MMERSIDE JOURNAL, THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1869.

From Scottish American Journal,

June 5,

Political Activity—an Element of
National Strength.

Among the criticisms of foreign affairs
in which some American journals indulge,
none is so absurd as that which relates to
the ** condition of Great Britain question.”
There is seen ty exist an unexampled ac-
tivity in political teaching both in Parlia-

mentand out of it; the didiculty under

which labour struggles, the operation of
the poor-laws, the weight of taxation, the
programme jor Ireland—all are discussed
with an earnestness which may have been
surpassed in the days ot the <Anti-Corn
Law League of Catholic Emancipation,
but which is neverthless remarkable be-
cause extending through all ranks and

classes of society. The country seems

turned into a vast debating socicty. In
troth, this is a healthy sign o1 the times.

But writers on this side will not have it so

understood. They assert that the British
love of country is dying out, that the
national spirit which makes empires flour-
ish is vanishing from the hearts of the bulk
at the peonle.

There isan amusing side to these ut-
terances which is perhaps worth noting.
The great glory claimed for this country
{s that itisarepublic. In theory, though,
far otherwise in fact, one man here is as
good as another. Moreover, a chief safe-

. guard of the republic is public discussion.
‘Lhe process of ** washing one’s dirty linen
in public” may not be refined or agree-
able to the vicinity, but it is safe. A grie-
vahee once understood is half remedied.
A people who are not afraid to criticise
their rulers, to watch every development
of their governmental system, orto amend
that which needs amendment, are inde-
pendent almost of Fate itself. ‘There may
be more scandal, but the scandals are
warnings as timely as valuable, This
may be safely admitted with regard to the
United States or any other self-governing
nation, But the curious part of it all is,
that developments and occurrences which
are here considered safegards of the re-
public are pointed out by wise American
instructors as evidences of danger to the
British monarchy !

The British Lionis uneasy. The people
there discover that they are not so pros-
perous as they might be, and are talking
somewhat loudly. Zealous reformers are
not satisfied ; they want changes in many
things. Labor is over-abundant and un-
derpaid; it craves higher recompense and
a wider range of effort. Now, if similar
occurrences are reported here, the con-
clusion is at once drawn from them that
the nation, having resolved itself into a
committee of inquiry, will be able to set
its house in order, But let the same pro-
cess be undertaken by efvte Mr. Buntand
he is at once declared by stump-orators
and philosophers of the model republic to
be on his last legs; which does not seem
exactly fair, Yor if the tonics of agitation
and debate are good for the American
body politic, why may they not be equally
wholesome in a British atmosphere ?

Seriously, the spirit of inquiry by which
the masses of the British people are at
present characterized is a sign of vitality
und health. There are troubles and dii-
ficulties and possible dangers; so there
are in every free nation; even this great
American nition has its full share of mal-
adies and perils. But the agitation is in
wood hands, and is meant to be honestly
conducted. The British Government knows
better than any American can tellit what
arduous labors are before it. ‘The people
are in earnest in their calls for reforin,
The intelligence and public spirit of the
nation are engaged inthe search after
adequate remedies. There will be great
changes, no doubt, aud some of them may
go beyond the limits marked by our con-
servative fathers. Buta sterling love of
country isatthe bettom of the British
heart; and the future of the empire may

be safely entrusted to the keeping of its

people.

REOIPROOITY.

The returns asked for by Mr. Dorion,
in the Ilouse of Commons, regarding Re-
eiprocity, were brought down on the 25th
inst. The first part consists of a long cor-
respondence between the Prince Edward
Island, Dominion and Imperial Govern-
ments, relative to the duty imposed b
Prince Edward Island on American bread-
stuffs and the admission free of Canadian
dreadstufls through American territory,
The Colonial Secretary and tho Lords ot
the Treasury believe the discriminating
duty unwise at the present time, as it is
likely to lead to a retaliatory policy. The
accounts providing for this were not, how-
ever, disallowed. Prince Edward Island
showing that the duty was not regarded as
hostile by the Americans, as it afforded
encouragement to that line of steamers
from Portland to the Island. The Lords
of the Treasury point out that the effects
of such a policy, if extended, would tend
to bring about a disciiminating duty
against the mother country. The next
documents are petitions from the coal in-
terests in Nova Scotia, and communica-
tions on the subject from England to
Mr. Thornton and the Canadian Govern-
ment, Aminute of the Privy Council,
dated 4th January, 1869, considers the re-
newal of negotiations by Canada not ad-

