,HAs_z.tai)'_s ,G.AteETTE, MARCH _i2.

‘ non scorui LEGISLATION.

The House of Assembly has now been sitting four weeks, and as yet it can scarcely be said that the actual business of the session has commenced. One or two Contmittees have reported, and among others we observe that the committee to whom were referred the petition of Mr. Desbrisay for aid to it steain-boat between Ptclotl ar'id‘Cliarlottetowii, have reported in favor of a grant of £200 a year to a bout to riiti three times at week each way, making a trip each day, Sttndiiys excepted, between the two places. 'l‘lie report has tiotyet been received, but lies over on at-coiiiit of some coriimuriicatiotis had frotii the govcriiiiieiits of 1’. l“.. Island and New Burns- wiclt, riespectiiig iiiteit-oloiiial iii:iil arraiigcinenls. Should it not he prcvciitetl or reinlcit-tl tiiiiiecessary by arrange-p iiit.-iits of It more general cliaraeter, we hope the report of of the cotnniitice will he adoptul by the House, as th scln-nie it proposes will secure a greater atnouiit of ac cotuniotlatioii to the public, and a tnore regular conveyanc of the m.-ii|.~ ht-tween the two provinces than under an former tirr:in_«_vi~tiieiit. 'l‘liere will be no dilliculty nboti

prociiiing a boat to perform the service, as Mr. lleard’s new boat. the (Rosebud), built expressly for _the route and furnislied in elegant and comfortable style, is now re- ceiving a new engine, when slio will be in every way better suited for the work than any other boat that has ever been on the line. We believe a petition has also been presented from Mr. Heard ofChnrlottetown, owner of the Rosebud, for remuneration for services performed by his boat last year, the prayer ofwhich petition is strong- ly recommended by is large number of persons in this conimtiiiitv. We believe Mr. lIenrd’s petition to be en-= titled to the favorable consideration of the House, from the areal efforts he has tiiade to establish an eliicient connmiriication in summer between this Province and the Island. During the summer of I855, Mr. Desbrisay had the contract for carrying the mails, and that service was perfortned by the steamer Lady Le Merchant, which vessel made. during the season, forty-live trips to Pictou and twenty-five to Shediac, and received a public grant of£1300 front I’. E. lslantl, £240 from Nova Scotia, and £360 from New Brunswick roll Island currency), equal to .t.'.'.'5 per trip-.—tlie (Rosebud) made during the season forty trips to Pictnu and received nothing. Fre- quently during tht: stiintner, from the irregularity of the Liidy Le Marchant, owing to being detained at Sliediac by head winds, low tides. or by being engaged In towing

and her offspring in the United States, and that both for man ears to come, may unite in a holier warfare, the advancement of the kingdom of God's dear son upon earth, by the diffnsioii ofthose great principles which both equa|ly_ recognize.-8! Julia Witness, Jllarch 6th.

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. \VnnNr.sn.ur. March 5. FERRY WIIARF.

The Hon. COLONIAL .\'ECl‘tl~J1‘ARY,_ after showing the necessity which existed for the consti_'uc_tiun of a Ferry and- ing, advocated the propriety of building it wharf at the foot of Prince Street. He stated that Dennis Reddin. llsquirc, had olllired the site of it portion of his wharf for the annual rent of £40. The acceptance of this proposal he did not deem advisable, as it appeared to him inexpudicnt to connect public with private property, and besides the accum- tnodation constantly required lor is Ferry wharf would be liable to frequent interruptions or liindraiiccs by vessels taking up berths near the wliarf, and the deposit of private property on it. Prince Street was geographically central, and the extension of the Town oastwardly would soon render it central with reference to the business of the City. There -was no doubt that the proposed change of site would inc-ct the opposition of those parties whose places of busiiiess were in the vicinity of the present Ferry wharf; but it wits imposs-blc to consult the private interests of individuals in a question of this nature, and those parties should consider tlic advantages they had enjoyed for so long ii. period from the locality of the present wharf. It was intended to con- struct the whart to the edge of the channel; the cost would probably be some £1200 or £1500.

