aan eh OG i At i AE NSE i, RG RI . . t rr , mei) of Public Inst OE ETRE Megs eee! PITTS Ue t Kt . ee TLTON tlec on n Act petitions foi M: E vation mE} | @ | ¢ 1 tHe < nir¥ |» : ; ‘ ‘ , yee « ; od au ( y Y n If the question } ed to the peuple at the } » ut the Pro he establishment of denomin He believed e Catholic members was & grant schools in the crty. Lae p's : i rt said he would briefly stat for opposing the prayer ol the | ; : . . with respec it is the duty of the State to/ e but the end of government is spiritual, The city of New| ' n the theatre of a great con- | aps er uchion, year a Committee was lis Chureh to cont e i \ i i aol The New York, m ul ? ent t r children punishment, : d by the i : ylic laity, and by many rr : » enjoys the st ; tunit of knowing, say that | York are not | .e denominational n than the Vicar } great gone sO far as , : ; } to } : wwe ‘ » Pay sHial scnoois i common sat | nad ean be done York, th good results schools. in New be | it appears that the | who come here think | have to submit toan ex- our Board of Examiners. law, we must respect the that it is carried out. Cathos t the best pro fof the efli- shoo! the results 4 _ no doubt, but our Public | : tem may be made much more eu i Li @ t present. But the | te are separate insti | its own sphere. As pect herself, so the ‘self, The Christian York have submitted laws, and have taken sular system. ‘They | i the question of books, | i prescribed by the | instruction He (Mr. | or weeding out any book vith the religious principles of | Catholics here, he thought, » good example set by the | vy York. In the school we who were Catholics or A person, of course, sack his children the relis | it it is quite a different | e may 1S are at ‘ i Zo : bu sks money of the State to | Ontario there is a continual shool system. Out of 70,000 iren, only about 20,000 are ish Schools. The denomin- 1 does not work well either or Guebec. Instead of building 1 schools, we had put our heads r dollars together, and built good ilar schools, we should Haye had no} bickerings now. He could not conceive | ular and religious education ibe imparted in the one school. It now both sec oer mie were as iin all its bearings, he thought the free ti to the peo} le of this province, and that it wanted the | wo {in the | 4 i io oDeing tae case, = vince would | the resolution. tate | « lever against him, and in opposition to his | | they yf the present aay, ITe could not see that | he system had degenerated to such an exs u represented by some hon. | rn i rere was an urgent necessity improvementin some respects. Our peos well edueated as those of any rt of the world, and there were few fami- to be found, the members of which y»uid not read and write, and where the veekly newspaper was not seen, This was ob the case iv all parts of the Dominion, ‘even in many other professedly enlight- Looking at the questicn nt as had bee bub t ned vutries, chool system had proved of great benefit future, as in the past, prove way suited to our requirements. ha could not support L. fH. Davies would not have spoken | matter before the Committee, were | the hon. member for Sum. | . Pope} had persisted, in the | e of his remarks, in misrepresenting of the Minister of the Interior, to the education question. if all the hon. members’ statements were | reliable in reference to other matters | us those he had just made, no reliance | whatever could be placed on them. The | | member was well aware that the Minister of the Interior did not vote in ! petitioning Uer Majesty the en to interfere with the school system t sent in operation in New Brunswick. he resolution proposed by Mr. \cKenzie, znd supported by sir. Laird and a majority of the House of Commons, simply affirmed the great principle that there should be no interference by the Dominion with the powers reserved to the several Provinces at the time they went into Confederation. To that resolution Mr. Cauchon moved the | addition of arider, expressing regret that the hope expressd in the resolution passed |} some of } wants of the present day ; struction of the youth of the province, It is | eviclomt that the only instruction that ean be | paid for by the state is upon subjects upon | which all are agreed. The dogmas of any Cliureh are the peculiar property of that Church, and are, to a greater or less degree. olfensive to the members of all other Churches, | and it was right in the Legislature, when it | established a system of Education on this | Island, notto compel any man to assist in disseminating a a religion which he could not conscieniiously support. The system which was established was just and reason- able, and, at the tirae, met with the approval ofmen ofallcreeds. If the members of any denomination wish to teach their children their own peculiar retigious tenets, what is more reasonable than to require that they should do so al their own expense, and not seek the co-operation of those who differ from them on matters of religion. We live in a country where the fullest liberty of conscience js obtained. Every man in it can worship his Ged in peace under his own vine and under his own fig-tree, none making him afraid. Hecan teach his children, if he pleases, the doctrines of his Church, and the law does not interfere with him in any way This happy state of things he wished to see perpetuated. Our present system of edu- cation was a very good one. It was fair and impartial, as it placed all classes on an equal footing, but it needed amendment in its details. in order to meet the The religious difficulty, he was free lo confess, was great, but he did not believe it to be insur- mountable, lf the teachers of the Roman Catholic Schools in Charlottetown | would consent to take the course pursued by the teachers of Roman Catholic Schocls in other places, the obstacles which now appear so great would disappear. The system of | education in Nova Scotia resembled ia all its principal features, the system to force on this Isiand, still there was no religious difficulty in that province. Yet there were Catholic schools in Halifax. The Christian Brothers stands ignores totally, all the benefits gained by means of the Civil List Bill ; | made in the Island. some ——— — |probatly be the most important ever Therefore, he thought and he, (Mr. B. Davies) for his part, could | the Government should submit the name of not support it toe Legislature had never admitted that the proprietors had a right to the lands. He believed they hid no right to them; and he maintained that it was useless to expect to gét the assent of the Governor General to a compulsory measure, Unless the assent were asked on the ground that the proprietors were not | the lawful owner; of the soil. The com, pu'sory measure passed last year was called a ‘Communist Bill’ Now we must show that this Bill is »ot a Communist Bill—is not founded on Socialistic principles—or it will never receive the assent of the Govern-~ or General, “LO, Ti POOR INDIAN,” Dr. Jenkiudfimesenter a petition from the Indians of ‘Jorell representing that the late Charles Worrell, Esq., had given them 204 acres of land; that the land had been taken from them; that in lieu thereof they had received from the Gov- ernment a plot of land—99 acres of which is a perfect barren. They asked for justice in the premises. Hon. Mr. Haviland said the petition should have coms through the Lieutenant Governor in Council. It would then rest with the Government either to give the Indians land or 1oney. The petition was not received. Mr. amend the County Court Act, Mr. Brecken submitted a bill relative to intestates. Tugspay, April 20. MI: CELLANEOUS. Mr. Pope submitted a bill to enable Isaac Knight, Souris, to take the additional name fo‘ John.’ Mr. Pope also submitted a bill to enable . . > ‘ . . ae hte j ’ ~. ia during the session of 1872, that the School | there, he understood, submitted to the re-| the Sheriff of King’s County to convey Act of New Brunswick should be modified, | so as to remove all cause of complaint, had | not been realized, Mr. Laird voted directly against that rider. It was carried, how- vote, tasked on to the McKenzie resolu- tion. He[Mr. D.) did not see any good | that couid arise from the wilful misres presentation of the hon, member, in refer- ence to this matter, and could assure him | that he (Mr. D.} did not intend to go to | | the trouble, time after time, of exposing | them. The hon. member himself says | that he never deceived anyone, even His Lordship the Roman ‘atholic | Bishop, on this education question. | If the hon. strictly correct, with reference to the quirements of the laws, and if they did so there, why could not those of the same Order | act in a similar manner here, and thus pro- | cure for the Catholics of Charlottetown, all the advantages that could be derived from our educational laws? But when they came here and said : “« We owe our allegiance to a foreign power, and will not recognize your laws ; yet we demand a portion of your pub- } lic money for the support of our schools,”’ he (Mr. D.) could notcomply with their request, anda very large majority of the people of this Island could not and would aot grant such demands. With reference to the pro- not posa! that the schoo) difficulty be met by the abolition of the Prince of Wales College, he, for one, would not agree to it. That insti- member's explanations were | tution was doing good work, as the Report, lately laid on the table, proves. In it were 10,000 telegram, where did the $5,000 | instructed, in the higher branches of learn- which were handed over to the Bishop | come from ? The hon, member had assert~ ed that, during his absence on the last | | delegation to Ottawa, the members of tke } Opposition here had made overtures to| members of his party on this education | question. He [Mr. D.] denied this as- | sertion, point-blank. Hon. members of the Opposition had always on this ques- tion pursued had acted upon principle. They had never resorted to trickery of any kind in ing, not only the children of wealthy parents in and around Charlottetown, but the sons of farmers over the length and breadth of this Island. Through the advantages afforued him in that College, the poor man’s son had a chance to rise to situations of responsibility and wealth, and be in a position to compete, } successfully, too, with the rich man’s sgn. |The sons of the wealth woulu be educated whether the Prince of Wales College was in ni alah aie a | wh Pate ep a straightforward course, and | gyictence or not; but if that institution were abolished, there was no piace in the Province where the sons of poor parents could receive in order to obtain the reins of power. | more than a mere elementary education. Their firm reference been the means of keeping them in Ops} position, and might possibly be the means of keeping them there for years to come, The hon. member charged sition with deceiving the people whom represent, as if the latter did not entertain the same views in reference to this question as the men who represent them in the House of Assembly. The hon. member insinuated that the Opposis tion were rotten on this question, although | he was perfectly aware that they had been tested in the severest manner, and had invariably stood firm in their principles. A good deal had been said about secret negociations on the School Bill, and it was a singularly strange fact that the hon. for Summerside had | : : the hon. members of the Oppos | that he (Mr. D.) probably thought Catholics adherence to principle, in The best educated of our young men, would to the education question, had always take the highest positions, and they should all have the opportunity to attain te them, if they chose to avail themselves of the advantages within thejrreach. The hon. | junior member for Georgetown had stated, | bad as well as their system. That hon. | member, in making that assertion, could not | have gone further from the truth. His teach. er, Mr. John Kenny, whom he would always | remember with the highest esteem and the deepest gratitude, was a Catholic. Many of his school-mates, with whom he had formed friendships which would only end with life itse!f, were Catholics ; and he entertained the very greatest respect for his Catholic fellow- But he regretted that they had 1 | | |; countrymen, ‘ : | come to this House as supplicants. When they did so, they placed themselves in a false | position. He was sorry that anything had etter to do one thing well than | Attorney General always appeared to be} been said in this debate te engender bad If we meet this question in the f fairp'ay, and consider it in a rea » manuer, the differences between ; and Protestants may be settled | v York. ) A. J. MeDonald had not changed | pinion since last year. !n other Pros | inces, Protestants had voted public money | to sectarian schools, and yet they did not | think they were doing violence to their | consciences. .Why might not Protestants | do the same here? He hoped and be-~| ed Protestants would change their opin< | in respect to this question. , Denomin- | chools in the city are a iixed fact ; be sustained even though aid is iiey ions btained from the State. Why not} i s justice? That was all they w teral o tout nd . re ue Z ire (x« V i ne wee k 1 to r rea a , v9 “h aot T E i emen expressed his opinions | e the Committee when e lust session, and |} had listened attentively io a the iment on. mem who aad spoken upon the | su ct, and was glad to be able te say that } the debate had been conducted with moder. | AL t ihe 8 pec ches had been haracterized by candor and honesty. The | eech made by the hon. member for | Strat! n was able and convincing, and |} » completely covered the whole ground that no i r remarks were necessary, to show } ular ; Province. He freely ack- it the petition before Com- mittee, ng for a grant from the Public | o Funds, in | of the schools established by | t! nan Catholic Bishop, and signed by | entitled to} could not, in justice | of granting the prayer of that | f t earnestness and sincerity | t | the remarks made by the | Bn i ind Catholies, was lignish, (Mr.Conroy) but | » with him in many of his | r. R ) did not believe ent lamentable condition of | owing to the working of | em of Education. The fact | n had why tho hoolshad degenerated, and | had fallen into their present conditioa. It | | by some hon, members, | | House