ENCOURAGEMENT VENU D'OTTAWA
Il faut ouvrir ici une parenthèse dans la correspondance de Mademoiselle Bardy relative à son père, pour insérer un article des plus aimables et des plus sympathiques, publié dans le WeeJcly Citizen d'Ottawa, du 1er Avril 1880, à ce sujet.
Un tel article dut apporter une douce consolation et un vif encouragement à l'âme de Mademoiselle Bardy, en lui faisant voir que sa courageuse lettre au Mercury, sous sa signature de " Advocate of Justice " avait retenti au loin, jusque dans la province d'Ontario, parmi les nationalités étrangères, et commençait à porter fruit en intéressant le public de la façon la plus favorable.
article du WeeJdy Citizen
To our French-Canadian fellow-citizens, and especially to the inhabitants of the province and city of Québec, a very interesting historical réminiscence was lately evoked by an incorrect statement, we believe, in the Toronto Mail, with référence to the establishment of the St-Jean-Baptiste Society of Québec, some of whose former members are, at présent, citizens of Ottawa.
In correction of the statement of our contemporary, the interesting record of the proceedings connected with the formation of this Society was brought to light by, if report speaks correctly, the daughter of the late Dr Pierre Martial Bardy, still a résident of Québec,
where she enjoys the respect and friendship of a large circle. on account of her good social qualities and high literary talents.
"L'Evénement and the Mercury, some time ago, published the report of the meeting for the establishment of this Society in June 1842, and the account of its first meeting for the célébration of the auspicious event and the transaction of gênerai business.
From this, and other évidence, there can be no doubt whatever that Dr Bardy, a man of ability and philantropic feeling, took the most prominent part in founding the Society of which he was elected the first Président, in compliment both to his character and his services.
His inaugural address gave éloquent and kindly expression to a fraternal feeling for ail French-Canadians, set forth also the objects of the association and vigorously urged upon them the necessity of furthering ail that appertains to the interests of that nationality. ïhose objects included mutual sympathy and assistance, the promotion of social and material reforms, including éducation, agriculture and the industrial arts.
No doubt, this movement produced much good ; and certainly it excited émulation in other cities, which soon after saw within their limits, flourishing branches of the parent Society of Québec. Among the cooperators with Dr Bardy, were Hon. MrChauveau now Sherifï of Montréal, and Hon. Lieutenant-Governor Cauchon.
A grand national célébration of St- Jean-Baptiste Day is to be held this coming summer in Qaebec, where représentatives are expected from the various cities of Canada and the United States.
A mémorial or monument to Dr Bardy in récognition of his services to the Québec St-Jean-Baptiste Society, is contemplated, it is said ; and certainly the occasion would seem highly appropriate for a design which, on practical no less than on sentimental considérations, lias so much to recommend it. Not only the first Président would be honored by the tri bute, but the city of Québec itself, the oldest and most interesting of the cities of French-Canadian race.
ARTICLE HUITIÈME
