Robert Baldwin: A Matter of Principle

[Music] In 1837, frustrated in their constitutional struggle to dislodge the so-called family compact from places of governing power in Upper Canada, Many people of reformist convictions turned in desperation to rebellion. By December I 4th, a growing force rallying to the call of one William Lion McKenzie had assembled at Montgomery's Tavern outside Toronto. In the worsening situation, the hopes of moderates had been placed in Robert Baldwin, a leading reformer, in spite of the fact that Baldwin had withdrawn from all political life since his wife's death two years earlier. Still in the shadow of his personal loss, at the moment when his public leadership was most needed, Robert Baldwin was also troubled by a secret he felt bound to share with no one. What is it? Mr. John Montgomery to see you, sir. [Applause] Show him in. Well, oh, nothing, sir. Mr. Baldwin will see you now, sir. He's reading her letters again, Mom. Jenny, what Mr. Baldwin does? Mr. John Montgomery to see you, sir. Show him in. What? Oh, nothing, sir. Mr. Baldwin will see you now, sir. He's reading her letters again, Mom. Jenny, what Mr. Baldwin does is none of your affair. Well, it doesn't seem right in her two years dead. Jenny. Yes, Mom. Come in. on Lounge and Matthew's not with you? No, I wanted a word with you before the others got here. Was I right in thinking that your sister-in-law wasn't too pleased at the sight of me? You mustn't mind Charlotte. Her family compact background weighs heavily on her at times. Well, John, it's been a long time. Robert, I'm worried. Oh, it's McKenzie. He doesn't seem to know his own mind. At first, all the talk was demonstrations and meetings. Well, that's fine with me. Nobody's liable to get hurt much demonstrating. And now, well, things have changed. They're carrying arms. It's all how we're going to take over city hall and set up the new government. It's a dangerous situation, Robert, and growing more so with the help of that fool in Government House. Yes. There's two more gentlemen to see you, sir. They wouldn't tell me their names. You talk to them, Robert. Maybe you can make them see some sense. Show them in, Jenny. I doubt if what I'll have to say will suit their present mood. I have no sympathy for rebellion. Well, tell them that. They'll listen, Robert. The reform movement owes you a lot. Everyone knows where you stand. Stood, John. Stood? I have no intention of re-entering politics. Talk to them, Robert. That's all I ask. Peter. Good evening, Robert. It's a bitter night. I'll warm myself if you don't mind. Hello, John. Peter. Samuel, I've come to the point, Robert. We want you to join us. An armed rebellion. We're going to stage a great demonstration. Nothing more. You're our man, Robert. With you on our side, we can't lose. There'll be only a handful against us. A bigger handful than you're counting on. You misread the public temper if you think Upper Canada is ready to support a show of arms against the crown. You're the one who's out of touch with popular feeling, Robert. The countryside is with us. If you join us, it'll be a signal for the few still hanging back. We can be loyal to the queen and still be free. I'm pledged to constitutional reform. With patience, we'll get it. We've had a belly full of patience. What did patience get you in England? The colonial office spat in your face. You're a fool, Robert, if you think we're going to get what we want by sitting back and waiting for it. Look around you, man. We've got no roads, no bridges, no schools, nothing but this rotten family compact riding our backs. Well, of course, these things are wrong. As for a demonstration, I have no objection to that. But if you carry arms, the government will have to arm against you. We'll have civil war. Who said anything about civil war? Would you really believe you can avoid it? The government will call in the regulars at the first sign of real trouble. Robert, come over to the tavern. Talk to the boys. It'll open your eyes. Be a lot of your old supporters there. Boys who used to vote for you. He's right, Robert. It will do no harm to talk to them. You may save some bloodshed if you'll come. I'm sorry. That's no use. He's forgotten all his friends. Come on. Very well. Just remember, Robert, anyone who isn't for us now is no better in our minds than the family compact or Bondhead himself. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Ah, Fitzgibbon, how good of you to call. Oh, dear, dear. I can see I've done something to upset you again. You wear your disapproval like a banner. Your excellency, I've come to ask you once more to recall the regular troops from Montreal. Oh, surely not that again, Colonel. Minstrel, I weary of your lament. Sir, as commander of the militia, I'm responsible for the safety of this city. And I for one shall sleep the sounder, knowing my safety is in your capable hands. When will you realize, sir Francis, that this talk of of rebellion is serious business? Well, kindly not address me in that manner, if it's given. I beg your pardon, sir, but surely you are aware that something is stirring in the countryside. I am aware that a few disloyal rascals are making a great deal of noise