St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-06-07

The deceased premier of the Canadian gov
ernment has been almost as well known to.
newspaper readers as statesmen of the United
States. His going before the people for in
dorsement last winter when his regime had
still a year of life to run was essentially
American. While the large majority of the
people of this country was and is opposed to
Sir John Macdonald's ideas on reciprocity
and on the United States in general, his cour-
age in forcing an expression of opinion from
the people could not but be admired though
ms success was not so pronounced and his
majority not so large that there was much
cause for -congratulation. Briefly his
biography may be stoted as follows: Sir
John Alexander Macdonald, X. c. B., G.. C.
NJ G., D. c. L., LII. D., Q. c., etc. eldest son
of the late Hugh Macdonald, of Kingston.
Ont, and formerly of Sutherlandshire Scot
land, born Jan. II, 1915; called to the bar in
1886; created queens counsel in 1876;
was the head of the extensive
OF Toronto; the grand representa-
tive OF the Grand Lodge of A, F. and a. NJ
Of England holding The rank of past grand
senior warden OF the Free Masous of Canada;
was member of the executive council OF
Canada from 1S47 10 lS4S; was receiver gem
eral. commissioner of crown lands, and attor-
ney general, postmaster general and sue
cessively prime minister, attorney general
ana minister OF militia, and government
leader up to the union in 1865; mas peen a
delegate to England and other countries on
public business on many occasions; was
VI tue LDuuOu COIOlllOi conference.
1e66-67. when the act of union known as the
british North America actn was passed by
imperial parliament: in July. 1867, when the
new constitution came into force. formed
the first government, holding Office until he
and his ministry resigned on the Pa
cific railroad charges-Nov g. 1873;
in 1871 was appointed one of her
maJestys joint high commissioners and
plenlpotentarleS 10 act in connection
with five commissioners named by the presi-
dent of the United States. for the settlement
of the Alabama claims, etc., which resulted
in the treaty of Washington, May S, 1871 Re-
ceived degree OF D. G. l.. (hon.) from oxford
university, 1865; is also LII. ID. of Queens
university, Kingston, and A. d. c. l.. of Trim
lty college, Toronto: created X. c. b. (civiD
by her majesty; is knight of Grand Cross of
the Royal Order SPAIN Isabella Catholica,
and member OF her majesty's privy council
since 1879. He was unanimously elected
leader Of the Canadian Liberal Conservative
opposition in 1873. During summer of 1881
was created G. c. NJ. G. by her majesty the
queen, and was the only colonial statesman
who has been so highly honored. The fol-
lowing are among the principal measures
carried through parliament by Sir John, viz.
The secuarization of the clergy reserves;
the Improvement of the criminal laws;
the promotion of public instruction: the con-
solidation OF the statutes; the extension of
the municipal system; reorganization OF the
militia; settlement of the seat OF governments;
establishment of direct steam communica-
tion with Europe; establishment of addi-
lonal penitentiaries, criminal lunatic asy-
ums, and reformatory prisons, and provid
ing for inspection thereof; construction of
he intercOlonial railway; enlargement of
canals: ratification of the Washington
treaty. confederation of British North Amer
lea, and extension and consolidation of the
Dominion. Ia his position of leader of the
opposition he on several occasions gave the
government the benefit of his ability and
long experience. in perfecting several of
their most important measures, notably the
lnsolyent act and act constituting the SUI
preme court of the Dominion. Ills last great
piece of craftsmanship, from his point OF
view, was declining TO enter into trade rela-
ton with this country.