Pensioners Of 1812 In Canada

The Canadian Government in imitation of that of the United States, and trnder tlie like influence of claim-agents, has passed a bilí putting on the pension rolls the surviving miljtia-men -who f ought the Yankees in the war of 1812-15. Whereas the authoritiea estimated, under the advice of the claim agents, at the passage of the appropriation bill, that but 800 of them snrvived, actual enumerations show their number to be between 2,000 and 2,500. Among them were two or three alleged centenarians - one of whom, at least, apparently supported by conclusiva evidence his pretentions to five-score years. They were all a hale and hearty lot of old colonists, who could read the usual columns of small print without glasses, and walked the cüstomary number of mües without fatigue, and were able to split the orthodox stint of cord-wood before breakfast on due provocation. At London, Samuel Oole, a merry old soul of eightyfive, danced a hornpipe and threw a handspring amid the applause of his octogenarian comrades. At Woodstock, there was present John Clark, aged eighty-two, who moro than six yeavs ago carried dispatches fíoni Col. James, Thirtieth Eegiment, then at Buvlintrton, to Col. Hamilton at Long point, a distance of sixty miles, between sunrise and sunset, having to pass around the enemy's position. At Woodstock also a funny incident occurred. A veteran named John Smith, nearly ninety years of age, presented himself and told a straight story ; but as his name did not appear on the scrip, or pay roll, it was necessary for some other veteran to identify him. Col. MacPherson asked if any one present recollected John Sraith. "Yes," said Sim Papp, "I was unce on giiard with him." "Is this the man ?" queried tíxe Colonel. "No," responded Sim, "I can't recollect any of the features." Papp studied a moment and then s;iid : "Hold on, Colonel, if he is John Smith I can identify him by asking one question." "Proceed," said the Colonel. "Well, now," said Papp, addresaiuc Smith, "who stole the sheep at Cryslor's farm when the men were starving ?" "Sim Papp," responded Smith, amida roar of laughter. Smith was paid.