^nj .A ^< ^«^. IMAGE EVALUAT30N TEST TARGET (MT-3) ! % (^.r :/. f/. 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■- IIM |50 "■ = " 112 M 2.2 m ^ 1^ 110 iA III 1.6 V] <^ /# Am 'e). cT: m .>* ^^^ W i3%.. .'v ".> *# C^ / / w Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14560 (716) 872-4503 A iV 'S^ *> ^ % y^. ^ > 'V^ %^ .V ^^"."^L^ ,%> 41^ (/a w^.\% CiHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Cfinadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut canadien de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes tachniques et bibliographiques The toti The Institute has attempted to obtain the bast uriginal copy available for filming. Features of thiit copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. n Coloured covers/ Couverture de coulaur I I Covers damaged/ D □ a n Couverture endommagee Covers restored and/or aminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pellicul^e □ Cover title missing/ Le tit itre de couverture manque □ Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiques en couleur D Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de coulaur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ ?lanches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Relii avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ Lareliure serree peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distorsion le long de la marge intdrieura Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajout^es lots d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsqije cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6ti filmdes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplementaires; L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a eti possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-^tre uniques du poirjt de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite. ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mithode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. □ Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur □ Pages damaged/ Pages endommagees □ Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaurdes et/ou pelliculdes ~~7\ Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ D Pages ddcolorees, tachetees ou piquees Pages detached/ Pages d^tachees Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of prir Quality in^gale de I'impression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du materiel supplementaire idition available/ Edition disponible [~n Pages detached/ r"T| Showthrough/ r~| Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ □ Only edition available/ Seule Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata. une pelure. etc.. cnt 6td filmdes A nouveau de facon a obtenir \pt meilleure image possible. The post of tl film Orig begi the 8io:t oth( first sion or il The fhal TINI whli Mar diff( entii begi righ reqi met This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmd au taux de reduction indiqui ci-dessous. 10X 14> 18X 22X 26X SOX J 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X The copy filmod hare has bean reproduced thanks to the generosity of: BibMothdque nationale du Quebec L'exemplaira filmi fut reproduit grflce d la gin^rositi de: BibMothdque nationaie du Quebec The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in Iceeping with the filming contract specifications. Les images suivantes ont et6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, comptu tenu de la condition at de la nettetd de I'exemplairo film6. at en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sio:i, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprim6e sent fiimds en commenpant par le premier plat at en terminant soit par la dernidre page qui comporte une empreinla d'impresslon ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont film6s en commen9ant par la premidre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impresslon ou d'illustration at en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche fhall contain the symbol — ^ (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or ihB symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un dims symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols -^ signifie "A SUiVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmod at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as m&ny frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d ties taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour 6tre reproduit en un seul ciichd, Fl est film6 d partir de I'angle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m6thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 T AN 5 • yc V H^ EXAMINATION OF THE PROPOSED UNION OP \ THE NORTH AMERICAN PROVINCES. BV JUDGE MARSHALL. tcl* .il l' I ^ e HALIFAX, N. S. PIUNTED BY MACNAB & SHAFFER, 18G5. • « » * • : . ■ . t It* • IS tl] hi \v re ra o\ (1( 111 e> IK y< cc ai at tc le b( to b( til P( he in 01 ar ai sc UI INTRODUCTION The proposed Confederation of these Nortli American Provinces is a subject of such magnitude ; and not only affects so vitally, all the secular or material interests of their present populations, but has such an important bearing on future generations, that it is well it is so universally engaging attention and thought, and receiving so much public discussion. None of the Provinces is more deei)ly interested on both those views of the subject than our own Nova Scotia. As one of its native population, and earnestly desiring its well-foii.nded and advancing prosperity, I cannot feel unconcerned on this confessedly great subject, which has such an extensive relation to^ the general welfiire. I can truly say that it is, no small matter of a political nature, which, at my very advanced- years, and from other personal circumstances, would induce me to. come forward from comparative retirement, as to secular public life and engage in its perplexing, and often annoying discussions. But at this critical period of our history, I feel it to be a patriotic duty,, to afford to the people of my native land, any measure of know- ledge I possess ; and to offer such hints or suggestions, as may be likely to assist in the discussion of the subject, and contribute towards enlarging or elucidating the views under which it should bo regarded, and which its vast importance demands. I can, fur- ther, sincerely say, — and 1 think none who know me, and my personal circumstances, can doubt it, — that I neither have, or can have any motive of an interested description to bias or prejudice »"y judgment. Neither desires, nor prospects of pecuniary gain,. or aspirations after official distinction, or political prominence^ have anything to do with my thoughts or writing on the subject. As to any family considerations, I am equally free and unbiassed. But some objector may say, If such be your comparatively retired and unbiassed position, as to political atlairs, why should you enter into '2 this pul)lic discussion ? Why not leave it altogetlicr to the ofTiciuK and other acting politicians ol' tlie day? I have said already, my motive is to assist, — though It may be only in a humble measure, — in the full elucidation of tliis proposed union. I may fm-ther I'omarl:, that artuig and adicc politicians, as a class, arc very far from being the persons, who are the most unl)iassod, and regardless of interested considerations and purposes ; and actuated solely by patriotic views and motives, but, with very rare exceptions, are ({uite the reverse. There is, therefore, the more need, that on every important subject like the present, those who possess any knowledge concerning it, likeh' to be useful in its discussion, as regards the population in general, shoidd in some mode or other, offer it for consideration. This is a moral, as well as social duty. But, an objector, or even one honestly desirous of ascertaining as far as possible, the facts and actual truth on this subject, maj- fairly enquire, how far I — who am not professedly engaged in political affairs, — am qualified to write concerning it, in an}^ intelligent and profitable manner. Well, as an answer to any such supposed en- (piiry, I will first say, that it was either my privilege or misfortune, in an early part of my life, to be actively engaged in political affairs, in our Provincial Legislature, for many years ; and botli wrote and spoke, rather at large on those affairs, as they related to our own country, as well as our sister Colonies. Moreover, since my retirement from that sphere of engagements, I have not been an inattentive observer of the political movements and events Avhich have been transpiring among us. Even, further, 1 may say, that I have repeatedly gone over this Province, and am extensively acquainted with its numerous resources and advantages ; and with all classes and descriptions of our population. I have also passed through considerable portions of New Brunswick, Piince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, and have seen more of Canada, than almost any other inhabitant of this Province. In this last-mention- ed truly great country, I dwelt nearly two years, during which 1 travelled from Quebec to London-, — a distance of over eight hun- dred miles, — visited almost all the principal towns, especially in the Upper or Western region — upwards of one hundred places in all— man}^ of them forty, fifty, or more miles from the great lakes, even to some of the more remote settlements ; mixed with neai'ly all classes of tlio po[)ulation ; l)cc'amo even move than generally ucnnahited with the niainiors and modes of living of its varieties as to conntrv, and in other important particulars ; also with the chief natural resources and advantages of the countr}', its princi- pal interests, some of Its political affairs, and its social condition in general. Tliese which I have mentioned, arc the chief particulars of knowledge, whirh may well be sui)posed to qualify mc to write on most, if not all. of the chief subjects involved in this proposed confederation. 1 now proceed to ofFer facts, rcmarlis, and arguments concerning the subject, under the following lieads : I. On Confedorations of States and Topnlations, viewed as a general subject. II. Remarks on the Report of the Nova Scotia Delegates, regard- ing the proposed Confederation, as exhibited in their speeches in the late public )neetings in Halifax, held on the subject. III. Proposed articles of Confedoration ; and herein, of The General rarliamont, and General Government, and their exclusive Rights and Rowers, on the following subjects : — 1, Rublic Debts, liorrowiug i\Ioney, &c. — 2, Trade and Commerce. — o, Duties, Taxation, ,-,,,, h„t as to real union an.l har- mony only injorni, continuiMl to tlic lii-esont day. Those seeds of dissutisraction and discord, wliicli no iunnan sivill, or wdtteii ar- ticles, or systems, can overcome or remove, still remained. The elements and causes of those discords and political strifes, which from tiie fn-it were continually carried forward amonc. them, pro- ceeded from radical tUm'silies between the northern an.l southern sections, not merely as to freedom and slavery ; but also, as to lavouring and restraining rej-idations ; and further, from dilferencos as to certain institutions and occupations ; and more especially, re- garding their rcsp:^ctivo secular or material interests. To" their great discredit, those discords were in constant and most unbe- coming activity, even in their Legislative Halls ; and produced oc (^as,onally acts of personal ouirago. At length those violent con- tentions, suddenly eventuated in the present most desolatino an' what sort of people politicians are, and the natural feelings as to crKintry, who do3s n(.)t see from t'aose num- bers, that on any subject (and there wouM be many) where the in- terests of Canada at large were opj)osite to those of the Lower Pro- vinces tho result would be against us ; i'ov tiiore would be 147 to 47 in one riouse, and 48 to 24 in the other. Or suppose cases, — and there would be su^-h, — where Canadian interests would be con- trary to tiiose of Xova Scotia alone; there would hQ at tho least, t'ne 147 to VJ, and. 48 to 10, and who can doubt wluit would be the results. Our lion. Provincial Secretary, who has been more aware and astute on this point thaii Mr. McCully, and has antici!)ated tho dilllcultv. proposes to nullify or get over il, by the .'lelegates, in these Provinces, forming a body, like a certai;i brigade in the Bri- tish House of Commons ; and where circumstances of policy re- quired it, take advantage of tlio jealousies, divisions and strife be- tween Upper and Lower Canada, which always }vm'q. existed, and most probably always will, and from time to time, as those sec- tional questions and controversies arose, throwing our weight on one side or the other as might seem expedient. To sliow that, here, E am not treating the Hon. gentleman wilii any injustice, I give the words of his s[;oech. " You will find, therefore, that while these two Sections, are thus divided, the 47 representatives must be insignificant men indeed, if tiic interests and prosperity of the Maritime Provinces can be jeopardized in a rarliament of 194 men." I leave it to the judgment of any sensible man, if those expressions do not evidently point to such a course as I have intimated. To say the least, it would be atlbrding a temptation to do evil, that in 13 possibly sojiie good might in some way, and on sonic other occn* sion, be attaincHh Sucli a course, Avould, also, bo increasing and enlarging the causes and evils of the discords and strifes which aU ways prevail in political Assemblies. ]\rorcover let it be remem- bered, that in cases of that kind, there are such things as retaliations and retributions; and we. of these Lower Trovinces, or one or other of them, would inevitably, by adopting such a course, have the re- taliation inflicted ; and perhaps beyond measure. JMy own parlia- mentary experience has informed me, that this has been done ; and I may very well presume, that I'arliaments, and [loliticians, are not more immaculate now, than they were 50 years back. And now, I must make a few remarks, as to Mv. I^IcCully's statements of the respective numbers of the present populations in the several Trovinces. He says, at first, — "Wo have a porjulation in the maritime Provinces, and the Canadas of nearly four inillion!