THE GRAND BANQUET

The day’s celebration was concluded with a grand national banquet in the Jacques-Cartier hall to-night. The banquet was important in many respects. s It was thoroughly and distinctly French-Canadian and national. Mr. Wilfred Laurier, the Liberal leader, and Premier Mercier delivered addresses. The feature of the evening was the speech of the Quebec Premier, who for the first time broke his long silence on the Jesuit question that is

(1) Ceci est une erreur. Cette devise est iuscrite sur le drapeau des Zouaves Pontiticaux, mais non pas sur le Drapeau du Carillon. ; ?

now convulsing the Dominion, and spoke out in clear and unmistakable terms amidst the deafening applause of his French-Canadian compatriots. He furnished them with a ralying cry, and urged them to unite against the common danger. His speech was cheered to the echo, and thunders of applause sounded the union and the resistance ofthe French-Canadian people. I give his remarks at length, as they will undoubtedly be of importance in the present struggle.

Nearly a thousand guests sat down to dinner, and leading French-Canadians in every walk of life sat at the table of honour On the platform Mr. Wilfred Laurier, ex-Premier Chauveau, and Premier Mercier were amongst the mosts distinguished guests.