Part 52

Not only was Lord Strathcona a railroad builder, a distinguished financier and a political leader, but he was also one of Canada’s most generous philanthropists. He never for a moment forgot his own struggles and his hand was ever out-reaching to assist another. His munificence was princely, yet his giving was most unostentatious in its character and no one will ever know the extent of his private charities. Some of his gifts, however, he could not conceal. In association with Lord Mount Stephen he gave one million for the erection of a great hospital in Montreal to commemorate the queen’s jubilee. Later, when the building had been erected on the mountain side, they gave equally in the sum of eight hundred thousand to endow the institution and the Royal Victoria is today one of the best equipped hospitals on the continent. Modern science has been exhausted to furnish it adequately and the large endowment makes it possible to keep pace with the newest discoveries and inventions. McGill University has again and again been the beneficiary of Lord Strathcona until the sum total of his gifts reaches two million dollars, and in addition he has presented to the university the land on which to erect the new medical building and the site and building of the Royal Victoria College. He also gave the income of a million dollars as an endowment to the Royal Victoria College and the chair of zoology. The former was founded for the higher education of women and is one of the most popular and useful of his bequests to McGill. Lord Strathcona was early chosen a governor of McGill and was elected chancellor of the university in 1889. The gifts to the university for the faculty of medicine included the Leanchoil endowment, in memory of his mother, fifty thousand dollars; for endowment of the chair of pathology, fifty thousand dollars; for endowment of the department of hygiene, fifty thousand dollars. The faculty of applied science benefited by the endowment of its pension fund, fifty thousand dollars, while the faculty of arts also benefited by a like amount for the same object. Of the five hundred thousand dollar gift, given in 1909, it was stipulated that fifty thousand should go for augmenting the salaries of the professional staff. To the Trafalgar Institute, affiliated with McGill University, he gave thirty thousand dollars. Together with Lord Mount Stephen he endowed a Canadian scholarship in the Royal College of Music, London, and subsequently endowed a second scholarship on his own account. Lord Strathcona took an active interest in the cooperative scheme put in operation in 1912 by the Montreal Theological Colleges affiliated with McGill and in the summer of 1913 contributed one hundred thousand dollars to a half million dollar fund raised by the friends of the four institutions concerned--Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational--to place the joint work upon a permanent basis. As honorary chairman of the Western committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association Lord Strathcona gave one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to funds for the Young Men’s Christian Association buildings in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Lord Strathcona’s patriotism and generosity found expression in the equipment of the famous Strathcona Horse, a military force of five hundred and forty men completely equipped and sent to the front at a critical period of the war. He paid the expenses of equipment, pay and transport until the regiment reached Cape Town. The service of the regiment was, indeed, a credit to its founder and has become a part of the military history of Canada. Another of Lord Strathcona’s beneficent gifts was the contribution of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to create an annual fund of ten thousand dollars for the encouragement of physical and military training in the public schools of the Dominion. In writing upon this subject Lord Strathcona said:

“While I attach the highest importance to the advantages of physical training and elementary drill for all children of both sexes, I am particularly anxious that the especial value of military drill, including rifle shooting for boys capable of using rifles, should be constantly borne in mind. My object is not only to help to improve the physical and intellectual capabilities of the children by inculcating habits of alertness, orderliness and prompt obedience but also to bring up the boys to patriotism and to a realization that the first duty of a free citizen is to be prepared to defend his country. The Dominion at the present time and for many years to come can hardly hope to be able to give so long a period of training to her military forces as by itself would suffice to make them efficient soldiers, but if all boys had acquired a fair acquaintance while at school with simple military drill and rifle shooting the degree of efficiency which could be reached in the otherwise short period which can be devoted to the military training of the Dominion forces would in my opinion be enormously enhanced.”

Among other evidences of his generosity was a gift of one hundred thousand dollars in June, 1913, through the minister of militia, for the purchase of a site on Lorne Crescent for a drill hall for the exclusive use of McGill students.