^" Shortly after, he gave the details of the numbers, as follows— "The population of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, is about GOO.OOO in all, in round numbers ; whil:;=t that of Tapper Canada alone, is 1,300,000;" and further on, mentioning Lower Canada, he says, " Here were a million of people." Well, he is correct enough in these details ; but on summing them up, we find they amount to 2,900,000 ; only 1,100,000 short of Mr. Mc- CuUy's four millions first announced. On these points, Mr. Archi- bald has not committed himself, as to numbers, but without consulting Dr. Cumming, of London, whetlier the world will remain until 18GG, he has given us ihGinophecy, that in that year '' the pop»i- lation will be full -1,000)000." Well take this, in connection witli ' Mr. jMcCuUy's correct number of 2,000,000 there must be an in- crease of 1,100,000 in two years, chietly by immigration; r>oO,000 each year,— which is rather an extravagant supposition. But all this, is only a mortal uninspired prophecy ; and should it be ful- filled, it would further increase the overwhelming power and intlu- cnce of Canada, over these Provinces, as nearly the whole of the immigration would be to tlie former country. The Provincial Secre- tary has twice mentioned, in the most iiositlve terms, that tlie present population of these Provinces is full four millions. Surely these hon. gentlemen sUindd have made their statements legarding this part of the scheme, as to numbers, something more harmonious 14 and correct. I have thus commented on this point, chiefly to show that such discordant statements concerning it, furnish a good rea- son for distrust, as to asserted facts and figures, and on other particulars relating to the proposed federation. As to the ne- cessity for the contemplated Union, Mr. McCully has in his argu- ment expressly assumed it ; but neither he, or his colleagues have given real facts or reasons to show any such necessity. Now this is the very first, and all important point to be proved^ not assumed. They have, it is true, dealt very largely, in suppositions and as- sumptions, and even called to their aid visions of quickly established and future and ever increasing greatness, and also announced various predictions, or prophecies, but all such mere suppositious on any subject, are of little if any importance ; and certainl}' , of none whatever, on any such a deeply momentous and practical sub- ject as the one under notice. We reasonably' demand facts, and sound convincing reasons ; and no doubt these learned gentlemen have sought and called for them, but they have not been found, be- cause they do not exist. But one fact, has, indeed, been men- tioned, by two of the delegates, Messrs. McCuliy and Tupper, — and exhibited in such a strenuous manner, that it would seem, as though it were the only available one which could be found. It is this, that when this projected Union became known in Great Bri- tain, the debentures on securities of these Provinces, rose in the Stock Market. This may be assumed to be correct. But under all the views that may be taken of the fact, not much importance can be attached to it. Whatever was and is true, as to the previous value of our Nova Scotia securities, — and they were better than those of Canada, — that country, notwithstanding its vast and most valuable resources, and means of various descriptions, was, not very long ago, by its extravagant expenditures, and by other causes, brought almost to the eve or crisis of deep distress, if not bankruptcy, as to financial affairs ; and very naturall}'^ its public securities in the parent country fell far below par, as low as 23 or 24 per cent., as the Hon. Mr. Dorion, one of the leading statesmen, has very recently declared, in the face of his country in a public and published speech. No doubt the holders of these securities would be rejoiced to hear that these three or four I'rovinccs were going to unite with Canada and form this proposed extensive feder- 15 ation. This would of course increase their security for the Canada debt. It would be with them like the case of a creditor whose debtor was near or threatened with insolvency, and on the former hearing of the latter becoming a partner with persons who were in better circumstances, the creditor would immediately conclude thai; his prospect of obtaining his debt was much improved, and would rejoice iiccordingly. As to the traffic, in securities, or stoclc jobbing, as it is frequently, and not improperly called, — a business not always conducted in the most honest and reputable manner,— it is ever of the most un- certain and Jluctuatiiig character. The stocks or securities going up to-day, and down to-morrow, in successive alternations, afford no certain guarantee for a state of permanent good credit and se- curity, as to any public or other debt, or money transaction. In the case under remark, although in the prospect of Union, the pub- lic securities rose in some degree, they might, even very shortly after a Union, fall as low as before ; especially as the debt of all the Provinces, at present, erroneously stated at only 82| millions, would, directly after federation, by making the intercolonial rail- way, and by other expenses, be raised to nearly 112 millions, even according to the calculations of Mr. Archibald ; and to 125 millions, if the Hon. Mr. Dorion's statements are adopted. He says, " the present debt of Canada, is at least 75 millions ; and one would suppose, that he knows this to be the fact, or he would not so boldly state it, in his speech to his country. Here is a difference of only 13 millions. See how little dependence is to be placed on statements of public debts, even at the present time, and as to the future, they are without the slightest value. The same has ever been true, in the history of all countries. In one part of Mr. Mc- CuUy's speech, he dwelt on his rapturous emotions, on personally viewino- some years ago, the prosperous condition of certain por- tions of the United States. We all know, how deplorably different it has been for a few years past, and, most probably, will continue to be, even for years longer ; yet, their Union was formed by wise and patriotic Statesmen, and with most earnest and long continued deliberation. It carried within it, however, the seeds or elements of discords, and dissolution ; and so would the one now proposed, though, perhaps, not to the s-arae extent. I " " am far from agreeing 16 •with j^.Ir. McCully, as to any very important dilFerenco between the federation in the United States, and the one now proposed, except as I shall at present, in part, and hereafter morefully show, that theirs was more favourable to the rights, powers, and interests of the respective States, than the one intended for us. Tlu'n had a Congress for the wh:>le Union. We are to have a General Parlia- ment, and General Government at Ottawa. They had Local Legis- latures, and Executive GovernmeLls, and we are to have them also ; but with greatly inferior riglits and powers. Tlie subjects for Legislation and Executive power ] y Congress und the Pro- vinces, were for the most part specially defmed and mentioned. The same is proposed, as to the General Parliament, and General Executive Government, for these Provinces ; and the powers they are to exercise, are first specified in 36 articles ; and then an addi- tional and sweeping one, is added over all subjects and things of a general nature, not specitically mentioned. It is true enongii, as alreaily intimated, that the specification of the rights and powers of the Legislature, in the several States, in the American federation, were more extensive, than they are in the federation proposed for these Provinces. According to the articles submitted, our Local Leo'i.-ilature could not make any reguktions, as to steamboats run- ning between Windsor and St. John, — Annapolis and St. John, — Pictou and Charlottetown, — to Quebec ; or from any of our ports, to any place in any of these Provinces ; or to otiier countries, but all such regulations would be made by the General Parliament. The same would be the case regarding our Provincial banks, as to their incorporation, the value and form of their notes, and on all other material points ; and also regarding Savings' l^anks. The same as to bridges as the boundaries between Provinces, — regard- ing sailing vessels ; and even as to the smaller matters of buoys, beacons, sea-coast and inland lisheries, ferries between Provinces ; and on several other local matters. But I forbear to go further here, for all the articles will be set out and fully commented on in the next Section. I cannot, however, forbear to express my sur- prise, and even disi)leasure, that these honorable delegates, being natives of the Province, should have thought it expedient ov proper to place their native land under such restrictive and humiliating circumstances. The proposed union will indeed bring our local 17 reen tlie , except )w, that 'rests of '/ had a I Parlia- al Legis- ve thciii subjects the Pro- ntionetl. General ers they an ad (li- ngs of a ongi}, as lowers of leration, losed for ur Local 3ats ran- John, — ur ports, rics, but diament. cs, as to lid on all cs. The — regard - f buoys, ovinces ; ) further id on in my sur- s, behig )r proper miliating >ur local Legislature down to a position little, if at all better, than that of a municipal Corporation. Mr. INIcCully takes credit for the delegates, that they had among other subjects, reserved for the sole authority, and regulation of the Local Legislature, those of Sea Coast and inland fisheries, and public works, Asylums, and all charities, local works, &c., but he forgot, or omitted to mention, tliat as to all such fisheries, and public works, the General Parliament has also the same power, as well as regarding Provincial agriculture, and Immigration. He also omit- ted to mention, the following articles of the schem?, — '-That in re- gard to all subjects, over which jurisdiction belongs to both the General and Local Legislatures, the laws of the General Parlia- ment, shall control and supersede those made by the Local Legis- lature ; and the latter shall be void so far as they are contrary to, or inconsistent with the former." After this, where is the local exclusive rihgt, or privilege as to all sea and inland fisheries, and public works? Surely, it is no great concession, that we are to be permitted to manage our own asylums, and charities. Of course the General Parlianicnt will not wish to be troubled with the care and regulation of our hospitals, and Penitentiaries, — our Deaf and Dumb Institutions, — Homes for the aged, or orphan asylums, any more than for the appointment and regulation of all County and township officers, Highways, and by-ways, gaols, taverns, &c., &c. I must however do Mr. McCully the justice to commend as candid and liberal, the following sentiments to which he gave utter- ance : — " Let the question be examined in all its details ; Let every man bring his best mind to the consideration of the subject ; and if, after due deliberation, the scheme cannot be recommended, let it perish, say I." And here, for the present, I close my remarks on this Hon'ble Gentleman's Speech. Adams Archibald, Esq., M.P.P. The first part of this gentle- man's briefly reported speech, requiring comment, is that, where he contrasted the taxation per head, between the population of the L^^ lilted Kiugdoin, and that of this Province ; anci then went on, to urge the necessity for the people of the Provinces, doing more than they have yet done in the wa}^ of defence ; and referred to " the feeling that existed in England on the subject." Does the learned 18 gentleman by that contrast cs to taxation in the United Kingdom, and here — and ours being proportionately so lov' — think it a most desirable and proi^ei- thing that ours should be increased ; and does he mean that we, by any neglect as to defences, are charged with blame as to that heavy burden of taxation in the United Kingdom. The tone of his remarks evidently point to sueli conclusions. Such a style of speech on the subject would be scarcely excusable in a Roebuck, a Cobden, a Bright, and others of their party, as to the Colonies, because it would not be well founded or true, at least as regards this Province. But it was not either suitable or correct in Mr. Archibald, a native inhabitant of this Province, to indulge in any such a style of remark. If we look at the real facts on this subject of imperial taxation, for our benefit, it will be found such as to leave us unblameable. Surely we are not accountable for any ditferent state of the matter in Van Dieman's land and other British possessions in the Australian and Pacific regions, China and other ijossessions in the east ; in Africa or elsewhere. We pay all the charges of our own Civil Establishment, from the Lieutenant Go- vernor down to the lowest official. T' a few hundreds of pounds, or perhaps a thousand or two, paid by the Imperial Government, for a few ecclesiastical or special civil purposes, do not deserve even to be thought of in relation to this subject. The only assumed ground of complaint or charge is the maintenance of the military forces. This may very readily and fairly be answered and put down. The Imperial Government has, for at least a century past, kept up a large standing army, and although for nearly the last fifty years, bince the close of the struggle with the great Napoleon^ the United Kingdom has enjoyed a state of peace, with the excep- tion of the two raids on China, which required but a comparatively small force, the Crimean war and the Sepoy rebellion, she has all along kept up her military legions to about the same numerical standard, even for the last four oi' five j^ears, though at peace with all nations. During this period, under the pretence of the dread of an invasion from some power, she has thus acted. Surely she has never been afraid of invasion by Russia, Austria, or Prussm. And as to France, neither is there in reality any more grounds for appre- hension, for there is both a political and commercial treaty between the tvvo nations. Yet under the assumed apprehension of an inva- 19 ingdom, a most Liul does ^ed with ingdoin. i. Such ble in a 5 to the least as (irect in lulge in on this nd such ! for any [• British id other ' all the lant Go- pounds, jrnment, rve even issumed military and put ry past, the last apoleon, 3 excep- iratively has all jraerical ace with dread of she has ■I, And >r appre- between an inva- sion from that quarter Great Britain's military and naval forcei have not only been fully maintained, but the latter greatly in- creased ; and also other naval defences. In view of these friendly treaties — to speak the plain truth — it was scarcely courteous or civil towards the French Ruler to feel or express any such appre- hension. He is indeed cluugeable with many and great faults and arbitrary and severe acts, but there is not the slightest good reason to suppose that he ever had anv intention or thought of the kind. If his great predecessor of the same name, could not even enter upon it, though long threatening and preparing for the accomplish- ment, the present ruler might well be restrained from any such at- tempt, even if he had any desire that way. It was, to use a homely phrase, only a political bugbear, to assist towards keeping up the same standard of the national force. Political rulers are always disposed in that direction, and having the state power and mean?, in their hands, they can always lind some excuse, or frame and ex- hibit some vision of danger sufficient to etfect their purpose. There are too many supporting placemen, too many offshoots of the no- bility and other aristocracy now in commission, and others in ex- pectancy, to be provided for, to admit of any material reduction of the military force. If the whole of it now in the American colonies and in others also, were instantly withdrawn, not a single regiment or company would be reduced. It would not answsr to have them all at the Horse Guards at Hyde Park, at Aldershott, at Edin- burgh, Dublin, the Curragh of Kildare, and other parts of the United Kingdom, As to national expenses, the troops can on the whole be maintained at a less cost here, where provisions are cheaper, than at those stations or in any other parts of the United . Kingdom. The talk, therefore, whether there or ?iere about our be-- ing chargeable with any portion of the burden of taxation on. the people of the parent state, is without any real or just fouudatioiii Moreover, the imputations and remarks of Mr. Archibald aiid others, on this point are now quite out of place and time, for they know that within the two years past, and shortly after the Trent affair, the