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DES CANADIENS-FRANÇAIS $—2— THE GREAT CELEBRATION QUEBEC MORNING CHRONICLE ”

Quebec, Tuesday, June 25, 1889.

‘ In 1880, when our French-Canadian friends celebrated in an especially noteworthy manner, the natal day of their patron saint, an immense number of people visited the city to witness the display. But great as was the number of visitors on that occasion, it in nowise compares in point of strength with the number of people which the celebration has drawn this year, from all parts of the continent. And a more orderly and well-behaved concourse, it would be difficult to find anywhere. On Sunday night there must have been at least ten thousand persons on Dufferin terrace, while on the upper platform, and on the glacis, there could not have been less than ten thousand more. And yet that enormous well-dressed company, drawn from the city, the suburbs, the adjacent towns and villages, and elsewhere, did not contain a single unruly or boisterous member. A handful of policemen were on hand to preserve order, but their services were not required. This speaks volumes for the character and good breeding of our French-Canadian compatriots. Even in the hour of celebration they rever forget themselves.

Às for the celebration itself, too much in the way of praise cannot be said. It was dignified, interesting and impressive. It was of course, strongly national, and the utmost good feeling prevailed. The presence ofdelegates from St. Jean Baptiste Societies residing in different cities of the American Union, and the Canadian tow ns, in their gay uniforms added much to the beauty of the spectacle, while the military part of the pageant was exceedingly striking. The civilian element too was largely represented, and afforded variety to the general scene. The procession was one of the longest ever seen here. As it passed through our principal thoroughfares, headed by several excellent bands of music, words ofadmiration ad

delight continually fell from the lips of the thousands of spectators who lined the route on either side of the streets. The whole city was given over to enjoyment and holidaymaking. Good management prevailed everywhere, and lent decorum to the proceedings.

‘ Of course, the religious and literary parts of the programme were conducted most impressively. The sermons and addresses, pertinent to the occasion, were in admirable temper and spirit. The oratory was ot a high order of merit, while the lesser speeches were in good taste, and eminently patriotic in tone. The unveiling of the Cartier-Brébeuf monument, which owes its existence to Le Comité Littéraire et Historique du Cercle Catholique de Québec, and particularly to that zealous scholar and patriot, Mr. Ernest Gagnon, the life, soul and guiding mind of the enterprise, was a sight upon which no one with a spark of veneration in his composition, could look unmoved. The shaft is a fitting memorial to the great and intrepid navigator of St. Malo, and the brave Jesuit father whose name is inseparably linked to the cause of early Christianity and civilisation in New France. It was a happy idea to unveil this monument on St. Jean-Baptiste day, and it was done in the presence of countless thousands, and in a manner worthy of the cecasion, and of the subjects. The oration of the Hon. P. j. O. Chauveau, F. R. $. C., was delicate, masterly and eloquent. He had a great theme, and he was equal to the task.

The speeches at the dinner in the evening, were interesting and full of the voices of sentiment, of patriotism, and of good fellowship.

In the afternoon, Colonel Amyot and his brother officers of the 9th Battalion entertained Col. Dugas and the officers ofthe 65th Battalion, at luncheon, and later in the day, the 9th Battalion, gave an ‘“ At Home” in honour of the visiting corps, in the Academy of Music, which was largely attended by invited guests, among whom were very many ladies. The whole celebration marks a red-letter day in the history of Québec. |

To-day, the concluding ceremonies and festivities incident to the occasion will be proceded with. In the eve-

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y ning a grand concert will supply an appropriate finishing touch to the event.

Nine years ago, the St. Jean Baptiste celebration found its historian in Mr. H. J. J. B. Chouinard. From his facile pen may we not this year expect a second volume,