The Herald -- 1868-04-29 -- Page 2

THE HERALD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1868.

ASSASSINATION OF H10N. T. DARCY MCGER.

en ee

Mowpay Arranxoon, April 15,

Hox. Lasten or rap Government rose to move a
Resolution, expressing the deep regret of the House at
the ead assassination of tite LLonorable Thomas D'Arcy
MoGue, one af the members of the Parhament of the
Dominion of Canada, There were, he said, very fow
members of the House who had not seen that hon. geu-
tleman, and these who had nat were familiar with his

history, and had read of his patriotic speeches in Canada
before ant since Confederation. All mast therefore
feel with him a dvep regret that so worthy a man had
met @ violent death at the hauds of au assassin. It wae
not bis intention to mike a long display of words to ex-
his foelings apon this aceasion. He had been
u fatinately acquainted with the lamented gentleman,
ving been a Delegate fvom this Island at the Qacheo
~ Enferenes, at which he was a Delegate on the part of
the Canadian Government. The disposition which
was then invariably showa by hinto do justice and
ake matters as agresable as possible to the Lower
*rovinees. as well as to Canala, had given him a high
place in his (the hon, member's) estimation. Nothing
Gver oovurre! which cansed him so great a shock ae
a pablic man, as dilthe intelligonce that" this great states
man hal bee. asaassinated—perhaps for giving free
utterance to his apinions upon public questions. All
public mea must teel that it beboved them to deprecate
this act. He also stated thathe had the honor of being
acquainted with Mrs. McGee and sympathized most
singorely with her and her family in their sad bereave-
ment. Tle would therefore’ move the following
“Rosolation, which, he believed, expressed the feelings
ofevery member of the Mouse :—

;

The assassination of the Ion, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, of
the Dominion of Canada, having been reported by Telegram.

Tierefore Resolved, That this House regards with hor-
ror and detestation the atrocious and blood-thirsty act;
deeply sym pathises with the bereaved widow and orphans,
and sincerely regrets that the Domminion Government
should have lost such an able and patriotic statesman,

Tlon. Leaver or tae Orposrrton in seconding the
resolution of the Hon, Leader of the Government did
so with very painful feelings, Le had also the pleasure
of making the acquaintance of the Hon. Mr. McGee,
«luring the Quebec Couference in 1864, and from what
he then saw of him, both in his public and private char-
acter, he had come to the conclusion that he was one
of the greatest men of which British North America’
could boast, The conclusion then arrived at, be had
never altered, On the contrary, he had, day by day,
nod year by year, become more convinced than ever
that he was one of the brightest lights of British Aime.
riea, and one who hud at heart the weltare and pros-
perity of bis adopted country. However hon, members
in this House might have “differed with him regarding
the means of promoting that object, he was curtain that
they must be convinced that he had no selfish motives
in advocating Confederation, Had he merely wished
to make himself popular with the people, and receive
that applanse which sos wen may have condered to
them one day, aad lose the next, ne wonld have ac-
vomplished bis cbject far-more easily had he exerted
his influence aud ponred forth his eloquence against
the Union. Ile bad, however, conscientious views on
the subject, and gave utterance to them in eloquence
searcely te be surpassed by any. It was well known
that iy 48, when a young man, and betore his judg.
ment was matured, ho was strongly tinged with Repub-
lieaa principles, and set up the Utopian idea that Ire-
land would never prosper except as a Repuulic. After
the crisis had arrived, and he was obliged to lave iis
uative country, he took up his abode in the United
States, believing that there he would enjoy greater
liberties and constitational privileges than under the
flag of England. He had not, however, resided there
many years before he saw from the workings of the
constitution, that what was very beautiful in theory,
was far from sound and correct in practice, and he
crossed the Canadrtan border that he might dwell within
the lines of the British Empire. After having tried the
Republican and Monarchial systems of Government, he
came to the conclusion, in Lis matured manhood, that
there was more liberty of conscience and action in the
latter than in the former. ‘hese opinions he had enter+
tained from that time, until bis unfortunate,sudden and
erae! death afew days since; when, having just left
the legislative halls, where he had dsliveted one of his
grand speeches upon an important public question, he
Was sent into eternity by the bullet of an assassin.
He was not the first great man who had fallen thus.
William the Silent, the founder of the Kingdom of Hol-
land. and within the present contury. an able and be-
loved statesman, and Prime Minister of England, Mr.
Percival, had met a similar fate, Within the last few
years, the President of the United States was also the
victim of assassination, and now the bon Mr. McGee
swelled the list. Words could scarcely be found to
Xpress our sorrow, the tongue almost refused to do
ite duty, when we contemplated the fearful end which
had, befallen ths great man, before reaching the summit
» ot his glory andthe zenith of his fame. There would,
knew, be no dissentient voice to the Resolation.