had treated thing » that time, to | 1 to change his sentimentsin re- | ts brought forward by | * system of Education | ito the requirements of the | been made in the! he erection of proper school | hought, the chief reason | ’ present when these negociations were going on. His honor knew something about the position occupied by the Op- position with reference to this matter. and rights and themselves. When they had the power, in days gone by, they did so, but while giving them equal rights and privileges with themselves, they would never surren- der for the sake of place or power, prin- ciples which they believe to be just. and right, and by the light of which they had hitherto acted. If by holding firmly to a principle by which they had politically suffered, why should they be taunted with inconsistency in reference to it? Such treatment was very unfair. As to the question whether or not the hon. member for Summerside had deceived Bishop Mes Intyre, that was a matter between thems If Catholics chose to accept the ives. | word of the hon. member in preference to | their Bishop, it was no matter of his {Mr D's]. Perhaps they might prefer the hon. members statement and ignore that of their Bishop. He[{Mr. )D.] thought sufficient evidence had been given this evening to show that certain Catholic members of the the question under consideration from a mere party stand point. They had made it a mere political engine. The hon. member for East Point {Mr. McEachen] would not, he says, join the Opposition, even if they acceeded to to the prayer of the petition, now before the Committee, to its fullest extent. Although, says the hon. member, the Go- vernmen will not give me what | want, and although Catholic children may possibly go to perdition in consequence of their refusal, still I will continue to support them and hold on to my office! To pass a law in reference to the question of education, in opposition to the well understood wishes of the people would be sheer nonsense and folly. Even if such a law were carried out to-night, and enforced during the next twelve months, against the wishes of the majority of the people of this Island, when the day of reckoning came it would be a terrible reckoning for those members who violated their pledges and sold their cons stituents. Any system of education oppos. ed to the wishes of the people cou!d not stand long, and the men who intro- duced it must, eventuaily, go to the wall. When a petition was laid before that hon. house, signed by 9000 Catholics, it placed the education question in an entirely dif- ferent position from that which it formerly occupied when the demand for a portion of the public school fund was merely made by Bishop McIntyre himself. In the petition the wishes of a large number of the people were expressed in unmistakable language, which tie House was bound to respect. According to the opinions of the hon. mem- tit the denorninational system suited Char. | ber for Summerside, as expressed by him very well, but that it would hot | in the country districts. If that ‘ ‘ ibsolutely necessary tc the} Catholics of Chariottetown, why should the | Catholics of the country districts be denied | the privilege of having similar schools? It | would be extremely unfair to give the Ca- tholics of Charlottetown advantages which were deni d those belonging to the country district lle was strongly of opinion that | be denominational system would be found | ; n impracticable one, and ill<suited » the wants of the people of this Island. if denominational schools were once estab- lished in the City, it would soon be found necessary to place all parts of the country on a similar footing, with respect to this | matter, as it would not do to establish a| ectional system. If grants were given | me denomination for the support of its s,all other denominations could justly laim similar aid from the Legislature, and the consequence would be, that contention apd strife would arise between the differ. ent sects. In New Brunswick and Nova Scotia the great majority of the people con- tended very strongly for secular schools, and aithough the denominational system was establ shed by law in Ontario, a large majority.o! the population took advantage ot the pub ic schools conducted on the non- sectarian system. No hon. member had pointed outa single country where denomi» national schools hed been a success, but numerous instances had been shown where hey hat tena complete failure. AltLoagh some nad Jreely condemned our free school system, they bad not given 4 single~ proof thet the sectarian system had give mn satise ‘ n in any part of the world. Taking ota into consideration, and giv. ing every argument that had been adduced a of the den minationsl system full weight, be did not think that bon. House wouid be justified in making the proposed change in our present system of education. All that was required in order to render our free school system suitable in every way to the wants of the people, was to amend the School Act, for the purpose of making its provisions more suitable to the wants | in the course of his remarks, the Legislature of this province was now forcing down the throats of Catholics a system of education in which they did not conscientiously be- lieve, and compelling them to pay a tax to supportit. This was not correct. — Our present secular system of education was ins troduced and established by the consent of the Catholics of this Island, through their late Bishop MacDonald, and by leading Catholic statesmen, who have long since gone to their long home, and who, on the oor of the tlouse of Assembly, advocated that system in eloquent terms. If Cathos lics had since changed their minds in refe- rence to this matter, they should not come to that House and say that the system had been forced upon them agaiust their con- sent, Ifthe question be one of conscience, its principles would apply to country places as well as lo thetowx. The people in the school districts in the country had conscience as well as those in the city, and if the present system violated the conscience of the Catholic merchants or artizans in the cily, it violated also that of the Catholic farmer in the country. Yet some Catholic members who advocated the prayer of the petition on the ground that the question was one of conscience, were in favor of applying the sectarian system to the city and ex- cluding it from the country. Itis necessary, they say, to teach the dogmas of the Church to the children in the city and withald it fromm those in the country. In discussing this delicate branch of the subject, it must be borne in mind that Protestants had consciences as well as their Roman Catholic lellow-subjects, and that their convictions on the School Question were ent tled to consideration. They helieved that it was unfuir to appropziate the money which they paid as taxes for the purpose of proprogating a system of religion in which they do not believe, and in teaching a theory in which they have no faith. But. leaving mere theories, and taking a practical view of the question, we know that we are in a mixed community, In such a community men must respeet each other's opinions, and even show