In New York, on Thursday night last,
about 11 o'clock, a meteor of remarkable
brilliancy shot aeross the horizon. —_Al-
| though the right was comparatively clear
and bright, the meteor appeared not only
unusually bright but also of an extraordin-
ary size. It bore a long train of fire,.and
to the naked eye appeared as large asa
full moon, and when 1 exploded the ef-
feet was very grand. “Lhe meteor was
also visible in Hartford, Connecticut and
other points, It was also seen in Boston,
where it appeared as largé'as a 12 pound
cannon ball, and was of a scarlet color,

Ternibie Tracepy!—A Special ‘Tele
gram to the Morning Telegraph conveys the
lumentable intelligence that ou Tuesday
night, 25th inst.,the dwelling of Mr. Alex-
ander, a short distance from Bathurst, was
destroyed by fire—supposed to be accivent-
al, Three persons—two of them children,
and the other a young woman—were burn-
ed to death before assistance could be ren-
dered. Mr, Alexander, the unhappy ta-
ther, was awakened by the heart-rending
shrieks of his poor children, who slept up-
stairs, and in attempting to rescue them
was so badly burned that his life is des-
paired of. Unfortunately he could not
reach his children, and the sufferers were
left to the mercy of the flames. The tra-
gedy has cast a gloom over the district and
the country.—S¢. John Telegraph.

Very Latest | Telegrams.

FROM OTTAWA.

Ottawa, June 4.
Resolutions respecting Newfoundland
were submitted to-day.

Securities Newfoundland debt to be sub-
stiuted with bonds of other Provinces prior
to 1867. Newfoundland to have five per
cent. per annum on difference between its
debt and debt per head of Nova Scotia
and New Brunswick, population New-
foundland being estimated at 130,000, The
following sunis to be paid to Newfound-
land, $350,000 and annualy grant of 80
cents per head of aforesaid population.
Latter grant to be increased in proportion
to increase of population, till population is
400,000, at such rate it shallremain. Con-
sideration of transfer to Canada of Crown
Lands, mines and minerals, $150,000 a
year, shall be paid to Newfoundland.

Water dues now payable by vessels enter-

ing St. John’s, to goto Newloundland.

Dominion to provide effective Mail Service

between Canada, Newloundland and

United Kingdom by steamers, and to con-

tinue present Mail Service between New-

foundland and Halifax.—Dominion to en-

courage establishment of Naval Reserve

Force, and to modify Militia Law to adapt

it to the circumstances otf Newfoundland,

Influence of Dominion ta be used to ful-

lest extent to procure continuance of Gar-

rison at St. Joha’s. Other provisions

same as Union Act.

Resolutions respecting Prince Edward
Island authorizing Government to make
such arrangements us they may deem ex-
pedient for the admission of that Island,
such arrangements to include provisions
for acquisition, the dispatch of property-
rights of original grantees of Crown Lands
for the purpose of effecting communication
(sic) ot tenure in favour of tenants on
fair and liberal terms, and to raise a
loan for that purpose,
Nova Scotia Resolutions provide that
Nova Scotia be liable only for excess debt
above $9,186, 756, to receive for ten years
allowances of $82, 698 yeurly. in addition
to all other puyments under the Union
Act. Nova Scotia shall from date of com-
pletion ot Provincial Buildings, be debited
with five per cent. interest on cost of Buil-
ding till itis handed over for Dominion.
‘These resolutions are to be considered
Tuesday next.
It is understood that Government have
agreed to postpone the Banking Measure
till next Session, on pretext that it would
be unjust to Newfoundland to pass said
law until itis represented in Parliament.
Ottawa, June 8.

Ifon. Mr. Rose, in reply to Dufresne,
said the Government were considering ex-
pediency of making American silver legal
tender ata certain figure under certain
circumstances,

y proceeded

and resolu-

louse in Committee to-da
with discussion of Newfound

tion. Opposition take grounds that terms
offered are too high, aid that the Colony
will be a bill of expence to the Dominion,
No amendment has yet been moved:
Blake will move an amendment to Nova
Scotia Resolution, that Parliament has no
constitutional right to give increased sub-
side to Noya Scotia: that right belongs
solely to the Imperial Government,

It is suid there will also be a strong op-
position to the Prince Edward Island RKeso-
lutions,

It is still ramored that Government are
divided whether to press Banking Resolu-
tions. Some assert that if withdrawn
Rose will resign,

London, June 7,

The Liberal journals deplore the course
adopted by the Conservative Peers in re-
spect to the Irish Church Bills,

The Times predicts that if this policy of
rejection is carried out the result’ will be
that the House of Lords will be obliged to
accept some Bill ata later period witha
sense of humilation. The Bill must pass.
The nation, by the voice of the House of

ened out of his cestavy, he found that while
witnessing the grand parade (in comparison
of which all other earthly scenes must dwindle
into insignificance) he was §* standing on the
elevated steps of the Boston Custom House.

possessed seven wonders; but a greater won-
der than all these or any of them, ig the Cus-
fom House in Boston: At iuap
judge in ‘'J. Il’s” estimation.

