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LOWEK (JAKAl)A IlEPOllTS.
DECISIONS DES TRIBUNAUX
DU BAS-CANADA.
SEIGNIORIAL
aiJESTïorv^
A COMPILATION
Cnntnmiii!» llio Sfic;Tiii.rnl Act nf lH,j t. thc nniriuliiiciit to ihc Hciemoriul Aei. (illS51.Uie
(}ui-'ii)ii< .-uliiniMi (1 |iy i;i|. Aiioniry ( i(>iirral l'ir I.ower Ciiuada, tlit; CiiiiiiiiT-f.Jiicstiiiiu
''ul iiiîii( il liv dr. li . Sfi'Mi .1-:. llu' l'idrcciliiiir^ a:i:| lU'ci-i. m- df thu Spécial Courl
'■.',;-i,im;i il M,iu r liu^ aulhiinly cit' Ihr Sfi^ninriiil Act i l' IS.M, ilir l'Ieadinuk
aii'l .Mciiii'ii .H l'I tlii: Ailvdi alts. aiul lliu ( )l'.-orvaliuii.- of Uic Judi^'cs A;i.'. . Stc.
KuiTOKH : MM. LELIEVKE kt AN(îEKS.
VOLUME A
IMIINTEl),
PaRTLV AT (iUElîEC" n\ A. COTK, A'-!) l'AUTfA' \ ." MoNTiiDA !,
IIY DUVERNAY iittOTilKHS.
\Sn(].
1
2
S
4
5
6
lA 1! I. I
Oi th<> ( oiiteiiK oC (hi!4 ihHi VoIimiic^
HUSl' SKUlKS.
Seigiiiorial Act of 18.") 1
Act lo aiiioiid llic Si'i^iiioiial Act ol' IM^) t
Prot'CL'dinii^s oIiIk; Spécial Court, constitiitcd un-
(1er llic !UillK)rity ottlu! Scigniorial Act of KSôl..
JiuIgnicMit oftlie Spécial Court upon tlio Questions
of tlu; Attorney (Jenoral
Judgiiieiit of tlic Sj)Ocial Court upoii tlie Countcîr-
(^ucstions of llic Seii,aiiors, John Pany-iiiati, Sir
Kdninnd Filmer, Lady Marie-Louise Cliartier, de
Lothinière, Lady Marie-Charlotte de Lotbinière,
John Malcohu Fraser et .leau Roch Uolland....
Suunnary of ihe Judi(nient of the Spt;cial Court
held Ululer the authority of tluî Seii^niorial Aet of
1851
l'.\<;
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1
a
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a
Il
a
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a
90 a
\2(j a
SECOND SERIES.
Opinion of Sir L. H. LaFontaine, Bt.
(Translated by M. Mciver, Esq.)
Page.
\. Preliminary Observations 1 a
2. Part first. — Jeu de Fief. 8 a
3. Part second. — Cens et Rentes 150 a
4. Part third. — Réservations 270 «
5. Part fourth.— Mill Banality 292 a
6. Part fifth.— Waters 344 a
7. Part sjxth. — Of the nature of the power attributed
to the Govcrnor and to Intendant by the first of
the two arrêts of the Gth July 1711, on the refusai
of any particular seignior to concède .17,> a
ANXO DFXIMO-OCTAVO
VICTOR \Â] iii:(;iiNA:.
CAP. III.
An Aot for tlic abolition of fcudal riglils and dut les in
LowtT Canada.
[Assc/ilcd la ly/Zt Drccinbcr, 185 l.J
WIIEIIRAS il is expédient to abolisli ail fciidal rii,dit.sProambio.
and diities in Lowcr Canada, wliether bearinj^ iipon
the Critsitdirc or \\\Mm ihe Seii^mior, iind to seeiire lair com-
pensation to the latler l'or every lucrative rii,dit \vliicli is now
jegaily liis, and which lie will lose by sncli abolition ; And
whereas in considération of the greut advantages which mnst
resuit to the Province iVoni the al)olition of the said feiidal
rights and duties and the substitution of a free tenure for
tliat under which the property subject thereto hatli heretoforc
becn held, it is expédient to aid the Camtaire in the ré-
demption of the said charges, more especially as regards
those which while they press most heavily on indastry and
enterprize, cannot, from their very nature, be otherwise madc
immediately redeemable without grievous hardship and in-
justice in many cases : Be it t hère fore enacted by the
Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the ad vice
and consent of the Législative Couneil and of the Législative
Assembly of the Province of Canada, constituted and as-
sembled by virtue of and under the authority of an Act
passed in the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, and inlituled, An Act to re-tinilc the
Provinces of Upper and Loiver Canada., and for thu Govern-
ment of Canada., and it is hereby enacted by the authority
of the same, as follows :
2a
ActjBV c. 12, I, TliP Act p;iHS«îtl in tho «'iglitli year (»f lier IVIiijcsfy'»
Rcign, iiUiliilcd, An Act tlw hcttcr la /avili tatv nplional com-
mutation of thc tcnurc of /amis vn roture /'« thc stigniorics
and /icfsj in Lnircr Canada^ info thaï, of franc-alcii roturier y
and lli(! Act passod in tlie Iwellili year of lier Majcsty's
Ami 12 V.e.-lO lteif,Mi, and intilulcd, An Act to amnid thc Art jinssrd in thc
ei<^hlh year of lier M(tjr slips Jld'j^n, intilulcd, " An Ad thc
" hctlcr to facililutc o/itional connuululion of thc. tcnurc of
" lands en roture in thc sciii;niorics and ficfs, in Lowcr Ca-
" nada, into that of franc-aleu roturier ^'''^ shall be and tliey
are liereby repealed in mo far as ref,'ard.s llie neigniories to
vviiich this Aet applies : but deeds of commutation grantcd,
l' jpoiilud lia
rflj^iirls floi-
(;niorie8 to
wliicti this Act
extuud».
or otlier lliings donc under tliem, sliall remain in full force
and hâve the same ellect as if tlie said ActM liad not been
repealed.
DETERMINATION Ob' TIIK rilICE TO BE I>AID BY SEIGNIOR ANU
CENSITAIRE FOR THE COMMUTATION OF THE TENUKE OF
THEIR PROPERTY.
Oorernor to ap- II. It sliall be lawful for tlic Govcrnor to appoint Commis-
Bioners^"*""*"' ''^'^"'^''^ undcr tliis Act, and, from tiine to time, to remove
ihem and to appoint others in the phice of any removed,
or dying, or resigning office ; and each of the said Commis-
sioners shall, before entering upon the duties of his office,
take and subscribe, beftn'e a Judge of the Superior Court,
the following oatli :
Thoir oath of
office.
" I, , swear that I will faithfully, and without
" partiality, fear, favor or afTection, perform my duly as
" Comraissioner under the Seigniorial Act of 1854."
Remumration. HI. The said Commissioners shall rcceive for their ser-
vices under this Act, and for their ncccssary expenses and
disbursements, such compensation as shall be allowed to
them respectively by the Governor, and no other lees or
émoluments whatsoever.
3 a
IV. Kiicli of llic siiitl C'oinmissioniMs sliall nnd iriay act as CimmiMionoM
sucli iii any |)art()i l^owiT Canada, and llicy r^hall w. au.;n^H.'i;{iiiiiri«i a«-
to cacli ollicr, so tliat any onc ol llicni, u nci'd hc, may t't^'i- ruipocilveiy
liniie and coMipIcte tlir vvork bc^^Min hy any otlicr ol" dirin ;
l)(i1 subjcct t(i tins provision llie (iovernor may, froni timc lo
tinic, assii^Mi llic sci^Miiory or sfi^Miiorirs in and lor wliicli
♦•acli ot' tlicm fsliall ac-f.
V. It sliall 1)0 tlie (luly of cach of die 8ai<l ConnnissioncrsThoy «hall
to value tlu; soveral ri<,dit.s licrcinallcr incntioncd, wididui» of ea«:h
1 I • • I • I I II I • 1 I • VL'ii'iiiciry,
rrgard lo l'acli scii^'iiiory, wliicli sliali bc asMiijjncd to liini showint?
as aforesuid by tlic Govcrnor, and lodraw np, in labuiar l'orni
in triplicato, a schcduki of such sidgniory, slicwing :
1. The total value of thc seii^niory, tliat is to sav, of ail tlic Tho total vaiuo
11 ■ . . I ■ I , c ■ .11. "f iho seigni-
proj)crty and liK-rative nglits whicn liie Seignior holds asory ;
sueli, wlu'llier as Seii,'nior dominant of any fief ludd of hini
as sucli Seiqnior, or otluîrwise, inclnding in sueli total value,
llie value of tlie rights of tlic Crown ;
2. The value of thc rights of the Crown in ihe soigniory,The yniue of
intduding the vvXxxg oi \\\g droit de quinl^ and ail othcrvaluabletuo CrVwn the-
rights of ?hc Crown thcrcin as Seignior(/o^;2(î"/?rt«/, or by reason"^*""'
of any réservation in the original granl of the soigniory, and
any dillerenee between the absolute value in franc alcu rotu-
rier of ail uneonceded lands, walers and water powors in
the seigniory, and appertaining thcreto, and tho value of the
seigniorial rights therein, as lliey may be aseertained by the
décision of the Judges, under llic provisions hereinaflcr men-
tioned.
3. Thc value of the lucrative ri":hts of tlie Soiafnior ^/om/- And of thoao
° , of any otlier
nant^ of whom the seigniory for which the schcdule is madeseignior domi-
may be held, if the seigniory be an arrière-fief ; """ '
4. The ycarly value of the seigniorial rights upon each Tho ycariy
land, that is to say, cach parcel of land originally conceded seigniorial
as a separate lot, or actually owned at the time of making[ôt;''^ °° '"^
the schedule by a separate person ; entering severally, — the
4 a
yearly value of the luds et rentes^ — tho ycarly value (if any)
of Ihc droit de banalité, and of the exclusive riglil to build
mills in the seigniory, a.s di.stinguishcil froin the riglit lo the
water powers, if such rights be recognised by the décision
of the Judges who are to cnquire of the saine as horcinaftcr
provided, but not otherwise,— the yearly value of the cens et
renies and other fixed rights, and of any other légal charges
to which the land may be subject ; but the droil de retrait
shall not be deemed a lucrative right ;
Tho estent of 5. The extcnt of such land according to the title of the
eachioti ^^y^^^^ if produced, and whether it is held for agricultural
purposes, or is a mère emplacement or building lot ;
How tiie cliar- Q j^ determining seigniorial charges to which each land
^hairveTtor- is subjcct, the Commissioner shall be guided by the title of
"''°^'^' the owner from the Seignior, subject to the décision of the
Judges hereinalter mentioned, if such décision shciH in any
Aniitsoxtent; way Hmit the rights of the Seignior under the said title ; and
in the absence of the title of the owner, the Commissioner
shall détermine the extent of the land and the seigniorial
charges to which it is subject by such books, plans, procès-
vcrbatix, or other secondary évidence as lie may be able to
procure ;
ilow each lot 7. Each land shall be described in the schedule by the
cribcd''i'n 'uiô number, and concession, under which it stands in the land-
seheduie : ^.^jj ^f ^j^^ Sciguior, (or if it bear no svu;h description therein,
then by the best brief désignation the Commissioner ean
assign to it,) and the name of the owner as it appears on the
land-roll, and in default of information on any of the said
points, the Commissioner may describe it in such manneras
he may think most convcnient, provided lie assign to each
land a separate and distinct number ;
Coinmutea 8. The Commissioner shall also inelude in the schedule
Kntorèr *° ail lands in regard to which the seigniorial riglits hâve
been commutcd, and write opposite theretothe word " com-
muted " only.
5 a
\\, In order to delermine tlie valn<3 of tlic soigniorial Oonemi ru'es
rii^htsi on lands lield e)irulun\\\\^i Comniissioner sliall observe
tlie following ruics, naniely :
1. The amount of tlie cens ci rcnlcft and annnal charges Cens et rmtcs
shall be taken as the yearly value thereof; and if any snch ehàrgcs.
rents or charges bc payable in grain, fowls or ollier j)rovi-
sions or fruits of tlie earth, tlieir average value shall be com-
[)Uted according to the average priée of articles of the same
kind, taken from the books of the merchants nearest to the
place, or ascerlained in any other nianner the C'ommissioner
shall think most équitable ; to establish sucli average year, Averago ycur
the fourteen years imniediately i)receding the period at
wliich the valuation is madc, shall be taken, the two highest
and the two lowesl shall be struck out, and the average year
shall be established on the ten remaining years ; the value
of )')ersonal labour (corvées) shall be eslimated in the same
manner ;
2. In order to establish the yearly value of the casual Casu.ai rights.
rights, an average year of their value shall be computed for
each of the two classes of lands hereinafter mcntioned, upon
the ten years imniediately ])receding the passing of this Act,
and the amount of the valaation of the said average year
shall be the yearly value of the said casual rights for ail the
lands in ihe seigniory of the same class ; and the Coumiis- vaiueof/w/sc^
sioners in estimating the yearly value of the luds et î-"^''?^^-'»" cu"/,^?ai°°ian(i's
in any seigniory, shall distinguish tliose accruing on lands "^■'"^ onempia-
•f ^ •' ^ ^ ^ ^ céments to te
held as emplacements or building lots or for other than agri- distinguished.
eultural purposes, whieh shall form one class, from those on
lands held for agricultural purposes, whieh shall form ano-
îher class ; and the Commissioner shall apportion the yearly ii<,wapportion-
value of the lods et ventes on each class, uj)on the lands be-
lunging to that class, charging each land witli a portion
thereof proportionate to ils value wilh regard to lands held
as emplacements or building lots, or for other than agricul-
tural purposes, and proportionate to its extent with regard
6 a
As to rente
reprcsonting
luds c rentes
undordecilof
commutation.
Droit de bana-
lité.
to lands held for agricultnral purposes : and any rente ex-
pressly cliarged in any deed of partial commutation nnder
thc Acts hereby repealed, as an indeinnity to be paid by thc
Censitaire instead oï /ods et ventes^ sliall bc held to rcprcsent
ihe value of thc right to lods et ventes on thc land rcferred to,
and shall be entered and dcalt with in ail respects accor-
dingly ;
3. In order to establish the yearly value of thc droit de ba-
nalité and thc exclusive right of having mills in the sei-
gniory, (independcntly of thc right to the water po'>^xn•,) if
any such rights be recognized by tlie said Judges as afore-
said,the Commissioner shall cstimate thc probable decrease
(if any) in the nctt yearly income of the Seignior from his
mills, to arise from the lossof such right, and the said sum
shall be deemed thc yearly value of such right, and shall be
apportioncd upon the lands subject to the said right in pro-
portion to their extent ;
oibor rigbtg. 4. Any otlicr rights shall be valucd according to the re-
venue or profits which may hâve accrued therefrora to be
ascertained by the Commissioner in such manncr as he shall
deera most équitable, and shall be charged upon the Ir.nds
subject ihereto respectivcly ;
Yearly value 5. The yearly value of each class of rights upon each land,
beclnvô£*%hall become arm^e conslitvée charged upon the same as
Miluêi^n thc compensation payable to thc Seignior thercof, and the
total amount of such rentes ecnslituccs on any land, aftcr the
déduction to be made therefrom as hereinaftcr provided,
shall be payable to the Seignior yearly, at the time and
When payable, place whcre the cens et rentes on such land are now payable,
unless it bc otherwise agreed bctween the Seignior and the
Censitaire, and shall accrue from the day on which notice
of the deposit of the schedule of the seigniory shall be given
in the Canada Gazette, on which day the présent cens et
rentes and other annual charges upon the land shall cease
each land.
la
to accrue ; and both tlioy and \hc rc?itf.'i conflit iuccs, undoi'Astobroken
this Act, shull accrue ratcably for any broken period less ''"'"''''
a yesr, during which they mny exist ;
G. The value of ihc rights of tlie Seignior dominani invuiuoofthc
any arrière:// rf, shall froni the capital o( n rente consiUuée'^,t\'£,^l,l,,i
payable ycarly by llie seignior of the arrière-Ile f, on the dav''\^°."'° '^^^''
' ' •/ tîil 01 <i vente
of the date of the publication in the Canada Gazette oixhc constituée ^o.y-
notice of the deposit ofthe schedule ofsuch arrière-fuf, and" '°'°
accruing from the day ofsuch publication; but out of the
moncys coming to the Seignior of the arrière-Jlef, from the
Provincial aid hereinafler mentioned, a sum bearing the nis sharc in
same proportion to the whole of such monies as the value Jy^J"""'' fy^~
of the rights of tho Seignior dominant in such arrière-ficf^'^^-
bears to the value set upon the seignorlal rights of the
Seignior servant in such arrièrc-fief, shall belong to the
Seignior domimant^ and his said rente constituée shall be
diminished by the amount ofthe ycarly interest, at six per
cent per annum, of the sum so coming to hirn out ofthe said
Provincial aid ;
7. And, in estimating the value ofthe casual rights of the casuai rights
Crown, in relation to each seigniory, the Commissioner shall Jl'^^'^^.J^^j"
be guided, as nearly as possible, by the same rules as are
hereby prescribed for the détermination ofthe ycarly value
ofthe casual rights of the Seigniors.
iiiiuen-
in-
VIÎ. Before beginning to prépare the schedule for any Notice by the
seigniory, the Commissioner cnlrusted \\\\\\ that duly, shall Se cT""
give public notice ofthe place, day and hour, at which he°^j^ ""'^
will begin his inquiry ; and such notice shall be made by
placards and publications in the english and frcnch lan-
guagcs, at the door of every parish church in such seigniory,
during four consécutive sundays, at the conclusion of divine
service in ihe forenoon, or by placards in both langages,
posted, during four consécutive weeks, in the most frequcnted
place in any seigniory in which thcre shall be no church.
8a
i[c ra.iy enter VIII. It shall be lawful for ihe Commissioner to enter
nwpunïoVes of upon ail lands situate in ihe scigniory ihe schecliile wliereof
thy innuiry. -^^ j^^ |j^. madc by hirn, in order lo rnako such exainination
thereofas may be necessary, withuut liis being subject
in respect thereof to any obstruction or j)rosecution, and
with the riglit to command tlie assistance of ail Justices,
Peace Olfieers and otliers, in order to enter and make such
exarnination, in case of ojiposition.
Powersoftho IX. Tlic said Comniissioners, and eacli of ihem sepa-
..htitiningin- rately, shall liave full powcr and authonîy to examine on
formation ^^^j^ ^^^^ person \vl)o sliall aj)peur before them, or any of
tliem, either as a party interested or as a wilness, and to
sumrrion before ihern, or any of them, ail persons whom
they or any of lliem may deem it expédient to examine
upon the matters subject to their considération, and the facts
which they may rcquire to ascertain in order to carry this
Act into eflect, and to rcquire any such person to bring
with him and produce before them or any ofthem any book,
paper, plan, instrument, document or thing rnentioned in
such summons, and necessary for the purpose of this Act :
PuQishment ofx\nd if any person so summoned shall refuse or neglect to
s™) appêarappear before them, or before the Commissioner who shall
before tiiom or ^ summoucd liiin, or appearing, shall refuse to answer
to givo intor- ' i i i u'
mation. ^^y lawful question put to him, or to produce any such book,
paper, ))lan, instrument, document or thing whatsoever
which may be in his possession, and which he shall hâve
been required by such summons to bring with him or to pro-
duce, such person shall, for every such refusai or neglect,
incur a penalty of not less tlian ten nor more than fifiy
pounds currency, payable to lier Majesty, to be recovered
with costs upon sammary plaint by such Commissioner
before any Judge of the Superior or Circuit Court, and, in
default of immédiate payment, shall, by warrant of such
Judge, be apprehended and committed to the common
gaol of the District for a period not excecding one calendar
month.
9 a
X. Whcnever llie Commissioner, chargcdwitli tlie makingVaiiio nmy i^e
,. , , , , ,- . ■ I 11 1 !• • • ,1 ^ ^1 ostiiuatoil by
ot the sclicdule (<1 a scigniory, sliaii be ol o[)inion lliat llie(;.r/)cw.s- if
rules prcscribed in tliis Act Ibr detenninini^ any value wliic-li Jij'^JI,',',-!','^^^
lie is liercby rcquired fo détermine, do not fonn an équitable Cmaiiairc^.
basis for detennining the same, or wiien the Seigni(jr, or
not less than twelve Censitaires of the seigniory, shall eall
upon the said Comaiissioner in writing, withina period not
exceeding eight day.s, after the day fixed for tiie commen-
cement ci the incjuiry by the Commi.ssioner, requiring that
experts ho u\-)po'\n{cà \o détermine the value of tlie i^eigni- iiowsucii
orial rights therein, ihe said Commissioner shall call a p^ihlic ijo'appointed.
meeting of the Censitaires of the seigniory, at such place
therein, and on such day and at snch honr, as shall be spe-
cified in the public notice thereof, which he shall give in
ihc manner preseribed by this Act, with respect to tjie com-
mencement of his inquiry, for the purpose of appointing
two experts^ one of whom sliall be appointed by the Scignior,
f»nd flie other shall be elected by the majority of the Censi-
taires présent at such meeting; and in case the Seignior or
his agent, shall not be présent at the said meeting, or being
présent, shall refuse or neglect to appoint an expert^ the
said Commissioner shall appoint one on behalf of the Seig-
nior, and such expert shall hâve the same powers as he
would hâve had if lie had been appointed by the Seignior,
and in the event of the Censitaires refusing or neglecting to
appoint an expert on tlieir behalf the Commissioner shall
in like manner appoint an expert to act for them.
2. The two experts so appointed shall hâve and exercise Powersof
the same ])o\\ ors with resj)ect to the valuation of the seigni-"^"^'^ *'
orial rights as could be cxercised by the Commissioner xhey shnii not
himself, except that they shall not in any case be bound l^y [ho'fo^egVk''
lhe rules aforesaid ; and the said \\xo experts ^\\^\\ a{)pointruios.
a third expert^ but in case the two experts shall not agrée
upon the person to be the third expert^ then any Judgc of the Third ex^cw.
Superior Court in the District in which the seigniory or the
greater part thereof lies, shall, on the application of eitlicr
10 a
expert^ aftor throc clear days' notice to the other, appoint
Tho value fixcdsuch tlilrd expcrl : and the sums fixed bv any twoof such
by tho experte ' . , „ , ...,.,
tobeentcred expn'ls ^^ X\\c jc^xij valuo ol tlic seigniorjal rignts respec-
"'''tively, shall b(î taken by llie Commissioner as the value the-
reof, and shall bc appoitioncd by himin the manner hercin-
bclbre j)rescribed, upon or amonq the lands subject to such
rights ; and the Commissioner shall mention in the sche-
dule that the value was determined by expertise.
Solo expert
uiay be clioen
o.
Providcd tlial, when the Seignior and the Censitaires
shall agrée to appoint and eleet, or shall appoint and elect
one and the same expert, such sole expert shall hâve the
saine jiowers as the tliree experts would hâve had, and his
Commissioner décision shall be final : And providcd aiso, that the Com-
œay bo sole or . . , • i • i i • i , ^ .
third expert, missioncr may be appointed either third expert or soie expert.
Caso o{ experts. 4. In tlic cvcnt of ouc of tlic said experts ây'mg.) becoming
prôvuiod for. incapacilatcd, or refusing to act, the appointmcnt or élec-
tion of another in his stead shall be proceeded witii in the
manner above prescribed, excopîing that it shall not bc ne-
ccssary to call a public meeting of the Censitaires for the ap-
pointmcnt of an expert in the stead of the person rcpre-
senting the Seignior ; but if the Seignior refuse, or neglcct
during eight days to appoint another expert, after liaving
been roquired so to do by the Commissioner, the Commis-
sioner shall appoint an expert on behalf of the said Seignior.
And !«• tho 5. If the Commissioner be appointed third expert or sole
be the c.r;je;7. cxpcrt, tlicii II lic be prcvcutcd Irom acting by any cause,
the Commissioner who shall be dircctcd by the Governor to
continue the proceedings in the seigniory, shall bc third
expert or sole expert in the place of the former Commissioner.
Feosoî expe.
Commissioner
•".jepted.
6. The said experts shall be enlitled to receivc, out of the
funds providcd by this Act, sucii fées as the Commissioner
shall dcem propcr to tax, providcd lliat they do not exceed
the sum of lifteen shillings for cach day of necessary atten-
dance. And the said fccs shall be paid by the Ileceiver Ge-
neral upon the certificate of the Commissioner.
llrt
XI. Thcsaid Commissioncr, immcdiatelyaftcrthc makingN.tico that
01 the sclK'dule ol a scigniory, sliall give ciglit days' public ready for ins-
notice, in the manncr prescribcd by tho sevcnth section of^'^'''"^"'
this Act, tiiat siich schedule will remain open for the ins-
pection of the Seignior and the Ccnsilaircs of the soigniory
during the thirty days foJlowing the said notice ; and during inspection, and
tiiat timc, the Commissioner may correct any error and supply erîo«!'*'° "'
any omission which may be pointed eut to him by any party
interestcd, or which shall corne to his knowlcdge in any
other manner, but he shall not alter any value determined
by expertise without the consent of the majority of the experts
or of the sole expert ;
2. The proprictor or possessor of the scigniorv mav anncar, ^^''^ /"^ ^^' ,
. . . ' ' o ^ J i i ' j)(;ar toilemnnu
either in pcrson or by his agent, before the Commissioner corrections.
for the purpose of having any error correctcd which mav
hâve crept into the said schedule ; and for the lilce purpose
the Censitaires of the seigniory may api)car before the said
Commissioner by their agent to be appointed by a majority
of the Censitaires of the seigniory présent at a meetino-
called for that purpose by any three or more of the Censi-
taires thcrcof, eight days' public notice thereof having been
previously given in the manner prescribcd in the seventh
section of this Act ;
3. But no schedule shall be completed until the Judges^'ciiciuie not
of the Spécial Court shall hâve given judgmcnt upon the Sa untiTLt-
Questions to be submitted to them as hereinafter mcntioned ; SldS'
and in the event of any of the décisions pronounccd by the
said Spécial Court, being reversed or altered upon appeal to
the privy Council, the Commissioners forraing the Court
of Revision of schedules hereinafter mcntioned shall alter
and amend the schedules accordingly ;
XII. It shall be lawful for the Governor, by letter undcrFourrcvising
the signature of the Provincial Secretary, to sélect, from the f^bo^BeÊte"
Commissioners so to be appointed, four of their nurnber, of
whom any three shall form a Court for the revision of sche-
12 a
Thrcetosit. dules nv.idc uiider tliis Act,an(l in liko mannor, from time to
lime, to rt'inove tliein and to appoint othcrs in tlic place of
any so removed, dying, resigning ollicc or bcing incapa-
citated to act ;
T>vo may do- 2. Tlio décision of any two of tlie Commissioncrs so sc-
"''*"' Jeeted, ^\ lietlier tlie olhers be présent or not, on any malter
relating 1o tlic révision of any scliedule niade iinder tljis
Act, sliall be final ;
Thoy may re- 3. In Hialving sucli révision, tlie Commissioners slmll pro-
quiro oviJcnco. ^^^,^j sunuiiarily, but tliey may order any évidence to be
adduccd which tliey may tliink recpusite to enable tliem to
pronounce a correct décision, and for tliat purpose sliail
hâve tlie saine powers as in making a schcdide ;
4. No Cornmissioner so sclected shall sit in revision of
Not to rcviso
their o
.Iules.
their own scho- ^^^ schcdule iTiadc by him ;
whcnand 5. And no revision of any schednle shall be allowcd, un-
urvbo'"ob-''°"less api)licationbe made for tlie same within fifteen days
tained. ^^om tlie expiration of thc lime, allowed under tlie eleventh
section of this Act, for the correction thereofby tlie Commis-
sioner by whom it was made; and every such api)lication
shall be made by a pétition, prcsented on behalf of the parly
interested to the Governor, specifying the objections made
to snch schedidc and the amendments demanded, and pray-
ing for thc re vision thereof ;
iiow scheduiea G. Upon tlie rcceipt of any such pétition, the Provincial
rè'dto''thcm for Secret ary shall refer the same to the Commissioners forming
revision. ^j^^. Court of Révision aforesaid, wliose duty it shall be, after
havinir îïiven elî^lit days' notice in the manner provided by
the sevenlh section of this Act, to proceed to revise ihe schc-
dule therein mentioned, and if tliey find any error ; 1o correct
the same, in so far as, but no farther than, it shall hâve been
so specialUy objeeted to ; but ihey shall not alter any value
determined by expertise without ihe consent of the majority
of the experts or of the sole expert ;
13 a
7. Tho said Court of Reviï^ion may awanl and tax i'ostsCo,f9ngiiinst
...... , ,1 liiirty w:intoiily
again^l any party who inay m thoir opinion liavr (Icinanded rpnuiring a re-
or oj)|)os('(l tlic révision of tlii; scIumIiiUî witliont reasonable ^'°'""'
cause, and sncli cosls may hc rccovcrcd on tlu' (;crtilicale of
any one of thc said Commissionrrs as a dcbt ihw l)y tlie party
against whom ihoy sliall liave bocn awardcd, to llie party
in whosc favour thcy hâve bcen taxed.
XIII. As soon as thc schcduh; of a sci2;niorv sliall bc ''^' "'i'^'' ci c.mi-
'^ - pletum nmi (io-
complclcd in the manner hcrcinbrforo providcd, thc Corn- ii">it "f -iiic-
missioner, wlio shalliiavc inade it, shall transmit a triplicatc, Re(tivor(jio-
thcrcof to thc Rcoeiver General of this Province ; hc shall "'"^''"
dcposit another triplicatc in the olTice of the Supcrior Court TiipHi^atos
in the District in which thc scigniory is situatc, orif sucliot'
scigniory bc situatc in two Districts, then in thc oilicc of
thc said Court in ihat District in which the gicater part of
such sciqniory is situatc ; and shall rctain thc othcr tripli-
catc in lus hands until it shall bc othcrwise providcd by law ;
and hc sliall givc public notice of lus having so dcpositcd
thc saine, in the terras of the form A, anncxcd to lus Act,
or in othcr terms of like impcjrt, in thc cnglish and french
languages in the Canada Gazette^ or othcr ncwsjinpcr recog-
nizcd as the officiai gazette of the Province, and in at Icast
one ne\vspa])cr published in thc District in wliich such sci-
gniory or Ihc greater part thercof is sitiiate, or if therc bc no
newspaper published in such District, such notice shall be
so published in thc nearest District whcrcin one or more
ncwspapers are j)ublishcd. And thc Clcrk of the Supcrior Copies ami cs-
Courl shall furnish copies of or extracts from such schcdulefuruishéd!"
duly ccrtified in the usual form, to any person applying for
thc samc, and may dcmand thrce pence currency for every
lumdrcd words or figures in any such co])y or extract ; andFeo thoroibr.
hc shall also furnish one copy of every such schcdnlc on
dcmand to the Scigniorof the seigniory to which it relates,
and the costs thercof shall bc paid out of thc funds i)rovided
by this Act; and ail such copies and extracts, whclher inTheiriegai
wordsor figures, shall be deemed authentic, and shall serve
as prima facie proof of ail mattcrs therein set forth.
M
a
ABOLtXrON OV FEUDAL llIGHTS AND DUTIES.
Upon tlie pu-
lilii-iitiiii) ut' tlio
notit'fe of (Icpo-
ait of tlio scliu-
dulo of a ?ei-
fçniory, iill
iandu tliorein
to l)u liolil in
frunc-uUu.
And tho Soi-
gnior to ))0 freo
froin (juint, Ac.
to tLu Crown.
No soigniorial
rigbt or duty
to reinnin or be
establitlicd.
Proviso : Sei-
gniors net to
concède bcfore
ihe schodule is
completed.
XIV. Upon, from and afler ihe date of llic publication in
tlio Canada Gazelle^ or otiicr ollicial gazette as aforesaid,
of a notice of the deposit of tlie sclicdule of any .scigniory
as aforesaid, cvery Censitaire^ in sucli seigniory shaJI, by
virliic thcrcof liold iiis land in franc-aku roturier^ fr(;c and
clearof ail ccm^ lods et ventes^ droit de /janalitc, droit de
retrait, and ollicr fcudal and scigniorial duties and charges
\vliatev(;r. excej)! the rente constituée which will be substi-
tulcd for ail scigniorial duties and charges; and cvery Sci-
gnior shall lliereafter liold his domain and the unconceded
lands in his seigniory, and ail water power and rcal estate
now belonging tohim in franc-aleu roturier, by virtue of this
Act, and the same and the rentes constituées payable to hiiii
undcr this Act by his Censitaires, or by any Seignior of
Avliose fief or seigniory lie his the Seignior dominant, shall
be held and enjoyed by him free and clear of ail quint,
relief or other feudal dues or duties to the Crown or to any
Seignior dominant of whom his fief or seigniory is now
held ; subject always, both as regards Seignior and Censi-
taire, to the provisions of this Act : Nor shall the Seignior
as sucli, after the said time, be subject to any onerous obli-
gation towards his Censitaires, or be entitlcd to any honorary
rights, nor shall any land be thereafter granted by any Sei-
gnior to be held by any other tenure than franc-aleu roturier,
or subject to any mutation fines or other feudal dues; Pro-
vided always, that no Seignior shall concède or alienate any
part of the unconceded lands in his seigniory, until after
the notice of the deposit of the schedule thereof has been
given as aforesaid, and any such concession or aliénation
shall be null and void.
Certain powers XV. But no right, wliich any Seignior may hâve acquired
Und°fo"r mifis, by aiiy Icgal Stipulation entered into before the passing of
mad^ToV/èr Uie^^*^^ ■^'^^' ^^ ^"^ dccd subsequcut to the deed of concession,
deod of conces- to take any land for the purpose of using the water power
15 a
adjoinin*^ llic saim; and bclon^'in*,' (o sucli Scii^nior, on
puying for sucli land tlio lull value tliereol'and of ail impro-
vemenlH tliercon, sliall cease by rt-ason ol' the pasi?iin<j; of
ihis Act, but Ihu sanie f^liaJl retnain in full force : Provided '''''^^'■";' """'"■
ahvays, lliat flio owner ol any land adjoining watcr power, inRii wator
8() a('(iuir('<i by tlic ScMgnior, and not tlicn u.scd by liiiri, may, in:ma it in ocr-
ât any time, after tlie expiration of oneyear froni tlie [)as.sing''"" ^'"*"'
of tliis Act, demand llio riglit to use sucb watcr power frotn
the Seignior, on pnying liirn ihe fuU value of such riglit,
wliich value, if not agrced upon, sliall be fixed by arbitra-
tors, one to be named by the owncr of such land, another
by the Seignior, and the third by the ollicr two, or if thcy
disagree, ihen by a Judge of the Superior Court or of the
Circuit Court, and the award of any two of thcm shall bo
conclu^ive ; and upon payrnent or tender to the Seignior
of the value awarded, the owncr of such land shall hâve the
right to use such water power in the rnanni^r mentioned in
the demand thercof and in ihe said award.
DETERMINATION OF THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF TIIE SEIGNIOR AND
CENSITAIRE.
Xyi. And in ordcr to avoid, as far as may be possible, Questions to be
unnecessary expense, uncertainty and delay in the valuation'h!;"';îo?„^y
of the several rights aforesaid, and in the completion of the H^^f,'"' 4'
1,1/.,... "'O Judges fur
schedules ol the seigniories respectiveiy, and ail errors as<i«.t«'"™'"'ng
to matters of law on the part of the Commisioners underriïhtT"^^
this Act, Her Majesty's Attorney General for Lower Canada,
shall, as soon as may be practicable after the j)assing of this
Act, frame such Questions to be submitted for the décision
of the Juges of the Court of Queen's Bench and of the Su-
perior Court for Lower Canada, as he shall deem best cal-
culated to décide the points of law, which will, in his opi-
nion, corne under the considération of the said Commis-
sioners, in determining the value of the rights of the Crown,
of the Seignior, and of the Censitaires, and he shall file a To be fiied.
\Ga
Tlicy «hall 1)0
Iiuliliahud.
C()j)v "f siicli (inestions in tlic Ollici' ol' iIk; said (Jonrt of
(iucen's IJi-ncli, and causo a copy tlicrfol' to hv IransiiiittcMl
hy post to cacli of llie .Jiulgcs ol" llic saiil Courts ;
2. The said Questions sliall tlien bu publislicd ut least
once a week, durinjjf six conseeutive weeks, in llie Canada
dazfllr^ willi a notice to ull eonecrned tliat tliey liave been
liled as aforesaid, and are subniitted l'or tlie décision of the
said Judgcs ;
Thpyphaiibo 3. The said Jiidgrs shall take the sîiid Questions intocon-
":'}*'•'' '."^'"^""Tsiderat ion, and shall liear the Atlornev General, or Solieilor
tiecideiion ns Général, and sueli eonnsel as such Allorney General or Soh-
tiOOD «M IXIhniblu. . ^ , , . 1.11, • . '^lil
eilor General niay deeni it advisable to associate witli tlienri,
at as early a lime as may be j)ra1icable, afler the expiration
of thirty days froni ihe last publication of the said Questions
in the Canada Gazctlc ; and it shall be the duty of the said
Jud"-es to iîive the considération of the said Questions and
the hearing thereof sueh preeedenee over other tnatters bel'ore
tluïm, and to adopt sueh other rueasures \vith regard to theiu,
as wili ensure a décision thereon at as early a period as inay
bc conveniently praeticable ;
Sei^;nior^. may 4. Any Sciguior may, at any lime, before the end of the
Kloni'an.i said period of thirty days aller the last publication of the
propositions, gj^jj Questions, or with leave of the said Judges at any time
before the hearing thereon, cause an appearanee to be filed
for him in tho 0(Uee of the Court of Queen's Bench, in the
matter of the said Questions, and having caused sueh ap-
pearanee to be so filed, shall bc entitle to be heard by his
counsel upon such Questions, and may submit any Supple-
mentary or Counter-Questions and may append to every
such Question, a statement of the proi)osition, or propo-
sitions lie iutcnds to maintain with regard thereto ; but no
more than five counsel shall bc heard on the part of ail the
Seigniors so'appearing, except by spécial permission of the
Court, and if more claim to be heard, the Judges shall dé-
cide belwcen them whieh shall be heard ;
Nomber of _
counsels limit-
ed.
17 fl
5. 'l'Iif Crusildùrs of any s(>i«,'ni()ry, adiiig l)y tlicir a^'cnt An.iK. mny
to l)(î <'l((ic(| iti llic luanniT providcil !)y llic elcvcntli section
of lliis Act, iiiiiy iiUo, in likc rimnncr iind within a likc ddiiy,
cati.sc MM iippr.M »n(!(.! to l)(' filcd for tlifin in liic oflict; of tlic
suid Court, and, ha', ini,' so donc, sliall l)c ciitilN-d to l)c licani
hy tlicir coiit)Ncl. upoii llic Questions lilcd hy tlic Attorncy
Ocn-ral a-^ wdl as iipr>n any (Questions or Propositions (ilcil
by any S(;iij[ni t, and laiiy siibniit Sii|)plctncntary or Conn-
tcr-C^iicstions or Propositions to tliu«iC of du? Crown or of any
Seignior ; but no inorc than livo oounscls ?«li(dl bc hcard on Numtior «r
thc part of ail tlic Cnisitairr.s, iinlcss by thc spécial p^r-;;'^'""'"""'"
mission of tlic Court, and if more i laim to be hcard, thc
Court sliall di'(Mdc bctwccn tlicin wiiich shall bc hcard ;
G. No publication or scrvict; of any such Snppicnientary CopinR of ooun
/•1 i-, ■ II ■■ iiii 1 tt!r-(iuo>itiiini4|
or Conntcr-l^ucstions or l'ropositions sliall bc ncccssary, but .vc. to i>o fm-
thc saruc sliall be printcd, and, wlicn tliey arc iilcd, at l<-îi«t paîueV" ""
lifty copies tliereof sliall bi- dclivcrcd to tlu; C'icrk of Appcals,
who sliall givc coj)ics to thc Attorncy (îcncral and to the
advocates aj)pearing for Scigniors or Censitaires ;
7. Froin thc expiration of tlu; said thirty days after thciiow tho quw-
last publication ot tlu; said (Questions, tlit; iiiattcr sliall bc i^nrj, ac
doah witli by thc said Juili^cs, as if an apjK'al wcrc pcnding
and inscribcd and ready for hearing, in vvhich th(; said Qucs.
tioîis had ariscn for décision, but no case, or plcadings, or
tither procceding than such as are herein prcscribed, sliall be
requircd prcviously to such hearing ; no teclinical objection
of proc(>dure sliall be enterlained, and if any question arise
as to the |)roceedings in any maltcr not provided for by this
Act, the Judges sitting shall instante)' make such ordcr
tlierein as shall scem most équitable and convenient ;
8. The çlecision and opinions of the said Judges shall be Form of Uoci
motivées and delivered as in a judgment on a case in appeal" "*'
in which ail the Questions had arisen and were put in issue,
but without any furthcr sentence in favor of the Crown, the
Seigniors or the Censitaires^ whether as to costs or other-
wise ;
ISa
l'rovi-o.
Effect of dei - Q 'pi^g décision so lo be prnnnancfd on cncli ol' ilir s;;i(l
Questions and Propositions sliail timide tlie ("ouini; ->ionfrs
andllie Attorney General, andsliall, in anyaetual cioc Uieie-
after to arise, be lield to liave l)een a jiidgnient in appeal
en dernier ressort on tlie point raised by snch (Question, in
a like case, tlioiii^h betwecn other parties ; Provided always,
tliat it shall be compétent to llie said Judi^es lo render se-
i'nvi?o: in paratc dccisions npon any particular cineslion or (iiieslions ;
whnt caso nn ' ,
iiiipeai shall And j)rovided also, t^fiat if, as tt) any sueli décision, tliero
be any dissenlient Judge, eitlier parly may, uitliin one
month, by snmmary pi tiiion dnly nolified to tlie odiers,
ap])eal frorn such décision lo lier Majesly in Her Privy
^ Council ; but othcrwise, tlicre sliall be no appeal IVoui any
such décision ;
Spécial Session jq 'pj^ç Govcmor may, at anv timc and from tini(> totime,
U> bo huld for . . ." .
the punioses of by proclamation, direct a Spécial Session of the said Judges
to be lield at tlie City of Québec or at the City of Montréal,
and to commence on the day lo be named for that ])urpose
in such proclamation, which shall be issued at least twenly
clear days before the commencement of such SocH'ial Ses-
sion ; and to any such Speci;;! Session ail tiie provisions of
the Act constituting the said Court of Queen's li(>ncli, and
of the law with regard to tlie ordinary terms of the said
Court [Appeal side) shall apply ; execpt that, at every such
Spécial Session, nine of the said Judges shall be a Quorum :
and the Questions to be proposed under tins Act, and no
other business, shall be taken up at such Session ; and
such Spécial Session shall continue mit il no further matter
orprocecding relating to this Act shall be before the said
Judges, who shall at such Session form a spécial Court for
Proviso. the purposes of this Act ; Provided ahvays, that if, for the
purpose of holding any term, either of the Court of Queen's
Bench or Supcrior Court, it becomc necessary to suspend
the sittings of such Spécial Session, the Judges shall ad-
journ such Sjiecial Session to the lirst convenient day after
Adjournmont. the close of such term ; and the said Sj)ecial Court may.
Quorum.
Darntion.
10 a
(1
ici
ujUr heanni? a'I piirtics on tlie varions malters snhmitlcd tOj,,,,,,,,,^^,^ *
thorn, a(li(*'irn, lor tlic pnr|)ose of rcndfrinjjf judgnicnt only,
any dav tlifrcnflcr, on ;ind aller wliich day, thcy niay adjonrn
for tlK like purpose ; and such adjoiirnineiits for rondorinir
jiidgnu'nt may bc lo any day durinç; or bctwccn any ternis'
of t?io said Court of Quoen's Hencli or Supcrior Conrt ; And Proviso :
providrd also, that it sliall bo luwfnl for llie Govcrnor, by J;'^;,";/;';,;;'^^,';;
any proclamation diri'ctinîsr such Spccial Scssiijn, to sus-s'u-'pe'^'^e'i' *c,
•' ■ " ' 1 p I • 1 '"■ Assistant
pend or po8tponc any tcrin or termH ol citlier of the said Jmipes ^p-
Courts, or to ftlt<'r llic duration lliereof; and also to name ^^"" ° '
anv Circuit Jndc'e or Jud2:es, or lîarrister or Barristers of at
least tcn years' standing at tii(> Bar of Lower Canada, to bc;
and act as Assistant Judges of thc said Courts, or of eilher
ox" thcm, dnring the pondcMicy of any sucli Sj)(M;ial Session,
and of al! adjournnients lliereof, and for such terrn of tim<.'
before or afior as he luay deern necessar}' ; and cvery person
so named shall, for the term of such ap])ointment, hâve ail
the powers of a Jndgo of the Conrt whereof he shall hâve
been named an Assistant Jndge, except tlie powers givim
by this Act. The presiding Jndge at every such spécial WhoFhaii
session shall be the Cliief Justice "of the Cmirt of Queen's^;;;J;^^;,';;;i
Bench, if présent : if absent, the Chief Justice of the Snpc-
rior Conrt, and in the absence of both Chief Justices, the
Senior of the Puisné Jndges of iIkî Court of QueenN Bench
then présent
ter
lid
for
the
n's
nd
ad-
fter
ay,
PROVINCIAL APPROPRIATION FOR RKLIEF OF CKNSITAIRKS ANU
EXPENSES OF THîS ACT.
XVII, The enH)laments and disbursenients of the Com-Expcn^e
uuiier tl
Lmv ]iaiij.
missioners who shall be a|)])oinled under this Act, with ijie ""''"-'^ ''"" ^^^
exj)enscs to be incurred under the sanie, siiall be paid out
of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of this Province, by War-
rant of the Govcrnor : and a snrn, not exceeding in the whole Fumi for other
what shall remain of the aniount hereinafter liinited afler'^"^''"''^'''"' **'''''
deducting tlierefrom the said émoluments, disbnrsements
and expenses, may likewise be paid out of llie said Fund for
the purposes of this Act : and it shall be lawful for the Go-
20 a
l'rc'vi.-'O :
total auiount
litniteil
Money mny vemor in Counoil to cause any sum or snms not oxceedin"
be raiaeil by _ •' '-'
dcbcnturtij. in tlio whokî the sum rcquircd for dcfraying the expenditure
aulliorized by this Act, to he raised by dcbenturcs to bc
issued on tlie crédit of the said Consolidated Revenue Fund,
in sucli forin, bearing sucli rate of interest, and the prin-
cipal and interest whereof sliall be jiayable out of the said
Fund at such timcs and places as the Governor in Couneil
shall think most advantageous for the public interest : and
the moneys so raisedas aforesaid shall make j)art of the said
Consolidated revenue Fund of this Province : Provided
always, that the total arnount of moneys It) be paid, whe-
ther in money or debentures, under this Act, shall not ex-
ceed by more ihan one hundred and fifty ihousand pounds,
the sum of which the average yearly proceeds of the other
sources of revenue hereinafter mentioned (upon an average
of the last five years) would be the yearly interest at six
per cent per annum added to the value of the Crown's rights
in the seigniories aff'ected by this Act.
Spécial appro- XVIII. Thc moucys arising from the following sources of
from certain rcvcnuc, shall be and are hereby specially appropriated to
sources. make good to the said Consolidated Revenue Fund, the
amount which may by taken out of llie same for the purpose
of paying the sums charged upon it under the next prece-
ding section, that is to say :
AU moneys arising from the value of the rights of the
Crown, from droits de quint and other dues, in or upon the
seigniories of which the Crown is Seignior dominant, and
which are to be commuted by this Act as such value shall
be fixed by the schedules of the said seigniories respectively,
and ail arrears of such dues ;
AU moneys arising from the revenues of the seigniory of
Lauzon, or from the sale of any part of the said seigniory
which may hereafter be sold, and ail arrears of such re-
venues ;
, AU moneys arising from auction duties and auctioneers'
Crown rights
in Peigniories.
Lftuïon.
Anction daties
licenses in Lower Canada ;
21 a
|Of
re-
Ail monoys arisini,' in Lowcr Canada from lioensos toSh>p ;.oeti?es.
sell spirituons, vinous or* f(^rmcn1cd liquors by retail in
platM's otlicr llmn [)laee.s of public enterîainmcnt, connnonly
callcd sliop or store liconses ;
Ail inoneys wliich >liall arise from tavcrn licenscs in Tavem iii^pn-
Lowcr Canada, afler tlu; présent charges on tliat Fond sliall^.asL,,.'
Iiave been paiJ off, except liowever, sucli portion oftliat
Fiind as sliall Ijc levied in tlic townsliips.
Anci separalo acconnts slmll bc kept of ail nioneys arisinij^oparat* ac-
Irom tUe sources ol revenue atoresaid, and ol tlie moneys kept with :i
dJsbur^ed undcr tlii< Act, allowing interest on both sides al ap°proi'rijiti<m
the ilieii curreiit rate on provincial debentures, to tlie end !;'" ^ ^''^^
1 ' Canada piir-
lliat if tlie siiiiis payable ont of the Consolidated Revenue poses.
Fiiiid lituler tliis Act, sliall excecd in the whole the total
ainount of the sums arising from the sources of revenue so
si)ocially appropriated and any interest allow^ed thereon as
aloresaitl, a sum equal to such excess may and the same
sliall b(; set apart, to !)e appro]iriated by Parliament for soino
local purpose or purposes in Upper Canada.
XIX. The Spe(;ial Fiind constituted as aforesaid for the now tho mnnoy
purposes of this Act, sliall, afler dcducting the expenses in- j|r;^f,g^pî^;^f]''","
curred under this Act, be appropriated in aid of the Censi- '^P'I^'^'^J^ i'"*
iaircs m {\io scvcral seigniories, in the ibllowing manner : ^'"■'■«■''
2. The sum to be established as the value of the rights of v^aïuo of
the Crown in each seigniory as aforcsaid, and the difFercnce in each sei-
botv, ci-n the ab^olute value in franc-alen roturier o{ ail un-^",!^^-^/,^,^''
conccded lands, walcrs and walcr jiowers in the seii>-niorics ^^'"(''■'C"''
_ _ ' ^ thorcin, >n
and llie value of tlie Seigniors' rights therein, shall be ap- 'O'iuction of
. ^ T . • I p 1 /'-< ■, • r I • ■ • coinraiitation
propriated m aid ol tlie Ce/iSi f aires ol sucli seigniory in rc- (ur lods et
diu'lioii of the rentes constituées repn-senting the /ods f^^""'''
ventes or other mutation fines thercin, by an equal per
ccntage of réduction on each such rctite ;
.3, The rcmaindiT of the said Sjiceial Fund shall bc appor-i^omainaor
,,,„.„ , , , ... iimong ail th«
îioned by the Ileceiver General (amongst the scveral scigni-Beignioriep in
22 a
i.-u;.<jrtii.n to orics to wliicli lliis Acl extends,) giving to cacli an equal
tlio chargua on , , r> i • i
eauh. ptT centage on tlic lolal araounl»ot tlic f;onstitu1t;u rcnts es-
tablished by tlie scliedule of cach sncli seigniory, afler
i(f)w (ho iii.i doductingthe value of tlie Crown's righfs therein ; And the
i)!ic(j/^"' surn as apportioned to cach seigniory sliall be applicd by
ihc Rccciver General in the followin'^ ordcr, whicli shall bc
the order of charges thereon :
To rodciniitinn Ist. To the rcdcmption of so much of the saiu rentes cons-
orcaimuutation . • i .
luonuy of luds tiiuevs represcntjng the luth tl ventes or other mutation fines
in the seigniory as may remain after the réduction made by
the application of the value of the Crown's rights as afore-
said, by an equal per centage of réduction on such reniain-
ing rentes in each case ;
Of b&naiity ; 2dly. To thc rédemption of the rentes constituées represent-
ing the banality in tiie seigniory, by an equal per centage of
leduction on each such rente ;
Of cens et 3dly. To the rédemption of the rentes constituées representing
ingî'V pe'/*^ 'the cens et rentes and other charges on lands held for agri-
arpont; cultural purposcs in the seigniory, by an equal per centage
of réduction on each such rente constituée^ exceeding the
rate of one penny lialf penny per annum, per arpent ;
RoiQotionof 4. The réduction of ^nch renies constituées '!ihn\\B.\\vi\y^hc
rente in any . . , . , i- i ,v i i
oase; Jn proportion to the capital sum applied to ellect sucii réduc-
tion, thc réduction being equal to the légal inleresl of such
capital ;
.^uni «ppir-
iidiioil to bo-
long to thc
Seisniora.
5. The sums so ai)portioned for oach seigniory shall belong
to the Seignior thereof, subject always to the right of ttie
Seignior dominant, and shall be deah wiîh in every respect,
as moneys paid in rédemption of the rentes constituées men-
tioned in the scheduh; of such seigniory, sulrecl to tl,e
spécial provisions hereinaûer made.
23 a
APPLICATION OV MONKYS AHISING FROM THE REDEMPTION OF
sr.IGNIORIAL RIGHTS, &C.
XX. Evt'iy j)ro|)rielor t)l';i sci^'iiiory, wlioslwill liavo williiii OiT^'^itions to
liis HioNrauce aiiollicr or soveral fiefs, (iinloss tlie value ofliisp ronn hlivinj;
riglils lias been cntered in iIk; ^clicdiile tlicrcoC,) and evcry |,^^'"i'^."" ''""
pcrson liavinii[ an liyjiothct'ary daim on any scii^niory ihe
schednle relative to wliicli sliali be deposiled in tlie ollice of
ilio Cleriv of tlie Superior Court in tlic J)i8tri(;t in wliicli sncli
seiiïniory or part tliereof is situated, mnst, for llie préservation
ofliis privilèges, witltin six niontlis froni tlie date of tlie
notice in tlie Canada ihiziilc of tlie deposit of tlie scliedule
of siicli seigniory, file an opposition to tlie distribution ofall
nioneys arising- or \vliieli iiiay arise froni thc rédemption of
tli(ï seii^miorial riii;lits in svicli seigniory ; evcry siicli oppo- p^-ypt an<i
sition shall be liled in the said oiîico and liave ellect for '^'^''i'};'" "^
tilirty years, iinless sooner witlidrawn, or by jndgmenl of
tlio Court dismis^cd; and if any sucli op[)osition be re-
newed witliin a less tiiiie tlian thirty years, tlie opposant
shall only be entitled to tlie eosts of one single opposition;
and wliiie sucli oppositic^n sliali so rcinain in force, any
Ccnsilairv wlio shall pay thc enpital or rédemption moncy,
of thc r('n(c consliluce to the Scignior, shall do so at his peiil,
and on pain of being liable to any sueli opposant forany loss
he may tlicreby sustain.
XXI. AU minors, intcrdicted pcrsons and married womcn, what parties
cven in tue case oi dower not yet ()])en {non encore o?<t'tT/,) |ositions to
and ail wlio hâve entailcd or contingent rights, by thein-JJ.I^^iegL^''^'''
selves or their tutors, curators, husbands or otlicrs, who may
act for them, shall be also required, for the préservation of
tluMr privilèges, to ï\\v. their op])osilion to the distribution of
ail sueh moneys in thc manner j)rovided in thc next prc-
cccding section ; but tutors, curators, husbands or others
wlio sh;ill liave neglected lo file such oj)j;ositions shall,
neverllu'less, continue to b(! ii'spoiisible towards tlie ]icrsons
undcr their charge or aiitliority ft^r any loss which inay
resuit from their négligence in the said bchalf.
24 a
In dcfauit of XXir. If, aftcr llie cxpiralion of six montlis, froin ilic date
Soignor mny ol tlu! liKst |)iil)licat lon jii lli(î Canudu ihizclle of tlic notice
«h'i"roof'tho '*y ^''^' •i'^'<'<'iver (Jcneral of thc (Irjjosit of llio sc-licdiilc oftlif
i>idJ, Ao. scii^miory inwliieli sncliland is situated, thc possessor of snch
sci^rniojy prodnce to llie H('cciv(>r General a eerlifieate,
£,'rantedby the Clcrk of llie Snperior C'onrf for tlie District,
in whicli llie schedule relativ(> to sneli scii^miory, or a tripli-
cate thcreof, is deposited, slating tliat tliere is no opposition
to tlie j)ayment of llie rédemption nioneys in sucli seigniorv,
the said lleecîiver General sliall pay to tli(î said Seignior, on
liis giving a duplieate reeeipl thereof, llie amoiinl of any
moneys corning lo sueh Seignior oui of tlie Sj)ecial Fund
hereinbefore rnentioned, witli interest tliereon, at six per
cent per annnm, to be comjHiled from thc date of the said
Ami the capital notice, and tliercafter llie Seignior shall hâve fui! rio-hl to
iif tlio renies • 1 • /• I ^
cun-ntiucs. reeeive tlie priée ol tlie rentes conslituécs in liis seigniory
directly froni the Censitaires, and lo dcal willi such refîtes
as lie shall sec lit.
llow muney
in Receiver
GeneraTa
hands shall bo
(loalt with in
case of oppo
sitiuu filed.
Corporations,
(ntoig, ,tt».,
t'iniiowered to
XXIff. \Vli(>never thc Reeeiver General shall hâve as-
ccrtained tluî ainount of money coming to any Seigni()r ont
of the Spécial Fund hereby ajiproprialed in aid of tlie Censi-
taires, and there shall be an opposition filed as aforesaid lo
the distribution of such money, the Reeeiver General shall
deposit a eertiiicate of thc said amounl in the hands of the
Clerk of llie Suj)erior Court in thc District whcrein the sche-
dule rela1i\e lo llie said seigniory, shall hâve been dei)osited ;
and the said Court shall make the distribution of the said
moneys amonglhe opposants, according to the order of their
hypothees, and the préférence of llieir respective j)rivilcFc,s;
and the Reeeiver General shall pay the saine to the Clerk of
the Court to be disiributed aeeording to such order, but the
interest on any sum coming to a Seignior, and in the Re-
eeiver Gencral's hands, shall always be payable to such
Seignior.
XXIV. Ail persons holding in inortmain, corporations,
tutors, curalors and administrators possessing lands hold en
25 a
roture^ or pnrsons liolding cntaik'd lands, tlio rrw^^.v ajw.v^ï-pa^ocr the ra-
, 1-11 <i r'i*' '^^ rente»
tuecs upon wliicli may be rodcemcMi witli aiivantan;e to Ihosc runatUm'cs
wliomlhoy reprosont, may eflbct tlic rédemption o( nnyrcnte^'^ on is et
constituée under the provisions of tliis Act by jiayini^ llic
priée of rédemption ont of the moneys of those wliom they
represent : Provided that tutors, curators and usid'riietaary pp>vigo
proprietors [usufrinticrs) and holders of enlailed landî^,
observe tlie formalilies required by law in the aliénation of
the persons whose rii^hts shall be represented by thern ; but
persons holding in mortniain and corporations shall not be
rrquired to observe any other formality in or before the ré-
demption of any such rente constituée than those prescribed
by tliis Act.
XXV. And it shall be lawful for the several religions or r^oiii^ion!" com-
I . . 1 . . 1 1 )• • • ' n r inunities hold-
eeclesiastieal communities, iioldmg m mortmain nefs oring seigniorici
seigniories in Lower Canada, to Jnvest, from tiuie to lime as "'^|f„|"J,i('ion
lliey sliall see fit, in any lands or tenements in this Provinec', '"''^'y '" ''®*'
or in any public or private securities in this Province, whicli
they shall deem the most advisable or advantag(!ous to tlieir
respective communilies, any sumsof money thaï may acerne
to tluMii from the rédemption of any rente coHslit//ée crcii\('d
iinder this Act, or out of the Spécial Fund appropriated by
this Act.
DESTINATION AND LEGAL CHARACTEU OF PnOPERTIES AND
RIGIITS HEREAFTER TO REPRESENT SEIGNIORIES.
XXVI. In respect of ail rights acquired in, to or upon, any a« rospocts
seigniory, belore tlie publication m the CanadaG'tzi (te ol the »,pf„ro tho
notice of the Receiver General of thedeposit of t!ic sdiedule :'i';'|:i^£ S'
t)f any seigniory in liis hands, and for the préservai ion wlic- ''"?', "' ' ^'^J
, , . . whi -h ('i ,)Osi-
re(jf an opposition shall hâve been lih;d within >i.\ monlhs H'uls :h;i!i bo
irom the date ot the said publication, ail lands and xvd.\con<uiiucs
rights wliich, at and immcdiately before the passing of this'^^.|(,, r^l^l'^^
Act, were held by the Seignior as part of his s('ignit)ry, ail -""'«"' •■;'
rights seeured to him_under the schedule thereof, ail rentes
nnder ihis xYct to be created, ail moneys to arise from the
redemj)tion of any such rfwit'S, or to be received by ihe Sei-
PriyileROti for
^oouniig siuh
rtntet-
26 a
Junior ont of îlie aid i:^r;in1od l)y lliis Act lo iIkî Crnsif aires
towards iIk; r(.'domi)ti()n of sciiijnioriiil rii,dits, dutics and
ducs, and ail proporlit's and riglits so by snch Soi<,Mii()r ac-
([iilrcd ;is to rcprcscnt snch rnoncyp, sliall hv licld and talccn
as llionLdi attachcd to tlic domaine ot" sneli seig-niory, and as
represcnthiif sucli scigniory ; bnt in respect of ail riglits thc-
As rcRarcL^ rcaftcr to accrue, or for tlie préservation whereof no o[)po-
olbor rights . , , ,, , , m i ■ i . i i i c • i ii i
ihe sfiid rcntcK sition shall liavc been hled witliin tlie delay atoresaid, ail sueli
tuictpropcrtios. liinds, riglits, rentes and moneys, shall bc held and taUen to
be, and shall l)e to ail intenfs soparatc and indepciulent pro-
perties and riglits ; anti it shall not bo recpiisite thaï any
person, in order to iho holding, recovery or nnforcenienl of
any thereof should (|iialify hiinself as being, or as ever
liaving been, a Seignior.
XXVII. AU rentes constituées lo bc created under this Act,
shall hâve the same privilèges ex causa as the riglit of the
haiileiir de fonds ^ and the like préférence over ail otiier hy-
jjutliecary cl.iims afl'ecting the land, as any seigniori.'l dues
upon or arising ont of such land would hâve had previous
lo the rédemption of the said dues, without any registration
x,) iiijr •t:.iin in !'ny Regl.>try office to that end ; but the creditor shall
re^iM to ho"^'' ^^''^ \vd\Q. tlic riglit to rccovcr more than five years' arrears
roeoverabio. <-,{• ^^^y such rent ; and in default of moveables ont of whieh
the amount of any judgment for such arrears, though amoun-
ting to less than ten pounds currency, may be levied, exé-
cution may issue against such land after a delay of one
ycarfroin the date of such judginent, and not sooner.
In what cases XXVIII. Evcry rcntc comtituée^ establishcd by virtue of
«hifiibe "^ "this Act, sluiU always be redeeniable by consent of the
i^dsomabic. owner of tlie land and of the Seignior, in cases wherc the
Seignior lias the riglit lo the capital iliereof for his own use,
iUid not otherwise ; but if the seigniory be cntailed (vw/av-
tituêe) or held by a tutor, cnrator or usufructuary proprietor
[asufruitif r)^ and an o])position be filed and then in force,
the rente and arrears only shall be received, subjecl ahvays
to the excejition in the next following section, wiiicli shall
apply to ail cases of rédemption of such renies.
o
t!
il
d
il
27 a
XXIX. Proviikul Jihvavs, tli;it il .sliiill iu>t bc lawfiil to ■^'■'li (-«"f"
redccm ;uiy suc'li rente cofixtitiojn cxccpt l)y tlic c'()ns«'nt ot cinnimbio in
K-' St'iijjnior liaviiii^ tlio ri'^lit to tlio capital llu'icof lor lus |,,,i,„,y ,,i „„,,,.
own use, at any otlicr timc, in any ycar, tlian tlm day *>r» !^!^',a'^ry ''"
vvhicli .siu;li re/ife is payable ; Hiit provick'd also, lliatal any
tiine aiid wlictlior llio SfiL'nior liave or liavo ot llic riii;lil "".'^ "'".
i<) ilic (capital ol" tlic renies constt'hoJf s untlcr lliis Act, for his m"no.v simii
•.1111 1 ri/' 1 ^ ... • • ''" 'l'"^"' **'*'*
own lise, it sliiill bi" lawiul lor llie Censitaires in any soi-
ii^iiiory to rcilrciu by onr paynicnt ail llic said rentes eons/i-
trcfs dicn rouiainini^ intlic seij^'niory, and, in sucli case, llic
rr<l.>iiipti()n moncy sliall bc paid lo tlic Sci<,niior, il' llicre bc
tli* '1 no opposition filcd as aforcsaid and in force; and
il iIh ce bc siicli opposition, llicn it sliall be j)aitl to tlic
JvTfivcr General, and sliall Ixî dcalt witli in ail rcspct-ts as
mont y Cdinin:,' to tlic Scignior ont of llie Spécial Fond ap-
p.opriated in aid of tlie Censitaires ; and tlie payin^^ of such
n deiiiption money sliall always bc one of tlie piirposc-; for
W'Iiich iiioncy niay bc raiscd on tlic crédit of tlie Cun^<-
li iatcd Municipal Loan Fund for Lower Canada, iiiKui-
any law in fon c for raising moncy on tlic crédit of ;uc!i
fund: and llie rédemption moncy undcr tliis section si; ill •'" -y may
always be tlie capital sum of wliicli \\w renies redeemed l'iei l'or tiiii
1111 1 1 I 1 • 1 1 1 Piir(t"i-'o <in tho
sliall be (Hjual to tlic Icgal intcrcst, unless anollu^r rate b(icroiiit of tim
I „ 1 .1 ^ , •, • 1 t_' • • i • .1 municipal lonu
agrced upon by tlic Censitaires m\a -a Seignior navjng llic cyn^ '
riglit to such rcdcmption money, for liis own use.
MISCELLANEOUS l'ROVlSIO.VS.
1(!
or
c.
XXX. No sale undcr writ of exécution (/>ar décret) sliall Vé'^rct not to
jnirco Ftîi-
liavc tlic eflect ot libi-rating any immovcable property tlien «îiioriui ri^rhii
or ïlicn^toCore licld à titre de erns^ and so sokl, froiii any of ,'.,„,,/, 7,,,;,,'
tlie riglits, cliarges, conditions or réservations cstablisluîd 'r'"'^'"^""""
in rcspcctof such immovcablc propcrty infavor oftiic Scignior,
due before tlie complelioii of tlie schcdule of tlic scignioiy
in \ liicli such propcrty lies, or froiii any rei/le eonstitiiêe
payable tlicrcoii undcr such schcdule, but evcry such iimiKJ-
28 «
vc.'iblo properfy shall hr considiTed as huving boon sold sub-
jc'ct tlicrcaftcr fo ail siicli riglits, (;liari,'('s, conditions or ré-
servations, wliitliout its hoini,' neecssary l'or tlic Scdi^mior to
niak(! an opposition for tho said [)urj)oso bcfore llio sale.
Opposition fur XXXI. If not witlistaud ini^' tlic provisinn.^ of tliis Act, any
rcn/c tu lie nul! *'PP"^'^"*" "/"^ ''•" '■'"'''A''^' 'x' Hiadc licrciiltcr lor llic préser-
vation of any of tlie righfs, ehar'jes, conditions m- rtîscr-
vations mentioned in tlie next precedinfj section ol ihis Ac',
sucli opposition sliall not liave tliu (dlect ol stayin^i; tlm sale,
and tlie Opposant sliall not be entitled to any cosis tliereon,
but it sliall be retiirned into Court by tlie Slierilf alter the
sale, to be dealt witli as to law laay appertain.
Sei'iiiior's
privilope for
iirrear.-i licforo
cotritiiiitiitidu
uiuintuiiieit.
XXXII. Tlie Seignior of whorn any land tlie lenure ol
wliieli shall be commnted under tliis Act, was lie.'d, sliall
be maintained, in his privilei^^es and liypotliecs on tlic laiid,
for the payiH(>nt of ail arrears of seii^niorial righis lawtiilly
due at the time of such commutation.
CKRTAIN LANDS DECLARKD TO BE AND ÏO HAVE BiCEN HOLDEN
IN FRANC-ALEU ROÏURIEU.
Lands heretn- XXXIII. Ail lauds ^vhich any Seignior lias, l)y any act
for» coininutcd / ,\ ii- •<• i . r xi i i
toijchuMin yic'c) ov deed jn writiiig herctolore execiited, released or
franc aku. agveed lo l'clcase from ail si'ignioriai rights in considération
of the paymenl of any snm of nione\ r of any annual rent,
are hereby declared to be and to hâve b'-eii, IVoiii the day of
the date of every such act {aclv) or deed, free from ail such
Rentes \m\'>-'- seigniorial rights and holden \n frai/c-a/nt rof/rn'cr ; but the
miiy iio rc- C.ommissioners, lor the purposc ol making the schedules cl
seigniories in whicli any snch lands are situated, '^liail derd
with ail such land as if ihey were now held en roture, and
wluMi the same are liable to an annual r(>nt, shall establish,
and specify in the schedulc, the capital of every such rent,
in order that the same may be redeemed by the person liable
tlierefor, in ihe same manner as any renie constituée esta-
blishcd bv tliis Act.
«lecmcj, &e.
29 a
XXXIV. AU lands linon whic-li iiiortniniii iu-m din d» /.vrorfuin ii.n<iH
' un vs luth
iVindrmniU) \\\\\v. bccu puul lo :>iiv SiMirn i, und v ifli nioriiiiain due*
1 , Il 11'' , \\\sy\ I" • n paiil
hiivo not ofcn sold or corKUMlcd siiico siicli j viiient to ;ir-, i„ i „i,
ti(*H lioldini,' otlicrwiscî tlian in inorlmuin, are licrrby oc-' ^
clurcd to be and lo liuve becn, l'roiii llic day of llio date of
HUcli paynirnt or of any act {(wU') or tirrd in writini,', hiii-
dini,' llic owncr to pay llio siarne, releanod froinall scigniorial
du(.'s and duties and licld vn franc aleu-roliiriir^ but ^ubjeel
to tlie paynicnt of a renie constiluéc ucjual to tlio crns and
rent h'gally due lliereon.
INTEUI'HKTATION ANI> KXTE.NT OK TUIS ACT.
XXXV. And, for tlio interprétation of tliis Aet — He itArtnotto tx
I riii . c ,\ • ■ i',i • t i 1 11 . 1 toiiil ti) certiùu
enacted, J liât non(! ol the provisions ol tins Aet sliall oxten(i5„ij,ni„rios.
lo tlie wild and uneoneeded lands in sei^niiories lield l)y llie
Crown in trust for the Indians, nor to the seigniories held
by the Ecclesiasties of the Seininary of St. Sulpice of Mon- Soit^niory of
Ireal, nor to eitlier ot the hels Nazareth, Saint Augustin,,jc v;t guipice,
Saint .Joseph, (yjosse and Lagauchetière, in the City anci '"'.! 'll'Ji'j'"^ j,
County of Montréal, nor to any olhcr «rm'/*6'//p/ dépend ing
upon {relevant de) any of the said seigniories, nor to the sei-
gniories of the late order of Jesuits or other seigniories heldcrown and Je-
by the Crow^n and not above mcntioned, nor to the seigniories!!;"^^^'* ^"''î"'"
held by Ihe Principal Ollicers of lier Mujesty's ()rdnan(;e, nor
to any lands held en franoaleu noble and granted under and j,,'i,"r'iuj'^
by virtue of the Act of the Parliament of ihe late Province of
t /-i 1 1 • I 1 • 1 !• 1 T. • C FT- Ccrtiiiii lands
Lower Canada, ])asscd m the third year ol the Reign ol Hisin shurrington.
lato Majesty King George the Fourth, and intituled : An Act , , , „ .,
■ . ... Aet. of L. C. 3
for the relief of certain Censitaires or grantees ofLa Salle and Oeo. 4, c. 14
others therein mcntioned, ponsessing^ Inrids laithin the limits of
the tovmship of Sherrington : Provided always, thaï the Go-Proviso:
vernor in Council may if he shall see fit, grant to the Cf «- grl^'nYêqLuY
sitaires of the Crown seigniories the revenues whereof belons:li'"'".5°f ^ .
to the Province, (including the seigniories of the laie order Crown seigniu-
of Jesuits), upon commutation of t/ieir lands, equaladvan-
tages and relief as are hereby granted to the Censitaires of
seigniories not excepted from the opération of lliis Act.
'M) a
A.t, ni.f to XXXVF. \i)tliini,' licrcin containcd sliall «(Il et thc rii.'hi
A., to, (»r tlir rccovcry ut, any aiicars <n tiri^'nional durs ac-
ciiicd l)('ior(! tli(! passiiiii; <>f'tliis Act, or sluill ^'ivc any [«^rson
wlioitisocvcr any riijjlit ol' action ior tlic rccovcry ol' nioncy of
otlicr vaMic paifl l)y liiiri or liis prcdccessors in tlic forin of
rciits or otlicr scij^Miiorial ducs, or for tlic rccovcry of daitiaî^t'S
wliicli lie inay jirctcml to claini fortlic privation of any rijj;lit
of Avliicli li(! may (k'cm tliat lie lias hcen illc^'ally dcprivcd
by liis Scififnior, unlos.«t Ijc would liave? Iiad sucli ri^dit of
: ,..1. 't action if tliis \rA liad not becn passcd ; iior<<liall any thing
",',iMi> I ii' ' 'fi diis Act l)c constriu'd lo Wcakrn or fo -npport any cluim
ihcy Bti.,.i ht), f Sciirnior or ofanv Ctnsitains lo itiiy ri<i:lit claiiucd by
. t tiii' Aot. or for tlicrn rcspcclivcly, fit tlit* licarinij; on tlic (questions and
propositions to l)i; snbniitlcd und(>r lliis Ad to llie Jiidgcs
for tlicir décision, but the sarrie sliall bc (Iccided by tlic law
as il stood iininediatejy bcfore the passincif of thi.s Act.
Intory)rpt(ition
of words ;
S'cigniory ;
'^clgnlO^ ;
Censitaire ;
Scigniorial
rights ;
XXX VIT. Tlie Word " scigniory," whcrevcr it ocoms in
tliis Act, sliall be eonstnicd as mcaninif any part of a liof,
ar/7Vn.'-/<'./*»r scigniory licld by a siniiflc individnal, or by u
corporation, or held by scveral persons in eoriiinon {/mr in-
divis) as well as tlic wliole of a //V/, urrièr(-fief\ or scigniory,
except in such parts of tliis Act in whicli llic words " arriire-
ficf'' and " .vai,'7«'(;r/y " are madc uso (^f io liisiinguish the
jief dominant from llie fief servant ; and tic word " Scignior"
shall be construed as nicaning any roporiiion, or any sole
proprictor, and ail persons wlio are pro])iic;(»rs in eominon
{jnir indivis) of any part of a //V/', arm're-//^/ or seigniory, as»
well as any person or corporation, bcing sole proprictor,
and ail persons, pro|)rietors jointly and par indivis of the
\vholo of any such/fV/, arrière-fief\ or seigniory : ihc words
" Seignior" and " Censitaire " sliall apply lo the owner of
any rente constituée ereated under this Aet, and the person
charged therewitli, respeetively, as well as to the owner of
and person clmrged witli the rights and duties representcd
by such rente; the words " seignicrial rights," whenever
they occur in this Act, «hall include and bc construed as
31 a
iiK'liiîliir^' ail ri^'lils, dulics, cliar^'iîs, oblii^ation-^, îin<I mu'-
^niitrial or IVmuIîiI «lues wlial^ocvcr ; tli)* wcrtl " laid "' sliall l^'»"'!
un-an aiiy l<»t, picrc <»r parci-l of laiid, and sliall iiclud'; tlii.'
huildin:,'^ UiiTfon consinu-icd, and al! ils apixTlftiaiici-s.
XXW'III. Tlii" firi^'islaturc réserves llie rii,'lit of inakin<'i'iK»i« <<">•"«"''
any provision, doclaralory or oïlierwise wliu-n iiiay Ix; loiind thuriin.!o<if in
neressary for tlic purpose of fiilly earryin^' ont llic inicnt ,,f'"i<'"""«''"'"'''
dii> Ad ; wliieii inlenf is declured to be, — lo abojisji as soon ii< lutont «le-
;• piaclii-ahlc, ail feudal or seii,niiorial riglits, diiiifs îiiuI'
ducs, ^llllsIitntin^'llK'^dore rtmfis co/islilttét s of e«|iial value, —
to u;iaiit to tlu' ScM^nior a l'air indeninily, and n<» more, l.ir
ail the lucrative rij^dits wliieli llie law *,'ives liiiii, and \vhi< li
lliis Act will abolisli, — to preservi; tlie riglits of tliird parties,
unli's.s sueli rii,dits bc lost by llieir ovvn neglectt or lâches ; —
and to aid the Censitaire ont of tliu Provineiîd Funds in llie
rédemption of tliose seigniorial eliarges wliieli inlfifi re nio>t
injuriously witli liis intlependencte, industry and enterpris(! ;
n\u\ e\ery enaetiiienl and provision of this Act shall reeeivc;
the mobt libéral construction possible with a view to eiisure
tlic accoiiiplishinenl of llie intention of the Législature, as
hereby declared.
XXXIX. The " Interprétation Act " shall apj)ly » tins Act. intorprciatiim
Act to iippljr
XL. This Act shall bo known, cited and rel'erred to, as si,< rt tltie
*' The SeJo-niorial Act of 185 1."
WA. This Act .shall apply lo Lower Canada only.
ExtoQt of Act
FORM A.
Public notice is hereby given thnt the schedule {of the firj\
arrière //'/or of t/ie sei'^niorji) of {name of fuf^ arrière- fief or
sciçcniorji) sjiewing Ihe renies eonslitnéea into which the
feudal and seigniorial ri^hts, ducs, charges, oliligationp and
rents duc and payable upon each land in such (//>/, arrière-
32 a
/if'f oT sci'mniorij) arc convertcd, is comploted, and lliat a tri-
plicalc tlitTcol' has beon deposited in iho office ot llic Re-
ccivcr General, and anothcr in ihc olficc of ihc Supcrior
Court in tlie District of and thatthe tliird rcmains
in the possession of tlic nnder.>?igncd.
{Ilere give the name of Uie localily in ivhich thc Commissioner
is sittini^, and the date.)
A. B.
Commissioner under the Sei-
gniorial Act of 1854.
ANNO DECIMO-OCTAVO
V I C T O R I .^ Il E G I N iE .
CAP. III
An Act to amend the Seigniorial Act of 1851.
[Assentcd to 30ih May, 1854.]
WIIl']R,EAS it is expédient to apiend T/ie Seigniorial VTcamhie.
Art of 1854, so as to facilifate ihe opération thercol':
Be it tlierefore enacted by the Queen'-- ?iIost Excellent Ma- IS V o. 3.
jesty, by and with the advice and eon: ;iit of the Législative
Councii and of the Législative Asseinl ly of the Province of
Canada, constituted and assembled b\ virtue of and under
the authority of an Act passed in the Parliament of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ircland, and intitnled, An
Act to re-unite the Provinces of Upper and Loicer Canada,
and for the Government of Canada, and it is hereby enacted
by the authority of the sarae, as follows :
1. Notwitiistanding any thing in the twenty-eighth and /?«'«''':
coa^ti
, . .' ' , ,. î -Il '"'<-' in seignio-
♦ wenty-ninth sections or in any other part ol the said Act ries, in respect
contained, any constituted rent [rente constituée) established*'ijiongareme!i'
by virtue thereof in any seigniorv. in relation to which an "^*>' *'o rodee-
•' J o V . ^ ^ med, anj bow
opposition shall hâve been filed under any of the provisions
of the said Act, may, at any tinie, be redeenied by payment
to the Receiver General of the capital thereof witji interest
computed up to the date of such rédemption :
2. And the Receiver General shall dispose of ail sncli mo-
neys as follows :
SX a
ifdio oppo i-
tion be fininlcd
i.'i il substitu-
tion.
Proviso :
Court inay, on
pétition, ordor
the mcney to
bo laiil out in
the purchiisc of
rcal e?tato to
lie Iielii on tho
siimcconilitions
to whidi tho
money itpolf
was suliject.
ff lliey accrue iii a seigniory, in iTlalion to wiiicli opj)0-
siiion lias Ijcen niade on iho gronnd llial such seigniory i"^
cntaili'd [substituée) or lield by a cnralor, tulor or ollicr per-
son holding in trust for otlicrr;, and not as absoluto pro-
j)rietor [jure propriclario,) the Recciver General sliall, on
t!ie day in each ycar, on which llie rente would liave bccome
due il' il had not been redeemed, and so long as such entail
(siit/sfilt/t/oft) or tenancy in trust {l'utéirommis) shall subsist,
pay to the ])erson entitled to the revenue of the seigniory,
interest upon the capital ol" ail sucii rtntes at the rate ol six
per ccntinn prr animm^ and lie shall pay tho cnpital thereof
at the expiration of the substilation, or tenancy in trust, to
such person as shall hv. designated by tlic Judgment of the
Court before which such oj)])osition shall hav(; been made :
Provided always, ihat il shall be lawful for the said Court,
on pétition of such curator, tutor or othcr |M^rson holding in
trust for olhers, at any tinie, before the ex|)iralion of the
substitution or tenanc^y in trust, to order that such caj)ilal, or
any portion thereof, shall be, by such curator, tutor or other
jjerson, laid out and invested in real or immovcable propcr-
ty to be designated in the order, and thereupon, it shall be
lawful for the Receiver General to pay the surn mentioned in
such order to the person or party therein designated as the
vendor of such real or immoveable property, or as otherwise
entitled to receive the priée thereof, and thereafler such real
or immoveable property shall be subject to ail such and the
samc trusts [fidéicommis) or enlails (substitutions) as the
seigniory, in resjiect to which the same was so ordercd to be
acquired as aforesaid.
And if upon
hypothecury
claiins.
And if they accrue in a seigniory, in relation to which such
Oj)position lias been made by reason of hypothecary claims
thereon, and not upon the grt)und of the same beingentailed
or lield in trust as aforesaid, the Receiver General shall deal
with such nioneys in the same manner as wilh money accru-
ing to the Seignior out of the Spécial Fund appropriated by
said Act in aid of Ûie Censilaires.
35 a
3. And in cvcrv scii^iiiorv, llio Sciiriiior Axheix'ol'sliall havc; inniher soi-
ihe rii,'lil to irccivc tlie capihil oltlu.' rciitis rottslil/icrs to !)(' ;„7,„iY.= 'f(,h;u
establi.slird iindc ,1k' said Acf, sucli rrnd's may bc rcdeeniod, [:!,f|'^'yL!aVi'"
wilhont lliL' consent of ilic Sci'Miior, l)v i)avni('nt oCtlie capital "'''''i ^^ ^'^■
llirreol" to tli(> Scii^nior or lo iiis agent, eitlicr on llie tiay on
whicli .sueh /■' ;;fc sliall anniially heconie dne, or on any ono
of the seven days inmicdiatcly lollowing ; and wlicMiever tlic
capital oi' any sncli rcf/ff sliall liave been duly tendered to
any such Seignior or to liis agent, on any one of the said
days, and the sanie, or a receipt thercfor, sliall lmv«.' been
refused, snch rc/de sliall bcconie redeemable at any tinie
thcreal'lcr.
%
II. And wlicreasthc objects, for wliich Seii'niors imder the ^'" lettres de
"' ' " _ terrier tu lie
cxisting law are peniiilied to obtain lellrcs de terrier for thei'ercafteris^uod
, . in seigniories ti)
purpose of lurming a ncw terrar [papier Icrricr) or land-which the said
Il '111 1 • 1 ^ ,\ n • Act applies.
roll, wiU bc secnred in a nianner less oncrous to tlie Censi-
taires by the provisions of the said Seigniorial Act of 1851,in
se far as sucli objects are reconcilable witli ihe intention of
the Législature in passing the said Act : iherefore the right
of Seigniors, in Lower Canada, to obtain such lettres de ter-
rier in or for any seigniory to \\liich the said StMgniorial
Act of 1854, as ainended by this Act, extends, is hereby aboi-
ished, and the Act of the Législature of Lower Canada, pas-
sed in the forty-eighlh year of the Rcign of King George the
Third, and intilnlcd, An Act ichick deeltires in irltom is vested Act nf l c
. ' , , ^ . 48 0. 3, c. 6,
the poiver oj grantin'^ des lettres de terrier in this Provtnce,ïe\)Oii\cd as io
in so lar as regards every such seignjory, is hereby repealed.gniorieg,
ich
|ms
led
le al
Iru-
by
III. And whereas, under the said Act, no mutation fine will Récitai
be payable on any mutation of land in a seigniory subjcctto
its provisions, or of sii(;h seigniory itself, occurring after the
publication of the notice of the deposit of the schcdule there-
of, and there is thereforc a strong temptation to defer muta-
tions uutil afier sueh publications, or to conceal the fact of
their being made beforc it, to the grcat inconvenience and
loss of ail parties ; And whereas some lime will elapsc be-
36 a
No mutation
fine t<i lu! liorc-
•after luiviililc
in si'if;tiiorif3
to which tlio
Hiii.l Act iip-
])lio.< ; infèrent
un tlic sum Ici
whioh lio uiiiy
bc entitlc'l out
of tho provin-
cial ai'l tu the
Censitaire, to
bo payable to
the iS'cignior
instead ilie-
reof and ap-
proxiiuiitc cs-
tiniîito to bo
madu iintil the
schedules aro
prcpared.
fore t!i(î sclicdiiles of ail tho soigniories ctui hc cornjjliicd ;
And wluMras the npprojjriation in liidofllu' CcHsildirva^ niade
bv llii' said Ad, \vas inadc w itli llic inicnt tliat il slionld tako
oflbct iiiiinediavely, and nnlil il is payable, llif iuU'rrst npon
loan nccessïary lo raise iho snni n^piinul, is s.avtîd to tlio
Province : lie it iherefore enaelcd, Tliat no loih cl ventes,
(/n/'f/f, relief or ollier nnilalion linc, sliall accme iipon any
mulalion which shall take place aficr llic pr.ssinjr of this
Act, in any fief or scirrniory lo which tho said Si'i'^niorial
Act of 1851, as amcndcHl by this Act, cxtciids or applies, but
instead thcreof ihe Rcccivcr General shall crédit the Fund
appropriated by llie said Act in aid of tho said Censitaires,
wilh interost, from tlio passing of this Act, on tho total arnounl
of tho appropriation, and the rente constituée payabhî by any
Soigniorto his Seignior doiiunant shall accrue from the pas
sing of this Act ; And if the scliedules of ail the soigniorics
be not depositcd by the first day of Januarj-, onc thousand
cight liundrod and fifty-six, so that tlio said Fund can be
finally devidod among tliein, the Conmiissioners, iindorthe
said Act, or any one or niore of thom aulhorizod for that pur-
pose by Instructions from the Governor through the Provin-
cial Sccretary, shall, forthwith, make an apj)roximatc estimate
of the share ihereof coming to each Seignior or Seignior
dominant, totho best of their ability and according to the
best information they can obtain, and the intorcst from the
passing of this Act on the share coming to each Seignior
dominmit, shall be paid to him on tho first day of January
and July, until his share shall be finally at^certaincd, when
the amounî so paid shall bcdebitod to him, and lie shall be
creditod with the intorcst from the })assingof this Act on lus
share as so ascertained, and the difl'orence shall be balanced
by crediting or debiting him, as the case inay rcquiro, in his
account with the Receivor General in respect of such share,
with a sum equal to such differonce ; and for tho purpose of
making such approximate estimate as aforesaid, the said
Commissioners may require and reçoive from ihc several
Seigniors such stalements, attestedon oalli beforc a Judge of
37 a
the Superior Coirt or a Circuit Jndge, as thcy shall considor
cxpe(li(;nt for lin.' piirposo : Provided alwavs, fhat llie suiii l'iovifo : n.^ to
|)aid by tlie licceivor Uencral as inltM'csl under tlie section, r. c.
shall be takini into aceount in asccrtaining tlic surn to which
Upper Canada mriy be entitled for local [)urposes under sec-
tion nineteeii of tlie said Act.
IV. Tin; right of retrait conventionnel, wliieh the Seignor T^rimit nm-
was allowed to stipulate solely for the pnrpose of securing tOuUoiL-hed.
him the payaient of mutation fines, is hereby abolished.
V. The Reeeiver General shall, from timc to lime, place iiceciverCio-
1 • 1 1 , i- .1 T-\ 1 • . 1 ncral inny in-
any moneys m lus hands as part ol tlie Hund appropnated vcst monoy.H
by the said Act, and not then reqnired for the purjjoses ^lif'i'c- |j'.''J'h'ô''Jàid A^cf
of, at inlerest in any Chartered Bank, or invest the same in""''""t iiu">o-
■•111 1 1 1 x^ il'ately requir-
provineial dehentures or deujcntnres guaranted by the Pro-ei.
vince, and shall tipP^J ^''^ interest thereon tovvards inaking
good that allowed under the Act.
VI. And for the avoidance of doubts, Be it declarcd and noubts a? to
. . • 1 » oTtain powors
enacted, lliat any Commissioner, under the said Act, may of theCoinmis-
„ »• • 1 1 ^1 .1 .• 1 Fionurs romov-
give any notice required by the sevenlh section or byanyçj
other jiart thereof, wifh respect to any seigniory or seignio-
ries, and another or v)thers of thein may afterwards act in any
way under the said Act witli respect to sucli seigniory or
seigniories ; and generally each Commissioner who shall
act with respect to any seigniory, shall be lield to be the
Commissioner assigned to act in and for the same under the
fourth section ci the said Act, unless the Governor shall
liave otherwise directed and ordered.
)f
VU. 8o much of the said Seigniorial Act of 1851, as The saia Aot
• 1 I (• • ••111 1 11 f^l'iill ajiply to
provides that none ol its j)rovisions shall apply to any lands ooittiin lunds
held on fniJic-alcu, nol)'e, anrl granted under and by virtue of "* t^llcrrlngt on
the Act of the Parliament of the late Province of Lower Ca-
nada passod in the third year of the Reign of His late rvlajes-
ly King George the Fourth, and intituled. An Ad for f/it re-
lief of certain Censitaires or Granlces of La Salle and others
38 a
thcrcîn minlioned possessing' lanih vîlhin ihn Toininhip of
Sherritifçton^ sliall bc* and is licrehy ivpealrd, and thc said
Act shall a|i|)ly to llu; said lands ; but inasniucli as tlic déci-
sion of thc Si)ccial Court lobe conslilutod undrr tlio sixtoenth
sec-lion of llie said Sei,i,miorial Aet of 1^51, caniiot aH't-cl ihe
said lands, llierefore tlie scli('did<> relatinii: llicveto nriy bc
completed and deposiled williout waiting for llie decisou ot
the said Sjjccial Couvl.
sheduiesmay VIII. Not witlistaud in:ii[ auytliinqin llie said Scii^uiorial
!ho' Cr'iwn'sci- Act of 185-1, sclicd ulcs iiiay, if die Governor sliall see fit so
fo"ri,mvinda? ^" ^^'^'^^^t, be mado under llie provisions theroof for llie sei-
1 urpoFcs. guiories held by ihc Crown, and the revenues whereof belong
to the Province, includingthe seigniories of the late order of
Jesuits, in like inanner and under the same provisions as for
other s(!igniories (omitting such particulars i>s cannot apply
to Crown seigniories), and with like power to ilie Commis-
sioners ; Provided tliat no ])art of the appropriation in aid of
the Ccj/si/jiiirs inade by the said Aci, shall be applied te-
wards the redeini)tion of seigniorial riglits in such Crown
s^Mguiories, nor shall any such schedule be deposited in the
manner jirovided in the thirteenth section of the said Act, or
operate any compulsory commutation of tcnure, or substitu-
tion of any rente conslilucc for the seigniorial rights and dues
Efl.ct and use in sucli seigtiiory ; l)nt thc Governor in Council may, if he
.'f such schc- gec fil, allow the Censitaires in the said seigniories, upon
commutai ion of thcir lands, equal advantages and relief with
those which Censitaires in other seigniories shall be found to
obtain under Ihe said Act, and llie schednles mad(' under
this section shall serve as the basis for cullivaling the extent
of such advantages and relief to be so allowed to the Ce7isi-
taires m the said Crown seigniories.
Errorsin JX. And wlicrcas some errors hâve crept inio the french
lSc.^S"t, version of the said Act which it is désirable to correct : Be
coireetcd. j^ euactcd, that in thc said french version, for the words " tel
que désigné;' in the eight Une of the fourlh paragraph of the
39 «
fifth section of tlic said Aot, ilio words '■'- comme vlan I. (listincV
shall bc suhstitiitfd ; — and lor tlie words " quinze joura (Va-
vis''\ in tilt! fourlli line of ihe .sixtli |)arngraj)li of llu' twelftli
section, tlic \vordi<' '■'■ liidt jours (/Viiv'.v" shall be substitutcd, —
tlie lines hercin rcfcrcd to beingthosc in ihe first ollicial édi-
tion of tlie said Acl j)rintod by tlic Quccn's Printcr.
X. Aftcr any sciicdulcs shall havc bccn coniplcted and de- .^oiieJuics ani
1 11 • 1 » i • I 11 1 • 11 • nr< ccciliiig^
posited nnaertlie said Act, it shall not ne impcachcd or its ,.oinpiot(;.i un-
ertect impaired for any inlbrmality, error or defect in any ^"^' ,\",t,'"^"'hg
j)rior proceeding in relation to il, or in any tliing required l^^y ''"^iTeTfor""
ihe said Act to be donc before it was socompleted and depo- wuniof l'orm,
sited, but ail siicii prior procecdin^>; and ihings shall be held
to hâve been rightly and formally hud and donc, nnless the
contrary exprcssly appear on the face of sucli schcdulc ; and
liie same rule shall apply to ail proccedings of the Commis-
sioners nnder the said Act, so that no one of ihem, when
eomjjleted, shall be inipeached or (jucstioned for any intor-
iiiality, error or dc^feet in any previous proceeding, or in any
thing tlicrefore donc or omitted to be donc by the Coinmis-
sioners or any of thcm.
XI. For the purposes of the said Act, every person occupy-
ing or possessing any land in any seigniory witli the permis-
sion of the Seignior, or froin whom the Seignior shall hâve
received rentes or other seigniorial dues in respect of such
land, shall be held to be the pro[)rietor thereof as Censilairc.
XII. Any person who shall in any manner intenupt, ob-
struct, iinpede or molest a Commissioner nained under '' The
Seigniorial Act of 1854," or any person acting under his in-
structions, in the exécution of his duty in any matler ci)n-
nected witli the carrying into efïect of the said Seigniorial
Act of 1854 or of this Act, or shall in any mannerdeter, pre-
vcnt or liinder, by lorce, thrc^ats or otherv/ise, any such Com-
missioner, or person acting under his instructions from per-
forming any duties assigued to him by and under either of
the said Acls, shall be liable to be imprisoned for every such
Certain porsona
lanJs wilh
C'insont of Sci-
pni 11' to lin
'loeiueil Censi-
taires.
i'orHiins tiri|:iw-
t'ully imiictlint;
in luiy way the
0>;ocution ot'
11" siiil Act,
hi'w to lie de-lit
«i-h and pu-
nislied.
40 a
snchofTensc for a pcriod not exceeding two montlisi, and i(
shall bc lawful for any one Justice; of llie Pcace to commit
any person convicted beforc lum,on thc oatli of one crédible
Coavi.;tiun not witness, of any sucli ofience ; and no conviction, order, war-
î-or^waT.?''^ runt or othcr inatter made or purporting to bc made undor
foriu, Ao jjjjg ^^.^ j^Ij^h ijg quashed for want of form, or be removed,
])y ccrliorari or otherwise, into any of lier Majesty's Courts
of record for want of sucli form.
Short titie of XIII. In citing orrefcrring to this Act in any Act or pro-
iLis Ad. ceeding whalsocver, it sliall be sufficientto refer to it as thc
" Stigniorial Anuiiilnunt Acl fV'lB55," by wiiich title it^hall
be known and callcd.
41 a
imiocl<:i;i)im;s uf tiik spkcial court,
Held laidcr /he avlkoritij of Ihc Sci^niorial Art of 1851,
passed by Ihc Provincial Parlicmicnt of Canada^ in Ihe
\Sth //car of lier MaJcsti/\'S Rcig-n, Cap. 3.
1^
Thursdaij^ thc 22//d of Fcbrruary., 1855.
The Honorable; Lewis T. Dmminond, Hcr Majt-îsly's At-
lorney General for Lower Canada, files " Questions " in
the englisli and frencli languages, to be submitted to ihe
Judgesof llie Court of Queen's Beneli and of thc Superior
('ourt for Lower Canada, under tlie provisions of thc Sei-
gniorial Aet of 1854. (1).
APPEARANCES FILEI).
Date.
1955.
Mav, 5
M;i
Naines of Seicrniors
L. JI. Viger-.-..
Dnio Mûrie Aurélie Faribdult-
Uon : John Pai;.^m,in
John Fraser
lion. J. Il liollanii.
I)mo (J C DoLotIjinière.
lion : John M. Fraser
J. S. C. Wurtelo
.\rthur Ro s
John S. Can)p!-.eU-
WilHani Pozor
ifon : D 13. Vif,'er
Georfje II. Monk
01. T. lirnneau
lion : L. J l'apineau
Orne M. II. C. Jiiuhereau Duchusnay,
es qualité
(1) Sue the juJgmcDt hercinal'ter cited.
Namcs of seiguiories.
Ropentigny.
L'Assomption Baycul.-'
Lachcnaio- •• •
Contre-Cœur, Oouruoyer
.Monnoir
Rigaml
Mouut-Jlurray
Rivièro Pavid A Bourg-
Mairie (le l'E^t,.-.--
.-ît. (Ji'o- (lo lîcauriva^cp.
L'islet du Portage (Qué-
bec) .••••
Aubert-(îallion
f.^lo lîizard
Blaiuvillo.
.Mimtarvillc.-- •.
l'utite-Natiiin
Dcbfhaillons (Québec). ••
St. Uurs (Montréal;.' • • •
Attorney.*!.
S. Cherrier.
(t
Dunkin
Robt. Mackay.
C. S. Chorrier
42 a
Ddto.
AI,. y, 7
Niimcs of Seigniors.
Dmo ThiirèMo EuRonio l'anet et lien-
jiiinip AbhoM
l>imj iMiirio Liiui.-e l'anet «t Art La-
nintliu.
l'icrro Louis l'anet
rr.xulincs Nuns (if Quc'ec.
W. Horczy and D. L. Aunlie l'iinet.
Diiit! lîliarliitto Aliilanio l'unet ••••
Xanics (if joigniorio.^
R.inicz
Charles Alfred Cutlihort,.
Kiiward Oïlavian Ciitliljert, and
L>mo C'éeilia Anna 1". Cutlilicrt
and vif
lion : James Leslio
lion : Bos3 Cuthbert
Uenry W. Trifri;o A Thomas Triggo
tutor to Alfred Tri>:gi!
lion ; Dominique Alondelot
John Yulo.
.lolm Nairnc.
01 Perrault de Litiiùrc.
Charles James T'invin (îrant ■ ■•
Alex. E. Kier/.kowtki i4 iil....--'
Su.--an Johnson.
\Jino Louisa Sophia Ciunphell- ■
fart of D'Ailleliout
l'art of ]) aillolioiil and
of Kaaie/.ay
Ste Croix aniiothur[)la;.'ts
l'ait of Ij'ailleljout..
lîerthir-rand.'^t.Cathbert.
liourcheniin an i lluni-
say
liiinoraio iind d'Autre"
Joseph Fre<leriek Allanl
CharluH Aug. Max, (ilohenski & al..
Thos. Edmnud Caniiibell
I»iuo Louise Ch;..tier do Lotbiniùre
and viz.
Dnio Marie Eliz. (Jrant
Samuel Uerrard.
Dmo Mario A. T. ï. DeLanaudière.
Tho sarne nnd Clis. Leodel..
Anielia Alartlia liowman
(Jeorge Casimir l'essauUes
Louis Antoine ])e~s:iulles
J)ino Rosalie Eiifîéiiio Itessaulles.--
Dmo Cliarlotto Taricu Do Lanau-
ditJre
William Fraser A ail
Charles B. ï. T. DoLanandiùre. • •
Chs. J. Chaussegros Do Lery & al.-
Sir Edmund Filmer à al-.
Mary Christian liurton & vir.
Duie Mario (Jt loviiive Sophie Riy-
mond
Catherine Anna Gordon.
David Shaw llamsay.
Nicolef..
Part of Del ait/eh and of
liougemont
Chamlily East
M'.irriiy (tjiiohee).
'l'asthi-reau, Linière A St
.Io,-e|ih de la Ijeauce.
Loiiç;ia-uil
S'. François lo Neuf- • - -
Ar^ciitcu 1.
;st. François and Lus-iaii-
dière (i Hivers)- - - -
l-'oucaiilt
Mille leln and part of 2
Mountaius.
Rouvillo.
Vaudreuil
BeUeil and Augmentation
.Maskinonge.
Lavalirie, (Pari) (Fief
ïailland) .- • • - .- • ■ •
Lavaltrio.
lUeury..
Yama.-ka
Des.-aulles
Rosalie
I
; Jolietto.,
I Rivii-i-e- lu Loup (Que-
' bee)
Part of Lavaltrio
Rigaud- Vaudreuil ('Que-
lioe) ■■•••
Champlain (3 Hivers) ••
Noyan..
Terrebonno....- ■
Sabrevois.
Ramsay and Ruurehemin
Attorneyj.
C. S Cherricr
C. Dunkiii
C S. Chorrier
C. Duckin
II
T. R Ranima v
4.3 a
MoHflnij, thv Ith of Mai/, 1855.
C. Dimkiii, ('s(|niro, lilos, on bclmlf of Daine CharlotU'
Chiirticr de Lothinirn*, wife ol" NV'illiani Mini;liain, csciiiirc,
Soignioress of tlic fief aiid sci^niiory of Kigaud, in tlic
District of Montréal, a séries of " Siippli-iiieiitaiy (iues-
tions " or " (Jonnter-(iiieslioiis."
Ile ;ilso fîles anotlier séries of " Sn|)|)l(Mneiitary Ques-
tions " on heludf of Dame Louise Cliarlier de I.otl)inière,
\vif(! of llie Honorable Robert Unwin Harwood, Seigniorcss
of the fK-'f and seigniory of Vaudreiiil.
Also, anothcr séries of " Snpplemenlary Questions " on
belialf of the Honorable Jolin Pangnian, Soignior of the fief
and seiirniorv of Lachenaie, in the District of Montréal.
Al
A ISO,
lory
anotl
ler séries of " Snp|)lementary Question " on
behalf of tluî Honorable John Maleohn Fraser, Seignior of
the lief and seigniory of Mounl-Murray, in the District of
Québec.
Also, another séries of " Snpplementary Questions" on
belialf of the Honorable Jean Roeh Rolland, Seignior of the
fief and seigniory of Monnoir, in the District of Montréal. (I)
Wi'(hics(I(ti/, the 2\(h daij of Atf^-/tsL
E. Parant, esquire, Assistant-Provincial Secretary, trans-
mits, this day, to the Depuly Chnlc of Appeals, Charles
Drolet, esquirc!, at Québec, a Proclamation of whieh the
foUowing is a copy.
(1) See tlie jiiJgment licreinufter cited.
41 «
-' Phovin(;k ov Canada, }
l-OWi;U CANADA. ^
" Ifis l'j.icrilt'ncii S m Kdmund Wai.kf.ii
Hkai), IhiroHvl^ (!i)Vir/ii)r (l'cNrrnl ()/'
lirilisii Xorf/i Aiiiirica (uid (Uiplain
(îrnirat iim/ (lovirnor in C/iirjin (ind
(irn l/ic Proi'inci'S of Can/tdd, Nova
t^f.otiu^ iVrir liriinsin'i k n/id i/ir [shind
of Prince Edn.uird and. Via.-Admi\(d
of thf saiiir, i)'('., <)îv., «jr.
'' To ail to whom thèse présents sliall corne, (Jrkkting :
'• L. T. DiiuMMoND, ) Kiiow ve lliut pui.siiant to tlie l'ro-
Atljj-Genl. \ visions of an Aet oC iIkî Leqislulure
of tlie Province of Canada, passed in tlie eigliteenth year of
Her Majesty'.s lleiu;n, intitiiled " An Act for tlie abolition of
feudal rii^lits and diitius in Lower Canada," îind in \irtne of
tlie autliorily in me vestcd by tlie said Act, I, Sir JOdiiiund
VValker llead, liaronet, Governor-Ceneral of tlie said Pro-
vince, do, by tliis my Proclamation, direct lliat a spécial ses-
sion of llie Judges of tlie Court of (^ueen's lîencli and of tlie
Superior Conrt for Lower Canada, for tlie purposesof tlie said
Act, sliall Ix; held at tlie City of Québec, in tlie said Province,
on Tiicsday, tlie foiirth day of Septcmber now next ensuing,
at tlie place known as tlie Court Housc for tlie District of
Québec ; of ail wliicli lier Majesty's .Indices of the said
Courts and ail Seigniors and otlicrs wliom llicse présents do
or may in any wise concern, are liereby recpiircd to take
notice and govern thcrnselves accordin<?lv.
" Givcn under my Harid and Seal at Arins, at Québec,
this Iwenty-tliird day of July in llie year of Our
Lord one tliousand eiglit linndred and fiffy-
five and in tlie ninelcenih year of lier
Maj'isty's lieign,
Edmund IIead,
" By Coinmand,
Geo. Et. Cartier,
&ecrctaryy
Ai) a
TiiiS'Iat/, f/ir Mil (1(1, I of St'pfcmhrr, |«,
i)j.
TIk^ Spft'iîil Court, ('(niiposcd of ihc .[.i,|n',.s of iIk- Court
of Qiifcirs lîcnrli fiiid ol' tlic Snitcrior Court (or f.cwcr Ca-
nadii, coiistitiitftl iiudcr llic îuiiliorily of '' Tlic Scii^'iiiorial
Act of IMÔI," )):iss(>(l l>y tlic r.f-i.slafurc of tliis Province in
Ihe t'ii,dit('cntli y»'ar of Hrr IMajnsiy's Uci-n, and intimlrd
" An Aft for tlic abolition of fcudal rii,dit.s and diitics in
Lowcr Canada," met in tlic City of (iiichcc, on Tucsday, ilic
fonrtli day of tlu; inonlli of Scpicnihcr, in :li.; ycar Ls55,
boiniî thf! day fixcd by ihe Proclamation of lïis L'xccllcncy
the Govcrnor (Jcncral, bcaring date tlic 2.'Jrd Jidy, ISr).).
Prcscnt :— Tlic Ilonblc Sir I.ouis IIippolyti; La Fontainh,
Bt. Chicf Justin' of the Court of
Qtiren\'s Bdiili.
Tlic lîonblc. Edward Uowkx,
Chif'f Jutitia'. of Un- Stfprrior d.iirt.
Tlic Ilonblc. Mr. .Justice Aylwin, ) Ptiisnc J/td^rs of thv
>fr. .Insticc Dur ai.,
Mr. .lustice Carov,
AND
The Plonble. Mr. .Tusticc Day,
Afr. Justice Smith,
Mr. Justice V'anfki.son,
Mr. Justice C. ]\ro.\'nELET,
Mr. Justie(> Mehedith,
Mr. Justicte Short,
u
((
<(
((
((
snid Court of Qucfn's
Bcnch.
Puisné Ju (lires of
tlic said Supcrior
Court.
u
(C
Mr. Justice Morijv,
Mr. Justice Badgley,
Tlic Clerk of Appeals reads the Proclamation abovc s<'t
forth
Tlic Attorncy-Gcncral producessix niimbers of the Canadi
Gazette, containing the Questions subrnittcd by liim, to wit
u
II
8 Vol. XIV. of the 24
10
11
12
13
u
ii
a
((
((
u
u
February,
Marc h,
10
17
24
31
u
((
185-
46 a
On motion of C. S. Clierm^r, esquirc, advocate, permis-
sion is granted to tlie Révérend Genllcmen ol' llie Seminary
drs Missions Elran<j;ùirs^ eslablislied al Québec, in llje Dis-
trict of Québec, Seigniors and proprietors in possession of
the liefs and seigniories of Beaujjré, Sault-au-Matelot and
Coulonge, in the said District, and of tlie fief and sei-
gniory oï Me Je su s, in tlio District of Montréal, and ofother
places, to appear and file llieir ap()earance subject lo ail
légal objection.
Messrs. F. ilcal Angers and T. J. J. Loranger appear as
(îounsel on belialf of ihe Crown, to be iieard upon the " Ques-
tions " prepared and snbinitted tothe Court by the Attorney-
General.
Upon the suggestion of the Tlonble. L. T. Drumrnund,
Attorney-General, the Court is adjourned till the folhnving
day, in order that the Parties may corne to an understand-
ing, as lo the order lo be observed in the argument of the
" Questions," and " Supplementary Questions " submitted
to the décision of the Tribunal.
Wednesduij^ the bth day of Sepkiiilœr, 1855.
Présent :— The Ilonble. Sir Louis Hifpolyte LaFontaine,
Bt. Chief Justice of the Court of
Quecn\s Bench.
The rionble. Edward Bowen,
Chief Justice ot the Superior Cot/rt.
The Honblc. Mr. Justice Aylwin, ) Puis?/é Judi^es of the
" Mr. Justice Duval,
" Mr. Justice Cakon,
AND
The Honble. Mr. Justice Day,
Mr. Justice Smith,
Mr. Justice Vanfelson,
Mr. Justice C. Mondelet, .
Mr. Justice Meredith, '
Mr. Justice Short,
Mr. Justice Morin,
Mr. Justice Badgley.
said Court of QueenPs
Bcnch.
U
a
Puisné Jîidf^cs
of the said Su-
perior Court,
<
47 a
Tlie Honorable AUorncy General, Le\v•i^s T. Driimmond,
snbniits fo llie Court tlie " Questions" prepared by liiiii,
and verhally takes his conclusions u])on tliein, and al tlie
same tinie files a printed sunimary ot' légal propositions (1)
Tho argument comuieneed between Messrs. Angers, Lo-
rang(M- and Barnard, Counsel for tlie Crown, on the one side,
and Messrs. Cherrier, Maekay and Dunkin,on belialf ol" tho
Scigniors, on llie oIIkm", botli upontlie " Questions " submittod
by the Attorney General, and upon the "Su|)pleinentary Ques-
tion .s " of the Seigniors, occupies the attention of the Court
during the 5, G, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 24, 25, 2G, 27, 28 and 29th days of September, and
during the 3, 4, 5, G, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 17th days
of October. (2)
On ihe Sth of SepteuiL>er, 1855, the Honorable Henry
Black, D. L. and C. Dunkiii, file a séries of " supple-
mentary Questions " or '"Counter-Questions," on behalf of Sir
Edmund Filmer, of East Sulton Place, in the County of
Kent, Baronet, ami Member of the Impérial Parliauient, of
David Arthur Munro, IMajor in Her Majesty's 12lh régiment
of Lancers, and of William Woodroofïe of Londt)n, gentle-
man, Seigniors, in possession of theseigniory of Cham|)lain,
in the District of Three-Rivers. (3)
(1) Sou tho jmlijmont horpi:iMrti.;r litpil.
(2) Peksons coMi'osiNf: Tiii: CoL'iiT :— Ju Igoj :— Sir L H. La Fnntaino, Haronet,
Cliief Juflioo ot' tho ProviiH'o ut' Lower Ciinada, l'i-esident of tliiî Court of Queeii'd
Bencli ; tlie Ilonoriilile K. Bowen, (?liiof .lusticu of thn swpriior Court tbr Lower Ca-
nada ; the Ilonoriilile 'L'. C. Ayhvin, tlio llonoraljle ,)uhii jiuviil, the Honorai. le K E,
Citron, (the throc^ lutter .ludgcs of the Court of (iueen's lîcnL'h), the Jlonorablo
C. D. Day, the Itoiioral.le .1. Snrth, tho II innrable (i \'ani'L>lson, (decca.-ed during
the sittini; of the Court), tlie iloi.oralilo Ç. Moiidelel, (ihe four hiat, .Fudges (jf tho
Superior Court at Montréal), th- Honorable W. C. Moredilh, .Tudi;e of tho Superior
Court at Qno'ooc, the Honorable E Sh n', Jud^o of tho Superi ir Court ut Sherbrooke,
the Honorable A. N. Morin anii tli(> Honorable W. Lladi,'lc.v, (the two last .Judgeg
of Mio Superior Court at Québec) ooinpri.--inf; ail tho Jud.^cs of tho Court of AppoalH,
or QueenV lionch, nnd of tho Superior Court, with the exception of the Honorable
ï). Mondelet, Jndçe of the Su; erior Court at Ïhreo-Kivors, who abstained froiu
aitting, being himself a proprictor of tiofs.
Mr. J. l'. Beau Iry i.s tho Clerk of tho Court. Tho advoeatcs employed nn behalf
of the Crown are tho Honorable L T. Drunimond, Attorney (lenoral, F. K. Angora,
of the Qiebec r.ir, T. J. J Loranj^er, Q, C, an I l'] lîeinar.l, ofthe Montréal Bar.
C. S. Cherrier, Q. C, 11. Maekay and C. Dunkir, ail threo of tho Montréal Bar,
appear on behalf of tho Seigniors.
(3) See the judgment hereiurfter ciled.
48 a
On Ihe ISthof October, 1855, the Court adjoumed to thr
lOth of January, 1856, then to ihe 15lh and tlien to the 18th
of the same month, and forin that day lo tho 2oih of Febrnary
and finally to the 6th of March, to render judgment.
The argument took place in the following order :
On tho 5tli of September, 1855, Drummond, Angers ; G,
Angers, Loranger ; 7, 8, 10, Loranger ; 11, 12, Angers, Lo-
rangcr; Mackay; 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, Dunkin ;
25, 26, 27, 28, 29, (Oct.) 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, Chcrrier ; 9, 10, Dun-
kin ; 11, 12, Angers, Loranger; 13, Loranger; 17, Dunkin,
Cherrier, Mackay, Barnard, Angers & Loranger,
During the Sittings of the 6th, 7th, 8th, lOth and llth of
of march, 1856, the Juges givc their respective opinions ; and,
at the lastof thèse Sittings,the Décisions and Answcrs ofthe
Court upon the " Questions " submitted both by the Attorney
General and by the Seigniors, are pronounccd and given.
49 a
LOVVER CANADA.
SPECIAL COURT
UEI.n UNDKR AUTnORITV OF
THE SEIGNIORIAL ACT OF 185 4."
Québec^ Wlh of Bhtrch, 1856.
Présent : — The Honble. Sir Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine,
Bl. Cldcf Juslice of Ihe Court of
Quec7i's Bench.
The Ilonble. Edward Bowkn,
Chief Justice of ihe Supcrior Court.
The Ilonble. Mr. Juslice Aylwix,
" Mr. Justice Duval,
" Mr. Justice Caron,
AND
Puîsné Judfçcs of the
said Court of Queen's
Bench.
The Honble. Mr. Justice Day,
Mr. Justice Smith,
Mr. Justice C. Mondelet,
Mr. Justice Meredith, ^ Puisné Judges
Mr. Justice Short,
Mr. Justice Moriv,
Mr. Juslice Badgley.
i<
of the said Su-
perior Court.
The Court proceeding to adjudicate, aswell on the Questions
i'ramed and submitted by Her Majesty^s Attorney General
for Lower Canada, as upon the Supplementary or Counter
Questions of the Seigniors hereinafter named, doth, by
thèse présents, pronounce and deliver the décisions and
60 a
opinions of thc said Judges, in tlie manncr sot forth in ihe
(bllowing answers, to wit :
I.
IN THE INSTANCE UPON THE
QUESTIONS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
First question.— Ai tlie timc of ihe introduction of tlic-
Custoin of Paris {Cu/dn tue de Paris) into Canada, what was
tlio ollect of thc fondai contract as to tlie division of thc j^ro-
perty l)ct\vccn thc Seignior of a firf and his Fciulatory or
Censitaire, in iIkî i)art of France formorly known as " La
Prévoté et Vicomte de Paris " 'l
Second question.— llnd that coniract thc cflect of dividing
the properly betwcen tlie Seignior and the Censitaire, sQn< to
givc tlie dominium direetuni {domaine direct) to the former,
and the dominium utile {dom.aine utile) to the lattcr ?
L^'gf// Proposition sulmitled on bchalfof thc Crown.— ^os.
1 and 2. At the timc of the introduction of thc Custom ot
Paris [Coutume de Paris) into Canada, thc cfll'ct oftlie
feudal contract, in ihat part of France formcrly knovvn as
^' La Prévoté et Vicomte de Paris^' was to divide the pro-
perly betwecn thc Seignior of a fief and his Feudatory or
Censitaire so as to givc the dominirm directum {domaine
direct) to the former, and the dominium utile {domaine utile)
10 thc lattcr.
A>mver of the Court.— \ and 2. At the timc of thc intro-
duction of the Custom of Paris into Canada, the cflect ofthc-
feudal contract, whcthcr by subinfeudation or acccnsemcnt
in that part of France formcrly known as '^ La Prévoté (t
Vicomte de Paris,'' was to divide thc estale betwcen the Sei-
'^nior of thc fief nnd his Subfeudatory or Tenant, Censitaire,
in such manncr as to retain to the former thc immédiate
demesnc, dominium directum, and 1o convey the useful
deniesne, dominium utile, to the lattcr.— Adopted unani-
mously.
51 a
Third fjjiestî'nn. — In wlmt did llio domim'inn d/rrclinn con-
sist ? did if consist in ihe right to iiT)[)oso on tlu; Censitaire
the paymi'nt of certain rents or duos, rcditiis ')
Fourth question. — In wliat did llic domimnn utile con-
sist ? did it eonsist in the riglit of occupying tlic soiland en-
joying the produce thereof ? and did this rigiit of occupation
and enjoyment exlend to ihc watcrs and woods as wtdl as to
Mio huid ?
\Ht.
■h)
ro-
lu'
nt
û a
ci-
'rr,
ato
fui
■ani-
Le'j;(il Proposiii'ju st/hmilted on hehalf of flie Croirn. — 3,
The profits of the dominium dircctuni consistcd in the ol)li-
gations or rederances to wliich the Feudatory or Censitaire
was snbject, such a^ thv foi et liommai^e, the crns^ the rents,
(ruiitns) the Ak/.v, ikc.
Lri^'al Proposition s?ihmitted on belialf of tint Croirn^ — 1
Those of the domininm utile consisted in the product of the
soil wiiich tlie Feudatory or Censitaire had the right of oc-
cupying, as i)roprietor, and cornprised the use of the nn-navi-
gabJe waters, and of the forests connected tltcrewith.
Answer of Uie Court. — 3 and -1. — § 1 The immédiate
dcinesne consisted of the duties or dues, ol)iigations or re-
devances., to whicli the Subfeudatory or Tenant, Censitaire.,
was subjected ; the us(.'ful demesne consisted of the prochice
of the hmd ortliing subinfcu(hited, or aecensé\ wliich ihe Sub-
inleudatory or Tenant had the right to oc(;upy and enjoy as
proprielor ; prcvious to the suljinfeudation or aeeensement.,
iîotli tlie useful and liie immédiate demesne were united in
ùill demesne in the Seignior.— Adopted unaniuiou.sly.
§ 2. Woods and watcrs not navigable and not floatable
might form a part of the useful demesne.
Forthe adirmalive : — LaFontaine, Bowcn, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Sniitii, Meredilh, Short, JNlorin, liadgley.
For the négative
-Monde Ict.
52 a
§ 3. The Subfeudatory, in likc manner, bcforc his infouda-
\]on or acce use m eut, liad ihe l'iill dcniesne, saving tlie riylits
of tlu; Scignior dominant^ and also retained an immédiate
deinesnc ovcr wliat he liad liimj^clf infcudated or accensé.
Fortlie afTirmalivo : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
Fifth question. — Under the Castom of Paris, at the period
above mentioned was the subinfjudation of lands held e/î
fief, an essential part of tiie fcudal System, and was the
aliénation of the fief, or of the lands composing it, forbidden?
Lestai Proposition submitted on behalf of the Crown. — 5.
Under the Custom of Paris, at the period above mentioned,
the subinfeudation of lands held en fief was an essential
partof the feudal System, and the proprietor of ayZp/couId
not, without the consent of his Seignior dominant, dispose
of the lands composing it otherwlse than by subinfeudation,
OT bail à cens, according to the articles 51 and 52 of the
Custom of Paris, which are as follows :
Article 51. " The Vassal cannot dismember his fief to the
" préjudice, and without the consent of hisSeignior; allhough
" he may getrid {se jouer), and dispose of, or make his own
'" profit out of any hereditaments, rentes or cens, belonging
*' to such //>/, without paying mutation fines to the Seignior
" dominant, provided the aliénation do not exceed two thirds
" and that he retain the full fealty and some seigniorial and
" domanial riglit on that which he aliénâtes."
Article 52. " And nevertheless, if the fief become open,
" the Seignior may take his profits out of {exploiter) the
" whole fief, as vvell out of the part retained as the part
" sold, unless the fcudal Seignior had infeoffed the doma-
" niai riglit retained in making such aliénation, or liad re-
" ceived it, together with the acknowledgment thereof."
53 a
Ansirrr oftfic Court. — 5. Uiidcr tlie Cnsfom of Paris, at tlic
poriod iil)ov(^ mcntioncd, llic Scii^nior avîis iiot oblii,f(M.I to alie-
nale liis lantls licld ni iiii\ but wlicn lie did alienalo tlicm,
siiibinfcndalion or accotsoiiint wvw oi' tlie essence of the
feudal System ; moreover, alienalion was goverm-d l)y llie
51 article of the Cu^toin of Paris, wliieli is iii the tenus fol-
lowing :
Article 51. — "The Vass;d cannol disrvKMiibcr his/zV/to ihe
" préjudice, and witlioiit ihe consent of his Seii;!^nior ; allhoiigh
" he may alienato [ne jouer) and dispose of, or inake his own
" profil ont of any hcreditamenls, rentes ox cens, beh)nging to
" such /5'V/, wilhonf pnying mutation profits to the Seignior
" iIomitHinl, provided the alienalion do uot exceed two thirds,
" and tliat he retain tlie full fealty and some seignioriai and
" domanial riglit on that whieli lie aliénâtes." — Adopted
unanimously.
»S
'
SixtJi qiieslion. — [n order to transferthis feudal system, as
it existed in a conniry wherc the soil had becn occnpied and
cullivaled for âges by a numerous population, to a new,
uninhabited and uncultivated région, was it necessary to
render subinfeudation, or in other woids, the granling of
lands to setllers to putlhem into a state of cultivation, bind-
ing on ail proprietors of fiefs 9
Leg'a/ Proposition siibmilted on hehalf of tlie Crovn. — 6.
To transfer this feudal system from France to the \e\v
World, it was necessary to render subinfeudation, or in
otlier words, " the granling of lands to selliers to put ihem
into a state of cultivation," binding on ail proprietors of
fufs ; and in ihis respect the feudal laws, as introduced into
Canada, hâve bcen considerably modilied by divers enact-
ments found in ihe Koyal Decrees, Edicls and Ordinances,
[Arrêts, Eilits Ordonnées,) the litles of conccssi(;n, and
the ordinances and judgments of the supcrior council and of
tbc Intendants,
54 a
Ansrer of tlie Co/rrl.—i}. Tliis (lU(,'^li()n prescnling no logai
point /or décision, tlii.s Court abstains froni an answer to it.
Adopled ununimously.
Scvenfh question. — In granting, or in pcruutling otliors to
grant lands iny/c/ and scigniory in Canada, was it tlie inten-
tion ol' the Kings of France to niake llic concession of lands
to settlersfor the purposc of cullivation obligatory on ail Sei-
gniors ?
Lc'^-al Proposition suhmitted ou bchatf of the Crown.— 1. In
granting, or in penniiling others to grant lands in //f'/" and
seigniory in Canada, the Kings of France inlended to make
tlie concession of lands to settlers for the i)ur|)ose of culti-
vation, obligatory on ail Scigniors ; and that intention was
ciearly and e^plicitly manifestcd.
Aiiswer of II,.' Court.— 1. The manifest intention of the
Fronch Kings was to promote the settlenient and cultivât ion
of the lands of the cu.^ntry ; but the concession of lands for
that purpose was notmade obligatory by any law anterior to
the Arrct of Glh July, 1711.
Fortheallirraative :— Bowen, Ayhvin, Duval, Caron, Day,
Mercdith, Shorl, Badgley.
For the négative :— LaFontaine, Smith, Mondelet, Morin.
Eighlh question. — lias that intention bccn made manifest
by spécial laws or indicated by any otlicr means, wliich
would allow Courts of Justice to take cognizîince of it in
adjudieating on matters concerning ihe concession of lands
lield en fief or en roture in this country ? Would it hâve been
possible to carry ont that inlenlion otherwise tlian by
limiting the renls, redevances, for whieh the lands lield en fief
should be conceded ?
Ltxal Proposition sn.h)nitt''d on hehatf of the Crov)n. — 8.
That intention was made manifest by spécial laws and by
divers ollier means (A whicii Courts of Justice should take
55 a
1.
cogniznnce, wlicn adjiuliciitini;; on niatters cnncciMiiniir tlic
ronccssioii ul' Irinds lu'ld en Jicf or en rature^ iulliis c-oimtry ;
and it would liavi; becn iinpossil)!.; lo carry ouf lliat inten-
tion otlu'i'wise llian by lirnitini^ llic rcnts [reililus) l'or whicli
llie lands liidd en JieJ shoidil bc c^cnccdcd.
Ansirer of tJie Conrt, — 8. Wliatever dill''rL'ncc of opinion
inay prcvail willi icltTcnco to llic pcriod anlcrior lo 1711,
llio maniretstatit)n oltlic! French Kini^'s intcnlion l'nrllic coni-
pulsory concession by S(,'ii,niiors ol" tlieir lands lo selliers
{Jiabitdiils) l'or enllivation, was sliewn in tlie Arrêt ol' ifiat
ycar, intitnled, " An Arrêt ol'tlie Kinii[ c-onunandiiiii; ilie lad-
tivation and occupation by scltlers ol' llie lands granted
them ; " itsexeciilion was urdered in tlie l'oilowlng tenus : —
" Ilis Maji'sty also coinniands ihal ail Seii,Miiors in \ew
France do ct>ncede to settlers llie lands demanded by tliem
in tlieir seit,aiiories at a rent charge [à titre de rederanccs),
wliitliout exacting any suin of luoney l'or sucli concessions, in
default whereol" tlie setllers niay demand tlie said lantls of
the Seigniors by suinmons, and, on tlieir refusai, iiiay lake
proccedings agaiiist tlieiu before tlie Governor General and
Intendant of tlie country, wlioin Ilis Majesty coinniands to
concède the said lands to the setllers, chargeai ^vith the sanic
riglits (droits) as tliose iiuposed npon the other coiiceded
lands in the saine seigniories, Avhieh righls shoiild be paid
by the new settlers to the lîei'eiver of the Kiiig\s dniiesne in
the City of (Québec, wilhoul anyclaini whatever iherelo by
the Seigniors." — Adoi)ted iinanimously.
Nintli question. — Did the anc-ient laws of the country ob'ige
the proprietors of fu fs and seigniories in Canada lo concède
thcir lands at a rent [à titre de redcranecs^) when thereiinto
rccpiircd ; and was tlieir riglit ofprojjcrty in tiK)se lands res-
tricted and liniited by sucli obligation to conc(;de them ?
LeiXdl Propofiitio)! si(l)riiitled on [jelntlf of tlie Crovn. — 9.
The ancient laws of the country obligée! th(^ pro|)rielors of
fiefs and seigniories in Canada lo concède llieir lands for a
56 a
ront (ft tiirr de rcilrvavccs) wlirnever thoronnto rrqnirod ; aiifl
thcir riiiflit of proporly in tliosc lands w.'is rcslricled and li-
initcd by siicli obligation lo couccdr tlicin.
Ansrrcr of the Court. — 9. Tli,> ancirnt law.s of tliccoimtry,
thaï is to say, those antcrior îo tlic cession of Canada to
Grcat Britain, oblif>;(>(l the proprielois oï Ji*l's and seigniorics
to grant {concéder) their lands, on demand, at a n>nt charge,
[à titre de redevances) and this obligation limited the exercise
of the right.s of the Scigniorsin the disposai of tlicir lands. —
Adopted unaniinously.
Tenth qucslion. — If that obligation existed, liad it it
s oricrin
in the feudal rnles ? in tlii; deed of infciidation ? in cu.s-
toni ? or in s[)eeial laws ? did it extend to cvory //>/ and sei-
gniory witliout regard to the motives of iho date of the con-
cession ? if not, to what seigniories did it extend ?
Le^al Proposition submiltcd on heludf of the Crown. — 10.
The obligation of eonceding lands, eitlier en arri ère-lie f., or
en cnsire, had its origin in the feudal riiles wliieh ])roliil)iled
the disiiieiuberment of the //Vf. In Canada, that obligation
is expressed in a mnjority of the seigniorial titles ; niorc-
ovcr, it was established by several Deerees (Arrêts) and
Judgnients, and seems to hâve been iiiiposed upon ail Sei-
gniors holding their properties à litre de /ief.
An
sircr of tiie Co//rt.— \0.~^ 1. Tins obligation did not
rcsull IVoin the feudal r
nies o
f F
rance,
but
procf
e(
from
spécial laws ailecting Canada. — Adopted nnanimously.
§ 2. Tlie obligation toconcede was not contained grneral-
ly in the grants of seigniories ; il was slipuiated in a fevv of
tliem.
For the arTirmative :— Bowen, A sl'-vin, Duvai, Caron, Dav,
Meretlith, Short, ijadgiey.
For the négative :— La Fontaine, Smith, Mondelet, Morin.
57 a
§ 3. It (lid not tiike ils oriij;in in tlio Cuslom, but in a spé-
cial lii\s', naiiii'ly, lli<^ Anrtoï 1711.
For tlic alliiinativc : — Howcn, ^ ylu in, Diival, Caron, Day,
Meredith, Sliort, Hadglfy.
P\)r fli(> négative : — LaFt)ntaino, Sniilli, Mondc-lct, Morin.
§ 4. It cxtcndfMl to vvcry fit f and scignioiy, witlimit re-
gard to ilic niotivcM of tlic grant, l)iit rniglit he (.'ontrollcd by
a spécial dérogation in tliD royal gfanl 1o tlic Seignior. —
Adopted nnanitnonsly.
§ 5. Tlie Am't of 1711 applied lo royal grants alrcady
made at tlie time of its pronndgation, as well as to tliose
made unaniiuously.
Elrvi'iitli (///rsfion. — l)id tliesi; laws ])rovidc means for
com{)elling Seigniors to fnifil lliis obligation ?
LriXal Proposilion siihmilUd on hvhalf of llir Cro.nn. — 11.
Tlie lawprovided tneans for conipelling Seigniors to concède
their lands.
Ansirer of tlie Court. — 11. Tlu; hiws did provide means
for conipelling Seigniors to concède their lands. — Ado[)ted
unaniinonsly.
Tirctftli (//f est l'on. — By wliat tribnnals or public otllcers,
and liow, coidd tliey be so compelled .''
Lr>j:(il Proposition snt/inittcd on bc/intf of t/ir Croirn. — 12.
The Governors and hitmdiints were invcsled willi the powcrs
neccssary to cornpel the Seigniors to concède their lands.
Ansirer of liie Conrt. — 12. In the case of the application of
individuals denianding concessions upon the Seignior's re-
fusai, the authority, cidied upon to give elî'ect to the obliga-
tion of eoDcession, was that of thcGovernor and Lieutenant
General and of the Intendant, in conforniity with the said
58 a
ArnU of 1711, cxplaiiKMl and ("xteinlfd by llial of llic loili
Mardi 17.J^, iiitiliilcd : '' Arrdt ol" tlu; Coiincil of State,
coiiimandini,' Sci^Miiors to scltlc tlicir sciî^'nioricH {tir fui rc
trnir J'iif et lim dans hiirs s(i'j;uriirir>t,) and proliiljilinij;
tlicni iVom iiialvinii; sales oi'wild laiuls, {rtihois (Ithoid) ; "aiid
hytlu! Royal Dcelarations ol' lîlli July, 171;), and Isl Octobrr,
17 17. — Adopted iinaniniously.
Thirtrcnth qiwsdon. — Wcre llu- rates and conditions ofllio
concession of lands in tlie seinjnioi'ies rei!;ula1ed l)y spécial
laws ? by eiistom ? or l)y tlie lit le deeds ij;rantini,' lliose lands
to the Si'ii^niors ? and \verc tliosc concessions to l)c iriadc
" at an annual rent {à titre de redevances annuelles) ol' siiiall
value establislieil and rei,'ulate(l by llie usual and aeenstoin-
ed raies ol' concessions " accordingto tiie iMistoni ol (S'ich sei-
gniory in i)articular, or according to tlie custom oltlie coun-
Iry in gênerai ?
Le'j:al Proposition snhmitled on hr/ialf of l/ic Crown. — 13.
The rates and conditions of tlie concession of lands in tlie
scigniories of Canada, were regidated l)y s|)ecial enactiiients
lo be fonnd in divers Royal Edicts and Ordinanc.'s, as inter-
pret(Ml by usage, 1)y the jiulgiiients of tlie IntenihiN/s nud l)y
a large nuinber of concessions en fu'J\ or by tlie acts ('-/v r//.v)
conflrming such concessions. Tliose concessions A\-ere lo
be made only at an annual rent {à titre de redrcf/i/cfs) ol
sinall value, establislied and regulated by tlic usual aii<l ac-
customed rates of concessions, according to the usage of llie
country in gênerai.
Ansirer of the Court.— Vi.—^ 1. Tiie rates of llie conces-
sion of lands in the scigniories were nol regulated by spécial
laws nor by custom.
For the aflirmativc : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Mcredilh, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Smith, Mondelet.
59 a
§ 2. Ncvcrllii'lcs.s, \\lit'iu'vrr tlic Govcrnor and l.iiiitciiani
Goncral aiid llic Intendant wcrt* r('(iiiirc<l lo concède iipon
llie Seiijnior's relusal, llii! rate of sucli (•oncej'sion was i,'()v-
crned hy llio tenus of tlie .irrrl of 171 I, wincli cliarijes tlie
ei)n<'essi«)n willi llie suiui! riglits as iiii|)()sed npon tlie utliei
cont'L'ded lands in tliu .samo seigniuries. — Adojited unani-
niously.
§ 3. Tluî grants lo tli(i Seiii^niors did not rogiUate llie acl
of concession, (!XC('|)t in Tour t)l'lliusL' wlii'.di liavc ct)nie to tlic
kno\vledi,'e of tlic Court.
For tlie ainnnativc: — La Fontaine, liowcn,Ayl\vin, Duval,
Caron, iJay, Mcrcditli, Sliort, Morin, liadgli-y.
For llie nei,'ative : — Sinitli, Mondelet.