Lord Strathcona has been equally generous in his assistance of Scottish institutions. He gave to Marischal College, Aberdeen, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars and to Aberdeen University fifty thousand dollars. He became chancellor of the university in 1903 and held the office throughout his remaining days, while from the students came the honor of election as lord rector of that university. He founded the Leanchoil Cottage Hospital in his native town of Forres and gave generously to other charitable and educational institutions of his native land. In 1902 he gave a million dollars to the fund for King Edward’s Hospital and about the same time gave fifty-two thousand, five hundred dollars to Queen Alexandra’s fund for the unemployed.

Lord Strathcona was honored with the friendship of Queen Victoria, King Edward and Queen Alexandra and of King George and Queen Mary and for many years His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught regarded him as a close friend. He was the host of King George and Queen Mary when as Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York they visited Montreal in September, 1911. By invitation he was present at the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra in 1902 and at the funeral of the former in 1910 he was one of Canada’s representatives. Again in his official capacity he was present at the coronation of King George and Queen Mary in 1911.

Many academic honors were conferred upon Lord Strathcona. He received the LL. D. degree from Cambridge in 1887; LL. D., Yale, 1892; LL. D., Aberdeen, 1899; LL. D., Laval, 1902; LL. D., Toronto, 1903; LL. D., Queen’s, Kingston, 1905; LL. D., Ottawa, 1906; LL. D., St. Andrew’s, 1911; and D. C. L., Durham, 1912. He was presented with the freedom of the city of Aberdeen in 1902; of Edinburgh in 1903; of Bristol in 1908; and of Bath in 1911. Lord Strathcona’s portrait by Arless was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1890. Another portrait by Jongers was presented to McGill University by the governors of that institution in 1901. Still another portrait was presented to the Canada Club of London in 1902. Lord Strathcona was honorary president of the Mount Royal Club and also of the Canadian Club of Montreal. In 1898 he was appointed honorary lieutenant colonel of the Victoria Rifles, Montreal, a tribute to the interest he had taken in the military movement in Canada. In 1902 he became honorary colonel of the Eighth Volunteer Battalion of the King’s Liverpool Regiment. In 1909 he was honored by being made honorary colonel of the Fifteenth Light Horse and in 1910 he was made the honorary colonel of the Seventy-ninth Highlanders. At the house of the Royal Society of Arts, Adelphi, London, on November 15, 1912, Lord Sanderson, on behalf of the Duke of Connaught, president of the society, presented the society’s Albert medal to Lord Strathcona “for his services in improving the railway communications, developing the resources and promoting the commerce and industry of Canada and other parts of the British empire.” Lord Sanderson read a message from the Duke of Connaught in which His Royal Highness said: “In my present office of governor general of Canada I have had special opportunities of fully realizing the great services Lord Strathcona has rendered to the Dominion and to the industrial and commercial progress of the British empire. As an old friend of many years’ standing I rejoiced that, as president of the Society of Arts, I had been able to add another mark of appreciation of his long and valuable career of usefulness.”

Lord Strathcona was a familiar figure at the Athenaeum Club in Pall Mall, the center of British culture and exclusiveness. In one of its handsome dining rooms he delighted to gather together distinguished men of Great Britain to meet visiting Canadians of high rank and greatly was the honor appreciated. Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mr. Borden have both enjoyed the High Commissioner’s hospitality in this luxurious form and realized afresh what a genius for entertaining was his.

A contemporary biographer has written:

“On November 12, 1913, Lord Strathcona suffered bereavement by the death of Lady Strathcona, who died in her eighty-ninth year, at their London home, Grosvenor Square, most unexpectedly. Pneumonia was the cause of death. Lord Strathcona bore the blow with much fortitude and made continuous acknowledgement of many hundreds of messages of sympathy which came to him from all quarters and classes, from the king and the royal family downwards.