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE GREEN S0HOLMASTER ABROAD.

To rug Epiror or tnx Jourxar,
Sir:—

The North Star of the 24th ult shirtes witht
more than ordinary lustre, by
communication from J, H, Fletcher. This
individual, it appears, is ay prevent travelling
throughout the Neighboring Republic, and
giving the readers of the Srar vivid descrip-
tions of what comes under his keen obserya-
tion. ‘This man. must be in penteasion of
powers by far more perceptivd than those @
ordinary mortals, In fact it is a fortunafe’
thing for us Islanders that ‘J. H.” is 60
mindful of us; for unless Ae/had gone abroad,
we would probably remain for ever in com-
plete ignorance of the *‘ grandeur ” of the city
of Boston, and would never obtain but the
smallest idea of the greatness of the land of
** Brother Jonathan.” If this famous corres-
pondent continues to favor the Spar with
more of his effusions, that luminary will by
and bye eclipse with its-brightmess ‘all other
celestial bodies, and become the grand dentre
of the universe, the sun itself shal grow dim,
and only be regarded as a sevondaty| body in
comparision with it. What a lucky thing it
is for the men of Ross:'to have suelia bright
satelite, who makes the Srar the medium of
disseminating the results of his extensive db-
servations, und thereby enlightening a be-
nighted humanity. ‘J. H.” had witnessed an
** Oddtellow procession” in Boston, and while
contemplating the ** brilliancy and grandeur”
which that procession displayed, he found
himself lost in profound reverte. ‘ Actually
he could not tell where he stood.” Surely
it must be wonderfully imposing when it had
such an awful effect upon a mind of so large
a caliber as that of the Sran’s correspondent.
But I am doing him injustice in not employ-
ing his own language. One passage will be
suflicient :—*' It appeared for the time to be the
very climax of sublimity and grandeur. The
very earth appeared to quake under its sound,
while its voluptous swell appeared to risg up
to Heaven, spreading 6 halo of delight, joy
and triumph on its wetdrous circling way.”
Well, this istruly sublime! | Surely itnever
occurred to Dr. Cliulmer's when he wrote his
Astronomical Discourses, that this earth
could afford any scene so brilliant and impos-
ing as that ‘¢ J. H.” had witnessed in Beston.
Hadthat divine witnessed a scene ‘so grand
and magnificent as “J. H.” describes, pro-
bably he would not have winged his imagina-
tion to the starry heaven, nor would he have
expatiated so largely and eloquently upon the
wondertul disclosures made by meuns of the
telescope in the distant regions of space. He
would likely huve abandoned his subject until
telescopes of a more powerful nature were in-
vented, :

When the Srar’s correspoydent hadiawak-

The world at one time boasted of having

should
y, the
Pyramids of Egypt, which celebrated travel-
lers describe as the ‘ most stupendos work
of man,” are cast into the shade in comparison
with this modern edifice. He says that it
‘* was in itself sufficient to admire for a day,
and itis but one of the public buildings among
thousands belonging to this State,” A man
possessing @ vigorous imagination and having
a taste for the grand, the beautiful, and the
sublime, could do nothing else tor a serics of
years but admire the publie buildings, if he
chanced to sojourn in that State. He tells us
that he next visited the great City Market,
and what he had seen there was beyond des-
cription. 1 have heard of some people who
possessed the extraordinary fuculty of seeing
with their elbows; but this argus/eyed indi-
vidual goes beyond that, for it appears that he
has not only the power of seeing with his el-
bows, but ulso with his stomach!. Wonders
will never cease, More anon,
AN'TI-LLUMBUG.
June 1, 1869, t

SUMMER TRAVEL,

Mr. Epiror; z

If the people of the United States and the
Canadas only knew what a delightful place of
Summer resort Prince Edward Island was,
they would shun expensiye watering places,
and enjoy a trip, via the Railroad to Shediac
and the fine Steamboats of the P. E. Island
Steam Navigation Company to your beautiful
Island, which is not only a * geny dfitle sea,”
but an earthly paradise in the summer season.
J have made it a practice, each summer, for
the lust three years, to start for the Island
about the frat week in June, and stay with its
hospitable people until the first of September.
I find my health, in consequence (I am an in-
valid), vastly benefitted. Dating the time, I
have noted with sutisfaction the successful
efforts made by your Steam Navigation Com-
pany to meet the wants and comfort) ‘df the
travelling public. A fine newboat ded
last year, and what is of as much importance,
a fine new captain has been gdded this year.
I mean the commander of the Princess, Capt.
Cameron, who is a very fine man, \and one
who is growing quite rupidly in the favor: of
the travelling public, I haye met with seyg.
ral persons on my way here, this season, all
of whom speak highly of him. Capt, Evans
is an old friend and an old fgvofite ‘me,
as with the public, but he will have to look
out, or the new captain will largely share the
laurels withhim. ‘Lhe officers of the Princess,
also—the pilot, Mr, Finlayson, the mate, Mr.
McCarthy, and the engineer—are. attentive
and careful nen, and make the travel er feel
confidence in his safety while under their

care. The Steward is a young man, 4 d has
a good deal to learn in his protession’ *but he
will no doubt improve, 5]

My object in writing these lines is to.dispel

visable, but that if proposals came from
the Unto goats @ derehacnva moun Cane

da would proceed to Washington to delib-
erate on the termsof renewal, On the 9th
January, 1869, Mr, Thornton, Minister at
Washington, sends a joiot resolution ot
Congress agreeing to recommend access to
navigation of American and Canadian
waters on the same terns to ships of both
countries, and the free transit of goods
across the soil of each country, to be agreed
to by Congress; and also recommend ne-
gotiations to secure, if possible, the con-
straction of a ship canal connecting Lake
Champlain and the St. Lawrence; and in
cuse the State of New York will consent
to offer in exchange the Champlain Canal
to the same proportions as the one to con-
nect the St. Laseouss and Champlain, al-
Jowing the use thereot on the same terms
as to American shipping. A grant of land
is asked from Congress for this purpose.

Pleasing Prospect.

A larger number of immigrants have
taken up their abode in Ontario this sum-
mer than for many years previously during
a similar period. The prospect is still
good for the arrival of man others. It now
seems certain that within afew years a
Vast accession will be made to the pupul-
ation of the Dominion. When easy com-
munication with our prairies shall have
been established. large numbers will flock
to them from Ontario. Many well culti-

vated farmers in that Province will be|¢d and several persons wore shot by the
urchasable on reasonable terms. Farm-| troops. Marshal Serrano is proposed as
ers with a little money from Britain, not| Regent.

earring to have the trouble of clearing up
a wholly new farm will stepin to bay irom
those ready to sell, The resources of the
Dowinion will become known throughout
Kurope as never belore.—St. Joha News.

telegrams trom Cuba, whicn auguments
the anxiety.

obey a legal summons to appeal before a
secular Court, was arrested and brought
to Court by the Police.

|some popular excitement in Madrid ensu-

Keapypens- han ca branannaad and nannat

Much anxiety is felt in Spain about Cuba.
The Government is unwilling to publish

Vienna, June 7.
The Bishop of Lenz having retused to

with needless hard
trary, it is as convenient and pleasurable as
most of the route of summer travel j
States; and more So than many in
das. |

& COMMOD. Crror jy

aR CL

the
@ Cana-

iy
fe

th

I am, dear Sir,
Yours truly, ,.

A TRAVE

Steamer “ Princess,” }
June 9, 1869.
bit.

London, June 8.

It is understood that Mr. Gladstone pro-
noses, in case the House of Lords reject
the Lrish Church Bill, to prorogue the pre-
sent Session of Parliament immediately
and inaugurate anew Session. In ordes
to ensure the passage of the Bill it is pro-
posed to create a uew batch of Peers, in
cluding the Marquis of Hartington, Lord
Amberly, the oldest sons of most of the
Liberal Peers and all the Scotch and Trish
Peers now without seats in the House of
Lords.

An immense public meeting of persons
opposed to the Irish Church Bill has been
held in Londonderry. Nearly 12,000 per-
sons were present, A protest against the
Bill was adopted which will be sent.to the
House of Lords.

