Cornell University Library JL58 1867 .G78 ++ British North American provinces. 3 1924 030 501 450 olin Overs Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030501450 BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PEOPOSED IJNIOK OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. (In contiuuatioD. of Papers presented 7th. PebriiaiTr 1865.) ^tt&tnte'H to ()J5t6 l^ousfeis of parliament Ijg Commaitii ot ler iHajefiitg* 8th February 1867. LONDON: PEINTED BY GEORGE EDWARD EYRE AND WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTERS TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE. 1867 'Wm Is, lOd] Prefented to The Cornell University, 1869, BY Goldwin Smith, M. A. Oxon., Regius Profeffor of Hiftory in the Univerfity of Oxford. BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. CORRESPONDENCE EESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES, (/w continuation of Papers presented Tth February 1865.) IS^vmtxii&i to IbotID Iiou0f9 of llarltam^nt fis (^rontmantr of ^tv Mm^tBf 8th February 1867- LONDON: PIUNTED BY GEORGE EDWABD EYEE AND WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE, PRINTEHS TO THE QUEEn's MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. EOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONEM OFFICE. 16254. 1867. LIST OF PAP ER^ '%r^-h^rr? CANADA. cj An Imperial Act of Parliament being necessary in order to give effect to the contemplated Union of the Colonies, this House is gratified to learn that your Excellency has been officially informed by the Secretary of State that Her Majesty's Ministers will be prepared to introduce a Bill for that purpose into the Imperial Parliament, so soon as they shall have been notified that the proposal has received the sanction of the Legislatures representing the several Provinces affected by it. And we assure your Excellency that this subject, which you have been pleased to commend to our attention, and the importance of which to ourselves and to our descendants it is impossible to exagge- rate, shall receive from this House the calm, earnest, and impartial consideration which your Excellency claims for it. We desire to convey to your Excellency a sense of the profound respect with which this House has received the assurance of your conviction that with the public men of British North America it now rests to decide whether the vast tract of country which they inhabit shall be consolidated into a State, combining within its area all the elements of national greatness, providing for the security of its component parts, and contributing to the strength and stability of the Empire ; or whether the several Provinces of which it is constituted shall remain in their present fragmentary and isolated condition, comparatively powerless for mutual aid, and incapable of undertaking their proper share of Imperial responsibility. We unite with your Excellency in fervently praying that in the discussion of an issue of such moment, our minds may be guided to conclusions which shall redound to the honour of our Sovereign, and to the welfare of Her subjects. OF TIIE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 7 Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Canada. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of tie Legislative Council. EncL2inNo.6. I THANK you for your address. I am convinced that you will apply yourselves to the consider- ation of the important matters that will be laid before you in a calm and dispassionate spirit. Enclosure 3 in No. 6. Eiicl.3mNo.6. To his Excellency the Right Honourable Charles Stanley, Viscount Monck, Baron Monck, of Ballytrammon, in the County of Wexford, Governor-General of British North America, and Captain-Greneral and Govemor-in-Chief in and over the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c., &c., &c. (Extract.) May it please your Excellency : We have not ceased to bear in mind, that at the close of the last session of Parliament your Excellency graciously informed us that it was your intention, in conjunction with your Ministers, to prepare and submit to us a measure for the solution of the constitutional problem, the discussion of which has for some years agitated this Province. We receive from your Excellency, with the most profound attention, the announcement, — That a careful consideration of the general position of British North America induced the conviction, that the circumstances of the times aflfbrded the opportunity, not merely for the settlement of a question of provincial poUtics, but also for the simultaneous creation of a new nationality : That preliminary negotiations were opened by your Excellency with the Lieutenant-Governors of the other Provinces of British North America, and that the result was that a meeting was held at Quebec in the month of October last, composed of delegates from those Colonies, representing all shades of political party in their several communities, nominated by the Lieutenant-Governors of their respective Provinces, who assembled here with the sanction of the Crown and at your Excellency's invitation, to confer with the members of the Canadian Ministry on the possibility of eflfecting a Union of all the Provinces of British North America : • That this Conference, aftet lengthened deliberations, arrived at the conclusion that a federal Union of these Provinces was feasible and desirable, and the result of its labours is a plan of constitution for the proposed Union, embodied in a series of resolutions, which, with other papers relating to the subject, your Excellency has directed to be laid before us : And that the general design of a Union, and the particular plan by which it is proposed to carry that intention into effect, have both received the cordial approbation of the Imperial Government. Inasmuch as an Imperial Act of Parliament will be necessary in order to give effect to the con- templated Union of the Colonies, we are gratified to learn from your Excellency that you have been officially informed by the Secretary of State, that Her Majesty's Ministers will be prepared to introduce a Bill for that purpose into the Imperial Parliament, so soon as they shall have been notified that the proposal has received the sanction of the Legislatures representing the several Provinces affected by it. Your Excellency may rest assured that in giving our attention to this subject, the importance of which, to ourselves and to our descendants, it is impossible to exaggerate, we shall bestow upon it our calm, earnest, and impartial Consideration. We receive with deference the expression of your Excellency's conviction, that with the public men of British North America it now rests to decide whether the vast tract of country which they inhabit shall be consolidated into a State, combining within its area all the elements of national greatness, providing for the security of its component parts, and contributing to the strength and stability of the Empire ; or whether the several Provinces of which it is constituted shall remain in their present frag- mentary and isolated condition, comparatively powerless for mutual aid, and incapable of undertaking their proper share of Imperial responsibility. And we unite with your Excellency in the ffervent prayer, that in the discussion of an issue of such moment, our minds may be guided to conclusions which shall redound to the honour of our Sovereign, and to the welfare of Her subjects. Enclosure 4 in No. 6. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly. I THANK you for this address. I am happy to hear that you are prepared to enter at once upon the discussion of the several important subjects that I have submitted to you. 111101.4111170.6. No. 7. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Edward Cabdwell, M.P. (No. 35.) Quebec, January 30, 1865. (Received, February 17, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 30, February 24, 1865, p. 42.) _ I HAVE the honour to enclose a copy of a circular Despatch which I have this day addressed to the Lieutenant-Governors and to the Governor of Newfoundland. • I have, &C. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. AT 8 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. Bncl. in No. 7. ♦ Vide Appen- dix, page 158, Enclosure in No. 7. Viscount MoNCK to Lieutenant-Governors. SiE, _ _ Quebec.January 30, 1865. I HAVE the honour to transmit for your information a copy of the resolution which it is proposed by my Government to move in both Houses of the Legislature of this Province on the subject of the proposed Union of the British North American Provinces. I also enclose, as printed by the Legislative Assembly, copies of correspondence that has been laid before both Houses of the Canadian Legislatme. I have, &c, (Signed) Monck. Resolved, That an humble address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the following resolutions, which were adopted at a Conference of delegates from the said Colonies held at the city of Quebec on the 10th of October 1864. (Here follow the resolutions verbatim.*) No. 8. No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 36.) Quebec, January 30, 1865. (Received, February 17, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 32, February 25, 1865, p. 42.) jj^^ ^ jj I HAVE the honour to enclose a copy of a Despatch from the Lieutenant-Governor Gordon "to Lord of NeW BrUUSwick. Monck, J Jia^yg g^Q f^t%5. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ' MONCK; &c. &c. &c. Bncl. in No. 8. Enclosure in No. 8. Hon. A. H. Gordon to Lord Monck. My Lord, Fredericton, January 23, 1865. In my Despatch of the 9th instant I informed your Lordship that, when I had consulted the members of my Council as to the steps most calculated to give effect to the resolutions of Quebec Con- ference, I would do myself the honour of again addressing your Lordship. I have now accordingly the honour to inform your Lordship that it is my intention, with the advice of my Executive Council, immediately to dissolve the existing Legislature of this Province, and that the new Parliament will be summoned to meet towards the end of the month of March, when the question of the Conlederation of the British North American Provinces will be immediately submitted for their consideration. I have, &c. The Viscount Monck, (Signed) Arthur H. Gordon. fac. &c. No. 9. No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 68.) Government House, Quebec, March 10, 1865. (Eeceived, March 24, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 48, March 29, 1865, p. 43.) I have the honour to transmit for your information a copy of a Despatch on the subject of the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces, which I have received from the Governor of Newfoundland. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 9 Enclosure in No. 9, _ Can^a. Goverpor Mtisgrave to Viscount Monck. ne . m My Lord, ' Government House, Newfoundland, February 23, 1865. I HAVE had the honour to receive by the mail, which arrived on the evening of the 21stj your Lordship's Despatches noted in the margin, with their enclosures, having reference to the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces. 2. I have already, in my Despatch of the 27th January, acqjiainted you with the [course] it was proposed to take in this Colony for the purposei of giving effect to the instructions of the Stjcretary of State. In the debates which have taken place in both the Council and the Assembly on the address in reply to the opening speech, and subsequently on the special subject of Confederation, it has become obvious, however, that although no attempt is made to obtain a decision adverse to a Union of the Provinces, a very strong disinclination exists, even on the part of those favourable to the Union, to pronounce any judgment upon the question "during the present session. ^ The House will expire in May, and a general election for a new Assembly must take place in the autumn. It is urged that under any circumstances the matter is one which should be referred to the constituencies, and that in these it would be specially improper to attempt to force a hasty decision from the present Legislature just on the eve of its expiration. ' 3. I believe I am justified in stating that the project is gradually gaining ground in the estimation ' of the better informed members, both of the Legislature and the community, but a good deal of mis- apprehension on the subject prevails among a Urge number, which a little time for consideration and explanation would go far to remove. ^ I entertain scarcely any doubt of the final adoption of the proposals of the Quebec Conference ; but I am advised, and it appears to myself, that in the present state of public feeling it would be'* unwise to press for a decision against the almost unanimous desire to defer it until the next session. Such a course would probably only have the effect of exciting factious hostility, and retard the eventual settlement of the plan. And it is, therefore, now proposed by the Government to agree to the postponement of a idecision until the first session of the new Legislature, when the. question shall have been submitted to the constituencies of the Colony. I have, &c. His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Monck, , (Signed) 4- Musgeave. &c. &c. &c. No. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right tlon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 73.) Government House, Quebec, March 15, 1865.' (Received, March 30, 1865.) i5IRj ' (Answered, No. 58, April 8, 1865, page 43.) I HAVE the honour to transmit an Address to Her Majesty, agreed to by the Legislative Council of this Province, praying that Her Majesty will be pleased to cause a measure to be introduced into the Imperial Parliament for the Union of the Provinces of British North America, on the basis of the resolutions adopted by the Conference of Delegates from those Provinces which met at Quebec in October of last year. This Address to Her Majesty was brought up to me by the whole House, and an Address presented to me, of which I tiave the honour to transmit a copy, requesting me to take such steps as might appear to me most suitable for laying the Address to the Queen at the foot of the throne. I have, therefore, the honour to request on the part of the Legislative Council of Canada, that you will present their Address to Her Majesty. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. No. 10.' Enclosure 1 in No. 10. ^.^^^ j j^ To his Excellency the Right Honourable Charles "Stanley, Viscount Monck,, of Ballytrammon, ■'^°- ^''• in the C9unty of Wexford, Governor-General of British North America,, and Captain-General and Goyernor-in-Chief in and over the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice-Admiral of the same, fee, &c., &c. May it please youe Excellency, We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Council of Canada, in Provincial Parliament assembled, beg leave to approach your Excellency with our respectful request that you will 16254. • B 10 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. be pleased to transmit our Address to Her Majesty on the subject of the Union of Her Majesty's Provinces of British North America' in such a way as to your Excellency may seem fit, in order that the same may be laid at the foot of, the throne. _..,,: (Signed) U. J. Tessier, Legislative Council, Speaker of the Legislative Council.' Monday, 20th February 1865. End. 2 in Enclosure 2 in No. 10. No. 10. ■ ' To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. Most Gracious Sovetseign," We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Council of Canada, in Provindial Parliament assembled, humbly approach Your Majesty for the purpose, of praying that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the following resolutions, which were adopted at a Conference of delegates from the said Colonies, held at the city of Quebec, on the 10th of October 1864. (Here follow the Resolutions which will be found printed as an Appeijdix, page 158.) Legislative Council, Monday 20th February 1865. No. II. No. ll. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount MoNCK to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 74.) Government House, Quebec, March 15, 1865. (Received, March 30, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 58, April 8, 1865, page 43.) I HAVE the honour to transmit an Address to Her Majesty, agreed to jby the Legislative Assembly of this Province, praying that Her Majesty will be pleased to cause a measure to be introduced into the Imperial Parliament for the Union of the Provinces of British North America, on the basis of the resolutions adopted by the Conference of Delegates from the Provinces which met at Quebec in October of last year. This Address to Her Majesty was brought up to me by the whole House, and an Address presented to me, of which I have the honour to transmit a copy, requesting me to«take such steps as might appear to me most suitable for laying the Address to the Queen at the foot of the throne. I have, therefore, the honour to request on the part of the Legislative Assembly of Canada, that you will present their Address to Her Majesty. I have, &c.- The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. End. 1 in Enclosure 1 m No. 11. No. 11. rT^ ^ ^ To the QuEiiN's most Excellent Majesty. Most Gracious Sovereign, We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, humbly approach Your Majesty, for the purpose of praying that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick,, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the accompanying Resolutions, which were adopted at a Conference of delegates from the said "Colonies, held at the city of Quebec on the 10th of October 1864, all which we, the Commons of Canada, humbly pray Your Majesty to take into your gracious and favourable consideration. (Here follow the Resolutions which will be found printed as an Appendix, page 158.) Legislative Assembly HaM, Monday, 13th March 1865. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 11 ' Enclosure 2 in No. 11. Canada. To his Excellency the Right Honourable Charles Stanley, Viscount Monck, of Ballytrammon, End Tin" in the County of Wexford, Governor-General of British North America, and Captain-General No. ii. and Governor-in-Chief in and over the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice Admiral of the same, fee, &;c., &c, May it please yobk Excellency, We, Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, beg leave to approach your Excellency with our respectful request that you will be pleased to transmit our Address to Her most Gracious Majesty, praying that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, in one Govern- ment, with provisions based on the resolutions which were adopted at a Conference of delegates froiji the said Colonies, held at the city of Quebec on the 10th of October 1864, in such way as your Excel- lency may deem fit, in order that the same may be laid at the foot of the throne. (Signed) L. Wallbridge. Legislative Assembly Hall, Speaker. Monday, ISth March 186S. No. 12. No. 12, Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Edward Cakdwell, M.P. (No. 164.) Quebec, August 14, 1865. (Eeceiveff, August 28, 1865.) Sir, (Answered No. 137, Septembers, 1 865, page 46.) I HAVE the honour to transmit for your inforniation, copies of the papers* ^°'^*£*. submitted to the Provincial Parliament relating to the Conference lately held in London Deputies k between Her Majesty's Government and the Ministers of C anada. printed. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. To. his Excellency the Right Honourable Viscount MoNck, Governor-General of British North America, &c. &c. ^ May it please your Excellency, The undersigned having, by Order in Council of 24th March 1865, been appointed a com- mitt-ee of the Executive Council of Canada to proceed to England and confer with Her Majesty's Government on certain subjects of importance to the Province, sailed for England in April last; and having discharged the duty entrusted to them and returned to Canada, we now beg to, submit for your Excellences information, a statement of our proceedings while in London. The circumstances under which this mission became necessary are doubtless fresh in your Excel- lency's recollection. For a considerable time past, in view of the civil war going on in the United States, and the impossibility of anticipating what international questions might at any moment arise, Her Majesty's Government felt it their duty from time to time to direct the attention of the Govern- ment of Canada to the insecure position of the Province in the event of disturbed relations unhappily resulting, and to urge the adoption of protective measures. In these communications it was not con- cealed that Her Majesty's Government expected the people of Canada to assume more onerous military .duties than they had previously borne. Your Excellency's advisers were always prepared frankly to consider these proposals, and to submit for the approval of Parliament such measures as might be found just and reasonable. But they felt at the same time that to secure the hearty assent of Parliament and the country for any important changes in the mihtary relations between the parent • state and the Colony, an explanation on the whole subject should first be had, so that a clear, under- standing as to the share of defence to be borne by each might be arrived at, and all ground of irritating and hurtful reproach for alleged neglect of duty by the Colony, entirely removed. In view also of the anticipated early union of all the British North American Colonies — so well calculated to simplify the system of defence — ^the Government of Canada deemed it highly desirable that the settlement of this important question should be reserved for the action of the Gbvernment and Legislature of the new Confederation. Her Majesty's Government concurred in these views. In the early part of this year, however, events occurred that changed the situation of affairs. The conference at Fortress Monroe for the cessation of hostilities, the disturbances on the Canadian frontier, the imposition of the passport system, the notice given by the American Government for a termination of the convention restricting the naval armament on the lakes,, and other events, tended to revive and deepen the feeling of insecurity ; and Her Majesty's Government urged the immediate erection of permanent works of defence at Quebec and -Montreal— the cost of the former to be borne by the -Imperial Treasury, and of the latter by the people of Canada. Your Excellency's advisers were most anxious to meet the wishes of Her Majesty's Government, but they could not feel it their'duty to pro- pose to Parliament a vote for defensive works at Montreal while the defence of Upper Canada, on land and on the lakes, was unprovided for. The position of affairs was further comphcated by the result of the New Brunswick elections, which postponed, at least for a time, the Union of the Prbvinces, aiid by B 2 12 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. the formal notice given by the American Government for the termination, in March next, of the Reci- ■ procity Treaty. ' It became evident that the time had arrived and could no longer be postponed, for a full and frank explanation with Her Majesty's Government on the -whole state of affairs ; and with that view an immediate mission to England, with your Excellency's assent, was resolved upon. The) state of the ease was forthwith communicated to the Legislative Council and Assembly^ which were theil in session ; and Parliament was shortly after prorogued on the understanding that it would be summoned to learn the result of the negotiations and complete the business of the session, so soon as the delegates returned froih Great Britain. On arriving in England we lost no time in placing ourselves in communication with Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies ; and a committee of the Imperial Cabinet, consisting of his Grrace the Duke of Somerset, the Right Honourable the Earl De Grey and Ripon, the Right Honourable WilUam E. Gladstone, and the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell, having been appointed to confer with us, negotiations were opened and continued at frequent interviews, up to the close of - our ^ mission. The subject to which we first invited the attention of the conference was the proposed Confederation of the British North American Colonies. We reminded the Imperial Ministers how largely all the • questions, with the discussion of which we were charged — and especially those of defence, foreign commercial relations, and internal communication — would be affected by the Union, and how greatly their satisfactory settlement would be facilitated by it. We explained the reasons that existed for obtaining the assent of all the Colonies to the Union at an early date, and the promise to which the Govei'nmeut of Canada stood pledged to proceed without delay with constitutional reforms for Canada alone, in the event of the larger measure I'ailing to be- obtained. We received at once from the members of the Imperial Cabinet assurances of their hearty approval of the Confederation scheme, and ^ of their anxious desire to promote its early accomplishment by all the legitimate influence of the Imperial Government. In the discussion of the means to be adopted for effecting Confederation, we trust it is unnecessary to assure your Excellency that the idea of coercing the maritime Provinces into the measure was not for a moment entertained. The end sought was to ascertain in what manner the question of Union in all its bearings could be best brought under the full and fair consideration of our fellow Colonists, and the grave responsibility urged upon them, which they would assume by thwarting a. measure so pregnant with future prosperity to British America, so anxiously desired by the great mass of the people to, be affected by it, and which had been received with such marked satisfaction by our fellow subjects throughout the British Empire. We received assurances that Her Majesty's Government would adopt every legitimate means 'for securing the early assent of the maritime Provinces to the Union. In the course of these discussions, the question of the Intercolonial Railway came up as a necessary accompaniment of Confederatiop, when we sought and obtained a renewal of the promised Imperial guarantee of a loan for the construction of that work. The important question of the future military relations between the mother country and Canada received earnest and grave consideration. Before entering on the discussion of details, we referred to the recent debates in the Imperial Parliament on the subject of Canadian defences,'and especially to the assertions confidently made by certain members of the House of Commons that Canada was incapable of efficient protection against invasion from her inland border. We explained the injury such statements tended to produce, and the necessity of our ascertaining, as a preliminary step to our discussions, whetheror not they were well founded. We asked that a report on the whole subject of the defence of Canada, with plans and estimates, might be obtained from the highest military and naval authorities of G-reat Britain. Such a report was obtained and communicated to us confidentially ; and we rejoice to say that it was calculated to remove all doubt as to the security of our country, so long as the hearts of our people remain firmly attached to the British flag, and the power of England is wielded in our defence. , On the part of Canada we expressed the desire that this plan for the defence of all parts of the Province should be taken as the basis of arrangement ; and that a full and candid discussion should be had as to the share'of the cost that ought be borne resjjectively by the Imperial and Provincial exche- quers. We expressed the earnest wish of the people of Canada to perpetuate the happy existing connexion with Great Britain, and their entire willingness to contribute to the defence of the Empire their full quota, according to their ability, of men and money. But we pointed out that if war should ever unhappily arise between England and the United States, it could only be an Imperial war, on Imperial grounds— that our country alone would be exposed to the horrors of invasion — and that our exposed position, far from entailing on us unusual burdens, should on the contrary secure for us the special and generous consideration of the Imperial Government. We explained, moreover, that though Canada continued to progress steadily and rapidly, it was a vast country, sparsely populated — ^that the difEculties of first settlement were hardly yet overcome — that the profits of our annual industry were to be found not in floating wealth, but in the increased value of our farms and mines — and that, at this moment especially, from the failure of successive crops, the effects of the American civil war on our commercial relations, and the feeling of insecurity as to our position (greatly aggravated by statements of the defencelessness cff the country in the British Parliament and by portions of the British press) — Canada was labouring under a temporary but serious depression. We pointed out that, while fully recognizing the necessity and prepared to provide for such a system of defence as would restore con- fidence in our future at home and abroad, the best ultimate defence for British America was to be found in the increase of her population as rapidly as possible, and the husbanding of our resources to that end ; and without claiming it as a right, we ventured to suggest that by enabling us to throw open the north-western territories to free settlement, and by aiding us in enlarging our canals and prosecuting internal productive works, and by promoting an extensive plan of emigration from Europe into the ' unsettled portions of our domain — ^permanent security would be more quickly and sm-ely and econo- mically secured than by any other means. We did not fail to point out how this might be done without cost or risk to the British exchequer, and howi greatly it would lighten the new burden of defence proposed to be assumed at a moment of depression by the people of Canada. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 13 Much discussion ensued on all these points, and • the result arrived at was, that if the people of Canada. Canadg, undertook the works of defence at and west of Montreal, and agreed to expend in training — — their militia, until the Union of all the Provinces was determined, a sun> not less than is now expended annually for that servicCj Her Majesty's Government would complete the fortifications at Quebec, provide the whole armamant for all the works, guarantee a loan for the sum necessary to construct the works undertaken by Canada, and, in the event of war undertake the defenceof every portion of Canada with all the resources of the Empire. The question having arisen as to the time and^rder in which these propositions should be submitted for the approval of the Imperial and Provincial Legislatures, it appeared that no action could be taken upon them during the present year; and it Avas therefore deemed inexpedient to complicate the Con- federation question by changing the basis of the Quebec Conference resolutions, vvhich might result from the present a|doption of these propositions. The further consideration of the defensive works was accordingly deferred for the action of the Government and Legislature of the proposed British North American Confederation ; but the assurance of Her Majesty's Government was, at the same time given, that if circumstances arose to render an application expedient by Canada alone for the immediate pro- secution of the works of defence, such application would be received in the most friendly spirit. On the subject of the American Reciprocity Treaty we entered into full explanations with the Imperial Ministers. We explained how advantageously the treaty had worked for Canada, and the desire of our people for its renewal ; but we showed at the same time how much more advantageously it had operated for American interests ; and we expressed our inability to believe that the United States Government seriously contemplated the abolition <)f an arrangement by which -they had so greatly increased their foreign commerce, secured a vast and lucrative carrying trade, and obtained free access to the St. Lawrence and to the invaluable fishing-grounds of British America — ^and that on the sole ground that the Provinces had also profited by the treaty. We explained the immediate injury that would result to Canadian interests from the abrogation of the treaty ; but we pointed out at the same time the new and ultimately more profitable channels into which our foreign irade must, in that event, "be turned, and the necessity of preparing for the change, if indeed it was to come. We asked that the British Minister at Washington might be instructed to state frankly to the American Government the desire of the Canadian people for a renewal of the treaty, and our readiness to discuss and favourably entertain any just propositions that might be made for an extension or modification of its conditions; we requested that the views of the American Government should be obtained at the earliest convenient date ; and that his Excellency' Sir Frederick Bruce should act in concert with the Canadian Govern- ment in the matter. The Imperial Government cordially assented to our suggestions. The important question of openipg up to settlement and cultivation the vast British territories on the north-wesi borders of Canada, liext obtained the attention of the Conference. Your Excellency is aware that the desire of the Governifient of Canada for a satisfactory and final adjustment of this matter has been often formally expressed. In your Excellency's Despatch of 19th January 1864, to the Colonial Secretary, the anxious desire of the Canadian Government was con;imunicated " for some " speedjr, inexpensive, and mutually satisfactory plan " for settling definitely " the north-western " boundary of Canada," and the claim of Canada was asserted to "all that portion of Central British " America, which can be shown to have been in the possession of the French at the period of the " cession in 1763." In reply to this Despatch, Mr. Cardwell, on 1st July 1864, requested to be informed whether the Government of Canada was prepared to assist in negotiations with the Hudson's Bay Company, with the view of accepting any portion of the territory now claimed by that company, and providing the means of local administration therein ; and he suggested that if so prepared it would be desirable that some person duly authorized to communicate the views of the Canadian Government should be sent to England for that purpose. On the 11th November 1864, a minute of Council was approved by your Excellency, in reply to Mr. Cardwell's Despatch. It set forth that the Government of Canada was ready and anxious to co-operate with the Imperial Government, in securing the early settlement of the north-west territories, and the establishment of local government in its settled portions ; but that in its opinion the first step towards that end was the extinction of all claim by the Hudson's Bay Company to proprietary rights in the soil and exclusive rights of trade. It suggested that it was for the Imperial Government, and not for the Government of Canada, to assume the duty of bringing to an end a monopoly originating in an English charter, and exercised so long under Imperial sanction; but that when the negotiations were brought to a close, the Government of Canada would be ready to arrange with the Imperial Government for the annexation to Canada of such portions of the territory as might be available for settlement; as well as for the opening up of communications into the territory and iproviding means of local administration. Or should the Imperial Government prefer to erect the territory into a Crown Colony, the Canadian Government would gladly co-operate in the opening up of communication into the territory, and the settlement of the country. The minute finally suggested that the Hon. President of the Council while in England would communicate more fully to Mr. Cardwell the views of the Canadian Government. The negotiations that followed on this Despatch satisfied us of the impossibility of enforcing the end, sought by Canada without long-protracted, vexatious, and costly litigation. The Huflson's bay Company w'fere in possession, and if time were their object, could protract the proceedings indefinitely ; and Her Majesty's Government appeared unwilling to ignore pretensions that had frequently received quasi recognition from the Imperial authorities. Calling to mind, therefore, the vital importance to Canada of having that great and fertile country opened up to Canadian enterprize, and the tide of emigration into it directed through Canadian channels — remembering also the danger of large grants of land passing into the hands of mere moneyed corporations and embarrassing the rapid settlement of the country— and' the risk that the recent discoveries of gold on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains might throw into the country large masses of settlers unaccustomed to British institutions^ — we arrived at the conclusion that the quickest solution of the question would be the best for Canada. We accordingly proposed to the Imperial Ministers that the whple British territory, east of the Rocky B 3 14 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. Mountains and north of the American or Canadian lines should be made over to Canada, subject to ^— such rights as the Hudson's Bay Comp|any might be able to establish ; and that the compensation to that company (if any were found to be due) should be met by a loan guaranteed by Great Britain, The Imperial Grovernment consented to this, and a careful investigation of the ease satisfies us that the compensation to the Hudson's Bay Company cannot, under any circumstances, be . onerous. It is but two years since the present Hudson's Bay Coinpany purchased the entire property of the old com- pany ; they paid 1,500,000Z. for the entire property and assets, — in which were included a large sum of cash on hand, large landed properties in British Columbia and elsewhere not included in our arrange- ment, a very large claim against the United States Government under the Oregon Treaty— and ships, goods, pelts, and business premises in England and Canada valued ai 1,023,569?. The value of the territorial rights of the compainy, therefore, in the estimation of the company itself, will be easily arrived at. The results of our communications with the Committee of Her Majesty's Government were placed, by Mr. Cardwell, in the form of a Despatch to your Excellency ; that document bears date the 17th June 1865, and has already reached your Excellency's hands. It contains a correct statement of the result of the conference. Although the subject was not specially referred to us, we did not fail to call the attention of the Colonial Minister to the anomalous position of foreigners who have settled in Canada and become naturahzed subjects under our Provincial Statutes. Mr. Cardwell at once admitted the hardship of the case, and stated that it was the desire 6i Her Majesty's Government to remedy it,' and that with that view he had referred the subject to the Law OfBbers of the Crown for their ©pinion as to the best mode of doing so. It will be gratifying to many devoted subjects of Her Majesty throughout British America, whose fears have been excited by the language too often heard of late years on the subject of Colonial connexion, that we received from Her Majesty's Ministers the assurance that the British Government acknowledge the obligation of defending every portion of Canada with all the resources at its command. ' Such, in brief, is the outline of our communications with Her Majesty's Grovernment, and we cannot concliide this report without gra,tefully acknowledging the distinguished consideration extended to us as the representatives of Canada, not only by the Ministei;s with whom we were brought more directly in contact, but by many eminent personages with whom we had the honour of conferring on the objects of ou^ mission. To Mr. Cardwell we are especially indebted for unremitting kindness and attention. We are happy to believe that the result of our visit to England has been to inspire more just views as to the position and feelings of the Canadian people, and to draw closer the ties that have so long and so ha'ppily attached our Provinde to the mother country. (Signed) John A. Macdonald. Geo, Et, Cartier, Geo. Brown. Quebec 12th July 1865. A. T. Galt. Ijfo. 13. No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Ebward Cakdwell, M.P, (No, 183.) Government House, Quebec, September 20, 1865. (Eeceived, Octobers, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 147, October 7, 1865, page 46w) I HAVE the honour to transmit for your information, copies of a correspondence which I have had with the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, on the subject of further guarantees for the construction of the Intercolonial Railway, in the event of the Union of the Provinces. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. End. 1 in Enclosure 1 in No. IS. No. 13. Lord MoNCK to Sir R. G. MaoDonnell. SiE, Quebec, September 9, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch (No. 184) of 31st August, respecting tjhe securities which you desire for ,the construction of the Intercplonial Railway in the event of the Union of the British North American Provinces being completed. In that Despatch you suggest that the Canadian Parliament should request the Imperial Government so to frame the Imperial Act of Parliament which shall give effect to the Ifnion of the Provinces as to secure the construction of the railway. , It appears to me and my Executive Council that this suggestion could only have been made under a misapprehension or in oblivion of what has been already done by the Canadian Parliament in reference to this subject. or THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 15 I take the liberty of calling your attention to the course adopted with respect to the Intercolonial Canada. Railway by the Government and Parliament of this Province. , In the last session of the Canadian Parliament an address was voted by both Houses to Her Majesty, praying "That she would be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to " the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New " Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland in one Government, with provisions based on " the accompanying resolutions, which were adopted at a Conference of delegates from the said " Colonies, held at the city of Quebec on the 10th day of October 1864." It is consequently-manifest that all the resolutions adopted at the Quebec Conference were incor- porated into the address to the Queen, and that Her Majesty -was as much requested by the terms of this address to take measures for giving eifect to each and all of them as if the request had been embodied in a separate address having distinct reference to each resolution. I find the 68th resolution of the Quebec Conference expressed in the following terms :^-" The " general Government shall secure, without delaiy, the completion of the Intercolonial Railway from " Rivifere du Loup through New Brunswick to Truro in Nova Scotia." It would appear to me therefore that the Canadian Parliament, having abeady voted an address to the Queen, praying Her Majesty to take measures to secure the construction of the Intercolonial Railway, has done all that lies in its power to give assurance of its desire that the undertaking shall be completed; and I may add that after such a course I think it would be scarcely respectful to Her Majesty to repeat the request by a further address. As an additional evidence of the anxiety 6f Canadians that there should be no difficulty in the way of completing this work, or delay in the execution of it, I venture to remind you that it appears, from correspondence with the Secretary of State, already in your possession, that when a deputation of the Government of Canada was latfely in England, in conference with Her Ma-jesty's Government, the members of that deputation voluntarily sought and obtained from the Imperial Cabinet a renewal of the engagement that, in the event of the success of the project for uniting the British North American Colonies the guarantee of the Imperial Government for the loan necessary for the construction of the railroad should be afforded. ' The correspondence, of which I have furnished you with copies, and of which your present Despatch is an acknowledgment, affords further proof of the sentiments of the Canadian Government on this ^ subject, and their willingness on . the part of the Parliament of Canada to acquiesce in any course which the Imperial Goverflm^nt may adopt in order to secure, immediately on the Union of these Provinces, the commencement and prosecution of this important work. I have, &c. (Signed) Monck. Lieut.-Grovernor Sir R. G. MacDonnell. Enclosure 2 in No. 13. End. 2 in Sir R. G. MacDonnell to Viscount Monck. My Lord, ■ Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 31, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship'fe Despatch of the 21st inst., enclosing a correspondence between yourself and the Secretary of State, in reference to the construction of the Intercolonial Railway. That correspondence includes a Despatch from the Right Honourable the Secretary of State, suggesting that more positive assurances from Canada of hef readiness to construct that railroad would be satisfactory to the friends of Confederation in the maritime Provinces. It also includes a minute of your Excellency's Council, declaring the importance which they attach to the construction of the Inter- colonial Railway. ' 3. So far as any suggestions from myself may have influenced the Secretary of State to transmit that Despatch, I must frankly say, that my object was to obtain some other security for the completion of the Intercolonial line, than that of the Canadian Government. I need scarcely say that I entirely rely on the good faith of the Canadian Government, and I know not who would question it ; never- theless, the Parliament which has promised construction of the line must, in the event of Confederation, cease to exist, and the very members of your Grovernment who repeat their assurances of its necessity may not be in office when the time for action arrives. It is therefore natural that those in the maritime Provinces who attach importance to the Intercolonial Railway should look beyond the existing Canadian Government to secure this leading inducement to Confederation being completed by the future Government and Parliament of the Confederate Provinces. 4. There are those who really desire Union if satisfied that the stipulated inducements will all be made good, and with whom the difficulty of attaining any satisfactory assurance of the kind, has hitherto operated as a genuine reason for opposing a scheme which they would otherwise support. There are also those who urge the difficulty of obtaining the requisite assurance as a pretext to excuse their own real hostility to the measure. 5. it seems to me that to Satisfy the just expectations of the former, and deprive the latter of every excuse, is and ought where practicable to be a leading object of the policy of all friends of Confederation. Neither purpose can be. attained by any amount of reiterated assurances from the present Canadian Government or Parliament, simply because the present may not be the Executive power in existence when the time arrives for carrying the und'ertgiking into effect. 6. The only power that can be assumed as unalterable, and wholly reliable, as well as equally friendly to all concerned, is the British Government, and if the real wish and intention of the Canadian Ministry and Parliament be that the Intercolonial line shall be undertaken and completed in pre- ference to any public works in Upper Canada or elspwhere, either now projected, or hereafter to be B 4 16 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Oanada. projected, it seems easy to request Her Majestj^'s Government to frame the Imperial Act intended to .. " legalise and embpdy the conditions of Confederation so as to reserve to Imperial authority and Imperial agents if necessary, ample means of completing |the undertaking at the expense of the Confederacy. , It is 'not for me, to point out the special mode in which this might be accomplished; it is enough that it could be done effectually if earnestly desired. 7. Some such step taken during the present session of the Canadian Parliament Tv^ould tend greatly to advance the cause of Confederation. Its omission and ,the impression which' has gone abroad of the unwillingness of the Canadian Government to admit that a railway can be a condition of a constitution — though it may be made by Imperial Act as much an essential condition thereof as actual payment of purchase money is essential to the validity of other transactions — has prejudiced and is prejudicing the progress of confederation here and as I beUeve in New Brunswick also. 8. I would therefore very respectfully suggest that your Lordship might usefully endeavour to impress OH: your responsible advisers the expediency of early taking such measures as may deprive every one of all pretext for doubting the "bona fide" fulfilment of the projected Union. Difficulties which cannot be avoided often beset the wisest and most expedient measures, but this is a difiiculty which need last no longer than the Canadian Government and Parliament choose it to remain. 9. Your Lordship will regard this Despatch as expressing not merely my own views, but those of my Ministry. I have, &c. His Excellency the Right Hon. (Signed) Richakd Graves MacDonxell, Viscount Monck, Governor General, Lieut. Governor. &c. &c. &C. I No. 14. No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Gpvernment to ±M Right Hon. Edward Card well, M.P. (No. 3.) Montreal, September 30, 1865. (Received, October 16, 1865.) ^I^> (Answered, No. 150, October 18, 1865. page 46.) ■Page 14. With reference to Lord Monck's Despatch, No. 183,*, of September 20th, enclosing copies of a correspondence between his Lordship and the Lieutenant-Governor of iSlova Scotia, respecting further guarantees for the construction of the Intercolonial Railway, I have the honour to transmit for your information a copy of another Despatch on the same subject, which I have received from Sir Richard MacDonnell since Lord Monck's departure. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) J. MICHEL, Lt.-Gen., &c. ' &c. ' &c. Administrator of the Government. End. in No. 14. Enclosure in No. 14. Sir R., G. MacDonnell to Lord Monck. My Lord, Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 18, 186^. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch of the 9th instant, in reply to mine of the 31st ultimo, suggesting the poHcy of providing additional security for the prompt construction of the Intercolonial 'raiboad. 2. It is very gratifying to me to find that your Lordship regards the previous correspondence on the subject as a proof of the " willingness of the Canadian Government on the part of the Parliament of " Canada to acquiesce in any course which the Imperial Government may adopt in order to secure " immediately, on the Union of these Provinces, the commencement and vigorous prosecution of that " important work." - 3. I must however observe, that as this is the first time in which any direct allusion has been made to the willingness of Canada to abide by the views of the Imperial Government, apart from the strict ' text of the Quebec resolutions, I could not have been expected to have sooner divined such wilHnffness. It is however enough that it is announced now. ^ 4. I would also very respectfully submit that my Government is scarcely liable to the imputation of either "oblivion" or "misapprehension" of matters which had attained such recent and general' notoriety as the renewed engagements by the delegates in London for a loan to construct the railway • and still less so, as to the mention of that project in the 68th Quebec resolution, of which your Lordship is so good as to remind me. 5. On the contrary, it was on the ground that many persons in these Provinces regard the terms of that very resolution as insufiicient, whether eventually embodied or not in an Imperial Act, that I ventured to draw your Lordship's attention to the subject. 6. I need scarcely repeat that my suggestions from the first were offei^ed not with a view to satisfy- any ^doubts of my own or my Council. Two members of the latter body had been nominated by me Delegates to the Quebec Convention. Theywer e therefore parties to the articles agreed on, and then ' as now, they considered the assurance containe d in the 68th resolution quite sufficient to satisfy all' OF THE BRITISH l^ORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 17 reasonable men ; and believed, as they still believe, that the projected railway would be carried out Canada. promptly and in good faith. _ 7. Nevertheless the question is not what ought to satisfj^ myself or my Council, but rather what it is politic to do for the purpose of satisfying many influential opponents of confederation, who see, or think they see, or pretend they see ,in the Quebec resolutions an insufficient security for a work, held out as a leading inducement to confederation. 8. The 68th Quebec resolution is represented by them as relegating too entirely to the future ' " General Government," and the future Ottawa Parliament, the execution of an important part of the confederation contract. ~ They say that the present Canadian Executive is not competent to speak for the future Executive, of a different people and different Government, so as to foretel the mode in. which the latter may execute a trust entirely consigned to them. 9. Now, although, in the event of confederation, the strong probability is that the leading statesmen of the .present day would form that " Greneral Government^" and as members of it, would desire faith- fully to carry out the pledges given by them as members of the Quebec Conference there is no absolute certainty in that prospect. -On the contrary, there is just such a chance, however remote, of the first General Government being in a minority, as furnishes a pretext for those | who are disposed to do so, to pretend that some rival project may obtain precedence in the new Parliament, notwithstanding the facilities offered by the guarantee of the Imperial Government for raising funds to construct the railway. 10. Now all the suggestions of myself and my Council from the first have had but one object, viz., to cut the ground completely from under the feet of the class of objectors above alluded to, whether sincere in their objections or not. 11. In dealing with them I distinctly stated that it was " not for me to point out the special mode" in which additional security for construction of the railroad might be procured. Perhaps that object cannot be better attained than by the interpretation now given by your Lordship on the pQ.rt c^ the Garuadian Exeoutive and LegislaMre to the previous correspondenpe. 12. Such an authentic announcement of the willingness of Canada to acquiesce in any course to secure the commencement and vigourous prosecution of the intended railway which may be taken by so friendly and suitable an arbiter as the Imperial Government must be sufficient to terminate all doubt and cavilling. IS. It is immaterial Whether that willingness to abide by the judgment of Great Britain had been sufficiently implied before, or whether it be now for the first time introduced, as an admitted inference from previous correspondence. Provided it be clearly expressed, whether late or early, its authority is equally unquestionable. , 14. For my own part I candidly say that, if the willingness of Canada to acquiesce in any course to be taken by Her Majesty's Government, had been expressed earlier I should not have troubled yoUr Lordship on the subject. Permit me to add however that 1 cannot regret having elicited so satisfactory and decisive an exposition of the real intentions of the Canadian Government. I have, &c. His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount (Signed) Richard Graves Mac Donnell, • Monck, Governor General, Lieut-Governor. (Sjc. &c, &c. No. 15. No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 48.) Ottawa, June 8, 1866. (Eeceived, June 25, 1866.) Sir, (Answered No. 70, June 30, 1866, page 47.) Extract, I HAVE the honour to enclose a copy of the speech with which I this day opened ■ the session ofthe Canadian Parliament. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, MP., (Signed) MONCK- &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 1 5. ^'"'^ ^° ^°-"' Extract. _ ,^ Honourable Gentlemen and Gentlemen, ' .. ' The position which the great question ofthe Union of the Provinces of British North America has assumed is now such as to induce the expectation that the measure will be shortly carried into effect. I therefore hope and believe that it will be found < practicable during the present session to adopt such proceedings as may be necessary for completing the details of the scheme as regards this Province, and I venture to express the confident expectation that the next Parliament which will be held within these walls will not be confined to an assembly of the representatives' of Canada,. but will embrace those of all the Colonies of British North America. , I am happy to be able to congratulate you on the general prosperity which pervades all classes q£ the community in the Province, and I pray that your councils may be guided by Divine Proyii4ence to secure that which is the true end of all government, the moral a)nd material advancenient of t^ie, grea,t body of the people. . j . ,, 16254. ' C ■ ' ''''''" '' |8 CORB,E§^|JpENGE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION fi4Mft^^ ' No. 16. No. 16. Copy 'of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 113.). Ottawa, August 15, 1866. ' ■"■ ' (Received August 29, 1866.) My Lord, ' (Answered, No. 47, Sept. 5, 1866, p. 48.) Ang. 15, 1866. , I HAVE thc honour to enclose a copy of the Speech with which I this, day closed ihe Session of the Canadian Parliament. s , : I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. : &c, &c. ' &C.' End. in No. 16. , ;•: • Enclosuije in No. 16. Extract feom Speech: HONOKABLE GrENTLEMEN, AND GeNTLEMEN,-, 'J 'i;) i . ' .» ' I REJOICE that you have completed your, part of the plan for the Union of the' Colonies of British North. America, and I shall not fail to transmit to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, for presenta- tionito Bfer Majesty, your address on this subject. ,; . • - - ... in bringing to a close the last Session likely to be held under the Act for the Union of the two Canadas, I congratulate the Parliament which that Law called into existence on the retrospect afforded by the events of. the last quarter of a century in this Province. , . . You can mark during that ppriod the firm. consolidation of your institutions both political and muni- cipal, the extended settlement, of your country. — the development of your internal resources and foreign trade — the improvement and simplification of your laws — and above all the education which the adoption of the system of r responsible government has afforded to your statesmen in the well-tried ways of the O&ritish Constitution. , . - :. .: ; The same principles, the application of which has been attended with so much advantage in the smaller Union, will be the guide of your course in the larger sphere of action on which you are now about to enter, and I fervently pray that the blessings which you have hitherto enjoyed may be given in larger ■measikreto that new nationality of which you will form apart and the dimensions of which will entitle it td a high place amongst the powers of thei world. No- 17. , ;...:,,_^, No. 17. ^^ .. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 115.) Ottawa, August 16, 1866. ,?.! .oX (Received August 29, 1866.) MyLqRD, . ' l'U; .,■ (Answered, No. 41, August 31,1866, p. 48.) I HAVE the honour to. transmit to your Lordship an Address to Her Majesty the Queen from the Legislative, Assembly of Canada, praying that Her Majesty_/will be gracioLJsly pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for creating Local. Governments and Legislatures in Canada East and Canada West respec- tively after the union of the British North American Colonies shall have been completed. i request that your Lordship will have the goodness to lay this Address before th;e Queen. ,, , ' ^-''".'I:j ('■■■-I '_j ' :;■.'••'■ I have, &c.: .; . TheRight Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, . (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. Enci.mNo.i7. Enclosure' in No, 17. iiolv , To THE Queen's most ExcEiiLENT Majesty; Most GRAciotJs Sovereign, ' ' ' We, Your' Majesty's Uiost dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons of Canada, in Parliament assembled, humbly approadh your Majesty, for the pilrjiose of praying that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted ia thfe Imperial Parliament, to provide foi^ the Local Governmfent and Legisl'attire of Lower and Upper Canada, respectively, when the union of the Provinces of British, North. America is effected, with jirovisions based upoii the accompanying Resolu- tions, which were adopted by this .House on Sa:turday the eleventh August, one thousand eight huja^reid 'and sixty-six. All whitjh wfe, the Commons of Canada, hutnbly pray Your Majesty to take into Your "^MoUS aiidfavourabteidbnkidBifation. ' ' ' ' ' ■ (Signed) L. Waleridge," ' Legislative Assembly Hall, -"--*" ' ■ ^ - «. Speaker. Saturday, '1 1th August 1866, > , , , OI^J-I^HE BRITISH JfORTH AMERIGAN PROVINCES. 19 (Sealed,) GklfADA. Resolutions providing for the Local Govemraent and Legislature of Lower apd Upper Canada ., : respectively when the Union of the Provinces of British Nortja, America is effected. . . Resolved: .■',._. ^ •',';' .', ' /', "' 1. That by the 38th paragraph of the resolution of this House passed on the 3rd day of February 18 ^5, for presenting an humble address to Her Majesty, praying that She may be graciously pleased to cau^e a ineasure to be submitted to the Imperial Parhament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Grovernmciit, with provisions based on the resolutions which were adopted ,4t a Conference of Delegates from the' said Colonies, held at the city of Quebec on the 10th of October 1864, it is provided that "for each 'of " the. Provinces there shall.be an Executive Officer, styled the Lieutenant-Governor,' who' shall be " fippointed by the Governor-General in Council under the Great Seal of the Federa:ted Provinces " dui:ing pleasure, such pleasure not to be exercised before the expiration of the fitst five years except " for cause, such cause to be communicated iii writing to the Lieutenant-^Goyernot immediately after '? the exercise of the pleasure as aforesaid, and also by message tO; both Housed of Parliament withiiji ' " the first week of the first session afterwards," and that by the ilst paragraph of tJ:^fe sanie refeolutioli " it is provided that " the Local Government an^. Legislature of each Province shall b^ constructfed in " such manner as the existing Legislature of each such Province shall provide," and it is further now resolved that in the opinion of this House the appointment of the first Lieutenant-Governor shall be provisional, and that he should hold office strictly duriiig pjeasure. 2. That under and subject to the Constitutioii of the Federated Provinces the executive authority of the Lieutenant Governor; b¥ Lower Canada ' and Upper Canada respectively shall; b%tadministered by eacli of such officers according to the well-understood principles of the British Constitution. 3. The Great Seal of each Province of'I^ower Cartada and Upper Canada shall be the same or of the same design in each of the said Provinces as that used in the said Province respectively at the time of the existing Union untU, altered by the Local Government. •' 4. That there shall be. a Local Legislature for Lower Canada conipdied-of two; Chambers, to be called the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada:^" 5. That there shall b6' a Local Legislature for Upper Canada, which shall consist of one Chamber, to be called the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. 6. That the Legislative Council of Lower Canada shall be composed of 24 members, to be appointed by, the Crown under the Great, Seal of the Local Governniient, who yshall;;liold office during life, but if any Legislative Councillor shall for two consecutive Sessions of Parliament fail to give his attendance in the said Council his seat shall thereby become vacant. '^^ ' ■ '''"'"'-'- ' ''"' -^ j,;^,. That jthe- members of the Legislative Council,(]f Lower Canada ^h^U |j^-Bri|ish subjects by H or naturalization of the fiill age of 30 years, shall possess a' continuous real property 'qualiflcatioiS' in. Lower Canada of 4,000, doUar^ over and abpve all.jncujnb^ances, and sha^., (^ntinue worth thatf'st^m^ over and above their, debts, and liabilities. ' ' ' '" - -^ -. ^ r a/joo ..> ,; ,8. That if any question shall arise, as to the qualification of a Legislative Councillor in LoWrer Cana,da the same shall be determined by the Council. ■',■.,,. 9. That the speaker of the Legislative Council of Lower Canada (unless otherwise provided by the. Local Parliament) shall be appointed by the C^o^n. from among the members of the Legislative Council, and shall hold office during pleasure, and §hall only be entitled to a casting vote on an equality of votes. ' ■■ ■ ; . ■ 10. That each of the 24 Legislative Councillors of Lower Canada shall be appointed to represent' one of the 24 Electoral Divisiqns thereof mentioned in Sjchedule A. of ttie first chapter of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, and such Councillor shall reside or possess his qi^alificatioh in the division he is appointed to represent. ■ ' .' ', 11. That the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada shaU be composed of. the 65 members to be elected to represent the 65 Electoral divisions into' which Lower Canada is now' divided under chapter 2 of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, chapter 75 of the Consolidated Statutes for Lovifer Cana4a, and, the, Act 23 Victoria,- chapter 1,, or of any other Act- amending the, same in force at the time when the Local Government shall be constituted, as well for representation in the Local Legislature thereof as in the. Houses of Commons, of the Federated Provinces: Provided that it shall not be lawful to present to the Lieutenant-Governor for assent any Bill of the Legislative Council and Assembly of.Lower Canada by wliich the limits of the electoral divisions mentioned in the schedule hereto annexed marked A. may be altered unless the second and third readings of such Bill iti the Legislative Assembly ^shall have been passed with the concurrence of the majority of the members for the time being of the said Legislative Assembly representing the electoral divisions mentioned in said schedule marked A,, and the assent shall not be given to such Bill. unless an addtess has been presented by the Legislative Assembly to the Lieutenant-Governor that such Bill has been so passed. . 12. That the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada shall be composed of. 82, members, to be elected to represent th6 82 constituencies in Upper Canada, such constituencies being 4dentical, whether for representation in the Local Legislative Assembly or for representation in the House of Conimqns of the Federated Provinces, and which constituencies shall consist of the divisions and be bounded ds is provided in the schedule hereto, annexed marked B, ., . ' . 13. That until other provisions are made by the Local Legislature of Lower and Upper Canada respectively, changing the same in either of the said Provinces, all the, laws which at the date of the' j)roclamation constituting the separate Provinces of Lower Canada and of Upper Canada shall be in fotqe, in each, of the said Provinces respectively, relating to the quaUfication and disqualification of ahy person to be elected or to sit or vote as a member of the Assembly of the Province of Canada, and ^elating to 1;he qualification or disqualjfica,tion of voters, and to the oaths to be taken by voters, andto returning officers and their powers and duties, and relating to the proceedings at elections, and to the period during which such elections may be continued, and relating to the trial of controverted elections and the proceedings incident thereto, and relating to the vaca,ting of the seatls of members, and to the C2 20 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING 'THE PROPOSED UNION Canada, issuing and execution of new writs in case of any seat being, vacated otherwise tha,n by a dissolution, ' '• shall respectively apply to elections of members to serve in the said the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and in the said the Legislative AsBfetnbly of Upper Canada. 14. That the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada respectively shall continue for four years from the day of the return of the writs for choosing the same and no longer,' subjectnevertheless to either the said the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada or the said the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada being sooner prorogued or dissolved by the Lieutenant- Governor of either the said Provinces respectively. 15. That there shall be a session of the Legislature of each of the said Provinces once at least every year, so that a period of 12 months shall not intervene between the last sitting of the Local Legislature in one^session and the first silting thereof in the next session. 16. That it is expedient that any Act of the Imperial Parliament which may be passed for the Union of the Colonies of British North America should contain a provision that the division and adjustment of the debts, credits, liabilities, properties, and assets of the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada should be referred to the arbitrament of three arbitrators, one to be chdsen by'the Local Government of Upper Canada, the .other by the Local Government of Lower Canada, and the third by the General Government ; it being further provided that the selection of the arbitrators shall not take place until after the General Parliament for British North America and Local Legislatures for Upper and Lower Canada have been elected, and that the third arbitrator shall not be a resident in either Upper or Lower Canada. Schedule A. Electoral Divisions in Lower Canada referred to in the above Resolutions. Counties of Pontiac. Ottawa., Argenteuil. Huntingdon. Missisquoi. Brome. Counties of Shefford. Stansteadt Compton. Wolfe & Richmond. Megantic. Town of Sherbrooke. Schedule B. Electoral Divisions of Upper Canada. Divisions tOs stand with their present, Boundaries. Counties of Prescott, Glengarry, S torment, Dundas, Russell, Carleton, Prince Edward, Halton, and Essex. Ridings of counties : — ^Lanark North, Lanark South, Leeds and Grenville North Riding, South Riding Leeds, South Riding Grenville, Northumberland East, Northumberland West (less South Monaghah), Durham East, Durham West, Ontario North, Ontario South, York East, York West, York North, Wentworth North, Wentworth South, Elgin East, Elgin West, Waterloo North, Waterloo South, Brant North, Brant South, Oxford North, Oxford South, Middlesex East Riding. Cities and towns: — Toronto East, Toronto West, Hamilton, Ottawa, Kingston, London, Brockville. with the township of Elizabethtown, Niagara with \he township of Niagara, Cornwall with the township of Cornwall. i New and altered Electoral Divisions. District of Algoma. County of Bruce divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the North and South Ridings. The North R,iding shall consist of the townships of Bury, Lindsay, Eastnor, Albemarle, Amabel, Arran, Bruce, Elderslie, and Saugeen, and the village of Southampton. _ ' The South Riding shall consist of the townships of Kincardine (including village), Greenock, Brant, Huron, Kinloss, Culross, and Carrick. The county of Huron • divided into two ridings,' to be called respectively the North and South Ridings:; — The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Ashfield, Wawanosh, Turnberry, Howick,. Morris, Grey Colborne, Hullett including village of Clinton, and McKillop. The South Riding shall consist of the town of Goderich and the townships of Goderich, Tuckersmith, Stanley, Hay, Usborne, and Stephen. The county of Middlesex divided into three ridings, to be called respectively the North, West, and East Ridings :— The North Riding shall consist of the townships of McGillivray and Biddulph (takeii from the ctfunty of Huron), and Williams East, WiUiams West, Adelaide, and Lobo. ■ The West Riding shall consist of the townships of Delaware, Carradoc, Metcalfe, Mosa, and Ekfdd, and the village of Strathroy. _ . ' The East Riding shall consist of the townships now embraced therein, and be bounded as it is at present. "' , The county, of Lambton shall consist of the townships of Bosanquetj Warwick, Plympton, Sarnia, Moore, Enniskillen, and Brooke, and the town of Sarnia. * The county of Kent shall consist of the townships of Chatham, Dover, East Tilbury, Romney, Raleigh, and Harwich, and the town of Chatham. ' The county of Boihwell shall consist of the townships of Sombra, Dawn, and Enphemia (taken from the coui)ty of Lambton), and the townships of Zone, Camden with the Gore therebf, Orford, and Howard (taken from the county of Kent).' ' ' - i > , OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES, 21 The county of Grey divided into two ridings,, to be called respectively the South and North C^f-*PA. Ridings: — — ~ The South Riding shall consist of the townships of Bentinck, Glenelg, Artemesia, Osprey, Normanby, Egremont, Proton, and Melancthon, , , i , The North Riding shall coijsist of the townships of Colhngwobd, Euphrasia, Holland, Saint Vincent, Sydenham, Sullivan, Derby, and Keppel, Sarawak, and Brooke, and the town of Owen Sound. The county of Perth divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the South and North Ridings : — , ' . The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Wallace, Elma, Logan, EUice, Morningtoni, and North Easthope, and the town of Stratford, The South Riding shall consist of the townships of Blanchard, Qownie, South Easthope, Fullarton, Hibbert, and the villages of Mitchell and Ste. Marys., The county of Wellington shall be divided into three ridings, to be called respectively North, South, and Centre Ridings :— The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Amaranth, Arthur, Luther, MintOj Maryborough, Peel, and the village of Mount Forest. The Centre Riding shall consist of the townships of Garafraxa, Erin, Eramosa, Nichol, and Pilking- ton, and the villages of Fergus and Elora. The South Riding shall consist of the town of "Gueljih, and the townships of Guelph and Puslinch. _ _ . The county of Norfolk shall be divided into ridings, to be called respectively the South and North Ridings : — The South Riding shall consist of the townships of Charlotteville, Houghton, Walsingham and Woodhouse, and with the Gore thereof. ' ' The North Riding shall consist of the Townships of Middleton, Townsend, and Windham, and the town of Simcoe. ' The county of Haldimand shall consist of the townships of Oneida, Seneca, Caguya North, Caguya South, Rainham, Walpole, and Dunn. The county of Monck shall consist of the townships of Canborough and Moulton and Sherbrboke, and the village of Danville (taken from the county of Haldimand), the townships of Caistor and Gains- borough (taken from the county of Lincoln), and the townships of Pelham and Wainfleet (taken from the county of WeUand). The coijnty of Lincoln shall consist of the townships of Clinton, Grantham, Grimsby, and Louth, and the town of St. Catharines. ' ' The county of WeUand shall consist of the townships of Bertie,' Crowland, Humberstohe, Stamford, Thorold, and Willoughby, and the villages of Chippeway, Clifton, Fort £rie, Thorold, and Welland. The county of Peel shall consist pf the townships of Chinguacousy, Toronfo, and the Gore of Toronto, and the villages of Brampton and Streetsville. The county of Cardwell shall consist of the townships of Albion and Caledon (taken from the county of Peel), and the townships of Adjala and Mono (taken from the county of Simcoe). ' The county of Simcoe divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the South and the North Ridings : — The South Riding shall consist of the townships of West GwilUmsbury, Tecumseth, Innisfil, Essa, Tossorontio, Mulmur, and the village of Bradford. The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Nottawasaga, Sunnidale, Vespra, Flos, Oro, Medonte, .Orillia and Matchedash, Tiny and Tay, Balaklava and Robinson, and the towns of Barrie and Collingwood. The county of Victoria divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the South and North Ridings: — The South Riding.shall consist of the townships of Ops, Mariposa, Emily Verulam, and the town of Lindsay. The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Anson, Bexley, Garden, Dalton, Digby, Eldon, Fenelon, Hindon, Laxton, Lutterworth, Macaulay and Draper, Sommerville, and Morrison, Muskoka, Monck and Watt (taken from the county of Simcoe), and any other surveyed townships lying to the • north of the said NortH Riding. i The county of Peterborough divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the West and East Ridings : — The West Riding shall consist of the townships of South Monaghan (takeij from the county of Northumberland), North Monaghan, Smith and Ennismore, and the town of Peterborough. The East Riding shall consist of the townships of Asphodel, Belmont; and Methuen, Douro, Dum- mer, Galway, Harvey, Minden, Stanhope and Dysart, Otonajbee, and Snowden, and the village of Ashburnham, and any other surveyed townships lying to the north of the sai,d East Riding. .~. The county of Hastings divided into three ridings, to be called respectively the West, East, and North Ridings : — The West Riding shall consist of the town of Belleville, the township of Sydney, and the village of Trenton. The East Riding shall consist of the townships of Thurlow, Tyendinaga, and Hungerford. The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Rawdon, Huntingdon, Madoc, Elzevir, Tudor, Marmora and Lake, and the village of Stirling, and any other surveyed townships lying to the north of the said North Riding. _ :..,,' The county of Lenno,x shall consist of the townships of Richmond, Adolphustown, Nprtli Fredericks- burgh, South Fredericksburgh, Ernesto wn,ap.d Amherst Island, and the village of Napanee. The county of Addington shall consist of the townships of Camden, Portland, Sheffield, Hinchinbroke, Kaladar, Kennebec, Olden, Oso, Anglesea, Barrie, Clarendon, Palmerston, EfSngham, Abinger, Miller, Cauonto, Denbigh, Loughborough, and.Jiedfbrd, The county of Frontenac shall consist of the townships of Kingston, Wolfe Island, Pittsburg and Howe Island, and Storrington. C 3 22 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. The county of Renfrew divided into two ridings, to be called respectively the South and North — Ridings : — The South Riding shall consist of the townships of McNab, Bagot, Blithfield, Brougham, Horton, Adtnaston, Grattan, Matawatchan, Griffith, Lyndoch, Raglan, Radcliffe, Brudenell, Sebastopolj and the villages of Arnprior and Renfrew. The North Riding shall consist of the townships of Ross, Bromley, Westmeath, Stafford, Pembroke, Wilberforce, Alice, Petdwawa, Buchanan, South Algona, North Algona, Fraser, McKay, Wylie, Rolph, Head, Maria, Clara, Haggerty, Sherwood, Burns and Richards, and any other surveyed townships lying north-westerly of the said North Riding. ' Attest^ ' Clerk's Office, Legislatiye Assembly, ; Wm. B, I^indsay, August 18, 1866. ' Clerk, L.A. JSo. 18. - No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount MoNCK to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 116.) Ottawa, August 16, 1866. - ^ (Received August 26, 1866.t My Lord, , • (Answerec^ No. 42, August 31^ 1866, page 48.) I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship an Address to Her Majesty the Queen frdni the Legislative Council of Canada, praying that Her Majesty will be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament, fpr creating Local Governments and Legislatures in Canada East and Canada West respec- tively, after the. union of the British North American Colonies shall have been completed. I request that your Lordship will have the goodness to lay this address before the Queen. , - I hkve, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 18. Enclosure in No. 18. A Sa trfes-Excellente Majesty la Reine. TrBS-GrACIEUSE SonVERAINE, Nous, les trfes-fidfeles et loyaux sujects de Votre Majeste, le Conseil L^gislatif du Canada, reunis en Parlement Provincial, approchons humblement de Votre Majesty, pour prier Votre MajestJ de vouloir bien gracieusement faire soumettre au Gouvernement Imperial une mesure pour cr^er un Gouvernement local et une Legislature locale pour le Bas et le Haut Canada respectivement, 'aptfesque rUnion des Provinces de TAmerique Britannique du Nord aura 4t6 consommee, avec des dispositions basees sur les resolutions suivantes, qui ont 6t6 ce jourd'hui adoptees par le Conseil L^gislaiif. Resolutions. ,. , , Aux fins de cr^er un Gouvernement local et une Legislature locale pour le Bas et le Haut Canada respectivement,; apr^s que 1' Union des Provinces de I'Amerique Britannique du Nord aura ete consommee. Resolu que — 1. Par le 38° article de la resolution de cette Chambre adoptee le troisifeme jour de Fevrier 1865 k I'effet de presenter une humble adresse a Sa^ Majeste, la prian^t qu'il lui plaise gracieusement faire soumettre au Parlement Imperial une mesure, aux fins d'unir les Colonies du Canada, de la Nouvelle Ecosse, du Nouveau Brunswick, de Terreneuve et de I'lle du Prince Edouard, en un seul Gouverne- ment, et ayant pour base les resolutions adoptees S une conference de Deiegues des dites Colonies tepue en la cite de Quebec le 10 Odtobre 1864, il est decrete que " chaque province aura un officier " executif appele Lieutenant-Gouverneur, lequel sera nomme par le Gouverneur-General en conseil " sous le grand sceau des Provinces Federees, et durant bon plaisir ; mais ce bon plaisir ne devra pas " Stre exerce avant cinq ans accomplish a moins qu'il n'y ait cause, et cette cause devra ^tre commu- " niqiiee par ecrit au Lieutenant-Gouverneur,, immediatement aprfes sa demission, et aussi par message " aux deiix Chambres du Parlement, dans la premike semaine de la premise session qui suivraj" et que par le 41" article de la m^me resolution, il est. decreje que " les gouvernements et les parlements " des diverses provinces seront constltues en la manike que leurs legislatures actuelles jugeront " respectivement h proposHe les etablir ;" et il est de plus malntenant resolu que, dans Topinion de cette Chambre, la nomination du premier Lieutenant-Gouverneur devrait Stre provisoire, et qu'il devrait tenir- sa charge strictement durant bon plaisir. - , 3. Conformement et sujet a la constitution des Provinces Federees, le pouvoir executif de Lieutenant-, Gouverneur du Bas Canada et du Haut Canada respectivement, sera administre par chacun de ces fonctionnaires, suivant les principes de la constitution Britannique et le veritable v esprit de^cette constitution. t ■ i 3. Jusqu'a modification par le Gouvernement local, le gtand sceau de chacune des Provinces du Bas Canada et du Haut Canada sera, dans chacune de ces Provinces le mSme, ou d'aprfes le m^me modMe que celui usite dans chaque Province respective jusqu'^ la date de I'uniou actuelle. ' OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCE^. 23 4. II y aura pour le Bas Canada une Legislature locale compos^e de deux Chambres, qui seront Canada. appel^es le Conseil L^gislatif et I'Assembl^e I/^gislative du Bas Canada. 5. II y aura pour le Haut Canada une Legislature locale composee d'une seule Chambre, qui sera appel^e TAssembiee Legislative du Haut Canada. 6. Le Conseil Legislatif. du Bas Canada sera compost de vingt-quatre membres nommes h, vie par la Couronne, sous le grand gceau du Grouvernement: local ; mais tout Conseiller L^gislatif perdrason siege par le fait d'une absence coiitinue.de deux sessions consecutives. 7. Les membres du Conseil Legislatif du Bas Canada de-vront 6tre sujets Britamniques, nes ou naturalises, avoir au moins trente ans,-posseder et continuer h, posseder en proprietes foncilres, dans le Bas, Canada, une valeur de quatre mille piastres, et sus de toute hypothfeque, dettes et, obligations. i 8. Le Conseil Legislatif dans le Bas Canada decider a toute question relative a la qualification ou au defaut de qualification de ses membres. . . 9. Le President du Coiiseil Legislatif du Bas Canada, h moins qu'il en soit autrement decide par, le Parlement local, sera un des G6nseillers Legislatifs et nomrae par la Couronne, laquelle pourra i, volpnte lui conserver ou lui 6ter sa charge. II aura droit seulement a une voix preponderante dans le cas d'une egale division des votes. 10. Chacun des vingt-quatre Conseillers Legislatifs du Bas Canada sera nomme pour representer I'un des vingt-quatre coUlges eiectoraux indiques dapg la Cedule A., du premier chapitre des Statuts Refondus du Canada, et ce Conseiller devra resider ou posseder sa qualification dans le college dont la representation lui sera assignee. ' 11. L' Assembles Legislative 'du Bas Canada sera composee de soixante-cinq membres qui seront elus par les soixante-cinq colleges eiectoraux en lesquels le Bas Canada est actuellement divise, sous I'autorite du cbapitre deux des Statuts Refondus du Canada, du chapitre soixante-quinze des Statuts Refondus pour le Bas Canada, et de I'Acte vingt-trois Victoria, chapitre un, ou de tout autre Acte qui les amende, en vigueur h I'epoque de la creation du Grouvernement local, tant pour la representation a sa Legislature locale qu'ii la Chambre des Communes des Provinces Federees ; mais il ne sera pas loisible de presenter au Lieutenant-Gouverneur, podr obtenir son assentiment, aucun Bill du Conseil Legislatif et de I'Assemblee Legislative du Bas Canada, par lequel les delimitations mentioilnees dans la cedule ci-annexee marquee A. pourraient 6tre modifies, k moins qu'itn'ait ete passe a ses deuxifeme et troisifeme lectures dans I'Assemblee Legislative avec le concours de la majorite des membres com- posant alora I'Assemblee Legislative representant les divisions eiectorales mentionnees dans la dite cedule marquee A., et 1' assentiment ne sera dohrie k aucun Bill de cette nature, a moins qu'une adresse n'ait ete presentee au Lieutenant-Gouverneur par I'Assemblee Legislative, declarant que tel Bill a ete ainsi passe. « 12. L'Assembiee Legislative du Haut Canada sera composee de quatre-vingt-deux membres, qui seront elus par les quatre-vingt-deux colleges eiectoraux du Haut Canada, et ces colleges seront iden- tiquement les memes, tant pour la representation dans I'Assemblee Legislative Locale que pour la representation dans la Chambre des Communes des Provinces Federees, et ils se composeront des divisions et seront deiimites en la mahifere indiquee dans la Cedule B. ci-annexee. 13. Jusqu'k ce que la Legislature locale du Bas et du Haiit Canada respectivement, en ait autrement decide et les ait changees dans 1' une ou I'autre province, toutes les lois qui, h, la date de la proclamation qui constituera les provinces separees du Bas et du Haut Canada, seront en force dans chacune de ces provinces respectives, relativement a la qualification ou au defaut de qualification de toute personne pour sieger ou voter comme membre de I'Assemblee. de la Province du Canada, ainsi qu'a la eapacite ou a I'incapacite des electeurs, aux serments exiges des votants, aux ofEciers rapporteurs, et a leurs pouvoirs et devoirs, aux elections et au temps que celles ci peuvent durer, aux elections contestees et aiix procedures y incidentes, aux vacations des sieges en Parlement, a remission et a I'execution des nouveaux brefs dans les cas de vacations occasionnees par d'autres causes que la dissolution du Parlement, s'appliqueront respectivement aux elections des Deputes eius pour I'Assemblee Legislative du Bas et pour I'Assemblee Legislative du Haut' Canada. 14. La duree de I'Assemblee Legislative du Bas Canada, et de I'Assemblee Legislative du Haut Canada, respectivement, sera de quatre ans, a compter du jour du rapport des brefs d'election, a moins que I'AssemJjiee Legislative du Bas Canada ou I'Assemblee Legislative du Haut, Canada ne soit prorogee ou dissoute plus tot par le Lieutenant-Gouverneur de I'une ou 4e I'autre Province respec- tivement. . • 15. .11 y aura une session de la Legislature de chacune des Provinces,. au moins une fois par annee, de manifere qu'il ne devra jamais s'ecpuler plus de dquze mois entre la dernifere seance d'une session et la premiere seance de la session suivante. ,j 16. Qu'il est expedient que tout Acte du Parlement Imperial qu^^pourra etre passe pour Tunion^ides Colonies de I'Amerique du Nord Britannique xjontienne une disposition a TefFet que la division etrle rfeglement des dettes,- credits, obUgations, proprietes et dettes actives des provinces du Haut et du Bas Canada spient renvoyes k I'arbitrage de trois arbitres, dont I'un sera choisi par le Gouvernement local du Haut Canada, I'autre par le, GouVerneraent local du Bas Canada, et le troisifeme par le Gouvernement general, etant pourvu deplus que le choix des arbitres n'aura],lieu qu'apr^s que le Parlement general pour I'Amerique du Nord Britannique et les Legislatures locales pour le Haut et le Bas Canada auroilt ete elus, et que le tiers arbitre ne sera pas un residant dans le Haut ni dans le Bas Canada. ; Cedule A- ,, Divisions eiectorales dans le Bas Canada mentionnees dans les resolutions ci-degsus. CoDltes de Pontiac, „ Ottavi^a, Argenteuil, j, Huntingdon, , , „ Missisquoi, „ Broihe, C 4 Comtes de Shefibrd, „ Stanstead, „ Compton, „ Wolfe et Richmond, „ Megantic, et La ville de Sherbrooke. 24 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Divisions iSlectorales du Haut Canada. Divisions qui doivent rester dans leurs limites actuelles. Comt^s de Prescott, Grlengarry, Stormont, Dundas, Russell, Carleton, Prince Edouard, Halton et Essex. Divisions de Comtes.i — Lanark nord, Lanark sud, Leeds et Grenville division nord, division sud de Leeds, division sud de G-renville, Northumberland est, Northumberland ouest (moins Monaghan sud), Durham est, Durham ouest, Ontario nord, Ontario sud, York est, York ouest, York nord, Wentworth nord, "Wentworth sud, Elgin est, Elgin ouest, Waterloo nord, Waterloo sud, Brant nord, Brand sud, Oxford nord, Oxford sud, Middlesex, division est. Cit^s et Villes. — Toronto est, Toronto ouest, Hamilton, OttaWa, Kingston, London, Brockville avec le township d'Elizabethtown, Niagara avec le township de Niagara, Cornwall avec le township de Cornwall. Noiivelles Divisions Electorales, et Divisions dont les limites sont changees. District d'Alffoma. Le comte de Bruce partage en deux divisions, qui seront appele^s respectivement les divisions nord et sud. La division nord se composera des townships de Bury, Lindsay, Eastnor^ Albemale, Amabel, Arran, Bruce, Elderslie et Saugeen et du village de Southamptoii. La division siia se composera des townships de Kincardine (y compris le village), Greenock, Brant, Huron, Kinloss, Culross et Carrick. Le comte de Huron partag^ en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respectivement les divisions nord et sud. La division nord se composera des townships d'Ashfield, Wawanosh, Turnberry, Howick, Morris, Grey, Colborne, Hullett, y compris le village de Clinton, et McKillop. La division sud se composera de la ville de Goderick et des townships de Goderick, Tuckersmith, Stanley, Hay, Usborne et Stephen. • Le comte de Middlesex partage en trois divisions qui seront appelees respectivement les divisions nord, ouest, et est. La division nord se composera des townships de McGillivray et Biddulph (pris du comt^ de Huron) et Williams est, Williams ouest, Adelaide et Lobo. La division ouest se com- posera des towfiships de Delaware, Carradoc, Metcalfe, Mosa et Ekfrid et du village de Strathroy. La division est se composera des townships qui y sont maintenant compris, et sera born^e comme elle Test actuellement. ■Le comte de Lambton se composera des townships de Bosanquest, Warwick, Plympton, Sarma, Moore, Enniskillen et Bropke, et la ville de Sarnia. Le comt4 de Kent se composera des townships de Chatham, Dover, Tilbury est, Romney, Raleigh et Harwick, de la ville de Chatham. Le comt6 de Bothwell se composera des townships de Sombra, Dawn et Euphemia (pris du comte de Lambton), et des townships de Zone, Camden, et (}u Gore en dependant, d'Orford et Howard (pris du comt6 de Kent). Le comte de Grey partage en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respectivement les divisions sud et nord. La division sud se composera des townships de Bentinck, Glenelg, Artemesia, Osprey, Nor- manby, Egremont, Proton et Melanchton. La division nord se composera des townships de Colling- wood, Euphrasia, Holland, St. Vincent, Sydenham, Sullivan, Derby et Keppel, Sarawak et Brooke, et de la ville d'Owen Sound. , " Le comt6 de Perth partag^ en deux divisions, qui seront appellees respectivement les divisions sud et nord. La division nord se coniposera des townships de Wallace, Elma, Logan, Ellice, Mornington "~ "~-^t Easthope nord, et de la ville de Stratford. La division sud se composera des townships de Bla!n- chard, Downie, Easthope sud, FuUarton, Hibbert, et des villages de Michel et Ste. Marie. Le comte de Wellington sera partage en trois divisions, qui Seront appelees respectivement divisions « nord, sud, and du centre. La division nord se composera des townships d' Amaranth, Arthur, Luther, Minto, Maryborough, Peel et du village de Mount Forest. La division du centre se composera des townships de Garafraxa, Erin, Eramosa, Nichol et Pilkington et des villages de Fergus et Elora. La division sud sera compos^e de la ville de Guelph et des townships de Guelph et Puslinch. Le comte de Norfolk sera partag^ en dei^x divisions qui seront appelees respectivement les divisions Slid et nord. La division sud se composera des townships de Charlotteville, Houghton, Walsingham et Woodhouse, et du Gore en dependant. La division nord sera compos^e des townships de Middleton, Tojvnsend et Windham, et de la ville de Simcoe. Le comt^ d'Haldimand se composera des townships d'Oneida, Seneca, Caguya nord, Caguya sud, Rainham, Walpole et Dunn. Le. comtd de Monck se composera des townships de Canboroijgh et.Moulton et Sherbrooke, , et du village de Dunville (pris du comt^ d'Haldimand), des townships de Caistor et Gainsborough (pris • du comt^ de Lincoln), et des townships de Pelham et Wainfleet (pris du comte de Welland). Le comte de Lincoln se composera des townships de Clinton, Grantham, Grimsby et Louth, et de la ville de S. Catharines. Le comt6 de Welland se composera des townships de Bertie, Crowland, Hamberstone, Stamford, Thorold et Willoughby, et des villages de Chippewa, Clifton, Fort Erie, Thorold et Welland. Le comte de Peel se composera des townships de Chinguacousy, Toronto et du Gore de Toronto et des villages de Brampton et Streetsyille. Le comte de Cardwell se composera des townships d6 d'Albion et Caledon (pris du comte de Peel), et des townships d'Adjala et Mono (pris de comt6 de Simcoe). Le comt^ de Simcoe partage en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respectivement les divisions sud et nord. La division sud se composera des townships de Gwillimsbury ouest, Tecumseth, Innisfil, Essa, Tossorontio, Mulmur et du village de Bradford. La division nord se comp'osera des townships de N'ottawasaga, Sunnidale; Vespra, Flos, Oro, Medonte, Orillia et Matchedash, Tiny et Tay, Balaklava et Robihsoilj et des villeg dd mtii& et Cbllingwood. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 25 Le comte de Victoria partag^ en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respeetivement divisions sud et Canada. nord. La division sud se composera des townships d'Ops, Mariposa, Emily, Verulam et de la ville de — Lindsay. La division nord se composera des townships d' Anson, Bexley, Garden, Dalton, Digby, Eldon, Fenelon, Hindon, Laxton, Lutterworth, Macaulay et Draper, Somerville et Morrison, Muskoka, Monck, et Watt (pris du comt^ de Simcoe), et de tons autres townships arpentes situ^s au nord de la dite division. Le comte de Peterborough partag^ en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respeetivement les divisions ouest et est. La division ouest se composera des townships de Managhan sud (pris du comt^ de Northumberland), Monaghan nord. Smith et Ennismore et de la ville de Peterborough. La division est se composera des townships d' Asphodel, Belmont et Methuen, Douro, Dummer, G-alway, Harvey, Minden, Stanhope et Dysant, Otonabee et Snowden, et du village d'Ashburnham, et de tons autres townships arpentes situes au nord de la dite division est. Le comt^ d'Hastings partagd en trois divisions, qui sei'ont appelees respeetivement les divisions ouest, ' est, et nord. La division ouest se composera de la ville de Belleville, du township de Sydney, et du village de Trenton. La division est se composera des townships de Thurlow, Tyendinaga et Hunger- ford. La division nord se composera des townships de Rawdon, Huntingdon, Madoc, Elzevir, Tudor, Marmora et du Lac, et du village de Stirling, et de tous autres townships arpentes situes au nord de la dite division nord. Le comt6 de Lennox se composera des townships de Richmond, Adolphustown, Fredericksburg nord, Fredericksburg sud, Ernesto wn, et de I'ile d' Amherst et du village de Napanee. Le comte d'Addington se composera des townships de Camden, Portland, Sheffield, Hinchinbroke, Kaladar, Kennebec, Olden, Oso, Anglesea, Barrie, Clarendon, Palmerston, Effingham, Abinger, Miller, Canonto, Denbigh, Longborough et Bedford. Le comt^ de Frontenac se composera des townships de Kingston, de I'lsle Wolfe, Pittsburg et de risle Howe et Storrington. Le comte de Renfrew partag^ en deux divisions, qui seront appelees respeetivement les divisions sud et nord. La division sud se composera des townships de McNab, Bagot, Blithfield, Brougham, Horton, Admaston, Grattan, Matawatchan, Griffith, Lyndoch, Raglan, Radcliffe, Brudenell, Sebastopol et des villages d'Arnprior et Renfrew. La division nord se composera des townships de Ross, Bromley, Westmeath, StaiFord, Pembroke, Wilberforce, Alice, Petawawa, Buchanan, Algona sud, Algona nord. Eraser, McKay, Wylie, Rolph, Head, Maria, Clara, Haggerty, Sherwood, Burns et Richards, et de tous autres townships arpentes situes au nord-ouest de la dite division nord. Et le Conseil L^gislatif du Canada prie Jiumblement Votre Majeste de prendre le tout en sa gracieuse et favourable consideration. M. J. Tessier, Conseil Legislatif, Samedi, Orateur du Conseil Legislatif. 11 Aout, 1866. .^__ No. 19- No.19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 147.) Quebec, September 25, 1866. My Lord, (Received, October 10, 1866.) Referring to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 39,* of the 31st ult., I have the * Page 47. honour to transmit for your Lordship's information an approved Minute of the Executive Council of this Province, stating tlie course which is proposed to be adopted by the Canadian Delegates on the subject of Union about proceeding to England, and the reasons on which that course is founded. I beg leave to add the expression of my own opinion that the leading members of my Administration ought not to leave the Province before the time mentioned in this minute. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 19. End. in No. 19. Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honourable the Executive Council, approved by His Excellency the Grovernor-G-eneral in Council, on the 24th September 1866. The Committee have had before them a Despatch, No. 39, dated 31st August 1866, from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, stating that the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick delegates have been now for some weeks in England with a view to the discussion of the various ques- tions relative to the Confederation of the British North American Provinces, and have repeatedly inquired of him the period by which their Canadian Colleagues may be expected. That he shall be glad to be informed at the earliest possible date of the course which it is proposed by them to adopt. His Lordship states that any unnecessary delay in the settlement of this question is very undesirable, and that also the prolonged detention of the delegates now in England is attended with much incon- venience to them and to the Governments of which they are mem'bers. That if any appearance of impending Fenian disturbance should render it unfit for your Excellency to quit your post, or if the same causes should make the delegates feel that they cannot all of them leave the Province, it might deserve their consideration whether some of their number could repair at once to England to enter into the proposed discussion. The Committee would respectfully state for the information of Lord Carnarvon that the Canadian Parliament at its first Session in 1865, after the meeting of the Quebec Conference, adopted Resolutions 16254. D 26 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada, approving the Scheme of Union proposed by that Conference, but that the Legislature of Nova Scotia — declined to approve of that scheme, or to adopt resolutions in favour of an union of the Provinces until the spring of the present year, and the Legislature of New Brunswick did not adopt such resolutions until the latter part of the month of July. ,T.T-r. ■, u ^i. ai. That so soon as it-appeared probable that Nova Scotia and New Brunswick would assent to a beheme of Confederation, the Canadian ParUament was summoned, and measures to provide for the local Governments, which under the Quebec Scheme were required to be adopted by the existing Legislatures of the respective Provinces, were submitted for its consideration. That while these measures were before Parliament, it was proposed by the Governments ot JNova Scotia and New Brunswick, that Delegates from the three Provinces should assemble m England about the 1st of August, with the view of discussing and agreeing to a Bill for Confederation, to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament, which it was supposed would stiU be in Session. , „ , . That although the Canadian Government doubted that any measure based on the Resolutions oi the Quebec Conference, could be prepared and carried through the Imperial Parhament at so late a period of the Session, they promised to advise your Excellency to send a delegation of their number to England, by the steamer of the 21st July, if the progress of legislation and the state of public busmess would permit. . , xt tj • i l j That before the date mentioned, and before the Delegates for Nova Scotia and JSew Brunswick had sailed for England, your Excellency received information which convinced your Excellency that it would not l3e possible to carry through Parliament at its then Session, any Bill for the Confederation of the British* North American Provinces. That shortly afterwards and before the Delegates had left for England, your Excellency received notice of the resignation of Mr. Cardwell and his colleagues, and the accession of a new Government. That in view of these circumstances your Excellency was advised to inform the Governors of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and your Excellency did "inform them "that as it was evident that no measure for Confederation could be prepared and carried through Parliament in the Session then about to close, the Canadian Delegates would not leave Canada at the time stated. That the prorogation of the Imperial Parliament on the 12th of August proved that the apprehen- sions of the Canadian Government were well founded. If, therefore, the Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick had postponed their departure as they were requested to do, they would not have suffered the inconvenience to which Lord Carnarvon refers. The Committee respectfully submit that it would not be expedient for any of the leading members of the Canadian Grovernment to proceed to England while the^ Province is threatened with invasion by a formidable body of Fenian marauders from the United States. The Committee believe that by the close of navigation this danger will be passed ; or, if not, that such preparations will have been made to meet it that no apprehension need be felt for the result. The Committee are further of opinion that as the next Session of the Imperial Parhament will not probably be held before February 1867, ample time will be afforded for the discussion of any question that may arise between the representatives of the Provinces and the Imperial Grovernment if the Delegates assemble in England about the 20th of November. They would, therefore, respectfully recommend your Excellency to inform Lord Carnarvon that the following gentlemen have been appointed by your Excellency, viz. : Hon. John A. Macdonald, Hon. Geo. E. Cartier, Hon. A. T. Gralt, Hon. Wm. McDougall, Hon. W. P. Howland, and Hon. H. L. Lan- gevin, and such other gentlemen as may be hereafter named to be the delegation on behalf of Canada, and that it is their intention to leave Canada for England on the 7th day of November next. Certified, W. A. HiMSWOBTH, Asst. C.E.C. No. 20. No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 150.) Quebec, September 28, 1866. , , ^ (Received October 10, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 80, October 18, 1866, page 50.) Sept. 24, 1866. I HAVE the hoHour to transmit herewith a copy of a telegraphic message which I addressed to your Lordship on the 24th instant. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 20. Enclosure in No. 20. Lord Carnarvon, London. „, , ^ ,. _ , . , ., Quebec, September 24, 1866. All the Canadian Delegates intend sailing for England the 7th of November. . Monck. No. 21. No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. ,, (^°- ^^2.) Quebec, October 1, 1866. My Lord, (Eeceived October 23, 1866.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch * Page 49. No. 50,* of September 13th, respecting the departure for England of the Canadian Deieffates on the Union question. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 27 My Despatch, No. 147,* of September 25th, will have informed your Lordship of the Canada. time fixed by the Canadian Ministers for going to England, and of the reasons why a partial representation from Canada could not, in their opinion, be attended with any practical results. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. * Page 25. No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. No. 22. the Earl of Carnarvon. (Separate.) - Quebec, November 3, 1866. (Received November 21, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 100, November 22, 1866, page 50.) I BEG leave to introduce to your Lordship the Honourable William Macdougall, Provincial Secretary of this Province, and the Honourable Hector Langevin, Postmaster- General, who are about to proceed to England as two of the delegates nominated by the Executive Council of Canada to consult with your Lordship and the delegates from the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on the subject of the union of British North America. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. No. 23. No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 184.) Quebec, November 3, 1866. (Received November 21, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 104, November 23, 1866, page 50.) Referring to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 63,* of September 26th and *Page49. nclosure, I have the honour to transmit for your information a copy of an approved Minute of the Executive Council of this Province on the subject of that Despatch. In obedience to your Lordship's instructions I have already transmitted a copy of this Minute to the Lieutenant-Governor of Prince Edward Island. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) ' MONCK. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 23. End. in No. 23. Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honourable the Executive Council, approved by His Excellency the Governor-General in Council on the 22nd October 1866. The Committee of Council have had under consideration the Despatch of the Colonial Secretary to Your Excellency of the 26th September last, and the accompanying resolution of the delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and they now beg leave to report. That the resolution referred to is as follows : — " At a meeting of the Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, held at the Alexandra Hotel, London, on the 22nd day of September 1866, all being present except the Hon. Mr. Wilmot, it was unanimously resolved that inasmuch as the co-operation of Prince Edward Island, though not indispensable to a union of the other British North American Provinces,, is on many accounts very desirable, and as the settlement of the land question which has so long and so injuriously agitated that Colony, would be attended with great benefit, and at the same time place the local government of the island, by the possession of the proprietary lands, more on a footing with the other Provinces which have Crown Lands and minerals as a source of local revenue. " Therefore resolved — " That in case the Legislature of the Island should authorize the appointment of delegates to act in conjunction with those from the other Provinces in arranging a plan of co-operation prior to the meeting of the Imperial Parliament, the delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are hereby pledged to support the policy of providing such an amount as may be necessary for the purchase of the pro- prietary rights, but not to exceed eight hundi-ed thousand dollars (^800,000)." D 2 28 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. It would seem from this resolution that the gentlemen from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick pledge themselves as delegates, and not as representing the governments of their respective Provinces, to support the policy of providing the amount mentioned. As their powers will expire with the settlement of the scheme of union, it is to be inferred that their pledge can only be carried out by their advocating the insertion of a clause in the Imperial Act, binding the future Government and Legislature of United British North America to pay the sum of ^800,000. The Canadian Government do not consider that they have any power or right to consent to the payment of that or any sum without the previous consent of the Canadian Parliament, and they there- fore cannot confer upon their delegates powers which they do not themselves possess. The Committee fully appreciate the motives which induced the delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to adopt the resolution, and they agree with the delegation as to the desirableness of bringing Prince Edward Island into the contemplated union. The Committee are of opinion that every proper exertion should be made for that purpose, and recommend that the subject of the adjustment of the land question should be fully discussed by the delegates from the three Provinces in London, in a liberal spirit. Should the result of the discussion be that in the opinion of the delegates pecuniary compensation should be given to the proprietors for the surrender of the proprietary rights, the Committee would further recommend that the Canadian Delegation be authorized to join with those from the Maritime Provinces in a strong representation to the first Government and Parliament of the united Provinces in favour of their granting the compensa- tion agreed upon by them. CertiiiSd, W. H. Lee, C.E.C. No. 24. No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (Separate.) Quebec, November 5, 1866. (Received November 21, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 100, November 22, 1866, page 50.) I BEG leave to introduce to your Lordship the Honourable John Alexander Macdonald, Attorney-General for Canada West, the Honourable George Etienne Cartier, • Attorney-General, Canada East, the Honourable William Howland, Finance Minister, and the Honourable Alexander T. Gait, M. P. P., who with the Honourable W. Mac- dougall and the Honourable H. Langevin introduced to your Lordship in my " Separate " ♦Page 27. Despatch of the 3rd instant,* constitute the delegation from Canada appointed to confer with your Lordship and the representatives of the other Provinces on the subject of the union of British North America. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. No. 25. No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from Viscount Monck to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 203.) Quebec, November 29, 1866. (Received December 14, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 119, December 17, 1866, page 50.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship an Address to Her Majesty the Queen from the Provincial Association of Protestant Teachers of Lower Canada, and to request that it may be laid at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) MONCK. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 25. Enclosure in No. 25. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the Provincial Association of Protestant Teachers of Lower Canada : Humbly sheweth, That notwithstanding the legislative union of Upper and Lower Canada, there exists in each portion of the United Provinces a distinct educational system. That under the Educational Law of Lower Canada, and in consequence of the denominational character of the schools of the Roman Catholic majority, your Majesty's subjects professing the Protes- tant faith are subjected to serious disadvantages ; first, in being deprived of the benefits of a general system of education similar to that enjoyed by their fellow subjects in Upper Canada j secondly, in their hability to be taxed for the support of Roman Catholic schools ; and thirdly, in the difilculties OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 29 •which they experience in establishing non-denominational or separate schools and seminaries of higher Canada. education for themselves. That though the injury thus inflicted on education has been the subject of frequent complaints on the part of the Protestant population, and, as your petitioners believe, has tended to discourage the settlement of Protestants in this Province, and has caused many families to leave this country for others in which they might avoid such inconveniences, no remedy has hitherto been granted by the Legislature. That in prospect of the confederation of the Provinces under the constitution adopted at the Quebec Conference, by which it was proposed that education should be under the control of the local Legisla- ture, the Protestants of Lower Canada became alarmed lest they should continue to labour under these disadvantages ; and to allay the feeling thus generally existing, solemn pledges were made by members of the Grovernment that the grievances complained of should be redressed by parliamentary action before confederation. That though a Bill for this purpose was introduced by Government in the last session of the Legis- lature, it was almost immediately withdrawn, and unless provisions to this end can be introduced into the Imperial Act of Confederation, your memorialists fear that their educational rights will be left to the control of the majority in the local Legislature without any guarantee whatever. That while your petitioners would prefer a general and non-denominational system of education, they believe that, so long as the present system of separate schools shall continue in Lower Canada, they may justly claim the following privileges as constitutional rights, which should in no way depend on the vote of the local Legislature :-r- 1. That all direct taxes for the support of schools, paid by Protestants unless otherwise designated by themselves, should be applied to Protestant or non-denominational education, and that all public moneys given for the same purpose should be divided between Protestants and Roman Catholics in proportion to population. 2. That suitable and adequate provision should be made for the protection of the educational interests of Protestants in the management of educational funds, the establishment and proper classification of schools and institutions of superior education, and generally in the administration of educational affairs. Wherefore Your petitioners humbly pray Your most Gracious Majesty to take their case, as above stated, into Your favourable consideration, with a view to the introduction of proper and just safeguards into the Imperial Act of Confederation should such Act be passed. And Your petitioners will ever pray. (Signed) J. W. Dawson, LL.D., F.R.S., F.G.S., President of the Association. John H. Graham, A.M., Vice President. Edwin Hatch, Clerk, B.A., Vice President. P. J. Darey, M.A., Secretary of the Association. Montreal, November 23rd, 1866. No. 26. No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir J. Michel to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (^^- ^•) Montreal, December 12, 1866. (Received. December 28, 1866.) My Lord, ^(Answered, No. 123, January 5, 1867, page 51.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith two Memorials to your Lordship, from the Roman Catholic Bishops of Canada East and Canada West respectively. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) J. MICHEL. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 26. j;„gl_ j j^ To the Right Honourable the Eaul of Carnarvon, Principal Secretary of State to Her Majesty ^°- 26- for the Colonies. May it please your Lordship, At a time when questions upon which the future happiness and prosperity of Canada entirely depend are being discussed, and a Bill is to be introduced into the Imperial Parhament which will effect a thorough change in the constitution and government of this country, we, the undersigned bishops of Upper Canada, consider it our duty to address your Lordship, and to demand respectfully that the interests of the Catholic population of Upper Canada be carefully guarded in the constitution about to be framed for the future government of British America. During the last session of our Canadian Legislature, a Bill was introduced by one of the members of the present Government, with a view of securing for the Protestant minority of Lower Canada certain rights and privileges in establishing and governing their schools. The Roman Catholic Bishops of Upper and Lower Canada, being at that time assembled in Montreal, addressed to His Excellency the Governor-General a memorial, in which they declared themselves quite willing to see their Protestant fellow citizens secure in the enjoyment of perfect freedom in educational matters. They at the same time urged the justice of granting to the minority in Upper Canada the same advantages which were demanded for the Protestant minority of Lower Canada. D 3 30 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada, i^ig demand, so evidently just, met with such violent opposition that the Government was forced to withdraw its proposed measure. We now learn from the public papers that it is the intention of the Canadian Delegates to bring up this matter in London, and to secure for the Protestant minority of Lower Canada the rights which they sought to give them by the Bill which was introduced during the last session. We know not what it is the intention of the Delegates to do in favour of the Catholic minority in Upper Canada. We rejoice to think that a matter of such vital importance is to be brought before a tribunal entirely free from all party feeling, where it wiU be carefully examined, the just claims of all dispassionately discussed, and a settlement arrived at which wiU give general satisfaction. Moreover we are desirous of expressing to your Lordship our high regard for the members of our present Government. We know that they are truly liberal, that they are free from all sectarian animosity, and sincerely desirous to do justice to all. We confidently hope that they will not overlook the claims of the Catholic minority in Upper Canada, and that they will obtain for them the same rights and privileges that may be granted to the minority in Lower Canada. Deeply impressed with the importance of this subject, we beg leave to bring the matter before your Lordship and to request that the claims of our people may receive due consideration. The Catholics of Canada have ever been ready to concede to all perfect freedom in matters of educa- tion. The history of the Colony shows that whilst zealously watching over the education of our youth, the Catholic clergy have never, in any way, sought to restrict the rights of Protestants in the education of their children. But whilst' we cheerfully grant to our Protestant fellow subjects this full liberty of action, we claim for ourselves the same right. We ask nothing but. what we are ready and wilHng to give to others ; at the same time we deem it our duty to declare solemnly that* neither we nor the people we govern vidll ever be satisfied with less. We respectfully desire to call your Lordship's attention to the absolute necessity of avoiding in the new Constitution about to be given to the Province of British North America every thing that might create disaifection in the minds of the people and be a foundation for fature strife and dissen"sion. It is of the highest importance that in a country like this, where there exists such a diversity of language, nationality, and religion, everything that might give rise to divisions or endanger the peace of society should be sedulously avoided. Now we humbly beg leave to say that by no means whatsoever can lasting peace and prosperity be secured except by giving to all an equal measure of justice, and by placing all, without distinction, on terms of perfect equality. But were other counsels unfortunately to prevail, were odious distinctions to be drawn, were the minority in Lower Canada to be secured in the possession of rights which would be refused to the minority in Upper Canada, then we might soon expect to reap the bitter fruits of so unwise and so unjust a policy. The Cathohcs of Canada, headed by their bishops and priests, have always proved themselves to be loyal subjects of Her Gracious Majesty. We have ever been ready to do all in our power to strengthen the bonds which unite us so happily to the British Empire, and ensure to us the blessings of the British constitution. What we have hitherto done we shall continue to do with the same success as long as we are considered as subjects of Her Majesty and are treated as such. But should the wishes of some foolish and misguided men be accomplished, should it become apparent that the Catholic in Canada is not to be put on an equal footing with his Protestant fellow subjects, your Lordship must clearly see that our moral power over the feelings of our people would be greatly weakened, if not entirely destroyed, and that under such circumstance, were we even to continue to inculcate lessons of loyalty and obedience, our words would be of no avail, and all our eflForts to sustain law and order would be useless^ If we have indulged in those reflections it is not, we beg to assure your Lordship, from any sentiment of fear or distrust. We are convinced of the fairness and justice of our demands. We place entire confidence in the noble Lord whom our beloved Queen has appointed to watch over the interests of Her subjects in this distant portion of Her vast empire. We confidently hope that the just demands which The Protestant ^g make in the name of upwards of 258,000 who constitute, the Catholic minority of Upper Canada will Lower Canada ^® granted ; that equal privileges and equal guarantees will be given to the minorities in Upper and is 165,000. Lower Canada with respect to educational matters, and that peace among all classes will be permanently estabhshed. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. + Jos. Eugene, Bishop of Ottawa. 4" John Farrell, Bishop of Hamilton. 4" Adolphe, Bishop of Sandwich. + E. J., Bishop of Kingston. Kingston, November 8th, 1866. .4" John Joseph Lynch, Bishop of Toronto. ^^l' f g'" Enclosure 2 ' in No. 26. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Caunaevon, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. May it please your Lordship, The undersigned, the Roman Catholic Bishops of Lower Canada, after having attentively read the memorial addressed to your Lordship by the Roman Catholic Bishops of Upper Canada, deem it their duty to declare in the most solemn manner that they entirely concur in all the demands contained in the memorial, because they consider them to be founded on principles of common justice. Having ever been ready to concede to all, without exception, the fullest measure of liberty in the matter of education, the undersigned feel that they have the right to demand that their people be put in possession of that same liberty and in the enjoyment of all privileges that may be granted to others. The undersigned are deeply impressed with the conviction that unless the question of education, which has been an embarrassment for successive Canadian administrations, and a fruitful source of dissensions and heart-burnings among the people, be now finally and permanently settled by the Imperial Government, it will still continue to cause trouble, and will produce in a not distant future the most deplorable results, T OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 31 The undersigned therefore unite with the Bishops of Upper Canada in requesting respectfully that Canada. your Lordship would give to this grave question all the attention it deserves, and that a clause he inserted in the new Constitution about to be given to these Provinces, assuring to the Catholics of Upper Canada, who form a strong minority in that portion of the Province, all the rights and privileges which may be conceded to the Protestant minority m Lower Canada. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, will ever pray. + C. R, Bishop of Floa, Administrator of Quebec. 4* Ig-! Bishop of Montreal. + Thomas, Bishop of Three Rivers, Quebec, November gist, 1866. -f" C., Bishop of St. Hyacinthe. No. 27. No. 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir J. Michel to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (■^°- ^-^ Montreal, December 13, 1866. (Eeceived December 28, 1866.) My Lord, ^ (Answered, No. 124, January 7, 1867, page 51.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith a letter addressed to your Lordship by - the Honourable A. A. Dorion, together with a memorial on the subject of the Con- federation of the British North American Colonies, signed by himself and by other members of the Provincial Parliament. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) J. MICHEL. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 27. End. in No. 27. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon, Principal Secretary for the Colonies. My Loud, Montreal, December 12, 1866. I HAVE had the honour of receiving a letter dated the 23rd of November, written by your Lord- ship's direction, acknowledging the receipt of a communication respecting the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces, addressed to your Lordship by 20 Lower Canadian Repre- sentatives. I now beg leave to enclose a duplicate of that communication, which was forwarded in the first instance without the intermediation of the Governor, in order to place your Lordship in possession at the earliest possible moment of considerations believed to be important on a subject of great interest, not only to Canada but also to the other Provinces and to the empire, under the impression (erroneous), I am now informed, it was not of a character to bring it necessarily within the operation of the rule to which your Lordship has directed my attention. I have, &c. (Signed) A. A. Dorion. Sub-Enclosure in No. 27. Sub-End. in No. 27. To the Right Honourable the Earl of Carnarvon, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. My Lord, As it has been announced that Delegates from the Canadian Government will shortly proceed to England to confer with Her Majesty's imperial advisers respecting the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces with the view of urging legislation on the subject at the next Session of the Imperial Parliament, we deem it our duty, as the representatives in Parliament of 20 populous constituencies in Lower Canada, to submit to your Lordship some considerations which we venture to hope will not be thought wholly undeserving of attention by those with whom rests the responsibility of deciding whether this important subject is to be regarded as already ripe for final legis- lation, or ought to await the further development and more authentic expression of popular opinion in the Provinces. Numbering nearly a third of the representatives of Lower Canada, we are convinced that on this subject we reflect the opinions of a majority of Her people. We assume that Her Majesty's Government, adhering to the wise policy wJiich for a quarter of a century has been productive of the most beneficent results, the policy of conceding to Colonies possessing representative institutions all the rights of local self-government, including the right to remodel to suit their varying circumstances those institutions themselves, has no desire to impose this scheme of Confederation on the Provinces from motives of imperial policy. Indeed we can discern no imperial object consistent with a desire to preserve the connexion between the Colonies and the mother country that would be promoted by a Federal Union of these Provinces accomplished without the full consent or contrary to the known wishes of their people. If it should appear that the people of this Province, so far from having consented to the sweeping changes in their institutions and in their relations to the other Provinces and to the Empire contemplated by this scheme of Confederation, have never had an opportunity of pronouncing a decision upon the question, a proper regard for their rights and every principle of sound statesmanship would seem to require the postponement of the final determina>- tion of the Imperial Government. If the measure be a good one and the people are really in favour of D 4 32 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada, it, no injurious consequences can flow from the delay of a year during which the pubUc sentiment in regard to it can be tested in the usual constitutional manner, while if it be carried now without this precaution and it should subsequently be found to be unacceptable to the majority of the people in any of the Provinces, an event which we believe is certain to occur in Lower Canada — angry agitation for its repeal or for other constitutional changes would inevitably arise — inaugurating an era of instability and discontent prejudicial in the last degree to every interest in the ProTinces, and exceedingly irksome to the statesmen of the Empire. We have intimated that the people of this Province have never had an opportunity to express their approval or disapproval of the proposed Confederation, and in support of this statement we now proceed to trace the steps by which the question has been brought to its present position. From time to time, during the last 30 years, the union of these Provinces has been advocated by public men and public writers of more or. less prominence, both in the Colonies and in the mother country, but no practical step looking to its accomplishment was taken by public men of Canada, acting under Ministerial responsibility, until 1859. Early in that year Messrs. Cartier, Ross, and Gait, while in England on public business, addressed a despatch to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in which they recommended a Federal Union of all the British North American Provinces as a means of reconciling the conflicting claims of Upper and Lower Canada respecting the basis of representation under the existing Union. The question discussed in this despatch was not, however, submitted to Parliament in any definite form on the return of the signers to Canada, nor during the whole term of office, extending to 1862, of the administration to which they belonged. Mr. John A. Macdonald, then as now the leader of the Conservative party in Upper Canada, and the leading mind of the Administra- tion, was in declared opposition to the principle of Federation, whether applied to all the Provinces or to Canada alone down to the ministerial crisis of June 1864. Mr. Brown, the leader of the Liberal party in Upper Canada, though favouring the adoption of a Federal Union between Upper and Lower Canada, if representation based on population were not conceded to Upper Canada, was opposed to a Federal Union of all the Provinces. In Lower Canada the members of both political parties, with here and there individual exceptions, rejected all propositions looking to immediate union, either Legislative or Federative, with the Maritime Provinces. Indeed the publication of the despatch already referred to led to a condemnation of the project, so prompt, so general, and so decided, that from 1859 down to the ministerial crisis in June 1864 the question of a union of all the Provinces had no influence on the politics of the country, was rarely mentioned in Parliament or discussed in the public journals, and was not at all in issue, either at the general election of 1861 or that of 1863. In the latter year the present Parliament was elected. Neither in Upper nor in Lower Canada did the candidates of any political party avow a desire or a purpose to compass the overthrow of the existing constitutional system to which the people had become strongly attached. True there were some difficult political problems to be solved, but they were certain to find a solution without resorting to organic changes by the exercise of ordinary patience on the part of the people and of even common place statesmanship on the part of their leaders. True, too, there had been errors, and perhaps worse than errors, of administration, and extravagant — even profligate — expenditure ; but these evils are incident to every form of government, while, imder representative institutions, the people have the remedy in their own hands, a remedy which the people of Canada would undoubtedly have apphed with great thoroughness if they had not been diverted from their purpose bv the extraordinary move- ment to change their whole system of government which we shall presently have occasion to explain. The election of 1863 turned mainly on the questions of a practical character we have just referred to. The result gave to the Liberal ministry of the day, whose most pressing task was the restoration of the finances from the great disorder into which they had been thrown under their predecessors, only a narrow majority, so narrow indeed that, finding themselves unable to command the Parliamentary support required to carry comprehensive measures of financial and administrative reform, they resigned early ih the session of 1864. Their opponents returned to office. There was no pretence of a consti- tutional difficulty ; no necessity for constitutional changes was alleged. A simple change of administra- tion took place. A few weeks later a debate arose in Committee of Supply touching the acts of ministers when previously in office. This led to a resolution condemning specifically one of their acts being ofiered by the opposition. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply on the 14th June 1864 it was moved, in amendment, "That an humble address be presented to his Excellency the " Governor General, representing that in June 1859 an advance of ^100,000 was made from the public " chest without the authority of Parliament for the redemption of bonds for a like amount of the city " of Montreal, which bonds were redeemable by the Grand Trunk Railway Company ; that by the " terms of the Order in Council of the 1st June 1859 the Receiver General was authorized to redeem " the said bonds on account of the city of Montreal, and to hold the same till the amount so advanced " (^100,000), with interest at six per cent., be repaid to the Government by the city of Montreal, " subject to the condition that the said city do immediately levy the necessary rate to meet their " indebtedness under the Municipal Loan Fund Act, and that the amount so advanced be repaid " within three months; that the city of Montreal having fulfilled the condition of paying its indebted- " ness under the Municipal Loan Fund Act, the bonds in question were delivered by the Receiver " General to the City Treasurer on the 13th September 1859, whereby all claim against the city of " Montreal was relinquished; that under the instructions of the then Minister of Finance, conveyed in " a letter dated London, 28th December 1859, addressed to Mr. Reffenstein of the Receiver General's " Department, the amount of the said advance was transferred to the debit of the financial agents of " the Province in London, who deny that they ever consented to become liable therefor ; and that in " view of the facts above recited this House would be failing in its duty if it did not express its disap- " probation of an unauthorized advance of a large amount of public money and of the subsequent " depa.rture from the conditions of the Order in Council under which the advance was made." This resolution was regarded by ministers as one of want of confidence, and was carried by a majority of two. The resolution and the debate upon it had reference solely to administrative acts coming appropriately under the review of Parliament, and a parliamentary condemnation of ministers was the result. A crisis of several days duration followed this vote. Ministers advised his Excellency the Governor OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 33 General to dissolve the House. This advice his ExceUency, after considerable delay, and it is believed CaiJada. with some hesitation, if not reluctance, finally accepted. Ministers, however, were obviously unwilling . to resort to a dissolution on the issue raised by the resolution just quoted, as the elections must have turned wholly on the merits of their previous adininistration of the finances, in respect to which there was a strong and wide-spread feeling of dissatisfaction. To avert an appeal to the country on so inconvenient an issue, and to evade at the same time the consequences of the pointed condemnation just pronounced by Parliament, negotiations for an Upper Canadia,n coalition were opened with Mr. Brown, a leading member of the Upper Canadian opposition. These negotiations resulted in the accession tp office of Mr. Brown and two of his friends, no change being made in the personnel oi the Lower Canadian section of the Administration. This rehabilitation of a defeated and condemned Administration was accomplished by means of a;n agreement that the consent of the Maritime Provinces to a Federal Union of all the Provinces should be sought during the Parliamentary recess, and that, failing to pbtain such consent before the re-assembling of Parliament in the January following, a plan of a Federal Union, applicable to Canada alone, should then be brought forward. Thus was formed a coalition between men who had been for years in violent political and personal hostility, for the purpose of carrying either a measure to which both parties had been previously opposed, or in the not improbable event of its failure, another measure to which one of the parties had been even more strenuously opposed. The project of a Federal Union of. Canada alone had, froni its incep- ception, been denounced by Messrs. Macdonald and Cartier in the language of derision and scorn. Now,, however, to gain the support of a section of their opponents, and thereby obviate a dissolution which they clearly foresaw would result in disastrous defeat to their party and in the approval by the country of the condemnation of themselves just pronounced by Parliament, these gentlemen adopted the project as their own, and were prepared to carry it, as they now propose to carry the Scheme of Confederation, without consulting the people, if only the assent of a Parliament, elected without any reference to organic changes, could be obtained. It is proper that we should now refer to proceedings which are sometimes alleged to have exerted an important, but which we believe to have had no appreciable, influence on the course of events. We allude to the appointment of a committee of the House of Assembly on motion of Mr. Brown in the Session of 1864 to inquire into the subjects embraced jn the despatch of Messrs. Cartier, Gait, and Ross to the Colonial Minister in 1859, and to the report of that Committee which was in the following words : — " The Committee have held eight meetings, and have endeavoured to find some solution for " existing difficulties likely to receive the assent of both sections of the Province. A strong feeling " was found to exist among the members of the Committee in favour of changes in the direction of a " Federative system , applied either to Canada alone or to the whole of the British North American " Provinces, and such progress, has been made as to warrant the Committee in recompiending that the " subject be again referred to a Committee at the next Session of Parliament." This report was not acted upon by the House, and was regarded by every one as being, what it in fact describes itself to be, a mere prelude to further inquiry and ampler discussion. But faintly even as this report points to the possible adoption of a " Federative System," it was opposed in Committee by John A. Macdonald, then as now the leader of the House, but who is now striving to impose a " Federative System " on his countrymen, without ascertaining, ,in the only Way known to our Constitution, whether they share his present views or adhere to those he uniformly expressed down to the crisis of June 1864. The Canadian Cabinet having been reconstructed in the manner and for the purposes we have described, it was thought to be necessary, as a preliminary to negotiations with the Maritime Provinces for their union with Canada, to secure the defeat, or at least the postponement, of the project of a Legislative union between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, the initial steps towards which had with the sanction of Her Majesty's Government been taken by the Governments and Legislatures of the three Provinces. In this the Canadian Ministers were successful. We think it is to be regretted that a different course was not pursued, for the union of these three small Provinces, two of them contiguous to each other, and the third separated from the main land by a narrow strait, with homogeneous populations and similar laws and institutions, if it could be accomplished on acceptable conditions, would seem a natural and desirable arrangement, either with or without reference to their ultimate union with Canada ; while in view of the later event, the previous consolidation of the smaller Provinces would obviate many difficulties and render possible the adoption of a less complicated and costly system of government than would be'necessary if they should enter the proposed Confederation as separate Provinces. Our Ministers, however, in their haste to achieve in a few weeks what, to be well done, should be the work of years, ignored these obvious considerations and persuaded the representatives of the three Provinces assembled at Charlotte Town in September 1864 to abandon the object for which they had been appointed until a conference of delegates from all the Provinces could be held to consider the question of a general union. A motive for the extraordinary course pursued by the Canadian Government may perhaps be deduced from th6 conditions on which Mr. Brown became a member of it. He stipulated, it will be remembered,. that, failing to obtain the assent of the Maritime Provinces to a general scheme' of union before the next meeting of the Canadian Parliament, the Government should then be bound be submit a measure providing a Federative System for Canada alone, a project which had always been extremely obnoxious to Mr. Brown's Conservative colleagues. Though they had pledged themselves to bring it forward in a certain contingency, they were 'naturally anxious that the cointingency should not arise. Hence thei eagerness with which something that could be represented as implying the assent of the Maritime Provinces to Confederation was sought, and hence also the motive, though a very inadequate one, for thwarting the movement which had made such hopeful progress for the union of the Maritime Provinces. Delegates from all the Provinces appointed by their several Governments, though without previous parliamentary authority, assembled at Quebec in October 1864, and the result of some days deliberation with closed doors was what is known as the Quebec scheme embodied , in a series; of 72 resolutions. ]6254. E 34 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION C AitAP A. These resoliitions when approved by the several Provincial Legislatures were to form the basis of an Act of the Imperial Parliament, superseding thei present constitutions of all the Provinces. The Canadian Parliament met in the following January, and was asked by theG-oveJrnment to adopt an addrfess to Her Majesty, praying for the passage of an Imperial Act founded on the resolutions of the Quebec conference, without having considered those resolutions in committee, or paissing upon them seriatim in anyway. This Course was objected tOj but fruitlessly, as being wholly at variance with established parliamentary usage both in England and in this country, and the more effectually to shut out all cdnsideration of details the previous question was moved by the Grovernment. While the debate on this addreiss was in progress manyi numerously attended pubhc meetings were held in Lower Canada, and petitions praying that the scheme of Confederation might not be adopted without a constitutional appeal to the people wel-e pouring into Parliament when the result of the general election in New Brunswick became known. As the popular verdict in that Province was overwhelmingly adverse to the scheme, there seemed to be no probabiHty of iits consummation during the term of the 'present Canadian Parliament, and the popular agitation in Lower Canada consequently ceased. Notwith- standing the emphatic rejection -of the scheme by the people of New Brunswick the Canadian ministers pressed the question to a vote, and though there was a large majority of the whole house in favour of the address, a strong minority of Lower Canadian representatives voted against it. The actual Lower Canadian vote. on the main question was 37 to '25, while on subsequent motions, respecting an appeal to the people, several of the members composing this majority voted with the minority. The minority would undoubtedly have been swoollen to a majority but for the extra par- Eamentary promises of special favours to particular interests, made by the Grovernment to the repre- sentatives of those interests, to induce them to vote for the Grovernment Scheme. To show that this grave assertion is not lightly hazarded, we propose to state some facts which are, we believe, without parallel in British or Colonial parliamentary history. Considerable uneasiness was felt by the English speaking minority in Lower Canada, respecting their possible position under the proposed Confederation, involving, aiC it did in respect to an important •class of questions, their political separation from the people of their own race in Upper Canada. This uneasiness was shared by their Representatives in Parhament, and it became necessary to remove it in order to secure their votes for the Scheme. On the 2nd of March, while the debate on Confederation was in progress, several of these gentlemen communicated with Mr. Gralt, whom they regarded as their representative in the Cabinet, touching the guarantees which they desired the pledge of the Grovern- ment to have incorporated in the local constitution for Lower Canada, a subject not then under the consideration of Parliament, and which was only to be submitted for consideration at the next Session. On tlje 7th of March, three days before the vote ivas taken, Mr. Gait addressed a letter to these gentlemen, in reply to a letter from them dated the 2nd of March, promising on the part of the Grovernment : 1. That there should be a provision in the Local Constitution, that no change in the limits'of consti- tuencies, now returning English-speaking members, should be made without the consent of two-thirds of the representatives of such constituencies present. 2. That there should be no changes in the limits of municipalities in the counties so represented, except under the General Municipal Law of Lower Canada. 3. Various changes in the Education Laws of Lower Canada, in the interest of the Protestant minority. 4. The assent of Government to the purchase, by county or township municipalities, or unconceded Crown lands within their hmits. These promises were, it is presumed, considered satisfactory by the members of the Assembly, to whom they were addressed, since all of them who were present voted for the Government Scheme • while, if their votes had been cast on the other side, as it is fair to assume they would have been but for these pledges, privately and secretly given (thus given instead of publicly in Parliament, lest other interests should take the alarm or exact other concessions), that scheme would have been rejected by a majority of the Representatives of Lower Canada. This curious episode has been followed by conse- quences not less curious. During the late Session of Parliament, the Government abandoned a measure intended to fulfil the most important of these pledges, that relating to the School Laws of Lower Canada. Mr. Gait thereiipon resigned, declaring at the same time with strange inconsistency, that his colleagues were right in abandoning the measure, although they, equally with himself, were pledged to carry it as an integral part of their Confederation policy, which we have shown would have broken down at a critical moment but for this very pledge. The Government of New Brunswick, with a just appreciation of the rights of the constituent body, dissolved Parliament, before inviting its concurrence in the resolutions of the Quebec conference. The result, as we have already stated, was the return of an overwhelming majority opposed to the Scheme. In the spring of the present year another dissolution of the Parliament of New Brunswick took place.' A Government favourable to confederation had just previously been formed, and, as it is asserted by the unscrupulous use of the influence of the Crown, and still more by representing the issue as one in which the loyalty of the people was concerned, they succeeded in securing the election of a majority favourable to the general principle of confederation. The Quebec Scheme, however, was not accepted by the people of New Brunswick in this election, for nearly all the Government candidates, including the members of the Government themselves, found it necessary to avow their dissent from that Scheme or from some of its leading features. When the new Parliament assembled, ministers did not venture to submit for concurrence or even as the basis of an act of union, the Quebec resolutions, but confined themselves to moving an address to Her Majesty, couched in the most general terms. The Governnient of Nova Scotia did not dissolve Parliament, nor in the Session of 1865 did they ask it to affirm the Quebec resolutions. In the Session of 1868 an address to Her Majesty was adopted, expressing in general terms a desire for a federal union of the Provinces, but carefully avoid-' ing the slightest endorsement of the Quebec Scheme, It is well known that this course was pursued .. Gf THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 35 because no proposition affirming, even in general terms, an approval of that scheme would have received C^ada, the support of a majority of the House of Assembly. , . , — ^ Prince Edward Island expressly and unequivocally rejected the Quebec Scheme, and has not thus far evinced a desire or willingness to form part of a . generial Confederation on any terms ; and in Newfoundland, though a general election has taken place since the Quebec conference was held, the resolutions of that conference have not been approved by the Legislature ; and no steps similar to those taken in Nova Scotia and New Brunswisfc, looking to a. union on other terms, have been adopted. It may be assumed, therefore, that it is not proposed to embrace.ihe Insular Provinces in any plan of confederation to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament, at its next Session. And we may consider the question as aflfecting, for the present at jleast,) only the Provinces of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. r i What then is the present position of the question? The Governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have sent Delegates to England, to urge forward a union, but on terms different from those agreed to by the Quebec Conference.. The Canadian Government is about to dispatch Delegates to England to obtain an Act of Union, embodying the very terms agreed to by the Quebec Conference. The members of the Canadian Government are bound by reppated and. explicit pledges, given from their places in Parliament, to see that the provisions of any Act of Union assented to by them shall be in strict conformity with the Quebec resolutions. The members of the Governments of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, on the other hand, are pledged to obtain essential modifications, of the Quebec Scheme, before the Union is con'iiimmated will" their consent. ~ If an Act be passed adhering strictly to the terms of the Quebec resolutions, is there not some danger that in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick disappointment, arising out of violated confidence, may speedily develope into aggravated forms of discontent? On the other hand, if the Apt does not adhere closely to the terms of the Quebec resolutions, is there not equal danger that the pteople of Canada, smarting under a sense of broken faith, will be frpm the very s,tart dissatisfied, with their new form of Government ? The conflicting aims and pledges of the several Provincial Governments, who agree only in desiring some kind of union, but differ widely with regard' to the condition&'of that union, show conclusively, we respectfully urge, the extreme impolicy of dealing with the subject at all at the approaching Session of the Imperial Parliament'.. The present Parliament :of Canada expires next summer ; that of Nova Scotia expires next spring. We would say, let general, elections in both Provinces take place at the regular period^ fi?;e,d by lapr. , These elections will necessarily turn on the question of Confederation. The, desirable- ness of eonfederationj and (;he conditions on which it would "be acceptable, if thought to be' desirable^ would be full jr discussed, and the' result would be the electioii of Parliaments, representing the seitl'ea convictions and 'the matured purposes of the -people. The decisions of Parliaments, elected under these circumstances, if favourable to confederation, would go far towards ensuring the success of a system, which at best can only be regarded as an experimentj which," if trifed at all, ougUt'only to be tried under the most favourable conditions j , while if they were adverse to confederation, that, fact alone would demonstrate the wisdom of the delay for which we plead. , We have endeavoured to show that the initiation of this,project of confederation, and' all the subse- quent steps taken to promote it, are to be traced to the party or personal exigencies of Canadian politicians, and not to a spontaneous or general desire among the people for fundamental changes in their political institutions, or in their, political relations. We have endeavoured to show that in none of the Provincial Parliaments' have the details of the project been considered in the sense in which the clauses of a Bill are considered ; that in Canada and Nova Scotia the people have not had an oppor- tunity of pronouncing upon either the principle or the details;; and that in New Brunswick, where an election wa^.reeently held, the people qannot he said to have assented to, the Quebec Scheme, which is the only definite plan, of union npifsr under consideration. If these positions cannot be, successfully assailed the argument for delay would seem to be unanswer- able whatever may be thought of the genersd question of confederation, or of the particular scheme agreed to by the Quebec Conference. ' We believe that confederation in any form is unsuited to the present circumstances of the Provinces ; and that there are defects sojadical, and inconsistencies so glaring, in the Quebec plan, that it could never be brought ii^tq successful operation, even if it should be found possible to reduce it, in its integrity, to the form of a cpherept Acfc of Pailiament, in harmony with the spirit of British institutions and British legislatipn. We refrain, however, from, troubling your Lordship with any lengthened observations, either pn the, general question or on the particular scheme. We assume that the single aim of Her Majesty's Grbvernment will be to give eflect to the well-understood and clearly-expressed wishes of the people of the Provinces. We have striven to show that no adequate expression of their wishes respecting confederation has been given, and that the wholesubject ought consequently to be remitted back to them. In that event our appropriate sphere for the discussion of it would be here. We limit ourselvesj therefore, to an earnest plea against precipitancy on a subject that concerns the -highest and most enduring interests of our country, against an irreversible conclusion being drawn from, erroneous or unauthenticated, premises. A plea in short for delay. , We seek delay, not to, frustrate the purposes of a majority of Our countrymen, but to prevent their being surprised, against their will or without their consent^ into a political change, which, however obnoxious and oppressive to, them it might prove, could not be reversed without such an agitation as every" well-wisher of his country must desire to avert. We have," &c., ' A. ^. Dqhiqn, Member for the Co. of Hochelaga, late Attorney-Greneral for Lower Canada. L. H. HoLTON, M.P.P. for Chateauguay, late Minister of Finance. J. Thibandeau, M.P.P. for Quebec Centre, late President of the Council. L.S.Huntington, M.P.P. for Shefford, late Solicitor-General for Lower Canada. M. LafKamboise, M.P.P. for Bagot, late Commissioner of Public Works. E 2 36 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION CANADA. F. BoiTRAssA, M.P.P. for St. John's. J, B. E> DoRioN, M.P.P. for Drummond and Arthabaska. L. B. Cakon, M.P.P. for L'Islet. L. Labreche-Viger, M.P.P. for Terrebonne, Jas. O'Halloran, Q.C., M.P.P. for Missisquoi. A. DuFKESNE, M.P.P. for Iberville. MoL. FoKTiER, M.P.P. for Yamaska. J. B. PocLioT, M.P.P. for Temisconata. A. H. Paquet, M.P.P. for Berthier. F. Geoffrion, M.P.P. for Vercheres. Jos. Perrault, M.P.P. for Richelieu. A. GrAGNON, M.P.P. for Charlevoig. SixTE CouPAL, M.P.P. for Napierville. Chas. Lajoie, M.P.P. for St. Maurice. M. HouDE, M.P.P. for Maskinong^. Montreali October 1866. No. 28. No. 28. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government to the Right Hon. the Earl of CARNAuyoN. (No. 5.) Montreal, January 4, 1867. (Receivteii, January 25, 1867.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 131, January 30, 1867, page 51.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to your Lordship an address to Her most Gracious Majesty the Queen from the Rev. John Bethune, D.D., and others, residing in Lower Canada, and to request that it may be laid at the foot of the Throne. Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) ' J. MICHEL, &c. &c. &c. Lt.-General, Administrator of Gov. End. in No. 28. Enclosure in No. 28. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. May it please Your Majesty, The undersigned loyal and dutiful subjects of Your Majesty, residing in Lower Canada, deeply impressed with the importance of a cordial concurrence of l(our Majesty's subjects of all classes in Canada in the union of the British American Provinces, if resolved on, and while humbly expressing the hopie that such union may be made as full and complete as possible, desire respectfully to represent that further and better provisions with respect to the future representation of the English minority in Lower Canada ought in justice to be made in the Act of the Imperial ParUament, and also that ceftaiin guarantees' with reference to education in the interest of the same minority should be aiforded. That without doubting the good faith, or questioning the just intentions of our fellow subjects of French origin and Catholic faith, which on the contrary they have often had reason to acknowledge. Your petitioners consider that it would peril that harmony and co-opetation which are so much needed for the successful working of the union, if any large minority of Yoiir Majesty's subjects were made dependent on the forbearance of the majority, instead of having their ,rights secured by legislative enactmient. Your petitioners would represent that the English-speaking minority in Lower Canada number nearly one-fourth of the population of that part of the Province. ' That the total number of representatives in the Local Parliament of that Province is proposed to be 65, of which Your petitioners should be entitled to return, as they now do, .nearly one-fourth. They' therefore pray that as regards the interference in future by the Local Legislature in the electoral limits now existing, or as regards any futnre increase in the number of representatives, sUch provision be made in the Act of Union as shall secure to the British minority the same relative representation as they now possess, as well in the Federal as in the Local Legislature. On the subject of education Your petitioners would represent that by the resolutions, as agreed to at the Confereiiee at Quebec, it is provided that the Local Legislature shall have power to make laws respecting the following subjects, viz., among others, education, " saving the rights and privileges which "the Protestant or' Catholic minority in both Canadas may possess as to their denominational schools " at the time when the union goes into operation." Your petitioners would respectfully represent that previoi(s to the adoption of these resolutions by the- Legislature of Caiiada, it was distinctly understood and a pledge was given, that before the union of the Provinces should have actually taken place, an Act should "be passed securing to the Protestant minority in Lower Canada the control of the education of the children of their own race and religion, and for that object a Bill was introduced by the ministry' of the day in the last session of the Canadian Legislature. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 37 That circumstances to which it is unnecessary here specially to refer, led to the withdrawal of 'the Canada. said Bill, and Your petitioners are thereby deprived of the guarantees which its passage would have afforded. , • . That these guarantees may briefly be stated to be— i Fijrst.: That all direct taxes for the support of schools paid by Protestants, unless otherwise desig- nated by themselves, should be applied to Protestant or non-denominational education, and that all public money given for the same purpose should be divided between Protestants and Roman Catholics in proportion to population. Second. That suitable and adequate provision should be made for the protection of the educational interests of Protestants in the management of educational funds, the establishment and proper classifi- cation and maintenance of schools and institutions of superior education, and generally in the adminis- tration of educational affairs. • Your petitioners desire further to represent that they consider it to be of the utmost moment that the important questions of immigration and the administration of the Crown Lands should be vested exclusively in the General Government, instead of being left within ^he control of the Local Legislature. They therefore humbly pray, that in any measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament, such provision may be made in reference to the foregoing subjects as shall give effect to the prayers of Your petidbners. And as in duty bound Your petitioners will ever pray. Signed by John Bethune, D.D., and several others. Montreal, 1st December 1866. No. 29. No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Officer Administering the Government to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 6.) Montreal, January 4, 1867. (Eeceived, January 25,1867.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 132, January 30, 1867, page 51.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith to yoiu- Lordship an address to Her Majesty the Queen, from the governors, principal, and fellows of McGill College, Mon- treal, and to request that it may be laid at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) J. MICHEL, &c. &c. &c. ' Administrator of Gov. Enclosure 1 in No. 29. ' EncI.imNo.29. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. ' The memorial of the Governors, Principal, and Fellows of McGill College, Montreal)^ ' Hunxhly showeth^ , , ■ - ; , That in prospect of the changes contemplated in the political constitution of Canada, the; Corporation of McGill College, the oldest tJniversity in this country, and the most important educational institution pertaining to that portion of the population of Lower Canada ■vyhich is of Britis}i origin, desire humbly to present the following statement respecting the condition and prospects of education. ^ Unde^ that provision of the resolutions agreed to at, the Quebec Conference, .which leay;es the entire control ;o£ education with the Local Governments and Legislatures, unless adequate guarantees b.e ^ introduced into the linperial Act, one of the most momentous interests of Your Majesty's subjects in this country will be sjibject to local view^s and feelings, and will | be deprived of those enlarging and' improving influences which are anticipated from the union of the Provinces,. , , With regard to University education, it is much to be desired, that, as far as possible, there shottld be a uniform standard for degrees ;. and that the degrees of any University in British America should, be recognized throughout the whole Confederation; and also, that the undue multiplicatioil of Univer- sities, which ^as become so great an evil in some parts of these Provinces, should be arrested. These most desirable results ca,n, in the opinion of Your Majesty's memoralists, be' secured only by* vesting in the General Government and Legislature an effective control over these important interests. " With regard to the schools, it may be observed, that under the existing union of Upper and Lower Caiiada,,two distinct school systems have been established; and that, as the system existing in Lower Canada has, led to a classifidation and management of schools and school districts, rather in accordance with the' educational views of the clergy of the Roman Catholic church, than with the wants, and wishes of the Protestant population, the latter have, even under the present constitution, been subjected to' serious disadvantages in regard to the education of their children. More particularly, they have iiot been able to obtain the benefits of a general system of education, with public and properly classified- schools, as enjoyed' by their fellow subjects of Upper Canada ; under certain circumstances of not infrequent occurrence,. they are liable, to_ taxation for the support of schools exclusively Roman Catholic in character ; they do not possess the privileges with reference to the estabUshment of separate schools, E 3 38 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada, whic^ have been accorded to the Roman Catholic minority of Upper Canada ; and they have occasion — - to. complain of the, distribution of the legislative grants, more especially of those for superior educatiioo. Furthur, though the P,rotestanfc minority in Lower Canada comprises a large proportion of the.iwealth, education, and science of this country, it is not represented in the office of the Educational Departenent. These evils have been felt by the Protestant population even under the existing union with. Upper Canada ; and those representatives of^the Protestant constituencies; whoi consented to the arrangements of the Quebec Conference for the dissolution of that union, did so only., after distinct pledges) on the part of Uie Government, that at least the more weighty of these grievances would be redressed by! Legislative action, before Confederatioiii. But ithese pledges have nofc been fulfilled; a measure to this end, but of an imperf and as the settlement of the land question which has so long and so injuriously agitated that Colony, would be attended with great benefit, and at the same time place the Local Government of thef Island, by the possession of the proprietary lands, more on a footing with the other Provinces, which have crown lands and minerals as a source of Jocal revenue. Therefore Resolved, — That in case the Legislature of the Island should authorize the appointment of Delegates to. act in conjunction with those form the other Provinces in arranging a plan of confederation prior to the meeting of the Imperial Parliament, the Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are hereby pledged to support the policy of providing such an amount as may be necessary for the purchase of the proprietary rights, but not to exceed ,^800,000. Charles Tupper, S. L. TlLLEY. 16254. G so CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Canada. • ' No. 22. N^2. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Viscount MoNCK. (No. 80.) . My Lord, Downing Street, October 18, 1866. * Page 26. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No, 150,* of the 28th September, enclosing a copy of a Telegram which your Lordship addressed to me on the 24th of that month. Viscount Monck, (Signed) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. No. 23. No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Viscount MoNCK. (No. 100.) My Lord, Downing Street, November 22, 1866. I ha:ve the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatches *Pagea27aiid marked Separate of the 3rd and 5th of this month,* introducing the Delegation appointed 28- by your Government to confer with the Representatives of the other Provinces and with myself on the subject of Confederation. • -^ ■ - I have, &c. Viscount Monck, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. No. 24. No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Viscount MoNCK. (No. 104.) My Lord, Downing Street, November 23, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch, * Page 27. No. 184,* of the 3rd of this mSnth, enclosing a copy of an approved Minute of the Executive Council of Canada on the subject of the resolution adopted by the Delegates from Nova Scotia apd New Brunswick, with the view of bringing Prince Edward Island into the Confederation of British North America. I have, &ct. Viscount Monck, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. ^ No. 25. No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to- Viscount Monck. (No. 119.) My Lord, , Downing Street, Decenrlber 17, 1866. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's Despatch, ♦Page 28. No. 203,* dated the 29th November last, enclosing an Address to Her. Majesty from the Provincial Association of Protestant Teachers of Lower Canada, complaining of certain alleged grievances in the educational system at present in force in Lowfer'Canada, and praying that provisions may be introduced into the proposed Imperial Act of Confedera- tion calculated to protect the educational interests of the Protestant inhabitants of Lower Canada. The question of education is one of the important subjects which may be expected to be discussed by the North American Delegates when in conference in this country, and the present memorial, which has been duly laid at the foot of the Thrdne, shall then receive full consideration. ', I have to request you to communicate to the memorialists the substance of this Despatch, I have, &c. Viscount Monck, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 51 No. 26. , Canada. Copt of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to -— /XT ,03 ^ ' Lieut.-General Sir John Michel. , °' ' Sir, Downing Street, January 5, 1867. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 6,* of the * Page 29. 12th December, enclosing memorials from the Roman Catholic Bishops of Canada East and Canada West respectively. I have to request that you will acquaint the Bishops that the question of education to which their memorials relate will engage my attention in conjunction with the Delegates from the British North American Provinces. - I have, &c. Lieut,-General Sir John Michel, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 27. N°' 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-General Sir John Michel. (No. 124.) Sir, Downing Street, January 7, 1867- I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 8,* of the * Page si. 13th December, enclosing a letter from the Honourable A. A, Dorion, accompanied by a memorial signed by himself and other members of the Canadian Legislature. I have to request that you will acquaint Mr. Dorion, for the information of himself and of the other gentlemen whose names are attached to the document, that their memorial has now reached my hands through yourself, as the officer administering the Government of-the Province, and that its contents will be duly weighed in common with the various other communications which have been received on the subject of Confederation. Lieut.-General Sir John Michel, (Sigded) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 28. ■ No. 28. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to the Officer {1^ 1 m ^ Administering the Government. Sir, Downing Street, January 30, 1867- I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 5,* of the *Page36, 4th inst., transmitting an address to the Queen, from the Rev. John Bethune, and others, residing in Lower Canada, praying that the interests of the Protestant and English minority of Her subjects in that Province may be secured in the proposed scheme for the Confederation of the British North American Colonies. You will inform Mr. Bethune that the important questions indicated in the address are under my consideration, in con- junction with the delegates. " I have, &c. The Officer Administering the Government, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 29. No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to the Officer /TVT ion \ Administering the Government. (JNo. 162, ) D Sir, ' Downing Street, January 30, 1867. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of'your Despatch, No. 6,* of the * Page 37. 4th inst., transmitting an address to the Queen from, the Governors, Principal, and Fellows of McGill College, Montreal, on the subject of the protection of Protestant education in the proposed scheme for the Confederation of the British North American Provinces. You will inform these gentlemen that this question is under my consideration, in con- junction with the delegates. , , I have, &c. The Officer Administering the Government, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c; ' G 2 ' 62 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova NOVA SCOTIA. Scotia. Despatches from the Lieut.-Governor. No. 1. , No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieutenant-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 41.) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 8, 1864. „ (Eeceived January 3,. 1865.) ^^^' (Answered No. 3, January 7, 1865, page 78.) The enclosed copy of the Resolutions adopted at the Quebec Conference only reached me on the 6th inst., as there was considerable and stiil unexplained delay in transmitting from Canada a copy to the Delegates from this Province. 2. Those gentlemen do not think it necessary to accompany their report with any d&tailed explanations. Long ere this can reach you I am aware that ytou will have been put, by Lord Monck, fully in possession of all the proceedings and resolutions of the Conference. You are also otherwise acquainted with my own individual opinions. It is therefore unnecessary in this Despatch to enter into any further details. I shall for. the present follow the example of the Delegates, and await some expression of the intentions of Her Majesty's Government in reference to the proposed federation. I am convinced that there exists, both on the part of the public and of the present Ministry, a very general disposition to show all due deference to the opinions and wishes of Her Majesty's Government. T JiftVG Sec (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, - The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieutenant-Governor. ' &c. &c. &c. End in No. 1. Enclosure in No. 1. . May it please your Excellency, Halifax, Nova Scotia,. December 5, 1864, Th^e undersigned delegates appointed by your Excellency, at the request of the Governor- General, and charged to confer at the Quebec Conference upoi;^ the subject of a union of the British North American Provinces, have the honour to submit their report. The Conference consisted of the following members : — JPor Canada. The Hon. Sir E. P. Tache, M.L.C., Receiver-General and Minister ot MiUtia. The Hon. John A. MacDoUald, M.P.P., Attorney-General (U. Canada). The Hon. Gr. E. Caktieb, M.P.P., Attorney-General (L. Canada). The Hon. Geokge Brown, M.P.P., President of Executive Council. The Hon. A. Mowatt, M.P.P., Postmaster-General. The Hon. A. T. Galt, M.P.P., Minister of Finance. The Hon. T. D, McGee, M.P.P., Minister of Agriculture. The Hon. Wm. McDougall, M.P.P., Provincial Secretary. The Hon. Alexander Campbell, M.L.C, Commissioner of Crown Lands. The Hon. Q. C. Chappais, M.P.P,, Commissioner of Public Works. The Hon. L. H. Langevin, M.P.P., Solicitor-General (L. Canada). The Hon. JiiMEs CockIsurn, M.P. P., Solicitor-General (tf. Canada). For Nma Scotia. , , The Hon. Charles Tcpper, M.P.P., Provincial Secretary.- The Hon. William A. Henry, M.P.P., Attorney-Genei-al. The Hon. Jo. McCully, M.L.C, The Hon. Robt. B. Dickey, M.L.C. A. G. Archibald, Esq., M.P.P. jFor New Brunsmch. ' The Hon. S. L. Tilley, M.P.P., Provincial and Financial Secretary The Hon. W. H. Steeves, M.L.C., M.E.C. ' ' The Hon. J. M. JoHNsqN, M.P.P., Attorney-General. . The Hon. P. Mitchell, M.L.C., M.E.C. ' The Hon. E. B. Chandler, M.L.C. Lieut.-Col. the Hon. John H. Gray, M.P.P^ * The Hon, Charles Fisher, M.P.P. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 53 For Newfoundland, Nova , F. B. T. Carter, Esq., M.P.P. ^^^' " John Ambrose Shea, Esq., M.P.P. For Prince Edward Island. Col. the Hon. J. H. Gray, M.P.P. The Hon. E. Palmer, Attorney-General. The Hon. W. H. Pope, Provincial Secretary. The Hon. A. A. McDonald, M.L.C. The Hon. George Coles, M.P.P. The Hon. T. H. Haviland, M.P.P. The Hon. Edward Whelan, M.P.P. , ■ , . The foregoing members having met at the Parliament House in Quebec on the 10th day of October last, the Conference was organized by the appointment of the Hon. Sir E. P. Tach^, Chairman, and .the Hpnourables Messrs. William McDougall, Charles Tupper, S. L. Tilley, Ambrose Shea, and W. H. Pope, Joint Secretaries; H. Bernard, Esq., was nominated by the Secretaries Executive Secretary, and approved by the Conference. After deliberating daily at great length until Thursday, the 27th October, the Conference adjourned to Montreal, where a final meeting was "held on the 29th October. At this meeting it was unani- mously resolved that the various delegations should present the-annexed report as the common result at which the Conference had arrived, and which it was agreed should ^ be authenticated by the signatures of all the members. Dealing as this report does with every branch of the subject, it is not necessary that any, elaborate remarks should be added in order to place the whole question fully before your Excellency, but we have much gratification in stating that nothing was more conspicuous, in the discussions of the Conference than a unanimous sentiment of devoted loyalty to the Crown, ardent attachment to British institutions, and a uniform desire to adopt such a constitution as would unite the resources of all the Provinces represented in a common effort to preserve the rights and liberties which their inhabitants now enjoy as British subjects, and to ensure their continued connexion with the parent State. The undersigned cannot conclude this report without placing on j:ecord their lively appreciation of th6 uniform good, feeling which marked the deliberations of the Conference, and the extreme courtesy and kindness manifested on every occasion by the Government and people of Canada to the Delegates from the Maritime Provinces. All of which is repectfuUy submitted. (Signed) Charles Tupper, , W. A. Henry. ; J. McCuiyLY. Adams Gt. Archibald. Report of Resolutions adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Colonies of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, held at the City of Quebec, 10th October 1S64, as the Basis of a proposed Confederation of those Provinces and Colonies. TTiese Resolutions are printed as an Appendix, page 158. No. 2. , No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 44.) • Government House, Halifax,' Nova Scotia, December 23, 1864. Sir, (Eeceived, Jan. 3, 1865.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge receipt of your Despatch transmitting the reply of Her Majesty's Government to Lord Monck (Canada, No. 93,*) containing a » Vide Papers ffeneral statement of the views of Her Majesty's Government on the important subject |''4T*?L. of the proposed Jbederation or the British American Lplonies. p. n. It appeared to me that it was advisable to give immediate publicity to those views of Her Majesty's Government, and accordingly I directed a Gazette Extraordinary to be issued last night containing that Despatch. I enclose some copies of that Gazette for your information. Independent of the obvious duty of giving information pf that kind early to Her Majesty's subjects in this Province, I felt that it was due to many highly respectable and loyal gentlemen hplding a distinguished position in thi? community, aqd wtio view with suspicion the retention of local Parliaments as more likely hereafter practically to lead ^ to disunion than to strength, to give them an opportunity df acquainting themselves G 3 54 CORRKSl'ONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova Scotia. ■with the sentiments entertained by Her Majesty's Ministers before committing themselves to any decided line of action. , 3. I therefore hope the course which I hg,ve adopted will meet your approval. I have, &c. (Signed) 'RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor, &c. &c. &c. ' No. 3. No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. Sir, (No» 49.) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 5^ 1865. I _ ^ (Eeceived, January 17, 1865.) With a view to enabling you, in case of necessity, to refer readily to the speeches, recently delivered at public meetings by the friends and opponents of the scheme of Federatipn proposed for the British Americ3.n Provinces, I have had extracts made from the best rjeported speeches, and put them into a somewhat more convenient shape for reference t'han if left to be searched for through the various journals in which they havefrotti time to time appeared.* 2. A considerable amount of ability has been exhibited on both sides, but the most practised debaters as well as the most influential portion of the press have from the first been on the side of the Delegates, whilst the early publication of the reply of Her Majesty's Government to Lord Monckon the same subject has. given such an additional prestige and weight to the position and arguments of the Delegates and other friends of the measure, that unquestionably the result of the discussion has been in a great degree to disarm opposition, and also to prevent .any effective organization on a great scale by the political opponents of Federation. . , , ; 3. It' has, however, been a great satisfaction to me to note throughout these discussions that neitheiF' party cin be regarded as more loyally disposed than the other, but on both sides the tendency^ or supposed tendency of any suggested arrangement to promote or weaken the connexion subsisting between these. Colonies and Great Britain is treated accordingly as a favourable or unfavourable feature in the scheme. • ' I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. &c. ^ No. 4. t Lord Monck to Sir E. G. HacDonnell, 23 Deo. 1864; Tide p. 2. t Vide Papery, presented 7 Teb. 1865, p. 11. • § Lt-GkiT. Sir R.G.MacDon- nell toVisoount Monck, 9 Jan. 1865, printed at p. 4. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 51.) Government Housej Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 13, 1865. , ~ (Redeived, January 31, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 5, February 3, 1865, page 78.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith copy of a Despatchf received from Lord Monck, on the 6th instant, inquiring what course I intend to pursue for the purpose of giving effect to your instructions as conveyed to his Lordship in your Despatch of the 3rd December; J As I believe your instructions clearly imply the expectation that the several Legis- latures of these Provinces shall adopt an address to the Crown praying Her Majesty to direct steps to be taken for- passing an Imperial Act uniting theSe Provinces on the general basis of the Quebec Resolutions, and as that is the policy which Lord Monck announces as intended bjr his Governrtient, I have had much pleasure in intimating the entire willingness of this /Government to adhere to the same policy. It is, indeed, precisely the same course which I had myself recommended as soon as I was in possession of your views on thie Quebec Resdliitions. I enclose copy of my- reply§ to Lord Monck, which enlarges somewhat on the reasons why it seems 'inexpedient to depart in any of these Colonies from the above simple • The enclosures hemg eoettacts from newspapers, and Of considerable length, are not printed. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 55 programme, as any departure tlierefrom might lead to hopeless variance, I and ray Nova advisers feel that the proposal of Her Majesty's Government to frame the Imperial Act Scotia. with the aid of representatives of the various Colonies, specially deputed ,for the purpose, . affords the simplest and readiest practical mode of adjusting details, which can be more effectively as well as more wisely and completely dealt with by the Imperial Parliament, than by the, possibly discordant action of several independent Legislatures. I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M. P. Lieut.-Governor. &CC. Sec. &c. No. 5., No.^. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P. f^ __ ■■ Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 2, 1865. ^ ' ■' - . Tir (Eeceived, February 16, 1865.) Sir, '(Answered No. 10, March 1, 1865, page 79.) In my Despatch, No. 13, of the 31st August I, had the honour'to announce the final appointment of delegates to represent Nova Scotia at Charlottetown, for the purpose of discussing the expediency and practicability of , some union of the British North American Maritime Provinces. It is only within the last few days that I have received from the Provincial Secretary, himself one of the delegates and joipt secretaries of the Conference! the enclosed brief resum6 of proceedings, which, as you are aware, became soon .afterward!? practically merged in the more comprehensive Conference at Quebec, ^ - ■ You will observe that almost from the very commencement , of the Charlottetown Conference at the beginning of September, delegates from Canada, including' some of the most eminent statesmen from that country, were admitted to take part in the pro- ceedings, and its deliberations practically embraced a far more extensive question than that which had been originally submitted to the consideration of the delegates by resolution of the respective Legislatures. The enclosed document is nevertheless interesting as forming a portion of the history of proceedings to which subsequent events have given a far wider influence than was at flrst anticipated. . I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 5. End. l in No. .5. May it please youb Excellency, Halifax, N.S., January 28, 1865. On behalf of the delegates* appointed by" your Excellency to attend the Conference held at Charlottetown in September last, I beg to enclose for your information the following report of the proceedings of that Conference, duly authenticated by the signatures of the chairman and joint secre- taries. . , • ' . , , ' - , . , Ihave,.&c. .. To his Excelleiicy, Sir R. Gr.- MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) Ohakles Tupper, Lieut.-Governor, &c. &c. ' • &Ci Report of Proceedings of a Conference held to consider the Question of a Legislative Union of Nova Scotia, New Brdoswick, and Prince Edward Island. ; ' ' Thje conference was composed of the following delegates : — Hon. Charles Tuppee, Provincial Secretary. Hon. W. A. Henry, Attorney- Greneral. Hon. Jonathan McCdlly, M.L.C. ' • Adams G. Archibald, Esq., M.P.P. ' Hon. R. B. Dickey, M.L.C. .; , Hon. S. L. Tilley, Provincial Secretary. Hon. W. H. Steeves, M.L.C. and M.E.C,, Hon. J. M. Johnson, Attorney-Genei'al. ' Hon. E: B. Chandler, M.L.C. Hon. J. N.Gray, M.P.R ' G 4 56 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova Hon. CqU. H.,GuAy, M.E.C. ScoTiAo Hon. W. H. Pope, Colonial Secretary. Hor.. Edwaud Palmee, Attorney-General. Hon. Geouge Coles, M.P.P. ' ' Hon. Andhew McDonald, M.L.G. The delegates niet at the Colonial Building, Chkrlottetown, P.E. Isbnd, on the 1st day of September 18G4, when on motion of the Hon. Charles Tapper, seconded by the Hon. S. L, Tilley, the Hon. Col. Gray was appointed Chairman of the Conference ; the Hon. Charles Tupper and the Hon. S. L. Tilley were appointed Joint Secretaries* A^te?; some time ^pent in general discussion it was decided to receive a deputation from the Govern- ment of Canada, who had arrived for the purpose of explaining to the Conference the views of that Government upon the Union of. British North America. In conformity with that decision the following members of the Canadian Government were received by the Conference on the 2nd day of September. — Hon. J. A. McDoifALD, Attorney-General, C.W. Hon. G. E. Cartier, Attorney-General, C.E. Hon. George Brown, M'jP.P., President of Executive Council. Hon. A. T. Galt, Minister of Finance. ' ' Hon. T. D." McGee, Minister of Agriculture. Hon. Wm, McDouGALL, Provincial Secretary. Hon. Alexander Campbell, M.L.C., Commissioner of Crown Laiids.. /. Hoii. L, H. Langevin, M.P.P., Solicitor-General, C.E. The Conference met separately and with these gentlemen daily until Wednesday, the 7t6 Se^ptember, and full and free discussion took place between thejm and the members of the Conference. Upon the 7th. September, at the invitation of the delegates from Nova Scotia, the Conference was adjourned to meet at Halifax, where on the 10th September it was re-assembled at the Legislative Council chamber, and the- discussions continued with the members of the Canadian Government. On the 12th September, upon the invitation of the delegates from New Brunswick^ the Conference was adjourned to mept at St. Johp, New Brujiswick. , . . . Previous to adjournment, the Hon J. A. McDonald announced to the Conference that the Executive Council of Canada would advise his Excellency the Governor-General to invite the Lieut-Governors of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, JJewfoundlancI, and Prince Edward Island to appoint delegates to attend a Conference at Quebec, to take formally into consideration the subject of a union of all the British North American Provinces. . , Pursuant to adjournment the Conference met at Stubb's hotel, St. John, N.B., on the 1 6th September, when it was decided to, adjourn until after the Conference to be called at Quebec had formally discussed the larger question in all its bearinjgs. An adjournment accordingly .took place until again called by the chairman to meet at such time and place as he should think fit, of which due notice should be given by the secretaries to the members. Such adjourned. meeting was duly called and held at the Queen's hotel, Toronto, C.W., on the 3rd of November, when it was resolved, — " prhat in view of the resolutions passed at the Quebec Conference in favour of a Confederation of the " British North. American Provinces, this Conference decide to postpone the consideration of the " question of a legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces, and that the joint secretaries be requested " to draw up a report of the proceedings of the Conference for the information of the Lieutenant-Gover- " nors and of the Legislatures of the Maritime Provinces." ; , . , , ,.<:'' A vote of thanks having been passed unanimously to .the chairman, for the able manner in which he had discharged the duties of his office, the Conference was on motion adjourned " sine die." , (Signed) J. Hamilton Gray, Chairman. , Charles Tupper, 1 t ■ i. c ■ j.' • S.L. Tilley, j-Jomt Secretaries. No. 6. No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 56.) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, February 15, 1865. (Received February, 28, 1865.) Sir, ^ _ _ (Answered No. 12, March 10, 1865, page 79.) I HAVE the honour to transmit herewith a copy of the speech with which on the 9th instant I opened the second session of the. twenty-second General Assembly of this Province. It was very gratifying to me to be able to congratulate the members of the Legislature on the unprecedented prosperity with which this Province has been favoured during the past year, thereby affording them suitable leisure to discuss the important question of Confederation of these Provinces which it will be the duty of my Govern- ment shortly to bring before them. On Monday, the 13th inst., the President and Members of the Legislative Council waited on me at Government House with the enclosed address in reply to my speech. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 57 Shortly afterwards, on the same day, the Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly Nova presented to me the address which I also transmit. ' Scotu. I have, &Ct ' (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,, The Right Hon. Edward Cardivel!,,, M.P., , Jjieut.-Goveruor. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 iii No. 6. End, i in No. 6. Extracts from Lieut.-Governor's Speech. Mr. President and iHoNOUE-ABLE Gentlemen oPiTHE Legislative Council. Me. Speaker and Gentlemen or the House of Assembly. * , » * * * 4. At the opening. of last session, the Officer then administering the Government alluded to the identity of the interests of the British North American Maritime Provinces, and laid before you a proposal for devising means of effecting their Union under one Grovernment. The consideration which you then gave to the question led to a resolution requesting the Officer administering the Government to appoint delegates, not exceeding five in numher, to confer on that subject with delegates from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. 5. It became my duty, on receiving permission from Her Majesty's Government, to give effect to that resolution. Therefore, with a view to a full and fair discussion, I endeavoured , to bestow a national character on the delegation by requesting- the aid of prominent representatives of the two great leading parties in the Province. I have directed the report presented to me by those gen- tlemen to be laid before you ; you will thence learn their reasons for deferring the final consideration of the subject, which yoii had submitted to them, till another proposal, which had been made in the interim, had been tirst disposed of, namely, that of a general union of British North America. 6. When invited by the Governor-General to send delegates to Quebec to discuss that wider question, I considered it my duty to obtain previously the consent of Her Majesty's Government. I then appointed, on behalf of this Province, the same gentlemen who had represented her interests in the first Conference. The second Conference commenced its sittings at Quebec on the 10th October, and did not conclude them till the 2'9th of that month. ' ' ' 7. The result of their labours, proposing a Union of British North America on certain conditions embodied in 72 resolutions, has already been made public, and will now be officially communicated to you with all the correspondence connected therewith. 8. The highest authority on such a subject, the Colonial Minister of the Crown, has recorded his Opinion of the labours of the delegates, and has given them credit for the warmest sentiments' of loyalty, as also for conducting their deliberations with a patient sagacity, which ' enabled them to arrive at common conclusions of the most involved and difficult questions. 9. I feel assured that, irrespective of any political differences of opinion, such encomiums from such a quarter on British North American statesmen must be deeply gratifying to that great body of Her Majesty's subjects, who are proud to identify themselves with the welfare and reputation of these Provinces. 10. A copy of the Despatch of the Secretary of State , containing those opinions, and conveying the' general approval by Her Majesty's Government of the Quebec resolutions as " the best frame- '" work of a measure to be passed by the Imperial Parliament,'' for the purposes therein more fully adverted to, was received by me on the 22nd December, and by my orders was published the same day for general information. You have, therefore, been for many weeks in possession of the views of Her Majesty's Government, and the country has for a still longer period enjoyed the opportunity of discussing the expediency of the projected union. 11. It is not my province, aiid I have no mission to do more than afford you the amplest and freest scope for consideration of a proposal which seriously involves your own prospects, and in reference to which you should be competent to interpret the wishes and determine the true interests of the country. I feel assured, however,, that whatever be the result of your deliberations, you will deprecate attempts to treat in a narrow spirit, or otherwise than with dispassionate care and prudence, a question so broad that in reality; it covers theigroundof all parties, and precludes it from becoming the measure of ■merely one Government or one party. 12. I need only observe further, without in the least intending thereby to influence your ultimate determination, that it is obviously convenipnt, if not essential, for the, Legislatures of all the Provinces concerned to observe uniformity in the mode of ascertaining their respective decisions on a question common to all. I have, therefore, desired to be laid before you some correspondence between the Governor-General and myself on that point. Enclosure 2 in No. 6. Encl.2inNo.G. To his Excellency Sir Richaud Graves MacDonnell, Knight Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Lieut.-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia and its Dependencies, &c. &c. &c. (Extract.) < The Address of the Legislative Council. May it please youk Excellency, » » * ' * # We 'fully appreciate the great and unusual importance of the question of a Union of the British North American Provinces, to which you h£^ve been pleased to direct our attention, and we assure 16254. H 58 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTINiCj THE PROPOSED UNION Nova your Excellency that a question involving to so great an extent the interests of Her Majesty's subjects Scotia. in this Province will not fail to receive at our hands the attention commensurate with its magnitude. Extract from Address of the House of Assembly in answer to the opening Speech of the Governor. To His Excellency Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, Knight Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia and its Dependencies, &;c. &c. &c. May it please your Excellency, » * » * * * 4. The report from the delegates appointed to confer upon the Union of the Maritime Provinces, and the resolutions of the Conference held at Quebec proposing a Union of the different Provinces of British North America, together with the correspondence on that subject, will obtain at our hands the deliberate and attentive consideration demanded by a question of such magnitude and importance, and fraught with consequences so momentous to us and our posterity. * * * # # No. 7. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 75-) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 27, 1865. Sir, (Received May 9, 1865.) I HAVE the honour to report for your information that the following Resolution was possed by the House of Assembly on the 24th instant: " Resolved, that in the opinion of this House the negotiations for the Union of Nova " Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island should be renewed in accordance " with the Resolution passed at the last Session of the Legislature." 2. 1 need scarcely tell you that my Ministry has been most anxious to give the fullest possible effect to the declared wishes of Her Majesty's Government in favour of a general Confederation of the British North American Provinces. It is obvious, however, that they would jeopardise the final success of that project if, in a very divided state of public opinion, they had submitted it to the Legislature or the country at a time when the refusal of New Brunswick to form part of that Confederation had left such an enormous gap as the space occupied by that Province between Canada, and Nova Scotia. 3. A decision given at such a time and under such discouraging cii"cumstances would probably have greatly increased the diflBculty of procuring the adhesion of this Province to the larger Union at some more favourable opportunity. 4. Opponents of the present Government have argued that they had incurred an obli- ' gation to stand or fall by the result of an appeal to the Legislature or the country on the larger question. I conceive there might be something more than plausible in such an argument, if urged as a duty on the Government of New Brunswick, in case Nova Scotia had been the first to reject the proposal based on the Quebec Resolutions, because the non-adhesion of Nova Scotia could not separate New Brunswick from Canada, whereas the refusal of New Brunswick renders the discussion of Nova Scotia's adhesion so evidently fruitless and inconsequential for the time being as seriously to impair the chance of the question meeting a fair reception on its own merits. Whatever the latter may be, it is obvious that opponents of Confederation would say that the general union having become impracticable for the time, all discussion of its merits was out of season. 5. To such an extent did this feeling prevail, that even the following preamble, which originally prefaced the Resolution just passed, had to be omitted, viz., "Whereas under " existing circumstances an immediate Union of the British American Provinces has " become impracticable ; and whereas a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces is " desirable, whether the larger Union be accomplished or not." 6. The feeling of the Legislature and of the country appeared to be so unmistakably against discussion of the Quebec Resolutions, without hope of any immediate practical result diiring'the present attitude of New Brunswick, that even the innocuous allusion thereto in the above preamble was regarded as unseasonable ; it was therefore withdrawn, and the resolution itself in. favour of resuming negotiations for the lejiislative union of the Maritime Provinces was thereupon immediately carried without a division. 7. It may be as well to explain here that I have for some time been aware, and indeed this very day was officially infdtoed by the Lieut.-jGovernor of Prince Edward Island, that his Ministry declines ' tiakirig any part in the proposed negotiations, which, must OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 59 therefore hi regarded as limited to the two more important Provinces of New Brunswick Nova and' Nova Scotia. S^ia. 8. This Province may therefore be regarded as having placed on record no decision, and not even any opinion relative to the merits of the larger question. It has simply recorded its desire " ad interim " to resume negotiations with a neighbouring Province for the purpose of effecting a Legislative Union between the two. The Legislature thereby affirms the expediency of throwing down barriers and distinctions between adjacent Provinces with nearly identical interests, and inhabited by the same race. That is in itself a matter of internal improvement and administrative economy, which apparently may be taken up without in the slightest degree impairing the prospect, of a plan in- tended to embrace all the Provinces, inasmuch as consolidation of two members of the proposed Confederation ought rather to give a firmer consistency to the whole. 9. I do not, iJowever, wish to put forward any individual opinion of my own, but confess that I see much' force in the concluding observations of Mi: A. G. Archibald on that subject ; and I take the liberty of transmitting, his speech along with those of Mr! Annand and the Provincial Secretary, as good specimens of the debate. Mr. Archibald, who was himself a delegate at Quebec, winds up by observing that whether the Union shall end with the Lower Provinces or expand to Confederation it will be alike useful to us ; and if the larger Union is ever to be consummatjed there must, be an advantage in obliterating all narrow boundaries, whether legislative or territorial, over so extensive and important a portion of th& proposed-G-errfederation^ -a»- that comprised in the area occupied by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 10. It only remains to observe that howeven favoiirable public opinion here may be to ' such intermediate; and smaller union, I have no reason as yet for thipking that it will raeet equal favour in New Brunswick. Possibly the latter maybe as little disposed to form alliances of any kind as Prince Edward Island. IL It is. probable, however, that the views, of Her Majesty's Government on the subject, whether favourable, as formerly, to such an arrangement, or whether they may be induced to regard it as interfering unduly, though unintentionally, with the proposed general Confederation, would greatly influence the. result of any negotiations for a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces. I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwiell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. &c. No. 8. No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., to the Right. Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 78.) Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 9, 1865. Sir, * (Received, May 22, 1865.) ' ■ ■ ' ' In reference to my Despatch, No. 75,* of the 27th ultimo, transmitting a Resolu- * Pa^e 58. tion of the House of Assembly on the subject of Union of the Maritime Provinces, I have now the honour to enclose a Resolution passed on the 2nd instant by the Legislative Council of this Province, affirming the expediency of renewing negotiations for a Legis- lative Union of those Provinces. This Resolution is identical with that adopted by the Assembly, except that it retains the preamble which, in deference to the feelings of the majority of the latter'house, w^ finally omitted there, as I have already explained. T n3VP oCf* (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor, &c. ■'''''■ ' Sec. -^ ■■■ ' &c: ■'■■■ • ' ■ Enclosure in No. 8. End. in No. 8. Whereas, under existing circumstances, an immediate Union of the British North American Provinces has become impracticable : And whereas, a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces is desirable, whether the larger Union beaccomphBhedor'notriv;" '^' '_ v-jffj'fe) :.^0^9_ Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B,, to the Right Hon. Edward Card well, M.P. Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, (No. 87.) June,7, 1865. (Received June 17, 1865.) Sir, ' (Answered No. 30, June 24, 1865, page 80.) Pag. 58. In reference to my Despatch No. 75,* of the 27th April, apprizing you of the steps taken in the Legislature of this Province to revive discussion of the question of a. Union of the Maritime Provinces, I have now the honour to transmit, for your informa- tion, copies of the replies which I have received from the Lieutenant-Governors of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. ■ I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., • Ljeut.-Governor., &c. &c. &c. End. 1 in Enclosure 1 in No. 9. No. 9. Lieut-Governor the Hon. Arthur H. Gordon to Lieut.-Governor Sir R. Gt. MacDonnell, C.B, Sir, Fredericton, N.B., May 31, 1865. I HAVE the honour to encloses herewith for your Excellency's information a copy of an address presented to me by the House of Assembly of this Province, with reference to the appointment of "a delegation to confjsr with delegates from Nova Scotia and Prince EdAi(^ard' Island with a view to an Union of the Maritime Provinces, as also a copy of my answer. I have, &c. His Excellency Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) Arthur H. Gordon. &c. &c. &c. _ _ _ House of Assembly, Thursday, May 25, 1865. Whereas the Lieut. -Governor of this Province has received from the Lieut.-Governor of Nova Scotia copies of resolutions passed by the Legislative Council and House of Assembly of that Province, expressing a wish to renew the negotiation for a Union of the Maritime Provinces and whereas it is desirable to ascertain whether a legislative or commercial Union of these Provinces on terms advantageous to all, is practicable. Therefore,' Resolved, that an humble address be prespnted to his Excellency the Lieut- Governor, requesting him to appoint delegates, not to exceed five, to confer with a delegation to be appointed by the Government of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, on the subject of such a Union. Ordered, That Hon. Mr. Smith, Mr. Ker, and Mr. Cudlip, be a committee to wait upon his Excellency with the address. ' • (Signed) Chas. P. Wetmore, Clerk. Gentlemen, I am fully sensible of the great importance of the subject to which the address now presented to me relates, and will not fail to appoint delegates to conduct-its discussion on the part of this Province as therein requested. End. 2 in Enclosure 2 in No. 9, Lieut-Governor George Dundas to Lieut-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell C.B. Sir, Government House, Prince Edward Island, May 30, 1865. With reference to my Despatch of the 24th ultimo, in which I informed you that a minute was being prepared expressive of the views of the Executive Council of this Island on the subject of the proposed resumption of negotiations for Union of the Maritime Provinces.- I have now the honour to enclose that minute. I have, (fee. His Excellency Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) George Dundas, &c. &c. &c. : Lieut-Governor. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 61 Extract from Minutes of the Executive Council. Nova Council Chamber, April 18, 1865. ^°""^- At a Meeting of Council. Present: His Excelleiicy the Lieut.-Goyernor, &c., &c,, &c. His Excellency having laid before the Board a communication from Sir Riohard Graves MacDonnell, Lieut-Grovernor of Nova Scotia, enclosing. certain resolutions proposed by the Government of Nova Scotia to the Legislature of that Province, suggesting the resamption of ne'^tiations for union of the Maritime Provinces ; and also expressing his Excellency's desire to know how far the Government of this Island is disposed to co-operate in effecting the proposed Union. It was resolved, that, inasmuch as the people of this Colony are averse as weU to union of this Island with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as to a Federal Union of all the British North American Colonies and Provinces, the Board decline to renew negotiations for the union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, as proposed by the Crovernment of Nova Scotia. ' A true extract, which I certify. " (Signed) Charles Desbkisa*, Clerk Executive Council. No. 10. Nq. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-Governor Sir R. G. MacDoktneli,, C.B., to the Right. Hon. Edward Card well, M.P. Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, (No. 93.) ,July6, 1865. (Received July 17, 1865.) ' Sir, (Answered No. 36, Jiily 22, 1865, page 80.) I HAVE the honour to acknowledge th,e receipt of your Despatch No. 29,* of the * Page 79. 24th June, transmitting copy of a correspondence between yourself and Lord Monck on the affairs of British North America, and more especially alluding to the recent con- ferences between Her Majesty's Government and a deputation from that of Canada. Your Despatch addressed to myself contains such an earnest and emphatic declaration of the views of Her Majesty's Government as to the paramount importance of union under one government, and those views are^ moreover, expressed in a manner so calcu- lated to impress the people of this Province with a sense of the just authority attaching to the deliberate opinion of Her Majesty's Government, that I have felt it my duty not to withhold that Despatch a single day from publicity. If my action were to be limited by your instruction to lay the correspondence before the Legislature of Nova Scotia' at its next meeting the friends of Confederation would probably find themselves deprived till next February of the very, great support which they cannot but derive from an earlier publication of so judicious an exposition pf the opinions of Her Majesty's Government, I have therefore not hesitated to give it immediate publicity, as you will perceive frOm the enclosed copy of the Royal Gazette of the 5th instant, and I trust that you will approve the course which I have adopted. I have, &c. (Signed) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. &c. No. 11. No. ij. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 30.) ' Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 26, 1866. {EeceivedMay8, 1866.) , Sir, - (Answered No. 26, May 12, 1866, p. 80.) By the last New York mail ■ packet I had the honour of sending you, in an informal manner, an announcement of the passage, through both Houses of the Legis- lature of this Province, of a resolution in favour of the future Confederation of the British North Amerieau Provinces. H3 62 CORRESPQNDJll^CE, RESPECTING THIJ ,PROPOSED UNIpN Nova I now beg to enclosg); a copy of the resolution in questionj and to state that the ScoTiA< nuiflbep on dividing w^re as follows : — "'^ ■" In the Legislative Counpil - - - - 13 to 6. In the Legislative Assembly - - - 31 to 19- It is highly gratifying to be able to add, that this all -itnportant measure was warmly, supported by the most eminehtmen of both parties iri Parliament, and t^hus triumphantly > carried after a protracted and well-sustained debate. And I would fain, add my firm belief that levery inan who voted for the measure felt that he was exhibiting to the > Queen the highest proof of his loyalty and devotion, at the same time that he was rendering to his native Province an inestimable service, . , I have, &c. . ,; The Right Hon. Edward Cardw^ll, M,P,, ^Signed) W. F, WILLIAMS. End. 1 in No. 12. Enclosure iu No, 11, " !^f Whereas,,© tbeippinit^ of this Pouse it is desirable that a Cpnfederatbfi of the British Noirth American iProvinces should take place : • - " Resolved therefore, That "his Excellency the Lieut- Governor be authorized to appoint delegates to arrapge Tvith the Imperial Governmenjt.^.gchemepf union -which -will effectually ensure just provision for &e rights and interests of this Proviricei'each Province to have an eqiial voice in suph Relegation — Upper and Lower Canada being, for this purpose, considered as separate Provinces," ' ' No. 12. , ^No. 12, Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir "W. F. "Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P. ("No 32 ) Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 26, 1866. ^ ■ '^ (Received May 8, 1866.) Sir (AnsvreredNo. 29, May25, 1866, p. 81.) ', ' In compliance with the request of certain Members of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly, I have the honour to forward the accompanying Address. Without remarking on the unusual course adopted by these gentlemen, or the tone of their Address, J beg to express n^y entire concurrence in the accompanying minute of my Executive Council, which I have also the honour to enclose. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 12. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The humble Address of the undersigned. Members of the Legislative Council and House of , i •! ,. .. ■ ' ■ •• ■''■ ■ ' Assembly of Nova Scotia. ' : ' '/ May IT PLEASE Your Majesty, ._ ^ . ^ , . , , The undersigned desire to approach the throne with the expression oi their loyal attachment to Your Maiesty'sperson and Government. ' ^ ^ . , . , , , / For more than i century the Province of Nova Scotia has enjoyed the advantage of representative institutions resting on the confidence apd reject of her own people, a,nd since 1839 she has possessed entire control over her revenues, trade, appointments', ' and 'education,' and generally exercised, in due subordination to Your Majesty's just authoriiyj all th6' powers of self-government: ■ ■ • 'Nor hate these privileged been abused. The .undersigmed venture to assure Your Majestyi with becoming pride, that in ho prt of Your Majesty's wid.ely extendefl empire hiwe they beenjeice>rcised with more justice and discretion. ^; {-| OF THE BRITISH NORTIi 'AMERICAN PROVllSrCES. 63'^ Our fathers, in the American revolutionary war, adhered to the side of England; during the war of Noya 1812-15 the harbours of [Sfova Scotia formed the bases of operations, and her sons fought to defend the Scotia . national flag by land and sea. In all the trials of the parent State the people of this Province sincereljr — sympathize; and recently, when unquiet spirits sought to disturb the frontier, and when angry compli- cations, growing out of national questions, threatened the peace of the Continent, the population of Noya Scotia were iinited in sentiment, and stood prepared to maintain their allegiance and to defenct their country. _ The priceless blessing of self-government makes the people content; while participation in the civilization, the commercial prosperity, and the glories of the empire, render them proud of their con- nexion with it, and indisposed to try rash experiments by which their control over their own affairs must be surrendered, and their connexion with the parent State may be ultimately broken. The people of this country viewed with just alarm a scheme of Confederation, arranged by, certain gentlemen at Quebec in 1864 without any authority frqm the Legislatures or people of the maritime' Provinces, and sought to be forced upon them all with indecent haste, and without that deliberate review and general acceptance which can alone reconcile any free people to great constitutional changes. That scheme, rejected by the electors of twd of the Maritime Provinces and by the Legisla-, tures of them all, we fear has not been abandoned. By the free use and abuse of Your Majesty's name, and by threats that your protection would be withdrawn, a resolution has been carried through* thfe Legislature of Nova Scotia, giving power to certain gentlemen to be selected by the local Govern- ment to change, modify, or overturn .the institutions of this Province at their pleasure, without any reference to the people who for a century have enjoyed them, and who we venture to assure Your Majesty would deeply resent such a violation of the trust reposed in their representatives, and (if measures thus prepared were sanctioned by Your Majesty's Government) of the pledged faith and honour of the Crown. ' Our prayer to Your Majesty therefore is, that no measure to effect grave changes in the constitution of this Province may be sanctioned by Your Majesty or submitted to Parliament, tilt it has, been published in the Province, considered in the Legislature, and submitted to the deliberate acceptance or rejection of the people at the polls. > Stayley Browst, M.L.C. R. A. M'Heg&ey, M.L.C. . ' William C. Whitman, M.L.C. Freeman Tfpper, M.L.Ci Samuel Chipman, M.L.C. William Annand, M.P.P., East Halifax. > Thomas KiLLAM, M.P.P., County Yarmouth/ Daniel MooRE, M.P.P., South King's. Edw. L. Bkown, M.P.P., South King's. Stewt. Campbell, M.P.P., Guysborough. Thomas Coffin, M.P.P., Shelburne. John Locke, M.P.P., Shelburne. Robert Robertson, M.P.P., Shelburne. William Ross, M.P.P., Victoria. A. W. M'Lelan, M.P.P., North Colchester. Wm. H. TowNSENn, M.P.P., Yarmouth. William Blackwood, M.P.P., North Colchester. Isaac S. Hatfield, M.P.P., Yarmouth. Henry Balcam, M.P.P., Halifax. Wm. H. Ray, M.P.P., Annapolis. James W". King, M.;P.P., Hants. William Lawrence, M.P.P., Hants. , A. Hebb, M.p.P., Lunenburg. Halifax, Nova Scotia, AprU 25, 1866. Enclosure 2 in No. 12. End. 2 in . . No. 12. The Executive Council beg leave respectfully to offer the following observations upon the memorial to Her Majesty the Queen, signed by five members of the Legislative Council and eighteen members of the Assembly, upon the subject of the Confederation of British North America. The Council fail to perceive how " the priceless blessing of self-government" i^'hieh the memo- rialists profess so highly to value is to be maintained if the deliberate action of overwhelming majorities of both branches of the Legislature, taken after full discussion, is to be overruled by the Imperial Government, at the instance of the minority. ^ ' The Council cannot concur in the opinion that the control of the people of this Province over their own affairs will be surrendered by uniting the British North American Provinces under' one Govern- ment, and they confidently expect this union, adopted after the earnest solicitation of the parent State; will cement and strengthen the bonds which now connect this Province with the mother country. The statement that the Quebec Conference was held without any authority from the Legislature of this Province can scarcely be considered accurate, when the fact is stated that all of the memorialists who were in the Assembly in 1861 voted for the following resolution, submitted by a Government of which Messrs. Annand and Locke, two of them, were members, and which received the unanimous assent of the Legislature. "Whereas the subject of a union of thb North American Provinces, or of the Maritime Provinces, from time to time has been mooted and discussed in all the Colonies. H4 64 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova " And whereas, while many advantages may be secured by such a unionj either of all these Pro- ScoTiA. vinces or a portion of them, many, and serious obstacles are presented, which can only be overcome by mutual consultation of the leading men of the Colonies, and by free communication with the Imperial Government. *' Therefore, resolved that his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor be respectfully requested to put himself in communication with his Grace the Colonial Secretary and his Excellency the Governor- General, and the North American Colonies, in order to ascertain the policy of Her Majesty's Govern- ment and the opinions of the other Colonies, with a view to the enlightened consideration of a question involving the highest interests, and upon which the public mind in all the Provinces ought to be set at rest." The charge of having passed this matter with " indecent haste " the Council cannot understand, as more than a year was suffered to elapse after the proposal to unite these Provinces was submitted to the Legislature before any action was invited thereon. The Council emphatically deny that any " use or abuse of Her Majesty's name " has been resorted tb in carrying this question, which has not been fully sanctioned by Her Majesty's Ministers, who, in the papers submitted to Parliament by Her Majesty's command, declai-ed that it was " the determi- " nation of Her Majesty's Government to use every proper means of influence to carry into effect " without delay the proposed Confederation." It is quite true that the Council have felt themselves justified in drawing the attention of the Legislature strongly to the following paragraph, in the Despatch of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and in urging upon them the duty of ^adopting the defensive measure thus eihphatically brought to their attention, lest the disposition of the Imperial Government to "protect the Province might be imperilled. "But there is one consideration which Her Majesty's Government feel it more especially their duty to press upon the Legislature of Nova Scotia. Looking to the determination which this country has ev«r exhibited to regard the defence of the Colonies as a matter of Imperial concern, the Colonies must recognize a right and even acknowledge an obligation incumbent on the Home Government to urge with earnestness and just authority the measures which they consider most expedient on the part of the Colonists, with a view to their own defence. " Nor can it be doubtful that the Provinces of British North America are incapable, when separated and divided from each other, of making those just and efficient" preparations for national defence which would be easily undertaken by a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole." The statement that the action of the Legislature gives power to " certain gentlemen to be selected " by the local Government to change, modify, or overturn the institution of this Province at their " pleasure " is best refuted by the terms of the resolution itself, which are as follows : — " Whereas in the opinion of this House it is desirable that a Confederation of the British North American Provinces should take place. " Resolved therefore, that his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor be authorized to appoint delegates to arrange with the Imperial Government a scheme of union which will effectually ensure just provision for the rights and interests of this Province, each Province to have an equal voice in such delegation. Upper and Lower Canada being, for this purpose considered as separate Provinces." It is complained by the memorialists that this action is proposed to be taken " without any reference "' to the people," and it is declared that they would resent " such a violation of the trust reposed in " their representatives," and it is asked " that nothing shall be done without having the. measure first " submitted to the people at the polls." When the late Government, of which Messrs. Annand and Locke were members, obtained authority to deal with the subject of a Union of the Colonies, they invited the action of the other Colonial Governments by an official communication, signed by Mr. Howe, the then Provincial Secretary, of which the following is an extract : — "You will perceive that the Colonial Governments are left free to invite all the leading men of all the Provinces concerned to a discussion of the question of uniori, either of all the Provinces or the Maritime Provinces only ; and Her Majesty's Government, it would appear, are disposed to give due weight and consideration to any resolutions to which the Colonial Legislatures may concur. " It must be obvious that there can be no great progress made towards an adjustment of this question unless the resolutions to be submitted to the Colonial Legislatures are in substance the same, and in order that uniformity in spirit, and, if possible, in language, may be secured." , It does not seem to have been then considered necessary to refer the question to the people at the {rolls. The same Government also put on record on various other occasions their opinions as to the egitimate powers of the representativeis of the people, as may be seen by the following minute of Council, dated 1st November 1860: — " A vast majority of the people of England are not represented in Parliament at all ; yet the Executive Council need not inform your Excellency that a public man would be laughed at who claimed to seize the Government because he had their support. Forty counties in England, with a population in 1841 of 9,109,281, had but 143 members, while 187 cities and boroughs, including but 5,879,327, had 323. Now, what would be thought of any statesman, with the county members at his back, if he claimed to rule England or compel the iSovereign to dissolve, with the representatives of the .cities and boroughs against him ? What representative of the smallest constituency in Great Britain would yield to the member returned by the largest any more influence than he had hitnself,' or admit, before a ministry was turned out, that it was necessary not only to count the members in the lobbies, but their con- stituents also? ***** At this moment a majority of the people of the con- stituencies and their representatives support the Administration, and we have a larger proportionate majority to sustain us than Lord Palmerston had in the mother country. Under these circumstances we are not very much afraid of the interference of the Imperial Parliament." OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 65 Minute of Council, dated January 29, 1861 : — Nova " Mr, Hatfield aijd Mr. Campbell are the best judges of the soundness of their own views, and of Scotia. the propriety of their conduct. Thej are not ' delegates, but Members of Parliament, and from the moment they were elected they were bound to represent not only Digby or Argyle, but the whole Province, whose great interests were committed to their care. This doctrine, laid down by Mr. Burke at Bristol in 1774, has never been questioned in the Imperial Parliament. Mr. Horsman, member for Stroud, though recently called on by his constituents to resign, has, asserting his rights and illustrating this sound British doctrine, positively refused. If members were to resign whenever for a moment they displeased their constituents, the calls would be frequent, personal independence would be rare, and questions would be decided by requisitions rather than by fair deliberation and manly debate. If Parliament were to be dissolved whenever a gentleman changed sides, or a dis- contented constituency petitioned, free institutions would become a source of endless distraction, and no man would ever dare to deliberate or run the risk of being convinced." On March 30, 1861, Lord Mulgrave, by the advice of the Government, of which Messrs. Annand and Locke were members, said, in a Despatch to the Colonial Secretary : — " It is the undoubted principle of the British Constitution that a member once returned by a con- stituency has to consider what he believes to be the interests of the whole country and not the simple wishes of his own constituency. He is elected a representative and not a delegate, and the con- stituency have given up to him for the limited period fixed by law for the duration of Parliament the power which they possessed. They have a right to represent to him their views and to refuse to re-elect him at the end of the Parliament if they are dissatisfied with his conduct, but they have no right during the duration of Parliament to coerce his actions, still less have they the right to expect that the Royal Prerogative should be used because they are dissatisfied with the choice they have made." In conclusion, the Council may state that more than a year since they submitted the proceedings of the Quebec Conference to the Legislature, that the subject of a union of the British North American Colonies has been constantly discussed in this Province since that time. Yet the opponents of union were only able to obtain the signatures of 8,085 people out of a population of not less than 350,000 for presentation to the House during the present session, praying that it might be referred to the people at the polls. The foregoing resolution, after full deliberation and discussion, was carried in the Legislative Council by a vote of 13 to 5, and in the House of Assembly by 31 to 19. All the members of the present Government and four members of the late Government, of which Mr. Howe was the leader, united in sustaining the resolution, while but two voted against it. Under these circumstances the Council believe they are fully warranted in the opinion that the public sentiment of this Province has been most emphatically expressed on this great question in the only manner recognized by the constitution of this Province or the practice of Great Britain. AH of which is respectfully submitted. (Signed) Charles Tupper. W. A. Henry. J. W. Ritchie. James McNab. Jas. M'Donald. John M'Kinnon. Alex. Macfaelane. S. L. Shannon. J. Cbeighton, absent. No. 13. ExTEACT from a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. P. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P. (No. 35.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 10, 1866. ^ (EeceivedMay 2], 1866.) (Answered No. 30, May 25, 1866, p. 81.) " In doing myself the honour to forward the enclosed Address to Her Gracious Majesty, together with my reply to the deputation, I beg to remark that 1 believe this attempt to agitate the Province to be a complete failure." No, 13. 16254. 66 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova Enclosure 1 in No. 13, ^OTiA. rj^^ his Excellency Sir William Fenwick Williams of Ears, Bart., Lieut-General in Her Majesty's jjnci. 1 in Army, Knight Commander of the most Honourable Order of the Bath, Grand Officer of the L^gioii No. 13. d'Honneur, 1st class of the Turkish Order of the Medijee, &c., Lieut. -Governor and Commander- in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia and its dependencies, &c. &;c. &c. We, the undersigned committee duly appointed at a public meeting, held at Windsor in the county of Hants, and Province of Nova Scotia, on Tuesday the 8th day of May A.D. 1866, to present to your Excellency the accompanying address and paper thereto annexed, to be forwarded to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, Humbly pray that your Excellency may be pleased to transmit the said address and the paper thereto annexed to Her most Gracious Majesty, at the earliest possible period. (Signed) Edwaed McLatchy. Dantel Moshek. Windsor, 8th May 1866. William Chambers. End. .2 in Enclosure 2 in No. 13. At a general public meeting of the inhabitants of the county of Hants, in the Province of Nova Scotia, held at Windsor, in said county on Tuesday the 8th day of May A.D. 1866, the accom- panying address to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, having been moved by Elkanoh Young, Esq., and seconded by Edward Riley, Esq., was put to the said meeting and carried by an overwhelming majority, about fifteen only voting against it, and upwards of 1,200 voting for said address. At the said meeting a committee composed of Edward McLatchey, Esq., Daniel Mosher, Esq., William Chambers, Esq., and S. M, Weeks, Esq., M.D., was appointed for the purpose of preparing and presenting to the Lieutenant-Governor of this Province a petition, requesting his Excellency to transmit the said address and these minutes to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty, at as early a day as possible. Edwaed McLatchy, Chairman. Dated at Windsor, this 8th day of May 1865. D. E. Geldkit, Secretary. End. 3 in Enclosure 3 in No. 13. No. 13. To THE Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The Petition of the inhabitants of the county of Hants, humbly showeth — That the county of Hants forms a central portion of the Province of Nova Scotia, and that its people are chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits, mining, shipbuilding, and navigation. That it contains seven regiments of enrolled militiamen and sends to sea 54,000 tons of shipping bearing the flag of England. That the people of this county in common with their fellow-countrymen have since its first foundation discharged all the duties of loyal British subjects ; they have sent representatives to the Provincial Parliament since 1758, and for a quarter of a century have enjoyed self-government in as full and ample a manner as other British subjects have in the most favoured parts of the Empire. That the people of Hants, living in peace and prosperity, ready at all times to maintain their allegiance and defend their country, have been justly alarmed by attempts at revolutionary change to which they have never given their consent and for which they see no necessity. A scheme of Confederation was hastily prepared at Quebec in 18 64, by delegates who had no authority from the Legislature or people of Nova Scotia to consent to a political union with Canada. That scheme, unfair and distasteful to the Maritime Provinces, after convulsing them all for 18 months, has been rejected by two, put aside by a third, and was so unfavourably received in this Province, that its promoters never ventured formally to submit it to the Legislature or to the people at the polls. It is now proposed to entrust to a committee the preparation of a measure, to be embodied in a bill and submitted to the Imperial Parliament, without afibrding to the people, whose rights, revenues, and future prosperity it may materially affect, any opportunity to protect themselves in the ordinary modes known to the Constitution, and practised by the people of all free States. The prayer of the people of Hants therefore is, that no change in the institutions of this country may be made until it has been submitted to the test of public opinion, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights which we have loyally exercised and enjoyed so long, until by all the forms sanctioned by the usage of the mother country they have been deliberately resigned. Edwakd McLatchy, Chairman. End. 4 in Enclosure 4 in No. 13. Gentlemen, _ Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 10, 1866. I UEGKET that pressing business prevented my receiving you yesterday. I shall, agreeably to the request contained in your minutes, forward the accompanying minutes and addreys to the Colonial Secretary to be laid befoi-e the Queen. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. ^1 Full details of the events on which these documents touch are in the possession of the Imperial Nova Government, and it will be for the British Cabinet to judge of the justness or otherwise of the a,llegatic(!ls Scotia. contained in the address to Her Majesty; yet I cannot doubt, in balancing the actions of the Govern- ment and Legislature of Nova Scotia in this momentous crisis, with the motives of the meeting from whom this address emanates, that the -Queen's Government will rightly judge where lies that revolu- tionary tendency which this address would fain attach to the proceedings of the faithful and loyal representatives of this Province. I have, &c. To Edward McLatchy, Esq. • (Signed) W. F. Williams. No. 14. No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Card well, M.P. (No. 42.) ' Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 24, 1866. (Received June 4, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, No. 38, June 9, 1866, page 81.) In accordance with the wish expressed in the accompanying letter I have the . honour to forward the enclosed petition to Her Majesty. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 14. End. i in No. 14. May it please your Excellency. Canning, May 14, 1866, A PUBLIC MEETIN& Called by the High Sheriif of the county of Kings, in pursuance of nume- rously signed requisitions, was held in the Shire Town on Thursday the 10th of May. At that meeting the enclosed address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen was adopted unanimously, and I was instructed to transmit it to your Excellency, that it might be laid at the foot of the Throne. Resolutions were unanimously passed condemning the action of the Legislature in the matter of Confederation, and requesting the two members for the southern district, who voted for the resolution, to resign. I have to request that the address and a copy of this letter may be forwarded to the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies by next mail. I have, &c. His Excellency the Lieut.-Govemor, (Signed) Charles Dickie, &c. &c. &;c. Chairman. Enclosure 2 in No. 14. End. 2 in No. 14. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Kings, Humbly showeth — That the county of Kings is one of the oldest, most improved, and flourishing counties of this Province, its population being engaged in agricultural pursuits, ship building, commerce, and navigation. That it contains six regiments of enrolled militia, and sends to sea 20,000 tons of shipping bearing the flag of England. That the people of this county have enjoyed the privilege of sending members to the Provincial Parliament for more than a century, and, in common with/ their fellow-countrymen, have discharged aU the duties of loyal British subjects, and for more than 20 years have enjoyed the inestimable blessing of self-government, raising, controlling, and dispensing their own revenues, and directing the adminis- tration of their affairs. That the people of Kings county desire still to enjoy these great privileges, and to transmit them unimpaired to their children. That they highly prize their connexion with the parent State, under whose mild rule they have lived and prospered, and whose flag they are ready to defend, but they do not desire to be transferred to the dominion of a sister province with which they have no connexion — almost no trade, and which, being ' frozen up for five months of the year, and possessing no navy or troops to spare, is incapable of forming a new nationality, or protecting the sea-board of Nova Scotia. That the people have viewed with just alarm the attempts which have been made by reckless persons to effect revolutionary changes which they have not ventured to submit to the deliberate judgment of the population whose welfare in all time to come they would so deeply compromise. The scheme of Confederation arranged at Quebec in 1864 was not less distasteful to the people of Kings than is the proposition to entrust powers to a committee to prepare another to be embodied in an Act of Parliament and sanctioned by the Crown, without being submitted to the people at the polls. I 2 68 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova The prayer of the people of Kings, therefore, is, that no change in the institution of this country Scotia. mty be made until it has been submitted to the test of public opinion, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights we have loyally exercised and enjoyed so long, until by all the forms sanctioned by the usage of the mother country they have been deliberately resigned. No. 15. No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Bright Hon. Edward Caudwell, M.P. (No. 43.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 6, 1866. (Eeceived June 18, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, No. 40, June 21, 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour herewith to transmit a copy of the proceedings of a meeting ; Yarmouth, together with an Address to Her Gracious Majesty adopted at that held at meeting. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. End. 1 in Enclosure 1 in No. 16. At a public meeting held at the Court-house in Yarmouth, on the 19th day of May 1866, Nathan Moses chairman, George Killam secretary. Hon Joseph Howe was introduced to the meeting, and commenced with an eloquent eulogy on the character of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, as a child, a wife and mother, a queen and a widow, at the conclusion of which the audience gave three hearty cheers for Her Majesty Queen Victoria. Mr. Howe then addressed the meeting for over two hours, on the question of Confederation with Canada, at the close of which it was moved by Dr. Joseph B. Bond, seconded by Nathan Weston, and Thomas Killam, Esq., M.P.P., that the following address, prepared by a committee appointed for that purpose, at a public meeting held in this place on the 24th of April 1866, be adopted by this meeting : — To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Yarmouth humbly showeth — That the county of Yarmouth contains about 16,000 inhabitants, five regiments of militia, and owns about 100,000 tons of shipping bearing the flag of England. That the people of this county have discharged all the duties of loyal British subjects, have sent members to the Provincial Parliament for about a century, and under Your Majesty's beneficent rule are prosperous and content. That they view with- great distrust attempts recently made to annex them to the Province of Canada, with which they have no natural connexion, and very little trade. .That a scheme of Confederation arranged at Quebec in 1864, without the consent of the constitu- encies of the Province, who have never either before or since that time been consulted on the subject, would be an invasion of their rights, and would, if sanctioned by Your Majesty's Government, create wide-spread dissatisfaction in this loyal and happy Province. That since the said Quebec scheme was made public a township election has taken place in this county, when both the opposing candidates pledged themselves strongly against any scheme of Con- federation with Canada. The prayer of the people of Yarmouth, therefore, is that no change in the institution of this country may be made until it shall have been submitted to the people at the polls, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights which we have so long loyally exercised and enjoyed. The meeting was then addressed by Thomas Killam, Esq., R. L. Weatherbee, J. C. Troop, and Hervey Cann, Esq., against Confederation, and by Samuel Flint, Esq., in favour. On the question being taken, the address was adopted almost unanimously. Moved by Loran E Baker ; seconded by Hervey Cann, Esq. — That .the thanks of this meeting be given to the Hon. Joseph Howe for the noble and patriotic stand he has taken in behalf of the constitution of his native Province, and the liberties of his countrymen. Passed unanimously. . , Moved by John K. Eyerson, Esq. ; seconded by Wilham Rogers, Esq — That the committee who prepared the address adopted this day, Thomas Killam, Esq., M.P.P., Hon. Stayley Brown, M.L.C., Dr. Joseph B. Bond, and George Killam, be a committee to forward the address to Her Majesty the Queen, through his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor. Passed unanimously. Moved by William H. Moody, Esq. ; seconded by Dr. B. V. Harley— That the thanks of the meeting be given to Nathan Moses, Esq., the chairman. Carried unanimously. Nathan Moses, Chairman. Geobge Killam, Secretary. Dated at Yarmouth, this 19th day of May, A.D. 1866, OF THE BRITIkSH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 69 Enclosure 2 in No. 15. Nova To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. ' The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Yarmouth humbly showetTi — n°"k^ "* That the county of Yarmouth contains about 16,000 inhabitants, five regiments of militia, and owns about 100,000 tons of shipping bearing the flag of England. That the people of this county have discharged all the duties of loyal British subjects, have sent members to the Provincial Parliament for about a century, and under Your Majesty's beneficent rule are prosperous and content. That they view with great distrust attempts recently made to annex them to the Province of Canada, with which they have no natural connexion, and very little trade. That a scheme of Confederation arranged at Quebec in 1864, without the consent of the constitu- encies of the Province, who have never either before or since that time been consulted on the subject, would be an invasion of their rights, and would, if sanctioned by Your Majesty's Government, create wide-spread dissatisfaction in this loyal and happy Province. That since the said Quebec scheme was made public, a township election has taken place in this county, when both the opposing candidates pledged themselves strongly against any scheme of Con- federation with Canada. The prayer of the people of Yarmouth, therefore, is that no change in the institutions of this county may be made until it shall have been submitted to the people at the polls, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights which we have so long loyally exercised and enjoyed. Nathan Moses, Chairman. George Kit-lam, Secretary. Dated at Yarmouth, this 19th day of May, A.D. 1866. No. 16. ^°- ^^■ Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B.,to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 44.) HaHfax, Nova Scotia, June 6, 1866. (Received, June 18, 1866.) SlE, (Answered, No. 41, June 21, 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour to forward the accompanying address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen, in accordance with a wish conveyed to rae by certain of the inhabitants of the county of Digby. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward, Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c, &c. Enclosure in No. 16. End. in No. ic To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Digby humbly showeth — That the county of Digby contains 16,000 inhabitants, five regiments of enrolled militia, and about 19,000 tons of shipping, bearing the flag of England. That this county, formerly part of the county of Annapolis, has long sent representatives to the general Assembly, and its people have discharged all the duties of loyal British subjects, and under Your Majesty's benign rule are prosperous and content. That they view with great distrust attempts recently made to annex them to the Province of Canada, with which they have no natural connexion, and very little trade. That a scheme of confe- deration arranged at Quebec in 1864, without the consent of the constituencies, who have never been consulted, would be a violation of their rights, and would if sanctioned by Your Majesty's Government create .wide-spread dissatisfaction in this loyal and happy Province. That while that portion of this county which borders on the sea is thickly inhabited and rapidly increasing in population and wealth, there are still considerable districts but lately reclaimed from the primffival forest, sparsely settled by immigrants from Great Britain and Ireland, encountering all the difiiculties and privations incident to the early settlement of a rugged though promising country; and large grants from the revenues of the Province have yearly to be made to open up roads, construct bridges, and otherwise aid in the development and facilitate the settlement of such sections of the Province ; and your petitioners regard with dismay the prospect of the transfer of the control of those revenues to a Government by which they would necessarily all be expended for widely different pur- poses ; a dejprivation which such portions of this county may afford hereafter, but certainly not for many years to come. That while your petitioners are ready cheerfully to submit to any burden that it may be deemed necessary to impose on them for the deience of their country and their flag, and to defend that flag and the honour of the Empire wherever their aid can be available by sea or land, they are not disposed to I 3 70 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ■^Qyj^ adopt, as a means of ensuring their more efficient defence, a union with a Province which in 1862 refused Scotia .^^ sanction a measure involving an increased outlay for the better and more elaborate organization of ' 'their militia, although that measure was strongly urged upon that Province by the "just authority " of Your Majesty's Government. The prayer of the people of Digby, therefore, is that no change in the institutions of this country may be made until it has been submitted to the test of public opinion, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights which we have loyally exercised and enjoyed so long. The aforegoing petition, on motion of Lieut.-Colonel "Wm. B. Vail, seconded by Mr. Richard Jones, was unanimously adopted by the people of the county of Digby, assembled at a general meeting held at Weymouth this 19th day of May, A.D. 1866. John S. McNeill, Chairman. Wm. Meehan, Secretary to the Meeting. No. 17. , No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 48.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 19, 1866. (Received, July 2, 1866.) Sir, _ (Answered, No. 2, July 6, 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour herewith to transmit an address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen from certain of the inhabitants of the county of Shelburne. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. ncLin No.i7. Enclosure in No. 17. , To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the people of the county of Shelburne in the Province of Nova Scotia, Humbly sheweth — That the county of Shelburne contains a population of 12,000 principally engaged in the fisheries, and in ship building ; is capable of sending into the field four regiments of eni'olled militia ; and owns about 20,000 tons of shipping bearing Your Majesty's flag. That its people are the descendants of an ancestry, whose veneration for the British throne and attachment to monarchical institutions impelled them in 1783 to forsake lands and possessions in the revolted Colonies, and seek an asylum on the then inhospitable shores of this Province. That since the first settlement of the county in 1783 its people have sent representatives to the Provincial Parliament and for the last quarter of a century have enjoyed the privileges of self-govern- ment in as ample a degree as their brethren in the British Islands. That their instincts and traditions lead them to deprecate revolutionary changes, the end of which no man can foresee, but which once hazarded there is too much reason to fear will eventuate in a separation of these Provinces from the parent Empire and their absorption into the already unwieldy Republic of the United States. That they have seen with alarm and indignation a scheme of Confederation, hastily prepared at Quebec in 1864, introduced into our Legislature during its late Session, without previous notice in the opening speech and forced through that body with unbecoming and unnecessary haste, and in a manner calculated to throw the gravest suspicions upon the influences employed to secure its passage. That whilst Your Majesty's petitioners freely admit the right of their representatives in Provincial Parliament to legislate for them within reasonable limits, they cannot admit the right of such re- presentatives to effect sudden changes, amounting to an entire subversion of the constitution, without the deliberate sanction of the people expressed at the polls. The prayer of the people of Shelburne therefore is, that the assent of Your Majesty will be withheld from any scheme affecting the constitution of this Province, and more particularly from that known as the Quebec scheme, until such measure has been fully subjected to the test of public opinion, and deliberately pronounced upon by the. people at the polls. (Signed) Joshua Snow, Chairman. No. 18. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 71 N©. 18. /OVA Scotia. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 49.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 19, 1866. „ (Eeceived, July 2, 1866.) ^I^J , (Answered, No. 2, July 6, 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour herewith to enclose an address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen from the inhabitants of the Northern District of Queen's county. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W.F.WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 18. End. in No. 18. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the inhabitants of the northern district of Queen's county, Humbly showeth — That the inhabitants of this district live by the cultivation of the soil, and are content to share with Your Majesty's subjects elsewhere the common blessings which their British citizenship includes. In Nova Scotia loyalty to the Sovereign, respect for the law, and devotion to the national flag are universal sentiments. Its people prize highly the right of self-government which they have long enjoyed, and are content with their participation in the organization and glory of the "empire. Revolutionary changes in the framework of their Government, proposed by a Convention which assembled at Quebec in 1864, met no favour from the people of Nova Scotia, who view with distrust and indignation the passage of a resolution giving power to a committee to change or break down the institutions of this Province without the people having expressed any desire for such a measure, and without seciu"ing to them the constitutional right to accept or reject it at the polls. There is no reason why Nova Scotia should be subject to the domination of Canada. Your Majesty's subjects in this Province, proud, self-reliant, and happy, prepared to defend the just authority of the Crown, and bearing the national flag all over the world, would be broken in spirit and . rendered discontented and restless if controlled by a Legislature in which they could never command a majority and by a distant authority which they could rarely hope to influence. The prayer of the people of North Queen's, therefore, is that the institutions under which they have lived and prospered may be preserved, and that no radical changes may be sanctioned by the Imperial Government which have not beeii approved by the electors at the polls. Stephen Smith, Chairman. Joseph B. Harlow, Secretary. No. 19. No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 60.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 19, 1866. (Eeceived, July 2, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, No. 2, July 6. 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour herewith to transmit an address to Her most Gracious Majesty the Queen from the inhabitants of the township of Barrington. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 19. To the Queen's, most Excellent Majesty. End. in No.i9. The petition of the inhabitants of the township of Barrington, Humbly showeth — That the county of Shelburne was settled by loyalists from the revolted Colonies and by sea- faring people who preferred to live under British institutions and to preserve unbroken the traditions and the interests which bound them to their mother country. That spreading along the sea coast these people and their descendants have subdued a rugged soil, occupied the fine harbours by which it was indented, and which now present scenes of progressive and profitable industry. Many ships are built in Shelburne. Its young men prosecute the shore and deep sea fisheries .with energy and success, and bear to distant seas the flag of England with pride in the vessels which year by year they add by their enterprize to the mercantile marine of the Empire. That the people of Barrington, thus pursuing their peaceful occupations, have been startled by an attempt to break down their institutions-and to unsettle fehe^ established relations between Your Majesty and Your loyal people in the Maritime Provinces of British America. 72 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova They are content with London for their capital, believe that the representative of the Sovereign Scotia. should be appointed by the Sovereign, and highly prize the right of self-government so long enjoyed under Your Majesty*s care and protection, and they do not believe that the affections of a maritimp' people will ever cluster around a new city in the backwoods of Canadp. frozen up for five months of the year, and with which they have neither commercial intercourse nor historic associations. The great markets to which the people of Barrington resort lie all before them and are open at all seasons of the year, adopting the free trade policy of England, Nova Scotia is annually extending her commerce under a system of moderate duties, and her people have no desire to have their councils controlled and their legislation shaped by an inland population who have hitherto evinced no very remarkable skill in governing themselves, and have certainly estabUshed no claim to annex great Provinces in which they have invested no capital and which they are unable to defend. The people of Barrington therefore «,pray Your Majesty to attract into the military, naval, and civil service of the Empire the youth of all the Provinces ; to countenance the establishment of no nevsr nationalities too feeble to stand alone, yet difficult to be controlled ; to maintain the institutions under which the maritime Colonies have prospered, and to endeavour to bind them all to one common centre of civilization, duty, and allegiance. James D. Coffin, Chairman. No. 20. No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. Edward Card well, M.P. (No. 51.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 19, 1866. (Receiyed, July 2, 1866.) Sir, ' (Answered, No. 2, July 6, 1866, page 82.) I HAVE the honour herewith to transmit an address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen from certain of the inhabitants of the county of Annapolis. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 20, Enclosure in No. 20. To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Annapolis, Humbly showeth — That Annapolis is the oldest English settlement in the Province of Nova Scotia, containing 17,000 inhabitants, four regiments of militia, and a large amount of tonnage bearing the flag of England. That the people of this county have discharged all the duties of loyal British subjects, have sent members to the Provincial Parliament for more than a century, and under Your Majesty's beneficent rule are prosperous and content. That they view with great distrust attempts recently made to annex them to the Province of Canada, with which they have no natural connexion and very little traded That a scheme of Confederation arranged at Quebec in 1 864, without the consent of the constituencies, who have never been consulted, would be an invasion of their rights, and would, if sanctioned by Your Majesty's Government, create wide-spread dissatisfaction in this loyal and happy Province. The prayer of the people of Annapolis is, that no change in the institutions of this country may be made until it has been submitted to the test of public opinion, and that Your Majesty will sacredly guard the rights which we have loyally exercised and enjoyed so long until by all the forms sanctioned by the usage of the mother country they have been deliberately resigned. D. C. Laeselees, Chairman. J. C. Tkoop, Secretary. No. 21. No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to' the Right Hon, Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 56.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 2, 1866. (Received July 14, 1866.) Sir, _ (Answered, No. 3, July 21, 1866, page 82.) In accordance with a desire expressed in the accompanying letter, I have the honour to transmit it, together with an Address to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen, from certain of the inhabitants of the town of Liverpool. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 73 - Enclysure 1 in No. 21. ' Nova Liverpool, Nova Scotia, June 9, 1866. Scotia. May it please youe Excellency. . . i? — ^ A GENERAL public meeting of about five hundted inhabitants of this town was held in Liverpbbl S^'^o/ '" on Tuesday the 5th day of June, A.D. 1866. At that meeting the enclosed address to Her most Gracious Majesty the Queen was unanimously adopted. I am instructed by the chairman of the meeting, Hon. Freeman Tapper, M.L.C., Custos Rotolorum of Queeii's county, to transmit the address to your Excellency, with the request that it may be forwarded for presentation to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty with all due despatch, and that a copy of this letter accompany the address to the foot of the Throne. ' I have, &ic. To his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, (Signed) S. J. M. Allen. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 2 in No. 21. End. 2 in To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. ^"- ^'• The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Queen's county. Humbly showeth — That the county of Queen's contains three regiments of enrolled militia, and owns upwards of 17,000 tons of shipping, bearing the flag of England. A good many new vessels are built in this county every year; and while its agricultural districts are improving, it thrives by an active fishery, the manufacture and export of lumber, and has a fair share of coasting and foreign trade.. The people of Queen's have ever been loyal to their Sovereign, attached to the mother country, and to British institutions. They have for a century sent representatives to the Provincial Parliament, and desire to retain the institutions unde;r which they have lived and prospered ; and see no necessity for any radical or material change. They would now view with great distrust any attempt to annex Nova Scotia to Canada, or to transfer the. Government and revenues of this Province to the control of a distant people, with whom we have but little commercial or social intercourse. The prayer of the inhabitcints of Queen's county is, that Your Majesty will sanction no change in the framework of, or in the mode of administering the Government of this Province, which have not been submitted for the acceptance or rejection of the people at the polls. Freeman Tupper, M.L.C, Chairman. No. 22. No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W.-P. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. The Secretary of State for the Colonies. (^°' ^^-^ Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 16, 1866. (Received July 28, 1866.) SiK, ^ (Answered, No. 9, August 3, 1866, page 83.) I HAVE the honour herewith to transmit an address from certain of the inhabitants of the county of Lunenburg to Her Gracious Majesty the Queen. I have, &c. (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. The Right Hon. The Secretary of State for the Colonies. &c. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 22. End. in No. 22., To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. May it please Your Majesty, — The petition of the inhabitants of the county of Lunenburg, in Your Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia, adopted unanimously at public meetings held at Bridgewater, Mahone Bay, and Chester, in said county. Humbly showeth, — ' That this comity was settled over a century ago, chiefly by natives of Germany, who with their descendants have been distinguished for unswerving loyalty to the British Crown, and for sincere respect and esteem for Your Majesty's Royal House, and it is the most earnest desire of Your Majesty's petitioners to live under the protection of the British flag and to maintain their allegiance as British subjects. That this county has a population of over 20,000, and is rapidly increasing in wealth and prosperity ; that its enrolled militia numbers eight regiments, with upwards of 4,000 first-class men, and that tte vessels and men engaged in the prosecution of the fisheries number more than those of any other county the Province. That the county is represented in the Provincial Parliament by three members, and than an election held in December last to supply a vacancy caused by the decease of one member resulted in the return of a candidate by a majority of over 680 votes opposed to any union of the Provinces being passed upon by the Legislature without action first had thereon by the people at the polls. 16254. K 74 CORRESPONDENCE RESEPCTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova That the means which have been taken to secure a union of the Provinces without the electors having Scotia. been first consulted have excited in the minds of Your Majesty's petitioners great dissatisfaction and indignation, believing, as they do, that a question of such . importance should be submitted for the decision of the people, as it will, affect, them and their descendants for all time. \ We do most respectfully and earnestly pray that Your most Gracious Majesty will uphold for us those rights and privileges which under the system of responsible government granted to this Province we have so long enjoyed in peace and prosperity, and that before any union of these Provinces be carried Your most Gracious Majesty will pause the question to be submitted for the decision of the electors of Nova Scotia, a privilege which, though hitherto denied to them, has in the short space of 14 months been twice granted to their fellow-subjects in the adjoining Province of New Brunswick. And Your Majesty's petitioners, as in duty bound, will every pray, &c. On behalf of Electors, Mather B. Des Brisay, Chairman of Meeting at Bridgews^ter. James Stabratt, Secretary. Edward Heckman, Chairman of Meeting at Chester. Amos F. Morgan, Secretary. William Kedy, Chairman of Meeting at Mahone Bay. Henry Schnare, Secretary. No. 23. No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.- General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to" the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (Separate.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 19, 1866. ' (Received July 28, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered,- No. 10, August 4, 1866, page 83.) I HAVE the honour to infbrn:i your Lordship that the delegates, as named in The Hon Dr Tupper ^^ margin, from Nova Scotia, accompanied by those from New Mr. Henry Brunswick, will proceed to England by this days RoyaL mail packet, „ Mr. Eitchie the latter party arrived in Halifax yesterday with full determination m"^' M^'p^^f^'^ to proceed to England, and my advisers in Council at once made up ■ "^ " y theii* minds to pursue a similiar course. I informed Viscount Monck in the beginning of the week that my advisers were unanimously of opinion as to the propriety, policy, and indeed urgent necessity of this move, and that I fully acquiesced in their views. A telegram in reply from His Excellency the Governor-General conveyed an adverse opinion to this, — based on the change of the British Ministry, and on the consequent probability of the speedy closing of this session of the Imperial. Parliament. Yet I cordially join the delegates in hoping that from the tenor of the latest news from England, the Bill for the Confederation of the British North American Provihces may be passed before the separation of the Legislature ; such a result would obviate much mischief, the nature and bearing of which the delegates can better explain to your Lordship than I could possibly do in a lengthened and detailed Despatch ; and thus a question which has from unavoidable circumstances been too long the cause of discord and contention in these great Dependencies of the Crown will be set at rest, and I further beHeve that all parties will gradually, perhaps speedily, confess its present benefits, and its safeguard against future evils. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. Nc. 24 , No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 63.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 25,, 1866. (Received August 13, 1866.) My Lord, _ (Answered, No. 13, August 24, 1866, page 88.) In accordance with the wish expressed in the enclosed address, I have the honour to forward the accompanying petition from certain of the inhabitants of the county of Kings to Her Majesty the Queen. T n3.VP ^feo The Right Hon. The Earl of Carnarvon. (Signed) 'w. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 24. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 75 Enclosure in No. 24. Nova Port Medway, July 13th, 1866. Scotia. To His Excellency Sir W. F. Williams. May it please Your Excellency, — At a public meeting of about 500 electors, held at Port Medway in the county of Queen's, on the 7th of June 1866, the enclosed address to Her Majesty the Queen was adopted unanimously. I have been requested by Capt. William Mortimer, J.P^, chairman of the meeting, to forward the within petition to your Excellency, with the requesi that you will be pleased to triansmit the same to Her Majesty, together with a copy of the minutes of the meeting, at your earliest possible convenience. I remain, &c. E. Morine, Secretary of the Meeting. William Mortimer, • Chairman. Sub-enclosure in Enclosure No. 24. Sub-EncL in To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. The petition of the people of Queen's county, in the Province of Nova Scotia, Humbly showeth, — That Queen's county contains a population of 12/)00, principally engaged in lumbering, fishing, and navigation; can equip three regiments of enrolled militia, and owns about 1S,000 tons of shipping, bearing the flag of England. , ' That the county has sent representatives to the Provincial Parliament for upwards of a century, and its people for more than 25 years have enjoyed the blessings of civil and religious liberty, personal security, and temporal prosperity, under a system of responsible Government, which, modelled after that of England, leaves them nothing to desire but its undisturbed continuance. That they have witnessed with apprehension and regret the efforts of a small party in this Province to unsettle a condition of things which has worked so satisfactorily, by sweeping away their free Constitution, by subjecting this people, their revenues, resources, and independence, to the virtual domination of another Colony, and to the doubtful issue of an experiment known as the "Quebec " Scheme of Confederation." That even were the proposed as likely to be beneficial, as in the judgment of Your Majesty's petitioners it is certain to be injurious to the best interests of the Maritime Provinces, the means employed to force it upon the country without an appeal to the people, and with full knowledge of their intense dislike of the measure, ought to insure its rejection at the hands of a Sovereign whose ambition it is to live in the affections of her dutiful subjects. The prayer of the people of Queen's county therefore is, that Your Majesty will be graciously pleased to withhold your Royal Assent from any measure afiFecting the relations of this Province to the sister Colonies until, by means of a general election, the sentiments of the people of Nova Scotia in reference to this most inaportant subject may be truly reflected in their Legislature. William Mortimer, Chairman. No. 25. No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieiit.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. ^N°- ^^-^ Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 16, 1866. (Received August 27, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 17, September 11, 1866, page 84.) I HAVE the honour to transmit by request of certain of the inhabitants of the District of Port Medway, Nova Scotia, a petition to the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland. I have, &c. The Right Hon. The Earl of Carnarvon. (Signed) W. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. ^ Enclosure in No. 25. End in No. 25. To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled. The petition of the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, Humbly showeth — That the Province of Nova Scotia is one of the oldest Cojonies of Great Britain, and one of the nearest to the mother country. That when the American Revolution separated thirteen English Colonies from the Crown, Nova Scotia stood true to her allegiance, and furnished a home for the loyalists who sacrificed their property and their prospects in the American States for the sake of British connexion. K 2 76 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION NoTA That ever since, during the political agitations which have disturbed this continent, especially during .Scotia. the war of 1812 and the Canadian rebellions of 1837-8, Nova Scotia has been steadfast in her loyalty; — ~ and that when the neighbouring Province of New Brunswick was menaced from the American side in 1839, the Legislature of Nova Scotia unanimously placed the whole revenues and resources of the country at the; disposal of the Lieutenant-Governor for the defence of the British flag upon the frontier. That this people hare discharged, in other respects, the duties of British subjects to the satisfaction of the Crown. They have sent representatives to the Provincial Parhament since 1758, for a quarter of a century have enjoyed responsible Grovernment in as full and jample a measure as have their fellow- subjects in the most favoured parts of the empire, and have preserved from degeneracy and abuse their Constitutional rights, and free institutions. That the people of this Province, from their maritime position, have developed the pursuits of ship- building, navigation, commerce, and fishing into prosperous activity. Their agricultural resources are rich and varied, while the vast mineral wealth which underlies the whole area of the country is a special guarantee, of its future p5:osperity under favourable political conditions. The gold mines of In ova Scotia, wittiout rising to the character of dazzling lotteries to attract a promiscuous or disorderly population from abroad, have proved steadily remunerative as a regular department of native industry, and a profitable investment for foreign capital. The great iron mines already discovered give earftesl^ in connexion with its coal fields, of manufacturing capabilities not inferior to those of any country of similar extent. It has the thickest coal seams in the world, and their area is extensive, affording fair ground for the presumption that for the purposes of peace or war Nova Scotia's continued connexion with Great Britain would prove of mutual advantage. Possessed of these resources, the people desire closer relations with the mother country, in order to be able to enjoy more larg^y the benefits, as well as share more fully the responsibilities, of "the empire ; and already the Province has enrolled 60,000 efiicient' militia and volunteers to assist in the maintenance of British power on this continent, and sends to sea 440,000 tons of shipping, built and owned within the Province, bearing the flag of England, and manned by more than 20,000 seamen. That Nova Scotia has no controversies with the mother country, the other Provinces, or with the population of the neighbouring United States ; and, highly prizes the privileges, so long enjoyed, of regulatings her own tariffs, and conducting trade, but lightly burdened, with the British Islands and Colonies in all parts of the world and with foreign countries. That the people of Nova Scotia are prepared to entertain any propositions by which (preserving to them the institutions they now have and the privileges they enjoy) greater facilities for commercial and social intercourse with other States and Provinces may be secured, and they are willing, whenever their .own coasts and harbours are safe, to aid Her Majesty's forces to preserve from aggression the Provinces in the rear. But they view with profound distrust and apprehension schemes recently propounded, by which it . is proposed to transfer to the people of Canada the control of the G-overnment, legislation, and revenues " of this loyal and happy Province, and they venture respectfully to crave from your honourable House justice and protection. That the Province of Canada lies as far from Nova Scotia as Austria does from England, and there exlists no reason why a people who live at such a distance, with whom we have but little commerce^ who have invested no capital in 'our country, who are unable to protect it, and are themselves shut off from ocean navigation by frost for five months of the year, should control our legislation and Govern- jnent. That in 1864 the Government of Nova Scotia, without any authority from the Legislature, and without any evidence of the consent of the people, sent delegates to Canada to arrange in secret conference at Quebec a political union between the various Provinces. That these delegates concealed the result of their conference from the people until it became incidentally made public in another Pro- vince, and that, to this hour, they have never unfolded portions of the scheme having the mos* essential relation to the peculiar interests and local government of Nova Scotia subsequent to Confederation. That the scheme, when at last, made public, was received with great dissatisfaction in Nova Scotia, that the opposition to it has been constantly on the increase, and has been intensified by the conduct of the government and the delegates, who now propose to call in the aid of Your Honourable House, to assist them to overthrow, by an arbitrary exercise of power, free institutions enjoyed for a century, and never abused. That the objections of the people to the proposed Confederation Scheme afiect not merely minor iocal details but the radical principles 'of the plan. The people cannot recognize the necessity for change in their present tranquil, prosperous and free condition. They, cannot believe that the proposed Con- federation with the distant colony of Canada will pi*ove of any practical' benefit, either for defence or trade; while, from the past history of that country, its sectiopal troubles, and its eccentric political management and financial embarrassments, they have great reason to fear that Confederation would be to them a most disastrous change., retarding their progress, and rendering their prolonged connection with the Crown precarious if not impossible. Forming, as she does now, a portion of the Empire, Nova Scotia is already confederated with fifty other states and Provinces, enjoys free trade with two hundred ' and fifty millions of people, living under one flag, and owning the authority of one Sovereign, tihe has no desire to part with her self-control, or to narrow her commercial privileges by placing herself under the dominion of a sister colony, with an exposed frontier, frost-bound for a third of the year, and ■with no navy to defend the Maritime Provinces when her ports are open. The scheme of Goverment framed at Quebec is unlike any other that history shows to have been successful. It secures neither the consolidation, dignity, and independent power of monarchy, nor the checks and guards which ensure to the smaller states self-government, and controlling' influence over the Federal authorities, in the neighbouring republic. By adopting the Federal principle, sectionalism in the five provinces is perpetuated; by the timid and imperfect mode in which that principle is applied, the people, whose minds have been unsettled by this crude experiment, may be driven to dra'tv contrasts, and nourish' aspirations of which adventurous and powerful neighbours will not be slow to take advan-' tage ; and the people of Nova Scotia have no desire to peril the integrity of the Empire, with the OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROYINCES. . 11 blessings they now enjoy, or to try new experiments, which may complicate foreign relations, and. yet Nova . add no real strength to the F*rovinces it is proposed to combine. ' Scotia. The people object also to the financial arrangements, as specially burthensome and unfair to this Province. Having long enjoyed the control and benefitted by the expenditure of their own revenues, they cannot approve a scheme that will wrest the greater part of these from their hands, to keep up costly and cumbrous federal machinery, and to meet the liabilities of Canada. ^ For many years the commercial policy of Nova Scotia has beeil essentially different from that of Canada.' The latter country; partly from necessity arising out of financial embarrasssments, and partly, as an indirect premium on her own manufactures, has adopted a tariff varying from 20 to 30 per cent, on imported goods. . I Almost surrounded as Nova Scotia is by the ocean, her peSople are favourably situated for enjoying free leo'mmercial intercourse with every section of the British Etnpire, and with those foreign countries open to her commerce by the enlighteiaed policy of the Parenl; State ; of this privilege she has availed herself, by imitating, as far as local circumstances would permit, the liberal and free trade policy of the mother country — ten per cent, being the ad valorem duty collected under the'Nova Scotia tariff on godds imported into the Pi-ovince. The proposed scheme of union will give Canada, by her large preponderance in' the Legislature, the power to shape the tariff for the whole confederacy according to her inland ideas and necessities, so as to levy the same onerous duties on British goods imported into Nova Scotia as are now exacted by Canada. That since the confederation scheme has been announced, there have been special parliamentary elections in three out of the eighteen counties of this Province, and in all three it has been condemned . at the polls. That in 1865 the scheme was condemned at nearly every public liieeting held by the delegates to discuss it, and numerous petitions against its adoption were presented to the Provincial Parlia- ment, and only one in its favour, until the leader of the Government declared the measure to be " impracticable." : That at the opening of the late Session no reference tb confederation was made in the speech of the Lieutenant Grovernor, and down to a late period the people of Nova Scotia were led to believe that the scheme had been abandoned. A resolution was introduced toward the close of the Session, clothing the Government with power to appoint delegates, who, in connection with delegates from the ' other Provinces, are to frame a scheme of Government, to which it is proposed to ask the sanction of your Honourable House before it has been submitted to the Legislature that it may annihilate, or to the people, whose legal and constitutional rights and powers it may transfer or circumscribe. The undersigned, menaced b/ a measure that may be revolutibnary, repose implicit confidence in the protection of the Imperial Parliament. They deny the authority of their own Legislature, invested with limited powers for a definite term, to deprive them of rights earned by their ancestry by the most painful sacrifices, wisely exercised and never abused for more than a century, and which ' they had no legitimate authority to alienate or break down. They believe that any scheme of G-ovfernment, framed by a Committee of Delegates and forced upon the Provinces without their revision or approval, would generate wide spread dissatisfaction among' a loyal and contented people ; who will not fail to reflect^ that no change can be made in the constitution of any of the neighbouring States which has not first been approved by the electors; and that important measures, affecting Imperial policy or institutions, are rarely attempted till they have been submitted for acceptance or rejection by the people whose interests they are to affect. Your petitioners therefore pray that your Right Honourable House will be pleased to defer all action in favour of Confederation in the Imperial Parliament until the people of Nova Scotia shall have exercised and enjoyed their Constitutional privilege to express their opinions at the polls, or that your Honourable House may be pleased to direct that a Special Committee shall inquire into all the features of the proposed scheme of Confederation, as it is likely to affect the several Provinces in their relations to each other and to the mother country ; or that the people of Nova Scotia be permitted to appear by counsel at the Bar of your Honourable House to defend their interests and Institutions. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. (Signed) William Mortimer, and by 209 others. No. 26. No. 26. Copy of il DESPATCH from Lieut.- General Sir W, F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B.,to the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon. (No. 71.) Halifax, Nova Scotia, November 8, 1866: -^ _ ' (Eeceived November 17, 1866.) My Lord, - • ' (Answerd No. 28, November 2,2, 1866, page 84.) , In transmitting the enclosed letter froni the Lord Bishop of Nova Scbtia, I beg to refer you to the leading members of my administration now in London, I can offer no public opinion on the matter in question, but at the same time I beg to record my hope that it may receive a very careful consideration on the part of those Gentlemen, and that the result of their decision may secure future peace and contentment in the great con- federation which I trust is about to be established by the Imperial Parliament. T- havp &C The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) 'w. F. WILLIAMS. &c. &c. &c. . K 3 78 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ■jJq^j^ Enclosure in No. 26. Scotia. My Lord, Halifax, November 8, 1866. Although I do not feel myself called upon to trouble you with my views respecting the scheme End. in No. 26. ^f Confederation now under your Lordship's consideration, regarded generally there is one point upon which I venture to appeal to you as more immediately affecting, those over whoSe interests I am specially bound to watch. Your Lordship is aware that much trouble has been caused in Canada by dissentions (arising from differences of creed) respecting education, and I fear if this be left an open question we may be involved in similar difficulties in this Province. I trust therefore that it may be found practicable to secure the rights of minorities in the constitution of the proposed Confederation. I decidedly object to any division of 'our schools into the two classes of Roman Catholic and Protestant, and I believe the members of the Church, of England in this diocese agree with me. For such a division provides for teaching at the public expense the tenets of one portion of the population while the other portion (combining seyeral sects or denominations) is deprived of the privilege of inculcating in its schools any definite religious truth beyond the most elementary principles. Moreover I do not think that any general system of separate schools could be advantageously adopted in this Province, the population being so scattered that very few settlements can afford sufficient support for more than one. Nevertheless I do not believe there will ever be general satisfaction unless some facilities are afforded to those who may desire to have their own schools, and therefore I would suggest a clause to the following effect. Whenever any number of heads of families declare in writing that they cannot conscientiously send their children to the common school of the section in which they reside they may .establish another, and shall receive the portion of the public grant to which they may be entitled according to the scale applicable to the common schools. Such separate schools shall of course be subject in all other respects (except the amount and nature of the religious instruction to be imparted) to the regulations framed for the common schools, and the parties establishing them must pay the educational assessments. When our present Education Act was under discussion I endeavoured to procure the insertion of a clause to the above effect but failed, the Provincial Government having considered that it would interfere with the efficiency of the one school for which they desired to secure the united support of each section. But surely it is far better to be content with a somewhat lower class of sqhool than to incur the risk of awakening the feelings of dissatisfaction, the jealousies and heart burnings which must inevitably be caused by interference with many conscientious convictions respecting the education of their children ; in most cases the knowledge that they can have a separate school wUl be sufficient, and as those who take advantage of the permission will subject themselves to much additional expense, there will probably be very few who will avail themselves of the privilege. My desire is to have this important question so settled that it may no longer furnish occasion for strife, and that the whole population of the Provinces to be confederated may be satisfied that they cannot hereafter be affected by objectionable influences,, and that all men, whatever their sentimente may be, shall henceforth be at liberty to claim a fair proportion of the pubhc grants towards the education of their children in accordance with their own belief. I have, &;g. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) H. Nova Scotia. &c. &C. &c. No. 1. Despatches from the Secretary of State. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 3.) gjjj Downing Street, January 7, 1865. * Page 52. ' I HAVE the honouf to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 41,* of the 8th of December, enclosing a copy of tlje resolutions adopted at the Conference recently held at Quebec on the subject of the union of the British North American Provinces. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gov. Sir R, G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 2. No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.,.to Lieut-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 5.) gjg Downing Street, February 3, 1865. • Page 54. ' I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 51* of the 13th of January, enclosing a copy of a Despatch which you had addressed to Lord OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 79 Monck, explaining the course you proposed to adopt for giving effect to the views of J^*'^^ Her Majesty's Government on the subject of the union of the British North American f^ Provinces. - Lieut.-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 3. No. 3. I Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cabdwell, M.P., to Lieut.'-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 10.) Sir, ' Downing Street, March 1, 1865. I have' the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 55,* of the * ^^^ ^^' 2nd of February, enclosing copy of the report of the proceedings of the Conference appointed to consider the question of a Union of the Maritime Provinces of British North America. I n3^v6 Sec Lieut.-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 4. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 12.) Sir, Downing Street, March 10, 1865. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 56,* of the * Pagese. 15th of February, enclosing a copy of the speech with which you opened the Session of the Legislature of Nova Scotia on the 9th of February, together with copies of the addresses presented to you in reply. Lieut-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) ' EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 5. Ko. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH frotn the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P,, to Lieut-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 29.) Sir, Downing Street, June 24, 1865, I have the honour to transmit to you the copy of a correspondence between vide Papers Viscount Monck and myself on the affairs of British North America, which have lately SLw?.*!f I^^= formed the subject or conferences between Her Majesty s Government and a deputation from the Canadian Government. This correspondence having been presented to both Houses of the Imperial Parliament by command of Her Majesty, I have to direct you to communicate it also to. the Legis- lature of Nova Scotia at its next meeting. You will at the same time express the strong and deliberate opi/iion of Her Majesty's Government that it is an olgfictmuch to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one government. In the territorial extent of Canada, and in the maritime and commercial enterprise of the Lower Provinces, Her Majesty's Government see the elements of power which only required to be combined in order to secure for the Province which shall possess them all a place among the most considerable i communities of the world. In the spirit of loyalty to the British Crown, of attachment to British connexion, and of love for British institutions, by which all the Provinces are animatied alike. Her Majesty's Government recognize the bond by which all may be combined under one government. Such an Union seems to Her Majesty's Government to recommend itself to the Provinces on many grounds of moral and material advantage, as giving a well-founded prospect of improved administration and increased prosperity. K 4 80 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova But there is one consideration which Her Majesty's Goveftiment feel it more especially Scotia, their duty to press upon the Legislature of Noya Scotia. Looking to the determination which this country has ever exhibited to regard the defence of the Colonies as a matter of Imperial concern, the Colonies must recognize a right, and even acknowledge an obligation, incfirabent on the Home Government to urge with earnestness and just authority the measures which they consider to be most expedient on the ^part of the Colonies with a view to their own defence. Nor can it be doubtful that the Provinces of British North America are incapable, when separated and divided from each other, of making those just and sufficient preparations for national defence which would be easily undertaken by a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole. I am aware that this project, so novel as well as so important, has not been at once accepted in Nova Scotia with that cordiality which has marked its acceptance by the Legislature of Canada, but Her Majesty's Government trust that after a fujl and careful examination of the subject in all its bearings the Maritime Provinces will perceive the great advantages which, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, the proposed Union is calculated to confer upon them all. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 6. NoJ 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 30.) Sir Downing Street, June 24, 1865. Page 60. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 87-j* of the 7th of June, in which you enclose copies of Despatches addressed to you by the Lieut.- Governors of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, in reference to the question of a renewal of negotiations for a Union of the Maritime Provinces of British North America. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 7. • No. 7- Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B. (No. 36.) Sir, , Downing Street, July 22, 1865. Pago 61. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 93,* of the 6th instant, and to inform you that as you were of opinion that an immediate publication of the correspondence which accompanied my Despatch to you of the 24th of last June would be beneficial, I see no objection to yotir having acted on that Opinion. Lieut.-Gov. Sir R. G. MacDonnell, C.B., (Signed) ' EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 8. ' No. 8. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 26.) Sir, Downing Street, May 12, 1866. * Page 61. I HAVE to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 30,* of the 26th April, enclosing copy of a Resolution agreed upon by both Houses of the Legislature of Nova Scotia, in favour of the Confederation of, the British North American Provinces. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 81 Her Majesty's Government concur in the gratification which you express in announping Nova that this measure was warmly supported by eminent men of both parties in the Provincial ScoTii, Parliament, and that the proposed Union is .;regarded as a measure calculated to confer great benefits on the Province of Nova Scotia. I avail myself of this opportunity of conveying to you my thanks for the, telegram communicating the above important intelhgence, which, at your request, was sent tome from New York by the British Consul on the 18th April. I have, &c, . . (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. Lieut-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B,, &c. &c. &c. No. 9. No. 9, Copt of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 29.) Sir, Downing Street, May 25, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Despatch, No. 32,* of the 26th of April, * Page 62. accompanied by an Address to Her Majesty signed by several gentlemen who are members of one or the other House of Legislature in Nova Scotia, praying that no measure to effect grave changes in the constitution of Nova Scotia may be sanctioned by Her Majesty or submitted to Parliament until it has been published in the Province, considered in the Legislature, and submitted to the deliberate acceptance or rejection of the people. I have duly laid this address at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 10. 1^0. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-General Sir F. W. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 30.) Sir, Downing Street, May 25, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 35,* of the * Page 65. 10th of May, enclosing a Petition to the Queen from the inhabitants of the county of Hants, together with a copy of your reply to the deputation who presented it, praying that no change in the institutions of the Province may be made until it has been sub- mitted to the test of public opinion, and that Her Majesty would guard the rights of the people. I have laid this Petition at the foot of the Throne. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W.F.Williams, Bart, K.C.B., (Signed) ' EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. II, No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart, K.C.B. (No. 38.) Sir, Downing Street, June 9, 1866. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 42,* of the * p^ge 67. 24th of May, enclosing a Petition to the Queen from the inhabitants of the county of Kings, Nova Scotia, on the subject of the Union of the British North American Pro- vinces. I have to request you to acquaint the petitioners that I have laid their Petition before Her Majesty. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W.F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. 16254. L 82 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova No. 12. iJOOTIA. — Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to ^"'- ^2- Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 40.) Sir, Downing Street, June 21, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 43,* dated the 6th June, enclosing a Petition addressed to Her Majesty by the inhabitants of the county of Yarmouth. I request you to inform the petitioners that their Memorial has been laid at the foot of the Throne. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. &c. # Page 68, No. 13. No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 41.) Sir, Downing Street, June 21, 1866. * Page 69. I HAVE the houour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 44,* of the 6th June, forwarding to me a Petition addressed to Her Majesty by the inhabitants of the county of Digby. I request you to inform the memorialists that their Petition has been duly laid at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Lieut..Gen. Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 14. No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieutenant-General * Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 2.) No.48. 19 June giR, Downing Street, July 6, 1866. iSoA9!i93:^e I HAVE the houour to acknowledge your Despatches of the numbers and dates 1866, page 71. mentioned in the margin, accompanied by Petitions adverse to the Union of the British i866°p^e"'7)L* Proviuces, from the inhabitants of the county of Shelburne, the northern district of No.5'1. 19 June Queen's county, the township of Barrington, and the county of Annapolis. You will 1866, page 72. j^^^^ ^^^ gooduess to inform the petitioners that their Petitions have been duly laid at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 15. No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieutenant-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 5.) Sib, Downing Street, July 21, 1866. * Page 72. I HAVE the hoflour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No, 56,* dated the 2nd July, transmitting to my predecessor a Letter and an Address to the Queen from certain of the inhabitants of Liverpool. You will inform the memorialists that their Address has been duly laid at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Lieut.-Gen. Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 83 n ; Nova No. 16. •^^^• Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. -the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-General '^°- ^^■ Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 9.) Sir, Downing Street, August 3, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 61,* of the * Page 73. I6th July, enclosing a petition addressed to Her Majesty by the inhabitants of the county of Lunenburg. You will be good enough to inform the memorialists that their petition has been duly laid at the foot of the Throne. I have &c Lieut.Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart, K.C.B., (Signed) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 17. No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 10.) Sir, Downing Street, August 4, 1866. I HAVE received your Despatch of the 19th ult. marked " Separate,"* stating that * Page 74. The Hon. Dr. Tupper. the gentlemen named in the margin, accompanied by gentlemen Mr. Henry. from New Brunswick, would proceed to England as Delegates to „ Mr. Ritchie. confer with Her Majesty's Government upon the subject of the Mr M^c'c^y'^' Confederation of the British North American Provinces. I have to inform you that the gentlemen in question have From New Brunswick, arrived, and that on the 30th ult. I had an interview with them on The Hon. Peter Mitqhell. this important subject, and apprized them that the non-arrival of " Charles Fi^er. ^^^ Canadian Delegates, and the advanced period of the Session, " R. D. Wilmot. rendered it impossible for Her Majesty's Government to submit. to „ E. B. Chandler. Parliament any measure for the Confederation of the Provinces. John M. Johnson, Esq. j added, that during the recess I should be prepared to enter fully into communication with the Delegates from Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Bruns- wick, and to endeavour to arrive with them at such a conclusion as would be satisfactory both to the Colonies and to this country. X Jl3.VP &f* Lieut.-Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 18. ' No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 13.) Sir, Downing Street, August 24, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 63,* of * Page 74. 25th July, enclosing a petition addressed to Her Majesty by certain of the inhabitants of the county of King's. 1 have to request you to inform the memorialists that their petition has been duly laid at the foot of the Throne. Lieut.-Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B., (Signed) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. L 2 No, 19. 84 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Nova Nq^ I9. gCOTIA. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Caenarvon to Lieut-Governor Sir W, F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 17.) Sir, Downing Street, September 11, 1866. * Page 75. I have the honour to acknowledge your Despatch No. 68,* of the l6th ult, accom.panied by a petition from certain inhabitants of the District of Port Medway, Nova Scotia, to the House of Commons, against the immediate Confederation of the British Provinces in North America. I have, &c. Lieut-Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart, K.C.B., (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 20. No. 20. • Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut-Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B. (No. 28.) Sir, Downing Street November 22, 1866. *PageJ7. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 71,* of the 8th of this month, enclosing a letter from the Bishop of Nova Scotia, in which his Lord- ship requests that the subject of schools, as regulated under the existing local Act, may be brought under the consideration of the Delegates at present in this country. The question of education is one of the important subjects which must be discus.sed by the North American Delegates when in conference in this country ; but at present I can only promise that the letter of the Bishop of Nova Scotia shall receive full consideration. I have to request that you will communicate to the Bishop the substance of this Despatch. I have, &c. Lieut-Governor Sir W. F. Williams, Bart, K.C.B., (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 85 NEW BRUNSWICK. nw Bkunswick, Despatches from the Lieutenant-Governor. No. 1. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 93.) Fredericton, December 5, 1864. Sir, (Received December 19, 1864.) Since the return from Quebec of the Delegates appointed to consider the question of a Federal Union of the British North American Provinces, the scheme on which they have agreed has excited somewhat more interest and attention on the part of the public than was previously the case. There is still, however, an indisposition to believe that the change is seriously meditated, and an inclination to regard the plan rather as intended to produce, by its agitation, some immediate effect on the condition of existing political parties than as designed to inaugurate a new constitutional system. 2. I have the honour to enclose for your information extracts from some of the leading newspapers of the Province,* containing articles on the subject of Confederation, and also a report of the meeting at St. John, at which the Provincial Secretary and the Hon. J. H. Gray, who represent that city in the House of Assembly, explained their views to their constituents. The first of these meetings was, I am informed, a failure ; the second, however, proved, eminently successful. I also enclose a copy of a letter addressed to his constituents, by Mr. A. S. Smith, M.P. P., who will probably take the lead in opposition to the proposals of the Government. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed; ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. No. 2. No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 9.) Fredericton, N.B., January 30, 1865. (Received February 16, 1865.) Sir, '" (Answered No. 54, February 27, 1865, page 116.) I HAVE the honour to inform you that in consequence of a difference of opinion with his colleagues on the subject of the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces, the Chief Commissioner of the Board of Works, G. L. Hatheway, Esq., has resigned his office and his seat at the Executive Council Board, and that I have accepted his resignation. I have the honour to enclose copies of the correspondence which has taken place on this subject. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 2, p;^^l_ j^^ jj^^ CoRRESPONDKNCE between Lieutenant-G-overnor of New Brunswick and Mr. Hatheway, concerning the Resignation by the latter of his Seat at the Executive Council. The Honourable G. L. Hatheway to the Lieutenant-Gtovernor. May it please your Excellency, Fredericton, January 4, 1865. The delegates appointed by the Government of this Province to confer with the Government of Canada on the subject of the Union of the North American Provinces, have agreed to certain resolutions for the purpose of carrying out that object, and these resolutions, as it appears by a Despatch * The Enclosures, teing of considerable length, are not printed. L 3 96 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION N from the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, published in the last Royal Gazette, BETJNrwiCK having been submitted to and received the general approval of Her Majesty's Government, and it being ■ ^jjg intention of the Government of this Province to submit the matter to the Legislature at its next session, I consider it my duty without further delay to state to your Excellency my position in reference to this important question. . .< ' A large majority of the Executive Council has adopted the resolutions of the Conference, and a leading member of the Council, togethe.r_with others of the ^delegates, have used extraordinary efforts to convince the people in various parts of the Province of the great benefits that will result from such a Union. With every respiect for the opiiiiion bf my colleagues in the Council, and after having given this important question the most careful j^d anxious consideration, I am unable to agree with the views of a majority of them. I consider it unnecessary here to state the grounds upon which I dissent, as they are well known to my colleagues ; it is sufficient that on the most important question that ever came before the Executive Gouncilj and one which involves an entire change in the constitution of the country, I differ altogether from a majority of the Council. Under these circumstances I feel that my continuance in the Government would be not only embarrassing to my colleagues and myself, but unconstitutional and improper. , . .' I therefore now beg respectfully to tender to your Excellency my resignation of the office of Chief Commissioner of Public Works, as well as my seat in the Executive Council. I respectfiiUy ask your Excellency's permission to be allowed to make pi^blic the reasons for my ~ resignation. I have, &c- (Signed) Geoege L. Hatheway. His Excellency the Hon. A. H. Gordon, Lieut.-Governor, &c. &c. &c. The Honourable G. L. Hatheway to the Lietitenant-Governoe. SiK, ' Fredericton, January 5, 1865. As your Excellency has, in conversation with me, made objections to the terms in which I have tendered my resignation of the office of Chief Commissioner of Public Works and my seat in the Executive Council, because I have stated that it is the intention of the Government to submit the matter of the Confederation of the Provinces to the Legislature at its next session, I have respectfully to ask your Exfcellency whether from such conversation I am to understand that the matter will not be so submitted. , , .'' . ' ■ , I have, &c. (Signed) Geoege L. Hatheway. To his Excellency the Hon. A. H. Gordon, &c. fcCr &c. The Lieutenant-Governor to the Hon. G. L. Hatheway. My deae Sir, ' Government House, Fredericton, January 5, 1865. I have received your letter of this day's date with reference to a conversation which took place between us yesterday, in consequence of some surprise having been expressed by me at your statement, that it was the intention of the Government to submit the question of a Confederation of the British "North Americaii^*rovinceB tothe existing Leg'islature at its next session. As the Provincial Secretary, -with the concurrence of his colleagues, had sought and obtained my permission to state publicly that the judgment of the Legislature would not be sought until the election of a new Parliament, L thought you: must be In some degree mistaken on this point. I have communi- cated the contents of your letter to the Executive Council, and am authorized to assure you not only that there is not, but that there never has been any intention of submitting the question for the decision of the Legislature until after the dissolution of the existing Parliament. Until, therefore, I learn yOur wishes with respect to the tender of resignation contained in it, I defer any reply to your previous communication, which appears to have been written under some misappre- hension on this important point. I am, &c. (Signed) Aethpr H. Gordon. To Hon. G. L. Hatheway, &c.j &e. , The Honourable G. L. Hatheway to the Lieutenant-Governoe. My dear Sir, _ _ . Friday, January 6, 1865. Your Excellency's note of yesterday^ date did hot reach me till 3 p.m. this day. Your Excellency states that it is not the intension .of the Government to submit the question for the decision of the Legislature until after the 'dissolution of the existing Parliament, but I think I may fairly infer from your Excellency's language that it is tiie. intention of the Government to refer to it in the speech, and to submit the resolution to the House, and I have the statement of my colleagues in the Government that such is' their intention. Whether, therefore, the question is submitted' for the decision of the Legislature or not, it appears to me that I, as a member of the Government, would be bound to support it in the event of any question being raised upon upon it in the House, and from the course which has been pursued by some leading members of the opposition since the resolutions were made public, I cannot doubt that every possible effort will be made to- attack the Government on that question. In what position then would I be placed, entertaining the opinion I do on the question, if I should remain in the Government. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 87 Would I not be constitutionally bound to support my colleagues ? and I ask your Excellency if it is New right, that I should continue a member of the Government while I am in (Ureet opposition to my Bkunswick. colleagues on any important question ? ' • I have, &c. (Signed) George L. Hatheway. His Excellency the Hon. A. H. Gordon, Sac. &;c. &c. ' The Lieutenant-Governor to the Honourable G. L. Hathewav, My dear Sir, Government House, Friday Night, January 6, 1865. I THOUGHT it right to point out to you that a statement contained in your formal letter of the 4th inst. was susceptible of an interpretation not strictly accurate, and I requested to be informed whether you were consequently disposed to withdraw or delay the resignation which that letter con- tained. It is right that I should see that no misapprehension exists in the minds of any gentleman making such a tender, and I repeat that no change has taken place in the attitude of the Government which is now the same which it has occupied ever since the 16th November, when it was determined to adopt the report of the Conference, but not to recommend its sanction by the Legislature until after the dissolution of the existing Parliament. But you alone must be the judge of the course which in these circumstances it may be your duty to follow, and it would be in the highest degree unbecoming were I to, express an opinion on that subject. In the absence of any desire on your part to withdraw your letter, I will return an official answer to-morrow. Yours sincerely, X T1, , (Signed) Arthur H. Gordon. To the Honourable George L. Hatheway. The Honourable G. L. Hatheway to the Lieutenant-Governor. May it please your Excellency, Fredericton, Jan. 7, 1865. I BE& to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's note of yesterday, I am unable to agree with your Excellency that no jchange has taken place in the attitude of the Government since the 16th November, nor can I allow myself to be placed in a false position with reference to the adoption of the report of the Conference. ' Your Excellency will recollect that at a meeting of Council held at Government House on the evening of the 15th Nov., I was not the only member of the Council who objected to the adoption of the report, and that in consequence of such objection no decision was arrived at. The Council met again on the 16th Nov. at the Council Chamber, your Excellency not being present, when I again repeated my objections to the scheme, but a majority having agreed to adopt the report, I withdrew from the Council Board, stating that in consequence of their action I had no right to be there, and I therefore do not hold myself responsible, for the decision. Had a minute of Council been made of such decision, I can assure your Excellency I would have at once entered my written protest against it. I have, (fee. ^ ^ (Signed) George L. Hatheway. His Excellency the Hon. A. H. Gordon. The Honourable G. L. Hatheway to the Lieutenant-Goveenoe. Mt dear Sir, Fredericton, Jan. 10, 1865. Having received a summons to attend a meeting of Council on the 19th inst., I should be obliged if your Excellency would allow my resignation to stand (jver until that day. I have, (fee. (Signed) Geoege L. Hatheway. His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, &c. Sac. &c. The Lieutenant-Goveenoe to G. L. Hatheway, Esq. Deae Sia, _ _ Government House, Jan. 21, 1865. As I understand from a conversation with you tO-day that you desire to adhere to your letter of the 4th inst, I can only express my regret at your resignation, and transmit to yon the accompany- ing formal acceptance of it. I have no objection to your making public the correspondence which has taken place between us. Yours very truly, (Signed) Arthue H. Goedon. The Lieutenant-Governor accepts the Hon. G. L. Hatheway's resignation of the office of Chief Commissioner of the Board of Works, and of his seat in the Executive Council. (Signed) Akthctk H- Goedon. Government House, Jan. 21, 1865. L 4 88 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New BeTJNSWICK. ]SJ-q g_ No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthue Gokdon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. ,^ ,£, . Frederi.cton, January 30, 1865. t^INO. 12.; (Keceived, Febru^iy 16, 1865.) Sir. (Answered, No.' 53, February 27, 1865, page 116.) ^ _ I HAVE the honour to forward to you a copy of the report of the Conference appointed to consider the question of the Legislative Union of the three Maritime Provinces. 