CARTWRIGHT, SIR RICHARD JOHN

born Dec. 4, 1835, Kingston, Upper Canada died Sept. 24, 1912, Kingston, Ont., Can. statesman and finance minister of Canada's Liberal Party; he supported free trade between the United States and Canada, in opposition to the trade protectionism of the Conservatives. Already a successful businessman, Cartwright was elected to the Parliament of the united province of Canada as an independent Conservative in 1863. After the Dominion of Canada was created in 1867, Cartwright disagreed with the financial policy of the Conservative Party leader, Sir John A. Macdonald, and went over to the Liberals. From 1873 to 1878 he served as finance minister in Alexander Mackenzie's administration. As chief financial spokesman during the Liberal opposition (187896), he advocated unrestricted reciprocity with the United States. He was knighted in 1879. In 1896 he was minister of trade and commerce in Sir Wilfrid Laurier's administration, and in 189899 he represented Canada in the Anglo-American joint high commission at Quebec. He retired to the Senate in 1904, keeping a portfolio in the Cabinet and serving as premier during Laurier's absence. In 190911 he was government leader in the Senate.