“While he favors reciprocity with the United States, he is not hopeful of much legislation in that direction,” one U.S. paper noted. “He will no doubt expend a large part of his energies in extending Canada's foreign trade. Mr. Bowell was born in Ricking Hall, Suffolk. England, in 1823, and went to Canada nine years later. In his early manhood he was a newspaper man. He was elected to Parliament from North Hastings, and, after an active experience, was made Minister of Customs in Sir John Macdonald’s cabinet, a position which he has held ever since. Mr. Bowell is a prominent member of the Orange Lodge, having held the office of Grand Master for several years. While Sir John Thompson was abroad, Mr. Bowell held the office of acting Premier.”

A newspaper in Akron, Ohio, had a reporter on the scene in Quebec City that historic day. “The new Dominion Cabinet was sworn in to-day in the temporary residence of Lord Aberdeen, the Governor-General,” an American journalist wrote. “It is years since such an event has taken place here. Most of the new and old Ministers arrived last night, Dr. Montague who is suffering from heart trouble, stayed in Canada Atlantic sleeper in charge of a medical attendant. Some uneasiness was caused by the absence of S. L. A. Catellier, Under Secretary of State, who missed the train while looking after the great seal. He arrived in time, however. The ministers started at 11 :30 for the Governor-general's residence where a large crowd had gathered to see them enter.”