By JOHN TUCKER

COBOURG WAS a quiet little town hugging the water-line of Lake Ontario. Settled more than a hundred years before, by United Empire Loyalist, the community had long ago shaped its habits. The Union Jack flew proudly above the red brick town hall. Commercial establishments, doctors, lawyers and the Court House occupied Main Street. The blacksmith, shoemaker and other lesser trades were one street over near the livery stable. Drays and buggies moved purposely up and down these streets and occasionally along the tree lined residential streets.

On this day a crowd had gathered at the town hall. A dray had been drawn up for a makeshift platform. It was festooned with bunting.

“Ladies and gentlemen”, said the mayor, “It is not very often we enjoy the pleasure of having in our town a man so important and influential as our guest today. A former town councillor, mayor and member of the Legislature. A gentleman who served some years as a member of Parliament in Ottawa and who is now the Honorable Senator and Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Trubshaw.

Ladies and gentlemen, a big welcome for Senator Trubshaw.”

Polite applause greeted the speaker as he rose from his chair, fiddled with his watch fob and planted himself in front of the lectern. He was a man of average height but great girth. He wore a white moustache, yellowing slightly here and there. He had intense close set dark eyes. Under the autumn sun he looked hot in this three piece vested suit. But he also looked quite at ease with himself as he stood there on the platform

“It is always a great pleasure”, he began, “returning to the town with a future, the great little town of Cobourg.”

There was polite applause from the audience.

“I always say, the ladies in Cobourg are the prettiest ladies in all of Ontario. Wegentlemen do appreciate the ladies.”

Once again modest applause interrupted his remarks.

“And if you will bear with me while I make a few remarks, the ladies haveprepared a fine lunch for us. We do look forward to this. Especially the apple pie. Do we not, gentlemen!”

A chuckle from the gentlemen.

“But let me get down to business. I’m not here just for the fine food, though Lord knows that would be inducement enough to come all the way down from Ottawa.

“No! I’m here at the request of my colleagues and other concerned citizens tospeak to you about the crisis we face.

“Now I’m not talking about the crisis in the Sudan. I am sure Mr. Gladstone, despite his errant political beliefs, can take care of that. And I know that as good loyal citizens of this great British Empire you have sons right now standing shoulder to shoulder with General Gordon in defense of the British way of life. This is important to us all.

“I’m here about the crisis we face right here in our own backyard. I’m talking about the rebellious intransigence of the Metis and Indian tribes in our own North West Territories.

“Gangs of young warriors, as they call themselves, have been roaming the plains threatening our settlers, stealing, marauding, raping and pillaging. The administration of law and justice hangs by a thin thread. Murder has been committed. We are now threatened with outright revolt. There is talk about setting up a provisional government. That, my friends, is seditious talk.”

There was a small burst of applause at this remark. But the approval was not unanimous.

“But they’re starving, Guvnor,” shouted a voice from the crowd.

“That simply is not true,” broke in Senator Trubshaw. “This Government has provided for their every need. They want for nothing. Everything they could possibly want is provided for them by this Government.”

“How about freedom, independence,” heckled another voice in the crowd. “Aren’tthey entitled…”

“The only freedom worth having,” interrupted the Senator, “is under the British flag in a dominion ruled by her gracious Majesty Victoria and with our British Parliamentary institutions!”

Loud and lengthy applause greeted this last remark. The Senator cleared his throat and the applause died.

“I am here to tell you that, with the approval of the Minister of Militia, Mr. Carton, it is my intention to raise a company from this region. A similar effort is to be mounted all across Ontario for the purpose of maintaining or restoring order in ourwestern territories, should the necessity arise.

“Gentlemen, Canada needs you,” he finished, placing great emphasis on the last word.

Tumultuous applause burst from the throng and a military band struck up an enthusiastic march.

Recruiters opened up business at tables. Quickly, long lines of young men formed, men anxious to join the great national cause.

–This is an excerpt from The Legend of Canada Jack by John Tucker, a retired judge now living in Victoria. To read the rest of Tucker’s book, visit northshoreoutlook.com