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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 a I I i i^'«^«^ V^^^^ ^^^|k^ ^^ ^^^'^'^ "W^. « « 4» ^[g)i>[SE©@ TO THE INHABITANTS OF TUE BISTRICT OF GORE, And Speeches upon the Trade Act, upon the Bill for com- penrating the loeeoa of siiflerera by the late Rebellion, upon the Bank Restriction Bill, and an extract from a . speech upon the Union of the Provinces, M THE HON. JOHN WIILSON. HAMILTON, U. C. Printed at Rcthveh's Book and Job Offjce 1840. dU . r 'ir ,(jonjn,T J d 1 i ^©iBlgil TOTHEINHABITANTS OF THE DISTRICT OF GORE, And Speeches upon the Trade Act, upon the Bill for com. pensating the losses of sufferers by the late Rebellion, upon the Bank Restriction Bill, and an extract from a speech upon the Union of the Provinces, BY THE HON. JOHN WIllSON. HAMILTON, U. C. Printed at Ruthven's Book and Job Office 1840. ' IJK^^'^^'*. ^••^.^-•^.■^■Hfc^ I i •■I ill I. H 4 «'l TO THE INHABITANTS OF THE OORE DISTRICT. tPeliow Subjects : Seeing that it is a time of addressing and be- ing addressed every where in anticipation of good things to come, permit me to present to you my grate- ful acknowledgements for the continued support I have received at your hands, and my warm and heart- felt thanks for the unwavering confidence you have reposed in me for so long a period of time. I am led to this course, in presenting myself to your notice, because we have arrived at one of those prominent points that will hereafter form a most important pe- riod in the history of individuals and of this country, and will present itself to the notice of the historian as a vast promontory obtrudes itself upon the eye of the mariner far off at sea. As I have reasonable grounds too to expect that my political services may be no longer required, I have, therefore, a desire to bring under your notice a few particulars, which would perhaps be unnecessary, were it not that more than half the population of the District is com- posed of persons growing into active and responsi- ble life, or of those who have emigrated from other countries, since the period I forbore to be promi- nent in the political combat : and more particularly, as none of you are informed of the course taken by me last Session in the Legislative Council. When called upon in 1808 by a deputation from Flamboro* West and Nelson to allow myself to be put in nomination for the west riding of the county of York, my diffidence would have decided against it, but for the advice of two or three of my friends. — The parties in politics known at that time, were the ** Govertimenf and the " Opposition.''^ I was called upon by the latter, — which was chiefly composed of i,, ^1 ( • dissenting religious people, i){irticularly Presbyte- rians, Methodists, Baptists, Mcnonists, & Tunkers, who were led to believe, from the Constitution, that they did not labor under, nor were liable to, any " penalties, Ij^'thens, disabilities, or disqualifica- tions" on account of their religious form or mode of worship. Amonfjf those ri<];hts tlujt they deemed essentially to belong to the free exercise of their Re- ligion, were those of solemnizing matrimony, and hol- ding property in their corporate capsicities in perpe- tual f accession, sufficient to enable them to exer- cise their own particular mode or form of worship in the fullest and amplest manner possible : — as for in- stance, the erection and undisturbed occupancy of houses for religious worshij), and of burial grounds — rights by them deemed to be essentially Religious. But the government however held a ditierent opinion, and by passing a law in 179S, granting some of these rights to the church of Scotland, the Lutherans and CalvinistvS, (the latter term was never interpreted as conveying any rights to any body of Christians) cast an imputation upon all those who were left without the pale, •^nd exposed them to penalties, burthems, disabilities and disqualifica- tions on account of the mode or form of their Religious faith or worship — the Constitution to the contrary nowitbstanding. But as no penalties had actually been imposed, nor prosecutions institu- ted, there was no rankling animosity or bitter- ness of feeling •, and well would it have been if, instead of the prosecutions that were afterwards in- stituted, Legislative Enactments had been passed, healing the wounds that had been already inflicted before their pain became felt. I regret however to be obliged to say, that these light afflictions were not long borne with that spirit, which the high pro- fessions of those who suffered them, so much indica- ted. 8ome indeed have striven, reckless of all con- sequences, to stir up a hostile feeling against the Church, until it may be truly said of the adhe- 5 rents to that venerable syntein oi (Jhrifstinn rule luicl faith,- — for