Philip Francis Little
Philip Francis Little (
1824 -
1897) was the Premier of Newfoundland between
1855 and
1858. He was born in
Charlottetown,
Prince Edward Island. He came to
Newfoundland in
1846 and articled in law. He got involved in politics only a few years after. In helped led the charge for
responsible government along with
John Kent. After it was granted in
1854, he want on to run a successful campaign as Leader of the predominantly
Catholic Liberal Party. He became Newfoundland's first Premier in
1855.
Little only remained in office until
1858. In that time he managed to secure
Newfoundland's automony, in making sure
Newfoundland had a say over its own destiny.
Britain and
France came with a plan involving the west coast of
Newfoundland. Little objected and in a dispatch in
1857, the British cancelled the deal which would have been unfavourable to
Newfoundland.
He resigned in
1858 saying "I go now before the milk of Human kindness goes sour for me". He was right in that Newfoundland was about to enter an era of secterian strife. In
1861, riots broke out over disputed election results from Harbour Grace. Little who was now Chief Justice played a prominent role in disparcing and calming the crowds. He later on want to
Ireland and did a great deal for the home rule movement there. He passed away at the age of 73 in 1897 while living in
Ireland.
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