with flags of various forms and colors, displays of evergreens, and triumphal arches set up in conspicuous places. Should the procession pass a schoolhouse, an address and a bouquet is often presented to the member elect. These demonstrations frequently take place by torchlight, when the effect is picturesque, and often weird, as they proceed by hill and valley. After a pleasant, jolly parade enlivened by songs in which all join, or to the strains of music, the procession returns to the house of the member, or that of some friend, where speeches follow and a round of festivities to suit the tastes and wants of all present. Such rejoicing and generous hospitality is the more welcome that treating or other favors to the voters, however slight, are now strictly forbidden by law before the elections.

The French Canadians continue to cherish kindly feelings towards La Belle France as the mother country of their race, the great nation of whose glory also they inherit no small share. They are proud of her, despite material changes of time and lamentable reverses of fortune. Her power may be somewhat reduced, and her dazzling fame partially eclipsed through the bad errors and insane ambition of unworthy rulers; yet her wondrous vigor, irrepressible spirit, and invincible patriotism enable her to sweep forward again majestically to the front rank of nations, to play once more a leading part on the world’s imposing stage. The very name France remains an inspiration to her children in North America, associated with scenes, events, and characters which must ever occupy a brilliant position on the historic page. The worthy descendants of the old Gallic colonists follow all the mother country's experiences, woful or glorious, with the deepest interest, sympathy, and pride. But while mindful of ancient traditions and faithful to the duties of kinship, they are sensible and patriotic enough to respect the obligations of their present position. England's policy touching Canada has reflected a spirit of justice and friendly consideration truly wise and honorable, and it has been to the present hour heartily appreciated. In this way only can colonies of vigorous freemen be retained and developed into loyal, prosperous nations. The French Canadians have acted upon the counsel of the dying soldier to his son in M. P. A. de Gaspé's classical work, Les Anciens Canadiens: "Serve thy new sovereign with as much zeal, devotion, and loyalty, as I have served the King of France, and may God bless thee!" M. Faucher de Saint Maurice on a memorable occasion, but voiced the sentiment of his race, in the remark: "The French Canadians while truly loyal to England will never forget France." It is only natural, then, that in all their patriotic banquets and public celebrations the toast of La France is honored in connection with those expressing the well-known loyalty to Great Britain.

One of their orators at the banquet given in October, 1890, at (Quebec, to the Comte de Paris, thus apostrophized the old land: