CONFEDERATION. LETTER FROM JUDGE JOMNSTON. |

Mauirax, Feb. 27, 1865. | Sir, — The ‘Union League’? have consi-| dered that it might be of benefit, under the eo circumstances of the country, to pub- ish a speech delivered by you in 1354 on the subject of a Union of the Colonics; but they do not feel at liberty to do so without your concurrence, as your sentiments may have undergone change singe that period —in which ease the republication might not be agreeable to you. I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, P. S. Hawitroy,

Acting Sec'y.

To Hie Honor the Judge in Equity.

Hatirax, March 2, 1865.

My pear Six,—tI have to acknowledge the receipt of a note from you, in which, as act- éng Seeretary of the Union League, you in- form me that they think it might be of benefit | wonder the t circumstances of the coun- try, to peblish a speech delivered by me in 1854 on the subject of Union of the Colonies, | but do aot feel themselves at liburty to do so witheat my concurrence, a8 my sentiments may have undergone change since that period —ia which ease the re-publication might not De agreeable to me.

The echeme for the Confederation of the British North American Provinces offers to their Legislatures a question of supreme im- portance, standing apart from party issues, and transcending temporary interests. Io relation to such a sybjeet, | eee no occasion to hesitate in saying that my sentiments, as expressed in the epeech delivered in 1854, have not been essentially changed, and that the re-publication will give me pieasure, if it will promote in any degree a measure so necessary ae the Uniop of the Provinces.

Previously to that year, Canadian gentle men had deliberated on Coniederation, but the subject bad pot (as faras I know) been distinetly presented ty any Provincial Legis- lature.

Under the influence of a long cherished heliet that union was iwdispeasable, if the Britich North American Colonies were to farvish a country where British peopleshould attain a position and cecupy a field of action essential to the expansion and elevation of — communities, [ introduced the reso-

tiors which the speech prefaced, with the parpose of keeping the important considera- tson before che public, and engaging atten- tiom te it in our sister colunies not less than im this province.

In 1857 the eatject was brought under the | notice ef the Colonial Secretary. in Londor,, ey Mr. Archibald aad myself, under the aqu- thority of the Provincial Government, and for several years past it bas, in varied forms, beer presented to public notice in che Legis- Jeture and the press and on the platform ir most of the Provinces, by leading public men, without distinction. And it is a source of the shighest gratification, that after the long period since Lord Durham propounded the Uniwa of these Colonies, that policy should meet the approval of the lmperial Go- verament ; and that a Minister of the British Cabinet should, in Parliament, now use, in| allusion to the present scheme of Confede-| wation, and those who advocate it, such | language as this :—

“ They have conceived a noble ambition: they have designed to form, I venture te say, a nation, but nota vation divided from the allegiance they owe to the British Throne, ner separated frou the institutions under which it is their pride to hve; nor estranged from tie associations and at- tachments that biad thew te the Mother Country. In a spirit of the most fervent loyalty to the Bri- tish Throne, in a cluse.attaebment tu the British Crown, and in davotion to British institutions, they gave desired toform all the North American Provinces on the eastera cuast ivto oue great, Confederation.”

Injudging of the probability of a Union of ali sae provinces being consummated the ob- @tacle which ever seewed most formidable, was the indifference that might be expected, en the part.of Canada, to unite with com- menitiesmuok feebler than hereclf. Hence) the Unisnof the maritime provinces was an! object that appeared (though probably with- out reasen) more easily attainalle. It was a measure valuable in itself, and also as a means towards the ultimate and higher ob- jeot, but was not the fulfilment of the re- qwirements of the caso; for this the combin- waion of the whele was requisite.

The apprehended indifference of Canada) has been removed in a very striking and un-| expected manner; but so far ‘rom seeing reason for prejudice against the measure, ‘because Canada seeks Union from an ap-| preciation of its benefits to herselt, that fact | would seem to be an element of strength in the.compacs.

Were this letter to be silent on the com- parative schemes of legislative and confede- rate union, my sentiments would be liable to misapprehension, because in 1854 I ex-

# strung preference for the former ; ut.it will be seen that the resolutions then @abmitted, by leaving the choice between the. two plans open for deliberation, exelud- ed the idea that Legislative Union was deem- ed a sine quanon. ‘The reasons which, in 1854, induced my preference for this form of Union, have Jost none of their force; al- though | may not then have given quite as much consideration to the obstacles to its aceuwplishment as [ have since the question has come practically more near. Then, however, the necessity of sup;lying some mode for meeting the wants of the country wore convenient than legislation in a distant rliament was felt; and it will be remem- red that I introduced about the same time fur this purpose, a Bill fur the municipal in- corporation of the counties, earclully elabo- rated from the best precedents J could pro- eure. Its fortunes were inauspicious. The Legistature gave it but a dubious existence, making its operation dependent on acceptance by the counties. The counties courteously declined the boon of self-government it proi- fered: half @ county glone accepted the gift, and after « lew years rejectod it.

Thus, unacceptable proved a measure whieb is essential should the per!ect political amalgamation of the Provinces be effected ; and it ie probable that the greater obstacles would be found opposed to Legislative than to Confederate Union. But if, after Con- federation, the Legislatures of the several Protinces should deem s closer connection desirable, the way would be a8 open then as now. a

At present, however, the alternative is not before us. It is known that Legislative Union is impossible, and the com parison be- tween the two systems is without object. The choice offered to the Legislatures of the Provinces is :

On the one hand.

Union under one government, giving to British subjects in their confederate and growing ttrength a nationality worthy of their origin, and a theatre of action such as national expansion demands; where — ac knowledging the sovereignity— maintaining the inestitations—cultivating and perpetu- ating the prineiples of the paren: state—and putting forth the energies of free men, they and their descendente may, under a gracious Providence, have the rtunity of rising to degrees of puiitical influener, material prosperity. intellectual and Jitegury attain- ment, religious, educational aad woral pro- grees, and refinewent of taste an! manners, which cannot be reached in small and gon. tracted communities.

Un the other hand is—

‘The ation of the present isolated covdjtwa of the Province; and rich as she is in moaterig! benefits, and prosperous within the limite which smal] communities

attain, yet, few ia numbers, weak in strength, unequal to the development of her own resources, unable to furnish to her sons professional edugstion, yr to retiin at home her enterprising youth, she has little pros- pect of the future beyond @ dwarfed existence and ultimate abso: ption inte the neighbour- ing republie.

Une of these musi be chosen, the other re jected. There is no other alternative. My sen. tuwents formed and publiely advocated through @ quarter of « century, leave me no room jor deli ration now. To an old man, isdividually any decision is of sma)! moment ; but a¢ 4 member of the community, in the ex reies of my best judgment, on % question | ot vite! interest to all

of as wod those who %, Gd. per columu, aud to stitch each cupy fur

come after, I dare not deny 8 nationgl exis-

tence with icy privileges und duties to my)

descendants and my coyntrymen.

I therefore accept Conlederation as @ great benefit, whatever my tendencies in fayor of Legislative Union, and though they were greater and more fixed than they are.

There is another point requiring explana- tion in connection with the republication of my speech. .

The example of the United States was urg- ed by me in 54 as strongly illus'rative of the advantages of Confederation. The civil war that has since apisen, bag been supposed ty af- ford an argument in the opposite direction ; but, as | think, without reason. If history can teach anything, no lesson is more plain than that taught by the great contrast be- tween the imbecility of the United States, after their independence was acknowledged, and the bond was dissolyed that during the war had held them together, and their won- derfal progress and power after the constitu- tion was adopted by which they were united.

That after three quarters of a century, when thirteen States bad increased to thirty, and three or four millions of people had grown to thirty millions, a powerful section possessing individuality and extensive powers of State Legislation should desire separation, was quite within the operation of human passions and interests ; and if it was necessa- ry to meet thie desire with cannon bal!s then the civil war might be an argument against all confederations. Buta peaceful separa- tion might have taken place ; two prosperous States might have occupied the place beld by one before ; and in a few years the pa- rent state, renewed by natural ircrease and foreign accessions, have been prepared to give off—when the necess'ty arose, as it al- most inevitably will arise--fresh offshoots, and become a mother of nations. The sys- tem of confederation would then bave prov-

ed itself adapted for progression such as the world had never seer,, and, adapted equally, when reason and justice demanded it, for con- traction. It must not therefore be charged with consequences which forbearance and a regard for justice and equal rights would have averted; and we may hope that if in distant time a great confederate nation of Britons should be placed in like cireumstan- ces, better regulated dispositions and the warping lessons of this terrible civil war stamped on the page of history may lead to the happier yesult of peaceful adjustment, and the tor.nation of new states,

The de' egates have, I think, improved on the American model in the distribution of legisla cive powers between the general and local Governments,

“it being my purpose to do Jittle more than ‘aake such explanations as the republication of my speech requires to prevent my being misunderstood, the details of the plan are not within the purpose of this letter. L may, however, say that as far as I can judge the scheme propounded manifests an earnest de- sire, with no small measure of success, to secure solidity and endurance to the cunsti- tution, aod harmony in its action, and to do impartial justice among the constituent mem- bers, and { sensibly feel that the Delegates have well earned the praise for moderation, forethought and ability in a case of great complication, delicacy and difficulty which has been freely acorded to them by the British Government, and in leading journals in England. It would not be surprising that some of the details wou!d be liable to criticism, or to improvement. 1t would be surprising were it otherwise—the most perfect plan would not commend itself al:ke to all minds, and no plan can be perfect when diversified interests, ene feelings and judgments =. to be accommodated and harmonized.

n a case of such momentous and endur- ing importance, it is well for each one, be- fore touching the details, to settle firmly in his mind, the great question—IsoLation or Conreperation. If Cunfederation be thought beneficial, then the datails will be considered in relation to the importanee of the object to be attained, and the difficulties of adjusting conflicting views. Mutters temporary, or comparatively inferior, or that may be sub- sequently adjusted, or that must be sacrificed

for the sake of attaining the object, will not |

be allowed to disturb the judgment; and, finally, it is a great security that the whole will undergo the scrutiny and revision of sagacious and far-seeing statesmen in Eng- land, having no interest but the public good, aided by the local kaowledge of able Culunial public men.

This is no small affair, the izfluences of which will die away with the excitement of its discussion—no thing of petty politics, reaching no further than personal interests— no matter of party strife. Our country and its destinies,our descendants and their future, are the subjects—-and the consideration should be approached with an earnestness, and the decision made under a sense of responsibility not to be exceeded by the most solomen religious duty.

1 am, dear air, Very truly yours, J. W. Jounston. To P. S. Wamitton, Esq.

Chief Commissioner of Mines, &c.

COLONIAL LEGISLATURE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Fripay, March 3. Tenders for printing and binding Journal.

Hon. Mr. Beer, Chairman of the Comuittee |

appointed to receive tenders for printing and binding the journal of this House for the present Session, reported that they had reevived three tenders for privting and binding, and one for binding aloue, viz: One from Mr. Edward Reilly, offering to perform the work for the sun of 45s. per sheet ot eight pages, and to bind each vol. for 38. 9d. One from Mr. Henry Cooper, offering to perform the work for the sum of 46s 3d. per sheet, and to bind each vol. for 2a. Gd. One from Mr. F. W. Hughes, offering te perform | the work for 47s. 2d. per sheet, and to bind each vol. for 38. 6d. And one from Mr. Daniel Bethune, offering to bind each vol. fer 2s Gd.

The House then resolved itself into a Com- mittee of the whole ou the above Report—Hon. Mr. Beer in the Chair.

Hoy. Mr. McDonaLp.—The tender of Mr. Reilly, as I understand, is 45s. per sheet for printing, and 3s. 9d. for binding. Now, there will probably be about twenty sheets of eight pages each, which-would be £45 for printing ; and binding 75 copies, the number required, at 3s. 9d. each, would be £13 2s. Gd., making in all £58 2s.6d. The tender of Mr. Cooper would be £45 5s. for printing, and £9 7s. 6d. for binding, making £55 12s Gd. for the whole, or £2 10s. less than the tender of Mr. Reilly. I therefore beg leave to submit the following Resolution :

** Resoloced—That the tender of Mr. Henry Cooper, tor printing and binding the Journal of this House for the present Session be accepted, as it appears to this Committee to be the lowest tender.”

House resumed.

Adjourned till te-morrew at eleven o’clock.

SATURDAY, March 4.

Hon. Mr. Beer from the Committee appointed to wait upon His Excellency to ascertain at what time he would be pleased to receive the address in answer to the Speech, reported they had dis- charged the duty assigned them. and that His Excellency had been pleased to say that he would receive the address of the Council that day at ten minates before twelve o'clock, in the Legislative Library.

At ten minutes before twelve o'clock the Coun- cil waited upon His Exeellency, in the Library, and presented their Address, to which His Ex- celleney was pleased to make the following reply ;

“ Mr. President, and Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council,

“1 thank you tor your address,

“You may rely on my cordial co-operation in your endeavors tu promete the joterests of this island.”

Hon, Mr. Beer, as one of the Trustees of the Lunatic asylum, presented the Annual Report of that Justitytion for the past year, which was re- ceived and laid on the toble.

Hon. Mr. Anderson, by leave, presented a peti- tion of Julia Hyung, St. Eleanor’s, praying for re- muneration as a sehou) teacher—laid on the table.

Hon. Mr. MeLaren, a member of the Govern- ment, presented the Blue Book for the year 1363; also, the sewi-annual selurns of the Bank of Prince Edward Islaud, past year.

Hon. Mr. Beer, trom the Committee appointed to make arrangewents for the publication of the debates of this House for the present Session, re- ported that they had received two tenders, viz: One from Mr. Heury Cooper, offeriag to perform the work tor 31s. per sheet of lowr pages, Is. per copy for binding, and to publish the sume in the Monitor newspaper tor the sum of 3s. per column. And one from Mr, Edward Reilly, offering ta per-

form the work tor are, sheet of four pages,

to publish in the H newspaper at the rate of

The Houee then resolved jteelf into a Commit. tee of the whole yu the above Report—Hog. ou Beer in the Chair. 3

Hon. Mr. MeDonald presented the following | resolution, whieh passed in the affirmaitve.

“ Resolved, That the tender of Mr. Edward Reilly, for publishing the Debates of this House tor the present Session, be accepted it being the lowest.”

Ilon. Mr. McDonald expressed his regret that only two of the printers, whose papers he believed had a very limited circulation, had tendered for publishing the debates.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay wished that some better ar- rangement could be made for giving a greater circulation to the debater. They had been hither- to confined to one or at the most to two papers. He did not know whether it was for want of a good understanding between the printers, but he was aware that some of thein would not copy the debates from another paper. Being from the country he was awarethat the people took an in- terest in this branch of the Legislature, and had a desire to see the debates. If they were only to be published in the Herald, be thought they might almost as well have no reporter; but if a small sum were given tot he other printers for publish- ing them, hs did not think the eountry would be dissatisfied. ‘The privters filled up their papers with notices of Holloway’s Pills and Ointment. and other things of far less importance to the country.

Hon. Mr. Beer thought that as only two of the printers had considered it worth their while te tender for printing the debates, they might, with propriety, grant a small sum at the end of the Session to the unsuccessful competitor, if he would undertake to publish them in his paper.

Hons. Messrs. Atty. General, Anderson and Dingwell expressed their concurrence in the pro- priety of the suggestion, and it was resolved ac- cordingly.

House resumed.

REPORT ON EXPIRING LAWS.

Hon. Attorney General from the Committee appointed to examine what Laws have lately ex- pired, or are near expiring, presented the follow- ing report:—

The Act 9th Vie., cap. 27, intituled “ An Act to make provision for the regulation of Seamen on board of any ship or vessel owned in or be- longing to Prince Edward Island, whilst such ship or vessel shall be within the precincts of said Island,” (continued by the 22ud Vie. cap. 9,) will expire at the end of the present Session.

The Act 12th Vie., cap. 34, intituled “ An Act for the appointment of Clerks te Justices of the Peace, and to regulate proceedings had before them,”’ (continued by the 22nd Vie. cap. 9,) will expire at the end of the present Session.

The Act 2ist Vic., cap. 15, intituled “ An Act to continue for certain purposes the Seduction Act, and to make other provisions in lieu thereot as regards all future actions,’ (continued by 22nd Vic., eap. 9,) will expire at the end of the present Session.

The Act 22nd Vic., cap. 8, intituled “ An Act for regulating the size and quality of fish barrels and tierces, and the weight of fish made up there- in, and for the appointment of fish inspectors ; also to regulate the inspection of pickled fish for sale within this Island, and to repeal a certain Act therein mentioned,” will expire at the end of the present Se-sion.

The Act 24th Vic., cap. 13, intituled “ An Act to authorize the appointment of Hog Reeves in certain districts in this Island, and tu prevent the going at large of Swine within the same,” will expire at the end of the present Session.

The Act 19th Vie., cap. 1, intituled “ An Act for raising a Revenue,” (coutinued with certain exceptions by 27th Vic., cap. 1,) will expire on the Ist day of May next.

The Act 27th Vic., cap. 1, intituled “ An Act for raising a Revenue,” will expire on the first day of May next.

On motion, it was ordered that the above ro- port be laid on the table.

Adjourned till Monday next at eleven o'clock.

*Monbay, March 6.

Hon. Mr. Henderson, on behalf of the Hon. Mr. Goff, asked leave of absence for the latter gentleman till Wednesday next. Leave granted

'() 2 UTC OOO

had ocenpied 80 columns in the Monitor last year, and at the rate whieb the parties had ten- dered for publishing them, 3t would cost about the sum he had named. 1t was pot likely they would be any longer this year: ;

Hon. Mr. Apo would go 80 far as to Jet it be understood that they would give £10 to the pro- prietor of any newspaper Who would publish the debates in full, and in reasonable time; but he would not hold out any inducement by expecta- tions of any larger sum. If they were halt paid from the public funda, be thought the additional popularity which their papers would obtain, and consequently the ivereased number of subscribers wonld amply compensate them for publishing the debates. ft this arrangeweut were made, he thought it would be a wore popular movement than to select and subsidize any particular paper.

Hon. Mr. RaMs«#y thought that if they gave anything to the proprietor of one paper, they should give to all. He did uot see how they could make a distinction. i

Hon. Mr. DiInGwe t said he agreed with the last speaker, that they could not make a distine- tion, and if their honors thought proper to give a snail sum te each of the papers, he weuld not object to it. It appeared that the country could not get the debates unless their publication were paid for out of the public funds,

Hon. Mr, ANDERSON observed that there were six papers published im Charlottetown, and even if they were to pay five fur publishing the debates, still some part of the Island might be deprived ot the privilege of seeing them. He would like to see the papers al] put upon the same fooling.

Hon. APTORNEY GENERAL observed that he was not present at the commencement of this discussion, but the arrangement for the publica- tion of the debates, as far as it had been arranged —was, that oue of the tenders had been accepted, and it was agreed to give a small sum to the other person who bad tendered if be would pub- lish them in his paper. It had been mentioned by some of their honors that they did not deem 1 necessary to give anything to the proprietors 0: papers who did not consider it worth while to tender for their publication. It rested pretty much with the proprietors of the papers them- selves whether they would publish the dehates 0! cot. He was sorry that their debates did no! appear to be of that character that would induce the proprietors of papers to publish them withou! being paid fur doing so out ot the public turds. He did rot kuow whether it was their fault, o1 what the reason was, but he hoped the debates of that House would be kept up in such a spirit as would call forth a desire on the part of the news- paper proprietors to give them publicity. If not, he supposed that the fault would be altrjbutable to themselves. He hoped, however, that the apathy respecting their discussions would wear away, and that something attractive would be found in them. But they should remembei that it was their constituencies that were mos! interested, and as they had no means of knowing their sentiments with respect to the debates, for it could hardly be expected that they would peti- tion the House on the subject, therefore it rested with themselves to devise such means as would give the people au opportunity of seeing what their representatives in this branch of the Legis- lature were dving. It it was the desire of thei: honors to give a small sum to the proprietors of the papers fur publishing the debates, he would not offer any objection; but he did not see that they could pame any specific sum at that time It might be left till the end of the Session, and if the debates were fuliy and fairly published and properly kept up, he would be willing to give the publishers a fair remuneration.

Hon. Mr. HENDERSON said he for one would wish to deal fairly and generously with the public press, both personally and in a public capacity ; but, at the same time, he would not forget his responsibility to his constituency; and would en- deavor to keep within due bounds in expending the public money, whether in a contingent form or by specific grauts. Neither would he like te put the screws upen any of the printers; and when the price of paper was high, and printing expensive, be would not desire them to do any- thing unreasonable. But if they undertook to publish the debates, they shouid do so fairly and with full justice to individual members, whethet their sentiments were agreeable to the printers

Hon. Mr. McLaren, a member of the Govern- ment, by command of His Excellency the Lieut. | Governor, presented tothe House a large number | of Public Despatches and other Documents, on} various subjects, the most importaut of which | were those relating to the proposed Confederation | of the British North American Colonies, and to! the state of the Militia Laws of this Isiand. The documents referred to were severally read a first time, and made the order ot the day for Thurs- day next.

A message was brought from the House of As- sembly by the Hon. Col. Gray, requesting this House to appoint a Committee to join a Cow- mittee which had been appointed by that House,

themselves or otherwise. le had reason to complain on this ground himself. Perbaps he was tvo fond of making long speeches, and yet perhaps it was not so much from their length, but some of them were published in fly sheets 1n- stead of the Examiner, which he considered quite unfair. His constituency would like to see whe- ther he was right or wreng as well as other ot their honors. If he had passed strictures upon the proprietor of any paper, or had thought pro- per to animadvert upou his conduct in his public or political capacity, he had done so under a sense of duty, and he cousidered that he was entitled to have his remarks read through the country,

cousisting of the Hon. Messrs. Gray, Longworth, | % that the people might pase a verdict upou

J.C. Pope, Coles, Heneley and Mr. Haslam, to keep up a good correspondence between the two branches of the Legislature during the present Session.