volunteer and militia systems were established, and have been extensivel}' and rapidly going forward in all these- Provinces ; so much 80, indeed, as to include all who are capable and reasonably liable for the service of military defence against foreign aggression* n iii«pipiii.w,« # 20 That style of remark as to our imputed delmquency Avas quite un- suitable, and improper ; but it was an adtlition to other scemiu.o; plausable reasons in support of this Confederation scheme as no truly valid or weighty facts or ar<:^umcnts could be found to recom- mend it. For the reason I have given, it is not at^all probable, that in our present circum'itances any of the Impcrial^nilitary force will be withdrawn from us. But I admit that it is possible, that if this Confederation should take place, and it becomes at once such a mighty power,— though the population would actually be the same as now,— the Imperial CJoverument, with some good reason, might say, now that you have, in your own estimation, become such a powerful {)eople, so fully able to protect yourselves against all attempts at aggression, yon do not need our assistance, and might accordin.crly withdraw the whole of her military force. Whatever may be sJld of our Province generally, from what I know of man- kind in general, I cannot imagine that our merchants or tradesmen, and those of other occupations, would be filled with admiration and joy at the change. Now I will neither commend, nor recommend the feeling or sentiment of the man who when told that he should do certain things for the good of posterity said, "What do I care about posterity, what has posterity done for me." But I will say that it will be neither prudent nor proper for the people of Halifax or the Province generally, to relinquish or peril present security and steadily increasing prosperity for mere suppositions or visions of greatness at some future and uncertain period. As to Mr. Archibald's figures they are nearly throughout quite unreliable. The very first item— that of the debt of Canada— in- stead of G2 millions of dollars, as he puts it, is 75 millions, as al- K^ady shown by the Hon. Mr. Dorion's positive statement— and he is'a leading politician of that country. The debt of Nova Scotia ai\d New Brunswick are probably correct or nearly so, but what they may be in two or more years to come, considering all the pro- jected railways, even Mr. Archibald cannot by any prophecies in- form lis. His calculations as to additional expenses in the event of confederation are altogether conjectural and far below what would be the reality. But the calculations as to these will be separately analyzed i nd exposed in the next section. There are other points in Mr. Archibald's speech, which might be noticed here, but it will 21 iiite uii- B as no rceom- robable, iry force )le, that at once ly be the 1 reason, »me such ainst all id might rhatever of raan- idesmen, tion and ommend e should lo I care will say Halifax security : visions )ut quite ada — in- is, as al- — and he v'a Scotia )ut what the pro- lecies in- he event lat would eparatel}'^ er points )ut it will be more approi)riate and convcnienc to remark on them in some Mubse(iuent pages. Hon. Troviucial Secretary. In the earlier part of this gentle- man's speech, in his usual flowing and energetic style of address, he spoke of the rapidly advancing [)rosperity of these Nortii Ameri- can colonies, and of the consequent .lecessity of " removing the swaddling bands of hifancy," and of " obtaining an improved Con- stitution." He is right as. to the fact of great prosperity, but I deny his conclusion that this affords a necessity for a ciiange as to Constituti(jn ; but I affirm, that it furnishes a good reason against any change sucl^as this speculation or visionary scheme of Confed- eration. Tolitical and other changes are generally desired and soutrht f(3r, when there are some evils and barriers to progress and prosperity existing which ought to be removed. The gentleman has hinted at some " barriers" to such progress, and further men- tioned '• hostile taritfs," but he has failed to name and verify them. There are no hostile tarijfs. We can now send our coal and tish, and other ailicles they Avant from us as freely as wo could under Confederation. His own correctly asserted /ac^s, as to the rapidly growing prosperity, as applied to Nova Scotia, shows that there are no such barriers as he merely liints, and consequently destroys his own strange inference of a necessity for change of Constitution. If then we have been so freely and extensivelv advancing in prosperi- ty, there is nothing to prevent our still continuing in the same, or a more rapidly favorable career. We can continue to have as free and increasing commercial and other lucrative and advan- tageous intercourse with Canada as we could under the proposed Confederation, and at far less cost and with much better security as to the preservation of all our rights and interests. At present the greatness of Canada, as to numbers of acres, population, and in other paiticulars as compared with our Province, furnishes no reason wliy we should be united with it, but quite the reverse. Its very greatness, shows it to be perilous tor us to enter into any such union, for we should ever be but a small and weak member, always in danger of such encroachments and other injuries as to our rights and interests, as I have shown in various instances of other unions. Instances of the kind would inevitably occur under the proposed I 21 • Confetloration. Noitlier tlio vision nor the realitj/ of any future greatness of the whole union, in the eyes of the worhl, wouM com- pensate for such a hun»ili;itiii;j; and (hingerous position. Canada would always he the great and the rulinij: power. It would neces- sarily be so by the articles agreed upon and proposed by the dele- gates, for tlicre would be the (loneral Clovernment, and the whole of the /, but really, there is so much unfaUhfnhwss in the figures put forth in support of this scheme, that one might be excused for doubt, e\en as to this favourable representation of our pecuniary afiairs ; and might presume, there is some unwitting mis- take. Canada, it is said,—" will enter on equal terms ; " but how- has this part of the scheme been devised and exhibited. Here, I S6 will not employ any harsher term than to say that as to tlie public of these Lower Provinces, there has been concealment, or at the least, a deficiency of disclosure of all the facts on the point. In the plan of Confederation, to use our Secretary's language, — " Ca- nada enters with a debt of G2 millions," but is even th t enormous sum, the whole of her debt, as nearly all in these Provinces will naturally conclude. Not at all, for as already mentioned, the Hon. Mr. Dorion, the Canadian Statesman, in his public speech, ■which I have seen, has asserted, that their debt is, '' at the least, 75 millions, only the difference of 13 millions, which would be rather an important item even in INIr. Gladstone's budget. But to har- monize with the other financial parts of this scheme, as concerning these Provinces, it was requisite to bring it down, and make it ap- pear to the public, as only 62 millions. If somewhat similar cir- cumstances had required it, there would have been no more incon- sistency in representing it as only 40 millions. But is that a fair representation on the subject? The real burdensome debt of Canada will remain ; and even if she alone has to answer for that surplus, to her creditors, we are to be joined to her, to increase her credit •with those who are now holding and dealing with her delicntures, or other securities at 23 and 24 per cent, below par, and wi Ji refer- ence to that surplus, as well as the G2 millions, we should in various forms sustain injury, especially by a heavy and oppressive taxation. The Secretary says, "by the arrangements made, Canada will also enter with a surplus" like, as he says of us. There would, indeed, be a surplus as now, but it would be a surplus of liability and debt. Paper articles of Union will not pay or extinguish debts. The Hon. gentlemen has next told us, that, " all suV)jects of paramount importance have been reserved for the General Govern- ment ; and that those which come home to the affections of the people, such as — Education, — the means of sustaining the public communication, — and all such matters are left entirely luulcr the control of the local legislatures." How the sentlcma)! could make this latter statement, I cannot understand, knowing as he does, that by the express articles of the Confederation the following sub- jects are reserved for the sole authority and regulation of the Gene- ral Government. All the postal service, — the lines of steam and 27 ! public ' at the nt. In -"Ca- lormoiis ;e3 will ed, the speech, east, 75 e rather to har- icerning te it ap- ilar cir- e incoii- t a fair Canada surplus, r credit ontures, di refer- various axation. ida will I would, liability Linguish )jocts of Goveru- of the :; public ider the Id make 10 does, ng sub- le Gene- jam and other ships, — railway' communication, connecting Provinces, — the census, — beacons, bouys and light houses, — sea coast and inland fisheries, — navigation and shipping, — banking, — incorporation of banks, — and the issue of paper money, — savings' banks, — marriage and divorce ; — also, in part, the law relating to property, and civil rights, — agriculture, — innnigration, — and lastly, " all matters of a general cliaracter, not specialb/ and exdusicely reserved for the local Government and Legislatures." Surely, all these specified suV»jects are of a local nature, and " come home to the alFections of the peo- ple." No postal appointment or regulation could be made between any two counties, towns, or villages, in the Province, but accord- ing to the regulations of the General Parliament, and with the sanc- tion of the General Government at Ottawa; nor lines of steam or other ships, as a conveyance between any of our ports — large or small — and those of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Isla.-id, or Newfoundland ; or railway communication between Halifax and Truro, or any other place on that line, — nor a river or lake fishery regulation ; nor a ship built, or navigated ; — nor a bank in any place incorporated or its notes issued, — nor marriages celebrated, but according to the laws and regulations of that General Parlia- nient, and that directing and controlling Government. In such a state of things, these Lower Provinces would soon have ten times the annoi/ance, diHsati^fadion and tnnMe that we ever had, with the mchjiiimhiious parent country. And wliat are we to have as an equivalent, for all these relinquishraente, sacrifices and exposures to humiliations antl injuries. The Hon. Secretary has told us, that, in part, it will be to each individual " the honor of being a member of a great natioiiality, composing now four millions of souls, instead of a small community, of two or three hundred thou- sand ; that the status of every one of us will be raised ; and that at some future time, which, unlike Mr. Archibald, he does not venture to name, this great Confederacy, will be ranked among the foremost nations of the earth." Truly these are very grandiloquent utter- ances, but they are descriptive only of vanity and iinayinative vi- sion, and with discreet and sober minded people, of the present generation, will just bo o^ that value, and no more. The Hon. gen- tleman, as to his comparative numbers, has reminded me, of the ecclesiastical dignitary against wliose profanity 1 have lately been 28 contending, who niagnifietl and diminished members, as suited his purpose. The Hon. gentleman's four millions, lacks onl}' one mil- lion one hundred tiiousand, as already shown, from the statement of a delegation Colleague, and according to tlic fttet ; and the de- pr elating number of 2 or 300,000 for this Province, is now, not vevy ftir from 400,000. Tlie lion, gentleman has spoken briclly, of our becoming by ccnfoderation a great manufacturing country-, and having a market for four millions of people. Canada neither wants, now, nor will she ever want, any of our manafactures ; or, indeed, any of our products, or articles, of any importance, except coal and ,/?.s7i, which we now send to her, as freely and fully, as we would if in union. As to manufactures she is very far before us, and neither needs, or will ever need from us, articles of wood, or iron or leather or -wool ov paper ; or, indeed, of any other description. Of course, we should never think of sending grain, bread, or meal, meat, but- ter, or cheese, or other products of agriculture, to such a raagniri- cent agi'icultural country as Canada. Butter is now sent here from that IVovinco, and is said, by some, to be better than our own. As to the Canadian Province, I know personally a good deal about it, having travelled from (Quebec to London, — nearly 800 miles, — and visited upwards of 100 connnunities, along the great river, and the Lakes ; and through tiie interior of the upper country, during near- ly two years of my sojourn in the land. In nearly every town and village, I visited, among the first objects for my attention, were the factory premises, in active operation. Toward the conclusion of the Hon. gentleman's speech, he revealed a further virion to recom- mend C!onfederation, that of its " opening up a Held, worthy of the high talent, that this country will produce ; " and of " increased objects of ambition for the sons of every Nova Scotian." Another gentleman of the delegation, has held forth similar language, as to the ambitious desires, and aspirations of our young men. But pre any such visionary ideas as these, worthy of notice, compared with -he extensive rellnipiishment, and sacrifices we should make, by Confederation, as regards control of our revenue, and regulation of our commerce, our lisheries, our shipping, our property and civil rights ; and on every other subject of a general nature ; and further, our exposure to the heavy burdens of taxation for the support of tvjo Parliaments, and Governments instead of oh?; and those of the 29 ted hi3 ne mil- itcment the de- )w, not oily, of [-y, and • wants, indeed, ')(il and oil Id if neither leather course, it, but- na'jrniri- re from •n. As jout it, s, — and md the ig near- wn and ,cre the ision of ) rccom- y of the creased Lino the r 13, as tC' But ?re ed with :ilve, by ition of nd civil further, pport of se of the general character, of a most expensive description ; also for estab- lishing and maintaining the military and naval defences for our great federal power, and more especially in Cnnada, as being most exposed ; including forts all along the borders of the thouf' of that haA'e no any des- )f Confe- fair and lake any rgumenta nine Mr. ied, that )e of the incompa- ig, as to manner^ ; is true, k on the 1 not go ^•iiments ; mllemen, )tleraan's per head, in Nova 5lfect, he \(ii\rd me rger than e tariff of • as large eavoured luence of 31 the tables heing made in a peculiar way, to settle what would be the particnla- amount, that would be raised under the Canmlian tariff." Here are admissions, which, at once, destroy his first as- sertion, for every person knows, that if tlie tariff of duties there, is larger than here, an individual there, pays a higher tax, or rate of duty, than one in this Province. No logic is required, to sIk v this, for it is self-evident. The whole strife in debate, on this point, was as to a few cents, one way or the other per capita; between the present