y interfered with his popularity and lessened his
usefulness. A story was spread abroad that Sir Edmund Head had called
the French Canadians 'an inferior race.' This, though it was not true,
was often reiterated; and the French Canadians persisted in believing
that Sir Edmund had made the remark--even after an explanation of what
he really did say.

{41}

Early in 1855 Morin retired to the bench. His place in the Cabinet was
filled by George Etienne Cartier, member for Vercheres in the Assembly.
Cartier had begun his political career in 1848 as a supporter of
LaFontaine, but he was one of those who followed Morin in his alliance
with the Conservatives. Now, on the withdrawal of his chief, he
succeeded, in effect, to the leadership of the French-Canadian wing of
the Government. The corresponding position from the English province
was held by John A. Macdonald, for it was no secret at the time that
Sir Allan MacNab, the titular leader, had seen his best days, and
leaned heavily upon his friend the attorney-general for Upper Canada.

Under these circumstances were brought together the two men who for the
ensuing eighteen years governed the country almost without
intermission. During the whole of this long period they were, with but
one trivial misunderstanding, intimate personal friends. That Sir John
Macdonald entertained the warmest feelings of unbroken regard for his
colleague, I know, for he told me so many times; and Cartier's
correspondence plainly indicates that these sentiments were fully
reciprocated.

{42}

Sir George Cartier was a man who devoted his whole life to the public
service of his country. He was truthful, honest, and sincere, and
commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in
contact. Had it not been for Sir George Cartier, it is doubtful
whether the Dominion of Canada would exist to-day. He it was who faced
at its inception the not unnatural French-Canadian distrust of the
measure. It was his magnificent courage and resistless energy which
triumphed over all opposition. Confederation was not the work of any
one person. Macdonald, Brown, Tupper--each played his indispensable
part; but assuredly not the least important share in the accomplishment
of that great undertaking is to be ascribed to George Etienne Cartier.

[Illustration: Sir Edmund Walker Head. From the John Ross Robertson
Collection, Toronto Public Library]

Other public men of the period claim our br