§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he took any steps to ascertain the opinion of the Canadian people or governments before nominating the Marquis of Lansdowne as Governor General of the Dominion?
MR. GLADSTONEThe hon. Gentleman is probably aware that Her Majesty's Government are, of necessity, engaged from time to time in the nomination of Governors of very important Colonies, and of Canada among the rest; and I do not ever recollect having seen it asked whether we had taken steps to ascertain the opinion of the Canadian people or Government with regard to these appointments, nor am I aware of the particular motive that has suggested that Question in the case of Lord Lansdowne. All I can say is that we never have taken, nor do we intend to take, any measure of that kind; but I believe that in this case, as in every other case, Her Majesty's Government, with the assistance which they possess, have ample means of ascertaining what are the general sentiments of the Colonies with regard to the sort of persons they wish to receive, and of insuring that they will be well received. I should think if a Gentleman happens to be possessed of station, high character, and great ability, these are requisites which go a long way towards insuring him the best possible reception, and which very few persons in this House would deny to be possessed in rather an eminent degree by Lord Lansdowne.