a certain consideration for each others’ prejudices, The state applies a certain of the public revenue to provide for the ins privileges they claimed ior | | feeling between Catholics and Protestants. | The language used by the hon. member from | East Point, in the last night's debate was | caleulated to produce that result. That lwas well aware that they were always | gentleman had expressed himselfin a manner willing to extend to Catholics the same | insulting, in the highest degree, to every Protestant, He had spoken in the most of- fensive manner of the version of the Holy Scriptures held in reverence by all true Pro- testants. He had stigmatized that Holy Book | as & corrupt version of the Sacred Scriptures. This was not the spirit in which to come to that House to ask for aid to demominational schools. When that hon. member went out of his way to attack a Protestant clergyman—a man in every way superior te himself— he made a great mistake. He would guarantee that the hon. gentlemen, although condemning the Rev. H. W, Beecher in the sirongest language, had never heard him speak or read his lectures or sermons. If any man im America had written and spoken and labored for the elevation of the masses of the people of his native land, that man was Henry Ward Beecher. It is true heis now upon his trial, charged witb a criminal offence of an atrocious char- acter. But, Mr. Speaker, by whom are these charges preferred? By men and women whose lives and pirneiples are alike revolts ing. The charges, in my opinion, are false, and Henry Ward Beecher will emerge from the cloud now shrouding his fair fame, like gold thrice retined and purified in the fire. But, Mr. Speaker, the hon. member's ideas of British justice and fair play seems to be to condemn one of the highest and purests minded men of the age without a hearing or a trial. God forbid that I should fellow this exs ample. In my heart I hold Mr. Beecher in- nocent, and if, unfcriunately, my conviction should prove wrong, the cause of religion generally will have received a terrible shock. The hon. member from East Point read his- tory, like contemporary events, backwards and upside down. He has had the hardi- hood to assert that the denominational sys- tem of education had proved a biessing to the countries that enjoyed it. Does history bear him out? Did it prove a blessing to ltaly? That country for centuries has revel- led in the enjoyment of the system he delights to honor with his lips, and the result has been national debasement and dishonor. But now she has been ridding herself of that system. Her people are becoming educaied, and she herself, that country so blessed by nature, and so renowned in history, is now rising from her lethargy, and, like a giant refreshed with wine, is taking her proper position amongst the nations of the earth. If the hon. member would read the report of Mr, Baxter, a member of the British House of Commons, he would find that Italy had made more progress during the las¢ ten or fifleen years than she had done for nearly a century previously. Spain and Mexico had also been referred to as countries possessing the much prized system of sectarian educas tion. They had itin its purity, and the re- sults were certainly not such as to offer any good argument for the infreduction of that system here. Compare these countries with those where the blessings of free education are enjoyed by the people. That system is one which recognizes no improper class diss tinctions. Its good results permeate the mass ofthe peoples educated under it, and elevates them into a higher and nobler plane ofintelligence. The improvements of science are made known to, and enjoyed by large masses of people, who otherwise would have died in ignorance of, and without the advans tages that flow from these improvements. Space and time have both been brought un- der man’s subjection, and are annihiliated at his will. Inthe United States the people are becoming educated in every corner of that great land, and are rising to a sphere of in- lelligence and knowledge hardly ever before witnessed. The wildernesses have been made to blossom as the rose, and knowledge is blessing with her fruits the peoples that had the sense to take her to their bosom. Looking at tlis grand national progress and en:ightenment, | feel justified in repeatix.g the werds of England’s greatest orator, when | he said, in surveying the marvellous advance | of science and her handmaids, «1 almost seem to hear the echo of that Almighty voice that once rolled over the primeval chaos, says ing, ‘ Let there be light.’ ” Monpay April 19. THE LAND QUESTION. On the motion to go into Committee of the Whole to consider the Land Purchase Act, 1874— Mr. B. Davies said the Land Question is a question between the public and the proprietors. For his part, he could not endorse the policy of the Government, as embodied in the Bill. He could not sup~ port the measure unless a provision were introduced by which the arbitrators would be authorized and empowered to ventilate the titles of proprietors— to investigate into the original grants, and to ascertain whether or not the quit rents had been paid, and all the requirements of the grants complied with, If the Government would vest in the arbitrators like powers with those vested in the Royal Commissioners a few years ago, then he would go with them and support the Bill, The Bjll as it now prisoners on the railway through that part of Queen’s County over which ‘the line between Georgetown and Souris is laid. House in Committee considered the bill to disestablish the Church of England in this Island. After some discussion the Speaker took the Chair. Mr. Campbell] said the correspondence of the proprietors is in many particulars untrue. In his opinion, the Absentee Proprietors were the greatest drawback to the prosperity o/ the Island, for they annus ally drain it of a large amount of money. In the Minute of Council, which would be sent to Ottawa, he thought the Governor General should be shown the peculiar diffi, culties the tenantry have had to contend with should, he thought lie with the” Legisla.