oversies in which Dr. Ryerson was engaged
was that on behalf of the Denominational Colleges of Upper Canada.

Unfortunately, at various stages of the discussion, the controversy
partook largely of a personal character. This prevented that clear,
calm, and dispassionate consideration of the whole of this important
question to which it was entitled, and hence, in one sense, no good
result accrued. Such a question as this was worthy of a better fate. For
at that stage of our history it was a momentous one--worthy of a
thoughtful, earnest and practical solution--a solution of which it was
then capable, had it been taken up by wise, far-seeing and patriotic
statesmen. But the opportunity was unfortunately lost; and in the
anxiety in some cases to secure a personal triumph, a grand movement to
give practical effect to somewhat like the comprehensive university
scheme of the Hon. Robert Baldwin, of 1843, failed. Mr. Baldwin's
proposal of that year was defeated by the defenders of King's College,
as a like scheme of twenty years later was defeated by the champions of
the Toronto University. The final result of the painful struggle of
1859-1863 was in effect as follows:--

1. Things were chiefly left in _statu quo ante bellum_.

2. An impetus was given to the denominational college principle; and
that principle was emphasized.

3. Colleges with university powers were multiplied in the province.

4. Life and energy were infused into the denominational colleges.

5. Apathy and indifference prevailed (and, to some extent, still
prevails) among the adherents of the Provincial University.

I have already stated that the issues raised in the memorable university
contest of 1859-1863 were important. So they were, as after events have
proved. The question, however, was unfortunately decided twenty years
ago, not by an independent, impartial and disinterested tribunal, but
by the parties in possession, whose judgment in the case would naturally
be in their own favour. Besides, members of the Government at the time
felt no real interest in the question, and were glad, under the shelter
of official statements and opinions, to escape collision with such
powerful bodies as the Wesleyan Methodists and the Church of Scotland.

This discussion originated in the presentation to the Legislature of a
memorial from the Wesleyan Methodist Conference, prepared by Dr.
Ryerson, dated November, 1859, to the following effect:--

That the Le