Canadian politics in 1912

[Tarn Stephanos]

In 1912 America experienced a heated presidential race....
How were the state of affairs north of the border, in Canada? How popular was thier PM at the time? I wonder if in 1912 Candians were eager to seperate themselves from the crown, or were happy to be part of the British commonwealth..
I do wonder if Maj Peuchen and other Canadian Titanic survivors were given an audience with the Canadian leadership...
When Titanic victims were brought to Halifax- who was the highest ranking Canadian official to visit Halifax to offer his symathies?

regards


Tarn Stephanos

 

[Bill West]

Until after WWII 2/3’s of Canada was so thoroughly British aligned that a large proportion of the immigrant Brits didn’t even bother changing citizenship. After a short residency they had the same rights as Canadian born residents, they could even run for office although the Quebecers wouldn’t like it.

In 1912 the Prime Minister was Sir Robert Borden, as the election spacing here is irregular his terms were 1911-1917 and 1917-1920. As 1911 was a change in ruling parties and he got the second term, he was probably popular in 1912.

The highest consideration possible in Canada would have been condolence from his Majesty via our Governor General. As King George expressed his sympathy directly from Britain all that would be left is for the Governor General, our Prime Minister and his cabinet to add theirs. I would be surprised however if any Canadian survivor personally received any audiences other than 1.The Canadian Consul in New York if they needed papers fixed up 2. a experience sharing dinner with any Canadian politician they were good buddies with.

Eaton and Haas indicate that at Halifax all activities were initially minimized so as to focus on getting the remains from the MacKay-Bennett to the temporary morgue after arrival on April 30th. The City’s clergymen specifically asked at services on the 28th that citizens keep away from the transfers. After time for relatives to claim remains, a civic funeral was held for the first unidentified souls to be interned on May 3. The Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia was the highest official in attendance. Basically the ship wasn’t bound for Canada and I don’t think there were that many Canadians on board so we stayed in the background.

Bill

 

[Jason D. Tiller]

Hi Tarn,

I do wonder if Maj Peuchen and other Canadian Titanic survivors were given an audience with the Canadian leadership...

Not that I've come across. Major Peuchen was well known and very prominent in social circles, but I'd be surprised if he was that lucky. I agree with Bill, there was absolutely no way any of them would have met the Prime Minister or other high ranking politicians unless either of those two things occurred, or perhaps both.

Good to see you posting again, it's been awhile.