Speech on motion for concurrence in resolutions of Quebec conference, March 7th, 1888.

is much to be regretted, that the hon.leader of the Opposition, in leading the criticism on the proposi- tions for the amendment of the Constitution, should have sought to impart into this debate a spirit of partisanship and acrimony, altogether out of place in the consideration of the question before the House.(Hear, hear.)I am glad to see that, with the exception of his second lieutenant, the hon.member for Toronto (or perhaps I am doing the hon.gentle- man an injustice.I perhaps ought to have said first lieutenant, as it looks as if the hon.member for North Grey had been deposed) -I say I am glad to see, that with the excep- tion of the hon.member for Toronto, the other Opposition speakers have had the good sense, to refuse to follow in the unworthy path of criticism marked out for them, and have endeavored to discuss the propositions in a logical and temperate manner.I think I may especially compliment the hon.member for East Durham as being the first to lead off in this much more appropriate manner of dealing with the subject.His speech, both in tone \ and argument, was much better than that of his leader.It may not have been so fluent or frothy, but it was more argumentative, and dealt with the proposed amendment in a manner more befitting the subject.I think I may extend the same compliment to that of the hon.member for Grenville, who, in the main, applied his criticisms in a business-like vay, befitting a deliberative body called upon to deal with a subject as grave and momencous as the amendment of our Constitution.The fact is, that the older members of the House are getting a little tired of this old loyalty speech of the hon.gentleman from London ; they have heard it almost verbatim et literatim, session after session.When first delivered, some eight or ten years ago, it was amusing and piquant, but after frequent repetitions it becomes stale and uninteresting.It is like witnessing a play when you have been a dozen times at the rehearsal. (Laughter.)You thoroughly know the plot.You know when the colored fire is to be introduced.You know when the particular studied and well-rehearsed attitude of raising the hands and bowing to the mimic company of rustics on the stage is assumed, it is the preconcerted signal for these rustics to throw up their paper hats, the village band to blare their trumpets, and the little boys to frantically beat their big and little drums.(Cheers

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