One more was added to that band of petits whom we
should imitate and make our examples, ne expressed
in the beautiful words of Longfellow :—

“Lives of great men all remind us
We F pan ae pit at a pana

And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints ou the sands of time.”

Ifon. Mr. McAciay.—There was no individual in
whose breast the tender feelings of humanity were
lin a greater degree upon this occasion, than in

is own The Hon. gentleman, whose career had thus
been cut short by @ rathleas assassin, had, perhaps, in
the impetuosity of youth gone to too great length;
bata and more matured judgment led him to re-

_ padiate, by a life of patriotism and wisdom, the follies
of bis youth, That a yreater man than he was, existed
in these Colonies, he was not prepared to acknowledge.
> hee not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance
4 him, Wat had seen an’ read his chp with pro-
faund admiration. The world had lost in hima great
; in the words of one of old:** a great man has this
len in Isracl.” It was to be regretted that a com-
could harbor in its bosom a bein capable of,
& the ontmgeous act, and he sincerely

that the guilty person

*
#

’ the credit of humanity,
woull be proved to be a madman

eo. Hon, Mr. Howrax regretted that the Mouse wae’
| entled upon to record its vote upon eo sad an occasion.
. The consideration that the hon. gentleman was one of
>the hest ealtivated minds in America,—one possessed of
> sthe largest ideas,—that in him were combined all the

virtues and graces of a statesman and scholar, must
: to make the heart shudder to think that any
ape conld launch euch a noble sont
le had, however, left a name behind
be forgotten. If, in his early days,

oe bh ep isguided project, th
ven his su to a misgaided project, there
exeuse for him, coming. as he had, fresh from
» imbued with the ideas there acquired,
have taken credit to th ves for
he didnot. fe found that he had thrown
‘bis early days in his mative country. and endea-
to atone for his érrofe in the land of his adoption.
doubtless, bave rieon ta eminence in the
but he that there was a
+ him in these Colonies—that here he
vseful—that bie soul could find eafet
could make -

never

eee amemasestiotenasetaes

muni ty,
y horrified

| the best years of his life, and for expressing the views
for which he had perhaps been assassinated, would take
an interest in and assist his widow and funily. His eto-
quence had sounded through the whole Colonies, and
when he heard men like the hon, Leadera of the Gov-
ernment and Opposition ayvak in eneh high tera of
him, only one conclusion could he ative at, aud that
was, that in losing him, British America had lost one
of hor best and ablest friends.

Non. Arronney Generat was satisfied tliat no
rightly constituted mind could fail to concur heart and
soulin the Resolution, It was a lamentable fact that
of late years, such tragic events as that now before the
Tlouse, were of frequent occurrence, ‘The President of
the United States. and others, had been referred to as
examples. Mr. McSce must have been entirely igno-
rant of any design against him, ile was at his own
door when the assassin crept behind and shot him. He
(Attorney General)had not been as tntimately acqaaint-
ed with him as had the hon. geatlemen who had
moved and seconded the Resolation, He knewshim
well, however, from his political reputation, and if ever
there was a statesman he thonght highly of, as a man
and gentleman, it wae he, The hon. member then
alluded to the actions of Mr. McGee in 1848, and to
his subsequent residence im the United States, and said
that he had, after testing the matter, given it as his
eonscientions conviction.that nowhere was the liberty of
the subject so well protected, as where the British flag
waved. As regarded hia talents, his fellow-country:
men and the United Kingdom might well be proud of
bin. ‘The vile assassin bad not only deprived the coun-
try of one of her ablest statesmen, bat had plonged a
widow and children into sorrow. Ile was glad that the
Resolution would be commnnicated to Mre. MeGee,
though it was but a small tribute. Whether anything
else would be done he did not know.