A coumittee was accordingly appointed by |

them, Ifthey were wrong, let the verdict be ac- cordingly. All their honors should have an equal interest in dewanding that justice shouid be done to their speeches, and if anything were granted for their publication this year, he hoped it would

this House for that purpose, consisting of the | b¢ With an understauding that they would be pub

Hons. Messrs. Attorney General, McDonald and Ramsay.

Adjourned till to-morrow at eleven o'clock.

TUESbAyY, March 7.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay presented a petition of cer- tain inhabitants eof Prince County, praying for a Charter or Act of Incorporation to establish a Public Bank at Summerside. Read and laid on the table.

PUBLICATION OF DEBATES.

Hon. Mr. Lord ealied the attention of the House to the publication uf their debates tor ge- neral circulation.

Hon. Mr. Beer stated that arrangements had already been made, he believed, in the absence of his honor (Mr. Lord), for their publieation. Tenders had been asked for, and only two of the printers, viz. Mr. Reilly and Mr. Cvoper, had responded to the call, Mr. Reilly’s tender, hav- ing been the lowest, was accepted; but the House had come to an understanding to give Mr. Cooper a small subsidy, the amount of which would be determined at the end of the Session, if he would undertake to publish thein in his paper also. Mr. Reilly, besides publishing the debates in pamphlet

| expense.

form, as usual, would publish them in the Herald, so that they would appear in two papers at least. Hon Mr. ANDERSON was willing to go further and give a small sum te the proprietors of the other papers if they would publish the debates, Hon. Mr. DINGWELL agreed with their honors who had spoken, that the debates and proceed ings of this House should be made known to the public; but at the same time it was the duty of their honors to guard against any unnecessary

lished fully and fairly. If their speeches were tolerated on the fluor of the House they should be published.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay said that if the debates of the Couneil and those of the House of Assembly for last year were compared, it would be seen that there was very little difference between them with regaad te length, while the latter cost nearly £100 more than the former.

Hon. Mr. Lerp said that his honor the Attor- ney General had alluded to the apathy which wae manifested by the printers respecting their de- bates, and perhaps it was their own fault if they were not duing anything to make them iterest- ing. He thought his honor who had just spoken (Hon. Mr. Henderson), and who was a member of the Government, would have given them some information as to what measures were likely to be brought before the House. If they could not get up the steam, and make something like speeches, it would be very little use to vote money tor publishing their debates. If his honor the Attorney General were in the place he was last year-he would ask for some work, and he thought it was the duty of members of the Go- vernment to give the Heuse some information on this point.

Hon. Mr. ANDERSON observed that it was competent for his honor who had just spoken, as well as any other member of the House, to intro- duce a bill, providing it were not a money bill.

Hon. Mr. DINGWELL said it was the first time he had heard that there was any dissatisfaction with regard to their speeches not being fairly published It certainly was the right, as well as the duty, of every member of the House to see that justice would be done in that respect; and

The Debates of this House, as well as of the House ef Assembly, should be so inierest- ing tv the country as to induce the proprietors of the several newspapers published in town to pub- lish them without much remuneration from tie Legislature. He was under the impression that there was an under-tanding between the several printers not to publish the debates unless they were well paid for it, aud 4e did not know if they could do otherwise this session than to allow them some remuneration. He did vot think, bowever, that they should ask for any fixed sum. They should have sufficient confidence in the honor and honesty of the House to leave the matter in their hands to give them a fair equivalent for the work performed. He would like to see the debates seut to every part of the country, and they were placed in an awkward position, for they could not give the public the information they desired unless they voted away the people's money for that purpose. It was the duty of the House ty choose that course which would give must satis- faction to the publie.

Hon. Mr. Breer understood that there was a proposal made to the House ef Assembly by seme of the priuters to publish their debates at 103. per column. The Debates of the Council eccupied about 80 columus in the Monitor last year, and at the rate named would have cost £40, besides publishing them in pamphlet form. The tenders for printing the debates of the Coun- cil this year were 2s. 6d. and 3s. per column, re- spectively. He would like to have the debates seut to the country, but they should look to the manner in which they were spending the public money. Arrangements had already been made to have them published in two of the papers, but he could not say whether they had a very exten- sive circulation.

Hon. Mr. Ramsay said he did not feel satisfied with the way in which the debates and proceed- ings of the House were published; neither was he inclined to coax the printers, or to pay them a large amount for publishing them ; as he thought they should let their subseribers know what was dciug in the Legislature without being paid for it out of the public funds. People im the country were anxious to know what their representatives were doiug, and when they went to the Post Office for their papers, and found that they did not contain any legislative news, they were dis- appointed. He thought the people should not re ara newspapers which did not publish the debates ; and he, for one, had told one of the newspaper proprietors that he would withdraw his support trom his paper unless he published the debates. Ths papers were filled up with notices of pateut medicines and other matter which the people did not care anything about, to the exclusion of that in which they felt a deep | interest, and he did not think it was using ther supporters well,

Hon, Mr. MeDONALD said he would like to see the debates published in the Jslander and Exami ner, a8 those papers had @ large and general cir culation. The papers in which they were to be

,

6d.| them. The debates of the Council, it appeared,

oa had probably a good circulation, but e

ht they were confined to partieylar Joca-| 8%

lities, He would not object to giving £10 or £12 to each of those papers if they would publi

he regretted that the publisher of any newspaper should misrepresent any member. Every mem- ber should have a fuir hearing, and his sentiments should go te the country.

Adjourned till to-morrow at eleven o'clock.

IIOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. DEBATE ON THE ADDRESS IN ANSWER TO THE LIEUT. GOVERNOR'S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE s£SSION. ( Continued.)

Mr. Duncan.—I wonder where we are to go to find an anti-Union party ; it ie not to the Cppesition, for some on that side are strongly in favor of Union. I think it is quite out of place to discuss this question now, and for my yp 1 will oppose the amendment. I shall not fail, however, a: the proper time, to state my strong objections tu the proposed scheme of Confederation.

Hon. Mr. Coies.—I did not expect that the hon. member for Murray Harbor would support my resulution—~he gould not be eup- pesed to agree with any person of Jiberal principles. Perhaps we cannot get an anti- Union party in this House; but let us take the matter to the country, and probably then the hon. member for New Glasgow, or the hon. member for Tryon may be calied upon to fourm a Government. I am sorry that I had to differ with the late leader of the Go- vernment, since he exerted himself to procure my appointment on the delegation.

fon. Col. Gray.—When did the hon. member differ with me. for I never heard him express any difference of opinion at the Con- ference ?

Hon. Mr. Coizs.—I stated at the Confe- rence when they refused my proposition with respect to the Land Question of this Colony, that they might as well strike Prince Edward Island out of the constitution altogether.

Lion. Col. Gray.—lI never heard any such declaration from the hon. member in the Conference. . ?

Hon. Mr. Cores.--The hon. member, then, might have heard it, fof not being very well pleased, | made the statement loud enough Lcan tell him, also, of another point on which we differed, namely, the constitution of the upper branch of the proposed Federal Legislatuge.

Hion. Col. Gray.—I am unable to tell on what point we were not unanimous, for if there was one delegate at the Conference more ardently in fayor of Unicn than myself, it was the hon. member. I was not aware that there was any difference of opinion which was not mutual to the Island dele.

tes. Hon. Mr. Corzs.—I gan positively state

blish | that the bon. member said in the Conference

that in Prince Edward Island they were op-

d to the principle contained in the reso- acion which | moyed, viz, that the members of the Legislative Council should be apposmt- ed by the Local Legislatures.

Hon. Col. Gray.—But | positively say that this was not the case. How could I say that the people of Prince Edward Island were opposed to such a principle, when their opinion was not taken on the subject.

lion. Mr. Coues.—By the majority of their delegates who were present,

Hon. Col. Gray.—The bon. member knows that each Province had one voice at the Conference ; and as leader of the Govern- ment, it was my duty to vote for this Colony. When four of our delegates were opposed to any resolution, | was required to say that Prince Edward Island was agaiust it, and the! contrary, if the majority were in favor of the proposition. ‘This was the way in which the question was put; and a majority being opposed to the hon. member's resolution, | had tu say Prince Edward Island was against it.

Hon. Mr. Cours —It is admitted then that there was a difference of opinion on this

vint. On the financial vote Prince Edward Pelund was unanimous; but this is not thr question now before the Committee. With reference to the remark of the hon. member for Murray Harbor that no Government could be formed on anti-Union principles—

Mr. Duncan —What | stated was to the effect that no Government could be formed on that principle from the present purties, without dismissing sume of their supporters The Government is not a Union Government ; if it were | would not support it.

llon. Mr. Cotes.—The hon. member appa- rentiy dves not wish to censure the Govern ment fur what it has done in appointing a Unionist; but I think the case has been very well stated by the hon. member from New Glasgow, that it is dangerous to have so many Unionists in the Executive, for if delegates have to be sent Home, they may appoint those who are stroagly disposed to favor the proposed Confederation, and therefore com- mit the country to the scheme. There are several acts of the Government during the past year to which Lobject; Lut the appoint- ment under consideration is one of which I entirely disapprove. When the question of Union comes up again perhaps my hon. friend on the right (Mr. Whelan) wll place the Go- vernment in an awkward position by moving a resolution in favor of the scheme. ‘i

Hon. Mr. WHetan.—My hon. friend on the left (Hon. Mr. Coles) seems very anxious’ te draw me out on the present vccasion. I, however, shall say only avery few words. This discussion [ consider as altogether irrelevant, because the question of Confederation must come up again when the papers ou the subject are laid before the House. 1 will not, therefore, enter into the merits of the scheme at present, thougn I am not at all disposed to evade auy responsibility whict, attaches to me in the matter. 1 have no desire to act one part in Canada and another in Prince Edward Island, (ilear, from Hou. Col. Gray.) [hough the delegates from this Colony did not get all they eou!d wish, yet 1 was not disposed tu throw aside a great question, and one which | shail be prepared in due time to show will te for the advantage of this Island. ‘The amendment ot my hon. friend on the left, was brought forward, [ imagine, to show his opposition to the Union scheme at the earliest possible period; and per- haps to show that he is still in opposition to the Government. With respect to the latter, I will ever stand true to my party, whes the local poli- cy of the Government is opposed to my well un- derstood principles; but on the question of Con federation I cannet shut my eyes to the fact, which has presented itself to some of the greatest winds on the contivuent, that it is one of such mo- wnentous importance as to call upon us to act upon it without reference to old party predilec- tions. Should the Governinent, then, be prepared to introduce a measure to give effect to the Re port of the Quebee Conference they shall have my bearty support. One of the reasons assigned by my hon. friend for submitting the amendment before the Coumuittee, was that be wished to show the people of the other Provinees that this Hlouse was pot in favor of a Union of the Colo- nies. But I believe the course which be bas taken will have the coutrary effect to what be intended. He ought to bave chesen another time te show his opposition to Union, for hon. members on the other side of the House eannot be expected to support his motion, although they may agree with him in his opposition to Confederation, eon- sequently the division on his resolution will be such as to lead the people of the other Provinees to suppose that the Confederation seheme is not very unfavourably received by this House. It is not my place or wy intention to defend the Go- veruwent, but it appears to me te be a most inju- dicious proceeding on the part of my bon. friend to siugle out a particular appoiutment on which to ceusure the Administration. If we are to object to the policy of the Government, let us do it on general grounds. For my part, I may state that 1 approved of the appointment of the Solicitor General—not that I say it ought to have been made at this particular time, for [ bold that the Government should hiave had firmness enough to tell their principal Crown Officer to resign, and thus save them the necessity of resuscitating av office which has become obsolete and unveces- sary. This is the course which I think they ought to have pursued. But to odject to the ap- pointment of the Hon. Solicitor General, because he bas expressed himself in favor of Coufeder- ation, is a proceeding of which 1 cannot approve. [ rather hold it as one reason why he should be appointed. ‘This view is strengthened by the fact that the other gentleman appointed at the same time as Svlicitor General, is opposed to Union. With regard to the second appointment, I think the Government might have selected a person having stronger political claims on their party; but I will not censure them for the appointment ot the ground of his oppusition to Union. This question of Confederation is one which should be viewed in all its future bearings, and the Govern- ment will doubtless make known their policy respecting it, when the papers on the subject come up for cousideration, Since Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies has recom- mended them to give the scheme effect, they can- not well treat it witk indifference, much less op- position. When the proper time arrives I will be prepared tu enter into the merits of the question. I have had no opportunity, through in- disposition, to express wy opinions on the sub- ject at any public meetings, except some held in my own district; and when it comes up here I shail regard it as my duty to assume all the respon- sibility which attaches to my conduet in the mat- ter, as well as to deal with every feature of the question. I would be glad were my hon friend tu withdraw his amendinent, as I consider it to be tuo trifling a matter on which to divide this hon. Cominittee.