The Redpath sugar refinery proved a profitable enterprise from the beginning until tariff changes forced the plant to close down in 1874. Before resuming operations in that line in 1879, in which year he founded the Canada Sugar Refining Company, of which he became president, Sir George spent five years abroad in study, travel and recreation. In connection with the Canada Sugar Refining Company he developed one of the most important productive industries of the country and into other fields extended his efforts with equal discernment and success. He became a director in the Bank of Montreal in 1882 and in 1887 was elected vice president and subsequently president, so continuing until his death. He became president of the company owning and developing the coal and iron mines at Londonderry, Nova Scotia, and was prominently connected with many other commercial interests and projects. He was prominent as a stockholder and officer in the Mexican Light, Heat & Power Company and was a director of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company and the Ogilvie Milling Company and vice president of the Royal Trust Company. He was also largely interested in the Cumberland Coal & Railway Company, and his connection extended to various other corporations which have been important factors in the development and upbuilding of Canada’s manufacturing interests. [Illustration: SIR GEORGE A. DRUMMOND] From the time that he became a resident of Canada Sir George Drummond also became a student of the conditions of the country as affected by political interests. Perhaps no better account of his prominent connection with political affairs can be given than by quoting from one of the local papers, which wrote: “Though coming from a country wedded to free trade ideas, he discovered that new industries could not thrive here in competition with the advanced and enterprising industrial activity on the other side of the line. Hence his early advocacy of protection, designated during the campaign of 1878 as the National Policy. Sir George Drummond had formed strong friendships with Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Charles Tupper and the more aggressive leaders of the conservative party as represented in the Canadian parliament. He was induced, much against his will, to accept the party candidature in Montreal West against one of the most popular men of the day, Hon. John Young. The contest will be remembered by some of the older citizens as one of extreme bitterness, although Mr. Drummond’s utterances on the platform were marked by ability, force and breadth of view, and those who heard him during that campaign of 1872 were not by any means surprised when he developed later into an authority on banking and finance and a leader in the discussion of matters pertaining to trade and commerce. That contest preceded by two years the fall of the Macdonald government and the acceptance of office by pronounced free traders. As delegation after delegation went