66 OUR ISLAND STORY

At this juncture the following correspondence between the Lieutenant Governor and the Hon. James C. Pope took place:

Government House, I 15 April, 1875. Dear Mr. Pope: ' ’ _ .

My Government having this day resigned, I propose calling on you to form a new one,—-—on the understanding that you will do your best to carry Confederation during the coming session on the terms which have recently been submitted to the people,- if none better can be procured from the Dominion Authorities.

On my part (though as I have told you, I look upon the terms already conceded as liberal) I will do all Ican to help you in obtaining better, so long as you set about it without such de- lay as would defer the matter beyond the present session of the Canadian Parliament. L '

Under ordinary circumstances I should not consider it nec- essary to ask for such an assurance as this; but, as matters stand _ I feel that Her Majesty’s Government would not hold me blame- less were I, at this juncture, to entrust the formation of the new Administration to any one unwilling to give it. .

If you. can assure me that personally you will do your best to carry Confederation on the terms named, if better cannot be

procured, I shall be happy to see you as soon as you have con- . sulted your friends.

Believe me,

Yours faithfully,

WILLIAM ROBINSON. The Hon. I. C. Pope. V ‘

To this communication Mr. Pope sent 'thefollowing reply:

Rav enwood,

15 April, 1875.

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