mportant reforms which were afterwards carried out. Mr. Mackenzie
was the first Mayor of Toronto.

Towards the close of his life he and Dr. Ryerson were not on unfriendly
terms; and when in 1852, as a member of the Legislature he instituted an
inquiry into the management of the Educational Depository, he expressed
himself satisfied with its usefulness.[59] At a later period when Mr.
John C. Geikie[60]--then a bookseller in Toronto--commenced his attack
upon the Depository in 1858, Mr. Mackenzie thus rebuked him in his
_Weekly Message_ of April 9th, of that year:--

At one time we thought with the redoubtable Geikie that Dr.
Ryerson's book concern was a monopoly, but a more thorough inquiry
induced us to change that opinion. We found that great benefits
were obtained for the townships, the country schools, and general
education through Dr. Ryerson's plan which could in no other way be
conferred upon them, etc.

Dr. Ryerson, on his part, felt kindly towards Mr. Mackenzie. He
mentioned to the Editor of this book near the close of the year 1860,
that on the ensuing New Year's day he (Dr. Ryerson) would call upon and
shake hands with his old antagonist, and wish him a "Happy New Year."

FOOTNOTES:

[59] Mr. Mackenzie frequently visited the Educational Depository to make
inquiries, etc. The Editor of this book had frequent conversations with
him on the subject, and explained to him the details of management. He
was pleased to know that through the agency of the Depository thousands
of volumes of good books were being yearly sent out to the schools.

[60] Now the Rev. Dr. Cunningham Geikie, of England, and author of the
"Life and Words of Christ," and other valuable books. He declined the
use of the title of reverend in his controversy with Dr. Ryerson.

CHAPTER XXIV.

1838.

Defence of the Hon. Marshall Spring Bidwell.

From various papers and letters left by Dr. Ryerson, I have compiled the
following statement in regard to his memorable defence of the Hon. M. S.
Bidwell, in 1838. I have used Dr. Ryerson's own words throughout, only
varying them when the sense, or the construction, or condensation of a
sentence, required it. He said:--

On Dr. Duncombe's return to Canada, I believe the conspiracy was
commenced by him, Mr. Wm. Lyon Mackenzie, and others, sought to
accomplish their objects by rebellion; but in this the great body of
Reformers took no part except to surpress it.