e of farmers. From a colour drawing by C. W. Jefferys]

To assert, however, that one person was the author of Confederation, in
the sense that the others played subordinate parts and were mere
satellites revolving round the sun, is to mistake the nature and
history of the movement. It was a long battle against adverse
influences. If left unchallenged, they forbade the idea of a Dominion
stretching from sea to sea. It was not Macdonald who forced the issue
to the front, who bore down stubborn opposition, and who rallied to its
support the elements indispensable to success. Into the common fund
contributions were made from many sources. At least eight of the
Fathers of Confederation {181} must be placed in the first rank of
those to whom Canada owes undying gratitude. The names of Brown,
Cartier, Galt, Macdonald, Tupper, Tilley, McGee, and McDougall stand
pre-eminent. All these performed services, each according to his
opportunities, which history will not ignore.

The foremost champion of union at the critical moment was George Brown.
But for him, it is easy to believe, Confederation might have been
delayed for a generation or never have come at all. His enthusiasm
inspired the willing and carried the doubting. In the somewhat rare
combination of courage, force, and breadth of view no one excelled him.
As a political tactician he was not so successful, and to this defect
may be traced the entanglements in which he was prone to land both
himself and his party. His resignation from the coalition in 1865 was
a mistake. It could not be explained. In leaving the ship before it
reached the haven of safety he laid himself open to charges of spleen
and instability. Impulsive he was, but not unstable, and his jealousy
was not greater than other men's. He was always embarrassed by the
fact that the criticisms of his newspaper the _Globe_, in the exercise
of its undoubted rights as an organ {182} of public opinion, were laid
at his door. He found, as other editors have found, that the
compromises of political life and the freedom of the press are natural
enemies. In his patriotic sacrifice in behalf of Confederation lies
his best claim to the respect and affection of his countrymen.

The quality most commonly ascribed to Cartier is courage; and rightly
so. But equally important were his freedom from religious bigotry and
his devotion to the interests of his own people. He guarded at every
step the place of his