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We had a visit from King Charles this week where he opened the new Canadian Parliament. It seems this was well received by the majority of Canadians.
I have a video up in my Canadian Experience May 2025 page which is towards the foot of the page and you can watch it at: http://www.electriccanad ian.com/canada_add21.htm and also a link to the CPAC web site where you can also watch some other videos about his visit.
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I put up the four volume publication, The Canadian Portrait Gallery, by John Charles Dent in four volumes. It was published in 1880 and contains some excellent quality pictures and also some great biographies. Well worth a read. In fact the story this week has been taken from Volume 1 of the set.
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I watched a video about American brands that are not doing very well in Canada. The thing that struck me was the number of businesses that employed Canadian workers such as Starbucks, MacDonalds, KFC, Walmart, etc. So perhaps Canadians should consider how a boycott of these outlets are actually harming Canadian families?
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
The New York region that changed history 250 years ago
A surprise dead-of-night attack helped lead to US independence from the British. Now, a series of events are commemorating the region's pivotal role in shaping the nascent nation.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...hanged-history
Hundreds of Grenadier Guards in Suits Take to the Streets
In this video, you’ll see the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, and a spectacular officer riding from Horse Guards through Green Park. You’ll also march alongside the Grenadier Guards during the Black Sunday Parade Memorial Service an unforgettable experience
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/jIp-XhKVDsw?si=J5Y2dt_SGJbZdFVM
The law? That’s just a vibe now
Welcome to Scotland in 2025, where the rule of law isn’t enforced, it’s merely suggested.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/05/th...st-a-vibe-now/
Our church inspired Sunset Song - we want to save it
A historic church that played a central role in one of Scotland's most-loved novels is being put up for sale to plug a gap in Church of Scotland's finances and locals are determined to save it.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07118529klo
Conrad Black: Canada covers itself in shame over Israel
The joint statement with France and U.K. should embarrass the citizens of all three countries
Read more at:
https://archive.is/Ii3Vj
Read our 16-page special on the creation and naming of HMS Glasgow
AT last Thursday's naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow, every available space on deck, on the gangways and along the quayside, was taken up by delighted workers, the Ship’s Company, and their proud families - who are all featured in our FREE special supplement available to read here.
Read this at:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/...g-hms-glasgow/
Still living in MacIntyre’s world
The philosopher who diagnosed liberalism’s contradictions
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/still-living...intyres-world/
Let's look towards the 'Great Dominion'
Winston Churchill was fond of referring to Canada as the 'Great Dominion'. Great it certainly is, particularly when you consider the current volatility of the United States. Rather than gamble our geopolitical fortunes on Donald Trump, we ought to be deepening our ties with our other long-standing friends in the Anglosphere.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-britain-must-loo...great-dominion
Top concerns of Scots ahead of Holyrood election must be heeded
Health care, cost of living, poverty, the economy and, now, immigration - these are the top concerns amongst Scots and politicians should be ready to face all of these worries.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/WmEUL#selection-1685.0-1685.177
A self-created fairy story: The rise and fall of Michelle Mone
Michelle Mone spent 25 years building her business empire and public profile through the British media. A brilliant self-publicist, she was regularly described as one of the UK's most successful businesswomen.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyvqqr51pno
Who can I vote for in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election?
Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse are to elect a new MSP following the death of the SNP's Christina McKelvie. The result is keenly awaited as the vote takes place less than a year before the Scottish Parliament election. The ballot will be held on Thursday 5 June.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rpjw32rrwo
Vaccination plea after measles cases rise in Scotland
Health chiefs are warning of the risks of measles after more cases were recorded in Scotland in the first five months of the year than the whole of 2024.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5lwlxxp5o
Electric Canadian
The Life of Robert Baldwin
A study in the struggle for responsible government by George E. Wilson, M.A., Ph.D.