Mr. Barexen.—The Reeolution which had been
moved was a tribate of respect due to the memory of
the brave man who bad beenso suddenly cut off by the
hand ofthe assassin. Le had but slight acquaintance
with him, bat from what he knew of his career aa al!
statesman, he thogzht that he did not over estimate him
when he said that lie was one of the most valuable men
in British America. Asa jiterary man he was one of
our greatest echolars, but he was not valuable for that
only. [le had passed through a trying ordeal, and the
sentiments expressed, and opinions given by him in
his latter life, when his judgment was more to he relied
upon, proved that he had at heart the good of the
country which he livedin. He had been a literary char-
acter almout from his boyhood. As a journalist, the ar-
ticles which proceeded from his pen, attracted the at-
tention of the great Daniel O'Connell. It was true,
that at that time, he had not that appreciation for Eng-
land, which he bad in his latter dave+ Yur tia great
value arose from the fact that he’ had investizated
that political pretiem (sr himself, and found

No

out the merity of the English Constitution.
man Was more beloved by his countrymen and sup-
orters than he was. He (Mr, B.) had seen him in
Montreal in the midst of his admirers, and had never
seen Any man command more respect. Melancholy it
was, that on account of the principles which he had ad-
hered to and advocated, he had been sent to his long
account ‘* unannointed, unanneled,”’ but might we not
hope not unprepared. He had spent the latter yoars of
his life among a people of such noble instinets that, he
believed, they would allow neither las widow nor chil-
dren to be unprovided for, Some of us had differed
with him on Confederation. Ile had, p rhaps, looked
npon the question from a higher point of view. Be
that as it may. nothing bat manliness and integrity
had characterized him in hiv advocacy of the measnre.
He (Mr, B.) could deeply sympathise in the feeeling
of desolation which bowed down bis family and friends.

Hon Mr Hexverson.—No hon member conld ap-
oo es this snhject without feclings of emotion, He
had not had the plensure of a personal acquaintance
with the departed gentleman, whose melancholy end
was now the subject of hon members’ remarks, Le had,
however, perused his writings and speeches, and had.
he believed, ample evidence to sustain him ia the opin.
ion which he had formed of him, namely, that what be
was in his youth he was im his mature age—a man who
did and said which be believed to be right and true,
with tranaparent honesty. Ile had first followed a line of
policy which though wrong, he had by his after actiona
proved that he then considered the wisest and best.
When he looked back upon his actions and revised them
by that best of teachers, experience, he gave utterance
tu those sentiments which he had found the best, and
roved himself possessed of a large and patriotic mind.
We must therefore acknowledge that he pursued the
course which he considered right, whether under the
siniles or frowns of his conntry. We could not but
symathizo most keenly in all the sentiments that had
been expressed in regard to his melancholy end, and
the very serious principles involved. He had met his
sad fate in consequence of a warm-hearted utterance of
his principles in a speech where he had no right to sup-
pose any danger menaced him. He (Mr Ienderson)

t

i

t

1

t

t

t

I

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countrymen had, in the Crimea, at the memorable
charge at Balaclava, dillerent feelings would have been

in thecanse of liberty, as truly as did his countrymen in
the Crimea. He (Mr Henderson) concnrred with every
sentiment of regret and sympathy which had been ex-
pressed, and trusted that, if it were deemed a duty to
do anything for his family beyond the limits of Canada,
this Island wonld uot be behind,

Hon Mr Ketry.—tis feelings s0 overpowered him
that he could vompore Regs words to expreas himself, but
ag a cotutryman of Mr McGee could net allow. the op-
portunity to. pass without thanking hon members for,
and expressing his gratification at the sentiments of
sympathy which had come from both sides of the House.
Hon Mr Davies spoke of the loss which British Am-
erica had experienced, and said that it mattered not
whetber we held opinions in favor or ayainst those of
late lamented gentleman, when we came to view the
ble actions of the man. After he had delivered a
speech upon what ho considered best for bis country
and British America, could anyone imagine a being sv

warning, and expreseed bis assarance that if anything
were nig for his family this Island would contribute
its share,

