24 APRIL 1920, Page 12

SIR ANDREW MACPHAIL'S " FACTS."

[To THE EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR."] Stg,—Sir Andrew Macphail's memory is considerably at fault when he describes the people of Quebec as "most tolerant " in matters of religion and education, and "least tolerant of fanaticism." Has he forgotten the relentless suppression of the Canada-Revue, a political and literary review, published in Montreal, but " squelched" out of existence in 1893 ? I have before me several of its last issues. In that of September 17th, 1892, is the following editorial :- " Point de menaces, une rumeur nous arrive- de Quebec. Le reclacteur d'un journal qui aurait fait mention du scandale Guyhot aurait etc mande au palais du Cardinal, et lit on l'aurait menace du censures ecclesiastiques s'il faisait encore allusion it la triste affaire. C'est done rancienne histoire qui recommencerait! Eli bien, nous allons en voir les belles. Si les gens de Quebec se laissent baillonner, ceux de Montreal parle- ront, et le diocese de Quebec—o0 it s'en passe de rudes, par parenthese—ne sera pas oublie. Pas plus que ceux des Trois- Rivieres et de Rimouski. Que l'on essaie de nous baillonner, nous! Si l'on tea rien a cacher, on ne doit pas craindre les regards des public. La Redaction."

The journal above referred to was L'Echo des deux Montagnes, which had shown up certain immoral goings on. It was promptly " squelched " by the Hierarchy, as was also, subse- quently, the Canada-Revue, in spite of a brave fight. The people of Quebec showed themselves remorselessly fanatical at the bidding of their priests.—I am, Sir, &c., A. P. MACDONALD.