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here refused t) lend their assistance in en- forcing the provisions of the treaty of 1818, Captain Hardinge would, no doubt, have complained to the Imperial Government of their conduct, The restrictions, no doubt, ¢aused cunsiderable trouble, but, ander the circumstances, thy-laws~had tovte enforced. Tre late Government, believing that our trads would be seriously afecied, gant home to the Imperial Government @ mioute of Council, ably drawu Up, setting forth the adveniages. of. the American trade to this Colony; and owing to that document, relaxations were made and the restrictions removed, It was felt on all sides that nothing would benefit the commercé of this Isiand mere than iree trade with the United States, for that country was the natural market for onr productions. It, in- stead of laying a paltry tax of two shillings sad sixpesce per toa on American fishing vessels, we had reserved our fishing grounds to our own use, and stood upon our rights, it would have shown the Americans*that we eould live without them, and we should to-day have been in a betier position to get conce-- sions from them, for the privilege of fishing iu our waters. Representations had been made to the American Government, that the people of these Provinces were desirous of Annexation to the United States, and they withdrew from the Reciprocity Treaty :n order to hasten our action in reference to Aanexa- tion; but they found that they were mistaken sud that the people cf the British Provinces could do without their trade. Whether those relaxations in reference to American fishermen were to be continued without our receiving any concegsions in return, was for that House to consider, He hoped that the matter would be calmly and deliberately con- sidered without regard to party. The ques tion, of course, would have to be determined in a great measure by the Briteh Government; still we had rights, and those rights would be acknowledged. We should endeavor to stand ap for our rizbis to the fast, and gaiu some ground if possible. Ws should look at the advantages to be derived from the coasting trade, for we know that the Americans spent large amounts of money in our ports, in pur- chesing outfits and supplies for their vessels, during the time thai trade was ca:ried on. But our main object, in considerionz the sub- ject should be, sotto consider the preset benefits to be derived, but the vest course to ers in order to obtain a Reciproc ty

reaty. The Americans would not concede more than they could help; and therefore, we should stun! firm ¢o our rights, ull we could obtain something in return.

Hoo, Mr. Hcwzan said that the hon, member for Belfast (‘lor. B. D.) bad made a statement which be could not allow to pass. That hon, member had stated chat he (Hon. Mr, 8.) had left the Liberals and joined the Conservatives. because he wanted to be Premier, he statement was utterly false, and there was not a member on the Government side of the House, who would endorse it, He had teo much respect for the Hon. Mr. Haytoorne to entertain any such thoaghts. That geotieman bad labor- e@ tard for the interee’s of the Colony, and hig character stood high ia the estimation of his fellow-colonisis; and he (Hon, Mr. H.) knew that hoo. gentieman would deny the statement 2 reference to his aspiring to be premier. If that high position had been offered to him be (tion Me. t,) would have declined it; and no two offices in gonsexion with the Government would haye indeced him to lave his business and come to Char'otteiown to attend to them. With regard to bie ambition—it was easily satisfied. Hewas not cz-n a magistrate, except by virtue of bis position in the Gov- ernment; aod he had over accepted offise of any kind The bon, member for Beifast (Hoo B, D.) bad accepted a very fat uffice from the lata Government, aid had also nie: one for tis soo, He (Hon, Mr.

.} Was aot going to take the trouble to answer the hov, member ia reference to the charge of auderband work in breaking up the late Government, he had simply to that there was cothing whatever of the

Hoo. B. Davies said that he had merely stated it as his opinion that the hon, mosaber kad left the Liberal Party because he oouid not get ‘he Premiership.

Hon. Mr, Howtan dd aot believe it was even the hon. member's opinion, that he (Hoo. Mr. H.) aspired to the Premier.

ip of the tate Government,

on. B, Davies —The Hon. Leader of the Government had mentioned what bad been reperied out of doors conceruing the formation of » sirosg Protestant Paty. Ia reply, he (Hoo. B. WD.) would stare that the Libera's ae a party, never bad anything to do with the Orange orgasizs- tion He was a follower of the late Hon, Edward Whelan, and i: was not wi hout wali considering what step he was about to take, that be joined the L beral Party. He would hke to know what contro! the late Government had over the appointment of the Sberiff. That officer had been ap- pointed by the Supreme Court,.und the late Goveromen: had n9 control whatever, ovgr his appointment. He had not stated that the Returns of the lace Kiections had been interfered with; but t:at there was

@at room for conjecture for something appéareld to be wrong. Hy hal beeo ac- cused of retaining his s2at in the iate Exeeative Council after he should bive resigned. He had only remsived in that Council thirty-six hours after the resigua- tlom of the other members, and he did not thivk he could be blamed much for thar. He thought it es premature to discass the Fishery Question, till the Despatches came down; but io could nut help cx-

ressing the opision that the course whieh the Canadians pursued io regard to our fisheries, was very ucheoominz, Tae Canadiso Governwent bad nothing what evér to do with the matter; it was in the bands of the British acd Uu:ted Srates Governments, and they aicne could setile any d fii-ulces in connection with it, But the Canadian Goveroment hed made them- selves officious in our ¢ néerns, and scot for the famous Captain Hardivge, to whom they gave orders to prevei American fishermen fiom landing cargoes in our har- bors, or carrying on any icade, Waile that ¢ffiver remained in this port, it appeared that he could do whatever he pleased, for *t ‘was not safe to cross the harbor on ac- count of the cannon bulla fly:ug about. He (Hoo. B. D.) believed that if Uaptain Hardinge’s couduct had been complained of to the British suthorities he would have re- ocived a severe reprimand,

Hor, Arromney Genexat said that the hon. member for Baisust, (Hon B. Dayies) bad made heavy charges against the Government, in reference to the Ke. turns in conuexion witk the Jate Election, These charges were very upiair. and he (Hon Att’y General) hoped that it such jaterference in refereuce to the Returns uf

the tate Election had really taken piace,’

tho affair should b- silted to the very bot- tom. He hoped that tho hon. member would nos vevture io throw out any such \nsinu: uvless he-bed seme for them; bat he did not think

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the matter. The High Sheriff was eboscr from the three names s2ot into the Su- preme Court by the late Government, and oscupied the Office when the present Gov- eroment came ivto power He much mis- took the ebaracter of that ofbcer, if he would not have the matter brought before the proper authorities, and have it invest- ed But he did not believe for one mo- ment that there was the shadow of truth in the charge made by the hon. member for Belfast The fact was, that every gentle- man in Charlottetown knew that Mr Sulli- van, in looking over the Poll Books,—as he had a right to do—first discovered their defects, The discoveries made, took every- body by surprise; but the hon, member would try to make it appear that the whole affsir wasa Confederatedcdge! How the hon member made this out, he (Hon Att’y General) could not see. Bat the bon. member now tells us, it was a matter of opinion! * He (Hon. Ati’y General) could tell him that it was most serious charge; and he hoped it would not remain uo- answered, ill sorts of charges had been made against the Government; there was pothing too monstrous or absurd to charge them with; but all this matter was foreign to the subject under consideration, It was s matter of the greatest importance to the country to have our trade relations with the Uuited otates extended, for their pec- ple were our natural customers, It was the duty of every boo. member of that House, to offer every inducement to the Uni-ed Sates to extend a more liberal basis of trade to this Colony, He believed Commissioners were now on their way from London to Washington, not for the purpose of eoncluding a treaty, but to ascertain as far as possibia the opinions of both sizes, acd what would meet tueir views on the matter. It was certainly a question between the United States aud Great Britain, but it affected us seriouslv—indeed i: affze'ed the whole of British North America, It wasa matter of little c:nsequence to the [imperial Governme:t, whether the Americans were allowed to fish within the three mile line or not; but for the purpose of -ecuring a treaty, it was of great impor’ancs to us, The question to be now considered was, whetier we should contivue to relax these restrictions, ie thought they should be released, The Commissioners sent to Washington, he believed, were intrus‘ed with the respons bleduty of settling or in- vestigiting the A abama claims, and if those claius were setised, the fishery question would be settled aiso, The time, he bought, was no: fer di-tant, whon a new Keciprovity Treaty wou'd be agreed upon, If, with barrier in our way we had made such pro- gress, our prosperity would increase in & far greater ratio, when that barrier was re- moved. © The sooner al! obstructions to free trade were removed, the b-tter. We are dealing with a people who like to heve their quid pre quo and we should look out, and see that w: have ours also.