§ 1. The (jncstion bcing ihus |)"t. — " \Vcrotlic concessions
to bc niadc at an annuul rcnt clir.rgc, {à titre d'. redevances
annuel lis) only ? "
For th(î allirmative : — La Fontaine, Caron, Smith, INIon-
delct, Short, IMorin.
For tlie négative : — Bowcn, Aylwin, Duval i);(y, ]\Ic-
redith, lîadgley.
§ 5. The dues were not conunanded 1 » iu thority to hc ol'
siiiall value, nor was tlie atnount cslahlisned orrcgulated hy
anv usual and aceiistoiued rat(>s ol' concession, accoitlinQ-
lo llie ciistoni oi" each parlicular seigniory or Ihc custoin ol'
llie country in gênerai, cxcept in ihc c.ase ol' a concession
nuide by llie Governor and Lieutenant G.ueral and tlie In-
U^ndanl upon tlie Seignior's refusai, as explained above.
For tlic a(lirnialiv(> : — La Fontaine, Bowcn, Aylwin, Du-
val, Caroti, Day, Mercdilh, Short, Morin, Badglcy.
For the négative : — Smith, '.m idelet.
Foiirhenlli question. — WInl was the amounl, pcr arpent^
of the customary dues ^ i alevances aceoift/uiidf s) nicnlioncd
in ihe Decrees, Filicis aud Ordinanecs {Arrêts, ledits et Or-
60 a
(lonnavcat,) and amon,£^ olliors in tli(3 Dcereo {Arn't) of G
July, 171 1, intitulcd : " Dccive ol ihc Kini^ wliicli directs
l.hat llic lands, whicli liavr bccn conccdcd, shall hv broiiglit
into a stalc ol" cultivation and occiipii-d by inliabilants [ha-
bilanls) "
LciTfi/ Propdsifion suhinittcd on bchaJf of lin' Cron-ii. — 11.
The ainount ol' iIk; cnstoinary dncs {^rcilivuicis (iccoHtiiviécs)
uit'iitioncd in llio DcHa'ces, E^dicts îind Ordinanccs {Arrêts^
Edifsct Onlo/nianccs), and aniongodicis intlic Dccirc [Arrct)
ofGlii July, 1711, is l sol o( i[n\\ rcnl (cens) by every (irpcnl
in front of the concedcd land, 40 sols for every arjient in
front by 10 in drpth ; bcsides 1 capon {(:lia/)oti) for every ar-
/jf/z^n front by 10 in deptli, or 20 sots loiiniois^ or lialfa
biisliel of wlieal l'or seii^miorial gronnd renls [nnlcs foncières
et st'i'j;n('iiri(iles) ; the niaximmn of thèse eustomary n-nts
{mîtes ui'coii limites) not exceeding two sols by every ar/icnt
jn super
ficje.<
Aiisirrr of thr Court. — 11. The dues varied in amount at
îhe proinul^^alionofthe Arrrioï 171 1, and tiiey varied l)oth be-
fore and since tliat Arrêt, but nevertlieless «rradually inerea-
sinii; in amount; no amount i^
Ediets and Ordinanccs.
menlioned in the Arrêts,
For \\u'. allirmalive — La Fontaine
Bo\v(Mi, Avlwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Meredith, Short, Morin Hadgley.
For the neii:ative. — Smitli, INIondelet.
Fit'te.entli question. — Was the amo
un
t ol
seiirniorial dues
fredrviinees sn'ixnenri(ites) lixed by thaï Decree {ArrrI) ol Gth
July, 171 1, l'or ail seigniories, at the raie ihen eslabli^hed
by custoui in the country ?
LeiXdt Proposition siil))nitted o)i f/ilialf of flie Crot'-n. — 15.
Whatever may havi.' been the variely of the sci^tiiorial dues
[cens et renies) wlienlhe couniry was lirsl setiled, it uui>-t be
ht)d Ihat l)y the Decree (Arrêt) of Gdi July, 171 I, iulituh'd :
" Decree of the Kin'' whieh directs tl);it the lands, which
61 rt
iiave bocn conceded, slmll bo brouglit into a statc ol" culti-
vai ion, &{•.," llicy wiTo irrov()('al)ly fixed at llie rate tlien
rstal)lislu'cl in tlie connîry, and tlic amount dI" that rati; is
suflic'iently proved, by tho contracta ol' concession produced
in this cause, not to liave exceeded the amount inentioned
in tiie lasl proceding article.
Answcr of tlie Court. — 15. The amount of seigniorial dues
wasnot fixcd atany rate by the Arrêt of Glh July, 1711, except
in the case j)rovi(led for and menlioned above, upon llic
Seignior's refusai to concède.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Howen, Ayhvin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For ihe négative : — Smith, Mondelet.
S)ixl(('yUli question. — Werc the ancient lawsof the country,
relaling to the concession of seigniorial lands, and more
particularly the said Decree [Arrêt) of Glh July, 1711, the
Decree (Arrêt) of 15th Mardi, 1732, and the lloyal Décla-
ration of 17th July, 1743, still in force at tlu; tinie of the c(.'s-
sion of Canada by France toEngland, and had they been en-
forced or observed up to that time ?
Le^^al Proposition sulrmitted on behalf of the. Crovm. — lU.
The ancient laws of the country, relating to the concession
of seigniorial lands, and more particularly the said Decree
{Arrêt) of 6th July, 1711, the Decree {Arrêt) of loth Mardi,
1732, and the Royal Déclaration of 17lh July, 1743, were
in force at the time of the cession of Canada by France to
England, and had been obs(^rved and executed, up to that
time and even at a laler period.
Answer of the Court. — IG. — § 1. The ancient laws of the
country, relating to the concession of seigniorial lands, and na-
mely the /l/vv/v of Gth July, 1711, and lôlli Mardi, 1732, and
the Déclaration of 17th July, 17 13, werc in force at the ces
sion of Canada by France to England, Adoptcd unani-
mously.
62 a
§ 2. — Thèse laws werc generally obscrvod iip 1o ihai
period.
For tlie afTirmutivc : — La Fontaine, lîowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Siuith, Mondelet, Mereditli, Short, jMorin, Badgley.
For ihc négative : — Ayhvin.
Scvcnlcodh qucslion. — According 1o the hiws in force in
Canada before the cession of the country, had the persons,
to whoiLi hmds had been granted by tiie Crown ot^ France,
in //r/'or seigniory, a lïdl, cntire and absolute right of pro-
pcrty in those hinds [doniiinitm pltmiim cl jus inlv<j;rinii) fret;
froiii any obligation to concède thcm at a rcnt payable perio-
dically, and with the right of alicnating theui r l)id tliey
pos^jess the domi)iium ville [domaine vlili) as well as the
domiiiiiim dircctum [domaine direct) of those lands ? If not,
hoAv were ihey reqnired to concède or forbidden to scll
tlieni ? IIow, and to what extent was the right of aliena-
ling those lands restricted or liinited ?
Lesçal Proposilion siibmillcd on hvhalf of l/ie Croim. — 17.
According to the laws in force in Canada beA)re the cession
of the country, the persons to whom lands had been granted
by the Crown of France, in//V/or si.'igniory, had in those
lands a right of proi)erty liniited and restricted by4he obli-
gation of eonceding theni at an annual rent [à titre de rede-
vances)^ and by their inability to alienate tlieni otherwise.
Ansirrr of Uie Conrl. — 17. — § 1. According to the laws in
force in Canada before the cession of the conntry, the gran-
tees of lands in//V/and seigniory by the Crown of France,
had the fiill and cntire properly in thein [domini/nn jdenniji)^
but the could only alienate thein in the inanner above
mentioned.
For the aliirniativc. — La Fontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Diival,
Caron, Du Srnith, Meredith, Shori, Morin, lîadgley.
For the négative : — INIondelet.
63 a
§ 2. — 'IIk! S('igni()v.«, belbre tlu^ sub-ijjrant ol' llieir hinds,
liad tlic l'iill tlfiriL-snc in tlunn {(lomninc phiu)^ i1r> iiseinl
and iinincdialo (U-inesncs bcing unilod in tlie l'uU dcnicsnc,
as abovc uicntiont'd.
Fort lie ailiriiiative : — La Fontain(>, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Carc li. j ly, Smith, INIercditli, Short, Morin, Badglcy,
For the négative : — iNIondeh't.
§ o. — Tlie ^l/"/v,'7 ()!' 1711, required Seigniors to concède
wilhoiit exacting a money jjrice l'or lh(> concession ; thr
AiTrl of 17;3J, conlinnalory ot the t'ormer, cxprcs^ly pro-
hibiled and interdicted ail Scignors Jind proprietors iVoin
selJing wild \;\Ui\n [terres en /h)/'s dc/jout), undc r the penalty
ol" the nidlily ot' the contrad of sale, the restilulion ot' the
priée, and réunion {/ife/io J/ire) ol' the land to tlu; royal de-
mesni'. Adopled unaniniousiy.
§ 1. — Seigniors w ère, in this manner, re(|iur> d lo conceile
at a rent charge.
For tlie adiruiative : — La Fontaine, Howon, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Mereilith, Short, Morin, liadgley.
For the négative: — Aylwin.
§ 5. — The prohildlion to exact a money priée l'or conces-
sions applied only lo iincleared and iinimproved lands
((( rres non iléj'rivhves et non mises en vulenr) — Adopted \m\\-
ni)iionslv.
0,
VC'
EiiXhteent!i fpicslion : — Onght those laws, whicli, at the
lime ol' iheir promulgation, all'ected the tenurt' ot' ail ihe
lands in this country, to be consideretl as laws ol' public-
policy {(Pordre p/i/j/ie) ?
Ninrtrenlh f/xesiion. — Wcre private individuals allowed lo
contravene ihosc lawsi in coniracls entered inlo between
theni?
Tirenlieth question. — Were covenants entered into be-
tween Seigniors and Censitaires., incontraveniion lo thèse Iiiw5
binding? if uot, werc they !ibf«olutely void, or merely void-
able ?
64 a
Lr<rnl Profxmlion submiUcd on helialf of t/in Croirn. — 18.
Thèse laws, wliicli, at llie tirno of tlieir promulgation, afFec-
tcd tlie tennre of ail ihe land: of the coiintry, ouglit to be oon-
sidered as laws of |)iii)lic poiicy {tPordre p/thlic), liaving for
object tlie settleinent and colonizalion of llie country.
Le'^çiU Proposition snbmittci on bchdif of Ihc Croion. — 19.
PrivaUî individuals conkl not contravene thèse laws in eon-
traets entered into belween tliern.
Légal Proposition submittcd on behalf of the Crown. — 20.
Covenants entered into between Seigniors and Censitaires
in contravention of thèse laws of pu])lic poliey {d\)rdre
public), were absolntely null.
Ansver of the Court. — 18, 19 and 20. — § 1. In so far a?»
tliose laws had relation to the tenure and regulated the es-
S-'nce of tlie feudal contract, they were laws of public po-
iicy {cVordre public.)
For the afïirmative. — La Fontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Mondelet, Morin, liadgley.
For the négative. — Aylwin, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short.
§ 2. — Individuals could not contravene those laws in so
l'a: as they related to the tenure or to the essence of the feu-
dal contract.
For the alTirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Mondelet, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Day, Smith, Meredith.
§ 3. — Contracts between Seigniors and Tenants {Censi-
taires), in contravention of those law.s, in so far as they
were thus of public poiicy, were not binding, but were null
[plenojiiro.)
For the alHrmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Mondelet, Short, Morin, Badgley.
Fer the négative. — Avlwin, Day, Smith, Meredith.
il
fK
65 a
Ttventij first queation. — VVere those law repealcd sincc ihc
cession of the country, or werè they still in force at ihe time
of tlic passing of " The Seigniorial Act of 1854?"
Les;al Proposition submitted on hehalf of thc Croiim, — 21.
Tiiese laws were not repealed since the cession of the
country ; they were still in force at thc time of the passing
of " The Seigniorial Act of 1854."
Ansicer of the Court. — 21. Those laws were in force at
thc passing of " The Seigniorial Act of 1854."
For the alfirmative : — LaP\)ntaine, Duval, Caron, Day,
Smith, Mondelet, Meredilh, Short, Morin.
For the négative: — Bowcn, Aylwin, Badgiey.
Tmcnty second question. — During the period, betwoen the
cession of the country and the passing of " The Seigniorial
Act of 1854," did there exist a tribunal compétent to exer-
cise the powers and jurisdiction conferred on the Governor
and Intendant by the said Decree of 6th July, 1711, relating
to the concession of seigniorial lands ? if such a tribunal
existed, did it exercise those powers, or did it refuse or
omit to do so ?
Leq:al Proposition suhmitted on behnif of ihe Crown. — 22.
During the period between the cession of the country ard
the passing of " The Seigniorial Act of 1854," the Courts oi
()riginal jurisdiction {de première instance)., were compétent to
exercise the powers and jurisdiction conferred in the Gov(^r-
nor and Intendant by the said Decree of 6th .July, 1711, re-
lating to the concession of seigniorial lands ; but, de facto
thèse Courts declared themselves incompétent, or abstained
from exercising thèse powers.
Ansirer of thc Court. — 22. The question being thus put : —
During thc period, between the cession of the country and
ihc passing of" The Seigniorial Act of 1854," did there exii-t
a tribunal compétent to exercise the powers and jurisdiction
5
66 a
coiifcrrod on llic GovciiH)r and Intendant by tiic sait! Docr •<-:
ofGtli .luly, 1711, rclaling to the concession of scigniorial
land.s?
For llio adlnnative : — I.aF'ontaine, Caron, Sinitli, Mon-
dclol, Short, Morin.
For tlie négative : — Bowen, Aylwin, Duval, Day, Merc-
dith, Badgley.
Twentij tliird f/ttcslio/i. — If it be tnie lliat some of tlie
powers cxercised by tlie Intendant before ihe cession, were
conlerred on tribunal^ existing since tliat time, wlial are
tliose powern, and on whut tribunals liave lliey devolved ?
Lciiul Propositioji nthmilted on hehnlf of the Croim. — 23.
The said Courts of Justice eould, and shouid haye decided
ihat, in default of thi; Seignior giving a title of concession
for a lot demanded of iiim upon the usual conditions, the
judgmenl siiould be a title in faveur of the Censitaire^ wlio
in this casse, would hâve had to pny the annual rcnts {rede-
vances annuelles) to the domain of the Crown, according to
the ternis of the Decree (Arrcù) of 6th July, 1711.
Ansictr of t/ie Court. — 23. Ail the judiciary powers exer-
cised by the Intendant in civil matters, before tiie cession ot
the contry, hâve devolved uj)on the civil tribunals of the
Province. Adopted unanimously,
Tircnty fourtJi question. — VVas there any tribunal, during
that period, compétent to déclare the nuliity of covenants
made between private individuals in contravention to the
laws above nientioned ?
Légal Proposition snhmit' d on beliaff of the Crown. — 24-
Those same Courts could, and shouid, hâve pronounced the
nuliity of ail covenants, made between private individuals,
in contravention to those laws of public policy.
Ansv'cr of the Court. — 2t. Thèse same tribunals were
compétent to déclare the nuliity of oontracts made betweeiî
individuals, in contravention of those laws.
67 a
oi
10
-24
tho
icre
leen
For tlie atliinativc! : — LaFontaiiic, IJowcn, Dnval, Canni,
Day, Siiiitli, Mondck't, Mcn^dilli, Sliort, Morin, Bad^dt'y.
For tilt' nogativo : — Aylwin.
Ticcntji fiflh qnrstion. — l'iulcr llic law, as ilexisled in tliis
country iinmcdi.'itly bclon; tlic pas.sing ol " Tlic Sfi^'iiiorial
Act of 1851," liave Cftisi/ai'rrs to wlioni sciyniorial cH)n-
cessions had been made alu-r tlio cession at liiijjlier rates
ihan lliosp wliic-li were custoniarv bof'oro lliat tiine, a ri'dit
to be reiicvt'd Irorn tiie oxccss of tlioso oneroiis dues ? if tliey
liave tliis riii;lit, to what sum por arpent sliould lliese dues bc
reduced, and at wiiat ratiî sliould tliey be entercd in tlie
scliedule to bo niadc as rc(iuired by ilie said Seigniorial
Act ?
Lcij^al Proposition suhmillvd on hdiulf of tlie Cnnm. — 23.
l'nder the law, as it existed in lliis Country ininiediately
before tlie passinif of " 'l'he Seiifniorial Act of 1854," Censi-
taires lo wliom seii^tiiorial concessions liave been made after
tlie cession, at liii^hcr rates tlian those wliicli wen; customa-
ry before that time, liave a rii^ht to l)c relicvcd from the ex-
cess of those onerous dues ; and in ail snch cases the sei-
gniorial rents sliould be reduced, and entered in the schc-
dules at the rate of two sols for every arpent in superficies of
the conceded land.
Ansircr oftiic Court. — 25. By the law, as it existed in this
country iuimediately defore the passing of " The Seigniorial
Act of 1854," the Tenants {Censitaires) to wliom seigniorial
concessions hâve been mado since the cession, at liigher
rates tlian those wliich were customary before that tiine,
hâve no right to be relieved from the cxcess of those dues.
For the ailirmative : — LaFontaine, liowen, Aylwin, Uuval
Caron, Day, Smith, Mereditli, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative
-Monde let.
68 a
Tivcnttj sixth question. — What wcrc ihc Scigniors' right?
over navigable rivors, in Lower Canada, immodiately be-
fore ihe passing of the said Act ?
Légal Proposition snbmitted on hehalf of thc Crown. — 26.
Irnmcdiately bofore the passing of " The Seigniorial Act of
1851," the Seigniors, as such, had no right over navigable
rivers in Lower Canada.
Answer of the Court. — 26. Before the passing of " The Sei-
gniorial Act of 1854," Seigniors had no otiier rights over na-
vigable rivers and strcams, tiian tliose specially conveyed to
them by their grants ; provided thèse rigiits w^ere not incon-
sistent with the oublie use of the water of those rivers and
streams, whieh is inaliénable and imprescriptible.
For the aifirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Caron,
Duval, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
Twenti) seventh question. — In seigniories bounded by a
navigable river, could the Seigniors legally reserve the right
of fishing therein, or impose dues on their Censitaires for the
exercise of that right ? what were their rights over the beachcs
of those rivers? and were they, naniely, entitled to /w/a' (t
ventes upon the mutation of beaches situated, betwecn high
and low water mark, on the river St. Lawrence ?
Légal Proposition submittcd on hehalf of the Croirn. — 27.
In seigniories bounded by a navigable river, the Seigniors
could not legally reserve the right of fishing therein, or
impose dues on their Censitaires lor the exercise of that
right ; they had no right over the beaches of those rivers
are public property; and are not, as one of the conséquences,
entitled to lods et ventes upon the sale of beaches situated,
betwecn high and low water mark, on the river St. Law-
rence.
ihe
hcs
ni s (f
liigii
miori^
69 a
Answcr of the Court. — 27. — § 1. In scigniories bounded
by a navigable river or slream, Scigniors could lawfully re-
sers e to theinselves the right of llsliing tlierein, or impose
dues on their Tenants {Censitaires) for \\w exercise of that
riglit, when the rigiit of fisliing in the sauje had been granted
to them, but they could not rnake the réservation nor impose
the dues without grant and as Seigniors only.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 2. Where the right of fishing in navigable rivers and
streams was granted to Seigniors, ihe Tenants {Censitaires)
could not hâve that right without spécial concession from
the Seignior.
For the afTirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 3. The rights c f Seigniors in tidal navigable rivers and
streams, over the space of ground covered and uncovered by
the tide are derived from spécial grant, and, without that, ex-
tend to high water mark only ; in navigable rivers and
streams or parts of tiiem and subject to the tidal flow, the
rights of Seigniors extend to the water line, saving ail légal
servitudes and without préjudice to the spécial grants in na-
vigable rivers, above mentioned and referred to.
For the affirmative : LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative
-Mondelet.
§ 4. The mutation of beaches, between high and low
water mark, on the river St. Lawrence or in other navigable
rivers held by Seigniors undcr spécial grants as aforesaid,
and conceded by them, entitles Seigniors to tlie mutation fine
{lods et ventes) in the same cases in which it would hâve
accrued in other sales in the seigniories.
70 rt
For flic îdlirmativ*' : — F/iFontainc, Howcn, Aylwin, Diival.
Cnri)ii, Diiy. Siiiilh, Mcreditli, Short, Morin, Badglcy.
For tlio negutivo : — MoncU'let.
Tta'iilii pf'ir/ith f/nrsfion.-WhnX wcro tlu- S<Mgniors righls, at
tlie samo poriod, ovor unnavigabh; rivors, riviilols and othor
riinning walcrs wliicli passcd tlirongli, or hordcrcd iipon
tlic lands of liis ccnsive, as well asover tlie laUes and ponds
situate wholly or in part therein?
Lru,'(d Propos// ion suhmittcd on hchnifof the Crou'n. — 28.
At tlie tiine of the passing of " The Seigniorial Act of 185 1,"
the Seigniors were not proprietors of unnavigable rivers, ri-
vulets and otiier waters, /lowing throvigh, or by, the lands
given l)y tliem in concession, or of iakcs and ponds situatcd
wholly or in part therein. It iiiiist be held thaï the abso-
lute ownership of the rivers and olher unnavigable waters in-
tenlcd for coniiiion use belonged, properly speaking, to no
one individnal ; bu! that the riparian proprielors liad a right
to inake use of those waters, as tliey j)assed ihrough or by
their huîds, eitlier for driving niills, or for any otiier j)tirpose
williin tlu; sphère of their wants ; nevertlieless, the Seigniors
upon wlioiii the Deeree {Arrêt) of the 4th .lune, IGSG, had
iiiij)Osed the obligation of building niills, had a right to take,
evcn on coneeded land, an inifilacemcnt^ or building lot, of
not more than six arpents in superficies, and of rnaking use
of the waters conneeted witli it, for the banal or seigniorial
mill, aller having indemnified the Censitaire for the d;unages
resulling to him, frotn the loss of the land, and water povver.
Ansv'cr of the Court. — 28. § 1, lîy the grant of \\w. ficf
to the Seignior, lie becanie propri(>tor of the non-navigable
rivers, rivulets and otiier running waters wliich passed
tlirougli or were w-liolly or in })art witliin the fief; the saine
prineiple applicd to the property in siuli rivers, rivulets and
waters to the niiddle of the streani ; il is also in virtue of the
saine grant that lie became proprietor uf non-navigable' lakes
as well as of ponds.
ïef
lie
iici
lie
les
71 a
For tho alfiniiniivo : — liii Fontaine, Howon, Aylwin, Diival,
13ay, Smith, Mcrcditli, Sliorl, Aîorin, Hadgicy.
For the négative : — Caron, Mondelet.
§ 2. Tlic Soignior was |)ropri(^lor of tlicso wators in man-
ner aforosaid as bclonging to, and fonning a portion o*" tlio
fii'f\ nnioss thcy wcrc oxcliuh.'d hy ihc grant, suhject ncvcr-
theless to Irgal servitudes.
Fortlio alFinuativo : — LaFontaino, Rowon, Ayhvin, Dnval,
Day, Sinilli, Mereditli, Short, Morin, lîadglcy.
For the négative : — Caron, Mondelet.
Titrnlij vinth qucMion. — At the tiine of the cession of the
conntry, were the Seigniors of Canada the légal proprietors
of thèse waters anrl uniiavigahle rivers, or did tliey ])()sse>s
the riglit of inakiiig use of tlierii for indiistrial oï ollier pur-
poses, to the exclusion of the Ccndlaircs /
Lc'JCdl Prnposi/ions siihmilti'd ou helialf of (lie Cfou:)/. — 29.
After the time of the ecîssion of the eountry, the Seigniors
of Canada were not légal j)roprietors of the waters and
unnavigable rivers, llowing by, or through the lands of the
Censitaires^ nor did Ihey possess the riglit of niaking n-^ii of
theni for induslrial, or olher purposes, to the exclusion of the
Censitaires.
Anstf^cr of (lie Court. — 20. — ^ 1. At tho cession of tlie
eountry, the Seigniors of Canada were lawful proprietors as
aforesaid of thèse non-navigable and non-lloatable waters,
in whole or to the iiiiddh> of the strearn (/Hum nq?(fr)^ as the
case inight b(,> on llieir uiieoneeded lands and iiiiglit iiiake
use of tluMU for industrial and other piu'j)oses to tlie exclusion
of ail otiier persons.
Forilie alHrniative : — LaFonlaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Srnith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the nei^ative : — Mondelet.
72 a
§ 2. The Subfcudatory or Tenant, Censitaire^ hy the subin-
fi'ud.'ition or acct'ni+c'nu'nt, bccairH; in the «aine ninnner pro-
prietor in wliole or to tlie inicJdle oi' tlu; struan), n ording 'o
tlic several cases mentioned, of thèse non-na\ ii". 'e and non-
(loatable waters which passed through, or w.'. . Lur<leied
ihe conceded land, unless they were specially exeluded by
the title ; the Tenant, grantee, concessionnaire^ beconiing pro-
prietor of them was also subjected to légal servitudes.
For the aflirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Uuval, Day,
Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Uadgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Caron, Mondelet,
Thirticth question. — If this right then existed, from wbat
source was it derived ? was it a feudal right, or did it belong
to the class of rights designated as justiciœ, {doits dv jus-
tice) ? was it recognized by the Custorn of Paris, or was it
established by laws promulgated expressly for Canada ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of the Croivn. — 30.
This right, as cluiined by the Seigniors, at that tiine, was an
abuse arising out of an illégal usurjjation, ami out of the
error by which feudal rights were confounded with that class
of rights designated as Justiciœ {droits de justice). The
High Judiciars were entrusted with a police jurisdiction
over unnavigable rivers, as one of the attributes of high
justicial authority {haute justice ;) thence they attributed to
themselves a right of property over those rivers, and illegally
claimed it, as a feudal right. The Custom of Paris did not
recognize this right, and it never was established by any
law promulgated specially for Canada.
Ansiver of the Court. — 30. When the right of property in
rivers, as above explaincd, was not governed by the grant,
it was not a right o( justiciœ {droits de justice :) it resulted
from the conveyance of, and foUowed the estatc granted ;
when the estate was conveyed in seigniory, the right became
seigniorial as being attached to the particular seigniory : it
73 a
resulted froin tho gencrul laws of |)n)i)erty in force in thc
conntry, and not Ironi thc tcxï ol thc Custorn nf Paris, nor
Iroiii any law speciully proinulgatcd lor Canada.
For thc allirmative: — LaFontainc, liowfn, Aylwin, Duval,
Day, Sniilli, Merudilh, Short, Morin, Hadgley.
For thc négative : — Caron, Mondelet.
Thirty first question. — VVas the dominium {domaine) over
rivers and other unnavigahle waters incidcntal to the adminis-
tration of high justice [hauk justia), and eould it be claimed
by any Seigniors other than those who were entrusted with a
police jnrisdiction over such waters, and who j)erfornied the
duties of High Justieiars? If it were so, did those Seigniors
loae their dominium over the rivers, and their exclusive
right to those waters when, by tlie cession of the country,
the administration of justice bccame the exclusive attribute
of the Crown of England ?
Lcgal Proposition submitted on bchalf of the Crown. — 31.
According to the theory of tiiose who recognize in the Sei-
gniors the dominium {domaine) over rivers and other unna-
vigable waters — a theory rejected by C hampionnière and other
jurihtH, and oj)posed in the preceding articles — it nmst be
allowed that tliis alleged dominium was merely an accesso-
ry to the administration of high justice, which could not be
claimed by any Seigniors other than those who were cn-
trusted with a police jurisdiction over such waters, and who
performed the duties of High Justiciaries ; and in this hy-
polhesis, the dominium {domaine) over rivers, or the exclusive
right over thèse waters, was iost even to those Seigniors,
when, by the cession ofthe country, the administration of
justice became the exclusive attribute of the Crown of
England.
Ansiver ofthe Court. — 31. The answer to this (jucstion
will be found in the answer to the previous question.
74 «
For tlio afTirmativo : — LaFontaino, lîowon, Aylwin, Duval,
Day, Smith, Mondel«>t, Mereclilli, Short, Morin, Badi,fley.
For (ho négative : — Caron.
IVurtij second question. — Oni^'ht tho proporty of thc Sei-
gniors in unnaviii;al)lo watery to be divided, like thc pro-
porty in tho soil, into tho dominum dir<clnm and tho domi-
iiiurn ntild And (;onhl this division oxist in any othor way
than by allowing oaoli Censitaire tho possiession and enjoy-
ment of thosc watcrs within the limits of hiy eoncession ?
Légal Proposition sitimitted on. hchnlf of Ihe Croim. — 33.
The proporty of Seigniors in unnavigable water« wus
divided, lilce tho proporty of tho soil, into the dominium
dircclnm and th»; dominium utilc^ acoording to tlio prinoiples
laid down in the articles I, 2, 3, 4, 5, G, 7, W, 9, 10; and
this division eould not exist, in any otlicr way, than by
allowini,^ to oaoh Ci nsifairr^ thc possostion and enjoyment
of thosc Avatcrs within tho limits of lus concession.
Atisrrer of thc Co?(rt.— 22.— § 1. The propi'rty of Scii^niors
in non-naviïï^able and non-lloatablowater<< was snsceptible of
division into the immédiate deme.sne and the usel'ul demesne
like the proporty in the soil.
For tho alljrniativo : — LaFontaine, Howen, Aylwin, 13uval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Merediih, Short, iMorin, liad:,dey.
For tho négative : — Mondelet.
§ 2. Tho concession operating this division, eonveyod to
(ho Tenant {Ccnsifm'rv) tho possession and enjoyment of tlicse
WQters that were within tho limits of tho oonecssion.
For tho ailirmativo : — LaFontaine, liowon, Aylwin, I)n-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, ^Fercdith, Short, INforin, Madgley.
For iht; négative : — AJondelel.
75 a
Thirtji third question. — At tlio time of thc passine^ of " Tho
Seii^niorial Ac-l of 1854 " liad llie Seii^niors in Caniula ihe
exclusive right of buildinii[ i^rist mills, and liad tliey the
rii^lit of dtnnanding ihe diMiiolition of ail niills of tliat kind
bnilt witliin llioir censives l)y otiier porsons ?
Lrgal Proposition sitbmitlrd on InJuilf of the Crown. — 33.
At llie time of tlie [)assini,' of " Tlic Seigniorial Aet of 185 1,"
the Seigniors in Canada liad noi tli»' exclusive riglit of build-
ing grist inills,and liad not llie riglit of dcnianding the démo-
lition of ail luills, of ihut kiud, built withiu their censives,
by other persons.
Ansif'cr ofthc Court. — 33. — § 1 . Al ihc passing of " Thc Sci-
gniorial Act t)f 1851," Thc Scigniors, in Canada, \\\\o liad
crectcd grist niills, {moulins à farine) liad llic right of pre-
veiitin'' ail olliers froni building sueh luills witliin llic exlent
of tlicir Ixinolité.
Fortlic allirmalive : — La Fontaine, Howf^n, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Mereditli, Short, INIorin, Hadglcy.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 2. Tliey also liad the right of demanding the domolitit)n
of ail milLs of that kind built witliin their een-sive by other
persons.
For the allirmalive : — La Fontain(% liowcn, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For thc négative : — Mondelet.
Tliirlji l'ourtli (juistion. — Did tliesi; ri^hls extend lo ail sei-
gniorics ? if not, to what sei^niories did tliey (îxtend ' if the
Scigniors eoùld exereiflc thèse rights against their Censi
ta/res^ could they also demand th(; démolition of grist mills
built on lanfls the tenure of which liad Im-cu commuted into
franr-dlliit roturier, or into frceand common soccagc, witliin
the limits of their respective fiefs 7
76 a
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of the Crown. — 34.
Unlil tlie promulgation of the Decree {Arrêt) of the Council
of State of 4th June, 1686, it must be lield, lliat, inasmuch as
the 71st article of the Custom of Paris granted liie right of
banalité, only in cases when there was atitle, those Seigniors
only who had stipulated tiie obligation on the part of tlieir
Censitaires, of carrying their grain to the seigniorial mill,
liad the right of banalité ; it must also be held, that, since the
Decree (^rr^/s) of 4th June, 1686, ail Seigniors hâve the
right of banalité in virtue of that Decree ; but the Decree
{Arrêt), never attributed to Seigniors the property of unna-
vigable waters ; and consequently the right of prohibiting
the construction of ail mills on lands held en censive, en franc-
alleu, or in free and common soccage, within the limits of
their seigniories, never belonged to them.
Answer of the Court. — 34. — § 1. Thèse rights extended to
ail seigniories.
For the affirmative — La Fontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Duval,
Caron, Day, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the ntjjative. — Smith, Mondelet.
§ 2. The Seigniors could not demand the démolition of
grist mills built upon lands whose tenure had been com-
muted into that of franc-alleu roturier or that of free and com-
mon soccage within the limits of their respective fiefs.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Du-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, MeredUh, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
Thirtii fifth question. — If thèse rights existed, did thcy ex-
tend to mills of any other kind and to ail works propelled by
water ? ouglit they to be considered as incidental to the right
oi banalité ') had they their origin iii liie Custom of Paris or
in spécial laws ?
77 a
Légal Proposition submitted on behnif of the Crown.Sb.
The right oî banalité cstablislied by tlie Decrce {Arrêt) oi
4th Juno, 168G, bclongs to the Soigniors of Canada, but il
does not give them the riglit of preventing the construction
of ail mills and other works propelled by wafer ; ihis pre-
tended righl is not incidental to the right o{ banalité, nor ie« if
recognized by the Custom of Paris, or sanclioned by any spé-
cial lavvs.
Answerofthe Cowy/.— 35.— Thèse rights did not extend to
other than grist mills, nor to any works, (usines,) of any kind :
they are coniprehended in and form a part of the law of /w-
nalité, and hâve their origin in the Civil Laws of France en
the subject.
For the affirmative :— LaFontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Dn-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Hadgiey.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
Thirtij sixlh question, — At the time ofthe passing of "Tlic
Seigniorial Act of 1854" what was the nature and extent ol
the right of banalité claimed by the Seigniors in Lower
Canada ? what was its origin ? was it a feudal ritrlit or did
it belong to that class of rights designated as/w.v//7m' {droits
de justice) ') was it recognizcd by the Custom of Paris ? was
it introduced into tliis Country, regulaled and defined by the
Decree (//rrt^/) of4t h June, 1686? to what obligations werc
the Seigniors, on one sidc, and the Censitaires, on the other,
subjected by this right ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalfof the Crown.Sd.
At the time of the [)assing of " The Seigniorial Aet of 1854,'^
the right o{ banalité in Canada, as established by the Deeree
{Arrêt) of 1686, imposcd upon Seigniors, the obligation of
building mills {mou/i?is banaux), and, upon Censitaires, the
duty ofcarrying their grain thcreto, to be ground. This rigl
dérives its origin from private stipulations contained
It
in t'on-
tracts
Canad
of concession, and from the Decrce {Arrêt) of 1686 ; in
a, it is neither a feudal right nor a right of the class
78 rt
vJL'si<^nat«Hl HH justifia; {drnits de jvslicv)^ but a rii^lit sivcially
i'.stal)lisli('(l, re^Miluted and (UîTiikhI hy thi; Decn'o [Arrct] ol
llio 4tli .lune, IGHG, wliicli, tiMuling, as it docs, to restrict
tluî libcrty ol' tlie subjccl, iniist bc intnrpretcd in a h^tricf,
littéral and rigourou» sensc;, in relation to those wlio were to
beneiil by it.
Aiistnr of f/ir Court. — 30. — ^ 1. Attlio passini^of'Tlie Sei-
pniorial Aet of IH-yi," tlie ri^dit oi/nmaliti'^ iis eslablislied in
llie conntry, obliged Scii^niors, to biiild banal mills, ;ind
Tenants {Ciiisifaircs) to brin^ tlieir ij^rain to tlie niill to l»e
ground, wliieli was necessary l'or tlio sustenanec; ol' tlieir fa-
milies, whetlier tlie i^rain was raised or brouglit witliin tlie
extinit ol'tlie iHiiidlitc and ground ior tliat purptjse.
For tlie alîiinative : — LaFontaine, Howen, Aylwin, IJnval,
Caron, l)ay, Smith, Mereditli, Sliort, Morin, liadgley.
For llie négative ; — Mondt.'Iet.
§ 2. Tliis riglit, wliieli was eonveiitional in the ()rigin,\\:is
afterwavds rcndered gênerai and obligulory upon ail Sei-
gniors and Tenants {Censitaires).
For tlie affirmative : — LaFontaine, Howen, Aylwin, Dn-
val, Caron, I3ay, Smith, Meredilh, Short, Morin, liadgley.
P'or the négative : — Rlondelel.
§ 3. The Koyal Arrél of the 4th June, 1G8G, was the first
law wliieh rcndered iMUKifitc gênerai and obligatory iipcn
Seigniors and Tenants in Lower Canada.
For the allirmative: — LaFontaine, Howen, Aylwin, Uu-
val, Caron, Smith, Mereililh, Short, Morin, Hadgiey.
For the négative : — i)ay, Mondelct.
§ 4. In this conntry, /j/ind/itc was l'cndal as being alliiclicd
to a fief.
For the allirmative : — LaFontaine^ Howen, Aylwin, Du-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, Mercdith, Short, Morin, Hudgley.
For the négative: — Mondelet.
79 a
^ 5. lianulité was only convenlional undor tiio Custoin
of Paris. Adopletl unaniiuousiy.
§ 6. Scigniorn, wlio liatl no milU huiit al tlic passing ol
'' Tlii; Si'ii,'ni()rial Act ol" J851," liave no riglit, uudur tlie pro-
visions of tlii' said Act, to indcninity l'or hana/ilé. Adopted
unaniinously.
Tliirtii sevent/i qucslion. — VVliat was tlie jurisprudence fol-
lowed in Lower Canada, sinoe llie cession ol" die coiintry,
in ri'Iation to tlie varions riylits cthiiuied l)y Seigniors iu llie
waters whicii pass throui^li, or border upon, tlie lantls eoni-
priscd in tlieir resjjcetive censives ?
Tliirtji cii:/ilh question. — Was tliis jurisprudence based on
tlie will of tlie legislator, or on inuneniorial custom, and
ouglit it to he inainlained ?
Lc^'ul Proposi/ioH subinllltd on hvhalf of tlie Crojtn. — 37.
Al.liou^di several judgnienl.s favoral)l(! to llie prétentions of
die Scigidors, in tliis niailcrs, liav(,' heen pronounced, tliey
are not sucli as tlie law retiuires to e^it-ablisli a jurisprudence.
Lf^fi/ Proposition sninnittcd on helialf of tlic Croirn. — oS.
If sucli a jurisprudence exists, il is not based, eillier on tlie
Nvill of tlie legislator, or on iniiueinorial custoin, and sliould,
consequently, bt; set at nauglit.
Ansirer of tlie Conrt. — 37 and 3.S. 'l'here lias been no es-
lai)lislied jurisprudence; in J^twer Canada, sinee tlie cession,
in relatii'ti to tlie x\'A\\ in tlie walers, \vlii(;li pass tlirougli or
border iij)t)n tlie luad.-. Adopted unanimously.
T/iirtij lu'nth (juestion. — lu vr.rious deeds of concessioh of
lands helil en roture, covenanî-i are found tentling toestablisli,
in favor of the Seigniors, réservations siinilar or analogous
to tlie following, vi/.. :
I. A resorvatit)n of tituber for tlie building of tlie manor-
liouse, ndlls ind churclies, without indcninity.
80 a
2. A rpscrvation of firc wood for the use of thc Seignior.
3. A réservation of ail marketable timber.
4. A réservation of ail mines, qnarries, sand, stone and
other materials of the same kind.
5. A réservation of ail rivers, rivulets and streains for ail
kinds of mills, works and manitfactures.
6. A revervation of the right of diverting the course of
streams, and of intersecting lands by channels, for
that purpose.
7. A réservation of the right of laking the land requisite for
ihe building of any kind ofmills or inanufacturcM,
with or without indemnity.
8. A réservation of indemnity for the value of the lands ol
the Ccmitaires required for ihe construction of rail-
roads.
9. A réservation of the right of chr-nging the place and
time of payment oi ûxa cens vl rentes and other sci-
gnioriai dues.
10. A réservation of the right of fishing and hunting on th(;
lands conceded.
Where thèse réservations, or any and which of ihem,
légal ly made, and (\<^ ihey give the Seigniors a right to be
indeiiinified for lli<« suj)pression ofthem to be eil'ected by
thc said Seigniorial Act?
Légal Vropodtion suhmiUed on behalf of the Croum.~39.
1. Cusiom secnis to hâve sanctioned the réservation ol
timber for the building of the manor-house, mills and
churche:;, without indemnity ; moreover, such réservations
were made for the gênerai good, and were calculated to
promote the colonisation and settlement of the country ;
2. The réservation of firc wood for the use of the Seignior
lias not received the same sanction, and is répugnant to fhc
prineiplc of the feudal contract, which gives tothe Oensitaire
Ihe cntire pr.; scrt^ oï ihe dominium utile {domaine utile) ;
thereforc, alî such réserva .-^.s are null, and cannot trive
rise to any indemnity ;
[(>
l>r
lie
re
I 9
te
81 a
3. The samo thing miist he said of marketahlc timhor ;
4. Tlu! saino witli regard 1(. ilic rescrvalion of ail mines,
quarrics, sand, stone, and otlicr nuitcrials ol' ilic likc Kind,
oxrept tlic réservation of mines in favor of tlie Kind or
SNzrrain^ aecordini,' to tlie conditions set l'ortli in tlie orii;inal
q^rants of seii^niories and /ic/'s ;
5. Tlie saine witli rei^ard to tlio réservation of al! rivers,
rivulets, and streams for ail kinds of mills, works and ma-
nufactures, unicss tlie soil as weli as tlie waters liave Iteen
reserved ;
6. Tlie Seiii;nior coiild not lea^fdly réserve; tlie rii,dit of
divertinsf and direetinij, at liis will, tlie course of streams,
and of (Mittini^ canals tliroiigli tlie farms for tliat |»ur|)ose,
except for tlie use of seii,'niorial iiiills, {moulins hanaiix)^ and,
in every such case, lie was obli<^'ed to indcmnify tlie Censi-
taires ;
7. Tlie réservation oftluî x\^}\\ of takini,' tlie land re(|uisite
for tlie hiiildini,' ol'any kind of mills or maiiuficturcs, \vitli
or witlioiit indemnity, is niill and illégal, as eontrary to tlie
principle of tlie feudal contniet wliicli imjiorts ;in aliénation
enlire, and for evey, (/f tlie dominium vtilr [dumainc ulilt) ;
8. Tluî same tnast be said of tlie réservation of tlie indem-
nity l'or tlie value of tlie lands of tlio Crns/fairts nîciuired for
tl'.e construction ol railroads ;
9. Tlie payrnent of tlie cens et rentes and otlier seigniorial
lues, sliould be madi> at tlie seigniorial manor, or, a
tall
events, within tlie limits of tlie seigniory, and not (dsewliere;
10. 'l'Iie réservation of llie riglil of fisliing and liunling on
tlie lands coiUH'ded, is illégal and null, a-^ liaving a tcndcney
to dej)riv(! the ( ensitaire of a part of tlu; dominium ulitt {do-
maine utile) ;
None of tlie réservations deelared null and illégal in tlie
above enumeration, give to tlie Si'igniors a riglit to be indini-
nified for tlie suppression of lliem, in virlue of " Tlie Seignio-
rial Act of 1854."
:^Vx«i
82 «
ÀHsirrr o/ flic Coftrf.—ÙO. § 1. Tlic ol)lii,'!ition fo conccdc
at a r< ///(' rhnrgc [à litre de rvdrvancrs^) imposcd ii|)iin Sri-
gniors, iimsf l»; iiiulerstoocl as Ixdni,' exclusive ni' ail reserves,
wliieli eiinnot bo coinpreliended w idnii tlie leriii dwvs {rede-
vances)^ aiul whieli wcre not ollierwisc midered |('<i;al.
For llie aninnativo: — LaFontaiuo, lioweii, C'aroii, Smilli,
Moiulelei, Short, Morin.
For llie iicifalive : — Aylwin, Diival, Day, Mereditli,
Badgiey.
§ 2. Ail reserves iniisl lie lield to be lei^'al, tl
le ol)|e(
■t of
wliieli was llie obli^'alioii iipoii tlie Tenant {('t tisi/u/rr) lo
allow tlie aee()Mi|)li.sliiiient hy tlie Seii,Miior, and tlie obser-
vance by liiinseir, on liis part, of tlie oblii,fati()ns of tliat
nature, stipulated by the Kiiiij; in llie ifraiil nf ilie //V/'.
For tlie alliriuative : — l.aFontaine, Howcn, Aviwin, l)u-
val, ( aron, Day, Sniitli, JMeredilli, Sliort, .Aloriii, Matli^ley:
For tlie nei,'ativ(; : — Mondelet.
§ iJ. Tlie followini^ réservations, dr oïliers analo^j'oiis lo
tlicili, were illei^al, and do not l^ive lo llie Seiiniior a ril,'lil
to any indemnity by reason olllieir suppression :
Art. 1. A réservation (»!' lirewood l'or tlie use ol' iJie Sei-
gnior.
An. 2. A réservation of ail marketable tiiiiber.
Art. ;J. A resi'rvation of ail mines, (piarries, sand, stone
and ollier iii;iterials of llie saiiii; kind.
Art. 4. A réservation ofall rivers, riviilets and strcarns
for ail kinds of luills, works and iiianufacliires.
Art.
A réservation of tlie ri'dil of divertinir ;ind direct-
ins; the course of streams, and of intersccling laiids by
«•haniiels for lliat piirpose.
Art. 0. A réservation of llie rii^^lit of lakiii'jf the land re-
quisile lor llie bnildinj^ of any kind of iiiills or iiianulaclures,
witli or williout indemnity.
83
a
For tlic aHiiiiiiitivc : — LaFonliiiiie, Uowcn, t'aron, Sinili
Moiulclfi, Sliort, Moiin.
For tlu; ncL'ativi' : — Avlwiii, Diival, Dav, Mcrrcli
Ml
ui
§ 1. A réservation ol' iiidriiiniiy for llic value oftlie lands
ofllie (.'rnsitiiins^ reipiired for \\\v. conslnietioii of railroad'-,
is al.so ilk'i^al, aiul gives no riijlit to indciimity.
For tlie adinualive : — LaFontaine, Uowen, Caron, Duv;;',
Siiiilli, INIoiidelet, Sliort, .Morin, Hadi,dey.
For flie nei,'ative : — Ayiwin, Day, Mereclilli.
§ ô. Ixescrvatinii ol' tlie ri^lit ol" cliani.MnL^ tlie place ;i'ul
lime of payinent ol" the cens it roilis and otlier M'ii^nioiial
dues, tlie Seiij;nior iiii^lit iiiaKe tlie réservation, provided tlie
place iiew ly iiidjcafed wa's witliin tlio limits oltlie seigniorv.
Adopted nnaninioiisly.
§ 0. The réservation ol linilicr lor llie constriiclion <•!
eliurelies, williotil indeninity, and tlie réservation ol'tlie righf
oi" lisliin.'f and Imnting on llie laiuls coneetled, are ille;LMl
and 'j\\v rise to no indeninilv.
For tlir allirnialive : — Lai-'onl.iine
Mondelel, Sliort, Morin, Mad-dey.
lioveii, Caron, Siii!
For tlic ne-'ative : — Avlwin, Diival, Dav, .Mereditli
IIS
■1-
>y
re-
§ 7. 'l'Ile (piesiion heing put : —
Is tlie réservation ol liiuher lor tlie Imildin:^' ol' die iiian* r-
liouse and niiUs, witlioiil indeninity, leijal, niid does il gi.j
to tlie Seignior a riglit lo an intleninity lor its suppression
For tlie aHirinalive : — Bowen, Ayiwin, Diival, Day, Me-
reditli, liadgley.
For tlie négative : — FaForitaine, ('aron, Smith, Mondei<'.
Short, Morin.
81 a
Forfiil/n/ucslion. — Arc any ollicr rocrviitions, wliich Uuvc
becn slij)ul;it«'(l in «Urdi* of eont'cssion, îmkI wc'm'Ii iin- not
rt'co^Mnzcil by tlic Custoiu of Paris, norliy iawf prornul/^'atrd
specially l'or tliÏM country, to lu; conxidcrcd l»'f,'al ? and liavr
StM<,'ni()r.s a rii,'hl to indnimity, hy rcason oftiic suppression
of sucli rej'ervution, or of any of ihcin.
Lercdl PwiH)sition suhnnttcd on hrhulf of Ihc Crown. — 40
It uuist b(' lii'ld, tliat ail llic réservai ions, .lipulalcd in tiu'
dt'od of concession, apart frt»ni lliosc >ti |(.i!li m ilic orij^inal
forants of tlic //V/', or rccogni/cd hy coiiiiiion law, or tliosc
sanulioncd i>y u^aij;»', sucli as tlic rcscrvatiDn of tiiubcr for
tlie building of tlK> nianor-liousc, inills and clnuclics, arc null
and illégal.
JnswcroJ Ihe Coifrt.—iO. Withoiit a spécification of llic
réservations to wliicli lliis (jucslion applies, tlie ansv^er to i»
inust be regulaled, for eacli parli(«dar case, iipon tlic Imsi»
cslablislied in d\e an.swei to llic preccding (juestion.
For tlie aHirniative :— LaFonlaine, Bowen, Caron, Siuilh,
Mondclet, Sliorl, Morin.
For llie négative : — Aylwin, Duval, Day, Mcredilli.,
Hadgley.
Forfi/ first (juesfion. — [n sucli deeds tliero are also found
prnliibilions, made for tlie advantage of tlie Seignior, of the
iollowin^ kind, viz :
1. A piîiliibition lo build any kind of mills manufactures or
other Works (w.srwr.v), nioved by uater, wind or steam.
2. A prohibition to sell nvarketable tituber, to niake deals,
to grind grain, not subject to /xnia/ifé^ grown beyond
tlie ccnsivcy and intendcd for niarket.
3. A prohibition to use streain^ passing over, or bordering
upon, the lands of tho CcnsiUiires to propel niills, ma-
i\ufactures or other works (usiins).
85 a
1 ll.'iVC
If I1(»t
l^iltrti
1 luivc
t.— 40
in tln'
>rii^i!iiil
)!■ tliosc
bi-r loi
ure nu 11
1 ol" lljf
AIT to i'
lie basiw
I. Siuillt,
•rcclilli ,
îti) fonnd
ol' Ihr
;tun*s or
)!• stcam.
e (Irais,
l)t'yon(l
H)rdoring
lills, ma-
Aro fli(>sp 1<>l,'m1 or not, niid dor-. ilic siippri-^^sion of iIrmm
giv(! tluî Sciiifniors a rii,'lif lo indi'iimily ^
L'i^al Pni/insftiiiH snhniifhif on h/i/i/f' of tlir Cnwn. — H.
Pr()liil>ilit)ns of ilic rollowiiii,' kind sii|)nl;ilr(| for llic advun-
la<^<' of tli(i Sri^'iiior, vi/ : 1. A prohibition lo Imild any
kind (»f iiiills, inanida<:tiiri'.s or ollicr Works {iisi/ns), uiovt'd
by walt'r, wind or sU-'ani ;
2. A prohibition to s«dl innrkctablr timbor, lo mak*' <h'id«,
to i^rind tifrain, nof subjcct to hrinufité^ i,'ro\vn bcyond thc
ccnsivc, and inicndcd for markot ;
3. A prohibition to use slrcams passini,' by, or thronj^h,
îh'-' hinds of ihc (^tusifuircs, to proptd mills, nianufaclmcs or
othcr Works (m.v///m), an- '! légal ; and tho suppression of
them eannot give ihe S .ors a righl to indcninity.
Ausircr of (lie Court. — 11. — § I. W'iien j)rohibitions of
that kind ucrc iiiadt' for ihc protection of oliier légal sei-
gniorial righls, tliey luight b(! légal.
For tlie allinnfitive : — riaKoiitiiin<', Bowen, Ayiwin, \)n-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, INleredith, Short, Morin, Hiidgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 3. But their disappearanee, by the elleet of " The Sci-
gniorial Aet of l.S.')l," does not giv(; rise to any indeinnity,
becanse they were only aeeessory to a principal right, for
which the Seignior lias indeninity. — Adopted nnanitiiousîy.
fael
§ 3. 1. TIk! prohibition to biiild any kind of mills, manu-
r otlier Works {usines), moved by water, wind or
nres o
sleain.
P^'or ihe allirmalive : — J.aKontaine, Howen, Duval, Caron,
Smith, Mondelet, Short, iMorin, Hadgley.
For tl'e négative : — Ayiwin, Day, IMcreditli.
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2. The prohil)ilion to scll markctable timber, to makc
deals, to grind grain, not snbject to banalité., grown bcyond
the ccnsivn^ and iniended for markct.
For tlic affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Smith, Mondelet, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Day, Meredith.
3. The prohibition to use sireams passing over or border-
ing upon the lands of the Censitaires., to propel mills, manu-
factures or other works {usines), were illégal, and do not
give rise to indemnity.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Smith, Mondelet, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Day, Meredith.
Forty second question. — Are tlie covenants containcd in
certain deeds of concession, by which personal labour
{corvées) is im]30sed on the Censitaires for the advantage of
the Seigniors, légal ? and do they give the Seignior a right
to indemnity ?
Légal Proposition suhnntted on bchalf of the Croiim. — 42.
The covenants contained in certain deeds of concession, by
which personal labour {corvées) is iniposed on the Ctnsitaircs,
for the advantage of the Seigniors, are illégal, and give no
claim to the Seigniors for indemnity. In France, personal
labour {corvées) was the priée of ihe rédemption of mort main
[main-morte] ; tliis servitude not existing in Canada, the
covenant establishing personal labours {corvées) remained
without cause or considération, and is therefore null. More-
over the imposition of personal labour {corvées) was prohibit-
ed by a Decree {Arrêt) of the Intendant Hocquart, dated
22nd January, 1716.
Answer of the Court. — 42. The covenants contained in
some deeds of concession, imposing personal days labour
87 a
(Jonruéfs de r.orvér) unon tlie Tenanls {Censitaires) for the
advantaof; of ilie Scigniors, are légal, and give rise to in-
dernnity.
Yox the alfirinative : — LaFonlaine, Bowen, Ayhvin, Du-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, Meredilli, Short, Morin, liadgley.
For the négative. — Mondelet.
Fortjj lliird qiieslion. — At the tinie of the passiiig of the
said Seigniorial Ael, eotild the Seignior legally deniand
lod'i et ventes upon the exehange of two lands, estirnated
of eqiial value [sans sonlte)^ the one situate wilhin his cen-
sive, and the olher held lu. franc alleu-roturier or in Iree and
common soecage, beyond the limits thereof ?
Légal Proposition suhmitted on hehalf of the Croirn. — 43.
At the lime of the passing of " The Seigniorial A(;t of 1854,"
the Seignior could not legally demand lods et ventes upon
the exchange of two lands, eslimated of equal vaine [sans
soulte) the one situate within his censive, and the other held
in frane-alU'U roturier or in free and conmion soecage,
beyond the limits thereof.
Answer of the Court. — 43. At the time of the passing of
the Seigniorial Act, the Seigniors, subject to its o|)eralion,
could not lawfully demand the mutation fine [droits de lods
et vente.-i) upon the exehange, without soulte of land within
their seigniory ïox others held in frane-alleu rotuiiii\ or in
free and eonmion soecage, beyond their seigniory. — Adopted
unanimously.
Fonrlj) fouriJi question. — Wliat are the rights of the Crown,
the value of wliieh is to be deducted in the schedules to be
made under " The Seigniorial Act of 1854," from the price
to be p:ii(l i)y the CensiliiiresiQ\\\Q. Seigniors for the rédemp-
tion of the seii^niorial dues ?
88 a
Lr^al Proposilion suhmitted on behalf of tlie Croivn. — 44.
In iIkj schedules to be made under " Tlie Scigniorial Act of
1854," the ri^hts of tlie Crown, the value of wliicli is to be
dcducted therein from the priée to be paidby tlie Censitaires
to tlie Seigniors for the rédemption of ihe seigniorial dues,
are the rights of qvint^ reqinnt and relief ; one year of the
average revenue accruing to the Crown from thèse rights,
thronghout Lower Canada, should be computed as repre-
senting the interest of a capital to be distributed among ail
seigniories according to their value ; the proportion attri-
buted to each seigniory will represent the rights of the
Crown therein, and will be put down in déduction of the
priée to be paid by the Censitaires as aforesaid.
Amicer of the Court.— Ai. The rights of the Crown, the
vaine of which is to be deducted in the schedules to be
made under " The Seigniorial Act of 1854," from the priée
to be paid by the Tenants {Censitaires) to the vSeigniors for
the rédemption of the seigniorial dues, are those of quint and
relirf\ in the cases in which they were due under the Cus-
tom of Paris, unless the lucrative rights of the Crown to be
deducted, should hâve been otherwise regulated by the par-
ticular grant of each seigniory, to which référence must be
had. But it is the duty of this Court to observe that, it has
not corne to the knowledge of this Court that the Crown has
ever exercised the right of relief., exeept that due under the
Custom of Vexin-le-Français, included within that of Paris,
by which some grants en fief are governed.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Smith, Mondelet, Short, Morin.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Day, Meredith, Badgley.
Forty fifth question. — Ought the additional value given to
the unconceded lands by the abolition, ui.der the said Act, of
the obligation to concède them, to be ascertained and in-
serted in the said schedules in déduction of the said priée
of rédemption ?
89 a
Lfrrnl Propnsili'on snbmitted on brhalf of the Croirn. — 45.
The iitiditional value given to the unconccded lands bv the
abolition, under the said Aot, of the obligation to concède
them, is to be ascertained and inserted in the said schedules
in déduction of the said priée of rédemption.
Avstrcr of t/ie Court. — 45. Wlienever by the abolition,
under the Seigniorial Act, of tiie obligation to subinfeudate
the lands, an additional value may be given by it to the iin-
conceded lands, that value must be ascertained and inscrt-
ed in the schedules, in déduction of the price of rédemp-
tion.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Budgley.
For the négative
-Aylwin.
Foriy sixlh qiipstion. — What are the rights, dues, duties,
réservations and prohibitions which are to be valued in
making up the whole price of rédemption of the seigniorial
rights contemplated by the said Seigniorial Act }
"^j
Ansv'er of th^ Court. — 46. They are the 'rights, dues,
duties, and réservations, the legallity whereol is acknowledg-
ed, and which are appréciable in rroney. — Adopted unani-
mously.
90 a
If.
tlOIMKIl-OlJKSTlONS OF THE SKKiMOKS-
IN THE INSTANCE.
Upon ihe coni)tcr-(|nc8tiuns, snbmittcd on bohalTof llio Hono-
rable' John Pan^mnn, of ihe Pari^sli oC Si. If(>nri de Mas-
conclu", in iln; District of Montréal, o^qiiiir, Seii,nii()r and
proprietor in possession of tlie //>/ and seigniory of Lache-
naie, in tlii; District of Montréal, to wit :
First coiinlcr-(]i((stion.— A\ Xhc period oftlie introduction
into Canada oftlie Castomof Paris, (Co?/^/</>/t' c/c i-*«y7,v,) and
within the territory of that Custorn, what was the légal eflect
of the contract wbereby a Seignior, holding land en franc-
alleu noble grantcd therefrom en fief,— as to the division, bet-
ween hini and liis Vassal, of the propcrty ((/«?;/ft77/e) of the
land granted? — And did such contract subvide sueh jn'oper-
ty {domaine) betweenthe Vassal andany Siib-Vassals (.-irmVe
Vassaux) or Censitaires, to wliom he miglit thereafter makc
sub-grants, en fief or en censive, as the case might be ; or im-
port obligation on him to make such sub-grants, wliether en
fief or en censive ')
Légal Proposition submitled on hehalf of the Honorable
John Pangman. — 1. Such contract was liekl to divide the
property {domaiiir) in (piestion, between snc-li Seignior and
Vassal, into a domaine direct retained by the former, and
which consisted in the aggregate ofthe proprietary rights
reserved to him, — and a domaine utile granted to the lalter,
and which consisted in the aggregate of ail other proprietary
rights whatever, in the lands granted.
It could operate no sub-division of property {domaine) bet-
ween the Vassal and any future Sub-Vassals [Arrière Vas-
saux) or Censitaires. And it imported no obligation on tlie
Vassal to sub-grant, whether en fief or en censive.
91 a
/h/s'urr of Ihe Co?trL—\.—§ 1. At tho poriod ol" tlie in-
troduction ol" tlic Custoni of Paris into Canada, and within
tlio tciritoiy of that Custom, tlie légal oirccl of tho conlract,
whorcby a pcrson, holding hinds en fnmc-allcn m,hlr^ irrant-
ed tluTofroni a part r/i//r/'or en eensîve, was tho saino as
above c'.\j)lained in tlie answcrs lo llio qtU'Hlions of tlic
Attorney General, as lo tlie division of tlie property between
the Nubie Alleulicr and his Vassal or Tenant (Censitaire),
between whom snch concession establislied seigniorial rela-
lions. — Ado[)ted unanimously.
§ 2. Under the law of that Cnstom, at the period above
montioned, \hc Nohh Ai/entier wàf^ undcr no obligationto
alienate tho said lands. — Adopted unanimously.
Second connter-queslion.—M the same period, and Avilhin
Ihe same territory, what was the légal ellect of the contract,
whoreby a Seignior, holding land en fief anh-rrxixnWA lliorc-
from en fief, — as to the division, bctwocn hiniand his Vassal,
of the estate or property {domaine) or such Seignior in the
land so granted ? Wheroin, if at ail, did such division difler
from what wrought by the contract enquired of in thé pre-
ceding question ? And did it sub-divide the estate or pro-
perty [domaine) involved therein, between the Vassal and any
Sub-Vassals {Arrière Vassaux) or Censitaires, to whom he
might thereafter sub-grant ; or import obligation on the Vas-
sal, further to sub-grant, whedier en fief ox ccnsive '?
Le'^al Proposition suhmitted on behalf of the Honorable
John Pangrnan.~2. Such contract was held to operate a
like division of property {domaine), into what was called
a domaine direct of the Seignior, and a domaine utite of the
Vassal ; the distinction between this case and that inquired
of by the proceding question being, that the estate or pro-
perty {domaine) in this case diyided, was itself, in another
a'':id slricter sensé, only a domaine utile, being limited by
the reserved rights or domaine direct of the Seiijnior do-
-■' o
minant, — or, ifheagain hAd en fief, then by the reserved
92 a
rjglils, in ascondini^ séries, of llie soveral Seif^niors tlirougli
wlioin tlie land granted might havc passed froiri tlie Seignior
suzerain.
The contraet hère incpiired of conld not sub-divide the
estate or property {domaine) involvcd therein, between the
Vassal and any future Sub-Vassals [Arrière Vassaux) or
Censitaires, and it iinported no obligation on the Vassal,
further to sub-grant, whetlier en fief or en censive.
Answerof the Court. — 2. Tins question has been answered
by the answers given to the questions of the Attorney Gene-
ral upon the same subjecl matter. — Adopted unanimously.
Third counter-question. — At the same period, and within
the same territory, what was the légal eff'ect of the contraet
whereby a Seignior holding land, whether en franc-allen noble
or en fief, granted or sub-granted therefrom en censive, — as to
the division between him and his Censitaire, of his property
[domaine) in the land sogi'anted or sub-granted ? And where-
in did such division di/l'er from that wrought Ijy the contraet
whereby such land might hâve been granted or sub-granted
enjiefi
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of the Honorable
John Pangtnan. — 3. Such contraet was held to operate a like
division of property [domaine), into what was called a do-
viaine direct of the Seignior, and a domaine vlile of the
Censitaires. But the domaine utile of the Censitaire differed
from that of the Vassal, in this, that the estate or property
[domaine titile) of the Vassal, by reason of the seigneurie ho-
norifique forming part thereof, imported a capacity on his
part to sub-grant either en fief or en censive, while the estate
or property [domaine utile) of the Censitaire had in it noqua-
lity of seigneurie honorifique, and was therefore held to im-
port an incapacity on his part to sub-grant, either en fief ov
en censive.
Answer of the Court. — 3. This question has been answered
by the answers given to the questions of the Attorney Gene-
ral upon tlie same subject matter. — Adopted unanimously.
03 a
Fourth covntcr-queUion. — At tlic same period, and williin
îhe sarne Icrritory, was a St'i<,mior lioldini» land en firf^ by
law proliibilfd l'roiii taking tnonoy or otlicr vainc as a con-
.■«idcration for any snb-grant wliirli lie mighl make, whethcr
m fiff or en censive, — or liiniled as to tlie ainonnt tliercof,
or as to lIiL' rcnts or ollier charges or bnrtliens wliicli lie rnight
impose on any land so to be sub-granted by liin ,, whetlier
p.n Juf oï en censivey by way of considération l'or s.ich sub-
granting?
Leg;al Prnposilion svhmilted on be.half of tlie Honorable
Julm Pangman. — 4. Such Seignior was not by law proliibited
l'rom taking money or otlier value as a considération for any
sub-grant wliicli lie niiglit make, whetlier en fief or en cen-
sive^ — nor yet lirniled as to tlie amount thereof, nor as to ihe
rents or otlier charges or burthens whieh lie rnight impose on
any land so to be sub-granted by hiin, whetlier en fief or en
censive, by way of considération for such sub-grant ?
Anstrcr of the Court. — 4. Tins question lias been an-
swered by the answers given to the questions of the Attorney
General upon the sarne subject malter. — Aopted unani-
mously.
Fifth counter question. — At the same pcriod, and within
the same territory, had a Seignior, holding land en fief., such
an estate or property {domaine) therein, as imported a ca-
pacily on his part, to alienate such land, in whole or part,
by sale or othorwise, on any terms as regarded price and
otherwise, and this, either with or without rétention to him-
self of a domaine direct therein ? And in whose favor, and
to what extent, if at ail, was the freedom of action of the
parties to any such aliénation in any wise liraited ?
Légal Proposition snbmitted on behalf of the Honorable
John Pangman. — 5. The estate or property {domaine) of
such Seignior in such land, imported a capacity on his part
to alienate such land in whole or part, by sale or otherwise,
on any terms as regarded price and otherwise, — and this,
94 rt
eitluT willi or witlioiit rétention lo liiniscif of ii domaine di-
rect thoruin. No niillity îitlaclit'tl to sueh alit'viiition. Il",
inde(!cl, lie so alienatcd, witlioiU rétention of any domaine
direct^ or il'(\vlietlier witli or witlioiit sneli rétention) lie so
alienated beyond the liniit of tlie two-tliirds of liis /fV/, his
Seignior dominant liad tlie rii,dit, inhérent in and fcinning
part, so to speak, of the domaine direct of sueh Seignior
dominant) either to take the actpiiring party as a Vassal of
his own, and exact any aecruing feudal dues on the niu-
tatiff ^ , else to ignore tluv transaction and deal witli the
/rV/ thereafter as tliongh the sarnc; had never taken place.
But, provided the Seignior alienating rei,;incd a domaine
direct, liowcver tri/Iing in value, autl liad not alienated in
ail more than the two-thirds of his fief, evcn tliis right of his
Seignior ^A'w///fl/// did not aecrne, to liniit in any nieasiin!
the IVeedoiii of action of the contracting parties. And no
olher party could interfère at ail, to liniit such freedoni.
Ansircr of the. Court. — 5. This cpiestion has bccn answered
by \\\v. answers given to the cpie^tions of the Attorney General
nj)on the saine siihject matter. — Adopted nnaniinonsly.
Sixlh coinitcr question. — Before the enregistration (on the
12tli day of Decerriber, 1712,) by the Constit ^iijiérieiir de
Quélnc, of the two J/Tc'Av of the King of France, rendered
mh\s Conseit (PEtat and bearing date at Marly of the 6th
dayofJuly, 1711, the one intituled '■'' Arrêt dti Roi qui or-
" doiDie que frs terres, dont tes concessions ont été faites, soient
" mises en enitiire et occn/iées par des lialntants,'''' and the
other intitided " Arrêt du Roi qui déchoit les halntants de la
'"'■ propriété des terres qui leur auront été concédées, s'' il s ne
" les mettent en vaUmr, en y tenant feu cl lieu, dans un an et
^^ jour de la publication du dit Arrêt du 6e Juillet, 1711," t)eing
the Arrêts comnionly known as the Arrêts of Marly, did the
eontracl whereby a Seignior acqiiired land en ftef, accord ing
to the law of Canada as then in force, operate any subdi-
vision of the estate or property [domaine) thereby granted,
between him and any Vassals or Censitaires, to wliom he
95 «
la
ne
et
miglit tlicrciiricr \\v,\ko suh-ji^rnnls <n /lif or r'n iriisiv(\ as thc
ca8(; itii^'lil lu', — or im|)c)it obligation on liis ])nrl lo iiinkc siil)-
grants, m fiif or en crNsivr^ or to dispos of siidi laml, in
wholc or pari, to tliird parties, on any particiilar tenus, — or
leavc liini Icss IVee tlian lu; would liavi; Ix-cn in France, un-
dcr tilt; Custoin of Paris, {Conlume ilr Paris,) at tlie titne
of ils introduction into Canada, as loncliini,' llie aliénation
of siicli lanfl, in wliole or part, by sale or otiierwise, as lie
HJiould sec lit ? Ifso, wlieii, by wliat Ael or Aets of Ici^'is-
lative aulliority, in wliat ternis, îuhI to wlial extent, liad tlie
law, as il lonnerly obtained in l'ranee under tlie Custoin of
Paris {(U)iilinni' dr Paris,) been in any of lliese i)arliculars
derogated Iroiu or altered?
LciXdl Préposition siibmitlrd on hrlidl/of flir JTonorahU
John PaHisman. — G. Jîefore ihe enregistration of tlie Arrè/s
in question, tlie eontract wliendjy a SeiLjiiior acîqiiired land
rnJi(/\ did, not, according to tlio law of Canada as tlien in
force, (Mtlier operate any sub-division of tlie estate or proper-
ty {ilonidini) tliereby grantcd, betwecn liiin and any Vassals
or Ccn^ititircs to wliom hc rniglit tliereafler tnalvc sub-granls
en fief ov en cei/sice, — or iniport obligation on Iiis part to make
snb-grants m fief or en censivc, or lo dispose of siieli land, in
wliole or pari, lo lliird parties, on any parlicnlar terni, — or
leavc liiiii less free llian lie would hâve been in France, un-
der tlie Custom of Paris (Coutume de Paris,) al tlie tiine of
ils introduction inlo Canada, as toucliing tlie aliénation of
such land, in wliole or pari, by sale or otiierwise, as lie
should see fit.
Ansiaer of tlie Court, — 6. — § 1. The concession en fief
neither before nor aftcr ihe enregislralion of llie Arrêt of
Marly, did nol operale a division of ihe estate, between Sei-
gnior and Vassal or Tenant [Censitaire), of wliat niight be
aflerwards sub-granted to either, but thc division was eflected
by thc &ubse([ucnl dced of subinfeudation or avcensemcnt. —
Adopted unanirnously.
hc
96 a
§ 2. Tlic otiior j)()rtions of tliis question liavo hcrn an-
swcn'd l)y tlic nnswcrs givcn lo tlio <|Ut'j*tionM of tlu' Al-
lorncy Gint-rul upon llie Mubjt'ct iimttor. — Acloplrd unîa>i-
nioiisly.
Si'vcntli ron/ttcr f/vculion. — Vroiu tlic; liiim ofllio cnrcgis-
tralion of llu; saitl Arrdtx, to tliat of tlie Cesfsion of Canada to
tlir li^ili^ll Crown, coidd ('(rcct liavc Ihmmi givcn, acitording
to law, to so iiiiicli ol' tlu^ firsl of tlic naid Arrrts as purported,
aftcr cnjoining conci'ssion by Scifj^niors to hdhitduts^ " â
titre dr ridcvdticvs^ vt s/ins cxi'^tr tPcNx aucioif somme (l\iri:!;ent
pour rdison des dites concessions,^'' to [)rovid(; against tlie case
of siicli conccsHion bt'ing rcfused. — as against any Scigiiior,
eitlicr liolding en franc-dlleii noble, or holding en fief, undcr
or tliroiigli a title wliereby tlie Crown sliould not liavo cx-
pressly iniposcd thut obligation, as a condition of its original
grant ?
Lrii;al Proposition snhmi/fed on hclud/ of the Ilonorahlc
John Pun'^mun. — 7. 'l'iirough tlie period in question, l'/lect
could not liave been given, according to law, to so uiucli of
the said Arrêts as jjurported, aller enjoining concession by
Seigniors to liahitunts, " à titre de redevances, et sans exiger
d'yeux aucune somme dhirgcnt pour raison des dites concessions,''^
to provide against the case of such concession being refused,
— as against the Seignior, eilher holding e////-rt/2t'-a//''W- woWc,
or holding en //>^,under or through a title whereby the Crown
should not hâve exprcssly imposed that obligation, as a con-
dition of its original grant.
Ansuwr of the Conrt. — 7. This question lias been an-
swered by the answers given to the questions of the Attorney
General upon the same subject matter. — Adopted unani-
mously.
Eighth connter-queslion. — Before the enregistration (on the
4th duy of S(;pteniber, 1732), by the Conseil Supérieur de
Québec, of the Arrêt of the King of France, rendered in his
Conseil WEtat and bearing date at Versailles of the 15thday
î)
97 a
of Marc-li, 173:2, w liicli piir|)(»rti'(l lo ditcfi tlic «'iiforcftiK'nt ni
tlic s;ii(l t\vt> An-rls (»l Mmly, mikI Io iiltiicli to llic snli* «»!'
Avild latids (/rrrrs m Ifois ili hoiil) ilic |)ci);illics ot" imllily ol
iht! cotilriict of Mille, ol" rt-stilnlinn d' tlir piict-, îitid <tl' rr-union
ilr /)/(/)/() ('/rp/rîn (It't)if) iA' >\\r\i l;ind lo llic Crowii domain,
did llu- law of Canada, as ihcii in l'orcc, proliihit sncli saN; ol
wild lands [lirrcscn /lois </r ho/if^) on*u\)']vv\ llic parties Uierelo
to sii(di |)cMalti<'s or lo aiiy di-serlptiitii ol' penalty wliatever?
Lf'ij^/il Pro/KisitidU snhmitliil on hrlialf of iJir Ilonorahh
John Pan!!:ni(in. — M. Before tlieciire^istration ol'tlie Ari'rl liero
in (|ii('stion, llie law ol' Canada did not proliibil tlie sale ol'
wild lands, {/irrrs ru l)oi\ <lfhont^) or snl)je<'t tlie parties lliereto
to any {|eseri|)lion ol'penalty wliatever.
Ansirrr of tlic Coitrt. — S. Tins (pieslion lias heen nnsworod
l)y tlie answersi,'iven to tlie (luest ions oli lie Atlorney Cieneral
npon tlie surne snhject niatter. — Adopted unaniniously.
Ninlh conHlvr-quv.^lion. — Did tlie said Arrêt of tlie ycar
1732, purport to rnakc, or in l'actt mak(î any distinction, het-
wcen tlie case of tlie sale ol" wild h\iu\s [Icrrf s en /M)istlc /jottf)
by a proj)rietor holding r////<7", and tliat oCsueli sale by a pro-
prielor holding en censivc, — or betwei'n eitlier of thèse cases,
and that of sueh sale by a pro))rietor holding en franc-alleu ?
Lc^al Proposition Kidmittrd on Inhalf of tlic Honorable
John Pangman, — 9. The said Arrct of thcyt^ar 1732, dit not.
purport to inake, and in fact did not make any distinction,
betvveen the case of the sale of wild lands (ferres en f/uis (h-
hoiit) by a proprietor holding cw //r/, and that ofsuch sale by
a proprietor holding en ccnsive, — not yet betwecn either
of thèse cases, and that of sucli sale by a proprietor holding
en franc-alleu.
Ansirerofthc Coiirt.--0.~§ 1. Tlu; last Arrct dit nol
make, nor did it purport to niakc any distinction in the sale
of wild lands (terres en bois debout) betwecn a proprietor
holding en f/cf and a proprietor holding en ccnsive. — Adopted
unanimouiî.j.
98
a
§ 2. It did not makc nor purjjort to make any distinction
l'or the lands held etifranc-aUcw. — AdojDted unanimously.
Tenth counicr-queslîon. — From the time of tlie enregistra-
tion of the said Arrêt of the year 1732, to that of the cession
of Canada to the British Crown, could eflect hâve been
given according to law, to so rnuch thereof as ])virported to
attach to the sale of wild lands {terres en bois delxnd) llie pe-
nalties of nullily of the contract of sale, of restitution ofthc
price, and of re-union de piano {de plein droit) of such land»
lo the Crown domain, — as against the vendor and vendee of
any wild land [terre en bois deboui) holden en fraiic-nlle?(, or
of any wild land (terre en bois debout) holden either en fief
or f« crwsn'P, iinder or ihrongh a tille whereby tlie Crown
should not hâve expressly prohibited such sale under such
penalties, as a condition of ils original grant thereof ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of tlie Honorable
John Pangman. — 10. Through the period in ouestion, eflect
could not hâve been given, according to law, to so much of
the said Arrêt as attached to the sale of wild lands [terres en
bois debout) the penalties of nullity ofthe contract of sale,of
restitution of the price, and of re-union de piano [de plein
droit) of such lands to the Crown domain, — as against the
vender or vendee of any wild land [terres en bois de bout)
holden en franc-alleu, or of any wild land [terre en bois de-
bout,) holden either en fief ox en censive, under or through a
title whereby the Crown should not hâve expressly prohibit-
ed such sale under such penalties, as a condition of its ori-
ginal grant thereof.
Ansiver of the Crown. — 10. From the enregistration of the
Arrêt of 1732 to the cession of the country, effect might hâve
been given to its provisons, which attached the penaity of
nullity, that of restitution of the price and re-union to the
Crown demesne, to sales of wild IdiUÛs [terres en bois debout)
held either en franc-alleu or en fief, or en censive, under any
title wdiatsoever, even if the prohibition had not been spe-
cially imposed in the original grant.— Adopted unanimously.
99 a
Elevcnth coiintcr-qnestîon. — Frora the tiinc of ihc cession
of Canada to the British Crown, to tliat of the passing of
" The Seigniorial Act of 1854," could eli'ect hâve been given
in Canada, according to law, as against any Seignior or class
of Seigniors whatever, to so much of the said first Arrêt of
Marly, as purported to requive concession by a Seignior to any
liahilanh^ of any land in liis seigniory, "^/ liire de redevances.,
et sans exiv^-er d'yeux aueuue somme d'' argent^'''' under pain, as
thereby tlireatened, as having such land conceded for account
of tlie domain of the Crown ?
Légal Proposition submilled on bchalf of the Honorable
John Pnrigman. — 11, Througli the period in question, effect
could not liave been given, according to law, as against any
Seignior or class of Seigniors whatever, to so much of the
said Arrêta as pur|)ortcd to require concession by a Seignior
to any habitants, of any land in his seigniory, " à titre de
redevances, et sans exiger d^eiix aucune somme d'' argent,'''' under
pain, as thereby threatened, as having such land conceded
for account of the domain of the Crown.
Ansiccr of the Court. — 11. Tlie question has been an-
swercd by the answers to the questions of the Attorney
General.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Duval, Caron, Day,
Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin.
For the négative
-Bowcn, Aylwin, Badgley.
Twelfth counter-question. — From the time of such cession
to that of the passing of the said Aet, could effect hâve been
given in Canada, according to law, as against the vendor or
vendee of any wild land, {terre en bois debout,) by whatever
tenure holden, or on whatever terms first granted by the
Crown, — to so much of the said Arrêt of the year 1732, as
purported to prohibit the sale of wild lands, {terres en bois de-
bout,) under pain of nullity of the contract of sale, of restitu-
tion of the price, and of re-union de piano {de plein droit,) of
such lands to the Crown domain ?
100 «
Lrj,al Proposition ftithmiUrd on hcJiaif of Ihe Iloriorahle
John Panii-man. — 12. Tlirough the pcriod licro in (]ucsliun;
ofïect could not liavc; becn givcn in Canada, accord ing to
law, as against ihe v(;ndor or vcndec ofanywild land,(/rr/T
en bois (Irhoid^) by whatever tcniire lioldcn, or on wlialcver
Icrms tirsl. granlcd by the Crown, — to so inucli ol' tlic ^\û6
Arrêt ol' the year 1732, as ])ur])or1cd to prohibil ihe siilc ol'
wild lands {terres en bois debovt^) vindcr j)ain oJ' nidlily oCthe
conlract of sale, ol" restitution of ihc priée, and of rounion
de ])la>io [de plein droit) of such lands, to the Crown domain.
Ansivcr of tlie Court. — 12. This question appliesto a con-
lract not in ils nature seigniorial, and canonly intcrest indivi-
duals as such ; ail contestations arising ont of such a con-
r.ict, mnst bc submitted to the ordinary tribunals ; sliould
s'^eli contestation be ])ending, the o})inion of this Court
would j)rt'iudge the question to ihe injury to oneorthe otlicr
pariv ; ihis Court abstains, therefore, from the expression of
au answer to ihis {jucslion. — Adopicd unaniuiously:
Thirttenlli counter-qncslion. — Wilhout préjudice to the gê-
nerai décisions in the pending rnatter to be rendered, will
it not be riglit of every Seignior to invoke, — as well be-
fore any Coniraissioner or Coniniissioners nanied under the
said Act, and acting for his seigniory, whether in the first
resort, or in revision of the schedule thereof, as before any
experts who may be named under the said Act tluM'cfor, or
before any Court of law or tlie Judges of any Court of law
having to décide any matter involving question as to such
schedule, or asto the rightsofsuch Seignior in the preniises, —
the ternis of the original grant or title under or tlirough which
his seigniory is holden, whether emanating niedialely or
immediately from tlie Crown of France or from the British
Crown, — the. ténor of any civeiixet dénomlrrcrncnts rendered by
him or any of his an leurs, — the ténor of any actes de foi et
hommaix^e, and of any Crown acquittances for quint or feudal
dues generally, granted to him or any of anch auteurs, — and
the cliaracter and terrn, longer or shorter, as may be, of his
and their possession or enjoyment of any rights or claims
101 a
wliicli niay be in qucslion, — and tliis, as well a vinw to
tlie mattor ol" ihe ascertainini^ and aj^portioninii^ of llio
casnal ri,'j[hts ()(' ilie Crown in relation to liis sei<,niiory, as
for any otlier purposeslbr wliich the same niay rctpiiic tobe
inv()k(-d, in ordcrto tlio maintenance ot' liis riylils, or llie es-
ta])lishment of the value thereof? And will it be compétent to
sneh Commissioner or Commissioners, wlietlieraetinir in the
rst re.sort, or inrevjsion ot any schedule, to rejeel any ïsueh
title or matter of évidence ])ertincntiy invoked to sueli end?
Lpgrd Proposlllon siihmitlcd on behalf of Ihe Ilonoralle
John Pangman. — 13. It will be the right of cvery Seignior
to invoke, — as well before any Commissioner or Commis-
sioners nained und<>r the said Act, and acting for lus sei-
gniory, whether in the first resort, crin revision of the sche-
dule thereof as before any experts who may be named
under the said Act therefor, or before any Court of law
having to décide any matter involving question as to such
schedule, or as tothe rights of such Seignior in the j)re-
miscs, — the terrns of the original grant or title under or
throngh \\Aùv\\ his seigniory is holden, whethiT emanating
mcdi:!tcly or immediately from the Crown of France or from
the British Crown, — ihe ténor of nay aveux el (lénomhr'iiirnts
rendered by liini or any of his aideurs^ — the ténor of any
rrdi's de foi d /i()miii(/<.';e^ and of any Crown acciiiillanees (br
^/f'f/// or fcMulul dues generally, granted to him or any of
such ri/de/ns, — and the character and terni, longer or shorter
(as may be) of his and their possession or enjoyuKMit of any
rights or claims whicli nr\y be in question,— and tliis, as
well with a view to the matter of the ascertaining and ap-
portioning of the casual rights of the Crown in relation to
his seigniory, as for any olher purposes lor which the same
may require tobe involv-ed, in order 1o the maintenance of
his rights, or the establishment of the value thereof. It will
not be compétent to sucii Commissioner or Commissioners,
wliL'ther aciing in the lirsl resort, or in revision of any
schedule, to reject any such title or uiatter of évidence
pertinently invoked to such end.
102 a
Answer of lit e Court.— 13.— § 1. Seigniors will Ijavc tlio
right to invoke, for ail légal purposes, before tlie Commis-
sioners actingin virtue ol" thc Seigniorial Act, whetlior in
the first resort or in the revision of the .scliedules, as well as
before ihe experts and before Courts of law having jurisdic-
tion over and cognizance of the matter, saisis du sujet, the
ternis ofthe original grant by wliich they hold tlieir sei-
gniories, whether the grants hâve proceeded from the Crown
of France or the British Crown— Adopted unanimously.
§ 2. With référence to the ténor of the aveux et dénom-
brements, and of the acfs of fealty and hommage, and of
the Crown acquittances for guifit or other dues granted to
them or their predecessors (ardeurs), the samc légal effect
must be given to them in relation to the obligation of the
Seigniors to the Crown, according to the circumstances
of each case ; but they cannot affect the relative position of
Seigniors and Tenanis (Censitaires), because llie aveux et dé-
nombrements, acts of fealty and hommage, and acquittances of
other ducs, only hâve légal eflcct between the Seignior
dominant and the Vassal, as executed between them, and do
not aflect others nol parties to them. — Adopted unani-
mously.
§ 3. The character and terms of the possession and en-
joyraent of any rights, eilher between the Seigniors and the
Crown, or the Seigniors and any Tenants (Censitaires,) in so
far as that possession and enjoyment may hâve a known
légal ellect, whith a view to the seigniorial law, and the
présent décisions of this Court in particular, may also be
taken into considération. — Adopted unanimously.
§ 4. The Commissioners may order the adduction of any
évidence which they may require, to enable them to adjuge
correctly in ail cases, this Court cannot be calleduponto
lay down in its décisions ail the rulcs applicable to the ad-
missibility and appréciation of évidence : the application of
the rules enunciated in thisanswer ave subject,neverlheless,
in ail cases, to the observance of the décisions of this Court.
— Adopted unanimously.
103 a
III.
COUNTER-Ori ETIONS OF 1\W. SKIGMORS.
IN THF, INSTANCE.
Upon the counler-qucstions, snbmitted on bclialf of Sir Ed-
mund Filmer, of East Sullon Place, in the county of
Kent, Baronet, Memberof the Impérial Pari iament, David
Arthur Monro, a Major in Her Majesty's Twelfth Régiment
of Lancers, and William WoodroofTe, of London, Gentle-
man, Seigniors in possession of the seigniory of Cham-
plain, in the district of Three Rivers, to wit :
First counter-qucHlion . — Wlielher the Arrêt of the King of
France, dated the Gth July, 1711, commonly called the
Arrêt of Marly, the preamble of which expressly refers to
the intentions of His Majcsly, and to clauses alleged to be
inserted in grants of seigniories, whcreby Seigniors are said
to be only permitted to concède lands for an annual rent (à
titre de redevances) and the Arrêt o( ihe 15th March, 1732,
to give elfect to the former Arrêt, can, by any rnle of légal
construction, be made to apply, in so far as their provisions
purport to provide for enforcing such concession, to sei-
gniories granted by the King, in the grants whereof such
intentions of His Majesty are not ex)M-esscd nor such con-
ditions inserted, — and more espoeially if such seigniories
were granted in considération of and as a reward for ser-
vices rendered to the Crown ; — or whether tliose Arrêts (if
in force in any case) ouglit not to be restrii ted, as regards
such provisions, to seigniories in the grants of whieh s'^ch
intentions as aforesaid are exprcssed and such conditions
inserted ?
Lcgal Proposition submillcd ou hchalf of Sir Edmund
Filmer et al. — 1. The said Arrêts (if in force in any case)
104 a
(■fin only n])|)ly, as regards tlit; j^rovisions in question, to
seigniorics in Ihe granl.s of \vlii(;li such intentions as afore-
said wcre expresscd or sueh conditions inserted.
Ansurr of thc Court. — 1. Tliis question lias been ans-
wered by tlie answers to tlie (jueslions of tlie Attorney Ge-
neral on tlie sanie subject matter.
For thc allirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowcn, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Mereditli, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Ayiwin.
Second countcr-qncstion. — Whether the provisions of the
said Arrêts which make it accessary that the Governor and
Lieutenant General, (an ollicer representing tlie person of the
King of France, but unconnected with the administration of
justice in civil matters in the Courts of original jurisdiction),
should concur witli the Intendant, wlio had power to décide
alone in civil matters {déjuger souverainement seul en matières
civiles)., in any sentence inliieling upon a Seignior the for-
feiture of his lands for contravention of the Arrêts by refusai
to concède, do not clearly shew that tliese Arrêts, were of a
discretionary and administrative rather than of a judicial
character ; and whellier any discretionary or administrative
power, thereby vestcd in the Governor and Lieulenaut Ge-
neral, could, after the conquest, be conlinucîd in, or cxercised
by any Judge, ollicer or functionary, except by express
délégation from the British Crown ?
Lcgal Propositio)i submitted on bchalf of Sir Edmund
Filmer et al.~2. The said provisions (if not purely pénal)
were of an administrative character ; the powers conferred
by them were administrative and discretionary, and could
not be continued after the conquest, except by express délé-
gation from the British Crown.
Answcr of the Court. — 2. This question lias been answered
by the answers to the questions of tlie Attorney General on
tliesanie subject matter.
ile-
105 a
For llic nfllniKitivc : — LaFontriinn, Bowcn, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Moiidclct, Mcrcdith, Short, Morin.
For tho ncgative : — Aylwin, Badgley.
Third conntcr-(pieslion. — Whether those Arrêts and the
torfciturc ot' hinds imposed as a penalty for such contraven-
tion, were not dictated by a temporary policy, whieh had
for its objcct to promoto the immédiate settlement of the
waste lands of tlie French Kini,' in Canada, with a view to
strengthen the colony and enable it tlie botter to contend
with the adjoining english coh)nio8 ; and whother they
were not temi^orary reguhitions adaptod to the tlien condi-
tion of tho countrv, and intondod to mcet présent oxigencicsi,
rather than permanent laws, to reçoive exécution in ail future
time ?
Lcgal proposition suhmiltcd on helialf of Sir Ednmnd
Filmer et al. — 3. Thoy were dictated by such tcmi^orary
policy, and could not be considered as pormancmt laws, but
were more temporary régulations.
Af/sicer ofl/ic Court. — 3. A part of tliis question not oflbriiig
any point of law for décision, tho Court abstains from ans-
woring thoroto; with r(;foronoo to tho answer to bo given to
the othor i)art of tins ([uostion, it is eontainod in tho answers
given to tho questions of the Attorney General on tho same
subjoct matter.
For tho aflirmative : — LaFontaino, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Uay, Smith, Mondolet, Morodith, Sliorf, Morin.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Badgley.
Fonrth coiintcr-qucstion. — Wholhor, if the said Arrêts ap-
plied as matter of public policy {d''ordrc pi/Ofic), to ail sei-
gniorios, granted boforo or aftor thoir date, and although no
déclaration of the King's intention or clause binding tho Sei-
gnior to concède à titre de redevances oniy, or in any other
106 a
way, was inscrted in tho grani, — thc provision tliat overy Sei-
gnior sliall concède liis lunds in thc manncr ihcrcin men-
lioncd, and sliall, l'or any contravention of tliat provision,
incur tlie penalty of forl'eiturc to tlie Crown of thc lands and
of thc rents and profits tliereof wliich would otherwise be
payable to liim, — does not trcat such refusai by tlie Seignior,
as " violation, of a law considcred in référence to tlie cvil
tcndency of sucli violation as regards the state," and does
not thcrefore makc such refusai a crime or ofTcnce punisha-
ble by forfaiture ; and whether that provision is not there-
forc a pénal cnactment, creating and providing for the pu-
nishmcnt of an ofFence against the public policy of the So-
vereign who cnacted it : and whether such pénal enact-
ment was not repealed by the Act of the Impérial Parlia-
ment, commonly called the Québec Act, (14 Geo. 3, cap.
83,) which introduced the criminal law of England, and di-
rected that it sliould be obscrved as well in the description
and quality of the oflence, as in the method of prosecution
and trial and the punishemcnt and forfeitures thereby inllic-
ted, to the exclusion of every othcr rule which prevailed in
Canada before 17G4 ; if indeed ail laws in force before the
con([uest connected with matters of public policy, and im-
posing forfeitures for oflcnces against such policy, were not
necessarily abrogated by thc conquest and cession of the
country, and the conséquent introduction of thc public law
and policy of Great Britain ?
Lcgnl Proposition submitlcd on hcluilf of Sir Edmiind
Filmer cl al. — 1. On the supposition hère involved, the pro-
vision in question was a })enal cnactment, which was cx-
pressly repealed by the Québec Act, and had in facl been
abrogated by the conquest and cession of Canada, and its
conséquent subjection to a new and différent rule and public
policy.
Ansivcr of the Court. — 4. Adinitting the conséquences of a
violation of tliose laws to be forfeitures, the forfeitures were
only of a civil nature ; thèse conséquences and the laws
107 a
from w liich tliey procecdcd, liave notbcen repcaled, by rcason
of tlicir pénal nature, by tlie introthiclion of llic crinùnul luws
ol" England into f .nada. — Adoplcd unanhnously.
Fiflh conntcr-qucslion. — Wliethcr in fact, if tlic supposition
llmt ihe Arrêts applicd to ail sciijfiiiories, as mattor of public
policy al){>v{' incntioncd, I)L' correct, it was not btîcause tlic
provision in question was considercd, not as a merely civil
mattcr, but as one involvinj^ tlic exercise of a pénal, but at
the same tirne administrative and discretionary autliority,
that the power to inllict tlie forfciture thereby imposed was
vested in the Governor and Lieutenant General and the In-
tendant conjointly, and not in the Intendant alone, who, in
virtue of his commission had j)owcr and authority {pouvoir
et facidlù) to décide absolutely and alone in civil matters,
[même de juger souverainement seul en matière civile) ; and
\vheth(îr the Intendant alone ever could pronounce a sen-
tence of forfciture und(!r tlie said provision ; whcthcr, after
the conqucst, the power of the Governor and Lieutenant
General and Intendant conjointly, or of the Intendant alone
in any matler involving penalty or forfciture, was, by any
compétent authority, transferrcd to or vested in any judieial
tribunal whatever ; and whelher ail such his powers did
not, after the conqucst, wholly ccase, togcther with iheother
powers given by his commission as Intendant of justice,
police and finance ?
Lfgal Proposition siibmitted on bchalf of Sir Edmund
Filmer et al. — 5. On the supposition aforcsaid, the presump-
tion is, that it was because the provision in question was
considercd, not as a merely civil matler, but as one involv-
ing a pénal, but at the same time administrative and dis-
cretionary authority, that the power hère in question was not
given to the Intendant alone ; the sentence of forfciture could
never be pronounced by the Intendant alone ; this power
ccascd at the conqucst, and was never revived or vested in
108 a
any .Iii(l<,''(>, offîeor or tribunal sinec tliat timo ; and any suf.li
powLT would 1)0 inconsistpnt witli llu," riglits ol' hriiisli siih-
jt'cts, and tliose at'cinircd by lli(3 inliabitant.s oCtliis l'rovinco
wlii'n thcy passod IVoiii the Frcncli lo llio lîritisli Unie, nnder
vvliicli no IVccinan [can be disscizcd ofliis iVccliold unloss
by llio légal judgnicnl of liis poor.s, or by tlic laws of tho
land.
Ansv'cr of the Coifrt.~5.—§ 1. Tliis question lias boen
answered by tlio answcrs to llio prcccding (inestions, and
by the answers to the questions ol'the Attorney (iencral, in
se far as this question has relation as well to the nature of
the powers of the Governor and Intendant, under the above
Arrêts, to concède lands during the frencli doniinion, as to
the dévolution of those powors to Courts of justice, under the
british dominion.
For the afïinnative : — LaFontaine, Bowon, Duval, Caron.
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, INTorin.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Badgley.
§ 3. — The other portion of ihe (juestion is foreign lo llie
objecl and disposition of the Seigniorial Aet, in so far as it
relates to olher jîowcrs and atlributes exercised by those
funetionaries, eilher conjoiiilly or separalely, and lo llieir
dévolution to the new tribunals, and thcrefore this Court
abstains fiom an answer thereto.
For the afTirmative :— r.aFontaine, Rowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelel, Meredith, Short, Morin, liadgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
Stxth amnlcr-qîœstion.—W ÏHAhcr, in Lower Canada, a law
may not become void by désuétude ; and whether even if
the Arrêts in question were at any period in force, and were
not repealed or abrogated as above mentioned, they hâve
not in fact fallen into désuétude and become obsolète ; whe-
ther in fuct ordinance after ordinance and act after act,
101)
a
Ini|v'ri;il and provincial, toiicliing tlic ronslilntion of lln'
foiiiiiiy, tlic adiiiiiiislralioii ol' jusiicr and llu; coinMiutation
ol'llic sciimiorial Icnnrc, liavc noi hcrn passcd, and iii.'<-
Iniciioii^! i^ivcn l>y llu; Sovciri^n Un- carryini^r ont Ihipcrial
Acis l'or tlie coiunuilalion ol lin; !<aid It-nin-c, and coniniu-
tation aller coniiniitation cUccIcd nndcr tlicni hy llic (io-
vcrnor, widi llic advico ol' ihf law oliit-cis ol' tlic Crown, in
tlic l'rovincc, — witliont any aUcnij)! to >,(\\'l\ cll'cct totlicsaid
Arrc/;< ; M-licilicr tlic Courts of law, witliin llic Province,
havc not. coiislantly Ircatcd tlicni as not in l'orcc ; and wlic-
thcr Ihct^c circiinislanccs, aparf Troni tlie considérations I
lorc nicnlioncd, do not show tliat. llicsc Arn'/.s liavc,
ncarly a crnlury, l'allcn iuto iiller désuétude, and liav
bcconic ol)r>oli'tc and void ?
)C-
lor
c so
Zr;,'-,// Proposition siibinilhd on hchalf of Sir Edmiind
Filiucr il (il. — 0. In Lowcr (.'anada, a law niay losc ils foivc
hy disnsc, wiihont any express rcpcal, or go into desiietudf>
as il is ternicd, and tlie l'acts ahove nientioncd slicw tliat tlic
Arrch^ iftliey wcie nof rc|)caled or abroi^'ated, liave in lad
gonc inlo désuétude and becomc a dead lelter.
Anmur of the Cour(.~6. Thèse Arrcls liave nol lallen
inlo desuetnde.
For the allirinalive :— LaFontainc, Duval, Caron, Day,
Sniitli, ]\rondelel, Meredilh, Short, Morin.
For tlic négative : — Bowcn, Aylwin, Badgley.
S('V('//.'/i covnter-qiicsl.ion. — \Vliethcr any Arrct or Ordi-
nancc madc ])y the King of France, whe„i Canada was
subjcct to liis royal will and pleasure, woiild not cease to
be in force, whenevcr the parliarnent of the United Kingdoni
sliould, aller the conquest, pass an Act ineonsistent witli
il, — and whetlicr the i)rovisions of the Impérial Act, 3 Geo.
4, cap. 119, sect. 31 and ^2^ (coniinonly called the Canada
Trade Acl,) and those of the Impérial Act, G Geo. 4, caj). 50,
(comnKJuly called the Tenures Act,) are not utteriy inconsis-
110^
Iciit willi tlioso o(\ho Arrvfs Ix-foic incnlioiicd ; an»! wIipiIht
in the royal instructions issucd iindcr tlic said Acts, to tlu;
(îovernors of I^iwcr Canada or of Canada, or iu tlic praeticiî
oftiic |)r()vin(Mal govorninrnt iindcr tlicni, or llic instrii-
mcnls hy whicli tluî roniiiinlalion <»!' Icniirc lias hccn
rtli'ctcd, it is stalcd, assiimcd or iinpiii'd tliat the rii^dits oi'
tlic Scii^'nior in tlii* iinronccdcd lands in lus sciu^niory are
liiiiitcd in any Avay cxeept 'hy lliosc ol' tlic; Crown or ol' tlie
S('i;,'nior (lominauf, and tlic tctms of tlic original ^rant : —
wlictlicr lluî said Acts oftlie liriti^li Parliaiiicnt liavc not
virtiially rcpcalcd the said //vv/.v, and ail ollicr laws ineon-
sislent witli thosc Acts, (if flie said Arrcls or any siich laws
wcro in l'orée ai ihc tirnc of tlic passini,' of the said Aets,)
and whctlier tlicrefore the sai<l Arrêts or Laws can he
legally invokcîd ai^ainst the Scii^niors of LoAvcr Canada,
wlio arc, l)y tlie express ternis of tlu; Scigniorial Act of iMol,
to bc indcinnified for tlieir riglits as tliey stood ut the tinie
of the passing of tliat Act ?
Li'<>-nf Proposition svhmittcd on bcluilf of Sir Ediumid
Filmer et al. — 7. Every Frcnch Arrêt or law ceascd to he
in force whenever a Hritisli Act, inconsistcnl with it w;:s
passed after the eoncpiest; the Canada Trade Act and Tenurcs
Act, are ulterly inconsistent with the said Arrêts, wliich arc
thereforc rcpcalcd, and cannot now he invoked against the
Seigniors of Lower Canada.
Answer of the Coiirt. — 7. Thèse Arrêts liave not been rc-
pcalcd by the said Impérial Sfatutes.
For the affirnaative :— LaFontaine, Bowen, Du val, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Mcredith, Short, Morin.
For the négative : — Aylwin, Badglcy.
111 a
IV.
CUUNÏKlK»l I^STIONS (IK TllK SEK.MOIIS,
IN TIIK I\rtTAN( K.
V[)(m tlic roiintcr-ciucsUons ><iil)iiiillt.'(l dii '"'hall' o\' T^uiiu
houiMe Cli.'irlicr (h; L()tl)iiii«'re, \' itf ol ilir Honorablf
Robert Unwiri Ihirwood, olllic paii.^li n\' Si, Michel «h;
V'aïuInMiil, in llie distrirt of Montréal, e<(|iiire, duly
separateil as to properly Irorn lier >ai(l luishaiid, and l)y
liiiu lierennto duly and i^peeially aiilhori/ed, Seii^nioress
and proprii'tor in possession ofllie ///■/' and seii^fiiiory ot
Vaudrenil in tlie said district, and tlie said llonorahlc
Robert L'nwin Harwood, asthtî hnsband oClhe said Dame
Louise Cliartier de fjotbinière, and auihorisinj^ lier tbr
llie purpose liereof.
First countrr-qucation. — Independently ol" (pieslion as to
nny légal elKect or opération ofllu^ An^t ol' tlie Kini,' of
France, renderod in lus Conseil. (VElnt^ and bearing date at
Marly, of the 6th day of July, 1711, intituled : " Arrct du Roi
qui ordonne que les terres, dont /es concessions ont été faites,
soient mises en cvlliire et occupées par des ludntants,'''^ or of
the Arrêt of the King of France, rendered in iiis Conseil
d''Etat, and bearing date at Versailles of the 15th day of
Mardi, 1732, having référence thereto and to sales of wihl
lands (terris en bois debout) in Canada, or of the Déclaration
of the King of France, bearing date at Versailles of the 17lh
day of July, 17-13, intituled " Déclaration du Roi concernant
les concessions dans les colonies,'''' in respect of any lands in
Canada, other than those hereinafter specified, or of any
persons holding the same, or of any contracts thereto relating,
and without hereby admitting that the sanie hâve any such
légal effect or opération, — can the said two Arrêts and
Déclaration, or any of their provisions, be held to hâve any
légal effect or opération whatever, in respect of any lands in
112 a
Canridfi being williin the enclave of any //r/'or scigniory, as
to Mliicli llie S(;ignior, holding llie saine, may liavo ()1)l;!inc(l
froni llie Crow n, nnder aiitliorily ol" llic Statntcs orilic Ini-
jXM'ial Parliaincnt madc; and passcd in the tliiid ycar and in
iht) sixlli yt'ar, respeclivcly, of tlie J^'ign ol'llis lalo jMaj('!>ly
Gi'orgo the Fourlh, ihe foriii(>r intiliiled " An Ad iDirguIale
" \.\\v. irade oi'tho Provinec^^ ol' J^owcr and l'pj».'!" Canada,
" and l'or oUrt purpt)s{'.s rclaling lo \hv said Provinces,''' and
tiic latlcr intitulcd " An Ad lo provid(! l'or iIk; cxlcnlion ol'
" l'eudal and .scigniorial righis and hurlhcns on hmds licld
" à titre, de //r/'and à tilre de ce/ts, \n llio Province ol' Lower
" Canada, and lor ihe graduai (conversion of thèse teniires
'* inlo ihe teniiK.' ol' iVee and connnon soecage, and forolh( r
" j)nrposes relaling lo ihe said Province," or nntler aiuho-
rity ol' eillier ol' snch Stalules, a connnutation of and release
froni ail feiidal bnrthens drie to the Crown thereon, and a
re-grant of the lands lii(.'reof, or of ail j)arts and parcels
theri'ol' reiuaining in lus possession ungranted, — or in res-
pect ol'any lands being within ihe enclave of any //('/' or
scigniory, as to which the Seignior holding the sarue rnay
in ternis of and nnder the said vSlalutes or eitlier of them,
duly Imve api)lied tôlier majesly or any of lier predeces-
sors, or may hereaftcr so apply, for such commutation,
release and rc-grant, — or in respect of any contracts tliereto
relating ? — And if at ail, tlien how, and to \vliat extent, can
any of snch lands, pcrsons or contracts be held to be so
ihereby legally allectcd ?
Légal Proposition svbmilted on behalf of Dame Ilarwood
cl al. — 1. The said Arrêts and \hc i<a.id Déclaration cannol
bo ludd to ellect in any wise any lands in Canada, bcing
within the enclave of any fief or seigneurie^ as to which
the Seignior holding ihc same may hâve obtaincd from the
Crown, under authorily of the said Impérial Statutcs or of
eitlier ihcrcof, a commutation of ail fcudal burthcns due to
the Crown thereon, and a re-grant of the lands thereof, or
of ail parts and parcels thereof reinaining in his possession
Mllg
iic!i
tl)C
)r of
e 1o
, or
sion
113 o
ungranted, — nor in respect of any lands bcing within tlie
enclave o[ any fief or seigneurie, as to which the Seignnir
holding the same may, in ternis of and undcr the said Sta-
tutes or either of thern, duly hâve applied to Her Majestyor
any of her predecessors, or may hercaftcr so apply, for surîi
commutation, release and regrant, — nor in respect of any
persons holding any of such lands, whother en fief ox othcr-
wise, — nor in respect of any contracts thercto relating.
Annmr of the Court. — 1. — § 1. The Acts of the Impérial
Parliament, commonly called the Trade Act and the Tenures
Act of Canada, hâve eifeeted changes in seigniories for
which a commutation of tenure has been obtained under
their provisions, with référence to the portions of thèse sei-
gniories not conceded at the time of the commutation.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen,Aylwin,Duva!,
Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 2. Thèse portions were by the commutation subjectcd
to the tenure of free and common soccage, and relieved froin
rights and duesto the Crown, and generally withdrawn from
seigniorial laws and obligations.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Aylwin, Dn-
val, Caron, Day, Smith, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Mondelet.
§ 3. At the time of the commutation. Tenants (Cew«7aîm)
in the other portions of such seigniories, remained subject to
their obligations as such Tenants {Censitaires), and the Sei-
gniors, on their part, coiitinued to be subject to their obliga-
tions towards their Tenants {Censitaires), although the Sei-
gnior had obtained a re-grant of the entire seigniory under
the tenure of free and common soccage. — Adopted unan:-
mously.
§ 4. The laws which regulate the relations, between the
Seigniors and Tenants {Censitaires) apply equally tothe case
114a
where a commutation has been demanded by the Seignior,
in virtue of the Impérial Acts, but not obtained at the pas-
sing of the Seigniorial Act of 1854.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Du val, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
§ 5. They aiso apply to the case when a commutation has
not been demanded by the Seignior under the provisions of
the Impérial Acts.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
Second counter-question. — Can any contract, or clause of
contract, not being in itself immoral [contra bonos mores)
not yet prohibited by the british public law, as the same
since the said cession of Canada has prevailed therein, —
which from the time of the said cession to that of the passing
of " the Seigniorial Act of 1854," may hâve been freely and
without fraud entered into, touching the terms of any aliéna-
tion whatsoever of any of the lands enquired of in the pre-
ceding question, he held to be either null or annullable, or
in law liable to be set aside, or at ail altered or restricted, as
between the parties thereto ? — And if so, how, to what ex-
tent, and by virtue of what law statutory or otherwise, can
any suc h contract or clause be so held ?
Légal Proposition sulymitted on behalf of Dame Harwood
et al' — 2. No contract or; clause of a contract, whatever, un-
less in itself immoral, {contra bonos mores,) or prohibited by
british public law, as the same since the said cession of Ca-
nada has prevailed therein, — which from the time of the
said cession to that of the passing of " the Seigniorial Act
of 1854," may hâve been freeiy and without fraud entered
into, touching the terms of any aliénation whatsoever of any
of the lands enquired of in the precpHi^ipr quo'-*ion, — cî»n be
115 a
held to be either null, or annullable, or in law liable to be
set aside or at ail altered or restricled as between the parties
tliereto.
Answer of the Court. — 2. Such a contract, or clause of
such a contract, in violation of the laws of Canada, although
not in itself immoral, nor yet prohibited by british public
law, may be null or annullable.
For tho affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
|any
be
Third counter-question. — Can any Comraissioner or Com-
missioners under " the Seigniorial Act of 1854," lawfully
treat any contract, or any clause of any contract, such as is
enquired of by the last preceding question, as being null, or
assume to set aside, or at ail alter or restrict the same ? —
And if so, in what cases, and to what extent, may such Com-
missioner or Commissioners lawfully so do?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of Dame Hanvood
étal. — 3. Such Commissioner or Commissioners may not law-
fully treat any contract, or any clause of any contract, such
as is hère and in the last preceding question enquired of, as
being null, or assume to set aside, or at ail alter or restrict
the same.
Ansiver of the Court. — 3. Such commissioner may not law-
fully assume to treat any contract, or clause of such contract,
as in this and the last preceding question inquired of, as being
null ; unless such nullity has been pronounced by the judg-
ment of a Court of compétent jurisdiction, or such con-
tract, or clause of such contract, has been declared illé-
gal by the décision of this Spécial Court. — Adopted unani-
mously,
Fourlh counter-questicn. — Can any such Commissioner or
Commissioners lawfully assume within any fiefox seignicry,
falling within either of the two classes oîjiefs or seiguiories
116 a
enquired of by the first preceding interrogatory, to enforce
npon the Seignior or upon any Censitaire thereof any co-
opération on the part of such Seignior and Censitaire in any
procédure under " the Seigniorial Act of 1854," — if such
Seignior or Censitaire shall elect to maintain the application
of the provisions of the said Impérial Statutes in the pre-
mises ? — And if so, to what extent and how may such co-
opération lawfully be enforced ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of Dame Hanvood
et al. — 4. Such Commissioner or Commissioners may not
lawiully assume to enforce such co-operation.
Ansiver of the Court. — 4. The Commissioners may enforce
the Seigniorial Act of 1854, in any fief ox seigniory towhich
this question refers, even if the Seignior should elect to main-
tain the application of the provisions of the Impérial Acts.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Duval, Caron, Smith,
Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin.
For the négative : Bowen, Aylwin, Badgley.
Judge Day abstains from pronouncing upon this question.
V.
COUNTER-QUESTIONS OF THE SEIGNIORS.
IN THE INSTANCE.
Upon the counter-questions submitted on behalf of Dame
Marie Charlotte Chartier de Lotbinière, wife of William
Bingham, of the city of Paris, in France, esquire,
duly separated as to property from her said husband, and
by him hereunto duly and specially aulhorized, Seignioress
and proprietor in possession of the ^^/and seigniory of
Rigaud, in the district of Montréal, and the said William
Bingham, as the husband of the said Dame Marie Char-
lotte Chartier de Lotbinière, and authorizing her for the
purposes hereof : —
117a
First counler-quesLion. — Indeprndcnlly of question as lo
any légal ellect or opération of tlie Arrêt ol the King of
France, renJered in liis ConscU cVEtaf., ar. :1 bearing date
at Marly of the 6lh day of Jiily, 1711, intituled "-Arrêt
du R )i qui ordon le que /es terres, il)fit tes concessions ont été
faites, soient mises en culture et occupées par des habitants,''^
or of the Arrêt of the King of France, rendeved in his Con-
seil d'Etat, and bearing date at Versailles of the 15th day ol
March, 1732, having référence thereto and to sales of wild
lands (terres en bois debout) in Canada, or of the Déclaration
of the King of France, bearing date at Versailles of the
17th day of Jnly, 1743, intituled, " Diclarali)n du, Roi con-
cernant les concessions dans les colonies,'''' in respect of any
lands in Canada, other tlian tliose hereinafter specified, or
of any persons holding the same, or of any contracts thereto
relating, and without hereby admitting that the same hâve
had any such légal etfecl or opération ; — can the said tvvo
Arrêts and the said Déclaration, or any of the provisions
thereof^ be held to hâve had, from the time of the cession
of Canada to the British Crown, to that of the passing of
" the Seigniorial Act of 1854," any légal eflect or opération,
in respect of any lands in Canada which, at the time of the
said cession, were holden en franc-alleu, or in respect of any
lands in Canada, which, at the time of the said cession, were
holden en fief, whether direelly of the Crown or of any other
immédiate Seignior dominant, — or in respect of any per-
sons who, since the time of the said cession, hâve ever held
any of such lands, whether en franc-alleu or en fief or en
censive, — or in respect of any contracts thereto relating ? —
And if at ail, then how, and to what extent, hâve any of
such lands, persons or contracts, been so thereby alieeted ?
Légal Proposition suhrnitted on behalfof Dame Binghaut, —
1. The said Arrêts and the said Déclaration cannot be held
to hâve had, from the time of the cession of Canada lo the
British Crown, to that t)f the passing of " the Seigniorial
Act of 1854," any légal etî'ect or opération, in respect of
any lands in Canada, which, attlie time of the said cession.
118a
were holden en franc-afleu, — nor in respect of any lands in
Canada, which, at the time of the said cession, were holden
en fief , whether direclly of tiie Crown or of any olher im-
médiate Seignior dominant^ — nor in respect of any persons
who since tiie said cession haveevcr held any of sucli lands,
whether en franc-alleu or en ficf^ or en ccnsivCy — nor in res-
respect of any contracts thereto relating.
Ansiver of the Court. — 1. This question has bcen answered
in the answers to the questions of the Attorney General, and
in the answers to the questions of the Seigniors above
named
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Duval, Caron, Day,
Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin.
For the négative : — Bowen, Aylwin, Badgley.
Second cou nier-question. — From the time of the cession of
Canada to the British Crown, to that of the passing of " the
Seignioii d Act 1854," according to the law of Canada as
ihen in force, hâve Seigniors who during that period may
bave holden e?i fief any of the lands enquired of by the last
question, been any less free than they would hâve been in
France under the Custom of Paris {Coutume de Paris) at
the time of its introduction into Canada, — as touchingthe
aliénation of such lands, in whole or part, by sale or other-
wise, as they should see fit ? — If so, when, by what act or
acts of législative authority, in what terms, and to what
extent, had the Custom of Paris {Coutume de Paris) corne to
be so derogated from in Canada, or altered ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of Dame Bingham.
— 2. Through the period hère in question, such Seigniors
were not less free than they would ha\e been in France
under the Custom of Paris {Coutume de Paris) at the time
of its introduction into Canada, — as touching the aliénation
of such lands, in whole or part, by sale or otherwise, as
they should see fit.
119a
Anstoer of Ihe Court. — 2. This question lias been answered
*n the ansvvers to the questions of Ihe Attorney General, and
in the answers to the questions of the Seigniors above
named. — Adopted unaniniously.
Third counier-question. — Can any contract, or clause of a
contract, not being in itself immoral, contra bonos mores,
not yet prohibited by british public law, as the same, since
the said cession of Canada, lias prevailed therein, — which,
from the time of the said cession lo that of the passing of
" the Seigniorial Act of 1854," may hâve been freely and
without fraud enterred into, touching the terms of any aliéna-
tion whatsoever of any of the lands enquired ofin the prece-
ding questions, — be held to be either null or annullable, or in
law liable to be set aside or at ail altered or restricted, as
between the parties thereto ? — And if so, how, to what ex-
tent, and by virtue of what law, statutory or otherwise, can
any such contract or clause be so held ?
Légal Proposition siihmitted on bchalf of Dame Bingham.
— 3. No contract or clause of a contract, whatever, unless
in itself immoral, {confrà bonos mores,) or prohibited by
british public law as the same since the said cession of
Canada has prevailed therein, — which, from the time of the
said cession to that of the passing of " the Seigniorial Act
of 1854," may hâve been freely and without fraud entered
into, touching the terms of any aliénation whatsoever of
any of the lands enquired of in the preceding questions, —
can be held to be eilher null, or annullable, or in law liable
to be set aside or at ail altered or restricted, as between the
parties thereto.
Answer of the Court. — 3. This question has been answered
in the answers to the questions of the Attorney General, and
in the answers to the questions of ihe Seigniors above
named. — Adopted unanimously.
Foiirth counter-quesiion. — Can any Commissioner or Com-
mssioners under " the Seigniorial Act of 1854," lawfully
120 a
troal any contract, or any clause of any contract, such as is
cnqtiirod of by the last preceding (luestion, as boing null,
vr assume to set aside, or at ail aller or reslrict the same ? —
Andifso, in what cases, and to wliat extent, may such
Commissioner or Commissioners lawfully so do ?
Légal Proposition submitted on behalf of Dame Bingham.
— 4. Sucli Commissioner or Commissioners may not law-
fully treat any contract, or any clause of any contract, such
as is hère and in the the last preceding question enquired
«f, as being null, or assume to set aside, or at ail aller or
restrict the same.
Answer of the Court. — 4. This question lias been answered
in the answers to the questions of the Attorney General,
and in the answers to the questions of the Seigniors above
narned. — Adoptcd unanimously.
VI.
COUiNTER-QUESTlONS OF THE SEIGNIORS.
IN THE INSTANCE.
L'pon the counter-questions submitted on behalf of the Hono-
rable John Malcolm B^raser, of the city of Québec, in the
district of Québec, esquire, Seignior and proprietor in
possession of the fief cinù. seigniory of Mount Murray in
the district of Québec, to wit :
First counter-questiori. — Independently of question as to
any légal eftect or opération of the Arrêt of the King of
France, rendered in lus Con:ietf (PElat^ and bearing date at
Marly, of the 6th of July, 1711, intituled ^'- Arrêt du Roi
qui ordonne que les terres^ dont tes concessions ont été faites^
soient mises eu culture et occupées par des habitants^'''' or of the
Arrêt of the King of France, rendered in his Conseil d'' Etat,
and bearing date at Versailles, of the 15th day of Mardi,
in
to
of
at
Uîoi
-» 121 a
1732, having référence thereto and to sales of wild lands,
{ferres en bois debout,) in Canada, or of llie Déclaration of
llic King of France, bearing date at Versailles, oftlie 17ih
dayof Jiily, 1743, intituled " Déclaration du Roi concern(int
les concessions dans les colonies,^'' in respect of any lands in
Canada, other than those iiereinafter specified, or of any
persons holding the same, of any contracls thereto relating,
and withont hereby admitting tliat the same hav(î had any
such légal eflect or opération, — can the said two Arrêts and
the said Déclaration, or any of the provisions thereof, be
held to hâve had, from the time of the cession of Canada to
the British Crown, to that of the passing of " the Seigniorial
Act of 1854," any légal effect or opération in respect of any
lands in Canada originally granted en fief by the British
Crown, orof any persons holding the same, whether en fief
or otherwise, or of any contracts thereto relating ? — And if
at ail, then to what extent, and how, hâve any such lands,
persons or contracts been so thereby legally affected ?
Lcfçal Proposition svirmitled on behalf oftJie Honorable M.
Fraser. — 1. The said Arrêts aniX Déclaration cannot be held
to hâve had, from the time of the cession of Canada to the
British Crown, to that of the passing of " the Seigniorial
Act of 1854," any légal effect or opération in respect of any
lands in Canada originally granted en fief by the British
Crown, or of any persons holding the same, whether e«//t/
or otherwise, or of any contracts thereto relating.
Aiisrcer of the Court. — 1. Grants in fief in tins coiintry
made by the British Crown, from the cession tothe passing of
" the Seigniorial Act of 1854," are subject to the same laws
as the other grants made under the same tenure, unless the
grant contain certain spécial dispositions by which a déro-
gation in certain respects shall be established.
For the affirmative : — La Fontaine, Duval, Caron, Day,
Smith, INIondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin.
For the négative : — Bowen, Aylwin, Badgley.
122 a
Second counter-qvcstion. — According to tlio law of Ca-
nada as then in force, did tlie contract vvliereby llic British
Crown granted snch lands vn jief^ either operate any sub-
division of the eslatc or property {domaine) ihereby granted,
betwcen the Stîignior and any Vassals or Censitaires to
whom hc rnight tiiereafter make sub-granli, en fief or en
censive, as tht; case miglit be, — or import obligation on iiim to
make sub-grants, whetlier en fief or en censice, or to dispose
of such lands in wliole or part, to third parties, on any i)ar-
ticular terms, — or leave liim loss free tiian he would hâve
been in France, iinder the Custom of Paris (Covtvme de
Paris,) at the time of its introduction into Canada, as tou-
ching the aliénation of such lands, in whole or part, by sale
or otherwise, as he should seefit ? — If so, what such subdi-
vision of such estate or property {domaine) was so operated,
and in whose favor ; what such obligation to sub-grant such
lands or at ail dispose thereof to third parties, was so im-
ported ; and when, by what act or acts, of législative autho-
rity, in what terms, and to what extent, had the Custom of
Vix.x\9 {Coutume de Pari s) ^ a^ \.o any such particular, come
to be so derogated from in Canada, or altcred ?
Légal Proposition siibmitted on behalf of the Honorable M.
Fraser. — 2. Such contract did not, according to the law of
Canada as then in force, eilher operate any subdivision of
the estate or property {domaine) thereby granted, between
sucli Seignior and any Vassals or Censitaires to whom he
might ihereaftcr make sub-grants en fief or en censive, — nor im-
port obligation on him tomake sub-grants en fief or en censive
or to dispose of such lands, in whole or part, to third par-
ties on any particular terms, — nor leave him less free than
he would hâve been in France, under the Custom of Paris,
{Coutume de Paris,) at the time of its introduction into Ca-
nada, as touching the aliénation of such lands, in whole or
part, by sale or otherwise, as he should see fit.
Answer of the Court. — 2. This question has been answcred
by the answers to the questions of the Atlorney General,
^1
or
123 a
nnd by the answcrs to the questions of llie Seigniors above
narnod.
For tlio afTirmalivc : — LaFontuino, Howcn, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Mereditli, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
TInrd rounter-question. — Can any contraot, or any clause
of any contracit, not being in itself immoral, {contra boitos
mores,) nor yet prohibited by british public law, as tlie same
since the said cession of Canada bas prevailod therein,
which may hâve been freely and without fraud entercd into,
touching the terms of any aliénation whatsoever of any of
the land enquired of in the preceding questions, — be held
to be either null or annullable, or in law liable to be set
aside, or at ail altcred or restricted, as betwcen tlie j)arties
thercto ? — And if so, — hovv, to what extent, and by virtue of
what law, statutory or otherwise, can any such contract or
clause be so held ?
Légal Proposition submitted on bchalf of the Honorable M.
Fraser. — 3. No contract or clause of a contract, wliatover,
unless in itself immoral, {contra bonos mores,) or jirohibited
by british public law, as the same since the said cession of
Canada has prevailed therein, which may hâve bccn freely
and without fraud entered into, toucliing the terms of any
aliénation whatsoever of any of the lands enquired of in the
preceding questions, — can be held to be either null, or annul-
lable, or in law liable to be set aside or at ail altered or res-
tricted, as between the parties thereto.
Answer of the Court. — 3. This question has been answered
by the answers to the questions of the Attorney General,
and by the answers to the questions of the Seigniors above
named.
For the affirmative : — LaFontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
124 a
Fourlk cnHiiter-queslion. — Cun any Commissioneror (îom-
inissioncrs iiiuler " tlie Sri^'niorial Ad ol" 1H51," lawlally
ireat any contraet, or any clau.se of any ct)Utrac:t, sudi a« is
cntjiiirt'd ol' by tliu last prcccdin^ ([ucstion, as bcin^ ntill, or
«• uiru! to set asi(k', or at ail aller or restrict tlie ,»aMi(! ? —
And ilso, in wliat cases, and to wliat exlent, inay sucli
Coimuissioner or Coininissioners lawlully so do ?
Lf'jral Propositiuu suhmiUrd on hehalf of tlie Iloiiorable M.
Fraser. — 4. Sucli Coininission(;r or Coinniissioners may not
luwl'idly treat any contraet, or any (clause ol" any contraet,
-sucli as is liere and in the last preceding question encjuired
of, as beiniif nuil, or assume to set aside, or at ail alter or
restrict the same.
Aiisivcrof the Court. — 4. Tins question lias been answered
by tlie answers to the questions of the Attorney General,
and by the answers to the questions of the Seigniors above
named.
For tlie alïirmative : — LaFonlaine, I3o\ven, Duval, Caron,
Day, Sitiith, IMondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, liadgley.
For the négative : — Aylvvin.
VII.
COUMEU-QUESTIOiNS OF THE SEUiiMOUS.
IN THE INSTANCE.
Uj)()n the counter question submitted on beiialf of the Hono-
rable Jean lloch Rolland, ofthe parisli of Ste. Marie de
Monnoir, in the district of Montréal, esquire, Seignior
and proprietor in possession ofthe l'ief and seigniory of
Monnoir, in the said district, to wit :
Coiititer-qucstion. — In case of any Seignior having a banal
mill construcled upon a non-navigable streani, where, for
the due working of such mill, it is required to dam such
125 a
Ntroam, so ns fo flood limds f^ranted to othcr parlirs, wliich
lands Hucli Sci^nior i-. iiot entiticd so to Hood tudcss by liis
droit (le. ha)iah'U\ — is not siicli Sci^nior, froiii tlic l'acf tliat
upon tlic loss oî\\\^ droit de l.'o».'i!ité lie can be cornix-llcd to
lowcr or evon romove such dam, to llu; docreasi', if not to tlie
total los8, of tho incomel'roui sucdi inill,entitlc'd toliave sucli
dccrcaso or loss irmde good to him by a duo cstiiuatc and
[)r()|)()rtiontnent, m terms of the tliird Hub-so(!tionof tlio sixth
section of "the Seigniorial Act of 1854," of sueh decrease
or loss, as entcrinj,' into \ ilue of liis droit de. bnnaliK.,
whereof lie is to be deprived by th(! said Act ?
Leyal Proposition suhmittcd on Mia/foJ Ihe Honorable .h an
Roch Rolland. — Sncli Seignior is entilled to liave siicli <le-
crcasc or loss rnade good to him, by a due estimate and ap-
portionment (in tcrms of the third sub-section of "the Sei-
gniorial Act of 1854,") of such decrease or loss, as entering
into the value of his droit de banalité^ whereof lie is to be
deprived by the said Act.
Ansiorr of the Cowr^.— Soigniors cannot ilood the lands
granted to their Tenants, Censitaires^ in virtue of banalité
alone ; if they possess the right to fiood those lands, it can
only proceed from valid titles, the eHect of whicli cannot be
changed by " the Seigniorial Act of 1854."
For the affirmative :— La Fontaine, Bowen, Duval, Caron,
Day, Smith, Mondelet, Meredith, Short, Morin, Badgley.
For the négative : — Aylwin.
126 a
S U M M A R Y
OF THB
JUDGMEMT OE THE SPECIAL COURT
Held under authority of the Seigniorial Act of 1854.
r.
SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE
QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY THE ATTOHNEY GENERAL.
Cens el Rentes.
1 & 2. (l) — Under the Custom of Paris, the elTeetof the
feudal contract, whether by subinfeudation, or accensement^
was to dévide the estate between the Seignior of the fief or
his Subfeudatory or Tenant, Censitaire^ insuch mannerasto
retain, in the Former, the immédiate demesiie,dominium dt-
rectum, and to convey the useful demesne, dominium utile,
to the latter. " The Subfeudatory could dispose of his useful
demesne, dominium utile, and couvert it into an immédiate
demesne, dominium directum^ (*) (3) (V, 3 & 4, § 3.)
3 & 4. — § 1. The immédiate demesne consisted of the
duties or dues, obligations or redevances, to which the Sub-
feudatory or Tenant, Censitaire, was subjected ; the useful
demesne consisted of the produce of the land or thing sub-
infeudated or accensée. Previous to the subinfeudation or
accensement, both the useful and immédiate demesnes
were united in full demesne in the Seignior. (*) § 2. Woods
and waters not navigable might form part of the useful
demesne. (For the affirmative, U, for the négative, 1.)
(1) Thèse figures correspond with the numbera of the Questions and Anawers.
(2) * This iudicatos that the proposition was adopted unanimouâly.
3(1 s
tful
127 a
§ 3. The Subfeudatory, in like manner, before his infeudf
tion or accensement had the full demesne, saving the rights
of the dominant Seignior, and also retained an immédiate
demesne over what he had himself infeudated or accensé.
(F. 11, A. 1.)
5. — Under the Custom of Paris, the Seignior was not
obliged to alienate his lands held en Jief^ but when he did
alienate them, subinfeudation or accensement were of the
essence of the feiidal System, aceording to the 51 article of
the Custom of Paris. (*)
6. — The 6th question, " was it necessary to rendpr sub-
infeudation or accensement binding in Canada," presenting
no légal point for décision, this Court abstains frora an
answer to it. (*)
7. — The intention of the French Kings was to promote
the settlement and cultivation of the lands of the country ;
but the concession of lands for that purpose was not made
obligatory by any law anterior to the Arrêt of the 6th of July,
1711, (F. 8, A. 4.)
8. — The concession of lands to settlers for cultivation,
was rendered obligatory by the Arrêt of the 6th of July,
1711. (*)
9. — Before the cession of the country, the laws obliged the
Seigniors to grant {concéder) their lands, on demand, at a
rent charge, {à titre de redevances), and this obligation lim.ited
the exercise of the rights of the Seigniors in Ihe disposai of
their lands. (*)
10. — § 1. This obligation did resuit from spécial laws
affecting Canada, particularly the Arrêt oî the 6th ofJuly,
1711. (*) § 2. The obligation to concède was not con-
tained generally in the grants of seigniories ; but it was
stipulated in a few of them. (F. 8, A. 4.) § 3. It ori-
ginatedwith the Arrêt of 1711. (F. 8, A. 4.) § 4. It ex-
tended to every seigniory, without regard to the motives of
128 a
the grant, but might be controlled by a spécial dérogation
in the royal grant to the Seignior. (*) § 5. The Arrêt of
1711, applied to royal grants already made at the time of ils
promulgation, as well as to those made subsequently. (*)
11 & 12. — The laws did provide means for compelling
Scigniors to concède their lands ; the Governors and Inten-
dants were invested with the necessary powers for com-
pelling them, in cases where they refused, and upon com-
plaints to that effect, according to the dispositions of the
ilrre7 of the 6th of July, 1711, of that of the 15th of March,
1732, and of the Déclaration of the 17thofJuly, 1743. (*)
13. — § 1. The rate of the concession of lands in the
seigniories was not regulated by spécial laws nor by Cus-
tom ; (F. 10, A. 2.) § 2. Nevertheless, whenever the
Governor and Intendant were called upon to concède upon
the Seignior's refusai, the Arrêt of 1711 decided that the
concession should be made " upon the same rights as im-
posed upon the other conceded lands in the same sei-
gniories." (*) § 3. The grants to the Seigniors did not
regulate the act of concession, except in four of those which
hâve come to the knowledge of the Court. (F. 10, A. 2.)
§ 4. Upon the question, " were the concessions to be made
at an annual rent charge {à titre de redevances annuelles)
only ? " the Court is equally divided. (F. 6, A. 6.) It
will be seen further on, that the majority of the Court agreed
to this proposition, so far as the réservations are concerned,
with one exception; (No. 39, § 1. F. 7, A. 5.) this
explains the reason why the Court did not adopt it hère in
the strongest terms, " for an annual rent charge only."
§ 5. The rate of dues was not established by custom,
except in the case of a concession made by the Governor
and the Intendant. (F. 10, A. 2.)
14. — The dues varied in amount at the promulgation of
the Arrêt of the 6th of July, 1711 ; this Airêt does not
establish any fixed rate; the dues bave varied since the
dérogation
; Arrêt of
lime of its
ntly. (*)
compelling
and Inten-
s for com-
upon corn-
ions of ihe
h of Mardi,
y, 1743. (*)
inds in the
lor by Cus-
lenever ihe
jncede upon
led that the
ights as im-
3 sarne sei-
ors did not
those whieh
. 10, A. 2.)
to be made
'S annuelles)
A. 6.) It
:ourt agreed
concerned,
A. 5.) thi»
Ipt it hère in
arge only."
by custom,
;he Governor
lulgation of
\êt does not
td since the
129 a
promulgation of that Arrêt, but hâve gradually increased.
F. 10, A. 2.)
15. The Arrêt of the 6th of July, 1711, doe . not establish
any fixed rate, except in case of the refusai of tiie Seignior
to concède. (F. 10, A. 2.)
16.— § 1. The Arrêt of the 6th of July, 1711, Arrêt of
the 15th of March, 1732, and the Déclaration of the 17th of
July, 1743, were in force at the time of the session of the
Country ; (*) § 2. and thèse laws were generally observed
upto that time. (F. 11, A. 1)
17. — § 1. According to the laws of the Country, the pro-
prietors of fiefs had the full and entire property in their
lands, before they had conceded them. (F. 11, A. 1.) §2.
That is to say, that the useful and full demesnes were united
in them. (F. 11, A. 1.) § 3. The Arrêt of 1711, required
Seigniors to concède without exacting a money priée for
the concession {deniers (Pentrêe). The Arrêt of 1732, prohi-
bited the sale of wild lands [terres en bois debout), under the
penalty of nullity. (*) § 4. The Seigniors were required to
concède at arent charge. [F. 11, A. 1.) § 5. The prohibi-
tion to exact a money priée applied only to uncleared lands
(terres non défrichées. (*)
18, 19 & 20. — § 1, In so far as those laws had relation
to the tenure, and regulated the essence of the contract, they
were laws of public policy, fd^ordre public. j (F. 7, A. 5.)
§ 2. Taking them in that sensé, individuals could not con-
travene them. (F. 8, A. 4.) § 3. Contracts, in contravention
of those laws, in so far as they were thus of public policy,
were not binding, but were null, (pleno jurej (F. 8, A. 4.)
21. — Those laws were in force at the passsing of the Sei-
gniorial Act of 1854. (F. 9, A. 3.)
