I

Vol. \.

“This is true Liberts, when Freeborn Men, having to advise the Public, may speak free.”---Euripides.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Tuesday, March 20, 1860.

~—— Y --

2

Ie

olitices, Literature, and slews,

New Series.---No. 10,

Provincial Parliament.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wepnrspay, 29th February, 1860. The following Petitions were presented to the ffouse, and

the same were received and read. By che Hon. Col. Swabey, a petition of Hugh MeLeod, of Charlottetown, Shipwright, in destitute circuu.stances,

raving relief. : j By the Hon. Mr. Walker, a Petition of Mary Shea, of

Charlottetown, with two helpless children iu indigent cir- |

cumstances, praying relief.

Ordered, That the last two preceding petitions be referred |

to the Special Committee appoiuted to report on all petitions relating to Paupers. oh Pry

By Hoa. Mr. Butchinson, a petition of William D. Law- son and others, Trustees of the Stanhope District School, praying that the Council will concur with the House of As- sembly in granti-g their teacher, Stephen EK. Lawson, his allowance for-six months’ services, which has been withheld in consequence of his not having bad the average attendance

' of echolars required by law.

Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Specia!

Committee appointed to report on all Petitions relating to |

Education, The Hon. Edward Palmer, a member of Her Majesty's Executive Council, by command of the Lieutenant Governor,

laid before the Council the accounts of the Colonial Treasurer

for the year ending Jist Janusry, 1860.

Also, the Accounts of the Public Lands Office, for the same period.

Ordered, That the said Accounts do lie on the Table.

The Hon, Mr. Palmer, by command of His Excellency, laid before the Council copy of a Despatch from His Grace, tao Duke of Neweast'e to His Excellency, dated 30th March, 1859, relating to the establishment of the sytem of com- pulsory pre-payment of postage, which was read.

Ordered, That the said Despatch do le on the Table.

Tuurspar, March 1, 1860

PET. TIONS.

The following Peitions were presented to the ffouse, and |

the same Were receive d and reed > VIZ:

ty Hon. Mr. McInrrar, 2 Petition of Raymond Campbell, of Kast Point, Town-tip No. 47, setting forth the loes of a registered money letter, which he deposned in the Way Office, at Mast Point, in the year 1557, to be transmitted to India, and praving relief.

By Hon. Mr. Simrson, a Petition of divers Inhabitants of French River, New London, and adjocent setilements, praying |

that this House will concur with the House of Assembly, in gravting a eum in aid of individual subscription, for deepening the Channel at or near the mouth of Freach Rover.

Ordered, Thatthe last two preceding Petinons be referred to the Committee appo:ared te report on all Petitions rel iting to

miscellaneous subjec's r

Hon. Mr. Simpsun also presened a Petition of John McLeod !

ane otbere, of Cardican River, setting forth the destivure and helpless condition of Christiana MeS~an, end praying relief. Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the Specia Commitee appoimted to report on all Petitions relating to Paupe.s. MESSAG® FROM HI? EXCELLENCY.

The Hon. Me. Patorer, a Member of Her Majesty’s Execu-

tive Council, informed the tlouse that he was directed by lis

Excellency, the lieowtenant Governor, to lay before the House |

the fullowing written Message, signed by His Excellency :— MESSAGE,

‘*Grones Dunpdas, Lieut. Governor.

** The Liewenan vernor has received from Lis Grace the Duke of Newcastle the livuse of Assen diy to Lier Majesty, praying lor a recon- siruction of the Legisiative Council, which was transuntied by

Sir Dowintk Daly to Sir Bdwaed Bulwer Lyton, late Princi-

pal Secretary of State for the Columes, ** Wile acquainting the House that the Acdress was day

laid atthe foot of the Throne, the Lieutenant Governor does | not feel himself at lroerty at present to make putlie the core |

respondence which has since ensued upon the subject, and he, therefore, trusts that (ne House of Assembly will be satisfied with the assurance that their Address has received the anxious consideration of Her Mojesty’s Secretary of State, who, while re'yteg on the spiri. of murual forbearance to promote concord between the Upper and the Lower Houses, has yet placed in the hands of the Lieutenant G werner the power of making such an alieration in the Legislative Council as will ensure the har- Inonious working together of the two branches of the Legis- ja'uce. ‘Government Uouse, February 29, 1860.”

Frioar, March 2, 1860. FXPIRING Lawes.

Hon. Mr. Forgas, fromthe Commitiee appointed to examine and report upon the Expiring Laws, presented to the House the Report of the Commitiee, which be read in his place, and which is as follows :-—-

** Your Committee appointe] to examine and report upon the Laws thal have expired, or are about to expire, report thai—

** The Act Lath Vic. cap. 13 intutuled ‘ An Act relating to the duties of the Harbour Master of the Port of Charlottetown, and for the better regulation of the Public Wharfs there.n,’ so far as the same has not been repealed by the Bye Law of the (ny of Charlottetown, cap 30, iatitu'ed ‘ A Law defining the duties of Harbour and Ballast Masters and Wharfingers, and the rate of Wharfage,’ will exvire at the end of the present Session. That the Act, 12h Vie.. cap. 19, intituled * An Act to reguis'e the Survey of Tunber and Lumber:* and the Act 12h Vie, cap. 20, inruled * An Act to prevent Pediars travel- ling and selling witha this Isfand, without Licence,’ will ex- pire at the end of the present Session of Assembly ; and that the Act 22nd Vic., cap. I, intituled ‘An Act for raising a Revenue,” will expire on the first day of May nex:.”

Ordered, Tuat the Report of the Commuttce be received.

PETITIONS.

The following Pet ‘ions were presented to the Ilouse, and the same were received and read, viz: —

By Hon. Mr. Palmer, » Petition of Robert Galbraith, setting forth that, on the Gh Dee., 1859, he paid into the Colonial

Treasury the sum of Four Pounds one Shilling for Pint)

licence for one year, at Mount Stewart Bridge ; but that, on the Oth January, 1860, he was obliged to vacate the premises for which sew Lecense had been taken out; and, therefore, praying, as the Licence is now no longer of any use to him, proportionate to the unexp.red period of the tune fur which his Licence was grarted. ,

Also by the Hon. Mr. Palmer, a Petition of Alexander FE. Holland, Postmaster at St. Bieanor’s, preying that ths Llouse will corecar with the Heose of Assembly in increasing hie present allowance, which ia altogether unremunerative for the duties of that office —Hon. Mr. Valiner observed that the amounts of duties performed by different Postmuasters differed greatly according as the District, in which they were severally

situated, were thinly or well populated, and ou other accounts |

siso. The duties of some of our Postmasters waa little more than sominal, and the allowances mad» to them might almost be regarded as sinecures ; whilst those of others were a0 oner- ous that ona fair consideration thereof it certainly appeared that they were very inadequately remunerated for their services. ‘The salares or allow ances made to the country Postmasters should be proportionate io the amount of duties severally per- formed by them. ‘These struationa should be filled by none but trustworthy persens; and all such ahould be suitably rewarded He never had, and he never would oppose a fair and full re- muneration of public officers, of whatever grade ; and should it be found that the counterpart of the Pettion then before their Honors had met with the favorabie consideration of the House of Assembly, he would cheerfully asgent to their act on thereon.

Ordered, TYhat the last twe preceding Petitions be referred to the special Committee appointed to report on all Petitions relating to miscellaneous subjects,

By we Hon. Mr. Simpson, a Petition of Alexander Praeer, of Township No. 52. an aged person, nearly blind, and whose fon of insane ming, praying relief.

. Ordered, That the said Petition be referred to the special Committee appointed to report on all Petinons relating to Vanpere.

By the Hon Mr. Pa'me r, a Peti ion of Archibald C. Beck ford, of Grand River, Township No. 14, anunticenced leacher, preying remuneration for his services as euch fur the past year.

no acknowl. dgme nt of the Address from |

By the Hon. Mr. Walker, a Petition of Marinus Blanchard,| there must be a presumption that, on His Excellency’s part, of Rustico, a Licenced Teacher, praying that this House will | there could be no intention to leave this Impreseion.

concur with the House of Assembly in granting the suc of ten pounds, which has been deducted from his allowance, in con | sequence of the boundaries of his Schoo! District not being | defined and described as the Law directs.

The Petition having been received and read,

His !!onor Mr. Watnen said that, not being aware of the particular circumstances of the case, except as they were set forth ia the Petuion, he was not prepared to advance anything ' further on behalf of the Petitioner: but he believed he was we!] entitled to the favorable consideration of the Legis!ature.

Hon. Mr. Baanatei—l laid off the District. Vhe School is an Acadian Schoo! ; but another school-house has been built | since, in another part of the District; and the consequence ts | that the claima made on behalf of the two schoo!s clash with | each other. Under the late Gavernment the Teacher of the} Acadian School received the S:atute allowance of a first class but, under the present Administration, he has no! been considered as eniitied to such allowance.