Professor of History, Dalhousie University (1933) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...bald00wils.pdf
Construction
A Journal for the Architectural, Engineering, and Contracting Interests of Canada. Added Volume 4 1910-11 for you to read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...nstruction.htm
The Journal of The Engineering Institute of Canada
Added Volume 3 (1920) for you to read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...ngineering.htm
The Canadian Portrait Gallery
By John Charles Dent in four volumes (1880)
You can read this very interesting publication at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...it-gallery.htm
My Canadian Experience
Report for May 2025. Continued my update for this month which includes a link to King Charles Speech from the Throne to Open the 45th Parliament.
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add21.htm
Bob Bartlett
Master Mariner by Fitzhugh Green (1929) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...er-Mariner.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 25th day of May 2025 - Something Special
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ething-special
Dr. Grenfell’s Parish
The Deep Sea Fishermen By Norman Duncan (1909) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lls-Parish.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 6 No. 3 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1926.pdf
The Unexploited West
A Compilation of all of the authentic information available at the present time as to the Natural Resources of the Unexploited Regions of Northern Canada By Major Ernest J. Chambers, Corps of Guides (1914) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...0150644-a5.pdf
Electric Scotland
Battle for Scotland's Countryside
An old video from the BBC
You can watch this at:
https://archive.org/details/battle.f...s.-countryside
Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.
Part I. Report and Appendix (1877) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...lcom06grea.pdf
Report on the Manuscripts of the Marquess of Lothian
Preserved at Blickling Hall, Norfolk (1905) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...02manugoog.pdf
Salvo and Liberation Scotland
A new independence organisation in Scotland.
You can learn about them at:
https://electricscotland.com/independence/sip/salvo.htm
MacIntyre, Alasdair
Alasdair Chalmers MacIntyre was a Scottish-American philosopher who contributed to moral and political philosophy as well as history of philosophy and theology. MacIntyre's After Virtue is one of the most important works of Anglophone moral and political philosophy in the 20th century.
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...e_alasdair.htm
Vikings in Scotland
An Archaeological Survey by James Graham-Campbell and Colleen E. Batey (1998) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cal-survey.pdf
Vital, Social, and Economic Statistics of the City of Glasgow 1885-1891
With observations thereon by James Nicol, City Chamberlain (1891) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cono00glas.pdf
The Aberdeen Printers
Edward Raban to James Nicol 1620 — 1736 by J. P. Edmond (1886) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...printers02.pdf
The surprising connection between a gorgeous Himalayan town and a Scottish civil servant.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cleod-ganj.htm
The Tragedy of Fotheringay
Founded on the journal of D. Bourgoing, physician to Mary Queen of Scots, and on unpublished MS. documents by the Hon. Mrs. Maxwell Scott of Abbotsford (new edition) (1905) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...ri0000honm.pdf
To be Annexed Forever to the English crown
The English Occupation of Southern Scotland, c.1334-37 by Iain A. MacInnes (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...English_Cr.pdf
Exploring Britain’s Last Great Wilderness: The Rainforests of Shona Beag
Added a short video to the foot of the page which you can view at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s/romance6.htm
A Religion that will Wear
A Laymans Confession of Faith Addressed to Agnostics by A Scottish Presbyterian. Written by Minister James Kidd, a layman in the Presbyterian Church (1900) (pdf).
It is a personal account of the author's spiritual journey and beliefs, exploring the principles of Christianity and the role of religion in everyday life. The book also delves into topics like prayer, the Bible, and the importance of community in religious practice.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/r...ll0000scot.pdf
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Volume VII (1870) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...oc7187soci.pdf
Nicol, James
Professor and Geologist
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...icol-james.htm
Old Edinburgh Club Minutes
In handwriting format (pdf)
You can study this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...bminutes01.pdf
Story
The Hon. Robert Baldwin
Taken from The Canadian Portrait Gallery Volume 1
THE life of Robert Baldwin forms so important an ingredient in the political history of this country that we deem it unnecessary to offer any apology for dealing with it at considerable length. More especially is this the case, inasmuch as, unlike most of the personages included in the present series, his career is ended, and we can contemplate it, not only with perfect impartiality, but even with some approach to completeness. The twenty and odd years which have elapsed since he was laid in his grave have witnessed many and important changes in our Constitution, as well as in our habits of thought; but his name is still regarded by the great mass of the Canadian people with feelings of respect and veneration. We can still point to him with the admiration due to a man who, during a time of the grossest political corruption, took a foremost part in our public affairs, and who yet preserved his integrity untarnished. We can point to him as the man who, if not the actual author of Responsible Government in Canada, yet spent the best years of his life in contending for it, and who contributed more than any other person to make that project an accomplished fact. We can point to him as one who, though a politician by predilection and by profession, never stooped to disreputable practices, either to win votes or to maintain himself in office. Robert Baldwin was a man who was not only incapable of falsehood or meanness to gain his ends, but who was to the last degree intolerant of such practices on the part of his warmest supporters. If intellectual greatness cannot be claimed for him, moral greatness was most indisputably his. Every action of his life was marked by sincerity and good faith, alike towards friend and foe. He was not only true to others, but was from first to last true to himself. His useful career, and the high reputation which he left behind him, furnish an apt commentary upon the advice which Polonius gives to his son Laertes:—
“This above all: to thine own self be true;
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
To our thinking there is something august in the life of Robert Baldwin. So chary was he of his personal honour that it was next to impossible to induce him to pledge himself beforehand, even upon the plainest question. Once, when addressing the electors at Sharon, some one in the crowd asked him if he would pledge himself to oppose the retention of the Clergy Reserves. “I am not here,” was his reply, “to pledge myself on any question. I go to the House as a free man, or I go not at all. I am here to declare to you my opinions. If you approve of my opinions, and elect me, I will carry them out in Parliament. If I should alter those opinions I will come back and surrender my trust, when you will have an opportunity of re-electing me or of choosing another candidate; but I shall pledge myself at the bidding of no man.” A gentleman still living in Toronto once accompanied him on an electioneering tour into his constituency of North York. There were many burning questions on the carpet at the time, on some of which Mr. Baldwin’s opinion did not entirely coincide with that of the majority of his constituents. His companion remembers hearing it suggested to him that his wisest course would be to maintain a discreet silence during the canvass as to the points at issue. His reply to the suggestion was eminently characteristic of the man. “To maintain silence under such circumstances,” said he, “would be tantamount to deceiving the electors. It would be as culpable as to tell them a direct lie. Sooner than follow such a course I will cheerfully accept defeat.” He could not even be induced to adopt the suppressio veri. So tender and exacting was his conscience that he would not consent to be elected except upon the clearest understanding between himself and his constituents, even to serve a cause which he felt to be a just one. Defeat might annoy, but would not humiliate him. To be elected under false colours would humiliate him in his own esteem; a state of things which, to a high-minded man, is a burden intolerable to be borne.
It has of late years become the fashion with many well-informed persons in this country to think and speak of Robert Baldwin as a greatly over-estimated man. It is on all hands admitted that he was a man of excellent intentions, of spotless integrity, and of blameless life. It is not disputed, even by those whose political views are at variance with those of the party to which he belonged, that the great measures for which he contended were in themselves conducive to the public weal, nor is it denied that he contributed greatly to the cause of political freedom in Canada. But, it is said, Robert Baldwin was merely the exponent of principles which, long before his time, had found general acceptance among the statesmen of every land where constitutional government prevails. Responsible Government, it is said, would have become an accomplished fact, even if Robert Baldwin had never lived. Other much-needed reforms with which his name is inseparably associated would have come, it is contended, all in good time, and this present year, 1880, would have found us pretty much where we are. To argue after this fashion is simply to beg the whole question at issue. It is true that there is no occult power in a mere name. Ship-money, doubtless, was a doomed impost, even if there had been no particular individual called John Hampden. The practical despotism of the Stuart dynasty would doubtless have come to an end long before the present day, even if Oliver Cromwell and William of Orange had never existed. In the United States, slavery was a fated institution, even if there had been no or real rebellion, and if Abraham Lincoln had never occupied the Presidential chair. But it would be a manifest injustice to withhold from those illustrious personages the tribute due to their great and, on the whole, glorious lives. They were the media whereby human progress delivered its message to the world, and their names are deservedly held in honour and reverence by a grateful posterity. Performing on a more contracted stage, and before a less numerous audience, Robert Baldwin fought his good fight — and won. Surrounded by inducements to prove false to his innate convictions, he nevertheless chose to encounter obloquy and persecution for what he knew to be the cause of truth and justice.
“Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,”
says Professor Lowell. The moment came to Robert Baldwin early in life. It is not easy to believe that he ever hesitated as to his decision; and to that decision he remained true to the latest hour of his existence. If it cannot in strictness be said of him that he knew no variableness or shadow of turning, it is at least indisputable that his convictions never varied upon any question of paramount importance. What Mr. Goldwin Smith has said of Cromwell might with equal truth be applied to Robert Baldwin: “He bore himself, not as one who gambled for a stake, but as one who struggled for a cause.” These are a few among the many claims which Robert Baldwin has upon the sympathies and remembrances of the Canadian people; and they are claims which we believe posterity will show no disposition to ignore.
In order to obtain a clear comprehension of the public career of Robert Baldwin it is necessary to glance briefly at the history of one or two of his immediate ancestors. In compiling the present sketch the writer deems it proper to say that he some time since wrote an account of Robert Baldwin’s life for the columns of an influential newspaper published in Toronto. That account embodied the result of much careful and original investigation. It contained, indeed, every important fact readily ascertainable with reference to Mr. Baldwin’s early life. So far as that portion of it is concerned there is little to be added at the present time, and the writer has drawn largely upon it for the purposes of this memoir. The former account being the product of his own conscientious labour and investigation, he has not deemed it necessary to reconstruct sentences and paragraphs where they already clearly expressed his meaning. With reference to Mr. Baldwin’s political life, however, the present sketch embodies the result of fuller and more accurate information, and is conceived in a spirit which the exigencies of a newspaper do not admit of.
You can read the rest of this account at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...in/baldwin.htm and also see a book about him and a video at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...dwin/index.htm
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
We had a visit from King Charles this week where he opened the new Canadian Parliament. It seems this was well received by the majority of Canadians.
I have a video up in my Canadian Experience May 2025 page which is towards the foot of the page and you can watch it at: http://www.electriccanad ian.com/canada_add21.htm and also a link to the CPAC web site where you can also watch some other videos about his visit.
--------
I put up the four volume publication, The Canadian Portrait Gallery, by John Charles Dent in four volumes. It was published in 1880 and contains some excellent quality pictures and also some great biographies. Well worth a read. In fact the story this week has been taken from Volume 1 of the set.
--------
I watched a video about American brands that are not doing very well in Canada. The thing that struck me was the number of businesses that employed Canadian workers such as Starbucks, MacDonalds, KFC, Walmart, etc. So perhaps Canadians should consider how a boycott of these outlets are actually harming Canadian families?
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
The New York region that changed history 250 years ago
A surprise dead-of-night attack helped lead to US independence from the British. Now, a series of events are commemorating the region's pivotal role in shaping the nascent nation.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...hanged-history
Hundreds of Grenadier Guards in Suits Take to the Streets
In this video, you’ll see the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, and a spectacular officer riding from Horse Guards through Green Park. You’ll also march alongside the Grenadier Guards during the Black Sunday Parade Memorial Service an unforgettable experience
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/jIp-XhKVDsw?si=J5Y2dt_SGJbZdFVM
The law? That’s just a vibe now
Welcome to Scotland in 2025, where the rule of law isn’t enforced, it’s merely suggested.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2025/05/th...st-a-vibe-now/
Our church inspired Sunset Song - we want to save it
A historic church that played a central role in one of Scotland's most-loved novels is being put up for sale to plug a gap in Church of Scotland's finances and locals are determined to save it.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07118529klo
Conrad Black: Canada covers itself in shame over Israel
The joint statement with France and U.K. should embarrass the citizens of all three countries
Read more at:
https://archive.is/Ii3Vj
Read our 16-page special on the creation and naming of HMS Glasgow
AT last Thursday's naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow, every available space on deck, on the gangways and along the quayside, was taken up by delighted workers, the Ship’s Company, and their proud families - who are all featured in our FREE special supplement available to read here.
Read this at:
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/...g-hms-glasgow/
Still living in MacIntyre’s world
The philosopher who diagnosed liberalism’s contradictions
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/still-living...intyres-world/
Let's look towards the 'Great Dominion'
Winston Churchill was fond of referring to Canada as the 'Great Dominion'. Great it certainly is, particularly when you consider the current volatility of the United States. Rather than gamble our geopolitical fortunes on Donald Trump, we ought to be deepening our ties with our other long-standing friends in the Anglosphere.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-britain-must-loo...great-dominion
Top concerns of Scots ahead of Holyrood election must be heeded
Health care, cost of living, poverty, the economy and, now, immigration - these are the top concerns amongst Scots and politicians should be ready to face all of these worries.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/WmEUL#selection-1685.0-1685.177
A self-created fairy story: The rise and fall of Michelle Mone
Michelle Mone spent 25 years building her business empire and public profile through the British media. A brilliant self-publicist, she was regularly described as one of the UK's most successful businesswomen.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyvqqr51pno
Who can I vote for in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election?
Voters in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse are to elect a new MSP following the death of the SNP's Christina McKelvie. The result is keenly awaited as the vote takes place less than a year before the Scottish Parliament election. The ballot will be held on Thursday 5 June.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rpjw32rrwo
Vaccination plea after measles cases rise in Scotland
Health chiefs are warning of the risks of measles after more cases were recorded in Scotland in the first five months of the year than the whole of 2024.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5lwlxxp5o
Electric Canadian
The Life of Robert Baldwin
A study in the struggle for responsible government by George E. Wilson, M.A., Ph.D.
Professor of History, Dalhousie University (1933) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...bald00wils.pdf
Construction
A Journal for the Architectural, Engineering, and Contracting Interests of Canada. Added Volume 4 1910-11 for you to read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...nstruction.htm
The Journal of The Engineering Institute of Canada
Added Volume 3 (1920) for you to read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...ngineering.htm
The Canadian Portrait Gallery
By John Charles Dent in four volumes (1880)
You can read this very interesting publication at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...it-gallery.htm
My Canadian Experience
Report for May 2025. Continued my update for this month which includes a link to King Charles Speech from the Throne to Open the 45th Parliament.
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add21.htm
Bob Bartlett
Master Mariner by Fitzhugh Green (1929) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...er-Mariner.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 25th day of May 2025 - Something Special
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ething-special
Dr. Grenfell’s Parish
The Deep Sea Fishermen By Norman Duncan (1909) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lls-Parish.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 6 No. 3 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1926.pdf
The Unexploited West
A Compilation of all of the authentic information available at the present time as to the Natural Resources of the Unexploited Regions of Northern Canada By Major Ernest J. Chambers, Corps of Guides (1914) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...0150644-a5.pdf
Electric Scotland
Battle for Scotland's Countryside
An old video from the BBC
You can watch this at:
https://archive.org/details/battle.f...s.-countryside
Sixth Report of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts.
Part I. Report and Appendix (1877) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...lcom06grea.pdf
Report on the Manuscripts of the Marquess of Lothian
Preserved at Blickling Hall, Norfolk (1905) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...02manugoog.pdf
Salvo and Liberation Scotland
A new independence organisation in Scotland.
You can learn about them at:
https://electricscotland.com/independence/sip/salvo.htm
MacIntyre, Alasdair
Alasdair Chalmers MacIntyre was a Scottish-American philosopher who contributed to moral and political philosophy as well as history of philosophy and theology. MacIntyre's After Virtue is one of the most important works of Anglophone moral and political philosophy in the 20th century.
