is the view of all intelligent men,
except our political opponents. It was the view of Dr.
Ryerson and his Council of Public Instruction, even to the
extent of putting no pressure whatever on French or German
schools, and of awaiting their own spontaneous action as to
English and other matters.

"Our opponents insist that the Government should insist on
all instruction being given to the French children in the
English language. No such regulation was suggested by the
Commissioners, and none such has been made, because such a
regulation would be absurd; and, instead, of serving the
cause of education, would often prevent education
altogether. How can you teach in a language which the
children do not understand?"

Gentlemen, I want to quote also a letter of Dr. Ryerson, whose name I
have just mentioned, dating as far back as 1857, and this letter,
although it contains but four lines, contains the whole thesis upon
which this question rests. I invite your special attention to every word
of this letter, not only because of the man who wrote it, but on account
of the significance of the words he uses. It is as follows:

"24th April, 1857.

"Gentlemen:--

"I have the honour to state in reply to your letter of the
16th instant THAT, AS THE FRENCH IS THE RECOGNIZED LANGUAGE
OF THE COUNTRY, as well as the English, IT IS QUITE PROPER
AND LAWFUL for the trustees to ALLOW BOTH LANGUAGES TO BE
TAUGHT in their schools to children whose parents may desire
them to learn both.

"I have the honour to be, Gentlemen,

"Your obedient servant,

"(Sgd.) E. Ryerson."

I also stated that I would quote Sir James Whitney, and that is very
much more recent history. Within a few months of the promulgation of
regulation No. 17, in fact on the 25th of July, 1911, Sir James Whitney
caused this letter to be written:

"25th July, 1911.

"Reverend and Dear Sir:--

"I am directed by the Prime Minister, Sir James Whitney, to
acknowledge your letter of the 21st and to state that no
change has been made in the school law or the department
regulations AFFECTING THE STUDY OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE IN
THE SCHOOLS.

"I AM DIRECTED TO POINT OUT THAT THE QUESTION IS ONE
ENTIRELY UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES....

"(Signed) A. H. U. Colquhoun.

"Deputy Minister of Education."

This letter was