The Honourable Robert Poore Haythome

and the extension of steam navigation to the outports of the colony.

It was at this time in PEI that there were tensions over the land question and there was tenant league agitations. But Robert and his tenants settled their differences by mutual agreement, which was faithfully carried out, the tenants becoming freeholders by paying the sum about the equivalent of $2 an acre by instalments.

In 1868, Mr. Haythome became Premier and President of the Executive Council, succeeding the sick Premier, George Coles. Mr. Haythome had problems settling the tenant’s land claims as he was hindered by obstructions placed by the Colonial Office, Secretary of State and the Duke of Buckingham. A dispatch from Lord Granville implied that the land question would be settled in exchange for Confederation. Another problem was the fishery question between the American fishing vessels and Canada which resulted in Mr. Haythome’s last public act of his first administration by suspending the restrictions the local Government imposed on the American fleet.

Mr. Haythome resigned at this time due to his supporters being in the minority. He then became the official opposition. At this time in the early 1870’s, the debate over PEI becoming part of Confederation was the main topic politically for the Island and about 90 out of 100 Islanders were opposed to it.

This time was also the period of the development and adoption of the railroad policy which, by the financial embarrassment it caused, ultimately drew the Island into Confederation. Haythome convincingly defeated the Pope administration in an election on the railway problems in 1872. Mr. Haythome was again asked to form a government and the financial and other difficulties which his Government encountered were almost overpowering. “The desire of Islanders for a railway reaching every significant town in the colony presented the people with an unbearable debt...rather reluctanly Haythome reopened negotiations with the government of Sir John A. MacDonald in respect to confederation. Haythome and his colleague David Laird began discussions in February of 1873...by early March terms had been reached...including the taking over of the railway, the assumption of the colonial debt, an $800,000 payment for the acquisition of

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proprietorial lands, and a promise of continuous steam communication with the mainland”.

When the terms of confederation were agreed upon, an election was called in April 1873 and Mr. Pope was re-elected to office, and led Prince Edward Island into confederation on July 1, 1873. In recognition of his role, Haythome was appointed to the Senate and was active in the activities of the Liberal party until his death in May, 1891. He was buried in Ottawa where he died, alone, at the Grand Union Hotel.

Robert Poore Haythome, although not always recognized as one, was indeed one of the Fathers of Confederation.

Submitted by Christine Weatherbie

SOURCE

Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol. XII 1891 — 1900; University of Toronto Press; Toronto. Author Andrew Robb.