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Life of Sir George Grey: Governor, High commissioner, and Premier. An Historical Biography.

Abolition

Abolition.

In a like strain he spoke when the bill itself was actually under discussion. His passion and his rhetoric overflowed in Demosthenic orations. What rather detracts from the value of these masterpieces is that, of all the disasters predicted as the consequences of the abolition of the Provinces, not one has come to pass. As territories with semi-sovereign powers the Provinces have been condemned by history, while they naturally survive as administrative units. He did not content himself with oratory or stop with appeals. Stretching his page 186rights and presuming on his position and Ms past, he telegraphed to the Secretary of State, urging him to disallow the Act. Needless to say, he was not listened to. He could not avert the fate of his beloved Provinces, but he helped to precipitate the doom that awaits all destroyers. The abolitionists were themselves abolished, and Grey, with a band of young and able adherents, known as "Greyhounds," entered into their places.