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‘This is true Liberty, when F'recborn Men, having to advise the Public, may speak free.”---Euripides.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Monday,

May ii,

1S63.

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Literature, and dlews.

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_ New Series.---No. 18,

COLONIAL LEGISLATURE. COUNCIL CHAMBER,

Zarorpay Arrernoon, April 11, (continued.)

Hon. Mr. HENDERSON.—IL fully agree with what has | been said with regard to our duty as standing apart from private interests, But while 1 do not pretend to a very ex- tensive knowledge of banking affairs, yet I have a certain of the benefits to be derived from a wel!l-conducted | Wherever banking corporations exist |

knowledge system of banking. it is the duty of the Legislators to see that they are estab- lished on a firm and sound basis, and to prevent them from The want of such caution Jed to a Let |

running to cxtremes., great crash in a neighbouring country a few years ago. the Directors be as decided men of character as you please, yet, if they hve a monopoly, a degree of independence will | creap in, and there will not be that degree of accommodation | afforded which the country requires. We are to keep our duty in view, and we should give the shareholders a fair share of our attention which is their due, according to their numbers and standing in the community, The very fact that the preset Bank have applied for power to increase their capita! ‘s @ proof that-another is required, am not yet prepared to say which way’ Iowill vote.

Hon. Mr. GOFP.—LI have understood for some time past that the present Bank has fuiled to afford that accommoda- tion which the public require. Whether that failure was | owing to a want of means or to other causes, | am not pre- | pared to say. Since the present Bank went into operation, | trade has greatly increased, so that there is now room for | another. { would be glad to see another go into operation, | and [ would be sorry to do anything that would discourage it; but at the same time, T do not kaow how we can refuse to grant the prayer of the petition of the shareholders of the present Bank, when they have asked for power to increase | their capital. If they require an increase of their capital, | for the purpose of enabling them to afford greater accommo. dation to the public, 1 certainly think we should noi oppose the Bill. I understand they wish to iacrease their capital to the amoant of £10,000.

Hou. Mr. McDON ALD.—Bis honor is mistaxen. Their present capital is £30,000, anJ they ask fur power to double it.

Hoa. Mr. GOFB.—I do net kaow what induced me, but I was under-the impression that they only asked for an in- crease of £10,000; but if it isto double the capital, it in- dnees me to change my Opinion. If it is to donble the capital it would be likely to absorb the whole of the spare capital, and preycat the new Bank from going into operation. I am of opinwa that another Bank would be a great aceom- modation to the public.

Hon. Mr. YEO. —I cannct see how this Bank would interfére with the other. We should let each Bank stand | ou its own merits.

Hon. Mr, LURD —IL do not believe in any one Bank | abs rbing the whele banking capital of the Colony. There is nothing lke a little Opposition. It is well known that it | is a benefit to have two retail shops in a settlement,..We arc here to represent the benefits of the whole Island. | I hope your hovors will take time to consider the matter fully and take a proper view of the qnestion, and [ think you will agree Witli Wiis honor the “Attorney General that there is no | necessity for the Biil this Session. If tne tmatter were brought before an Annnmal meeting of the Directors, and the Lill applied for by, them, the case. would be differcot, but to shove it. in just when a uew bank is in contewpiation looks very suspicious. .

Lon. Mr. GOFP.—It_ appears to me to bea violation of the present Act to.appiy foxr.power to increase their capital without calling a general meering of thesliarcholders. Jiad they applied after agreeing at a genera’ mecting to do so, the case would be d ferent, and 1 do not see bow we could then refuse to pass this Bill. P

Hou. Mr. RAMSAY.—I do not.kaow that the present Bauk bas afforded the secommodation to the eoantry which was expected. “{ cannot’ speak from personal knowled ze as I never applied for any aceommodation ; but I bave been | informed that.a man from the country, vo matter what pro- | perty be holds, or-what security be offers, cannot get any | accommodation ‘without having ‘his note endorsed by a person who resides ia the city. If this“is the ease, the Bauk is very little accommodation to the country. Many men, who have good properties iv the country, have no acquaintances residing in the city, therefore the Bauk cannot be avy ac- com jon to them.

