The Month That Was – November 1872

All articles originally appeared in the Ontario Reformer

November 1, 1872
The Ontario Government

The acceptance of the position of Premier of Ontario by the Hon. Oliver Mowat – which we had barely room to announce in our last issue – is a circumstance which has given the greatest satisfaction to the great majority of the people of this Province. As an upright, honest, and talented gentleman, Mr. Mowat enjoyed the confidence of the entire community and it is therefore a matter for congratulation that upon the retirement of the Hon. Mr. Blake from the position of Premier of Ontario, his successor is one so eminently fitted for the position.  When in public life as a member of the Canadian parliament, previous to Confederation, Mr. Mowat evinced marked ability in the discussion of public affairs and transaction of public business; as Vice Chancellor, he commanded the respect and esteem of all who were brought into contact with him in his official capacity.  Of course it is not to be expected that the selection of Mr. Mowat as Premier is looked upon with favor by the Conservative party as a whole. …There are some… who are forced to accept the situation with very wry faces.  Sir John’s organists especially feel particularly flattened out by the recent change….

Hon. Mr. Mowat has personally sacrificed a great deal by the step which he has taken in the interest of the public; and it is gratifying to know that in his new position he will have abundant support while working for the well-being of his fellow citizens and country.

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November 1, 1872, page 1

November 1, 1872
Whitby expects her steam fire engine to arrive to-day. It is to be tested to-morrow.  If the little town of Whitby is to have a steam fire engine, why can’t Oshawa have one.

 

November 1, 1872
Lost! – A young man in this place went to a surprise part a few evenings ago, and after escorting his “fair gazelle” to her home in the north-east part of the town, he started for his own dwelling. After wandering around for a considerable time he found himself at the GT Station, when he should have been up near the foundry.

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November 1, 1872, page 3

November 8, 1872
Mr. Gibbs Whines

Mr. Gibbs furnishes the last number of his penny whistle with an article headed, “Mr. Mowat’s Resignation,” in which he expresses his feats that the “amiable mould” in which Mr. Mowat’s character is cast will result in disaster; and that Brown rule will become absolute in the Ontario Legislation.  He bewails the injury likely to result to the jndiciary (sic) on the account of the precedent of Mr. Mowat, hinting that although the judicial career of the new Premier is without spot, that his resignation and elevation to the Premiership must necessarily open the way to those still on the Bench for dishonest and partial decisions.  His ideals concerning the precedent, &c., are only second hand; we have had them served up a dozen times already in that Government subsidized slandering machine, the Mail.

The chief inventive to Mr. Gibbs’ whining about precedent and Mr. Mowat’s leaving the Bench is based upon the fear that, now Mr. Mowat has returned to public life, South Ontario may, through the ex-judge’s consent, have an opportunity at no distant day of sending their present expediency tool to the wall.

 

November 8, 1872
Ulyses (sic) S. Grant has been re-elected President of the United States, beating Horace Greeley by a large majority of votes.  This result was pretty generally expected by outsiders who observed the progress of the campaign, and we deem the election satisfactory.  While formerly entertaining high respect for the “white coated philosopher,” we have no sympathy with his recent contradictory moments, and deem that his defeat is precisely what he deserves for recreancy to principle.  His elevation to the position of President would not likely prove beneficial either to his own country or the interest of Britain.  Grant has plundered, but he is not so dangerous as a chief magistrate as we believe Greeley would be if elevated to the position.

 

November 8, 1872
The dinner given to Father Shea on Thursday evening of last week, at Hobbs’ Hotel, was one of the best ever got up in Oshawa; so we have been informed. The Oshawa House is getting a big reputation for providing good dinners and suppers.

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November 15, 1872, page 2

November 15, 1872
The two burglars, Pearson and Green alias Clifton, who were “sent up” for breaking into Larard’s Jewellery store, have both been sent to Penitentiary for two years.

 

November 15, 1872
Death

At Port Oshawa, on the 11th inst. Joseph H. Henry, (sic) second son of TS Henry, aged 19 years [     ].  The funeral sermon will be preached in the Christian Church, Oshawa, on Sabbath next, at Eleven o’clocl, by Elder Tatton.
*This is referring to Joseph Phineas Henry – his middle initial was reported incorrectly.

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November 15, 1872, page 4

November 22, 1872
A meeting of the No. 1 Fire Brigade will be held this (Friday) evening, at half-past seven o’clock. A full attendance is requested

 

November 22, 1872
The Newmarket Brewery was consumed by fire on the night of Wednesday last. There was also, on Wednesday, a large and destructive fire at Brantford.

 

November 22, 1872
Stanley, the discoverer of Livingstone arrived at New York, on Wednesday last, by the Cula, and was escorted up the Bay by delegates from the Geographical Society and Herald Club.  Doubtless he will have grand times for a season.

 

November 22, 1872
The weather has been very cold the last few days.  Reports come from every quarter of plenty of snow, but in our streets the dust is flying most disagreeably as in the middle of summer. If it keeps so cold we would like to hear the merry “tingle, tingle” of the sleigh bells.

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