THE BIRTH OF THE DOMINION

“Thus passed away in calm a Constitution which, born in strife and turmoil, sprung from maladministration and rebellion, forced upon a reluctant Province without consulting its people, and against the wishes of the majority of its inhabitants, had nevertheless, during twenty-five years of unexampled prosperity and material progress, laid the foundation deep and strong of true constitutional liberty.”—CONFEDERATION, by the Hon, John Hamilton Gray, D.C.L., M.P., p. 372.

s HEN the Houses reassembled on the 3rd of May, after a recess of nearly five weeks, the Ministry had to encounter a spirit which boded ill to their permanent existence. Mr. Foley had been defeated by a considerable majority in North Waterloo by Mr. Isaac Bowman, a local Reformer, The other Ministers had all been reëlected, but they had in several instances been opposed with a stern determination that had done much to diminish their confidence in the future. Immediately after the reassembling, it was made clear that no forbearance would be shown them : that they would have to fight their way inch by inch, and that sharp advantage would be taken of any false step on their part, Attorney- General Macdonald's supplementary explanations of the official programme evoked scathing ridicule and condemnation from the Opposition. A few days afterwards, a motion which was practically one of want of confidence was defeated by a majority of only two. There seemed to be little prospect of any useful legislation, or of public affairs being carried on with vigour or efficiency. The primary object of Ministers was to maintain themselves in power ;