22. — Upon the question' " since the cession, did there
exist a tribunal compétent to exercise the power conferred
130 a
on the Governor and Intendant by tlie Arrêt of the 6th of
July, 1711, relating to the concession of seigniorial lands,"
the Court is equally devided. (F, 6, A. 6.(
23. — Ail the juDiciARY powers, exercised by the Inten-
dant in civil matters,before the cession of the Country, hâve
devolved upon the civil tribunals of the Province. (*)
24. — Thèse same tribunals were compétent to déclare the
nullity of contracts made between private individnals in
contravention to the laws above mentioned. (F. 11, A. 1.)
25. — The Tenants f Censitaires ) to whom concessions
hâve been made, since the cession, at higher rates than those
which were customary before that time, hâve no right to be
releived from the excess of those dues. (F. 11, A. 1.)
Navigable Rivcrs.
26. — Seigniors had no other rights over navigable rivera
than those specially conveyed to them by their grants, pro-
vided thèse rights were not inconsistent v^ith the public use
of the water of those rivers, which is inaliénable and im-
prescriptible. (F. 11, A. 1.)
27. — § 1. In seigniories, bounded by a navigable river,
Seigniors could lawfully reserve to themselves the right of
fishing therein, or impose dues on their Tenants [Censitaires)
for the exercise of that right, when the right of fishing in the
same had been granted to them ; but they could not make
the réservation, or impose the dues, without grant and as
Seigniors only. (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 2. Where the right of fishing in navigable rivers was
granted to Seigniors, the Tenants (Censitaires) could not
hâve that right without spécial concession. (F. 11, A. I.)
§ 3. The rights of Seigniors in tidal navigable rivers over
he space of ground covered and uncovered by the tide, are
dirived from spécial grant, and without that extend to high
6th of
.nds,"
[nten-
r, have
[are the
Liais in
S.. 1.)
cessions
an those
trht to be
10
3\e rivers
ants, pro-
public use
and im-
ble river,
lie right of
Censitaires)
ling in the
not make
int and as
Irivers was
could not
11, A. 1.)
Irivers over
le tide, are
lend to high
131 a
WRter mark only ; in navi£rfil)lo rivera not subject. to the
lidal flow, llie rights of Sei^j^niors extended to the water line,
saving ail logul servitudes, and wilhout préjudice to the
spécial granls in navigable rivers above mentioned. (F. 11,
A. 1.)
§ 4. The mutation of benclios, between high and low
water mark, on the river St. Lawrence, or in othcr navi-
gable rivers, held by Seigniors by virtue of grants, as afore-
said, and conceded by them, entitles Seigniors to the mu-
tation fine {lotis et ventes) in the same cases in which it
would have accrued in other sales. (F. 11, A. 1.)
Non-Navigable Rivers.
28. — § 1. By the grant of the fief to the Seignior, he
became proprictor of the non-navigable rivers, rivulets and
other running waters, which passed through or were wholly
or in part within the fief ; the same principle applied to the
property in such rivers and rivulets to the middle of the
steam. It is also in virtue of the same grant, that he
became proprietor of non-navigable lakes as well as of
ponds. (F. 10, A. 2.)
§ 2. He was thus proprietor of thèse waters in manner
aforesaid, as belonging to and forming a portion of the fief ;
unless they were excluded by the grant ; subject nevertheless
to légal servitudes. (F. 10, A. 2.)
29. — § 1. At the cessioi- of the Country, the Seigniors
of Canada were lawful proprietors of thèse non-navigable
et non-floatable waters, in whole or to the middle of the
stream, as the case might be, on the whole of their uncon-
ceded lands, and might make use of them for industrial or
other purposes, to the exclusion of ail other persons. (F. 11,
A. 1.)
§ 2. The Subfeudatory or Tenant, Censitaire^ by the sub-
infeudation or accensement became in the same manner pro-
prietor in whole or to the middle of the stream, according
132 fl
to the several cases mentioned of thèse non-navigable and
non-floatable waters, which passed through or which border-
ed the conceded land, unless they were excluded by the
title ; the grantee [concessionnaire) becoming proprietor " of
them, was also subjected to légal servitudes. (F. 9, A. 3.)
" Nevertheless the gênerai réservations of the waters which
the Seigniors might hâve made, are declared to be null ;
(V. No. 39, § 3, art. 4, p. 7, c. 5,) from which we must
understand by thèse words, " unless they were excluded
by the title," thaï they meant the exclusion of the soi! or
land as well as the exclusion of the waters."
30. — The right of property in rivers was no* a right of
justiciœ [droit de justice^) it resulted from the convtyance of
and followed the estate granted ; when the estate was con-
veyed in seigniory, the right resulted from the gênerai laws
of property in force in the Country, and not from the text of
the Custom of Paris, nor from any law specially promul-
gated for Canada. (F. 10, A. 2.)
31. — It was not a right oi justiciœ [droit de justice.) F. 11,
A. 1.)
32. — § 1. The property of Seigniors in non-navigable and
non-floatable waters, was susceptible of division into the
immédiate demesne and the useful demesne like the pro-
perty in the soil. (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 2. The concession operating this division, conveyed to
the Tenant [Censitaire) the possession and enjoyment of
those waters which were within the limits of the concession.
(F. 11, A. 1.)
37 and 38. — There hasbeen no established jurisprudence
in Lower Canada, since the cession of the Country, in re-
lation to the rights in the waters which pass through or bor-
der upon their lands. (*)
133 a
le and
)order-
by the
elor ' of
A. 3.)
which
e null ;
e must
icluded
soil Of
right ot
vance ot
lA'^as con-
îral laws
le text of
r promul-
^) F. 11,
;able and
into the
le the pro-
iveyed to
lyment of
încession.
sprudence
jtry, in re-
Igh or bor-
Right of Banalité.
33. — § 1. At the passing of the Seigniorial Act of 1854,
the Seigniors in Canada, who had erectod grist mills (tnotdins
à farine^) had the right of preventing ail others from build-
ing siich mills within the extent of their banalité. {F. 11,
A. 1.)
§ 2. They had also the right of demanding the démoli-
tion of ail mills of that kind built within their censive by
other persons. (F. 11, A. 1.)
At this part of tne subject, the Court has not been asked
if the suppression of the rights mentioned in the two pre-
ceding § should be a reason for indemnifying the Seignior,
but in relation to prohibitions the Court has stated elsewhere :
(41, § 1 and 2.) ^' The disappearance of prohibitions made
for the protection of otheir legitimate seigniorial rights, al-
though légal, does not give rise to any indemnity, because
those prohibitions were only accessory to a principal right
for which the Seignior has indemnity.
34. — § 1. Thèse rights extented to ail seigniories. (F.
10, A. 2.)
§ 2. The Seigniors could not demand the démolition of
grist mills built upon lands whose tenure had been commut-
ed into that of franc-allcu roturier^ or that of free and com-
mon soccage, within the limits of their respective fiefs.
(F. 11, A. 1.)
35. — Thèse rights did not extent to other than grist mills,
nor to any works (usines) of any kind ; they are compre-
hended in and from part of the law of banalité, and hâve
their origin in the civil laws of France on the subject. (F. 11,
A. 1.)
36. — § 1. The right of banalité, as established in the
Country, obliged Seigniors to build banal mills, and Te-
nants [Ceasilaires) to bring their grain to the mill to be
134 «
ground, which was necessary for the sustenance of their
families, whethcr tlio grain wa.s raiscd or brouglit williinthe
extent of the banalité and gronnd for tliat purposc. (F. 11
A. 1.) '
§ 2. Tliisright, which was convonlional in the origin, was
afterwards rendcrod gênerai and obligatory upon ail Sei-
gniors and Tenants ,^C'e;i«ïa/mçJ (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 3. The Arrêt of the 4th of June, 1G86, was the first law
which rendered banalité gênerai and obligatory upon Sei-
gniors and Tenants. (F. U, A. 1.)
§ 4. In this Country banalité was feudal as being attach-
edtoa/e/. (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 5. Banalité was only conventional under the Custom
of Paris. (*)
§ 6. Seigniors, who had no mills built at the passing of
the Seigniorial Act of 1854, liave no right, under the pro-
visions of the said Act, to any indcmnity for banalité. (*)
Nos. 37 and 38 are given above.
Réservations.
39. — § 1. The obligation to concède at a rent charge, {à titre
de redevances) imposée! upon Seigniors, must be understood
as being exclusive of ail reserves which cannot be compre-
hend within the term dues {redevances)^ and which were
not otherwise rendered légal. (F. 7, A. 5.)
§ 2. Ail reserves must be held to be légal, the object of
which was the obligation uponthe Tenant {Censitaire) to
allow the accomplishment by the Seignior, on his part, of
the obligations of that nature stipulated by the King in
the grant of ihefief. (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 3. The following réservations or other analogous to
them, were illégal, and do not give to the Seignior a
135 a
right to any indernnity by reason ofthcir suppression : Art. 1.
A réservation of firewood ibr tlie use of the Seignior ; Art.
2. A réservation of ail marketable timber ; Art. 3. A réser-
vation of ail mines, quarries,sand, stonc andotlier rnaterials
of tlie sarne kind ; Art. 4. A réservation of ail rivers,
rivulcts and streams for ail kinds of mills, works and manu-
factures ; Art. 5. A réservation oftiie right of divertingand
directing the course of streams and of intersecting lands by
channels for that purpose ; Art. 6. A réservation of the right
of taking the land requisite for the building of any kind of
mills or manufactures, with or without indemnity. (F. 7,
A. 5.)
§ 4. A réservation of indemnity for the value of the lands
of the Censitaires required for the construction of railroads,
is also illégal and gives no right to indemnity,) F. 9, A. 3.)
§ 5. Réservation of the right of changing the place and
time of payment of tlie cens et renies and other seigniorial
dues, the Seigniors might make the réservation, provided
the place newly indicated was within the limits of the sei-
gniory. (*).
§ 6. Tlie réservation of timber for the construction of
churches without indemnity, and the réservation of the right
of fishing and hunting on the lands conceded, are illégal
and give no right to indemnity. (F. 8, A. 4.)
§ 7. The question being put : " is the réservation of
timber for the building of the manor house and mills without
indemnity, légal, and does it give to the Seignior a right to
an indemnity for its suppression? " the Court is equally
divided. (F. 6, A. 6.)— But it is stated at § 1 : " AU réser-
vations whieh cannot bc comprehended within the term
dues {redeuances) are illégal."
40. — The 40th question is too gênerai, the Court docs not
answer it.
136 a
Prohibitions.
41. — § 1. Whcn prohibitions werernade for tlic protection
of olher légal seignioriul righty, tliey m'^hl be légal. (F. Il,
A. I.)
§ 2. But thcir disappearancc, by virtue of the Seigni-
orial Act of 1854, does not give rise to any indemnity,
because they were only accessory to a principal riglit for
which the Seignior lias indemnity. y ) — Can tliis rulo of law
apply to the légal prohibition to build flour mills, which is
one of the accessorles of the right of banalité ?
§ 3. The following were neverlhuless illégal and do not
give rise to any indemnity ; Art. 1. The prohibition to build
any kind ci mills, manufactures or other works, {usines)
moved by water, wind or steam. (F. 9, A. 3.) ; Art. 2. The
prohibition to sell marketable timber, to make deals, to
grind grain not subject to banalité, grown bcyond the censive
and intended for market. (F. 9, A. 3.) ; Art. 3. The prohibi-
tion to use streams passing over or bordering upon the lands
of the Censitaires to propel mills, manufactures or olher
Works {usines) (F. 9, A. 3.)
Personal labor (corvées.)
42. — The covenants contained in some deeds of conces-
sion, imposing prrsonal days' labor {journées de corvées)
upon ihe Tenants {Censitaires), for the advantage of the
Seigniors, are légal and give rise to indemnity. (F. 11, A 1.)
lods et Veilles.
43. — At the time of the passing of the Teigniorial Act,
the Seigniors subject to its opération could not lawfully
demand the mutation fine {àroils de tods et ventes) upon the
exchange, without soulleoî lands witliin the'r seignioryfor
olhers held in franc-alleu roturier or in iree and common
soccage beyond their seigniory. (*)
137 a
Righb of the Crowi.
4i. — The rights of ih- Crown, the value of whieh is to l>e
deducted in the scliedule to be made under the Seigniorial
Aet of 1854, from the price to be paid by the Tenants (Cen-
iilaires) to the Sclgniors for the rédemption of the seigniorial
dues, are those of (/uint and relief in the cases under whieh
they were due under the Custom of Paris, unless the lucra-
tive rights of the Crown, to bc deducted, should hâve been
olherwise regulated by the particular grant of each seigniory,
to whieh référence must be had ; but it is the duty of this
Court to observe that it has not corne to the knowledge of
this Court that the Crown has ever exercised the right of
relief] cxcept that due under the Custom of Vexin-Ie-Fran-
çais, includod within that of Paris, by whieh some grants
^iw /fV/ are governed. (F. 8, A. 4.)
45. — Whenever, by the abolition, under the Seigniorial
Act, of the obligation to subinfeudate the lands, an addi-
tional value may be given by it to the unconceded lands,
ihat value must be ascertained and inserted in the schedules
in déduction of the price of rédemption. (F. 11, A. 1.)
Rights to be valucd.
45. — The rights, dues, iuties and réservations, the l
lity whereof is acknowledged, and whieh are appréciable
in money, should be valucd in making up the whole price
of rédemption of the seigniorial rights. (*)
II.
SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE
COUNTER-QUESTIONS SUBMITTKD BY THE HONORABLE
PANGMAN.
1. (f) — § 1. At the period of the introduction of the Cus-
tom of Paris into Canada, the légal efl'ect of the contract
whereby a person, holding lands en franc-alleu noble, granted
(t) This figure corresponJa wifh the numbors of tho questions and answers ; the
nurabers foUowed by are those to whioh there ia no answer, the point under
oooaideration being comprised in the preceding deoiaiom, ào., Slo.
138 a
tliorcfrom a pnrf rn fie/or m rensivr, was to dovidp tlm pro-
piTly into u domaine direct untl intou domaine îtlilc. (*)
§ 2. Undor tlic lavv of thaï CiiHlom, llio noble ail vu lier
was under no oblij^alion to alicnate thc suid lands. (*)
G. — TIk; concession cny/r/*, neitlicr befon; nor aftcr tlic; cn-
rc^'istration ol' tlie tvvo Arrêts of 1711, and of 1732, did not
oj)L'rate a division of thc estate bctwecn Scignior and Vas-
sal or tenant {Censitaires), of what niight be aflcrwards
sub-granted : but thc division was eHocled by thc subscquent
decd of subinfeudation or acccnsemenl.
8,
9. — § 1 and 2. The Arrêt of 1732 did not make any dis-
tinction bctwecn the sale of wild lands {terres en bois debout)
by a proprietor holding ew/Z^/, en ccnsive or en franc-alhu. {*)
10. — According to the Arrêt of 1732, the penalty of nul-
lity was attachcd to the sale of wild lands {terres en bois
debout)^ held cither en fief ox en eensive or en franc-alleu., even
if the prohibition had not becn specially imposed by thc
Crown in the original grant. (*)
11 12
13. — § 1. Seigniors will hâve the right to invokc, for ail
légal |)urposcs, bcfore the Comrnissioners acting in virtuc
of thc Scigniorial Act, whethcr in thc first resort or in the
revision of thc schcdules, as wcll as bcfore the experts^ and
bcfore Courts of law, having jurisdiction ovcr and cogni-
zance of the matfer {saisies du sujet), the terms of the origi-
nal grant by which they hold thcir scigniorics, whethcr thc
grants hâve procecded from the Crown of France or froni
the British Crown. (*)
§ 2. With référence to the ténor of the aveux et dénombre-
ments, and of the acts of fcalty and homage and of the
'^■•"" " oponittances for quint and otlier dnps çrrr>r>i,^<^ *-
le llio pro-
'(' ni/ eu lier
. (•)
cr ihe cn-
I, did not
and Vas-
ifterwiirds
ibscquent
! any dis-
ns debout)
■-alleu. (•)
y of nul-
's en bois
lieu., even
by tht;
0, for aJl
in virtue
or in the
;rts^ and
l cogni-
e origi-
thcr tlir
or froni
nombre-
)f the
139 a
thom or thoir prodrcossors (nif/eHrs), tlio samr légal oflbct
mnsi l)c giv(;n fo tliciii iti relation to tlio obli'jfation of the
SfMgnior.s to fh(î C'rown, arcîording to tlio circmiistances of
eacli vntv. ; but tlicy oannot alici-t llio relativo position of
SiMgniors and Tenants [Censitaires), IxM.'aiise the aveux et
déïionihretniiits, aets of fcalty and hoinage, and acciiiittantx'S
ofdiifs, only liave légal elleet l)i'l\veen iIk; doiiiinanl Sei-
gnior and tiu; Vassal, as exeeuted betvveen tlieni, and do
not adeet otiiers not parties to them. (*)
§ 3. Tlu! chara<!ter and terms of the possession and on-
joyinent of any riglits, either between the Seigniors and the
Crown, or the Seigniors and any Tenants (Censitaires)^ in
80 far as that possession rnay havc a known légal efl'ect,
with a vievv to the seigniorial lavv and the pres('nt décisions
of this Court in partieular, niay also be taken into considé-
ration. (*J
§ 4. The Commissioncrs may order the adduction of any
évidence wliich they nmy require to enable them to judge
correctly in ail cases. This Court cannol be called upon
to lay down in its décision ail the rules applicable to the
admissibility and appréciation of évidence : the application
of the rules enuneiated in this answer are subject neverthe-
less, in ail cases, to the observance of the décisions of this
Court. (*)
IH.
SUMMARY OF THE JuDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE COUN-
TER-QUESTIONS OF SIK EDMUND FILMER ET XL..
1.
• • • • • ^« «••••• o* •#••••
4. — The introduction of the criniinal laws ofEngland into
Canada, since the cession of the Country, has not had the
efiect of abrogating the pénal enactnients of 1711, and 1732;
those in question were merely of a civil nature. (*)
140 a
6. — Thèse Arrêts hâve not fallen into désuétude. (F. 9,
A. 3.)
7. — Thèse Arrêts hâve not been repealed by the Impérial
Act, 3 Geo. IV, cap. 19, (commonly called the Canada
Trade Act,) nor by tbe Impérial Act, 6 Geo. IV, cap. 59,
(commonly called the Tenures Act.) (F. 10, A. 2.)
IV.
8UMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE COUN-
TER-QUESTIONS OF DAME MARIE LOUISE CHARTIER DE LOT-
BINIÈRE, MRS. HARWOOD.
1. § 1. — The Acts of the Impérial Parliament, commonly
called the trade Act and the Tenures Act of Canada, hâve
effected changes in seigniories for which a commutation of
tenure has been obtained under their provisions, with réfé-
rence to the portions of thèse seigniories not conceded at the
time of the commutation. (F. 11, A. 1.)
§ 2. — Thèse portions were by the commutation subjected
to the tenure ol free and common soccage, and relieved from
rights and dues to the Crown, and generally withdrawn from
seigniorial laws and obligations.
(F. 10, A. 2.)
§ 3. — At the time of the commutation. Tenants (Censi-
taires) and the Seigniors, on their part, continued to be sub-
ject to their obligations towards their Tenants {Censitaires^)
althougli the Seigniors had obtained a regrant of the entire
seigniory under the tenure of free and common soccage. (*)
§ 3. — The laws which regulate the relations between the
Seigniors and the Tenants {Censitaires)^ ^PP^y equally to the
case where a commutation has been demanded by the Sei-
gior, in virtue of the Impérial Acts, but not obtained at the
passing of the Seigniorial Act of 1854. (F. 11, A. 1.)
le. (F. 9,
3 Impérial
3 Canada
, cap. 59,
HE COUN-
l DE LOT-
ommonly
da, hâve
jtation of
nth refe-
led at the
ubjected
ved from
Lwn from
(Censi-
be sub-
Q entire
ige. (*)
een the
y to the
the Sei-
1 at the
1-)
141a
§ 5. They apply also to the case when a commutation
has not becn demanded by the Seignior, under the provi-
sions of the Impérial Acts. (F. 11, A. 1.)
2. A eontract or a clause of a contract, touching the terms
of any aliénation of lands, which might be contrary to ihe
laws of Canada, although not in itself immoral or prohibited
by british public law, can be held to be nuU or annuUable.
(F. 11, A. 1.)
3. The Commissioners may not lawfully assume to ireat
any contract touching the terms of aliénation of any lands,
unless such nullity has been pronounced by the judgment of
a Court of compétent jurisdiction, or such contract, or such
clause of a contract has been declared illégal by the Spécial
Court. (*)
4. In any fief or seigniory, for which it was possible tode-
mand a commutation in virtue of the Impérial Acts above
mentioned, the Commissioners hâve a right to enforce the
Seigniorial Act of 1854, even if the Seignior or the Tenant
{Censitaire) should elect to maintain the application of the
provision of the Impérial Acts. (F. 8, A. 3.)
Judge Day abstains from pronouncing on this question.
V.
The judgment upon the counter-questions of Dame Marie
Charlotte Chartier De Lotbinière, (Mrs- Bingham,) is con-
tained in the preceding answers.
VI.
SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE COUN-
TER-QUESTIONS OF THE HONORABLE MALCOLM FRASER.
1. — Grantsin/îe/ in this Country, made by the British
Crown, from the cession to the passing of the Seigniorial
Act of 1854, are subject to the same laws as the other grants
142 a
made under tlie same tenure, unless the grant contains cer-
tain spécial dispositions by which a dérogation in certain
respects shall be established. (F. 9, A. 3.)
VII.
SITMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT UPON THE COUN-
TER-QUESTION8 OF THE HONORABLE JEAN ROCH ROLLAND.
Seigniors cannot flood the lands granted to their Tenants
[Censitaires^) in virtue of their right of banalité ; if they possess
the right, it commonly proceed from valid titles, the effect
of which cannot be changed by the Seigniorial Act of 1854.
(F. 11, A. 1.)
VIII.
The resuit of this judgment is : lo That since the Arrêt
of 1711, the Seigniors were obliged to concède their lands ;
2o that they were bound to concède them at a rent charge,
(à titre de redevances) ; 3o that neither the law nor custom
had fixed the rates of cens et rentes, except in the case of a
concession by the Governors and the Intendant upon the Sei-
gnior's refusai ; 4o that the cens et rentes should be main-
tained in conformity with the stipulations contained in the
deeds of concession ; 6o that the Seigniors had no right in
the navigable rivers, unless they held such right by virtue
of a spécial title ; 6o that, when they had such a title
they might subinfeudate or accensé those rights at a rent
charge {à titre de redevances) ; 7o that the non-navigable
rivers form part of the private demesne and follow the pro-
perty, no matter into whosa hands it may pass ; 8o that,
the non-navigable rivers, upon conceded lands, belong to
the Tenants [Censitaires], and, in such a case, any réserva-
tion which might be made of them would be illégal ; 9o that,
since the Arrêt of 1686, banalité was légal and universal in
Canada, and consisted, on the part of the Seigniors, of the
obligation to build mills, and on that of the Tenants [Cen-
sitaires] to bring the grain, for the use of their families, to
143 a
tains cer-
^ certain
tE COUJV-
'LANt>.
Tenants
possess
3 effect
f 1854.
î Arrêt
Jands ;
harge,
usfom
e of a
e Sei-
main-
n ihe
?ht in
nrtue
titJe
rent
i:abJe
pro-
thar.
be gronnd in them ; lOo that the rights to prevent the buil-
ding of ilour mills, was an accessory of the right of banalité
which it was intended to protect ; 1 lo that such prohi-
bition does not give a right of indemnity, if the principal
due {droit principal) be paid ; 12o that ail the charges,
réservations and prohibitions, wiiich cannot be comprised
within the meaning of the word " dues " [redevances],
and which would hâve the effect of retaining a portion of the
useful demesne, are null and illégal ; 13o that the impo-
sition of Personal days labor, {journées de corvées) is légal ;
14o that it is requisite to ascertain the increase in the value
of unconceded lands given to the Seigniors in franc-
alleu ; 15o that the Impérial icts, commonly called the
Canada Trade Act and the Te.iures Act, do not impose any
limit upon the working of the Seigniorial Act of 1854 ;
l6o that those seigniories which were conceded both before
and since the conquest, are equally subject to the enactment
of this law, except in the case where unconceded lands
hâve been duly converted into free and common soccage ;
17o that the parties interested will be allowed to produce
every kindof légal evid""'^^, in support of their prétentions,
before the Commissionec'' '"j
(1) It is necessary to inform the a. r that this sumir.ary which commences at
page 126, does not form part of the judgment : it is an analysis got up for the pur-
pose of facilitating the study of the subject.
rva-
hat,
lin
Xhe
■en-
to
B s C l{ V A T l N' S
I
OF
SIE L. H. LAFONTAINE, BART.
CIIIEF JUSTICE.
Prelimivary Remarks.
On ihe 26th .lune 1850, tlie Législative Assembly,
upon rny motion, a.s one of its members, adopled the
following re solutions :
lo. Resolved, — Tliat tiie Scigniorial tenurc in Lower
Canada is a mattor of Public Policy {ordre public) wliicli it
is the duty of the Provincial Législature to take into consi-
dération, more especialiy now that the subject lias attracted
the public attention in a high degree ; and that it is thcrc-
fore important lo eliect, at as oarly a pcriod a;> possible, the
conversion oi" the said tenure iiUo a free one, taking care
that ail the interests concerncd are protccted and equitably
adjustedi
2o; Resolved^ — That .such comnuUation of tenure ean
only be elFected by st^euring a fair indemuity to ail parties
vvhose just rights it will allect.
Thèse resolutions, adoptfd by a nifijority of 53 againsf
1, cstablished the jirineiples of justioe and equity, avS
based on the respect due to the sacred right of property, on
which, to render it legitimate, the great révolution v.lii(;h
the " Seigniorial Act of 1854'' is destined to operate in fh»'
institutions of Lower Canada onght to lie earried ont.
1
2 a
T\\o institution of'feudality, as introducod into Canada by
tlu; Kini^'s <»l" France, and as afterwanls iiiodiiicd by spécial
laws l'or ada})tini>' it to tlie .setlieiiicnt ol' a counlry newly
lidded lo tlic ("rowii ol' tliese Kini^^s, a country covered witii
î^itfantic forests, subject lo a very severe cliniat(>, and iniia-
liili'd solcly by .-avai^e hordes, lias been rei^arded l)y impar-
tial iiicn ;is cniiuently calcnlated, at ils oiilset, io sccnnî tlie
siiccess ol" ttiat stMtleiuent. In llie circiinistanccs, indiM-d,
iitider wliicli tin- colony ol'New France- was l'onnded, il coiild
(lot Ix; (>\pecte(l tlial liie iiiass ol' llie eariier colonists, wlio,
sooiier or biler, wiM'e to becoiiie pro])rietors ol' tlie soil, coiilil
brin<( with tlieiii otlier iin'aiis tlian tlicir enerij;y and love ol'
ialioiir, to nid iu hiyin^' tlie l'oiindat ions ol' a new (loiiie
in llie New W'oi'M.
Il I ;iiii oiie oi thoM- w iio, a|>preeialini;' iiiipartially tlie
liir-lory ol tlie eslablislinient ol tlu- counlry, believe tliat llie
Sei^nioriid Tenure, iij) îo a period coiiiparalively récent,
lias liad llie siiceess W Ilicli was e\pecled, and ou^lit to lia\(>
lieeii e\j)iH'led, t'idiii il, I aill e(|nallv olie ol' tliose W'Ilo,
tiirmiii:.; a delibiaale |iidi4iiien( ol' llie eliaiii^es wliieli lia\i'
silice coiiic iiilo opi'ralion, in tlie condition, tlie wanîs
and ideas ol' ( ';uruiiaii Soeietv, are cous ineed tlial tlie laws
uliich oi>\ern lliisteiiiire, and die relations tliereby t^stablisli-
ed beiwciii tlie Srii^iiiois aud censitaires (tenants) lia\e
ceased lo be in lianuoiiy w idi t!ie social usai,n-s ol' lliat
saine '<oeietv. Now, laws wliicli are not in iiuison with
llie habits of a peoj)|e caiiiiot lon^- exisl nnd(M- oiir new
l'oriii ol' i^-overniiieut, above ail wlieti, liowever jiisl and
benelicial tliey luay orii^inally lia\e bee-n, lliey bei'oiiie,
al a later date, althoui;li w-roni;ly, to be re^arded by llial saine
|)coph-, uol as creatinif a lei;iliinale debt, but in the lii^lil ol'
alax lo whicli, tliey casily c(»]ivin<'e iheiiiselves, lliey lia\c
ue\er \ ieUled a Iree consent.
\
Il is, iheii, (;md the historv ol' ihe lasl years hâve lurnish-
r^ (i
f'd |)i(ii)| ol' llir tiul) llial ;i;;ilalii)ii lîikrs ii> l'iill ( omx- , ;i^i
l.itKiii u hicli, iiiiliiij)|)ily, is 111(1 al\\;iys coïKliicird willi llie
r('s|>cct (\\\s' to tlic rii!;iils ol' propcrlv . Ami \\ lirn iIk'R' is,
«■oiiipiiralivclv, l>iit a \cr_v siiiall iiimiiIxt of iii(li\ idiials iii-
t''icsic(| in inaintainim,'' tilt; law wliicli is ilir cause ol' iliis
ai;ilati(»ii, ouc iun>l bn vcry hliiid iiot to sec wliat iiiiisl
Ix' tlic rcsiih. 'i'Iic iniiiority liavc notliini; to i^aiii ; tlicy lia\c,
ou llir coutraiy, ail to losc.
So, "■ tlic ^'(•ilflliol•ial Art of is.'j |" liaviiia', l'or ils olijcct,
• o jiiiî an ciul to tliis agitation, tlic coiiiilry oiiijlit to applaud
its proiiuili^'alioti, as hcarin^'oii tlic inlcrcst ol'tlic Censitaires
as wcll as tliai ol ilic Seii4;niors. On tlic oiic liand, it con-
.--ccralcs, in i)riuci[>le, tlie respect due to tlic Ic^iiiniaïc rior|its
of tlic Sci^nior ; on tlicotlicf liaiid, il c([n;il]y consccratcs in
|)riiiciplc tlic protection wliicli tlie C'cnï<ilairc lias a riq'lit lo
cvpcct Iroiii cxaclioiis, on llic part oftliis saine Scignior. Lt't
us |io|)e, ihcn, llial lliis two-l'old lesiilt will hc ol)taincd by
a raitlil'iil and impartial e\ccni ion of tlic law.
V'icwcd l'roni a still iiiorc clevatcd point, wc uught to
applaud the pas^iing of '' tlie Scigniorial Act of 18o4.'" It
is an entirc nn-olution in (»nr institutions. And wliile, in
otiier counirics, tliis révolution could not Ix? ctlectcd with-
oiit hloodslicd and tlic uplic;iving of tlic social cflificc froiii
its foundations, ail tliings promise, nay wi- liave evcn fli(^
ccrtainly, tliat in Canada, to tlic lionor of its peoplc, the
(liante will hc acconiplislied witfiout trouble or commotion
of Hiiy kind.
(n order ilic beiicr to insitro the exécution of the law
abolishing the Scigniorial Tciiure, the Législature hus judged
it ncecssary to creaic a spécial tribunal for deeiding, before
liand, certain (questions of law put, in au abstract ibrrn, at the
discrétion of the Attorney General; sucli, saysthe statute, as
" lie sliall deem best ealeulated to décide the points of law
" which will, in lus opinion, como under the considération
4 a
*' ol tlie comiiilssioners in deterniiniiig tlie value ol' iho
•' rights of the Crown, of the Soignior, and of tlie Censi-
«' taires."
On iho other hand, tlio Soigniors and tlie Censilairo.-
»r coun
emselv
are aulhorised to subinil '^ supplenientary questions
ter questions." The iiist only liave availed tlu
their rlLdil.
of
Tlien, the statute adds, '' the dceision so to be pro-
" nounced on each of the said questions and propositions
" shall guide the Conniiissioners and the Altorney General,
" and shall, in anyactual case ihereat'terto arise, bc held to
*' hâve been a judgment in appeal, en dernier ressort, on any
" point raiscd by such question, in a like case, thougli be-
" tween other })uities.''
This s))ecial tribunal ^vhich our I. législature lias,
thus, thought i)roj)er lo crcate, eoinj)osed et" ail llie judgesof
the two j)rineipal Courts iT Lov.(>r Canada, is caHed, with-
ont référence to any parlieuhu" case to wliich the existing
laws may ap])!y, to pronouncc, in an abstract manner, déci-
sions or rather rescriiMs, so to spcak, which shall, virtually,
détermine the fate of the respective pretensions of the Sei-
gniors and the Censitaires.
The task is arduous ; the responsibiiity, is greatcr still,
A single exaraple will sullice. One of the niost iinpor-
fant questions which wv. hâve now to examine is, at
the présent iiour, a subject of dispute among the first ju-
risconsults of the Country froni which the origin of our
laws is derived. I allude to the question of property in water?
{propriété des eaux.) Meanwhih; circuinstances force us,
after a délibération of scarcely live months, to pronouncc a dé-
cision, not only on that question, but, also, on a vcry great
number of others which cinbrace, I may !?ny, almost tiio
>vhole System of ottr laws of property.
\
5 «
I
W'hilc oiir ik'libcration was in progress, v,c liave liad
\o rei>Tct llir (Irath ofdiu' ol'oiir brethrcii ; (1) and, quite re-
t'ently, at !lic m;)iiif/ii ot Coiiiiti^' to a dclinitivc deoisiim upon
ihe scvrral siihjcrts siihiniltcd in (>nr exaniinalion, a onud
iuiilady lias, suddcnly, ir'ivcn us sorious f^Tound of apjirclu'n-
sioii lor Uir lil'f' ol' thaï, mnvilx'r of tlu^ Conrl wlio, to
a t^rcat extcnl, jM'cpan'd ihc dralt ol" tlio judiçniont \vliic'li
\vi\ arc ,aI)oiil, to rcndrr. (-1) Thèse t'ears liave, happily, been
dissij)iii('d, and ^vo hope thaï, on the day on \viiich Judi^m(>nt
shall be })i-onouiieed, ihe inijjroved stalc oi" his liealth \vill
allow i)i' the j)resenc(! ol" oiir learned brolher in Court, for at
least souio luonienis, to l'uini a purcly le^al Ibrmality, as,
wilhont sueh jnvsenee, he ciuinot b(; deenuMl to j)artiei]Kilc in
ihe jud^iuent alioul to bi:u!eliv('n\'l.
l'nder lliose circuinslaïu'es, no eitizen acling in good
faith, no hiwyer, il'eveu iiiodcnilely versed in the icnowledgo
ol' oiu' Feudal sysuMU, w ho respects liiniself, eau iind faulf.
Avith the short delay whieh has oeciirred iVoin the argument
on the " Scigniorial {iue,>tious "" to the présent day.
If blarnc tliere be, it is, rather, in ourdeeiding, in so
short a time, questions ol' sueh importanee. 'j'iiis blamo
I allow, niiglit ajip'ar to b'- d;'se]v.:J, were it uol tliat thcro.
were in-gcni ri'asc.r.s fr'V j<roiUiL:i'eiiig judjine!;! as early as
possible.
In the lirsl plaee, onc oftlie partiels to tlits important suit
(tlic Seigniors) — ihi; party wliiiih thi' hiw subjects to the
expropriation retiuiretl by the public inlerest, — are virtnally
deprived of ihc use of their projierty, that propcrty having
while the (|uestion is in abeyance, bccomc nnsaleable. The
complète cxcciilion of the law can, alone, restore its value.
In the second place, the Censitaires, if they tnily consi-
(1) M. Justice Van Fcl.sou.
(2) Mr, Justice Morm.
a
(1er llirirowu iiilerosis, oui^Iil loclrsiro tliat. fin' proretnliii^'s
sliould coMic lo a close, williout lossortiiiuî ; l'or a prolonge! I
agitation ol" tlie qiii stion ol" ilie Seiguiorial lennre
will l)e niost injiulicioiis, tliere beingrea^on to lear tliat il'
a siiuilar agitation slioiild again l)ring tlii.s snhject belore
tlu! Législature, llie Censitaires wouUl be deprived ol' tlit^
aid whicli tlie " Seigniorial Aet ol" 1.S54 " so lil)erally gran-
ted in tlioir favor, witli a view lo l'aeilitatc ami render less
onf.'rous to them llie rédemption of Seigniorial dues.
VVe also, tlio judgcs of tliis spécial Tribunal, desin^
(and lliat désire is very natural) to bring to a conclusion
a mission wliicli is wholly oui ol' tlie sphère ol" our duties, as
jndges of tlie Court ol" (^ueen's IJcncli and of tlic Superior
Court, a mission wliicli, consecjuontly, was unexpected
on onr })art. Hul \ve ouglit not lo du'cll on tliis point,
as it is one tliat regards us personally.
In anotlier respect, tliis rcmark will serve to ex])lain,
as far, al least, as I am concernc'd, tlie reason wliy tlie notes
wiiicli I am aboul to read, as containing iny views and
opinions on our Feudal system, are only in llieir firsl easf,
and ouglit lo bo received as siicli. If mado publie, il musl
bc in thaï slale, for neither lime nor health will permit me
to revise lliom.
Il is my dnly to make onc olher remark, and I do il
witli llio approbation of ail my brother judges, namcly, ihal
many of tlie questions wliich hâve been submilU'd lo us,
although bearing upon points of seignioriallaw,cannol hâve
any praclical e/Fect on the excîcution of Ihe acl of 1854,
wliether ihese questions be resolvcd in the affirmative or
négative. Yel, we liave considered il our duty, in obédience
to the wStatute, to dévote considérable lime to the examina-
lion of thèse questions.
In another respect, somc of the questions and counter-
I
7 a
questions not prescnling any point of law for décision, \ve
Jiave ihouglit riglit, in tliat case, to abstain from replying to
them. In the same inaiiner, \ve havc considorcd il riglit to
abstain from replying to otiier propositions which, wliilu
raising (picstions of law, arc, ncvcrthclcss, cntircly foreign lo
the objects of " tin; seigniorial Act of 1851."
Finally , I eannot elosu lliesc preliminary remarks,
witliout a publie aeknowledgcment of the abilities of the
Advoeates vvho liave sustained and defended the respeetive
interc'sts and i)retensions of the parties to ihisgreat eonti'sta-
tion, lo tlie zeal whieh they havti displayed, to the profound
aequainlanee with the subjeelofwiiieh lliey hâve givenproof,
and by whicli tliis Court, in its délibération, lias very mueh
prolited.
rf ihe Censitaires havc not thonghl propcr lo appcar and
be represented as a l)ody, in aeeordanee with the vStatate,
it is, undoubtL'dly, be(îause knowing, before hand, the bearing
of ihe i)ropositions of ihi; Attorney General, and the line of
argument whieii must neeessarily foliow from them, they
wen^ convinced thaï they could not cntrust the defenec; of
their righis to abler liands than tliose of the advoeates whom
ihe Attorney General iiad seleeted lo maintain thèse same
propositions before liiis ('ourt, i)ropositions, the whole of
whieh, so to speak, tended to ihe triumph of the most extrê-
me pretensions of the Censitaires. In that respect thèse
lasl hâve not connnitled a mistake.
In rendering ihis justice to ihc Advoeates conccrned
on the onc side as well as ihe other, I do not express, mercly,
my own individuai opinion, but also llial of my brolher jud-
ges.
PART ¥\ RST
Alienatioiv OV THK riKK
[Jeu de Fief.
1. In Soigniorial C'iiiiadii lias tlin " Jeu de Fiel','' iliat
is to say, tlir aliénation lliat a Sei<^nior t-an makc ^)i' liis
Fief, boen restrainetl witliin llie saine liniits and suhjt'cteij
ti) the Hnme conditions tliat it wan in France, nnder the
autliority of tlio Cnstoni of Paris ? Sucli is tluî jîrincipal
question to be deterniim.'d in this maller, and wl'.ich naturally
leads rne lo examine, in tlie iirst place, wlial tliis " Jeu du
Fief" was, in France.
2, Ilenrion de Pansey (1) gives, us bejonij^int!; to the
greater part of the Custoius [coidunics.,) the followiiitc deli-
nition of the " Jeu de Fief," : "a sj)ccies of aiicnnlion by
which the proprietor of a Fief, sevcrs ih»; tiile thi-reof froiii
the realty, by the réservation of feally (/oi) and tlie aliénation
ofthe domain, and subordinates llu; part wliieh lie lias
alienated to tliat which lie n^tains, by the iinj)osilion of a
Seigniorial riglit, or diUy." (2) " A Fief, adds tli(> autlior,
is a m'xed t-ntity cornposed of services, such as fealty, tlin
obligation to be faithful toone's Seignior, \vhich form its title
(1) Dissertations féodales, at Ihe art. Jeu de ficf, v. 2. p. 3(j3.
This work, written a siiort time before tlie Frerich llcvolulion, vvas
publibheil in 1789.
(2) " Une espèce (raliénation par laipielle le propriétairi- d'un fiel
en sépare le titre et le corps par la réserve de la foi et raliéiiaticn du
domaine, et subalterne la partie qu'il aliène à celle i^u'il retiinl, par
l'imposition d'un droit ou d'un devoir ïeigneuriai.''
I
î.) (I
\
I
ami 0()ii>iiiiit<' ii^ cssmcc; ;i!sn ni coiiKirt'ul (loiini iii>-, ol
l)«'ni'li(i:il iukI Ik'Iuiimia rivhl-, w liii'li '"Un lli'" n :ill\ , <'i" ;i-
IIh' l''<'ii(|;ili,-N ciill il, .N('/;/( (7i//w iiinlcrin'i. 'Ilif Ixxly :iihI
I lu- I lllr (if llif Kid ;iri' r(|il;ill_v i,i CoiiliiK iCc. ''<!(., de. ( I )
'riif iilii'tritioiî ni' llic rid' i-^ (•fi'(( ird in iv> n w ;iv -, li\
siil)-iiiltiiii:ili((ii iiiiil liv (•niic('---ii>ii on ;i n'ni cIlhl;'' ; ;iii<l
uIh'M il l'ilvi'> [ihii'c in l;i\(ir of llic «•liiin h, i; iim nl-n
\)r iiiiidc in 1 tliin) \\;iv, lliiit ol' lianlx-nlinoiuiic ('\('rnitrh(
iiinilnilC.'"') " 'l'iic '-•'i'.'liio!' i;i\r ■ m l''ii T' - ;i_\ s t'ic siiim-
nnllior p. .,() I, '■'■ w lini lie >l i|)iil;'!i'> lin- cili^nlioii U> rnicn'
liiiii lio)ii'i'_;-' ; lir .viv's cil .1 l'iMil cliart;!' ('/ et ns) \\ liin !"•
hii'-ilu'ii- llic porlion iilirnali'il w il'i t,ii"nl (liii'-.'" '^ 'll.i'
Srimiior :i lit'li;iii'S liis l'^icl liv ili'' \\:!\ ol l'"r;(ni\-.i iiiiomin',
wInMi i^i\ ini,'- lo llic ClniCfli willionl t"'-iL;ii;!;i(.;i of li'.'ill),
uillionl ri'scr\;ilion ot ,inv diii'-, Ip' ilrrinrr-- iii du' tlcid,
ilial Ih' i<i\<'s iii alii's, in pnruni </('ini(Kst/n(iiii.'' (2)
■']. l'iultM' i!m'o|(1 Ciivioiii ol' l'nris, coinpilcd in l!ic
vcar l.")|(), die vassal had an ludiiiulcd lilxilv lo disixisc
(.r h's !''ir|'. '' A \assal,'' said tlic ll-i. arlicdr ol' llial
Ciislom, "• can alii'iialr lii> l'^id, a-; far as llic i'''sinii;)lion
oITcalix , w iilioni |)a_Viii:^ iiiiilaiion proliis lo tlic S('ii;nior.
(1) •• l'ii licl", ajoiiU raiilt'iii', u>t un »Ui' i.ii\lr c<t|lHlo^^^ d.; iii,u);is,
teU ijue lii foi, rul)li;;al.ion d-ùtro IhIcIc à son Scigacur, ([ni on loni • ni
le liU'C cl on toii^ïtiluenl. ros'>enco ; ol ilo douiaiiu;.-, corpoiols, ('o tiiuits
ulilc- cl lionoririqiies ([ui on forinont lo oiiijis, ce ([uo los ù'U(li-lo:i u|i-
|)ollrnl snlija'luiii iiinti rlah . Lo ('Oi-|is d le iili'i; du Hol' sonl ogaio-
inonl dans lo conuncrce, olc, oto.
(2) *• Le l>oiguoui' douuo on liei', li)r^i[u"il sUjudo rohligalmii do lui
rondre luininiaj^o : il donne à coiisJorMiuM grève la purlinn alionoo do
prestations loluriôros.'''
" Le .seigneur se joue de son ti(;f par la voie do franrdio-aujime,
lorsque donnant à l'Kglise sans démission do foi, sans rôsorvo d'anouno
prestation, il déclare dans Paclo qii'ii d:)nno en aunin-o, /// pura),/.
e/f'cjiKisi/na/ji.''''
10 a
" Thifs ub.soltilL- Ihc'iilly ni" (lir«|i(»siTii; ul liis Fief, cmrr
f'onstitiifi'd \;i\\ by tlie Cuistoni ol' l'aris, biM-aïuc, iii sumh;
î^Oii, ^iuys llenrioii de Pausey, |). 370, the coiuinon law
(tf llit' kingdoni." (1)
Let us olyservc lliat, as rcspi'cts the disinenibcriiicni
(dcinenibremcnt) ol" ihc Fiel', llie arliele oJ c;!' llic saiiu-
Cushmi of Paris says : '■'■ Tlie vassal {•amiot dismember {dc-
menibrcr) liis F
ol'lii> S(-igni()r.
ici", totlic j)r('iiidic(', ajul w illiuiit llic cDUst.'
4. Since llie ncw coiiipilalion [rêdodion] oï \\\o Cns-
tiuu ol' l'aris, in lôHO, ilie l'ollow ini,^ article, w liicli is i!ic
5lst., A\as sul)stituted for tlie articles ob and 11 ol" tlic old
Custoni :" The vassal cannotdisniembiu* liis Fiel, to tlic
préjudice, and without the consent ol'Ms Sei^nior ; althou^li
he niay alienate and dispose of, and make iiisown prolit ont
of, atiy liereditanients, rents, or cens, i)(doni^ini;- to>neli P'ief,
wiiliout payjni^ imitation ])rorits to the Sei:^nlor doiiiinanl.
pro\idcd thi' aliénation do nol execH'd twothirds, andlliai lie
rrlain the fuU l'ealîv :ind soiiie seiy'niorial and domanial ri^hi
upon that whieli lie aliénâtes." (2)
In the lirst part of tliis article of tlie new Ciistoni, wc
Ijnd thaï the .'îjlli article of the old on the disinciiibcriiienf
of the l'^ief, i> repn):iuced ; and in the second pari \\'e aiso
find, ail the snbstance, l)i\t in ternis more e:\i)lieit, o!' the
dispositions of the llst. article' of the same Cnstom on the
(1) *' C^olte taciilté iihioiuo do sf jouer cIo son lict'. inu; U)\> éri:;<';(! en
loi pur la C'oiituiuc; de i'ari.s, devint cii (|iii lune surle le ilioil coniimiii
du rovauuie."
(2) *' Lc! N'assal ne |»eiit démembrer w>\\ lief an |>ié|mlie(^ et sau> li-
'• consentement de ^on .sei<;neui' : Inen se peut jouer et dispo.^er, et i'ane
" son profit de.i lu'-rilagcs, rentes ou cens étant du dit iiel", sans payer
*' profil au seigneur dominant, pourvu rpio raiiénation n'cKcede le>^
•' deux tiers, et qu'il en retienne la loi cnliuro^ct ipielque droit scigncu-
• nul et domanial bur ce qu'il aliène."
11 a
*' J(Mi lie l-'icl; " and, iriiir('(»\(T. tli»' lollnwin^- dcw n-sfrii'
lion, riz : lliat tlit* ali«Mialion do not cxcfod two tliirds of
iIr' Fi*'!', lliat is ni' ihc l)ody of die Fiel'.
Cnyot, (I) ()l)scrvcs on Uns articlo, ihal llir words, 'Mo
iviain l'iiU l'cally '' [retenir la foi entière) liavo dic sami-
mcuuing as llic words "• as i'ar as llio ivsiijfnalion of fcally "
\Jui^</u\} la (Icniission, de foi) of llie aiu-ienl Custom, hy
w iilcli was Mndi'rstt)od, " providiiii^ lliat li»' does not ivsigii
dii' fi'alty, wliicli is liua-ally tlic samc tliini^ as rotainiiii^ du-
li'ahy''' ; diat Uiosc \\ords of tiic old Cusioni, " can alicnate
liis Fief," îind lliosc of die niîw "inay alicnalr, dispose of,
and ina!v(! lus own ])ro(it. oui of, any liereditamcnts rcnts and
cens l)('lonirini,' lo siudi Firf, " si<>-nify die saiiie lliing.
"W'Iien tli.' new (hisîoiii/' says die sanie author, directs the
Vassal "to relain a Sei^niorial and domanial riglil, ■" il was
di(! invariable hwv of die old : it is lliis, diat eonstilutes
the " î-'ief- en l'air," or ineorporeal firï^i^ v.hieh but eonsis-
ti'(l of cens, renls aad dii(>s [cen^, rentes et mouvances) : in
llicold, di''y distin^iiished the nlietiation froin the disnien-
beniieiit, onlythat in tli(> aliénation the ('(.'lis or the mouvanee
was rclaiiicd : in the disii)eiii!)erm(Mit, far froiu retainini' a
riLdil,lhey Iliade of the part alieiiated a distinet Fief, sepa-
raicd froiii the ])iiiieipal, and subsisling pcr se, wliicli is
preeis(dy the saine in the new."
rienrion d<> Pans)>y iroos (>veii so far as to say, (p. 370,
and 3^5,) tlial in the words ol' the 'llsl artieU; of the old
Ciisloiu of l'aris, " a. iiiere nMmtion of fealty snliiecd to
iiiake valid the aliénation of the l'"ief. (i) So we sec tliat,
if iinder the aneient ('u^toin, the " .ieii di' Fiel" " was, as
(Jnvot reniarks, snbjcct to two conditions, lliat of the ri-ten-
tioii of tt'altv, and that of the rétention of a domanial and
(I) 'i/a/!r lies J'ir/'s, v, 1, p. 1 1,"» and 1 Kl, Jùdit. oH 17*17.
(J) 1 lu; réteiitidii m'cIk; delà foi sulllsail pour la vé<iM!aritt' du
K |i di; I Jt;!'.
12
II
SfiifiiDriiil fii;lil, if wns i|ic siiiim- iindcc ihc aiitlHirily ofilii-
itcw : tli' iilii'iiMliidi (il ilic !''i''l', 1(1 Itf rci^'iihir, ()iiL;hi itlso lo
))(• ui'iiii' ciiiliT tliDsr twM roiiilitioiis, nnd, iiiorcovcr, on ilic
coll.lil i'iii !!i;i! il (lid tld! cxccrd |||c I wo tliirds ol llw hodv (il'
die l''iid'; \\!iil-! niîdcr l!ic niificiil Cii^Ioim i) iiiiLi'lil cxtciid
to iIh' w lui!
"\\\> 1-^ du' (»idv dlilt'rctîc' w lllcli die dlspo-
Nitidiis dt liir l\\>> ('ii'-l(Miiv |)rc-i'iii in tiii' iniillcr ol' die
aliciinliou ni du- l'"n'l. In dl ni iirr [loini-; \\ idi iv-.jx'ct to
diis suiM<'t-i 1 I
i!"v ;i II' ~-ii m hii'.
^1
■'). Aiiiidicr 11 i|H)i1;>iil i|ii('--l mil m dii> discussion is lo
InIIow, ii' I)\ liic (msIoiii of Pari'-, du- riii''nalion ol' die Kid'
coldd 11'' i'l!''cl''d In;- a MK ili'\ pi'ici", ('/ \ii'\.V d\lV'^Vi\t) \\\\\\ is, il'
llic Si'ii'nior coiild, accoi'dini^Mo die lan^'iiau'cot iiiosl Kiaida-
lisls^ rcc('i\i an cnlraiicc moiîi'v {i/ciiiir.s il'i'nInU:.]
f poil dii> pnini, a-- w l'Il as iij)o!i iiia' rc-pcci itii;' die portion
ol' I ■:• V[v{ w liicli d;i' vas~al w asadowcd ioallcnalc, JJ(.'nrion
de i\i'isi'\ , p. .J'î."), in Ion lis ii> thaï tiu; di lièrent dispo.s 'liions ol'
die (.'ie-Miiii> divided iIm-iii itilo lo'ir l'eiicral elas>es.
'
•' In dio il' du- lli'-t elas-,''' savv he, die vassal is ai
lihert\ lo aliéna le llis Tiel' li\ eoMce-sioli on a 11 • ni -e lia ri.'!', I;v
sale, in ..ne word (/.s lie l/iiiil^s /iropir ; diil lie eaaiiiot alienate
in llii-- w a_\ iiiil ^iieh or --ii'li pa.rt oT liis doiiiaiii. Thèse ;ire
die ;\\d diird- ai i'aris ; j; is oin- thirti in Vnjoii, etc.
"' The ( 'i;-^lii|ii^ ol 1 hi' seeoiul ela^-s ;d!o\V tlie a I ieiial ion
o| die W liole ni' die doinin, lue diey e\ae1 'liai siich a I ie'ia-
lion lie Iliade hy \\:iv oiC Miees^i.in, cap'vi'iii; t l'IIS (■( i;nli\s.
'" ()l!iers eollloriil lo d:e old ('ii-iolil ol l'arjs, lea\ili^1o die
\assal l/ic mos! un^'nnili'd lihi ri fj : \\\('\ perniit liiiii lodive^t
liiiiiselt ol th" w'ioie oi die domain, and lo do so, eiiher hv
■-aie, or liv eoiiiessioii on a reii" eliar^c, ic//// r'" irilhoi/l < :i'
Intiir, iiii)ii('i/,(i\ lie thiiiks jinifr r.
'' KiiialK , d.ere e\i-ts a lointli ehiss ol' Cii-ioni-, wliieli
1'
»
13 a
havo no disposition respect in i^' ihc aliénation oftlic Fief.
JiirJspnKiciU'e lias snp|)li('(l thi- silenee ol" thes»^ Customs,
Ini^i'iicral, llies>' arc ranlied iti tlic lirst elass. The vassalsare
llicrc oblii(cil to conrorm tlH-iiiscIvi-s u« ! c CustoinoC l'aris,
wliich jtcviiiils cntrancc luoney, I)n1 wliieli forhids aliénation
Ix'Vond two tliirds (»f ili(> liri'cditamcnts, cens and rents be-
loni^inif to sticli Kirl." ( I )
'l'Iien, alii I tiaviiii; cllrd ilic ic.\.i, on tlii^ aliénation of
tlie l'it'l', ni' thf C'iistoiii ol' Montl'ort (i) and ol' tlie (Justoiu
ol' Clerniont in Meaiivoisis (3) wliicli lie ranks, witli tlic
olil C'usioni ol' l*aris, in tlic tliird class, Ilcnrion d(i Pansey
adds : '• dispositions so iinliniited Icl't notliini,' l'or tlie vassal
(1) " Dans celles do In premicro ('lasse, le \'assal est libre de
se jouer (le son fiet, par bail à (•en'«, pdr venir, en un mot, connue il le
jiiisr à p/-()/)os ; mais il ne peut aliént;r par cette voie que telle ou telle
partie de son doiiiaiiie. Ce sont les deux tiers ;i Paris, c'est le ti» rs en
Anjou, etc., etc.
" Les Coutumes de la deuxième classe permettent d'aliéner l.i tota-
lité du domaine, mais elles exii;enl ipie raliénation soit laite p^^r la voie
<lith(ùl à cen.'i cl rc/i/i's.
" JVautres, co/z/onncs a ra/icirn/ic ContiiiHc de Pd/is, laissent au
X'assal 1(1 iihcrti hr, jil/<s imlcfinie ; elles lui permettent de se jouer de
fd.tutalltc 'lu (hiiiuniir, et de le laire par venir ou par Iniil à cens et
renier, (ircc ou stnis (Jenii'ia (Vrntrèc, cominc il /e jiigc à pt-itjws.
" lOnf.n il existe une (lualrièine clr.ssc de Coutumes, qui n''ont aucune
disposition >ur le Jeu (le liel. Jja Jurisprudence a suppléé au silence
de ces Coutumes. Kn général, on les ranj;e dans la première classe.
Les \'assaux y sont ol)lii;és de se conroriner à la (,'nutume de Paris,
i/uipcrnict /rs deniers d'enirer, mais qui défend d'aliéner au do là des
deux tiers des /i(V77ffi^7',s, cens cl. rentes idant du ditjief,
(•J; p. I)7G " Le vassal se peut jouer de son liet" jusqu'à démission
de toi ; art 32 .... peut faire de son iief son domaine."
(i) Il peut " le liaillcr en tout ou en partie à rente ou gros cens, et
auhemenl contrai' ter, sans se démettre de la foi, et sans, pour ce, devoir
aucun droit." Art. !»(>.
14 a
lo lîesire ; thcy allow liiin llic ;iil)itrary (]is])f)sal uf ilut
Fi(.'f' ; lliey allow liim ilic iilicnatioii of t/ic vnlire Fief.,
and lo receivc Ihe udual valuv of il in monei/.
" Thi.s is proc'iscly ilie orror llial lias ('n'|)t intd llie
(histom of Paris as compiicd iii 1510 ;
'' AU llic Jnc'onvciiiciuH^s of tlic uiiliinitctlaliriiatioii of
ihe ficf were foll, \vitli as uuicli l'orce as now, in ihe inlcrval
between tho first antl second comijilation ol" llie Ctistoin
of Paris. Yet, il was considered in lliat ("iistian,
tlien resomblini^ lliat of wliieli \ve speak, that tlie vassal
eould alienate tlie eiitin.' domain, even wilii eiitrane*.' nioney
( deniers d'^entrce . ) Tlicre are l\vo Arrèls lo tliat
efl'ecf of tlie 25th . Inné I.jIU aiul 17 l'ehrnary lôu7. Tlieso
Arrêts liavc, for tla^ Cusloiu of Clernionl and ihe like, the
same anthority as for ihe old Cnstoni of l^aris, since thaï
old f'nsloni of Paris had ihe sanic iM'ovision, (1)
The Cusloms of the first class (lo whieli lli*^ new
Custom of Paris beloii'j^s) do nol oller any dillienlly, adds
Ilenrion de Pansey, " eidieras rei^i.ids ihe (pianlity of the
domain that ihe vassal ean alii-nale, nor as lo ihe rii;hl lo
reeeive cntrance money ****; the words " lo alienate and
(1) " Voilà précisément l'cnour qui s'étiiit glissé dans la Coutume
'1»! Taris de la rédaction de là 10.
" Tous les inconvénients du Jeu de l'ief indéfuii se faisaient sentir
avec autant de force qu'aujourd'hui, dans riutervalle >\o, la première à
la seconde rédaction de la Coiitume de Paris ; Cependant ou ju^^eait
dans cette Coutume alors semblable a celle dont nous parlons, (pie lo
vassal pouvait se jouer de la tatu/n,' de son doinaiiu', viriiir av':
deniers d'entrée, il y en a deux arrêts dos ";") .luin ir)li), ot 17
l'^évrier 1537. Ces arrêts ont pour la Coutume do Clermont et ses
semblables, la même autorité que pour l'ancienne de Taris, puisque
cette ancienne; Coutume fie Taris uwx'A la même disposition."'
\
\
15 a
I
\
make liis prolit" arr, siiys lu-, j». 3M0, fi;eneral t'Xl)lt;ssloî^^»
wliicli autlioriM- cvery son ol alifiialion.
VVith thc anthority of tlic a'.ithor oC '' Dissertât ions
féodales^'''' lliat of liis coiitcmporary Hnvr wlio, likc liiiii, is
onc of tlic lasl l'\uclalisls \\li(» havf wriîlcn hclorc tlic Frencli
Kt'volution iialurally (•()iiu'i(l<'s. Ifciv;' (I) says lliat. tlie
article 51 of llie C'iistoiii of l'ari.s docs iiot aiisoliildy lorbicJ
any di'sc-iiption of coiilracl . Il drclari's, willioul ilis-
tiiK.'tioii and in tin; nio^t i,M'iirral 1( inis, ilial. llic vassal
cun alic'nati', dispose and iiialvf liis prolil of llic lici'i'tliia-
niciits, rciils, &,('. Tlicrcforc, ihc aliénai ioii niay la kc place l)y
concession cliargini^' cctis^ or a renl cliarire, by donation, by
bequest, l)y e\cliani,''e, by sale, l)y siil)-iiil'eudatioii, in a
Word, by ail llie contraets wliieli tr;in>ler property ; but
none of tiiese contraets iniist be wantiiii,^ in any of tlie con-
ditions recpiisite for tlie valiility of llie aliénation of the
Kief. (2)
0. Snch \vas the " Jeu de llef " in France, at llie tiiiie
tluit lier Kings nndertook tlie establisliment of tlie Colonies
founded by tliem in America.. Ifavinu:, tlius, explainetl the
charaeter, nature, extent and provisions of tliis kind ol
aliénation of Ftnidal I.ands iiiider tin; anthority of the
Custoin of Paris, becoiiu,' the coiiuiion la\v of New-France,
I liave now to consider tlu; saïue subieel in ils relations
(1) Tlicorio des maliùrcs fco(LIcs et cunsiiclles \". 3 p. 371.
(2) Soe BroJeiiu m tlie C. of Paris \'. I, p. :)31, nos. ]!>. '20.23,
2.>, ^ 26, '' le N'assal peut \«iiiirc cl aliéner les d.Mix tiers de son lie
d P>(:k u'artic/lt. on les [jailler a cens, renie on eni|i!i) U'(»e. ele..
Ferriere on art. â? " licl's '" p. S 12 \o. ',i, p. S 13, Nu. li, p. SI.').
uo. 17, p. 817 no.
7, p. S.)2 no. là, p. S.'.") no. J . \vliLrc it Is said
liial by tiic words ui' Uns arliele "■ fiire son profil cl>'.. etc., c'est dis-
poser par vente ou autre manière d'aiienulion ilu/U. >./■ puisar tirr.i
qiidqii' argent < a ras de /'('.•^oius.'^
Fonmaur on <• LoJt et vcukV v. 2,ciiap. 21, pp. Sti, 87, 89 et 91
10 a
witlî tho slatr of thinc^s oxisting in Soii^nioria] Canada, and
1o examine if bv lln' lorro ot" lliis slalo of tliiiii's, or l)V tlif
nalun; and provisions ol ilic Lci^islalion jx'ciiliar lo (nii
counlry, llu* 51sf artiric ol' llic Ciisloiii of l'ari
hucil
AvIioUv st-'t asidc, or if il lias onlv hccii niodiiicd ; and in
Ih
itter case, if sn( li inodificalion lias liad llic v
iinposini^ iicw restrictions o
of iïivini' il, a larijcr cxiciisioti.
M tilt.' aliénation of tlie Kicf, or
7. Onr Fondai liistory iviav he divided into S(>veral
periods ; Un* first ineliides tiie liiiuMliat elapsed froin tlie
first atternpts iiiade to eolonize, to tlie estahlisliuieiit of tlie
Sovi'iviiifn ('onneil of (^iieh-e iii the year lG(i;}. Tliis
period may bo aii^ain siib-divideil into two par's, tlie lirst of
which cxtends lo the tiiiie of lli(3 formation of tlie ('oiiij)aiiv
of llie Ilnndred Associates (/f/ Conipifi^nie des ( 'cnl Assoviés)
of New-France, in tlie year l()27-JS ; and llie otiier to the
résignation of thaï Company in KJtJ;].
As respects the lirst period, tliedoeimieiits tliat liave coiue
lo onr knowledge are not nninerous. Tliey are not, on that
account, tlie less important, for they ])ear testimony thaï, froiri
the beginning, the int(>ntion of the Governmenl of the
tnothor Conntry was lo introdnce the Seigniorial system
into the American colonies.
The lirst ot tlies(^ documents is tlated the I2lli .lannary
1598. It eonsits of Letters Patent by wliicli the King of
Franco naiiK^s the Sieur de f^a Hoche lus " lueutenani
General and Governor " in the Countries of Canada, lloehe-
laga, Nev/fonndiand, Labrador, the lîiverof the Créât May
(1), of Noreinbégne and countries adjacent.
" And in order lo increase and extend the good wili,
courage, and affection of ihose who are aboul t(t embark in
(1) " Rivière de la Grande Baie.'''' It is so tlial liio lli\er .St.
Lawrence was then cotnmonl)' called. Cliarlevoix v. 1, p. 108.
1 / a
,:ii9 huid uiuleiiukint;, aiai e\eu of ltju.se peraons wiio sliak
seule in tlie tsaid Cuiiiitri».'
says liis MajL'sty
\vc liuve
i,'ivt.'ii liim anlliority, as ri'.'^pects llic t^uid laiuls, hd tu be
aL'.(|uirL'd lur us, in iIr- course (jI the said voyai^i', lu ^rant
th(; saine in lidl jn-opcrty h» ail lliose to w lion; lie iiiay con-
cède tluMJi, thaï is lo say : 1o gexitlenien and ihose wlioia hc
.shall (;ousidcr jx-isoiis o( juciit , in tliu l'orni oï Fic'fs .
Scitrniorics. C haie lien
ies.
KarUluuis, Vicoittilies, Baronie.>i
and ollier diirnilies, U) hc liclil ol'
11.-
in such M;;:nner as he
sliall eonsider diietollie services perlorined by tiieres|)<'etiv('.
parties, on the condition lliat they shall aiil in the support
and deliMice ol' th».' Couulrit
uid 1
o other Dcr^iliis ol
irderior rank, on siieh dues and atnuial reiits as h(! ma^
deeni jnst, u!" \viiic!i we aifree lliat ihey shall reiiiain
qiiil and tliseharijed l'or liie iirsl six years, or siieh cjthcr
j)eri(Hl as our saiil Lieulenanl siiall belicve to be rii^lit and
necessary, e.\ceptini( always 'lie dniy and service in llie
event, ol' war." (I)
Tlu
e s'M'ond dociiniea! ihat we lîiid in whicli men-
tion is inade ol" die concession of iand in Canada, ]:)cars die
date ol'llie last dav ol' l^'ebriiarv l(JiG. l-l) It consisis ol' l('it(M>
of continnation and conces>ion, i^-ivcn a! Pe.ris bv the J)ii]
de A'antado'.ir, " V'icoKtu' of .\
cv. -Kr;inc-
iv(.'
al tlu; reoLiCii
)f 1
,onir
il
eberl.
■ojie ( Mhe subjec'.s and inhabitants oj'
die said Coiiiîlr
■,nd
lias settled
a i' 1 '
( i V^r
!lt
!!(■!('
'd d!" the iir:-l faniiK' v^liieh
•1()\V
11
ehe
IlO'
•( Il
ixi'u llie \ car
. '' a! 1'
l(i()(
iJMiee
), lintil
calh-d
(l) Cliarlevoix. Icli.s u.^ tliat îlic .\
!'iHU.-> i
I.. i
;i J.dcl'.e ;\lti'r liuviiu
'iiiuleil at r^abh" l-,l:
;i(l ai.ii iwoaiioiti'nl iIh' coa.:
Ar:\
(i:
;i returnoi
fn
' raiicc, uiiiTO sev.'r.
tlii' Vi'urs !()ilo\viiiix. a:
i:a;'nv;>.i-;l ( ;H'!!in>!aii('r< itctainrd limi uiiniiL;
\ !:'.;■ 1 li.îii iV !)i '.■">. iti'i'i!!!'.' '!!> <";t(ii)riM'.
V. !.
inç).
