Friday, February 29, 2008

1949, the Sunset of a nation

On March 31, 1949, the sun when down on the proud but struggling Nation of Newfoundland and Labrador. With the dawning of the next day, the early settlers awakened to the realization that they were a part of a much larger picture. Overnight they had become Canadian. Joseph R Smallwood was the first premier of the new Canada’s newest province. He soon realized that it took more than a stroke of a pen to change the hearts and minds of these proud people. Many recognized that with Confederation came the promise of a greater prosperity. They also recognized that this prosperity would not come without a price. No other circumstance in this provinces history has been more divisive than that of Confederation. This issue has destroyed friendships, and torn families apart in a debate continues today.

On August 5 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert formally claimed Newfoundland on behalf of Great Britain. After that the fishing admirals looked after the colonies affairs. However, by the 1860’s, Newfoundland’s population had expanded to 140, 000. A strong argument was made for a Responsible government. Eventually Britain gave into pressure and awarded the colony a full responsible government in 1855.

The first attempt at Confederation came in August of 1864, at the Charlettetown conference. However, it was assumed that Newfoundland would not be interested, and therefore not invited to attend. Another conference was held in October that same year. This time two Newfoundlanders were present, but as observers only. Several attempts were made after that, but little benefits could be seen from having to pay Canada’s high taxes.

World War I took its toll on Newfoundland’s economy and population and by the 1930’s it had acquired a 100 million dollar debt. Times were hard and some considered it time to take a more serious look at either joining with Canada, or the United States. Peter Cashin made the argument to continue with a Responsible government, while a young journalist named Joseph (Joey) Smallwood led the cause for Confederation. A bitter debate ensued
And after the two referendums in 1948, the decision was made to become Canada’s youngest province. Just before midnight on March 31 1949 negotiations were finalized. A day later we were officially welcomed into the Canadian family.



"I say to you, that there is in operation at the present time a conspiracy to sell,
and I use the word sell advisedly, this country to the Dominion of Canada. Watch in
particular the attractive bait which will be held out to lure our country into the
Canadian mousetrap. Listen to their flowery sales talk which will be offered to you;
telling Newfoundlanders they’re a lost people, that our only hope, our only
salvation, lies in following a new Moses into the promise land across the Cabot
Strait."
- Major Peter Cashin, May 19, 1947

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

well Said!!