“Isabella Sophia, Lady Strathcona, was the daughter of the late Mr. Richard Hardisty, long a resident of Montreal and also for many years one of the trusted agents of the Hudson’s Bay Company in Labrador. She became the wife of Lord Strathcona when he was twenty-nine years of age. The early married life of Lord and Lady Strathcona was spent in the bleak winds of Labrador. It was a terrible country in those days. Winter comes early and stays late--and such a winter! A few short hours of frozen day, then night--a long uncanny night. Sometimes the snow falls through weeks on weeks and no man dares to move beyond the circle of the little settlement. Wolves in those days would sweep the icy paths, truculent, hungry, seeking their sustenance. At night about the little camp their hordes would sweep howling in mournful unison. By day, men went their ways but cautiously, watching the hard grey sky above and the hard white snow below.

“Lady Strathcona accompanied her husband everywhere in his long years of service of the Hudson’s Bay Company. They saw Lake Winnipeg before the city was. They traveled the dreadful wastes where the great Mackenzie river tumbles across the Arctic circle. Dreary Keewatin they learned from end to end, tramping in and out from the posts on Hudson’s bay. They threaded the forests on the Ontario hinterland and on foot or by dog sled paced the thousands of miles of prairie that lie between Lake Winnipeg and the Rocky mountains.

“Lord and Lady Strathcona spent over sixty years of happy married life together. Lady Strathcona maintained her interest in Canada to the very end and took the keenest interest in public affairs. She followed events in Canada closely and was especially interested in everything pertaining to McGill University. All who were the recipients of her hospitality in London, either as the wife of Canada’s high commissioner or as private guests were charmed with the kindness displayed to them by Lady Strathcona. Lady Strathcona was presented, with Lord Strathcona, to Queen Victoria in Windsor Castle in July, 1886, and to King Edward and Queen Alexandra at Buckingham Palace in March, 1903, and April, 1904. She was present, with Lord Strathcona, in Westminster Abbey at the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra. With Lord Strathcona she was also present at the coronation of King George and Queen Mary, in June, 1911.

“Although a woman of a retiring and altogether unostentatious nature Lady Strathcona throughout her life splendidly seconded her husband in his innumerable acts and schemes for the benefit of the people of Canada and of mankind at large. With her daughter, the Hon. Mrs. Howard, Lady Strathcona gave one hundred thousand dollars to McGill University for the erection of a new wing to the medical building. To Queen Alexandra’s fund for the relief of the unemployed of Great Britain she gave fifty-two thousand, five hundred dollars and from time to time she also gave largely in many directions. Throughout she exercised a large and gracious hospitality. At Knebworth House and at Glencoe in Scotland she was beloved by the people for her many acts of kindness and generosity.

“Lady Strathcona accompanied Lord Strathcona on his flying visit to Canada in the autumn of 1913, when His Lordship came to Montreal to take part in the ceremonies connected with the congress of the American Bar Association. Lady Strathcona at that time appeared to be in the best of health and spirits. They were present together at the recent reception given by the Duke and Duchess of Connaught at St. James Palace just before Their Royal Highnesses left London to return to Canada.

“Lady Strathcona’s funeral took place to Highgate cemetery on November 18, after a simple service in the Church of St. Mark. Lord Strathcona was a pathetic figure as he followed the coffin to the church, leaning on the arm of his daughter, the Hon. Mrs. Howard. Among the numerous floral tributes was a handsome wreath with a tender inscription from Queen Mother Alexandra. It bore the words, ‘To dear Lady Strathcona--a sorrowing tribute to the memory of a beloved wife and companion for sixty-five years--From Alexandra.’”

It was but little more than two months after the death of Lady Strathcona that Lord Strathcona passed away, his death occurring January 21, 1914. His was a strikingly splendid figure even at the age of ninety-three. He had learned well the lessons of life. Nobility of character and high purpose had won for him imperial honors and had made him one of the world’s empire builders.

ROBERT JAMES INGLIS.

At the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of June, 1903, Robert James Inglis was at the head of the most extensive merchant tailoring establishment and the best known business of its kind in Montreal, which was developed entirely through his efforts and capability. He was recognized as a self-made man and his example should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1856 and in 1875, when but nineteen years of age, he opened a tailoring establishment on St. Joseph, now Notre Dame Street. Although his start in life was comparatively unimportant, he soon demonstrated his capability and proved that he was worthy of confidence and support. Year by year his patronage grew and after nine years at his original location he removed to Beaver Hall Hill while later he was for five years on St. Catherine Street West. Less than one month prior to his demise he opened his establishment in a business block which he had erected, having well appointed and attractive quarters in which he carried a large and carefully selected line of goods. In style, excellence of design and workmanship the output of his establishment could not be surpassed, and progressive methods and honorable dealing led to the establishment of a business of large and gratifying proportions.

Mr. Inglis was survived by his widow and four sons: Douglas S., Robert J., W. Stewart, and Lockhart C. The first two are in charge of the business of R. J. Inglis, Ltd., of Montreal, and W. Stewart is in charge of the branch of the firm in Winnipeg, established after the death of his father. Mr. Inglis had reached a position where the comforts and luxuries of life were at his command but death called him when he was only forty-seven years of age. He was a prominent member of Victoria Lodge, No. 57, A. F. & A. M., but he was never a club man, preferring the enjoyment of the pleasures of his home. He possessed a strong character, marked individuality and pleasing personality and was loved by all who knew him. His acquaintance was a wide one, for his entire business life had been spent in Montreal and he had gained for himself a creditable position in business and social circles.

CHARLES BLAIR GORDON.

Manufacturing and financial interests in Montreal find a worthy representative in Charles Blair Gordon, practical, progressive and determined. His familiarity with the line of business in which he is engaged, his recognition of opportunities and his laudable ambition have gained him distinction and success, and material progress has been largely promoted through his efforts. Perhaps there is no other man in Canadian business life whose career so aptly illustrates the reward of conscientious business energy. Montreal has reason to be proud of the fact that he is one of her native sons. He was born here in 1867, his parents being John and Jane Gordon. After passing through consecutive grades to the high school and mastering the branches of learning therein taught, he took up the more difficult lessons to be learned in the school of experience, entering business circles in the employ of McIntyre, Sons & Company. In that connection he gained his first knowledge of business methods and measures, and the experience which he thus acquired led him to believe that he might profitably pursue a business career independently. He left that firm, therefore, to become the organizer of the Standard Shirt Company, of which he became the manager, and which he conducted very successfully. At the organization of the Dominion Textile Company, Mr. Gordon became at first managing director and vice president. He was elected to the presidency of the company in 1909 and has since remained at its head, bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control. The business, which is one of the worlds’ largest cotton manufacturing concerns, has developed steadily under his guidance, for he keeps in close touch with trade conditions and studies every question bearing upon manufacturing in his line. He was also at one time vice president of the Montmorency Cotton Mills Company and of the Colonial Bleaching & Printing Company. He was likewise a director of the Merchants Cotton Company and is still financially and officially connected with the Montreal Cotton Company. He is a director of the Bank of Montreal, president of Penman’s, Ltd., president of Hill Crest Collieries, Ltd., vice president of the well known financial bond and investment house of C. Meredith, Ltd., and a director of the Ogilvie Flour Mills Company, Ltd. He is likewise a director of the Ritz-Carlton Company, owners of the magnificent new hotel, the Royal Trust Company, the Dominion Bridge Company, and numerous other corporations in the Dominion of Canada. His judgment is sought as a valuable factor in the management of all the different business organizations with which he is connected. McGill University has requisitioned his services and made him one of its governors. To further the interests of trade he has become a member of the Canadian Manufacturers Association and was elected vice president of the Quebec branch in 1911.

