Before talking about the background and substance of the Canadian conventions, it is important that we understand the reasons why the Canadian-Americans felt the conventions were necessary since that reasoning was shared by every other immigrant group. The Canadian conventions spoke of the fears, difficulties, loyalties, hopes and desires expressed by all immigrant groups. The “Conventions of Canadian-Americans in Connecticut” were begun in 1885 and consisted of thirteen yearly meetings though 1898. Although meant for all Connecticut Canadian-Americans, the majority of the meetings were held in Windham County ( two in Willimantic) and were heavily influenced by speakers and presenters from Willimantic and Putnam. Prior to the first meeting which was held in Willimantic (where the idea for the conventions originated), the convention planners put together a detailed background of the French-Canadian migration into Connecticut. They recalled that immigration had increased since the civil war and that the main cause was economics. “The attractiveness of manufacturing industry wages career, and hence the desire to improve their situation determined their exodus.”  The first ones to leave Canada, left with the idea of returning to the country. Later, as they became accustomed to American life and learned English, “we finally got a foothold”. The planners then sent out a rallying cry, “Forward ! Canadians from all points of the state, let's go to Willimantic where we will get to know each other and unite our efforts to march towards the same goal: progress and becoming good citizens”. In all of the conventions, there was a recurring theme… Canadians should always remain loyal to Canada but to become naturalized American citizens and remain “attached to their adopted country”. The first convention, held in Willimantic, passed resolutions that would form and guide the discussions of all eleven conventions. The major topics to be discussed in the conventions included, “Education and the question of the study of the French language”,  “The growth and progress of French benevolent and school societies”, “the preservation of the French language”, the desirability of all French-Canadians becoming American citizens”. One topic that probably was unique to French-Canadian immigrants and was the cause of much discussion and aggravation to them was “what means should be taken to obtain from the proper authorities the right conceded by Rome…to have priests of our own nationality”. The conventions began immediately to talk about naturalization. Willimantic’s Quebec-born Doctor Adelard David, a physician/surgeon who served on the School Board and municipal council, had been one of the fifteen members of the committee that formed Willimantic’s Charter of Incorporation. He was also president of the local St. Jean-Baptiste Society. It was said of him (translated from French) , “His convinced and enlightened patriotism, served by a sympathetic and eloquent word, and his exceptional oratorical skills made it possible to play a prominent role in all the congresses and to take an active part in the  advancement of his people in Connecticut.”  On several occasions, Doctor David spoke convincingly about the importance and necessity of becoming naturalized citizens. “This question of naturalization is of the greatest importance and urgency. We are a minority and minorities need to safeguard their interests. Who will defend our schools if not the ballots of (naturalized) Canadians? A Canadian who is not naturalized is not a patriot; he cannot say that he loves his nationality”. In all his speeches, Doctor David continuously mentioned the need to be “profound and respectful citizens” of America and to use those rights to further their interests. The conventions then passed a resolution that “Naturalization Societies” be formed in all the towns represented in the convention. Doctor David then said,” Let us declare our fidelity to our adopted country, and that it is the duty of those who have not yet done so to obtain by naturalization the title of American citizen, and to fulfill honestly and faithfully all the duties and to exercise all the privileges. And, to better achieve this goal, it is urgent that all societies take an active part in the naturalization process in their respective centers, and that they make every effort possible to spread knowledge of the history of the American republic and the reading of American-Canadian newspapers.” (to be continued)  

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