Chapter 4 How the People were Governed Grade 8 Social Studies 1

Government 1800 - 1855 In 1800 Newfoundland was a part of the British Empire. The British government viewed Newfoundland as a fishing station and not a place of settlement. A naval governor was appointed to run military, political and judiciary. Naval governor resided in Newfoundland for only part of the year, which was inadequate in the face of challenging conditions.

Government 1800 - 1855 1816-1818 “Winter of the Rals” Falling fish prices and widespread poverty. a large influx of mostly Irish immigrants looking for work. A series of hard winters and fires Problems in fishery and no money led to riots in winter 1817-1818 Governor instructed to stay in the colony year- round after that

Government 1800 - 1855 Sir Francis Pickmore Sir Francis Pickmore was the first naval governor to spend a winter in Newfoundland. Poor health and the stress of dealing with the “Winter of the Rals” led to his death in 1818.

Fort Townshend

Government 1800 - 1855 Crown Colony - 1824 In 1824, Newfoundland was made a Crown Colony. Newfoundlanders had some say in the running of their affairs. A civil governor could seek the advice of an appointed local council. The governor did not have to implement their recommendations as they remained under British government.

Government 1800 - 1855 Representative Government - 1832 Newfoundland was granted responsible government in 1832. This is the same system of government that had been put in place elsewhere in British North America. It consisted of a governor, a legislative council, and an assembly. The governor and the council were appointed and the assembly were elected by the people to represent.

Government 1800 - 1855 Representative Government - 1832 Who can vote? Men 21 years of age This is the same system of government that had been put in place elsewhere in British North America.

People in History William Carson (1770 - 1843) Born in Scotland, Carson came to Newfoundland to set up a medical practice in 1808. He was an outspoken, energetic reformer and became the driving force behind the construction of a civic hospital. He promoted farming, the whale fishery, town planning, relief for the poor and improvements to the education and judicial systems. He and Patrick Morris (another reformer) tried to persuade the British government to permit Newfoundlanders to govern themselves. He ran for the House of Assembly and served three terms.

People in History Patrick Morris (1789-1849) Born in Ireland, Morris came to Newfoundland in 1804 to work as a clerk for merchant Luke Maddock. He started his own trading business and owned 5 schooners. He wanted to improve living conditions for Newfoundlanders. He established a farm to prove Newfoundland was suitable for agriculture and did not have to be totally dependant on the cod fishery. He helped establish the Orphan Asylum School, helped with political and judicial reform and was a champion for the rights of Newfoundlanders. After representative government was granted he held political office as a member of the House of Assembly and Colonial Treasurer.

Sir Thomas John Cochrane Civil Governor 1825-1834 Energetic Governor Built Government House Opposed Representative Government Representative Gov’t came anyway in 1832, he promised to cooperate, but this did not work out. He was in constant conflict with reformers, including the Catholic Bishop (Fleming) He was recalled to England. He and his daughter were pelted with filth on their way to the wharf while leaving town.

Representative to Responsible Government Representative Government was granted to Newfoundland in 1832. Members of Representative Council represented the wealthy merchants, the Assembly members represented the poor and fishermen. There was intimidation and violence during elections. Newspapers showed many political cartoons and took sides on issues. Reformers wanted change and looked for Responsible Government. In 1855 Newfoundland was granted Responsible Government.

Government 1855 - 1914 Responsible Government - 1855 This happened after much debate between the Governor and the Executive Council who wanted to keep representative government, and reformers who wanted responsible government. The British government agreed with reformers. Philip Francis Little became Newfoundland's first premier. This style of government stayed in place until 1934.

Government 1855 - 1914 Denominational Compromise Early on in Newfoundland, political parties were based on which religion a person belonged to. Conservatives were mainly Protestants Liberals were mainly Catholic. Longstanding mistrust and bickering between religions was made worse when those in political power showed favoritism to those of the same religion as them. This lead to a riot in St. John’s in 1861 when 3 people were killed and 20 wounded.

Denominational Compromise (Cont’d) The public was outraged by this, and an attempt to remove religious rivalries from politics ensued. Eventually a Denominational Compromise was reached. This was an informal arrangement between political and religious leaders to share cabinet positions and public service jobs between religious denominations.. In 1874 a denominational school system, where government funded church-run schools, was established. This system remained in place until 1997.