~ ture—not with te Government. Mr. Pope said he did not care much for the bill; and he very much questioned whether the Hon. Attorney General — who introduced it—believed init. He alluded to the following wotation from one of the letters of Lady Gecrgina Fane on the subs ject ot the compulsory measure passed last year :— “ When the delegates, one of whom was Mr. James Pope, returned from Canada to Prince Edward island. they announced to the people of Prince Edward Island that the Government of Canada had promised to pass an Act compelling the proprietors to sell their estates. [ was at that time, with other proprietors, petitioning Lord Kimberly, then Her Majesty’s Colonial Minister, against the Tenants’ Compensa- tion Act, an unjust and tyrannical Aot, for which there was not in Prince Edward Is land the shadow of an excuse. ‘| had related to him facts within my own experience that proved the truth of my assertion, that the proprietors in the Island were in need of protection, and not the tenants, many of whom are wealthy men: some are members of the House cf -Assembly, and some (as Mr. James Pope who, himself, had been a tenant of mine) are members of the Government. « | informed Lord Kimberly of the states ments made by Mr. James Pope and the other delegates, and entreated that Her Majesty’s Government would not throw us helpless into the power of persons who avowed their intention to rob us. The delegates neither knew nor said anys thing about the Compulsory Land Bill when they returned from Canada. He was not in the Legislature when the bill was passed, and her Ladyship had been misinformed, for no such representation as she had al- luded to had ever been made by him. With reference to the question before the House he would do anything reasonable to abolish the Leasehold System. But, not- withstanding that he wanted to give the Government all the help in his power, he could not go for the bill. It was, he thought, rather calculated to retard than promote the prosperity of the country. It cannot be justified. [t is founded on a wrong principle. He would support almost any measure sooner than this. if the pro- prietors refused to sell, voluntarily, on fair and reasonable terms, the Legislature would, he thought, be justified in harrass- ing them in every way. But, suppose the bill should pass, does any one believe that the land will be obtained as cheaply as under the Fifteen Years’ Purchase Act? No. No tenant will obtain the fee simple of his farm for less than twenty years pur- chase. ‘The bill, if it does pass, will only end in dissatisfaction and disappointment, But give the Government power to expend the +800,000 in the purchase of lands; and let them use their best endeavors to get all the estates they can at fair prices. Mr, Holland’s proposition is not a bs? one. If it were carried out, the estates «culd be had at about 14 years purchase ; the pros prietor would receive an araount for his land, the interest of which, at 5 per cent, would yield as much revenue as the rents of the estates; and they would be in a far better position than they are now. [If they would not come to reasonable terms lawful means might be taken to make them. These lands are becoming valuable, not through any effort of their own, for they have never made any, but through the ex~ ertions of the people, and the public ims provements which have been made. And the proprietors might very fairly be taxed to maintain those improvements which make their estates valuable. He (Mr. Pope) had owned half of township 27. It was as valuable an estate for its size as there is on the Island, Every dollar of back rent could be collected. Yet he had sold it to the Government for ten years’ purchase. He would not ask others to make as great asacrifice; but he thought they should submit to fair terms. If they would not, then a tax which would harrass them should be placed upon their lands. Mr. L. H. Davies thought reasons should be set forth—either in the preamble of the bill or in the minute of Council, which would accompany it to Ottawa—why the compulsory principle should be resorted to in this case. If we acknowledge, even tacitly, the right of proprietors to estates, the arbitrators will be obliged to award them what is just. Mut here is an extra- ordinary case. Many have considered that some proprietors have: forfeited their lands, and that cthers never had a proper title to the estates they hold. The arbitrators should take into consideration the rights of the proprietors, and investigate as to whether the conditions of the original grants have been complied with. If there is nothing in the bill empowering them to do so, he (Mr. L. H. Davies) thought a great mistake would be made. So far, the Government have scrupulously avoided importing into the bill anything which will justify the passing of it. If they ever expuyct to do even a modicum of good they must show that it is a question whether the proprietors have a right to the iand, and give the arbitrators power to test the right. Hut the Government say, virtually, we will not allow the arbitrators to consider the rightatall. He (Mr. L. H. D.) would feel it his duty to propose, when the House went into Committee, an amend- ment tothe Bill. If the Attorney Gene. ral believed in his Bill, he would have pre- pared a lucid preamble, setting forth all the circumstances which led to the passage of it. Inavery short time—less than a week— he would have compiled a magnifi- cent code of reasons. He (Mr. L. H. D.) believed with Mr. Pope, that under the bill—if it passed—the lands would cost the tenantry twenty years purchase, unless, indeed, the stipulations of the original grants were taken cognizance of. He could not but congratulate tie Attorney General for having adopted the amendments of the Opposition. The bill passed last year did not provide for the appointment of an in. dependent arbitration. This years’ would. Great care should, however, be taken in the selection of the arbitrator on the part of the tenantry. It is necessary that he be aman Of more than ordinary intelligence, capacity and honor—well versed in Land . The appointment would Holland presented a petition to | The appointment or nomination of | the arbitrator on behaif of the tenants ‘the person they intended to appoint. to the Legislature for its assent. He(L. H. | Davies) would rather give the $800,000 | to the the proprietors at once than give the appointment to an improper mau, As the bill stood, he had serious mis» givings that it would not pass. He thought it was the duty of the Attorney General to vindicate the bill by means of an able exposition of it to the Governor General in Council,—and to remove, if possible, the impression made by the cors | respondence of the petitioners. The im- pudence of the proprietors exceeds all bounds, Their correspondence with the |Governor General is bristling with lies. He briefly criticized the proprietors’ state- ‘come to terms, and again succeeded in | procuring the disaliowance of the Com~ | pulsory bill, he would advocate the levy of |a tax upon their rent roll. It is unjust, he said, that the people of this Island should be taxed to make improvements to raise the price of the proprietors’ land. House went into Committee, Mr. land in the Chair, and— fion. Mr. Brecken said he had yet to learn that the merits of a Act could be correctly judged by its preamble. The |greatest measures ever passed by the sritish Parliament have very short pre | ambles; and he (Mr, Brecken) did not see ithe use of a long preamble to this bill. | With respect to the information, on the | part of the Island Legislature, to which he | had called the Governor General’s atten- | tion last year, it was composed of the Re- | port of the Royal Commissioners, a very jable Minute of Council prepared by the | Mon. Mr. Haythorne, and a Minute of Council, with which the present Judge Pope had something todo. These were all able and exhaustive. They contained every thing that could be said in favor of the tenants. It was notin his power to give more information; and if he had sent to His Exceilency a very lengthy exposition of ovr Land Question, he would have had to plagiarize it. The Government would, he said, meet the Opposition on this question in a