The Spanish Cortes have adopted the
new Constitution, The snnouncement
was received with general satisfaction but

It is estimated that there will be a ma-
jority of 80 against the Irish Chorch bill
on its second reading in the House of
Lords,

Gold 138 3-

Friday evening last about thirty tgé
the friends and well-wishers of Mr, Kirwan,
sat down to an excellent disinet’at Crabb’s
Hotel, given as an expression of their.
and regard for Mr, Kirwan, who is aie

rn. ‘Tromas Kinw. On
men,

Dinyer to M

steem
leav-
Finlay MoNgeill, Esq.,
Vice-Consul of the United Ristese 4 gupied
the chair. The folldwing: togste\/ igiven
from the chair, and eloquently responded to
by Messrs. Howe, Kelly, Capt. Welsh Chas.
Green, J. Gaffney, &e., &c.:

1, The Queen; 2, Sir Robt. Hodgson,
inistrator of the Govt of B, Keduland
sident of the United States; 4, Our Gu Mr.
hos. Kirwan; 5. The Arty and Navy ; 6. The
Legislature of P, EK. Island, 7, The Betich and
Bar ; 8. The Press.

The following volunteer toasts were then
given and enthusiastically received and hon-
ored; ;

The Ladies; the Farmers; the Mechanics;
the Commercial interests of Summersillé ; the
Mercantile Marine; our Host and Hostess;
Abscnt Friends.

The company broke up at one o'¢leck,
highly entertained and pleased. ‘. Ct
liar feature in the gathering was that pure
sparkling water was the only drink on the

ing Summerside.

the Ad-!
3

reasdn ot a] ™

Summerside Gournal.

HURSDAY, JUNE 10, 1869.

can be taken of annonynious com-
: nications. .We must know the names and
résses of our correspondents as a guaranty
of their good faith. We cannot undertake to
return communications that are not used,

THE NEWS.
Wx sce by the English newspapers
that a very singular discussion took place
in the House of Lords, Its subject was
the condition of Ireland. It was declared
that life was not as safe in Ireland as it
ought to be—that government failed in
that country to accomplish the chief end
for which it was instituted. ‘The securi-
ty of life should be the State's first care.
The country where life was insecure,
gives the strongest proof that it isa bad-
ly governed one. ‘The best means to
ameliorate the condition of that unfortu-
nate country, and to make landlord kill-
ing acrime of less frequent occurrence,
were discussed. It was urged that until
there was some change in the tenure of
land, there would be no peace or safety
in Ireland. Much was said of the danger
of meddling with the rights of property,
and of the folly of raising~ hopes that
could never berealized. By exciting the
people with a delusive prospect of obtain-
ing free land upon impossible terms,
would do a great deal more harm than
good, and increase the evil complained
of, instead of diminishing it. Legisla-
tion, however, is promised on this sub.

ject. My, Bright's scheme of Land Pur-
chase was ventilated. That scheme

bears a striking resemblance in many of
its features to our own Land Purchase
Law. By it the government are to ap-
propriate a considerable sum—five mill-
ions sterling—to the purchase of land
from the proprietors. ‘This land is to be
resold to the people, and the payment is
to be made by instalments spread over
a number of years. ‘The whole affair is
to be self-sustaining. The landlord,
however, is not to be compelled to sell.
The zeal of the people would fully make
up for this defect in the law. ‘Ihe land-
lord or land agent who refused to sell
his estate to the government, would, we
fear, find that no precautions that he
could take, would make his life worth an
hout'’s purchase. ‘The question of the
Irish Land ‘fenure is confessedly a very
difficult one. Were the Government to
become the landlord, it would find itself
frequently in a very awkward position.
It would be very frequently obliged to
resort to legal means to enforce the pay-
ment of debts due it. In a country like
Ireland there would no doubt be a great
many who would be neither very able or
very willing to pay for the land they had
bought. It would be necessary to put
those folks to trouble, and, it may be, to
deal harshly with them. ‘This would
cause great agitation and great discon-
tent. ‘The government, as the author of
the trouble, would be denounced, and its
authority set at nought. ‘Those who en-
couraged the Irish people in their ‘* idle
dreams,” were spoken very severely of in
the House of Lords., The centre and
South of Ireland are in a very disturbed
condition. Archbishop Leahy delivered
an address on murder, showing the hei-
nousness of the crime, and telling them
that they should endure any amount of
hardships before they resorted to so un-
christian and barbarous mode of redress.
The Irish Church Bill was safely car-
ried through the House of Commons.
The division on the third reading of the
Bill was 361 in its favor, and 247 against
it.

We sce by the late telegrams that the
notorious Mayor of Cork has resigned,
und thus put a stop to the Parliamentary
proceedings which had been instituted
against him. He wrote a somewhat
singular letter to Mr. McGuire, which
that gentlemen read in the House of
Commons. It contains the following
passage :—‘*T declare, in the most solemn
and emphatic manner, that theslanguage
attributed to me did not, in any way, ex-
press or represent my real meaning.”
There is a great deal in the English
newspapers about Mr. Sumner's speech
and the Alabama claims, ‘The tone of
the whole press is firm. England is not
to be bullied. Enough and more than
enough has already been done in the way
of conciliation. ‘The American Senator
has evidently gone a lectle too far—John
Bull has become surly and will not put
up with any more nonsense. Mr. Laird,
the builder of the Alabama, has publish-
eda letter, in which he declares that
there was no secrecy about the Alabama
from the beginning, It was well known
that she was a ship of war, intended for

the Confederate service. He moreover
getting her ready ror sea. ine crovern=

ment had ample time to seize her, hadit
any authority for so doing. He produ-
ces the opinions of the best lawyers in
Great Britain to show that he had broken
no law whatever in building a ship of
war on British territory, to be used
against afriendly power. Mellish, Kem-
play and Hugh Cairns, are the authorities
whom he produces, Sir Francis Head
has written a letter to the Zimes respect-
ing the-case of the ‘* Caroline,” and the
course of the United States towards
Canada during the rebellion in the latter
country. He shows that more flagrant
abuses were then permitted by the U.S.
Government against Canada, than were
ever permitted against the United States
by Great Britain, The Fenian Raid is
again brought upon the tapis, The tu
quogue argument is used with consider-
able effect.

Mr. Motley has arrived in England,
and has been very well received, His
tone is pacific, and it is not likely that
Mr. Sumner’s inconsiderate speech will
result in anything very serious, after all.

We direct attention to ‘* A Travel-
ler’s’’ letter in another column of this
paper. We believe that hundreds of per-
sons who leaye the cities of New York
and Boston, as wellas those of parts of
the Dominion, in search of some quiet
healthy place, would find their way to
this Island, if they only knew what a

tables.— Progress.

beautiful place it is in summer,

OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION.

Ir will, we. think, be admitted that
this Island is in a better condition finan-
cially than any other British Colony.
We bre much less deeply in debt than
any of the Pacific Colonies. . We have
not the figures by us, but we are pretty,
sure that it will be found, on enquiry,
that the public debt of the Australian
Colonies, New Zealand, and even of
British Columbia, very greatly exceeds
that of this “tiny Colony.” ‘The debt
of this Island, compared with its revenue
and its resources, is comparatively tri-
fling. It is much less than that of any
of the neighboring Provinces previous to
Confederation. ‘Che Dominion debt is
proportionately /ive times greater than
ours. ‘laking the worst view of the mat-
ter, our public liabilities are not quite
five dollurs per head of the population;
while the people of the Dominion owe
twenty-five dollars for every man, woman,
and child in the country. Our debt is
not more than one year and a half’s re-
venue, while the Dominion owes at least
seven years and a half of its annual in-
come. We of this Island have good
reason to congratulate ourselyes’ on our
freedom from pecuniary embarrassment.
Our country is Lecoming richer every
day. The revenue is steadily increasing,
and our taxation is as nothing when com-
pared with the taxation of the neighbor-
ing colonies. Outside of the Towns—
with the exception ofa paltry road tax
which may be paid in labor—we have no
local rates whatever, We receive, too,
more for our taxes than any other people
that we know of, We buy our lands,
we educate our people, we pay our civil
list, we provide for our mail service and
ocean ferriage, make and keep in repair
our roads and bridges, and a hundred
things besides, out of our general reyen-
ue, and after all we owe the public credi-
tor very little. It does not become a
Prince Edward Islander to speak dispa-
ragingly of the financial affairs of his
native country. In this matter, at any
rate, we can compare very favorably with
the richest of our neighbors.

THE COMING OFFER.

Tr will be seen from our telegraph
columns that the Dominion Government
are about to make the people ot this Is-
land an offer to induce them to enter the
Confederation. It is well known that
nine-tenths of the people of the Island
are violently opposed to Confederation.
‘The famous no-terms resolutions, though
they appeared unreasonable to many
people, were by the great majority of the
people considered by no means too strong.
We do not see many signs of a diminu-
tion of this strong fecling against Confed-
eration. Tew people will even listen to
any arguments in favor of a Union with
the Dominion. It is by no means un-
likely that many will exclaim against the
offer before it is made. We think that
it would have been much the wiser plan
to have allowed longer time to elapse be-
fore making advances to the Island. If
the people saw that the Dominion was
prospering, that its people were content-
ed, and that it would be for their interest
to enter the Confederation, they, instead
of being coaxed, and as some would say
“bribed,” to join the Dominion, would
beg to be permitted to enjoy a share of
its prosperity. We are sorry to hear any
talk of compulsion in the matter. We
have the solemn promise of the Mother
Country that no compulsory means will
be used towards the Island, and we be-
lieve that the Dominion Government
could not resort to a worse policy than
touse threats. ‘he Province brought
into the Dominion by coercive measures
would not, we are quite ‘sure, add to its
real strength. .‘l'o have all the Maritime
Provinces united would give an air of
completeness to the Confederation 3 but
we are quite sure that it would, by the
forced union of a soured and a discontent-
ed people, loose more in power and real
unity, than it gained-in symmetry. We
hope that our people will act with calm-
ness and discretion in this matter, and
not allow their prejudices to get the up-
per hand of their judgment.

