374 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY sir j. h. synion form of lectures on literary subjects, or in contributions to the Press, his efforts are greatly appreciated. He is a devoted Shakes[)earian, and his love of the world's greatest poet has borne fruit in scholarly addresses — some of which have been published by request in the old country. His controversial literary style is lucid and pungent, and his articles, letters, and pamphlets on debatable topics are of great force, and give [)owerful effect to his side. Hut he is equally successful in the calm historical style, as is evidenced by his recent article on "I'nited Australia," in the Yale Quartci-ly Revieiv for August, 1900. The quality of his pen would have given him success in journalism had he followed that career. But, apart from law and literature, Sir J. H. Symon's greatest achievements — and those of which he is himself most proud — have to do with Federation. He is no doubt proud, though out of Parliament for years, of having been elected sixth on the poll for representatives to the National Convention. The supremely important question of Australian F"ederation has attracted the thought of the best minds of each colony for many years. Before it could be brought about, problems of a very difficult nature had to be solved, and the obstacles in the way seemed insurmountable. Sir Josiah Symon, by his speeches before the election of Convention delegates, did much to clear the way and concentrate public interest. The P'ederal Conventions — that in Sydney in 1891, and that of 1897-8 with its three sessions held in Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne — have been attended by the greatest men of Australia ; and with a rare combination of ability and wisdom they evolved a means which has at last brought about the desired consummation. Among the delegates from South Australia at the last Convention, .Sir J. H. Symon is the acknowledged champion of the interests of the small States. His contributions to the debates have been conspicuous for earnestness and brilliance, and he has been termed the most distinguished orator in this gathering of talented speakers. One or two of his deliveries in Sydney in 1897 were especially fiimous, and charmed and influenced those who were privileged to hear them. When the history of the Federation movement comes to be written. Sir J. H. Symon will undoubtedly hold a pre-eminent place among those sincere men who fought for national greatness and honor. His arguments on behalf of South Australia in the negotiations were exceedingly powerful, and have carried the desired weight ; but Sir Josiah at the same time looked beyond the provincial a.spect in his earnestness to encompass the high as|)iraticn. He was eager for Federation, and he sought to obtain fair play to every State which would enter it. His reputation, which was already great, has become more widely known, and delegates from other colonies have found him a doughty warrior in debate. For his services in this respect, South Australia and the whole continent owe a- debt of gratitude to .Sir J. H. Symon. His greatness is not that of the politician ; it aspires to statesmanship, and the people of the Province are properly proud of their distinguished Queen's Counsel. On January 1, 1901, the day of the inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth, Josiah Henry Symon was raised to the dignity of a Knight Commander of the most distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, receiving the hearty congratulations of numbers of his fellow-colonists.
