LAIRD, Alexander, Canadian statesman, born in Kilmalcolm, Renfrewshire, Scotland, 12 April, 1798; died in New Glasgow, Prince Edward island, 15 April, 1873. He went to Prince Edward island in 1819, represented the first district of Queens county for sixteen years in the provincial parliament, and served four years as a member of the administration. In 1847 he promoted a petition on behalf of constitutional rule, which was granted in 1851. He was well known as a scientific farmer, and did much to improve the character of agriculture and stock in Canada.--His son, David, statesman, born in New Glasgow, Prince Edward island, 12 March, 1833, was educated at the Presbyterian theological seminary in Truro, Nova Scotia, and established the Charlottetown "Patriot," of which he is now (1887) the editor. Like his father, Mr. Laird was an ardent Liberal, but he was for a time at variance with the leaders of his party in consequence of their desire to exclude the Bible from the public schools. He was at first opposed to confederation, but when more favorable terms had been granted to Prince Edward island he gave in his adhesion to the scheme. He represented Belfast in the assembly of his native province from 1871 until the province entered the Dominion in 1873, when he was elected to the Dominion parliament. He was re-elected by acclamation on his being appointed to office, and again in 1874. He was an unsuccessful candidate in 1882, and again in February, 1887. Mr. Laird was a member of the executive council of Prince Edward island from November, 1872, till April, 1873, and while acting in this capacity was a member of a delegation that was sent to Ottawa to negotiate terms of union with the Dominion government. He became a member of the privy council and was minister of the interior from 7 November, 1873, till 1876, when he was appointed lieutenant-governor of the Northwest territories, and held this post for five years. In 1874 he was acommissioner to treat with Indian tribes in the northwest, and concluded a treaty at Qu'Appelle lakes by which they surrendered to the government about 75,500 square miles, through the northern part of which the Canada Pacific railway now passes.