tarifl' of Canada, and that of Nova Scotia, — a point of little or no importance, compared with the great sulyects involved in the proposed confederation. This Mr. Secretary Tupper admitt- ed, and very truly and properly said, that neither of the present tariffs, would be that of the Confederation. Mr. Archibald's mid- night speech, therefore, of an hour, on the point was merely a waste of words. But public polilical meetings are of such an indiscrimi- nating character, that he got some applause for it. We know, that the importer always adds tlie duty to the price of the articles ; and thus tlie consumer pays it. The gentleman passed on, to speak of the opening and enlargement of the great canals in Canada, and said,—'' look at the document on the subject, and j^ou will find, that the delegates looked upon the measure, as of great public ad- vantage to the confederacy ; and so soon as the circumstances of the country will justify it , they will proceed with these works. Are these canals not to be enlarged, in order to enable our ships, to go to the great granary of the west." Our steamers, if we have any, may possibly go, but it is not probable our sailing vessels will do it, and encoiuiter the V2>i)er rajMs of the St. Lawrence. They will go no further than Montreal, which they can do now, as freely and safely as tloy Avould do, under confederation. The General Parlia- ment an<' ' .ovcrnment at Ottawa, may provide for the commence- ment and carrying forward of the work, immediately after confede- ration, as they are to have the power committed to them. From past experience of the recklessness and extravagance of Canadian politicians, as to public works, — this being a work of great present importanop to Canada,— it is quite probable, it will, on confedera- tion, be authorized and commenced ; and we must, of course, bear the same rate of taxations as Canada, for the completion of the enormously expensive work. Mr. Archibald next proceeded to an- 32 swer some assertions, .vlucli it n-ould seem had been made that Ca- nada was a poor country. In order to refute tliis, he says :-- the people of Kova Scotia drink 424,1(52 gallons of spirituous liquors, but the people of Canada actually drink 5,014,000 gallons, or tm qallons a head, whilst we only drink one galhm and a quarter. Now in the lirst place, 1 will say, that from the nature of the sub- ject, neither Mr. Archibald, nor any other mortal can tell what is drank, per head, in either country. His next assertion is, that " these paupers with whom we are o-oino- to ally ourselves, do i.ot actually drink as much tea and coffee as we do. We consume 21:3,000 los. of coffee, and 1,12^,- 000 lbs of tea; while they consume 1,140,000 lbs. of coffee and 4 97G 178 lbs of tea," Here, again, I say, no person can tell with any approach to certainty or correctness, the quantity of any ot these articles consumed there or here. As to the tea, having resid- ed in Canada nearly two years, and mixed much with the popula- tion in all the upper sections of the Province, I can conlidently say 1 do not believe that out of China there is a more tea-(b-inking people in the world. Had I been accustomed to indulge myself m that way, I should have been almost poisoned and ruined in my bodily svstem by their green or hyson tea, which in every family, is invariably drank three times a day. I see that the Hon. Mr. Tilloy, of New Brunswick, has made even a more extravagant esti- mate than Mr. Archibald, on the same tea subject, against his own Province. The estimates and statements of both of the gentlemen are of no validity whatever. In order to their being correct the people of these two Provinces, must be supposed to drink tea six or seven times a day. It cannot be believed that they are such extra- vagant an. -ntemperate people. The suppositions and the estimates of those gentlemen are simply incredible. I have thus commented on these statements, chiefly to show that no reliance whatever can be placed on any such estimates, or in- deed, on most, if not all of the calculations and figures which have been put forth in the course of these discussions. Such erroneous and incredible statements may well engender distrust and non- reliance as to other statements and assertions by the same gen- tleman. As to Mr. Archibald's assertions regarding the Canadians con- that Ca- ; :— " the i liquors, s, or two quarter." ' the sub- . what is 83 Burning 30 much more intoxicatirij]^ hquors than we do, I will only •ay, that if they are such a drinking and drunken people, as he seems to represent them,— which, however, I do not believe, hav- ing lived among them,— it furnishes an excellent reason for iis to refrain from any union or companionship with them, lest they should corrupt us, by their wicked example, and make us still worso than we are. a we arc tea and d 1,125,- ;otTee and tell with of any of ing rcsid- G poprla- Icntly say i-drinking myself in led in my •y family, Hon. Mr. Lgant esti- it his own 2:entlemen orrect the tea six or uch extra- ! estimates show that ites, or in- ih'mh. have erroneous and non- same gen- .dians con- a I lion. Provincial Secretary. Some rather extended remarks must here be ottered on this gentleman's last speech. It chiefly consists of comments on the speeches of some of the gentlemen ojiposed to the union ; and a reiteration of portions of his own previous ad- dresses, and which have already been reviewed. There is, however one remarkable part of this last speech, which may here be noticed, to show liow an asserted fact may, by the person asserting it, be used as convenient, either for or against a subject in discussion. The Secretary says : " Mr. Stairs is not able to take the turitf of Canada and that of Nova Scotia, and make such a statement as will give a perfectly accurate relative amount of taxation The materials don't exist, as the tariffs of the two countries are con- structed on differeiit principles." Mr. Archibald, however, made the attempt in a speech of about an hour, and drew antl ga\e his own conclusions as to the relative amount ; and the Secretarv, his co-delegate, in his last address, says of that speech of Mr. Archi- bald, that it was an " able, luminous, and conclusive argument.'^ It does seem, therefore, notwithstanding the Secretary's i)reviou8 assertion on the point, that he thinks Mr. Archibald did accomplish, it, even without the requisite materials. To ordinary minds all this, will appear rather contradictory. The Hon. Provincial Secretary, in remarking as to the expenses of the General and Local Parliaments, says ''the expenses as to the latter can be reduced by drawing from it the 19 members for the (vommons House of the former, and 10 from the Upper House of the Local to serve in that of the other, and this he says can be done without the slightest shock to the institutions of the country," and leave the electoral privileges of the people the same as they are to-day." Does he mean by this that the number of represent- atives in our Lower House is to be reduced from 55 to 36? It 3 I 84 wouM seem so. But if that is done, the Secretary, with all his in- genuit}', cannot niako out that the electoral privileges will not be reduced. Surely some counties or districts will suffer such a reduC' tion of privihge., by having only one member instead of two; and. on the whole, certainly it is a greater privilege to have 55 to do tho parliamentary business than 36. As to the aged members in our Coimcil, I can scarcely think any of them can be found willing to engage in the laborious and perilous work. I*erhap3 some of the aitpiring young men that have been talked of may be found to undertake it. But whoever goes must be well paid. On the subject of Military, Naval, and other Defences, — under the Confederation articles, — the Secretar}- says, — " In this docu- ment, yoa will find, that if there is either army or navy contem- plated, the constitution provides nobody to command it. The Viceroy or the Governor-General is to be Commander-in-Chief of the Military and Naval Militia. We don't require to have an arn\y and navy." But few, if any, have ever heard of a Naval Militia. It seems a newly-invented term. But let it pass. Names, how- ever, will not alter the nature of things. If there is a Naval Mili- tia, there must, of course, be ships or a navy, in which they are to be trained, and serve, and fight too if needful ; and all this looks very much like having a Navy. In the list of subjects, over which the General Parliament is to have authorit}-, and whereon to legis- late, the following are mentioned, — " Militia, — Military and Naval service and defence." Here, the Militia and the two other public services are separately specified. It is only evading the true meaning of these words, to say, that they do not convey the idea, or authorize the formation of a standing military and naval force, if the Governor General should think it expedient, or requisite. He may not do it, but every sensible and unbiassed person will say, that under those words, he would have the power to do it ; and it is right that he should have it ; especially as it is intended, or in contemplation, to withdraw the Imperial regular forces from the Provinces. Then, the word -- defence," gives equal power to construct and man forts, and provide other means for the same purpose. As to the objection, by the Secretary, that the constitu- tion of the confederation, provides nobody to command any such ,11 bis in- 1 not be H reduC' do; an(?. to do tho hink any perilous ave been oes must , — under lis docu- contem- it. The -Chief of iin army Militia. les, how- val Mili- 3y are to his looka er which to lG2;is- id Naval iv public the true the idea, al force, fcquisite. rson will o do it ; intended, ces from power to :he same constitu- any such S5 military and naval force, there is nothing in it ; for the Governor General, as Representative of the Crovn, and Commander-in-Chief of ' ' the land and naval militia forces " would have the power to appoint all the oiriccrs of such forces ; and to keep in constant ser- vice and pay, any number of such forces, and still under the name of a militia ; or if any further power on the subject was wanted, the Parliament could, and would, convey it, as would be perfectly proper. Of course, all such standing forces would be under pay ; and a large portion of them woidd be reciuired for service, in the several fortifications, authorized to be constructed under the term "defences," mentioned in the clause here under notice. Here, I close my remarks on speeches. Portions of some of them, have probably received more attention than they really merit- ed ; and therefore, some apology may be duo, both from the speakers and the reviewer, to the reader, for an intrusion on his time and patience. III. ARTICLES OF C0NFEDP:RAT10N. There are in all 63 of these Articles ; but as many of them are of little or no importance, as regards this province, only those which materially affect its rights and interests will be here set forth and commented on. These may conveniently be arranged under tltc following general titles : I. Constitution of the General Parliament. II. Powers of General Parliament; and herein:— 1. Of Public Debts, Borrowing Money, &c, 2. Trade and Commerce. 3. Duties, Taxation, &c. 4. Agriculture and Immigration. 5. Railways, Steamers, «&c» 6. Public Defences. 7. Miscellaneous Subjects. 86 I. CONSTITUTION OF THE GENERAL PARLIAMENT. AuT. 3. ''That there shatl be a General Legislature for the Fed- erated Provinces ; composed of a Legislative Council and House of Commons." There is an inaccuracy of description here ; but it is of no importance. Tlie Legislature is composed of three branches or bodies, of which the Crown or its Representative is the Jlrst^ but only the other two are here named as forming it. Art. 4. " That for the purpose of forming the Legislative Coun- cil, 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." Art. 5. '' That Upper Canada be represented in the Legislative Council by 24 members. Lower Canada by 24, and the three Mari- time Provinces by 24 ; of which Nova Scotia shall have ten. New Brunswick ten, and Prince Eilward Island four members." Canada now is only one Province, like each of the others ; but here it is divided into two parts or Provinces, so as to give Canada, as a whole, double the number of members of Council, which are assi<'ned to the three Lower Provinces. Here is an unfair inequa- lity at the outset, as regards these last. There is no more reason as to rights or interests, for making this distinction in the division, as to Canada, than for making a like one, regarding each of the three other Provinces, for this House is not like the other House, formed with reference to respective populations. It is contended bjr the Delegates that the proposed union in this upper one, is not le- gislative hut federal But if so, each Province should be equally represented in the Upper House ; as it is in the American union ; where Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and other small states have the same number in that House as all the larger ones. In the divisions, therefore, as to Canada, each, part, or Province, should have had only the same number as in each of these other Provinces ; vuid thus there would have been a just equality. But, here Canada, though but one country, having in nearly all respects* common interests, has double the number of members that are assigned for these three Lower Provinces. The operation and effect 87 the Fed- I louse of but it is hianchei fu'st^ but ve Coun- 5isting of (In; 3rd, id ; each Duiieil." !gislative •ee Mari- Lcn, New lers ; but Canada, ^iiich are >' inequa- •e reason divigion, ;li of the r House, ended bjr is not le- 3 equally n union ; all states Dues. In Province, ese other ty. But, 1 rcspectsi that are and effect. of this unjust ineqctality will be, that in all qticstions and measures "where Canadian interests are nearly or quite identical^ and are op- posite to those of any one or all of these other Provinces, there will not only be in the Commons House 147 against 47, but in the Coun- cil 48 against 24 ; and doubtless the result will be in accordance with these inequalities. But our Honoral)le Secretary would as I have shown in a previous page, overcome this dilllculty by our A7 and 24 taking advantage of discords between the two Canadian Provinces, and throwing those numbers into one of the scales, and 80 turn the balance. But this, ver}' soon, instead of procuring fa- vor with either, would displease and alienate both, and increase strife and provoke retribution. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Art- 8. "That the members of the Legislative Council shall be appointed by the Crown, under the Great Seal of the General Government ; and shall hold office during life. If any Legislative Councillor shall for two consecutive sessions of the Legislature, fail to give his attendance in the said Council, his seat shall thereby become vacant." Art. 11. "That the first selection of the members of the Legis- lative Council shall be made from the Legislative Councils of the various I'rovinccs, — with the exception of Prince Edward Island, — so far as a sufficient number be found qualified, and willing to terve. Such members shall be appointed by the Crown, at the recommendation of the General Executive Government, upon the nomination of the respective Local Governments ; and that in such nomination, due regard shall be had to the claims of the Legislative Councillors of the opposition, in each Province ; so that all politi- cal parties may, as nearly as possible, be fairly represented." On this last.article it may first be remarked that sufficient pre- ference and favour are secured for these gentlemen ; at least for those on the local opposition side. But it is one thing to make paper agreements, and another to keep them. Wiiat Local Govern- ment will honor and favor its enemies? Moreover, after having so long been wrangling at home, will they always cordially agree, and go together in the General Parliament? Here is another field 38 opened for jealousy and contention ; and for more enlarged strife* among the rrovinces. Will this be for the real benefit of any of them? However, as regards the favoured Councillors, themselves, ill a pecuniary view, they will doubtless be amply rewarded for all tiieir participation in the political intrigues and strife, by being jjaid from the public purse, for the whole time, not omitting, ol course, and as proper, for the annual 900 miles journej^ to Ottawa^ and back. This item of expense, with the much larger one for the 19 Representatives, will be remarked on, and explained, mora fully under the head of Taxation. It seems, by the Article regarding this Council, and by what is intimated in our Provincial Secretary's speech, that in the compo- sition of it, 10 members are to be selected from our present Legis- hjtive Council. But, here arises the question ; — can any ten of* the 21 of them, be found willing to undertake and perform the ser- vice ? With two or three exceptions, they are old or aged men ; and several of them wealthy, and others in independent and com- fortable worldly circumstances. Will Mr. Kenny, the respected President of our Council, — a wealthy gentleman, and well advanced in years, consent to leave his business, and thf comforts of home, and go off nearly 900 miles to Ottawa, in the winter season, and engage in, or witness, for four or five months, the wranglings and antagonisms there? I trow not. Or will my old school-fellow Mr. Cutler, now of 80 years, ])e able or willing to do it? Or will Mr. Almon leave his home and family, and pleasant and profitable banking operations ; and the aged and rather infirm Mr. Keith, his palatial residence; or Mr. Anderson his more than comfortable dwelling place, as neat and pleasant to the eye, as himself? Or will Mr. Pineo, — not an asjnring young man — leave his comfortable home, and business ; or the aged Mr. Fairbanks, his comforts ; or will these aged gentlemen,— Mr. McNab, Mr. Creighton, Mr. McKeen, Mr. Comeau, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Chipman, or even Mr. McHeffy, Mr. Brown, or Mr. Patterson, Mr. Tupper, or Mr. Whit- man, none of them, aspiring young men, be willing and able for the laborious, responsible, and uncomfortable work ; or will even Mr. Uitchie, be willing to leave hig family, his comforts, and business, and endure the same? Now, here are 18, and most probably Mr. Archibald, also, equally unwilling,— making 19 of the 21 ;— none ed strife* )f any of Bmselves, :d for all by being litting, oi > Ottawa^ ie for the 3d, mora '' what is e compo- nt Legis- y ten of 1 the ser- ed men ; ,nd com- •espected idvanced of home, son, and •anglings ol-fellow Or will )rofitablo ;eith, his ifortable elf? Or afortable brts ; or on, Mr. vcn Mr. r. Whit- e for the ven Mr. Misiness, ibly Mr. ; — none S9 of whom, it is tolerably certain, will undertake the arduous and impleasant service. Possibly, Mr. McCully and Mr. Dickey, tiiough not aspiring young men may have some laudable, or excus- able aspirations, that way, and be willing to undertake it. Where, then, are the 10 to be found? They are nowhere, at present. No- thing remains, but to get the 19, to resign their dignity ; or by an arbitrary Act of the Imperial Government, dissolve our present Council, and form it anew, of aspirhig young, or middle aged men. But, will the 19 be pleased with any of these arrangements ; or the public either? I leave both to ponder it well. The difficulties on these points, will tax to the utmost, our Secretary's political skill and contrivances ; and after all, he will not be able to overcome them. While composing tliese pages, I have heard it said, that the 10 selected Councillors, are to have $4000 yearly, for their services ; but I cannot for a moment suppose, that any of those Hon. gentlemen will consent to receive that, or any otlicr sum, to soil the independence of their Country', by putting it under the power of a Canadian Parliament and Government; for that would be their proper designation. It would also seem, from what fell from the Secretary, in one of his speeches, that after the selection. of the 10, the remaining 11, are to form the whole number of the Council for the local Lejiislature. Surely, this will not be satis- fiictory, either to that bod}', or to the country. A like intimation has been given, — in the same speech, — that the 19 members for the House of Commons of the General Parliament, are to be with- drawn from the 55 members of the third branch of our Provincial Legislature ; leaving the whole number of such members only 36. These t\vo points will be fully commented on, in the proper place, in a subsequent Section, treating of the Constitution and Powers of the Local Legislatures, and Governments. HOUSE OF COMMONS. Art. 14. "That the basis of rei)resentation, in the House of Commons, shall be Population ; as determined by the official cen- sus every ten years ; and that the number of members, at first, shall be 194, distributed as follows ; — 40 Upper Canada, 82. Lower Canada, 65. Nova Scotia, 19. New Brunswick, 15. Newfoundland, 8. and Prince Edward Island,. . . .5. That nntil the Official Census of 1871 has been made up, there shall be no change in the number of representatives from the seve- ral sections." At first view, it may seem ftiir enough, that the basis should be as here proposed. But the very great inequality of population in the several Provinces, creates the very difficulty as to the weaker Provinces in the Union receiving their due proportion of attention and advantages ; and being, at all times, justly dealt with, by the much more i»owerful raeinbers. This point has been partially treated of already, in a previous page. Tiiere are, now, and must continue to be, diverse and conflicting interests, between the whole of Canada, and these lower Provinces. And when such cases arise in the Parliament,— as they often will,— knowing what expe rience has always shown is the character of public bodies, Canada will take care of herself; and, to use a common phrase, secure the *' lion's share," of advantages ; though our Representatives were as skilful and ftiithful as possible. In tlie House of Commons of the United Kingdom, all contentions as to county, or local interests are avoided, by the small counties such as Bucks and Wilts, hav- as many members as the larger ones ; and in some instances, the smaller counties have as many, or more Borough members than the larger Counties. Why could not something like this have been arranged in this proposed Confederation, giving a representation for the Counties of the several Provinces ? This would have been a far more equitable mode of representation than the one proposed ; nnd would Imve reduced the number of members, and still there would liave been a fiilly sun'jient number, to have transacted the public business, in a reasonable time ; and the Parliamentary expenses would have l)et'n very materially lessened. 41 ip, there the seve- loiild be lation in ! weaker ittention 1, by the partially rid must le whole 'h casca [it expe Canada cure the es were mons of interests Its, liav- ices, the irs than Lvo been sutation vo been oposed ; ill there msaeted inontary II. rOWEKS OF THE GENERAL PARLIAMEJsT. Art. 26. " That the General Parliament shall have power to make laws for the peace, welfare and good govenunent of the Federal Provinces (saving the sovereignty of England) and especi- ally laws respecting the following subjects: — 1. The public debt and property. 2. Tiie regulation of trade and connnerce. 3. The imposition or regulation of duties, of customs on imports and ex- ports, except on exi)oi'ts of timber, logs, masts, spars, deals, and sawn lumber, and of coal and other minerals. 4. The imposition or regulation of excise duties. 5. The raising of money by all or any other modes or system of taxation. 6. The borrowing of money on the public credit. 7. Postal service. 8. Lines of steam or other ships, rnihvays, canals, and other works coimecting any two or more of the Provinces together, or extending beyond the limits of any Province. 9. Lines of steamships, between the Fed- erated Provinces and other countries. 10. Telegraphic connnuni- cation, and the incorporation of telegraphic companies. 11. All such VTorks as shall — although lying wholly within any Provint e — be specially declared by the Acts authorizing them, to be for the general advantage 12. The census. 13. Militia. 14. Beacons, buoys, and Light Houses. 15. Navigation and shipping. 16. Quarantine. 17. 8oa-coast and inland fisheries. 18. F'erries be- tween any Province and a foreign country ; or between any two Provinces. Id. Currency and Coinage. 20. Banking — incorpora- tion 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. 2(3. Bankruptcy and I'solvcncy. 27. Patents of Invention and Discovery. 28. Copy- rights. 2U. Indians, and Land Reserves for tiie 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 on criminal matters. 33. Rendering uniform all or any of the laws relative to property and civil rights in ll[)per Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Ixiward Island, and Newfoundland; and rendering uniform the procedure of all or any of the courts in these Provinces. But any statute for this purpose shall have no place or authority in any 42 Province until sanctioned by the Logislatura thereof. 34. The establishment of a General Court of Appeal for the Federated Pro- vinces. 35. Immigration. 3G. Agricultiiro. 37. And i,^enerally respecting all matters of a general character not specially and ex- chisively reserved for the local governments and legislatures." Now, mark, Nova Scotians, that you are required to surrender to a Parliament in Canada, nearly 1000 mileri away, yoiw right and power of making laws and regulations on these important subjects. Art. 34. " That in regard to all subjects, over which jurisdiction belongs to both the general and local Legislatures, the laws of the Cieneral Parliament, shall control and supersede tliose made by the Local Legislature; and the latter shall bo void, so far ao they are repugnant to or inconsistent with the former." According to the intended plan of treating her?, concerning the general subject, it is not needful to remark on a number of the par- ticulars contained in the foregoing list, or catalogue, which compa- ratively are of minor interest. Only those of a really important description will pass under review. These will be arranged and commented on, imder several appropriate heads. The first which must be mentioned, is, — THE PUBLIC DEBT, &c. This means and includes the debts of the several I'rovinces, brought into one sum ; and the whole assumed by the Confedera- tion, agreeably to the following articles of the proposed constitu- tion ;— "That the General Government shall assume all the debts and liabilities of each Province." "The debt of Canaihi, not spe- cially assumed by Upper and Lower Canada respectively, shall not exceed at the time of the L'nion $02,500,000. Nova Scotia shall enter the Union with a debt not exceeding $8,000,000 ; and New Brunswick with a debt not exceeding $7,000,000." To these articles there need be no objection, (/"truly made, ac- cording to the respective populations, and on the other points which should be taken into consideration, in forming such an amal- gamating arrangement. But it has been already shown, that Canada really owes far more than the sum named for her, on enter- ing the Federation. Her debt, instead of 62 millions, is now 75 34. The rated Pro generally ly and ex- i-es." surrender right and ; subjects, irisdiction V3 of the lie by the ; they are rning the 'f the par- ii coinpa- iniportant ngod and rst which rovnices, onfedera- constitu- the debts not spe- ily, shall 'a Scotia )00; and made, ac- er points an amal- i\vn, that on enter- } now 75 43 millions, with almost a certainty of such early additions, as will raise it to 112 millions, or more, as stated by the Hon. Mr. Dorion, one of the leading politicians, and at one time the leader of the Government of that Province. In his late published speech on Confederation are the following passages : — '• The public debt of (Canada is at least $75,000,000. Our debentures bearing live per cent, interest are quoted at from 23 to 24 per cent, beloiv }xir^ and it is when our finances are in this state that it is proposed to add to the $75,000,000 which we already owe, the $15,000,000 due by New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, $1G,000,000 for the construction of the Intercolonial Railway, and about $5,500,000 representing the annual subsidy which will be paid to Prince Edward Island, and the Island of Newfoundland,— in all $30,000,000, which will raise the debt to $111,500,000, with the prospect of adding several mil- lions to it immediately^ in order to put the country in a state of defence". How far, in the course of things this excess of tlie pre- sent and future debt of Canada, will affect the interests of the several Provinces, and the whole Union, is a very important subject for consideration ; and on which skilful and experienced merchants, and other able and financial characters, are most competent to decide. The 1)0 wer of the Parliament to borrow money for public pur- poses, — though always belonging to Parliament as indispensable, — is one of vast imi)ortance ; and knowing the extravagance of the Canadian Parliaments and Governments heretofore, this should be one among the many other stroug reasons, to restrain these mara- time Provinces from entering into the proposed Union, It is already known, that the Canadians want ve.iy large sums of money to enlarge and extend tlieir canals and other improvements, — for the great and extensive Inter -colonial Railway ; — for Militia, and, doubtless, very soon, for a strong Military and Naval force of their own ; or else, to maintain adequate British Military and Naval foices, to secure and defend themselves against foreign aggressions, on none of these points— except in part for the railway, — are these Lower Pj'ovinces under the same circumstances, or required cither to borrow money or increase taxation. Under Coni'ederation, if money be borrowed for these Canadian purposes, these Provinces must pay proportionate shares of the interest, or if additional and 44 heavy taxation is imposed, to raise the enormous sums required to accomplish those purposes, Nova Scotia and the other Lower Pro- vinces must bear the same weight of taxation a? Canada, without deriving any benefit in return, except in part from the Railway. Here, among others, are very potent reasons for our declining Con- federation. TEADE AND COMMERCE. 2. " The regulation of Trade and Commerce." This is a most extensive and important subject ; and must be understood to con- cede to the General Parliament the right to prescribe with what countries the several Provinces may have commercial intercourse, and on what terms ; and under what regulations they may trade with each other, and with other countries, as to duties and other- wise. It is impossible to forsee, what great difficulties and dangers to the several Provinces, especially to these maritime ones, are in- volved in this broad and multiform concession. Let our wisest merchants ponder it as they may, thev will be unable to grasp and analize the wide and complicated subject, so as to come to any certain conclusions as to Provincial advantage, or disadvantage. And if they are so unable to see and decide, what will be the future results, surely Lawyers and our other political rulers are not quali- fied to do it. This absolute uncertainty, should, alone, be sufficient to induce, not only merchants, but all others — except the specula- tive and reckless — to refrain from rushing into this proposed confe- deration, and thereby incurring such a momentous risk, as to our Provincial prosperity, which is now so rapidly and securely advan- cing. Under this head may be included, the several subjects of beacons, buoys, and light-houses, which the General Parliament claims to possess and regui"te. Surely, these might have been left to the local Legislature, who, from a regard to their own com- merce, and the safety of their own seamen and vessels, are as like- ly to make all needful and proper regulations as a Parliament at Ottawa. The subjects of Navigation and shipping, to be also conceded to the General Parliament, fall properly under the present head. 45 tq Hired to jvvei' Pro- i, without Railway, ling Coii- s a most I to con- ^^ith what tercourse, lay trade nd other- d dangers 3, are in- ur wisest ;rasp and e to any Ivantage. the future lot quali- sufFicient i specula- >ed confc- as to our ly advan- ibjects of arliaraent ave been vvn com- e as likc- ament at needed to int head. These are, indeed, most important subjects ; and fdthough a uniform- ity concerning tliem, in some respects, be advantageous, yet there are on several points such differences, in relation to them, among the several Provinces, that tiie Parliament may pass such laws as though suitable and advantageous, regarding one or more of the Provinces, may be unsuitable and injurious to the other. The General Parliaments are to have the power of taxing all and every article of " trade and commerce," both imports and exports, with the exception of timber, masts, spars, deals, lumber, coal, and other minerals." They may consequently tax manufactured articlco and Jish. DUTIES, TAXATION, &c. The various subjects included under this title and to be conceded to the General Parliament, are indeed, of the very first importance, and most especially concern all these Lower Provinces. In treat- ing of duties on imported articles the first facts for consideration are the avei'age rates in the several Provinces. In this Province and in New Brunswick, as lately stated by the Hon. Mr. Tilley in a public si)eech those duties are 10 per cent. But in Canada they are now 20. Under Confederation they are to be equalized, and it is proposed to do it by adding 5 per cent, to the duties heie and in New Brunswick, and thus make them 15 per cent, and those of Canada to be the same rate. But here the first question to be ask- ed is this, Can Canada, deeply burthened with debt as she is and as admitted by our Confederate Delegates, afford the proposed re- duction? Quite impossible. It is very far more probable they will be raised to 25 or more, and then as there must b^ equality, ours and New Brunswick's must be raised to 25 also. The Delegates have made calculations as to how much per head of duties is borne and will be borne by the respective populations in the several Pro- vinces, and have framed their equalization scheme accordingly. But there is a misapprehension and a fallacy here, which it is pro- per to expose. Suppose the duty to be raised 5, 10 or 15 per cent, beyond what they are at the present time, merchants and grocers, or other importers immediately put the amount on the goods im- ported. This, humanly speaking, is as certain as the rising or the 46 setting of the sun, or ebb and flow of the tides. They must do it. The customer therefore, who goes to the dry goods, or grocer's store, for nn}' article, will find it has advanced in price, just the amount of increased duty, or possibly more ; and this Mill be the result, without the seller or the buyer having any reference or thouglit as to population or rate per head in one country or another. This increase will not be altogether well, even for the seller. But for the purchaser, — a tradesman, or artizan, or person in any of the laboring classes, — that enhanced price will be injurious ; for these, owing to competitions and other causes, will seldom be able to re* imburse themselves, by adding to the products or wages of their labour the increased prices thus paid for their purchases. Thus, our importers, in the first instance, will be put to inconvenience, aa to the increased rate of duty, and nearly if not all the laboring classes will experience injury b}^ the increased expenses of living. Do these large portions of our population in the citj' and through- out the Province desire this result as a satisfactory price for a vision of individual or provincial honor and greatness, in name, in some future ages, which even no delegation prophecy can reach or define. Moreover, here is another, and a proper view to take, of tliis point of rate of duty, per head, on the whole population. This rate, when so made, ma}' look small, by an addition of 2 or 5 per cent, but it must be remembered, that when it is so estimated, it includes all in poor or destitute circumstances, even every pauper, and begging child throughout the land. Deduct, first, the thou- sands of all these, who pay nothing of the duty, as they are con- sumers of very little, if any, of the articles on which the duties are imposed. Then, divide the rest of the population into families, and suppose each of these to be composed of 6 persons — the usual estimate — the husband, wife, and four children, all dependent on the labour of the man. Apply this estimate, to our population, of about 340,000 and it will be seen, that there are about 56,000 families ; and according to the admitted estimate of $2,60 foreach one of our population; the amount of dutv on each head of a famil^ instead of $2,60, is $13.00. Then add 5 per cent to the 10 at pre- sent, making 15 per cent, and there will be $6,50 increase, rather an important addition to the expenses of the small farmer, and tradesman, and others of the working classes, whose payment of 47 iiist do it. r grocer's , just the ill be the erence or r another, ler. But my of the for these, ble to re* 1 of their s. Thus, ;iience, Jia laboring of living. through- r a vision , in some or define. , of tliis ai. This or 5 per mated, it Y pauper, the thou- are con« luties aro families, he usual ident on ation, of t 56,000 ) foreach a family, at pre- 5, rather ner, and ment of duties, irstead of S13, will thus be $19,50. These are plain esti mates and conclusions, founded on facts, and which all may com- prehend ; and which none, by any so2)histnes, or fallacfes, can controvert, or explain away. And, moreover, as Canada, from \in embarrassed circumstances, cannot afford to reduce its taxation t," or a name of greatness for the country to wliich, by that change; we shall be said to belong. But these are but visions, and if realized will be but a sorr}'- compensation for that heavy increase of taxation and other evils. Such visions, realized or not, will not answer in the place of bread and other necessaries for a family, or avert embarrassments or want. Even this vision or prestige of greatness, would not be r^vilized, for Nova Scotia would still be lost in the name Canada, as is now the case abroad. Who in any of the gi-oat nations, knows anything al)out New Hampshire, New Jersey, or Rhode Island, as parts of the great United States? All hear of these states, bj that name ; and of New York, Philadelphia, and of other great cities of the Union. But those small states remain in comparative obscu- rity, or oblivion ; and but slowly increase in population. There are many mighty and celebrated nations in p]uroi)e, having great prestiges, — our parent countries the first,-— and yet, from all of them, scores, or hundreds of thousands of the populations are an- nually Hoeing ; compelled to leave, chiefly through the oppressive burdens of taxation, accumulated upon them, through ages, by reckless and extravagant polititians. Away, then, with those shadowy and contem[)tible reasons to induce such a change of our circumstances and prospects. The Canadian rulers, for a course of years, instead of increasing general taxation, by duties on importations, and thereby so enlarg- ing their revenue, as to come moderately near meeting their extra- vagant and often corrupt expenditures ; have gone on borrowmg money for those purposes, until, in that way, their debt became so enormous as it now is ; and almost ruined their credit. But, in the mean time, they kept their population tolerably quiet, as they were not feeling any burdensome weight of taxation, — partly through there being so many imported articles kept free of duty. Tliis is a common expedient, and for a time a successful one, with corrupt or extravagant public rulers. By the proposed confederation, the (General Parliament and Government, will have the power to bor- row money to any extent, for public purposes ; and as they will require very large suras, for the numerous services and objects, already specified, and as their credit will be low, owing to their iipport of I name of all be said 1 be but a uiul other !ie place of rassments lid not be Canada, ms, knows Island, a8 28, bj that ■eat cities :ive obscu' 1. There viiig great )in all of s are an- )ppressive ages, by ith those ge of our increasing so enlarg- leir extra- borrowing lecame so lut, in the tho}^ were • through This is a h corrupt ation, the ir to bor- they will 1 objects, : to their 49 present enormous debt, they will, in order to raise funds for these objects, be obliged to resort to greatly increased taxation, indirect or direct, or both ; and we shall have to bear our part of it, equally with Canada. They arc to have, in addition to Customs and p]x- cise duties, the power of "raising nione}^ by all or any other modes, or S3'steuis of taxation." They may, therefore, lay it upon the head, U)Mfarm, the house, the shop, the mill, the stock, the trade^ or in any and every other mode. AGRICULTURE AND IMMIGRATION. The first of these subjects, will require but little parliamentary interference. Of course it is not contemplated, that it will extend to prescribing to farmers, any rules as to the rotation of crops, or any similar and small discretionary matters. It must be pre- sumed, that it is merely meant to include improvements as to seeds, and cattle, agricultural exhibitions, and premiums, &c. On this subject, therefore, no special remarks are required, except to say, that it would seem not at all dangerous, but more appropriate, and liberal, to have left it exclusively to each local Legislature, rather than to liave committed it to the General Parliament also, with a suspending and abrogating power, over the acts and regulations of the Local Authority. The other subject, that of Immigration, is, one of very great importance and interest, to all the Provinces, but most especially to Canada, where there are still such vast regions of good land, ungranted, and in a wilderness state. There are also extensive tracts, in New Brunswick, of the like description ; and even in Nova Scotia, there are, in several sections, many thousands of acres in the same state, affording room for a numerous popula- tion from abroad. In all of the Provinces, whether confederated,, or apart, it should be one of the chief objects, to encourage a suit- able immigration, by all proper and available means ; and in doing so, to expend within reasonable bounds, public money for the pur- pose. On the subject of emigrants, who are going to Canada, landing here, to be forwarded hy a railw^ay, remarks vvill be ollered under that Title in subsequent pages. In framing the articles of Confederation, this subject of Immigration should have been left exclusivel}', to tlie power and regulation of the local Legislature of each Province, instead of making it common to both the General 4 50 and the Local, and giving tlio power to the former, of superseding and annulling the regulations of the latter. It docs not seem re- quiaite to olfer here, an}' further remarks on the general suhject. RAILWAYS, STEAMERS, &c. The articles and clauses on these subjects, are as follows : — The General Tarliament are to make laws resi)ecting " all lines of steam or other ships — railways — canals, and other works connecting anj two or more of the Provinces together ; or extending beyond the limits of any Province." Also, " lines of steamships, between the Federated Provinces, and other countries." That Parliament, also, is to "receive and possess all railways, and railway stocks, mort- gcHges, and other debts duo by railway companies." Clause 60 provides — "That the General Government, shall secure without delay, the completion of the Inter-colonial railway, from Heviere du Loup, through New Brunswick, to Truro in Nova Scotia." Clause Gl declares " that the communications with the N6rth- AVestern Territory, and the impro\ements required for the develop- ment of the trade of the Great West, with the Seaboard, are regarded by this Conference, as subjects of the highest importance to the Federated I'rovinces, and shall be prosecuted at the earliest possible period, that the state of the finances will permit the Par- liament to do so." Here are most deeply important subjects for consideration, invol- ving numerous topics and matters of great public interest. I shall, here, however, conhne my remarks to the two last clauses, regarding the construction of two contemplated lines of railway. As to the first called the Inter-coloniid, it has already, in the re- marks on the speeches of Mr. Archibald and Mr. Tuppcr. and the public documents of the Canadian government, cited by Mr. An- nand, been clearly shown, that Canada has been anxiously desirous of having this railway, and as these I*rovinces seem to have the same desire, surely by each contributing its fair share of the ex- pense, the work may as well be accomplished ivUhout the union as tcith it. If it be so, that Canada is in such embarrassed or insol- vent circumstances, that she cannot, either by additional taxation or by borrowiiig money, or in other way, obtain the funds to pay her share of the cost, certainly that is the most convincing reason ol superseding 3t seem rc- i subject. lows : — Tlio iGS of steam icctiiig an J beyond the etwecn the inient, also, oeks, mort- C'kiuse 60 u'e without Revicre dn I." tliG N6rth- he (levelop- ibojird, are importance the earliest it the Par- ition, invol- jt. ast clauses, of railway. in the re- n\ and the y Mr. An- ily desirous 3 have the of the ex- le union as ;tZ or iiiHol- T.1 taxation mds to pay 3ing reason that Nova Scotia should not confederate witli a country in such cir- cumances. Surely we cannot justly be called upon to engage in the reckless po//f/caZ knujht errantnj of rushing forward into certain danger, and probably of ultimate insolvency, and destruction of our advancing prosperity and best interests, with the delusive purpose or prospect of rescuing Canada from her financially eml)arrassed condition. But even if attempted we could not accomplish it. We have debt enough of our own, and will soon have it so much larger, by the Tictou and Annapolis railwa}', that the interest will exhaust a tin I'd or more of our annual revenue. We shall have enough to do to provide for all these and others of our incumbrances, without being involved in those of Canada. If the ( Jiadian creditor' abroad think their security will be better by thi^:'. intended confeder- ation, so far from that being a reason to induce us to enter into it, it is one of the strongest that we should avoid it. If accomplished, those creditors would in no long time awake from their dream, and find that in reality, their security was not at all better than before, but even worse. The enormous additional expenses of the General Parliament and Government, and the still continued extravagances of Canadian ruling politicians would awaken them to a sense of tiiat unpleasant fact. And ice by additional heavy taxation laid on by the 147 and the 48 of the great Parliament at Ottawa, would have to bear all the evils of that condition, without any hope of relief or remedy. But, now, let us examine what will be the real henejits to Nova Scotia, by the Inter-colonial Railway. And lirst, as to Immigration. This takes place, almost entirely, during the summer and autumn, both by the St. Lawrence, and New York, and other ports of the United States. Those emigrants who are now going to New York, in the winter, are nearly all poor Irish, Germans, and other Euro- peans, who are necessitated to leave their countries, and under the hope of bettering their circumstances ; and some, with the intention of entering into the service of one or other of the Powers now in fierce hostility. Emigrants intending to settle in this Province, do not, of course want the Inter-colonial Railway. As to those, bound for Western Canada, the innnigration, as heretofore, will take place altogether during the summer and autumn ; and cither direct to Quebec, Montreal, Kingston, Toronto, or Hamilton, or to New 52 York, and other American Ports. All those going by the St. Law- rence, can, by direct water conveyance, be taken with all their heavy b'lggage, within a journey of a day, or probably less, to the place of their ultimate destination. Or if they go by New York, they can be conveyed there, by Railway, or Canal, in about the same time. Now, I know these to be facts, for I have been in the Steamers, with them, and if I recollect rightly, on the railways also. Such being the facilities for their conveyance to Western Canada, whither all Immigration to British America flows, no emi- grant would think of coming here, either winter or summer, and landing with all his family and baggage, to undergo the trouble, harassing perplexities, and expenses, of being conveyed by rail- way G30 miles to Quebec, or 1000 or 1200, to some of the far off villages or settlements of Western Canada. So much for the in- tended Railway, as to the conveyance of emigrants. But it is further urged, that it will be advantageous to us, for the transpor- tation of merchandize to Canada, especially in the winter ; and that Halifax will be a depot for the purpose. Well, possibly, and only imssihhj, it may be so, to a small extent; but chiefly or only so, in the case of a war with the United Sta s. The Canadian merchants now import their goods, partly by the way of the St. Lawrence, all the time the river is open, and safe for navigation ; and partly by New York, during all the year, though only to a comparatively small extent in the winter. All the summer and autumn, when the river was free of ice, they would never import any of their goods )3y the way of Halifex, and thereby incur the expense of conveyance over the railway for distances from GOO to 1200 miles, ppying for storages, agencies, &c., at Halifax, and on the whole transit. Many of the merchants in Upper Canada im- port large quantities of their European and other goods, all the year 1 believe, by the way of New York. They find it more con- venient to do so, the distances being only from 300 to 400 miles, over which the goods can be conveyed in a day and half, or two days, by railway. Such being the case, they would never have their goods brought here, to be carried a thousand miles, or more, by our railway. I remember spending some days with a gentle- man about 30 miles back from Toronto, who kept what we call a shop, or store of various kinds of goods ; and on my asking him, as 53 iG St. Law- li all their )ly less, to :o by New .1, in about ve been in le railways ;o Western vs, no emi- mraer, and le trouble, eel bj rail- the far off for the in- But it is i transpor- nter ; and jsiblv, and fly or only Canadian of the St. avigation ; only to a mmer and 'er import ' incur the •m GOO to X, and on mada im- s, all the more con- 100 miles, f, or two ever have or more, a gentle- we call a ig him, as to whore and how he got his goods, he said he procured them partly from New York, where he occasionally went, either to receive his importations, or make his purchases. I I have good reason to believe that this is the practice and course I of trade followed still by large numbers of shopkeepers in Upper I Canada^ as they find it more convenient, and, I presume, cheaper, ^ to get their European goods by that route than by the way of I the St. Lawrence and the Lakes. The people of the American States also find that course of business profitable to them, for not only do they dispose of large quantities of their manufactures to the Canadians, but as to the European and other imported goods they have often, or mostly, the freight of them in their own vessels, also I the storage or warehousing of them, the profit of auch over- iibly, take g in that I not need ad a woukl lent Would Liiitia and that force, o exposed mada nor other, and either, as dd a man, V possess, of war, of t may by point, tlie ve said I va Scotia. )untry, its id Jirtit to tion Arti- ower Pro- le first of 57 them which may be mentioned is the " Postal Service." This ex- pression exchidcs so fully everything relating to that service, that no Station or Way Office can be estabhshed, a regulation made, or officer or person in any way connected with the department, be ap- pointed, but by the General Parliament and Government. Surely such small matters ought to have been left to the local Legislatures and Government. Next,— " Ferries between any Province, and a foreign country ; and between any two Provinces." It has been already stated that according to this clause, a steamer or other packet could not run between Windsor and St. John, or between any two places in dif- ferent Provinces, but according to the provisions and regulations established by the same General Authorities. " Banking— mcorpo- ration of banks, and the issue of paper money, and Savings' Banks," are also to be under the sole authority of the same General powers. Let the officers of the banks in these Lower Provinces consider how far this article will affect their rights and interests. " Idarriao-e and Divorce," are, also, to be committed to the same Powers. This will give the right and power to make laws and regulations on these subjects, contrary to those M'hich are now in force in the several Provinces, and such as may encroach on the present riglits and pri- vileges of the several religious denominations. The Canadian laws are probably different from ours on these subjects, and in some re- spects unsuitable to our population ; ai^d yet, they may be imposed upon us ; for it is to be supposed that like as to duties, taxation, and otlier mtittcrs, there is to be uniformity throughout. Next may be noticed, the clause which commits to the authority and regulations of the General Parliament, "all matters of a gen- eral chfiiMcter, not specially and exclusively reserved for the local Government and the Legislatures ; " and, further, the clause which declares, " that 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 l)y the Local Legislature ; and the latter shall be void, so far as they are repugnant to, or inconsistent with the former." Tliese clauses afford an immeasurably wide opening to the General Parliament for enactment, t;i\"ition, and control, regarding a great variety of subjects Avhit'h may aiise in this Province, and the others, in which 58 tlieir interests will be deeply involved ; but which interests, by the 147 against the 47, and the 48 against the 24, in the Parliament, may be set aside, or sacrificed, to serve Canadian interests. IV.— CONSTITUTION AND TOWERS OF THE LOCAL LEGISLATURES AND GOVERNMENTS. Clause 1. " That for each of the Provinces, there shall be an Executive officer, styled the Lieutenant-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, ex- cept for cause ; such cause to be communicated in writing to the Lieutenant-Governor, immediately after the exercise of the pleasure as aforesaiil ; and also by message to both Houses of Parliament, within the first week of the first session afterwards." Tlie next clause provides, that he is to be paid by the General Government. Now, let us pause a little, and examine iS to wlio^ and what kind of person^ this Lieutenant-Governor is likely to be ; and under what controlling powers and influences he Avill be placed. Is it at all probable, that he will be like nearly all the Governors we have heretofore had — a Sherbrooke, a Lord Dalhousie, a Kempt, a pious Maitland, or even a Campbell, men of independence in mind, and pecuniary circumstances ; and of high standing and established reputation. It is not at all probable he will be oul. of such a class. From the prescribed mode of selection and appointment, he must of necessity be the mere creature of the Plxecutive Council of the Government at Ottawa ; entirely dependent on their pleasure — some time-serving needy supporter, or possibl}' even some blazing oppositionist, thus, in effect, corrupted, and bribed to get him out of the way, and sacrifice him afterwards, if needful, for such things have often been done. And as to him, poor vum, though he rnay have a competent income for a time, and have the title, " Your Excellency," or " Your Honour " prefixed to his name, he will have interests, 14, in the Ccmadian LOCAL ill be an ' shall be ;he Great pleasure years, ex- ng to the e pleasure irliaraent, 3 General and ichat be ; and [accd. Is crnors we Kempt, a 3 in mind, stablished 3h a class. , he must leil of the pleasure — ne blazing t him out uch things ;h he may Ic, "Your e will have 59 but an anxious and sorry time of it. He will constantly be exposed to be snubbed and thwarted by his own Council, and to be suspect- ed, and perhaps insulted, as being the servant or creature of his masters— the General Council, — to carry their purposes into effect, thougli opposed to the wishes and interests of the people over whom he presides. He will also have continually impending over him, the rod of the displeasure of that changeable and arbitrary Council in Canada. Special messengers will often be required, to ask and obtain directions as to the course he is to follow, regarding his own Council, and the will or wishes of those who appointed him ; especially when collisions arise between them, which to a certainty will at times, or rather frequently, occur. Moreover, this Governor, sent to us may be a Canadian Frenchman, for according to the proposed constitution, he may be chosen from any of the Provinces. The following are the clauses relating to the constitution of the Local Government and Legislature of each Province, and the powers of the latter body : "That the Local Government and Legislature of each Province shall be constructed in such manner as the existing: Leo;islature of such Province shall provide, in the act consenting to the Union. " Tiiat the Local Legislatures shall have power to alter or amend their Constitution from time to time. " That the local Legislature shall have power to make laws res- pecting tlie following subjects : — " Direct Taxation, and the imposition of duties on the export of Timber, Logs, Spars, Deals, and Sawn Lumber, and of Coal, and other minerals. " Borrowing Money on the credit of the Province. " The establishment and tenure of Local OiHces and the appoint- ment and payment of Local Officers. " Agriculture. " Iinmigration. " 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. 60 " The sale and management of Public Lands, excepting lands be- longing to the General Government. " Sea Coast and Inland Fisheries. "The establishment, maintenance, and management of Penitenti- aries, and of Public and Reformatory Prisons. *' The establishment, maintenance, and management of Hospitals, Asylums, Charities, and eleemosynary Institutions. " Municipal Institutions. " Shop, Saloon, Tavern, Auctioneer, and other Licenses. "Local Works. " The Incorporation of private or local Companies, except such as relate to matters assigned to the Federal Legislature ; Property, and Civil Rights, excepting those portions, thereof assigned the General Legislature." Now, first as to the power of the Local Government and Legis- lature to frame and alter their Constitutions ; although it is thus formally reserved to them, yet if such alterations should at any time be made, as were displeasing to the General Parliament, this Body wouhl probably have the right to annul such alterations, by force of the article which says, " That the General Parliament shall have power to make laws for the peace, welfore, and good government of the Federated Provinces." This Parliament, there- fore, might determine that such alterations were contrary to that welfare, and good government, and accordingly repeal them, and thus render them void. Here, would arise strife between the two bodies, and other injurious consequences. One of the most important points under this Title, must now be treated of, that, of the Constitution of the Council, and House of Representatives of the Local Legislature;. Although by the article already set forth, it is conceded to thai; Legislature, to frame and alter, when requred, its own Constitution, ytl. from a part of one of the Speeches of Mr. Secretary Tupper, — the leading Spirit of our Executive Government, it is sufliciently apparent, that is is the intention of his Government, to exercise its inlluence to have the number of the members of our Council reduced from 21 to 11 ; and of our Representatives from 55 to 3G. Here are his words on these points, given in his reported speech : — " On the very face of 61 lands be- Penitenti- lospitals, »t such as Property, gned the id Legis- t is thus d at any icnt, this Ltions, by tirl lament uid good nt, there- y to that liem, and I the two it now be House of he article rame and rt of one Spirit of j is is the have the 1 to 11 ; rt'ords on y face of this scheme, without the shghtest shock to the institutions of the country, 3'ou can draw, at once, out of the Lower Branch of the Legislature 11) members ; and that, too, leaving the electoral privi- leges of the people the same as they are to-day. And then you laces, and transacting business in each place at the sa7ne time, the difficulty may be ovei^ come, but not otherwise. If it remains, as it certainly will, then, contrary to the Secretary's assurance, there will be a " shock to the institutions of the country," and " the electoral privileges of the people" will 7iot "remain as they are to-tlay." u v.— SUMMARY, AND CONCLUDING REMARKS. Under this section it ma}'' bo well in the first place, to refer to some of the circumstances which originated this Federation Scheme. In one of Mr. Secretary Tapper's late speeches in Halifax — in referring to our parliamentary session of last winter — he says — "I moved on the floor of Parliament, for what Mr. Annand is now an advocate of — a Union of the Maritime Provinces." "As I have told you already, despairing of effecting at that time, the larger Union, I moved a resolution for a Union of these lower Provincps.'