New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-14
SIR JOHNS SUCCESSOR.
SENATOR j. J. c. ABBOTT SUMMONED TO
FORM A NEW CANADIAN MINISTRY.
ALL EXCEPT ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE
TO TAKE THEIR OLD PORTFOLIOS
cHAPLEAU's DEMANDs-THE NEW
PREMIER'S CAREER.
BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TkrBUSEsT

fBY TELEGRAPH THE ThBUSEr
Ottawa, June 13.-The Queens representa-
tive has at last named a successor 20 Sir John
4. Macdonald. Senator Abbott, leader OF the late
Government in the Senate. has been entrusted
with the task of forming a new administration.
Last night, accompanied by Sir John Ihompsons
Minister of Justice, the new Premier had long
conference with Lord Stanley at Rideau. Hall
This morning at II o'clock Senator Abbott again
visited the vice-regal residence, this time alone;
and about noon the official announcement was
made that he had been called upon to form
Government The announcement created surprise
here, as it was thought Sir John Thompson's
chances for the Office were the best 1t is stated
that the Governor-General did call upon the ex-
Minister of Justice but that the latter, knowing
the powerful opposition to himself In Ontario. sug-
gested Senator Abbott's name as compromise.
and agreed to use all his influence with the party
to assist Abbott in forming Ministry.
The new Premier is undoubtedly an able man,
and is acceptable to the western provinces. On
tario and the Maritime Provinces Quebec, how
ever, is strongly in favor Of Thompson. Chapleau.
the ex-Secretary of State, and the acknowledged
leader of the patty in that province, went so far
yesterday as to state publicly that he considered
Thompson the only man available for the place.
lie is bitterly opposed to Senator Abbott and Will
probably cause great trouble unless compromise
is effected. Although one of the youngest nhem-
bers of the late Cabinet, the cxSecretary OF State
is a powerful man in elections, and has in the
House Of Commons following Of twenty members
who will follow him through thick and thin.
Senator Abbott waited upon all the ex-siinisters
this afternoon and it is understood, succeeded In
inducing all to accept their old portfolios in the
new Cabinet, except Chapeau, who would give
no decided answer He started this evening for
Montreal, TO consult his friends. Chapesus price
for his consent to act with the new government
is that Sir Hector IaHgevin, Minister OF Public
Works and Sir Adslphe Caron, Minister of Militia,
shall he shelved, and that he shall receive ths
portfolio of Railways and Canals. Langcvln was
the late Premiers chief lieutenant and although
he had no following in Parliament, found faVor
in the eyes of his leader. Through his influence
Chapleau was relegated to the unmportant office
of Secretary of State. Sir John Macdonaid's
death has turned the tables, and the ex Secretary
of State feeling that the new Administration
cannot do without him, realizes that his triumph
has come. Should Chapleau refuse to serve under
the new leader, certain disruption would follow.
so it is likely his conditions no matter what they
are. will have to be accepted by the new Cabi
net
Although q man of great ability, Senator Alb
bott is little known in Canada. He entered public
life in 1851, and has been In Parliament
ever since lie was Solicitor-General for a short
time in the Southfeld-Macdonald Government In
1862 and figured prominently in the great Pacifd
scandal of 1873. which defeated the Government
of Sir John Macdonald. As the legal
adviser of the late Sir Hugh Allan, all
the transactions connected with the affair were
carried on through him. and il was through his
hands that the $4,000 passed that was given by
Sir Hugh Allan and others TO the Conservative
leaders to carry the general elections His con-
confidential clerk, George Norris. who had special
charge of all the interesting letters, kilograms and
other documents relating 70 the " big deal, one
fine day TO the surprise and chagrin Of his chief,
revealed the whole matter TO the Liberal
leaders: and the documents which were
bank were impounded by order of Parliament
In the debate in the autumn of 1873 on the dis
closures Mr. Abbott took no prominent part, al
though considered logical debater. This conSpicu-
Gus want of aggressiveness damaged to great
the House He is lawyer Of
great ability, and has genius for managing men,
His talent as q financicr is also marked. The an
nouncement of his appointment relieved
the minds of politicians and business men.
who, owing to the long delay Of the Gov
ernOrIGeneral calling upon some one to
Lead began to think that disruption had begun
and that no settlement would be arrived at. Sen
ator Abbott is looked upon as good leader, pro-
vded he consolidate the many conflicting
clements of the marty.