All the leading men in Europe (so the despatch read) were astonished at the exhibition of so much moral force in the Old Country after they had been imagining the Empire as about to go to pieces under the recent terrible strain.  Other good news which had its effect here was that for Ireland there had at last been found men who understood her wants, and what was better, whom she herself understood, so that she considered herself as having just embarked upon a new career of glory as an integral and indispensable part of the Empire.

The effect of all this information on the electors of Canada was very marked.  The demagogues who elevated themselves upon barrels or waggons and buggies to spout their frothy nonsense to the public, could get but few listeners, though only twenty-four hours ago applauding crowds would have assembled.  Their hold on the people was gone; every one was reading the papers or discussing the startling news.  Many men who the day before were noisily advocating everything disloyal and rebellious, were silent and thoughtful.  Men who had remained loyal to Canada all through quickly seized the occasion and appealed to the people to stand firm to the Dominion, pointing out the uncertainty of affairs in the States and contrasting them with the vitality and power of the Old Country, doubly powerful now that Ireland had obtained perfect satisfaction and was contented.  The election resulted in a complete triumph for the government, and was a most satisfactory vindication of their policy.  The ranks of the Opposition were broken up and their forces demoralized.  Not a word was heard about annexation that night unless in scorn.

The heart of the young nation was stirred to its very depths during the next two months, while a most sublime period in our history was being passed through.  The would-be invaders of Canada were determined not to be baulked in their enterprise, the movement having gone too far to collapse suddenly, and perhaps the leaders had not sufficient foresight to see that the troubles rising in the States must necessarily get worse before they were better, and take several years to subside; perhaps they did not realize fully the new unanimity of public feeling in Canada.  Anyhow the activity of their preparations did not lessen, but rather increased, and the commencement of offensive operations was postponed so that they might be more complete.  Disloyalty was no longer popular in Ontario or in any other province, in fact among all who had been disaffected a reaction and revulsion of feeling set in, in favor of intense loyalty to the Dominion, and a most felicitous union was effected between the Conservatives and Reformers.  The common danger brought all parties together, forgetful of old prejudices, and the old bitter hatred grew less and less until its final extinction.  Henceforth there was but one party with but one object in view—­the welfare of the Dominion.