Benjamin Sulte

“ In the localities where the Outaouas emigrated two hundred years ago there are now ten or twelve towns, villages, railway stations and counties called "Ottawa." This is only right, although somewhat overdone.
The books and maps published in our century caused the Canadians to consider the "valley of the Ottawa" as the ancient residence of the Outaouas, and that name was imposed in good faith upon young Bytown. It is the consecration of an error. The Capital of Canada stands before us under a foreign name. ”

“ Remembering that the French-Canadians are the oldest white inhabitants of the country, one naturally asks himself what advantages have they derived from British rule, which they have lived under since the year 1760. ”

“ The easiest way to obtain accurate information concerning the term Ottawa, Outaouais, Outaoua, is by perusing the different works of the 17th Century mentioned below, and leave aside all other books for the moment, until you have digested the texts of those authors, for they actually saw what they write about. ”

“ The clergy stimulated the enthusiasm of the militiamen, who accomplished prodigies of valour during the three years of the war. Without the French-Canadian Militia the conquest of Canada would have been an easy task to the Americans. ”

“ None of the humiliations and annoyances which usually accompany a conquest were imposed upon them. They passed from a reign of absolute subjection under the Bourbons to the free and untrammelled life of a constitutional government. ”

“ Some suppose that the expression, Grandes Oreilles applied to the Outaouas is a translation of the latter name. We have already shown that Ondataoua means the Men of the Woods. The French said Grandes Oreilles: Large Ears, for the same reason they qualified them also Cheveux Relevés, those whose hair is tied up on the top of the head, those who expose their ears, by contrast with other races wearing long floating hair covering the neck, the ears and part of the cheeks.
The final sound ouais: Outaouais, is the result of pure ignorance, and is not more than eighty years old. ”

“ In return for these unexpected advantages, which they thoroughly appreciated, the French showed themselves true to their new oath of allegiance, and perfect tranquillity reigned in the country. Within three years the British troops had returned to Europe. Then broke out Pontiac's war. The Canadian Militia enrolled themselves eagerly, and fought under the British flag against their ancient allies, the Western tribes. ”

“ It is not ou nor w; to pronounce it you must round your lips and try to whistle softly. It is not generally found practicable to any other people but those who have used it from the cradle. That sole letter in the mouth of a man suffices to detect how far his origin is French. ”