though Byrnes was not in Parliament when Macrossan was alive, yet
those who remembered the latter could not help comparing the two men. I
do not recollect having seen Macrossan smile even after a successful
speech. On the other hand, beyond a passing frown scarcely perceptible,
even in the bitterness of debate, I have not seen Byrnes otherwise than
smiling, but when one sat close to either and saw their eyes flashing
fire, one could realise the strength and sincerity of both.

It is possible that had Byrnes lived to take the field against
Federation, as it was thought he would, Queensland might not have
become one of the States, except under certain saving conditions. I was
present at the funeral ceremony in St. Stephen's Cathedral, and saw many
hardened politicians brushing tears off. It was felt that a great man
and a good man had passed away.

Mr. W. H. Browne, more familiarly known as "Billy" Browne, was a lovable
character. Firm in his belief that his principles were right and should
be maintained, but without being bitter to those who might differ from
him. His death was no doubt a temporary loss to the Labour Party, of
which Queensland could easily spare others more bigoted, but less
sincere.

Sir Samuel Griffith, after giving the best years of his life to
Queensland, had now retired to the Supreme Court Bench, and his absence
was a loss to Parliament.

Most members judged Griffith as being cold and distant, but personally,
I have much to thank him for. I found him kind and sociable when
approached, and at no time did he assume a patronising manner when doing
a favour. Those who knew him intimately told me they found him to be the
same. Looking at him from the opposite side, he seemed to be always on
the alert to find his opponent tripping. I have known him, when he did
so, to generously aid in putting them right, and apparently because he
felt it to be his duty to do so. He was different to his great opponent
McIlwraith, both in character and mental construction. McIlwraith was by
nature impatient and irritable. Griffith, on the contrary, was very
patient, and maintained a great control of his temper. This enabled him
to frequently have his views adopted when they might not be, if too
strongly forced. Had advantage been taken of opportunities, Griffith
might have been a wealthy man. But to his honour, and to that of
Queensland Parliaments, from the first even to the present, this State
has been singularly fr