Mr Retery.—W en a man so gifted died, overy one
felt regret, bat when his death wae untimely it was de-
plored and regretted more. Le was satisfied that there
was no member of the House, or person in the com-
possessed of right feelings, who did not fecl
at the atrocions act by which he was cut off.
As to the services which he had rendered to British
Aimerica it was not now for him to speak—now was
not the time to ciew his character and judge him dispas-
sdonately. He sas happy to support the reeolation
whieh liad been mowed by the hop leader of the Govern-

2

heartly wi :
; ‘ie Yoel Raa tae Rests ok
hoMe M

Liisa
Resolation,

—an entire absence of bigotry.

as a politician ania litarary man, for he wae not anly

a epeaker and weiter of ore proae, but a poet also,
long before

occasion.
praise of the departed gentleman, Though not ac-
quainted with, he had always admired him since he had
any knowledge of hea acts,
to see a man of high standing and neefulness thas eud-
denly ent off, and there was no man bat mast condemn

honest in his public career,
political views from many others, sinall must be the soul
that would therefore condemn him.
words to express sufficiently his ablorrence of that de-

Ilis loss would be felt

t wonld, perhaps, be his equal or superior

would be found,

Hon Mr Lain conearred with every word contained
n the resolution, Whepted thought of this eloquent

and talanted man thugs cut off, surely a feeling of horror
at his assassination mast run through our veins.
orator he had no equal ta British America, and was des-

Asan

ined, had he lived, to become a greater light. Tu hie
outh be had acted wrongly, but he believed that he
een actuated by the best of motives. The hon mem.

ber then alluded to the-fact that Mr McGee had found
that the United States was not that land of freedom
and liberty which he had supposed, and had returned
to British soil, This was proof positive that his miad
was right, and the hon member would be the last to
blame him for following the dictates of hie conscience.
ile had much plessure in having the privilege of record-

ng his vote In favor of the Resolution.

Mr Bett was unwilling to record a silent vote on this
He concurred with all that had been eaid in

It was certainly melanebol

he atrocious act. In what ead grief, too, must his

family be planged, cut off as he was withont their having
the melancholy pleasure of seeing him before his death.
That death was far more trying to his family than if it
had been the result of disease, for he was slain without
a moment's warring. The hon member had mach
pleasure in recording his vote in favor of the Resolution.

Tlon Mr Catuneck though he had no personal know-
edge of Me McGee believed that he had a right mind

and a noble soul. »It he had erred in lus youth he had
proved himselfa man of
that stamp was more liable than enother to err as he

triotie spirit, and a man of

mad. He had done what he believed right, and was
If he had differed in his
He could not find

estable act which had caused his death, A man of

noble spirit had fallen and though not upon the battle
field, yet under cireumstances which reflected honor
upon his name,
what he believed to bo his duty,

The Resolution was ther carried unanimously, and on
motion of the hon leader of the Government, seconded
by the hon leader of the Opposition, it was ordered that
it be communicated hy the Speaker to the House of

Ife had fallen because he bad done

arliament of Canada, and to Mrs MoGee,

a on yn

The Merala

Tee ype caso ee ee

——e tee

Wednesday

» April 20, sce.

Arter a Session of seven weeks, the Legislature of

this Colony was brought to a close on Friday last. We
ean do nothing more this week than merely give a list of

he Acts passed. The aim and provisions of some of

these measures we have already given to the public;
and at an early day, we will review such others of them
as deserve a lengthened notice, so that the people at
large may Tave a chance of knowing what their rulers
have done for the country during the Session just closed.

t is only necessary to say that the Bill for the Settle-

ment of Wilderness Lands ; the Bill to relieve the settlers
on the Selkirk Estate; the Bill to relieve unfortunate
Debtors; the Bill to enable the Government to make fur-

her Parchases of Land; qnd the Bill to assist Farmers

in the Purchase of Seed Grain, in addition to the other
Bills passed, is a very fair record to show for one Ses-

ion, and gives an carnest of better things in th> future:

Let our readers judge for thenselves :—

1. An Act to amend the Act for the due observance of

the Lord's Day.