Hon. Co'. Swasey—Ii bl rightly recollect both the Education Act and the Board of Education recognise, in ceriain cases, an inferior clas of District Teachers, to whom an allowance less than that made to. first class Teachers is made on their produc- tion of the requisite certificates. Probably it has been though: proper to place the Petitioner in that class,

Ordered, That the Petiion be referred to the special Com- mittee appointed to report on all Petitions relating to Educa- ion,

By the Tlon. Mr. McIntyre, a Petition of Artemas Morrow,

Licenced ‘Teacher, praying that this House will concur with

Veacher;

the Llouse of Assemb y in granting him remuneration for his se: vices at Morrel, his allowance having been withhe!d, in con- sequence of a deficiency of one ha!f of a Scholar, in the daily attendance required by law.

Ordered, Tuat this Petition be referred to the special Com- }mitee appoiated 10 report on all Petitions relating to bduca- , ton.

MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY—DESPATCHES.

The Hon. Mr. Parmer, a Member of Her Majesty’s Execu- tive Couneil, by command of His Excellency, the Lieutenant | Governor, lard before the House copies of Despatches, relating to the Land Commission, which were ordered to be laid on the

table.

LAN TENURB.

Hon Col. Swanry—lf what is communiested in this Dee- i pateh is a full statement of al! the proceedings which have jneen tuken at Home towards the appointment of a Commission to investigate and settle the who'e question of the Land Tenures, land.the result of those proceedings, we must conclude that all jwhich has been done concerning the question bas been nuga- itory. Indeed, from the fact that the communication on the subject, made onthe 6h Sept., 1859, to Sir S. Cunard, the chief of the P. BE. {sland landowners at Home, im pursuanne of the direction to that effect of the Duke of Newcastle, has elicited no rep!y from that gentleman, we may very fairly infer that the great proprietors are not disposed to sanction such a Commission aa that prayed for by the Address of the House of Since, therefore, nuthing, so far as we know, has

Assembly. }as yet been pos'tively determined by the Home Government |touching the appointment of such a Commission, [ will not now take up Phe time of the House by entering npon any consider- ation of the probable efficacy of the labors of such a Commis- sion ifappointed. Any discussion of the question would, as it now stends, be premature ; but shou'd it again be agitated in the Legislature, I will, f trust, be prepared to enter at large upon the consideration of it.

Hon. Mr. Parwer did not think it necessary that he should make any particular rep'y to his Lloaor. It was very probsble that in a week or two further Despatches wieuld be received relative to the question ; and then, perhaps, they would be able to deal with if in a more tangible form.

Hs Honor the Presipenr—It does not appear that the | Addiess to the Queen of the House of Assembiy has been [aid before Her Majesy. His Grace the Duke of Newcastle’s Despatch nerely scknowledges the receipt of it; and yet we are tuld, in Hes Exceliency’a opening Speech, that wu (‘he Address of the House of Assembly of last Sc ssion) * was graci-

jously received by Her Majesty ”’ Hon Mr. Patwer.—Tie Colonial Secretary is a Colonial | Minister; and, when an Address comes into his hands, | }although he may not think it necessary to lay it actually before | Hier Majesty, yet, as haynes deen before him, one of Her | Maj ‘sty’s principal advisers, it my fairly be said to have been | laid before Her Maj osty. Numbers of app!ications forwarded | |Home, and supposed to have been laid at the foot of the} | Throne, have not actually been laid before Her Majesty ; but having been duly considered by Her Majesty's Ministers, are answered inthe same manner. As according to the practice, as well as theory, of the British Consti'ution, the Sovereign is regarded as acting in conformity with the advice or counsel of Adm nitration, 0 whom alone responsibility attaches. In most PSaeek: itcan make no difference whether address or applications }are merely considered by the Ministers of the C own, or, besides | being so considered, are also laid at the foot of the Throne ; and, in either case, it may, therefore, be said “ they have been | graciously received.” | Hon. Col. Swasey admitted that, in som? cases, when ad- | dresses or applications to the Sovereign ha: not actually been j lard before the Sovereign, such answers might be admissible jenongh. They had been considered by the Ministers whose | dury it was to advise concerning them ; who, not feeling them- iselves at liberty toadv:se » compliance withthe prayers thereof, j might be allowed tosay, in reply, that “they had been gracious- ly received ,”’ for the Severeign was supposed to receive al) | petitions, a dresses, or applications, from any loyal subjects, or be dy of loyal subjects, gracioualy. When, for instance, jis determined ta waive the prayer of a privete address, it ts, | nevertheless, often said, in repy, that ‘fit was graciously received.”” But here when the Minister says, ** | cannot advise Her Majesty to entertain the question,” 1s nut the inference pia’n that he had nor laid the Address before Her Majesty ? And when the Despatch conveys such « dena! or repulse of the Address, was it not too much to say in the Speech, ‘‘ the Addreas which, last Session, you snbmitted to the Crown, pray- ing that a Commission be appointed to investigste and eettie he whole qnestion of the Land Tenures?’’ [ cannot acquit | His Excellency’s Speech from the charge of inaccuracy in this particular.

Hon. Mr. Jounson observed that, ae the Address had been received and gravely and anxiously considered by Her Majesty's Minster, the Principal Secretary for the Colonies— who, on al] Colonial Questions, is Her Mejesty’s chief adviser—and who, as he found that he could not advise Her Majesty to entertain the question, unless it were fully understood shat the Coinmis- sion were to be at liberty to propose any measures which they might themselves judge desirable, hid, in his Despatch relat ve to it, clearly stated why advice favorable to the proposition could not then be given to Her Mejesty, it was, in his opinion,

vite allowable to ssy that it had been graciously received by er Majesty. Ail addresses or petitions, couched tn loyal and Tegpectiu! language, were graciously received; and certainly the , rees of the Llouse of Assembly had that recommendation to be graciously received by Her Mejosty. ft certainly may | easily be imagined that an Address may be graciously received by Her Majesty, although there may be no intention to comply wih the prayer of it.

Hon. Mr. Parmems—It is very common, in another Branch | of the Legislature to fied memiiers cavilling about words, merely to captivate the public ear; but, in this, the Up;e: | Branch, it is supposed thatevery subject is fairy and grave y 'considerec, and that all are above having recourse, for any pur- pose whatsvever, to false or frivalous objections. As hae been very properly observed by His ILoner Mr. Johnson, all pet t ons or addresses to the Sovereign, whieh are couched tn loyal and resp-cttul language, are graciously reCeived, whether it be in tended thet the prayers thereof shail be Complied with or not. | And so it is, in the Legislature, unless when a Petition, owing ;to its real or alleged impropriety, ia thrown under the Table. If this Honor Colonel Swabey will refer to the Jonfihals, he wil) | tind that Addresses or Despatches on the Land Question hav: heen reported as * eracions!y received,” although thet proposi- tions Were so extreme, that it was impossible for the Home Government, for one inoment, to contemplate or purpose cO1.- pliance with them One Minister, in some such case, may say, the Address was graciously received by [er Majeaty, whils: another, more serupulous, might merely state the sunple faet |of its havirg been reesived by the Minister. 1] think that, ip the present case, when it has been distinctly intimated tha’, provided it shat! be fully understood thr t the Coaunission are te be at liberty to propose any measures which they may them- selves judge desirable, the prayer of the Address will be com plied with, it was perfectly allowable to say, in the Speech, that it (he Addrese) was graciously received by Her Mojesty.

Hon Col. Swapery—There is a most evident discrepancy between the Duke of Newenstle’s Despatch and the Speech of His Excellency the Lieut. Governor, From the Despatch, we distinctly gather that the Address was not laid before [ler Majesty. How then could it possibly be graciously received!

No explanation whieh | have heard can alter the face's, ‘hough

R. B. [avine, Reporter.

TlOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

Fripay, Feb. 24. BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE GRANTING OF FISH- ING LICENCES TO CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES FOR VESSELS BUILT ON THE ISLAND, Ton. Mr. HAVILAND moved the order of the day that

the [louse go into Committee on sa‘d Bill,

Hon. Mr. WIGHTMAN.—I think it would not be right to allow Americans to come here and enjoy the privileges which the Bill would afford. They were granted Free ‘Trade, in whieh they have never fully reciprocated ; and under the Alien Bill they can now hold Jand in the Colony, therefore ] consider that to permit them also to build vessels on the Island would be giving them too much liberty. As our forests are becoming pretty much redaced, we have little enough wood for our own ship-building trade, without allow- ing the Americans to come in and use it up. But Ido not think they would avail themselves of the privilege which the Bill seeks to confer, beeause fishing licenses, or liberty to sail in our waters,would not enzble them to go to other places, or even carry their fish to market,

Hon. Mr. HAVILAND.—The Bill is not a Government measure. | mysel! am wholly responsible for what it con- tains. I did net, however, expect opposition from the last speaker, as he was a member of the Government which grant- ed Free Trade with the United States. If the Americans are so narrow-minded as not to reciprocate, I am sorry for it. Such conduct is contrary to the spirit of the age. Free Trade principles are rapidly gaining ground, and are now advocated by the ablest statesmen and economists of the pre- sentday. Even the Emperor of Pranee is taking up the sub- ject, antl has lately concluded a treaty with Britaia which places the commercial relations of those two countries on a more liberal basis, than they have ever been heretofore. It is selfish for amerchant to oppose the measure because it will allow Americans to use the wood of the Colony. We permit thea. to come here and purchase land, but we must not let them interfere with the merchants. The sooner our forests are cleared away, and the land turned into cultivated farms, the better forthe Colony, The Bill will be a great advantage to the people of this Island. The Americans will come here to build vessels and to fish, consequently our young men will be employed. Under existing arrangements our people cannot look for employment from the Americans fish- ing on our coasts, for according to the 'aws of the Union, their ships must be manned by eitizens of the United States. There were croakers in England when Free Trade was firat proposed there. ‘The ery was, could we compete with the Russians and others who lived on black bread? Wil! the Americans be allowed to glut our markets? But Sir Robert Pee! braved all opposition, and introduced the measure con- trary to the wisies of the farmers of Britain. Let us carry out that which has been so nobly begun. Let us have the mantle of Adam Smith to fall upon us. T appeal to gentle- men op the ether side of the Hovge to give the measure their support,

Hon. M.. POPE.-~Probably"the introducer of the Bill did not think that 1 would oppose it. Iam net prepared to go for anything so much agaiast ourselves. We are told that the Emperor of the French is in® favour of Free Trade, but he expecis something as an equivglent. We should not give away our privileges merely toleep up..with what is cabled the sphitofihe age. Lam met disposed to give away our rights, and receive nothing in return. Tie Americans can come here now and parchase free land; but we cannot get 1e- gisters in the United States for our vessels, nor will they al- low us to take freights from one of their ports to another. I consider it my duty to oppose the Bill.

Hon. Col. GRA Y.—I am not a merchant, but have a little general experience, and will offer a few remarks. I think the hon. member for Georgetown should oot attribute narrow- mindeduess to every one who differs from him. The last speaker remarked that the Emperor of France would not give Free Trade unless he received something in return; but I believe if we pass this Bill we will get something in return, When we passed the Ahen Bull, the design was to get hold of the dollars; and I think this measure wi!l be the means of bringing tn more. ‘The introducer of the Bill,in his arga- ment,overlooked oue point. When the Americans come here they will not only employ oor young men, bat as they will rot be able to sail the ships built on the Island in other waters, they will be under the necessity of laying them up here during the winter. The fish,instead of being sent home all around by water to the United States, will probably be sent by railroad from Shediac, and the vessels laid up either at Charlottetown or some of the other ports, the consequence of which will be that the crews will mostly remain on the Island all winter. By and bye I think we will ship nothing to Nova Scotia or New Brouswick, but willsend all our pro- duce to the United States. In my opinion our merchants who build large ships will not be ivjured by the Bill. The Americans only require small eraft for the fishing trade, therefore they would not compete with the builders of large vessels. 1 think even the merebants would be gainers by this measure on account of the inereased circulation of money. I bave no objection to the Buil.

Mr. DAVIES.—I cannot see that the measure would in- jure the merchants, or any other class of our population. As regards free trade, I believe we have derived the greatest stare of the benefits from it so far. 1am ia favor of passing any measure that might be the means of increasing the trade ofthe Island. Jn my opinion it would not materially affect our ship-buiiding to allow the Americans to come here and build small fishing vessels, which would be laid up during winter. As the ship-building trade has been very unprofitable of late years, probably we have not much to lose in this res- pect. I think that whatever is a benefit to the merchants, is a benefitto the farmers; and what is an advantage to ihe farmers, is also in favor of the merchants.