^' This resolution, it appears, was adopted, and Mr. Secretary and the Attorney General, as the two chief members of our Executive Council, were appointed to form part of the delegation, doubtless without any reluctance, and it is to be regretted, Mr McCully and Mr. Archibald, became the other members of it. This delegation, let it be remembered, was in conformity with that resolution for the sole purpose of conferring with delegates from the three other Maritime Provinces, as to the union of the whole of them ; but no authority was given by our Legislature for any conference with Canadian delegates, as to any union with that Province. At some convenient time in the summer of last year the delegation for these Lower Provinces met at Charlottetown, in Prince Edward Island, to consult and conclude as to their proposed union ; and while so employed there, certain gentlemen from Canada, either as delegates or in some other capacity, joined them at Charlottetown ; and there the larger Union of all the Provinces was proposed, and deliberations concerning it were entered njion, and the considera- tion of the other, and lesser union was abandoned. Now, here, it may be asked, — by what authority did these latter proceedings take place? Did they originate from any resolution of our own Execu- tive Council? If so, it was an wjmzt^/iori^ec? and imjvoper act, as the larger union had been so decidedly discountenanced in our Legislature, only last session, that the Government were afraid even to propose it, despairinq of its meeting witli approval. Could they, icith propriety, suppose that the same Representatives of the people, were such weak-minded and vacillating persons, that they 65 ;KS. refer to a Scheme, allfiix — in says — " I is now an Vs I have tlio larger 'rovincfs. etary and Executive doubtless cCully and lelogation, )lnlion for u'ee other fi ; but no 'cnce with ^'incc. At }gation for !e Edward niou ; and I, either as lottetown ; posed, and considera- w, here, it dings take wn Execu- er ftci, as ',ed in our -ere afraid al. Could ves of the that they fronld change their minds, and be satisfied with a measure which ttioy had so short a time hf.forp.y so entirely coudem^ied, that the (lovcnnnent was afraid publicly to propose it to them? Or, did ihe (yanadian CJeneral Government conclude on desiring tlio larger union, anil send the gentlemen who camo to Charlottetown, as delegates to propose the measure to the delegates of these lower F'rovinces'' There is no satisfactory public information on these points, but a seeming concealment. The resolution of last winter, from the circumstances just mentioned, looks like what is, on some occasions, called an entering iw.drje to effect some ultimate purpose^ which at the first it would be improper or imprudent to divulge. Our present representatives — by the Secretary's admission — have disapproved of this larger union ; but it seems it is to be proposed to the Legislature, without any appeal to the people ; and, if pos- sible, be forced on them, by means of the same Representatives who before rejected it. Surely, all this is not in accordance with responsible government r and the well understood wishes of the people. It is rather an arbitrary attempt, to infringe their natural and civil rights, considering that the proposed union is one, which will require a relinquishment of nearly all their chief privileges and interests into tlie hands of another Government, and would effect 8uch a thorough change in tlicir civil and local condition. And all ttiis is to be done in the utmost haste, without a just and constitu- tional appeal to their wishes and judgment on the subjet. And for what cause and bij whom, is such a momentous and thorough change required ? It is known and declared by all, that our Province is in a state of rapidly progressing prosperity; — our commerce is free, and, doubtless, generally lucrative, — our farmers are doing well ; — the markets and shops are overflowing not only with the necessaries of life, but with nearly all the luxuries of the oldest and most favored countries ; tradesmen and all the other laboring classes have a fair measure of employment ; — our taxation is moderate — or at least 8uch as we can bear, — and, what is better than all these advantages, we are at peace, and free of alarms and danger, as to all foreign quarters. And, further, there has been no call, by petition or other- wise, for any such change as the proposed union from ariy class of our pop^dation. Merchants, who are of all persons the most atten- tive to their own interests and forward to comi)lain of any improper 5 66 restrictive regulations, have never applied for any such rneasur Neither have our farmers, or fitihermen, or tradesmen, or ndning classes, or those engaged in the timber and lumber business, manu- facturers, educational and Uteranj classes, or any otliors, expressed a desire for any such union. If any of these had desired it, they would, doubtless, have made it known in some public manner. But nothing of the kind has proceeded from any of these, and other classes who compose the great body of the population. Hostile tariffs have been merely hinted, but none have been shown and explained. If there were any worthy of notice our merchants would have readily complained, but nothing of the kind has been heard from them, because such tariffs do not exist, or if at all in a very slight degree. There is no real cause for confederation, or call for it from any quarter, except by some half a dozen or more oi speculative or visionary and perliaps aspiring 2>oUticians in each of the Provinces, who have managed to get themseives into this delegation conference, and have manufactured this proposed scheme, which would bereave these Lower Provinces of their dearest rights and privileges, and hand them over, to wliat may truly b3 called, a foreign and powerful country and goverinnent, to rule, tax, and do with us after their own will, and to suit their own interests. Union means the same as concord or agreement, but what sort of union would the one proposed really be wiien no sooner is it made publicly known, than in all the Provinces concerned the most d«?- cided opposition to it arises, in some of them and probably in all, by a large majority of the populations. This, I am convincele. composing the great body of the population, who arc accus- tomed to be actuated in our daily affairs by the realities of vmkejul- yiess. do not think it at all sendble or prudent to submit all our rights and interests to be decided on, or regulated, by our own dreams and visions, much less according to those of hers. As one of the inducements enter into this Confederation, it has been said, that the Imperii^, viovornment approves of it. This may at once be accounted for, as a matter of course. All Govern- ments, both sendar and ecclesiastical, desire and delight in, concen- tration and centralization. These increase power, and afford greater and more efrectual facilities for its exercise. The Czar or Emperor of all the Russias, has only to say, let such a thing be done, and it / is speedily accomplished. Even under our free British Constitu- tion, a Colonial Minister, of course, if onl3' to save himself time^ thought, and trouble, will prefer to havv^ communications with one C!olonial Government, rather than with five. But the disposal of the rights and welfare of any one of the five, much less of the whole, are not to depend on the wish or convenience of any one Minister, or even of the whole of them. I have read the Despatch of the Colonial Minister on the subject, and it does not require, or intimate, that the opinion of the Imperial Government should influ- ence or determine the decision of the I'rovinces, as to adopting or rejecting the proposed measure ; but that Government has constitu tionally, and very properl}^, left the decision on the great and deep- ly interesting subject, to the Legislatures of the several Provinces, as the Kei)resentatives and Guardians of the privileges and welfare of the respective populations, who are the parties most deeply in- terested on the subject. Let us now take a concentrated view of the relinquishments and comes dons we are required to make, to the General Parliament and (iovcrnment, under the articles of this proposed scliemc. Tlio most important of them are the following : — " The Public Propertv ; — €8 Regulation of Trade and Commerce ;— Imposition of duties," (in otlier words, exclusive power of taxation^ to any extent^ and in an.tf and every mode) — " Borrowing Money, except for merely loctil pur- poses ; — Postal Service ; — Regulation of lines of Steamers and other Ships ; — Railways and Canals ;— Militiit, — Military and Naval Ser- vice and Defence ; — Navigation and Shipping ; — Regulation of Sea Coast and Inland Fshories ; — Regulation of Currency ; — Uanks, and Banking; — Bills and Notes; — Interest; — Marriage and Divorce; — The Criminal Law ; — Rendering uniform the laws relative to Properly and Civil Rights ; — Immigration, Agriculture ; and gener- ally respecting all matters of a general character, not specially and exclusively reserved for the Local Governments and J.e^;islatures." The power to be conceded, as to '• aniformity of la.ws relative to property and civil rights" will authorize the genend Parliament, to make our laws concerning those most important subjects, conform- able to those of Upper or Lower Canada. Seriously pouder all these proposed concessions, free Nova Seo tians, and especially ye who compose our Parliamentary Rulers and Guardians ; and say, if you can scifely am\ properly make them, for all time to come, and both as to 3'ourselves and your posterity. Let us look, next, at the powers reserved, or rather conceded^ to the local Legislature. The first is that of direct taxation. Legis- latures and Governments have a special partiality for this species of power, and seldom fail to exercise it pleutifuUy. Now, direct taxation is regarded by most persons as a very odious thing. At one period of English History, it very nearly cost the Sovereign hi,-* croivn and life. For my own part, I like it best, as being the most honest, for in that way, a man knows for what he is i)aying, and the pre{;ise amount, in any given iirrte. It is so far a mercy, that for certain purposes, we shall be permitted to tax ourselves ; but this will not save us from the additional, and yn'at taxation at Ottatva. We are, further, to be allowed to borrow money on oui- own credit. Pr(^bably, it would have been better if that right had been Avithheld from us, ibr like our Canadian bretliron, we have al- ready been quite extravagant enough in that way. AVe are, aldo, to be permitted to appoint and pay our own officers ; and a partial ]V)vver in ejubordination to the great authority at Ottawa, to du ■ ■.something, but it is not said what, regarding our agriculture. :luties," (in and in any \y local pur- rs and other Naval S(T- itiou of Sea ■Banks, and d Divorce- relative to and gencr- )ccially and ii;lslatures." relative to liament, to 3, conforiu- Nova Sco Rulers and :e them, for sterit}'. onceded, to on, Legis- Alls species ^ow, direct thing. At )vereign hi,-* ig the most aying, and mercy^ that selves ; but taxation at uey on our t right had ve have al- j are, aiii*^*. id a partial ivva, to dw agriculture. US and ;i6'eyv;aiii'e and liberal^ and give your most serious thoughts and best judgment to this great subject, so vitally affecting all the interests of your countr}'-, as regards both present midfatare generations. I say, with all due respect, sutler not your minds to be biassed or impressed, by any sojjhist/ies, or Jallacies, or visions of future greatness, or prestige as to name^ or I to It}' mere suppositions or conjectures as to any future advantages which there is no substantial reason to believe will be attained by the proposed t'ederation ; but rather endeavour to direct and apply tlie sure and abiuidant means now in our power for still further ad- vancing the sources of the prosperity and welfare of our common country. As you, were, according to the Provincial Secretary's de- claration, unwilling in your last Session, to enter into any such union as the one now [)roposed, it nnist in fairness be concluded that you are not persons of such JlcMe minds or Jluctuating judg- merits^ as in so short a time to change your former convictions on the subject. You will, doubtless, deeply ponder the solemn re- aponsibilit\'- of your position as regards the honor, the interests, and the peace of the Province generally, and not incur the risk of being reproached for having assented to h measure so directly humiliat- ing and so perilous as to the public prosperity and happiness. By now rejecting the proposed measure, time will be riforded until the next usual period for the choice of representatives, for all classes and persons to deliberate full}' on the momentous subject. This privilege, it appears, is to be denied by our present Government by tUeir immediately forcing it forward, without that appeal to the population generally, which, according to that free constitutional system oi government under which we live, it is so obvious ought to be made on a subject of such a universal and politically impor- tant character. Tn coming to a conclusion, I hope I am warranted in saying that I have fulillled my expressed desire and intention of treating the gentlemen who are advocating this Confederation with all due per- Honal respect; but as to their reasons and arguments, I acknow- ledge I have dealt with them in that plain and strict manner, wiiich the vast importance of the numerous interests involved, and the welfare of the millions of persons co.iccrned, so justly requir- ed. If offence is taken at what 1 have said, regarding the scheme, having sprung from dreams and visions, I may justify myself by answering that the gentlemen themselves have furnished me with the language, for one of them has expressly said, that this Confed- eration has been the " dream of his life," and the orations of the others had certainly more reference to visioris of the future than to 71 advantages attained by and apply further ad- iir common jretary's de- to any such ! conchided lating judg- ivictiorts on solemn re- iterests^ and sk of being [y humiliat- )iness. By 3d until the all classes )ject. This jrovcrnment )peal to the institutional ^'ious ought ;ally impor- any facts or circu-istancos relating to the present time and genera- tion. There is one very important point, which has jnst now occurred ' me, which should have been mentioned in some previous page. It is this, that as the Act to establish the Union is to be passed by tlic Imperial Parliament, however prejudicial or oti'ensive the opera- tion of the measure may pvo\e, to any one or more of the Pro- vinces, or even to all of them, no change or relief can be effected by the legislation, or otherwise, of any one or the whole ; but only by the Imperial Parliament, wiiicii power, it is not at all probable, would ever dissolve the Union, or dissever any of its members! If done noiv, so hastily as is proposed, it may be said to be done* forever, whether for iceal or i.coe, to any or all of the Provinces. saying that creating the ill due per- i, I acknow- ict manner, ivolved, and istly requir- the scheme, y myself by ed me with his Confed- ions of the ure than to