Mr. DOUSE would ask what was the reason more care and attention had not been exhibited towards the Ferry during the contract of the late lessee. He had received no assis- tance ; but now, when another, probably a greater favorite with the Hon. Secretary, bad obtains the ease, the Hon. Secretary was pro red to build a wharf on the Flats of the East River, at s p ace where, if it were not protected on the outside, the ice in the spring of the year would sweep it away. He referred to the money that had been thrown away on the opposite side of the Harbor last year ; and con- luded by advocating the Ferry landing at either lllt-ssrs. ',Reddin’ii or l’ea.ke‘s wharfs, as being more economical.

llon. Mr. PALMER was sorry to hear the sentiments ex- ressed by the hon. member who, however, he hoped would recognize the propriety of voting an adequate sum. There was no doubt of the urgent necessity for it proper Ferry wharf. The want of proper accommodation had long formed matter for complaint against the government. Strangers were astonished at the state of the Ferry. Contractors blame the government for not affording the requisite facilities. A comparison with similar places in other Coloriics would put us to shame. The old wharf had been patched up and had not given satisfaction. Queen wharf does not afford the requisite freedom from the interruptions of general trnfli‘c. If the government had entered into an engagement with it

rafts, they were behind titite, and the travelling and coni- rnercial public would have been veiy iiiclliciciitly accom- modated, but for the uriremunerated services of the Rose- but’. So important is now the iiitert-ourso between the two Provinces, that whatever artaii-,_:eineiits riiny be madc for all mail conveyance, we believe it would be it wise expenditure for the Legislatures of l’. E. lslarid and Nova Scntia to give a bonus of a few hundred pounds to the l’tost,-lititl or any other bout that wotiltl keep up an ellieicnt daily coniintiiiicatioii between Cliarlottetown and Pictou.—lS:tsterii Cliroziiele.

LA'l‘ES'l' lN'l‘El.lGl£NCE.

The Baltic arrived at New York on the 4t|i inst. tiith four days’ later intelligence. We have copied the dc-__ spzttcli, and it will be seen tliataltliough the cxcitetnerit, in England respecting a war with the United States is di- miriisliing. still that extensive preparations are being mad by the Government to provide against such a contingency. We’ have good reasons also for stating that lingland has for some time past been quietly arranging for largely in- creasing her strength in North Aincrica.

lti Canada there are iiutncrous indications of an ir.- crease of troops, and it is said that several light infantry regiments are expected there shortly frotti home, together with several coinpatiies of artillery. England is evidently acting on the maxim that “ the best preservative of peace is to be prepared for war;’’ and we earnestly pray, itinay have its effect in averting that terrible scourge frotn our borders. The intelligence from the United States is favourable to the continuance of peace. It is true that the President seems determined to dismiss Mr. Cratnpton, the British Minister; but public opinion, so far as it can

new contractor, they should provide suitable uccoininodntioii. If it were inttinded to lay outa large sum tiftuuncy,£t would be of no uvui unless nin ile means of iii-ri-css an egress were provided. If it weria the sincere desire of the llousc Ito havle propfir Ferry uccominodation, they inilipt not do things ) list. ves. atehinrr and atchin u won t give no satis- aiyction. As to theaaite, tlizit Wtlsgll gticstiou on ivhiclt his constituents diflercd materially. A cotisideralilc number wished it to be at the end ofGreat George Street. He wits quite disinterested in the matter himself, and was in favor of Prince Street, as being most generally useful. It is most directly opposite the Ferry on the other side. It had been objected that it was not sulliciently ntl_j.tccnt to the laces of business; but it should he remenih.-rcd that the estnb isliinent of thle landpig would speedily iittinictbusinessltolthe loo]-atlity. The ‘err toot l'ing at l’ritien Street won d iavc t ie it - ditioniil iidvantafgeiof being free from the delays which arose from vessels tucking itiid clianging their positions near the western wliiirfs. lf the House decided to erect ti wharf, he knew no better site than Prince Street. Mr. Reddin’s all-ii‘, though at first it appeared ccononiical-, would ‘on ex- amination be und not to be so. ' "to rent lie asltcd was equal to t'.ie interest of £700 or £500, and the dillcrenco l)?l\\'CL'll that and the estiintited ainount for the new wharf, was really not very material when it was considered that the Government would have the sole control. ndcr Mr. Reddin's proposal, cases might occur in which public rights would clash with private interests. The resolution des- cribed the wharf as exclusively for a Ferry. He saw no necessity _for going so far as that, and would prefer to leave it discretionary with the Government to_uppropriato it, as they may see fit, with regard to other public purposes. That, potlrevcr, was tneremntter ofdetail. Putting aside all party

ee_ tn_g. he felt it his duty to vote_for the Government appro- printing the land at the loot ofPrinccStrect, where a revenue itipiuld accrue from warehouses, which would be erected

icre.

