April 25,1849 (http://www1.sympatico.ca/news/otd/images/otd.98.04.25.a.lg.gif) Montreal Quebec - James Bruce, Lord Elgin 1786-1857 signs the Rebellion Losses Bill, providing payment for people who lost property in the rebellions of 1837-1838. Angry Tory mobs are furious the Queen's representative would sign a bill rewarding treason. They throw garbage and dead rats at members of the Assembly, and pelt an official reading the Riot Act with onions. That night, the mobs set fire to the Legislature, destroying parliamentary and government records; the official portrait of Queen Victoria is rescued from the flames by a young engineer named Sandford Fleming. Lord Elgin barely escapes to the viceregal residence at Monklands; he was not permitted to call out troops to quell riots because they were British, and could not interfere in a Canadian civil matter. As a result of this lack of public security in Montreal, the government decides to move to Toronto; so begins the period of wandering government, when Kingston and Quebec City will also share the duties of being the capital of the Canadas. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --