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33". _ , . I'm: 5.——To amount at 1 reasury Notes in circulation - 1.11.500 o o

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“write—BRITISH AMERICAN. FIBRUARY 9, 1833.

The arriv_ of His Majesty’s Packet Emulous, at.” ifax, furnish us with Eng- lish dates ‘

the 9th December, four days latert an those previously furnished by way of the United States. No very material difference in the aspect of affair-son the Centinent had taken place since our last advices. To give publicity to the multiplicity of local matter which came in at a late hour in the past week prevented us from making such Foreign extracts as we might otherwise have done, under the impression that our lit- tle domestic affairs at this important season of the year would be swallowed with greater avidity. To make room for the articles which poured in from our correspondents, we have been obliged to throw out five columns that were prepared for this number, which delayed this pub- lication until this day, (Monday)

We are persuaded that much conveni- ence would result from placinga Letter Boxfor the reception of communinations forthe British American, (as suggested‘by Our new correspondent ‘ nannen,’ in this impression) and we beg leave to inform those who may hereafter favor us, that a box will be placed (after this day) at the Book Store door, North corner; where a legible inscription will be placed.

On the Evening of Thursday, the 7th instant, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Young entertained a distinguished party of fashionaliles at Go- vernment House, who seemed much pleased with the attention bestowed on them by their worthy host and hostess

On the same day Mr. Davidson gave a grand opposition dinner to‘a selert par- ty of friends at his residence, Millar’s Hutch—The jovial crew did not separate until a late hour.

I We have given this week the proceed- ings of the House of Assembly up to the time of their aljournmettt, Saturday, Feb. 9, 3 o’clock. r. M. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. Saturlay. Feb 2

The House Went into Committee on the bill, introduced by Mr. Dnlrymple to Ii suit the duration of General Assembly, from seven to four years. Mr. Cody in the Chair-

Mt‘. Speakeroppoeed the Bill. Though this Ms ll.e first tine he had an opportunity ts

7*

THE BRITISH AMERICAN

GEN ERAL A BSTRACT.

i833 d. Jan. 5._Bry Balance in the hands 0 the Treasurer - 9268 8 21-4 By Balance due by the the Sureties of the late Treasurer. 390 19 2 ‘

1.9659 7 4l-4

Balance 1840 12 7 3-4

I.ll.500 0 0

express his sentiments, he had not heard any-

thing urged to justify the measure, it was not urged that the country were dissatisfied with the present House, and if it was, they might petition the Lieutenant Gover. nor to dissolve it. Elections often created angry feelings and animosnties, and he thought the prusent Bill would, if ever carried in- crease the evil, ho moved “That the Com- mittee do rise without reporting."

Mr. Pope seconded the resolution.

Mr. Dalrymplc said he was surprised at the arguments of the Hon. Speaker, he thought the present Bill cast no reflection on the pre- sent House, he thought the evils or expenses consequenton Elections no argument against the rightsof the people, he instanced the case of- Italy and Poland, as proceeding from want of proper freedom amongst the peOple. The people of Upper and Lower Cana- da, enjoyed Quadrennial parliaments, though theirconstitution was granted by a Tory ad. mistration,.and was the excitements at Elec. tions more?

Mr. Speaker said that was the cause of their present disturbed state.

Mr. Dalrymple continued for some time, and concluded by saying he heard nothing to make him alter his opinion of the Bill.

Mr. Compton spoke at some length: his ar- guments chiefly turned on the present happy state ofthe country, he said the people were perfectly satisfied with the present system. and with their representatives. Among the members themselves the most cordial feelings existed, thrmg‘h occasionally they to be sure hadtheirjokes, he hoped they wou'd always have them. He did not care whence they drew examples, the present system was all he required, they had enough onankeeism amomgthem already. without copying their elec tions which vvould entail a heavy expense on the country, without any advantage, he was anxious to save the public purse; the more he heard in favor of the bill the more he was opposed to it- He was not afraid to go back to his Constituents, yet he felt they were well satisfied with the present Mem- bers, and so convinced that they could not get better that he was sure seven outjof ten ofthcm shoull be re-elected. He would sup- port the motion.

Mr. Owen spoke in favor of the Bill, which he said should have his decided support; the people sent them there to attend to their in- toresls. he always endeavoured to do his duty to the best of his abilities. he hoped every other Member did solikewise. But as their constituents did not perhaps, exactly agree with them, he thought they would haye frequent opportunity to rectify their mis. takes, and send others in their places if they were not satisfiedwith the manner in which they acted, this would have the very best efl'ect in keeping Members to their duty, or conform. ing others in that line of conduct ifthey were

219

re-elected. He could not be surprised if the people were dissatisfied with the present House, many of whom had become placemen by taking office since they came here, oftheir own creation, and consequently had perhaps distinct interests to attend to, he insisted that of this their constituents should judge, he had heard nothing advanced to alter his opin. ion of the expediency of the Bill, and would therefore vote for the amendment.

Mr. Pope said he could see no necessity for the measure. lfit passed he was sure it would not get the Royal allowance, he was tempted to seeka seat in that House through ambi- tion, he succeeded," and did his dot to the best of his abilities. If however, he Hon. Member for King’s County (Mr. Owen had made a motion that those who held 0606 s ould be sent back to their constitueuts perhaps he would vote for it, [Mr. Pope should then lose his seat he was not afraid of being re- elected, ut he would not put his love of a seat in comparison either Willi the expense of Elections or the rights of the people. but they were satisfied as it was. If this House pro- fesses to take England for its guide, let them wait to see what measure should be adopted there As to theobjection of Members becoming placemen underthe presentsystem, ifthis were carried, bythe greater opportunity being afford- ,ed, there would be a batch of them; he would therefore oppose the Bill.

Mr. Dalrymple said, they by no means should take England for their guide, they were able to judge for themselves and would endeavour to act independently. He said they had ample proofs ofthe effects of the diffe- rent lengths of Parliament, he instanced the long time annual parliaments had been the practice, Charles thefirst, and Crom- well‘s parliaments, the triennial Parliaments, and when the period was lenghtened to seven years through fears of the adherents of the House of Stewart, he asked, was it not looked upon with regret by every lover of rational liberty? he hoped the measure would be calmly discussed.

Mr. John Small MacDonald saidthat there were many new Members in that House who could only‘have been chosen from" the know- ledge of thier private character, and as it wa. by trial all things were improved, now that the experiment had been made, he could not help thinking that the pe0ple should have an opportunity of frequently expressing their opinions of how they discharge the trust they had confided to them. If they were satisfied with the conduct of their representatives they might return them again. and if not. itwas but their rights to endeavour to get others, who would more faithfully attend to theirinterests. He knew they had plenty of room to choose among persons probably better qualified. He would therefore snpporttbe Bill.

Mr. Brenan felt proud toreoonl his vote in fa. vorof the measure, if it was left to him, perhaps he might wish to go further. As to the distur— bance that might result on frequent elections, he thought the reverse the case. Elections had become rather frequent lately in~Queen’s County, and»he would put the case ofthe last, when. his Hon. friend. (Mr. Nelson) was