Hoasthe PRESIDENT. -- It is not for us to say who | they sliall accommodate or who they shal! not. Toat must !

a a a

be left to the Directors themselves,

Hoa. Mr. McDONALD.—1 think it should have beea | brought before the Legislature in a +ifferent way from this. The law says a gon¢ral mecting of the shareholders shall be called before ‘bey agree to an extensionof their capital; “but that bas not been done, and L think is is.out of place to ask anythieg of the kind from this House now. It has been said that the persons who have signed the petition for this Bill hold a majority of the shares, aud so they do, for the whole number of shares is 3000, of which the petitioners hold 1639; but there is onc 7 name to the petition who ig on the oiler side of the Atlantic, and who holds 250 shares. The petition bas been signed by bis proxy on his

bebalf. 1 kaow the present Bank has.been a benelit to the country; but it iva jon whether it would be a benefit ta the public to give them power to increase their capital at

the present time. [ do not sceany force ia the argument of his bonor who spoke jast respecting the Bank refusing to discount the notes of parties resicing ia the country, for it is necessary that they Should ‘be acquainted with the man, as they could not send thitir notes away trough the country to be collected. “It is vety likely that if they are allowed to increase their capital they will absorb all the spare capital 4 and prevent the new Bank from going into operation. (Attorney Gonerah—-Hear.) And as 1 believe another Bank would be a a to the ebantry; ‘I ie I will be serving the pablic faterests by opposing this Bill,

tow. exit h warch Tena it would be a benefit to the-tradeof the Colony, I would support ths Bill, but I believe it would have a contrary effect, for it looks very much like giving a monopoiy to one company, and if go it would be an injury to the country. Nor do I think the present Bank affords the accommodation that might be expected. There are many respectable farmers in the country who cannot get accommodation at it.

Hon, ATTORNEY GENERAL.—When the Act to in- corporate the present Bank was passed £30,000 was all the capital they required, but now they want £30,000 more. They think that much can be in the country, and they want to get the whole. If it were divided between the two Banks [ think it wou!4 be a grester benefit to the country. If there is sufficient spare capital. in the country tow to es- tablish a new Bank, we saould throw every possible facility in the way in order to get it established ; but if we pass this Bill, the present Bank would probably bid higher and get all the \ spital, and consequently the new Bank would not get on very prosperously. I think it will be better to leave it till next session.

Hon. Mr. DINGWELL.—I am not sarprised at his honor from Port Hill sapporting this Bill, as he is a large

er in the Bank, and of course he would like to keep the new Bank from going into operation; but I would be ‘surprised to see any Other member of this House voting fora measure that will be likely to prevent the new Bank irom going into operation. They asked or this Bill after the new "g company asked for @ charter.

Hon. the PRESIDENT. — I do not consider that they have attempted to | mine the new Bank. There isa ale ~ eoccteaen Bank beforethe House, and I

Aca support the one and o toe ote, You wig slot au wel say tt a wan should pat, his money ia one Bank 8&1 not inthe other, Why. should 1 not have liberty t my money in any Bank I please ?

fon. Mr, AN ODURSON.—1L would ‘be sorry to do any- thing to injure the new Bank, hat we have to ‘guarantee

| loss for capital.

| rate injuriously to any party.

tion about the matter. There is a preliminary condition in

' the Act which has not been complied with, and that goes to |

yr Mr. HENDERSON.—Not having any connection | | with the Bank E can treat this question as an independent | member, and [ must say that I see some reason for hesita-

prove what has been already shown that they are not ata |

[t is very remarkable that there should not be any movement made to increase the capita! of this Bank till another is about to be established.

Hon. Mr. GOFP.—If the Bank, through inadverteney, allowed the time which was given them by the Act to increase

| their capital to expire, I do not think this House would take

advantage of that cirenmstance; bat the Act says there must be a general meeting of the sharobolders before they decide

upon increasing their stock , aud if they had called a general

| meeting, and declared by a majority that it was necessary

to increase their capital, I would have no reason to vote against this Bill. But as they have not done so, and as they have made this application at this particular time, L am dis- posed to allow the Bill to lie over till next session. . It appears to me that their object is to thwart the new Bank.

Ilon, the PRESIDENT.—L think his honor who spoke last hag taken a wrong view of the Act. The clause which says they shall call a general meeting of the shareholders merely refers to the increase of their capital. It does not say they shall call a general mecting before they apply for this Bill. What would be the use to call a general meeting to increase their stock, when the time allow:d them by the Act to do so had expired ?

Hon. Mr. GOPF.—I fally understand the clause. It says that if it is considered necessary to increase their capital, a genera! meeting of the shareholders shall be called, and the majority shall direct that the capital shall be increased. But the time bus expired; I dare say it was through neglect.

Hon. Attoruey General submitted the following resolution :

Resolved, That the further consideration of the “ Act to continue and amend the Act for the incorporation of the Bank of Prince Edward Island,’’ be deferred till next session.

Hon, the President moved an amendment that the clause read be agreed to.

The Committee divided on the amendment :—

Convents — Hon. the President, Hon. Messrs. Yeo and Anderson—3.

Noy-Contents — Hon. Messrs. Attorney General, Me- Laren, Ramsay, Henderson, Goff, Lord, McDonald, Walker, and Dingwell—9,

The amendment being Jost, the question was put on the Main motion, and it was agreed to without a division.

The President then resumed the chair, and the Mouse adjourned.

Monpay, April 15.

*« A Bill to incorporate the Union Bank of Prince Edward

Island” was read the second time, passed througt committee

| and agreed to without any amendment.

Hon. Mr. GOFF presented a petition of certain inhabitants of Lot 62 and vicinity, praying for an Act to alter and amend the A+t for the sale by license of spirituous liquors. This petition, said his honor, is very vumerously and respectably signed ; aud I think your honors will see the necessity for sume legistative action on the subject matter therein set forth.

Hon ATTORNEY GENERAL —TI think the improve- ments in the present License Act, which are suggested in the petition are well worthy of the consideration of the legisiature, and L would be very glad to have them carried into law. Experievce has shown me that such alteratious are neccessary inorder to make the present law work as it was intended. The adoption of the suggestion contained in the petition, to make it compulsory on parties applying for a renewal of their license to obtain anew the consent of the miBjority of the inhabitants, would, in my opinion, be a very great improve- ment, Without that tbe provision of the present law which requiresthe consent of « majority of houscholders io a district betore a license*can be obtained, may be rendered useless ; because a person may, by taking a little trouble, go frem louse to house and obtain the names of what may be consider- ed a majority of the householders, and thus produce prima facie evidence that it is in reality what it is alleged to be. Perhaps not a month might elapse before those persons would change their minds, or other persons might settle in the-district, and then a majority of the houscholders might not be in favour of having a tavern in that locality. I think the plan sugyested by the petition, of calling a public meet- ing for the purpose of obtaining the consent of a majority of the inbabitants, would also be a wise and judicious provision. Notices of a meeting could be posted, and all who did not at-

| tend the meeting would be considered favourable to opening

a tavcro; aud all who were present and were unfavourable would have an opportunity of etating their reasons for being so. I think it would be a very fair way and would not ope- Cases have come under my own knowledge in which the present law has beeo glaringly violated, i do not know that such a Bill as is asked for vy the petitioners could be originated in this House, but [ hope it will not be overlooked by the other branch of the Legisia- ture.

Hon. Mr. Goff moved that a special committee be appointed to report on the petition, to which the House agreed. Cow- mittee.—{on. Messrs. Goff, Attorney General and Dingwell.

House adjourned. . Tuesday, April 14,

Committee of privileges and elections resumed.

Hoa. ATTORNEY GENERAL.—Mr. Chairman, the committes appear desirous to have this long and tedious matter brought toa termination. There is nothing, it ap- pears to me, before the committee but to decide the result of the various votes that have been scrutinized, I think we have gone carefully through all the votes that have been taken up by the Stieriff, and apon which evidence was called and examined by him. There are a great many more votes ob- jected to by each party, on which it manifestly appears that the Sheriff could’not enter, for the good and sufficient reason that the time for the return of his writ had been out before he could do so; therefore, he was powerless. That was no fault of the Sheriff or of either the petitioning Candidate or of his honor the sitting member. [n dealing therefore with the votes placed before us, we find that the total num- ber.polled for the petitioning candidate was 456. Of these 27 were scrutinized by the Sheriff as so many of the objected votes. The result as far as we have concluded, shows that 19 of these are insufficient in law, or otherwise illegally entered upon the poll books; therefore deducting these from the total number would leave 447. For bis honor the sitting member, the total number polied was 490. Of these 57 were scrutinized by the Sheriff, 43 of which were found by this committee to be insufficient in law or illegally entered on the poll books, which would reduce the number for the sitting member to 447 also, thue placing the two parties on an equality of votes, These circumstances render it difficult for this committee to come to a decision which would prove beyond doubt to be just and equita!'e as regards the in- dividuals affected by this petition. We see clearly that there are a great number-of votes not scrutinized, and judging from experience, we may assume that there are bad votes yet re- maining in proportion to those we have felt it our duty te strike off. Therefore it is impossible for us to say who has the greatest number of good votes. The idea is merely spe- culative. We cannct arrive at a cone ucion unless we de- termine to carry on the scrutiny, and to take it up where the Sheriff closed ; and it becomes a tion, first, whether it is competent for this commi:tee to do eo, and if so, secondly wether it is expedient. If we decide thet it is not com- petent, we may be compromising our own privileges and lay- ing a stumbling block in the way of those who may come after us. I would be loath to debar ourselves from that right, and I would he equally loath to launch into it, for we keow the vast amonat of tim that would be consumed, and | the evormous expense that would be incurred, by bringing Witnesses before this commiitee, 1 therefore think. it is better to leave that question undecided till the time arrives ‘when it-will be absolutely necessary to decide it. In my opinion there is no other practicable course by which to ar- rive at justice, but for the two contending parties 10, appeal

to their constituencies again. They now stand equally before |

us and I am disposed to consider them in the same light as

thet it will go into operation, The present. Bank has been . & great Skee to the country, aud I oe not do anything torcrippleit, vr» meter eh

| if they stood equal before the Sheriff as sometimes happens,

| the votes are all good. | the novelty of the present law.

And viewing the matter in that way I am disposed to treat them in the same way as if a double return were made by

| the Sheriff. It is true that where the Sheriff makes a double

return it is competent for the House to decide which of the two they will retain ; bat in that case it is assumed that all the electors have voted ; here it has not been deeided that Some inconvenience has arisen from It is the first time it has been acted upon, and many respectable persons have been at a loss to decide what is the meaning of the qualification clause ; not that it is ambiguous, but bceause it is not pro- perly understood. Many persons have no doubt voted who had not good votes, and many good yotes have been withheld.

| Bat after the experience of the late election, they will be

{

better able to decide who have good votes and who have not; aud there will be a better chance for all parties to obtain fair and equal justice. 1 therefore think there is no other conclusion we cia come to but to require a new election for that district. Iu order to tes: the opinion or the committee, [ have drawn up the following resolution :—

‘* Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committeo“after a careful investigation of the written Evidence taken on the Scrutiny before the Sheriff of King’s County, and after hear- ing the Petitioning Candidate, William Stainford McGowan, Esq,, in person, and also Counsel for His Honor the sitting member, before your Committee, that out of fifty-scven votes given for His Honor, and objected to by or on behalf of the said Petitioning Candidate and seratinized by the said Sheriff, forty-three appear to be insufficient in law, or otherwise ille- gally entered on the poll book,—whieh last number deducted from four hundred and ninety, the total number polled for iis Honor the sitting member, reduces his number of valid votes to four hundred and forty-seven. And your Committee find that out of twenty-seven votes given for the said Petition- er, and objected to by or on behalf-of His Honor the sitting member, wid scrutinized bysthe Sherif, nineteen appear to be insufficient in law, or otherwise illegally entered on the poll book,—which last number deducted from four hudadred and fifty-six, the total number polled for the petitioning candidate, reduces his number of valid votes to four hundred and forty- seven, your Committee thus finding the petitioning candidate and his Honor the sitting meaber to have an equal number of votes, reckoning for each the unobjected votes and those which by the scrutiny appear to your Committee sufficient in law. That independent of the votes so comprised in such equal numbers, there still appear by the poll books a large number of votes objected to, as well on behalf of the petition- ing candidate as on behalf of his Honor the sitting member, but which were not scrutinized by the Sheriff in consequence of the time limited for the retura of his writ haying expired before he was enabled to ecrutioize such last mentioned votes. That His Honor the sitting member hath applied to your Committee, and prayed that he may be permitted to bring evidence before your-Committee, fur the purpose of scrutiniz- ing such of these votes as were objected to by him; but your Committes deem it expedient not to adopt such a course of proceeding ; and that your Committee consider, under the peculiar circumstances of thie case, that the return by the Sheriff of King’s County, as far as relates to his Llonor the sitting member, should be set aside and a new writ of election ordered for the return of one member fof the Second Legis- lative Council! District of King’s County.”

Hon. Mr. BEER.—I suppose, everything considered, it is best to support that resolution, and | intend to do so, . A question might perhaps be brought up when the President is in the chair respectiog some of the votes, but it would not be satisfactory to allow either bis honor the sitting mwem- ber or the petitioning candidate to retain the seat with only oue or two of a majority. I will, therefore, support the re- solution, hoping that we will not have a second edition of the same. thing afier tbe clection, 4 ‘

The question was then put on the resolution, and it passed ia the affirmative without 9 division.

Hon. ATTORNEY GENERAL —TI think it is neces- sary for us to give an expression of opinion relative to the expenses of this scrutiny—to show that there is nothing which would bring bis honor the sitting*member under the operation of the 10th section of the Act 18 Victoria, Cap. 17, and render him liable for the costs; for it is manifest that the seruting was fairly conducted before the Sheriff, and its premature termination was not the fault of either Can- didate.

Hon. Mr. BEER—It should be understood that the petitioning candidate and the sitting member should be placed upon the same footing, as it appears that each had an equal right to the seat,

Hon. Mr. LORD.—TI do not agree with the last speaker. When the petitioning candidate has drawn the sitting mem- ber into the necessity of proving a number of his votes to be good, I think he should pay the expenses.» It is true, both the petitioning candidate and the sitting metaber have come out equal, but the latter was drawn into the scrutiny by the former. As the petitioning candidate is so very anxious for Legislative honors, and as he has failed io prove his right to the seat, I think he should pay the expenses, if the Govern- ment du not pay them.

Hon. Mr, YEO.-—I think the: petitioning candidate has

shown that he had good grounds to apply for a scrutiny.

Now there is neither candidate in. One has as good a right to the seat as the other, and why should one be more liable for the expenses than the other ?

Hon. Mr. DINGWELL:=1 do not think it is the desire of the House that either candidate should euffer. I would object to having the expenses bear heavy on vither.

Mon. ATTORNEY GENERAL.—I do not think it is the intention or desire of the House to adjadge the costs on either party. We should leave the matter just asitis. The law does not contemplate that we should pronounce any de- cision in the case. We merely wish to show that there is nothing in the conduct of his honor the sitting member which wou!'d bring the costs upon him. The candidates must make up their costs and get them the best way they ean. If they can get them by a vote of the House of Assembly, I have no objections. se

The House was then resumed, and the chairman reported that they had gone through the business to them referred and had come to the above resolution.

Hon. ATTORNEY GENERAL laid before the House the Estimates for the present year.

House adjourned, ;

Turspay AFTERNOON.

At four o'clock this day His Excellency George Dundas, Esquire, came to the Council! Chamber, and, the Hous: of Assembly having been summoned to the Bar, assented, in Her Majesty’s name, to a Bill entituled, «*an Act to in- corporate the Marine Insurance Company of Prince Edward Island,” and a Bill entituled *‘ an Act relating to Steam Navigation with this Island.”

House adjourned. ,

Tuorspay, April 16.

A messagé was brought from the House of Assembly by the Hon. Mr. Longworth, with a Bil! to alter and amend an Act entituled “an Act to consolidate and amend the several laws relating to Kducation.” The said Bill was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time on Saturday next. '

Ono motion of the Hon Mr. Beer, the Bill “ to incorporate the Union Bank of Prince Kuiward Islaad” was read the third time aud passed,

House adjouraed.

Frupay, April 17

A message was brought from the Louse of Assembly by the Hon. Mr. Longworth, with a Bill “ to amend the laws relating to Statute Labour, and to authorize the establish. ment of certain additional road Districts, and the appoint ment of Commissioners therefor.” ‘

House adjouraed. ~

Sarorpay, April 18.

A Bill relating to Statute Labour was read the second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. Hon. Mr. Beer in the chair.

Hon. Mr. LORD.—-I have a decided objection to the establishment of any more road Districts. 1t will eost the country something more, and I do not think there is any necessity for it. Probably the Government party have some particular friends in those places, for whom they wish to create offices. I think it is a waste of public money. Taey are bow putting a heavy duty on molasses, and other articles, and the money should not be squandered, = «

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Ifon. the PRESIDENT,—I think there is a very great

necessity for an additiona! Road Commissioner for Lot 17..

The roads in that Township are very public, and I see this Bil gives authority to the Commissiover to employ labourers to keep them in repair. It will not cost the country any- thing more, as I see the £10 allowed to the Commissioner comes out of the road appropriations. Persons are required on those roads continually to keep them in repair. I travelled the road to Summerside last fall, and it was almost impos- sible to get along. By employing men, and filling up the ruts in time, money will be saved, and the roads will be kept so that people can travel on them,

Hon. Mr. ANDERSON.—There is always a considerable | Sum appropriated for the reads near Chariottetowa, and I |

do not find fault with that. Summerside is the capital. of Prince County, aud tic roads there are almost impassable, Had the House of Assembly voted £100 more to keep them in repair I would bave been better satisfied.

Hoa, Mr. RAMSAY.—-I consider this a very important clause. The Commissioner for Lot 17 will have more to do than any other in Prince County. Ido not think tlitre is such another rozd to be found in the Island, as that near Summerside, particularly in the fall of the year. It isa hard case when persons bringing their produce to market, after they have drawn it perhaps upwards of 20 miles, should get stuck within a mile and a baif of Summerside. Persons who oppose this measure cannot have “the interests of the farmers at heart.

Hon. Mr. DINGWELL.—I do not pretend to be ac- quainted with the locality, or to say whether another Com- missioner should be appointed or not, but I think it is a step in the wrong direction. I was in bopes that the day was not far distant whea-we would not have more than two or three Comumissiouers for each County, and have them suf- ficiently paid te enable them to look after the roads pres: lu most parts of the country the roads are going eutirely out of repuir, and [ do not think it will effect any improvement to appoiut more Commissioners. The Government. should appoint better men, Mauy of them do not know how money should be expended, but there are some exceptions. Many persons are appoiuted Commissioners merely beeausé’ they are strong political partizans. I do not blame one party more than the other, but the public interests suffer by the appuintment of inefficient persons foc Commissioners,

fYun. Mr. RAMSAY.-- The inbabitants of Summerside bad to raise upwards of £20 last fall in order to make their roads passable. I think it is very disereditable to have our roads in ruch a state as to render it necessary to do £0.

Hor. Mr. LORD.—I did not refer particularly to Sum- merside. I have the interests of the farmers at heart as mca as any of your honors. If Il bave made any money on this Island it has been through the farmers. What neces- sity is there for another Commigsioner for Lot 65? What I fiod fault with is, that the country is involved in debt. Even with the additional duty, you will find that there will be a deficiency of five or six thousand pounds in the revenue this year. I do not speak because I would oppose a grant for Summerside. I would like to see their roads kept in good order, so that their gentlemen could walk along com- fortably and keep his boots clean.

Hon. Mr. BEER.—L too, consider it's step in the wrong direction. If fewer Commissiovers- were appointed, aad if they were each paid two or three handred pounds a year, so that they could devote their whole time to looking after the roads, it would be very well ; but we cannot do so at prescut, I do not see any ol jection to the appointment.of two additi- onal Commissioners when the representatives of those dis- tricts have conseuted to pay them out of the road) money appropristed for these districts.

The first clause was then agreed to, and the second clause read,

Hon. the PRESIDENT.—The first part of this clause refers to Lot 65. That district appears to be considered too large, One man cannot attend to it for £10; and it has been thought advisable to divide it into two. IL have travelled through the district. The roads are very exten- sive. There is only one district from the mouth of this harbour to Crapaud.

Hon. Mr. LORD.—I know all the roads in that district, but I blame the Government for allowing those little extra expenses to creap in. Government there for whom they want an office.. L believe it is just a party step.

I]on, the PRESLDENT.—We should consider the clause before us on its own merits, and not say that it is a party step, or intended to give favour to partizans. We should leave the present Government to appoint whom they please, and let the next Government do ee tco. I think another Commissioner is required, for that district is very extensive and thickly settled. I do not see any reason to oppose this clause,

Hon. Mr. GOFF.—I believe cconomy is the order of the day, and though,the people's representatives are to hushand the means at their disposol, yet they shonld consider the wants of the people whom they represent. And I have no doubt but they have been guided by the wants of the people in this case—that their object is not to favour any friend or political partizan. I cannot see any reason to oppose this clause, and will there ore support it.

Hon. Mr. LORD.--Lf we are not to express an opinion, we might as well no! come here at all. [ cannot see that any moré Road Commissioners are required.

fon, Mr. HENDERSON.—I am frequently on the roads, and I have travelled through a part of the district under consideration. It is in the district which I t; and though I would bestow the utmost of my care upon the roads, from one end of the Island to the other, yot I ara entitled to pay particular attention to the part [ represent. I would oppose any additional expense, unless 1 were well satisfied that it was really necessary. In speaking of officers, I do not know any class that require to be more energetic than the Road Commissioners, and I would like to be eatisfied that the one to be appointed for the district under consider- ation would be “ the right man in the right place.” Without pretending to be more scrupulous than other members, I would vote against my brother if ! thought he was not “ the right man in the right place.” We cannot expect 2 Road Commissioner to spead more time on the roads than his salary will warrant him io doing. I have been often struck with the attention paid to some districts compared to others, and I think the difference is owing, in a great measure, to want of energy in some of the Commissioners. I have been in some places where it was a shame to see the way in which the Statute Labour was done. There should be some means of ascertaining if the Commissioners had done their duty; for when one part of the road is neglected, it is an injustice to the whole community. I would guard against extravagant expenditure of the public money as much as any person; but being satisfied that this item is required, that it will bea general benefit, and that it is not designed 23 a bribe to par- tizanship, [ will support the clause. .

This and the two tollowing clauses were agreed to.

The fifth clause, giving power to the Commissioner of Lot 17 to employ l:bourers on the road, was then read.

lon. Mr. DING WELL.—That clause gives more power to the Commissioner of Lot 17 than is exercised by any other on the Island.