Hon. Mr. COLES —I am surprised that a measure 2ffect- ing our relation with foreign countries has not been made a Government measure. Inthe British Parliament, no member would introduce a Bill of this kind without first asking the Government tf they intended to bring in such a measure, or if it had their approval. | presume there is a majority of the Government in favor of the Bal; why then has it not been brougit in as a Government measore? Butt will go on to the principles of the Bill. When I was in the United States, 1 endeavored to get our ships admitted to American registry, bat they would not accede to this. The Canadian Govern- ment are now loudly complaining of this unfairness, for as the treaty stands the Americans are reaping nearly all the advantages. ‘The Home Government, I think, would not sanction this Bill, because they refused to allow one sent from Canada of a somewhat similar nature. Allthe Colonics Must unme if they expectto carry anything. I would suggest that an address be sent to the linperial Government, asking them to interfere and get ‘American registery for our ships; and that the other Colonies be solicited to join us in this re- quest. An arrangement of this kind would be more advan- fayveons to al) parties than what is proposed by the measure, for ifaman-of-war were to fall in with any of the vessels bailt and licensed under the Bill, she would seize them if beyoud three miles from shore. This would be leading the Americans into a trap. am not opposed to free trade; but I do not think the Bull will be much benefit, for the Ameri- cans now take out registers for their veesels in other persons’ names. I do not kuew if those members engaged in the ship- building trade are opposing the Bill from selfish motives. They have a periect right to protect our privileves. If the Ameri- cans are going to vive anything, they twost vet something in return. Tt was the right of fishiug on our eoasi—which is allowed to be the best fishing ground—that gained Ree pro- city from them, and the other Provinces may thank us for the boon. Now we have aright 1 enquire what is to be re- ceived in retarn for the privileges to be conferred by the Bil. l think it isa measere to gain alittle popularity, If they had said, the time has come when it is necessary to address the Home Government on the subject, something might be done. We have no power over the seas, so our licenses would not enable vessels to sail further than our own waters. The ariangement mast be made threagh the. Imperial Go- vernmeu'; aod [hope the hen. member will withdraw his Bill, and get up an address ite the British Goverament, which would pass unanimously. 1 am not opposed to the principle of the Bill, but let as go about it property.

Mr. SINCLAIR.—I am happy to think that I will for onee be able to support the hon. mein ber for Georgetown. I believe the measure would be an advantage to us, and do not care what benefit it might be to the Awericans. If they were allowed to come here and build vessels, it would give an impulse toour soung wen, and improve our method

ne _—— ——— ene —

of shipbuilding; besides they would then employ our men on board their vessels. Giving them liberty to fish on our shores isan advantage to them, but none tons. Let us open up free trade in every way that would be for the gene- ral benefit of the Colony. It might injure a few, but we are legislating for the greater number. I fully concus in the principles of the Bill, and think it might prove an ad- vantage to the Island.

lon. Mr. THORNTON.—T have all along been in favor of free trade. It has not caused all the evils that had been attributed to it. We have given the Americans also the right to hold a certain quantity of land, and I am sorry that we did not give them the liberty to hold more. The Bill under consideration, by inducing them to come here, would create a consumption for our produce, and increase the circulation of money. Every place on the Island that they come to during sommer is receiving an advantage. It has been urged as an objection, that they would cut down our forests. I wish there was no other objection. Atone time we were not permitted to export juniper knees Jest there should be none left for our shipbuilders; but this restrie- tion was removed, and no inconvenience has followed. I hope the merchants will see the propriety of going more into the fishing trade than they have yet done. If it proves remunerative to the Americans why not to them? 1 think it is out of the qvestion to talk of this smali Colony pass- ing an address to the Home Government, and communica- ting with the other Colonies on the subject of vur relations with the United States. It would at least require a Jong time to complete the arrangement.

Mr. OWEN.—I am disposed to support the Bill, as we should give every encouragement to the Americans to come here, They would employ our young men to fish in the summer, and in the winter to build vessels and work at the cooper trade. The hon. member, Mr. Coles, was wrong in stating that our fisheries are the best; last year the great- est catch was at Gaspe, and other places are just as good-as this. [think it would be good policy fur vs to pass the Bill, because then the Americans might be induced to cowe to this Island to prosecute the fishing trade.

Mr. DOUSE —With the remarks of the hon. member Mr. Thornton, | fully agree. I would encourage Jonathan in every manner possible to come here, that we might have a chance to get hold of the almighty dollar. The main thing we want isa market for our produce. Something has been gained by free trade. Look at the price of barley now, compared with what it used to be. And I think we would gain more, if we could indnce the Americans to come here and carry on business. It has been objected that they would cut down our forests and oceupy our land, Let them come along: we can give them plenty of land. At Belfast, I could find room for 10,000, and give them space to launch their ships too.

Hon Mr. LONGWORTH —We have been taunted for not making the Bill a government measure, as it would materially affect the foreign relations of the Colony. I for my part would not shirk the responsibility of doing so; it woald be no disgrace to any goternment to introduce the Bill. But I think we should afford a fair opportunity to hon. members on the other side of the house to support a measure that would be,for the general benefit. It has been stated that though free trade is the order of the day, yet when we grant any favor we should always see that we re- ceive an equivalent. T consider that the impetus the mea- sure would give to the trade of the Colony would be a suf- ficient equivalent in this ease. The hon. member Mr. Wight- non, appears to thiak that it would prove injurious to the people of the Island. Bat Iam of opinion that it would further every interest of the Colony. Qur.gouth would be benefited by the knowledge which they would receive of the best method of prosecuting the fisheries. By being employ- ed in the building of vessels they would also acquire know- ledge in this respect, as the Americans are celebrated for ther superior ships. Advantages would accrue to the mer cantile interest; money would circulate more freely, and the demand for goods would be increased. By the increased importation our revenue would be augmented. It has been urged as an objection to the Bill, that ships sailing under its provisions would be liable to be seized by a man-of-war, But it is not contemplated to pass the Bill without a sus- pending clause; it mast receive the sanction of the Home Government, and thea it would have sufficient authority to render them safe though sailing beyond our waters. It is not intended that the vessels should have the right to trade, but only the right to fish. When in distress, however, ¥es- sels can go into any port. Another argument brought for- ward against the passing of the Bill is that our ships are not admitted te American registry. Though we were grant- ed the privilege, I do not consider it would be any advan- tage to us, for our ships could not compete with those of the United States; they would not bring half the price. A greater benefit to us than this would be to obtain a shere of their carrying trade. Bat the Americans will never go 89 far as to grant the Colonies this privilege. Iam happy tr see that some gentlemen on the opposite side of the House are prepared to support the measure.

Mr. MACNEILL—I cannot agree with’ every thing ad- vanced by the hon. member Mr. Longworth. The Ameri- cans he said would teach our youth how to fish. This would be very little advantage, for I do not believe the people in the different parts of the country are going to turn their attention to fishing. We also said that the Americans would improve our method of building ships, by taking our young men into their employment. Our mechanics can build as good ships as they can, but our wood is net equal to theirs. The Bill would deprive us of our privileges and give scarcely any advantage in return. In Britain now the people are holding meetings and agitating in favor of doing away with the free trade prievance. We should be careful in passing measures of this kind. I would give every en- couragement to the Americans, but will not consent to give away our privileges.

Mr. HOWAT. —The measure would certainly not prove injurious; on the contrary, I think it would bea general benefit. It would be the means of raising the price of agri- cultural produce, and also the price of timber. We would gain more by selling our timber than by building ships. If the jabor spent in building vessels and fishing were spent in eultivating the land, the Colony would improve more rapidly.

Mr. CONROY.—I aiso am inclined to support the Bill, becanse the more money that can be brought into the coun- try the better. Shipbuilding would enable our farmers to sell their produce for cash. I would encourage the Ameri- cans in every manner to come to the Island. We havea simple of them in our neighborhood, and I wish that we had more like them. In regard to our young men guing te fish with the Americans, | could not reeommend it, for what they would gain in knowledge, they would lose in morality. Those who come back from the fishing do not appear the same men. They are not so kind; in short it I may be allowed the expression, they have a sort of black- guard appearance, As long as we have plenty of land to cultivate, they should turn their attention to farming.

Mr. HOLM.—I am in favour of the Bill. Our forests are beeom- ing pretty much reduced; but sma'l vessels could be built when large ones could net. Sometiuing is required to be done, as our population i# scarcely increasing Some hon. members are not disposed toallow the Americans to come here and build vessels; but we should not act like the dog in the manger, neither take tne advantage ourselves nor give it to others.

Mr. DOYLE.—I cannot agree with the hon. member Vr. Conroy, that the Americans bring vice into the country. They are about as moral as other men. 1 would go forany measure that might increase our trade; but think our young men should be protected in their pri- yileges. If 11 would he an advantage to the Americans to be allo+ ed to build vessels on the Island, surely those who live here mioht en- grge in the trade with a fair chance of success. I the men employed in the fishing vessels would be about beve in the winter, they would be more a bardea than a benefit to as.. T will oppose the Bill,

Mr. MONTGOMERY.—I entertain some doubts respecting the Bill. Probably if we give this privilege to the Americans, they will take away ovr timber. FT think it would be well to encourage the young men of the Colony to engage in the shipbuiing trade. Ow own people shoufd be protected.

Hion. Mr. PERRY.—TI believe the people of this Island are better adapted to eohiivate the Jani! than to fish. But J_ am not afraid our fishermen would lose their morals, by going ameng the Americans, for these people generally behave well. H they injure the morals of those who go wath them to the fishing, surely they would do much more evil by being allowed to setile in the country. L would eneo r- age the Americans to come here, because they would bring capital to the country, and employ our people to build vessels, make barels ant erect sheds and other buildings, Some ton. member rem arked that to give them the right to build veesels here, would operate agaist the young men of Colony engaging in the trade. There is nothing to prevent them from doing se now; they may build as many as they please. But if they do not choose w build vessels, this House coult not compel them.

Mr. McAULAY.—We have heard a great deal in reference to the Bill. 1 was pleased with the remarks of the hon: member, Mr. Perry. By passing the Alien Bill, we gave the Americans a right to the wood on the Islaod. 1 has been said that they can vlaain regis-

, oo an a =

ters here now in other persons names. This isa strong argument in favor of the Bill, If they can procure registers ia this manner now, what evi! would result from making it Jegal to recerve them? If ca- pital is not brought into the Colony, and employment afforded to our young men, they will drift away toother countries. Ne country can prosper with a sparse population. We, therefore, should endeavor to keep our youth at home. I hear no arguments advanced against the Bill; certainly then, it should pass.

Hon. Mr. COLES.—I rise to move the following amendment to the motion made by the hoa. member, Mr. Haviland:

ResorveD, That it is inexpedient at present to go into Committee on the Bill; but that an humble Address be presented to Her Majes- ty, requesting Her Majesty’s Government to negotiate with the Ame- rican Government, with the view of getting that Government to reci- procate ni the coasting trade, and to admit Colonial built veseels to American registry; and that His Excelleacy the Loeutenant Goveraer Ie requested to invite the attention of the Gove:mments of the neigh- bouring Provinces to this important subject.

Tn my opinion this will be the best course for the House to adopt.

No person has any objection to grant the Americansa yin oy } give one in retwn. LT think, however, that the benefit which wi | result to them from the measure under consileration will be yery | slight, as they can now oliain British registers, and sail into any port in the United States, whereas wader tie provisions of the Bull

they will be confiard to oar own waters. The hon member, Mr. Longworth, said that it would he no advantage to us to have our wea-

sels admitted to American registry. But 1 contend there would be | ten times as many vessels bui't on the Island ifthe Americans would concede as this privilege. T concur in what tas been said, that it would prove ruinous for thew fishermen to remain bere all winter; | nor would they do so, as they generally trade ducing that season to the West Indiee, or other warm countries. Some hon. members are now great advocates for free trade, who a few years ago strongly opposed the passing of a measure to permit lawyers from the other Provinces to plead moar Courts of Justice. Lam pleased to see that they are now becoming so liberal. To get up an Address to Her Majesty is the only course likely to be suecessfui which we éan adopt in reference to this subject. I feel certain the British Government would not sauction the Bal, because in case of a war breaking eut with the United States, the Americans might send a number of nven here and sail off with the vessels licensed under its provisions. The other Provinzes, and particularly Canada, which is very powertul, would no doubt oin us in this movement, Mon. Col. GRAY.—The hon. member who has just sat down ap- pears to think that nothing good cra emanate from this side of the | House. On this account 1 am glad that the Bull waa not introdaced as a Government measure. Last year we know how he opposed the resolutions on the Land Question His case reminds me of the per- | son who was flogget, to whom the chastiser said, strike high or | strike low, Leannot please you. The hon. member says he wes ; always in favor of free trade, and talks about what he did to bring it | abont. Bat I will not admit that he had anything to do with obtaia- ing reciprocity; it was granted through the interference of the Im- perial Government. He says Canada woold join usin proearing | American registry fur Colonial built ships. But she willdo very litthe for us, as she is about £10,000 000 in debt, aud desires to go back to the old system of protection. The bon, member also said the Home Government will not sanetion the Bill, because it will allow foreign- ers to come here and build ships. They are allowed to do so in Britain, and why not on this Island?) The French havé vessels built there, and the first prize taken by our ships in the Russian War, was a vesse! buslt at Greenock.