fair spirit. If the two measures before the Legislatures were passed, he believed that, combined, they would be as perfect a solution of the long- vexed question as it is possible to arrive at. The first would empower the Government to purchase estates; and if proprietors refused to sell voluntarily, at fair prices, then the second (the Compulsory bill) | would enable the Government to put on the screws. Mr. McNeill hoped the measure was framed in a proper manner. The people of the Island have, undoubtedly, truth and justice on their side. They are prepared to give fair and reasonable prices for the lands. It is a libel on them to say that they wish to treat the proprietors unjustly. On the clause relative to the appoint- ment of arbitrators— Mr. Campbell said he thought the Leg- islature should have a voice in the appoints ment of the arbitrator on behalf of the tenantry. By referring the appointment to the Legislature, the Government would be relieved of a great responsibility, and the tenants would be better satisfied. He would like to see fair value paid for the land. Hon. Mr. Brecken did not see why the selection of the arbitrators should not be left to the Executive. The fact that they had | introduced this bill, proved that they were | not the proprietor’s friends, At any rate, | the nomination of an arbitrator, before the Act received the Assent of the Governor General, would be premature. Mr. L. H. Davies said the Opposition did not expect the name would be put in the bill. They thought, hovever, that it should be submitted to the Legislature for con- currence in the nomination. All their efforts would be nullified were a person un. fit for the duties, appointed. Hon. Mr. Haviland reminded the House that there were two bills before the Legis« latuye,—one besed on the voluntary, the other on the compulsory principle. Were they carried, they would both be likely to receive the assent of the Governor General ; and the proprietors would be more apt to sell voluntarily than to go ivto arbitration. But if the permissive bill did not pass the Legislative Council, how, in the name of common sense, could the Government en. ter into negociations with the proprietors, when they were only empowered to give 7s. 6d. per acre for the land; and how could it be supposed that the proprietors would sell at so low a rate, when their es- tates had been selling at a much higher price these many years. The opposition appear to be very anxious that the Legis-~ lature should nominate the arbitrator, on behalf of the Province. A great deal will, undoubtedly, depend on that arbitrator ; but it would be premature to name a gens tleman for the position now. It will be time enough when the bill becomes law. To appoint an arbitrator now, would have a very bad effect. The Government would not likely, be so fool~hardy, to select one who is unfit. They will have no alterna- tive but to tame a man who is in every way qualified, Before the bill becomes law, there may be a «urn in the political wheel and therefore it is premature to nominate one now. He (Mr. Haviland) was not in favor of a captivating preamble. Long pre- ambles are not now considered necessary or desirable. The care is, if possible, to get rid of them. He quite agreed that the proper information shall be laid before the Governor General in Council. And that in- formation was afforded last year. He was not going to take party ground on this question ; but he might say that if the Gove ernor General in Council wished for further information they might have received it from the Hon. David Laird—a gentleman in every way competent to give it. He (Mr. Haviland) defied any one to say that he was fishing for a position—he had never he asked a living min for a position—when declared his be'ief that Mr. Laird would have been pleased, if last yeary’ bill had passed. He would go further. He would say, that Mr. Laird is anxious that a bill may be passed which will get the assent of the Governor General. The Attor- ney General had been censured by the Leader of the Opposition, because he had not refuted the siatements of the proprie, tors respect.ng the last years’ bill. He re- minded the House that the proprietors’ cor. respondence with the Governor General, was never sent down here until after the bill had been disallowed ; and therefore it was simply impossible for the Attorney General to refute the statements contained in the correspondence. lie concluded by saying, that until the Land Question is satisfactory arranged—until the tenants bes come freeholders, there never will be a positive assurance of the peace and pros. perity of the Island. Mr, L. H. Davies submitted the follow~ ing, as an additional sub-section :—- i. (1) The conditions of the original grants from the crown ; (2.) The perform- ance or non-performance of those conditions; (3.] the effects of such non-performance, and how far the despatches from the Eng- lish Colonial Secretarys to the different Lieutenant Governors of this Island, or other action of the crown or Government have operated, as waivers of any forfeitures: F, The Quit Rents reserved in the origi» nal grants, and how far the payment of the same, have been waived or remitted by the crown. Hon. Mr. Brecken said there was not, he thought, any anology between the duties of the Royal Commissioners and those which would belong to the arbitrators. Still, he did not see that any harm would result from the addition of the amendment, and he would accept it, and give it a trial. Mr. B. Davies expressed his satisfaction. Unless the amendment were incorporated with the Bill,the Province would have to pay full value for the lands. The Bill passed through Committee with- out further discussion. MISCELLANEOUS. Wepnespar, Apri! 21. An Act relating to Intestates, passed a third reading. Mr. Stewart moved the House into Com. mittee of the whole, on the Act to repeal the Act incorporating the Charlottetown Cemetery Company. After some debate hon.Mr. Haviland moved to go into Com- mittee ‘ this day three months,” — carried. INDEPENDENCE OF PARLIAMENT. Hon. Mr. Haviland submitted a bill to preserve the Independence of the General Assembly. He briefly reviewed the bill. It provides that members of the Dominion Senate and Commons, Dominion officials permanently employed in Governmental Departments; members of the Board of Works—except the ( hairman—and mem< bers of the Board of Education, shall be incapable of taking a seat in either branch of the Provincial ialature atter the exs Hol } iments; and ssid that if they refused to | ¢ ritis a , |in the Provincial Legislature after a vill le OS piration of the present term. The intro~ duction of the bill would, doubtless, he | said, call forth some remarks from a cer. | tain newspaper cailed the Examen. He (Mr. Haviland) had been*too long in pub-~ he life to have any care for the adverse criticism of the press. Of course, he liked praise when he deserved it; but he only wished for the popularity which follows just and good actions. His position as a mem~ ber of the Senate and member of the Local Legislature, was no more false than that the hon. member from Tignish, and other officials of the Dominion, who also held