Hoo, P. Sivotaia said that the para- graph under consideration was a very im- portant one, as it related to the trade of the Colony; but bon, metabers had dragged other questions into the debaie. Ia reference to the Election Returns for Queen’s County, there bad been many draw-b:cks, He had sated when the Sheriff retarned Mr, Laird, that he had oo right to do so; aud he was also of opinion that the (‘rown Law Officers had no right to tamper wi b the Returns of the Sheriff Toe bon. Attorney General admitted that the Government were io a close corer ; but he (Hon Mr Sinclair) thought they had a clear course before thew, and that they had taken the wreng one. He believed that if the opinion ot ‘awyers of the highest stand- ing could be obtained, they would say that the Government had no right to interfere with the Sheriff’s Raiarns, If members could be kept out of the House three days, they could be kept out three months; it would be difficult to tell where the matter would end, and how it would effect fu-ure cases He be ieved that im the eye of the law there bad been very few absolute re- turos of members for Queen’s County, To g ve the Crowo Law Ufficers absolure power to sit in judgm-nt on the Shevriff’s Re- turns was a gieat mistake, aod uo pre- cedent vould be found for such conduct, He, Jor one, proteste: against such tamper- ing with the Sher fs Returos, by any Crowo Law Officer It had been stated that the principle of allowing United States fiseing vessels to enter our ports (9 re-sbip

fish, and purchase supplies, was contrary to |

the treaty of 1818. He questioned whether it was, Ic had been found thas the trade of the Colony bad been much ben fied by the new trate which bad iately sprang up with those fishermen,

of*the matter would be taken, and that our Ainerie.n trade would continue to increa-e. The Usvied States oceupied such a position that their trade would be far moe beneficial to_thts Colony than the trade with Great Britain; and therefore the soorer a new treaty was agreed u;on the better.

Hon. Leader or Tue Government said that it was hardly fair for the hon. member for New London (bon. P. Sinclair) to stave that the Urowa Liaw Officers had interfered with the Seriff’s Returns, The bon, Attorney Geveral wus bound to give his legal opraion on the patter when called u.on by His Honor the Lieutenant Governor to du so; «nd be simply gave ut as his opinion that Mr, Laird was vot absolutely returned as-a member ofthe H use. The hor, mem- ber’s owa statement corroborated tbat tact. Tb hon Attorney Geoeral bad not taken it altogether upon himself to decide the question, bu: bad referred it so the House for their decision; it was therefore very un- fair for the hoo, member to speax io the way he did.

The Speaker then took the chair, the Chairman re,orted progress aod obtained leave: to sit again,

Louse adjourncd. 1, O.

_Committee on Draft Address resumed.

Mr. MeLgean,—This subject is one of very great importance to my constituents, and in- deed to the people of the Island generally, and 7 am happy to'see that it hes been referred to in the spe*ch of the Lieat. Governor, expres- sive of a desire to bave a renews! of the Re- ciprocity Treaty. When the proper tie for discussing the question arrives, when the de-

spatebes and other papers connected with it .

are before us, I shall give my views upon it, The somewhat angry discussion which took Place this morning, I regret, and sf I was the cause of having brought it on, l amsorry, and tr:st that our discussion will, in future, be: car- ried on with regularity, I mearly add, that I pues to no-man in the desire to dispense even- ided justice to Prote:tants and Catholics.

Mr. Osyernoy.—I agree, Mr. Chairman, wath what ae ns eh eens to the impo~tance of this question to the ie of the Island. Our genera) commerce Saeneas ously alfected by the abolition of the Recipro-

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With the experience ) of the past, ne beieved a different view ”

city Treaty. | think, sir, that the complaint of the Awerjcan authorities is not unreuson@ able. After having exercised for twenty years without molestation the right to fish within three marine miles of the saore, it was but fair that onegnatice should have been giveu, be- fore that*privilege was taken from them, As to the election forthe First cone em z County, I cannot agree with the resolutions of che. Uppositiouy as tabled. The Sheriff would be wrong if he returned any but those having a majority of votes, The third para-

raph of the preamble to the resolution intro- case by the hon. member for Belfast (Hon. B. Davies) states that the Sheriff had pro- claimed Mezsrz. Laird and Sinclair elected by a majority of votrs, but his return of the writ, which must be our guide, is worded so ambigiousiy that I cannot say that @ legal re- turn of any particular cundidate has been made. It the Sheriff bad returned two of them as duly clected, that return, however erroneous it might be in point of fact, would have been valid in law; and this matter would be sub- ject to the subsequent action of the House. The next paragraph etates that tho Law Oili- cers of the Crown having advised that uo legal return having been madefto the writs, Messrs. Sinclair and Laird have not been summoned to sevts in the House Now I do not deay that the Hon. Mr. Sinc'air may feel aggrieved at being kept out of his seat, that gentieman having aclear majority over Mr, Laird and myself, but as he is in company with Mr. Laird, he must share his fate, Censure has been cast upon the Law Officers of the Crown for having given their opinions on the retarn to the writ, Batit has been stated witnout contradiction that the sheriff availed himself of legal adviec before making the return before us. I concur fully in the opinion that tins isa matter for the deciston of the Hue; bnt, at the time these matters occurred, there wa3 no Hovse to which they could be referred. Wh-le doubts existed as to the position in which that return placed Mr. Laird, or either of the candidates, the Gov-rnment could «ppe.! for guidance to no hizhér authority then that of their official advisers,

Hon. Mr. Wieeruas~—Mr. Chairman, I shall not follow the example set by other hon. members, in introducing into the debate cn this paragraph matters entirely irrelevant. It is better that we sould confine ourselves to the subject matter of the paragra; h before us. The subject to which it relates is of vital ime portance to the com:nercia! interests of the country. and I am giad that it has been intro- ducad into tne Speech with which His Honor the Lieutenant Governor opened the Session, The former “Reciprocity Treaty conterred great bevefiss on the Island; it encouraged farmers to enlarge the srea of cultivated land, and, consequently, :o raise more pro- duce, tor whien tne vicinity of the markets of the United States, enab'ed them to realize goud prices. B fore that treaty was entered into, Halifax and Newfousdiand were tho principal, I might almosi say the ony, mar- kets to which we experted our surplus pro- ducte, and the merchants of thuss places tovk advantage of the necessity we were un ier of sellinz to them, and regu'ated the prices at their pleasure. When the Reciprocity treaty came into operation, fair prices — the Consequence of increased demand — were readily obtained. When that treaty was eoolished, I confess, Mr. Osairman, that I, in commen with many others, apprehended ® serious reduction in the prices to be obtain- ed for our exports; but the alteration in’ our commerce al relations with the United States, & new market was opened to us in the mother

country, partioulariy forour staple article of produce, oate. But, Sir, the newly- appointed joint Commissioa will soon com- meues ite duties at Washington, on the Alabama Claims, and I hope nay, I enter- tain no doubt, that the eubj-ct of Reciprocal trade relatiuns between the United States and thes» Coiouies will be discussed, and in all probability, a definite end satisfactory arrangement will be concluded, I lately noticed in an American paper, a statoment to the eff-ot that the American people would never be eatisfied wuile the flag of Great Britain flew over these provinces. Such, S:r, I do not be:ieve to bo the sentiments of the American Government. [>t the two Governments settle the matter of the Alabama Claims, and a better feeling b:tween the two peoples will at once aris, I sincerely hope for a speedy renewal of our commercial relations with the States, .bis would at once stimulace our business of all kinds, and al! parts of the Island would par:ioipate in its benefits, When the treaty was in forco, Aweriean fishermen brougut much money to the Isiand, for the pu-chass of barrels, pro- visions, walt, and many other requisites of their business. The steamboat accommoda- tion possessed by Vharlottetewn, will give it ao appreciab‘e portion of the bonefits of the

trade, over Georgetown and other Island.

ports; but all paris of the Colony wil! share its advantages, in a greater or less degree, aod we ought all to unite in the wish that a new treaty will soon be arran sed,