Hon, the PRUSIDENT.—It is to enable the Commis-

sioner to hire men to fill up the rate in the road. Two or three shillings tin that way may save pounds, = Hon. Mr. HENDERSON.—-If it were rightly attended to

it would be the most saving principle. It would be acting | sor

in aceordance with the old proverb, “a stitch im time saves nine.” { have known men to fil up the ruts and mend the roads near their own places, without any remuneration ; and if all would do so, it would save a vast amount to the country. In Britain they have men statione! at certain dis- tanecs to attend to the roads.

Hon. Mr. LORD.—What is the ase to compare Prince Edward Island to Britain? There men are kept on the roads |

all the time to attend to them, and each parish is assessed to pay them. I-woald like to see a reasonable amount priated for Lot 17, but would not consent to it in the power of the Commissioner to draw for what be wants. Hon. the PRESIDENT.—Tbe Commissioner cannot draw

upon the Goveramet. He can only get what is appropriated,

SS | The question of concurrence was then put oa the clause | under consideration, and it passed in the affirmative.

_ The remaining clauses wore agreed to without any discus- sion. The Hovse was then resumed, and the Chairman | reported the Bil! agreed to, without any amendment. The House then went into Committee of the whole on the Educftion Bill. Hon, Mr. Walker in the Chair, First clause agreed to—second read. Hoo. Mr. LORD.—I understand that the difference be»

| tween the Government allowance under this Act and that | under the Act at present in operation, must be made up by

the inhabitants of a district before they can get a teacher. Hon. Mr. ANDERSON.—I think it should be left for some teachers might be willing to engage for the verdment allowance, A young man who could not get a sctiool elsewbere, might be willing to teach in the distries where his father resides, for the Governmert allowanes. After some experience there, he might get a school in another district. I do not see any reason why he should be prohi- bited from doing so. Nae x é Se an is another eee in the Act which provides that a poor settlement may, by makiag application to the Board of Education, be all | to engage a Teacher a the a allowance. an oe . on. Mr. {D.—l1 think it is better to kr nity of the Teachers. {tis necessary that thes ooukd a respectable. Without that clause the Teachers might be ground down to the bare Government allowance. Hon. the PRESIDENT.—I think that clause is a very pro- per one. I[t is seldom§we ean get 2 Teacher for the amosnt now paid by the Government.

bat I would rather leave it open. i Hon. Mr. DINGWELL. — I think the school masters are capable of Jooking after their own interests. There is « great difference between Teachers. Some young men would teack for a great Pcene ah a ee cannot sve any reason why such a I do not see why Teachers should be bound by the Legiela- ture more than other classes of . It should be left to the people to make the best they could. Hon Mr. GOF¥.—I think this clause isa od

one. The respectability of the Teachers shoald up, and some inducement should be held out to men of wo

cortie forward as teachers. 1 am glad to see that the Govern- ment have adopred that mode—that those who get the direct benefit of the ‘Teacher’s sorvices should contribate towards his salary. The people will take more interest

the schools. None of the public money has been so much abused as that expended for education. “Many parents were so carcless about sending th»ir children to school, and the trustees, in many instances, were so careless, that the schools were left without fucl, and the vhildren without booke.

Compelling the parcnts to contribute something to- wards tho salary of the Teacher, will, in my opinion, effe an improvement in this respect, I might obj

if it were not that there is another claus> vhich provides that a poor district may get a Teacher without the parents ing anything. 1 am glad that such a clause is in the Bal, but would not make is biading on all districte. Some teachers get a considerab'e amount over the Government allowance

l

now, and it is not likely that they will engage for after

this Bill becomes law than thoy did before. ; ion. Mr. RAMSAY .—The greatest on I have ‘Xo

clause is, thata ertain amount must eee

people before the ‘Teacher will of the Government

allowance, and at the same woe sisoedeoune i

of ——- Ried: When the people are'ea

a part of the Teacher's salary, I think the average §

teh as it was before. ~~ ’ a lion. the PRESIDENT. — Under the first ‘free education

| ber, the Teacher got no part’ _ but now there is a deduction made.

Probably there is some friend of the.