2. The greater scheme for the Federation of the whole of British North America rendered the further consideration of this plan unnecessary. 3. There was a great unanimity of opinion among the Delegates as to the facility with which the Legislative Union in question might have been adopted, and I cannot but regret that it did not form a part of, or a preliminary to, the more extended scheme. I have, &c. (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 3, Enclosure in No. 3. Repokt of Proceedings of a Conference held to consider the question of a Legislative Union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.— This Report will be found printed at page 55. No. 4. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 23.) Fredericton, N.B., February 27, 1865. (Received March 14, 1865.) Sir, (Answered No. 60, March 18, 1865, page 116.) A DISCUSSION has lately taken place in this Province with respect to one of the conditions of the Federal Union of British North America, which has excited much interest, and with respect to which it appears to me desirable that I should be placed in possession of the views of Her Majesty's Government. 2. The resolutions agreed to at Quebec, and which are to form the basis of the pro- posed Federal Union of the British American Provinces, have reference to a great variety of subjects of very different degrees of importance. With some of these matters the local Legislatures are already fully competent to deal, whilst others are of a character which removes them beyond their cognizance. 3. It was my belief that the aid of the Imperial Parliament would be sought only to give effect to those general provisions of a constitutional nature which could not be brought into operation by the existing local Assemblies ; that it would be called upon to enact the Federative Union, and to define the limits of the authority of the central and local Governments and Legislatures, but that the arrangement of matters of purely or mainly local interest would be left to the Federal Legislature, or to those of the separate Provinces, as it may fairly be presumed that these bodies would faithfully carry into execution the conditions upon which their Union had itself been based. 4. I find, however, that a very general impression prevails that the construction of the Intercolonial Railroad from Rivifere du Loup to Truro is to be provided for by a clause in the Imperial Act giving effect to the proposed Federal Union. 5. I do not myself consider it probable that Her Majesty's Government will make such a proposal to the Imperial Parliament, for I cannot but conceive that such a proposal would appear to Her Majesty's Government to be either unnecessary or unjust, — unne- cessary if (as we must conclude will be the case should no'unfbrieseen or insuperable obstacles arise) the new Federal Legislature votes the construction of a work, the immediate commencement of which forms one of the conditions of the agreement to which it owes its existence, — unjust if it were to have the effect of forcing on the people of British America the execution of a work which their representatives in Parliament may consider it inexpedient to undertake. 6. Nor does it appear to me very likely that the British Parliament would enact a law involving a very large expenditure of money not collected under its own authority, a law, OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 89 raoreover, which it would be impossible to enforce, as no penalty could be inflicted after ^^^^k the passage of the Act, in the event of the subsequent neglect of its provisions by the Federal Government and Legislature. 7- Neither do I imagine that, the question being one, which primarily concerns the people of British North America, the British Parliament would consent to fetter the discretion of their representatives in dealing with it as they may consider most conducive to the advantage of the United Provinces, more especially when it is remembered th^it the subject is one with which their local Legislatures are already, even under the, existing ^tate of things, fully competent to consider. 8. Still less do I think it probable, even were a clause of a general character enacting the completion of this great work to be incorporated in an Act of the Imperial Parliament, that Her Majesty's Government would consent to introduce, dr that Parliament would consent to sanction all those details which would be required to render such a clause effective ; for unless the route, the mode of construction, the minimutu sum to be annually devoted to the work, and the time at which it is to be completed, are all prescribed, the scheme may be subject to ultimate defeat by its rejection on one of these points by the Federal Parliament ; whilst the assumption of those, who believe that a clause concerning the railway' will form part of the Imperial Act, is that the completion of the work will be so secured as to remove all liability of its being affected by any subsequent action on the part of the Federal or Local Governments and Assemblies. 9. I confess, therefore, that I am unable altogether to share the colifident belief of my Council that this work (of the importance of which 1 need not say I am very fully sensible) will be undertaken under the direct authority of the Imperial Parhament. 10. At the same time, it is possible that I may be mistaken as to the views and inten tions of Her Majesty's Government, ^nd I therefore respectfully request to be instructed as to the course which I am to pursue, in the event of ray being advised to state in my s.peech from the throne, on the opening of the Provincial Legislature, that such a provision will undoubtedly form part of the Act of Union, or be' embodied by the Imperial Parliament in a separate Act. 11. Such a declaration, if it were afterwards proved by facts to be erroneous, would, I need not say, excite very general and not ill-founded irritation. 12. Mr. J. A. Macdonald, a leading member of the Canadian Government, is reported to have lately used what appears to me very sensible language in connexion with this subject, to the effect that the construction of the railway was certainly not part of the Constitution (a proposition which is self-evident), and that, consequently, with many other details agreed to by the Conference, it would not be embodied in the Imperial Act, but that it was one of the conditions on which the Union was based, and must therefore be carried into effect' at the earliest possible period by the Legislature of the Federated Provinces. I am, however, informed that Mr. Macdonald has subsequently stated that the provisions for the construption of the railway will form part of the Imperial Act. 13. As the Legislature of this Province will meet probably in the first week of April, it is highly important that I should be enabled by that time to reply distinctly to the queries which may be put to me by my advisers and by the Legislature, whether in the event of the Federation of the British North American Provinces being accomplished, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to submit to the Imperial Parliament, either as a clause of the Constitutional Act, or as a separate Bill, provisions to secure the com- pletion of the Intercolonial Railway from. Rivifere. du Loup to Truro, within a definite time, and framed in such a manner as to preclude the possibility of any subsequent action , in a contrary sense on the part of the Federal Government or Legislature. I have, &c. • The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON, &c. &c. &c. No. 5. No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 24.) Fredericton, N. B., March 6, 1865. (Received March 24, 1865.) Sir, (Answered No. 65, April 1, 1865, page 117.) As it is possible that this Despatch may reach you viA Portland sooner than would be the case were it sent by the next ordinary Halifax mail, I think it right to avail mj^self of the opportunity to inform you that the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces has met with a most decided rejection in New Brunswick. 16254. M 90 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE" PROPOSED UNION ,:New ; 2. All those elections in which the question of Confederation was likely to outweigh' Bktjnswick! considerations of a purely personal and local character have now taken place, and in each instance have resulted in the defeat of every one of i the candidates favourable to Con- federation. • 3. Mr. Tilleyj the leader of the Government, the Solicitor-tjeneral, the Postmaster- General, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Gray, Delegates to Quebec, have all lost their seats. 4. The Government is practically overthrown, and the scheme of Union virtually defeated. ... 5. I was aware that the public sentiment of the Province was opposed' to Confederation, but 1 was by no means prepared for such a result as that which I have now the honour to report to you. 6. The causes which have led to this decided expression of opinion I wiihexplain at length when writing by the next Halifax mail. 7- The members of the House of Assembly ielected up to this time may be classed as follows : — ' For Confederation. Against it. Doubtful, 3. 16. 3. 8. There are still 19 members to be returned, but, with the excep^tion of the counties of Charlotte ^d Northumberland, all the important elections are now over. T have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. No. 6. . , No. 6. , Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (Np. 25.) Fredericton, Ni B., March 13, 1865. j^ . , , (Eeceived March 28, 1865.) Sir, .(Answered No. 65, April 1, 1865, page 117.) ' ^ape 89. In my Despatch, No. 24, of the 6th instant,* forwarded by way of Portland, I had . the honour of informing you that, the result of the elections in this Province had been signally unfavourable to the proposed scheme of Confederation, and that several pro- minent menibers of my Government had failed to retain their seats in the House of Assembly. 2. I was aware that a feeling hostile to the contemplated changes was widely spread, but I must have greatly underrated its extent and strength. 3. I do not however believe that the popular prejudice in favour of continued isolation and against any alteration whatever in the existing constitution would hav« sufficied alone to defeat the scheme had it not also encountered the opposition of those who, whilst desirous of effecting a more substantive Union between the British North American Colonies, were hostile to the provisions of the particular scheme submitted for their consideration. 4. The rejection of the scheme in Prince Edward Island, the postponement of its consideration in Newfoundland, and the belief that its adoption would be successfully resisted in Nova Scotia, also contributed powerfully to its defeat in this Province. 5. Nor do I think the fact that my-- existing Government had with a short interval held office for more than ten years, occupies a by any means unimportant place in the list of the causes which have led to its overthrow. 6. The popular decision, however brought about is, at all events, unmistakeable, and for the moment decisive. It was not anticipated by nie, and I. believe it was as little anticipated either by my advisers or by their opponents. 7- No important elections have taken place since I last had the honour of addressing 3'OU, and the numbers at present stand as follows : — For Confederation. Against it. Doubtful. -"'' '5. ■ • ■■ 19.' •' 2. ■ '•'''■•■: ;: ■ . 8. I anticipate that the resignation of my present Executive Council will be tendered to me as soon as the elections are closed. The last (that for Queen's County) is' fixed for the 22nd instant. I hs-VG Sec The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (Signed) ARTHUR H.GORDON. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BEITISH INORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 91 No'. 7. \ N®^ Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthitr Gordon to the ^^°!!!_ Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. No. 7, ■ ,^ „„ . Fredericton, N. B., March 27, 1865. ' (_i>0. ^y.J (Received April 11, 1865.) f>IK, • (Answered, No. 67, April 13, 1865, page 117.) ■> ■'•'■' I HAVE the honour to enclose a copy of the report submitted to me by the delegates appointed to attend the Conference held at Quebec in October last. Though dated November lUh it was only delivered to me last Saturday. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. •&q. : &c. Enclosure in No. 7. End. in No. 7. To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton GroapoN, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Grovemor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c. &c. &c. May it please youe Excellenqy, The undersigned, having been appointed .by your Excellency, at the request of the Grovernor- General, to confer with the Government of Canada, and with delegates appointed by the Governments of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, upon the subject of a Federal Union of the British North American Provinces, have the honor to submit their report. The Conference met at Quebec on the 10th of Qctober, and was composed of 33 members: — For Canada. The Hon. Su: E. P. Tach^, M.L.G., Receiver- Greneral and Minister of ^ilitia. The Hon. John A. Mac Donald, M.P.P., Attorney- General (Upper Canada). The Hon. G. E. Cartier, M.P.P., Attorney-General (Lower Canada). The Hon. George Brown, M.P.P., President of Executive Council. The Hon. O. Mqwatt, M.P.P., Postmaster- Ctp n pTfl 1 '• I ' ' ' The Hon. A. T. Gait, M.P.P., Minister of Finance. The Hon. T. D. McGee, M.P.P., Minister of Agriculture. The Hon. William McDougall, M.P.P., Provincial Secretary. The Hon. Alexander Campbell, M.LlC., Commis- sioner of Crown Lands. The Hon. T. C. Chappais, M.P.P., Commissioner of Public Works. The Hon. J. H. Langevin, Solicitor- General '. (Lower Canada). ' • The Hon. James Cockburn, M.P.P., Solicitor- General (Upper Canada). For Nova Scotia. The Hon. Charles Tupper, M.P.P., Provincial' Secretary. The Hon.W, A. Hebry, M.P,P., Attqrnpy-GiBneral. The Hon. J. McCuUy, M.L.C. The Hon. Robert B. Dickey, M.L.C. Adam H. Archibald, Esq., M.P.P- For New Brunswick, The Hon. S. L. Tilley, Provincial and Financial Secretary. The Hon. W. H. Steeves, M.L.C, M.E.C. The Hon. J. M. Johnson, M.P.P., Attdrney- General. ' ' The Hon. P. Mitchell, M.L.C., M.E.C. The Hon. E. B. Chandlet, M.L.C. Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. John H. M.P.P. The Hon. Charles Fisher, M.P.P. Gray, F. R T. Carter, Esq., M.P.P. For Ndwfmndhnd. I John Ambrose Shea, Esq., M.P.P. For J^rince Edwcird Island. The Hon. G. Coles, M.P.P. ■ The Hon. J. H. Haviland, M.P.P. The Hon. E. Wehlan, M.P.P. Colonel the Hon. J. H. Gray, M.P.P. The Hon. E. Palmer, Attorney-General. The Hon. W. H. Pope, Colonial Secretary. The Hon. A. A. McDonald, M.L.C. And was organized by the appointment of the Hon. Sir E. P. Tach6, Chairman, and the Hon. Messrs. William McDougall, Charles Tupper, S. L. Tilley, Ambrose Shea^ and W. H. Pope, joint secretaries. After the most earnest and carefiii condderation of the whole question, the Conference agreed to a series of resolutions, a copy of wMch we now submit for your Excellency's information.* ; , (Signed) S. L. Tilley. E. B. Chandlek. ■ „ W. H. Steeves. J. H. Gray, " ■ ' , ' P. Mitchell. Charles Fishery ' ' J.G.Johnson. : November 15, 1864. ■ * Not received.,. M2 92 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New ' No. 8. . * CotY of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Goedon to the No. 8. Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P- (No. 30.) Fredericton, N. B., March 27, 1865. (Received April 11, 1865.) Sir, _ _ (AnsweredNo. 66, April 12 1865, page 117.) •;, The elections for the Legislative Assembly have now terminated, and I believe the following classification of the members will be found accurate : — For Confederation. Against it. Doubtful. 9- 28. 4. 2. In addition to the defeats of other members of the Government, as previously re- ported by me, the Attorney-General has, since the date of my last Despatch, lost his seat for the courity of Northumberland. The members of my Executive Council will in consequence probably resign their offices to-day, or at all events in the course of the present week. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. • P.S. — Since writing the above Despatch the members of my Executive Council have tendered their resignation. — A. G. No. 9, No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. .^ Fredericton, April 27, 1865. (No. 39.) (Received May 22, 1865.) Sir, (Answei-ed No. 76, May 27, 1865, page 118.) I HAVE tlie honour to transmit to you a copy of the speech with which I this day opened the session of the Provincial Legislature. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR GORDON. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 9. Enclosure in No. 9. (Extract.) " In compliance with the desire expressied by addresses from both branches of the Legislature at the ' last session, I appointed delegates to meet others appointed hj the Lieutenant-Governors of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, for the purpose of considering ,the,practipability of effecting a Legislative and Administrative Union of the maritime Provinces of British North America. The report of these delegates will immediately be laid, before you. _ _ , , " At the request of the Goveruor-General of Canada, and \vith_the approbation of the Quegn, I also appointed delegates to a Conference of representatives of the British North American Colonies, held in Quebec in the month of October last, with a view of arranging the terms of a Federal Union of British North America. The resolutions agreed to by this Conference appeared to me to be so important in their character, and their adoption fraught with consequences so materially affecting the future con- dition and well-being of British America, that, in order to enable the people of New Brunswick to give expression to. their wishes on the subject, I determined to dissolve the then existing House of Assembly. I now submit these resolutions to your judgment." No. 10. No. 10. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur GoRDo^f to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 41.) Fredericton, May 8, 1865. ^ (Peceived May 22, 1865.) Oj„ ' ' ^ (AnsweredNo. 78, May 27, 1865, page 118.) I HAVE the honour to forward for your information copies of the Addresses which have been lately presented to me by the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly respectively. , 2. I thought that the concluding words of the Address of the House of Assembly afforded me an opportunity of turning to practical account what was probably intended 01* THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 93 as an unmeaning phrase, and I accordingly, in a few words, thanked the House for the New , confirmation they had given to my own conviction that they were not insensible to the Bkunswick. obligations entailed by the connexion with the British Empire, and expressed my belief ' that their acts would afford abundant proof of their desire to discharge the obligations referred to* * r have &c» The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR GORDON. &c. &C. &C. I (Extract.) ' Enclosure 1 in No. 10. To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C.M.G., Lleutenanl^Qovernor g/nd "^o lo" Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c. &c. &c. ' ' The humble Address of Her Majesty's Legislative Council in General Assembly. May it please your Excellency, We also thank your Excellency that the resolutions adopted at the Conference held at Quebec in October last, relative to a Union of the British North American Colonies, will Ukewise be submitted. The question of affording further facihties for the construction of railways in ther Povince will receive our consideration. It is satisfactory to learn that though existing laws preclude immediate action in proceeding with the extension of the European and North American railway from the frontier of Nova Scotia to the United States, that work will be proceeded with as soon as practicable. ***** (Extract.) Enclosure 2 in No. 10. ^Nol'fo!'' To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C,M.G., Lieutenant-Grovernor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c. &c. &c. The humble Address of the House of Assembly. Ma-y it please your Excellency, ***** We thank your Excellency for the assurance that the report of the delegates appointed for the purpose of considering the practicability of effecting a Legislative and Administrative Union of the Maritime Provinces of British North America will be laid before us. We also thank your Excellency for the information'that the Resolutions adopted at a ConfiSrence of representatives of the British North American Coloniesj held in Quebec in October last, relative to a Union of British North America, will be laid before us. ' . . ". We will consider whether futther facilities can be afforded for the extension of railways in this Province, We are pleased to learn that the completion and extension of the European and North American Railway, from the frontier of Nova Scotia to the boundary of the United States, will be undertaken as soon as 'practicable ; and we regret that existing laws preclude immediate action for the accomplishment of this work. » * I * * * I ^ We agree with your Excellency that notwithstanding the present depression of trade, the condition of the Province iS, on the whole, satisfactory, and that a feeling of contentment and confidence in the institutions under which we live prevails ; and we assure your Excellency, that whatever differences of opinion may exist on other subjects, the feeling of loyalty to the Crown, for which the people of this Province have always been distinguished, animates them still. " _ ' We are fhlly sensible of the advantages we derive from our connexioti with Great Britaiii, and will cheerfully meet the obligations it entails upon us. Charles P. Witmore, Clerk. No. 11. No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Efon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 45.) Government House, Fredericton, N. B., May 22, 1865. Cjn (Received June 5, 186-5.) In accordance with their request, I have the honour to transmit to you the enclosed Memorandum of my Executive Council with reference to the scheme for the Confederation of the British North American Provinces. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell,- M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. M3 94 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ^^■^ Enclosure in No. 11. ■ ,- ' Beunswick. End. in No. 11. No. 12. End. 1 in No, 12. ■ 1 ^7 To his Excellency the Hon. Aethub, Hamilton Gordon, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Governojr and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &6. &c. &c. Our attention has been recently attracted by a statement in the London "Times" newspaper, to the effect that the Confederation scneme of the British North American Provinces .is progressing favourably. We entertain no doubt, that your Excellency's ireports, to the Colonial Office have placed Mr. Cardwell in possession -of the real state of the public mind on that subject; but as we are anxious that no doubt should exist in the minds of the English Grovernment as to' the' present state of this question, we would request your Excellency at once to inform the Secretary of State for the' Colonies how entirely the scheme has been rejected~by the people of this Province ; and that we have strong reasons to believe, and do believe, that, with the exception of a party in Halifax, the Legislature and people of Nova Scotia are, if possible, more opposed to the project than those of this Province. , The House of Assembly in Prince Edward Island, your Excellency, is aware, has rejected it almost unanimously ; and the House of' Assembly of Newfoundland resolved to postpone the considera- tion of it until after their next election ; and we venture the opinion that Canada is the only Province in British North America favourable to the scheme. Respectfully submitted. (Signed) A. J. Smith. ROBT. D. WlLMOT. George L. Hatheway. T. W. Anglin. Richard Hutchison. A. H. GiLLMOR, Sen. John C. Allen. W. H. OjDELL. Bliss Botsfoed. No. 12. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M. P. i (No. 47.) Fredericton, June 5, 1865. .(Received June 17, 1865.) Sir, (Answered No. 83, June 24, IS'SS, page 1 19.) I HAVE the honour to transmit to you the copy of an Address which I have received from the House of Assembly of this Puovinqe, together with my reply. The Right Hon! Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c.' &c. &c. . Enclosure 1 in No. 12. , House of Assembly, Thursday, May 25, 1865. Whereas the Lieutenant-Governoi- of this Province hak received from the Lieutenant- Governor of Nova Scotia, copies of resolutions passed by the Legislative Council and House of Assembly of that Province, expressing a wish to renew the negotiation for a union of the Maritime Provinces, and wherea,s it is desirable to ascertain whether a legislative or commercial union of these Provinces on terms advantageous to all is practicable. Therefore resolved. That an humble address be presented to his Excellency the Li6utenant- Governof, requesting him to appoint delegates, not to exceed five, to confer with a delegation to be appointed by the Governments of Nova-Scotia and Prince Edward Island on the subject of such union. Chas. p. Witmore, Clerk. End. 2 in Enclosure 2 in No. 12. No. 12. Reply of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor to Address of the House of Assembly of May 25, 1865. G;entlemen, . . . I am fully sensible of the great importance of the subject to which the address now presented tome relates, and will not fail to appoint delegates to conduct its discussion on the part- of this • ■" Province, as therein requested. No. 13. OF tHE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 95 No. 13. New BEtTNswiCir. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieu,!.- Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 48.) Fredericton, June 5, 1865. „ (Received June 17, 1865.) ^IRj (Answered No. 82, June 24, 1865, page 119.) The Resolutions of which I have the honour to enclose a copy have been moved in the House of Assembly by Mr. J. Cudlip, one of the members for the City of St, John. They have not yet been adopted by the House, but there is no doubt that they will be carried by a large majority. . I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 13. Encl.inNo. 13, Resolution submitted when in Committee on his Excellency's Message of 4th May, containing REsoLUTioisis adtopted at Cdneekence holden at Qitebec on 10th October 1864. On motion of Mr. Cudlip. Whereas the House in Committee of the whole, have had under consideration the Resolutions of the Conference, held at Qubbec on the 10th of October last on the subject of the proposed confederation of the British North American Colonies : And whereas it is the opinion of this Committee that the consummation of said scheme would prov6 politically, commercially, and financially dis9,strous to the best interests and prosperity of this Province: . . And whereas the loyalty and attachment of thepepple of this Province to the throne and Government of Great Britain cannot justly be impugned, and they have always manifested a desire to maintain their connexion with the mother country, and to remain a portion of the British Empire : And whereas in the exercise of the right of internal self-government, enjoyed by this Province its people are entitled to deliberatei and decide upon all questions affecting their own local interests in such manner as to them may seem best calculated to promote their prosperity and welfare : And whereas the Grerjeral Assembly of this Province was in the month of February last dissolved by his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, avowedly to obtain the decision of the people upon the resolutions adopted at the Conference, and now before the House : And- whereas at , the flections consequently holden the people of this Province clearly and un- equivocally pronounced a judgment adverse to the adoption of the said resolutions ; And whereas the Committee confidently believes that Her Majesty's Government will receive with due attention the expre$sio,n of the opinion of jthis Province so pronounced : And whereas this Committee has reason to fear that Her Majesty's Government are but imperfectly aware of the true state of the feelings of the people of this Province on the subject : Therefore resolved as the opinion of this Committee that a delegation should at once proceed to England for the purpose of making known to . the Imperial Government the views and feelings of the House and the people of this Province on this important subject. • Geo. F. Bliss, Clerk's Assistant. No. 14, No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 54.) . Fredericton, July 3, 1865. Sir , » (Received, July 17, 1865.) I TJHiNK it right to transmit to you copies of a corresponderice which has lately taken place between the Governor-General of Canada and myself on a subject of no great real importance, but which it is perhaps right to place before you. 2. It appears that the text of the resolutions ofthe Quebec Conference, as transmitted by the Govern6i:-General of Canada to England, and to the Maritime Provinces, and as printed to be laid. before both Houses of Parliatnent in England, an,d the liegislative bodies in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, differs from that of the same resolutions as laid before the Canadian Parliament in several particulars; the most important of which is the substitution in the Canadian copy of the central Parliament as the body which is to define the electoral districts, which power is assigned in the co{)ieS laid before the Imperial Parliament arid the Legislatures of the Maritime Provinces to the local Legislatures. 3, The change appears to me a very decided iinprovement, but it may be ques- tionable how far an alteration, even for the better, should have- been made in the M4 96 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New instrument actually signed at Quebec, without full previous communication with the Beunswick. whole of the„ delegates. 4. I consider the change an improvement, for I look on everything tending to raise the power of the central Legislature and; diminish that of the local Assemblies as a beneficial alteration of the original scheme, but there are many who would not think so ; and Mr. Pope, the Colonial Secretary of Prince Edward Island, himself a Delegate, and one of the few warm friends of Federation to be .found in the Island from which he comes, informed me that had his consent been asked to such an alteration, it would have been decidedly refused. 5. When my notice had been drawn to the discrepancy, I could not refuse to comply with the desire 6f my Government to call the attention of the Governor-General to the fact, and I enclose copies of the correspondence which has since passed on tl)e subject. The Right Hon. Edward Cardvvell, M.P., (Signed) ' ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. End. in No. 14. Enclosure in No. 14. The Lieutenant-Governor to the Governor ^General of Canada. My Lord, Fredericton, April 4, 1865. Upon the 12th November last your Lordship did me the honour to address to me a Despatch enclosing a copy of the resolutions agreed to by the delegates , appointed to consider the question of a federation of the British North American Provinces. To the copy so transmitted the following certifi- cate was attached : — " I certify that the above is a true copy of the original report of resolutions adopted in Conference. " E. P. Tache, Chairman." In this copy the 24th resolution stands as follows : — " 24. The local Legislature of each Province may from time to time alter the electoral districts for the purpose of representation in the House of Commons, and distribute the representatives to which the Province is entitled in any manner such Legislature may think fit." In the copy of the resolutions presented to me on their return by the delegates from this Province the same words are found. In the papers laid before both Houses of the Imperial Parliament, by command of Her Majesty, on the subject of the proposed Federal Union, a Despatch addressed by your Lordship to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the 7th November, will be found (at page 4) transmitting to Mr, Cardwell a copy of the resolutions, in which also the 24th resolution is couched in the same words, and the accuracy of which copy is also certified by Sir E. P. Tach^. My attention has, however, been called to the fact that, in the papers laid before the Canadian Parliament, and transmitted to me by your Lordship on the 30th January last,| although the same ' Despatch from your Lbrdship to the Secretary of State is printed at page 3, the enclosure reads somewhat differently ; the 24th resolution standing as follows : — " 24. The local Legislature of each Province may from time to time alter the electoral districts for the purpose of representation in such local Legislature, and distribute the representatives to which the Province is entitled in such local Legislature in any manner such Legislature may see fit." This alteration is not altogether unimportant. In the one copy the resolution refers to the House of Commons of the Federal Legislature, in the other to the local Legislature alone. I am requested by my advisers to ask your Lordship to have the goodness to explain the cause of this discrepancy, and to inform me, after directing a reference to the original document (which is, I I presume, preserved at Quebec), which version was in fact that signed by the delegates. From the circumstance that in the papers laid before the English Parliament the same words occur as in the copy forwarded to me by your Lordship on the 12th November, it would appear that the copy certified by Sir E. P. Tach^ is correct, and tjjat the inaccuracy has arisen in copying the documents to be laid before the Canadian Parliament. I am further requested to state that the delegates from this Province have never authorized any alterations in the resolutions as signed by them, and that, indeed, their assent to any such alteration has never yet been sought. I have, &c. (Signed) Arthur H. Gordon. The Governor-.General of Canada tb the Lieutenant-Governor. Sir, , , Quebec, May 4, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, asking for an explanation of the cause of the discrepancy between the version of the Quebec resolutions transmitted' to you by me on the 12th of November last and the copy of the resolutions which I sent to you on the 30th January 1865. I regret the delay that has taken place in reply to your communication. It has been caused by the absence from Quebec of most of the members of the Government. I now beg to enclose for your information a copy of the report which has been made to me on the subject of your Despatch by Mr. M'Dougall, the Provincial Secretary. ■ I have, '&c. Lieut-Governor the Hon. A. H. Gordon, (Signed) Monck. &c. &c. &;c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 97 Enclosure. ' NB^v Secretary's Office, Quebec, May 4, 1865. Brpwswick. The undersigned has had the honour to receive a letter from your Excellency's Secretary, covering a copy of a Despatch from the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, asking for certain information in reference to the proceedings of the Quebec Conference, and he now begs to subm^ for your Excel- lency's information the following report. The 24th resolution of the Quebec Conference, as it stands in the original report, signed by certain members of the Conference (and which report is now in the possession of the undersigned), is in the words and figures following :■ — " The local Legislature of each Province may from time to time alter the electoral districts for the pur- pose of representation in the House of Commons, and distribute the representatives to which the Province is entitled in any manner such Legislature may think fit." In the papers submitted to the Canadian Parliament the 24th resolution was made to read as follows : — " The local Legislature of each Province may from time to time alter the electoral districts for the purposes of representation in such local Legislature, and distribute the representatives to which the province is entitled in such local Legislature in any manner such Legislature may see fit." The above change was made because it was found that the resolution, as expressed in the original report, did not convey the true meaning of the Conference. As your Excellency is aware, the pro- ceedings of the Conference towards the close of its deliberations were very much hurried, and it was subsequently discovered that several errors had occurred in revising and re-arranging its numerous resolutions, which were adopted in the first instance without that exactness' of expression and logical sequence so necessary in an instrument intended to present a complete scheme. Some of these errors were discovered and corrected at Montreal by the unanimous consent of the delegates present at a meeting held in that city for the purpose. There was no doubt in the minds of the Canadian delegates (when their attention was called to the point), that the gentlemen who undertook the duty of reducing into form the minutes and resolutions of the Conference had misapprehended the meaning of the Conference in reference to the subject embraced in the 24th resolution. It could never have been intended to destroy the independence of every member of the General Parliament by giving power to the local Legislature to " alter," a,nd thus practically to abohsh his constituency, whenever, by speech or vote, he might happen to displease a majority of that Legislature. The power to divide each Province into the proper number of electoral districts in the first instance (as provided by the 23rd resolution), was given to the local , Legislatures ea; necessitofe, but the power to alter or readjust the constituencies after Parliament is constituted belongs naturally, logically, and according to every constitutional precedent, to that Parliament, and not to an inferior body. The undersigned is informed that on discovering the error in the 24th resolution, and also important errors in the 29th and 43rd resolutions, in reference to export duties on timber and coals, communication was had with the leading members of the G-overnments of the Maritime Provinces. The undersigned is also informed that answers were received from those gentlemen, expressing their concurrence in the suggestions of the Canadian' delegates as to the fact of error in both cases, and as to the mode in which it was proposed to correct them. , : The undersigned regrets that he is unable to give to your Excellency fuller and more precise information in consequence of the absence from this country of those members of the Government who conducted the correspondence referred to. Respectfully submitted. (-Signed) Wm. M'Dougall, Secretary. N The LiETiTENANT-GovERNOK to the Governor-GeneiIal. My Lord, , Fredericton, June 6, 1865. Agreeably to the request of my Council I have the honour to transmit to your Excellency a copy of a memorandum lately handed to me by them, and to recommend the request which it contains to your Excellency's consideraj;ion. I have, &c. (Signed) Arthur H. GoRDdN. Memorandum of Executive Council enclosed in preceding Letter, To his Excellency the Hon, Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C,M,G., Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Brunswick, &c, &c. The Executive Council in Committee have had under consideration the Despatch of his Excel- lency the Governor-G-eneral of Canada, dated 4th May 1865, and would respectfully request your Excellency to forward to his Excellency the Governor-General the accompanying correspondence which has consequently taken place, and from which it appears that a large proportion of the delegates had no knowledge of the alteration referred to until after it was made. The Council' would also respectfully request your Excellency to ask his Excellency the Governor- General to furnish your Excellency with the names of the delegates whose signatures were appended to the resolutions before as well as after the alteration was made. The Council further request your Excellency to transmit a copy of this memorandum to his Excel- lency the Governor General. (Signed) W. H, Odell, A. J. Smith. T. W. Anglin. R. a. Wilmot. John C. Allen. Bliss Botsford. George L. Hatheway, A. H. Gillmor, jun. Council Chamber, June 1365. Richard Hutchison. 16264. N~~ 98 CORRESPONDENCE REFECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New Hon. W. H. Steeves to the Peovincial Secretary, Betjnswick. SiE, Fredericton, May 19, 1865. YouEs of the 12th instant was duly received, and in answer I beg to state, for the information of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, that my consent has not been " requested to any change « in the wording of the resolutions agreed to by the Conference held at Quebec in October last, " subsiequently to their signature." I have, &c. (Signed) W. H. Steeves. J. M. Johnson, Esq. (late Attorney-General), to the Peovincial Seceetary. Chatham, May 18, 1865. [Same as preceding Letter.] Hon. E. B, Chandler to the Peovincial Secretary. S1R5 Fredericton, May 12, 1865, In reply to your letter of the 11th instant, informing me that you were directed by his Excel- lency the Lieutenant-Governor to inquire whether my consent was requested to any change in the wording of the resolutions agreed to by the Conference held at Quebec in October last, I have to say that no such consent was requested, nor was I made aware of any change being made in the wording of any of the resolutions after the same were agreed to at the Conference. I have, &c. (Signed) E. B. Chandlee, Hon. P. Mitchell to the Peovincial Seceetaey. Fredericton, May 12, 1865. [Same as preceding Letter.] ' Hon. J. H. (Jeay to the Peovincial Seceetaey. Sib, Saint John, May 12, 1865. I have the honour to acknowledge your note of yesterday's date, inquiring, by direction of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, whether my "consent was requested to any change in the " wording of the resolutions agreed to by the Conference held at Quebec in October last, subsequently " to their signature." In reply I beg to state, for the information of his Excellencyj that no such consent was asked of me, nor have I directly or indirectly received any communication upon such a subject, and if I may be permitted to add the expression of my personal belief, I do not believe that in the wording of the original resolutions, as signed by myself and others of the delegates, any alteration whatever has been made. I have, &?e. (Signed) J. H. Geay. ' Chaeles Fisher, Esq., to the Peovincial Seceetaey. SiE, Fredericton, May 12, 1865. In reply to your note of t^e 11th ihstant, I have to state, for the information of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, that my assent was never requested to any change in the resolutions agreed to by the Conference held at Quebec in October last. I have before me a copy of the resolutions laid before the Canadian Parliament, and of those trans- mitted to his Excellency, and the only difference I can discover is in the terms of the 24th resolution. I cannot now remember what took place in the Conference when that resolution passed, nor do my minutes show, as it was of very secondary importance when compared with many of the questions which were discussed. When the resolutions were revised I was not well, and was compelled to leave the room before they were all disposed of. I was not present when the revised copy, engrossed on parchment, was signed by the delegates, but I signed alone some time afterwards, upon the assurance of Colonel Barnard, the Secretary, that it was a true copy of what had been agreed upon. I know that the Canadian ministers are of opinion that there was a mistake in copying out the minutes, or that it was not the real intention of the Conference to leave the electoral districts for members of the Federal Commons, to be adjusted and altered from time to time by the local Legislature, as a representative might find himself deprived of his constituents by a body he had no power of influencing while he was attending to their interests at Ottawa. I have, &c. (Signed) Chaeles Ftshee. Mr. TiLLEY to the Peovincial Seceetaey. SiE, Fredericton, May 25, 1865. In reply to the inc[uiry contained in your communication of this day's date, I beg to state, for his Excellency's information, that shortly after my return from Canada in' November last I received a letter from the Hon. Mr. Gait, asking information relative to the duty collected on timber and lumber /• ,7 OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 99 exported from New Brunswick, and the reasons why the delegates to the Quebec Conference from this New Province insisted upon the authority being given to the local Legislature to impose such duty after the Bbttnsvfiok. union. • _ On the 1st December he vreote me acknowledging the receipt of my reply to these inquiries, and in that letter he asked me if there was not a mistake in the wording of the 24th resolution, in the record signed by members of the Conference at Montreal, leaving to the local Legislatures the power of deter- mining the electoral limits of the Confederate Legislature. I find this letter on file, but I cannot now remember whether or not I answered it ; if I did, I have not kept a copy. By my minutes taken when the subject referred to was under discussion, I conclude it was the intention of the Conference to give the local Legislatures the power named, but to be limited to the election of the members of the first Parliament. If I replied to Mr. Gait, it will be found that such was the opinion I then expressed. My opinion as to the intention of the Conference was asked, but not my consent to a change in their decision. I have, &;c. (Signed) S. L. Tilley. The GoVERNOKtGrENERAL tO the LlEUTENANT-GovERNOK. SiK, ' Quebec, June 12, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 6th instant, transmitting copies of a communication from your Executive Council, and of correspondence respecting the alleged change in the terms of one of the resolutions of the Conference held at Quebec last autumn for the consideration of a union of the British North American Provinces. In reply, I beg leave to say that several leading members of the Canadian Government,, together with Lieutenant-Colonel Barnard, who acted as Secretary to the Conference, are at present absent from the Province on public business. Their return is expected in a short time, and when they arrive I shall not fail to lay your Despatch and its enclosures before the Executive Council. I have, &c. (Signed) Monck. No. 15. No. 15. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 58.) Fredericton, July 15, 1865. Sjr ■ (Keceived July 29, 1865.) ' (Answered No. 91, August 4, 1865, page 119.) I RECEIVED by the last mail your Despatch No. 81,* of the 24th June. I thought » Page iis. it desirable that its coiitents should be immediately made pubUc ; and I accordingly directed it to be printed in the last issue of the Royal Gazette. 2. I of course lost no time in communicating a copy of the Despatch and its enclosures to my Executive Council, and I have now the honour to transmit to you the copy of a Minute of that body with reference thereto. 1 have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosm"e in No. 15. Eucl. inNo. is. To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick. May it please your Excellency, The Executive Council in Committee have had under consideration a Despatch from the Secretary of State fpr ,the Colonies, dated 24th June, lately communicated to them by your Excellency. _ From the language of this Despatch it would be natural to infer that it related to some scheme for effecting an entire legislative and administrative union of the British North American Provinces, which has not yet been made public , but words used in the concluding paragraph taken in connexion with various other circumstances lead the Committee to conclude that it is intended to refer to the resolutions in favour of a Federation of the various Provinces of British North America agreed to by the Canadian Parliament at its last Session. These resolutions have already been submitted to the people of New Brunswick at the time and in the manner which the advocates of the scheme themselves selected. The Legislature was dissolved, and the people were enabled to pronounce their decision on this most important subject in the regular constitutional mode, and, after ample consideration, refused by an overwhelming majority to adopt the scheme ; not because it was novel, as Mr. Cardwell has been led to suppose, but because they were unable to discover anything in it that gave promise of either moral or material advantage to the empire or to themselves, or that afforded a prospect of improved adminis- tration or increased prosperity. ■ , . 100 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New The spirit of loyalty which has always animated the' people of New Brunswick, and of which they Beunswick. have on many occasions given proof, is still as ardent as ever, and whenever it becomes necessary they are prepared to place all their means and resources at the absolute disposal of the Imperial Government, but they cannot believe that the contemplated confederation would either increase their strength or render it more available, A large majority of the people of this Province are opposed to any closer political connexion with Canada than that aiforded by the tie of a common allegiance to the British Crown, and consider that such a union would have a decided tendency to weaken that dependence on the British empire which they so highly prize, and would lead to the neglect and injury of their local interest, in which opinion the Committee believe that the people of the other Maritime Provinces fully concur ; but even those who desire a union must fail to discover in the resolutions adopted at Quebec any provision whatever for the accomplishment of a fusion which, in the words of Mr. Cardwell's Despatch, would unite in one Government all the British North American Provinces, and form a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole. The Committee, of course, cannot suppose that the British Government share the ignorance with regard to the history and character of the federal scheme which appears to prevail among the British public, and which induces the " Times " newspaper of 20th June to observe that " the two Canadas " have put aside their ancient jealousies and are ready to meet in a common Legislature," in apparent forgetfulness of the fact that they have so met for the last 25 years, and very probably without .any consciousness on the part of the writer of the article that ±he jealousies between the Canadas, said to have been put aside, are avowedly the cause of the late proposal, and that its authors, in the event of its failure, are pledged to restore to Upper and Lower Canada a great meagre of tHe local inde- pendence surrendered by them in 1840. The resolutions agreed to by the leading Canadian politicians in the month of June 1864 as the basis of the formation of the existing Cabinet, and adopted solely under the pressure of local exigencies, contain the statement that, " on consideration of the steps most advisable for the final settlement of " sectional diffkuUies, the remedy must be sought in the adoption of the federal principle," and provide that if such negotiations were unsuccessful, they would be " prepared to pledge themselves t6 legis- " lation during the next session of Parliament for the purpose of remedying existing difficulties by " introducing the federal principle for Canada alone." It is perfectly clear that the " existing difficulties" were the motive and groundwork of the scheme, and that the federal union was only sought as a means of separating the Canadas, a separation which the Canadian Government are pledged in all events immediately to effect — a fact which, perhaps, sufficiently accounts for the eagerness with which they seek to force its immediate adoption upon unwilling communities, for they are well aware that, did the plan avowedly contemplate only the separation of the Canadas, it would be impossible even speciously to present it to the Imperial Govern- ment as in any manner a scheme of union. Mr.- Cardwell is perfectly right in supposing that the views and wishes of Great Britain are entitled to great weight, and they will ever be received with respectful attention in this Province ; but the Committee feel certain that if there be one view with regard 4;o the Colonies which is more clearly and distinctly held than another by Her Majesty's Government and the people of England, if there be one wish on their part with respect to which there can be neither hesitation nor doubt, it is that the people of this Province, and of others enjoying, through the wise liberality of England, parliamentary institutions and free self-government, should act in reference to their own affairs as seems to themselves most consistent with their duty to their Sovereign and most conducive to their own interests. To confer on this Province a right of self-government would have been mockery if, in consequence of its claims to deference as a protector, the wish of the mother country was in all cases to be followed whenever expressed, whatever the opinion of those to whom the power of judging has been solemnly entrusted by the Sovereign and Legislature of Great Britain, and who, being on the spot, and fully conversant with the subject, considered themselves not unable to judge with respect to their own affairs. When a wish is expressed by Her Majesty's Government, it will be received with that deference which is due to suggestions emanating from so high a source, and will be considered with an anxious desire to ' meet the views of Her Majesty's advisers ; but if such views should unfortunately not coincide with the views of those on whom alone the responsibility of action in the Province falls, the Committee feel assured that Her Majesty's Government will expect 'and desire that the Government of this Province should act according to their own convictions of right, and in conformity with the sentiments of the people they represent. (Signed) R. D. Wilmot. T, W. Anglin. George L. Hatheway. Bliss Botsfoed. W. H. Odell. R. Hutchison. Fredericton, July 12, 1865. A. H. Gillmok, Jun. No. 16. No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. --. . ' Fredericton, November 6, 1865. (JNo. 83.) (Received November 20, 1865.) Sir, (Answered No. 115, December?, 1865, page 120.) Her Majesty's Government will doubtless desire to be informed of the present condition of public feeling in this Province with regard to the question of the Federation OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 101 of the British North American Provinces, and whether it is probable that the scheme New agreed to at Quebec and approved by Her Majesty's Government will ultimately be Brunswick. adopted by New Brunswick. 2. I cannot pretend, so immediately after my return, to furnish any accurate report on this important subject, but I shall hope to do so in some detail upon a very early day. 3. The elevation of Attorney-General Allen to the bench, and the appointment of the Hon. A. J. Smitb as Attorney-General, have rendered two elections necessary — the one in the county of Westmoreland, the other in that of York. Mr. Palmer, a lawyer of considerable ability, who had been one of the candidates in the confederate interest at the late general election, had, announced his intention of opposing the return of Mr. Smith in Westmoreland, but finding success hopeless, he withdrew from the contest on the day of nomination. Had he gone to the poll, there can be no doubt that he would have been defeated by an overwhelming majority. 4. In tlie county of York it was at first supposed that no opposition would be made to / the return of Mr. Pickard, a strong anti-confederate. Mr. Charles Fisher, one of the former members for the county, who lost his seat at the late election, has, liovvever, come forward, and, as it appears to me, with very great probability of success. 5. As Mr. Fisher was one of the delegates at the Quebec Conference, and as, at the election in March, he was defeated by a very large majority, his return upon the present occasion will be a most important gain to the cause of Confederation. At the same time I must not conceal the fact that his election will not necessarily indicate any marked change of sentiment on the part of the constituency with regard to the subject. Great pains have been taken to make the contest depend rather on local questions afifecting the county of York than on the broad issue of confederation. Mr. Fisher has long represented this county, and a feeling of regret at his exclusion from the House of Assembly prevails among many who are opposed to confederation, but who look upon that question as practically settled, in so far as this Province is concerned, by the late general election, and desire on other grounds to see Mr. Fisher restored to public life. I enclose one of the various appeals published in this sense. 6. Although, therefore, I regard Mr. Fisher's election, should it take place, as a most important accession of strength to the ranks of the friends of confederation, it will not, in my opinion (unless he obtains a much larger majority than I at present anticipate), so certainly indicate a decided change of opinion in the Province as might at first sight be supposed. 7. The election takes place to-day, and I therefore hope to be able to communicate to you the result (so far at least as this city is concerned) before the mail closes. 8. I enclose a copy of Mr. Fisher's address. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. p. S. — 6 p.m. Mr. Fisher has a majority of 22 in Fredericton. I think this is a proof that he will obtain a majority throughout the county. Enclosure 1 in No, 1 6. End. i in No. 16. To THK Electors OF York. To THE Editor of the Reporter, — If ever there was a time in the history of New Brunswick, and more especially the county of York, when we required the services of men of intelligence to represent our interests in the Legislature, astute, far-seeing statesmen, men who are able to grapple with the momentous questions of the day, and mould them to the best interests of the Province, now is the time. Look abroad throughout the continent of America, and you will find in every legislative body questions of magnitude affecting the interests of the people for weal or woe, engaging their attention and calling forth the powers of their collective wisdom to so arrange them 3.S they may be productive of good, while the public mind, constantly agitated, is ever and anon peering into the future to ascertain, if it were possible, its hidden secrets. . But while one great question affecting our interests as a Province was settled for the time being at the last general election, there are ofhers which will occupy the attention of our representatives at the next session worthy of serious consideration, and as we have now an opportunity of filling a vacancy in the representation, it behoves us to be careful in the selection. The question is not now confederation or no confederation (I consider that question virtually settled at the last election) ; but who is the best man to represent the interests of the county of York ? — who is the man who has pluck enough to say, " Timothy Warren Anglin shall not Teign over us," and inserting a wedge at the base of the miserable Gov«rnment now in power, shall drive it home, until the already shattered fabric shall N 3 10'2 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New topple over ? Gentlemen, electors of York, you, have two men to choose from ; one has been tried, and Betinswick. jj^ ^jjg jjQyj, q£ jjggj yp^ jjg^^g fojind him the right man in the right place, a patriot and a statesman combined. The Hon. Charles Fisher stands second to none in this Province as the champion of the people's rights. Of the other we can only say we are sorry he is found in such bad company. F. No. n End. 2 in Enclosure 2 in No. 1 6. No. 16. To the Electors of the County of York. Genti-emes, Having received requisitions from every part of the county, urging me to oflfer myself as a candidate for your sufirages at the approaching election, and assuring me that I would meet with your support, I have concluded to place myself at your disposal. With no intention to retire from public life, my present freedom from political care indisposes me from engaging in a contest, believing as I do that the signs of the times unmistakeably indicate that very soon the whole constituent body of the Province will be called upon to elect representatives. The strong feeling evinced for me, with the extraordinary course adopted by a portion of the press,' leave me no honourable alternative but to step into the arena and throw myself upon you, my fellow subjects. You know that to my action in the Legislature the country is largely indebted for the present state of the Western Railroad. Had the late House not been dissolved, I should have suggested a mode which would have secured the immediate commencement of the work, and if you elect me I am prepared with a plan to provide for its early completion, together with the branches to Fredericton, Woodstock, and Saint Stephen, without adding to the public burdens. I believe it to be bad policy, and also unfair to energetic men in these localities, to ask them to invest in stock large sums which they require for their legitimate business. ' The publication of Mr. Fleming's report has proved the correctness of every statement I made to you last winter, with regard to the route of the Intercolonial Railway traversing the whole extent of the county of York. The great question of the day is the Union of the Colonies, which is desired by the Queen, by Her Majesty's ministers, and by the British people. Representatives and candidates now generally agree in the advantages of Union : the objections are to the Quebec scheme. I stated during the last election that it was the best compromise that coul J be effected at the tinie, and was highly advantageous to New Brunswick. If any improvement can be made in it, or any additional advantage attained for the Province, I shall be only too glad to aid in procuring it. Gentlemen^ I have devoted the best years of my life to your service, and were my connexion with you now to be severed for ever, I know that I have left the impress of my mind upon the institutions of the country ; that every change I have proposed was conceived in the true spirit of the British consti- tution, and with a view to perpetuate our connexion with the land and government of our fathers. Yours, &c. Fredericton, October 25, 1865. (Signed) Charles Fisher. No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. Government House, Fredericton, New Brunswick, (No. 84.) November 20, 1865. (Received December 4, 1865.) gjg (Answered No. 115, December 7, 1865,*page 120.y , In my Despatch, No. 83,* of the 6th inst. I informed you of the probable election ^^ ' of the confederate candidate, Mr. Fisher, for the county of York. Mr. Fisher was returned by a majority considerably larger than I had anticipated. Although its effect is diminished by his somewhat inconsistent pledge to oppose the scheme of Confederation if presented to the present Parliament, and by the persevering efforts . of his friends to convince the electors that the Confederation question had been set aside, and would not be affected by the issue of the contest, it cannot, I think, be doubted that the election of Mr. Fisher, rather perhaps by its effect elsewhere, than from its own intrinsic impor- tance, is a decided step towards the accomplishment of the federal Union of the British North American Provinces. T hnvP &P The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 103 No. 18. „ New Beunswick. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Ebward Cardwell, M.P. No. 18 (No. 12.) Government House, Fredericton, N.B., March 14, 1866. Sir, (Answered No. 11, March 31, 1866, page 120.) I HAVE the honour to enclose for your information a copy of a paragraph of the Address which has thisjday been agreed upon by the Legislative Cpuncil of this Province in answer to my speech at the opening of the session, from which you will perceive that that body have expressed a strong and decided opinion in favour of a Union of the British North American Provinces. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 18. Paragraph of Address in reply to Speech by the Legislative Council, New Brunswick. "The correspondence on the affairs of British North America which your Excellency announces will be immediately laid before us by command of Her Majesty, will receive at our hands that careful and respectful attention due to matters emanating from so high a source, and be considered with an anxious desire to meet the wishes of Her Majesty's Gfovefnment, being fully convinced that a Union of the British North American Colonies will strengthen the ties which bind them to the mother country, and be consistent with the true interests and prosperity of this Province." End. in No. 18. No. 19. , No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 15a.) Saint John, New Brunswick, March 26, 1866. (Received April 9, 1866.) Sir, ' (Answered No. 16, April 14, 1866, page 120.) I HAVE the honour to enclose for your information a copy of the Address which has been agreed'upon by the Legislative Council- in reply to my speech at the opening of the session. 2. You will perceive from the paragraph marked with ink that the advantages likely to result from a Union of the British North American Provinces have been recognized in the fullest manner by the Legislative Council: Only three dissentient • votes were recorded against the paragraph. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 19. , Encl.mNo.i9 To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gokdon, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c. &c. &c. The humble Address of Her Majesty's Legislative Council in General Assembly. (Extract.) We thank your Excellency for the announcement' that the report of the delegates, directed by your Excellency to proceed to England on various important questions, will be laid before us; and we learn with satisfaction that a contract has been secured by them which, in connexion with measures adopted by the Government of Nova Scotia, it is contemplated will ensure the completion of the railway communication between Saint John and Halifax. We are likewise gratified at the informa- tion that the construction of a railway from Saint John to the frontier of the United States is under contract, and that the works are already in progress. " The correspondence on the affairs of British North America, which your Excellency announces will immediately be laid before us by command of Her Majesty, will receive at our hands that careful and respectful attention due to matters emanating from so high a source, and be considered with an anxious desire to meet the wishes of Her Majesty's Government, being fully convinced that a Union of the British North American Colpnies will atrengthen the ties which bind them to the Mother country, and be consistent with the true interests and prosperity of the Province." N 4 104 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New Brunswick, No. 20. Page 103. No. 2. ■No. 20. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwbll, M.P. (No. 17.) Fredericton, April 3, 1866. (Received April 23, 1866.) Sir, (Answered No. 19; April 28, 1866, page 120.) In my Despatch, No. 15a, *of the 26th ult. I transmitted to you the Address which had been agreed to by the Legislative Council of this Province in answer to my speech on the opening of the session. ' 2. It has been usual not to receive the Address of the Upper House until that of the Assembly is also ready for presentation, when both Houses are formally received at the same time. The debate on the Address in the Lower House, however, having already lasted a month, and showing no signs of terminating, I resolved no longer to delay the reception of the Address of the Council, which was accordingly presented to me yesterday, and to which I replied in terms which will, I hope, be approved by you. 3. I have marked the paragraph of the Address relating to Union, which, you will observe, contains a clear and distinct approval of that measure. * I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. ' &c. &c. End. 1 in No. 20. Enclosure 1 in No. 20. To his Excellency the Honourable Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C.M.Gt., Lieutenant-Governor arid Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick. The humble Address of Her Majesty's Legislative Council in General Assembly, &c. &c. &;c. (Extract.) The correspondence on the affairs of British North America, which your Excellency announces will immediately be laid before us by command of Her Majesty, will receive at our hands that careful and respectful attention due to matters emanating from so high a source, and be considered with an anxious desire to meet the wishes of Her Majesty's Government, being fully convinced that a union of the British North American Colonies will strengthen the ties which bind them to the mother country, and be consistent with the true interests and prosperity of this Province. In the disdharge of the duties now devolving upon us, we trust that (under a full sense of our responsibilities) our deliberations may tend to promote the welfare of the Province and its people, and cement closer our connexion with that great Empire which it is our ardent desire to maintain. End. 2 in No. 20. Enclosure 2 in No. 20. Reply to the Address of the Legislative Council in answer to the Speech opening the Session. Mr. President and Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, I THANK you for your address. I have full confidence in the loyal and patriotic spirit by which your discussions will be guided, and am well assured of your readiness to concur in all measures re- quisite to ensure the safety and tranquillity of the Province. Your conviction that a Union of the British North American Provinces will strengthen the ties which bind them to the mother country, and be consistent with the true interests and prosperity of New Brunswick, will I know afford much satisfaction of Her Majesty's Government, who will rejoice to learn th3,t this great measure, the speedy accomplishment of which is ardently desired by them, and which, if carried into effect with a careful regard to the strength and efficiency of the Union, they believe so well calculated to benefit British America, is heartily approved by you. No. 21. No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 18.) Fredericton, April 9, 1866. ^ ' (Received April 23, 1866.) gjg (Answered No. 20, April 28, 1866, page 12 1.) I HAVE the honour to enclose an Address from the Legislative Council of New- Brunswick to Her Majesty the Queen, praying that Her Majesty will be " pleased to " cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for tlie purpose of thus 'S uniting the Colonies of. Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and " Prince Edward Island in one Government." OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 105 2. I have to request that you will lay this Address before Her Majesty. - New 3. I enclose also a copy of the resolutions agreed to by the Council previous to the Beunswick. passage of the Address, and of the speech made by me when the President, who was . '^^ accompanied by the whole House, placed the Address in my hands for transmission to Her ^^ Majesty. The terms of that speech will I trust meet with your approval. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cftrdwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 21. EncL i in Resolutions of the Legislative Council of New Brunswick. "' ' Legislative Council Chamber, April 6, 1866. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that a Union of all the British North American Colonies based on the resolutions adopted at the Conference of Delegates for the several Provinces held at Quebec on the 10th day of October 1864 is an object highly to be desired, essential to their future prosperity and influence, and calculated alike to strengthen and perpetuate the ties which bind them to the mother country ; and further,— Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that the Legislative Council should concur in any measure which may be necessary to carry such Union into effect. Enclosure 2 in No. 21. „ , . Kncl. 3 in Address of the Legislative Council of New Brunswick. ^°- ^'■ To THE Queen's most Excellent Majesty. Most Gracious Sovereign, We, Your Majesty's faithful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Council of New Brunswick in Provincial Parliament assembled, humbly approach Your Majesty with the conviction that a Union of all Your Majesty's British North American Colonies, based on the resolutions adopted at the Confer- ence of Delegates from these several Colonies held at Quebec on the 10th day of October 1864 is an object highly to be desired, essential to their future prosperity and influence, and calculated alike to strengthen and perpetuate the ties which bind them to Your Gracious Majesty's throne and Govern- ment, and humbly pray that Your Majesty may be pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of thus uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island'in one Government. (Signed) John Saunders, Acting President of the Legislative Council. Enclosure 3 in No. 21. End 3 in Reply to the Address of the Legislative Council of New Brunswick. Mr. President and Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, I WILL immediately transmit your Address to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in order that it may be laid at the foot of the throne. , Her Majesty the Queen has already been pleased to express a deep interest in the Union of Her North American Dominions, and will ho doubt graciously appreciate this decided expression of your opinion. I rejoice to believe that the avowal of your desire that all British North America should unite in one community under one strong and efficient government cannot but tend to hasten the accomplishment of this great measure. No. 21. No. 22. j,T„, 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 21.) Government House, Fredericton, N.B., April 10, 1866. Sir, (Received, May 8, 1866.) I HAVE the honour to enclose the protest of the minority of the Legislative Council, against the Address to Her Majesty transmitted to you in my Despatch, No. 18,* of the • Pamio* 9th instant. r ge . I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &C. &c. 16254. O 106 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ^ ^"^^ Enclosure in No. 22. Brunswick, Legislative Cou^ncil Journal, Encl.in No. 22, ,, , j ., ^ ,,,«/. Mormay, A'pril 9, 1866. Present : The Hon, Mr, Saunders sitting as President, The Hon, Mr, , Botsford, The Hon, Mr . Chandler, j9 Minchin5 ,5 Hazen,' . 55 Harrison, 55 Davidson, 55 Odell, 55 Wark, 55 Steeves, , 55 Ryan, 55 Hamilton, ' 55 Todd, 55 Rice, . 55 Robinson, . 5> Mitchell, 53 Perley, 55 Ferguson, Dissentient PKAYERSi To the passing of the address to the throne, praying Her Majesty to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, based on the resolutions of this House passed on Friday, the Sixth day of April instant^ and to the resolutions of this House of Saturday last, that such address should be presented by this House instead of a Committee thereof: — - 1. Because the scheme for a Confederation under the Quebec resolutions was submitted to the people of this Province at a general election holden in March 1865, and was rejected by a large majority, a dissolution of the House of Assembly having taken place for the express purpose of obtaining the decision of the people in reference to such constitution. . ■ 2. Because at the subsequent session of the. Legislature, held in May 1865, a resolution against the adoption of such Confederation was passed by a large majority of the representatives of the people, declaring that in their opinion the consummation of such a scheme would prove -disastrous to the best . interests and prosperity of this Province, the division thereon being twenty-iiine-^ten, while this House forbore to give any opinion on the subject, though made the order of the day for the Eighteenth day of May 1865, 3. Becatise this Hoiise, in now praying Her most Gracious Majesty to force upon an unwilling people by Imperial legislation a measure which has been so rejected by them, is seeking the adoption of a policy totally at variance with that benign rule heretofore enjoyed by us under Our Most Gracious Sovereign and Her Royal predecessors,- and subversive of the rights of Her loyal subjects as existing under the blessings of self-government long enjoyed throughout Her Maj'esty's British North American Colonies. 4. Because this House, in asking Her Majesty to cause to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for enactment a scheme of Confederation so rejected by the people and their representatives in General Assembly, are pursuing a course impolitic and unwise, and necessarily tending to bring this House into collision with the House of Assembly and ^the people' of this Province, while, by thus ignoring their rights, and interfering with their privileges, they weaken, in the minds of the people, their respect for the legitimate functions of this House, whicih it is so desirable to preserve unimpaired, such interference being justly regarded by the people of New Brunswick as an attempt by this House to coerce them into the adoption of a Confederation to which they have declared themselves entirely opposed. R, L. Hazen. James Davidson. W. H. Odell. William Hamilton. J. Robinson. No. 23. No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 41.) Fredericton, June 4, 1866. •' " (Eeceived, June 18, 1866.) Sift, -'1 ", (Answered, No. 40, June 22, 1866, page 122.) In my confidential Despatch of May 7th, I stated that I had, on the advice of my Executive Council, dissolved the Provincial Parliament. 2. Sixteen members of the new House^ of Assembly have already been returned, of these not one is a supporter of the late Government, or an Opppnent of Confederation. The county of York, which at the last general election returned four members opposed to the Quebec scheme, has now, by a majority of nearly twp to one, returned four OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES 107 unionists. Of the only two members of the late Government who have as yet offered New themselves for re-election, one has been signally defeated, whilst the other, finding BguKswic^. success hopeless, withdrew from the contest before the day of polling. 3. There can now, I think, be no doubt that the new Parliament will contain a very large majority favourable to Confederation. , I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c.. ' No. 24. No. 24. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 44.) . ' Fredericton, June 4, 1866. (Received, June 18, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, No. 38, June 22, 1866, page .121) I HAVE the honour to enclose copies of two letters lately published by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Chatham in this Province. These letters have some interest from the fact that, up to this time, the Roman Catholic body has been generally opposed to the accomplishment of the Union of the British North American Provinces. %> I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 24. Bncl.inNo. 34. Letter to the Right Rev. Dr. Rogers, Bishop of XDhatham, with Reply, giving his views on Confederation. My dear Lord Bishop, Newcastle, New Brunswick, April 21, 1866. We are about entering upon a great political struggle on behalf of Confederation. You are aware that the House has been prorogued^ and a new Government has been formed, with the avowed object of bringing about by all fair and legitimate means, that most desirable object. I have received a position in the Government in the person of Solicitor-General. ***** lily past pohtical course will be a guarantee for future operations. I have, under the circumstances, respectfully to request your Lordship's -favour and assistance in the coming election, should you be satisfied with my past conduct. I have every reason to believe that you are favourable to a Union of these Provinces, and will, as such, support those who support that principle. I have, &c. The Right Rev. Dr. Rogers, (Signed) Edward Williston. Bishop of Chatham. (Reply.) My dear Sir, My absence from home, protracted longer than, at first intended, prevented me from replying sooner to your favour, which reached me at Halifax. It is hardly necessary for me to premise, that hitherto during my residence in New Brunswick I have abstained from taking any active part in politics, not because I did not feel an interest in every- thing pertaining to the welfare of the country, but because the numerous and pressing duties of my ministry had a prior claim, and absorbed all my time and attention. If, in replying to your letter on the present occasion, I deviate from my previous course by recording my strong convictions respecting the all-important question of a Union of the British North American Provinces, convictions which I have continued to entertain with increasing strength since that question became practically agitated during the past few years, it is because a combination of circumstances, and the importance of the present crisis in our country's history, render it imperative for one in my position not to remain silent. ■ Among the reasons which convince me of the benefit of the proposed Union, there is one entirely independent of the intrinsic merits of the question ; it is, that this measure is earnestly recommended to us by the British Government — not by this or that particular statesman or party — but by the great statesmen of all parties, and that not only in their personal character as intelligent and far-seeitig politicians, but OMcially through the ordinary, and legitimate exponent of the Sovereign's and of the nation's wishes, viz., the Government of the day. But is this a stroiig reason in its favour? Certainly. It is under present circumstances the strongest prima facie evidence of its benefit that could be produced. — Why ? Because these parties, from their stand-point of view, their information on the subject and interest in it, are in a position to be the very best judges of its merits. They are, as they have reason to be, deeply interested in the welfare of their Colonial Empire.. England's greatness hitherto has been caused by, nay, I might almost say consisted in, the extent and success of her Colonies. The territorial smallnessaM insular position of the mother O 2 108 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTINO THE PROPOSED UNION New country made it not a mere matter of choice, or simply good policy, but of stern necessity, to build Bkunswick. ^jj(J jjia,n, and keep in profitable employment the " Wooden walls of England," both mercantile and — ~* war ships. Without her Colonies to people, protect, and trade with, her mercantile marine and Government navy would have been without an object, therefore without existence, and without their existence the history of Great Britaiin duritig the last two or three hundred years would not have been the history of the greatest, wealthiest, and most powerful Empire that ever existed, but rather a conti- nuation of England's history during the wars of the Roses. The external field of congenial adventure for the young noble, as well as of cheerful and profitable employment for the peasant youth, which the; shipping and foreign possessions of the nation furnished, prevented the internal commotions which must inevitably exist in continental countries that ^ave no such outlet for their surplus popjilation, nor legitimate safety-valve, so to speak, for the escape of the exuberant and discontented spirits that cannot be restrained at home, but are always busy in creating revolution or other civil mischief. British statesmen are not only thus interested in the, welfare of the Colonies, but their opportunities and faci- lities for possessing the most extensive and accurate information bearing on the subject preclude the moral possibility of their judging without being duly informed, while their moderate but not too remote distance from us enables* them to take a more broad, general view of our affairs, unbiassed by local prejudice or predilections, and unafifected by the petty personal or sectional interests or jealousies which enter so largely^ into our Provincial politics. When, therefore, a great measure calculated to develop and consolidate our Colonial prosperity as well as proniote Imperial interests, is proposed and earnestly recommended by the parent State for our^ adoption, it is, in my opinion, one of the greatest arguments in its favour. NaVj 1 go further and say, that, considering the past and present relationship between us and the mother country, it is our duty to acquiesce. Do we owe nothing to the mother that bore us ? that gave, us territorial and pohtical exist- ence—whose sons fought and bled, whose statesmen laboured, and whose people taxed themselves to pay for the wars by which these Colonies were acquired and opened up for our forefathers and ourselves, whereby we came into the free and easy possession of the property, prosperity, and liberty we enjoy in them ? Is Great Britain to continue to tax her peo^e in order to send out here not only money and munitions of war, but also her bravest sons — the floi^r of the country in her armies and fleets, — to fight for us, to protect aiid build us up, and we refuse to make the slightest concession of our opinions, or even interests, were it required, in compliance with her recommendation ? At the very moment when we have but just; been delivered from Fenian invasion by the prompt action of the British forces pro- tectiiig us, are we, in return, to thwart and oppose British policy, to stickle for our opinions, to prefer, not the wish of our protector, parent, and friend, but rather that of her and our enemies ? While Great Britain wishes us to unite, the Fenians have avowed it to be their policy to prevent such Union. Which of these two should we try to please ? Fas est ab hoste doceri. — Should we not do the opposite of what the enemy wishes ? , _ - But besides the" argument which honour and duty to oiir benefactress furnish, that of self-interest, in the more rq,pid increase of material prosperity which must inevitably follow from the more frequent intercommunication, the building of railroads and other public works, the increase of population and general business, the opening up and Settling of wilderness lands, &c., &c., would make it the most - preposterous folly for us obstinately td persist in refusing to take part' in the benefits of the proposed Union. Need I say, then, in conclusion, that yourself and your colleagues who advocate this great measure, have my warmest sympathy and best wishes for your success. ' With much esteem for yourself and entire approbation of your faithful and consistent parliamentary course, especially since the period of your last election, I remain, &c. The Hon. Edward Williston, (Signed) 4- James Rogers, Newcastle, New Brunswick. ' Bishop of Chatham. Letter from the Right Reverend Dr. Rogers, Bishop of Chatham, to John M. Johnson, Esq. Dear Sir, Newcastle, N.B., May 22, 1866. I HAVE just read in the " Northern Post " of Saturday your speech delivered at the meetihg in Mason Hall, Chatham, on Wednesday evening last. I cannot sufficiently express my admiration of your clear, concise, and yet comprehensive exposition in that speech of the constitutional question now at issue between the leading politicians of this Province. I, have often heard allusion made by some of the most respectable R. C. clergymen in these parts to a noble speech once delivered by you in your place in Parliament, advocating equal rights and even-handed justice to all classes and creeds, which merited for you the gra.teful support of themselves and the Roman Catholics generally of this county eyer since. I would say of the present speech, that it alone ought to be sufficient to malce the fame of any colonial statesman, and deseryes a place among the best papers ever written on the constitution of .Gfreat Britain and that of her Colonies. I I regar4.the British constitution as the most perfect form of civil government that can be devised in oiir present state of human affairs; though I admit that it is not equally suited to all peoples and climate^. It consists, as all knpw, of three different branches. Queen, Lords, and Commons, each .distinct and separate from the others; each of the two latter, when duly convened by the first, being competent tq discuss, dehberate, and legislate independently, of the other, but such legislation of any one branch cannot become law or take effect without the concurrence of the other two. A¥hat is termed responsible government, as I understand it, consists in this, viz., that the Sovereign receive a select number, of members from the party having the majority iU both the other branches, .. tpi aid him by their opinions and advice, either in giving his consent to an act of legislation or inputting into execution a law that already exists. Hence these advisers are called " the Executive Council," for as such Council they have no legislative power, their oflice being simply to counsel or advise the •Sovereign, not to bind her ; otherwise they would be her rulers or governors, not councillors. But . as she alone forms one independent branch of the Legislature, she is not bownd to follow their advice, OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 109 although she generally. does so. But they, while they remain her coupcyllors, must assume the responsi- Nbtv bility of her official acts. If on any occasion she exercises her right to act irrespective of, or in opposition Bkunswick. to their advice, and they are unwilling to assume the responsibility of her act, there is no alternative for them but to resign. They cannot hold office and ignore its responsibility. Hence in the recent difficulty between the Governor of our Province (who represents and exercises the delegated power of the Sovereign) and his late advisers, the case appears to me quite clear, even from the statements published by themselves, that they, not he, violated the principle of responsible government by remaining in office while they refused to bring forward a measure of Union to which, by the G-overnor's speech on opening Parliament,, they as well as he had committed themselves. If in consenting to the speech they were acting in good faith, as I believe they were, but afterwards found it impossible to get^ support in the House to carry out the policy of the speech, such failure left them no alternative but to resign. But they retained office, trying to evade its responsibility, thereby violating responsible government in the false position they continued to hold. The Governor must have regarded such a state olF things as worse than puerile, trifling with the dignity of their and his respec- tive positions, and the wonder to me is how he could forbear even as long as he, did. But the attempt to throw the obloquy on him is certainly beyond my comprehension. He in the very beginning, before the commencement of the session, informed the leader of the Government of his obligation and intention to fulfil the Queen's instructions, by insisting that action be taken on the Union or Confederation question. The clause on that subject, in his speech on opening the session, is irrefragable testiihony of this. Some four weeks after the delivery of that, speech it is rather late to say that he did not consult them on the subject. If they, unwilling to resign office, though unable lo fulfil its respoh- sibiUty, found themselves in a false positioti, it is certainly not only indelicate but unjust to try to put on the Queen's representative the odium of the position they occupied in violating responsible govern- ment. This state of the question you make very clear in your valuable speech, and I feel it a duty to lose not a moment in conveying to you my warmest thanks for it. But it may be asked, why do I thus interest myself in, a, mere secular or political matter? I reply, because, independently of my interest in common with others in tlie integrity of our Government, the honour of its officers, and the general welfare of the country to be promoted by its measures, the honour and interests of the Catholic body have become so affected by side issues and circumstances connected with the discussion of this question, as well as the other one of Confederation, during the last year or two, that I feel it due -to my. people and to myself to give public expression to my opinions on the present occasion. ., „ „ . One of the leading newspapers of this Province, which has commented with grave injustice on the conduct of the Governor in the issue between him and his late advisers, is published and edited by a Catholic. Although this gentleman is a layman and his paper a secular newspaper, nevertheless it has come to be very generally regarded as the exponent of the feeling of the Catholic body, both lay an d clerical, of this Province. The' personal virtues and accomplishments of Mr. Anghn — his love of his religion and of his native land, the integrity of his private life, his genial amiability in social intercourse, his acknow- ledged ability as a writer and editor, combine to give a strength and effect to the influence of his news- paper throughout the extensive circle of his readers of all classes — ^but especially among Catholics and Irishmen. Everything said and written by such a man, or published with his approbation in his news- paper, bears a special importance and influence derived from the fame of its author. Should such a one err in the views he advocates, or the course he adopts — as, sometimes happens to the best men — the injury he does is extensive, and can only be counteracted by extraordinary means. Now it is because I believe such extraordinary means to be necessary on the present occasion, that I feel it a sacred duty for the honour of the Catholic body to disclaim all approbation of gi: sympathy with the unjust and unbecoming censure of the Governor which for some time back appeared in the " St. John Freeman." Ap^rt from the general respect which the representative of our most Gracious Queen claims from all classes in the Province, our present Governor, the Hon. A. H. Gordon, deserves, not only common justice, but the undying gratitude of the Catholics of this Province for 'his prompt, effective, manly, and honourable defence of them in his speeches at St. Andrews and Woodstock when their loyalty was impugned. On this occasion, when the terror of Fenian invasion and Fenian sympathy spread over the Province, when so many of our Protestant neighbours in the panic of the moment yielded credence to the absurd reports in circulation that all Catholics were Fenians, ready to rise suddenly on their Protestant neighbours, his Excellency Governor Gordon, with a promptitude and energy characteristic of him, sprang ttj the scene of trouble, and by his personal influence and official authority calmed the storm. It was owing to this well-timed act of' gubernatorial justice, together with the happy influence exercised by the published letters of his Grace the Archbishop of Halifax, that this unfortunate bitter social persecution — mutual mistrust and mutual hatred — did not culminate to a melancholy -point. If Mr. Anglin, by the general course he followed, both in politics and in his newspaper, did not contribute somewhat (though ce'rtainly unintentionally I admit) to excite this mutual bad feeling, he was in no small degree the occasion of it. Ithank you for the clear correct exposition of the true state of the constitutional qiiestion, by wMch you show his Excellency far from meriting the odium which Mr. Anglin would impose upon him. I regret exceedingly the public course this gentleman is pursuing in opposing so strenuously the policy of the British Government respecting these Colonies. His course is calculated to create and foster a spirit of discontent and, disunion amongst our people and their neighbours ; and retard the accomplish- ment of the measure, already regarded as inevitable, and certainly in my opinion essential to our future political and commercial prosperity. Were it not that, for the reasons mentioned above, this gentle- man's influence amongst our people is so great to lead them into a wrong course where he errs himself, I would not think it necessary to make these allusions to him. But when, in addition to the influence he exerts in his paper, he now makeS his first visit to Miramichi to interfere with our elections and by his personal presence and agitation divert our Catholic people from the course advised them by their local friends and guides, I lose all patience with him. Need I say, in conclusion, that you have my best wishes for your success at the approaching election, and that the Government now formed may be sustained throughout the Province in order that the O 3 no CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New great measure of Union, both by political, commercial, and railroad intercourse and institutions may BEtisrswiCK. soon become an accomplished fact. \ 1 I have the honour to remain, dear Sir, Very sincerely yours, &c. + James Rogers, Bishop of Chatham. No. 25. No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cakdwell, M.P. (No. 49.) FrederictoB, June 5, 1866. _ (Eeceived, June 18, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, No. 39, June 22, 1866, page 121.) I havk the honour to transmit to you a Return of the elections, so far as they have yet proceeded. I have sent the last three counties in blank to Major-General Doyle, by whom they will be filled up, after telegraphic communication with me, up to Thursday evening : — Confederate. Anti-Canfederate. 4 _ ^ Northumberland - _ ^ 2 - - Carleton - - 2 - - Sunbury - - 2 - - Albert - - - 4 . - York - - - - . Westmoreland . - 4 4 - - St. John County - - - 2 - - St. John City - m 2 - - Victoria - - 2 • - Queen's - - I have, &c. (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.," Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. &c. Halifax, June 7, 1866. P.S.— Mr. Gordon, in his telegram, gives the tot^l elected 26, but according to the numbers above it would appear to be 24 Confederates and 4 Anti-Confederates. (Signed) HASTINGS DOYLE,' Major-General. End. in No. 26. Enclosure in No. 25. Fredericton, June 7, 1866. To Major-General Doyle, (Received at Halifax, June 7, 1866.) Please fill up Despatch as follows : — Westmoreland, Confederates none. Anti-confederates four; St. John County, Confederates four. Anti-confederates none ; Queen's County, Confederates two, Anti-confedprates none ; Victoria, Confe- derates two, Anti-confederates none ; St. John's City, Confederates two, Anti- confederates none. Total yet elected, Confederates twenty-six. Anti-confederates four. V A. Gordon. No. 26. No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon! Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 50.) Fredericton, N.B., June 13, 1866. (Eeceived, July 2, 1866.) Sir, (Answered, 'No. 1, July 6, 1866.,page 122.) The elections terminated yesterday. The new House of Assembly is thus composed : — In favour of Confederation - - - - 33 Against it- - - - - - -8 Majority - - - - 25 OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. Ill 2. I have to-day issued a proclamation calling the Legislature together for despatch of New business on Thursday the 21st instant. Bbtoswicjc. (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON, The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieut.-Governor. &c. &c. fee- No.. 27. ^°-^^- Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 53.) Fredericton, June 21, 1866. (Received July 14, 1866.) Sir, (Answered No. 6, July 20, 1866, page 122.) I HAVE the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the Speech with which 1 this day opened the session of the Provincial Legislature. I have, &c. Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) -ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. . &c. Enclosure in No. 27. End. in No. 27. ExTEACT from, the Speech of his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor on opening the Session. H0NOURABI.E Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, Mk. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly, The Address of the Legislative Council to Her Majesty the Queen, on the subject of the Union of the British North American Provinces, agreed to during the last session, was duly transmitted by me to England to be laid at the foot of the Throne, and I am commanded to inform you that Her Majesty has been pleased to receive the same very graciously. The adoption and the i-eeeption by me for trangmissipn to Her Majesty of this Address, led to events which rendered it in my opinion expedient to dissolve the then existing General Assembly. I have now much satisfaction in resorting to your assistance and co-operation at the earliest possible moment; although I regret that it should be, necessary to callyou together at a period of the year which must, I fear, render your assembling a matter of much personal inconvenience to some among youi Her Majesty's Government have already expressed their Strong and deliberate opinion, that the Union of the British North American Provinces under one Government is an object much to be desired. The Legidatures of Canada and of Nova Scotia have formed the same judgment; and you will now shortly be invited to express your concurrence with or dissent from the view taken of this great question by those Provinces. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly, _ The question which you are now called together specially to consider is one of the most momentous ever submitted to a Colonial Legislature. Your deliberations will, I doubt not, be undertaken with a due sense of the importance of the interests they involve, and the solemn responsibilities Vhich by your decision you incur, and will, I trust, be conducted with a sole view to the interests of the community at large. That the determination at which you arrive may be one calculated to promote the welfare and happiness, not of this Province only, but of all Her Majesty's subjects throughout the whole extent of the wide-spread dominions of the Queen on this Continent, is my earnest hope and prayer. No, 28. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 55.) Fredericton, N.B., June 23, 1866. (Received July 14, 1866.) Sir, . (Answered No. 7, July 21, 1866, page 122.) I HAVE the honour to enclose the copy of a resolution moved this day by the Attorney-General in the House of Assembly. I n3.V6 Sec Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ' ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &e. — -_ 04 No. 28. 112 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ^ ^=^ , Enclosure in No. 28. Resolution of the House of Assembly. , ■End. in No. 28. . . • ^ ' June 30, 1866. Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, praying that his Excellency will be pleased to appoint Delegates, to unite with Delegates from the other Provinces in arranging with the Imperial Government for the Union of British North America upon such terms as will secure the just rights and interests of New Brunswick, accompanied with provision for the immediate construction of the Intercolonial railway, each Province to have an equal voice in such delegation. Upper and Lower Canada to be considered as separate Provinces. No. 29. Euel. 1 in No. 29. No. 29. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieii't.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordojst to the ' Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 56.) Fredericton, N.B., June 25, 1866. (Keceived July 14, 1866.) Sir, _• (Answered No. 6, July 20, 1866, page 122.) I HAVE the honour to enclose copies of the Addresses presented to me, in reply to my Speech at the opening of the Legislature, by the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly. I have, &c. Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure 1 in No. 29. (Extract). To his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c., fee, &c. The Address of Her Majesty's Legislative Council in General Assembly. May it please your Excellency, We thank your Excellency for the speech with which you have been pleased to open the present session of the Legislature. We are gratified to learn that Her Majesty, was pleased to receive very graciously the Address of the Legislative Council on the subject of the Union of the British North American Provinces, agreed to during the late session. It is satisfactory to learn, that the adoption and reception by your Excellency of that Address led to events which rendered it expedient to dissolve the then existing General Assembly, and most gratifying to believe that the country have sustained that conclusion; and although we unite with your Excellency in regretting that it should have been necessary to call the Assembly together at a season that may cause persopal inconvenience to some of us, we rejoice to have the opportunity of aiding by our counsel and co-operation in the consummation of those national objects which have led to our meeting. We learn with satisfaction that Her Majesty's Government have already expressed their strong and deUberate conviction that the Union of the British American Provinces under one_ government is an object much to be desired, and that the Legislatures of Canada and Nova, Scotia having passed the same judgment, we will shortly be called upon to express our concurrence with or dissent from the view taken of this great question by those Provinces, and we confidently look forward to a similar decision here. * ■* . . * * We agree with your Excellency in believing that the question of the Union of the British North American Provinces, which we are now called upon specially to consider, and the priiiciple of which the people of this Province have so unmistakeably sustained, is one of the most momentous ever submitted to a Colonial Legislature, and we trust that we shall approach its consideration with a clear sense of the importance of the issues involved, and the solemn responsibilities which by our decision we may incur ; and we hope and believe that the trust expressed by your Excellency that our deli- berations may be conducted with a sole view to the interests of the country at large may be realized, • and that the conclusion at which we may arrive may be one calculated to promote the 'welfare and happiness not of this Province only, but of all Her Majesty's subjects throughout the wlible extent of Her Majesty's doniinions on this Continent. Olf THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 113 Enclosure 2 in No. 29. ^ ^ew Brunswick. (Extract) i ; Tb his Excellency the Hon. Arthur Hamilton Gordon, C.M.G., Lieutenant-Governor and ^o^^s "* Commander-in-Chief of the Province of New Brunswick, &c., &;c.j &c. The humble Address of the House of Assembly, May it please yotir Excellency, WE, Her Majesty's faithful subjects, the Commons of New Brunswick, thank your Excellency for. your speech at the opening of the present session. . We learn with pleasure that Her Majesty the Qu^'eH graciously received the Address of the Legislative Council on the subject of the Union of the British North American Provinces, transmitted to England by your Excellency. , We agree with your Exicellency that the adoption and feeeption by your Excellency for transmission to Her Majesty of this Address on the subject of the Union, led to events which rendered it expedient to, dissolve the late General Assembly, and we believe that the constituencies of the Province have justified the course adopted by your Excellency. Although an inconvenient season of the year for the discharge of Legislative duties, we will, nevertheless, cheerfuU^y co-operate with your Excellency in the transaction of such business and the perfecting of such measures as the public interest demands. We know that Her Majesty's Government have expressed a strong and deliberate opinion that the Union of the British North American Provinces is an object much to be desired, and that the Legis- lature of Canada and of Nova Scotia concur in this view, and your Excellency may rely with confidence on our cordial co-operation to accomplish that object. * ' * . * ' * We agree with your Excellency in the opinion that the" question of the Union of the British North American Provinces, upon which, by the elections just terminated, the people of New Brunswick have recently expressed so strong an opinion, and which your Excellency has called us together to consider, is the most momentous ever submitted to a Colonial Legislature. We shall approach the consideration of the question with a due sense of the importance of the issues involved, and the solemn responsibility devolving upon us as representatives of a free people. Our deliberations shall be conducted with a single view to the promotion of their interests, and we fervently pray that our determination may be calculated to promote the welfare and happiness of all Her Majesty's subjects in the widespread dominions of the Queen on this Continent. No. 30. , No. 30, Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 59-) Camp of Instruction, Torrybiirn, near St. John, New Brunswick, July 2, 1866. (Eeceived July 14, 1866.) Sir, (Answered No. ,7, July 21, 1866, page 122.) I HAVE the honour to inform you that the Resolution, of which a copy was enclosed in my Despatch No. 55* of the 23rd ult., has been adopted by the House of * Page in. Assembly with only eight dissentient voices. I have '&c. Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ' ARTHUR H. GORDON. &c. &c. &c. No, 31. No. 31. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 61.) Fredericton, N.B., July 9, 1866. (Received July 28, 1866.) Sir, ' (Answered No. 10, August 1, 1866, page 123,) I HAVE the honour to enclose for your information the copy of the Speech with which I this day closed the session of the Provincial Legislature. Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) ARTHUR GORDON. &c. &c. &c. 16254. 1.14 CORRESPONi)ENC!Ii RESPECTING THE PROl^OSED UI^ION New Brunswick. Speech. texttact. Mk. President and iloNOURABLE Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, Mr. Sbeaker and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly. I have learnt with much satisfaction that the opinion so strongly expressed by Her Majesty's Government as ;to, the expediency of a closer union between the British North American Provinces has now received the concurrence of both branches of the Provincial. Legislature. It is my intehtioii, in accctrdcijafie with the wjsfies of the House of Assembly, shortly to appoint delegates, who in conjunction with delegates from the othpr Provinces of British America will arrange^ with Her Majesty's Government the details of an Act, which, as reqviested by the address of thie. Legislative Council to Her Majesty the Queen, adopted in April last, will be introduced into the' Imperial Parliament for the purpose of effecting the desired union. No. 32. Page 111. Enclosure 1. EnclosnTe 2. No. 32. , Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the Right Hon. the Secbexaky op State for the Colonies. (No. 62.)'' Fredericton, N.B., Jiily 16, 1866. „ , ' '(Received, July 28, 1866.) ?>iR> ^ ; (Answered, No. 12, Augusts, 1866, page 123.) The Session of the Proyincial Legislature was closed by me on the 9th instant after lasting for 18 days. During that time 39 Acts were passed, but few of which besides the Act for suspending the dp'teration of the. Habeas Corpus Act which was sent to you in'my Despatch, No. 57, of 28th June, are of any but local interest. -^^ - 2. In the Legislative Council, where, as also in the House of Assembly, the Govern- ment had a large majority of •■sapporters,~fe\irqa®timKr of any interest were debated. 3. In the House of Assembly the resolution (enclosed in my Despatch, No. 55,* of 23rd ultimo) authorizing the appointment -of Delegates to arrange with the Imperial Government the tejms of the union of the British Noi;th American Colonies was intro- duced by the Attorney General on the 26ith ultimo. Mr. Smith, the leader of the late Government, moved to add to this resolution .the following words : — " That no Act or " measure fdr such union shall have force Or effect in New Brunswick, until it shall be " approved' by the legislature or people of this Province." For this amendment only eight votes were recorded. . r . 4. On the 3rd July Mr, Smith moved the resolution of which a copy is herein enslosed. To this the Attorney General moved an amendment, of which also a copy is enclosed- This amendment was carried on the following day, ^eight votes as before, being recorded in favour of Mr. Smith's motion. 5. The whole question seems to have lost much of its interest, and it cannot be said that there is tbe'slightest agitation or excitement on the subject, indeed its final settle- ment seems to be regarded with the utmost indifference and apathy, and the debates in the Assembly were, I am told, entirely wanting in animation or interest. I have. Sec. (Signed) ARTHUR GORDON. The Right Hon. the Secretary of Statq for the Colonies. &c. &c. &c. End. 1 in No. 32. Enclosure 1 in No. 32. Resolution fflioved by Mt. A. J. Smith in the House of Assembly, July 3, 1866. Whereas the House, on the 3Qth day of June last, passed the following resolution,, yiz. :^ " Resolved that an humble address be presented to his Excellency the Lieutentot-Governor, praying that his Excellency will be pleased to appoint Delegates to unite with Delegates from the other Pro^ vinoes in arranging with th^KaperiaX Government for the Union of British North America upon such terms as will secure the just rights and interests of New Brunswick,accompanied with provision for the immediate construction of the Intercolonial Railway, each Province to have an equal voice in such Delegation, Upper and Lower Canada to be considered as separate Provinces." And whereas the authority given to the Delegates by said resolution authorizes them to accept the Quebec Scheme (so called) or even one more prejudicial to the interests of the people of this Province; and whereas, in view of the transcendent importance of the subject, it is desirable that the opinion of OFTHE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 115 this House in reference to such scheme should be expressed for the information and guidance of such New Delegates in the preparation of any measure for the union of British North America; therefore — Bednswick. Resolved, as the deliberate opinion of this House that no measure for such union should be adopted which does not contain the following provisidiis :— 1st. An equal number of legislative councillors for each Province. 2nd. Such legislative councillors to be required to reside in the Province which they represent, and for which they are Bippointed., ( , , 3rd. The number of representatives in the Federal Parliament to be limited. ' 4th. The establishment of a court for the determination of questi6ns and disputes that may arise between the Federal and Local Governments as to the meaning of the Act of Union. / 5th. Exemption of this Province from taxation for the construction and enlargement of canals in Upper .Canada, and for the payment of any money for the mines and minerals and lands, of New- foundland. , 6th. Eighty cents per head to be on the population as it increases, and not to be confined to the census of 1861. 7th. Securing to. each of the Maritime Provinces the right to have at least one executive councillor in the Federal Governtaent. u 8th. The commencing of the Intercolonial Railway before the right shall exist to increase taxation upon the people of this Province. Amendment to Mr. Smith's Resolution of July 3, mbved by ^Qn. the Attorney-General, July 3rd.' To expunge the whole of the above resolution and preambles, and substitute as follows : — Resolved that the people of this Province having, after due deliberation, determined that a unioja of British North America was desirable, and the Hquse having _. .agreed to. , request his. pxQellency the Lieutenant-Governor to appoint Delegates for the purpose of settling the, plan of union upon such .terms as will secure the just rights of New Brunswick, and having donfidence that the action of his Excellency, under the advice of his constitutional advisers, 'will be directed to the attainriient of that end, sound policy and a due regard to the interest of the Province, require that the responsibility of such action should be left unfettered by- any expression of opinion other than what has abeady been given by the people and their representatives.. ; , r. r > ■' ;. < '-; i , /. -j No. 33. ia. ^. N0333. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon to the. Right Hon. the Secretary OF, St ATE F.PB THE Colonies. , . ' (No. 63.) Fredferictoii, N.B., July 16, 1866. ' '. (Eeceived, July 28, 1866.,) Sir, (Answered, No. 11, August 1, 1866,, p»ge 123.) , I HAVE the honour to, inform you th^t.in compliance with a Resolution, of the House of Assembly (a copy of which was transmitted to you in my Despatch, No. 55,* of *Page ni. the 23rd ultimo), I have appointed the following gentlemen delegates from this pro- vince to confer with Her Majesty's Government on the subject of the union of the British North American Colonies : — Hon. Peter Mitchejl, President of the Executive Council; Hon. Samuel Leonard Tilley, Provincial Secretary; Hon. Chai:les Fisher, Attprney General ; Hon. Robert Duncan Wlmot, M.P.P., Member of .the Executive Council; Hon. Edward B. Chandler, M.L.C. ; and John M. Johnson, Esq., M. P. P. (Signed) 'ARTHUR GORDON. , To the Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, &c. &c. &c. . P2 116 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New Despatches from the Secretary of State. Bbxinswick. No. 1 No. 2. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon; Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. Page 88. (^^0- 53-) Sir, . ; ' . Downing Street, February 27, 1865. I HAVE the honoui: to acknowledge your Despatch, No. 12,* of 30th of January, accompanied by a copy of the Report of the Conference appointed to consider the question of the Union of the three Maritime Provinces of British North America. I have, &c. Lieut-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, , (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon, (No. 54.) * Page 85. Sir, Downing Street, February 27, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 9,* of the 30th of January, reporting thatybu had accepted Mr. G. L. Hatheway's resignation of his seat in the Executive Council, and of his office of Chief Commissioner of the Board of Works. I I have, &c. Lieut-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. ^°-^- No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon, Arthur Gordon. (No. 60.) Sir, Downing Street, March 18, 1865. *^* ^ * I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 23,* of the 27th of February, in which you request instructions whether provision will be made for the completion of the Intercolonial Railway in the Apt of Union, or be embodied by the Imperial Parliament in a separate Act. In reply I have to acquaint you that Her Majesty's Government have expressed their cordial approval of the proceedings of the Conference at Quebec, and have engaged that if, as they hope, the Provincial Legislatures sanction the scheme of the Conference they on their part will submit to the Imperial Parliament the measures which may be necessary for carrying that scheme into effect. Of the Resolutions adopted by the Conference the 68th provides that the General Government shall secure, without delay, the completion of the Intercolonial Railway. Her Majesty's Government have understood that Resolution, with reference to the correspondence which had previously passed with the Governments of the several Provinces. While, therefore, they have entered , into no new stipulation on the subject, they have by no means excepted the 68th resolution, from the general approval which they have express^ed of the entire scheme, or from the engagement respecting it to which I have above referred, What steps it may be proper hereafter for Her Majesty's Government to take in pursuance of this engagement cannot be stated positively until it shall be knov^n what course has beer) taken by the Provincial Legislatures, and until Her Majesty's Govern- ment shall have received the communications which they hope to receive from persons deputed by the Governor-General to give to Her Majesty's Government the benefit or their counsel upon the various measures necessary for carrying the Resolutions of the Conference into effect. 1 have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A, Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. OF THE BHITISH^NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCE'S. J* ^ 117 • \ '■ New _ No. 4. ,;,,', Beunswick. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward CarDwell, M.P., to No! 4. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 6.5.) ' , ■ „.„,., Sm, Downing Street, April 1, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches, Nds. 24* of *i'aRes89 and the 6th, and 25* of the 13th of March, reporting tlie result of the elections in New Brunswick. , i/ ;;.iii. ^ ' ' ■'■^■' Ihave, &c. "'^" " ' - Lieut.-GovernortheHon. A. Gordon. (Signed) EDWARD CARDWlLL. &c &c. &c. ': "i i t-ciii' 'J itr:T -r No. 5. No. 5. Extract from a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to ■ '' "'"^ Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. '• '^'^ .(No. 66.) ^^' ' ^ "* Sir, ,' Downing Street, April 12, 1865. I HAVE received by this mail your two Despatches numbered 30* and 31. • Page 92. The first informs nie that the elections for the Legislative Assehibly have terminated, and that 9 members have been elected favourable to the scheme of Confedefation, 28 unfavourable, and 4 doubtful; and that the members of your Executive CbUncil have resigned their oflBces. ''' ■'■"'^■' It thus appears that th^ scheme adopted by the Conference at Quebec, and approved by Her Majesty's Government, on the ground, among others, that it was eminently calculated to render easier and more effectual the provisions for the defence of the several Provinces, is likely to be rejected by New Brunswick. ^^ ''' ^i It wjU be the duty of Her Majesty's 'Government to review in all its bearings the question of Confederation, after the several Provinces shall have had the opportunity of expressing their sentiments upon it, through their respective Legislatures. In the mean- /■f^'i^y 'J' ' time it will only be right for New Brunswick tcf bear in mind, that if the views which you have now expressed are to be regarded as sound, New Brunswick, as a separate Province, appears to be able to make no adequate provision for its own defence^ and to rest in a very great degree upon the defence which may lie provided for it by this country. It will, consequently, be likely to appear to your AdviseVs reasonable and wise that, in examining the question of the f)roposed Union they should attach great weight to the views and wishes of this country, and to the reasons on which those views and wishes have been based. I have, &c. '^I* Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 6. No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon Arthur Gordon. ' ' (No. 67.) - Sir, Downing Street, April 13, '1865.'.'' Ihave the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 29,* of * Page 91. the 27th of March last, enclosing a copy of the Report submitted to you by the Delegates appointed to attend the Conference held at Quebec in October last. ..uiisio Ihave, &c. " '"■ Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. P 3 118 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New Brunswick. No. 7. * Page 92. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edwaed Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor, the Hon, Arthur Gordon. (No. ye.) Sir, ' Downing Street, May 27, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowleclge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 39,* of the 27th April, enclosing a copy of the speech with which you opened the present session of the Provincial Legislature. ' r t have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, ( Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. ' < I No. 8. No. 8. Copt of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 78.) Sir, ^ Downing Street, May 27, 1865. * Page 93. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 41,^ of the 8th of May, enclosing copies , of the respective Addresses presented to you by the Legislative Council and House of Assembly, on the occasion of the opening of the session. y I approve of the nature of the reply which you inform me that you returned to the Address of the House of Assembly. I hsivs See* Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) 'eDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 9. • No. 9- Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 81.) Sir,. Downing Street, June 24, 1865. Vide Papers I HAVE the honour to transmit to you the copy of a correspondence between presented 7 Pet. Viscount Monck and myself, on the affairs of British North Amerjca, which have lately 1865. formed the subject of confej-ences between Her Majesty's Government and a deputation from, the Canadian Government. This correspondence having been presented to both Houses of the Imperial Parlijiment ;by command of Her Majesty, I have to direct you to communicate it alsa to the Legis- lature of New Brunswick at its next meeting. You will at the same time^ express the strong and deliberate opinion of Her, Majesty *s Government that it is an object much to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one Government. In the territorial extent of Canada, and in the maritime and commercial enterprise of the lower Provinces, Her Majesty's Government see the elements of power which only require' to he combined in order to secure for the Province which shall possess them all a place among the most considerable communities of the world. In the spirit of loyalty to the British crown, of attachment to British connexion, and of love for British institutions, by which all the Provinces are animated alike. Her Majesty's Government recognize the bond by which all may be combined under one Government. Such an Union seems to Her Majesty's Government to recommend itself to the Provinces, on manV grounds of moral and material advantage, as giving a well-founded prospect pf improved administration and increased prosperity. But there is one consideration which Her Majesty's Government feel it more especially their duty to press upon the Legislature of New Brunswick. Looking to the deternii- nation which this country has ever exhibited to regard the defence of the Colonies as a matter of Imperial concern, the Colonies must recognize a right and even aoknqwiedge an obligation incumbent on t\^e Home Government to urge with earnestness and just authority the measures which they consider to be most expedient on the part of the ColpnieSj with a view to their own defenqe. Nor can it be dpuibtful that .the Provinces of British North America are incapable, w^en separate and divided from each other, of making those just and sufficient preparations for national defence, which would be easily undertaken by a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 119' I am aware that this project, so novel as well as so important, has not been at once aeCepted gg^awicKi in New Brunswick with that cordiality which has marked its acceptance by the Legis- lature of Canada; but Her Majesty'^ Government trust that after a full and carefiil examination of the subject in all its bearings the Maritime Provinces will > perceive the great 'advantages which in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, the proposed Union is calculated to confer upon them all. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. '^ No., 10. No. 10, Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cabdwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 82.) Sir, ! Downing Street, June 24, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 48,* of tbe * page 95. 5th instant, enclosing a copy of a Resolution moved in the House of Assembly proposing' the appointment of a Delegation to proceed to this country to make known to Her Majesty's Government the views entertained by the Government and people of New Brunswick on the subject of the proposed Union of the British North American Provinces. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. (J J '>; No. 11. No. 11. doPY of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., tOjjjj| Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. j t (No. 83.) \ Sir, * Downing Street, June 24, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 47*, of the " ?age 94, 5th instant, enclosing copy of an Address from ^he Hpuse of Assembly of New Brunswick, and of your r'eply relative to the appointment of Delegates to confer with a Delegation to be nominated by the Governments of Nova Scotia arid Prince Edward Island on the subject of the Union of the Maritime Provinces of British- North America. X 113.VP Szc* Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon,- (Signed) 'eDWARD CARDWELL. ' • ''^ . &c. &c. &c. , ] \ Yj No. 12. No. 12. Copy of a DESPATCH frotii the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 91.) ,.,, Sir, Downing Street, August 4, 1865. , I have received your Despatch No. 58,* of the 15th of July, in answer to mine * Page 99, of the 24th of June. ; It might perhaps have been well that that portion of the Executive Council who are in New Brunswick should have allowed the communication made to the Colony by Her Majesty's Government to be generally known and considered in the Colony before they returned so decided a reply. :i The first paragraph of the Minute seems to, me to require no other notice than the observation that my Despaitch enclosed for the information of the Legislature of New Brunswick the record of what had passed between Her Miajesty's Government and the Ministers of Canada on the subject of Confederation ; and it was therefore impossible for any one tp misunderstand the reference, or to suppose .that it applied to another. and a ' ^, ^ different scheme. . :,i. ,.].. P4 120 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION New Notwithstanding, therefore, your Despatch and its enclosure, I still confideintly antici- Bbbnswick. pate that the serious consideration of the Province of New Brunswick will be given to the earnest and friendly suggestions which, on the part of Her Majesty's Government it has been my duty to convey to them through you. ^ I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c, &c. ■ &c. No. 13. ■ No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.4jovernor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 115.) Sir, . • Downing Street, December 7» 18G5. *^^^°°" I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt df your Despatch No.* 83, of the 6th November, reporting the probable election of Mr. Fisher for the county of York. 1 Page 102 I have also received your further Despatch No. 84f , of the 20th November, stating that Mr. Fisher had been returned. I have &c. Lieut-Governorthe Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. I No. 14. No. 14. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No 11.) ' Sir, Downing Street, March 31, 1866. * Page 103. , I HAVE the houour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 12,* of the 14th of March. I have perused with much satisfaction the paragraph of the Address which you enclose, expressing the strong opinion of the Legislative Council in favour of the Union of the British North American Provinces. ' ■ - I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 15, No. 15. Copy of a' DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward CardVell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 16.) Sir, ^ ■ Downing Street, April 14, 1866. ■Page 103. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 15a,* of the 26th- ult., transmitting a copy of the Address of the Legislative Council of New Brunswick, in reply to your speech at the opening of the session. I learn with satisfaction the favourable view taken by the Legislative Council, of the proposed Union of the British North American Provinces. I have, &c. Lieut-GovernortheHon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 16. No. 16. Copy of a DESPATCH from the' Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., Lieuti-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 19.) .' ' Sir, Downing Street, April 28, 1866. * Page 104. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 17,* of the 3d of April, enclosing the Address of the Legislative Council, in answer to your speech on the OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 121 t opeqing of the session/together with y<>ur reply to it; and I have already expressed in j33pj,.g^ii3K, ray Despatch No. 16, of the 14th inst., the satisfaction with which I learnt the favourable , view taken by the Legislative Council of the proposed Union of the British North' American Provinces. I ' . I have, &Ci Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No; 17. No. 17. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. , (No. 20.) ' ' -^ Sir,' Downing Street, April 28,. 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 18,* 'of the * Page 104. 9th of April, enclosing an Address to the Queen, from the Legislative Council of New Brunswick, praying that Her Majesty will be pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Legislature for the purpose of uniting the British North American Polonies under one government, and of your reply. I have to request that you will acquaint the Council that I have laid their Address before the Queen, and that Her Majesty was pleased to -receive it very graciously. I have, &c. , Lieut-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 18. . No. 18. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governdr the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 38.) ,t^: Sir, Downing Street, June 22, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 44,* of the *page 107. 4th June, enclosing two letters recently written by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Chatham, in which he expresses his opinion in favour of the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 19. No. 19. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 39.) Sir, Downing Street, June 22, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 49,* of * pa„g ng 5th June, stating the result, so far as it has yet been determined, of the general election now taking place in New Brunswick. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. &c. 162S4. Q 122 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION „ New No. 20, Beiins;wick. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward. Caedwell, M.P., to ^°-^^- Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 40.) Sm, Downing Street, June 22, 18661 ♦■Pageioe. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 41,* of the 4th June, respecting the general- election of members of the House of Assembly now taking place in New Brunswipk. Lieut-Governor the Hon. A. Gordon, (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. &c. No. 21. No. 21. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 1.) Sir, ^J^ Downing Street, July 6, 1866. Page no. I have the honour to a'cknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 50,* of the 13th June, reporting the termination of the elections for the new House of Assembly in New Brunswick, and informing me that you have called the Legislature together for despatch of business on Thursday, the 21st of June last. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon, (Signed) CARNARVOjMT. &c, &c. &c. No. 22. No. 22. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 6.) Sir, » Downing Street, July 20, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches dated the 21st and 25th June, Nos. 53 and 56,* enclosing copies of the Speech with which you opened the present session of the New Brunswick Legislature, and of the Addresses which you received in reply. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. * Pages 1 1 1 and 112. 113, No. 23. No. 23. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 7.) Sir, ^ I)owning Street, July 21, 1866. Pagesiiiand I HAVE the houour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatches No. 55 and 59,* of the 23rd June and 2nd of July respectively, from which I learn that a Resolution authorizing the appointment of Delegates to treat with the Home Government for the Union of the British North American Provinces has been adopted by the House of Assembly with only eight dissentient voices. I receive this intelligence with much satisfaction. . ♦ ' I have, &c, Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c, &c. P .to-!,F 01^ THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 123 TNT nA ■^^^ JNo. 24. ^ Beunswick. . Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-Governor the m724. Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 10.) Sir, Downing Street, August 1, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 61,* of the » Page iis. 9th July, enclosing a copy of the Speech with which you closed the recent session of the- ILegislature of New Briinswick. *■ ' * I'have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon,- (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 25. No. 25. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Earl of Carjiarvon to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. AfeTHUR Gordon. (No. 11.) ;SiR, ■ ' Downing Street, August 1, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 63,* of the *^'^«"'^- l6th July, reporting that you have appointed the Honourable Messrs. Mitchell, Tilley, Fisher, Wilmot, Chandler, and Johnson, to be the Delegates from New Brunswick to confer with Her Majesty's Government on the subject of the uniori of the British North American Provinces. ; , , I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon* ' « (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. No. 26. ,1.,, . No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from.the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (No. 12.). ,., ^ ,...„, Sir, Downing Street, August 2, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge^ the receipt of your Despatch, No. 62,* of the *Page lu. l6th July, reporting the proceedings of the Legislature of New Brunswick during its recent session. I have, &c. Lieut.-Governor the Hon. Arthur Gordon. (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. Q 2 124 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION phince prince EDWARD ISI.AND. EdWahd Island. Despatches from the Lieutenant-Governor. No. 1. No. L Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Dundas to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 85.) ' Government House, December 30, 1864. Sir, . . , (Received January 17, 1865.) *No.93.Dec.3, J fjAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch. No. 29 of 8th inPape™*^ December 18^4, enclosing copy of a Despatch* addressed to the Gtivernor Generai of presented 7th Canada, upon the Resolutions of the Conference which recently assembled at Quebec to JTebruEuy 1865. • i , i i • , » tti j t- page II. consider the subject or l^ederation. In accordance with the, wishes of Her Majesty's Government, I shall, in cortcert with the Governor General, take steps for submitting to the Provincial Legislature the project of the Conference. I enclose a short article from the " Islander " of this day's date, a local newspaper which has up to this time strgngly advocated the proposed Union : this article declares the feeling of the Colony to be decidedly opposed to the project of the Quebec Conference. I niay add, tliat from personal observation, I am convinced that such is the present state of public opinion on this subject. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS, &c. &c. &c. Lieut.-Governor. End. in No. 1. Enclosure in No. 1. Extract from " Islander " Newspaper, 30th December 1864r. The year 1864 will live in history as the epoch of Confederation — the year in which, in our little town, assembled the leading minds of. the British North American Colonies, and entered upon the dis- cussion of the great question of a Confederation of the several Provinces, which resulted in the Quebec Conference, and the adoption of the Resolutions which are to form the basis of a Confederation destined at no very distant day to constitute one of the greatest nations of the earth. The expense of the Conference will be complained of by some in the Lower Provinces, especially in this Island, where the great majority of the people appear to be wholly averse to Confederation. Let our people bear in mind, that if no other benefits should result from the Conference than those which will flow from the interchange of sentiments between the leading statesmert of the several Provinces, and the wide dissemination of information relating . to the Colonies, consequent npon the publication in all parts of Europe of the speeches dehvered by the delegates, they, in common with the people of the several Colonies, will be amply repaid. ' For years past the statesmen of the several Provinces have been impressed with the desirability of a general meeting for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the Provinces generally. No occasion other than the Conferences of 1864 could have brought together the men who met in Charlottetown and at Quebec. They were men of very different politics — members of Governments and members of Oppositions, not a few of whom had for years been mutually opposed the one to the other, often in contests savouring too much of personal feeling ; they met, and displaying a common spirit of concilia- tion, compromise, and concession, and actuated by one common desire, that of advancing the general interest of their common country. Well may the Press of England express satisfaction at the unanimity and good feehng which characterized the proceedings of the Conference. The unseemly differences, which are too often witnessed in the Colonies, were unknown in the Conferences, the proceedings of which. evidence ability and enlightened statesmanship, such as our transatlantic friends^ did not expect to find among Colonists. Prince Edward Island may not accept the offer of Confederation with her great and flourishing neighbours; the refusal to do so will injure Prince Edward Island alone,. and will not a.t all affept the grand question. We have done our duty. We have urged Confederation— the people have declared against it; and, by-and-by, when in Prince Edward Island the desire for Con- federation shall be as loudly expressed as to-day is expressed thedesire to avoid it, and that hour we predict will come, we shall have our reward. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 125 No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Dundas to the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M,P. (No. 4.) Government House, January 9, 1865. (Received January 31, 1865.) Sib, (Answered No. 3, Feb. 4, 1865, page 135.) . Ref]^rring to your Despatch, No. 29, of the 8th ultimo, I have the honour to enclose copy of a Despatch froiti , the Governor General, respecting the, proposed Federation, and my reply thereto. I have suggested the 28th of February for the meeting of the Legislature of this Island. 1 have, however, informed Lord Monckthat I am prepared to summon it sooner if he considers it expedient. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS,, &c. ■ &c. &c. Lieut.-Governor. Peince EDWiLBD Island. No. 2. Enclosure in No. 2. Governor Lord Monck to Lieutenant-Grovernor Dundas. Government House, Quebec, December 2^, 1864. This Despatch will be found printed at page 2.. Lieutenant-Governor Dundas to Grovernor Lord Monck, Governitoent House, Prince Edwa,rd Island, January 9, 1865. This Despatch will be found printed at page 5. End. in No. 2. Sir, No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieiut.-Governor Dundas to the Right Hon. EowARb Cardwell, M.P. (No. 27.) , Government House, April 3, 1865. (Received April 24, 1865.) (Answered No. 22, April 29, 1865, page 135.) L I HAVE been requested by the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly to forward the enclosed Address to Her Majesty the Queen, respecting the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces upon the terms adopted at the Quebec Conference, 2. The prayer of this Address is that Her Majesty will be graciously "pleased not to " give Her Royal assent or sanction to any Act or measure founded upon the Resolutions " or Report of the said Conference, or otherwise, that would .have the effect of uniting " Prince Edward Island in a Federal Union with Canada, or any other of Her Majesty's " Provinces in America." 3. In accordance with the instructions conveyed to me in your Despatch, Nq. 29, of 8th December 1864^ I submitted to the local Legislature during the late session the project of the Quebec Conference. 4. The Legislative Council without a division passed resolutions disagreeing to the proposed Union ; copy of these resolutions is herein enclosed. .5. In the House of Assembly, Mr. Henry William Pope, the Colonial Secretary, moved Resolutions in favour of Union;' Mr. James C. Pope, tlie President of the Executive Council, moved an amendment condemnatory of the proposed scheme. 6. The amendment was carried by a majority of eighteen, the numbers being — For the amendment - ' - - 23 Against it - - - - 5 7. Copies of the Resolutions moved by the Colpnial Secretary, and of the anjendment, are also enclosed, 8. The joint Address to Her Majesty, which I have the honour to enclose, was there- upon passed by both branches of.the Legislature. ' I, have, &c. ' • The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS, &c. &c. &c. Lieut.-GovernOr. No. 3. Q 3 126 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION I?KiNCE Enclosure 1 in No. 3. ..; , , Edwakd ^ ; ■ ' ,, ^ ' ' Island. To the Queen s most Excellent Majesty. ,T^" Most Gracious SQvei;eign, ^ ■ ^ "* We, Your Majesty's loyal and faithful servants, the Legislative Council and House of Assembly °' ' of Prince Edward Island, having had under our consideration the resolutions or report of the Conference of delegates froin the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Colonies of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, held at the city of Quebec on the 10th October 1864, upon the subject of a proposed Confederation of those Provinces and Coloriies, and the Despatch of the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell, Your Majesty's Principal Secretaryof State for the Colonial Departtnent, »■ Vide Papers *« Lord Viscount Mpnck, Governor-General.of Canada, dated theSrd December 1864, *relative thereto, presented humbly beg leave to approach Your Majesty^s ..thrpne, for the purpose of conveying to Your august 7 Peb. 1865, Majesty the expression of our desire arid determination, as the constitutional representatives of the P- 11- people of Prince Edward Island, in regard to the great question involved in the said report; and having after most rpature deliberation arrived at the conclusion that the proposed Confederation, inso far as it is contemplated to embrace Prince Edward Island, would prove disastrous to the best interests and future prosperity of this Colony, we would humbly crave leave to state the grounds upon which that conclusion is based. First. — Prince Edward Island, being entirely dependent on its agriculture and fisheries, has no staple commodity to export for which Canada , can furnish a market (Canada beibg also essentially an agri- cultural country, and possessing valuable and extensive fisheries in the Gulf qf St. Lawrence). That while such is, and ever must be, the relative commercial position of this Island and Canada, the products ' of otir soil and fisherie's, find in the extensive markets of our parent country, the United States, and the West Indies ready arid profitable customers. That the proposed Union, while admitting the produce and manufactures of Canada into this Island free, would, by assimilation of taxes, enormously increase the ^uty to which those of Great Britain and the United States are at present subject in this Island, thereby compelling this Colony to take a large portion of its imports from Canada, making payment therefor in money, instead of procuring them from countries which would receive our produce in exchange, an arrangement so inconsistent with the fundamental principles of commerce that it would not orily greatly curtail our commercial intercourse with Great Britain and the United States,^ but materially diminish our exports to those countries, and prove most injurious to the agricultural and commercial interests of this Island. Second.^— That if the relative circumstances of Canada and this Island rendered a Union practicable, . ,T,- the evident injustice of the terms agreed to by. the Quebec Conference would prevent their being ratified by this Island. Without entering into full detail on this branch of the subject, or adverting to the fact that by the proposed terms of the Confederation we are called upon to transfer to the Confede- rate exchequer a steadily increasing revenue, and that too under our comparatively low tariff, for a fixed and settled annual subsidy of a greatly diminished amount, we would briefly notice some of the objectionable features of the said, jeport. And first in reference to the fundamental principle upon which the Confederation is proposed to rest, namely, representation according to population. Without admitting this principle under dll circumstarices to be sound or just, we consider it to be particularly objectionable as. applied to this Island in connexion with Canada, from the fact that the number of our inhabitants is and must continue comparatively small, in consequence of this Island possessing no Crbwn -lands, niines, or minerals, or other , extraneous resources, and 'that we never can expect to become, to any great extent, a manu- facturing people, by reason of our navigation being closed for nearly half the year, and all trade, and even communication with other countries (except by telegraph and the medium of a fragile ice-boat) stopped. And when we consider the provision of the said report which is intended to regulate the mode of re-adjusting the relative representation of the various Provinces at each decennial census, and reflect upon the rapid rate of increase in the.population of Upper and Lower Canada, particularly the former, heretofore, and the certainty of a still greater increase therein in the future over that of the population of this Island, it follows, as a certain and inevitable consequence, if a Federation of the Provinces were consummated upon the basis of the said report, that the number of our represen- tatives in the Federal Parliament would, in the course of a comparatively short number of years, be diminished to a still smaller number than that proposed to be allotted .to us at the commencement of the Union. , Third. — In further noticing the injustice of the terms of the said report, as applicable to us, we would advert, to the old imperial pohcy, so pregnant with ill consequences to us, by which all the lands in this Colony were granted in large tracts to absentees, and which deprives this Island of the revenue drawn by the sister colonies from these sources, — to our insular position and numerous harbours, furnishing cheap and convenient water communication, which render expensive public works here unnecessary, — to the revenue to be drawn by the proposed Federal Government from this Island and expended among the people of Canada and the other Provinces in constructing railwg,ys, canals, and other great public, works, thereby creating a, trade which would build up cities and enhance the value of property in various parts of those Provinces, advantages in which this Island could enjoy a very ^all participation ;^and to our complete isolation during five months of the year, when ice interrupts ~-~ 'our tirade and communication with the mainland, and during which period this Island could derive no possible benefit from the' railroads and other pubhc works which they would equally with the people of "those F^rovinces be tkxed to construct. These arid many other circumstances placing Prince Edward Island in an exceptional position in regard to the other Provinces, but which seem to have been entirely ignored, ought, in our opinion, to have produced an offer of a financial arrangement for this Island very different in its terms ft»m that contained in the report of the said Conference. ' ,Pourth. — That while we fully recognize it to be the duty of this Colony to use ever^ means, to the extent of its limited resources, to aid in defending its inhabitants from foreign invasion, we cannot recognize the necessity of uniting- in a Confederation with Canada for the purpose of defence upon terms, which, in other respects, are so unfair to the people of Prince Edward Island, and thereby OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 127 sacrificing our commercial and financial interests for the sake of securing the co-operatiop of Canada, in Prince a military poiijt of view,, it being, our abiding hope and conviction, that so, long as we remain a loyal Edwaed and attache(J Colony of. Great Britain, under whose protecting sway an^ >.enign influence we have so Island. long had the happiness to live, and endeavour to aid, by a reasonable contributidn towards the defence of, our Colony, by placing our militia service .upon a sounder and safer footing than it has hitherto attained, the powerful aid of our mother country will continue, as heretofore, to be extended to us in common with thd other North American dependencies of the British Crown. For the foregoing reasons, and many others which we could urge, we beg most humbly and respectfully to state to Your Majesty that we, the representatives of .Your faithful subjects, the people of Prince Edward Island, in Colonial Parliament now assembled, dp disagree to the recommendations contained in the said report of the Quebec Conference,. a,nd on th.e , part of Prince Edward Island do emphatically decline a Union, which after the most sej-ious and careful, consideration, we believe would prove politically, commercially, audi financially disastrous to the rights and best interests of its pepple. We do, therefore, most humbly pray that Your Majesty will be graciously pleased not to give " Your Royal assent or sanction to any Act or measure founded upon the resolutions or report of the said Conference, or otherwise, that would have the effect of uniting Prince < Edward Island in a Federal Union with Canada, or any other of Your Majesty's Provinces in America. .Enclosure 2 in No. 3. ■ End. 2 in Prince Edward Island, LEGisL4TivE Council. ■ ' Whereas this Colony has, for more than ninety years past, enjoyed .the advantages of a separate Governinent and Legislature, and Her Majesty hath graciously conceded to the inhabitants thereof the management and control of their own affairs : . . And whereas the local revenue^ owing to the development of the agricultural resources and the expansion of the trade and commerce of the Colony, exhibits a satisfactory yearly increase, and promises, without imposing additional burthens on the people, to, be equal to "the requirements of the public service : . And whereas the taxation per head on the population, in the other North America Provinces, is now fifty per cent, greater than it is in Prince Edward Island : And whereas, by the report of the said Convention; 'various extensive and costly public works, in both the civil and military departments, are intended to be prosecuted in the other Provinces by the Government of the proposed Confederation, which would necessarily impose still greater taxation upon the people of the Confederated Provinces : And whereas, from its insular position and the complete interruption of its foreign and intercolonial commerce for five months in the year, the people of Prince Edward Island, although .they would be •compelled by the terms of the proposed Union to assume equal burthens, would not participate equally with the people of the other Provinces in the use or advantages of those public works, or in the large sums of money expended in their construction : And -whereas the subsidy agreed to in the 63rd Article of the report of the said Convention, and the capitation grant of 80 cents per head of the population, named in the 64th Article, and agreed to be pE^id to this Island in full settlement of all future demands, is nota liberal compensation for the surrender of a separate Government, with the independent powers it now enjoys, its revenue, and all other the rights and privileges thereto belonging, and would very shortly become inadequate to meet the wants of the local Government, and consequently would necessitate a resort to direct taxation to supply the deficiency: And whereas the supposed advantages of intercolonial free trade would be more than counterbalanced by the disadvantages resulting to this Colony from the existence of a high impost duty on the manufac- tures of Great Britain and the United States, inasmuch as the trade between this Island and the other British North American Provinces^which is at present very inconsiderable — does not warrant the belief that it will, for many years to come, be of any importance : And whereas, while recognizing the obligation which imposes upon British "colottists the duty of providing, as far as in their power, the means of self-defence, this House cannot agree to the principle, that an insulated Colony like Prince Edward Island should be required to contribute for this object as largely as the inhabitants of Provinces whose geographical pogition renders them more exposed to the assaults of an enemy, and who, in times of peace, are immediately benefited by the public monies expended not only in 'the construction of fortifications, but ialso of useful public works : And At'hereas the principle of representation by population would deprive this Colony of any appre- ciable influence in either branch of the Legislature of the proposed Confederation : Resolved therefore, unanimously. That the said report of the Quebec Convention, however well adapted in any of its principles to the state and circumstances of the continental Provinces, is in no respect just or suitable to Prince Edward Island, and would, if accepted, prove inimical to the prosperity and happiness of its inhabitants. Enclosure 3 in No. 3. , End. 3 in Resolutions on the proposed Confederation of the British Nokth American Provinces. — °' ' Printed by .Order of the Hpuse of Assembly. — Moved by the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, - 24tli. March. 1865, L Resolved. That the best interests and present and future prosperity of British North America, would be promoted by a Federal Union under the Crovra -of Great Britain, provided that such Union cpuld be effeeted pn principles just; to the several Provinces and Colonies. Q 4 128 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Pkince 2. Resolved, That the existence of immense military and naval forces in the neighbouring Edward republic renders it specially incumbent on the people of British North America to take the most Island. efficient precautionary measures by' which their independence against foreign aggression may be secured.' _ _ i. 3. Resolved, That a Union, such as in times , of extraordinary danger would place the militia, the revenues, and the resources of the several Provinces at the disposal of a general Parliament, is necessary, in order to maintain the independence of British North America against foreign aggression, and to perpetuate our connexion with the mother country. 