seats in the Assembly. A few years ago, the celebrated Mr. Blake introduced a bill to abolish Dual representation, and yet he retained his seat in the Provincial Legisla- ture of Ontario until the general election following te passage of the Bill, Mr. De Cosmos, of British Columbia, also remained abolishing Dual Representation had been paseed. Mr, Blanchette, Speaker of the Assembly of Quebec, held his seat and his oftice under the same circumstances. Mr, Holton, a gentleman whiose opinions on constitutional points had as much weight in the Commons as those cf any other man, was also. atone time, a Dual Representa~ tive. Ard as long as he (Mr. Haviland) had the example of gentiemen so high in the politics of Canada, us those he had named, he would not relinjuish his position merely because the proprietor and the editor of the Examrner considered it a false one, and styled bim the Uon. Senator- Provincial Secretary. Mr. L. Ul. Davies thovyjght there was no value in the logic of the Hon. Provincial Secretary. If Dual Representation inter. fered with the independence of the Gen- eral Assembly, it did so just as much now as it will at the end of tiie present term. He held that, as those who would be ex~ cluded from the Legislature, after the dis-~ solution of Parliament, under the bill, had been elected previous to their acceptance of the position, which, according to the opinion of the Provincial Secretary affect ed their independence as members of the Local House, they had no vested rights which could not fairly b> legislated upon now. The argument, therefore, that it would be unfair to deprive them of their scats until the expiration of the Legisla- ture, is without any weight. The hon, member himself voluntarily accepted a position as Senator of the Dominion, which, in his own opinion, is calculated to affect his independence as the representative of Georgetown. He did so since he was elected by his constituents, and, therefore, having deprived himself of his independ~ ence, he cannot complain if this Parlias ment were te insist upou the immediate sbolition of the dual system. Mr. Welsh thought tke bill necessary ; and would go for the :bolition of Dual Representation now. Bu; as we have only one more session of thi: Legislature, he thought it would hardly 2 worth while to put the country to the expense of an elec- tion. Mr. Campbel! was in favor of the prin- ciple of the bill. It should, he thought exclude the members of the Board of Works, the L’oard of Education, and the Crown Land Commissionvr. The Solicitor General was not, he thoug ht, wanted at all. No more officials should, in his opinien, be permitted to take seats upon the floor of the House than were absclutely necessary. Hon. Mr. Haviland thought the Crown Land Commissioner shouk| be in the House, The office is a very important one. It might even be expedien; to hove the ins cumbent (whoever he was) in the Execu- tive. Mr. Cailbeck thought the Commissioner of Crown Lands should not only be in the Legislature—he should be in the Govern~ ment, The Financial Secretary (when he was appointed) should also have aseat at the Executive Board. Certainly, every responsible’ official should be in the Legis- lature. Mr. McEachen did not think we should be toosweeping in our :eforms. He did not think it right to drive: all officials out of the Legislature. Perscnally, he had no feeling in the matter, but he believed it would be in the public interest to have the Crown Land Commissioner in the Execu- tive. There is now 80,000 acres of land in the'hands of the Government. Owing to the uninfluential position the Commissioner held, the land had never been appraised, and he believed that considerable timber had been plundered. Mr. L. H. Davies thought the statement just made by the Commissioner of Crowh Lands, one of the most serious charges which had been made agaiust the Govern- ment this year. He (Mr. Davies) thought Heads of Departments sould be on the floor of the House and also in the Governs ment. Hen. Solicitor General had never seen the report of the Crowr Land Commis- sioner, in which it was stated that the pub- lic property wes being plundered. He was afraid the Commissioner had confounded the matter with a dispute: between himself and his hon. colleague. For his part he had never heard that timber was being plundered. ‘(o dispose of the property at the present time would, he thought, be very unwise. Itis rapidly rising in value. He did not think it would te atall right to provide, in the bill under discussion, that officials should be excluded from the Legis- lature before the term for which they were elected had expired. Mr. McNeill was very much surprised at tthe statement made by the Commissioner of Crown Lands about the state of the pub» lic property. If the wilderness land are left unattended to until the timber is all gone, it will be of very little value. The land, he thought, should be a source of revenue. Mr. Mci.ean did not object to certain Officials in the Executive. The heads of departments should be there to report to the Legislature. If 80,000 acres of the public lands were in such a bad state as had been represented, a great mistake had been made. As far as he (Mr. McLean) was concerned, he was prepared to stand by all his speculations in land. He defied any gentleman to say that he had been guilty of land jobbery. Dr. Jenkins said ho was glad that the bill was brought in. He hoped soon to see a bill introduced to reduce the num. ber of members both of the Assembly and the Legislative Council. It would, he be« lieved, tend to the independence of Parlia~ ment if all the office-hoiders in the Legis» lature were confined to those who hold seats in the Executive Council. _———— ee Customs Receiprs.—The following are the receipts at the Customs here for the nine months ending 3lst March, 1875, as com~ pared with the corresponding period last year :— 1873. 1874. Increase. July, $9,516.29 313,500.39 $3,884.10 Aug , 6,383.75 10,697.66 5,313.91 Sept 7,334.05 43,338.88 36,004.83 Oct > 34,732.75 57,234.40 12,501.65 Nov., 17,219.44 41,406.10 24,186.66 Dec. 18,832.75 19,010.94 178.19 Jan. 5,178.85 5,722.84 543.99 Feb., 2,735.33 5,150.43 2,415.10 March, 2,707.67 5,418.55 2,710.98 Total, $103,740.78 $191,480.19 $87,739.41 The centeniary celebrations at Concord and Lexington were witnessed by the Presi. dent, Cabinet, Governors of several States and 50,000 spectators. es MARRIED. At theresidence of the bride’s father on the 13th inst., by D. McDonald, Mr. Elijah McVane to Miss Elizah Scott, third daughter or Deacon Alexander Scott, all of West River. DIED. At Argyle Shore, on 21st March, Coliv, son of the late Archibald McNevin, iv the 44th year of his age. ; At Argyle Shore, ow the 6th inst., Catherine McLeag, relict of the late Archibald McNevia, aged 83 years —— eee SHIP NEWS. By Cable to Messrs. Peake Bros. & Co.—S, S. Prince Kdward sailed trom Liverpool for Charlottetown on the 20th inst., with full cargo of general merchandise, Buenos Ayres, Feb. 16.—Loading, ship N. Mosher, Stewart, for New Yor. St. Thomas, 5th—Sailed, brig. Louisa, Hobbs, for Arroyo. Barbadoes, March 16th—Sailed schooner J. M.S., for Ntid. Demarara, March 15,.