he, the right of
property--these are rights which do not need the sanction of law, that
is, of any special text of law, but belong inherently to all individuals
and everyone is entitled to their enjoyment without any text of law.
These rights are the necessary attributes of individual freedom.

The rights of the minority in the Province of Quebec with reference to
their religious tenets and their language have no other and no better
foundation than the same rights of the French or Catholics in the
Province of Ontario. If we are deprived of the right to use the French
language in our schools in the Province of Ontario, and if that is
constitutionally sound, there is nothing to prevent the government of
the Province of Quebec from saying that in the English schools of the
Province of Quebec there shall be no word of English spoken. I should
think the contemplation of such a thing would make you shudder. It is
really inconceivable with anyone in Quebec.

I have tried to show you the conditions at Confederation. I said I would
give you authority for my statements, and I am going to give you the
authority of different and most competent people. First of all, I will
give you the authority of Sir Oliver Mowat. He had no doubt on this
matter, nor had Sir George Ross, and both of them said so in very clear
and unmistakeable language. As long as their authority lasted the use of
the French language in the Province of Ontario was not interfered with,
but was treated in a broad and sympathetic way. I will quote also from
Doctor Ryerson, who was the father of the Ontario school system, and who
for thirty-five years exercised undisputed sway over the schools of that
province. I will likewise cite Sir James Whitney.

Sir Oliver Mowat, in a speech made at Woodstock, on December 3rd. 1889,
said:

"French-Canadians cherish their own language lovingly; they
wish their children to love it and be educated in it; but
they know it will be for their interest to be familiar with
English also, and to be educated in English, as well as
French. Proscribe French, their mother tongue, and they will
hate you and have nothing to do with your schools. Permit
their own language to receive attention, and they are glad
to have their children learn English also as soon and as
fast as it can be imparted. Such was the view of the
Commissioners as to the proper policy; it is the view of
this Government; and it