out of all proportion to their importance. If they are so foolish as to test their pitiful strength against the Imperial Authority, I welcome the attempt. But sir, if you were to dispatch even a token force of regular troops to the trouble spots throughout the province, this disturbance could be stopped without a shot being fired. Perhaps, but I have no intention of doing so. Another advantage. I will not meet them on their ground. They must meet me on mine. Besides, the more I can encourage them to think me defenseless, the better. Then the defense of Toronto is to be left entirely to my militia. A more than adequate safeguard against McKenzie and his rebel, I should think. If the militia cannot defend the country, then the sooner it is lost, the better. And now, if you'll excuse me, Colonel, I have urgent business. Very well, sir. That was agreed. Our mean force moves to government house where we'll pick up Sir Francis. We'll take him into custody and proceed to city hall where we'll seize the arms and ammunition stored there. After that, it only remains good here. Three men, Mr. McKenzie, they tried to shoot their way through our positions. One got away. I think he's headed for town. Mr. McKenzie, I think this one's dead, sir. Here, help me like. Well, well, Colonel Robert Moody, the pride of the militia. Have you heard this dreadful news? Yes, sir. I came immediately. Then when may we expect your precious militia? I've sent out riders to every nearby point. They should start arriving in force late this afternoon. Oh, confounded men, we don't have until late afternoon. These cutthroats may arrive at any moment. This is a serious situation, Fitzgibbon. Yes, sir. I'm aware of that, sir. Do you think your present force can hold them off? Difficult to say. I don't know how many men they have or how they're armed. I've given a gun to every man in Toronto willing to carry one. We need time, Fitzgiven. Time to strengthen our forces. We need time. Robert, Dr. Strawn is waiting in the study. Oh, what does his eminence want with me? Whatever it is, it's urgent. He's waited half an hour. Ah, Robert. Good morning, Dr. Stan. What an unexpected pleasure. I hope, Robert, you're not still angry with me over our little disagreement about government support for our Anglican schools. No, of course not. Can I give you coffee? You have something more important on my mind this morning than breakfast? You've heard about Colonel Moody? Yes. It's a dreadful business. We're heading for civil war. It must be stopped. I doubt that it can be stopped now. I've just come from the governor. Moody's death has shocked him. He has a favor to ask of you. By what vagory of arrogance does he imagine he can ask me favors? He wants you to carry a flag of truth to the rebels. To what end? I'll quote his own words. Get Baldwin to go and make peace with them. He's not the same man, Robert. What makes him think that I'm the right man for his purpose? They'll give you a hearing. I'm not so sure. What kind of peace is this offering? A general pardon if they'll disperse and go to their homes and their grievances. He promises them full consideration. In other words, nothing. Vague promises. They won't buy it this time, Dr. Strong. Robert, this must be settled. The governor's offer is sincere. Do you think I'd be here otherwise? You're more easily convinced of his sincerity than I am. This is no time for personal feelings, Robert. Well, what must I do? Good. We'll see the governor at once. They've seen us. Here's Lance now. Well, we've been asked by the governor to bring you a message. You're running errands for the scum now, are you, Mr. Baldwin? I assure you, gentlemen, this whole episode is as distasteful to me as it must be to you. I am here solely in the interest of preventing bloodshed. The message, Mr. Bowwin, complete amnesty if you disperse and immediate attention to your grievances. It's a trick. Bonehead stalling for time. Is it a trick, Mr. Baldwin? In my opinion, it is not a trick. Your activities have made the governor realize for the first time the seriousness of the situation. You may tell the governor, Mr. Baldwin, that we accept his offer upon the following conditions. that a national convention be held immediately to consider our demands and that his excellency put his generous offer into writing. I have no intention of putting my offer in writing. I am not accustomed to having my word questioned. This is not satisfactory to McKenzie and his rabble. There is no point in our continuing our discussion. Then you never seriously intended to negotiate with them. You may think what you wish, Mr. Baldwin. [Applause] With the failure of the truce, events came swiftly to a head. Fired by their leaders, the rebel forces prepared to march on the city. [Applause] On the afternoon of December 7th, 1837, the loyalist forces under the leadership of Sir Francis Bond Head and Colonel Fitzgib moved out of the city to weigh the rebels. They're here. [Music] The Patriot forces proved no match for the better disciplined and more numerous militia. After offering a brief resistance, McKenzie's force crumbled and scattered. The burning of Montgomery's Tavern that evening signaled the end of all hopes for a