the inaintenaiu'e of which .so many ^reat and good men of the IGtli ciinturv underwent tJie most severe trials — that they have hoen in fact for tho last few yeurs, tiio persecuted. Hut to return to my election. — So jrreat was the opposition to my return, that no Justice of the Peace, nor Militia Officer, with the exception of one or two, had the firmness to give nie a vote ; and even the Lieute- nant Governor himself quarrelled with the then Attorney General, because lie allowed himself to be employed to advocate my cause before the House of Assembly. Ihit in all this, I felt it not right to bring a *' railing accusation," and restrained my language in discussion, as well as my acts in voting, within such bounds of moderation as I thought would be most desirable to characterise those whose inter- ests I was particularly looked u[)on as being sent there to represent — a course that I am persuaded was of vast importance in enabling me to restrain my irri- table temper 6l unpetuous disposition — which never failed to demand " an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," and full vengeance for every contempt and insult ; and while heated and violent discussion was going on, and important votes pending, I have hun- dreds of times turned over the enquiry in my own mind, what would Paul or Peter or their Master have done if called upon to share in this conflict ? how would they vote on this question if and what advice have they given that may serve as safe cousel for my gui- dance ? These things may be smiled at by those who lean to their own understandings, but I can assure you, my good friends, they were means to me of see- ing through the mist of error and the force of preju- dice, and of enabling me to get the better of injured feelings ; and I now give it as my decided opinion, that if this same old-fashioned custom had been pur- sued by Legislators, Editors and Religious Instruct- ors of the people, there would have been no rebellion; and the rights of all would have been secured upon a ^1 6 foundation not Icsh enduring tlian \\wy are at present* But it has liappcned otlu^rvvise. In the latter part of 181 Tj my mind was deeply impressed with the necessity of some provision be- ing made for tlie (ulucation of tlie children of the poor and thinly scattered population of this Pro- vince. I mentioned the circumstance to Isaac Swayze and some oilier Members who 1 numbered among my friends, to whom 1 stated that I in- tended bringing the matter before the house at its next session ; and I felt it thrill through every nerve when the Lieutenant (Jovernor, Francis Gore, Es- quire, adverted to the subject of Conunon School education in his opening speech of that session. When the speech was taken up in tlic 1 louse, that part of it relating to Education, was referred to a select com- mittee, of which the late .James Durand, Esquire, was the first named member. 1 was not one of the num- ber. I however, undertook to draw a bill for the regulation of common schools. In this I had no precedent to guide me, and it may sound strange to Canadians to be told, that there is no British Statute to aid in point of form, in drawing such a bill — par- ticularly when they hear so nuich fault found by many persons against the common School laws — stating what ought to be the practice in this, and what is the practice, in other countries — that with all the Universities, Colleges, Academies, Grammar Schools, Charity Schools, or chartered Societies, there is no general law in England, Ireland, or Scotland for the benefit and regulation of conunon schools for the education of the great mass of the people ; and be- ing unused to drawing bills I found it a most difficult undertaking. About the middle of the session enquiry was made in the house, if the committee on Education was ma- king any, and what progress. Mr. Durand replied, that they had m^t several times, but could not agree upo' any report, and thought it was not probable that they would agree. After this I gave notice that % 'i le at I uould on a day iiaiiKMl, move for loavc to hrin^ in a bill fortlio rcj^ulation ».!' C^ommoii Schools through- out this l^roviiicc ; and when that day arrived my mo- tion was violently o|)|)()s4 15 lica- my iitial. my [ern- 839, Wer- stru- meiit under the seal oi tlie Province to isummon me to the Legislative Council thereof. 1 did not think at the time that I would again entiT into that field of strife, and in my answer I intended to indicate as much. I did not therefore attend during the then ensuing sessiu.i. I however on the 22nd of June 1839, received another communication respecting the ifees which I paid, but still left the accep- tance of the appointment doubtful. But at the approach of the late session tliere were two reasons that operated strongly upon my mind to induce me to take my seat in the Council. The first was — that seeing our Constitution & Government were about to pass awdT^' from us, I thought it dastardly in me not to record my testimony against it •, and in the second place — by the design of the 12tli Parliament, and by the most inconceivable and culpable over- sight of the 13th, the laws relating to, and autho- rising the raising aiid collection of, the internal revenue, had become totally inefficient for the purposes intended •, and although I had stated the case at full length to the Government at the pre- vious session, and the same had been laid before a committee of the House of Assembly, yet that body was so engaged about other things, that these necessary laws remained unaltered. I was led to believe if I was present and exerted myself, I would be able to procure the revision of them, and with these views I applied for the Mandamus and obtained the letters patent on the 11th day of December 1839. I opposed the Union of the Provinces as I felt in. duty bound to do. On the 2(7th of December I returned home, and from the ill health of my family I did not return to Toronto for a month, uhen I found a bill before a select committee, that iiad been sent up from the House of Assembly, regulating the licensing of wooden stills of a description that would have destroyed all the distilleries in the Pro- vince if it had passed into a law. Some may say that i 1 I I i ! i I K) that would have done but little harm. True, it* the consumption of spirituous li(|uors would thereby have been lessened; but that would not have been the case, as the whole amount would have been supplied by foreign spirits and smuggled whiskey from the Uni- ted States ; and thus two demoralising systems would have been carried on in place of one — the re- venue sustain a great loss, and a vast amount of otherwise useless grain deprived of a nuirket, I was immediately placed on that connnittee, and upon explaning my views of the bill, I obtained leave of the committee to try whnt 1 could do by stating the case to the Attorney and Solicitor .General, Mr. Sherwood, llotham Gamble, and se- veral other members of the vVssembly, which I did ; and a new and modified bill was brought before that House, which lowered the duty from 2s. 6d. to Is. (id. per gallon, and contined it to the tub or tubs used for tlie distillation of the beer, and ex- punged the oath required to be taken, and the perjury clause in case of an error ; and then watched the progress of the bill before the Assembly with close attention for a whole week, to be prepared to report unfavourably to the Council of the first bill before the second one \\as sent up, otherwise it would have been a broach of privilege to have sent up the second bill before the first was disposed of. The most of my suggestions were attended to in renewing and revising the other licensing laws for taverns, ale houses, billiard tables, &c. ; but with the repetitions and contradictions of several of the ^clauses in these acts' I have nothing to do. It is a little singular, that although the sittings of the Council were no longer demi-private, as in imy remembrance, and a reporter was for the last two or three sessions freely admitted — that to my knowledge, there were none of the debates for the last two weeks of the Session ever published. But that you may be informed of the course pursued \)y me during that time, 1 have subjoined the i b b( I !; i: ttings as in e last )r the But :sued the introductory part of m\ Nuet'ch in ouposiiioii to the union — as it was not published at the time, and because it contains a comparison that may perhaps be thought of hereafter. I have also subjoined my ej)eech upon the bills for inrrensing the Charters of the Upper Canada, the Coannercial, and the Gore Banks, with clauses reported to the Jouncil by the select committee to whom they had bec.'n referred — restricting their future issue of bills to not less than five dollars ; — and also the s])rech made by me up- on the Act regulating the trade with i\u) United States j and I then lu'lieved, and do still believe myself to have been prhicipally instrumental in de^ feating the restriction clauses of the Bank Bills, and of carrying the trade act successfully through the Council. Whether they receive the Royal assent or not, much good will grow out of such a ']<^^'ided expression of the Provincial Legislature ; and though some have endeavoured to persuade me, that we suffer no injury by the free admission oi United States agricultural produce, or by the imposition of heavy duties upon our productions in their ports, but I would as soon believe that water could be made to run up hill contrary to nature's laws. I have also given a speech made by me upon the bill granting a sum of money to provide for the payment of all just claims arising from the late rebellion and invasion of this Province. The speeches themselves are made out from pencil notes taken at the time, but from which however I have always been able to recollect what I have said, at any length of time afterwards. My object in laying these speeches before you, is, that you may judge for yourselves of my exertions for your interests during the four weeks I was in the Legislative Council , and more particularly, as I have reason to believe, that it is the first and last time I may have an opportunity of sustaining your in- terests in that body. For as it is natural and cus- tomary to appoint men to places, who accord in X' V t 18 I *eiiliiueut Willi llii).>c ill \vli(isio liaiidc) i't'>»l» tliu up poiiitini>- power, {iiid knowing* that my opinions of your interests differed in niuny iniportunt points from those entertained by His ExcelltMicy tlie (jrovernor General — I have tlieretbre no reason to expect, nor do I expeet, a re-ap[)oiiitment to the Lejj;ishitive Couneil — nor vvould 1 surrender one jot of a well- considered opinion upon any important matter for such an appointment. — But when any measure b©' comes the law of the land, it behoves all men quietly to submit to it, and to render all proper aitl in carry ■> ing it into ettect — that the utmost good intended may not be hindered. To the improvements of the country 1 have been at all times a zealous Iriend. The Burlington Canal I view as the life and soul of all prosperity to the Gore, the Wellington, and the Brock Districts, — the port at Oakville, as a new and safe harbor, opening out ihe resources of all the adjoining Townships, — the Desjardin's Canal, as giving the whole western and northern stretch of country the full advantage of the utmostpointof water conimiiuication,— and the Welland Canal, because it is the lowest level, and the shortest distance in connecting the great west- ^^rn section, with the middle and the tasterii sections of the Province, thereby securing tlie advantage of British trade and markets to all ])arts of it, and with- out which tlie trade of llie whole western country would have been driven to the United b?tates — be- lieving at the same time " that where the treasure is there will the heart be also." — Nov need we look far into the gloom of future jears to find the petty and contemptible prejudices, both individual and local, against that great national undertaking, swept dovvn the tide of time, as now its w aters sweep the Ipubble on their surface. — Ere long will the locks pf that canal be scarcely able to fill and empty fj^sA ejftough to keep in motion the heavy-laden craft tha^ will seek for entrance and for exit — IVeighted too >vi(h all I he \-<\^\ magazines of agricullurnl wealth, "I I!) \ o Mess the hrriidloss iriillioiis oT oilier eliine.s. — But for a littlt* time it must yield snlaries to compact men, and be «;oveined by tliofse who have sought its destruction.'* I have always been a friend to the improvement of* the ronds in nny way that they could most ad- vantafTj^ously be improved — as they are a princ ipal m^ans of enc()urau;injr social intercourse, of increa- sing commerce, oi( heapeniiiii; transport, and of ad- ding greatly to the sum total ol comlort and happi- ness. As I started out a plain farmer, with no other advantages than those oflered as the rewards of industry and perseverance — I have therefore labor- ed — tirst, for a livint]r, jmd secondly, to be useful ; but not being ambitious, [ never sought to bo great, and have therefore newer got above myself or my neighbours. If 1 learned any scraps of knowledge that might be useful to others, 1 have considered it as common stock, and freely communicated it to every enquirer — of which you are yourselves my witnesses. — I have ever been a friend to emigration, as it brings the poor into a broad place, and adds to our numbers Jind to our intelligence. It enables ua more early to reap the advantages of the country, and adds, as 1 have already said, to the sum total of our happiness. Finally, I desire to repeat the full assurance of the high regard I have for you all, nnd for your individual and joint interests in all the many ad- vantages of our common country; and with this feehng more deeply engraven than the impression of the pen of steel with which I write, I bid you a hearty, sincere, afiectionate, and cordial farewell. JOHN WILLSON. Saltfleet, 13th October, 1840. I ft ♦ See Report of Commissioners — 12th February, 1838. 30 * Introiiurlion to (i Speech u^iun t/if. Vnion uj the Prw vinccs. M.T. Willson sjiiti, that tin; history of a kingdom or a Province was but the extended history of an in- dividual, and either might he compared to rivers or streams of water — of which lie was aware of but one whose smooth & phicid surface continued in even & unbroken Mow for any very great (extent of space. Thus it is with individuals and with nations — they glide along the extent of time, Honu; a shorter, some a longer period, but always w ith plensing [irospect, as they fondly fancy, far jdiead — as rivers glide over space. Hut pr(\sently the inclination increases, and with it the rapidity of the slnsim. Its smooth and even surface, tirst broken by a succession of ripples, rolling forward or breaking on the shore — still on- ward driven with increased velocity & force — a lit- tle further ahead — and all's ingulphed in the rolling surge and dashing spray. Thus it is with men, and thus it is with nations too ; and so it is just about to happen to us. We have had our smooth and even times ; but our pleasant and our prosperous days I fear have passed over, and we have entered upon more rutHcd and unequal times, and still more portentous lie ahead. A little further on, and mad commotion will burst upon us every where ! On Friday mid Salurdtiij, the lUlh and IStli of February, the discus, sion took place in the Legislative Council upon the bill sent up from the House of Assembly, regulalins the trade between the United States and the Province of Upper Canada. Mr. Willson said — I regret exceedingly that the hon. gentleman (Mr. Ferguson) should so soon have become discouraged & given up this important point. He says— from the fate of the resolutions he had the honour of bringing forward the other day, he is con- vinced that we have not the power to legislate upon any matter connected with, or regulating our trade and commerce, and regrets that it should be so — but hopes that the country will be satisfied with the course he has taken, as they will see that we are i 'V. |., 2\ TO' prohil»it(»(l from m(' lull jih well satiHfiod if lu; had not been •) 4 teii timefl and poriotis, as it was lor legislating about roads and bridges, or any other of* our immediate and internal regulations : and some of them are still in force and acted upon — the act regulating the dtity upon salt is one of thei^ By this we may see, that it is not in good keeping, to tell us, that wo have no right to meddle with it — while we are con-^ tinually collecting duties under our own enactments^ Then, said Mr. W., to frighten us from our con-« sistency, it is further stated, that Great Britain has regulated her trade, including that of her Colonies^ by treaty wuh all the world ; and our legislating would be interfering with treaty regulations. This, said Mr. W., is in truth a matter with which we have nothing to do. But if Great Britain has entered into treaties, the effect of which is injurious to our interests, it becomes us to be incessant in our ap-« plications — by addresses, or by legislative enact- ments — to inform the Home Government of our wants, our wishes and our interests — in order, that, being properly apprised of the injury we sustain, by ill-timed laws, or by ill-digested treaties, the Home Government may be induced in its treaty regulation^, to negociate for better terms in our behalf; or other- wise to allow us to manage a little more our own immediate interests, as well of trade as of our inter- nal and domestic affairs — otherwise the benefit of our connection will become a question of doubt with more than the seditious and the evil-minded. When emigrants, said Mr. W., were flowing i^: upon us in numbers so great, that the country was not able to supply them without raising the price of provisions and of live stock so high as to did- courage that emigration, and prevent tradesmen and others from settling in, and building up, our towns and cities, I was myself a most zealous ad- vocate for allowing the Agricultaral production* of the United States admitted free of duty. At thai- time nearly all the articles of fiirniture, implements -of husbandry, as well as all things tending to comfwt, •j:i r^liii^iueiU uiid luxury , ImU ol necessity to be brought from that country. But now, said Mr. W., the ease is widely altered. Our towns and villages have progressed, and are built up, so as to supply the wants of the surrounding country ; and if the trades- man, merchant or manufactmcr, all of whom are protected by heavy duties on articles in which their interest lies, must eat American provision, because it is cheap, it will soon become the intertst of our agriculturists, to let thp.m depend upon the Ameri- cans for the sale of their wares and merchandizes. Then they will soon find, when the farmers pockets 9X0 empty, their goods and wares will remain on their bands. When generous prices are paid for the means of living, it is always found that merchandize, and the productions of art and manufacture, find the readiest sale. It has happened in a few instances, said Mr. W., that it would have been to our inter- mit to have been allowed to make use of the A meri- can market, but we were met with a duty of twenty- five per cent. It would be a very great draw-back to ^ farmer selling, say 600 bushels of wheat, to find himself taxed $150 — whereas our markets are free to them — ^and they know how to avail themselves of them too ; and although large quantities of wheat QOd flour were imported from England to the Uni- ted States a few years since, they nevertheless thought it advisable to encourage the Agricultural iftterests, awd persisted in levying the duty, although %t the expense of their merchants, manufacturers, tradesmen, and worst of all, their labourers ; and tfhey probably taxed this Province to the amount of more than half its revenue. It is not fitting then,, ^id Mr. W., that we be very soft and delicate %boat the matter, under such disproportionate cir- '^yueftstaAces and such unequal terms of intercourse. Then said Mr. W.» the evil is real, while the good^ if good there be, is only to a few speculators; but upoa the whole, is in truth more in imagination i; 5 I •2\ Hi B than in i-eality. W hilo this state of things serves but to irritate the farming interests of the country, and tends to make them behove, that their interests are but secondary ones, and therefore not entitled to much consideration ; and when people believe theniselvos and their interests neglected, every thing appears to their view under the greatest imaginable distortion. They become discontented with the country, the government, and every thing else ; and finally come to the conclusion, that the country af- fording the greatest encouragement to the produc- tions of their avocations, nuist of necessity be the best for them. And who will assert, that there is not force in the argument extremely difficult to meet or rebut. Anotiicr proof of the truth of it, i f further proof it requires, is, that the greatest num- ber of monied farming, manufacturing and mechan- ical emigrants, go to the United States. For there are not wanting mc n in all the maritime cities of A- merica, to tell the farmer that his wheat and flour and other productions are worth twenty- five per cent more in the United States than in Canada; and that whenever the Canada market is the best, he may share in all its benefiis upon equal terms with the Canadians themselves. And what British or Irish farmer will settle Avith as upon the unequal terms of dear land and cheap produce, v. lien he can get cheap land and a high price for its pro- ductions elsewhere. The thing is absurd in itself; and while this manifest difference continues, unfa- vorable comparisons will be drawn between this country and the United States. Again, said Mr. W., in order to lull us into a good-natured compliance, we are told, that by open- ing our markets free of duty to the Americans, we will insure .3 ourselves the West India trade. This is a question worth a little attention. — We are, said Mr. W., a vast distance from the West Indies, and our commerce is ice-bound nearly half the year — while New York, New Orleans, and all the maritime I 25 f 16 cities between, are in the immediate neighbourhood of that trade, and their ports accessible to all parts of the world throughout the whole year without interrup- tion. How then is it reasonable to suppose that we can compete with the States for that trade. It is, said Mr. W., wholly out of the question — unless we had a depot in New York, and then and only then, could we expect to have any chance of getting a part of that trade. But as we are circumstanced there is no possibility of it. For, first of all, the distance interposes — then the ice again. — These Islands too are situated in a hot climate, where they never can keep large supplies on hand. Whenever a scarcity occrrs, it is known in the United States in a little ime; and while the price is at the highest, the Americans will have tne full benefit of the trade. When their wants are supplied our Canada produce comes in, & necessarily commands the lowest price: — But we are told the protecting duty secures us. That, said Mr. W., has been tried many years, and has wholly failed to produce any such effect. The protecting duty is rather to be deprecated by the con* sumers of flower in the West Indies than otherwise — as flower and some other articles of consumption are reckoned among the luxuries of their living- are seldom used by the > oor and laboring classes, but by the rich only ; and therefore the British ^ -»vern- ment, as well as the government of the Islands themselves, have considered these articles of living a- mong the most fit <&; proper from which to raise a rev- enue. Therefore, if it were possible for us to com- mand that trade, the effect would be to destroy some of the most important sources of the revenue of the West India Islands — so that in truth, they would not thank us for our kindness in giving them cheap flour. Besides, how strange would it look to see the trade of one colony operate to the destruction of the revenue of another, and all by the same enactment from the Imperial Parliament. But I fear there is some strange and extraordinary influence exerted in this matter* D I I ' ^mm il) 3G To procure a cheap supply for the troops is an- other argument. How falacious indeed, said Mr.W., must the whole appear, if that were to be considered? Why does'nt the Imperial Parliament after the corn laws, and let the poorer classes also partake the be- nefit? If the corn laws are sustained for the benefit of the agricultural interests of Great Britain — notwith- standing the army, the navy, the operatives, the labor- ers, and all the dependent classes — why grind us un- der this oppressive and unequal trade. I hope, said Mr. W., that there is firmness enough in this House, to let Her Majesty's Gouvernnient know our circum- stances, our wishes, and our wants, by acting in con- cert with the House of Assembly in passing the Bill. And now, said Mr. W., having gone through the subject in support of the bill, according to my in- tention, 1 will explain, at the request of the hon. and learned Premier, what I meant by some "strango and extraordinary infiuence" — an expression I ad- mit I have used several times in this House. I am sure it will be fresh in the recollection of every hon. member present at the time, that in reply .to me the first or second time I rose upon this floor, that hon. and learned gentlemen said — " that my haran- gues or speeches would have more weight and effect in a more diffuse and popular Assembly, (meaning I suppose the House of Assembly where I was long a practitioner) but in a select body, constituted as this house is, I could not expect to produce the same ef- fect," Now I can assure this hon. house & that hon. gentleman, that the expression made a deep impres- sion upon my feelings, and I often recurred to it- thinking that there certainly must be some hidden, strange, and extraordinay influence indeed at work — or how else is it possible there could be under heaven a body so select and so constituted, that reasc. Sf common sense could have no weight with it. I am, however, happy to say, said Mr. W., that I have witnessed the contrary m my times & hope to witness it again on this occasion. (The Bill rwicordingly passerl tlie Council, and was reserved by His Ex- cellency the Uovcnior Cejieral for the sisnilicaliun of Her !\1nj('^;(y'9 plea- sure.) 21 Debate in the Legislative Council upon the Bank Res- triction Bill on Friday the 1st, and Monday the 4/A, February 1840. Mr. Willson said, that it might be deemed pre- sumption in him attempting the discussion of this deep, intricate and difficult question — as he had ne- ver been connected with what is called the business or commercial part of the community, who are sup- posed to know more of the operations of mon mat- ters than any other class of men. He had however for a large portion of his life been situated where all the varied interests of the Province frequently passed in review, and to which he professed not to have been inattentive. Then, said Mr. W., our first en- quiry is, whether the country is at this moment over- stocked with a circulating medium. In answer, no argument need be used, as the merchant, the far- mer, the tradesman and the labourer, all join with one voice in stating, that there is not — through the failure of the crops, and the severe check upon the whole commerce of the country — sufficient circula- ting medium to carry on its limited trade. Then what effect will the restriction of the banks against the issue of bills under five dollars, have upon the agriculture and commerce of the Provmce. The three chartered banks have now in circulation £319, 416 10s. of the denomination of 5 dollars and up- wards, and £107,108 5s. of a denomination less than $5. Now should this £107,108 be withdrawn from circulation, its place must be supplied from some other source. Should the banks lessen their discounts the country would be in a far worse con- dition than at present. Shmild they continur their discounts as at present, the whole amount in circu- lation would be £426,524 15s. Now, said Mr. W ., nothing can be more certain, than that the amount of these bills equal to the present issue, would imme- diately and constantly return upon them for gold and silver to supply the deficiency occasioned by prohi- I'i- ;J,•^0 ^w 28 ii: biting the circulation of$l, $2 and $4 bills. This would lessen their stock of specie, and keep the banks in perpetual trouble and anxiety to have a sup- ply equal even to the most ordinary occasions. They have at present £2'24,393 3s. 2d. on hand in gold and silver. Deduct from that a sum