To The Eye
There Appear To Be Twenty-Five Tubes; But Each Of The Six Side
Tubes Is Supported By A Pier In The Middle.
A great part of the
expense of the bridge was incurred in sinking the shafts for these
piers.
CHAPTER V.
UPPER CANADA.
Ottawa is in Upper Canada, but crossing the suspension bridge from
Ottawa into Hull, the traveler is in Lower Canada. It is therefore
exactly in the confines, and has been chosen as the site of the new
government capital very much for this reason. Other reasons have
no doubt had a share in the decision. At the time when the choice
was made Ottawa was not large enough to create the jealousy of the
more populous towns. Though not on the main line of railway, it
was connected with it by a branch railway, and it is also connected
with the St. Lawrence by water communication. And then it stands
nobly on a magnificent river, with high, overhanging rock, and a
natural grandeur of position which has perhaps gone far in
recommending it to those whose voice in the matter has been
potential. Having the world of Canada from whence to choose the
site of a new town, the choosers have certainly chosen well. It is
another question whether or no a new town should have been deemed
necessary.
Perhaps it may be well to explain the circumstances under which it
was thought expedient thus to establish a new Canadian capital. In
1841, when Lord Sydenham was Governor-General of the provinces, the
two Canadas, separate till then, were united under one government.
At that time the people of Lower or French Canada, and the people
of Upper or English Canada, differed much more in their habits and
language than they do now. I do not know that the English have
become in any way Gallicized, but the French have been very
materially Anglicized. But while this has been in progress
national jealousy has been at work, and even yet that national
jealousy is not at an end. While the two provinces were divided
there were, of course, two capitals, and two seats of government.
These were at Quebec for Lower Canada, and at Toronto for Upper
Canada, both which towns are centrically situated as regards the
respective provinces. When the union was effected, it was deemed
expedient that there should be but one capital; and the small town
of Kingstown was selected, which is situated on the lower end of
Lake Ontario, in the upper province. But Kingstown was found to be
inconvenient, lacking space and accommodation for those who had to
follow the government, and the Governor removed it and himself to
Montreal. Montreal is in the lower province, but is very central
to both the provinces; and it is moreover the chief town in Canada.
This would have done very well but for an unforeseen misfortune.
It will be remembered by most readers that in 1837 took place the
Mackenzie-Papineau rebellion, of which those who were then old
enough to be politicians heard so much in England.
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