Letter from Lachlan McCallum to Sir John A. Macdonald, 15 July 1889

Abstract

A letter written by Lachlan McCallum to Sir John A. Macdonald reads: "Yours of the 12th inst. at hand. Contents noted. Meekly would say that the charges made by me against Messes. Ellis & Demare are the truth and are proven by their (own) letters in the correspondence with the departments of Railways and canals at least...part of them.

And when I ask to suspend the (parties) proven guilty by their own...which I consider reasonable.

And when you write me that you do not think that the Governor General can be asked as would (consent) to the suspension before their trial I know what it means that is today that you do not want it done."

But when you write about the suspension being contrary to the spirit of British Justice I do not agree with you. What should be the object of British justice as any other but to get at the truth.

If it is justice to allow Mr. Ellis and Mr. Demare to have charges of the men and...them that will be asked to give evidence as to their conduct I (consider) it not justice but (injustice) to you and your government to have allowed Mr. Ellis and Mr. Demare to remain in charge an the Welland canal as...as you have done they do not deserve any consideration from your government in any way. From what I know so I ask you again the interest of justice, truth, and good government to suspend Mr. Ellis and Mr. Demare from their position (pending) and during the investigation into their conduct (then) we will yet the...investigation promised and not (otherways).

It is not a pleasant position to become left constituted public prosecutor in behalf and the interest of your government and the country and to have to urge so...for you to not act so as to get at the truth so I...to you to suspend the parties to be tried as they are not credit to your government."