llon. Mr. WlGH'l‘.\lAN said, that havin last ear given the Corporation the control of the what s in t e Cigy, it might be the duty of the inhabitants to build the crry wharf; but as it was a matter nfiecting the interests of the

be ascertained from the papers, is against the idea the war will ensue. There is a strong difference of opinion be ween the ministers of the two countries—one asserting that an ample apology has been made on the enlistnicn question, and the other denying it. It is impossible that Lord Palmerston would have used the emphatic language he did not on the subject, which our readers will find in another column. unless he had jnst"groun'ds for it; and on the other hand it is almost equally impossible to disbelieve the contrary assertion of the American o_fiicial. Time alone will reveal where the discrepancy lies; we only hope that the misunderstanding can be satisfactorily ex-

plained, and peace be preserved between Great Britianlcostiif

people generally, it was the duty of the House to consider the est means of effecting the ob set. As to the question of site, he had heard that Mr. cake hitd ofl'ered a site between Mr. 'l‘remaiu’s wharf and the old Steam Mill. That he considered s very suitable place, nnd if it were not ac- cepted he would vote in favour of Great George Street. A: to the rent asked by Mr. Reddin, he did not think the sum unreasonable, as the establishment of the Ferry landing there would seriously in'ure his property. A whnrfat the end of Prince Street won d be very much exposed. Notliin could withstand the run ofiee in the spring of the ear. t -would, moreover, involve the necessity of building or 100 fact more than would bsrequii-ed at Great George Street, and they should consider whether they would give £1,400 or .€l,500, for a work liable to be carried away at any moment. Mr. COOP was in favor of accepting Mr. Reddin’s He considered £1,500 too low an estimate for the the Prince Street wharf. A Ferry Slip on the was-

olsr

sitggcslcd by the lion ineinbcr, Mr.

tern side of Mr. Reddin’s wharf would be so sheltered that the protection it would receive from the wharf would of itself be worth the rent. _ ,

line. Mr. MONTGOMERY said they were called upon to vote it large sum of money: no amount had been named in the resolution. It might probably cost £2000. IIe,;wtis in favor of Great George Street. where there was a wharf already built. The lan gave the width of the pro osed wharf at 1-1 feet. Soc 0. structure at theend ofPrlnce tree-t would never stand. Let the sum be named in the resolution, and the site be the end of Great George Street.

lion. COL. SECRE'l‘ARY.-—It was not requisite to specify any amount in the resolution. If it were necessary to have‘ it wharflet the [louse vote a sum stillicient for the purpose, as was the case with the Bridge at b'ouris.. With reference to what had fallen from the hon. member, lllr. Douso, about the injury to the wliarf last year, that gentleman's iarty was in power when it was built. He did not blame tliem, but perhaps it had not been elliciently inspected during its construction, and without that, it would not be properly built. It was not bolted, consequently the gale reinovcd the top from the ballastcd portion. The part built last summer withstood the storm. The Slips, &c., were erectc in ac- cordance with the views of the contractor, whose duty it wits to keep them in repair. [Io had not done so, and the Government were consequently forced to repair them or to see them carried away There was no use in liaving suitable aceominodation on one side and not on the other.

.\li'. YEO did not see why they should refuse Mr. Ilcddin‘s otfcr. He considered its acceptance would be ri. benefit to the country generally. They could give it it ifit wits found to be it losing afl';iir.- Meanwliile they cou d be buildinga. substantial wharf, perhaps of stone. His own opinion was in favor of that being the material, as it would not be sub- ject to the destructive action of worms.