Government 1855 - 1914 Road to Confederation On July 1st, 1867 Canada became a country. In 1869, two years later, Newfoundland voted in a general election with the central issue of whether or not to join Canada as a province. Fredric Carter, Premier at the time, thought Confederation would be good for Newfoundland.Confederates believed that confederation would result in taxes, improved public services and a stronger economy. Newfoundland would no longer be isolated and alone, but part of a larger country with more opportunities.

Road to Confederation (Cont’d) Would Newfoundlanders fare better on their own or as part of a larger country? How would people feel about the loss of their country? Would there be an increase in taxes and tariffs? Would denominational school system end? Charles Fox Bennett, A St. John’s merchant thought confederation with Canada was a bad idea. At 76 years of age, Bennett vigorously campaigned against it travelling to outports in a 140 ton steamer. Ultimately Bennett and the anti-confederates won, taking 21 seats to the 9 of the confederates. This secured the country’s independence for the next 80 years.

The Railway (1869-1897) After Confederation was rejected in 1869, Newfoundland continued to face unemployment and a poor economy Fish and seal markets declined The population, however, grew dramatically. Many had to leave for work. The railway was viewed as a solution by opening up new areas where mining, farming and logging would create new jobs.

The Railway (1869-1897) Government paid for it’s construction and decided the route it would take. Finding money and dealing with difficult terrain were some of the challenges faced by government. The main rail line from St. John’s to Port Aux Basques was completed in 1897.

The Great Fire of 1892 2/3 of St. John’s destroyed Late in the afternoon of 8 July 1892, a small fire broke out in a St. John’s stable after a lit pipe or match fell into a bundle of hay. Although containable at first, the flames quickly spread due to dry weather conditions, a disorganized fire department, and poor planning on the part of city officials. Within hours, the fire had destroyed almost all of St. John’s, leaving 11,000 people homeless and causing $13 million in property damage. 2/3 of St. John’s destroyed 11,000 people were homeless with nothing left but the clothes they were wearing. The fire had killed three people and caused $13 million in property damage. Very little was insured.

The Great Fire 1892 Click picture for video link.

The Great Fire 1892 The Newfoundland and Labrador government acted swiftly. Workers built temporary accommodations at Bannerman Park, the Railway Depot, Quidi Vidi Lake. A Fire Relief Committee was organized on July 11 to coordinate the relief effort. This committee helped distribute food, clothes, and also helped find employment or provide training for those left jobless.

The French Shore Crisis Under responsible government, Newfoundland's foreign affairs were controlled by the British government. Under treaties (agreements) signed in the 18th century, French fishers had the right to use the coast in summer between Cape St. John and Cape Ray (west coast/ French Shore). But the population on the French Shore was increasing, and Newfoundlanders wanted to develop the resources of the west. Although Newfoundlanders complained, the British government did not want to upset the French.

The French Shore Crisis In the early 1890’2, the French claimed the right to participate in the Lobster Fishery. Newfoundlanders disagreed arguing that the treaties gave the right to take fish only. The French continued to protest until 1904 when Britain offered they gave up their treaty rights in exchange for financial compensation and territory in West Africa. The French Shore issue contributed to Newfoundland nationalism - a strong sense of one’s nation.

1894 Bank Crash December 10, 1894, also known as “Black Monday”, the Commercial Bank could not open because it didn’t have any money to pay its depositors. Later that day the Union Bank was forced to close due to similar circumstances. Although the economy was expanding it was still heavily dependant on the fishery which accounted for 90% of Newfoundland exports. There was a decline in both the salt fish and seal industries. Exports were almost 25% lower than they were 10 years earlier.

Black Monday (cont’d) That combined with the deaths of a number of prominent merchants and the withdrawal of investment money from fishing enterprises contributed to the economic decline. With the Newfoundland government having no money to operate or pay its debts, chaos ensued. People and businesses fell into financial ruin. Mass unemployment, mob activity and looting occurred, especially in St. John’s Premier Whiteway initiated confederation talks with Canadian government. The talks failed. Canadian banks moved into replace the bankrupted Newfoundland Banks and the Canadian dollar became legal tender.