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The only status, therefore, which we are guaranteed under the Imperial Act of Confederation is that existing at its passage. Now, it is well known that this was wholly unsatisfactory to the Protestants, especially in Montreal and Quebec; and an endeavour to pass the requisite amendments made in the last Session of the Canadian Parliament was defeated. So important did I regard this defeat, that I resigned my seat in the Government, and declined any greater share of responsibility than was accepted by other Protestant representatives. However, as it threatened to interpose most serious obstacles to the acceptance of Confederation, it was finally agreed, to be satisfied with the assurances of Sir George Cartier and the French-Canadian Roman Catholics following him; that, at the first Session of the Local Legislature of Quebec, the required legislation should be obtained, and that the Local Government should be so organized as to ensure this result. Though not a member of the Government, I formed one of the delegation to London, and assisted in the compilation of the Act of Confederation; and, on the 1st February, 1867, when Confederation took place, I re-entered the Ministry, and, with the assistance of Sir George Cartier and the Hon. Mr. Langevin, the School Bill, as it now stands, was passed; but even then it was not attained without great difficulty, as can be testified by all who were acting with me in Quebec at the time.

The educational rights of Protestants as respects