. An Act to revive and continue a certain Att therein
mentioned.

+ An Act to incorporate the Prince County Agricnl-
tural Society.

An Act to incorporate the Saint Peter's Bay Agri-
cultural Society.

. An Act to incorporate the Minister and Trustees of
the Baptist Church of Long Creek, West River,

4

could fancy that he heard his prototype in this Island, | © ag Ln prevent accidents to persons travelling on
that gentleman whose death all regretted. speaking on :

this subject. as he hadon the sutjectof che Patriotic fund | 7 An Act to amend the Act incorporating the Summer-
when he delivered one of his most eloqnent and telling side Bank.

speeches. Had Mr MeGee died as eo many of his! 8. An Act for the Incorporation of Societies for the sale

and distribution of seed grain on credit.

: i ‘ 9. An Act for the better security of the Crown and
exalied: ord he woeld a “> co ‘ied. rg dae Government of the United Kingdom within this
of an assasain, but he believed that every statesman in en
British America. would regard him as having perished | 10, An Act to incorporate the Minister and Trustees of

the Baptist Church of North River, Lot 32.

- An Act to continue and amend certain Acts therein
mentioned relating to Summerside.

. An Act to amend and explain the Act passed in the
2nd year of His Majesty King William the 4th, re-
lating to the celebration of Marriages so far as the
sane relates to the Bible Christian Church.

. An Act (from the Council) to shorten the language
of Sheriffs’ Deeds,
An Act for the rel‘ef of unfortunate Debtors.

. An Act to amend the Laws establishing the salaries
payable to the Attorney and Solicitor General.

- Act to amend and explain the Land Purchase

» An Act to repeal the Acts now in force establishing
and regulating the rate of Interest, and to make
some provisions on the same subject.

debased as to attack him in so dastard iy & manner—a | 18. An Act to encourage the settlement and cultivatio®
fiend in inman shape who could follow him from the of Wilderness Lands.

House of Parliament, where he had expressed those |i9 An Act to consolidate and amend several Acts thero-
sentiments which he believed to be mght, and deprive in mentioned relating to the Savings’ Bank,

him of his life in so cowardly a manner? Every one 2

must feel the atrovity of the act, and when we consider- | 20 An Act in further addition to and amendment of the
ed that be had been cut off in the prime of life, while Act to incorporate the Town of Cuarlottetown.
devoting himself to the cause of liberty, and that he | 91. An Actin further amendment of the Laws regulating
left the world without a stain upon his memory, his the sale by License of Spirituous Liqnors.

death must surely be regarded as pext in glory to that . : '

of the soldier. He could only repext his regret that so | 2”: grote yard eared resco ‘aah
bright alight had been swept away without a moment's the purchase of Lands in the sald Island.

25. An Act to consolidate and amend the several Laws

relating to Education,
4. An Act for raising a Revenue,

25. An Act for appropriating certain monies therein

mentioned for the service of the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight.

After His Excelleney the Lieutenant Governor had

given his assent to these Acts, he prorogued the Legis-
lature with the following Speech, .
measured tones :—

Mr. President and Hynourable Gentlemen of the Legis-

read in distinct and

“f° 90

lative Council:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly :

ged in the
F : Tn relieving you from further attendance here, I am
node ewtingn aah tied Comte that heb admired | glad to exprons to you my’ thanks for your assistance
. than any he bad ever read. : -
hen eqeashere Lod auld; that the- 4 pel yond na ay passed to asvend and ex
hweo in bis south, he had | _64 aoon as the purchase o” any all have
retool ht. sud, © proved to be self-sustal tare sin 3
vag his Teading trait portion of the pu votwnelt farms. ©

Under this Act, Esball be enabled to comply with the

rayer of the hich, at the commencement of
tne Metatep, T iokiee you that I had received from
certain persons who had purchased thefr holdings on the
Selkirk song .

The settlement and cultivation of Wilderness Lands
cannot fall to be encouraged by the Iiberat Measure, in
which you have authorized me to relax, on such parts of
the Public Estates as my be deemed expedient, the pro-
visions of the law which regulates their sale.

