18 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Mr. Davies is a son of the Hon. Benjamin Davies, who took a leading part in the abolition of the Leasehold system of P. E. Island, and was born and educated in» Charlottetown. He is now in his fifty-third year. He was called to the bar in 1866, and has long been recognized as one of the most prominent lawyers of the Province. He is an easy, energetic, effective, and, at times, eloquent speaker. While yet young he entered politics as a Liberal, and he has always been true to his first love. He was leader of the Government of the Province from 1876 to 1879 ; and since then he has been almost continuously a member of the Dominion Parliament. Upon the triumph of his party last year, he entered the Cabinet of Canada as Minister of Marine and Fisheries, and he is believed to be in the running for the Portfolio of Justice. When Mr. Laurier is absent, Mr. Davies leads the House of Commons.