~Arrived, brig. Cerdie Finlaysoa, trom Swansea. St. Joho, N.F., March 22.—Sailed schooner Alice Myric, for 3% Jage. Portland, April 7.—Saiied, brigt Douse, for Halifax. Baltimore, Aprii 10.—Below, briet, James Lon- dels, Pride, trom Trinidad. Liverpool, April 15.—Nailed, bark John F. Robinson, McMullen, for Summerside. Arrived at Havanua, 23 inst., Barqu. Assyrian, ot a ans McDonald Master, from Sristo) Chanuel, (/uango, i i i i LOCAL AND OTHER LLL Rememner the Odd Fellow's ment in the City Hall this evening, All OBO A Pipes, Albums, Cigars, Tobacco, &c., ¢ atthe Union House, 28 Queen Street, 9 me —<POe Ticnisn Evecrion.—Capt, “Pretk was returned by a majority of twen: ‘ =. ‘Fontes, Tue Session.—It is expecied that Session will be closed on Tues lay or Weg. nesday. + Faesn Ovsrers constantly on hand gy or bushel, wae > = Nor rae First SwWaLLow—but ihe fost last week. sa paeiliaata Tempenance.—A Pubhc Tem ; ng, wiil be heldin Scott's Hall, this¢ day) evening, at8 p. m. -e>- John Livingston intends starting a paper in St. John. _ -—-_- barbor. On Saturday last, the 24:4 Mr. Alexander Munn of Southport crosseg” with 2 borse. Don Juan.—The trotting stallion + Juan,” wes offered at auction by A. Me Neil, on the Market Square, on Friday Ig and bougiitin by McKinnon, the groom, $300. saincinih ik lili site ils Personat.—Hon. Senator Howlan was town last week. On Friday evening he in the House of Assembly, occupying a near his old place. The Hon. genth looks weli. >_>. _ Oxe Hunxorep Suits of scarlet uatform been ordered for Indian chiefs under the visions of the Treaty negotiated by Mr’ Lai with the Sioux and Salteaux Indians summer, a Oe Patterson, manager of the Mail, vill dispensed with, says a Toronto owing to his having got that paper i numerous little suits. a ee Tue Asyium.—We trust the Govern will vigorously push forward the work building the new Asylum for Insane. W a forlnight, lately, there were no less nine applications for admittance. — ———— d To Cornesponpents.—* Black Bush,” rey ceived to late for insertion this week. The “Com,” respecting the Physician's contre- versy, was not accompanied by the writers’ name. it with pleasure. been destreyed by the cold snap of last week. In the northwestern part of Ontario the thermometer on Saturday marked 9 degrees below zero. ~~. oe appointments are gazetled :—Ronald S. Me- Alex. Ho!laran, Souris, and James McDonald, of St. Peter's Bay to be harbor masters. ACKNOWLEDGNENTS.— We acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the Report of the Minis- ter of the Interior ; a pamplet entitled “ The ada,” Halifax, N.S. — Tue Newrounptann Seat Fisurav. — The 15,000.—Sailing vessels : Harriet, 8.900, Kali- Nothing yet from 8S. 8S, PantAer. keenly contested. The Quebec Local Gov~ ernment is supported by the Ultramontane Party, white their opponents, the Liberal, appeal to the Pacific and Tanneries scandals to show that the present Quebec Government is unworthy of confidence. As the Roman Catholic Church is all powerful in Quebec we fear the liberals have but a slim chance ef success.— Si. John Tel. ————— i Transport Recurations.—An Ottawa Je spatch to the St. Joha Telegraph reports : “ Arrangements have been completed be- another through Canadian territory and vice versa Canadian goods through Uniied States cerritory, by land or water, in either United States or Canadian vessels. These regule- tions are construed under the Thirtieth Ars ticle of the Washington Treaty, to facilitate transport ef freight to the Northwest Terri- tories. i + Po HE RAILWAY. Me. Swinyard arrived in Charlottetown on Saturdey night last. A train from the city reached Georgetewn on Friday, and @ train with fourcar loads of freight, arrived here from Georgetown on Saturday evening. Georgetown ; returning, will leave George- car loads of freight, only, will be carried, Freigit in smail lots will not yet be received. Extra gangs of nen are now engaged <a on tbe Souris branch and the main line merside. As soon as cleared a regular trew town end Georgetown. Mr. Swinyard in- forms us that when the railway is entirely clear and when ready for regular treiile @ proper Time Table will be issued, giving the hours fixed upon for running the trains throughout, + _o- +. - CITY PARK. Tus Assembly has passed a Bill by which ferty acres of Government Farm are secured to the citizens of Charlottetown for a park. The measure, as first introduced, only vest- ed thirty-three acres in the city; but through the endeavors of Hon. Mr. Pope and the Leader of the Opposition, the plan adopted by the Legislature in 1875, was adhered to. We cannot but regret that Battery Point will uot be iccluded in the Park. Mr. Pope’s proposal to include it, though very ably seconded by the Leader some claim to the ground, which, being advanced, would have the effect of prooum ing the disallowance of the Bill. J he mat- ter may, however, be bett«r understood next year; and we trust a bill will then be introduced which will give our citizens the benefit of the most beautiful part of the farm. oN eee Lieutenant Governor has, very kindly, permitted cricket matches, etc., to be held on the grounds. But future will be just as well to have right se- cured. We feel quite sure his Hoxor would be happy to acquiesce; and as fares the Ordnance De’ t ix concerned, ao Point will oy: as eligible e ilitary purposes while in i aoeircs aia ion of the Lieut* Governor. On Point Pleasant Park, Balis fax, there are seyera! forts. Dr. Jenkins’ suggestion is an excellent future issue. We trust our citizens bscribe the Park su wo ban beating hutterfly—appeared in the house of cltises Sr. Joun Jounnatism.—it is statea vbat Mr Tue ice still lingers in Chartotteewn— Disrexsen Wits.—The services of Mr, if it were, weshould have inserted | Dominion AppointwenTs.—The foliowing Donald, of the port of Grand River, P. E. 1, to be harbor master ; Charles Deagie, of Rollo Bay, Wm. R. Dingwell, of Bay Fortune, — Great Dominion— an Address by Edward — Jenkins, Esq., M. P., Agent General for Cane and the Seventeenth Annual! Report of 3 * the institution for the Deaf and Dumb, at — North Sydney Herald reports the follewitg — additional arrivals at St. John’s, Nfd., from seal fisheries :—Ranger,15,000, Iceland, 5,500, — Wolf, 6,000, Walrus, 4,000. Commodore, 13,- © 000, Merlin, 3,500, Vanguard, 5,000, Eagle, = A New Generac Evecrion is pending in — the Province of Quebec, which is likely to be tween the Dominion and the United Siates © Governments,whereby dutiab'e goods may be | transported from one United States port to ~ During the current week a special train ~ will leave Charlottetown daily, at 7a. m.,for — town at three p. m. Passengers and ful} — between Charlottetown Royalty and Sam-— will be rup, as at present, between Charlotie- — of the Opposition, Mr. B. Davies, and several other gentlemen, was not adopted; because it wss feared by the Government that the Ordnance department might have one. We will endeavor to explain it art 5 bis gv Pee mmm mm J Wueat,—Fears are entertained thatthe fall wheat in certain parts of Ontario has — ma, 8,000, Camilla, 8,000, Williams, 3,900.— = Governors may not be one ing; aod it Union House, 28 Queen Street, b pes 7 + 0