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...e_alasdair.htm
Vikings in Scotland
An Archaeological Survey by James Graham-Campbell and Colleen E. Batey (1998) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cal-survey.pdf
Vital, Social, and Economic Statistics of the City of Glasgow 1885-1891
With observations thereon by James Nicol, City Chamberlain (1891) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cono00glas.pdf
The Aberdeen Printers
Edward Raban to James Nicol 1620 — 1736 by J. P. Edmond (1886) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...printers02.pdf
The surprising connection between a gorgeous Himalayan town and a Scottish civil servant.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cleod-ganj.htm
The Tragedy of Fotheringay
Founded on the journal of D. Bourgoing, physician to Mary Queen of Scots, and on unpublished MS. documents by the Hon. Mrs. Maxwell Scott of Abbotsford (new edition) (1905) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...ri0000honm.pdf
To be Annexed Forever to the English crown
The English Occupation of Southern Scotland, c.1334-37 by Iain A. MacInnes (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...English_Cr.pdf
Exploring Britain’s Last Great Wilderness: The Rainforests of Shona Beag
Added a short video to the foot of the page which you can view at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s/romance6.htm
A Religion that will Wear
A Laymans Confession of Faith Addressed to Agnostics by A Scottish Presbyterian. Written by Minister James Kidd, a layman in the Presbyterian Church (1900) (pdf).
It is a personal account of the author's spiritual journey and beliefs, exploring the principles of Christianity and the role of religion in everyday life. The book also delves into topics like prayer, the Bible, and the importance of community in religious practice.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/r...ll0000scot.pdf
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
Volume VII (1870) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...oc7187soci.pdf
Nicol, James
Professor and Geologist
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...icol-james.htm
Old Edinburgh Club Minutes
In handwriting format (pdf)
You can study this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...bminutes01.pdf
Story
The Hon. Robert Baldwin
Taken from The Canadian Portrait Gallery Volume 1
THE life of Robert Baldwin forms so important an ingredient in the political history of this country that we deem it unnecessary to offer any apology for dealing with it at considerable length. More especially is this the case, inasmuch as, unlike most of the personages included in the present series, his career is ended, and we can contemplate it, not only with perfect impartiality, but even with some approach to completeness. The twenty and odd years which have elapsed since he was laid in his grave have witnessed many and important changes in our Constitution, as well as in our habits of thought; but his name is still regarded by the great mass of the Canadian people with feelings of respect and veneration. We can still point to him with the admiration due to a man who, during a time of the grossest political corruption, took a foremost part in our public affairs, and who yet preserved his integrity untarnished. We can point to him as the man who, if not the actual author of Responsible Government in Canada, yet spent the best years of his life in contending for it, and who contributed more than any other person to make that project an accomplished fact. We can point to him as one who, though a politician by predilection and by profession, never stooped to disreputable practices, either to win votes or to maintain himself in office. Robert Baldwin was a man who was not only incapable of falsehood or meanness to gain his ends, but who was to the last degree intolerant of such practices on the part of his warmest supporters. If intellectual greatness cannot be claimed for him, moral greatness was most indisputably his. Every action of his life was marked by sincerity and good faith, alike towards friend and foe. He was not only true to others, but was from first to last true to himself. His useful career, and the high reputation which he left behind him, furnish an apt commentary upon the advice which Polonius gives to his son Laertes:—
“This above all: to thine own self be true;
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
To our thinking there is something august in the life of Robert Baldwin. So chary was he of his personal honour that it was next to impossible to induce him to pledge himself beforehand, even upon the plainest question. Once, when addressing the electors at Sharon, some one in the crowd asked him if he would pledge himself to oppose the retention of the Clergy Reserves. “I am not here,” was his reply, “to pledge myself on any question. I go to the House as a free man, or I go not at all. I am here to declare to you my opinions. If you approve of my opinions, and elect me, I will carry them out in Parliament. If I should alter those opinions I will come back and surrender my trust, when you will have an opportunity of re-electing me or of choosing another candidate; but I shall pledge myself at the bidding of no man.” A gentleman still living in Toronto once accompanied him on an electioneering tour into his constituency of North York. There were many burning questions on the carpet at the time, on some of which Mr. Baldwin’s opinion did not entirely coincide with that of the majority of his constituents. His companion remembers hearing it suggested to him that his wisest course would be to maintain a discreet silence during the canvass as to the points at issue. His reply to the suggestion was eminently characteristic of the man. “To maintain silence under such circumstances,” said he, “would be tantamount to deceiving the electors. It would be as culpable as to tell them a direct lie. Sooner than follow such a course I will cheerfully accept defeat.” He could not even be induced to adopt the suppressio veri. So tender and exacting was his conscience that he would not consent to be elected except upon the clearest understanding between himself and his constituents, even to serve a cause which he felt to be a just one. Defeat might annoy, but would not humiliate him. To be elected under false colours would humiliate him in his own esteem; a state of things which, to a high-minded man, is a burden intolerable to be borne.