equal to the small bills driven from circulation, and which the banks must supply, and then the case will stand thus — 'bills in circulation £426,524 15s., and specie on hand £117,284 18s. 2d. By this view of the subicctj nothing can be more clear, than that the bauKs would be obliged to curtail their discounts, and the country must feel and suffer all the ruinous consequences. We will now inquire from what source we derive our supply of gold and silver, and through what clx^nel it passes off. It is evident then that our supply is procured from and by the home government -^m the supply and pay of troops, and in pensions and half pay to officers and others drawing money of and through the government. This is and must be the chief source of our supply. As for our trade, it is well known that we import more than we export, and I believe, said Mr. W., it will be found, that ma- nufacturing countries alone, and not producing countries, are able at all times to command and re- tain large supplies of gold and silver. The question next arises — what becomes of the circulating specie ? To this the answer need not be fwf-fetched. Our trade is principally from and through Lower-Canada, but it is partly, and to a considerable amount, from the United States — and n.0 inconsiderable part of that trade is of an unseen and invisible description, carried on by smuggling. For our trade with Lower Canada, we can pay in wheat, flour, Pork, Lumber, &c. ; but our trade \vitb the United States can only be paid in S{>eci©. For should it happen, as several times it has hap- jj^jed, that produce brings a higher price in the Unitod States than is paid in Lower Canada, wc are i9 ' the kbe and Itoa ind ^een ing. in -ade tcie. the ar,* kiiulnoflrt — wliich wouM liJi\«' Uwn rwu a rcproucli ii{)<>n itunuiii naturr. Then* nMimiiis, said Mr. \\'., aiK»lIi<>r vicnv to b<; takni ot" this <|iicsti()n, \nI»icI» is neither trivial, nor to \h) (lisrcgar'led. — \Vl»o is the man that wonid he such a fool as to sustain th(! puhhc or a ;^(>v(Tninent that had not thi; honor nor the justice to sustain him m return, or to com[)ensat(; him lor the losses he might be obliged to i)ear ! \\ h(> that mif^ht be surrounded with the disad'ected, or exposed to a line of danger, or be liable to sudden surprise, would have firmness to stand the shock — or rath(>r say thi^ hardihood, to risk evcrv thiiifj— for the faithless who would refuse tu hold him up in the conflict ( 1 am sur|)rised, said Mr. W., that the ciuestion should be mooted, or a doubt raised. — liCt it once be understood, that llu; pillage of property, &i the burning of buildings, on the score of faitlifulness to tlu^ govermnent, is to stand unrequi- ted by that government or the public, and very soon will it l)e seen that all men will abandon such a government as not worthy of support. Rather pay in full, and pay them promptly, and place them com- fortably, as was the situation iVom whence they were hurled, and they wUl rejoic in their own honest fidelity ; and the precedent on both sides will pre- sent itself as worthy of example for all men and for all governments. i w ill , f ,.!■; i ; vM ) i j'\r -^i^-i .^..i^.. • * -;■: npmmnp^Pi^^wwpnppw •Iff ill I: i r ^♦♦♦♦^♦^^^^^^^^^^^^^♦^^^^^^♦^►^^^^^♦^"♦•^♦♦f .iM?;*^:'"-^ ■ ^'"-^ * - "5*=/^-- -■^_i^^^^r:i^ ( -v. JOHN IIUTHVEN, is now RECEIVING A LARGE SUPPLY OF SCHOOL AND MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS, Which, he wdUI seli retry cheap foir cash, ai Ms PRINiiNG OFFICE & BOOK STORE, KINH-SSTKEET, HAMILTON. t AMONG HIS SCHOOL BOOKS WILL M FOUNB THE FOLlOWINfi. f V 'T' *• The Alphabet, Child's Instructcr, Hofminnn's Reading Made Easy, ^ 4^ and a large variety of other Primers, &e. ^ t Mayor's Spelling Book, Carpenter'^ Spelling Book, Murray's Siwlling •# Book, Cyobb's Spelling Book, Webster's dd and now Spelling Book, -^ 4^ Murray's Grammar, Kirkham's Grnmrnar, Adam's Graminar, Smith's •** X Grammar, Murray's English Reader, M. jnell's Questions, Goldsmith's "^ S^ large and smril Geography, Olney's Geography, Woodbridge's- Geogra. * phy. Parley's Geography, Walkingham's Tutor's Assistartt* DaUrfPs 7 ^ Aridimetic, &.c. &c. Copy and Cypiicring Books, Plain antd tlttled X X Paper, Slatoe, Ink, School Rewards, &c. &c. 2 jj^ J. R. puWishcs Murray's English Reader, Mavor's and Cobb's Spell, X ^ ing Book, and a variety oi Primers and Toy Books, at pric^.suMcd to ^ 4^ the times. rt ^ J. R, has, in connexion with his Printing Office and BooIC%Sore,a ^ Bindery and Ruling Machine in full operation, and he now carrto»on the 4^^ business of Printing, Book Binding and KtUing in all its various dcparti^ -^ * ments. , "^ ♦ '*' Account Books, Registers, Afiscssiutnt Rolls, &c., Ruled to afty piil- '^ ■f^ tern and Bound to older ou the shoitpst notice, Ac. &c. ' ^ ;«■ X !*;•',-.. vV t :^' I ^ X