John Graves Simcoe. By Duncan C. Scott. (T. C. and
E. C. Jack. 21s. net.)—This volume belongs to the" Makers of Canada" series. J. G. Simcoe was the first Governor of Upper Canada, which had been made into a distinct province in the year 1791. This was a proceeding which, in Mr. Scott's view, meant something different from what is apparent on the face of it. '" While really an Act of Separation it was also distinctly the forerunner of those Acts of Union which cemented the Dominion and made Confederation." Simcoe had been on active service during the greater part of the War of Independence, and the less satisfactory side of his public character was that he could never forget that he was a soldier,—a soldier, too, who might be called upon any day to fight with his old antagonists. Upper Canada was in those days more of a spes than a res, consisting of a few weak and scattered settlements in the midst of vast forests. When the new ruler took up the reins of government the worst danger had been passed, but it was not an easy time for him or the people. Among the Acts passed in the second Session of the new House of Assembly was one to encourage the destruction of wolves and bears. This was not found to work. Another of less doubtful character was to prohibit the importation of negro slaves. This was actively opposed, but the Governor exerted himself to get it passed. Simcoe did not hold his office long. He left the province, under pressure of ill-health, in April, 1796, and never saw it again. He was sent on a mission to Santo Domingo, held a command at Plymouth, and was named for one of great importance in Portugal—that, we may say, which gave Wellington his great opportunity—when his health failed altogether. He died on October 10th, 1806, in his fifty-fifth year. It is well that a vates sacer has been found for this brave and capable man.
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