While they met serious opposition in some portions of what is now our grand Dominion, yet in others the proposal was received favorably, while one or two of the Provinces expressed an antipathy to the movement.

But just at this time two important events occurred which had a material bearing on the question, and had an effect in bringing about the Union.

The first was the sudden abrogation by the United States of the Reciprocity Treaty which for some years had existed between the Canadian Provinces and that country, and the second the Fenian Raid.

Each of these events sent a thrill through the Canadian people which fired their hearts and settled the project of Confederation.

The necessity of united action in defence, and co-operation in other matters for the benefit of the whole, was heartily admitted, and forthwith the Provinces joined hands and hearts in bringing about its early consummation.