[boxtbinot] 



BUILDERS OF NOVA SCOTIA 



89 



pointed at that critical moment when the provinces were threatened by 

 the Fenians and the federal union was trembling in the balance. The 

 imperial government felt it was advisable that an officer of signal military 

 ability should be stationed in the maritime provinces — for General 

 Hastings Doyle was more remarkable for his careful uniform and padding 

 and social graces than military experience — and that every possible 

 influence should be brought to bear on the unstable politicians who were 

 opposing the consummation of this imperial and intercolonial measure. 

 A man of high conceptions, broadened by contact with able statesmen of 

 many nations, raised far above the petty jealousies, rivalries and preju- 

 dices of a small colony always noted for the intensity of its party 



GENERAL SIR F. W. WILLIAMS, BART., G.C.M.G., OF KARS. 



conflicts, he recognized the danger under existing conditions of the con- 

 tinued isolation of Nova Scotia from the other British North American 

 provinces. No doubt he considered it his duty to use his persuasive 

 tongue and gift of clear and conclusive argument to promote the 

 realization of the project to which his deliberate judgment was completely 

 wedded. Of the extent or value of his influence on the uncertain minds 

 of some opponents of confederation, it is impossible for me to say any- 

 thing definite, and all we positively know is the historic fact that during 

 his short administration of the government Dr. Tupper, then premier, 

 succeeded in bringing Nova Scotia into the federal union with the consent 

 of a large majority of the legislature. General Williams, in appearance, 