I have given my Assent, with much satisfaction, to
the Bill, by which you have placed in the hands of the
Government a descretionary power to expend a Jimited
amount of Public Voney fn the purchase of lands, whose
value may exceed the limits of the Land Purchase Act.

Me. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly:

T thank you for the Supplies which you have granted
for the Public Service, |

T earnestly hope, thnt the timely aid which you have
offered to farmers who are unable to procure grain for
seed, may avert the suffering to themselves, and the loss
to the Colony. which their inability to procure such seed
must fnevitab'y produce,

Mr. President and Honourable Gentlemen of the
Legislative Cuncil: :

Mr. Speaker and (#entlemen of the House of Assembly:

The Important subject of Education has received your
anxious consideration, and I trust, that the Measure,
which you have matured for consolidating and amending
the Laws thereupon, may be of benefit to the community.

The able Report of the Committee on Highways, has
been laid before you: Althcagh you have not seen fit
to take any Legislative action upon it during the present
Session, the whole subject will be carefully considered
during the recess, with the view to the adoption, at your
next meeting, of a system of management which will af-
ford a better security for the judicious expenditure of
the money appropriated for this service.

I now release you from further attendance here by
proroguing this Session of the Legislature.

The City Artillery and the Irish Volunteers, under
command of Major Beer, did duty as a Guard of Honor
on the occasion, The attendance at the prorogation

was as large and aristocratic as usual—the Patriot to
the contrary notwithstanding.

| ‘Tue, Amerlean Press has very little to say about the
assassination of the Hon, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, The
Boston J%lot and the New York Tablet, leading pa-
| pers in the interest of Irish Catholics, have appeared in
mourning out of respect for the memory of the deceased.
The Fenian Organs, on the other hand, whilst tame on
the foul deed, repudiate the charges implicating the Or-
ganization in the assassination. The evidence, how-
ever, thus far made public, although circumstantial fu
itself, Is nevertheless very strong against Whelan, and
indicates that he was merely the agent of an Organiza-
tion which plotted the assassination. Whether that
Organization was the Fenlar Brotherhood or a com-
bination of the political enemies of Mr. McGee, the
cesult of the trial will demonstrate. The developments
of informers anxious to secure the large rewards offered,
and the investigations of the Police authorities streagth-
en the already strong conviction that Whelan is the
assassin. There can be no doubt that if he is convicted,
asseems morally certain, he will swing for the horrible
crime. The telegrams fromOttawa containing the evidence
adduced at the trial, come down to us in a disjointed
manner. Our readers, therefore, may read with interest
the following summary of evidence which tends to fasten /
the crime upon Whelan:—The first link in the cireum-
stances egainst Whelan is that supplied by the pistol
which has been found upon him. ‘This pistol was of the
same make and pattern as the weapon by which the
bloody deed was accomplished. That is made out, at
any rate to the extent of very strong preliminary proba-
bility, by the bullet which was found sticking in the
lodging house which the deceased was about to etter.
Pistols of this pattern, however, are not uncommon; but
when this one was examined it was found that one barrel
had been recently—how recently we have not seen tested
by any evidence—discharged and reloaded. Moreover,
the ball which had taken the place of the one previously
discharged, though a Smith and Wesson's ball, was of a
newer make than those which were remaining in the
other barrels, and again, a box of the newer kind of
cartridges, corresponding in pattern to that of the latest
charge, was found upon the prisoner. Strictly analysed,
all this only comes to prove that one chamber of the pisto)
had been discharged and reloaded after the time when all
the chambers had been loaded together. But here
comes in another fact, and one of that kind, which, If it
be rightly represented, always carries presumption o¢
guilt with It—it is the use of grease upon the barrels, in
a manner which is accounted for by the desire for con-
cealment of the recent loading. Now, all furtive action
—all attempts at concealment of an act indifferent in
itself, are indications of conscious wrongdoing, and if it
shall appear by the testhnony of experts that this
greasing of the pistol was a suitable method of prevent-
ing discovery of tho recent loading, and could not
naturally be referred to any other cause, it would estab-
lish a clear legal presumption of an interest which the
owner of the firearm had in dissimulating a proceeding
which he supposed might be attended with risk. The
next cireumstance to which we may refer as telling
against the prisoner is the discovery in the snow, on the
stairs of the empty house adjoining McKenna’s, of foot
prints, which on comparison were found to correspond
with the boots which the prisoner wore. Hore again we
have an indication rather than a proof, inasmuch as
boots madeby machinery are made to certain numbers,
“nd all men using the same number will have boots with
soles of the same size. Taken with the pistol it forms
however, a cumulative suspicion, a concuntration, so to
speak, of rays of light thrown upon the prisoner from
different and independent quarters. which, though at
present valueless, except for preliminary purposes, may
hereafter be so connected as to form a compact cireun-
stantial proof. Of course if we assume a certain theory
of the culprit’s mode of action, the foot prints fit exactly
into their right place in the dark story of the tragedy of
the 7th; at all events they put us upon a line of enquiry
which may probably turn out to be frultfal In results,
thongh of themselves they ‘establish nothing. The
other causes of suspicion are drawn from the: prisoner's
character and conduct, As to the first, we know that no
good man could have been the murderer, and we assume,
in the absence of other known motive, that even a bad
man must have been influenced by that kind of feeling
which makes Fenians, and have perhaps been prompted
by that kind of instruction which may bo supposed to
proceed from the secret conelaves of Fenianism Finding
that Whelan has sympathies with this evil conspiracy,
therefore, we presume that there is nothing in his repu-
tation to exclude him from the number who may have
committed the crime. As to his’ conduct, again, we
find him, though in the situation only of a journey-
man tailor, removing from one place to another,
without cause so fat explained, though perhaps capa-
ble of explanation, and during the hours before and
after the murder acting in a manner unusual for any one,
and inconsistent with his own habits. Immediately be-
fore the dastardly shot was fired, the prisoner repeat-
edly passed up and down the stairs of the gallery of the
House of Commons, leaving it for the last time at an
hour, long after that at which itis usual for strangers
to become heartily wearted out of a Parliamentary de-

en

bate; then re-appearing close to the spot of the murder,
but hearlag of It with an unconcern which cannot but be
considered extremely wonderful, if that was the means
by which he became acqnainted for the frst time with
8o startling a fact; diappearing, with no account of his
time; sleeping elsewhere than at his lodging house; re-
tarning only at breakfust, but taking no breakfast; and,
finally, after saying that he was going to work, not go0-
ing there, but wandertng about from tavern to tavern till
late in the day he fell into the hands of the pollee. Like
the incidents already enumerated, these last Peally es-
tablish nothing connected with the crime; but they do
show that the prisoner was, about the time it occurred,
acting in a very extraordinary—we may say, apparently,
in an agitated manner; and in the absence of any expla-
nation of the cause, we hypothetically refer it to mur-
der, Other links in the chain: of evidence have been
furnished by later telegrams, such as the testhnony
of Lacroix, and the detectives who overheard the
confidential, conyersation between Whelan and his
supposed accomplice, Doyle, in prison, From these it
would appear, that all doubt as to the guilt of the pri-
soners is now removed, and they are fully committed
for trial on the charge of murder.

Tue Mencantice Aqrncims’ Lreat Guipe.—This is
the title of a handsomely bound volume of 423 pages,
with copious Index, published by J. W. Rooklidge, at
the Oflice of John Lovell, Montreal, The work has been
compiled by C. V. Price, LL, B., Kingston, John Popham,
Montreal, and Palmer & McLeod, Charlottetown, P. E. I,
It is designed for the use of Business Men—not Law-
yers. Its object is an excellent one, as can be learned
from the Preface, which informs us that, “in the course
ofa very extensive business in the collection of past due
debts, extending over the last ten years, the necessity
has been constantly apparent to us for 4 work of the
character herewith presented. In the daily experience
of every Merchant and Manufacturer, legal questions
arise, which, though of hardly sufficient importance to
Justify the consultation with a professional adviser,
bevertheless, possess luterest enough to induce the con-
stant need of some authority in which satisfactory an-
swers can be found. The volume herewith presented is
designed (o meet that end.” After glancing through
the work, we have arrived at the conclusion, that the
end designed by the publisher, has been succesfully met,
and no business man Im the Dominion of Canada and
Prince Edward Island, should be without a copy of the
‘* Legal Guide.” A reference to its pages will save a
vast amoant of trouble and expense in consulting law-
yers upon many of the transactions of Commereial life.
The reader may judge of the value of this work, when
we inform him that it treats on Traders; Partners and
Partnership; Principal and Agent; Joint Stock Com-
panies; Corporations; Limited Partnership; PeculiaT
Incidents of Mercantile Property ; Shipping; Good Will;
Bills of Exchange and Promissory Notes; Contracts
of Sale; Contracts of Debt; Contracts with Carriers ;
Contracts of Affreightment; Maritime Liens; Maritime
Insurance; Insurance against flre ;Guarantees ; Stoppage
in Transitu; Lien; By Civil Suit; Insolvency; Fraud-
ulent Acts; Property of Married Women; Lease and
Hire of Clerks ; Mortgage and Security for Debts; Per-
sonal Property—Sccurity for Debts; Personal Security ;
and Currency. We have much pleasure in recommend-
ing this Book to the public as a valuable and useful ac-
quisition to the business man's library.