Hon. D. Davins—Mr. Chairman, I heard the

asse:tions made this morning by some how. ©

members of the Opposition, that it was the duty of the Government to bave returned Messra. Sinclair and Laird, as elected by a majority of votes at the Election: for the first District of Queen's County, and that by their om‘ssion to dg so they bad infringed the ritits ot this House, Such was pot the offiee of Government, it was the duty of the Sheriff to make such return, and had the Ctovernment done the act, for not doing which they are ceusured, hon, members might justly complain of a violation of the privileges of the House, aod uo authorised assumption of authority by the Goverp:went. 1 wish to be undetstood a3 not impuling any blame to the Sheriff. He acted under leyal advice, and I have no deubt with the fairest intentiona, Sume hon, men- bers appear to be awfully afraid of confeder. ates, aud-the hen, member for Summerside (Mr. McMullan) thought tat some deeply laid scheme convected with |"snfederation nn- declay the proceedings wrich have taken place im connection with this Election, As to that subject. I have always been favorably disposed towards it; but my opinions upon it are very moderate. I believe thatit will come sooner or latter, but have mo desi-e to urge its adoption. If it be postponed for twenty or thirty ycars it will be all the better fcr us; under our present constitations the Island is making steady adyances in prosperity, with the lightesi taxation of any country I know of, and I am net.at all anxious :o change the po- litiea! conditiuns under which such resulta have been attained, With referenee to the paragraph immediately before us, | may say that 1 do not consider that the fisheries are the main-stay of the people, Those of the Island who have embarked in the prosecution of that branch of industry know that the ree sults are very uncertain; I bave tried it my- self, both from the shore by boats, and out- side by schooners, and the result was-not. such 26 to induce me to coutinue the experiment, The American fishermen conduct their tish- ing business on @ system widly different from that pursued bere, [netead of laying up their vessels in autumn, they keép them ac tively employed nearly the whole year; after the close of the mackerel season in the Gulf, they resort to the Banks for codfish and hali- but, to the Magdalen Islands for cargoes of herrings, and to Greenland for halibut; their

vessela and crews are thus kept constantly en-

gaged in this particular business, This eons stant employment in one pursuit renders those engaged in it more skilful and proficiert

in an avocation which is the business of their”

lives. The principal occupation of the peo» ple of the Island is, on the other hand, maine ly agricultural. I consider it a matter of

importance to us, that American fisher. men should be allowed to enter our ports and purchase all the barrels, provisions, and other articles they may require, as that would bring @ large amount of money to the Island, and they should be allowed to transmit their fish in bond to the States, In these respects, [

relieve, thas Iaat eummer, Captain Hardinge,

_— of H. M. 8, Valorous, exceeded his duty; but only in these. In ether instances in which he sized vessels, the parties hud been guilty of violation of the Merehant-Shipping Act. The seizvr: of the schooner, the ‘ Clara F Friend,”’ » 4 attributable solely to the mis- conduct of the master, and, had the owner been on board at the time, no trouble would have afisén, With reférence to recipracal trade with the States, I am as desirous to ob- tain a renewal of our former relations, #s any one, but I do not recognize the policy of conceding to the Americans the privileges they ask from the Colonies, while they them- selves maintain a system of exclusiveness to- wards us. We cannot sell oar vessels in their markets, and heavy charges are imposed upon our trade with them. I have no idea of making concessions of ali our rrivileges to those wh» will not reciprocate with us How- ever, the proper time for discussion of this matter will be when the despatches are before us.

