- Russell, John, first Earl
- (1792-1878)Born in London. Entered Parliament, 1813; home secretary, 1835, in Melbourne's ministry; in 1839 colonial secretary; and in 1846 premier. In 1852 foreign secretary in Aberdeen's ministry; in 1854 president of the Council, and in 1855 secretary for the colonies. Prime minister, 1865, with Gladstone as leader of the Commons.Index: Sy The leading member of the Melbourne government, 55; Sydney Smith on, 55; becomes colonial secretary, 59; his speech in House of Commons on reunion of Upper and Lower Canada, 117-122; asks for civil list, 120; not prepared to grant responsible government in the full sense, 121; his resolutions, 122; withdraws resolutions and submits bill, 123; his reply to Sir George Arthur on the subject of responsible government, 127; his letter accompanying Sydenham's instructions, 141-144; his despatch on responsible government, 163-169; his despatch on tenure of executive office, 180-182; his views on emigration, 322; Sydenham's high testimony to, 343; as leader of opposition, defends Sir Charles Bagot, 351. B Justifies Metcalfe's policy, 23; his reply to Cardinal Wiseman's pastoral, 45-46, 121; and the Clergy Reserves, 58-59. P Secures authority for governor to expend moneys without authorization of Lower Canada Assembly, 117-118; defends the measure, 118; condemned by Bouchette, 151. E His colonial policy, 26, 227-228; supports Metcalfe, 37; wise choice of Elgin as governor, 40; supports Rebellion Losses Bill, 78; his ministry forced to resign, 165; on the severance of the colonies, 229, 231. BL Denies representative government to Lower Canada, 46; Sydenham's letter to, 60; his despatch to Sydenham, 65, 137; on constitutional government, 231, 234; comes into power, 267; attitude towards colonies, 269; not unreservedly favourable to colonial self-government, 273; defends right of Canadians to legislate as they please, 325. C Effect of his resolutions, 2. Mc Opposes elective Legislative Council, 19; opposes Cabinet government, 19; instructions to Sydenham, 20; seizes Lower Canada funds, 324; opposes responsible government, 325; on Union Act, 405. W Suggests new charter for King's College, Fredericton, 53, 54; on tenure of public offices, 57, 60, 61; Roebuck's interview with, 110; Sydenham's despatch to, 114.Bib.: Dict. Nat. Biog.
The makers of Canada. 2014.