Editing Charles Connell (section)

== Career ==
In 1858, Connell was appointed [[Postmaster General]] of the colony, at a time when increasing trade with the United States was forcing the British colonies to reconsider their currencies and institute a decimal system that would be more familiar to their American neighbors. New Brunswick adopted a decimal currency in 1859, and in the following year, Connell issued the first series of [[postage stamp]]s in the new denomination. While few people had problems with the new currency, they were outraged that Connell chose to depict himself on the 5-cent stamp. In an effort to stem the criticism and charges of extreme arrogance, he offered to buy up all the stamps and burned them publicly on the front lawn of his house. He also resigned his office as postmaster general.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B05E0D81239E133A2575AC2A9679C946395D6CF|title=STAMP COST AN OFFICE.; New Brunswick Connell Stamp Aroused Official Anger.|date=January 29, 1922|work=The New York Times|page=122|accessdate=2009-11-03}}</ref> It is unknown how many stamps survived, but they number no more than a few dozen and are now extremely rare.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/scandalous-stamp-proofs-sold-at-auction-1.594168 Scandalous stamp proofs sold at auction], ''[[CBC News]]'', May 10, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Dearborn|first=Dorothy|authorlink=Dorothy Dearborn|title=Legends, Oddities and Mysteries (--Including UFO Experiences) in New Brunswick |publisher=Neptune Publishing Company, Limited|date=February 1, 1996|page=55|chapter=Philatelists take note|isbn=1-896270-06-9|quote=The catalogue price for one Connell stamp, in mint condition in 1995 was $7,500.}}<!--|accessdate=2009-11-03--></ref> Some counterfeits of the stamp exist also.<ref>{{cite book|last=Argenti|first=Nicholas|authorlink=Nicholas Argenti|title=The Postage stamps of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia|publisher=Quarterman|year=1976|edition=Quarterman|pages=150–151|chapter=New Brunswick: Five Cents Connell|isbn=0-88000-088-0}}<!--|accessdate=2009-11-03--></ref>

Despite the episode, Connell continued to serve in the colonial legislature up until 1867. He strongly urged passage of a bill that would have seen the lieutenant governor of N.B. elected, and not appointed by the British monarch.<ref>[https://www.rpsc.org/cp/charles_connell.html Charles Connell and His Stamp - The Stamp's Survival], J.J. MacDonald, The Canadian Philatelist, Sept.-Oct. 2000</ref> A member of the [[Executive Council of New Brunswick]], he served as [[Department of Natural Resources (New Brunswick)|Surveyor General]] from July 10, 1866, to July 17, 1867.

An ardent supporter of Canadian Confederation, Connell was elected as a [[Member of Parliament (Canada)|Member of Parliament]] representing the New Brunswick [[electoral district (Canada)|electoral district]] of [[Carleton (New Brunswick federal electoral district)|Carleton]] in the first two Canadian parliaments.

From 1865 to 1866, he published his own newspaper, ''The Union''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.gnb.ca/APPS/NewspaperDirectory/Directory.aspx?culture=en-CA&Key=690&Tab=5 |title=Provincial Archives of New Brunswick |website=archives.gnb.ca |accessdate=23 May 2017}}</ref>