Wichita eagle., 1888-11-28


doners to enjoy a little country life in the
interval which separates the end of one
weeks work from the beginning of that OF
the following week / had a good deal of
conversation with the high commissioner
during these two days, and / was particu-
larry struck with the extent and variety of
his information all public questions
whether of q colonial or imperial character
lie was very unaSSUming in his method of
impartng his own views, and | noticed
with what tranquil silence this master
of fluent and eloquent English could listen
deferentlally To the wagging of other tongues
About this time heard him make a speech
ut a colonial breakfast, given at the West
minister Palace hotel, which is within a few
hundred steps of the houses of parliament,
and consequently a favorite resort for those
whose gatherings are intended to IMPRESS
public opinion or exert influence on the legiS-
lature His manner was earnest and deiber-
ate and even grave, and | thought | could
detect in the tones of his voice and the ex-
preston of his face. the traces of many a fierce
party contest in which he had borne q part,
and in which perchance even victory could
not compensate for the stress and strain
which it had cost. ] had the pleas
ure of renewing my acquaintance WITH
Sir Charles at Ottawa last summer. 1t WIS.,
towards the close of the parliamentary ses-
sion, when, usually happens, the govern
ment want to hurry through number of
bills of minor Importance, about which there
Is no controversy. An obstructive opposition
can give infinite annoyance TO the ministry
of the day and delay public business inde1-
nitely at this period of the season, by inter
posing technical objections, which are raised
Il :, IL.
bills is wanting in tact or in courtesy towards
his opponents. Sir Charles Upper showed
all the art of the trained parliamentarian. in
getting his bills passed. lie encountered each
objection with mild protest or a few words
of expostulation, founded on a reference TO
the latcness of the session. and the incouven-
fence caused to honorable members on both
sides Of the house. Sometimes this had the
desired effect, but when his persuasion failed
he did not rail at the other side He merely
changed the form in which he approached
them He rose and said. Il admit, Mr.
Speaker that honorable gentlemen opposite
are within their right; | admit, sir, we
are in the hands of the opposition"
After this little speech the opposition,
knowing that they viii be III Office them
selves some day, cheerfuly give way, and
fresh additions are made to the Canadian
statute book Sir Charles held the olice Of
high commissioner in London when the last
general parliamentary election took place III
1887, but his aid was indispensable in the
contes. which ragged all over the dominion at
that time, and he came over and helped Sir
John Macdonald 10 win another big parlia-
mentary majority. he was then appointed
finance minister, still holding his London APP
pointment and he continued TO look after
the fiscal affairs of the dominion while takine,
IN active part il the fishery negotiations in
conjunction with Mr.. Chamberlain. Lord
Sackville and Sir John Thompson, the Cana
dian minister of justice. At tie close OF the /
session he resigned his post of minister of /
finance and returned 10 London.
At his house in the Cromwell road. there.
he dispenses a quiet, transformations hospi- |
tality, and he is 70 be met with in ali those
social circles Of the British metropolis which
are the offspring of the union Of society and /
politics. had the honor of bong guest at
one of his parliamentary dinners In the house .
OF commons at Ottawa last summer. Twas
3 party composed chiefly of his political /
friends surinkled With some Of his mos,
energetic opponents He proved 70 De o 1
capital host, and under his pleasing atttn-
tons and the stimulus Of his good humor, the |
legislators ate and drank and talked with a
merry activity until the expiration Of the |
two hours during which the house stood ad- /
lourned There was then stampede for the !
chamber, snd though | had visited Ottawa
twice before and spent much time in the
houses cf parhament, / had now 10 witness |
for the fgss time a custom which had never