successful rebellion in Upper Canada. Hello, father. Well, Robert, it's all over. Yes, it's all over. McKenzie put up less of a scrap than I expected. Any news of Lton Matthews? Not yet. The casualties? The rebels have 14 wounded and one killed in action. A militia five wounded non-s seriously. Hardly one of the memorable battles of history. I hear you are defending Montgomery. Yes. Good. This is an opportunity to make a strong case in public for reform. Father, you mistake me. I'm interested only in making a strong case for John Montgomery because he's a friend. I have no intention of using the courtroom as a political platform. Politics is a rotten mess. I have no heart for it. Elizabeth knew that. Nonsense. You're the very kind of man who should be in politics. I've had my fill of it. Son, we've led this reform party together. This is our opportunity. Don't you see? With the failure of the rebellion, the people looked to the moderates for leadership. They didn't look to me. Then where else? Francis Hinks, for one, he's willing enough. God knows. Hinx is an opportunist and you know it. Robert, I raised you to be a leader. You can't let me down now. Why not you? I've failed in everything else I've touched. You got elected once? Yes. And I loathed it. scratching backs, grubbing for votes, swilling rotten whiskey. No, father, not again. Oh, it needn't be that way, Robert. Father, I never intended telling you this, but you forced me to. Before she died, Elizabeth made me promise not to touch politics again. She made you promise that? She had no right, wrong. Now you see why what you ask is quite impossible. She had no right. There's a Mrs. L to see you, sir. She sad to see you, Mr. Baldwin. Sam's been captured. We'll talk about it later, Robert. Sam has had a terrible time, Mr. Baldwin. Over 10 hours in a little boat on Lake Erie, and a farmer turned him in for the reward when he was blown ashore. I'm very sorry to hear it, Mrs. Lount. They brought him to Toronto in Irons. a proud man like him. Mr. Baldwin, you know why I've come. I can guess. Sam wants you to defend him. And Peter Matthews, too. I can't do it, Mrs. Lumps. But you're defending John Montgomery. Mr. Baldwin, I have $60 for your hire. Not for God's sake, woman. It isn't the money. I'm not a trial lawyer. Sam needs an expert like Cameron or Blake. They won't touch the case. You can't refuse, Sam. You were good friends before the trouble. Mrs. Loun, I'd help you if I could. I'm taking Montgomery's case because I think I can get him off. He didn't bear arms. Do you just take cases you can win? He needs a lawyer who thinks he can win. I'd have to advise him to plead guilty and hope for mercy. Sam will do whatever you think best. I'm sorry, Mrs. Loun. You must find someone else. Sam's friends have been to everyone. They're all afraid. You're afraid, too. I'm only afraid of failing him. Sam isn't afraid. Mr. Baldwin, he's ready to stake his life with you. Is there no one will stand up for my husband? You put it that way, then there's no one but me. It is a well-known fact that public sentiment is against the execution of these men. To take their lives now would only bring once again into sharp focus events and hatreds that for the good of the country are best forgotten. Therefore, I ask the court to exercise its prerogative and grant mercy to these men as a sign to all that justice indeed prevails in Upper Canada. Are you finished, Mr. Baldwin? Yes, my lord. Baleiff, will you ask the prisoners to rise? Samuel Loun and Peter Matthews, please rise and face the court. Samuel L. Peter Matthews, you have pleaded guilty to the charge of high treason. Your crime is one that strikes at the foundation of all civilized society. It is therefore, in the wisdom of the British legislature, made to rank highest in the degree of guilt and most deserving of the extreme penalty. Now this court thinks it necessary that the community should be made to understand that the blood of the innocent must not be shed and hope of impunity to the offender at the same time be indulged. There is no discretion left to the court. No penalty save one. It is that by which your lives are forfeited. The sentence of this court is that you be taken to the common jail and remain in there until two weeks hence when you will be led forth to a place of execution and they are hanged by the neck until you are dead and may God have mercy on your souls. into the vice regal residence on March 29th, 1838 had come a new occupant to replace Sir Francis Bond head who had been recalled shortly after the 1837 uprising. The new and it was hoped more moderate left governor was Sir George [Music] Arthur. Your excency, I've come with Mrs. Samuel L to make a final intreaty on behalf of the two prisoners. Samuel L and Peter Matthews who are to be executed tomorrow morning at 8:00. I can see no reason to exercise clemency in this case. Mr. Baldwin, I have new material to lay before you which I believe you will wish to consider. [Applause] Well, what is this? petition signed by 8,000 persons, loyal citizens of Upper Canada, asking you to exercise a pardon on behalf of Lon Matthews. How was this obtained? By the friends of the reform movement. Anyone will sign a