In November, 1873, I left for England and did not return until the 2nd February, 1874. Shortly after leaving an election came on, and the late Chief Justice Thomas Moss was contesting West Toronto for the House of Commons. Foster thought it would be good policy, as Moss was sympathetic with our views, to organise the "Canada First" party as a political organisation and as such to support Moss. He at once took steps to organise it, and with the old organisation and a large number of others the National Association was established. This was on the 6th January, 1874. Of our old group there were W. A. Foster, Dr. Canniff, Hugh Scott, Joseph E. Macdougall, C. E. English, G. M. Rae, Richard Grahame, James R. Roaf, Thomas Walmsley, George R. Kingsmill; and besides these a number of new associates--W. H. Howland, R. W. Elliott, J. M. Trout, Wm. Badenach, W. G. McWilliams, James Michie, Nicol Kingsmill, Hugh Blain, Jos. A. Donovan, W. B. McMurrich, G. W. Badgerow, C. W. R. Biggar, W. H. Fraser, J. G. Ridout, W. E. Cornell, W. G. Mutton, C. W. Dedrickson, J. Crickmore, Wm. Hessin, J. Ritchie, Jr., R. G. Trotter, A. S. Irving, A. Howell, R. H. Gray, and Dr. Roseburgh. Foster did most of the work, and I have no doubt drafted the constitution and the platform. He remembered what I had said, and provided that the movement should be guided by an Executive Committee of twelve, without any president or vice-president. The platform was adopted as follows: (1) British Connection, Consolidation of the Empire, and in the meantime a voice in treaties affecting Canada. (2) Closer trade relations with the British West India Islands, with a view to ultimate political connection. (3) Income Franchise. (4) The Ballot, with the addition of compulsory voting. (5) A Scheme for the Representation of Minorities. (6) Encouragement of Immigration, and Free Homesteads in the Public Domain. (7) The imposition of duties for Revenue, so adjusted as to afford every possible encouragement to Native Industry. (8) An improved Militia System, under the command of trained Dominion Officers. (9) No Property Qualifications in Members of the House of Commons. (10) The Reorganisation of the Senate. (11) Pure and Economic Administration of Public Affairs. It will be noticed that the very first plank in the platform was "British Connection, Consolidation of the Empire, and in the meantime a voice in treaties affecting Canada." This certainly was not favouring either Independence or Annexation, and of the other ten items nearly every point has since been carried into practice.