Family Compact
A group of Tory leaders in Upper Canada, so nicknamed
by their political opponents because they held power as a distinct
group, allied by bonds of political, social, and religious sympathy.
Term also used in other provinces, in connection with somewhat similar
conditions. =Index=: (William Lyon Mackenzie era) Their loyalty tested, 10; Durham's view of,
62, 65, 66; great influence of, 66; lasting and extensive monopoly of
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power, 66; decides on Gourlay's destruction, 89; destroys Colonial
Advocate, 115; incensed at Lord Goderich's concessions, 230; secures
Head's sympathy, 302. (Sir John A Macdonald era) Its character and aims fiercely debated, 13;
opposition to, of Macdonald, Draper, and Morris, 27. (Lord Sydenham era) Its beginning,
77; its foundations laid by Governor Simcoe, 78; attempt to identify
Reform party with Mackenzie's rebellious proceedings, 85; condemned by
Durham in his Report, 96; criticisms of Report, 97-104; Sir George
Arthur allies himself with, 110; opposed to union of provinces, 130;
Sydenham's opinion of, as given by Colonial Gazette, 138; its
controlling influence, 177; not a political party, 179; not specially
connected by family relationship, 180. (George Brown Era) Rebellion in Upper Canada
attributed by Durham to ascendancy of, 11. (Lord Elgin era) Fight against, 21;
attacked by Hume Blake, 69; Mackenzie ill-used by, 91; selfishness of
its members, 92; Bishop Strachan and, 150. (Baldwin / La Fontaine / Hincks era) Its character, 11-12;
denounced by W. L. Mackenzie, 13; opposed to union of the Canadas, 61;
its restoration hoped for, 113. (Mackenzie / Selkirk / Simpson era) Responsible for Rebellion of 1837,
242. See also Strachan, John; Mackenzie, W. L.; MacNab, Sir Allan
Napier; Robinson, Sir John Beverley. =Bib.=: Kingsford, History of
Canada; Durham, Report; Mackenzie, Sketches of Canada; Bradshaw,
Self-Government in Canada; Dent, Upper Canadian Rebellion; Robinson,
Life of Sir John Beverley Robinson.