“And did the other honourable gentlemen agree with you?”
“Most of them did. Of course, we need money, since we are anxious to benefit the people and tax them as little as possible; but we are not going to be unwise enough to interfere with private interests unless these clash with the welfare of the commonwealth.”
“But did not any man get up and declare that railway interests do this, since they make a few rich at the expense of the many?” asked Tom.
“No; such a remark was not made.”
“You are, indeed, a model Parliament.”
“We are, at least, resolved not to waste time. Who do you think congratulated me, and expressed his approval of what I had said?”
“The Prince?”
“No; almost as great a man as he—Mr. Macdonald.”
There was a general smile at the mention of his name.
“Of course that principle of yours would meet with his approbation,” said Tom, “because of its bearing on other things than railways, and especially those which touch him most closely. But I am glad Mr. Macdonald has spoken to you. He must be a man worth knowing.”