Hon. Arrorxey Gexprat—! was surprised, Mr, Chairman, at what feli from the hon. member frona New Loudon (Hon.Mr Sinclair), this morning. The Sheriff of Queen's County acted under legal advice. He did so, and was., te right in so doing, He took the ad- vice of & gentleman of high standing in bis profession, and unconnected with any political parties. I repeat, that I was not consnlted by the Sheriff When the writ of election for the First District, and the return to it were before the Executive. His Honor the Lieve tenant Governor said—* Here is a special re- turn; I will not interfere with the rights of the House of Assembly.” The Government declined to meddle with a matter cognizable only by this House. Ard when the hos. member admits that it was proper for me to give my opinion, when it was callec fur, he, coneedes the pcint fer which I bave been, contending, I have stated that i would not act as @ judge myse'f, nor would I advise the Lieuteriant Governor to act judicia'ly in this matter, a8 he must bave done if be had de- cided on the. documents before him, that he should send down the names of Mesers. Sinelair and Cameron, as having been returned elected. No doubt the delay in taking his seat, hat operaied hurshly in the case of the hon, member, (Hon. Mv. Sinclair) who clear- ly, had a majority over the other two candi- dates. With reference to the charge of withholding the writ from the House, Sir, it is mere than a Urown officer dare da, to advise such @ course; and that writ bas been sent down in due time. The hon. member challenged me to produce a preeedent for the course adr pted by the Government in this cage, I bave not sought to find one, nor was it neces- sury. The hon. member shcw!d first have establisbed the legality of the return; autil that shall have been done, what course could the Government pursue, other than that which they have adopted? I reiterate my previous assertion, that the Sheriff of Queen's County never asked my opivion, and never held any conversation with me on the subject of this, or any other, of the recent elections in his County. It has been said that my opinion, as given, was influenced by the probable effect it m: it have upon my own seat, or that of m honorable Colleagne. I now, Sir, empha caily deny that [ ever saw the Pol Books; and that, never, for a moment, did I give a thought, in advising His Honor the Lieutenant Governor in this case, to the seats of the members for the City. However desirous I may be to see my hon, Colleague oceupyin a seat here. as a member of this House, shall act, as far as [ am capab'e, honestly and justiy in the matter of his election, or that of any other member of this House and any as- sertion to the contrary, is as baseless a fiction as ever fell from the polluted lips of a scound- rel. I am aware, Mr. Chairman, that these are plain words, but] can assure hon. members that they are words of trath,

P.ragraph agreed to.

The 9th Paragraph, referring to the New Building in courss of erection in Charlottetown for the public officees haviog been read :

Hon, Leaper or tus Coverxment said, I presume, Mr, Cheirman, that there will be no objection to this paragraph. It is well known that greater accommodation than is afforded by ihe present Voional Building is required for the transaction of the public business of tho Island, and better provisivn for the seeurity of the public records and documents than at pre- | sent exist should be provided. The duties of the various departments has inereved gtestly of late years, and the accommoda- tion for the public business, suffivient for its requirements years ago is now totally in- | adequa'e. The Speecn of His Honor tte Lieutenant Governor merely annoan-ce the | progress of the work It is probable that | it will be compieted oext au'umn, .

Mr. McMutas—l believe, Mr. Chair- man, that the building referred to is re- quired but L hope the Guvernment, in their estimates, will not forget Summerside We need a proper building there for a Post™ Office. ond for a Registry of Deeds. Wer also require @ lock-up, and I hope Govere- ment will be prepared to meet our wishes, aod f ask my bon, Culleague(Mr LeFurgy) , especial'y as he is on the Government side , of the House, to use bis influence in secure) ing the prants for those objects. Now. Mr,’ Ohairman, I see nothing mm the Speech” about the Lend Question. and nothing about education. A great dea! has been said about these questions and otber matters. during this detrate on the Address, and ihe. Hon, Attorney Geueral has made a good many speeches. [ know that he cau make: a go d speech out of nothing; [ only wish 1 could do the same. Asso mune? has been said about the change that has taken place’ among the political parties, I may say, that although the Government bas now got the Catholics, it may be different hereatier, When 1 was engaged in ascertaining the support I would proba’ ly receive at my last election, members of our party were sent from Charlottetown to canvass against me, The Catholie members who were with us urtil last yest, now abuse us, and when I heard last evening the resolution read by tbe bon member trom Cascumpec (Hon, Mr. Howlan), to the effect, that all the Catholies wavted was simple justice, | was willing to allow that every man had a right to that ; dut, M-. Chairman, T have heard some say that they would not unite wich any parry whieh would not go for a grart to Catholic schoole, That has been the ery in s-yeral- distriete, including that which 1 represent, I am vot finding fault with the Catholics for baying left our party; L cold them in caucus, that if they insisted cn haying the grant, they had better leave it. Some allusion haw been made to conversations in the streets of Charlottetown, previously to the formation of the Government. Ali I pow about the matter is, that when Judge Hensley accepted a seat on the Bench, tne Liberals wanted a leader, aud I think that our own ranks did not furnish one under whom I would be more wiiling to act, ban the Hoo, Attorney General, if he would only keep out of Confederation. The Hon. Leader of the Government looks very sig- nificantly at me, but | make the statement because I believe it to be true With reference to the Land Question, I am as. willing as any one, and will go: as far, to buy up proprietary claims. it és true that a good wany Lots bave beea t up, and it may be thas they who bave gor their lands

