EDWARD BLAKE - ALEXANDER LIACKEHZIE RIVALS FOR POWER?

Abstract

This is a study of Edward Blake and Alexander Mackenzie, the two most important men in the Liberal Party of Canada in the immediate post-Confedoration period. The difficulties faced by its leader, Alexander Mackenzie, are studied, and particular examination is made of Edward Blake’s reluctance to serve as a loyal cabinet minister and subordinate of Mackenzie. The general conclusion is that Edward Blake’s latent desire to attain the party leadership was activated, from time to time, by friends and/or ’intriguers’, thus accounting for the rather enigmatic behaviour of Blake as ho pursued the position held by Mackenzie.