The Hon. William Stevens Fielding, considered one of Canada’s ablest
men, stands high in the administration of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, holding
the important place of Minister of Finance. He attained distinction
by the path of newspaper work. Mr. Fielding was born in Halifax of
English parentage in 1848, and at the age of sixteen entered the
business office of the _Morning Chronicle_. This was perhaps the most
influential newspaper of the Maritime Provinces, and counted among its
contributors numerous men of intellect and influence. It was from them
that young Fielding imbibed his political views and became imbued with
the spirit of broad patriotism which has since distinguished him.
Soon after he formed his connection with the _Chronicle_ he was
promoted to a place as reporter, and was most zealous and thorough in
this sphere. Before he was twenty he had commenced to write editorials.
For two decades Mr. Fielding remained with the _Chronicle_, rising by
degrees to the place of editor, and at the same time taking an active
part in the political campaigns in Halifax. He was elected in the
elections of 1882 to a seat in the Nova Scotia Legislature, and rose
so rapidly that within a few months he was offered the premiership
of the Province. He declined the honor on this occasion, but soon
afterward organized a government at the request of some of the other
leaders, and took upon himself the duties of provincial secretary,
which also involved the work of financial administrator. His government
was so effective that for years it controlled the affairs of the
Province. When Sir Wilfrid Laurier became premier of the Dominion in
1896 he appointed Mr. Fielding Minister of Finance, and the latter was
returned by the constituency of Shelbourne and Queens to the Dominion
House of Commons. It was Mr. Fielding who introduced the measure for
the preferential tariff which has been so conspicuous a feature of
the Laurier administration. Mr. Fielding is regarded as one of the
strongest members of the cabinet.