petition. I assure you, it has been signed by men of character and standing in Upper Canada. That may well be, but it is my opinion these two men deserve their punishment. And do I deserve it, too? And my children. Your husband should have thought of that before he joined the rebellion. Spare his life. Please. Only that. Your husband would have stood in better with the council if he'd cooperated in revealing the names of others involved in this rebellion. Sam would never inform. He'd die first. I'm sorry, Mrs. Lant. He very likely will. It's no use, Mr. Baldwin. He means to hang him. That was a cruel thing to say. Sir, you are impertinent. Damn your arrogance. It's men like you who drive the people to rebellion. Are you advocating rebellion, too, Mr. Baldwin? I'm not far from it. Treason smells far sweeter than this room. I could have you jailed for that. I invite you to, sir. I beg you to jail me. Do so, and I promise you, your authority will break on the storm that delivers me. I dare you to have me arrested. [Applause] I spoke in haste, Mr. Baldwin. I know you are no rebel. I thank you, sir. Will you present the petition to the council? If you insist, I shall send you word of their decision this evening. I've covered the province from Kingston to London. Everywhere the talks of Robert, they just want word from us. A word we can't give them. Are you sure he won't accept? Robert lives in the past, Hinx. I've tried to shake him out of it, but he's only going through the motions of living since Elizabeth died. If he should lose L and Matthews, that would jar him, wouldn't it? It would put him in the dumps further than ever, I expect. Is it possible to get a message to L in his cell? I suppose so. Why? I'll tell you later, Robert. Oh, Francis. Father, you saw the governor this afternoon. The petition rocked him a little. He's bringing it to council. I'm afraid he made me lose my temper. Robert, you did everything you could. I should have elected trial by jury. Oh, you mustn't blame yourself, Robert. Come, let's talk of something else. Francis has encouraging news. Yes. The reformers want you to be their leader. I've heard it everywhere. It's a great opportunity, father. We've been all through this, but things have changed, Robert. I see no difference. There's every difference. Lord Durham will be here soon. He's known for his moderate views. We'll have responsible government. Think of it. You'll be premier. The thought pleases you. I see. To satisfy your vanity, you'd have me break a sacred pledge. What are you talking about? What pledge? Never mind that now, Francis. I will grant you your obligation to that pledge, Robert, if you will acknowledge you owe something to us as well. Come in. Here's the letter, sir. The governor, did he [Applause] [Applause] You did your best, [Music] Robert. Samuel What is it? There's a letter for you. [Applause] Well, one thing we got good mail service here. Who's it from? Francis Hanks. It's addressed to you, too. Well, read it out. Dear friends, I have just seen Robert Baldwin. He What's the matter? He has bad news for you. I thought it would make it easier for him if I sent this note. I'm sorry the petition did not succeed. I want you to know that you are both held in great esteem throughout the province. Reformers are determined your cause will triumph. We are sure it will if we can get Baldwin to lead us. He must be persuaded. God bless you both. Well, I expected nothing [Applause] different. said, "It's hard to know." When they left Montgomery off, I thought we had a chance. Chance? Rotten a prison colony? Maybe for the last high kick in the wind. It's the wife and children. I think about that. If only we could be sure it wasn't for nothing. [Music] There's we know I'm deeply sorry. I thought with the petition my wife know yet. I want you to be the one to tell her, Robert. Mine, too. Your wife came with me to the governor, Samuel. She's a good woman. What did the governor say? I made a mistake. I thought it'd be easier on you than Bonthead. If we'd gone to a jury, things might have been different. I don't know much about the law, Robert. You might be right. Perhaps with a jury, we would have had a better chance. I can only say I did my best for you. Maybe you did. But Robert, what's done is done. Peter and I are prepared to die, but we're not prepared to die for nothing. You won't be forgotten. The people will remember what you tried to do. The people need a leader, Robert. They need you. Don't ask that of me. We're going to die tomorrow. That gives us the right to ask. Can't I can't tell us you'll fight for reform and we're at peace with you. I must think. There's no time for thinking. Robert, come. Is it a bargain? Well, may God forgive [Applause] me. I will do what you ask. The waters restoreth my soul, leadth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yay, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Forced by pressure of events to return to active political life, Robert Baldwin went on to lead the Reform Party. And after 12 years of bitter struggle, he joined with Luie Epolit Le Fontaine to lead the first responsible government of the [Music] Canada. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.