Tur news by Tuesday's Mail is somewhat startling.
We have news from Australia of Prince Alfred having
been fired at and severely woundcd by an. axsassin, sup-
posed to bea Fenian The miscreant has been caught,
and will doubtless receive that condign punishment
which his crime deserves. Our only hope is that the
wretch will prove to have been insane when he attempted
the murderous deed, and thus save Australia the disgrace
of having violated those laws of hospitality which are
usually extended to the meanest guest. How much
graver the offence when committed against the son of
one of the best and purest sovereigns that. ever swayed
the destinies of the British Empire. This foul plot dims
the brilliancy of the receptions previously extended to
the Prince by the Australians, and is in dark contract to
the happy termination of the welcome visit which their
Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales haye
pald to Ireland. The latest telegrams also informs us
that ina battle on Good Friday, between the forees of
General Napier and King Theodore, his Sable Majesty
and a large number of his colored braves were killed.
This, as a matter of course, has brought the Abyssinian
war to a close. Sad as is the fate of the infatuated King, we
cannot regret it since his folly and obstinacy brought ig
upon himself, The English captives, on whose account
the war was proclaimed, will now be restored to their
homes and liberty, and the Queen's troops withdrawn
from Abyssinia,

Tur. impeachment trial of President Johnson will
not be completed for n week or more, Tho Boston
Post says: ** The President continues perfectly calm,
and converses with his friends relative to the tna) as if
he had no especial interest in the result. It is thought
to-night that he regards his conviction as almost a cer-
tain thing. yet there are those who read tho signs dif-
ferently. and confidently anticipate the President's
quittal.”

A solemn Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul
of the late Hon. T. D'Arcy McGee, was celebrated in
St. Mary's Cathedral, Halifax, on Friday morning
last. His Grace Archbishop Connolly pronounced a
most eloquent funeral oration, whieh occupies six close-
ly printed columns of the Halifax Express of the 24th
instant.

Iris rumored about Town that the following gentle-
men have been appointed Sheriffs for the present year,
namely :—

Queen's County.—F. Longworth, Esq., (re-appointed).

Prince County.—Richard Hunt, Esq., (re-appointed).

King’s County.—Wm. MacGowan, Esq.

Tur Steamer Princess of Waves loft Charlottetown for
Pietou, at five o'clock on Monday morning, and returned
the same evening with an English Mall. She started for
Shediac yesterday morning.

Tue 16th Regiment, stationed in New Branswick, for
some time past, has been ordered back to England.

Tn Newfoundland Seal Fishery this Season has
been a most successful one.

In order to get through with the proceedings of the
Legislature as quickly as possible, we are forced to
curtail our editorial matter and selections.

Tun Halifax Chronicle deotes the truth of the reported
Interview between the Hon. Mr. Howe and the Duke of

Buckingham on the subject of Repeal. A

‘ 1 ovals
English ships sailed for P. B. Istand.—4th-Con-
stance, L. C, Owen, ‘8th—Undine, Western Queen.
10th—Ampbion. a

AN article on the Education Act, and
dence crowded out this week,

.
some Correspon-
}

*