Student Activity #9: Cigars and Conversation Will

In the evening, the newly-knighted Sir John A. Macdonald and his bride, Lady Agnes, host a party for the delegates. I think back to the ball held at London’s Tecumseh House back in 1860. The dinner consists of several delicious courses:

After dinner, Lady Macdonald and the ladies withdraw to the drawing room, while the gentlemen guests settle in the library for cigars and conversation. Although George Brown has retired from politics, he still has enormous influence, so I’ve been allowed to interview and photograph Macdonald and his guests.

The guests include:

• George-Etienne Cartier
• Oliver Mowat
• Thomas-Darcy McGee
• Charles Tupper
• Samuel Tilley

Will’s first task is to photograph each of the “Fathers” present. He carefully records his image in his notebook (see Will’s Notebook). There had been several sketches of the group (http://www.collectionscanada.ca/confederation/023001-2300-e.html), but actual photograph portraits were still somewhat rare. If the link is 'misfiring' you can try your search skills to find another image here: http://www.collectionscanada.ca

The next phase will be an early version of a press conference. George Brown, working with Will, has prepared several questions:

• What is the symbolism of the Confederation Medal? (see top of page)
• Why is Joseph Howe not present at the party?
• What part did the Fenian threat play in convincing the provinces to join together?
  Why was the new nation called a “Dominion”?
• What is the reaction to various political cartoons about Confederation? http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/ap/c/c005812.jpg
• How have the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments been divided? Will this division of responsibilities be effective in the future? [www.thecanadapage.org]
• Use Will’s Notebook Notes July 1, 1867 to organize your research. You will need to submit this organizer before your presentation.