4. Resolved, That a Federal Union of British North America, based upon the resolutions adopted at the' ConferSnce of delegates frota the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Colonies of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, held at the city of Quebec, 10th October 1864, as the basis of a proposed Confederation of thoso Provinces and Colonies, would, among other advantages, promote the development of the trade and manufacturing capabilities of v these Provinces and Colonies, and advance the general prosperity, by inducing the substitution of a customs tarilF, uniform and common to the Confederation in, lieu of the various tariffs now in force in the several Provinces and Colonies. 5. Resolved, That the report of the Conference of delegates from the British North American Provinces and Colonies held at Quebec in October last, taken as a whole, contains a declaration of principles, as the basis of a Federal Union, which this House considers just to the several Provinces and Colonies. 6. Resolved, Th£|,t this House, believing it is only by mutual concessions and compromises the several British North American Provinces and Colonies can ever agree upon those principles which shall form the basis of a Union, orders that the report of the Conference of delegates from these several Provinces and Colonies held at Quebec in October last be published throughout this Colony for the deliberate consideration of the people on whom will devolve the acceptance or rejection'of the proposed Union. 7. Resolved, That until the larger Maritime Provinces and Canada shall have mutually agreed upon terms of union, it is inexpedient that the people of Prince Edward Island should be called upon to decide on the question. 8. Resolved, That in case the Provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada should at any time mutually agree upon the basis of a Union, the question be then forthwith submitted to the decision of the people of this Island. Resolutions moved by the Honourable James C. PbPE, in amendment to the preceding Resolutions, The House having had under consideration the report of the Convention held at Quebec respecting a Federal Union of the different Colonies of British America, and a Despatch of the Right Honourable Mr. Cardwell, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, respecting the same. 1. Resolved, That Prince Edward Island, being entirely dependent on its agriculture and fisheries, has nothing to export for which Canada can furnish a market. That while such is and ever must be the relative commercial position of this Island and Canada, the products of our soil and fisheries find in the extensive markets of our parent country, the United States, and the West Indies ready and profit- able customers. The proposed Union, while admitting the produce and manufactures of Canada into- this Island free, would, by assimilation of taxes, enormously increase the duty to which those of Great- Britain and the United States are at present subject, thereby compelling this Island to take a large portion of its imports from Canada, making payment therefor in money instead of procuring them from countries which wOuld receive our produce in exchange ; an arrangement so inconsistent with the fundamental principles of commerce must greatly curtail our commercial intercourse with the United States, and would, in the opinion of this House, materially diminish our exports to that country, and prove most injurious to the agricultural and commercial interests of this Island. 2. That' if the relative circumstances of Canada and this Island rendered a Union practicable, the evident injustice of the terras agreed to by the Quebec Convention would prevent their being ratified by the Legislature of this Island. Without alluding to all, it is proper to notice some of the objection- able features of the report. Without admitting -the principle of representation according to population under all circumstances to be sound, it is, in the opinion of this House, particularly objectionable as applied to this Island in connexion with Canada, taking into consideration that the number of our inhabitants is and must continue comparatively small, owing to the fact that we have no Crown lands, mines, minerals, or other resources sufficient to induce immigrants to settle here, and that we never can expect to become to any extent a manufacturing people in consequence of our navigation being closed for nearly half the year, and all trade and communication with other countries stopped. Under this principle the city of Montreal alone would, at the present time, have a representation greater than the whole Province of Prince Edward Island, and under the provisions of the Convention which regulates the mode of re-adjustihg the relative representation of the various Provinces at each decennial census, looking at the rapid increase of the population of Upper and Lower Canada heretoforCj particularly the former, and the certainty' of a still greater increase therein in the future, over that of the popula- tion of this Island, it follows as a certain and inevitable consequence, if a Federation of the Provinces were consummated upon the basis_ of the said Convention, that the number of our representatives would, in the course of a comparatively short number of years, be diminished to a still smaller number than that allotted at the outset to us. 3. That the old imperial error in granting all the lands in large tracts to absentees, which deprives this Island of the revenue dtawn by the sister Colonies from these sources, — our insulat position and numerous harbours furnishing cheap and convenient water communication, which render expensive public works here unnecessary, — the revenue to be drawn by the proposed Federal Government from this Island and expended among the people of Canada and the other Colonies in constructing railways and other public works, thereby creating a trade which would build up cities and enhance the value of OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 129 property in various localities there, advantages in which this Island could enjoy a very small participa- tion, — our complete isolation during five months of the year, when ice interrupts our trade and com- munication with the mainland, and during, which period the Island could derive no possible benefit from the railroads and other public works which they would be (equally with the people of those Colonies) taxed to donstruct,— these and many other considerations, but which seem to have been entirely ignored, ought, in the opinion of this House, to have produced an offer of a financial arrangement for this Island very different in its terms from that contained in the report of the Convention. 4. That while this House recognizes the duty of this Colony to use every means, to the extent of its limited resources, to defend its inhabitants from foreign invasion, it cannot recognize the necessity of uniting in a Confederation with Canada for the purpose of defence upon terms which, in other respects, are, in the opinion of this House, so unfair to the people of Prince Edward Island; thus sacrificing our commercial and financial interests for tlie sake of securing the co-operation of Canada in a military point of view, feeling assured that so long as we remain a loyal and attached Colony of Great Britain, the powerful aid of that great country will continue, as heretofore, to be extended to us, in common with the other North American dependencies of the British Crown. Lastly, Resolved, That this House disagrees to the recommendations of the Quebec Convention, and on the part of Prince Edward Island emphatically declines ^ Union which, after a serious and careful consideration, it believes would prove politically, commercially, and firiancially disastrous to the rights and interests of its people. For the amendment, 23. Against it, 5. ; Pkince Sdwaed Island. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Dundas to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 44.) Government House, May 23, 1865. gjH (Received June 5, 1865.) I HAVE the honour to enclose copy of a Despatch which I have received from the Lieut.-Governor of Nova Scotia, suggesting resumption of negotiatipns for Union of the Maritime Provinces^ together with my reply. From this correspondence you' will perceive that my advisers are not prepared to renew negotiations on that subject. T hfivp &f The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell,M.P., (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS, ' &c. &c. &c. Lieut.-Governor. No, 4. Enclosure in No. 4. Lieutenant-Governor Sir R. G. MacDonnell to Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, EncL in No. 4. Sir, . Government House, Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 10, 1865. I had the honour this day of inforpiing you by telegraph that the enclosed resolution, suggesting resumption of negotiations for Union of the Maritime Provinces, was proposed by this Government to the Legislature this day. I am anxious to know as early as convenient how far your Grovernment is disposed to co-operate in effecting the proposed Union. I have, &c. i His Excellency Lieutenant-Governor Dundasy (Signed) Richaed Graves MacDonnell, i ' &c, ' &c. &c. Lieutenant-Governor. (Enclosure^) Whereas under existing circumstances an immediate Union of the British North American Provinces has become impracticable. And whereas a legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces is desirable, whether the larger Union be accomplished or not. Resolved, That in the opinion of this House the negotiatibhs for the Union of Nova Scotia, New « Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island should be renewed in accordance with the re,solution passed at the last session of the Legislature. Lieutenant-Governor Dundas to Lieutenant-Governor Sir Richaed G. MacDonnell. i Sir, Government House, Prince Edward Island, April 24, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge your Despatch of the 10th instant, enclosing- a resolution which was on that day proposed to the Legislature of Nova Scotia, suggesting resumption- of negotiations for Union of the Maritime Provinces. , ■ 16254. ^ 130 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTiNG THE PIlbPOS'ED UNION Fkince Edwakd Island. , I have laid that Despatch with its enclosure before'theExecu'tive Council of this: Island, and a; minute is'heing prepared expressive of its views' on the proposal. , '. ' In the meantime I maydnform you that my ministers are not jirepared to renew negotiations on the subject, as^^ they consider that^that ■ schetne of Union is impracticable at the present time, so far as this Colony is concerned. ■^ ' - •, ■ ■ I have, &c. Lieutenant-Governor Sir R,Gr. MacDonnellj ' (Sigiied) George Dundab, •fee, . &/(?. &c. Lieutenant-Governor. No. 5. End. in No. 5, ' , , No. 5. ■ . . Copy of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-lGovernor Dundas to the Right Hon. l, ,, Edward; Cardwell, M.P., (No. 42.) ' Government House, May 9, 1866. (Eeceivefi May 21, 1866.) Sir, ' (Answered, No. 19, May 25, 1866, page 136.) o:i. o) r. J .HAYE the honour, to, transmit copy of a Resolution against Confederation, which passed the House of Assembly late last night. .' ...;.., : An amendment favourable to Confederation ( copy ^of which is also enclosed) was lost on a division. ' « For the amendment - - - 7 Again'stit — ^^ ,— ^ . .:^ •-— ~-.^.™. _. gj ' I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.^,,, (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS, &c. &c. &p. Lieut.-Governor. • Hi • ■ Enclosure i4i 'No. 5. ' ., r RBspi.iri:ipjJ& in Ho;U^e of Assembly on the subject of Confederatipn., , Hon. Leader of the Governmeijt then remarked that as many unfounded rumours were circulated, a,Tj4 groundless fears, eptertainesd by many, touching the poyrse intended to be, pursued in regard to the aiiHabsorbing topic Confederation, he considered it would be. as well to subniittlie Resolutions on that siibject, which had been prepared in answer to the Despatches from the Secretary of State to his Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor relative to that subject. i - ' ' • Said Resbltitions were then laid on the table, and are as follow : ' / This House having had under consideration the messag© of his Excellency the Lieutenant- Governor communicating^a Despatch from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of; State for .the Colonial D"epartment, iipon: the subject of a. Federation of the British .North American Provinces, and having liost carefully and earnestly considered the project in all its bearings — - ", " Resolved, As the deliberate Qpinion of this House, that any Union of the British North American Colonies which would embrace Prince Edward Island, upon the. terms and principles set forth in the Resolutions of the Conference of Quebec, held on the 10th October 1864, would not only be unjust to the inhabitants of this Colony, but prove disastrous to their dearest and most cherished rights and interests as a free people enjoying the blessings of a priceless constitution guaranteed to them by the Imperial Government of Great /Britain. •' -f • - "i^ That considering the. isplated, peculiar, and exceptional position of_ Prince Edwajid Island, as contrasted with the other British North American Provinces and Colonies, this House deems it to be its duty, as tlie constitutional representative of the people of Prince Edward Island, to re-affirm; the decision so clearly and unequivocally declared by this House ip the resolution^' passed by it' in its last session, upon the subject of a Union of the British North American Colonies, and afterwards communi- cated by the joint Address of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly of this Colony to "Her Majesty's Imperial Government. ' ' • ■■ '■ - -- \.-: • • y; ■ ■ ' - ' ; ■ Resolved further, that even if a Union of the continental Provinces of British North America shoiild have the eflFect of strengthening and binding more closely together these Province^,, or adyanciiig their material and ooinniercial interests, this House cannot admit that 'a federal Unioii of the North- Aiheriean Provinces, and Colonies, which would include Prince Edward Island; could ever be accoirtplished upon terms that would prove advantageous to the interests -and well-being of the people of this Island, cut off and separated as it is, and must ever remain,.i frdm the neighbouring Provinces, by an immovable barrier of ice for niany months in the year; and. this House deenjs it, to be its^ saqred and imperative duty to declare and record its conviction, as it now'does, that aiiy Federal Union of ttje!Nor.th.American Colonies that would include Prince Edward Islan^, would., be as hp|tjile to th^' feelings and wishes as it would be opposed to the best and most vital interests of its people. Resolved further, .that whijejjhis Hous^caunot. assent tp, a fede:;al U^ionqf this I'^Jand, witti the other Colpnies, they recognize it. to be the duty of this Colony to contribute, from its Ipcfil revenues, towards its defence, in fair and juit proportion to its means. ' , ' , Amendment prbposed~by-Hon. E. Whelan. Resolved, as the opinion of this House, that the Confederation of Her Majesty's American Colonial Possessions, t^puld be-^while in conformity with Her Majesty's frequently expressed desire — conducive to their welfare, individually and generally., .r^ud this;^Ho.us€ believes that a. plan of Confederation might be so framed as ngt to involve thg.gEicrifijce pf 3.ny materiaJLinter.eiits.on the, part of any Province j but inasmuch as the people of Prince Edward Island do not appear to be. prepared to regard with any OF THE' BRITISH; NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 131 •favour the pj/oject'^f Confederation, it is unwise ,to press it upon public attention, as its discussion is only calculated to produce fexcitement and apprehensipn, without reasonable cause. And further resolved, as the opinion of this House, that there should be no vote passed by the Legislature of this country in favour of a Confederation of the Provinces until the people shall first be aiforded an opportunity of pronouncing their judgment on the question at a general election. For the amendment - - - - - 7 fAg£|,instit . - - - - - - 21 Right Hon. (No. 44.) Sir, No. 6. €opY of a DESPATdH from Lieut.-Gbvernor Dundas to the Edward Cardwell, M.P. Government House, May 11, 1866. (Received June 4, 1866.) (Answered, No. 21, June 9, 1866, page 137.) X HAVE the honour to transmit herewith Addresses to Her Majesty the Queen which have been adopted by the Legislative Council and by the House of Assembly of this Island. The prayers of these Addresses are that Her Majesty will be pleased to withhold Her sanction from any measure intended to effect a Union of this Island with Canada and the other British North American Provinces. In accordance with your instructions, I laid the correspondence contained in your Despatch, No. 35,* of 24th June 1865. before the Legislature during its late session. At the same time I expressed, by message to both branches, "the views of Her Majesty's Government on this matter. The Legislative Council thereupon unanimously, agreed to resolutions (of which 1 enclose copies) condemnatory of any scheme of Union. I enclose copies of an Address of that body to myself requesting ine to forward their Address to Her Majesty. In the House of^Assembly the President of the Executive Council proposed similar resolutions, to which an amendme,nt was mbved by Mr. Whelan to the effect, that the Confederation of the British North American Provinces, while in conformity with Her Majesty's desire, would be condu,cive to their welfare. That a scheme of Union rtiight be so framed as not to involve the sacrifice of any material interests of this Province, but that the people should have an opportunity of expressing their opinion at the polls before a vote of the Legislature was passed jii favour of Confedefation. This amendment was lost oaa division, and the original resolution carried by 21 to 7- Copy of the resolution, an^ of the amendment are enclosed.. The Addresses to; Her M^esty which I enclose (and of which I transmit printed copies), were founded on the resolutions passed in each branch of the Legislature. ~~> I "have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell^ M.P., (Signed) GEORGE DUNDAS, &c. &c. , &c. Lieut.-Governor. Prince Edward Island. No. 6, f Page 136, Enclosure 1 in No. 6. To THEiQuEEN's MOST EXCELLENT MaJESTY. ' Most Gracious Sovereign, We, Your Majesty's loyal and faithful subjects, the Legislative Council of Prince Edward jlsland, having had under our consideration a copy of a Despatch from the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell, Your Majesty's Principal Secretary of State; 'for the Colonial Department, addressed to his Excellency George Dundas, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor of this Island, bearing date the 24th day of June last, accompanied by a copy of a correspondence between the Colonial Minister and his Excel- lency the Right Honourable Viscount MonckjGrovernoiv General of Canada, on the affairs of British North America, including the subject of the proposed Union of the British North American Colonies, in which Despatch his Excellency Lieutenant-Governor DundaS is directed by the said Colonial Minfster to communicate the said correspondence to the Legislature of this Island at its then next session, and •at the same 'time to express the strong and deliberate opinion of Her Majesty's Government that it is an object much to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one . government, and having given the said documents that patient and respectful consideration to which all communications emanating from' so .exalted' a source, and having reference to a subject of vital impor- tance to all the maritime Colonies and Provinces, are entitled, we humbly beg leave to approach Your Majesty's Throne for the purpose of conveying to Your August Majesty the tesult of Our renewed deliberations upon the great question again brought under our notice by Your Majesty's ColoniEtl Minister. . _ ' ' ' ' / ' First. — We regret our inability to discover in the correspondence above alluded to any sufficient reason to iaduce us to depart from or modify the spirit of the joint address to Your Maje^y unanimously adopted by the Legisktive Council of this Island on the .Srd day of April 1866, and subsequently transmitted by his Excellency Governor Dundas to Your Majesty's Colonial Minister for the purpose of being laid at, the foot of the Throne. > ^ R 2 End. 1 in No. 6. 132 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Pbincb Secondly.-— Wc do not deem it inconsistent with the most devoted and loyal attachment to- Your Edward Majesty's person and Government to declare our firm conviction that in deliberating upon a question Island. seriously aflfecting the liberty, happiness, and prosperity of the inhabitants of this Colony, we ought to be guided mainly by "the well understood wishes of the people" whom we represent, even should their wishes unfortunately conflict, as, in the present instance, with the declared " policy " of Your Majesty's Government for the time being, the inhabitants of this Colony being, in our opinion, fully competent to decide upon so vital a question as the constitution of the country in which their lot has been cast, and the means best adapted fto promote and perpetuate the stability and prosperity of that country. Thirdly. — Pregnant with advantages to the Province of Canada as the proposed Union may appear, and fraught with corresponding benefits as such Union may be, under certain ipodifications of the " Quebec scheme," to one or more of the Maritime Provinces, we regret our inability to suggest any modification of that " scheme " which could with safety be adapted to the peculiar position and circumstances of this Island, and which would at the same time prove acceptable to the people of Canada. Fourthly. — To make suitable provision for the vast public works now contemplated by the Government of Canada, the tariff of the Provinces, if united as proposed, must necessarily be greatly augmented, and the burdens of the people proportion ably increased. That this Colony, if included in the proposed Union, would be subject to that tariff is certain, but that its people would participate in an equal ratio with the other Provinces in the benefits anticipated as the result of this excessive taxation is by no means probable, believing as we do that, although the trade, commerce, and n\anufactur,es of the continental Provinces would be greatly stimulated by new and extended railways,, new and improved canals, the opening and working of valuable mines, the trade, commerce, and manufactures of this Island would not to any appreciable extent be beneficially afiected thereby. * ' Fifthly,— Since the year 1851, when Your Majesty was most graciously pleased to concede to the people of this Colony the rights and privileges of self-gbverilment, Prince Edward Island has made and is still making steady advances in population and material prosperity, and its inhabitants are now perfectly satisfied with the free and liberal constitution under which it is their happiness to live, the number of those who are willing to incur the risks and dangers' inseparable from a Union with the larger and more powerful Provinces of British North America being, in our opinion, extremely insignifi- cant and unimportant. Sixthly. — 'We are not insensible to the obligation resting upon this Colony to contribute its fair share towards defraying the expense of resisting foreign invasion or aggression, and have cheerfully sanctioned the placing of the entire resources of the Colony at the disposal of the Government for the attainment of this desirable object. Seventhly. — We rely with the utmost confidence on the wisdom and justice of Your Majesty in the present crisis, believing as we do that the necessities of Canada and the importunities of its Government will not be deemed by Your Majesty of sufficient iijiportance to warrant a chiange in the constitution and form of government of this Colony opposed to the wishes and hostile to the feelings of its inhabi- tants, a change which, it is generally believed, must prove subversive of our liberties and highly detrimental to our best interests. * May it therefore please Your Majesty graciously to withhold Your Royal sanction from any measure calculated to deprive Prince Edward Island of the constitution which it now happily enjoys, and more especially from any measure intended to effect a Union of Prince Edward Island with Canada and the other Provinces of British North America. Legislative Council, May 10, 1866. Donald Montgomery,' President. End. 2 in No. 6. Enclosure 2 in No. 6. To THE Queen's most Excellent Majesty. May it please Your Majesty, We Your Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island, having had under consideration the message of ms Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, communicating a Despatch dated the 24th day of June last, from the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell, Secretary of State for the Colonial Departipent, upon the subjetit of a Federation of the British North American Provinces, beg leave to approach Your Majesty for^the purpose of expressing our respectful but deliberate opinion that any Union of the British North American Colonies which would embrace Prince Edward Island, upon the terms and principles set forth in the resolutions of the Conference of Quebec, held on the 10th October 1864, would not only be unjust to the inhabitants of this Colony, but prove disastrous to their dearest and most cherished rights and interests as a free people enj eying the blessings of' a priceless constitution guaranteed to them by the Imperial Government of Great Britain. ■• •'■ That, considering the isolated, peculiar, and exceptional position of Prince Edward i Island, as contrasted with the other British North American Provinces and Colonies, this House deems it to be its duty, as the, constitutional representative of the people of Prince Edward Island, to re-affirm the decision so clearly and unequivocably declared by this House in the resolutions passed by it in its last session, upon the subject of a Union of the British North American Colonics, and afterwards communicated by the joint address of the Legislative Council and House of Assembly of this Colony to Her Majesty's Imperial Government ; and further, that even if a Union of the continental Provinces of British North America would have the effect of strengthening and binding more closely together these Provinces and advancing their material and commercial interests, this House cannot admit that a Federal Union of the North' American Provinces and Colonies which would include Prince Edward Island, could ever be accomplished upon terms that would prove advantageous to the interests and well-being of the people of this Island, cut off and separated as it is, and must esver remain, from the neighbouring Provinces by an immovable barrier of ice for many months, in the year ; and this House deems it to be its sacred and imperative duty to declare its conviction that any federal Union of the North American; Colonies that would embrace this Island, would be as hostile to the feelings and wishes, as it would be opposed to the best and most vital- interests of its people. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 133 We beg ftirther respectfully to state that ■while this House cannot assent to a Federal Union of this Peincb Island with the other Colonies, they recognize it to be the duty of this Colony to contribute from its Edwaed local revenues towards its defence in fair and just proportion to its means. Island. We do, therefore, most humbly pray that Your Majesty will be graciously pleased nbt to give Your ^ Royal sanction to any Act or measure founded upon the basis of the report of the Quebec Conference, or otherwise that would have the effect of uniting Prince Edward Island in a Federal Union with Canada, or any other of Your Majesty's Provinces in America. R. Macaulay, House of Assenably, May 10, 1866. Speaker. Enclosure Sin No. 6. 5°"';^'° > Ko. 6, Resolutions of Legislative Council of Prince Edwaed Island (1866), against Confederation of Beitish Noeth American Peovinces. Whereas the Legislative Council have had under their consideration a copy of a Despatch from the Right Honourable Edward Cardwell, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonial Department, addressed to his Excellency George Dundas, Esquire, LieUtenant-Govemoi- of this Island, find bearing date the twenty-fourth day of June last, accompanied by a copy of a correspon- dence between the Colonial Minister and Viscount Monck, Governor-General of Canada, on the affairs of British North America, including the subject of the proposed Union of the British North American Colonies, in which Despatch" his Excellency Governor Dundas is directed by the said Colonial Minister to cotnmunicate the, said correspondence to the Legislature of this Island at its then next meeting, and at the same time to express the strong and deliberate opinion of Her Majesty's Government that it is an object much to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one Government ; and this Legislative Council having given the said documents that patient con- sideration to which all communications emanating from so exalted a source, and having reference to a subject of vital importance to all the Maritime Colonies, are entitled: Be it- therefore — Resolvedj That this Legislative Council regrets its inability to discover in the said correspondence any sufficient reason to induce it to depart from or modify the spirit of the resolution unanimously adopted by this House on the 3rd day oif April 1865, and of the joint address to Her Majesty, also adopted by this House on the same day, on the, subject of Confederation. Resolved, That this Legislative Council does not deem it inconsistent with loyal attachment to Her most Gracious Majesty's Person and Government to declare itstfirm conviction that, in deliberating upon' a question seriously affecting the liberty, happiness, and prosperity of the inhabitants of this Colony, this House ought to be guided mainly by " the well understood wishes of the people " whom it represents,. even should these, unfortunately, conflict with the declared " policy "' of the noblemen and gentlemen composing Her Majesty's Government for the time being, — the inhabitants of this Colony being, in the opinion of this^Legislafive Council, fully competent ' to decide upon so vital a question as the constitution of the country in which their lot has been cast, and the means best adapted to promote and perpetuate the prosperity and stability of that country. Resplved, That pregnant as the proposed Union appears to be with advantages to the Province of Canada, and fraught, as it may be, under certain modifications, with corresponding benefits to one or more of the Maritime Provinces, this Legislative Council can suggest no modification of the " Quebec " scheme" which could with safety be adapted to the peculiar position and circumstances of this Colony, and which would, at the same time, be acceptable to the people of Canada. ^ Resolved, That to make suitable prevision for the vast public works now contemplated by the Government of Canada, the tariff of the united Provinces must necessarily be greatly augnjented, and the burdens of the people proportionately increased ; that this Colony, if included in the proposed Union, would be subject to that tariff, is certain, but that its people would participate in an equal ratio with the other Maritime Provinces, in the benefits resulting from the excessive taxation that would thus be imposed uppn them, is by no means probable, — believing, as we do, that although the trade, commerce, and manufactures of the continental Provinces would be greatly stimulated by new ' and extended railways, new and improved canalsj the opening and working of valuable mines, the trade, commerce, and manufactures of this Island would not, to any appreciable extent, be beneficially affected thereby. Resolved, That since the year 1851, when Her Majesty was most graciously pleased to concede to the people of this Colony the rights and privileges of self-government, Prince Edward Island hag made, and is still making, steady advances in -population and material prosperity, and its inhabitants are now perfectly satisfied with the free and liberal constitution under which it is their happiness to live, — the number of those who are willing to incur the risks and dangers inseparable from a Union with the larger and more powerful Provinces of British North America being, in the opinion of this Legislative Council, extremely insignificant and unimportant. Resolved, That this House is not insensible to ,the obligation which rests upon this Colony to contribute its fair share towards defraying the expense of resisting foreign invasion or aggression; and this Legislative Council is most anxious that a liberal provision should be made during, the present session, both as respects men and means, for the purposes of defence, and will cheerfully sanction the placing of the entire resources of the Colony at the disposal of the Government for the attainment of so desirable an object. ■ Resolved, That this LegisiatiYe Council relies with the utmost confidence on the wisdom and justice . of Her most Gracious Majesty in the present crisis, believing, as it does, that the necessities of Canada and the importunities of its government will not be deemed by Her Majesty of sufficient importance to warrant a change in the constitution and form of government of this Colony opposed to the wishes and hostile to the feelings of its inhabitants ; ' a change which, it is believed, must prove~ subversive of their liberties and highly detrimental to their best interests, R 3 134 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Prince Resolved, That the consideration of the various other subjects embraced in the Despatches and other Edwakd documents referred 1;o this. Committee, and not hergtofpre disposed of by the legislative proceedings of Island. this session, be deferred until ithe next session of the Legislature. , Resolved, That an humble address based on the foregoing resolutions, be prepai-ed and forwarded to Her Majesty the Queen, praying that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to TOthhold Her sanction from any measure calculated to deprive Prince E(iiiV3,rd Island, of the constitution which,;it nojv happily enjoys, and more especially from any measure intended to effect a Union of Prince Edward Island wjth Canada and the o|;her Provinces of British North America. EncL4in Enclosure 4iii_No._6.^ °" ' To his Excellency George Dundas, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over Her Majesty's Island Prince Edwai;d, and the territories thereunto belonging. Chancellor, Vice- Admiral, and Ordinary of the same, 1866. My Lord (Received, November' 17, 1866.) 'Page 137. WiTH reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 11,* of 27th September, I have the honour to enclose an approved Minute of the Executive Council' of Canada, respect- ing the proposal of the Delegates of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, which Minute I received on the 5th instant from the Governor-General. I have laid these papers before the Executive Council of this Province. My advisers consider that the answer of Canada renders any action on their par.t unnecessary. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, ' (Signed) GEORGE_ DUNDAS, &c. &c. &c. Lieut.-Governor. End. in No. 1. Enclosure in No. 7. Copy of a Report of a Committee of the Honourable the Executive Council, approved by his '■ Excellency the Governor-General in Council -on the 22nd October 1866. The Committee of Council have had under consideration the Despatch of the' Colonial Secretary to your Excellency of the 26th September last, and the accompanying resolution of the Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and they now beg leave to report, That the resolution referred to is as follows : — ■ " At a meeting of the Delegates from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, held at the Alexandra Hotel,, London, on the 22nd day of September 1866, all being present except the Hon. Mr. Wilmot, it wa^ unanimously resolved, that inasmuch as the co'operation of Prince Edward Island, though not indis- pensable to a union of the other British North American Provinces, is on many accounts very desirable, and as the settlement of the land question, which has so long and so injuriously agitated that Colony, would be attended with great benejt, and at the same time place the local government of the Island, by the possession of the proprietary lands, more on a foo'titig with the other Provinces which have Crown lands and minerals as a source of local revenue. ; . OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERiC AN PROVINCES. -'J 135 " Therefore resolved — ^: " That in case the Legislature of the Island should authorize the appointment of Delegates to act in conjunction with th6s6 froin the other Provinces in arranging a plan of co-operation prior to the meeting of the Imperial Parliament,, the . Delegates from ,Njova Scotia and New Brunswick are hereby pledged to support the policy of providing such an amount as may be necessary for the purchase of the proprietary right?, but not to exceed eight hundred thousand dollars (^800,000)." It would seem from this resolution that the gentlemen from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick pledge tliemselves as Delegates, and not as representing the Governments of their, respective Provinces, to support the policy of providing the amount mentioned. . . As their powers will expire ?(nth the settlement of the scheme of union, it is"4;o be inferred that their pledge can only be carried out by their advocating the insertion of a claus^ in th* Imperial Act, huiding the future Grovemment and Legislature of United British North America to pay the sum of •poo,ooo. • ' '■'■''■'■'■■' . .. , ' ■■ ■ The Canadian Government do not consider that they have any power or right to consent to the payment of that or any sum without the previous consent of the Canadian Parliament, and they there- lore cannot confer upon their Delegates powers which they do not themselves possess. • i ■ The Committee fully appreciate the -motives which induced the Delegates from Nova Scotia and !New Brunswick to ado]^ the resolution, and they agree with the Delegation as to the desirableness of bringing Prince Edward Island into the contemplated union. The Committee are of opinion that every proper exertion should be made for that purpose, and recommend that the subje6t of the adjustment of the land 'question should be fully discussed by the Delegates from the three Provinces, in London in a liberal spirit. Should the result of the discussion be that in the opinio;i of the Delegates pecuniary compensation should be given to the proprietors for ,the surrender of the proprietary rights, the; Committee would further recommend that the Canadian Delegates be authorized to join with^hose from the Maritime Provinces in a' strong representation to '^he first Government and Parliament of the united Provinces in favour of their granting the compensa- tion agreed upon by them. ' Certified. • i ; (Signed) W. H. Lee, C.E.C. PfiDfCE Edwaed IsLAim. Despatches from the Secretary of State. No. 1. No. L Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon, Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieutenant-Governor Ddndas. (No. 3.) :- : ' . . , ; SiE, ■ Downing Street, February 4, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatchj No. 4,* of the 9th of January, enclosing copy of a correspondence between Viscount Monck and yourself * Page 125. respecting' the pi-oposed Union of the firitish North American Colonies. l.have, &c. ■ . Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. ' &c. '■'- 8cc: - .. 'rr-;^ ^, , . _ ' ;- ■ No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Righi Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. . uhaD (No. 22.) Sir, vi ' "ov"' ^ Downing Street, April 29, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No^ 27,* of the 3rd of April, enclosing a joint Address to the Queen from the Legislative Council^and House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island, praying Her Majesty not to give the Royal assent to any Act or measure founded on the Quebec Resolutions that would have the effect of uniting that Province. in a Federal IJnion with Canada or any other of the British Provinces in America. I have to request that you will inform the Legislative Council and House of Assembly that I have laid their Address before the. Queen. ;3t.J. I have, &c. , . Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, ■ (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 2. Page 125. R 4 136 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Peince E^WAED ISLAIID. No. 3. Vide Papers presented 7th February 1865. No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cabdwell, M.P., to (No. 35.) Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. SiK, ' Downing Street, June 24, 1865. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you the copy of a correspondence between Viscount Monck and myself on the. affairs of British North America which have lately formed the subjec^of conferences between Her Majesty's Government and a deputation from the Cai^adian Government. This correspondence having been presented to both Houses of the Imperial Parliament by command of Her Majesty, I have to direct you to comnaunicate it also to the Legis- lature of Prince Edward Island at its next meeting. You will at the same time express the strong and deliberate opinion of Her Majesty's Government that it is an object much to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one government. In the territorial extent of Canada, and in the maritime and commercial ehterprize of the Lower Provinces, Her Majesty's Government see the elements of power which only require to be combined in order to secure for the Province which shall possess them all a place among the most considerable communities of the world. In the spirit of loyalty to the British Crown, of attachment to British connexion, and of love for British institutions, by which all the Provinces are animated alike, Her Majesty's Government recognize the bond by which all may be combined under one government. Such an union seems to Her Majesty's Government to recommend itself to the Provinces on many grounds of moral and material advantage, as giving a well-founded prospect of improved administration and increased prosperity. But there is one consideration which Her Majesty's Government feel it more especially their duty to press upon the Legislature of Prince Edward Island. Looking to the determination which this country has ever exhibited to regard the defence of the Colonies as a matter of Imperial concern, the Colonies must recognize a right, and even acknow- ledge an obligation incumbent on the Hortie Government, to urge with earnestness atfd just authority the measures which they considered to be most expedient on the part of the Colonies with a view to their own defence. Nor can it be doubtful that the Provinces of British North America are incapable, wh^n separate and divided from each other, of making those just and sufficient preparations for national defence, which would be easily undertaken by a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole. I am aware that this project, so novel as' well as so important, has not been at once accepted in Prince Edward Island with that cordiality which has marked its acceptance by the Legislature of Canada, but Her Majesty's Government trust that after a full and careful examination of the subject in all its bearings, the Maritime Provinces will perceive the great advantages which, in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government, the proposed Union is calculated to confer upon them all. I have, &c. ' Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. , (Signed) " EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 4. * Page 130. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. (No. 19.) Sir, • Downing Street, May. 25, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 42,* dated the 9th May, transmitting a copy of a Resolution against Confederation which passed the House of Assembly on the previous night. I have, &c. Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 137 No. 5. Phincb Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P,, to Edwaiid CNo 21 ") Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. sland. SiR> - Downing Street, June 9, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 44,* of the * Page lai. Uth of May, enclosing Addresses to the Queen from the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly of Prince Edward Island on the subject of the Union of the British North American Provinces. I have to request you to acquaint the Legislative Council and House of Assembly that I have laid their respective Addresses at the foot of the Throne. I have, &c. Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. , &c. &c. No. 6. No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. (No. 11.) Sir, Downing Street, September 27, 1866. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, the enclosed copy of a Resolution adopted by the Delegates in England from the Provinces of Nova Scotia No. 63. and New Brunswick, together with a copy of a Despatch which I have addressed on the ^^p*- ^^' '^^°' subject to Viscount Monck. t l o age • •' 1 have, &c. Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieutenant-Governor Dundas. (No. 3.) Sir, Downing Street, January 19, I867. The negotiations respecting the proposed Confederation of the British North American Provinces have reached a point at wiiich I think it right that you should be gene- rally apprised of the mode in which that proposal is viewed by Her Majesty's Government. They are not unaware of the difficulties which must attend any attempt to consolidate in one body politic a variety of Provinces whose habits, laws, and interests must be in many respects different, and in some perhaps not wholly compatible. By far the most important part of those difficulties have been removed in the present instance by the wise and loyal foresight of the public men of Lower Canada, who in their treatment of this subject have shown themselves able to reconcile a manly support of their hereditary customs and institutions with a generous confidence in the justice and friendly feeling of their more numerous fellow subjects of British origin. The questions which remain in controversy will be approached by Her Majesty's Government with anxious and careful attention, but, I must add, in no spirit of indifference. That in time of war or tumult the armed force of British North America should be one under one supreme command, — that in time of peace their commerce, their post, their great lines of communication, and, with due regard to local usage, their civil and criminal jurisprudence should be governed by the same rules,' — that an extended public opinion should be brought to bear on the settlement of narrow local controversies, and that the most important affairs of British North America should be administered by a combination of the ablest men whom it can furnish, — these benefits appear to me so indisputable, so pervading, and so permanent in their character that I should be wanting to my duty if I did not express to you, and through you to the community over which you preside, my earnest hope that no trifling obstacle will be allowed to interfere with their full attainment. As my object is not to express any opinion on the details of this measure, but to give to the principle on which it is founded that frank support which Her Majesty's Govern- ment consider to be due from them, I shall only add that you are at full liberty to com- municate this Despatch to your Executive Council. \ Lieutenant-Governor Dundas, (Signed) ' CARNARVON. &c. &c. &c. ' \ S> J - 16254. S No. 7. 138 COERESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION NEWFOUNDLAND. Despatches from the Governor. No. 1. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon, Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 16.) Government House, Newfoundland, December 27, 1864. (Received Januaty 17, 1865.) Sir (Answered No. 4, January 24, 1865, page 154.) I HAVE had the honour to receive your Despatch, No. 21, of the 8th instant, * No 93 of forwarding a copy of one to the Governor General of Canada * on the subject of the Dec. 3,1864, proposed Confederation of the several Provinces of British North America. papCTs^pre- ^- ^ ^^ve thought it desirable at once to publish this communication for general infbr- sentedFeb. 7, mation ; and when the local Legislative ScssioD is opened on the 28th of January next 1865, page 11. j|. g}jj^|| formally be laid before the Council and Assembly, with the Report from the Conference of Delegates recently held at Quebec. 3. When forwarding to you the replies of the Legislative bodies to the usual Address from the Officer administering the Government, I shall be better able to report the official reception of the proposal of the Quebec Conference ; but I may now state that the infor- mation I have obtained from various sources leads me to anticipate the favourable consideration of that proposal. 4. I enclose a copy of a Despatch which I have addressed by the present mail to Lord Monck, believing that I should act rightly in endeavouring to obtain from him at once any information or suggestions which may facilitate the settlement of this important subject, and as far as possible to secure harmonious and co-operative action in the proceedings necessary for this purpose. '6. As I have noticed in my communication to him, I have ascertained that the solici- tude of the mercantile, which is the dominant interest here, is directed principally to the effect which the virtual annexation of the smaller Provinces to Canada may have upon the local tariff. Objections arising even from this source would not, I believe, be unconquerable, but I hope I may receive such a reply from the Canadialn Government as may greatly, if not altogether, neutralize any opposition upon this ground. 6. The most important detail in the arrangement presenting itself for settlement will probably grbw out of the opinion which 1 know is entertained by leading men of both political parties in the Legislature, that on the Union of the Provinces a modifi- cation of the local legislative constitution would be very desirable, if not absolutely neces- sary, as a matter of economy ; and that a consolidation of the Council and Assembly into one body, such as some years ago formed the Legislative Chamber of this Colony, with much reduced numbers, would constitute the best kind of local Legislature for future local purposes. 7. This suggestion will probably give rise to much discussion ; but I believe it Would be practicable, if it should appear to be desirable, to press the whole question to a solu- tion during the very next session of the Legislature. In this respect, however, the local Government will be guided by circumstances and the information which may be received from the other Provinces. It is not unlikely a feeling may grow up that, as the present Assembly will expire in May, and a general election must take place in the autumn, it may be better to allow the whole subject to be submitted to the constituencies ; and though no material alteration would be probable in the constitution of the new House, yet it may remove some excuse for popular clamour to permit reference to be nominally made to the electors. I n3VP c^c The Right. Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) , A. MUSGRAVE. - &c. &c. - &6. . A OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 139 Enclosure in No. 1. Nbwfound- Government House, Newfoundland, December 27, 1864. land. This Despatch will be found printed at page 2. End. in No. i. No. 2. No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgeave to the Right Hon. Edward Caedwell, M.P. (No. 23.) Government House, Newfoundland, January 27, 1865. (Received February 16, 1865.) Sir (Answered No. 9, February 27, 1865, page 154.) I HAVE the honour to forward to you copies of the speech with which I have this day opened the annual session of the Colonial Parliament. 2. I have, perhaps, permitted myself more freedom in the expression of my opinion on some subjects than has been usual on the part of the Governor since the establishment of Responsible Government ; but the Council entirely approved of the draft which I submitted to them, and I have reason to hope that the remarks which I have made will not be inexpedient in the present position of local affairs and circumstances. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 2. Extract from Speech of his Excellency Governor Mdsgrave on opening the Fifth Session of the Eighth General Assembly, January 27, 1865. Mr. President, and Honourable Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Honourable House of Assembly, You will be furnished with the report of the delegates from the several British North American Provinces, who met at Quebec in October last to consider a proposition for the Confederation of these Colonies, and with a copy of a Despatch from the Secretary of State upon this important subject, conveying the general approval of Her Majesty's Government of .the proceedings of the Conference. The question to which these papers refet is one of the deepest interest to the whole community, without exception of any party or section, and I am confident that I need not exhort you to approach the consideration of the proposal submitted by the Conference in a spirit of calm examination. Its bearing upon the immediate welfare of the population of Newfoundland will no doubt most concern you, but future beneficial consequences likely to flow from the arrangement, if carried into efi'ect, will not escape your inquiry. I have been acquainted, by the Governor-General of Canada, that th'e Canadian Parliament was summoned to meet on the 19th instant, and it is intended by his Grovernment to propose an Address to the Queen from both branches of the Legislature, embodying the resolutions of the Quebec Conference, and praying Her Majesty to cause a Bill to be introduced into the Imperial Parliament to enact the union of these Colonies on the basis of these resolutions. With respect to the question of the Customs tariff of the proposed Union, which naturally engages much consideration, it is obviously impossible for the Government of any one Province to give any pledge which would be binding upon the Government or Parliament of the Union ; but I am in a pasition to state that, if the decision rested with the members of the present Canadian Administration, their desire would be to arrange the charges in the tariff so as to meet the views of all the members of the proposed Union. His Excellency Lord Monck has expressed to me his opinion that the course of action will be in a direction that will be satisfactory to your Honourable Bodies, and that no apprehension need be entertained in Newfoundland that a system of excessive import duties will be introduced. End. in Ko. 3. No. 3. No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Mdsgrave to the Right Hon. Edwaed Caedwell, M.P. (No. 27.) Government House, Newfoundland, February 23, 1866. (Received March 14, 1865.) SrE, (Answered No. 15, March 17, 1865, page 154.) I HAVE had the honour to receive your Despatch No. 4,* of the 24th of January, *Page 154. in which you signify your approval of the modification in the constitution of the local Legislature that I had acquainted you is likely to be proposed as a consequence of the Union of the several Provinces and the establishment of one Genera,! Colonial Parliament; and in which also you express the opinion that in the absence of any serious reason to the contrary it will be most desirable to obtain the decision of the Legislature upon the proposed Confederation without delay. S 2 140 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Newfotind- LAND. 2. In my Despatch to which you refer I remarked that when forwarding to you the replies of the Legislative Bodies to the usual Address from the Governor on opening the legislative session I should be better able than at that time to report the official reception of the proposal of the Quebec Conference ; and I also in the last paragraph remarked that it was not unlikely a- feeling would grow up that in view of the expiration of the existing House of Assembly after the present Session it would be most desirable to defer decision upon that proposal until the question should have been submitted to the constituencies. 3. On the debates in both the Council and Assembly on the Addresses in reply to the opening speech, and subsequently on the special subject of Confederation, it has become obvious that although no attempt is made to obtain a decision adverse to the proposition, the strongest disinclination exists, even on the part of some favourable to the Union of the Provinces, to pronounce any judgment upon the subject during the present session. It is urged, with some show of plausibility, that under any circumstances the matter is one which should be referred to the constituencies, and that in those actually existing it would be specially improper to attempt to force a hasty decision from the present Legislature, just on the eve of expiration. 4. I believe I am justified in stating that the project is gradually gaining ground in the estimation of the better informed members both of the Legislature and the commu- nity ; but a good deal of misapprehension prevails among a large number, which a little time for consideration and explanation would go far to remove. I entertain scarcely any doubt of the final adoption of the proposals of the Quebec Conference ; but the circum- stances of Newfoundland are somev;hat different from ttiose of the other Provinces, artd the ultimate success of the scheme when put into action will depend very much upon its being established upon the good will of the people. I am advised, and it appears to myself that in the present state of public feeling it would be unwise to press for imme- diate decision against the almost unanimous desire, to defer it until the next session. Such a course would probably fail, and only have the eflTect of exciting factious hostility, which would retard the eventual settlement of the Union ; and it is therefore now pro- posed by the Government to agree to the postponement of a decision until the first session of the new Legislature, when the question shall have been submitted to the constituencies of the Colony. 5. I trust that practically neither inconvenience nor delay will arise from this determi- nation, as the information received through different sources from the other Provinces seems to render it doubtful whether all, if any of them, will so far have determined the questions submitted for consideration as to enable the preparation of a Bill for introduction in the Imperial Parliament during the present session. 6. I have communicated to Lord Monck by this mail the substance of the obseivations I have now made. I have &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. &c. No. 4. * Not printed. No. 4. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 35.) Sir, Government House, Newfoundland, April 13, 1865. (Eeceived, May 9, 1865.) (Answered, No. 22, May 12, 1865, page 155.) I HAVE the honour to forward to you copies of the speech with which, on the 7th instant, 1 closed the Legislative Session. 2. I annex a list of the Bills* passed by the Council and Assembly, which will be transmitted in due course when printed, and a copy of the resolution passed unanimously by the Assembly on the subject of the proposed Confederation of the North American Provinces to which I referred in my speech. 3. I have no doubt that the course adopted with regard to this matter, in which the Executive Council and myself entirely concurred, will prove to be the most judicious under the several circumstances which require to be considered. Any attempt to force acceptance of the proposition during this session would have certainly resulted in defeat. After any adverse decision by the present House an appeal to the constituencies would have been made under disadvantageous conditions. And nothing would be gained by precipitancy here so long as the question remains undecided in the other Provinces, OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES 141 without whose concurrence the scheme cannot be carried into effect ; while I have Newfound- ground for confidence that when Nova Scotia and New Brunswick shall virtually have ^-"'° - adopted the proposal therejvill be no unreasonable delay on the part of Newfoundland. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. Sec. Enclosure in No. 4. Eno]. in No. Extract from Speech of his Excellency Governor Musgbave, on closing the Fifth Session of the Eighth General Assembly, April 7, 1865. Me. President and Honourable Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Honourable House of Assembly, I HAVE been acquainted with the resolution passed by the Honourable House of Assembly on the subject of the proposed Confederation of the British North American Colonies, to the effect that for the reasons set forth the House deems it desirable to submit the question to the consideration of the people before the decision of the Legislature is taken upon it ; and that for this purpose final deter- mination upon this important subject should be deferred until the next meeting of the Legislative bodies. Under other circumstances I might perhaps have viewed with regret any delay in dealing with a subject on which Her Majesty's Imperial Government have exhibited so warm and generous an interest. But, as it is almost certain that some of the other Colonies concerned in the proposed arrangement will not, during the session of the present year, declare any definite judgment on that arrangement, and its immediate success when put into operation will much depend upon the true spirit and intention of the suggested Confederation being comprehended and appreciated by the people whom it is designed to serve, I am not now disposed to dissent from the view which you have taken of the matter, or the course you have adopted. Her Majesty's Government would not desire to force any important modifi- ' cation of the local constitution upon the acceptance of the people of the Colony against temperate and deliberate declaration of unwillingness to receive it ; and it is desirable that the community should fully understand the advantages of that to which their assent is sought. But the nation has a right to expect the Colonies to accept, and does look to them to assume, their legitimate portion of those charges and responsibilities which are the inevitable concomitants of self-government and free political institutions; and Her Majesty's ministers justly regard with favour a project of union which will mutually and materially strengthen each for sustaining the burden which must be borne by all. Resolution to be proposed in a Committee of the whole House on the subject of a Confederation of the British North American Colonies. Resolved, That having had under their most serious and deliberate consideration the proposal for the formation of a Federal Union of the British North American Provinces, upon the terms contained in the report of the Convention of Delegates held at Quebec on the 10th of October last, the Despatch of the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated December 3, 1864, the obser- vations of his Excellency the Governor in relation to this subject in his opening speech of the present session, and the report of the Newfoundland delegates, this Committee are of opinion that, having regard to the comparative novelty and very great importance of this project, it is desirable that, before a vote of the Legislature is taken upon it, it should be submitted to the consideration of the people at large, particularly as the action of the other Provinces does not appear to require that it should be hastily disposed of, and as (the present being the last session of this Assembly) no unreasonable delay can be occasioned by this course ; and they therefore recommend that a final determination upon this important subject be deferred to the next meeting of the Legislature. No. 5. No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 40.) Government House, Newfoundland, April 19, 1865. (Received, May 9, 1865.) Sir, (Answered, No. 20, May 11, 1865, page 155.) My Despatch dated the 13th of April, No. 35,* enclosing copies of the speech "Pageuo. with which I closed the Legislative Session, and of the Resolution passed by the Assembly on the subject of the proposed Confederation of the North American Provinces, was , written some days before I had the honour to receive yesterday your Despatch No. 15,f f Page 154. of the 17th March, in which you express regret at the likelihood of delay in a,doption of the project, and state that you would be very glad to hear that I were able to announce a favourable decision on the part of the Local Legislature. I had in that Deispatch already acquainted you that any attempt to force the acceptance of the project would only have ensured defeat ; and it is believed on what I regard as good reasons, that after an adverse decision by the existing House of Assembly, an appeal to the constituencies S 3 142 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Newfound- would be made under disadvantageous conditions. It only remains for me to add a few LAND. further observations in explanation, which I hope will be satisfactory. 2. Although propositions for a general Confederation of all the continental Provinces, and also for the union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island as a minor arrangement, have from time to time been the subjects of discussion in those communities, Newfoundland was not included in any of such schemes until late in the last summer, and the matter had really received little if any consideration. A very large proportion of the population are still so ignorant of the subject, or its bearings upon their interests, that they could easily be misled by the misrepresentations of the designing among the needy unscrupulous politicians so numerous in tbese Colonies, who, if the opportunity Were afforded to them, would be ready to use it for grasping at power by persuading the masses that an attempt is being made to deprive them of their liberties. And it would not be difficult by incaution to produce a state of public feeling which would not only postpone indefinitely any Federal arrangement, but very seriously embarrass the judicious conduct of local affairs for some time to come. '3.f It has been felt that it was necessary to proceed tentatively, to lead to, rather than compel the concurrence of the community in that which is proposed; and for this pufpoSe it has been 'rega'i'ded as especially important to avoid dealing with the matter as a measure of the l9ca,l government or " party " question. To„have done so would have enabled the organization of an opposition definitely upon this ground, who, with a plausibility sufficient for the delusion of a large number of the more ignorant of the electors, would, in the event of what might be considered a hostile dissolution of, the Assembl}^ by the Government, most probably have been able, as has happened in New Brunswick, to influence the elections to an extent decidedly adverse to the reception of the proposals of the Quebec Conference, and greatly obstructing the salutary admini- stration of the business of the Colony in any respect. I cannot escape from the impres- sion that imprudent haste has caused the present state of affairs in New Brunswick, which certainly have produced injurious effects in the contiguous Provinces, and I learn, on authority which I may trust, that the Legislature of Nova Scotia is already engaged in the consideration, not of the proposals of the Quebec Conference, but of the pievioiis scheme for the Union of the Lower Maritime Colonies. 4. For the reasons which I have mentioned it has been regarded as peculiarly expedient to evade any necessity for a dissolution of the Assembly. Much care was taken to prevent such a course being forced, upon the Government, and with so much * ^^S" 139. success that, as I mentioned in my Despatch No. 27,* of 23rd February, no overt attempt has been made to procure a declaration hostile to the proposed Union. 5. But even if greater doubt had been felt as to the impropriety of a dissolution, there are serious practical obstacles to the adoption of such a course. It would be quite as easy now to dissolve the Assembly as it was two months ago, but not less difficult than then to appoint a time for the new elections which would not cause much dissatisfaction and lead to unfavourable results. The greater portion of the electors are seafaring men, who, at this time of the year, are absent from their places of residence while engaged in the prosecution of the seal fishery, and who almost immediately on relinquishing that occupation go to sea again during the summer season to fish for cod. Except under very unusual circumstances, it is scarcely possible fairly to hold a general election at any other time than in the autumn, for, during the winter, communication with many portions of the Government is absolutely impracticable. 6. I can assure you that all these considerations have been very carefully weighed, both by myself and my advisers, and I trust you will find that your confidence has not been misplaced in relying, as you have been pleased to say, on the judgment which I may form upon the spot with the aid of local information. I have, &c The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGR AVE. &c. &c. &c. No. 6, No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 64.) Government House, Newfoundland, July 11, 1865. (Received July 29, 1865.) SiB, (Answered No. 36, August 4, 1865, page 156.) "Page 155. I HAVE had the honour to receive your Despatch No. 31,* of the 24th June, with a copy of a correspondence between Viscount Monck and yourself on the affairs of LAND, OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 143 British North America, which have laitely formed the subject of conferences between Her Newfotjot)- Majesty's Government and a deputation from the Canadian Government. 2. The late House of Assembly expired in May, the new elections will not take place until November, and the Legislature can hardly be called together till January ; but these papers shall then be laid before them. I think, however, that it will be desirable that the declared views of Her Majesty's Government should be made known as early and as generally as possible, and with this view I propose to publish your Despatch and its enclosure in the local Gazette. 3. It would be premature to express a confident opinion as to the result of the new elections with regard to the question of Confederation, for there is without doubt much Opposition to the proposal on the part of the mercantile body, which is very influential with many of the electors.. But I am of opinion that the course of the Legislature will be much guided by the action of the Imperial Government, and the proceedings of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, especially of the latter Province, where it appears to me that the issue will really be decided. My leading advisers are, I believe, strongly and cordially disposed to support the policy of Her Majesty's Imperial Government on this subject j the only doubt is with regard to the best mode of doing so effectually, and I am conscious that it is necessary to proceed with caution and judgment to avoid the defeat of our object. I have. Sec. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. &c. No. 7. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (No. 69.) Government House, Newfoundland, August 19, 1865. (Received September 11, 1865.) Sir, , (Answered No. 42, September 30, 1865, page 156.) I HAVE the honour to forward for your information a copy of the last Annual Report from the Chamber of Commerce to the Commercial Society. -This document is interesting as containing an exposition of the views of the mercantile community upon the subject of the proposed Confederation of the North American Provinces. It will be seen that the feeling disclosed is advex'se to Confederation, while there may be detected at the same time an indication of a latent conviction that if the Union is accomplished between the other Provinces Newfoundland will be included. Jealousy of being used as a means of settling Canadian political difficulties, and fear of the cession of a power to tax which it is thought may be made to operate injuriously upon this community for the benefit of others, are the leading causes of objection. I need not trouble you with the answers which I believe may fairly be given to them, as the subject has already been fully discussed, and is not likely to be further elucidated by observations of mine. However unlikely it may be that the other Colonies should combine to impose a tariff on themselves that would be oppressive to Newfoundland, the difficulty lies in the absence of such an assurance as the suspicious commercial body will regard as an efficient protection against what they dread. I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P. (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. &c. Enclosure in No. 7. End. in No. 7. (Extract.) • Many subjects of importance to the trade and commerce of the Colony have engaged the attention of the Chamber during their year of office, but by far the most prominent among these was the project entertained of committing the Colony to a Confederation with the British American Provinces under the terms of certain resolutions adopted at a; meeting of delegates from these Provinces, held at Quebec in the month of October last, which were published in our local papers. ... . Notice having been given by the Honourable Attorney-General in the House of Assembly that he would move the House into committee of the whole on this subject, the Chamber, conscious how deeply the interests of those engaged in the trade and commerce of the Colony would be affected by the pro- posed Confederation, lost no time in convening a meeting of the Commercial Society with the view of ascertaining the opinion of the' 'lOelSty on "tw momentous question, and of determining the most advisable means for carrying it into effect. In conformity with resolutions unanimously adopted at that meeting a petition was prepared and presented to both Houses of the Legislature, praying that no S 4 NbWfound- r,Airo. 144 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION action should be taken to bind this Colony to the proposed union until an opportunity had been afforded of consulting the several constituencies of the Colony on the measure , " . _ -.:.:„„ „f „;.v,;io,. ^„^r.«,.f omnnat, no- from a Dublic meetmor held m this town, naying aiso, oeen was Ipet tion ^f similar purport emanating from a public meeting ^eld in tins town haying^^^^^^ Bresented to the Legislature, and it becoming apparent that the general , feehng ot the Colony Kr°e to the principle of Confederation on the terms proposed, the session was closed without any action being taken thereon. At the same time it was intimated that the future course of the Govern- ment would be guided by the expression of public .opinion, as ehcited at the torthcommg general PlGCfclOU The measure having been rejected by Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward's Island, it is evident that some time must elapse before the proposed Confederation can now be carried out; but as it is equally evident that should the terms of a Union between those Provinces and the Canadas be at any time equitably and satisfactorily settled, every effort will be exerted to include this Colony in it, the Chamber conceives that it is the duty of this society, as well as of all who are engaged m the trade and commerce of the Cdony (whose interests, equally with those of all other classes ol the popu- lation, will be affected by the Union), seriously to consider the results that would ensue from it, and to give effect to their opinion by every legitimate means. . ^ , t^ • j • j So far as this Chamber is aware, the project of a Confederation of the Provinces was devised as a means of reheving Canada from the political diiEculties which have for some time past embarrassed the action of the Legislature, and also of affording more available resources for repelling any act of aggres- sion upon that Province on the part of the adjoining Republic, and of providing access to the Atlantic seaboard at all seasons of the year for its products through territory under its own Government. These are undoubtedly objects well worthy of the zealous efforts of Canadian statesmen; and the latter, two of which would apparently confer proportionate advantages on the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but it is difficult to see what interest this Colony can have in any one of these objects to justify the sacrifice of its independent legislative position and the assumption of a share of the enormous expenditure that must be incurred for the support of the general government ; for the erection of efficient defensive works along the frontier of Canada and New Brunswick ; for the maintenance of a military and naval force adequate to the defence of the Provinces ; and in all probability for the con- struction of many public works of advantage to the Provinces only. These expenditures, and that required by the various local governments, would necessitate the imposition of a very high tariff of import duties, which would press with peculiar and unequal severity on this Colony, which possesses hut few manufactures or products of its own beyond those of itb fisheries, and has to supply all its wants by imports from abroad. It is, moreover, to be apprehended that the operation of such a tariff would divert much of our com- merce from its aocustonied and most convenient and advantageous channels, by, compelling our imjiorters to have recourse, not to the cheapest markets, as at present, but to the confederated Provinces, whence, in consequence of the protection that will be afforded by the tariff to their products, many of our requirements will have to be procured, even though inferior in quality arid higher in price. The Chamber is aware of no advantage likely to result from the proposed Confederation that will at all compensate for these disadvantages attending it. It can open no new or more extensive market for the products of our fisheries, nor does it hold out a prospect of developing new resources within the Colony or of extending those we now possess. No. 8. No. 8. ExTKACT from a DESPATCH from Governor Mupgrave to the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.J dated Government House, Newfoundland, November 14, 1865. (Received December 4, 1865.) (No. 75-) (Answered IJo. 52, December 20, 1865, page 156.) With respect to the special question of the Confederation of the North American Provinces I cannot speak so confidently. I fear that the new House will not be disposed to assent to that arrangement, at least on the basis of the resolutions of the Quebec Conference, to which exception is taken in some particulars, unless it is made clear to them that the Imperial Government will press decidedly for the accomplishment of the design in some form, and unless also it is apparent that the question is approaching a satisfactory solution in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. But in these latter circum- stances I think it may be quite possible to obtain an affirmation of the general principle that Union of all the Colonies will be desirable, if the other Maritime Provinces agree upon the terms of that Union, and subject to such an adjustment of them as will be regarded as equitable to this Colony. After a recognition of the principle involved I should not anticipate any very serious .difficulty in settlement of the details, if only some such slight modifications of the scheme should be conceded as would supply members of the Assembly with an excuse for changing their opinions. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 14^ No. 9' -NewfounC- ExTRACT from a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to tlie Right Hon, Ebwari) ^t^' Cardwell, M.P., dated Government House, Newfoundland, February 20, 1866. No. 9. /"VTr. Ql \ ' (Received March 14, 1866.) ^^l.^O. yi.; -(Answered No. 10, March 63, 1866, page 157.) I HAVE the honour to transmit copies of the Speech with which I opened the Annual Legislative Session on the 30th of January, and of the Addresses which I have received in reply from the Council and Assembly. You will observe that in the reply of the Council the abstract principle that Union would be advantageous has been acknowledged, and in that of the Assembly while not expressly affirmed it is not denied, though in both there are reservations, as to the detail.? of the arrangement. In order that the value of the expressions in these documents should be fairly estimated, it is necessary to explain that according to the usage prevailing in this Colony the Address in reply to the GoveriTor's Speech is not as in the Imperial Parliament a mere echo of that speech prepared and introduced at the instance of the Government. It has been the practice to appoint a committee drawn from the different parties in the house to draft a reply, which is then submitted fori adoption by the House. And upon this free discussion has frequently arisen. In the present instance there was more than usual debate upon the address. ' The paragraph relating to Confederation stood originally in the draft as .shown in the Enclosure No. 3. Upon this amendments were moved by Mr. Glen, a member of the opposition, which I^ have forwarded in the Enclosure No. 4. These amendments were rejected by a majority of 11 in a house of 23 members. As hesitation, however, had been shown by some of the usual supporters of the Government to sustain the paragraph exactly as it stood originally framed, an amendment was moved by Mr. Hayward, the Solicitor-General, as a middle course, which was carried by the same majority of 11, and is now embodied in the Address. This was not regarded with satisfaction by.tlv^ opposition, and a renewed attempt was made to obtain a vote at least hostile to the scheme of the Quebec Conference. For this purpose another amendment was moved by Mr. Talbot, of which I enclose a copy (Enclosure No. 5), but this was also rejected by the same majority, and there was no further opposition. I trust you will approve of the observations which I made both in my opening speech and in my replies to the Addrir'sses from the Council and Assembly. iVIy object has been, without exciting factious opposition, to maintain a gentle pressure towards the.' consideration of the details of the measure. For. my own part I am tolerably well satis- fied with the pre.sent position of the question. 1 regard the principle of the proposed Confederation to have been virtually conceded ; and if the other Provinces consent to the Union, I have little doubt that it will only remain for us to settle the terms upon which Newfoundland shall unite in the measure. Enclosure 1 in No. 9. Extract from Speech . of his Excellency Governor Mtjsgkave, on opening the First Session of the Ninth General Assembly, January 30, 1866. Me. Pkesident and Honourable Gentlemen of the Council: Me. Speakee and Gentlemen of the Honoueable House of Assembly: ' The proposed union of the British Provinces in North America continues to engage the anxiou solicitude and friendly interest of Her Majesty's Government. Despatches from the Secretary of Staje upon this subject will be laid before you. Believing, as I do, that the abstract advantages of union, upon general principles, must be so obvious as to be almost necessarily acknowledged, it would appear • that any questions which may be raised can only affect the terms upon which it may he possiblfe equit- ably to accomplish such a union as would be desirable. I am satisfied that Her Majesty's Imperial Government, as well as the Governments of the other Provinces, will receive and consider with courteous attention any proposals that you may think fit to offer on this subject. That the completion of the union between the other provinces is certain, and; will only be a matter of time and arrangement^ most thoughtful persons are convinced. It may become an affair of vital consequence , to, this cpmmunjty not to fall into an isolated position jn the final settlement, which cannot fail to exe;rcise the .gr,^atest influence on the future of all the British possessions in North America. This is the first occasion afforded to me of jacquainting you that the Government of tUe United States have formally communicated to Her Majesty's Government their intention to terminate the Reciprocity Treaty between the two nations in twelve months after the communication of such notice, in conformity with the provisions of the treaty. Negotiations are in prdgress for its renewal for a further term; but I have been informed by the Secretary of State, that in the opinion of Her Majesty's Minister ,at Washington the necessity of having to submit a, treaty of commerce to the separate action of the various provincial Legislatures would be a serious difficulty in his way, and that the union of the Provinces would afford the best hope of obtaining such a treaty. 16254. T End. 1 in No. 9 im CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THfi PROPOSED" UNION Newfound- Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign; Affairs having suggested that much embarrassment, .LAm>. deky, a;^d difficulty wowld be avoided if th^ fftcyl^ of. giving an ppiijjon, .to Her Majesty's Government in' the negotiation of , commercial treaties were vested in a Confederate Council, chosen by all the North American Provinces and presided over by the Governor General of Canada, I was acquainted by the Secretaiy of State (for the Colonies that he had addressed the necessary instructions to^ the Governor General,, and. I was directed to' co-operate with him accordingly. ' ' ' 'For this puTpose I appointed' the Honourable Ainbrose Shea, a Member of the Council of Govern- ment, as a delegate for this Colony to the Confederate Council of Trade, which met at Quebec in October last His report of the proceedings of the Council shall be furnished, in due time, for your information. One result of their consultation has been a mission to Mexico, Brazil, and the British and Foreign West Indian Colonies, for the purpose of ascertaining in what manner the traffic of the Provinces with these countries can be extended knd rendered more advaritageOUfe. Invitation was given to the Government of this Cdlony to send a representative, but it was not thoiight necessary to make a special appointment, as it was believed that the purposes of this community wouldbe fully served. by the result of the inquiry on behalf of the. larger Provinces. So soon as I h(ave:been acquainted with the report of this mission, it shall be comn^uiiicated to you. , i i I have to request your consideratioh of the Act passed, during the last session of the Imperial Parlia- ment, "to make better provision for the naval defence of the Colonies." The Diespateh, and other documents wbiieh I have received from the Secretary of State, relating to this important measure, shall be furnished to you/ ; The object of this enactment is 'to enable the colonial possessions of Her Majesty to render Jtheir fair proportion of assistance towards their own defence, andfqj this purpose to raise volunteer forces to form part of the naval reserve, established under the Imperial Statute of 1859, and also, if ij; should |be thought desirable, to provide and man vessels of war. I am contident that if only the necessary funds are furnished for such allowances as are made by the Imperial Act to naval volun- teers duly enrolled, there would be no difficulty in organizing a colonial brigade very creditable to this community. The Secretary of State has justly said that he need not enlarge upon the importance of the object which Parliament has had in view in passing this enactment,, and he trusts that the advantages which will result from its adoption will be fully appreciated. The parent State has ceased to be con- tent to assume the whole cost and responsibility of the defence of the Colonies and their special interests. On the completion of the Colonial Confederation, the expenditure, for, the purpose under consideration, would be among the charges resting upon the Federal Administration, but, under other circumstances, it will be incumbent upon each Colony, separately, to make provision for a duty which will become unavoidablci End. 2 in No. 9. Enclosure 2 in No. 9. . ,. On Tuesday the 20th instant the members of the Honourable the Legislative Council presented to his Excellency the Governor, at the Government House, the subjoined address in answer to his Excellency's speech on opening the legislative session ; viz. : (Extract.) To his Excellency Anthony Musgkave, Esquire, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland and, it? Dependencies, &c., &c.', &;c. May it please your Excell:ency, , . _ _ , Upon the question of the proposed Confederation of the British North American Colonies, while recognizing the pohcy of Union as a sound political principle, we are of opinion that important modifica- tions of the present terms of the proposed convention are indispensable, and that assurances should be given which it does not^ now cbntairi ; and we feel confident of the aid of Her Majesty's Government in the promotion of this object, and that the necessary ^teps will be taken with the other British Pro- vinces for the more deliberate consideration of a measure of such radical importance before it shall be definitely submitted for determination to the Legislature of this Colony. Laukence O'Brien, President - Legislative Council, February 8, 1866. To which; his Excellency was pleased to make the following reply : Mr. President and Honourable GentiIemen of the Council: I RECEIVE yoiir ' address with satisfaction, and will consider with care your remarks on the subjects which I offered to your notice at the opening of the session. Yoiir observations on^that specially important question, the proposed ' Confederation of the North American Provinces, /I will readily submit for the information of Her Majesty's Secretary of State, from whom I have no doubt they will receive careful attention ; as I know that Her Majesty's Imperial Government will be most willing to render any aid they can afford in effecting the Union on principles equitable to all the parties concerned in the arrangement ■ On Tuesday the 20th instant Mr. Speaker and the Members of the Honourable the_ House of Assem- bly presented to pis Exlcellenc^ the Govern6r, at the Government House, the subjoined Address in reply'tb his E^dellWey'S Speech oft Opening the tegiSlative session, viz.: " ' or THE BRITISU NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. j 147 (Extract.) NEWPOUifP- To his Excellenpy Anthony Musgeave, Esquire,; Governor ana jCpnanjginder-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland and its Dependencies, fee, &ic., &c. ' ' May it please your Excellency: ' On the important question , of Confederation, in recognizing the solicitude of Her MjiJ^sty's Government for the welfare of the Colony, we concur in the view of your Excellency that the abstract advantages qf union are so obvious as to jbe ^Impst necessarily acknowledged, while with regard; 'to this Colony, and on the details, of so grave a measure, it is natural ithajt.niucli, diversity of opinion should prevail, and tjiis is a matteir which should engage our seripus attention. . , r Passed the House of Assembly, Feb. 19, 1866,, , , , . ^ ' W.V. Whitewa-x;, Speaker. To -syhich his ]Exc,ellency yvas pleased to make the following reply : .. Mb. Speaker and Gentlemen oe the Honourable House oe Assembly;; .,.•,, ,, , i Her Majests's. Secretary of State for the Colonies will be glad to receive the expression of your opinion that the proposed Coiifi^deration of the British Nprth American Provinces is a matteir which should engage your serious attention; It is the avowed policy of the Imperial Government to Carry ' the Union into effect ; and minor objections on the part of detached Colonies must of' necessity give way before the pressure of , the inore weighty motives of national interest. But Her Majesty's' Government will be most ready to afford, their aid in so adjusting the details of the measure as to render the, arrangement equitable to all parties concerned. It is for this reason that I am anxious that -this Coloiiy should not, by unnecessary delay, plac'e itself in a position unfavourable to negotiations. And I,,therefore, as Her Majesty's Representative, immediately responsible to Her Majesty's Ministers in respect of all questions of Imperifil policy, recommend you, for the information of Her Majesty's Govern- ment, to consider this question, and to decide upon the terms under which^ in your opinion, the Colony may with c(,dvantage join in the prpposedi Union. ; LAND. ; ,' ■ Enclosure S in No. 9. EncLsinNo.s. Original, Clause is, the Hraf,t Apbress. , , , On the important qiiestion of Confederation, in recognizing the soUcitude of Her Majesty's Govern- ment for the welfare of the Colony, we concur in the view of your "Excellency, that the . abstract advantages of union are so obvious as to be alpiost necessarily acknowledged, while on the details of so grave a measure it is natural that much diversity of opinion should prevail as to, the tprms on .which, . with advantage to the, Colony, we. could consent to join in the proposed Union. " Enclosure 4 in No. 9. EnoL4mNo.9. Mr. Glen's Resolutions. - ; Resolved, That as the Representatives of the people of Newfoundland, and as guardians of the welfare of its inhabitants, we could not think for a moment (ais pro'posed'by the Quebec Cbnveiition), the giving up the advantages we have, so long enjoyed of a, separate Government, so graciously eon-r ceded by. Imperial authority to the people of Newfoundland. . , , And whereas by the report of the'Quetjee Convention various extensive and costly works, both civil and military, are intended to be prosecuted in the other Provinces by the General Government of the proposed Confederation, which would necessarily impose great taxation on the people of New- foundland, without their being benefited (from their isolated position) one farthing, by all that vast expenditure. , i . • > And whereas the amount proposed to be paiditpyNewfoundland in full settlement pf all: future demands, is a very inadeqviate compensation for the surrender of our separate Government, aij,d of our revenue from import duties,"1;he surrender of all our ungtanted lands, our mines' and rninerals, the power the General Government would have of 'taxing^ our exports offish and oil, the power of levying local taxes in our Colony, and also, the power of raising money in Newfoundland, by all, or any other modes and systems of taxation. . Resolved, That the r§port of the Quebec Convention,! however well adapted in any of its principles to the state and circumstances of the continental Provin es, is in no respect suitable to Newfoundland, and would, if accepted, prove inimical to the prosperity, happiness,' ahtl well-bdng'of its inhabitants. Enclosure 5 in No, 9, Bncl. 3 in Ko. 9. ., • , .., ^^, -Mr. Talbot's Amendment, . ,• j,, ; Mr. Talbot moved the following as an amendment upon the whole clause : — " On the important question of Confederation, in recognizing the solicitude of Her Majesty's Goverji- ment for the welfare of the Colony, we concur in the view of your Excellency ihat the abstract advantages of union, are, in some cases, so obvious as to bealmost necessarily ^acknowledged, while with reference to this Colony the great preponderance of Opinion is decidedly adve'rse to our entering the proposed (^oiifederation o.f the British North American il^royinces on the basis of the Quebec resolutions. ,;,-',>; ,, ,,,■,, ,".'-!,'-- - - .' ,','',',-';"*!; .,''-..,,',•,' ^ '",'-,,!■ -,-, ■ T 2 148 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION NSWISBtfMB'' No. 10. LAMDi'..' ., , / • >. , 'I , '■ . ' -o-' 1 TT — Extract from a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon. No. 10. Edward Cabdwell, M.P. (No. 97.) Government House,' Newfoundland, March 21, 1866. '. ■ . (Eecehred April 9, 1866.) SdBy-v. H 1. ',:, (Answered No. 13, April 14, 1866, page 157.) , ' '' A E'EW days after the departure of the last mail, by which I forwarded my - Page 145 Despatch No. 91 ,* of the 20th ultimo, Mr. Hogsett, who assumes the position of lead'er of the opposition in the Assembly, gave notice of motion for a committee of the whole House oh the subject of the proposed Confederation of the North American Provinces, and of his intention to move the resolutions of wjiich I annex a copy ; and of which the adoption would involve the entire rejection of the proposal. There is good reason to believe that the proceeding orijfiinated less in an honest opposition on Mr. Hogsett's part to the principle of Confederation, to which indeed it is known that he had previously expressed himself as favourable, than in a desire to em- barrass the administration, and the hope, by pressing the subject, of dividing their usual supporters, among whom diverse opinions upon the question are entertained ; for I and my Council have always been of opinion that it would be undesirable to allow a subject so important to the welfare of all these Colonies to be forced into the position of a mere local party question, and so made to afford ground for the exercise of petty political manoeuvres, as Mr. Hogsett no doubt intended in the present instance. * If the matter had been riper for decision, and thfere were a prospect of obtaining a deliberate judgment at this stage favourable to Confederation, before the other Provinces have taken a decided course, the action of Mr. Hogsett would have been unimportant and probably would not have been atteippted. But the great object of the advocates of "^ 'Union in present circumstances is obviously to guard against an adverse vote, and for this purpose to leave the subject in stlch a position as will content the waverers in opinion, who otherwise would vote with the opposition as the safer course, and to keep it alive for consideration while preserving the Legislature from being committed to any judgment ijn,lil the aiction of the other Provinces shall be known and we can more clearly see what would be our most judicious course. When the motion of Mr. Hogsett came on for discussion, the Attorney General, therefore, moved the amendment on his resolutions which I also annex ; and after some debate, in which nothing new was adcluc^d in support of the arguments before used in 'opposition, the amendments were cari-ied on the 8th March by a vote of eighteen against seven. I see 110 reason to ■ modify the opinions which I expressed in my former Despatch No. 91. The result here will, I still believe, depend upon the course of the other Pro- vinces, and I think that public opinion has quite as much advanced towards the Union as in, Nova Scotia or New Brunswick; though I fear that some little check and tempo- rary discouragement may have been given by the circumstance that the subject was passed over altogether without notice in the speech of the Lieuteoant-Governor of Nova Scotia in opening the legislative session in that Province. This fact has attracted some attention, and it may be supposed that the omission has been caused by some weakness or division in the Government with regard to this special matter; but I have since learnt through a private hote from Sir Fenwick Williaiius, that there is good hope for success in Nova Scotia when New Brunswick shall have done her part. * * * * * I have, &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., ■ (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. , &c. .G .oK. dt* .1 Incf. i Li ■'"" Enclosure 1 in No. 10. Resolutions to be proposed in Committee of the whole on Confederation of the North American Provinces. Whereas the question of Confederation has been brought before the people of this Colony and the Legislature thereof, by a Despatch from the Principal Secretary of State for the Colopies, bearing date, Downing Street, 3rd December 1864, and by resolutions adopted by the Quebec Conference accompanying the same : ^ , , ; " Resolved, That the circumstances of this Colony present insuperable difficulties to the adoption, by its people, of the proposed Confederation, and that the almost universal opinion of the inhabitants of ' Newfoundland is opposed to an union with Canada. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 149 Resolved, That under the constitution at present enjoyed by the people of Newfoundland, the Newfottnd- principle of self-government has been fully conceded and recognized by the parent State, and therefore land. this House cannot assent to the. proposition contained in his Excellency's reply to the address of this House, that "the minor objections of "this Colony should, of necessity, givfe -way before the pressure of " the more weighty motives of national interest," without the assent of the people of this Colony being first had thereto. * ' Resolved, That under any circumstances the conditions of the Quebec Resolutions, as regards this Colony, are for the most part inapplicable^ to, its necessities, and are not calculated to carry out the objects proposed to be subserved by the said Resolutions. : , Enolv 2 ja No. 10, Enqlosure 2 in No. 10. . , Amendment on Resolutions proposed in Committee of the whole on Confederation of British North American Provinces. Whereas this House has recently, in the reply to the speech of his Excellency the Governor, on opening the present session, abstained from pronouncing any decision on the proposail for a Union of the Colonies^ or on the details of that measure as regards this Colony, and considering the present uncertain stat§ of public sentiment on this grave question, and being unadvised of the action thereon that may be taken or contemplated by the other Provinces, it is Resolved, That whilst duly regardful of the momentous character of this subjecl^ and of the promise to his Excellency to give it attention, yet, as no information has been received demanding its immediate reconsideration, this House does not deem it expedient to enter upon its discussion with a view to any decision thereon. No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor MusotiAVE to the RighJ; Hon. Edward Cardwell,^ M.P. '. (No. 103.) Government House, Newfoundland, May 1, 1866. (Eeceived, May 21, 1866.) Sir, ■ (Answered, No. 15, May 25, 1866, page 175.) I HAVE the honour to enclose copies of the speech with which I have to-day closed the legislative session. 2. It has not been regarded as expedient by the advocates of Confederation to make any further movement on this subject at this time ; and as the session has already been protracted, and members of the Legislature are becoming impatient to return to their ordinary employments at the commencement of the busy season of the year, it does not seem desirable to defer the prorogation which my Ministers urge. 3. If the progress of events in the other Provinces towards the completion of the Union should prove to be more rapid and decided than I at present anticipate, it will always be open to me to call the Legislature together when necessary. But notwith- standing the recent Resolutions of the Council and Assembly of Nova Scotia, the political complications in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island lead me to think it practically impossible that the question of union can be brought into a shape fit for the action of the Imperial Parliament during the present session ; and in this case I see no harm likely to result from temporary inaction on our part, while present (Caution may , eventually assist in effecting the final settlement of the question. ' I have &c. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c. &c. &c. No. 11. Enclosure in No. 11. Encl.in No. ii Extract from Speech of his Excellency Governor Mdsgrave, on closing the First Session of the Ninth General Assembly, May 1, 1866. Me. President, and Honourable Gentlemen of the Council: Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Honourable House of Assembly: ' I have been officially acquainted with the passing of a resolution by the Legislature of Nova Scotia authorizing the Governor of that Province to appoint delegates to arrange with the Imperial Govern- ment a scheme of Union which will effebtually ensure just provision for the rights and interests of that Province. From information which I have received, there appears to be reason for expecting that the Legislature of New Brunswick will speedily adopt a like proceeding. And it is not improbable that the Legislature of Prince Edward's Island will take the same course during their present session. It will remain for you, when you next meet, to finally consider and decide upon this question, whether Newfoundland is to be disregarded in the consolidation of British interests, and the formation of a State which, ceasing to be a mere group of Colonial dependencies, cannot fail to become a great and important portion of the British Empire. __^ - i ' T 3 150 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION JfEisTeouirD- No. 12. ^^' Extract from a DESPATCH from Governor Musgeave to the Right Hon. Edward No. 12. Cardwell, M.P., dated Newfoandland, July 10, 1866. (No. 115.) ^ ^ (Received, July 28, 1866.) " I HAVE the honour to forward for your information copy of a Despatch which I have addressed by the present mail to Lord Monck. " 2. The first of these enclosures will explain why this Government does not, join in the action of the other Colonies by sending Delegates on the question of Confederation, as without the authority of the Legislature they could not be armed with any powers for the settlement of the terms of union ;, and I have also therein stated the reasons which cause it to be regarded as ineSspedient to convene the Legislature at this time for further discussion of the question. I have, therefore, little to add beyond enclosing a copy of the Minute of the Executive Council upon the subject. i- " 3. I do, however, cherish a strong hope, notwithstanding the present inutility of pressing the Legislature for an assent to union, that before their next meeting in January the progress of events will exercise an important influence upon their opinions. And I am confident that, if Her Majesty's Government should attach any importance to includ- ing Newfoundland in the projected arrangement, a strong expressioiJ of your views and of the consequences which may be expected to flow to this particular Colony from an ignorant persistence in the policy of isolation, and in opposition to the wishfes of Her Majesty's Government, would have great eflFect upon the determination of the Legisla- ture. An effect so great indeed that I think it would probably accomplish the end in view. I am induced to believe this by my knowledge of the statements which, are circulated that Her Majesty's Government care little, if at all, for the connexion of New- foundland with the other Colonies, and that this Colony has nothing to lose by remaining in her detached position. The particular or immediate advantages to be obtained by entering the Confederation it is not >easy to demonstrate, however well convinced may be the advocates of union of the ultimate benefit of thp arrangement. And it would be cogent argument in favour of the pro^posal if it can be shown that it cannot, be. refused without the loss of advantages at present enjoyed, and which it is too readily assumed are to be retained at the cost of the Imperial Government." EncL 1 in (No. 146.) Enclosure 1 in No. 12. ^°"^^" My Lord, Government House, Newfoundland, 10th July 1866. I HAVE received a Despatch from the Lieutenant-Grovernor of Nova Scotia, in which he commu- nicated to me at your requpst that it is the intention of the Governments of Gemada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia to send Delegates forthwith to England on the subject of the Confederation of the British North American Provinces, and he stated that it was your Lordship's hope that I would be enabled to call my Legislature together in time to avail -myself of the action which it is hoped may be taken by the Imperial Parliament before its prorogation in passing the necessary Act for this purpose. 2. It wonld afford me the greatest satisfaction to be able to carry out your Lordship's wishes, and obtain the assent of the Legislature at once to the completion of the arrangeinent. But I regret to say that on consultation with my Council I am advised by them that there is no reasonable ground at present for anticipating other than an adverse decision from the Legislature if the qiiestion of Union should now again be pressed upon them ; nor does it seem probable that a dissolution would at this time affect the result, and no change of administration would be of any service, as it is well known that the Opposition all hold anti-confederate opinions. When the Legislature is induced to assent to the proposed union, as I yet hope will be the case, the assent must be accomplished through modification of the views of members who on all other matters are supporters of my present Government, and I believe some little time is necessary for this purpose. Undue haste might, and I fear probably would, pnly have the effect of entailing upon the Colony an expense of some 7,000/, for a special session, complicate future proceedings by a decidedly adverse vote, and cotopel a dissolu- tion, causing much outlay to the advocates of the project, which may induce some to withdraiw from the conflict, and ultimately produce, no good result. .;_ .... • i;i • - n':.>]- 3. Reluctant as I am to be force,(i to this conclusion,. I am copstrained by the circumstances tp agree with the Council that it will be best to wait for the r'e-assemblii^g of the Legislature in ilue course, in January, by which time the action of the Imperial Parliiameiit, if any should be taken during this session, will exercise important influence on public feeling. Bit a^ yet great doubt is entertained, in which I admit that I share, whether time will be afforded for the passing of any measure during the present session, and still more whether it yill be reg3rde4 by the Imperial Government as possible to do so on indefinite resolutions without previous reference to the local Legislatures for ratification of the terms of the agreement, the re-arrangemerit of electoral districts, and the numerous details which must be adjusted touching the local. constitutions under the new systein, none of which have yet been agreed upon, and all of which can scarcely be settled by an Act of the Imperial Parhament. 4. I shall transmit to the Secretary of State a copy of this Despatch. ' I have, &c. His Excellency the Right Hon. Viscount Monck. (Signed) ' A. MusgraVe. O^ THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 161 ' ■:/''■ Enclosure ^ in No. 12. ' NEVFOtiND- ' ' Government House, 10th July 1866.- . lakd". At a Meeting of Council held, this day. End. 2 in Present : All the Members except Solicitor-Greneral. . No. 12. The Grovernor stated that he had directed a meeting of the Council to be convened for the purpose of submitting tip them the following Despatch from Sir F. Williams, and that he desired to ascertain froin the Council their opinions as to the propriety of acting upon the suggestion of Lord Monck and calling the Legislature together fdr the purpose of some action on the question of Confederation, now thatNew Brunswick and Nova Scotia had both declared decidedly in favour of union, and that Delegates are about, to proceed to England from those Provinces and Canada for the purpose of carrying the arraiigemeht into effect. (Despatch.; ; The Councjl, were of. opinion that it was .not practicable , at the present time to give effect to the desire expressed in that communication. , When our Legislature was in session, New Brunswick had not affirmed the principle of union, and there being no practical necessity for coming to a conclusion in this Colony, the matter was left open for future consideration. _ » The, Council are of opinion that the Assembly at the present time would not adopt the measure of " Confederation, public opinion not having yet been, sp, changed bythe action of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as to warrant the expeeta,tion that it could now be submitted either to the Legislature or the constituencies with a reasonable hope of success. ' , _ - , . (Signed) J. Pemister, I , Colonial SeCretg-ry. •■ " _■■ '':■[' •; ■ V* V :';, " No. 13. No. i3. Copy of a DESPATCH from Governor Musgrave to the Right Hon.. ;; ;' ' the Earl of Carnarvon. , (No. 117.) Government House, Newfoundland, August 7, 1866.^ ' ; ;■ (Eeceived, August ?7, 1866.) My Lord, (Answered, No. 8, August 30, 1866, J)age 157.) , ,, . : J HAVE the honour to forward a memorial ,to Her Majesty which has been jjresented to me for transmis.sion to your Lordship, of which the prayer is in substance that nothing may be done for the purpose of including Newfoundland in any scheme of Union with the other Provinces, until the question of Union shall have been definitely subtnitted to the people at a general election. I ant^ex a printed copy. 2. It is not vei;y obvious why any uneasiness should be felt on ;the point which causes apprehension, as no attempt has been made in the existing Assembly to force a decision on the question of Union, nor has it appeared that any such attempt was likely during the last session to be successful. The arguments used in. the memorial are weak and scarcely consistent, I do not in fact regard this document Or the manner in which it has been produced as of any importance, nor as indicating with any truth the present state of public feeling. ' ' ■ I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, (Signed) A. MUSGRAVE. &c &c, &c. f • • Enclosure in No. 13. End. In No. is. To Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. May it please Yodr Majesty, . . The Petition of the undersigned Merchants, Traders, Fishermen, and other inhabitants of Newfoundland, most humbly sheweth : — ' ' ' That under Your Majesty's gracious favoilr this Colony has for many years enjoyed the blessings and privileges of self government and local legislation, the impositiPn and appropriation of duties and taxes, and the general management of its local affairs. , That the sentiments of all classes of its people have been and still are of the most loyal and devoted character : that Its necessities or demands fot protection from the foreign enemy or from internal dis- turbance have never been a heavy burthen or a serious cost to the Imperial Exchequer ; whila from the fact of its staple products being confined to fish and oil, and the country having limited agricultural and no manufacturing resPUrcesi its chief import trade is prosecuted and its most intimate commercial relations are; held with Great Britain. Newfoundland, while holding a prominent and formidable position upon the Atlaiitic as the point nearest to England, iS practically more remote from the principal, ports of the Canadas than from Britain i itself, and, has never had any political and only minor commercial connexion with the former, a connexion which is entirely cut off by sea for nearly six months of the year, during which time there can be no communication with Canada excepti through the territories of ^A fo?eig-q powfer,. ithe United States, of America. The inhabitanitg. of .this Colony -wauldudeslre to see tfiis Island always retained separately by Britain as its ocean fortress and military outpost in this part - of the World, whatever might be the future destiny of the Colonies on the main land ; but let the value T 4 152 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Newfound- attached to her position in an Imperial view he what it may, the Colony has from its distinct trade and LAND. its different characteristics, ho community of interests with Upper or' Lower Canada, and little with the •: — other Maritime Provinces. The people regard therefore with grave apprehension and alarm any project which has for its object the union of the Island of Newfoundland with the other British North American dependencies of the Crown. Some reasons which might influence them to receive it with fayour are just those which make it undesirable for Newfoundland. The motives which in their case have actuated the policy of Great Britain for the promotion of the Scheme of Confederation are entirely wanting in ours. We are no cause of offence, we are not in the path of possible aggression, or in the way of attack, unless and until the national cause of Great Britain involves us in a common fate. We are a comparatively small burthen on the Home Government, and in the present condition of affairs obtain those supplies from Britain which we should, under the proposed Union, have in a great measure to abandon for the inferior manufactures of Colonies with which we have little trade. And yet, may it please your Majesty, it is proposed to include this Colony in a Confederation on the basis of the Quebec Convention of 1864, and by this measure to deprive her of those civil, constitutional, and territorial rights, which she has so long held and so dearly prized ; and for a loss so great there is no offer of a substantial return. Our taxation, already burdensome, will be assimilated to the much higher Canadian tariff. Our revenues will go to the Central Exchequer, and in return we shall receive a sum far below our present income, without any corresponding advantages. No matter how a rapidly growing population, the development of our resources, or our future necessities, may call for augmented supplies, not to speak of the constantly increasing demands for public improvements ; no matter how large at any time our contribution to the Federal finances may be, our receipts from it are proposed to b? permanently limited to 112,000/. per annum. The proposed Central Government will also possess the dangerous power to levy duties upon the exports of a Colony whose only wealth and industry lie in them, and which from its peculiar circumstances, will be utterly without the means of local taxation wherewith to promote public improvement or relieve its people from a pauperism which to some extent is necessarily chronic and frequently widespread and disastrous. ' ■ . . s r , , The chief exports of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are expressly exempt from the power of Federal taxation. , , The people of Newfoundland have no interest and can derive no benefit whatever fr6m the great public works of Canada^ existing or projected. There is no provision even made in the Quebec Con- vention for a connexion by lines of steamers between this Colony and the other Provinces on the one hand, and Great Britain on the other ; while for the North Western Territory guarantees for complete territorial connexion are contained. These are amongst the objections which apply to the Quebec Convention— pven if .the project of Union could on any basis be? made applicable or beneficial to this Colony, its trade ancj people. But the peculiar position and circumstances arising from the nature of its trade, its resources, and its geography are such that the Maritime Provinces in their original project of union never contem- plated the introduction of Newfoundland. Even when the Canadas proposed to unite with them this Colony was not included until after the convocation of Delegates at Quebec in the Autumn of 1864, when a request was made to our local Executive to send non-officia^ Delegates to be present at the proceedings. These Delegates were not clothed with any active authority. The express terms of the Convention show that Newfoundland was only provisionally referred to. The subject had never been a matter of popular inquiry or political consideration in this Colony up to that time. Public alarpi has been excited by the result of Idte elections in the continental Colonies, and by the fact that Delegates from them are, it is said, to proceed to Britain to negotiate a Scheme of Union. It is, with the view to convey to Your Majesty, our Grracious Sovereign, the aversion of this people to be considered at this time in any overtures or negotiations whatever that may be made or had, that Your Majesty's petitioners on their behalf humbly lay this petition at the foot of the Throne. If circumstances should hereafter arise to make it less objectionable than it now is for this Colony to be considered in any project of union with the rest of British North America, our people will. Your petitioners feel sure, lend a ready and loyal ear to the Imperial counsels.* In the meantime Your Majesty's petitioners believe the objections to be insuperable ; but if they be wrong the voice of all the people of the Colony may be taken at an early and convenient time. These people are at this time for the most part scattered and engaged in the avocations of the - fishery. And it is for this reason that, at this moment of alarm, these petitioners presume to lay before Your Majesty an expression of opinion, and to prefer a prayer which they believe to coincide with the wishes and feelings of the great majority of the people. In this view they are upheld by the action of the Legislature in its late Session, when, in reply ia the Governor's speech at the opening pf the Session, it was obliged to give some response to the reference made by him to the subject of Confederation. The reply of the Assembly was as follows : — " On the important subject of Confederation, in recognizing the solicitude of Her Majesty's Govern- ment for the welfare of this Colony, we concur in the view of your Excellency that the abstract advantages of union are so obvious as to be almost universally acknowledged ; whilst with regard to this Colony and on the details of so grave a measure, it is natural that much diversity of opinion should prevail. This is a matter which shall engage our serious attention." By this resolution the House of Assembly, being the representatives of the people, clearly excepted Newfoundland from the application of the principle of Confederation, and also objected to the measure in detail. The expression of opinion which accompanied and followed that passage in the address fully confirms this view, and, for example, the language of the Solicitor-General, who proposed the paragraph, was : — OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 153 " The only important words added to the original clause were — ' with regard to this Coloaiy and.' Newfound- This alteration would show that there is not only a diversity of opinion with regard to the detail, but land. also to the very principle itself. He (Hon. Solicitor-Greneral) desired to be understood that he not only opposed the Quebec Resolutions, but was altogether opposed to the principle of Confederation as far as this Colony is concerned." The Attorney-Greneral and Premier said : — " He endorsed the statement of the Hon. Solicitor-G-eneral with regard to the non-committal character of his amendment one way or another, and the Grcvernment had no desire or intention to adopt any course which would not be generally acceptable." " So far as he (Hon. Attorney-Greneral) was con- cerned, no measure should be attempted to force it on them in opposition to their wishes, to be gathered from the constitutional channels." And the Premier again subsequently expressed himself thus : — " The members of the Executive admitted distinctly when the amendment was agreed to that they did not regard it as affirming or denying the principle of Confederation." It was in this way and upon these terms and express understanding that the Address of the Assembly on this point was passed. Even the Imperial ,body, the Legislative Council, in its address to the same speech, reserved the definite determination for the Legislature at a future time. Your petitioners' loyal confidence in the assurances of Your Majesty's Ministers, contained in Despatches and openly expressed in Parliament, as well as the affectionate reliance of this people upon Your Majesty's just and gracious consideration of the premises, induce your petitioners thus boldly to adopt a course, which, while it may be unnecessary, is suggested and impelled by the contemplation of the powerful counter influences brought to bear upon a question of such solemn and serious import to Your Majesty's subjects, and by a desire to prevent or remove any possible misapprehension of the present sentiments of the people of Newfoundland, or of the position in which this Colony stands in regard to the Confederation project. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray Your Majesty that no negotiations may be had or projects entertained contemplating the present comprehension of this Colony in any Scheme of Union, with the other Provinces until this question, involving as it does the vital interests and future fate of this dependency of the Crown, shall have been definitely submitted to the people of Newfoundland at a general election of representatives to their House of Assembly. And, as in duty bound, they will ever pray, &c. St. John's, Newfoundland, July 4, 1866. Then follow 3,600 signatures. 16254, , U 154 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Despatches from the Secretary of State. Nevtpound- LAND. Nl». 1. No. 1. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edwaed Caedwell, M.P., to Governor Musgeave. (No. 4.) SiE, Downing Street, January 24, 1865. *Page 138. With reference to that portion of your Despatch No. l6* of the 27th December, which relates to the modification of the constitution of the Legislature, I have no doubt but that the simpler and more economical form which the Legislature would assume by being consolidated into a single Chamber of moderate numbers would be advantageous to the interests of the Colony; and I am of opinion that you should promote that object, by any suitable means within your power. You will hear from the Governor General what measures are bein^ taken in the other Provinces for obtaining the decision of the respective Legislatures. In the absence of . any very serious reason to the contrary, I think it most desirable to obtain that decision without delay. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARD WELL. &c. &c. No.. 2. No. 2. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edwaed Caedwell, M.P., to Governor Musgeave. (No. 9.) SiE, Downing Street, February 27, 1865. tPage 139. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 23,f of the 27th ultimo, forwarding copies of the speech with which you opened the session of the Legislature of Newfoundland. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 3, No. 3. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edwaed Caedwell, M.P., to Governor Musgeave. (No. 15.) SiB, Downing Street, March 17, 1865. t Page 189. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 27,J of the 23d February, in which you express your opinion that in the present state of the public feeling it would be unwise td press for an immediate decision on the question of the proposed Union, against the almost unanimous desire to defer it until the next session. With respect to the expediency of the decision you may adopt on this subject, I must rely upon the judgment you may form upon the spot with the aid of local information. I presume that there are strong objections to the course which has been pursued in the Province of New Brunswick, namely, an immediate dissolution, with a view to the consideration of the question of Union by the newly elected Legislature. Believing, however, that the adoption of the project would be very beneficial to the real interests of Newfoundland, I much regret the likelihood of delay ; and I should be very glad to hear that you were able to announce to me an early and favourable decision on the part of the Provincial Legislature. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROYINCES 155 No. 4. NEWPOTTiro- Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardweix, M.P., to Governor Musghave. No. 4 (No. 20.) Sib, DowningStreet, May 11, 1865, I HATE received your Despatch No. 40,* of the 19th of April, supplying some *^*s® ''*'• additional explanations of the course which you have pursued in reference to the question of Confederation of the North American Provinces. I do not doubt the soundness of the judgment which you formed on the subject, and I have the honour to express my approval of your proceedings. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 5. No. 5. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave, (No. 22.) Sir, Downing Street, May 12, 1865. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 35,f of the t^age i4o. 13th of April, enclosing a copy of the speech with which you closed the Legislative Session on the 7th ulL, together with a list of Bills passed by the Council and Assembly, and a copy of the resolution passed by the House of Assembly recommending that a final deci- sion on the question of the Union of the North American Provinces should be deferred to the next meeting of the Legislature. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 6. No. 6. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgjrave. (No. 31.) Sir, Downing Street, June 24, 1865. I HAVE the honour to transmit to you the copy of a correspondence between Vide Papers Viscount Monek and myself on the affi,irs of British North America, which have lately Pet.?, ises. formed the subject of conferences between Her Majesty's Government and a deputation from the Canadian Government. This correspondence having been presented to both Houses of the Imperial Parlia- ment by command of Her Majesty, I have to direct you to communicate it also to the Le^slature of Newfoundland at its next meeting. ,You will at the same time express the strong and deliberate opinion of Her Majesty's Government that it is an object much to be desired that all the British North American Colonies should agree to unite in one government. In the territorial extent of Canada, and in the maritime and commercial enterprise of the lower Provinces, Her Majesty's Government see the elements of power which only require to be combined in order to secure for the Province which shall possess them all a place among the most considerable '' communities of the world. In the spirit of loyalty to the British Crown, of attachment to British connexion, and of love for British institutions, by which all the Provinces are animated alike. Her Majesty's Government recognize the bond by which all may be combined under one government. Such an Union seems to Her Majesty's Government to recommend itself to the Provinces on many grounds of moral and material advantage, . as giving a well-founded prospect of improved administration and increased prosperity, Butthere is one consideration which Her Majesty's Government feel it more especially their duty to press upon the Legislature of Newfoundland. Looking to the determina- tion which this country has ever exhibited to regard the defence of the Colonies as a matter of Imperial concern, the Colonies must recognize a right and even acknowledge an obligation incumbent on the Home Government to urge with earnestness and just authority the measures which they consider to be most expedient on the part of the Colonies, with a view to their own defence. Nor can it be doubtful that the Provinces U 2 156 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION ''NEwrotnstD- of British North America are incapable when separate and divided from each other of J^ND. making those just and sufficient preparations for national defence which would be easily """ undertaken by a Province uniting in itself all the population and all the resources of the whole. I am aware that this project, so novel as well as so important, has not been at once accepted in the other Provinces with that cordiality which has marked its acceptance by the Legislature of Canada ; but Her Majesty's Government trust that after a full and careful examination of the subject in all its bearings the Maritime Provinces will perceive the great advantages which in the opinion of Her Majesty's Government the proposed Union is calculated to confer upon them all. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No, 7. No. 7. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave. (No. 36.) Sir, Downing Street, August 4, 1865. =^ Page 142. I have received your Despatch No. 64,* of the 11th July, reporting that you proposed to publish in the local Gazette my Despatch No. 31,f of the 24th June, with t Page 155. its enclosures, on the subject of the conferences held between Her Majesty's Government and a deputation from Canada. I have the honour to express to you my approval of this course. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) ' EDWARD CARDWELL. Sec. &c. No. 8. No. 8. Extract from a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave. ' (No. 42.) Sir, Downing Street, September 30, 1865. i Page 143. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 69, J of the 19th of August, accompanied by a copy of the last Annual Report of the Chamber of Commerce of St. John's, Newfoundland. ***** I am, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 9. No. 9. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave. (No. 52.) Sjjj Downing Street, December 20, 1865. 8 Page 144. ' I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 75,§ of the 14th of November, from which I learn with satisfaction the orderly and peaceable manner in which the proceedings of all parties were conducted during the recent general election. t. • • i -nt As regards the very important subject of the proposed Union of the British North American Provinces, I wish you clearly to understand not only that there is no change in the views of Her Majesty's Government, but that we hope that mature consideration will have satisfied the Lower Provinces of the advantages to be derived from such an Union. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 157 I rely upon your discretion in giving effect to the known wishes of Her Majesty's Newpounp- Government in the way most likely to be successful. land. I have, &c. "^^ Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 10. No. 10, Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.,.to Governor Musgrave. (No. 10.) Sir, Downing Street, March 23, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 91,* of the * Page us. 20th of February, enclosing a copy of the Speech with which you opened the Legislative Session of Newfoundland on the 30th January, together with copies of the Addresses which you received in reply from the Council and Assembly. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 11. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave. (No. 13.) Sir, Downing Street, April 14, 1866. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 97,f of the 21st of March, enclosing copy of Resolutions moved in the House of Assembly on the question of a Union of the British North American Provinces, and of the Amendment on these Resolutions which was adopted by the House. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL, &c. &c. No, 11. t Page 148. No. 12. No. 15 Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., to Governor Musgrave, (No. 15.) Sir, Downing Street, May 25, 1866. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 103, J of the {Page i. 1st May transmitting copies of the Speech with which you closed the Legislative Session on that day. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) EDWARD CARDWELL. &c. &c. No. 13 No. 13. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon to Governor Musgrave. (No. 8.) Sir, Downing Street, August 30, 1866. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 117,§ of the §i'age is 7th August, enclosing a Memorial to the Queen from certain inhabitants of New- foundland, praying that the Colony may not be included in any scheme of Union with the other Provinces until the question of Union shall have been submitted to the people at a general election. I have to request you to inform the memorialists that I have laid their Petition before Her Majesty. I have, &c. Governor Musgrave, (Signed) CARNARVON. &c. &c. U 3 158 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Appendix. APPENDIX. Report of Resolutions adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Colonies of Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, held at the city of Quebec, October 10, 1864, as the Basis of a proposed Confederation of those Pi^ovinces and Colonies. 1. The best interests and present and future prosperity of British North America will be promoted by a Federal Union under the -Crown of Great Britain, provided such Union can be effected on principles just to the several Provinces. 2. In the Federation of the British North American Provinces the system of govern- ment best adapted under existing circumstances to protect the diversified interests of the several Provinces, and secure efficiency, harmony, and permanency in the working of the Union, — would be a General Government charged with matters of common interest to the whole country, and Local Governments for each of the Canadas and for the Provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, charged with the control of local matters in their respective sections, provision being made for the admission into the Union on equitable terms of Newfoundland, the North-west Territory, British Columbia, and Vancouver. 3. In framing a Constitution for the General Government, the Conference, with a view to the perpetuation of our connexion with the Mother Country, and to the promotion o^ the best interests of the people of these Provinces, desire to follow the model of the British Constitution, so far as our circumstances will permit. 4. The Ejcecutive Authority or Government shall be vested in the Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and be administered according to the well understood principles of the British Constitution by the Sovereign personally or by the Representative of the Sovereign duly authorized. 5. The Sovereign or Representative of the Sovereign shall be Commander-in-Chief of the Land and Naval Militia Forces. 6. There shall be a General Legislature or Parliament for the Federated Provinces, composed of a Legislative Council and a House of Commons. 7. For the purpose of forming the Legislative Council, the Federated Provinces shall be considered as consisting of three divisions : — 1st, Upper Canada; 2nd, Lower Canada; 3rd. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island ; each division with an equal representation in the Legislative Council. 8. Upper Canada shall be represented in the Legislative Council by 24 members, Lower Canada by 24 members, and the three Maritime Provinces by 24 members, of which Nova Scotia shall have 10, New Brunswick 10, and Prince Edward Island four members. 9. The Colotiy of Newfoundland shall be entitled to enter the proposed Union, with' a representation in the Legislative Council of four members. 10. The North-west Territory, British Columbia, and Vancouver shall be admitted into the Union, on such terms and conditions as the Parliament of the Federated Pro- vinces shall deem equitable, and as shall receive the assent of Her Majesty ; and in the case of the Province of British Columbia or Varicouver, as shall be agreed to by the Legislature of such Province. 1 L The Members of the Legislative Council shall be appointed by the Crowri under the Great Seal of the General Governiinent, and shall hold office during life; if any Legislative Councillor shall, for two consecutive sessions of Parliament, fail to give his attendance in the said Council, his seat shall thereby become vacant. 12. The Membere of the Legislative Council shall be British subjects by birth or naturalization, of the full age of 30 years, shall possess a continuous real property qualifi- cation of four thousand dollars over and above all incumbrances, and shall be and con- tinue worth that sum over and above their debts and liabilities, but in the case of New- foundland and Prince Edward Island the property may be either real or personal. 13. If any question shall arise as to the qualification of a Legislative Councillor, the same shall be determined by the Council. OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. 159 14. The first selection of the Members of the Legislative Council shall be raaeJe, AptDsunc. except as regards Prince Edward Island, from the Legislative Councils of the various "■"*" Provinces, so far as a sufficient number be found qualified and willing to seiTe. Such Members shall be a|)pointed by the Crown at the recommendation of the General Exe- cutive Government, upon the nomination of the respective Local Governments ; and in such nomination due regard shall be had to the claims of the Members of the Legislative Council of the opposition in each Province, so that all political parties may as nearly as possible be fairly represented. 15. The Speaker of the Legislative Council (unless otherwise provided by Parliament) shall be appointed by the Crown from among the Members of the Legislative Council, and shall hold oflBce during pleasure, and shall only be entitled to a casting vote on an equality of votes. 16. Each of the 24 Legislative Councillors representing Lower Canada in the Legis- lative Council of the General Legislature shall be appointed to represent one of the 24 electoral divisions mentioned in Schedule A. of Chapter 1st of the Consolidated Statutes of Canada, and such Councillor shall reside or possess his qualification in the division he is appointed to represent. 17. The basis of Representation in the House of Commons shall be population, as determined by the official census every 10 years ; and the number of Members at first shall be 194, distributed as follows : Upper Canada - - - - 82 Lower Canada - - - - - 65 Nova Scotia - ■• - - - 19' New Brunswick - - - - 15 Newfoundland - - - - 8 and Prince Edward Island - - - 5 18. Until the official census of 1871 has been made up, there shall be no change in the number of Representatives from the several sections.- 19. Immediately after the completion of the census of 1871, and immediately aftei every decennial census thereafter, the represeintation from each section in the House of Commons shall be re-adjusted on the basis of population. 20. Eor the purpose of such re-adjustments. Lower Canada shall always be assigned 65 Members, and each of the other sections shall at each re-adjustment receive for the 10 years then next succeeding, the number of members to which it will be entitled on the same ratio of representation to population as Lower Canada will enjoy according to the census last taken by having 65 members. 21. No reduction shall be made in the number of Members returned by any section unless its population shall have decreased relatively to the population of the whole Union to the extent of five per centum. 22. In computing at each decennial period the number of Members to which each section is entitled, no fractional parts shall be considered unless when exceeding one-half the number entitling to a Member, in which case a Member shall be given for each snch fractional part. 23. The Legislature of each Province shall divide such Province into the proper number of constituencies, and define the boundaries of each of them. 24. The Local Legislature of each Province may, from time to time, alter the electoral districts for the purposes of representation in the House of Commons, and distribute the Representatives to which the Province is entitled, in any manner such Legislature may think fit. 25. The number of Members may at any time be increased by the General Parlia- ment, regard being had to the proportionate rights then existing. 26. Until provisions are made by the General Parliament, all the laws which at the date of the Proclamation constituting the Union are in force in the Provinces respectively relating to the qualification and disqualification of any person to be elected or to sit or vote as a Member of the Assembly in the said Provinces respectively — and relating to the qualification or disqualification of voters, and to the oaths to be taken by voters, and to Returning Officers and their powers and duties — and relating to the proceedings at elections, — ^and to the period during which such elections may be continued^ — ^and relating to the trial of controverted elections, and the proceedings incident thereto, — and relating to the vacating of seats of Members, — and the issuing and execution of new writs in case of any seat being, vacated otherwise than by a dissolution, — shall respec- tively apply to elections of Metnbers to serve in the House of Commons, for places situate in those Provinces respectively. 27. Every House of Commons shall continue for five years from the day of the return 160 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Appeijdix. of the writs choosing the same, and no longer, subject, nevertheless, to be sooner pro- ~"~ rpgued or dissolved by the Governor. 28. There shall be a Session of the General Parliament once at least in every year, so that a period of 12 calendar months shall not intervene between the last sitting of the General Parliament in one session and the first sitting thereof in the next session. 29. The General Parliament shall have power to make Laws for the peace, welfare and good Government of the Federated Provinces (saving the Sovereignty of England), and especially Laws respecting the following subjects : — 1. The Public Debt and Property. 2. The Regulation of Trade and Commerce. 3. The imposition or regulation of Duties of Customs on Imports and Exports, except on Exports of Timber, Logs, Masts, Spars, Deals, and Sawn Lumber, and of Coal and other minerals. 4. The imposition and regulation of Excise Duties. 5. The raising of money by all or any other modes or systems of Taxation. 6. The borrowing of money on the public credit. 7. Postal service. 8. Lines of Steam or other Ships, Railways, Canals and otjiier works, connecting any two or more of the Provinces together, or extending beyond the limits of any Province. 9. Lines of Steamships between the Federated Provinces and other Countries. 10. Telegraphic communication and the incorporation of Telegraph Companies. 11. All such works as shall, although lying wholly within any Province, be specially declared by the Acts authorizing them to be for the general advantage. 12. The Census. 13. Militia — Military and Naval Service and Defence. 14. Beacons, Buoys, and Lighthouses. 15. Navigation and Shipping. 16. Quarantine. 17. Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries. 18. Ferries between any Province and a Foreign Country, or between any two Provinces. 19. Currency and Coinage. 20. Banking, incorporation of Banks, and the issue of paper money. 21. Savings Banks. 22. Weights and Measures. 23. Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes. 24. Interest. • . 25. Legal Tender. 26. Bankruptcy and Insolvency. 27. Patents of Invention and Discovery. 28. Copyrights. 29. Indians and Lands reserved for the Indians. 30. Naturalization and Aliens. 31. Marriage and Divorce. 32. The Criminal Law, excepting the Constitution of Courts of Criminal Jurisdiction, but including the Procedure in Criminal matters. 33. Rendering uniform all or any of the laws relative to property and civil rights in Upper Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, and rendering uniform the procedure of all or any of the Courts in these Provinces ; but any Statute for this purpose shall have no force or authority in any Province until sanctioned by the Legislature thereof. 34. The establishment of a General Court of Appeal for the Federated Provinces. 35. Immigration. 36. Agriculture. 37. And generally respecting all matters of a general character, not specially and exclusively reserved for the Local Governments and Legislatures. 30. The General Government and Parliament, shall have all powers necessary or proper for performing the obligations of the Federated Provinces, as part of the British Empire, to Foreign Countries, arising under Treaties between Great Britain and such Countries. 31. The General jParliament may also from time to time establish additional Courts, and the General Government may" appoint Judges and Officers thereof, ^when the same shall appear necessary or for the public advantage, in order to the due execution of the laws of Parliament, OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. I6l 32. All Courts, Judges, and Officers of the several Provinces shall aid, assist, and obey .Appendix. the General Government in the exercise of its rights and powers, and fot such purposes shall be held to be Courts, Judges, and Officers of the General Government. 33. The General Government shall appoint and pay the Judges of the Superior Courts in each Province and of the County Courts of Upper Canada, and Parliament shall fix their salaries. 34. Until the Consolidation of the Laws of Upper Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island, the Judges of these Provinces appointed by the General Government shall be selected from their respective Bars. 35. The Judges of the Courts of Lower Canada shall be selected from the Bar of Lower Canada. 36. The Judges of the Court of Admiralty now receiving salaries shall be paid by the General Government. 37. The Judges of the Superior Courts shall hold their offices during good behaviour, and shall be removable only on the Address of both Houses of Parliament. Local Government. 38. For each of the Provinces there shall be ah Executive Officer, styled the Lieu- tenant-Governor, who shall be appointed by the Governor General in Council, under the Great Seal of the Federated' Provinces, during pleasure ; such pleasure not to be exercised before the expiration of the first five years, except for cause, such cause to be communicated in writing to the Lieutenant-Governor immediately after the exercise of the pleasure as aforesaid, and also by Messages to both Houses of Parliament, within the first week of the first Session afterwards. 39. The Lieutenant-Governor of each Province shall be paid by the General Govern- ment. 40. In undertaking to pay the salaries of the Lieutenant-Governors, the Conference does not desire to prejudice the claim of Prijnce Edward Island upon the Imperial Govern- ment for the amount now paid for the salary of the Lieutenant-Governor thereof. 4L The Local Government and Legislature of each Province shall be constructed in such manner as the existing Legislature of such Province shall provide. 42. The Local Legislatures shall have power to alter or amend their Constitution from time to time. 43. The Local Legislatures shall have power to make Laws respecting the following subjects : L Direct Taxation and the imposition of Duties on the export of Timber, Logs, Masts, Spars, Deals, and Sawn Lumber, and of Coals and other Minerals. 2. Borrowing Money on the credit of the Province. 3. The establishment and tenure of Local Offices, and the appointment and payment of Local Officers. 4. Agriculture. 5. Immigration. 6. Education ; saving the rights and privileges which the Protestant or Catholic minority in both Canadas may possess as to their Denominational Schools at the time when the Union goes into operation. 7. The sale and inanagement of Public Lands, excepting Lands belonging to the General Government. 8. Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries, 9. The establishment, maintenance, and management of Penitentiaries, and of Public and Reformatory Prisons. 10. The establishment, maintenance, and management of Hospitals, Asylums, Charities, and Eleemosynary Institutions. 11. Municipal Institutions, 12. Shop, Saloon, Tavern, Auctioneer, and other Licences, 13. Local Works, 14. The Incorporation of private or local Companies, except such as relate to matters assigned to the General Parliament. 15. Property and civil rights, excepting those portions thereof assigned to the General Parliament. 16. Inflicting punishment by 'fine, penalties, imprisonmient, or otherwise for the breach of laws passed in relation to any subject within their jurisdiction, 16254. X 162 COERESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION Ajrpendix. , 17. The Administration of Justice, including the constitution, mslintJenattcej' and — ^ organization of the Courts, both of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction j' and including also the Procedure in Civil Matters. 18. And generally all matters of a private or local nature, not assigned to the General Parliament., 44. The power of respiting, reprieving, and pardoning prisoners convicted of crimes, and of .commuting and remitting of sentences in whole pr in part, which belongs of right to the Crown, shall be administered by the Lieutenant-Governor of each Province in Council, subject to any instructions he may from time to time receive from the General Government, and subject to any provisions that may be made in this behalf by the General Parliament. Miscellaneous. • ■ 45. In regard to all subjects over which jurisdiction belongs to both the General and Local Legislatures, the laws of the General Parliament shall control and supersede those made by the Local Legislature, and the latter shall be void as far as ,they are repugnant to or inconsistent with the former. 46. Both the English and French languases may be employed in the General Parlia- ment and in its proceedings, and in the Local Legislature of Lower Canada, and also in the Eederal Courts and in the Courts of Lower Canada. 47. No lands or property belonging to the General pr Local Government shall be liable to taxation. ^ 48. All bills for appropriating any part of the public revenue, or for imposing any new tax or impost, shall originate in the House of Commons or the House of Assembly, as the case may be. 49. The Hbuse of Commons or House of Assembly shall not originate or pass any vote, resolution, address, or bill for the appropriation of any part of the public revenue, or of any tax or impost to any purpose, not first recommended by Message of the Governor-General or the Lieutenant-Governor, as the case may be, during the session in which such vote, resolution, address, or bill is passed.-' ■*■ 'i - 50. Any bill of .the General Parliament may be reserved in the usual manner for Her Majesty's assent j and any bill pf the Local Legislatures, may in like manner be reserved; for the consideration of the Governor- General. ,«. 51. Any bill passed by the General Parliament shall be subject to disallowance by Her Majesty within two years, as in the case of bills passed by the Legislatures of the said Provinces hithertb", and in like manner any bill passed by a Local Legislature shall be subject to disallowance by the Governor-General within one year after the passing thereof. 52. The seat of Government of the Federated Provinces shall be Otta^va, subject to the Royal Prerogative. ' 53. 'Subject to any future action of the respective Local Governments, the seat of the Local Government in Upper Canada shall be Toronto ; of Lower Canada, Quebec ; and the seats of the Local Governments in the other Provinces shall be as at present. Property and Liabilities. 54. All stocks, cash, bankers' balances, and securities for money belpnging to each Province at the time of the Union, except as herein-after mentioned, shall belprig to the General Government. 55. The following public works and property of each Province shall belong to the General Government, to wit : — 1. Canals ; 2. Public harbours ; 3. Lighthouses and piers ; 4. Steamboats, dredges, and public vessels ; 5. River and lake improvements ; 6. Railway, and railway stocks, mortgages, and other debts due by railway companies ; ■ 7. Military roads ; , saor' 8. Custom houses, post offices, and oth r public buildings, except such as may be 000,000 dollars. But this stipulation is in no respect intended to limit the powers given to the respective Governments of those Provinces by legislative authority, but only to determine the maximum amount of charge to be assumed by the General Government. 61. In case Nova Scotia or New Brunswick should not have contracted debts at the date of Union equal to the amount witli which they are respectively entitled to enter the Confederation, they shall receive by half-yearly payment, in advance from the General Government the interest at 5 per cent, on the difference between the actual amount of their respective debts and such stipulated amounts. 62. In consideration of the transfer to the General Parliament of the powers of taxation, the following sums shall be paid by the General Government to each Province for the support of their Local Governments and Legislatures : — S Upper Canada - - - - 80,000 Lower Canada . - - - 70,000 Nova Scotia ... - 60,000 New Brunswick - - - - 50,000 Appendix. 260,000 And an annual grant in aid of each Province shall be made equal to 80 cents per head of the population, as established by the census of 1861 ; and in the case of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by each subsequent decennial census, until the population of each of those Provinces shall amount to 400,000 souls, at which rate it shall thereafter remain. Such aid shall be in full settlement of all future demands upon the General Government for local purposes, and shall be paid half-yearly in advance to each Province ; but the General Government shall deduct from such subsidy all sums paid as interest on the public debt of any Province in excess of the amount provided under the 60th resolution. 63. The position of New Brunswick being such as to entail large immediate charges upon her local revenues, it -is agreed that for the period often years from the time when the Union takes effect an additional allowance of 63,000 dollars per annum shall be made to that Province ; but that so long as the liability of that Province remains under 7,000,000 dollars, a deduction equal to the interest on such deficiency shall be made from the 63,000 dollars. 64. All engagements that may before the Union be entered mto with the Imperial Government for the defence of the country shall be assumed by the General Government. • i , 65. The construction of the Intercolonial Railway bemg essential to the consolidation of the Union of British North America, and to the assent of the Maritime Provinces thereto, it is agreed that provision be made for its immediate construction by the General Government, and that the Imperial guarantee for £3,000jO00 sterling pledged for this rk be applied thereto, so soon as the necessary authority has been obtained from the Imperial Parliament. .,. , ^, i. , rp -, . j .i, ■ 66. The communication with the North-western ierritory, and the improvements required for the development of the trade of the great west with the seaboard, are ^ Y 4 170 CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING THE PROPOSED UNION. Appendix, regarded by this Conference as subjects of the highest importance to the Confederatibu, — and shall be prosecuted at the earliest possible period that the state of the finances will permit. 67. The sanction of the Imperial Parliament shall be sought for the Union "of the Provinces on the principles adopted by this Conference. 68. That Her Majesty the Queen be solicited to determine the rank and name of the Confederation. 69. That a copy of these resolutions, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Conference, be transmitted to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies. ( Signed) John A. Macdonald, Chairman. H. Bernard, Secretary. LONDON: Printed by Geoese E. Etbe and William Sfottiswoods, Printers to the Queen's mbst Excellent Majesty. For Her Majesty's Stationery Oi&ce. Tsmmmimmmmm [TISHilOM'H AMERICAN P CORRESPONDENCE / \ RESPECTING THE PEOPOSED TJNIONi OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. ( (In continuation of Papers presented 7th February 1865.^ f « senteir ttrtJotS ^t)ust£i of farlmnttnt ftp CommanU of ^er iHalftp 8fh February 1867- / LONDON: PRINTED BY GEOEGE EDWARD EYRE AND WILLIAM SPOTTISWOODE, PKINTEES TO THE QUEEN'S MOST "EXCELLENT MAJESTY. FOR HER MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE. 1867,