isrepresentation, as no men in their senses could have made such
demands as the late Council are stated to have urged. The words
made use of by His Excellency are not theirs, it is true; but did
not the opinions expressed by Mr. Lafontaine, their leader, bear
out the assertion? I regret that Lord Stanley did not quote what
followed. I have given the meaning, rather than the words, of the
dictatorial Councillor; but I have not in the slightest degree
exaggerated the substance of his discourse. I ought to add that the
conversation originated in a rumour of His Excellency's intending
to appoint a Provincial Aide-de-camp, of whom Mr. Lafontaine did
not approve; and that, although addressed to me, I could only
suppose that it was intended for the ears of His Excellency. You
will, of course, not believe the newspaper statements of Sir
Charles having sent for Mr. Lafontaine. Ever since our arrival here
the French party have been urging that the only way of getting out
of our difficulties is by allowing Messrs. Lafontaine and Baldwin
to resume their places--as the French people believe that they
cannot enjoy responsible government without them. To this His
Excellency cannot consent. What the result may be is not quite
clear; our future plans have been delayed by this negotiation,
which, though still pending, must terminate in a day or two. I hope
that under any circumstances we shall be able to meet the present
Parliament, if not with a majority, at least with a strong
minority.

The following is the _Precis_ to which I refer:--

Mr. Lafontaine said: Your attempts to carry on the government on
principles of conciliation must fail. Responsible government has
been conceded, and when we lose our majority we are prepared to
retire; to strengthen us we must have the entire confidence of the
Governor-General exhibited most unequivocally--and also his
patronage--to be bestowed exclusively on our political adherents.
We feel that His Excellency has kept aloof from us. The opposition
pronounce that his sentiments are with them. There must be some
acts of his, some public declaration in favour of responsible
government, and of confidence in the Cabinet, to convince them of
their error. This has been studiously avoided. Charges have been
brought against members