In 1897 Mr. Gordon was united in marriage to Miss Annie Brooks, of Seaforth, Ontario, and they reside at Terra Nova on St. Luc road, Ville Notre Dame des Neiges, Montreal. His social interests largely center in his membership in the Mount Royal, Canada, Montreal Hunt, Montreal Racquet, Montreal Jockey and Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Clubs. Mr. Gordon is a typical man of the age. He has gone beyond many who perhaps started out ahead of him in the race of life, this being due to his close application, unfaltering energy, and an earnest and persistent desire to accomplish at any one point in his career the utmost possibility for success at that point. He belongs to that class of valued and representative citizens who in advancing individual interests have also largely promoted the public good.

LESLIE HALE BOYD.

Leslie Hale Boyd is not only a student of the law but also of the vital public questions which are engaging wide attention, and is, as well, widely known in connection with many athletic and similar organizations. Montreal numbers him among her native sons, his birth having here occurred July 31, 1873, his parents being Andrew and Georgina L. (Hale) Boyd. Passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, he entered the Montreal high school and eventually pursued the arts and law courses in McGill University, which in 1894 conferred upon him the B. A. degree and in 1897 that of B. C. L. In 1898 he began practice as an advocate, and while advancement at the bar is proverbially slow no dreary novitiate awaited him. Almost from the beginning of his professional career he was accorded a liberal clientage and is now one of the prominent practitioners of the Montreal bar. In 1908 he was created king’s counsellor. As he has won success in his profession, he has made investments in real estate and is now the owner of considerable valuable property in the city.

In 1898 Mr. Boyd was married to Miss Emma Constance, a daughter of the late William Farrell, of Montreal, but her death occurred in August, 1909. Mr. Boyd makes his home at No. 1036 Dorchester Street West. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith and is identified with various social organizations and with different societies having to do with the material development and welfare of the city. He belongs to the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, which has honored him with the presidency, and in 1908 he was vice president of the Amateur Athletic Federation of Canada. He likewise belongs to the Canada Club and the Engineers Club, the Caledonia and St. Lawrence Curling Clubs, the Canadian Club and the Rangers, Fish and Game Club, and he figures prominently in the various athletic and similar organizations to which he belongs. His interest in affairs of general importance is indicated in the fact that he is a governor of the Montreal Homeopathic Hospital and a member of the Protestant board of school trustees at St. Henri, P. Q. The conservative party numbers him among its active workers and representatives, and in 1910 he was elected alderman of St. George’s ward of Montreal as a reform candidate, and in 1912 and 1914 was reelected by acclamation. In May, 1912, he ran in the St. Lawrence division as the conservative candidate for the provincial legislature but was defeated. The talents with which nature endowed him he has wisely used, not only for the benefit of himself but for the improvement of municipal and moral conditions and physical and mental development.

COLIN MCARTHUR.

It is a natural thing that when the sons of Great Britain desire to emigrate they turn toward one of the colonial possessions of the great British empire, and thus it is that a large percentage of Canada’s citizens have come from Scotland. Among the number was Colin McArthur, who was born in Glasgow in 1835, a son of James McArthur, a mason contractor of that city. He was educated in St. Enoch’s school of Glasgow and for sixteen years was associated with the firm of Wylie & Lockhead, wall paper manufacturers, acting as manager of their interests most of the time. While in their employ he frequently visited Canada and the United States in the interests of the house, and eventually taking up his permanent abode in Canada, embarked in business in Toronto. In 1879, however, he came to Montreal and entered into business with J. C. Watson in the manufacture of wall paper under the firm name of Watson & McArthur. This relation was maintained uninterruptedly until 1884, when Mr. McArthur withdrew from the firm and established the present business, that of Colin McArthur & Company, wall paper manufacturers. In the early days skilled labor had to be brought from the States, but in time men of this country were trained for the work and with the introduction of improved machinery the business developed rapidly. The trade grew enormously and Mr. McArthur was not only one of the pioneers in his line but controlled one of the most extensive and successful enterprises of that character. He thoroughly understood every phase of the business and, watchful of details pointing to success, his capable control was manifest in the excellent results which rewarded him.