retaining the confidence of these arbiters of destiny should be
resorted to. My course in these circumstances is, I think, clear and
plain. It may be somewhat difficult to follow occasionally, but I feel
no doubt as to the direction in which it lies. I give to my ministers
all constitutional support, frankly and without reserve, and the
benefit of the best advice that I can afford them in their
difficulties. In return for this I expect that they will, in so far as
it is possible for them to do so, carry out my views for the
maintenance of the connexion with Great Britain and the advancement of
the interests of the province. On this tacit understanding we have
acted together harmoniously up to this time, although I have never
concealed from them that I intend to do nothing which may prevent me
from working cordially with their opponents, if they are forced upon
me. That ministries and Oppositions should occasionally change places,
is of the very essence of our constitutional system, and it is
probably the most conservative element which it contains. By
subjecting all sections of politicians in their turn to official
responsibilities, it obliges heated partisans to place some restraint
on passion, and to confine within the bounds of decency the patriotic
zeal with which, when out of place, they are wont to be animated. In
order, however, to secure these advantages, it is indispensable that
the head of the Government should show that he has confidence in the
loyalty of all the influential parties with which he has to deal, and
that he should have no personal antipathies to prevent him from acting
with leading men.

I feel very strongly that a Governor-General, by acting upon these
views with tact and firmness, may hope to establish a moral influence
in the province which will go far to compensate for the loss of power
consequent on the surrender of patronage to an executive responsible