under the Land Purchase Act, no looger trouble themselves about those who still con- tinue tenants; bat I think it strapge that no mention of this subject appears in the Lieu- tenant Governor’s Speech, As the matter

of education Has been bfought up in this

discussion, I may be permitted to allude ot it in a few words. i hold in my banda a copy of the Herald newspaper, containing the followiog extract from the Islander ;—

“Here is a picture of our “noble” scheo! system, which ‘he Is/ander of Friday gives us:—

** We have been informed that in one of the public schools in Summerside, upwarda of one bundred and fi'ty children are oc- casionally.to be seen crowded together, The school is under the charge of a Mr, Hodgson, who has one assistant under bim, Mr. Hodgson is, we believe, a very efficient teasher, but it is simply absurd to suppose that he, and one assistant—a young woman —cin do justice tc co many children, We spend anuually a very larze sum of money upon educatior, but our schools generally are inefficieat,”’

‘* Phis must be gratifying to the soul of

Mr. Laird and those who agree with him, that the kind of :choois above described, in which the mere rudiments of a godless edu¢ cation are taught, ix just the thing for this Colony ’? — Herald, Feb, 22, Now, Mr. Chairman, this allusion to Mr. Laird is, not only an insult to that fentle- map, and all who are opposed io scetarian grants, but, Sir, if the sta‘ewent as to the number o/ scholars in the shoo! referred to, is correctly given, and L believe that it is, it is quire evidiot that more schoolhoures are required there. The teacher of shat school does not receive ag much us the Com- moa School teachers in Charlottetown, »nd come alteration is required io the jaw, whieh would make Mr. Hodgson s salary equs! at least, to those paid to the teachers ol publi¢ scboo!s io Charlot'erown,

Hoo, D, Daviss—le there a local assess- ment for schools in Summerside? There is a heavy rate impesed in Charlottetown

Mr. MoMittan.—I am a‘tuding to the talaries paid by Government, and the schoo! - house referred to is far better than any I bave seen in ‘’harlortetown avd the teacher, Mr Hodgson, is as efficreut ag avy that [ am acquainted with iu the Island, aod fally comp. tent to impart both moral aud religious instruction aud the pupiis, as to good cou- doct and moral principles, would compare favorably with tbuse who atteuded any school in the island,

Mr, Lerorcst.—Mr. Chai I am happy to endorse what bas fallen from my hou, colleague on the subject of the loca! wants of Summerside I am pleased to sce the new public buildings in Charlottetown, aod I cheerfully admis that the increase of public business, the result of the expausion of the trade of the country has rendered its con- struction necessary. But, Sir, Summerside is the second town in the Islund, and the public buildings referred to by my hou. colleagoe, are required, aud the pupulation of Summer. ° side, the amount of its commerce, justify our request that we shal! not be overlooked by the Government in the Estimates As to the - school to which my hon. colleague has referied, I bave no hesitation iu saying that i never, in this Island, saw one in » more efficient state. The teacher, Mr. Hodgson, complained to me of the insufficiency of his salary, and, when it is recollected that, as has been stated here this evening, no less than'ene hundred and forty scholars atte: d that school, hie com- | plaint must be adzitted to be founded in justice. Texpected to have received a doca- ment to fortify my position in advocating the claims of thut gentleman to an augmentation - of salary. That p:per may, however, have gone to the Executive Council. Mr. Hodg- son's school is situated in the Eastern school district of Summerside, but that located in the Western division of the town bas o. e hundred and twenty scholars on its register, Now, Mr. Chairman, each of those senovis has a greater number of pupils than any school in Charlottetown, and I cannvt eee the justice of the teachers being paid but a ewe a year each while every teacher in Charlotte- iown, with nothing like the same number of pupils, receives seventy-five pounds per a - nom. I say this not im the px zticular interests of Summerside, I will claim the same right for Georgetown under the same cireumsiances, I. maintain, t.at where an unusually large number of pupils are under one teacher, that teacher should be fairy remunerated for the work he has to perform. Although it has been agreed by the Government and their supporters that no change was to be made in the Education Act durivy the continuance of this House, that ugreement ‘as I view it, was not intended to exclude an alteration in de- tails, such as incresse of the salaries of teachers, Which iavelve no iuterference with the principle of equality of schools established underthe Act As to grants from the public

reasury, J will not follow my uon, colleague’ if bis charges against the Government; but’ confiné myself to the purayrapb before the’ Committee, and bav: much ple.sure in sup’ porting the claim of Summerside to a grant. for jocal improveme:t, Seme fifteen or six, teen bundred pou:ds would satisfy.ma, and to that amvunt at ieast, % think Summerside is fmrly entitled, OF this sum, @ considerable portion will be required to impove the streets, ahd itis high’ time that the buildings referred to y my hun. colleayue were erected,

»Mr, Brer.—As the hon. member from Summerside has alluded to the Land Ques- tion, and expreseed the hope that it would be settled, [ trust 1 shall be excused if I ask him how he proposes to attain that object? My own impression is, that the enly practicable way is by buying out the elaims of the pro- privtois, acd that cpinics is’ strengthened hy Despatches trom the [mperial Guvernmen’, Qn the subjset of Common Schools, I agree with wuch that bua fallen from each of the hor. members from Summerside. It 18 wrong that teachers in Charlottetown should receive higher salaries than those in the rural towns and villages. In Southport the Common School is as well kept as any in the eountry, and the teacher deeerves great credit for the wapner in which it is conducted aud for the progress his pupils have made and are making uuder his tuition. Now, [ cannot see the justice or propriety of that gentleman receiv- ing £50 per annum, when on this side of the harbor, in thé City of Charlottetown, the Common School Teaehers receiva £75 a year. The expenses of living are as great in one place as the other. agree with the hon. member tor Summerside that the Educa. tion Act should pot be interfered with dur.ng the continuance of this House, was agt in- tended to apply to questions of this natare or to prevent avy alteration in matters of detail. I concur in what was said by the hon. member, Mr. Munro, as to the advisability of baviug schools of different grades. Is ie un- just to the pupile and unfair to the teach- ers that the time of the latter should be oc- cupied by teaching pupils at one time the alphabet, and thence through others up to the highest branches requisite te be taught in our schoo!s.

» Mr. McLaan.—While we are on this gab- ject. Mr. Chairman, | must assert the claims of my District to a grant tor public buildings; and Y fons the Government will not disrega:

the necessity which exists for such at Souris. The want of e pro building tor a post office ix severely felt. The building at

gent used as sich affords no protection

the weather to parties applying at the cflica, and. I hope the Government will grant the funds sufficient for the erection of ® suilable

building, and its being kept in a proper . The pore of Souris hte to vs onee ta which to keep the con:mon School, end as | believe & grant is required, ] repeat the ex- pression of my hope that the claims of Souris will not..be overlooked by the Gevernment. Mr. Reitty—As to what has fallen frem the hon. member from Summerside, (Mr. Mee Millan) I deny’ that the extract from the Herald which he read, contains any reflection upon the teachers of the school to wh.ch js reters. : ee for @ moment, see where any insult is conveyed in that paragraph, o: aoght insinuated against the mah pr iefhalovs charseters of éither teachers or pupils, A good deal has beer said about liberalism in this debate, and the question of denomination. al grante, has been frequently alluded to, in connection with the breaking up cf the party which formed and supported the late Govers- ment, It ie ali very well for a man to cali him-elf a liberal, but I fail to recognize jast-ée or liberality of taxing 1 i Catholics of Charlotietown, for the support of schoc!s, in the whole number of which you may not Sml five Catholic pupils. “As the local requiremente of different sections of the country have been urged upon the Committee their several representatives, I usk a faver- able consideration of the claime of St. Peter's Bay for public aid. The barbor requires con- siderable improvement, and its claims are, least as good, as those of either Souria or Georgetown, and | can assure the Govetn- ment, that those whom I represent will res member with gratitude a liberal appropriation for the purpose I have mentioned, :