It has of late years become the fashion with many well-informed persons in this country to think and speak of Robert Baldwin as a greatly over-estimated man. It is on all hands admitted that he was a man of excellent intentions, of spotless integrity, and of blameless life. It is not disputed, even by those whose political views are at variance with those of the party to which he belonged, that the great measures for which he contended were in themselves conducive to the public weal, nor is it denied that he contributed greatly to the cause of political freedom in Canada. But, it is said, Robert Baldwin was merely the exponent of principles which, long before his time, had found general acceptance among the statesmen of every land where constitutional government prevails. Responsible Government, it is said, would have become an accomplished fact, even if Robert Baldwin had never lived. Other much-needed reforms with which his name is inseparably associated would have come, it is contended, all in good time, and this present year, 1880, would have found us pretty much where we are. To argue after this fashion is simply to beg the whole question at issue. It is true that there is no occult power in a mere name. Ship-money, doubtless, was a doomed impost, even if there had been no particular individual called John Hampden. The practical despotism of the Stuart dynasty would doubtless have come to an end long before the present day, even if Oliver Cromwell and William of Orange had never existed. In the United States, slavery was a fated institution, even if there had been no or real rebellion, and if Abraham Lincoln had never occupied the Presidential chair. But it would be a manifest injustice to withhold from those illustrious personages the tribute due to their great and, on the whole, glorious lives. They were the media whereby human progress delivered its message to the world, and their names are deservedly held in honour and reverence by a grateful posterity. Performing on a more contracted stage, and before a less numerous audience, Robert Baldwin fought his good fight — and won. Surrounded by inducements to prove false to his innate convictions, he nevertheless chose to encounter obloquy and persecution for what he knew to be the cause of truth and justice.
“Once to every man and nation
Comes the moment to decide,”
says Professor Lowell. The moment came to Robert Baldwin early in life. It is not easy to believe that he ever hesitated as to his decision; and to that decision he remained true to the latest hour of his existence. If it cannot in strictness be said of him that he knew no variableness or shadow of turning, it is at least indisputable that his convictions never varied upon any question of paramount importance. What Mr. Goldwin Smith has said of Cromwell might with equal truth be applied to Robert Baldwin: “He bore himself, not as one who gambled for a stake, but as one who struggled for a cause.” These are a few among the many claims which Robert Baldwin has upon the sympathies and remembrances of the Canadian people; and they are claims which we believe posterity will show no disposition to ignore.
In order to obtain a clear comprehension of the public career of Robert Baldwin it is necessary to glance briefly at the history of one or two of his immediate ancestors. In compiling the present sketch the writer deems it proper to say that he some time since wrote an account of Robert Baldwin’s life for the columns of an influential newspaper published in Toronto. That account embodied the result of much careful and original investigation. It contained, indeed, every important fact readily ascertainable with reference to Mr. Baldwin’s early life. So far as that portion of it is concerned there is little to be added at the present time, and the writer has drawn largely upon it for the purposes of this memoir. The former account being the product of his own conscientious labour and investigation, he has not deemed it necessary to reconstruct sentences and paragraphs where they already clearly expressed his meaning. With reference to Mr. Baldwin’s political life, however, the present sketch embodies the result of fuller and more accurate information, and is conceived in a spirit which the exigencies of a newspaper do not admit of.
You can read the rest of this account at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...in/baldwin.htm and also see a book about him and a video at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...dwin/index.htm
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair