glish and French
nationalities have ceased to feel towards each other that intense
spirit of jealousy which was likely at one time to develop itself into
a dangerous hatred. The spirit of conciliation and justice, which has
happily influenced the action of leading English and French Canadian
statesmen in the administration of public affairs, has been so far
successful in repressing the spirit of passion and demagogism which has
exhibited itself at certain political crises, and in bringing the two
nationalities into harmony with each other. As long as the same wise
counsels continue to prevail in Canada that {456} have heretofore
governed her, and carried her successfully through critical periods,
the integrity of the confederation is assured, and the two races will
ever work harmoniously together, united by the ties of a common
interest,--always the strongest bond of union--and a common allegiance
to the Empire to whose fostering care they already owe so much.

[1] The illustration represents the ancient church which was built in
1658, but was taken down a few years ago on account of its dangerous
condition, and rebuilt on the old site near the basilica, in exactly
the original form with the same materials.

[2] _Songs of Old Canada_. Translated by W. McLennan.

{457}

XXX

RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF CANADA.

In the ordinary course of events this history of the Dominion should
have closed with an account of the old French Province of Quebec, its
people, their characteristics and their progress. But so much has
happened in the second decade of the twentieth century that the impress
of France is slowly being obliterated by a Canadianism which is
peculiar to itself. Of course this does not mean that the French
language is disappearing or that all the customs of the old regime are
giving way to new. But _autres temps, autres moeurs_. For this the
Great War has been largely responsible. Previous to it, the average
French Canadian had been too prone to dwell on the ties which bound him
to La Belle France. But a part in the world-conflict convinced him
that in the hundred and fifty years he had been disassociated from the
country of his birthright, he had worked out his destiny along lines
essentially Canadian. This view is likewise affecting and influencing
the standpoint of those who have settled in the Great Northwest. The
result is a stronger feeling of Canadian nationality in that
association {458}