On offer is a typed letter written, hand annotated, and signed by Canadian Minister, Israel Tarte. Dated September 6th, 1897 this letter is on a letterhead from the Federal Minister of Public Works office in Ottawa, written by Tarte in regard to a dispute between lumber and agricultural interests, and suggesting he will attempt to work out a solution (with some handwritten edits), to Cambridge Member of Parliament Duncan Graham (1845-1934), who had just won a by-election in 1897 to Parliament (his only term) after a contested vote count in the 1896 Laurier landslide. Original postmarked Ministry-embossed envelope accompanies, with initials “J.I.T.” and some anachronistic pencil writing present. Israel Tarte was a notary, journalist, newspaper owner, and politician. Tarte came to prominence as editor of several newspapers, Le Canadien, L'Evénement, La Patrie and the Quebec Daily Mercury. He was a Minister under Wilfrid Laurier. "The four elements that made him what he was - a francophone, Catholic, Canadian, and British subject - sometimes led him, in politics, to try to square the circle." DCB This letter measures 8 x 10 inches, and includes an envelope 5-¼” x 4-¼ inches. Both items have clear, crisp embossing though the letter shows signs of ink transfer from folding. The letter is age-toned with some browning edges and creases from original folds. The condition is Very Good. The envelope is torn from opening and shows signs of age-toning, staining, and wear. Its condition is Good.
