me to express to you a sense of gratitude, which I feel in
common, I trust, with all reasonable people, on the occasion of
your address on the political aspect of the Dominion of Canada.

I have had some limited connection with political contests in this
part of the Province, and what I have seen and learned impels me to
offer you my humble thanks for this contribution to our political
treasury.

Whether we have arrived at such a condition of society as entirely
to discard party political conflict may, I suppose, admit of
serious doubt. But that at this juncture your admonitions are most
valuable, all who reflect on the future will, I think, acknowledge.
In more than one electoral contest already, I have referred, I
believe with good effect, to your remarks, and I beg of you to
allow me the pleasure of thus acknowledging the value of your
counsel. That you may long be spared to advance the educational
interests of the country, and to allay the discord and acrimony of
faction, is the sincere prayer of yours faithfully,

William Elliot.

The third from a gentleman in Matilda:--

Permit me to thank you for the seasonable pamphlet you have issued
on the Dominion, and the sound advice it contains, addressed to the
people of this country. I have read it with pleasure, and am of
opinion that it should be scattered broadcast, for the
consideration of electors at this very important juncture.

FOOTNOTES:

[149] It affords me pleasure to remark, and I do so without any
reference to the political opinions or relations of the gentlemen
concerned, that some of our rising Canadians have entered, and others
are seeking an entrance into Parliamentary life upon the ground of their
own avowed principles, personal character and merit, as free men, and to
exercise their talents as such, and not as the articled confederates, or
proteges, or joints in the tail of partizanship. Free and independent
men in the Legislature, as in the country, are the best counterpoise to
faction, and the mainspring to a nation's progress and greatness.
Faction dreads independent men; patriotism requires them.

CHAPTER LXII.

1868-1869.

Correspondence with Hon. George Brown.--Dr. Punshon.

On the 24th of March, Dr. Ryerson addressed the following letter to the
Hon. George Brown:--

I desire