The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-12-23

John A. Macdonald had the good sense to
speak but seldom when he first entered the
Canadian Parliament, but employed his time in
making himself familiar with the business and
forms of the assembly. He told the author Of
this book that he did not make more than five
speeches, he thought. during his first five
sessions. That he must have made a favorable
impression, however. is evident from the fact
that at the beginning Of the second session he
was made a member Of an important commit
tee, and In less than three years after his APP
pearance in the Legislature was invited to en-
ter the Cabinet as eceiver-Genera Thence
forward he continued to figure rs a conspicuous
member Of the Conservative party. either
In Office or in opposition. until 1854, when,
largely through his influence. a Liberal-Con-
sentative coalition was formed, one outcome of
which was to make him the Prime Minister in
1856. Thenceforward. up to 1864, the most
vehement opponent Of John A. Macdonald was
George Brown. leader OF the Clear Grits of On
tario. In the year last named, however 1850.
Macdonald and Brown came together and
formed n new coalition Ministry. at first under
Sir +. =. Tache and subsequently, under Sir
Narcisse Belleau. Mr.. Brown presently with
drew from the Ministry and renewed his hos
tility to Macdonald, but the coalition between
the Clear Grits and Conservatives was, on
the whole. maintained. and to 1t was due the
EVOLUTION OF the DTlIlsn ENOTtH ALucTlCh ACT.
Before noting the conspicuous part taken
by Macdonald in bringing about that
event q word should be said upon a
subject which. for many years. was the
ground OF violent attacks In Mr.. George Browns
newspaper. the Globe. 1t is admitted bv the
present biographer that, for some years before
his second marriage, which took place in Lon
don In 1867. John A. Macdonald's habits of life
were marked by occasional irregularity similar
to that which, In a much greater degree, had
characterized Pitt, Fox, Sheridan, and many
other distinguished English statesmen. or
Macdonald's failings in this respect, Mr.. Pope
has no personal knowledge; before he knew him
his chief had gained the mastery over himself.
At the same time, 1t is recognized as futile
TO ignore the fact that there was a pc
riod in Macdonald's life when excess In
the direction indicated interrupted his useful
ness. gave pain TO his friends. and furnished his
enemies with a weapon of which they never
hesitated 10 avail themselves. In connection
with this topic may be quoted a story recounted
OF n Macdonald In one Of the volumes now before
US. 1t seems that many years ago Sir John was
present at a public dinner at which he was ex-
pected to deliver a rather important speech. In
the conviviality of the occasion he forgot the
more serious duty OF the evening. and, when at
a late hour he rose. his speech was by no
means so luminous or effective as 1t
might have been. The reporter, knowing that
1t would not do TO print his notes as they stood,
called on Sir John next day and told
him that he was not quite sure OF having
secured an accurate report. He was invited 10
read over his notes, but he had not got far when
Sir John interrupted him with THAT is not
what I said" There was q pause. and Sir John
continued. LET me repeat my remarks" He
then walked up and Town the room and deliv-
- &. $3.50 .naan L. thA a.