Aftermath George Stephen, 1st Baron Mount Stephen

stephen gave on $1 million sir john a. macdonald s government 1882 1890, knowing full important part played in successful completion of cpr when finances had been nothing short of precarious. but, stephen refused accept argument cpr owed existence government. became engaged in public battle on several years john norquay concerning unpopular monopoly clause, had concede public pressure in 1888, allowing construction of branch lines south of cpr main line. though financier of undoubted reputation, stephen did not excel in public debate. resigned president of cpr in 1888 , approved appointment of sir william cornelius van horne succeed him.

though of course wealthy man, cpr had taken significant toll on stephen s personal portfolio. james hill had ended better off him having held on railroad when stephen had had liquidate share in ensure completion of cpr. regretted having encouraged associates invest in cpr, knowing hill s manitoba railway better opportunity. not bitter towards hill, in fact quite opposite, remaining hill s staunchest ally throughout remainder of career. stephen remained director of cpr until 1893, thereafter showed glimpses of interest in railway. reduced holdings , encouraged others follow suit. ironically, principal source of stephen s vast wealth stemmed investments in hill s railroads.