New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-07

professional ability with which the defence was
carried subjects OF general comment at
the time, and Montreal editor said: 1.-THE
leading counsel for the unfortunate General will be, ere
long, recognized OF the first men Of the country
Mr. Macdonad's power of making friends soon brought
about him a host Of admirers, who for him
brilliant future. These friends not disposed to
allow the talent they in the rising young lawyer
Lie dormant and in 1544 they elected him rs the rerc-
sentative Of Kingston in Parliament of united Canada
He had not long TO remain in Parliament before his
abilities as a politician were recognized. In May,
1S47, he entered the Cabinet RcceverGenera which
he soon resigned to take a more important portfolio
that Of Commissioner OF Crown Lands. This Office he
held until March, 1S48, the Conservative Government of
which he was a member, having been defeated by
large majority by tie reform opposition, on the cleo
ton of a speaker. Mr. Macdonald remained in Oppo
sItion until 1851. sic Allan Macnab the nominal
leader of the Opposition, but Mr. Macdonald was the
virtual leader. lie used his opportunities 10 become
skilled In debate and 70 famlarize himself with tho
pressing questions Of the day. One OF these questions
was presented by blu for the secularzaton of the
clergy reserves. Macdonald opposed this measure.
In 1854 a general election held and Mr. Mac
donald again returned to represent Kingston At
this election the secuarzaton Of the clergy reserves
was before the people, the Government defeated
and a coalition Cabinet was formed, with Sir
Allan Macnab at the head. which was pledged
to settle tho problem. Mr. Macdonald entered this
Cabinet as Attorney General, and under his advice
the clergy were secularized on what was con-
sdered fair basis. SelgnOra tenure In Lower Canada
also abolished.
In 1856 Sir Allan Macnab, who had been the nomi
nal leader Of the Conservatives, Succumbed to gout
and Macdonald chosen his successor. The post
of leader of the Conservative party the latter held
til his death, exercising degree OF influence that no
other public man in Canadas history had possessed.
The Conservative Ministry defeated III 1858
of he Of fba faf(,
ment. a new Ministry formed by the Hon.
George Brown, but it lasted only two days. the Legis
lative Council by vote Of 16 TO 8, and the House
by a majority of 10, declaring lack of confidence
sir George Cartier then formed A Government which
included Mr.. Macdonald Attorney General. This
Office Mr. Macdonald held until the defeat of tho
Government the Militia bill in 1862. With sir
George Cartier he led the opposition once more, and
continued 10 do until the defeat of the Govern
ment in March, 1854. A Ministry then
formed with Sir e. p. Tache as Prime Minister and
Mr.. Macdonald as Attorney General. On the death
OF Sir E. r. Tache in 1865 Mr.. Macdonald
quested to take his place. but he waived his claim in
favor Of Sir y. f. Bell1au.
lie a delegate TO England on many occasions,
and was chairman Of the Colonial Conference Qs6667)
when the act Of union known the L" British North
Of America act" passed by the British Parliament
In bringing about the confederation Mr. Macdonald
was active factor, and it Is not much,
in view Of his services then and since, to hail
him the creator of the Dominion of Canada.
on July l, 1857, when the Constitution came
into force, Mr.. Macdonald called upon u form the
first Government for the new Dominion Of Canada and
was sworn Of the Privy Council ard appointed Minister
Of Justice and Attorney General OF Canada In recog-
milton Of his services he was created Knight Com
mander OF the Bath By Queen Victoria, and in 1854 he
was made Grand Commander OF the same order lie
remained Prime Minister u.til 1873, when his Govern
ment resigned on charges of corruption in connection
with the Canadian Pacific Railroad For the ensuing
five years he was the opposition leader.
In October 1875 the Reform Administration
signed, having been deeated on the tariff issue Sir
John Macdonald then formed the present Government,
which was pledged to high tariff and pro
tection 10 the Canadian Government. some changes
have since been made in the Prlvy Council,
but Sir John continued a, Premier. He resigned his
portfoo a, Minister of the Interior in 1883 and be-
came President of the Council and superintendent
General Of Indian Affairs. Later he took the port
fio Of Minister of Railways and Canals which he held
until his death
Dr ing his long political sir John Macdonald
carried 10 successful issue many important measures
The criminal laws Of Canada have been improved, the
statutes consolidated, the muniaial system extended
and the military organized lie secured the esla3-
s,rS, ' Tbs inspectlon Of rcforma0ries and chari-
fable and penal Institutions has been provided for
The IntercOlolia and Canadian Fachc iaIroadS nave
been constructed The canals nave uesn eniarged' &
lion law enacted. The Dominion has been eAtendcd
and consolidated. At the time 0l The Elel outbreak
Sir Iohn va, AT the head OF affairs and under his
direction the Insurgents were crgshed He has been
criticised for his severity In that mater ana lor
agcressveness in Others. In 1o71 he was
one Of Her Maiesty's Joint High Commis-
sloners and PlenpOientiarles 10 act with tho
United states Commissioners for the settement OF
the Alabama claims, the lsbors OF the commissioner
resulting in the Treaty OF WASHINGTON IN IN
lssO he visited England In company with
the Ministers Of Railways and Agriculture and
arranged the contract for the construction OF the acc
Hallway In l5s4 he again visited England where he vas
recognized "a the pOnsr Of the idea OF Imperial niW
IIe attended the conference at which tile Imperial Fed
Grafton League formed and moved the appoint
ment of a general committee to conduct lie an;aFs
sir John was married twice His first wife was
Isabella dau shter OF Alexander Clark OF Danavert.
scotland sne died In lo56. In 1867 ~ married
susan Agnes daughter Of the Hon r. j.. Bernard,
meaber Of Her Majestys Prvy Council OF the Island
~ Jafaaioa In ls65 he received the honorary de-
gree Of d. G. l.. from oxford University He was also
An Ii D. OF Queens University, Kingston. and
ID G. L. OF Trinity College, Toronto. He was created
Knight Grand Gross Of the Royal order Of Isabel ~
Catohea (of SPAIN In le72.