Philip Francis Little
Premier of Newfoundland 1855-1858
| Rank: | First 1855-1858 |
| Birth: | 1824 |
| Place of Birth: | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
| Death: | 1897 |
| Place of Death: | Ireland |
| Profession: | lawyer |
| Political Party: | Liberal Party of Newfoundland |
Philip Francis Little was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1824. 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 sucessful campaign as Leader of the Liberal Party. He became Newfoundland's first Premier or Prime Minister 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. Great 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 unfavorble 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.