)

AGRICULTURAL,

Tre productions of the soil sustain the
life ot man, and as agriculture enables him
to produce these, it will at once be admit-
ted that this art possssses the quality of
superiority. The constant cultivation of
the land by an individual, though his edu-
cation be defective, may tend to concen-
tratein him the sphere of thought and
reflection, and it may also tend towards
the development of integrit and upright-
ness. Every agriculturist is naturally in-
terested in the land which he cultivates,
and upon which so much of his time and
labor is bestowed. As .the soil has man
It we observe the p Bates
with ite logissdhe dure fombined
for means by which its productiveness
muy be increased, or it we investigate its
present state with regard to its fertility or
sterility, we will find much that demands
our serious consideration. The rocky
part of the surface of the earth is doubtless
the source from which all soils have orig-
inated, and specimens of these parts have
been had, showing the difference between
what the soil is, and what it, at one time,
was, Notwithstanding the hardened na-
ture of these rocks, they have yielded in
ages past to atmospherical agencies which
have constantly exerted powerlul forces
against them, and through which massive
rocks have been rent in pieces,

Soilg that have lain near or upon those
rocks from which they have had their
origin, very much resemble, in their quali-
ties, the parent rock. Owing to various
physical causes, a large portion of our
soils have been changed, and have been
intermixed with the soils from rocks pos-
sessing different properues, The variati-
ons which we so frequently notice in soils,
are easily accounted forin this way, lt
these changes did not occur, it is evident
that any geological map showing the dit-
terent descriptions of rocks found ina
certain tract of country, would also give
the nature of the soils foundthere. Asthe
soil has been subjected to many variations,
it would be alvautageons to agriculturists,
wore some plans preposed, showing the
agricultural geology of our country, “Sach
a contribution would, no doubt, be val-
uable, and also ténd to increase our know-
ledge Of the * obstinate soil” with which 6o

Many other points relating to 1
physical condition of soils have not rece:
that study and attention which their im-
portance deman' Land which possess.g
the qualifications of absorbing and holding
moisture, is generally ofa rich and fertile
character, tor whilst poor land draws into
its pores very little moisture, soils that
are rieh absorbitin large quantities, And
the same rule is applicable with respect to
holding moisture, fertile soils holding more
than poor land. | ‘This operation is known
as the capillary-power ol the soil, and js
generally in proportion 3 i finely divided
state of the ground. ‘Che more the soil is
mixed with vegetable matter; and the
greater the extent to whieh it is cultivated

the more fully will it baye the power of
absorbing moisture trom the atmosphere,
and retaining it for the nourishment of
plants, and for the cherishing of vegeta.

he
lived

tioa, a? : :

Seis f ea
The absorption property of the sell isnos
confined to the water that may be iw the
atmosphere; for, when a deficiency may
arise in consequence of drought, and vege
etation requires more plentilul supplies of
moisture fromthe. roots, the capillary
powers will be’ found absorbing nourisii-
ment from the subsoil. ‘his, we believe,
readily explains the constancy with which
the crops continue to grow in hot and
soaropiog seasons upon soils which haye
been well cultivated, when compared with
others in which tillage has been almost or
entirely neglected. Certainly, there may
be soils possessing the duttment plants
require; but, in a practical point of view,
itis valueless.to vegetation without the
aid of water, by which itis carried into the
circulation, Then, if this be admitted, wo
must be mindtul of the importance of good
cultivation, viewed simply with respect to
its physical efficacy.
Moisture absorbed from the atmosphero
is beneficial, because it is probably inter-
mixed with other fertilizing substances
which are found there, and which, in some
cases, the soil imbibes, 1t is manitest tha
the powers which soils may have of draw-
ing in gases from the atmosphere, increas-
es in proportion with the quantity otf
moisture absorbed, :
Though we know but little of the extent
to which the electric condition of the soil
aids in advancing its productiveness, ot
we are convinced that the elementary
principles of fertility are in the atmosphere,
lt is also possible the electric fluid may
yet be so applied to the soil as to enrich
barren land, and fit large portions ot our
earth for the support and convenience of
sensitive and intellectual beings. In fact,
we know that the air atter a thunder-storm
quite strengthens and animates vegetation.
and that this is owing to new combinations
produced by the action of electricity upon
the nitrogen of the atmosphere. But the
more we become acquainted with the phy-
sical properties of soils, und the further we
advance in scientific knowledgo, the more
comprehensively and rapidly will we pro-
gress in the scale of agricultural improve-
ment.+Com,

A New Tale.