C^')
■anv
;r
iiv-
Ul
■ i r--,:! arir
ali>iK'il ni I )ni'!,f'
r , 11!
I >rii,iii'
th,
thr
ainilnti'
-ntitk'l
'irri;5 cl i ^nrarr. u's
i> a
fn
-I iMK'iirnlt"
'S
K
Qiicbcf, (.Icarfi.! a «.( rUiiii poiUoii ni i;iii(.l, MnroiunJcil bv a/i
< iii'Ujsiiri-,"' (wtiicti is said lu hc tlie plai r kiiuwn, at j)ii;st'iil,
m liie cilv (»!' l^iK'bi'c, lUhlt-r tli».' iiaiiif ol Saiilt (Ui Matelot,)
" and built and ('(insinicii'd a d\\f!liii!^' [\>v liimscll', liis l'a-
luily and l'alllr/' lie tiiil lier a I Ic'^a'd tliiit lie liiid tiblaincd
froiii lin- Dukf de AidnlinorciicN , llii' jjrt'dcccssor ot tlic
Uwkc de \'aTiladour, in tiic .iliicc oi' \ i( o-Hoy, lin' i^ilt iii
p(.'r|)fti;ity nlllia: porlir.,! oi land, bv It'!!(i>-[)a1''n1 ))a>M'd (;ii
\\u' 11'; V
rhnnrv
li;j;i. T
iv llr A'
< c-idiv (•(inlil'Uls Iiiiu
m dii>- cMfici'ssiii;! '■ in cii'.ov 1,ir siMiir, lo liavc and lo liold
tlio sanic eu J't''f v.n:,i(', unlo liiui, l'.is licirs and !i<si.uns lor
»:!vci% as lii- own aial l:i\\iiiliv' ;!r(|ni!-i'd j)iojn'i1\', and lo dis-
[)()>!' lliri'col' l'aliv and ptaccaljiy, ■.{< iic may iliink ])n)|)ci,
tiic A'. Iiolc (K'|/ciidin:,'' (ph il;;' lori ;nid (•a--iir ol' (Vachcc, suli-
j("ct lo Uic cliarijvs aiu] cfuidilion^ whi'-ii sliall hri'callrr bc
ini|)ose(l by us.'" \\\ llic samc hMicrs, lli,' l);d\(' de Vania-
floiir lias "• iiior<'o\cr îjfivcii lo liic s;dd llrbci't and liis suc-
ccssors and a-^^-i.'.m'-,, l'i" rNlciil ol' opc l'"i\iicii Icaiî'uc ol laiid,
\\\\\:i a!id l)fin;,f v.v.w (■^iiclx'c aiMTcsiud, on iIh' river St.
Charles, wliie!'. lias li'en bonnded and liiiiited by llie Sieurs
de (Miauiphiin and <i<' Caen, lo i)o>ve->, cjear and cnllisale
and inliabil tlie saine, as lie may sceiii lit, on liie sanie con-
dilions as the iirsl dojnition.'''
V,'e sor jiv tl;"'^ e!inees.--ioii, liiat 'Mlie (■!iar'_;'es a.nd eon-
dition>"' eoKJd <tf!<rii'(ir<l-i be li\e'.l by ihe \'ice-roy : bein^r
llie iu-.-t, indiealion ol tli" reieniion ol'iiiat ])ow( i', wlucdillit;
Kini: and bis repK sen!ali\es e\ei-c;'-ed so olieii, of inlervcn-
in:,'- by le'^ixla.iive iieans, or meaU'- purely adudnisirativ e,
in tiie concessions aireafiy laade, in order liie bélier lo iii-
siu't.' 'lie aeconipli- ilUienî <>f'l!ie objecî ol' l!ie.-;(.' ^auie Coni'CS-
«i<>n<, nainel\-, ii:e {•oioni;':;;lion, eieaiini,'' and cultivalion of
liie biiids. Tii.' ^'•i|uc| w ':ll si'ow tli:it iliis eonlinu;d inler-
\cinioii Im-ï ^incii 1o die Si'iciii(ii-i;il System of New 'l''ranef
« i"haraetrr .•dio>:r''dier p(Muii;ir.
\[)
a
u-rior lolin' ('i)iii;);iiiv ot îh»' llilinind .\>si iciiite^, llie ti!l<- ol
tlii- lii>I roiicc-vjoii ol i!m' cMciil ot hilid, klitiwii liow Ululer
llio ii;iiii(' oithc Si'iL'Miorv (>!'■' Nulri; J)!inic des Anirc»*," on
tli'' river Si. ('Ii;!rl<'s iii';;r (^Jiichcc, l'orm l!:i' lliir<l iiiid Irist,
v\tiicli \vf IriVi' !i;i(l il iti oit posvcr lo ('(/iisiilt. H tlicr«.' riM'
citlicrs, v. <.' un,! l'oi ;iu;iru ol' ilicir cxi'^U'iiec.
'l'iiis ('oi\c:--sioii ol' '■ l'oiir Iciiirin's ol' hiiid" \v;'.s inruli- hy
flic Diikç (]'' V aiitiuiotiv, iii l'is (iii;i!ilv ol' \'icc-roy (>! Ncw-
l'"riii)cc, lo tlic KfVfT' M'! I'hiIhts oi iIh.; ('oinpanv «il Josus,
Ol) \\\r lO'ili Miircli KiiH ; '• oiir uill,''' lie >;iys, '• hoiiitr
tli;it tli('\' iMiioy pi'iici'nl)!^' tin; wiioir ol tti'- woods, laUcM,
poiiiis, rivci's, sli-ca!iis. licMs aiîd oilir:- lliiiiL',-', v. hi<di tli''\
iiiay ,',;î(1 oa î!"- said latid, on v. 'licii \\v\ >\\u\\ lia\c tho
riLdi! I.) I);;ili!, il' m) l!;ry d("'i!i iji-oprr, a liai>ilan(>n, dwtdlin:;
j)iai-i'. fi()\ iciaM' (),• >rin:iia!\' lor r:".'n!^(-;\ r<, al! i to n'ar ;iiid
!nNlH"'l lli<.'!'(';;i ih" fldidrLM ol'';:" l:i(i; .n'^.
lu llics" daiM- dcca'aicnN, w.' l'asc l!ic coninnaiiTiiinU
<>l iinr l-rt'dal li:N;,;;y. !l, (•onvi(!ci('d nirndv l'\' ;l:(au'<(dvi's,
indcniaidcn; !y' ol \\'.. A \\\i-. \'kv\\ Mlace a.t a lalcr poriod m
( 'aiiada., li".'y aj)|>:':;: !o i:;> w i'l;oi;i in.'liaai'-" <in d;c quos-
don oMIk! ali^aiatioa (^!' l'a- !•'■'■!', l'ii'v^ ;if !ra>t, x-rvc to
show uiia!, :m ils ori'j'iii , iliai -vV':-:! :ii |ia> hrcn, vAddvii \v;i^
iiilondml io de JoUowcd i;; i';(> c ,:)c<'v^ion ol' lands, as Ixdti^
tho inost j).''or..(>r, ac;'oi'(!ii!'j; lo \\\<' idt as \\ iuch prcvaili'd at
fhat pcj-jod, lo rcali;," l':(' 'jT!"ai i))A v, aicii tao r'naKdi ( Jm-
■' 'aaiiii'ai* had ia \'. v\ , :a loaad;!;;^ :!i;s (.'oionv.
i(>. 1 pa-- W'.w 1.» •'•.' <■-:: i,i:..;a;:'":f, ia ir:T-2S. of \\u-
Conioair. ot \{'\\ -'■■■•:].. ■■ ;.',j ('ouiiui::;;).'': dr le .\<virf'lr
i'niiK'r' — lia- c'aiii !■ of \', ':',-'! i'<.nv.] jii|t,.,! (':iai'la a î'ro-
juat'iavv l io'>(ap a' m 'I) i ■:.:)"!■; ru. n'.i i'! i'i,'<>»n'i!iriiy]. '!"!•'■'
\' holc liMioiM' ot ! ai^ 'a:;i;-MM-_ coiiip >S''d ol d;\'!s avtifics,
aili"^ts d'à t ia lia' tawai ion : .1 1 .'n' ( 'oiapaax', 1 h" K ; a^T !ind, a ^
l' ! ) 'i'Iii.' .\c' ol' .\>;'-'''a:arai '.i^aiii" I dv 'lu; ' '.iv'.i'!:!' 'i- lif-jahi-i,
:\n objcit, riccordin^ U) ûic fm-r^-ftic; expression of tii.-
prearnblo i>l' th<> articles ofthc iJOtli A[)ril 1()27, lo i\stabli.sh
•' fi pov.Trl'iîI rcloriy" iiionici-îliaf " NfwFrnncf.', witli ail its
drjJoruJf'Mfic'^, inii/ht, once (or ail, brcouic a jxissi'ssion ni' th»;
Crown, willi'iiii (IitiiiTcr (if ils hcinij^ takiMi av/ay IVom tlio
Fmicli hy llu- ivinii-'s rnr' ùv^, jis iiiifrlit Ijo ihf rasn, if
prfnai.MK.'iMry lacasiuvs wrrn tuif takou a;jainr?f sucli a
C'en tin ■.(<■)](■ y."
Ile wislied, hytlKSf; mean'^, lo rorur-dx llu- l'aults of ti
le
past, as under ihc iiianaLfeiiicni of tlw^ niorchant^' wlio liad
posppssed tl;e wlioii' ot" ils tradi , ihe ("ountry had becn lefî
nncidtivated and alinost wilhciit popnlation.
Canada i-
:i\i
'" to tlie (.'oiiipun) ol' \<'U-i' raiiec " f
or
f'Vfr, lu Itill proprrly, jiislice and Scigniory,
'l'iie Kinu
oniy niakes tl)c i (•;•;< •rvalio;. oT tiic '• rj<>lit of feally and
loiimi;iL;'i'
v> ;!li
olde'i crown weijrjiin''' rijrlit;
în.'iiks, iipoa ciieli Pii'iatioii oflhi: Crown, and iIh' appoint-
ivo_\;il Coart:-' (Jusiirr; souveraine),
'■ni'iit of ih.^ Olil
^■^•!lO shall be iKinied and pveseîiîed lo hini l)y ihe .sai(
A-Ssoeiales, wlicn it s!i;d! be drcnied j)ropfM- lo eslfd)lisli sneli
Conrls.'" (Aii. î, of the Art. of :,'<)ili April 1()27,)
" It will be law fui for Ihe said vVssoeiates," savs tl;c
6 Art. " lo iinprove and ainejioratc the said land-, as tliey
tnay deein it necesf^ary, and dislrihul': Ifie .saïuc iotltoscwho
*rlU inhahU fhr said Counfri/aiid io ollirrs, in sneli ((nantitie>!
nnd iti sudi mann t as tjiey )nay tlunk pr()])er ; lo ifive and
^ant tliem sueh litlrs and honors, riglits and pcnvers a^-
'hey may deeni proper, (îssentiul and neeesïvary, aeeoniing
' (iraiid-Miistor, Cliief and Supi riiuoiidant (ioiier.il of (lip Naviga-
tion rinil Cominerr'* of V
raiice.
i'^ dated CPlli Ainil 1G27, nnd \vn^
ralitled and conrirnirul bv Arril df tlm Kin^r in rounci], nnd liv liCftrr-»
Patent ofthc (Uh May 102'^. '• T^dit=i et Ord : TOdilion in-8r>. publisb-
'"d nf (.)ufl.«ec in IS"»-!, vnl. 1. p. 1 ; ç t, seq.
o
21 ({
U) Uic qiiuliiy, ( onUiliou :iuii iiit'rii- l't ilif indi; i-JuaU, aii.i
Sj^oruTally upon hu.cIi fh'M'i;c:>, n.Kcrvu ami '-i^ndi'i'.^r.'.AH tliey
iiiuy llilul; j)r')j;;'r."
By iIk» lir'-'i prli''
<• \l}C
C'.'niniiT
:<' t;:"v?'
to
:irrv i)V('!' lo Acv.-i r.'iih
;il():'
m
(■•.):!!• •" tu II!'
f th
CnsUiM'.' VI
Ui
1 v.'f) iM' ii;r
•(• Iiiindv,-,! i-i"n p/r;// (radv.i.
:ui(l diiriti'' \l\r !^(";l (il'î'-ciî yi-ars, 1) incrcasf^ iliaî :iiiin';f>r lo
four tliDxst'.ns (•!' |,;):!i
r{)!H|)lrt'.\l la t!i^' ; r,!r KIÎS; 'n ;,:•'
nad ;;ll liiiiurs ;.:''"i.ci-ally, \.ir- a '<
(iiii'iia; tiii-i'c y.\ rs ( aiy , al.;.'
Associatc-; v.I;i ha di: •lia:'.4''al. ,i' ;
oblii^alioii ol" j;/<a,i'i'T.r fu.'ii < l'i, h
(luan'iily of clc-n'ai iji'idS; lo (
vcs, V. ii'i !a'
\. lii'.'a laa'.ai
!k«11 hr
lu- ;i;
ain l'.i|'j:nuî
arv lo lil'o
I!.; a i)(':a(Hi
saa
■ I lii''-- 1 1''"
i;, Iroiu llic
lia la ;i
ill
ICiCIlt
1 a o I
•( .":-"-a'",' \v ar ,1 '{■ )
K r,i lo :-a!)"o: ! ; iaa'asi'l-
iiiai
*
>t tllUC
a ne
I îo 1
l'.a upra 'aa* saiac i!
lai- ac\t a!'>Uia'' <. roi), or
Othra'V. i.'-a lo \)i<y^ lùr
liua
1' a* tiaaa Ja
■ac!i V.
iljo;- u'aa iiaai^
aiosisi 1
a li
a; s . a (
a ii'..;>
i C'oaa!
ii:ay, by
J
'■y
an(
apport 1
uaai-c;v(.
i>
lie Util, nrac
iaiposr'-' (,n l'aa C.\;riipany tlu; obliga-
tion lo sup.jiori, (1
i;ri)^Lr là \tan-s, a caraiin i^iai
(■ !•:
inar (Il r.ccK
'iva'ja
tril
5(,'S,
siaslics, '' ua* taa i)arposa oi (■',!n\<'riin!:; Jar
and of aiiordiiiLi^ tiin (aai<olalions ol' rali^'ivia lo tla; Frcncli
wlio yliaU liavc Halîlcd ia .Nau-I'^raiico jduroaad
« • • • •
iin-
Icss tlie said As'-oclalc-^ :-aali ];
alasia-^lica (d(arr( d iaad salii:-'"a»! ;' •: ilicir
a" .<4i\aair lo U' \ ^■' a
] i:
aa\'^a
To llie arîialr ; , \;ai'ii *" j/ran.'-* lo ;ha :;t?ocia1rs l'or
ftver, tlie Irade of ail Iralliar:-;, i'nrs arul paltrirs oi' N'cw-
Franco,'" an (wcapt'uai is ira^alc, by arîica^ 8, whifb ^ay? •
" Il will nf'verlheha-s Ix." lawl'id l'or Frcncli îaibjccls actlledin
tlie said Couniries trilh ihdr famUirs^ end who will not hc
ftupporled and mainlaincd hy thc said rompani/, {^^'^^ aljovr.
vtrt. 1,) to Iriide iVcely in pollrirs with tlir ïndian«, providc(^
.1.}
■j. a
Ui;il ih"- l)';asrr (.ibl:ii'n-<l h\ \\\*'\\\ h
'• .l.'rl N', un
iJ ('
isîiia V I
iiii|);;iiv tu' tlnir (■
l'I l»v di' li'M'ïlt». \.\ l|i 1 W l!l \)>- hnlIIK
1> v^-l.l 1«
II
l,) |>u/clia-i' Il
IL' .'«,1 :. I', 1' 1 , .,1' Il
( . .i)ii\
■(• .•; I om'iiiti.i farli.
!7, '• ;;;• c'ul lirii cf
l'inai'y liv l'a- !■ .i-is ci
rrcllrli Miujirls \> a.i >iial! '-l'ilr 'iMl:
!ils;t tlic liidia.n-- nJm» .-i:a,l 1; ' l'r(i;i'.!ii lo a l,ii';\\ii'(l:;t' nf
l!ii' C'Iiri-'l iaii i,/i:ii.
,1 \,iiO v.iii I i'ii.;''-.s lac >aiii(', v, ;ii l)i;
t.'on^'iv
[l'ii-d n(i!i'y<:'. /
Kh'.l ■' i'. '( .1.. '
a , t.
11. Il' w ;• lri.'> ! » ;!.;• a'^i:iii.,:al ; ^iv'.M i" lli' l!li May
1GJ7, \\ t' >('(• il;v; ;;
I,
Il ; . u
' 1 1 ; a • : i \ ■. ■ ^ i 1 ) ■ i K I i i I < ■ ■ • U ' i> i M 1 1 1 ( • ( 1 1 1 1 1 -
\)'\uy Ili'" I' )\'. vT li) ''.'.'■i'ailt 1 ;,c i;;i:iiv oi' .scv, -i'.M'ai';-, "Il ■^iM'Ii
i'laii>i'> ;inil ••oialiiani-^ a- r,a\' ,- au ii liuaa ui">i atl\aala-
l^calls l'ir l!l:' CnlIlMMIW a-' :,.'■ Ml ic'.i' 1 l\) \\':' -•['■.A .\cl (nf J!l|!l
Api il) : r\c!i II) a!»;)n'. i,,, ;,| !!:>• d i.aa.ail tu i >■.•-, >acii a -■ail s
as tin -y niay »|.' a a :'.', ivu' !>• di--'. lia;' ■«•ii • ,' 'iii' -a ai iaials
II! 1(1 11) rc allai r lin' roiia'ii iua-. di'h.'' >aii. a" .\:\.[ n\ ! i ;!i .'-.r-
liclc, 1 1h' (■oi!aa>Mniis l'i i:a,i i< r . ' :i;! (•( :iv'->i , ,.' !\^ ;, la nui ml
ar|)('iils Cl" (a' a !'■- ; tii;;!;: av , as ii yrc, ia," i laal m (•;;>•
llii' (lirci'lors '■'• w :-iii'(! lo ( ,'. _')a,-.7' c/'aiai a, .'■ ;a'/'r la iac >ai(l
(iKSOcîalv':^ (ir f.'//; •■/>', a ny laa'- ia .\i'\\-!',ati--.' a :'ia'c--.iiti,
cvcccdiii!:; JOO c;riHiits\ ili«'v s!a>i:!a i-c imaïai id a>>ri!ii)li' tin»
m'cata.>.t llUliiijarva iha a-v-oriaa's !)()--^i m'c,'" aihl liial lo l'iai-
(Icr llic :^Taat Ic'.'';;!, lia' "JiailaM'alidii ■ iioal'. I l'a siilixa'ihcd
liy, at !ca>l, 1 w cai'y o:" llia :aii.! a «-acialc--, iacladiiiLf 'iic I):-
rcators or tlu'ir alinrai i a i'; liia ',.\"-.aa'!' ( !' " :':a laîrii-laiil
i!' t!a* a!: lii's o!' :ia' ^■
i ^raiVA
12. Siicii i> ''.a s.ilaaai (aiaa ,a,. \. i,;. a a a a iaaaa' !''iaa.'!',
\\ ilo lluai licld C'aîiada sa l.)r..;aa ,. a.- at ;r .'al I la iii.'lil [i'rouc-
«■//r?/.) Iliade w il.a llic (aaa.i)-M:y ( ,' ;!',■ liiaa!ird A--()(aal('s.
'flic Company h'raaîia ]aii|a iiaaa; wl' ; ia»- pa: i ni' Vimaica,
iîi \irtiip ol'liiat i;aMtii w'aa.a aava il tu tluaa '' î'T i'",aT, in
(I) 'l'Iiis lii|rii;iaiit 'inivimlnl liv ilic ( ',1'alMnl d^' Cvi?!;! I (Ml, w.-.i,
le roiilo ;it l'.iri-t. .\al. -M. -jr,. •.":). :; |.
'L\ a
Inli pr()i)(.'il\ , jiislhc aiiil Si'ii:iiioi) ." 'i lie li-allv iimi lioin-
m;!-'.- rfsf'i.cl l,y ilir KiiiLr f^tiiMi^licl ilif ticwliich slioiiltl
(.•\'sl hrtwtrn iiiiii ; i!i| l'ic ;'i';iti!rcs ; il i-; ihr lrii(l;il liu
^\■lli(•ll (•.iiuiol iic lirolvcii !.y tl;r htlcr wilinait llic cotisent of
lli'" loriiii'!- ; il <.'(iv, ii!s il"' rniiirc (li'pciiiIfiK V I)V wliicli tlic
(_'(>iii|viiiy lioivl ihi-: ii!iii!cn<(« tcnilory iVoiii llir Kiii:,', flirrc-
liy Ix'cdiiM' iS'ir -i'i';i!i'>;' (|M!;i';ni:'. Tlii -^ \\\< i m;,^1iI to ho
rcs|>rclril li\ li;";M l;i ]'•;(' ;i i ir ii;i 1 1( .'i ;,!;(| in lin- « I i>|)( i-.it ioiis
tii:i(lc l'_\ ; i"i,i .,,' ' ''!■ I:'!iii . ; :;i (i'''('r \\ iM'iU, ;i i I tlic sirp^ tit"
lit'' )-"ri!(|;iI 1 Mil 'i-, l'"'" i il-; !'.!■•-: t.» i!-; i;i: |, y, mIcIi is ;i roii-
<'cssi(i:i ;, I ;i l'.jii l'ii;! : .. ', i',"/ !:! |i > mi; !v ; !io vu'r-i'<|iic(ii ;,'r;iiils
(il t'ir Cii;!;));;;:-. .
].}, 'i'in- ]■'''■ 'li 11 i'i -: iiiii iii'i l!!riiii'.:ii(iiit liir u I m il c df \t'\v
l'"r;iiU' • flnivc-; i>-- o;i jvi ',miii t!ii-. I\()\ ;i| coMcc^'-iiiît ol' l(»J7
|I1J~'. Il j. I !i • 'iv-M (■';•;••;;■!•.. ;\( Il lo l'ic iii'nMiniiN (if tlic
("iiiiiiiry. I\'ii'!,;ii-i;i, j! !- îiiiv-, ('\iv!((| ;!t ih;it pcriod in
o'id l'"r:iii> '•, in wiiiili i: . oi'iviii i^ l<>^t, as il wcrc, in tli(!
nii:[lil ol' ;;l,'i'-. :);it lii.it l!i>l iîiilion, diiii rriit as it w as tiii-
i\i'V llii' sf.'vcr;;! cii-tii'i^, \', hii'ii iu larLi' iiniiihcrs wcn; scaf-
tcrrd ovcrilic i'\ ii)'.^'iuiiit, v\ •'< cri'atcd, l'oi'iiK'd, and cotisoli-
dalcd iiiidcr llw i'ii'iiii'iKv cfa -'aîc ol' liiiiiLis, df n class of
lacis and ciicin.i-liMiccs, and ni' local iis;i;^cs, wliicli, r<'<j:ar(l-
cd in a p.ililical asA\-cli as in a social point ol" vicw,
\vc"c n; (•c--trii\ lorci'/n !o a ("oniilrv' ncwly discovcrcd and
slill in ;!s il) l'a il'.' s ;■■; a C'oli'iiy. H' il !>c a Iso Iriic (and it is ;i
irntii sj>iin_lii ,'■ l.-oni iiccf>r-.;ly) liia; v, Ihmi tlic iiiliahitants of
a ci\ ilix.'d { 'onniiN ica\c il, lor liic pnrposc ol' scckini^ ;i
I loi ne in aiiollicr l.Mid, a- y et iiniiilial)itcd, and, in consc(|ncn-
cc, nol subjcclcd to ain sxslcn ol' law s rccoi^ni/cd hy civi-
li/.cd coiiiiniinilics, ihcy ac siippo-u'd to lakc w ith llicni llic
Jaws of tlic niollicr C'onnliy, l)\' w hicli liillicrlo tlicir llhcrtics,
tlicir iiL;iii> as cili/.ciis, and llicir ])roj)(nlics liad l)ccn ^ovcn.-
r{] ; il' tins, I sa\', l)c Irwc, it is no Icss trnc tliat sucli a rnic of
piihiic an<l poltical r\ix^\\ can otily comprise sindi ol' tliosr
lausas nntiiral'v snil ilr> ])r\\ po<itioti in whicli fhnv me
21
a
j)lacccr due jt-yarti bt'iui,^ Imd lu llieir Liicuiiislr'.nci;» aiici
wants, in the Comitrv intu \\ liifli iliev aru aboiii lo
sieltle. Sow thc Friidal institiiliu/i c-amujt bi- .-jaid lo
bt'lufii^ to tluî cl.'issnf laws wliich Aiv e'()li)!ii>-ts arc dcciiK-d
ihus to iiavt* hrou.'/lit witL tliciii iii llicir iiiihiiinalioii. h h.
to some oxlcul, an cxolic plant uliicli t!i''y lia\(.; nol t.'ic
pow'cr to transli'T il!;'ai>c]\rs to anotlicr cliuiatt'. Tliis can
uidy bc cii'ccted by a ;-troi):.'(.'r anii, ihat, jiaïai'iy, ol' iliu
l'rinc'L! or thc Lc'/i.-lulcr.
'l'Iial bv tbi^ la\%' oî u:i\iv:r. iaH pro'j'.'rty i:? Irc;", is au
ackno\vi('(l'/('<l priiidj)!:'. il, lollnw iii'.^ tlic iiccc^sitics ol
jjolitical and ('i\!! .■-oci"t\, ihal propciiv' ccasi-s to bc Ircc, it
is tlicn >!;iiipc(j v.illi >(T\ilMd', ;•,■- is llir j)ropcrty sidj-
jected to l'ctidal auliiorjy. Il i-, t!:"]!, ;:i \\\c laws wiiich
i';;nstitiitc tliis onlc;- oi' lliiii;:s llia! wciiiibl scarcli ior thc
source o!" ihis s''i'\itnilr. \o\\, ihcri' liad, a> yct, bccn no
lawol'lhis natiirc niadc fur llic lands ol' ( a.'iada. 'i'Iic Ijrst
discovcrcrs and (';)inid('-: oi'tii:il ^ '')h>iiy, .)ac;iii('< Cartier.
Cliamphiin, and others, ioiiiul thc.-'- iaiids in al! tlieir naliiral
wildness, w hich, tliMv-!or:', (■;)n>ti',iih'(! a ;j:':r:\\ iVechoid, |ie-
Joni^inir to liie ("rov, 1. ol' France. Tlie So\( reii;n alone eonld
inipress ou tlieni tlie eiiaraeter ol' l'eudality. Tids i>: \\ hat
ho ilid by ihci^rant ol' Hii7-IGJS in l'axor uf ilie ('(tinpaiiy
ol' Xew-Franee. | aiM therel'orc justiiicd in sayniif that llial
eiiarter is the ori'dn ol' our l-'eiuial i:!'-lilii' ion.
11. \Ve must now exan'iiie llic eharactcr of tlia! insii-
Intion, under tlie pro\isi(ins (.!' il^ dv. ii einiler, iiiaKin'.;
allow anees l'or tlii' ;;coi';rapliical posiiimi til" tlie ('iinntr\,
l'or its natnral condition, and Ior thc ciniMn--tanccs ;inii
Wiints ol" an infant Colony, c^lablit.hin^' iv^cil" ainid thc \a>'
/orcstsofthc New World.
I' hus !)een [)retendcd rhat thr i.Mant ni llij"- Jb.2S. W7>.<.
^ Irce jrii't in favor of fhc Hundred .\'-'-(.iMat<;-i ; ijiat tjijs ifjp
'JO u
liiul (•uli--l!HUr(i
he
( ul
iiiiiiir,
;u*>(tlnic Diiipnctors o
iîinds oi Canada, so absoiiilu iiiilri.'d thaï ihcy \v<'i(; at libeity
U) di.spo.st;, Dr not ',0 dispose, ni tlieiii, at thcir picasur". Tins
prctt'iisiou is cvidcnlly hasrd on cnor ; to hc convinccd ol
iliis, it is only nccL'ssary to jK.'rusc tin; clauses transcribed
abi>ve, l'roiii tlie eoiit.act ol' U).'37-2y, and to bear in uiind, at.
lie saiiK' tiine, th" chiei' objeet ior wiiicli l!ic Soverei^^ni
liad
Iliade
lie
riant.
iieyond a dcj
!ibt,t'
property in tlie
landr
was aecpiired l)y tlie Company ol' New l''ran(;e, but tliat pro-
[«•rty was not conceded to tlieia witlioiit onerons eonditioiiM,
wliicli tliey could nol infrinii^e witli iinpiinity. Il isirue tliat
l!;t! Coiiipanv iiiay be s;ipposed to liave eoii--idt''tl nicreiy
rrani
1: in
ail II:
:i i'
(leiiiM:
liaMcil-^i;
Ml
11I<' 'A ISiiHi
.1 III
la;
')■'(•
«•v'rii'il
•1 iiiaKiir,
eo.'i-
s i i i i ■ I ; M I ( )
:i,I iiio:
|)oil.;t!l i!;:r
■ n
Ifc
llILîll
Dolitic
!;:<)| ivc
avili'.; m '. 1 'w, (>•;
(■ne liaïul,
:e a!
'■lunui/.einentol lus Ciow 11, and, on t
le o
lier, the ad\anta<
not only ol' tlie llundred Associates, but also o|' ail liii
siibjects. Thèse l'onsideralions and iiiolives i^overn everv
clause ol' tlii.s Contract. It was a [«'Viiianent Colonv iliat
the Kini; was desirons of roiiiidint( ; tio! a •mail and leeble
settlemeiit consislini,' ol simple siTvanls ol ihc Compair, , lait,
al'ove al
î):)>A-er!nl C
oloiu
lys himsell' in the
preamble ol ihe (Jontrae». ('oiild this Coioiiy heeoine powor-
lul,
yo su!
nîiy }:
uv.'c
saiil to le aeciiii
d
I . I a '
mv
me
(•■ii;l(
lor
1: i;o o;l:er t;er, oii:; mî'mc:
.10:
yllU'y.
on(
1 ::\::r.
.i.u;
la'i Ma-
IT
'ii;
I a
•l!..|(.ll I;
md
.f.'i
1 ,1;
uaii
:<a'.-. ol wiiie'; Il
.ne
1!! (•■>:
ita
a"l.( K'ie o' I h" stroiure'?'
proois 1!! ;;
li;e "1 lit Ol' t:
t. ri.
ar' '(
.;.l . ■• i.| !lll,-^ "A !■-
r>:M!c JiJth .\i.r
!.;<
ni:
I m
()(•;!' 1(111
.{<V «U
26 a
llnndrcd Associates, ofilic ,i,'ran1 wliich liad
iniidc lo (iaillaunie ilc Cac
proviously becn
u and lus assoc^iatcs, for carrvi
yniK'
«a tlic iriKh- ol'Nrw-Francc. Aiiotlirr prool" nol Icss strik
iiii^- ol liic saiiio wish, joiin'd lo so many bcsidcs llial niay bo
loimd il) thc saiiKM()ntrac»,is tlie stipulation Avliicli imposes
rv, in a
<'ii
tiif Company ilic ol)lio!ition to scnd lo ilie Count
xiwvn lime, as niaiiy as l'oiir thoiisand pcrsons ol'hodi scx
es.
aiii
I it» coiiccdi; lo ilinii, al'lcr llire
o vcais rcsideni'c,
«luanlily (if laiid wliicli was cvcn lo hr clean'd, and sulli-
«■i''nt liir ihi'ir siippori.
'Il
icst' pcrsons, <'inii^M'alinj>; fo
Canada l)v iiicaus «!' tlic Company, \vore inlfnidcd 1
o assisl
m Die cic."!]!)?) of lin- Cdionv : and il
Ivini
\VJSIK'(
1 thaï
IH'V
hoiild \v\\v
lie liopc, cvcn m soiiic respects, llic ri^dil,
|)iTio(I, lo partieipale in llie o\\ ncrship ol" tlit-
I. Il was ilie Kini( wlio slipnlaled lor lliis lioiu-, dus
n^^lit. 'l'Iiis -lipulalion was tli-'n saca-ed ; llie Company were
iIm ivloivoLlinr,] 1,, concède llic lands, in order to l'ullill llie
al, n<< (le
-i>i
Virws ol llii
K iiu
was ihr law of il
eleaWy exprc'.sscd in ilic Contract. Tliat
Contrael, a la
w \\ liieli, m aecordanee
v'v'w wlio diclated
lyf
or
willi ihc (lc-i:^ii and ohjcct of du. Sover
II, oiii^lit lo lie -ii|)|)osed lo liav(! Immui made, not sole
'II'" liciiciit ol ihat pc.rlion of his suhjecls wlio had emi^'rated
lo Ciiiada a> m rvants of ilic Company, but aiso in favor of
;dl lu- oilicr -iihjccis. It was, in faet, a Feudal associai
ion
lli;il Hic Kinu (avated, w illi a view lo llie publie inlerest,
;in(l iiih. w liich hcwisiicd liis oiluT sul))(>cls, as wcll as llie
lliiiidivd .V^-ocialc>,slionld hc adinittcd, indillcirni (|c^r,v,.s,
'' accoi-din:,^ lo thcijuality, (•ondilioii and lucrii of ihc indi-
vul
iai
\rt. ■).)
W
liai
soun sec ihat tlic olilii-ation lo concède
and lo iiuava-c, hy micIi mcaH'^, llic populali(»n of ibu Co
Inny, -an oMi-alioii (Voiii wliicîi sprints iIk; feiidal associa-
li"ii ofuliieh I Ii;ivc ^p(^lccn — ha-^ never becn dcnied by liu-
Cciiipaiiy of llic lliiiidivd A^sociatcr- ; lliat. on llu; coMlrar^
ilicy wcrc eiii^er, iaiiucdialcly ufter bcing put ï\\ pus^essiuii
27 a
of Canada, to conondn thc lands llirro, hy siihinfciidîHion
and accememmt, ml('r|)i'oting tlicir contraci, tlirmxlvcs, in
tlic sanic inanncr as J Jiav(; just interjx-ctcd it.
Ilad fho Coinjjany ro))udia1(Ml lliis (»l)lii,r;iti()ii, had ili^y
pcrsistcd in rctainiii^' Canad;» in ils iiiiciilii\alc(l and im-
I)('()j)lcd stalc, il would liavo hceii, on thcir paii, a r. lii-al h.
l'ul/il thoir cni^M^viiirrils, a vid'alion oT llic law of ilicir r,.ii
tract; tlicy would liavc actcd conlrary to die \ i.'ws ni' ih,' s.)
vert'iii^n ulio liad dictatrd ihat law l(» lliciii, and <!r>iiM\ rd |,,|
(;v('r a C'dioiiy in ils int'ancy and wliicii ihal ,-ovciciyi) had
cunliihul lo thcir carc, so thaï thcy mi<,dii a>.<ist iji makin;^ n
a "pou-frl'ul Coluny " nndor tlic Hnulal >y>ti'iM.
H wc ask : wlio, in tlic ('\cnt dl" tlic nMii-|)('r(nrin;in(('
ol' tlicir cn^'agcments, hy llic ('()in|)any, (iiii,dil lo \n- |iid;r,.
<»r HUcli non-prrrormanci' ; I rcply : thc kini;- liiinMJI', al-
tlioni,di a j)ar1y lo ilic contract, and ilial in tli.- saine inanncr
as hc was jiidgc in tlic niaitcr oï thc Conipnny oï W illiain
de Cacn. VV(.î iniisi noi Iosiî si^lit of \\<\-< imporiani laci,
lliat tlic conlract in cjncsiion was not an ordin;irv c!)nlr;îcl,
like tliat bclwccn privnic in»li\ idiials, iIk; iion-pciidi mancc
()( wliicli ^ivcs oiilv a claiiii lor damnées, in tlic shapc
.f
ol a suin ol nioncv, tlic ainounl o! w liicli is l
o l)c (!((adc
l)y thc ordinnry Conrls ol" .In-licc. 'l'hc coniract (>!' l(i.>7
2S was not ol' so privatc ami liinitcd a cliar;icicr. Tlic Kur.
did not conîracl, incrdy as a Scii:ni()i', in p(.-^v(.v>j,,|| ,,1 a
frcc tcrritory, l'or tlic hcnclit df soiiic liniidr, d pci-ons, in
ordcr to iiiakc llicni simple vas>als, only IhhiikI •'> lealiy
and lioiiiai^'c, loircilicr witli tlic j)ayiiicnt n\ '■ n Golden
crown, wciir|iin<,^ cii^dit marks npon cacli miiiation ol ili.-
Crown" ; no: onc ouirlit not so lo jndi'-e ih.- cliaradcr (.l'ilic
soicmn contract of I(!i7-2«. It was, at once, pris ai.', and pn-
biic or polilical : pri\atc, uhder relations cMiemcJv lo-
trictcd, l)ut pi)!)lic or polilical, iindcr ail llic otliei-^ It was
a charter wliercin thc King s[)okc boili as Sovcrci'ai ami as
2.S a
!,ri,nslalii:, coîiIcM'ini; ;i ( Oiisliliitioii ;i:i(j ;i iicw l.);:i' oi (i"-
\onini(-'iit on tliis portion ol' tlic .\(>\v-Worl(l, :i;i(l cslahli^!:-
in^' tlicrein at llie saine lime llie Fondai Instilntion. It v.n-,
on liis part, an exorcise ofllio j)ubli(' a'.îtliori;;,' \vi!li Vvliici!
lie was vosted, an aot hoaring tlie litlo ol" " llio Kdiot oltlie
establishment ol" llio Company," and in tlie ooncessions of
land Jiiade bytlio ('oni|)any tiioinsolvos and in tîio [.o.'ifisln-
tivo and adminisirativo inonmiionts wliicli liavo do^^oondcd
lo us froni tilt; Froncli domination.
'l'iio iic'.v .-NsiiMn of (Jovornmont, froni wiiioli ti;" Kiii':'
lioped to SCO a '■'• poworful Colony " arise on titis ('(Mitinont,
is tliat wliioli is Known in Colonial liistorv, iindor tlio namo
o( i\ Propnelari/ (iovcnimcnt. Jiul iliis Covornmont and
tlie antliority wliich flowed irom il, could not liave tlie
elleet of witlidrawing the Company of tlio Jfnndrod Asso-
ciates from tlu; surveillance and tlio exercise of tlie power of
tlie Sovereign, wlienever tlio latter, eiîlier to oany ont liis
political objecfs, or willi a view lo tlic intorests of liis snb-
jccts, tliought proper to exercise lliat surveillance and ))ut
fortl) tlial |)o\ver, against tlie aels of tlitî Company, wlietlicr
for tlie purpose of forcing tlieia to rosp(!ct the |)rovisi()ns and
spirlt of tlie charler and lo exécute it faithfully, or to punisli
anv \it)lalion of il, wlioroof ilicy might bo gnilly Inoiioot'
tlioso cases, llie ICing iiiiglil inleri'oro, by laws dw^-.. •,,• ],-.^s
s(?v(nT, i)y régulai ions, ;'.nd (sven, by acN piu'oly administra-
tive : in tli(> olhor, by virluo of llie liigh-handeil exorcise ol
his power, aelniowlodged by liu; political System of llios(>
days, lie might déclare the J'orfcilure of llu; riglils and ])ri-
vileges tliat lie had granted, n^garding those associâtes only
as liis delcgales, appointed by liim to reprosent liim, and
carry out his intentions. Sueli intiu-vontion, on llio part of
ihe Kinu, hîi^ been !'requenl in Canada, undor the Ciovorn-
(■: {'■'. \\>'Y Tn ;^!i ( 'oiduios la
\\\
'l'iea Itear le-i iiii()i)\- :i ■ : ne
!i:'' |:!( '. - *.!' a((|iia iiilai-
ce \\ ,la Mie leg.^ia'KiII ni ail liiose JVclU il ( oldîuos, îcaelie-i
'SU a
k
I
I«i'iry. 'iways .'ictivc and coiiliiinally licpt in jiracticc. 'l
1..'. ': , 1- irn-al Fief \\ iiicli tiiiis came \o \<r conccilcd to
li..- C.\iii;j',::\ ol' llic 1 liindrcd Associalcs, coiild not llicrflorc
rciuain niicMlti\aIc(l in thr liands ol'i liai associai ion, 11; ir Cl ùi 11!
ifs fcrcs's r'Miiain in a stalc ol' nalin-c. The Couiiii-y imist lie
cicarcd and iniprovcd, and tliis coiild only l)c donc \>y uicans
of siil)-i;ra:!lini( )!;c lands. 'l'iic Company w as, tlicrcl'orc,
Ibrccd to aliiMiaic, (ù; .se Jouer de .vo/> fief, i^vcn if tliis ohli-
l'^ation liad not bccn impos^cd iipou tlicm l)y llicir charter, it
w (vuKl r.( ■■l'ssarily havc ariscn Irom ihc force of circmus-
1ancc^•, !V(;.ii ncccv.sjty and Irom liie naliirul condition ofthe
(,"oii!j;;y. ( )\\ ini; lo iIk; sami.' causes, \\ e are l)oun(l t() alle<i;(!
that as respects the Canadiaii Seii,niiors, lo wlioni tlie Com-
pany Ljrantcd, en J'ieJ\ lands ot' iMimcnse extcnt, wliieh it.
was lîot in thcir jiowcr lo clear, so as to cuitivale them
as their own j)roper domain or property, they wen;
bound l)y tlie same o!)Iii,faiion, v. Ii.'ilier diat obligation
was or was not, v> riilm in ijicir litle Deeds. 'l'Iie feu-
flal lie, wilh ail liic hurtiicns imposed l>v the origi-
nal tille, had ;o Ix- rcspceti'd and fullowed, in al! th(^ stcps
of ihe ladder. 'i'Iie ohliL^ation lo sul)-<fmnl, llierclorc, honnd
tli(> vassals olliie Com|)aiiy as well as the Company thei
.selves
u-
IJad il heea otlierwise, if, from llie moment liial a
lari^e sul)-iiilcudation had heen made hy the ('ompany, and
l)y iIm; simple lad of lliis sul)-infend::tion, the va'^---al had
accpiinu! the rii^dil to daim an cxcmpiion from eonct dint;
the lanu:- on Iiis part, that is lo say froiii iiavini,' thcm c!e;i
rcd, éultivated antl inipr cil, in one word,)') cause die
Country
lo he settled, the objeet of the charlcr of 1(;:J7-2S
(1) Morcan de St. Merv. " Lois et constitutions des colaiies
fr<in(;;iises de rAtnérii|iie sous le vent.
J'etit : — Pif)it public on !i;niivenirinenf (le* colonies
i 11" Snine
,1
,ieai«i(>«.
i )i<sertcilion<< sur le dioit pnl)!ic des colonie^ ti-:'i(i''u'«e
];i:;llii:''n r, .le' laisrs.
30 a
ronld not havc bcon ntlainod ; Iho vast forcsis of Canada
woiild liavi' remained in a staU; of nature, or ev(în if inliabi-
fcd, it would ht; solely by tlic î;lass of advcnlnn^rs known by
the naiM(! of coureurs de bois ; and tlic " powcrful Colony"
wliicli fin; Kini,' of Franco was anxious to cslahlish would
neviT hav(; cxistcd. It would, tlien, liavo IxM.'n suflicicnt
for llie Company, tocnablc llicni tosay tliat tlioy liad fuliil-
U'd tho tcrms of tlieir Charter, to grant in several ficfs, tlie
iiiimcnse tcrrilory ol' New-France. And, in cxtendiiig to
thcir viissais l)y tliis act of sub-inleudalion, an exenij)li()n
witli Ihey wero not allowed by ilieir own tilles, tjicy would
hâve eonferred on tlieni greater rights tlian were given to
llieuiselves. Sucli a j)roi>osili()n can, in no way, !)(; sustai-
ned. It can ho no mori iustificd fhan can that drawn l'roni
wlial lias heen s;>,i'i i*' the fifth of tlu; articles of tlie 29th Aj)ril
1G27, and lii(î7'n ^ f ihose of tli{^ 7tli May following, to tlie
elfee» ');;■ i'>e !;N!"l)ers of tiie Company, could cunicede
tlieir la' i-; ' ;it ^ i-ii charj^'es, réservations and (conditions,
as iheyi a, s • ■ ;i' " a /^roy>o,s/7/o7J., of wliich I sliail speuk,
wlien I C( -le to 1. rueslion of tlie rates of Seii'nioria! (.lues...
5
17. Cp to lliis point. \vc do not iind, in the aots of ihc
Frencli (iovernment, any allusion to the (.'ustoui of Paris, or
to any other {'ustom, as intended, to be lliat whieti was to
be followed in Canada. VVe shall very '-.oon see that we
were subjeeted to tli(; authority of the Cusioni of Paris, as
miglit naturally arise when no other Custom of tlu; King-
dom was proiiiulijated by the Soverri^rn, inasniueh as that
of Paris, superior as it was to :i!! dir otliers, constituted thn
Common J^aw of France. It nuist iiet-d ihenifon; |)revai!
under the l*roprietary (ioviriuuent of I(i27-2H, espeeially
in sueh of its provisions a^ mi;.flit answer tlu; cireiunstanees
of tlu; new Colony.
The Feudal institution was crcated in Canada ; it ss
thcrcfore quite naturul to prétend that il was, from the be-
I
31 a
ginning, snbjeciod to tlio provisions of thn Custom of Paris,
iutliis muttrr ;is l'ar as possible, but oniy in so far as tlioso
provisions liad not becn dcrogalcU l'rom l)y tlio litlc inlrodii-
cing tlic institution itself.
The aliénation of tlie Fief allowed to tlie Seignior by
tlu; Cusiom of Paris, is only facultative ; tlic Seignior is not
under any obligation to alienate. If ilie charter of 1627-28
lias ordcred otherwise, as respects Canada; if our Feudal
System ini|)oses ou the Seignior, as I believt! lliut I hâve
sliown, the obligation to conce(hi - it is évident that there is
a di Ile renée, l)el\vi'en the aliiMiation of the Fief unch'r tlu;
('ustoMi of Paris and that of tliis C'ountry ; the one is facul-
tative, the olluîr ohligalory. ft will be seen, bye and bye,
that this dilference became more marked, in proj)ortion
as Ihe Feudal institution became developed in Canada, by
means of our spécial laws, our Customs and wants.
IS. Québec having fallen into the hands of the En-
glish m the year 1G29, the opérations by the Company of
Ne\v-Franc(; \v»>re necessarily suspended . It was not
until the year l()G3, that this Company re-entered on ail
their riglits, in conse(pience of the treaty fjigned at St.
CJermain en Laye on the 21)th Mardi 1G32. (1)
The lirsl stib-infeudation iiiadc^ by the Company was
that of the Seigniory of Meauport ; il bears the date of tlie
loth .lanuary l()3l. (2) This (iraut, lil<e many others that
siun-eded it , coneeiles, *' in full justice, property and
seigniory, for ever," and we also find in il thèse \vt»rds,
" in sucli manni'r and wiih such riglits as it has pleaseii
Mis Majesty to give the Country of New-France to the
>,\\d Company," words whicli are to be found in a great
number of the (Jranls in Fief. I will only make on(.' re-
(1) Charievoix, v. 1, p. UiS, to 178.
(2) Titres des Seigneuries p. 38G-7.
M2 a
:i.:il\ un \i.c
-liM.fl ni
IIOl." \S t)ll
\'. I.icll iUl\ti :i'(l
lliif^»)!- .il llif (li.illh
r> (i| Ilic
lo lisscrt lli:iL
1lii
y lia\c tlitTfhy Ix'coiuc ;il).s(tliitu proprichus ((Mlirm, |V. c
lo Jiliciiatc or Ilot !o aliciiatc ; tlial iciiiark is, tli;ii, l)y mkIi
<'()iiccssioi), iIk' Coiiipaiiy lias oiily Iraiislcrrcd lo !!;;•.>.■ per-
dons ilic li^Wiis \sliicli ff,(\i;, ilic Company, had thcmsth'VH,
(îlit'V coiild Ilot, for tint iiiattcr, is.\\v mon- ;) and lliut il", in
ilu- liaiids ol' tlu! ("oiiipaiiy, llicsc rii,'Ii(s wiîrc hiirtlicncd willi
llic ohlii^Mtioii to siil)-i,naiit, lliry coiild iiot pass iiito tliu'
liaiids ol' tlicir valsais uillioiit liuiiii,' liablt" to lliu ^at::-!
obli'Mtion.
To tlii.s (;raiit ol' ilic lôtli Janiiarv Wo\, iiiadr lo ih
Siclu iloUcrl (iill'ard, iivc; conditi
ons are iillacdiftl.
Ist. '' AN'itli tho réservation, liowever, ol' Icîalty aiid
li()riin,i,M' wliieh tlie said Sieur (iiH'ard, liis .siieecssors or
assin;n,s sliall Ix; honnd to render al tlie Fort St. Louis .,1'
Qiiehec, or at any ollier |)lace wliicli sliall ho apjiointed l.v
llie siiid Company, by one l'ull homuiîe, at cueli mutation ot'
posscssor ol" tlie saitl lands.
2nd. ^* Wiih a pièce ot' «rold uei^lii
niï one omief-, anu
ono years revenue ol' N.liat tlie said Sieur (iill'ard sliall liavi
icserved to liirnsell" al'ter lie sliall I
lave L'ranted in Fiel' m
<i cens et rentes, the wliole or part ol' tlie said land.«
3rd. That llie appeals of llie Judi^o wli
o ma
y i)e esla-
blished at tlie said place sliall be imiiiediat(dy !«■ fore the
Court of Suprême .lurisdiction wliieli sliall liereafter bc
establisheil in tlie same Country.
•Itli. 'l'hat lli(^ men whom tlie said Sieur (Jill'ard or
bis siicressors, sliali send to New-France, sliall serve to
iho disohari,'.' of llie said Company, in diminution of tlie
niimlier whieli it is obliired t
and to that end, lie 'chall driivcr, eael
o sond to tli(! said Countrv.
1 y car, a list of theu
33 a
attheOniccof llicsaid C()rn|);iny, m) ilial il may bc rorfifiecl
tlierc'of.
b\\\. '•'■ Witlioiit liowfVi'r llic said Siciir (iillanl, or
liis siu'c'i'ssors, liaviiii,' llic rii^'lil lo Iriulc l<ir lins or
.skins iii tin; sitid place, Or any oiln-r plaie iii \r\v-
Kranci", otlicrwisc thiin iindi^r \\\v conditioiis ol' iln- VAW\
rshiblisliiiii^- tlic said Coiiipiiny . (Set- tlu; ('Stli «»!' tlu,' arliclcs
of iIhî 2!)tli April H;27.)
My llit' siuiu' dt'cd tlic Coinpiin) i{r;inls on :i r<'ui iliar^f,
{à cciis^) U) tlic saiiif yrantce, i)iil w itiioiit mciitioii of tlic
aniount or llic natiur of llic rriit ''a place iicar tlif l-'ori ol
(Québec, c()ntainii]ii;l\V() arpents, \o ereet tliereoii a dwel-
linir liouse, willi tlic; conveiiieiiee ol'a yard aiul ^arden." 'l'Iiw
lollouiiiif eonditioii eoiiies iimuediateiy al'ter : "•witiioiil
llie said sieur (Jillard, liis siieeessors or assii^ns, liaviiiif llie
rii^lit lo dispose ol' tlif w liolc, or part of tlie laiitls lierein
abovc i^n-aiited lo liiiii, willioiit tlie will aiui consent ol' tlie
said Company, durini^' tlie tenu and s))ace ol' tcn years lo
be c()iupiited Iroui llie date liereol', altcr w liieli tiuie il sliall
be al liis option to disj)ose oI'iIk.' sauie in lavor ol persoiis
possessing iIk' ipialilies recpiired l»y tlie Kdiet cstablisliin»^
tli(» said Coin|)any," tlialisto say, ol" persons w ho wislied
to seltle in IIh- couutry, in aecordanee with llie ohjcct oftlie
Charler ol" U'>21-K)>^.
'l'Ile conditions reipiired luider ihe 'j;r,m\ ol' tli(> Kief
of Heauport ari; ins(;rted eitlier literally, or in e(piivalent
tenus, in a i,M'eal niiiuber of ijjranis, luade by llie Com-
pany, al<o tlie i-ondition excliidin^ tlie rii^lil to build
witlioiil tlieir coii>eiil, l'ortilications on llie laiids ^raiited,
wliicli is likewise to be l'oiind iiî llie i;i'anl iiiade to llie
sieur Cill'ard.
Two ol" tliose conditions an^ important, in as uuieli as
tliey tend lo sliow liow llic Company inlerprwted llie i^^'ani
i a
s.'irily liail (iti tlif)-c iic)-'ni> v. m.) c:;!;; ■ 1 > ;i.\,': iii;. île m lî.
as tlii'ir vas-wils.
.!•'■ :'":xii()\\i'
'l'Iic M'ccvl ciirid j ion, in slMuii ;l ''11; >.\v '• (Hv; vt.ir's
rf'vcinic oi' w !i:ii i!:" f.:iii| s:c'ir (.i.il.irii :-'i:ii' 'i:r.r ri"-.'i". r(!
t(» liiiiiscll', iiiicr 1)'' ririli li;iM' •..■in' ■' m i''i"l' d;- a <U'ii i
iIm' \\ linic (I- |iiirl ni ili<' ..;;i'l ;:i!-(l-, "(•;■; :••'. .!•'■ :'"'v
l:in.l>, aiiil < 'l'ilio l.i'"i''\ d il' ml -. . <■■' '
lion nr 1)\ (/!■.■' i>.\i :,t ."' .'■!'■!!;'■■ ^
lllissii>!l (il 1 !';■ 1,1' '' : \ I '1 • ' ;• ! ',, I ï 1
i> fi ".'iv: (I
tni-
lluil (M
Ih" \
l'M Chili' rri; i,";i '
ar II, al il inii/lit
L' V.
! ! 1 . ' 1 1
hV iMi iii!>-ii(l;
ail ad
I. : 'i" a' I. '!(:;-
'I !' ni-- iii s(t
;iii .''l'i','- l'M- a
V-ars rcvt'iii'f, h"- ( c!:;!'' i\, r ■:• ni >, c ;■' nip aiiMl
rcal jii'diii !(> Ik' n';,i'- cl • ■ >' :■••
pru'^rcss ',)i^- (\ui':'.y ii;ii:n' i ..li
r, i'-''! r;. : i!
t.. Il
lus pKiUl iriii--t !):■ t,(!-|\.'(| lu iM ;VlVlllC'lK ln:i>i'-i'il
i)V lllf'ir Va^s:il<, \\l'r 1 < ■!'! IM,;;)'.
■iii'l il; -.iiD-I 1(1,
(iii a relit char'.^''" ; i! lu;' \. --'i! ..ad !'!•,• Kmitiv <ii rcliivin;
lo (•■ .!,ci'(!i', W ,lf!l (nca-n'l! (
\\ 'Il i'' lia\c i't ( n ii:
his jidvcr 1(1 .■('!i''i'i' aa\' (■\j)('c!;ii n n i.\ j,
ni llii- SclL'aii :• (inii:!!] l'il, rili i(l'"J' i' ..,>•
1 1 l'i
:!1 îlic pnil
In i!. ■ !;;■ -■
Mit; >aiil si'Mir (.;
N(:w I''i'aii('i', sln'
II: ,! i!" iiiiMl \'/!'.)in
( , ■ Il I ' - ii'iM -. .( ,
lil.' Il !-■(■. ..ll'J'' t:
■l'îlil !(•
tlir >..:■] Cniii
'p\ , m (liinin- HM (Il ;, " n' aiili
Z' w c l'''\ •' t'ic ;. 1; i- ■ ',(. 1 n
1 w I ]i l
. I I . I ■■ ( ' a
1,'atl 1(>
il'!.,- lai! acci ird-
!() thc |ctl( r ;iii(| I
!■■ :- N' , , (.
l ; I ■ : I . . ■ i' (
1 10, .-
iIk'm; iiKai wia'c la-l a- i'c m' a' ■ci.iiiiN oi' liic ('oii;!)a;
Mii|il(a,-( I wlaii.v m as-: iia.'.;" h- diviW la.' ;,.i';i:
nrolit iVdia ti;- l'iir ira.ii' • ' ( ';iii kI,», ii;.! coini
1 !)((->i!)l(
ll-^N (U ■ l.ilC!|, a:-
ri^tiuircd hy tii'- I'"(aa la! ;;.sM)( i,iii(,i: k[ wliaail liavc .sjxjkfii,
H» |)nrti<a|)at(' in ilic "n ik i.>iii|i <>'. ihc s. al w iih a • n-w u
; I ■ I 1 '. . ■ ;
■II. U.y.r
Il \', '•; II' 4 ]i\ iiirnri^ dt siinplt*.
'■■■•' '■■ ■' ''• . I'...' l'i i-f ciiiM |)C :i iiop,' ol'
i '>•■-' ' i.' i ■• >' 'N ."' i'W \' iîli ;iii 11 ;itl,irlu'(l
■ ■■ ■' I ■'■ -'. ' ••■ _ .l'',| |,y lue M. i|,> (il pro-
1 1 1 I ' ; ■ ! , - i . 1
■U I : !. ;
•liMii .;i ;),
S'■^. / I ■'. ... ■
I ' ' ' ■■ ' ■ ' '
i' ( , 1 . ■ Il , ., ..
V..' . ,- . .■ .:l
\\ i;i. p ■ .|\ : •
\--., , .,,v ,
'j II .1 • . , ■(• ( I .
: " ■• :■..''-,'■. !■.■ ' .;;,••. IT V< •:, l!,', ;,| V\\v\\
■■ '• • '• •■ .' 1 ■; .1 . I ■: i :!• ( ;i'l 1 il I ). ;t!il(i Hi 1.-*,
! ^' I 11 >' le! [,•(■( ,-.', - 1 'lUiifois, u[-
' ' 1" ' '"'• : I' !i: ; jm ii'. ;iiii" ■ .f i,i il ( 'ti>l(>iii.
t' • '■ ' i-':',' ■ .!;■ -. i|)ii!;iii,,!) iink" i'\-
■ ■'• ' • '■ I ' ; i! i-i ( ,i-i()|i; \v li'i-h, ;)H
■ I'" I * '■ ■ '..; ■.■!/, il. >;. " :i\)m ;ii;ii ni
; •• . ■ ". i: . Il m. ' ,'A I ':>' -:i 1. i ( li
I
)l
•;! '"■ '"'•■ iiiiii:r ',{,:], -.nui ii.)
' " 'i . . .. ' . :.
i;i i;
• 1 1 i ■
' «s
, I
■'•. • .iM l!i' L'r iiM-; ol' Rcnii-
•! "■■•lien vvitli lue Titlc ol'
'. !<i;-iiiii"iii i.r yi-i-at iiii-
^ : I il ;!l' iMi.'j-VClIll.'ll, oïl
1- ' lit.' :.'i:,n;-. iii y\cl' lo
. ' ' .-^ "1 ( ''.)!('!iiz;'t iiiri, so
..;:;■ Tily, or a \ idliiioM ot"
■ cnîr in, a fi-.c'l mlc of
' 'o!')'' 'iiv ('T .'^,1'w France
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WEBSTER, N. Y. 14580
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36 a
" On iJiis, tho last day of Dcccmbcr 1G35, bel'ore
Marc Antoine de Bras-de-fer, F^squire, Sieur de Cliasleau-
l'orl, Lieutenant General along tlie wliole exlent ol' tlie
Hiver St. Lawrence in New France, on bchalf of Monsei-
gneur tlie Cardinal Duke de Iliclielieu, Peer of France,
and Grand Master, Cliief and Superintendant General of
the navigation and commerce of tliis Kingdom, Maître
Robert Gilfard, Sieur de lîeaaport, wlio lias promised to
foUow tlie Laws and ordinances concerning wliicli he sliall
be cnjoined and notiiled and in whieli lie shall not fail,
(/cf/we/ a promis suivre les lois et ordonnances qui lui seront
enjoints et signifiés et auxquels il ne manquera,) rcMidering
in this matter fealty and liomage for bis land of Beau-
port holding expressly of tlie Fort and Castle of Que-
bec."
Tlie penisal of this document is sulHcient to convin-
ce any one of the existence and récognition of the ruhî
of wliich I hâve spoken, that ruie which the history of
our Féodal institution shows us to hâve been incessantly
active and put in practice.
21. The second Grant in Fief was niade, in mort-
main, on ihe lath February 1G34, one month after Ihat
of iieauport . The Company give 1o the Fathers of the
Society of Jésus GOO arj)ents of land to be Iaken at Tlirec
Hivers " on which lands," it is said, in terms j)erhaps
more imperativc than those of the first, " the said Révé-
rend Fathers and others of their Society shall send (feront
passer) such pcrsons as tliey may choosc, to cultivaic
Ihem and erect the necessary buildings so that
they (the Company) may be so far discharged, the said
pcrsons being of the number of those whom the said
Company are obliged to send over in pursuance of the
f'dicl above mcntioned." Il was notthcrefore simple .scr-
vants, !(» be cmployed merely in their own service, which
die Company had undertaken to send to New France,
I
i
37 a
22, On tho 23rd May 1637, (or tlicrctofore,) Mont-
inu£,'ny tlio Governor, acting in ihe name of tlie
(.'oiiipany , '■'■ distrihulcs and allots , " tliat is to say ,
granls lo Jean lionrdon " Mastcr Land Surveyor and En-
gineor in New France," fiity arpents of land in llie ban-
lieue of Québec, in simple roture^ imdcr thc charges and
censivcs wliich Messieurs of tlie Company of N. F. sliall
onlcr, and on condition that the said Sieur Bourdon shall
cause the said laiids to be cleared, £/"€., S^'C.
On the 5tli April 1639, the Company confirms this Grant
" under the said charges and conditions abovc mentioncd, and
moreover subjcct to the payment of one denier of cens for
cach arpent every year, of which, nevertheless, they shall
havc; nothing to pay during the first ten years to be com-
puled from the date of the said Grant." (l)
23. We havc seen, in No. 9, that on the lOtii March
1626, the Scigniory of Notre-Dame des Anges had becn
grantcd to thc Jesuit Fathers by the Duke de Ventadour.
Nevertheless the Company of N. F. madc them a new
grant of it on the 15 January 1637 ; and why was this if
llie King had not the right to intervenc in a Grant al-
ready made , if tliis grant were to be irrévocable , if thc
Grantce had the literty to préserve intact thc forests with
which the land was covered ? Let us allow the Company
tliemselvcs to give their reasons in the mattcr. " The Ré-
vérend Fathers of the Society of Jésus hâve shown to us
that they hâve heretofore (been) put in possession of certain
lands siluato on the River St. Charles in N. F. and inas-
much as l)y thc Edict of the King establishing our Com-
pany, ail gifîsand Grants anteriorthereto hâve been revokcd
and the whole givcn to the said Company to dispose of
ihe saille, {tous dons et concessions précédents ont été révo-
qués et le tout remis à la dite Compagnie pour en disposer,)
(1) Titres des seigneuries, p. 351.
and L^v.iwd l'''>i);, l'v {[■■:
Wo hâve he- ll.e il
Sovcrei-.m in li;t' ''.:;i;i;!;::
evon by 'Jio a(;!i;i^::-'v,.;! -.r-
llie iRU'i'vrntic:! li-;.'-; w';.-.
which tiMi- inlrc:':. '■;•'' :'i,:
and w'iii:;; :i;oy :]]::•. i- \
?s not thaï a roA :jJ1 ;.,:':
Coiuoinv oi" f-iiis :•; -l;'
:'t::'.ori'y îl'fV;;!', i;i \] -m ^x\n<■h
-:1 M.
i
( ;;
24. A Grant in:;uo .,:. dK> >•:;;::• d;.y, du' Î3d! J;inv!ary
I6ii7, by thc Com;>.:!;'; lodjiin do in^. L;v,,i^;, Ct)miidssioi;,"r
of ihe Fi.ucb uavy, i..>^ :[iv :.;:,;;.•;;• (i iv)!:nd.n.v ru Q,,<,b;.c
a curven; ibi dic iddi
two folio \viY\p; cond ^ i ;(
to cause lo wa^s ov;.'r
crut:
en
t !>■-! ti- -1
l<;r (
-Mi
fit ion
.>v--V\'
6^-;
c:
vnil
year, at I(.'a:;l bia j;>e
porsons in ihe i'jJ!ov/i:;v yna-, ci':c< i-ïh::; Hir
be null^ and lo cazisc ihc Ki,'r:\i Edl^' flr //-
of the Comoany 1
"lî." nr\t onsuinçr
;', cul'lvule and
\VM\l\
oï
six:
aid grant choll
(^SÎili)Ji;din!('llt
y to 00 o.}.
fering th;U any •:d' lli ;>.••;; ^y.
New Franco rhail ^h ;à
V, )!U
-, I!
Ol' SLll-
;(aul 1o
}■
Country, o
said Edict." (>j)
<i: lie >n
id
ihe}W'i;-e diun 'mi îhc o
cojtainia; m llie
Tlîis grant
IS i(
,11..
:î ov
■C i^
Ihj da!o of 1
81 !i
ih
e samc vear, i):
March of
the same eonditicns azid cl.
lUC.
xn
illLC OiJ
■et and on
iii
26. In tha grant of a p-vt of ta;' Fivf Dar:1ré, madc
on the Ist Decernber 1037, b
C(
aiv îo Jean rJoiu"'
(J) " Titre des tîeigneuries," |). ,j-l'.
(2) Analyse (les titres (l;>s N- iîinauries. hy :\1. Dunkiii p. 3.
;j
(iou '• K.)'.(iiu't V, Vviîo li:i s i!'si(ir(1 lor soiur yiMirs in .Nc'W
FiMUf.'," (!) wo iv;:;! y,:r i<:M •\vi;i.; v'-i\ V,:'.ov\^^ ; 2iA '•' and
tu '^ •■; ii. '!;■(;! .i ù- ;.::■:> ■■>! [v;..!!;- ;u thc i/iis^s ia W'hic'i!
t'U'V i. :: ■!.>' il:.' il ^l,,!.^^' :h'!' ':'l l'i j' I » t!'> L'iisîomot"
liir p!' >'-■'■-' :i.:,-' :,!.>: \ ': . .•■'.'/ oT \':<\-\:^ ; ' .i.\i ■• .i:m1 witllOUt
l'ii' ■■ .l'i S', 'i" ' '. .' '; ■■ ■■.■!. ;.^ '!h' ;;iiN\"i' K) '■'■il<' or Irans-
l'ci' ,'/-r ;:■! o/'r ,)/ .■ . : jut^i ii,t>. cA ''".•• :i;Mr-.i' :.'i,in;c(l h.rids, cx-
(•(•[, 1 irr îh'' i) 'D'-ii! cl l-'!i'n''!jPifa :ilr<:.Miy i(':-l;!in'.' in \(-Vv'
Fr:in(;e :iib:-i;s^.i(i, or iflii"-- ^\ iio In siicii cr-'-, ^voukl
ohli'l," l!.cii!st'lv.>s if. .Li) il'.civ, in oi'i.icrto c'var and .nltiviae
Tirs --.i;:! ;> !
