Dictionary of National Biography, 1912 supplement/Tarte, Joseph Israel
TARTE, JOSEPH ISRAEL (1848–1907), Canadian statesman and journalist, born on 11 Jan. 1848 at Lanoraie, Berthier county, Quebec, was son of Joseph Tarte, habitant farmer, by his wife Louise Robillard. Educated at L'Assomption College, he qualified himself as a notary in 1871, and settled in Quebec, but after two years drifted into journalism. He quickly made his mark as a journalist. He early edited 'Les Laurentides' (St. Lin), and subsequently accepted the editorship of 'Le Canadien' and 'L'Événement' of Quebec. He conducted 'L'Événement' for over twenty years, and represented 'Le Canadien' in the press galleries of Quebec and Ottawa. In 1891 he moved to Montreal, where he published for a time 'Le Cultivateur,' the weekly edition of 'Le Canadien.' In 1896 he transferred this paper to his sons, L. J. and E. Tarte, who in 1897 acquired 'La Patrie,' which presented Tarte's political views.
Tarte sat in the Quebec assembly for Bona venture from 1877 until its dissolution in 1881. He belonged to the party of the 'bleus' or tories. In 1891 he was elected to the federal parliament at Ottawa in the conservative interest, and was closely associated with Sir Hector Langevin [q. v. Suppl. II]. But his part in politics, which was that of a 'stormy petrel,' contributed not a little to the wreck of the conservative party. Becoming cognisant of gross irregularities in the public administration in Quebec, he formulated his charges upon the floor of the house in 1891, and the conservative premier. Sir John Abbott, granted a committee of investigation. The charges were fully proved. The member for Quebec centre, Thomas McGreevy, was expelled from parliament, and Sir Hector Langevin resigned his portfolio as minister of public works. The conservative party, which warmly resented these damaging exposures, grew thoroughly demoralised, and Tarte went over to Laurier and the liberal opposition. Unseated on petition in 1892, he remained out of parliament until 5 Jan. 1893, when he was returned for L'Islet at a bye-election. In the critical Manitoba education question, on which Sir Charles Tupper committed the conservatives to a policy of coercing the Manitoba legislature into granting special privileges to Roman catholic schools, Laurier was said to be wavering until Tarte persuaded him to declare for conciliation between the rival interests in Manitoba rather than for coercion in favour of the catholics. Tarte's organising ability proved to the liberal party a most valuable asset, especially in Quebec; the party came into power in 1896 and remained in office till 1911. Tarte was rewarded with the office of minister of public works in the Laurier administration (13 July 1896). Although he was defeated in the general election in Beauharnois, he was soon returned for St. John and Iberville. His administration of his department was most effective. Through his efforts the port of Montreal was equipped, and the St. Lawrence widened and deepened for twenty-five miles between Quebec and Montreal.
Unlike his liberal colleagues, Tarte was a strong protectionist. While he was the first leading French-Canadian openly to espouse the imperial federation cause, his policy of 'Canada for the Canadians' was hardly imperialistic, and he is said to have opposed the sending of Canadian contingents to take part in the South African war. In 1902 his public advocacy of higher tariffs for Canada compelled his retirement from the government. Thereupon he at once assumed the editorship of 'La Patrie.' He died in Montreal on 18 Dec. 1907, and was buried in the Côte des Neiges cemetery.
Tarte was twice married: (1) to Georgiana Sylvestre, by whom he had three sons and three daughters, who survive; and (2) to Emma Laurencelle, by whom he had one daughter.
[The Times, 19 and 23 Dec. 1907; Morgan, Canadian Men of the Time.]