Tur Scottish American Journal announces
in its last number that it will commence in
its next issue, a new tale entitled * A Life's
Love,” by the author of the ‘Heiress of the
Blackburnfoot,” The scenes and incidents
are laid in Glasgow and its vicinity about a
hundred years ago, *‘ and there is a singular
air of truthfulness in the whole ta.e, owing to
the minuteness and accuracy with which local
objects and characters are described, many
of the latter afterwards famosas ‘in history.”
We have no doubt but that this new tale will
prove interesting, especially to the scions of
old Scotland. ‘lhe paper can be ordered at
Harvie’s Book Store.

Cricket Club.

Av a meeting held on Saturday the Sth inst.,
for the purpose of forming a Cricket Clu ,
Dr. Fuller in the chair, it was agreed that
the Club be known as the * Prince County
Cricket Club.” The following gentlemea
were chosen oflicers ;—

Mr. R. McC, Stavert, President.

Dr. Fuller, Vice President.

J. W. Howe, Secy, & Treasurer.
The Club played their first game on tho
grounds near the Drill Shed, on ‘Tuesday
evening last. This is an interesting and
healthy amusement, and we hope to see the
Club well sustained,

The Grammar School.

Tue Summerside Grammar School is now
without a Teacher. Mr, Mcltae, the lato
master, has resigned. Mr. McRae has been
teacher of the above institution for the last
four years, during which time we have had
his acquaintance, and his character and con-
duct bas proved itself in every way worthy of
the profession he follows. The fact thet
many ot his pupils have distinguished them-
selves in other institutions—and from tho
way in which he handled the Azaminer man
—tully proves that his natural abilities and
scholarship are of no mean order. We un-
derstand that he intends leaving the Island.
We regret loosing sucha good neighbor and
useful citizen, and wish him well wherever
his lot may be cast.
Tue Union Advocate says that two Light
Touses now in course of erection on Shediac
Island, will provide a want long needed,
When completed vessels will be enabled to
enter at any time of night, which they at pre-
sent are unable to do. There will also be
two lights on the Railway Wharf at Point du
Chene.

We hi

Vince of

aye received a cany. pf,
Nova Scotia,

Renart of
the office of th eas pophinla tag
been prone tou Quean's Printer, AN 18, iw
eleven new. gold crushers haye bee» licensed.
Thirty places have been mentioned inthe
Provinee, where gold discoveries were mado
last year, ‘The following table shows the re-
sult of the gold mining and of the coal trade:
‘In the 15 months, some 40,000 tons of
quartz was crushed, yielding 28,342 ounces of
the precious metal, which, at $18.59 per oz.,
shows a value of $505,027—or about $12.50
to the ton of quartz, Abont 800 men and 40
to 45 crushers—or on an average—were em-
ployed. ‘Ihe average yield per man for the
last 13 months was about $490.34.

Of Coal, the total quantity raised and sold
for the year ended Dec, 31, "68 was 453,617
tons—of which all except about 40,000 tons
was “round.” Of the total, 117,624 tong
wentinto home consumption, 102,761 tons
\ ere exported to neighboring Colonies, and
283,178 tons shipyed to other countries, prin-
cipally the States. 2,689 men and boys were
bi gr hd in the Coal Mines, and 60 engines
,

of 3,382 liorse power.

Ox the vote for the Northern Line for tho
Intercolonial Lailway being taken tt stood
il4 for and 28 against,

To Connesvonpunts.—“' A Layman” will
appear next weck. ‘I'oo or three other com-
munications on hand will also be inserted if
we can find space.

‘We learn that the Schr. Allerton will run
as tho Packet between Charlottetown and
Cascumpeo, We hope the day is not far dis-
tant wheh the Western part of thig County,
especially the Merchants of Alberton, will re-
ceive the benetits of Steam communication.
We believe it would pay the Island 8, N.C.
to allow their steamer to call at Alberton at

mauy husbandaen are daily struggling.

the present time, at least once @ fortnight