(itlitr.^.
iii: i, I i
i!::ikrs ('.\[)r{-ss inention of
l'iii liii- ir.''n!ioa Js; n'[)iu(cdin niany
120. Ti:'.' y;;inî. ■ii tir- Se ipnitiiy gF .1 )•':-» i.;ri"ub,''i:t, mado
by liie ('omi'-any on t!i:3 -llh î.Jiri'hibrr IG-IO, lo " î-rancois
de ('!ia\i:i,"ny F -fjiiiiv, SivUir di; lîrrciicr'. au and Dame Eléo-
novc de t',':i!i([-.M;:i.-on iiis wnii','" seKs i'oitli : -Idi " and
moi'i'ovci', il' iii,;'!' liic :.-i\i\ Sicii;- d'' C'ii.i^iuny, iii-^ sncecs-
sor- anci ;;:• ■;,";n:', rior ."iiiv pcrsun Vvdio iii ly .<io ov(M" (Voni
l'ranrc /.; [ahabit (ind Cuiiiralc t/ie ,'-;((id conccded land.s, uov
:iny oliu'i' pcr-t.n r^sldiii^ tliinu^n, sliall l.ave the riglit of
Iradini.'; l'or l;c; .( r sldns (.i- odicr i'nrs \v\\\\ ilie Indians, cx-
cepf bu tV.'.'j/ (!/' ij-uck c r,yrlHn:.';e for ihe producc of
fltc aaid c:>:iv(('fd Lhk-::, c^t. ..c. ; Hiii, ..nd ilic said Sieur
di' (";i:,viL;p.y siiail s;nid. ;;t l.'a-^1, Tour \\iirliiu^'- mcn la com-
mtiicc ihe ch'ariu;:^ i)('sid('.< iu^■ v.dl'e 'and servant maid,
and lliiit l)y îl.j !];•>•; sliin \'.'iil--!i sliall sail tVoni Dieppe or
La iîuei;eile, lo.r.'llicv wiili the ;.roods and provisions for
llieir support dun'nq f/rrre ijcars, S^-c, c'^-c, llic whole
on jiaiji of iIk- niuiily of tliese |;rese!ils," i)th " Aud in or-
tîer lliai the C,)n!'.)ar.v' ine.v be assured of ihe ivoïk ichich
il 1.
fihcdl hv pvrfoi'mrd J'or th". clearing of the .said lands, tiie
(f) il), p. 4. Tilrcs des Sei^^ueurios p. IJat>.
40 a
saici shall be held to deliver each year into Iho Imnds
of tho Secretary of ihc said Company a list ol' Ilu3 mon
wliom they shall send, and who are to be accountod in llic
number of thosc whom the Company are obllged lo send,
acoording to the articles grantcd to them by thi; King to
for m the Colony.'''' (1)
In this class of mcn, intendcd to c/ear, cultivatc and
inhabit thèse iands, and who werc allovvcd to trade witli
the Indians for Furs, by " truck or exchange," with tlie pro-
duce of the said landis, \ve must see, not simple servants ol
the Company or of their vassals, but Colonisls who ouglii
to become proprietors of the soil, and who would aid in
forming the Colony y as expressly admitted by lhe parties
themselves in the Deed of Concession. (2)
27. On the 17th December 1640, (3) the Company
conceded to Pierre Che^rricr, Esq., Sieur de Faucam))s and
to Jérôme Le Royer, Sieur de la Dauversière, a large portion
of tiie Seigniory of the Island of Montréal and that of St.
Sulpice, subject to fealty and homagc, " and to pay a pièce
of gold weighing one ounce, on which shall be engraved the
figure of New France. . besides such duties and dues as are
incident to Fiefs of this nature, and moreover to give tlieir
aveus et dénombrements : the whole agreably to and in con-
formity with the Custom of the Provostship and Viscounly
(1) Titres des îSeigneuries p. 375.
(2) J3y the same Deed, tlie Company grant to the Sieur de Clia-
vigny " two arpents of land to be taken in the place designated for
the City and banlieue of Québec, if there remain still any unconceded
Iands therein, or adjoining the same, to build thereon a dvvelling with a
garden where he may réside with his family ; moreover, thirty arpents
of land to be taken outside the said ba?ilieue. ... in roture, subject to
the payment of one denier of cens payable at the fort of (Québec,
every year on the day which shall hereafter be appointed, the sai(l
ceJis bearing lods et ventes, saisines et amendes.''^
(3) « Titres des Seigneuries, p. 365.
41 a
ol l^aris, iv/ucfi, i/ie Company intend shall be foUowed and
observed throughout the whole of New France. By the 7th
clause of this grant the Company reserve to themselve the
right to take lands for building forts, and say : " should it
" be found advisable to build the said forts on lands which
" shall hâve been cleared, in that case the proprietors thereof
" shall te indemnified by the Company." The clearers
would, then, hâve to be proprietors.
The 8th clause has a character altogethef peculiar :
*' Neither shall the said hâve the right to cède or
" transfor the ivhole or any portion oî ihe lands herein above
granted for the use of those who niay be already settled
in the Country, eithcr at Québec, Three Rivers, or any
other place in New France, but of those only who may
be willing to go therc for the express purpose of settling
thereon, so that the Colony may be so much the more ex-
" tendedy
((
((
K
((
t(
Then the llth Article has thcse words : " In order to
" commence the setllement of the said granted lands, the
" said 4 . . » 4 . . . shall be huld to send to New France a
*' number of men, by the flrst shipment which the said
" Company shall make, with the provision necessary for their
" food, and shall continue from year to yearso that the said
*' lands may not rcvmin vvculfivàled^ and that thv colony
" may be so mv.cfi cxlended.''''
h ]^ the C,'oui));inv ihciiii-t-ivcs w tio spcak : it is thfv
who tell us whîit arc iho spiiit ami Dbjcot r>l' their charter,
and wliat ave their owii oblig'atioiis and lliosr ol' llieir va-s-
?«als. They so v,'cll knew tli;it the inexécution ot'tiiosc con-
cessions in V\(:\\ iiuisl iiixolvi- the revocation of the sanic,
that in this dcod of the l*/th Decenihcr 1640, they themsrl-
ves give an examplc, in (•(■nticctioîi with tiiai sanio Tsland
f)f Montréal, and iiiionii lh(> tiew .^raiirees of it, f)y wav of
warning, s<» to spcak, in ordrr to p-.it them oïi tlicir gnard
fi
42 a
against Ihe same danger. The deed adds, " and withoul
the said Sieurs Chevrier and Le Royer, their successors
or assigns being enabled 1o avail thcmselves of what ^vas
granted at tlie gênerai meeting of the IGth Jannary 1636, to
tlie Si(mr de la Chaussée, nor of the concessions and trans-
fers which hâve since bcen made of the same prctended
rights of the said Sieur de la Chaussée, the ivhole remain-
ing nuit andrevoked in default of being executed within the
time prescribed by the régulations of the Company." (1)
28. In ihe numbcr of the stipulations contained in the
grant made on the 5lh may 1646, by the Company of New
France to Governor de Montmagny, of the seigniory of Ri-
vière du Sud (or. St. Thomas), of Goose Island and Crâne
Island, (2) we find the following : " and moreover, neither
the said Sieur de Montmagny nor his successors or assigns,
nor any person who may go to the said country, to inhabit
and cullivate the lands hereinabove conceded^ shall hâve the
right of trading for skins and furs witli the Indians, unless
they hâve been acknowledged as inhabitants of the said coun-
try, and, in tJmt capacity,form part ofthe community of the
inhabitants. '''' This stipulation is repeated, in the same
lerms, in othcr grants.
29. We hâve seen, in no. 26, that the Seigniory of Des-
charabault had been conceded on the 4lh December 1640,
to the Sieur de Chavigny. He took possession of it ; and,
afterwards, on the 16th April 1647, (3) the Company added to
that concession in Fief, and on the same conditions, another
(1) The grant in favor of the Sieur de la Chaussée cannot be
found. Messieurs Chevrier and Le Royer were tvvo of the members
of the Society formed for the conversion of the Indians. Their grant
of the 17th December 1640 was confirmed by the King on the 13th
February 1644. See " Brevets de Ratification^'' p. 23, printed at
Québec in 1853.
(2) Titres des seigneuries, p. 370.
(3) Titres des seigneuries, p. 377.
43 a
portion of land equal in oxtent to Ihc first. Tlieir motive
for so doing is thus stated by thc Company: " inasmuch as
the said Sieur do Chavigny lias givcn us toundcrstand tiiat
he has disposed of the greater part of the said lands contai-
ned in the said grant(lhat of th(^ 4th Decembc^r IGIO) on a
rent charge, à cena et rentes^ in favor of scveral individuals,
and ihat he had occasion for more land, with the view of
clearing the samc;, the whole being for the well being and
increase of the Colony." It will hv. seen tliat snl)-gi!uiting
was, to sucli an (!Xtent, a part of tliti obligations of tlie vas-
sal, thaï the latter knew it to be necessary to state the per-
formance of that obligation in order to entith; him to the
increase of lus lirst grant.
It appears that Mr. de Chavigny afterwards went to
France, abandoning ail liis possessions in Canada ; at ail
evcnts, that is what we find in a new deed of concession of
the same Seigniory of Deschambault, made by Jean de
Lauzon, " Governorand Lieutenant General for His Majesty
in New France, throughout the extentof the River St. Law-
rence, " and, at the same time, authorised by the Company
of the Hundred Associates to concède their lands. (1) This
deed is of suificient importance to entitle it to be transcribed
hère, at fuU length : —
" The intention of the Company of New France having
always been to do ail that is possible l'or the peopling of
New France, and to lookafter those who, underthe pretence
of having that object in view, might bave obtained from the
said Company concessions on favorable conditions, so that^
in case ofneglect on their part, it might give them to others
to be improved by them; on the report made to us that
François de Chavigny, Sieur de Berchereau, having left
New France, has abandoned ail that be possessed there,
and that leaving the affairs in that uncertainty might prevent
(l) Titres des Seigneuries, p. 378.
44 a
other individuala froin cultivating the said landa to the advan.
tage of the country ; and having heretofore causcd out ordù
nance to be pubhshed hy which we hâve ordcred ail indivis
duals holding grants from the company not only to cause
themselves to be immediately put in possession^ but also to
Work incessantly at the clearing ihereof^ in default of which
they should forfeit their concessions, which tve would dispose
o/infavor of other persons who would improve them.
" Now therefore, the saicj Sieur de Chavigny having
as aforesaid, by retiring to France, abandoned ail that he
possessed in this country, we Jiave by thèse présents dispos-
ed of the lands by him thus abandoned, and granted to him
by concessions of the 4th December 1640, and the 29th
March 1645, (1) in favor of the Damoiselle Eléonore de
Grand Maison, to whom we hâve given and concedcd and
by thèse pres,ents do give and concède them, to hâve and to
hold the same unto her, her heirs and assigns, for ever,
under the same charges, clauses and conditions as they had
been heretofore granted to the said Sieur de Chavigny.
Done at Québec t^iis first day of March 1652."
We hâve not the date of the Ordinance of which men-
tion is made in this title. It must hâve been récent, as Mr.
De Lauzon only arrived in Canada in the year 1651. (2)
From the ténor of this ordinance, we can hâve a cor-
rect idea ol the manner in which the authorities of the day
(1) This last date is evidenlley er;-oneaus, the 2n(l concession to
Chavigny bearing the date of the 16 April 1647.
(2) Charlevoix vo. 1, p. 308 ; « The year 1650. . . .,.ended by a
a change of the Govemor General. Mr. de La.uzon, one of the
principal members of the Canada Company, was appointed to succeed
M. d'Aillebout, whose three years had expired ; but he arrived in
Québec only the next year The new Govemor had always laken
a greater ioterest in th« aSairs of tbs Company than any other per?
»on.»'
45 a
interpreted the obligations of tlie Company and ils vas.saJB.
The ordinance makes no distinction betvveen grantees ; il
fitrilies ali equally, and tiiis irrespective of the insertion or
omission of tliis or that stipulation in tiieir titles, whethcr
the obligation " of working incessantiy in clearing" be or
be not, therein written, or that the grantee be or be not in
possession. The obligation existing as respects the Com-
pany, it exists de pleno jure as respects the vassals, and tha
forfeiture is the penalty of ils inexécution. M. de Lauzon,
proclaims this, in his ordinance, both in the name of the
Sovereign whom he represents, and in the name of th«
Company whose powers he exercises. (1)
30. The concession of the Seigniory of Mille Vaches^
made on the 15 Nov. 1653, by M. de Lauzon to Robert
Gifiard, seignior of Bcauport (2) seems to me to be the
first which expressly mentions the Custom of Vexin-le-
François : " and for the rédemption fine [rachapt),^^ it is
therein declared, " one years revenue at each mutation of
possessor, according to the Custom of Vexin François
included in that of Paris ; " while the concession of the aug-
mentation of the Seigniory of Gaudarville, although made
the same day, merely states : " and the revenue of one year
at each mutation, " (3) which nevertheless must mean the
same thing ; besides, " the revenue of one year " is stipulated
in one way or the other in several concessions.
31. One of the conditions inserted in the title of con-
cession of a part of the seigniory of Pointe du Lac made on
the 31th July 1656 (4) is to cause " the said lands to be
inhabited throughout their extent, and work to be done
thereon with'm four years from this date."
(1) Titres des Seigneuries, p. 378.
(2) ib., p. 352.
(3) ib., p. 381..
(4.) ib., p. 120.
46 a
32. On fh<î 9th April 1656, thc company firncts in
favorof the Sr. d'Aillobout, " Director of thc Trade of N.
F." the land of Coulongo " by the title of Chatellenie vvifh
Huperior, mean and inferior justice {justice haute, moyenne
et basse) according to the Custom of Paris, to be «mjoycd by
hiin, his hoirs and assigns, undcr ihe said lith; of Chatelle-
nie. (1)
33. By concession of the 21 April 1659, the rcmainder
of the Island of Montréal, a great part of which had been
conceded on the 17th Dec. 1640 (see no. 27, preceding) is
givcn (less 500 arpents granted to tiie Sr. de Faucamj)s,) to
the Montréal company, " subjecttothe samc duties, charges
and conditions as the first concession made to the said
Montréal company ; " (2) and \ve hâve seen that immédiate
clearing was ils principal object.
34. Finally another proof that the concessions made by
the Company of New France imposed upon the vassals the
obligation or sub-conceding, is furnished to us by the terms
of the condition, which is found in oeveral of thèse conces-
sions, to leave for the service of navigation, a road of twen-
ty toises a long the River St. Lawrence : " from the bank of
the said river, at the timc of the year when it is highest, up
to the adjoining lands or habitations which shall be made
thereon, (seig. de Deschambault :) " from the bank thereof
to the conceded lands " (seig. of Montréal.)
35. I hâve now come to the year 1663, and consequent-
ly to the end of the first period of our feudal history. In
this year, the Company of N. F. reduced to 45 associâtes
(3), " well knowing that the King was desirous of putting
himself in possession of the country and of the seigniory of
(1) M. Dunkia's analyse, p. 16.
(2) Title of Seigniories, p. 369.
(3) Charlevoix, vol. 1, p. 379.
47 a
New France, (1) adopted a resolution to that cffect on tho
24 February 1663, and tlie «ame day beforo notariés, made
a d('(îd of surrunder "ofthe property and seigniory of the
said eounfry of New France to be disposi'd of by llis Ma-
jesty according to Ilis pieasure," whicli deed was accepted
by the King in the inonth of March foUowing (2). " Instead
" of finding, says the King, that ihis country is setled as it
" ought to be, after ho long an occupation thereof by our
" subjectf», we hâve learned with regret that not only the
number of its inhabilants is very liinited, but that they
are every day exposed to be expelled by the Iroquois ;
*' against which evil it is necessary to provide, and consid-
" ering that the said company is nearly extinct by the
" volontary retirement of most of its associate;^, and that the
" few remaining associâtes hâve not the meansof maintai-
ning that country, and of sending thereto the necessary
troops and settlers, both to défend and«e///e the same, we
hâve resolved to with draw itfrom the hands of the said
company, after having the said associâtes upon resolution,
etc., etc." The King further déclares and orders : "that
ail rights of property, justice, seigniory, right to appoint to
offices of Governors, and lieutenants gênerai in the said
country, to name officers to administer Sovereign justice
and ail and every other rights grantcd by our most
honored and glorious predecessor and father, by the treaty
" of the 29th April 1628, be and the same are hereby
" reunited to our Crown, to be hereafter exercised in our
" name by the officers thaï we shall appoint in this behalf."
t(
il
u
((
((
((
II
36. From this moment, the government of New France
ceases to be a proprie tary government and be cornes a royal
government.
(1) D?'iberations of the Company 24< February 1663. Edit and
Ord., vo. 1, p. 30. Act of résignation, p. 31.
(2) Edits and Ord. p. 31, 32,
48 a
37. A few days ufterthe acceptance of Ihe suirender ol
the Company, \ve see the King passing in his Council ol'
State, an Arrêt revoking the uncleared concessions, founded
upon the fact that " one of the principal causes that the said
*' country has not increased in population as it is désirable
" it should hâve been, and that even many dwclling houses
" hâve been destr'^^'cd by the Iroquois, proceeds from the
" concessions of ^ eat extent of lands which havc been ma-
" de to ail the private inhabitants of the said country "
This Arrêt is of the 21 th March 1663. (1) It déclares that,
in six months from the day ofits publication in tliis country,
" ail the private inhabiiants thereofshall cause the lands
" mentioned in their concessions to be clearcd, othcrwise
" and in default thereof, and the said delay cxpired, His
" Majesty commands that ail the lands still unclear-
" ed, shall be distributed by now concessions in the
" name of His Majesty, either 1o the old inhabitants
" thereof, or to the new. His Majesty hereby revoking
and annulling ail concessions of the said iands
uncleared by those (the grantecs) of the said company ;
His INIajesty orders and commands the Sieurs de Mézy,
Governor, the Bishop of Pétrée, and Robert, intendant
" in the said country, to see to the punctual exécution of
this présent Arrêt ; as ^vell as to make the distribution of
the said uncleared lands, and to grant concessions thereof
in the name of His Majesty."
38. In this re-union to tiie domain of the Crown, of
the rights of the company of New France ; in this Arrêt
revoking the concessions made to the vassal s of this com-
pany, we hâve the strongcst, and the most authentic évidence,
of that rulc always persistent of the public colonial law of
which I havc already spoken, Vv'hich gave lo ihc King of
France the powerofintervening in the concessions of lands to
watch and assure the establishment thereof. Tlie Arrêt of
(1) Edit and Ord., in-S. p. 3.S.
W) a
i
^1
rovotalion lias llic saiiic cliaiaclcr and llic >;\inc enaclincii!
'A iiicli llic octlinauri' ot M. (ie- Laiizuii, iiiciilioncd al)ovi' iii
iio. 21), liad. Lili(> llic laitcr, it iiiakcs iio (lisliiicliou bel-
wci'ii iiriintecs or Ixîiwccii ilicir litlcs ; i! icaclicv
ilien
1 al
c<|ually ; aJI are onlij^ctl lo cicar : and as ilicy cannol per-
Ibnu lliis clearing but by luakiiii^- sub-cono(>s.-;i(ins, lliey arc
ail dicn obliged lo coueedc, an oljli.'^alion wliicli docs i\oi
lalvc ils orii^in in this Arrêt, \m\ uiiicli \h\H Arrêt
uicrely conlirnis, in a^ lULicli as it f^oes back lo tiic
Kdict of tlie cstablisliniont ot" tlic company oî" New
France. This obligation sîanips llie Jeu (h; Fief in Canada
witli lAVo distinct eliarac'icrs wliiclnnake il, in tliis respect.
• liflerent (Vom tliiit perinitled by tlie ôdli article oC lli(>
< 'uslom of Paris ; on tlic one iiand. tlic canadian ^•ei<i;ni(^r
lias tlie j)o\ver lo dispose ol'tlie icliokoi liis [\v.\\(!c se Joh'cr
•■!•: la lofalUc (le sonfi(J\ and, in lins poini oi' \ie\\, liis con-
dition beconies sjniiiar î;- llia! oi' tlic seigalia's in l'ram'c
iinder the old Cusloiii ol {"'aiis ; ami on ilie oïlicr liaiid,
beinsf oblii^ed to concetJe liis lands ir/iic/i arc ijct icua\ undcr
ibe penalty of tlie forfcilurc o\ l!i;> rii^dil-, ili;' .ha (/c FirJ
h(M
'onies obliii^alory upnn liint Ici ilicse '^aiiii ia
nd
A! li
ino.^t tliere Ccnild (^\is! onlv tl'i' c\ccniinn ii-iihat wnicli (lie
ili(^ seii^nior may liave thc iioiit
•»vo!>erlv called
rescrvi
Inj- |||v (
lonia;
;9. The rc -esial
)ii?-mi;eiii l'i !ii
U( ' V ,11 \ .
Canada was soon !i)lio\V(Mi by an t'iilici
a SoveriM^n Corùvil, ('<>iis( ;/ S-'i-rci niti
This KdicI is()i''iii- inoîiili '.'i .\ni . iiît;.;
.( 1 IIIIIMk |.
ivini' I reami.
_; ;;. v^'ii''cee
')'!i.' (\.iiiici
tia^
lie nowev le. tal
criininaL lo it;
c;ti;;ii;;alh
,s(.'ï.' /•'■/■'( i/,'r/;,'i
cl a;i ca^f-<'
I au<i i:: tir.
■ 1 \ 1 1 a il n
rc>.()i'
(I) i'Mit and <'ul. ui-^n.. t, ;. y, :::
Non:. 'I'lii> l](lii vva- i'.i^-i"' ll;(' ^ii"' .'. j>i !i. s. . y .1 '.i t 'niiii|,,r,
'•mus of ( loveriior«) nnà iii!i:ii';uii-, |'ri;ii( .1 i " 1,1, i, , n, I S;- 1, ^( 'ni;. (!<
'^r. (le i\lé;^v ; aad ili' '/. v / <' 'i:, ' ■ \ '.,•■'. .n': 'nc i:.!va
if lh(- l'M.i
'", I- \U.\'.t 1 1
( >, !
m ^
I. Y h.
50 a
" acoording to tho laws and ordinanccs of Onr Kingdom,
" and 1() prooeed tlierein as niiudi as il can in the inanner
" and tbrni wliioli are practised in uur Court of llie Parlia-
" monl cl' Paris, reserving to oursolves mvertheless, accord-
*■' ingtoour Sovercign powcr, llic rigiit to change, rel'orm and
" aniplify tlic said laws and ordinances, of derogating ihe-
" rclVoni, of abolishing tlieni, of niaking new ones, or such
" niies, slatiilcs and constitutions Avliich \ve sliall consider
" to hetlie ino.--luseinl lo our service and to llie good of our
'^ suhjccis of llie said country. VVilling, inlending, and it
" heing our j)U'asure llial in the said coun(;il the (?xpen-
" ditiire of the public funds shall be decided upon, and
" ihe traih' in fur with tlie Indians be regulated, as well as
" ail ihe 1ra(U> thaï the inhabitants niay niake with the
" nierchanls of Uiis Kingdom ; evtn that ail ajf airs of })olî-
" fc, public and pricute^ of ail the country may bc detcrmined
*' vpon ^-c. "
'10. The King had scarcely crcated the Sovereign
Council, tliat he named the Sr. Gaudais comrnissioner to
examine the situation and stale of the Countrv and to
]uai\e a report lo liim. This commissioner \vho was named
on thc' 7 May 1GC3, and whose instructions bear llie same
date, (I) accompanied the ncA/ Governor M. de Mésy and
the Bishop of Pétrée, to Canada. (2)
The fourlh article of Gaudais instructions informs liini
" tliat ihe })rincipal thing whicli must be attended to for
" ihe maintenance of the colonies of the said coimtry and
" for their augmentation being to cultivate the greatest possi-
" ble (juaiitity of land, and to do in such a way that tho
" dwellings of ihe inhabitants may be brought close to one
" another without wdiich the inhabitants cannot assist each
" other &c,, &c., iherc is noihing of so much conséquence
(!) (^0111. of Gov. and liiteml. p. 22, 23.
(2) Charlevoix, vol. 1, p. 370.
((
((
((
((
51 a
as to cndeavoiir to ftclllo Iho inhabilants in parisliosor villa-
ges, and lo oblige them to clcar thcir lands from neighbonr
to ncigh boiir, lo thcciKl ihaf tlicy niay liclponc anolhcr in
caso of nccessity. And alllio tliis nu'tliod was lîic most
" certain, ho will assunxlly iind, bcing or llie spot, tliat the
" little caro and knowledifc 1 liât tlio Company which iienîto-
" fore posscssed llio country liad, and tlic; avidiiy of iliose
" Avlio wislied to settlo tlionisclves tliere, wliolmve alw ays
" askod for grants of groat cxtenl, npon wliicii tlii-v Imvo
" scttled, liavL" caused tliis séparation of dweiunii-s, Axiiieli
" are foi nul far distant one from Ihc oiIkm-, not only, tlu;
" private individuals \vho liavo obtained tiie eoneessi(>ns
" hai-e not becn in a situation to clcar tlicm, but Ii;ts e\en
" givcn great faeility to the Iroqnois, to mnrder, inassaere
" and make a dessert of nenriy ail occiij)ied phices, and tliis
" is wliat has obligcdthe King to maJic liis Arri't, tho copy
" of \vhieh is pnt into the hands of Sr. Candais, likewise to
'' canso to bo written to the Bishop of Pétrée, thaï he deli-
" ver iIk; original of the said Arrêt lo hini, to hâve it pn-
" bllshed and allixed every where as soon as il lias arrived ; "
(the said arrêt of Révocation of the 21lli March IGGS.)
The fifth article of the instructions furllu^r states :" and
" as he clearly perçoives from the r(,'asons abov(> ex-
*' plainod, tliat it is impossible ever to be al)le lo assure
" oneselfof the said country and to make a coiisiderabli^
" number ofdwollings, nntil \vo oblige nll those who liave
" had concessions of land lo ;diandon dieiii, and to unité
" themsolves in as many villages and j)arishes as possihh',
" in order lo cullivate ail the neighi)ouring lands, in ir/iirh
" case it will bc nccessari/ lo partition llie said iands and to
" give portions ofifiem to eacli village or parisli^ according
" to the number of families of which it A\ill l)e coiiiposod,
" he will endeavor then to persuade of tliis trnlh, liv ail
"■ kinds of moans, the said I^ord Bishop, tho (iovornor and
" the principal mon of tho country, lo the end ihat tliey niay
••.ti II
•' t.onciir tinniiiiiuiii ■ i\ lo m;,!,,.' ili; li' i")i uccci'l!. v.liul.
■' lie 'A ill huLc ihi'iii kni.'», ;,ilf lu t 0:1!', ■-! :im iil'i-oliili
" ii<'(c--;itv fw;- ilii it |>ic-;rr'. :ilii.ti, /.'(// H'ii! Ili.'< Miijfsli/ iril!
'■'■ ll'tn ItOi'c '"/ r.r-f'.'',"'/ //,'( (I '-.ni '\'l '•i":<r:ltio'i i)f ail cnn
'^ cessions. '^
)0. ' IM !l!f ir, (■
111 ;li:il -■.l'Ki- <ii tt!0'<( !,. wlioiil llic
iii;i;'i'
coiu'essiou^ i!'i\ >■ I
cndrcli/^ jiMil tli;.ti i
menlioned ju ilic :-:iiil .\i;'"i, i!ir\
il c!.. . :;! 1'!
n> ;o ."/'v;.. î/>( t:
M'Ii. Il
^,.^ !,
a good pr.ri tiiorcoi, llir 1
thcir pc1Jtion> ilu; S*r.Oii i;.;i
delay of six moni!i:i ui^s, .T;;
that ail thcsaid
it!^";i;.-.n c; (li- M-i'" ^ is, lliMÎ (
Ht
\ y ■•;;!)•■■ I u,
icitl MncllHM
C())icr ::::■/::; (jc ^'ri-nfr:! m
l'rhiii trrvii.>)-i!i<!. /v, ,'."/v'/
'ic.
.1
in liis riî^lit of iii'-'ncr'Mo'i ■•".' invvvi-'i'ii
more or .l(^s< riiJorfii!<l\' ^'■^ tf h'-
:ii f^'crv oci'nsiiMi,
(' Vcm-'Cr-
■:(<-i ■. .,,(1 ( iici!u<!;inc
«■ ; !'•
M-..,< I,
( omiiii'^suin:
rcquirc ; t!it> 'tis'nir'ioiv \\ bi
and thc Arr>'t 0!' ilv Jl î. A!;;-'.'i oi \\'li'( i' lu- ;'\|)laiîi--
motjves and oi^'pf'l J" >!;<"
ll!i" ■n';|i-Ufl!!Mls, |i';i\ ;' îli) (loill
as to lus wishcs Miid itiicn' '.iri-: u- .'k' v. idior.î 'A'Iaxntioii,
in relation 1.0 tlioyrani
to accompljsli llicir
Ihe S
overej*Tn ('(iiisi lUî'!^ M ;.':iliirf. '.\\'n
|!,V-('ll<C- *■'-:
!r;u'!."i-!>
of llie Ctniadini! (V-ud'il in-^'i'!
on.
42. The Kdiet crrctim;- llit> Sovcfri'^ît CoMîU'il ,'Hid III^'
Arrct revoking llie nnclcar'-d (.'onccs-jion-^^, liad bcm dtdivc
red I0 tlic Bisliop ot Pétvce (1) 'a lio was llie ,s(Mon(i
member of tho (.'(Vinei!, iind wlio loiiitlv ^\'idi tlic gover
nor, liad tlie vight of :ippoiniing thc otlicr live inenibers.
This Ediet had bcen (>nregi:<t(Mvd a! i!i(^ olHec oi' tîie Clerlv
i»f tho Council or thc ISih Sf-nt. MiGG.
On the 6th August IGG 1, l'.n- go\'ovnoi ;uul thc Bi>lioi;
(1> Gaudais; instructions, nvt, i aiul 19.
'.3 u
iwf. ,' lin
liM
\t ;;i,
llMi
\i ■ u:
I ■ !
■l.-Coî'dlM
II--
•j H. U,i. i
>';;'ill.,!l v)| lin- Jlili Man,!i ot' \\u-
icil ;h<' Arrcl to tlu' couiicil
• ('M'*.ai(cd m cvL'rv rcs
ioriii, and, in so (loinif,
(■i tJii;) da\) cultivaled and
IM\'-(11
Iff',
llli
/ (.'
thii' ail Ihc hfinJ.
'.:>ii: hontlct/^ !)'.; ■i'.rliivi' I i<.-iiniictl îotliL' King's domain,
u> bc dis))(!.--fd (,| in !l!(; aaiu»' of (lis Majcsty l)y ncw
conot'ssions iti Invoi
is above iiuniiont'd
■ >i tli().s(' \\ ho r<'(}nir(' thc snmc as
ihc s-iid 1,'ovt'rnor and iiisho]i
{R
cl a ri n
liai
h(>v il() noi oretcnrl in anv iiiannci
"• lo inkirlcT;- wilh di.' pet)))!'' s(;lil(d in llic Coini-
•^ liy, nor lo oblii>o ihrni lo lcav<- ih'-ir hoases and hal>i-
'• talions, con,<cnlini;' dial thcsc ivniain inthc slato llicy nrc,
'' l.)iU. loi dio.so concessions whic!'. it will lie ncops^ary i<i
- uiakc, tlicy will sec Tu il tliat i!)c intention ol' ih<^ Kini'^
'' shall bc ibllow'cd and thaï ihey sliall bc rednccd in to\vn>
" and villages, a.^ ;i:uch as* j)o.>sibic, likcwisc lliat ail })re-
'• îcnded scigniors sh:dl bc prohibitcd from disjjosinff by
'• concessions of any unimproved !ands, on pain of niillilij ,
" thc King's Attorncy General having roqulrod ihat ali
"■ nnclcarcd lands l)c rc-unitcd to ihc King's domain ;''
IJpon tliis dcniand and réquisition, " Ihc Council, b(,'-
'^ Ibrc dcciding ihcrcupon, lias ordercd thaï iho said Arrêt
" be comraunicatcd to thc syndic of th(^ inhabitants at thc di-
'■'• ligence ofthc King's Attorncy General, sothat, lus answcr
" bcing had, it bc (nxlcrcd as it may -arm rcasonablc."
43. No concossions cl' land sccms to hâve bccn madc
(1) Cliarlevoix, V. l,p. 372, says : " M. Robert,CounciIlorof State,
woukl hâve bccn namcd tliis samc year (I6fi3) intendant of Justice,
police, finance and adniiralty for N. F. and his patents are dated tbe
21 INIarch ; but lie did not makt thc voyage to Canada, and I\L Talon
who arrived m IGGâ, is tlic first wlio fulfilied thc diitics of tlie otri-^
ce."
64 a
in 1GG3. Butwe hâve the titlcs of two grants, made the
following ycar, on the samcday, the 8th Aufijust, by the Go-
vernor de Mésy, and the Bishop of Pétrée, the one of a
pièce of hxnd at Three Rivers, to the Révérend ihe Jesuit
Fathers (1) and the otlier of the seigniory of Champhiin lo
Etienne Pezard, Sr. de la Tousche. (2) Th^ise eonees^sions
were made, as declared in the first, " in virtuc of the
power granted to us and duly enregistered," îhat is lo say,
in virtue of the Arrêt of revocation, ofthe 31th March 1GG3.
Tiie concession tlius made lo the Jcsuits is of a certain
" quantily of uncleared land," joining a pièce of 14 arpents
which had been given to them in exchange for the same
quanlity of land ceded to the inhabitants of Three Rivers lo
make a common ; and this concession contains the décla-
ration : '^ in full property, nnder the same rights and privi-
" leges that iheir said 14 arpents exchanged were given to
them by the Gentlemen of the General Company."
((
The concession ofthe Scngniory of Champlain is mad(!
in fall pr()])erty, with ihe rights of seigniory and jnrisdic-
lion, snperior, mean and inferior, and the ordinary houo-
riiic rights of seigniors of parishes in the Chnrches wlien
they sliall hâve been tlierein built," lo. " at the charge
that the appeals from the jurisdiction that the said
" may therein establish, shall b(i made to the Royal Judge
" at Three Rivers ; 2o. " that as to fealty which lie siiall
" be obliged to pay, by one homage at each change of })os-
" sessor, he will render it at the Sovereign Council
" at Québec," 3o. with une years revenue, accord ing to
" the Custom of the Prevostship and Viscounty of Paris ; "
probably intendingto say accord ing lo the Custom of Vexin
François, rccogniscd by that of Paris, and in which one
yeafs revenue, that is to say, the relief or rédemption, is due
at each mutation.
Ql) Seigniory Titles p. 72.
(2) Dunkin's analy&is, p. 18.
55 a
44. The interval which olapsed betwecn the re-csta-
blishmontof the Royal Government in theyear 1G63, and the
ef;tal)li^^llment of tlie West India Company by the Edict of the
month of May 1G64, may be regarded as the second period
of our F'eudal liislory. In this short inlerval, ^ve find but
ono single Arrêt of the Sovereign Council of Queliec, in
\vhieh they had occasion to apply the King's Arrêt of the 21tli
March 1663. It is an Arrêt of the 8th Novemher 1664
\v hieh enjoins the inhabitants of the Côte de Lauzon to pay
into the hands of the clerk of the Council the priée of the
lease of their fishing grounds. (1) The défendants ^ere
impleaded by the pétition of Paul Chalifour " for their jiarts
and j)ortions " ofthe property leosed. Having shown tliat
the said iisheries were upon undeared and unsettled places^''''
the governor had ordered the Attorney General " to make an
" oj)p()sition to the distribution of the monies, the said farms
" for which the suits were brought being in the hands of hifi
" said Majcstij, according to his Arrêt of the 3rd. (2lth)
" iNIarcii 1663, enregistered, published and affixed where
" Ihe same was nccessary, and, moreover, by the déclara-
tion which was made thercof by Us (the Governor) and
and the Lord Bishop, datcd 8th. (6th) August last, accor-
ding to the order given us by the King."
" The Attorney General has required that ail seigniors
bo prohibited from leasing any lands or fisheries upon
undeared and unsettled places, and from availing them-
selves ofthe titles granted to them by the General Sei-
gniors, requiring that the monies that are due and de-
nuinded be placed in the office of the clerk, for the
benelit of His Majesty, and that thèse présents be read,
published and affixed."
" Upon which the Council, having duly considered,
" has ordered that thèse said Arrêts of His Majesty be
(1) Edit aud Ord. in-8o,t. 2, p. 21.
'' cxcciihd iKi-oKiih., 1.) tlicir leiuir ;iii(l Ikiiii, uiilil l'i(\>,i
'•'■ on/ers of f/ic A7n;Lj-, iliis l)(_'jni,^ (ionc iliat ilic said
" and Others owlngj'or likc dcinands^ hcin^' Icssoes, pay tlic
" priée o( llicir lca.st' inU) ilic liands ol' tlic clcrk ol' \\ù^
" Council, wlu) will givc tlicm u guod and valid disrliari^v
"■ tlu'nîlbr, and ihat llicsc présents be reacl, piibli^lied and
"■ alli.vcd that none be tinaafuauu'cd wil/i Iheni.
45. VVe now enter in tlic liiird |)eri(id of Ilie liistory ni
onr Feudal institution, conuiieneinif willi tlic \Ve>i India
Company and linisliin^' with il in IGÎ 1.
The Edict ol" tlie montii of INlay ICGl (1) \\iii(li esta-
i)lislied Ihis Company, i^rantcd it " Canada, Aeadia, ilie
" Jslands of Newfounland andollier islands and main-laini
" from Ihe Nortli of llie said Country of Canada as far as
" V^irginia and Florida " /;; oll sclgnior:i/, iiropcrli/ (nul jv
" risdiclion.''''
Art. 15. '' Tlie Coi)ipan_\ sliali aiotu , (iaritiij; Jorti/
' //c«/'s, carry on trade and navi<i;alion in tlu; ((Mintric!
" granted, to tlie exclusion of ail otlu-r oursiihieeîs wlioshall
" noi enter inlo ilie said Coiiijiany," c\c.
An. 19. '■'■ Ail lands whieli liic (■oiiij)anv \\\:\\ bcHii
'•' or acquire by eonqnest durini;- ihe :-aid {\n-\y y(-ars,
•'■ williin the exlent of tlie country eonrcdcd and licrein
"• before dcseribed, shali beion^io llie sai<i Cnnipinv iu uib
" property, witli tlie ri<;;lils of seii^'niury an;! juri^diclion, a;-
■-' also the islands (^f Aiiiericn iaiown ■,\<\\\r Amille-or iicc
'•' ward Islands, inliabiled hy ilie l'n-ncli, 'Alircli wc v«' se;..
" to scveral in'lividuals by a ('(Mnpa;i\ fonucMÎ in iGlJ,
'■' npon the condition that lli< coii'panv sh;;ii rciinburs'- !<•
" the seigniors proprietors of i!i( said isiiuids llic r.iiiuuiil "•
" purchase money paid b\ tlnii!, .i- < -iubii^lnd iiv th' ii
' deeds of j)urcliase, and tin' \;i\u o[ li,' in' !i"iaiK';r< -;;;•-
(M Eilit aii'.lOi.l, „vN, 1,1, j, 10
57 a
improvomonts, nroordiriir to ilio vnlurvtion of tlie commis-
sidiicrs lo l)(' iKiiiicd hy ils l'orll;!!! piiipcxc, niid pfMTiiitt ing
tlicrn tlio iMijoyincnt ol' llir scllli'iiicnis iiindf hy lliem
siiicf t lii' |)iircii;isc ()
r i!
ic s;ii(l \i
iiihI
Arl. 20. " Ail wliicli l'oiiiiirics niid ishiiuN, pluct-s and
fort
s, w liirli iiiiiv iiiivc Ix'cn hiiilt and cslMlilislicd llitTciu
by onr snhjccls, wc liavc ,i^i\t'n, «^a-antcd and conccdcd and
d(» lu'R'hv i,nv(', ifrant and concède U» die said Company,
tobe l)ytlie said Company liad and enjoyed in J'ull propcr-
ty, scigniori/^ andjitrisdiclion for vvct\ reservi ni,»- lo onrsel-
ves neidier riu;lits nor diilies, save and except leallv and
loniau'e, wliicli IIk; sau
l C
oinpany w
bouiid to ren-
ti(M' 11.-
and
<)
(iiir royal siiccessors, npoii each mutation
t' tli(> Crown, \\illi a ))ayment ol' u yold Crown, ol' tlie
weiifjit ol' lliirly marks.
Art. 21. " The said Com])any shallnotbe lield liahle to
l)ay îiny indemnity loany ot' tlie Coin|ianies to \\hoiii \ve or
our royal predecessors, niay liave inade irrants, which said
mdenmities, n anv
l)o (lia
dial[
l)ai(
1 1
ly us
t()r
whieli j)urpose \v(! hâve rvL'oJîcd, and do hcrcbif revoke
ani/ grcDit which uw luwe hvrcloforc made to tht'}n, to
which i^rants, in so l'ar as ihe sanie may be necessary, we
hâve substitnted the said Company, to enjoy ail the ))ri-
vileges ol' ihe same in uuinner a.s if ail hiich privilèges
were licrein particularly expressed.
Art. 22. " Tlu! said Company as seigniors of tlie said
and and Islande
shal
en
i"y
the setn-ninr
ial
ri "•
hh
((
which are al présent estabtished thercin upon the inhabi-
tants of the sanie, as sucli riglibs are now levied by tho
seiguiors in ]K)ssession, unless the said Company sliould
deem it, iiropcr to conmiiite siich rights for the relief of
the said inhabitants.
Art. 23. " 'J'iie said Company shall liave powcr to sell
or dispose of Ihe said lauds by vvay of infeofment, cilhcr
8
58 a
•' in ihe said isiands or (tonlinent ol America, or elHewhcrc
" in the countries granted, npon paymenl of and for such
" cens et rentes and othorseigniorial rigliis as inay be deem-
" ed propcr, and to sncli pcrsons as tho said Company may
" sce fit.
Art. 2\. " Tiio said Company sliali liavc ilio cnjoy-
" ment of uU thc mines and minerais, caj^es, gulfs, ports,
" harbors, rivcrs, rivulcts, isiands and islots wliich may be
" Ibund within llic said granted tracts, without being obli-
" ged to pay ns by reason of thc said mines and minerais,
" nny royal dues wliatever, wliicli (hies are liercby remil-
♦' tcd." '
Art. 36. " The said Comjîany shall also liave power
" to appoint such Governors as may be deemed requisite,
" either upon thc mainland by separatc sedions or pro-
" vinccs, or in thc said isiands, whjch said Governors shall
*' be presented to us by the Uireetors of the said Comjjany,
" in ordcrihat they may be provided with onr commissions ;
" with power also to thc said Company, when and so often
" as may be deemed neecssary, to displace sucli Governors
" and to appoint others in their place, to whom our com-
" missions will be foithwilh issued, it, l)(nng lawful for
" sncli newly appointed Governors lo act as such, imder
" the commission of such directors, for six montlis or for
'* one year at the utmost. "
Art. 31. " Thc said Comj^any shail havc power, as-
seigniors haut justiciers of ail thc said countries, la
appoint judges and officers wherever need bc, and to
displace and dismiss them whcnever ibund neecssary,
which said judges and ofliccrs shall take cognizance ci'
ail matters concerning justice, police, commerce an<I
navigation, as well civil as oriminal ; and in such places
■TS it wijl be neecssary to cstablish suprême eouncil.'^, th»-
!) (/
V-
" ()fhc(>rs c'c)in|josini( tlic -^anu' sliall be norninalod and
" prcsciiUnl to ns Itv iIkî diroclors gciK-ral ol' tlir said
" Company, find tlicrciipoii tlic cominis.xion.s ulsiurli DllictT.s
'' sliall l)t' issiied.
Art. 83. " TIk; jtid^'fs aj)))()intoil iii llui said placiM
'■' will l)c hcld h) i.Mvi' judi.Tmfnt accordini^ to the laivs and
rdi
)lii
ordinanccs oj tins rcalni, and tin; oiiiecis ol" justit'o boiirid
" tu t'ollow aiul to coiiijjly \villi the Custom of Paris,
" acc'ui'dhiî; to w/iich the inhabitants shall enter into ron-
" tracts, witliout its hcing lawtul lo introdiicc any otlicr
" cnistom, in order lo nisiirc unilbrmity.
•IG. Tlio cdict ol' the niontli of mny IGGl crcatod anothor
proprietarij governmi nt. 'Vo tlic ncu coinpauy bcdougcd
tlio right to naiiK! governor.'^ and aii llic oUiciîrs ; nevortlieloss
it appi-ars tliat tliiy ilid not cxt-rfisc tliis privilège during
their short existencr, ai l(■a^l as rrgards ihe oinecs oi
(îovernor and Inî'Mid.nii. Tlic noiiiinalion of thèse two
i'unctionarics coniiniicd to he mode directly by liie King
wlio, thns, reîained, ii; soiue niantier, tin; governing hand
in the adniinistratio'i of the Colony, tnitil the suppresjsiou
of the Conï])rmy by the Ei.iict cï the laontîiof Deeember 107-1.
Charlevoix v. 1, p. .']"(9, renuirlve. npon tliis subject ;
" as this ne\v Coui|)auy, say^: (,'olbert in a rrunnorial whicli
I bave in my hands, had not yet ^-^utlieient knowledgc of the
persons fit to lîll the lirst plaees, they praycd tho King to
nriake the appointmeiits, iintil sueh titne as thcy were in a
situation to make use of tlic j)ri\ ilege, tliat lïisMajesty ha(}
been pleased to giaiil lo iivMu, and it was in conséquence
of this pétition that r>ri. de Mé;^y Avas appointed Governor
General and Mr. llobert intend;int of New France. (1)
(1) JVlessis. lie Mczy aiid lîobert were iiaiiiecl in the year 1G63,
and consequently 1. tore t!iH rrpatinn oi" tlïe Coinitany. The com-
misïions of tlu;ir ^iicci's>ors inukc no mention of their ]}resc)i.tatio?i to
the Kin:i by thf < 'oiiipaiiV, !•) ifcfivt» tiif roiiiini<MonH for their cflicei.
GO a
■17. Il (locs not nppciir tlml riny conrossidii was niiMle 'm
tli(> niiMif t»l flir ('(Hii|);iiiy hrt'oïc \\\v ;iri ival, in tln' ycar
I (!(!.'), (if M Nf. «le Court elles ;in(l 'l'aldii, ttiic naiin'd (Jovcriior
aiid llit' tillicr lalciid Mil. Ily an rMiiK't, rcpiirlcd Uy Cliarli'-
V()i\, ( I ) ol' llii' iiisti'iictioiis i^fivcn lo liiis iiitrndaiil hy lin- niin-
istcr ("tilitt'it, A\ (• x(.i« tliat ilirsr inslrnclions, as rcL^ards tlit>
«•oiiccssions and llic iii'ccssily ol'liav inii;tlic d\\ idlinirs ncaront'
lo tlir otlicf, liad die sanit' (diaractcr \\ \\\\ tliosc liivcn to die
(•oiinnis-^iDncr (iaiidai>« in du' \ car I(i(i;j. In tlic^r in-trnclions
whicli iiiak(î incntKin of die .l/T'7 ot die ('onmil of
State <>r tlie JIst maieh ol' this last year, it is said :
" Tiiis aiirt, lias remained widiont elU'el hecaMsc , to
" imite tlie iidiahitanls iiilo one liody in \ illa^cs, it wonid
" hc nec'ssaiy lo (ihliire tlieni to niakc iiew clearanccs, and
" abandon tlieir ou n. ^'ct as lins is an evil l'or whieli
"■ sonie renie(|\ mnst he l'onnd, Jlis Majes'y leaves it to tlai
" prudence of sienr Talon lo a<lvise willi tlie sieiir de
" Conrcelles and tlie oliieers ol' tlie Soverei^ii C'ouneil, lo the
" end tlml liis /r/.s7/r.s iiuii/ Itv curr'tvd ont. ''
Thèse instrnelicins t'nviiisli u iVesli proof oftlu^ interven-
tion, always active, ol' ilic Ivin^' ot" France, l'or tlic purposp of
snpcrintendin^" tlie concessions ol' land in liis colonies, nnd
to pnl into opération tlic sysleni wliicli lie tlioui^dit niost lit.
for tlieir c.^iahli^hnient.
■18. Tu tliat snmc ycar 1GG5, tlio West Fndia Company
appoinlcd Mr. Le Jiarntys its ii^eni'ral agent in Canada, llis
< omniission \vliicli hcars date tlie 8t!i April (2) and wliich
was cnrcyistcrctl af (juchée on ilie 23rd day of Seplember
following, ij:ives hiin tlie powcr '' of distrihntinii; or having
" distribut(Ml to j)iivatc individnals, tlie Jands at tlie rent
" centt cl renlfs wliicli w ill be found propcr," and " to si'c
'' thaï tlie Company be paid tlic seigniorial rights, and other
(1) T. l,p.:W7. ^
(2) Corn, of the. (iov. and Int. p. 3(!, 37.
61 a
f
" duos wliicli nrc now paid or wliicli may be heroafier
" l)aitl hy tlic iulialùlauts ol" tlic. .«,ai • coimtry. "
It apprars tliat tlic Coin|)uny had i-xpf'rifncod somc
dillicnlty lo liav»' itsrll' put in possession. (1) Mr. de 'l'ra-
ey , llir
Kiii
i" s'
|ji'Ul('nan*-(iiMi"ral in Aimiifa , liav-
iiii' coiiu' fo Canada, wc sec INI, l.c Harrovs, tli»' 18
A
st iciii;
Mitioti, to liiiii, to ilic (i
)(), |)r('scmiiiif iiiiM a pouiioii, K» iiiiii, lo iiif iio-
vcrnor M. de ('oiu-cullcs, and to tlir intendant M. 'l'alon,
dcniandiiii,', anioniir otlier tliiiii^'s, hy tiic lirst articli', tliut
" Tiic (Jcinlenicn ol' tlie Company be acknowledujcd and
" deelarcil as it lias been by hiiii required, since tlie 10
" .Iiily of llie year IGi!."), ,Seit,Miiors ot' tlie Coiintries nanieil
" in tlie Kdict o[' [lis Majesty given at l'aiis l'or tlie
" esfablisliment ol' tlie said Company in tlie iiiontli ol'
" May IGGl, to cnjoy tlie sain(; in ail |)ro|)erty aiul juris-
" diction, as well as ail tlie otiier riglils eonccded by tli(^
" said Kdiet, cnrcii^istered in tlie Sov(>rciifn (.'oimcil ol' tliis
" Conntry, tlie sixtli day of Jiily of last year f' wliieli is
(1) Accordinjï to Charlovoix. t. 1, p. ^S'i-.'î, tlic Tntcrulant Talon,
in " liis iiioinoiiiil lo (.'olburt, of tlie 'Itli Oct. ItiGf), liail said :
" lîiil if liis Majesty wislies lo iiiake «■omelliinf^ of Canada, it seenis
'• to ino tliat lie will not succeed uniess lu; witlulraws il iVoiii tlie liaiuls
<< of (lie West liulia Company, and by grantinj^- in it a wide Idjerty of
'• coMMiicrcc to tlie inliabitants, to tlie exclusion of strangers only. Jf,
*' on tli(! contrary, lie looks npon tlie Conntry only as a soat of connntMce
" proper for tlie fur trade, and for tlie ^ale of certain commodiliesexported
" froin tlie Kin2,'dom, tlie profit, wliicli will resiilt tlierefroin, is not
'• wortli liis attention, and do.->erves very little of yours. Jt woiild tluis
" seem more usetnl to Iravc tlir cntire dircclioa lo tlie Conip;iny in
" tlie saine iiianner as it lias tliat of tlie Islands. 'J'iie Kin<; m takinî
'' tliis résolution, inii;lit calculate upon tlie loss of tliis Colony ;
" becaiise on tlie first déclaration, tliat tlie Company iiiade, of allow-
" ing no liberty of commerce, and of not permittintj;- to tlie iiilia-
"■ biiants tlie riglit of liavinjç commodities brouglit to tlicin froin
" France on llieir accouiit, even for tbeir subsistance, tlie vvliole penpie
'• was excitcd to indignation. Tbe Company, by tliat nieans, will
" profil mucli in cvipoverisJdng the Counlry, and will not only take
" from it tlie means of subsistance, but will be a strong obstacle to its
<' establishment."
t)2 a
'' granted by llie ^v()nl " (lood'' writtcn in a murifinal nû!«r
" lo iho artich'.
The 26lli article of tho pétition demands " tliat the cun-
«-essions whieh shall hereaftcr be made, be *i;ranted by the said
Intendant, atsuehrc;i/ cens et rentes which shall seenreasona-
"• hic ta him, in présence of the said agent or head cJerk ol"
" the said Company, in the name of which ail deeds of
" concession shall be rnade." Tiie answer to lliis deniand
States ; " Nothing seems more in conformity with His Ma-
" jesty's intentions, it therefore seenis to be mostjust togrant
" that which is asked by the présent article." (1)
The Intendant, this fmictionary whom tlie King ap-
points and \\ honi be can disrniss whenever it i,> hispleasure
so to do, tlius blill retains the power of conceding lands,
MUthority which hnd a.lready been granted to hini by the
arrêt of the 21st Mardi 1G63, and the attribution and exer-
cice of whicli attest, without ceasing, the riglit of inlerven-
lion and supcr-inlendancc by tlic King in this matter, a ■ in-
hérent to the fctidal in.^titution wilh which lie had endowed
(Janada.
■J9. In lii(^ régulations '' concerning jus;ice, ])olicc anil
maintenance of the colony" prepared l)y Talon and signed
by him and M. de Tracy, afterwards adopted by the Sover-
(1) Tlie answers lo the 3 i articles oF lliis petiti&n are xlated at
Québec 011 the îl Sept. 16GG, and signed " Tracy, Courcelies and
Talon ;" Ed. and Ord. in 8, vo. 1. p. .u). Jt is probably to this fact
Ihat Charlovoix niakes allusion in the lollovving pasisage '. 1, p. 388 ;
" At the inoment that tho navigation hccanic free (1()G7) AI. de
Tracy returned to France, and ihe Inst act of avthority, which he
performed in America, was to estaUish the West Incita- C(mipany
■i.n oll the rightSf of which the Hundred Associates had tho cnjoj-
raent. Much was expected frora it ; but it took scarcely more at heart
the interests of Npw Fraore, t.han the pr»f.eding had done,as I\I. Talon
had foresppn."
63 a
pign Council on llie 24th January 1G67, (1) wv- see ihe plun
which the intendant présents of establishing military colo-
nies in thc neighboriiood of Québec in -' hamlet:?, viilngfcr.
'* and boronghs [boui'gades) thaï His Majesty, it is therein
" stated, makes or will make at his expense, to bc diî^tribu-
" ted to the poor families which he \vill send froni France
" and with which lie proposes peopling Canada, or which he
" may wish to grant to those soldiers who mny desiro to
" settle tlicrein." It is furîher said tiiat as the preceding
articles trcat merely of the dues to be established in thèse
hamlets, villages and boroughs, " it is rnost fit to examine
"■ by what titles and under what conditions the lands will
" be granîed, and concessions will be niade to private indi-
" viduals who may choose to make the cxpenso and givo
" their attention to the cvdlivation of Canada, themselves
" forming hamlets, villages and boroughs."
Vv'e also read in thèse régulations what follows : ^ as
in ail this distribution, nothing is rescrved for the profit of
ihe West India Comj)anv, that His Majesty is désirons of
gratifying to the extent of the advanlage which in like cases
the right of Seigniory gives, either the inhabitants will hold
direcllij froni it, and in that case, the high, mean and infe-
rior jurisdiction ntay be altribiUed to it, with the right of
Lorh et Ventes^ saisines et amendes, and even a light cens,
if it is judgod proper, or if His Majesty deem that it will
be most advantageous for him to hâve for vassals, ofTiccrs of
his troups who hâve over the roturiers the uscful and do-
manial seigniory, he may create in their favor some in-
considerable rights of cens, which may be rather marks of
honor ihan us<diil revenues, and grant them mean and infc-
rior jurisdiction, reserving to hiraself thc superior, which Ik;
will attach to a Sovercign Court of Fiefs or to some officers
crcaled Ibr thc préservation of the Seignior #w2:c;'flrn or domi-
naniissinicy
(1) Ed. an.l Onl. in-8, vo, 2 p. ?« and fr-ll.
64 a
Such are the suggestions made by the intendant Talon,
approved of by M. de Tracy and by the Sovereign Council.
50. On Ihc 28th Marcli 1667, the Conncil intervones
on the subjoct of the proprietors oiniills and of their inillers,
by an arrêt of whicli I will speak hereafter in trcating of the
right o[ banalité ; also of the arrêt of the same Council of
the 20th Junc following, which enacts that " the multure
taken in this Country will be the fourteenth part. I cite
them iiere merely to prove the intervention, always active,
of the public authority between seigniors and censitaires,
according to circumtances and necessities.
51. M. Talon who returned to France in 1668, and
came back again a few ycars afterwards (1), seems 1o hâve
made but two concessions during his first sejourn in Cana-
da ; one of the iief St. Maurice on the lOth January 16G8,
and the other of the fief St. Michel on the 20th Junc follo-
wing. (2) The first is mentioned in a subséquent conces-
sion of the 4th August 1676 (3) as having been made by a
simple letler missive to Maurice Poulin, sieur de La Fon-
taine, King's Attorney at Three Hivers, permitting him, his
wife said, " to hâve \vork performed on a farm . . . with })romise
to give him a title of concession." The second appears to
hâve been made to sieur de Tilly. (4)
52. Under date of the 3rd January 1669 (5) the Gover-
nor M. de Courcelles gives the letter of concession which
(1) Cliailevoix, t. 1, p. 40d,
(2) M. Dunkin's Analysis p. 18. The author lias been unable to
find tlie tilles.
(3) Seignorial Titles, p. 154-,
(4) Report of the Ccinmis^ioners on Ihe Seigniorial Tenure, p. 75,
wheie tlie In-pector of the Domain remarks tliat this concession liad
alreniiy been made to the Sr. de Tilly by the Company of N. F., on
tlie 7ili April llitJO ; which may r.ake eue suppose it was re-united to
iho Domain.
(5) Title of Seigniories, p. 29.
l
(ih u
I
iMliiiVr^: '^' I li.xvi' ^^r.iiUfJ lu llii; Sioiir Lciiu-yii'-', ;iii luli;;
hiliinl (.>! llic (';i|) de lu MwiK'IaiiiL'. tlic t xkul (^1 land
uiiicli is Ix'UmjcU llic L'unccs^ioM ol ihc (i( ^-Uil) Fallu i-'
aiul llu; Kivcr Si. Aiiiu', on llic Jvivrr Si. I.awicncc, rdid
(Il tlu; cvLMit ol' ihcir hcin^' oiily llircc luitiis of a leagii>'
iii tlicsakl tract oriaîKiaiid liall'a Jcaguo a^ccudint;- liic l\i-
v(T St. Anne, iiicliidi:iq- llu^ Islo of Pines, \\ liich is (ii)i:o-i!i'
tlu'i saul ,i,a'ant, iii ordcr Uiaf Iw iiuni tvork Ihcrvon. iiiunc-
diu/vifj, |)r()vid('(i al\v:iys thaï tlio sairu' hc iiot i!;i'aiili'd to
any ollier pcrsoii, r.iul a tUl".-d('cd tiicri'or shall lie uivci.
■' liiiu as to c/dicrs.'"
'l'Iiis ('onlia(-l was ia iart i.^ivfti lo iiiiii a.l ;i ialcr diitc
(111 tlio rclurii (jl'liu; iiUcndant Talon, on thc ;ird VovcmljiM
!()72. (l)
o3. Ou tiic l'cpreseiUauoii.s ol' llic liilciulani Mr. d«;
iîoiileroiie, 'rak>u'.s Huccessor, llie Council, on tlie l;3tli
Spril lOG'), ( l) passcd an «rrc/ wliich "■ enjoins ail iliosf
w iio in l'uturo will iiiako concessions of land, to liavc tlii'ii)
incasured, survcycd and tlio lincs dmwn of ton arpenis in
dc|)lh, bcginning by tiie oldest from tlic tii'st ycar of thc
distribution, al the cxpenso ncvcvtholess of tlio*e ^v!lo shall
l'oceive tlicni, nnder tlic ix'ualtv of tlio said ^nmlors bein"
responsiblo in tlieir own propcr and private namo for sncfi
loss and damage us may be clainied by tiiose wlio shall bc
injured, and nnlil such tiino a< the said line of ten arpcjits
iii deptli sliall bc laid oui, liiev are foibidden lo pay v.\\\
dues or renls meationed in iiieir coniracts."
l'bis oblig;;' 'ou tu fiA bon.ndai'!(>s [ounuti^i',] wliic!:
was no! expi\'ssed iii tiw iitlesof i-oncessious, nnde lu llic
Seiguiors, llie public authonly interveiicd \o iiuj.nsi- !!p;Mi
llieui nnder iIkî oenallv of nol rec()V('riin,'' liicir seir^uiuri:! 1
diii's ; a new incideni whic'' adds lo \\\r spécial eu:ir;ici(i-
(1) Titlo ol" Si'ioniniirs. ]>. "JS.
(■l) VA, uni < >id. in S. V. 1. p. iS,
66 a
whicli our Fcudal institution lias to Iakc, proportionally as
il dcve]i)j)cs hi<v.U.
51. In a Dced ol' tlie 11 August KiîG, (2) concerning
tlie Seii,miory oC Ccntiily, mention is laadc of a i^ranl ol" llio
I7tli .Tune IGG!), ])y wliit-h tin; Intondant Muulcroiu' liad
i^'ivcn to Michel Pulticr, Sieur de la Prade, a })orlion of tlio
landsconstitutingtlie said seigniory, ])roniJ!<ini>' liini to jurant.
him in Ilia Maje^ty's name a title of concession tliereol","
w'iiich was donc on Iho said llth day of Aiigusl 1G7U.
We find two grants made in tlie year IG'O, ])y simple'
letters of tlie Governor M. de Courcelles, tlie one heaving
date tlie lOtli February, and tlie otlier the lOlli July ; the
Jirst to llie Sieur de la liadie of 20 ar])eiits along the Hiver
St. Lawrence ending at the habitation o( M. Jioucher
mider the obligation oi' labour iiig Ihcre inccssantlif
and to improve the said laiid, according to, and iti confor-
mity 7uilli, the intentions of the King, and on the mnie clau-
ses and conditions; the second to the Sieur Normanville
" on the obligation oi' labotwing therc incessantlij according
fo the intentions oftlie King.''^
55. The Intendant Talon returned tu Canada in the
year 1G70, (I) replaeing M. de Bouterouc.
On the 14tli Mardi 1G71, M. Tiilon, propriotor of the
Seigniory of the Islets, oblained lelt(.'rs patent from the
King (2) "vvhich conceded and assigned to him " ihe ihree
riltagcs thereunto adjoining, and hclonging to us "" said His
^îajesty, " the iir^itcaWod Bourg Roijal \}\e svvond Bourg la
lieijne and the tliird, Bourg Talon,'''' und united and iiicor-
|)oiated theni with his propertij of the Islets, " so thaï iience-
forth ihey shali constitute but one and tlie sauu! Fiei" and
(1) « Titres des îSeig." p. VZ.
(2) Charlevoix, t. 1, p. 1.21-25.
(3) Journal du Conseil Législatif, 1852-5-'^ appendice no.2; p.()94'..
67 a
soisfnini'v," and t-rrcfod llm wliole " into flic (iilc nnd (li<>nity
'' ola Harony," nnd "■ wiihonf thaï ])y roason ol" tlie piv-
" seul î^ili, union and, onn-tion, llie inliabitants, h^nants,
'' iiMMi, and vassals of tlic said lands and Hor(>iifi;/is,
( /io
iir,
lia
Il !>(■ lie Id lia hic forotlicr and <n-('at('r ducs 1 lia n
le \\ liolo
lliosc \\ hicli ihcy now owc." Comliliotis : Isl '•' il
imdcr llii' ohliiration lliat llicrc sliall hc no cliani^c in llic
I l'i
u iri «
[nionrance) hy wliicli tlir wliolo ol'tli
aid coiiii-
Iry is li(-|(l oï u^^ n\i/ aimi (lucini chuni^vinvnl de la vioii-
rnnrr à nous appartenu ni en reslendac. <hi dil pai/s ; 2ui\
of a simple fcully and lioinaoo ; 3i'd Airu cl tlt'nonihrr-
u
//('/.'/
aid land and liaronv ; -llli widi
lie niilil
ind
diilirs !o us duc and ord(nv(] in llic said conniry : 5di and
withoiit Ihal, l)v dofanll of hoirs nial«\ boni in
awlnl
('('pssorscan nrc-
\\i'dl(n-k, nciihcr \X(.', nortlic Kin^'s o(U' su
tend lo vcimiic llio said harony to oui- (h)niain in accor-
(lance wilh ilie ordinanco ol'thc moniJi of.luly 1j6G, etc.,
ctc.'^ (1)
Thcso leitcrs ])aton1 inforni ns thaï ihc thvcc vill
aires or
horonii;lis, lo w liieli refenaico is made, and hcloni^ini^ lo tlic
Kini^-, lia(] heeii i^siahlished in conformity witli thcplan sui?-
gested in th(! iiislrnetions oC llie Commission' r (iano'ais, atni
in the reo-ulationsof Police of tlic 24tli January 1GG7, pro-
pared by ihe Intondant Talon. One of thcso Boronehscvcn
horo Ihe naino of ihc Intendant.
5G. Froni t ho arrivai of Talon, in 1 ho yoar 1G70, imtil
tho monlh of October 1G72, it doos not appcar that any con-
cession of land was niade in Canada, oithor in tho nani(> of
(l) TiiiMi lettors patent aiitiioriscd " tho .Sieur liaroii des Islets to
establiMi prisons, oallows oii four posts, whorevor lie iniglit think proper
throuoiiout, tiie extent of the said Jiarony; as also a set uf cornmon
stoeks suruiouuted by his coat^of anns."
At a later date, the l^arony of tlie Islets was, at the request of Ta-
lon, erected iiito au Karldom [Crmité] by the naine of Orsainville, by
letters patent of the King, of the monlh of May 1G7D. F» Titres des
seig." p. 318. *-
os a
tli!! Kin.-f oi' (»l lli ■ \Vr-*\. ItiiliHii (.'oiiip.tiu', l)nt in lln; cotii'»"
v)l liic iniinl.i's ol (Ji iiM)''!' an<l NoNi'niiiiM
Talon iiiau'' a t;';; iM ;.!U!j!,!;i ol i^T:
llie Oiik'ci's (>t'il!'> .Ui':;;î,M:'ni
more Iliaa :jj\;\, ;;('ci'i'.liii:: io M. J.)i
lli7:J,
jn r u-
ic liiti-iidant.
cspcciallv lu
1 ;r'ii_ni;a'
îmioiuil
M;
arialvsj^.
if is rc!n".r!
,1,1.
tli.il llio.'^n ,%n-nri1s <li;l noî 1al;f' plat.-e
until afîor tli'.' p;is-;i!)'2: di' ;mi ari'';t d" retranche me ^d hy \\\('.
s!a'(\ on llu; -llh clayof tlio ])n.'viuu:j
Kincr,
iii !ii.<
Coi; II" il
mont h ol'.liino. ( !)
The nrrèt i>' in Vw^-'^ woM'-^
u
a
(i
a
',1.
il
((
((
u
u
a
a
u
'^ The Kin'.( b('in<j' inionued iliat ail his siibJ»'(Ms wlio
passo'.l o\r>i- i() Nc'\\ ]'>arii"(' ]ia\i.^ oblainecl i;ranl^ ol' larire
(liianîiii'.'s 'if Iaw'X iiloiicr liiC rivcis ol' la'- snid coinitry,
Avliicli laniis liioy wvni iniablo 1o cl'niv ht'caiis!;' of liirMr loo
■C^n-cat o.\)on!, a «•ir(;iii)!l:M';"(^ \\'hicii j;iooinino(lcs ilio otlir-r
inliahitauls ol' llip sai'l coiinlry, and cvcn |)r<'V('iils (;di(^r
FrcMeluiirn froni pas-<in.r ovcr [or th'" j)nrp«:)so ol' seUlJn.'i
dicir, whicli bein:j^ cntirely conlrary to Jlis ]\raj(>st\'s iii-
IcMllnn^ as )•( 'fards iho suid Conntry, and to xho rare and
al'rDiJon V. liici' lie l'as be-ni desirons of î:ivin<,^ diirin,'^'
eiiflir. or ten yt^ar-^ 1o ;!ii.',rni'nit tli(> colonies A\'liieh nr.^
there establisliecl, sein'j^ tliat oniy a ))ortion ol' ilie b\nds
al(Miu ihe rivers are cidtivaled, tlie reinaind'^M" not beinij
so, and no! Iiein^' ca])ab]!> of so beiiia", in consecinonco of
llie ioo ij^reat exlent, of l!i" snid ronei'ssions aîid tiieweak-
ness of the jn'oprieîors l'uM'oof.
