132 THEISLAND ACADIANS

candidate for the Liberal party. He complained about his party’s in- trigues in his nomination speech, but at the same time he announced his allegiance clearly and defended the right of Acadians to be rep- resented politically. This part of his speech was reported in the follow- ing manner by The Summerside Journal:

Hon. S. Perry did not come to defend the Government, was a Liberal and would support the Liberal Party. Had sacrificed as much for the Liberal Party as any man in it. Gave up his claims in the Third District for Mr. Warburton. Considered that the Liberal Party had used him badly, but is nevertheless no Tory. The French people are the pioneers of the country. They have broken the road for those who came after them. The French population of the Colony are as loyal as any of Her Majesty’s subjects. Is not ashamed of being a French- man.*°

The Acadian member of the Legislature did not always enjoy his compatriots’ support and admiration. Towards the end of his career he was even accused of not having fought very hard for the national and religious rights of the Acadians during his long stay in parliament- ary circles. He was also accused of having played on patriotism merely to get the Acadian vote at election time*®’. The newspaper, The Examiner, accused him of changing his position too often with regard to impor- tant political issues**. In an homage to Perry at the time of his death, one of his fellow members of Parliament emphasized that in fact what characterized Perry’s career was his great loyalty to the Liberal party*’.

Unlike Perry, Joseph-Octave Arsenault remained highly respected by his compatriots throughout his long political career and did not occasion such severe criticism. His continued support for the Conser- vative party and his great commitment to the Acadian cause won him the admiration of his contemporaries. As a reward for his long political career, he was appointed senator in 1895. At the time of his death in 1897, The Patriot of Charlottetown paid him a moving tribute which sums up well the high regard held for this Acadian pioneer in politics:

In the councils of his country and on the floor of the House he was characterized for his unassuming disposition, sound judgement and moderation in debate.

In business life he was noted for his strict integrity, keen business insight and indefatigable industry, while socially Mr. Arsenault was a whole souled gentleman, possessing many of those qualities which distinguish Acadians.”