And under all circumstances he was resolved to give “to his ministers all constitutional support, frankly and without reserve, and the benefit of the best advice” that he could afford them in their difficulties.  In return for this he expected that they would, “in so far as it is possible for them to do so, carry out his views for the maintenance of the connection with Great Britain and the advancement of the interests of the province.”  On this tacit understanding, they—­the governor-general and the Draper-Viger cabinet—­had “acted together harmoniously,” although he had “never concealed from them that he intended to do nothing” which would “prevent him from working cordially with their opponents.”  It was indispensable that “the head of the government should show that he has confidence in the loyalty of all the influential parties with which he has to deal, and that he should have no personal antipathies to prevent him from acting with leading men.”

Despite the wishes of Lord Elgin, it was impossible to reconstruct the government with a due regard to French Canadian interests.  Mr. Caron and Mr. Morin, both strong men, could not be induced to become ministers.  The government continued to show signs of disintegration.  Several members resigned and took judgeships in Lower Canada.  Even Mr. Draper retired with the understanding that he should also go on the bench at the earliest opportunity in Upper Canada.  Another effort was made to keep the ministry together, and Mr. Henry Sherwood became its head; but the most notable acquisition was Mr. John Alexander Macdonald as receiver-general.  From that time this able man took a conspicuous place in the councils of the country, and eventually became prime minister of the old province of Canada, as well as of the federal dominion which was formed many years later in British North America, largely through his instrumentality.  From his first entrance into politics he showed that versatility of intellect, that readiness to adapt himself to dominant political conditions and make them subservient to the interests of his party, that happy faculty of making and keeping personal friends, which were the most striking traits of his character.  His mind enlarged as he had greater experience and opportunities of studying public life, and the man who entered parliament as a Tory became one of the most Liberal Conservatives who ever administered the affairs of a colonial dependency, and, at the same time, a statesman of a comprehensive intellect who recognized the strength of British institutions and the advantage of British connection.

The obvious weakness of the reconstructed ministry was the absence of any strong men from French Canada.  Mr. Denis B. Papineau was in no sense a recognized representative of the French Canadians, and did not even possess those powers of eloquence—­that ability to give forth “rhetorical flashes”—­which were characteristic of his reckless but highly gifted brother.  In fact the ministry as then organized