These success stories appear somewhat exceptional for the time. P.E.I , had benefited greatly from unrestricted trade with the States. Writing in 1867 the editor of the Examiner acknowledged that as a result of free trade "Almost every merchant on the Island enlarged his establishment and quadrupled his trade." (9) Following its joining Canada P. E.I , found itself having to support a National Policy aimed at restricting trade with the U.S.A . in favor of trade with Britain. Considerable opposition to the Conservative policy existed among Islanders. On. a visit to I.E.I . in 1878, James C. Pope , M.P . was roundly criticized for his "protectionist vote" the previous year. (10) The editor of the Patriot noted how in 1877 P.E.I , still had a balance of trade with the U.S.A .; exporting $597,510. of goods, mostly agricultural products, while importing 3452,107- woth of American goods. (11) The value of these exports amounted to about 31% of all exports from P.E.I , in that year. Moreover, in the early 1880's P.E.I , suffered considerable unemployment, increased mortgage sales, including one in Somerset in 1882,(12) and an exodus of dissatisfied Islanders. The enthusiasm voiced by "Swithen" in Somerset had,however, a solid justification. In January, 1883 John A. Macdonald 's Conservative government approved $189,000.for the construction of a branch railroad from the main line at ( Emerald ) to Cape Traverse . (13) Building of this branch was a project James C. Pope had supported; he declared it his intention to obtain federal aid for the project in 1877. (14) It was supported by the Conservative f-'.P. for , u