lllr. CLARK had no personal interest in the matter. Ilia only object was public accommodation, and the local interests of individuals slionld not influence his judgment in cases of this nature. He had lived long enough in Charlottetown to knoiv that Prince Street was the proper place fora Ferry landing. He had frequently seen the Ferry Boat delayed by vessels anchoring, shifting their berths, and surging round in the way of the out. A wharf at Prince Street would cost no more than one at any other place. Mr. Rcddin’s oifcr of.-i right of way was certainly liberal, but the rent he asked was tic interest of £80

llon. .\lr. LONGW0l{"H admitted the libcrality of Mr. Red(lin's proposal, lint deemed it inadvisable to cngruft pub- lic upon private iroperty. It was absolutely necessary to have u wl-arf, no he was in favor of Prince Street, although some of his constituents dill‘-cred from him in that opinion. He iigrccd with Mr. Clark in his observations on the obstruc- tions to the progress of the Ferry Boot from vessels gettin in her course.‘ Prince Street wits the ccntr.il street of the City. and as he had heard that some honorable lllcmber had dctiltlijtl not to vote for any suui unless it was to be expended on that Street, by this course he would obtain their su port.

llon. . i-. .\l0t)Nl'}Y said that it was all very well gr the lion. .‘»Et-nihcr to look after the rights of his constituents. He also (llon. .\lr. Mooney) had to consider the interests of those whom he l".‘[)l'CS0lllt'tl. and its the proposal to linve the ivliarf at Prince Street would lllllitistl on tlierii the iieccssity of paying double truckage for the transport of their commo- tllll4.‘n' from the Wharf to the Market, he would vote for the tlCt.‘t.‘l-.tlll('t.’ of Mr. .lleddin's ollcr.

llon. COL. 'l'llE_-\5l'lll-ill was opposed to the Fcrr land- ing being at Queen's Wliztrf; but when he was Road ‘ones-

onda-nt the iiiaiiagcnient came under his knowledge. r.

out-he asked to be permitted to alter the site of the Slip. On application to the Gov-crniiicnt he was allowed to do as he tvisiml. 'l‘lic sainc objection which is entertained to the present landing would apply to n Slip at Reddin’s wharf. ‘, Prince Street's central position would not subject the country - people to inc iivcniciiee llcforo innit years it was pro- bab e the llillsborougli would be brid ct . The stone wharf co. would cost it. very large t-‘-lllll, and would not be more secure front worms than a structure of cedar, which worms do not attack. Abut-: nicnts faced with Cedar would break the ice, and tend mn- tcrially to the strength of the whole.

.‘.'ir. |)lNG\Vl‘}l.l. said that the Act of lncorporntion had triin—:fs-rrcd such niatters to the Corporate autlioi-itics, and tlici-t-fore the House was not called upon to build the wharf. As to the site, so great it diversity of opinion existed that he thought they slzould make no appropriation tintil a mit-

O

jority of the iiiliabitrints of tlio City had indicated their

wishes.

llon. Mr PAL‘ l El’. said, that reasonable as was the sugges- tion ot'tlic lion. member that the llonse should yield to the opinion of the inujority ol' the inhabitants of Charlottetown, yet he wotild, on reflection, feel that he would not bejustili- ed in leaving the question to the eoplo of the Town, as exclusively, or to the greatest extent interested in the Ferry. He would also experience some ditficulty in ascertaining the sense of the inhabitants of the Town. Some would wish to liavc the Ferry in one place, others in different localities. It was their duty not to allow the public convenience to be lost sight of, by a regard to the peculiar interests of individuals. As to the remarks of the hon. Mr. Mooney, about the greater trucltage from Prince Street than Great George Street, he would have spoilt his argument bad he told the fill'l.l8llllll0l'- ested in a Market, that the could have it on illsborougli square, so that unfortunatefy for the argument, the Market would be very near the Ferry. There was no fear of the wharf being carried away by the ice. Wlinrfs had been successively built from west to east, and none had been carried away. The most severe also are from the southwest ; one from that nnrter injured ovrnsl Street wharf a year or two ago, I on. members should not for t the riglito the Government to the round, which we d, of course, be greatly enhanced in Va us by the establishment of the propos- ed wharf.

Mr. YEO was understood to state that real estate in Charlottetown had do resisted 10 per cent.

Ilon. OLONIAL RETARY did not know where the propert alluded to was situated, unless perhaps some pro- perty o the hon. member's near the Barracks had decree

a value by the withdrawal of the troops (laughter). As to

Mr. Ditigwell’s wishing to obtain the opinions of the people