ent; although the Imperial instructions, even at this early stage
of the proceedings, pointed to an opposite {104} course. In the
gossipy diary of Miss Frances Monck, a member of Lord Monck's household
at Quebec in 1864, appears this item: 'Sir R. M. is so against this
confederation scheme because he would be turned away. He said to John
A.: You shall not make a mayor of _me_, I can tell you! meaning a
deputy governor of a province.' Macdonnell was transferred to
Hong-Kong; and Gordon, after a visit to England, experienced a change
of heart. But the mischief done was incalculable.

In view of the disturbed state of public opinion in Nova Scotia the
Tupper government resolved to play a waiting game. When the
legislature met in February 1865, the federation issue came before it
merely as an open question. The defeat of Tilley in New Brunswick
followed soon after, and the occasion was seen to be inopportune for a
vote upon union. But, as some action had to be taken, a motion was
adopted affirming the previous attitude of the legislature respecting a
maritime union. There was a long debate; Tupper expounded and defended
the Quebec resolutions; but no one seemed disposed to come to close
quarters with the question. Tupper's policy was to mark time.

Prince Edward Island made another {105} contribution to the chapter of
misfortune by definitely rejecting the proposed union. The Legislative
Council unanimously passed a resolution against it, and in the Assembly
the adverse vote was twenty-three against five. It was declared that
the scheme 'would prove politically, commercially and financially
disastrous'; and an address to the Queen prayed that no Imperial action
should be taken to unite the Island to Canada or any other province.

Newfoundland, likewise, turned a deaf ear to the proposals. The
commercial interests of that colony assumed the critical attitude of
the same element in Nova Scotia, and objected to the higher customs
duties which a uniform tariff for the federated provinces would
probably entail. It was resolved to take no action until after a
general election; and the representations made to the legislature by
Governor Musgrave produced no effect. Although the governor was
sanguine, it required no great power of observation to perceive that
the ancient colony would not accept federation.

The Canadian government took prompt measures. On the arrival of the
bad news from New Brunswick it was decid