CHAPTER X. Mr. James C. Pope and the Railway—Assimilation of the Currency—Con¬ federation—Conference in Chnrlottetown— Sketch of Edward Whelan anil T. H. Haviland —Opposition to Confederation—Resolutions in the Assem¬ bly—OfTer of Terms to J. C. Pope —Further Proceedings—The Question of Confederation Resumed— Delegations to Ottawa— Messrs. Haythorue and Laird—Messrs. Pope, Haviland, and Ilowlan—linal Settlement of the Question. 4 i ? 0 the Honorable James C. Pope belongs the honor of Asfo being the first to take legislative action of a eomniead- lg\ ably energetic character, in order to secure to the island admirable facilities for intercommunication by means of a railway. On the third of April, in the session of 1871, that gentleman submitted a resolution to the house of assembly, which was seconded by the attorney-general, Hon . Mr. Brecken , to the effect that the trade and exports of the - island having much increased during the past few years, it • was found impossible, in the absence of stone or gravel, to-' keep the roads in an efficient state of repair. It was con- • tended that the construction and efficient maintenance of a line of railway through the island would greatly facilitate • its trade, develop its resources, enlarge its revenue, and open more frequent aud easy communication with the neigh¬ boring provinces aud the United States. It was, therefore, proposed to introduce a bill authorizing the government to undertake the construction of a railway, to extend from Cascumpec to Georgetown , touching at Summerside and , and also branches to Souris and Tignish , at a cost not exceeding five thousand pounds, currency, the mile, including all the necessary appliances suitable for a '