" It beinq neeessary to ])rovide for ibe same, His Ma-
jes'y beii^ ia his eopiicil, lias or^lained and ordains that
there shall bc made i)y tiie Sienr Talon, Councillor in
tlie Kiniï's Coiineils, Inlendant of Justice, Police iUid Fi-
nance, in the saifl conntry, a précise and exact déclara-
tion of die quality oï th" lamjs conceded tn the principai
7n Edits et OrcT. in-So. t. J. n. 70.
G9 a
'* itllKlIilFUlH ()! llii- Nii.l l'.iilllII'V olllic liiiliilxT (il ;il|)t'llI->, (i|-
" (>thiM'm'':'-IMr iKi.l iti lll'~ >;ii(| ( 'nlllllrv, W llicli I l|i'\ ('(illluill
" <>') t!i!' h iliiv-^ ot l'i'' rivci'v ;iti,J iiii;ui(ls, ol' llii" llliliilicf ol
"■ [XM-soii-; :iii(l (muIi' lil for îiiui ciiiplincd iii llic ciilliv;!! ion
"• niul f! -ariu.; ci' tlu- muiI lands, in coiisiMpUMU'c ol' wliicli
" <](n-lara1 ion liio hall' oï llio hiiids, \vliicli liad hccu conccdcd
" |)rc\ioi!s 1() II'" lasl 1<'U yiairs s'.iall hr Itdir"!! iVoni tlic con-
'■'■ la'ssioii'^, and îjivcnl;) i^dividllal^^ \v!io >^liall demand tlicni
" 1o 1)0 (aiitivak'd and cleaiod.
" [t is ()V(i(M(al hy Ills .Majc.sly liait Iîk; ordinanccs
" wliir-h siiall \y.: iiiadi^ by l'io sa/id sieur Talon sliall Ijo
" cxcciiled acfordinq lo l'iicir foriii and tcnor, souveraine-
" men! et en. dernier ïvs.sor/, lil;e jiidirmcnls of a snixM'ictr
" Couri, Jlis J\Ia.j('^-!y ff)ni'(Mini.>: on liiia ior ilial jjurposc
" rdl ])owcr, jnvisdiclioii a)id aiitliorily. llisJMajesly iar-
" ihor ordi'is llial llio said sit'iir Talon sliall givc irrants ol"
'• lh(> lands so rcln'iudii.'d lo ncw sotllers, on tlic condition
*■' aKvays lliat llicy sliall clearllioni cnlindy, durini^- llie iirsl
" four years ntwl cnsnino-, odierwisc and in defanlt of so
" doini2f. and llic said livno Ijoinix j^assed, tlie said grants
" shall vcmain nidl. Enjoins liis IMajcsty on llic sienr
*•' Connt de Fronlcnac, Governor and Lieutenant (îcneral
" for His Majesly in tlx; said (camtry and on tlic Oilic(M-s
" of tlie Soverciun Conn^il ihrrcof, to look to thc exécution
" of tlie ]ires<'n1 Arrêl\ wliicli shall be exceutcd, any opjxisi-
" tion or liind(M'anc(> w!iali'^(>r no1\vitlistandin<r,"
TIkî Arrrf is acconijjanied witli a " niandati' and
ordcr" by llie Kin^LT, b{;arin:i[ tlie saine date, addresscd to tlie
(iovernor, ihe Connt de Frontenac, and to tli(^ Oilieers of
llie Sovevei;2:n Coiincil esîab]i.--lied ;U Qnelx'c, enjoining
tliem " lo ;ook to (l'c execiition of ilie said Jrrrl and to ali
■' tliat slial! be doni' reirida'ed and ordered by t!ie said
•' sieur Talon in (X'n-r>(|iieiU'e, and \ve conunand oiir Hrst
"• builiff or sergeant. on ])eing thereunto re(|uircd, lo oxe-
70 a
" exile in full ail nrcf ssary actes and necessary summonses
" wilhout nlher authority."
57. On lliis occasion, tlie intorvonlion of tlie King in
llu! Canadian concessions, shows itself more active and
iniikcs hirii pronounct; against the scignior a forlcilure more
.sevcro llian licretofori! : onc liiUrorilnj lands (umccdcd " ho-
foro tlic lasl ton y(;ars," innst be retrcnchcd from tlic con-
cessions, and Ihe ncw grunlces must clcar thon cntirely in
the Ibur ioUowing ycars, on pain of the nallity of their con-
cessions.
It is propcr to rcmavk tiiat the Arrât of the 4th June
1073 niakes no mention of the West India Company.
57. bis. Another Arrct of the Council of state bcaring
date the same day, the 4tli June 1G72 (1) based npon " the
" accounts which liad reached France, tovvards the end of the
" last year, of the Canadian country or New France relating
" to the stat(! of that conntry," enjoins upon tiie intendant
" Talon to make " régulations of police as well gênerai ly for
" the country as for private dwcUings, to be brought to Ilis
" Majesty, and to be afterwards ordered according to the
" report which will be made to him in lus Council, as it
" may be deemed reasonable, and nevertheless His Majesty
" desires that the said régulations made by the said Sr.
" Talon, be provisionally executed according to their form
" and ténor. ''^
58. The first concession that Talon, " in virtue of the
anthority," it is therein stated, " given to us by His Majes-
ty," made after the Arrêt of retrenchment of the 4th June,
is that of the fief d'Orvillicrs ; it is of the lOth Oct. 1672. (2)
It was given to the Sieur De Comporté, ofïicer of the Régi-
ment de Carignan " in fief and seigniory, and jurisdiction."
(1) Ed. and Ord. in-8o., t. 1, p. 72.
(2) Titleofseig.,p. 66.
71 a
Conditions lo : " at ihe charge of faith and liornagc wliich
*' the said will be held to pay al llie castle St. Louis
" at Québec of whieli lie sliall hold."
2o. " Subject to the customary rights and dues and
agreably to the custoni of the Provotship and Viscounty
of Paris which shall be followed in this respect provisio-
nally until ordained by His Majesty.
a
3o. " And that the appcals from the décisions of the
Judge who may be established at the said place shall lie
" before
4o. " Under the condition that hc shall kcep house and
" home, {feu et lieu) on his said seigniory wilhin one
i(
year.
a
5o. " And that he shall stipulate in the title deeds which
he shall give to his tenants that they shall be ohliged
" within one year to réside and keep house and home on the
" concessions which he shall hâve grantcd them and that in
" default of so doing, lie shall re-enter pleno jure in posses-
" sion of the said lands.
60. " That the said shall préserve the oak
" timber which may be found within the limits of the land
" wich he shall hâve set aside for iiis principal manor.
7o. " Moreover that he shall stipulate in the private
" grants wliich he shall make to his tenants the réservation
" of such oak timber fit for ship building.
80. " Also that he shall givô immédiate notice to ihe
" King or to the West India Company of ail the mines,
'' ores and minerais if any be found witliin the limits of
'' the said fief.
9o. " Also that he shall leave ail necessary roads and
" passages.
iZ il
IO(i. " 'l'Iic uliolc iiihli r llii: uill ;intl pit ;i-tuc ol lli"*
"■ Maji'sly, l.)y ulit'iii Ik; vliiiU h»,- hrid loli.iu' llnx' prcMiiis
"■ l'oiiliriiicil wiiliiii onc ycar t'rum tlic daU' hcrtol."
'i'Iic'sc coiiililions, willi iIk; cxrcpwlc.ti (>( llic lliivc liiM,
arc ncw, il' il li(! Mot as regard -i thrir clli'cl, \\ itli lopcrl lo
»;()iiie, at U'w^i as rcj^anls tlu^ir loriii. W'c do iiol lind dicm
in })rec'i;diii,ii; coiiccssioiis. I5iii ilicy air olicii repcalcd
littcrally, or in ('(iiuvah'iit tcnii'^, in die (■onl'('^,sions sul)
j^equent lo tliat in (lucsijon, as wcli as tlic lollowii)^^ words,
applicable 1o dir Casloiu oi" Paris, whicli arc in dic second
condition, vi/ : '' which shnll be foUun'cd in //(/.v rcs/)c<i
" pruvifilonalli/, and itntil ordaincd bij Uis Majcohj ,'' iIksc
U'onls, ulso, ar(! iiol in liio lirst concessions, lait \ve iind
tliem at a latcr date in a i^rcut nuniber ol" oiImms w Idi tlic
addition of tlie word " ollicrwisu" tliat is to H-.iy " until
ollierwisc ordaincd byllis Majcsty/'
59. The second concession niadc; by Talon is ol'llie 17
Ocl. 1G72. (1)
It a])[)earslliat a concession conlainin<j; "• iiiom tlian ù(>
leagucs in Iront" in Acadia, liad been granled several ycars
belbrc lo the Sicnv de Latour, wlio had since died, leavin.'r
several creditors, anioni^' tlic nun)i)(.!r orAvlucU was Martin
d'Arpentii^ny, Sieur de Marti^non, liis son in law, Ti i ■
last, beini^ advised to take possession ol' il.e v.liole ot' tlie
grant of hisfather in la\v, he considered l;e siioidd iiol do so.
" But liaving learned," ho says in liis ineiîKJiiul lo liie In-
tendant, " tliat thc Kinif iiad llie riglil of rcsumini* posscs
sion of ail the land.^ granted previouslij fo ihe husl Icn 7/w/>-
in conse(]uence oflheir not havini-- l)een settled and bvoni;!ii
into cultivation (niakinii^ allusion, widiont tlie leasl doid)l, lo
the Arrct oi'retrcncinuent ol' tlic Ith .lune 1072), D'Arucnii-
i^-ny asked the intendaiil lu » oiiccd.' lo hii.i '• ;i;e wliole or
'■' part of llie -^aid laiids, oll'erin^ i);inM'diali'î\ 'w improvc tlic
(H Tiilos ol' Soigniei ic'i p. ■■J;i'-,
73 a
"• .sailli' by (Miltivaiii)n.'" Talon ('(Hicoilcs lo liiiu " in fiol
and in ail tlio riijjlits ol" jiirisdiction, and suigniory," a pari
only, viz, six Icacjncs in Iront by six Icagurs in dcptli, by
llicse mt'ans putling info exécution tlie above-mcntioned
Arrêt ofre Irène h ment.
Aniong tlie conditions of the m^w concession is tliis
one : 2o, " and as a vedciuplion Une (radiai) one year's re-
venue oneach change of possessor, according to llic Cusloni
ol" Vexin Français included in the Custom oi' Paris." Tiiis
stipulation is repeated in several subséquent concessions,
GO. On the 18 Oct. 1G72 (1) concession in fief by Talon
fo Jae([ues Potier, Sr. de St. Di-nis, on ihe Jliver St. John in
Acadia ; with the clauiKe, " lo keep liouse and home within
" the year ; tliat he sliall slipulale the same clause in the
" contracts which he sliall grant to his tenants, in default
" whereof, the King shall of right résume the possession of
" the said lands."
Gl. 18 November 1G72. (2) Ilere is the very short title
of the seigniory oi" JMatane, granled by Tahjn : —
" We do hcrebycertii'y to ail to whomit may appcitain
ihat we hâve granted leave unto the wSieur Damour, coun-
cillor in the Suprême Council of this country, to cause
Works to be perlbrmed on a tract of land of one leaguc in
front by one league and a lialf in dei)tli, to wit : one half
league this side and one half league beyond the River Ma-
lane ; the whole under the will and pleasure of His Maj(;sty,
hy whom he shall he hcld to hâve thèse présents confirmai.'''' (3)
(1) Titles of Seigniorics, p. 255.
(2) ib p. 317.
(3) This concession, witli its augmentation conceiUd by tbc Inten-
dant Ducbesneaii on tlie 2b .lune lb77 to Mathieu Damour [M. Duii-
L'in''s analysis p. 3() j was confirined by the arrêt of ihe Iving in hi:'
«^ouncil of stute on Uie2[)Mai JbSO,[Ed.and Ord. in-8o, t. J,[..2I0.|
10
74 a
Tlioro is no doubt tliat scvorfil oonccnsions woro nrindo
in tlip siimn immiicr, and tliat aftorwanls llu; granlccs \vlio
vvere aircady in possession, look mort; tonnai lillcs ; w liicli
can oxplaiu tliis clause inserli'd in scveral olllic litUs, llial
is, tliat tlie <;ranti'(' '•'• sliall continue lo kcrp hoiisc antl lionu;
" oïl tlie concessions w liicli lie sliall niake or ^vllicil lie inay
" hâve inade, etc., etc.'"
62. In the ycar 1073, tlic (Jovernor, ISl. tie Frontenac
himself" in virtue «f tlie autliority granted to liiin i)y Mis
Maj(!sty," lie stiited, rnade soiim concessions ; tliey iippear
lo bc six in number, aecordiii^ le» M. DunKin's anulysis (p.
20, 27).
Tlie fn'sl ofthosc concessions wliich bears tlic; date ol'
tlie 9tli January, is tliat ol" iIk; Conrcilles Islands aloiii>' tlio
shore ol'llie Island ot' Montréal ; it is i^ivcn to tlie Abbé de
Fenelon " witli ail tlie ri^lits ol' Fief and wSeii^niory, and
upon the condition ot' liavin:,' the saine cidtivaletl and inlia-
bited as far as tlioir extcnt will permit." (1)
63. ]\r. Dnnkin's analysis (p. 27 and 28) niakes men-
tion of four concessions made in the ycars 1073 l)y the
VVesl India Coni|)any itself; tlioy arc,' aliuost ail alike, the
firsl dated the lôtii Novi'mber and the llin.'c otliers tlic' 23
Docember. (2) Condilions : lo. subject by the said. . . . to
" fealty and hoinagc, wliicli tliey sliall bo lield to render to
*' the said Company at each change of possessor, at the
" Fort St. Louis of Québec, or in tins cilij of Paris^ at tlie
*' office of the directors gênerai of the said com])any."
2o. " With a gold crown (écu d'or) which sliall be
(1) 'L'itles of Seigniorics, p. 359.
(2) Tit. of seigniories, p. 38, 39, 10, and '' Brrvefs de r;i(i(ica(ion,'"'
p. 3. This liist concession, tliat of Terrobonno, bears, in tlie piiiited
paper. the dale of tlie 23 Dec. 1076. Tins is ovidently an error, as
the West Jndia Company had been suppresed two years before.
75 a
*' paid m\ ron(l»'rinp thr maid homnge, of which an acknow-
" lt'cl<j[tn(!tit «liall l)(j (i('livt'r«'(l.
;}(). '' .\ti<1 iii(iic(i\.r siihjrci lo ilu' cliargo and rondU
" tioii iIkiI thc s.iiil sliiill, irithiii Ihrce ifears^ bcgin to
" t!!Uis(i ilic siiid liiiii <>r l.irul to 1)1! cN-an'd.
[o. '' Whivh nhtill hv aum'i/ed and bounded trithin the
" aaid sixirv o/ finir.
5(). '^ lu dcruiih of tlii> fiiKiliiicnf ot wliicli conditions,
"■ tlic hinds <'ont!iiri('d in ilic said concession sliall be
" ri-iinit((l lo llic (loiiiaiii oCtlic said coiii|):iny which shall
'■'■ havc thc riii[lit to dispose ot" ihcni as il rnay think fit,
'' williont thc said. .. . haviiii,', on tiiat accouiit, ihc ri^dit
" to ( laiiii any indciunity, which said comlitions hâve been
'•'• ai'ccptcd l)y thc said
We rcad in th(! concession of thc lôth Nov:
'' For which |)iirpose wv. havc revoUcd and do by thèse
'' jircscnts rvvokv ail otlicr concessions which may hâve
" bccn hcHîtoCorc inach' ot' thc said tract of hmd or part
" thcrcol', proi'itled l/tr. aanu; bc not iindcr ciiUiratiun.'''*
A similar révocation is pronounccd in Iwo of t!i(! conces-
sions of ihc 2.) Dccciubcr, those inade lo M. Daulier du
Pare and to M. J)aulic>r Dcslandcs.
fil. ^[. Dnnkin's analysis (p. 2S, 29 and 30) spenics of
î) concessions madc in th^~ ycar 1674, frorn ihe 20111 Aprilto
thc 13 Si'ptcniber, by the count de Frontenac '' in virtue
of tlu> auihority i(rantcd to liini by ilis IMajesty" (1) and
(l) •• Tilles of .Suigniorics," p. 3i)7, 3tJî), 307, 'S'il, 371., 315, 382,
37(i.
Tlic ilrst of llu'so coiici'ssions [p. 367] liail boen prccoded hy '» a
" titlt; iVoiii ÎM. (le Talon, liercti))orc inlomlaiit, etc., givinj^ permission
<' to work on tlie said lnui witli a promise of givinti' hini a deed llierooC ;"
and in llie lonrtli [p. 3~1] we read : " on wliich [lands] lie lias alieady
" caused sonie work to be done l'or ihe cstublislinient of a sedenlary
7(i a
..ilso oi iwo ollier liiles oi' coiicu'si^ion /^ivcn in ihe saine jïeur
by tlio Wesl India Company, tlie Ç{xrA dalcd lliu 28 Mardi
ind llio second iIk; G May, boUi iii l'avur oi' INI. de I.aval.
Oî^liop of Pctivc.
To oblajn llio first of thcso tilles, ilie Bisliop rcprcsent;^
iliat tbo original concessions of llie Seigniories of Beaupré
■Mid oï iho, Island of Orléans whieh ho liad acquircd, liad
■K;cn made iiponllie condition of " paying al(,'aeli imitation
i4' posscssoï, one year''s revenue of tlie iands and domains
vvliich shall be retained. . . . . . a/ter having conceded to
private indlvidiials that which ihey did not désire to kecp,"
and ihat this charge was too encrons " regard being had 1(»
'•' the greal ex})cnsc attendant vipon ihc establishment of
'•' domains in the said country,"
The new title discliargcs him from the obligation to
pay this revenue of ono year, remain ing for the future sub-
i*,ct to the cliarge : " of r('ndi;ring fealty and honiage to the
'•'■ said com])any everytwenty years, at the Castle of Québec,
"■ \vith a pièce of gold of half an ounce for each of the said
'■' sL'igniorics."
In the second title which is that of the concession
of the " Seigniory de la Petite Nation," we see the
foUowing conditions : lo. " subject to the charge by the
" ,said of fealty and homage which hc will be
"• hcld to pay to tlu; said Company every twenty
'■' years at the Fort St. Louis of Québec, or in this city of
" Paris, at the office of its Directors General, —
" iislicry, according to tlic writtcn pcnnissioa wliich he had from us on
'' tbe 30 Oct. 1673, uutil we slioiild graut liiin a decd of concession."
We rcmark in tho concession of tlie 17 August lo74< [p. 315]
irbich is tl.at of the Islands of Bcar.regard, tlie foUowing words : " and
fo cultivato the same wcH and iDl)abit tlieni as njuci) as tlieir •^■slent
wjU permit."
77 a
2i). "■ Wilii u jiiecc ut \\j()iiL,'lit i.'iilil i]\id \o :i /o<(/i
" (,/'()>■ worlh l'hjvi.vti livres, —
'1(1. '' Avd l>v mcan.< oC ihc suid cIuum's nnd condi-
*' lions, the said concession sliall rcniain (lisch;ir!j^(^d l'or
" evcr froni ail riglils and dues i^enerally whalevcr, —
5o. " Tlio said sliall be oblii^ed lo hâve llie
" clearing of the said concession commeneed witliin l'our
" years, unless he is {)rcvcnted by soiue war or oUk r rea-
" sonable cause, —
Co. " And lliat the boiindaries sliall be fixed at bolli
" ends of the said concession only, by a surveyor, —
7o. " In defanlt whereoC the said Company may dis-
" pose of the said lands as it lïiay ihink lit and re-iinite.
" them to its domain, without the said having in
" this respect any claini for indemnily, which said condi-
" tiens hâve been accepted by the said "
65. Such is tlie character of the Grants in Fief, made
during the third period of our Fondai history, that is to say,
from 1GG4 to 1674 inclusively. As mucli by the nature of
the divers stipulations contained in the dced, of concession
as by those of the législation vvhich look place during that
period and the Royal Government of 1663, we see iliat the
obigation to clear and consequently to subgrant, as the one
could not be made without the other, had become, if j)os-
sible, more imperative than in the former lime.
66. The suppression of the West Indian Company, by
the Edict of the montli of Decombcr 1671, (1) brings us to
the beginning of tlic fourth period which terminnfes by iho
promulgation of the two celebrated Arrêts of Marly, ren-
dcred on the 6th August 1711 and enregistensd in the supc-
rior Council of Québec on the 5th Decembcr 1712.
(1) Kil. n Ord, in-8o vo. 1. p. 74,
78 a
Tlic Edict of the suppression oï the Company, in reu-
vifins; .\(>\v France, toilie domain of the Crown, caused the
(îovcniiiicnt ot Canada 1o lose the character ot" a l-'ro-
prietary (iovermuent \vhich il might liave had diiring the
exisU'iiee ot" lhat Conijiany, and gave it back liiat of a
lioijal Gorcniiiicnt Avhich it |)res('rved from tluit time until
the end of the Freneh domination.
My tliis Ediet the King extended the freedom ol' trade
!() itll his sii!)i(-els, and eonfirmed " the concessions ol' lands
granteil l)y ihe Dircctors of the Company, their Agents and
Attornjcs."
07. Two concessions madc on ihe 22ntl April and (ith
^^ay 1()7j by tlie Count de Frontenac, " by virtue of ihe
po\v(M' to him given l)y II. M." contain, " at the eusîoniary
rights and dues and in accordance with the Customof Paris,
and until ordaiiied by 11. M."
G8. On thf lOth ■Nlay 1G75, the King made an arrêt in
tlie Conneil of Stale, in wiiicii he conlirmed many con-
cessions made by lh(î Count de Frontenac from the 22nd
INfarch to tlie 2ud September 1074, and " ordains that the
grantees sliall enjoy the same, in the form and manner
in(Mition('(l in the di-eds of co.ncession, \vithout being liable
to be troubled in the possession and cnjoyment for any
cause or occasion whatever, under tlie obligation of paying
the dues \\ ith which they shall be burthened."
00. On the 13 May 1075 (1) a grant of a character alto-
gether j)eculiar was madc; to Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la
Salle, in virtue of an Arrêt of ihc Council of state, and by
letlers ])atent from the King. It is sullicient in tliis place to
recapitulate ils motives and conditions to show liow impc-
rative was the obligation lo clear and sub-grant.
(1) Brevets de Ratification, p. 28.
79 a
'y
,1"'
h-
la
l.y
|o
" The King liaving in Ilis ConiK 1 cxaminrd llic pro-
positions made by setting i'orlh lliat il' it should
pleaso II. M. to grant 1o liiiu his hoirs succcssors and
assigna, as a simple gitt ihe Fort called "• Frontunac "
" togethcr with four Icagucs ol" ihe ni.'ighbouriiig (.'oiuilry,
" llie islands called and other isies adjaeeut, \\\\\\
" the right of hunling and fishing on llic said lands, and ou
" the lake called Ontario or Frontenac, iind ihe neighhour-
" iuiif rivers, the wholc in the rii^hl of Fiei', Sei^fuiorv ami
" jurisdiction, whercof the ai)peais froui the judge, shall lie
" before the Lieutenant General of Québec, with the (Jo-
" vernment of the said Fort of Frontenac, and letti'rs of
" nobility, lie would cause to pass over to the said C'oimtry
" of N. F. numerous cfi'ects which lie j)ossesscs in ihis Iviug-
" dom, therewith to raise and construct dwellings Avhich, in
" the course of time, may greatly contributc; to the iacrease
" of the colonies in the said Country, and besides, this said
" oflers to reimburse the sum of 10,000 livres, being
" the amount expended inconstructing the said Fort ofFron-
" tenac, to rnaintain the said Fort in good order and eondi-
" tion and the garrison for the defcnce of the saine,' ^\•lli(•h
" may not be less tlian that of Montréal, to niaintain 20
" mon daring two years for clearing ihe lands tliat shall I)e
" conceded to liim, and until lie lias built a Chiireh, lo
" maintain a priest or monk to perfonn divine service
"■ and adminisicr the sacraments, Avhich undertakings and
" other things the said shall do at iiis own costs and
" expense until such time as thcre shall l)e esiablished
" above the Long Sault.... some privatc individnals, ^vilh
" grants similar to those which hc prays for, in ^^•hi(■h case
" those \\\\o shall hâve obtained the said granis shall bc
" held to contribute to the said undertakings in proportion
" to the lands which shall be conceded to tlicin. And
" liaving lieard the report of the Sieur Colberl II. M. in
" his Council bas accepted and accepts the ofiers of the
1.4
'■.#
80 a
'' said. ..... .and in consicMiuence, II. M. i^ianls liini ihc j)r(v
" jx'Hy ol' tliL'siiid Fortcalled " Frontenac" and lour loai^nirs
" oCllic adjacent country.... along tlie lake.s and rivers
" above and bclow llie said Fort and h leaiijue in land.s there-
'* l'rom ; \\iv. islands called and llie iîsies adjacent,
willi tlie riglit ot" liuntini^ and iisliini^ on llie said Iako
Ontario and tlic .snrrounding rivers, t lie wliole in title ol'
Fief and iull seiqniory and jurisdiclion,
" Condillons : —
a. — " On tlic condition ol' sending inimediately to Cana-
" da ail the ell'ects lliat lie lias in lliis Kingdoni wliich can-
" not be less tlian the suui of 10,000 livres in moncy or
"• ellect^.
b. — " And to t'orvvard a certificale lo lliat ellect iVom
" the Sieur Count de Frontenac.
c. — " And to reiiaburse the siiniof 10,000 livres for tlie
" cost of constructin<^ the said Fort.
(/. — Tg rnainiain and pal it in a gootl slate of défonce,
''' to pa} the nccessary garrison for the delence of the same
" and whicli will be atlcastequal to that of Montréal.
e. — " As also maintain 20 uien lor the clearing of the
" lands and wlio shall not be eiiiployed at ollier work dur-
" ing the said tiine.
/. — " To build a churcli in the llrsl six ycars of the
" concession, and in the uieantime to maintain a j)riest or
" monk tliere Ibr the administration of the sacraments.
I
fr. — " As alsi) to cause Indlans to corne ihither, to
" whom dwellings shall be givcn and who shall bc foruied
" into villages, logether with Fn'nrliiueii to whom ho shal!
'-'■ give a part of the said lands, to be cleared,
SI a
h. — '' AU wliich laiuls sliall Ixj clcarcd and inadi pio
•' ductive in tlie lime and .spucc of 20 years, to coiint IVom iIk-
" présent year, 1G76, otherwise, tlie said titne being passod,
" II. M. may dispose ol' ihe lands whicii .sliall not be cleared
" or made productive.
i. — " IL M. désires ihat the appeais froin tiie Courir^
" wliich shall bc establisbed by the said. . . . shall be to ihc
" Lieutenant General ol" Qu(;bee.
j. — " And with lias intent IL M. désires thaï ail llic
" deeds of gift and concession in this mall(;r necessary .
" may be cxpedjted for tlio said. . . . together wilh a coin
" mission for the Government of the said Fort FrontenaC;
" and letters of nobility for liim and liis poslerily.
In conséquence of which Arrct, the grant itself was
made in thèse terms :
" Ilave given and give him by thèse présents signcd
" by our own hands the property of the Fort called " Fron-
" tenac". . . . with 4 leagues of land. . . . ak:)ng the lakes and
" rivers above and below the said Fort
" together with the islands called and the adjacent
" iles, with the right of hunting and fishing on the said
" lands and in the said lake Ontario or Frontenac and the
" surrounding rivers; which Forts, lands, islands, isles ,
" hunting and fishuig, it is our désire and pleasurc that
" the said Joy by the titlc of Fief and ail righls of
" seigniory and jurisdiction,
Conditions : —
Ist. " With the obligation of feally and homage which
" the said shall bc held to render to us at evcry
" change of posscssor 'holding the whole of us and of our
" Crown, —
2nd; " And to pay lho cnstomary rights and ducs ac-
" cording to ihc Custom of ihc I'rovf>stsliip and V'iseouniy
" of Paris, —
11
82 a
3rd. " And that the appeals from the Court which shall
" be establishcd, at the said Fort of Frontenac shall be be-
" i'orc the Lieutenant General of Québec, —
4tli, " It is also our pleasure that the said Cavelier be
" and reniain Governor for us of ihe said Fort of Frontena(;
" under the orders of our Lieutenant General in the said
'■'■ Couniry of New France, and that thèse présents shall
"■^ serve him for ail necessary purposo to that effect —
5th, " And to make known how agreeable to us la iho
^' increase of the Colonies of the said Country, VVe, in
" con>;idcration of the trouble and expense which the said
"■ Cavelier lias liad and shall hereafter hâve, hereby hâve
" ennobled and do ennoble him — desiring for that purposc
'■'■ tliat ail letters of nobility may be granted to him.
6th. " We permit nevertheless ail the inhabitanis of
'' the said country, and others who shall hereafter settlo
" therein, to trade with the Indians in the usual manner, in
'■'• act'ordance uiîh the rules of police and Arrêts of our
" Council of Québec, without that under pretext of the pre-
ent concession the petitioner can prevent them in any
'-'• sort or manner whatcver, —
i(
7th. " Which concession we hâve made to the said Ca-
" velier under the obligations, clauses and conditions, set
"' forlh in the Arrêt of our Council of this date, bear-
" ing the counter seal of our Chancellery, whieh undertak-
" ing the petitioner sliall be bound to make at his sole
*' cost and expense, so far and for such time as there shall
" be no other persons besides him and his successors esta-
'' blished in liie said Fort of Frontenac and other lands
'' and seigniories of the présent concession, —
8th. " And in case that there may hereafter be granted
" .,,, concessions» in Seigniory above the Long Sault.,,,
i
83 a
" those in wliose favor the said roncesssioiif^ shall be mncle
" shall bo bound to contribute tothe ordinary and extraordi-
" nary fx penses ot" the (îarrison and fo tho maintenance oC
" the l'ortifieations of the said Fort of F>ontenae, in propoi-
" lion to th(î lands and hereditairients whic.h shall be eon-
" ci'dedto them."
70. An arrél of the C'onneii of Slate rendered on tln^
•tth June 1G75 and in the sanie terms as that, of tlie -tth .Tune
1672, quoted above (No. 56,) ordered the retrench meiil, that
is to say, the réunion to the domain, of " the one liidl of
those lands whieh had been coneeded previously to th(! last
ten years," adding " and whieh shall not be foiind to luive
been cleared and cultivated into arrable land, or meadows,"
words which werc not in the first of thèse arrêts.
71. On the same day, the 4th June 1675, a deelaratioii
of tlie King confirmed the establishment of the Sovereign
Council in 1663, whieh was in future to consist of the Go-
vernor, of the ISishop of Québec, or, in his absence, of his
Grand Vicar, of the Intendant, and of scven councillors.
72. On the llth May 1676, (1) présent the Intendant
Duchesneau, successor to Talon ; the Sovereign Council
" taking into considération its Arrêt of the 14th January
last setting forth that rules of Police should be i)repared in
conformity with the orders given by the King to the Sieur
Duchesneau, the Intendant included in his com-
mission " (2) issued a decree containing gênerai rules
(1) Ed. et ord. in-8o. vo, 2, p. 65, and seq.
(2) The commission of the Intendant Duchesneau, bearing date the
5th June 1G75, and enregistered in the Sovereign Council on the 17th
September following {corn, des gouv. et int. in-So, p. 42 et scq.)
conferred on him the power to " make together ^vith the said Sove-
reign Council ail the régulations which you will deem recessary for
îhe gênerai pohce of the Country "and in case "' adds the
commission, « that you consider it more proper and necessary for the
84 a
oi polici.', U) bo cxccuttil provisiuiially, uniil il vlumld |)I(\'i-
> L' Jlis Mujo.sfy U) ecjnlhiu llicui.
Tluît^c ruies, reproduced tliost; alreacly made on llic li3lli
April 1()()9 (Xi). 53 ubove,) relalivc lo ihc obligation, on llir
[)art o( ihc St'jgniors, lo liavo ihe concedcd lands '•' mra
surcd and suiveycd," undor llie ])t'nalty of not rocovoring
ih'Mr soigniorial dues (art. 2(5. ) Thèse rulep, nevcrlheless,
left tliem " tlie liberty of niaking sneli Unes as they might
wish on tlie lands of their Fiefs" (art. 28.) And tlie 35lh
article prescribed rules concerning millers, of whicli men-
tion sliall be made on tho article on banality.
73. Letters patent of the King, datcd the 20th May
1G7G, and enregistered in the Sovereign Council on the 19
O'.'lober foUowing, addressed to the Govornor, M. de Fron-
tenac, and to the Intendant, M. Duchesnean, confer upon
fheni the jiower " coDJointJii to give grants of lands, as
•' well to the ancient inhabitants of the srid country as to
'' tliose wb.o shall newly corne to settle ihere, on the condi-
" lion that tlic said grants shall be presented to us within
'' the year of their date, to be confirmed, otherwise and in
'''• dofault of so doing, the said time being passed, we shall
" déclare tliem uull from the présent period. It is our
" further plcasure that the said Grants be not made save
i^ood ol" our service, Avliether from the difficulty or from tlie delay of
inaking tlie said régulations with tlie said Council, we give yen the
power and autliority by tliese présents to make tliem alone and even to
udjudicate $.nuxcraincment, alone, iu civil raatters, and to order the
Tvliole as to you may appear just and proper, declaring valid, from tins
tiine forward, tlie judgmonts, régulations and ordinances which shall so
by you be rendercd, in the same maancr as if they proceeded from our
iSovereign Courts, notwithstanding ail récusations, ^;?isc (2 partie, Edicts
and ordinances and other things hereunto contrary It being our
wish tliat jour judgments may be executed like unto arrêts of the So-
vereign Courts, notwitli^jtanding ail oppositions, ikc, ^c.
\
85 a
t :
i
'■' ou ihe condition ol charinn thc iaiuls llurcol und to
'' n.-ndur llioui produclivo, in tlic coursi' ol llu; six yeais
'■'■ nexl ensuinir, otherwise t/icjj wilt rcniain m///; and thut
'' you cannot tarant i\nnn oxccpting l'roni ncighbor lo neigli-
" bor, and contigiious lo tlic concessions wliicli hâve for-
" merly been made, and which are dearedy
74. We read in M. Dunkin'sanaiysis (p. 3j) lliat ùpro-
pos lo tiie making of the jmpier-ttrrier^ tlic alforncy of thc
lleligious Ursuline Ladies , Scignioresses of Sle. -Croix ,
had, on ihe 22nd May 1G78, declared to the Intendant Du-
chesnean " tliat he had no dénombrement lo give of thèse
*•' iands, otlier than the présent déclaration, thcre being as
" yet, no inhabitantonthem, and which he olTers in his said
-' qualily to cause to be settled and cleared, as soon as pos-
" sibJe ; wherefore we hâve oxdered hini to sellle the whole
" or part of the said scigniory within a year from the date
" of thèse présents,"
The original Grant of this Seigniory had been made to
the Religions Ladies on the 15th January 1637 (see above
No. 24,) under the obligation to clear^ cultivate, and build
&o., under the penalty of the concession
being null. A deed confirming this concession , given
by the Governor M. de Lauzon, on the Gtli March 1652 (1)
déclares that the religions Ladies should enjoy the same in
franc-alleu and mortmain, with power to dispose of the said
Iands en fief cens et rentes carrying lods et ventes^ saisines et
amendes
The Intendant Duchcsncau proceeding to make the
Terrier [papier-terrier) in order to put in exécution the
arrêt of lletrenchment of 4th June 1675, gives to the Reli-
gious ladies a further delay of one year to settle the said
Seigniory. The clearing was noi therefore merely faculta-
tive.
(1) Mr. Dunkiii's analysis |). l'2.
se a
'iti. In flifî ynar 1676, M. Cliarlcs Le Moynn was in
possession ol" a larî^o portion of what, in the présent day,
tniiiis )Ik' S('ii,Miiory of l^ongncuil, by virtue of lliree sépa-
rai»' (irnnis. The tirst obtainod froni the Sienr de fiauzon
(le la (itirn^ oti tlio 24tli Septomber 1G57, comprised 50
aipiMits in Iront by 100 '" deptli, under the obligation of
ihc rcvcDiic of one " y<-'ar, iipon eacii change of possessor,
accord ing to tJKî Cusloni of Vexin-françois ;''"' llio second
u liicli gave to hiin the island of St. Ilelen and the islcl
RoihI^ ()p])osilc Montréal, had previously been made to hiui
l)V Icticr iVoni the Sieur de Laiizon Charny dated the 30th
Mtv )()() I, under the obligation which it shall please the
Siciir (le Lauzon to impose for the same," and afterwards,
hy a {\ivi\ dated at Paris on the 20th March 1665, given by
ilit; Sieur de Tiauzon " as tntor and having the guardian-
"■ ^llip (i^ai'de noble) of the niinor children of tiie late Sienr
" (II" Lauzon Grand Senescfial of ihis Country to whom
" hclongfd (fie SciiJ^niorij of La Citière to be by
'■'■ liiiH enjoyed in Fief with mean and inferior jurisdiction
" { jiislice moyenne et basse) only, h- Iding of the said Sei-
" giiiory of La Citière and full fealty and homage, subject
'■'■ to i1h^ payment of ten minots of merchantable wheat rfe
" renie noble^ féodale et foncière^ payable on every fête of
" St. Martin in the winter, with one year's revenue of the
said island on eacli change of possessor, in accordance
^\ itli ilie said Custom of Vexin-François at the foot
of wliieli d(Mîd the said Sieur de Charny acknowledges
iliat ilie rent stated by the same is exorbitant, and mueli
" be; ond Avhat should be cxacted under the said Grant,
" and by virtue of the power to him, given by the said
" Sieur de I^auzon, lie reduces the said Rent to ten livres
" in money, by writing signed by him, and dated at Que-
'' bec the 12lh Deccmber of the said year 1665."
Finally, by the third of thèse Grants, the Intendant
Talon, had, by deed dated the 3rd Nov. 1672, granted to
i
'
87 a
\
\
the Sieur Le Mo)mo a certain quantity of land on cacli sidc
of his first Grant of 50 arpents " in FieC and rii^dit of jii-
risdiction and seigniory," holding ol' tlie Caslle ol' S<. Louis
ot" Québec " at ihe customary rates; and in ac-
cordanee with llie Custom of the Provoslship and viscuunty
of Paris."
Ail thèse faets are set forth in a new dced ol" llu; lOih
July 1676 (1) which at the request of M. Le Moyue was
given him by the Intendant Duchesneau, wliiK. tiio lattir
proeeeded to inake out the terrier of Ne\v-Fraii«c. la liis
pétition this seignior explained thaï his three Cirants ucic
of too small value to eonstitute separatc seigniorics, tliat
their revenue, even if they wcre wholly rendt.'it'd piodiicii-
ve, would not sulFice for the maintenanee of llie oJIIih rs ol
three jurisdictions which it would be nccessary to establish
in them as required by his titles which were dillercnt Iront
each other, and which would be more burlhcnsoim; ihan
profitable to him if he were obliged to confovni to thcni, cs-
peeially those which had been given to him by ihi' said
Sieur de Lauzon aid La Citièreunderthe Custouiol' Vexui-
françois. He added that this Custom did not prcvail in iliis
Country, aud that the said titles could not even subsisi, l/ir
said seigniory of La Ciliere having becn reunitcd lo l/w
domain of the Crown. ''^ In fine, he demanded ihat iiis
three concessions should be reunitcd inlo one Seigniory,
under the name of Lonerueuil :
"Having secn, the Intendant says, the abovc dalcd tiik;
deeds, and it appearing to us by several concessions
granted by the said Sieur Talon in His Maji'.stj/\s iKittw,
in the places depending on and of which was coinpu.sed
the said Seigniory of la Citière, that no mention was
therein made of the same, nor of the condilions iindcr
which M. de Lauzon, heretofore Governor of ihis ('oun-
(1) « Titres des Seig.» p. 99.
88 (t
Iry, Imvin^ llie (juanliansliip {garde noble) of ihc i-luklicA
ol" tlie said Grand Senesclial lii.s son, Scjgnior ol' La Ci-
lière, liad eoncedcd and grantcd part of llie said seigni-
ory of lu Citièro, which lias hecn rennitcU to the King''{i
domain, nor of tho cliargcs allowed by the Custoni o!
Vexin François, which «hows that it is not his ISIajesty's
intention lliat any oth(!r Custoni than that of tlic provost-
ship and viscovinty of Paris siiould bc followed in ihis
Country ; and considering also the great services which
the said Sieur Le Moyne has rendered to this Colony,
which has obligcd the King to acknowledgc ihem by
" granting unto him and ail his descendants the title of
" nobility with which His Majesty lias been plcascd 1o
" lionor him, and being unable too nmch to acknowledgc
" those wiiich he daily renders ; we, in virtuc of the power
" conferred on us by IL M. and under his pleasure, h.avc
" reunited and by thèse présents do rcunitc ihe places
" hereinbefore mentioned into one and the same
" which shall in future be called Longucuil in
Fief with ail the righls of Seigniory, and superior, mcan
' and inferior jurisdiction." — Conditions :
ti
<(
Ist. " Subject to the condition of fealty and homage
which the said shall be held to perform at tlic
" Castle of St. Louis in Québec of which lie shall iiold for
" the future,—
2nd, " Under the Customary riglits and ducs and
" agreably to the Custom of the Provostship and viscounty
" of Paris, —
3rd. " And that the appeals from the judge who may
" bc established in the said Seigniory of Longucuil shall
" lie before tiie royal jurisdiction of the lown of Tlirec
'•' Hivers, unfil ihc King shall be pleased to establish one
*' ncarer Ihc said beigriioiy,—
89 a
Ini
il]
il
4tli, " Tliiit he sliajl continiu' to keop, and cause to b*^
ki'pt hy liis tcnîinls, lioust; and home {feu cl lieu) on tins
»a
id S
t^ji^nio
«•y —
5tli. " Tliiit \\r shall préserve, and canso to he jjreserv-
" cd, the oak limber lit l'or f^hipbuilding wliieli sliall b(! lound
'' tliereon, —
Gfli. '^ Tliat lie shall give immédiate notice to the King
" of the mines, ores, or min(!rals, il" any bu tound, on the
" said Fiel",
2th. " That hc shall Icave ihcrein the neeessary road-
il
ways and j)assagcs, —
The Intendant did not iji-ant to iho Sieur Le Afoyne the
augmentation which he wished to hâve, saying on that sub-
jecl : " roserving to extend tlic said Seigniory of Lonmieiiil
as far as the Iwo leagu(,'s and a half prayed for, nntil after
terrier shall kave been ï/mf/c." Ile then gives liim a certi-
ficate that he liad performed the fealty and homage hc was
bound to rondcr. (1)
The reunion of La Citière, the Iruth of whieh is csta-
blishcd in ihis manner, although the certilicate of ihat reu-
nion cannot up to the présent time bc discovered, furnishes
a proof of the exécution of the arrêts of retrenchment, in
default of the Seignior having performed his engagement.
The seigniory ofLrt Citière whi(!li appear.s to hâve beeu
conceded in January 1635 to M. François de Lauzon, son of
M. Jean de Lauzon, who was then one of^the principal asso-
ciâtes of the Company of N. F. and wiio was, at a later
period, Governor of Canada, was of immense extenl, beg„
inning at the river St. Francis, on lake St. Peter, and exten-
ding ahove the Sault St. Louis, in ascending the river St.
Lawrence., to limits which cannot be now ascertained.
(I) This Grant of tlie 10t.h July 1670 was conlirniod by the King
oa tlie 23d April 1700. (Brevets de rat, p. 68.)
12
00 (t
Wc iiave not tlie doctl of concossion, l)Ul wo iiave llio adc
i;iviiig posgpssion, MKulc by llie (îovcrnor, M. <\o Monfma-
i^ny, on ihc îîOlli July 1038. Accoiding to llie description
lontainod in lliiy ade o(" whicli a eopy will bc found in iIk;
note below, il is évident tliat tliis Seigniory coniprised a
part of llic Icrvitory of tlie United States. Il vould liavc
f•on^^titutcd a Kingdom in Europe, Can it possibly bc main-
tained llial tlie Grantee eould clcar it and render it produc-
tive or j)ut it in cultivation, by mcan:ji of mcre servants? (I)
70. On tlie 8th July 1G7G, another deed nimilar to llic
Injugoing wasgiven by thc s^anio Intendant to Jacques LcBer,
jiroprietor ol" twt) tliirds of tlie island of St. Paul, f)pposite
'lie it^land of Montréal, and holding therctofore of thc Sei
uniory of La Cilière., and to Claude llobutel, Sieur de St,
André, ]>roinietor of tlie otiier third. (2) On tlie lltli
(1) Copy of ihis acte of possession.
" VV^o, Cl'ailes lliiault de Montinagny, Iviiiglit of liie Orilcr of St.
iwi'.a of Jérusalem, Lieutenant of llis Majosly llirougliout tlic ulioli;
•citent of tlie River St. Lawrence in New France in confonnity \viU/
.1 mandate accominuiyincç a grant made by thc (îentlemcn ol' the Coni
j^'cuiy of New France, under date of tliii 15tli January l(jo5, in favor
■A i'ranrois de Lauzon, csquirc, sou of Mr. Jean do Lauzon, Kniglit,
Councillor of thc King in lus Council of state, of ihe (juantity of laiids
licreinafter dcscribed, W'e liave visitcd tlie places mentioncd in tlie
.■iaid grant, and bcing ai llie moulli of a Hiver on tlie Soutli .sidc wLicli
de.scends fiom the Lake or from tlie neiglibonrhood of Lakc Chain-
jilain, bave cntcied thercin and ascendcd thcrelo, and for more casy
loofiisance bave named the river the St, Francis ; and liaving laiulod
assislod by the sieur i'aul, William Hébert, Gaspard le FoutourcI, tlio
sieur Luurdon Engincer, and Jean (.Jiiytet, Notary, Cùinmh-GrcDier ,
>ve bave declared to Nicolas Trevet esquire thcrcunto présent, that
we put biin in possession, real and aclual, of thc cxteut of lands
islàiuls, iivers, bcu and Kikc.'i menliontd in the said (îrant, in the nanit;
..nd ab tbe Atiorney of thc said Sieui de Laiiz')!:^ llie yoiing'^r (Gis)
( ')■■ ■li!n;. a<^. 'Jc!;:;";". l'^l. l'^'
91 a
-Vugii.-.t UJlowiii;^, li',M'tHini(fi.l ilirtic ))r<vit-.ir- '.rtaiil ii.t,.
n'Kv ioniiing ilio Seignitjvy <>f (icnlilly. (1)
77. lîy loitors paient oC iho prccoding montli «d Ajiiii
al llio request of Sieur B'rançois Hoilhelot, " Coiincillor "l
llio King, sccretary and conimissary Crneral of arlillory,
pnwder and sallpelre oï Franco," Jlis Majcsly liad civclcd
info an earldom (comté,) under llic naine ol' St. Lann^nl, iho
scigniory of llie island of Orléans, wliir-Ii INT. Ik'rtliclot liad
acquircd from iho Bisliop of Québec, and " of wliicli, il j-.
" said, a good \mri h clearcd and peo])led by more ihan a
" lliousand persans , wlio composi^ four largo parislu-
'' in wliicli there is alreadya churcli cnlirely buill, and Iwo
" boguii wliicli shall bo finisli(?d and coni})leli cl in
lo enjoy llie sanie by liiin liis hoirs and iissigiis ; to wliicli ronsLiUini.'-,
tlic said Sieur Trcvet, in tlio namc aforesaid, did rut wood and phu!,
jvi-nss f^TOwing on tiic said lands and jierfornied llic rcrcmonies rcfiiiisifi:
in sucli cases. And as a sign of talcing of possession we liave caustnl
lo be buricd in tiie ground on the ioft liand side, on tlio liind opposil';
tlie uppcr end of tlic fnst island, a stone willi four plates of lead at llic
foot of a cicamore, upon w]n.;li wc liavc rauscd to be engravod a ero: -,
by the said Sieur Eourdon in présence of tlie above inentioned ; wliitii
plates and stone which we bave causcd to bo buried niorcly serve ai
signs of the iaking of possession, and not for boundaries, in as mu'li a-j
llie said river St. l^Vanc.is serves for boundaries, at the onc end of llic
said lands, and at the other end thorc are for boundaries an island callud
.St. John and a Hiver called tiie Kivcr St. ?.]ary wliicli are above the
SaulL St. Louis in ascciidijig the said river St.. Lmcrrncr, tlic sai'i
Hiver St. Francis, Island of St. .lolm and river St. Mary being cori
prised in the said conceded î:\nds to ^vliicii wc bave givon (•) the ^eig-
niory of La Citiôre, agrcably to tlic wi-ili of the Sieur Francoys d;
Lauzon. And wheroas the said Hiver St. Fiancisaiid the fsinnds
of St. John arc iinmu.table marks, which ronnol vary nor be rbnngod
we hâve noL considcrcd it necessaiy to visit tlicse places, and oi iill
(1) " Titres des scig." p. 12.
(*) The words " llic n:imo 'A " (le noni de) npj'car:^ lo le ^vtln1i(U'
•il» tli'^ oii^niiol.
92 a
" the course of tho présent year and the fourth
" in the following year, in such manner tiiat thèse are four
" large boroughs (bourgs) and villages at tins time formed
*' besides scierai considérable Fiefs and of great extent in
" the said island which are held of the said Berthelol
- ...." (1)
78. At No. 73 we havc scen ihat the lettcrs patent
which gave to the Governor and the Intendant the power to
make, conjoinlly^ the concessions of lands, had been enre-
gistercd in llic Sovereign Council on the 19th October 1676.
Thf! fir^l concession which liad taken place after tins enre-
gistration, app(;ars to hâve been that made to ihc Seignior
of Berlhier, of an island " at the end of that known as
that isabove declared the said Sieur Trevet has demanded acte from
us aad the same was granted to him.
Pone at the Fort of Three Hivers, 29 June 163S.
(Signed)
C. H. MONTMAGNY,
N. Trevet, with a flourish,
Jfan Bourdon, with a flounsh,
LkPost, Avith a flourish,
Guillaume Hébert,
PouTEREL, with a flourish,
The minute of this deed has been found among the papers of Mr.
Jean Guytet, Notary, doposited in the archives of the District of
Québec of which the prothonataries of the Superior Court are the
Keepers.
The Seigniory of Laprairie de la Magdeleine made part of La Ci-
tiêre. It was conceded to the .Tesuits by Frs. de Lauzon on the Ist
(1) .lournal du Conseil Législatif of 1852-53. App. No. 2, p.
70ti,
93 a
th
ir
:d
in
ol
ni.
1o
0-
6.
•e-
or
as
<■:
i
Beaver Island" (1) It is made in two différent deeds, but
similar in their provisions ; the first was given at Québec,
on the 15th March 1677, and was signed by the Governor
the Count de Frontenac, alone ; and the second was aiso
given at Québec, on the 25th of the same month, and was
signed by the Intendant M. Duchesneau, alone.
Conditions :
Ist. " On condition of paying fealty and homage which
" the said sha'i be held to do at the Castle of St.
" Louis in Québec, oi which he shall hold, —
April 1()4.7. I hâve seen the copy of a Deed confirming this conces-
sion, çiven by the Intendant Duchesneau on the occasion of the terrier
madt: by him in conformity vvith the arrêt of the King's Council of
State of the 4'th June 1675 and the ordinance of this Intendant of
the 9th February 1671. In the copy of this deed of confirmation,
which is in the possession of M. Varin, Notary at Laprairie and agent
for the seigniory "''A which has bcen conimunicated to me by our
learned Canadiau logist the lion. M. Jacques Viger, it is meu-
tioned that the Sic auzon possessed a seigniory (that is to say the
seigniory of la Citicre) " of more than sixtij leagues in estent of
land, on the said conditio: " that the King had granted the country to
the Company of New France," and that the said Seigniory ivas now
reunited to the domain of His Majesty.
Tlie date of this deed of confirmation does not appear in the copy.
Note. — 1 ought hère to express to the lion. M. Jacques Viger my
decp acknowledgment of the services which he was eager to render
me with that désire to oblige which distinguishes him and which 1
hâve learned to appreciate on more than one occasion, in assisting me
to establish or verify important facts connected with the présent obser-
vations.
Note. — l am bound also to express to Mr. Beaudry, clerk of appeals,
my acknowledgment of the intelligent and efficient aid that I hâve re-
ceived from him in the numerous researches it was necessary for me to
make.
(1) « Titres des Seig." p, 135.
l-l a
2n«.l. " At ilio C'ustomary ratos and liiu:-, a^ivably iti
^' ihc Cuslom of iIk; Provostship and Viseoiinly oC l'oris,
''' whicli nliall be IblloAved in ihiy rcsj)C{:t, provisionally .
^ and uni il othorwise ordainod by His Majcsty, —
3rd. " And alsn that hc shall kccj) and cause lo hc
'' kopt lionse and home {feu et lieu) by liis tenants!, on tlie
■■' concessions which lie shall pfrant to Iheni, and in defaull
" of Ihis being done, that lie shall reenter de pleno jure
*■' into possession of the said lands, —
4tli. " And lie shall préserve and cause to bc preser
" ved the timbcr fit for ship building, —
5th. " And that lie shall give notice to the King or to
" us of jnincs, ores and minerais, if any bc fouud there
((
in,
Gth. " That lie shall leave and cause to be lefl therein
"■ ail necessary roadways and passages, —
7th. " The wliole imder the ])leasure of II. M., by
'•' whom lie shall bc held to hâve thèse pressent s confirmed
'•'■ within one year," —
79. Many concessions were made in the same manner,
by separate deeds, by the Governor and the Intendant, in the
years 1677 and those following, up to 1780. (1) The first
deed appears to hâve been always givcn by the Governor,
excepling in one instance, (2) yet this was but a promise to
concède, " in case that it should please H. M., that the
(1) M. Dunkin's analysis p. 35 to. 40 ; and " titres dos seigneu-
ries" p. 44,45, Réaume ; p. 93, 94, Ides Bouchard ; p. 7, S, An^.
de Verchères ; p. 80, 81, St. François du Lac ; p. 7(i, 77, Me l»i-
card ; p. 25, St. Pierre les Bccqucts ; p. 402, Ste. Marguerite ;
p. 372, Argentcuil ; p. 74, Aug. du Saidt St. Louis ; \). 18, Tsic
à la fourche.
(2) '< Titres d.'>! Sei;;-." p. 372. Argentcuil.
95 a
iands ah'ivc liio i l.iiul of Montréal slioiild he scltlotr' tlic
promii^c of llie fntcndanl Diichcsneau bcars llic date ot" tlie
7lli .lune IGSO, and that of ihe Count of Frontenac of llie
I5lli .lune 1G82. Two of thèse concessions under date of
llie 31st Oct. and 4th Nov. 1G80 are inadc eacli by one and
tlie same decd. (1) Four concessions appcar lo hâve been
inade in the same inlewal by the Governor alone, (2) and
five by the Intendant alone. (3) At least if there be a se-
cond decd of thèse concessions, made by either of thèse
fitnctionaries, il lias nol been publishcd or pointed out.
80. Lelters of mortmain granted by Ihe King in favor
of Ihe Jcsuit Fathcrs on the 12th May 1G78, enrcgistered al
(Québec ihe last day of October in ihe following year (4)
déclare : " ulways upon condition ihal they shallput ail the
" said lamh m cuUivation and value in the four following
" and consécutive years, commencing from the day of the
" date of thèse présents, in default of which we déclare
" from ihis timo forward, the said concessions and thèse
*' présents null and of no force and aulhority."
81. A new Arrct of retrenchment of uncleared lands i^^
rende rcd by the King in his Council of State of the 9tli
May 1G79 and enrcgistered at Québec ihe last day of Octo-
ber following. (5) After having relatcd the ténor of that of
iIk; Ith .Tune 1G75 (no. 70 anlc)^ and having set out ihat Ihe
inlendanl Duchesncau, in conformity to this tI/tc"', had
(1) « Tit. des Seig." p. 71 Aug. du Saidt St. Louis ; p. 18 Me
à la ftmrche.
(•2) " Tit. des Seig." p. 374-, Met St. Jean ; p. 130. Port Mi ;
p. 310, St. Doits ; Journal du Cons. Leg. app. No. 2, p. 708 ; and
again M. Dunkin's Analysis p. 3G, to. 38.
(3) " Tit. des Seig." p. 380, Mes Miv^ari ; p. 360, Jslands op
j.osite tliat ol Montréal ; p. 378, Anticosti j M. Dunkiir« Aiia'yi": p
30, to. 38, Maifhiic and JJu/isccows.
(i) h'ilil an'l < 'pi. in-8o, t. 1, p, 102.
(•'') J' t, 1,233
96 a
made a déclaration (or papier-tenier) " conlaining the ex
" tent of each concession and the number of arpents which
" are cultivated and inhabited therein, by which it appears
" that thèse concessions are of so great an extent tliat the
" largest part has remained useless to tlie proprictors in
" default of men and cattle to cultivate and amcliorate themy''^
the new Arrêt thus proceeds : " Ilis Majesty, considering
" that the lands remaining to be conceded in the said coun-
try are the least commodious and most diflicult to culti-
vate by reason of their situation and distance from navi-
gable rivers, in so much that those of our subjects who
go to that country lose the idea of residing and establis-
hingthemselves therein for that reason only, which is most
prejudicial to the welfarc and augmentation of that colo-
" ny ; against which it being nccessary to provide, Ilis
" Majesty, being in his Council has ordained and ordains
" that the arrêt rendered therein of the 4th Junc 1675, be
" executed according to its ténor and form, and in conse-
" quence thereof déclares the fourlh of the lands conceded
before the year 1665 which are not yet clcared and culti-
vatedyfrom this moment, taken away from the proprietors
and possessors thereof.
u
((
((
u
((
((
((
u
i(
<(
(C
((
((
((
" His Majesty further ordains that in future, there shall
be taken every year commencing wilh the year 1680, the
twentieth portion of the said concessions which shall not
befound cleared, to be distributed to His Majesty's sub-
jects inhabiting the said country, who are in a situation
to cultivate them, or to Frenchmen who will go tothe said
country to réside."
" His Majesty enjoins to his Lordship the Count de
*' Frontenac and to the said sieur Duchesneau, to
" see to the strict exécution of the présent Arrêt, and to
" proceed to the distribution and new concession of the said
*' lands, according to the authority granted to them by
97 a
li
lottprs patent oftlie 20tli M,\y 1070 (no. 73 ovfc.y Afifr-
wards conics a mandate of iIk^ Kinir, ol tlie saïue tlalf
ni
conJ'oniKibIc lo tlic Arr(t (I)
iS2. 'J'Iiis new arrêt oC nlrtiichinenf like tlie precM'dini;
ones, niakes no (li>tineli()ii hetween «crantées iior ol' lln-ir
litles ; it applies to ail tliose wliosc eoncessioiis aie antcrior
to ihe year l(ifj.5. Hiil, in tlic place ol'llic onc hall w liicli,
in tlie ternis ()l'lli(> l\vo arrêts ol' the lih .Inné KiTJ and ot'
the Itli .lnn(^ l(i7.j, A\-er(> to he taixcn (iii'di/, \\h- iiew crri'i
orders tlie immédiate retrenclimciil l)ul ot'thc foiirtli, and ot'
the lil'di l'or eaeh snl)se(|iien1 year. In \^\>- discrétion, the
Kini,f reii:ards tins nieasnre as snljieiiii,'- lo indiiec llic Sei-
ii^tuors to l'idiil ihe ol)li!4alio!is ot llicir Lirants, mid to n.;).
Il IIK-
Il 11
lise liis views ol eoloii isat ion. The Arr'l orders ni
same time \o (listrihvte i. <•.: to roz/rrr/f laiid^ anc\\-, hi
does Ilot repeat in express ternis, a'< the picecdiiii;- an'rts
had, die ol)lii;-at ion, for the ne w crantées, to clair thcir laiids
withiii a u^iveii tiiiic ; jie vert la dr>s, in orda in inu t liât t lie ani'l
ol the Itli .liine IG7.') lie exceiiled aecord ini,'' n» ils liaior ;iiid
i'oriii, Ile liiilsî he coiisideriMl as ordainiiii; llial lliex- iiew
livrante
ail clriir llieiii l'iit irid\' m the loîir tirsl U
(1) Il aiiprars iliil it is m lliis Miiiie y ''i' H)7!> lli.il llic lii >t toiii-
nii^sioii ot inlfiiiiaiit ol iu-«li(f. iiolicc cl riniiiici,' ot llic l"ii'iii-li islands
in Aiiiriica wa'» i;ivL'ii. it is ilatcil (jI llir l>l Aprii Mn\ ap|llHl|l^ M.
l'atouLt wlio lia^ tlu' aiitlioiity to '• disn-ilnilr |):-ovi>ioiially. ilic lamU
lo die iiilial)ilaiit> of tiie islaïul^, and to i1io>l' wIio wdl <;0 dicrc, \vi H
inUMitioiifd dis,l0^ed t) l'iiitivatc tliciii and ainriioialc lln'iii to réside
tlit;ii'un, iinlil tlnv >liail liavo liid llirir ;i;i|di(a!ion iictorr n^. to
(Jemand conliiinaliun lin rcof (^ Morcau de M. .Miz\ ; Loi\ ( i l'unstilii-
tion- do (■oloiiii'> l'lan^al-('^ ol' windwaid Ainriiia, w I, y. .'^ I s
An arrêt, ot' die ( 'oiincil ol'Sl.iti' ol'lln' Kiiii'. iriMirnil \ny i he v;n(|
i^iand» on llio ] 1 lli ol .luiii! ItiSiJ, (Idie llie Anris dl th,- lili .lime
1G7- and I(i7.'» lor Canada), oinlains t!u' icli'cn* liniml " o diu- iiill'or
" tlii.' Iand> wliicli sliall liavc hi't'ii conceded litdbii' llir ia-i l( n \iais
'"' and nhndi >-li dl not lu; to ind d'arnl and cnltivalfd ni i-oir iii twr
" sni;a:'.and nn'i'i liandi>(> ii^i'd ni lin- coiniiicict' ol' lin' -aid Uîan !>.'"
l'hn coiiccs^nm^ are lo be iiiven by lin: (iovt'inor and Inltndant.
Tlii«i Arrêt is l'ollowed by Icthns paUMit dated tli'î saine d ly and leifiu-
bliiig tliose of the 20 Maj lo7b for Canada, (ib t. 1, |i. 33j.)
13
98 a
wing ami conseculive yoars," tlic inorc so as hc eslublisilies
us a ruic that thc concessions should bu inado lo ihoso
" vvho are in a situation to cultivate Ihem."
83. By an arrêt rendcrcd in his Council of stalc, on
llie 29lh May 1680 (1) in wliich thc ténor of Ihe letlers pa-
tent of the 20 May 1G76 is related (sec Ante no 73) givinglo
the Govcrnor and Intendant aulority to makc, joinlly, thc
concessions of lands, ihe King confirms thc concessions
which ihey havc made since the 12th Oct. 1676 up to the
5th Scptcmber inclusively, " upon the condition of clearing
" and bringing the land conceded to them in good condition
" in six years, reckoning from the date of the said conces-
" sions, on pain of nulliiy thereof, and also subject to thc
" payment of the ducs with which they shall be charged,"
the arrct thus expresses itself, which is accompanied by a
mandate of the King conformahle thereto, dated the samc
day.
84. In the Journal of thc Législative Council 1852-53,
appendix No. 2, p. 710, are inserted without date (2) the
letters patent of thc King erccting thc Scigniory of Port-
neuf into a Barony, in favor of René Robineau, sieur de
Bécancourt. — Conditions :
a
(i
((
lo. " Holding undcr us in right of our Crown by onc
only fealty and homagc, and by acknowledgment and
enumeration {aveu et dénombrement) requircd hy the laws
of our Kingdom and the customs of the said Country^ under
thc title, name and dignity of Barony.
2o. " Without, howcver, that the said vassals shall be
lield, by reason of any thing in the présents contained, to
(1) Ed. andOrd. t. l,p. 240.
(2) Tii liis analysis, p. 41, M. Dunkin places the date of titese It't-
ters-patent betwcen March tGSl and thc 27th April 1G83,
99 a
olhor grcalor dues and dnties tlian llioso with wliu-h tliey
are charged at présent."
85. In Ihe ycars 1682, 1683 et 1684 (1) sevcral conces-
sions are made by the ncw Govcrnor, M. de la Barre and
tlie ncw Intendant M. de Menlle. Besides scveral condi-
tions wliicli arc inserted in preceding concessions tiiose
wliich it may bc propcr to notice in some of thèse ncw
concessions, are the foUowing :
lo. Seig. Bonhomme or Belaii\ 24 Nov. 1682 :
IX. " And on condition that he shall cause the said
" lands to he cleared, inlutbited and furnishcd ivith building
'• and cattle, wilhin two years from the date hereof, in
" default of which the jjresent concession shall be null and
" void."
This conditions is often repcated, eitlier in giving the
samc delay or a delay more or less long, to exécute it.
2e. Seig. of the Eboulements, 1 April 1633 :
IV. " And shall préserve and shall cause lo be prcser-
" ved the oak timber fit for the building of v'essels, and the
" red pine fit for the making of tar, which may be found
" within the cxtent of the said places."
3o. Rivière du Loup^ en haut^ 20 April 1683 :
This seigniory had already been conceded by the in-
tendant Talon, on the 3rd Nov. 1672, to M. de Mannercuil
who had been Count Frontenac's secretary. In the title of
this new concession, the Governor and intendant thus ex-
press themselves :
(1) Analysis of M. Dunkin p. 40 to 45, where tlie références to
the titles of the Seigniories arc indicatcd.
100 a
"■ Havirii,' by oiir ordiiiiiict' ol'llic Iwclt'tli i\\\\ of INraicli
" last, aiii' lur llir ciniscs tlirrciii ^1;ll(■(l, dcflarcci llit" sieur
" (le Miililit'iTiiil lo \\:i\f for/i iU'd liis lillc ol coiiccssioii ni
"■ Uivirrc du Lii(i|) aiid rc-onihil tlic .-aid ('(iiicosioii
" lo Ilis MajcstN V (loiitain, lo hr (lisposcd of liy ns iiiidcr
'' Ilis |tl('iiMirf ils W'c iiiii^iil. tliiidv lit :iiid ul'\rv li;iviii^
" l'jiiofd oiiv said ordiiiaiicc ol \\\c said UMli Marché rcn-
" (lercd in conseinivnce of tliv <trr' l,s of l/ir Kiii,i(\s (Unuivil
"^ iij'tlu' \lh Jtnir l()7i diid !»/// Mai/ Miîi) rr^ordiiii^ t/ic
" rdrciirhniciit o/' <'«//r<'.s'.s/f*/(,s', (o hc .slioirn lo ils.'"' \\ r rr;i(i
l'iirtlit'f ;il llir iild ol tlii> Urw (!oil('i!ssioli : '■'• iicrcliN colil-
'' iiimidiii^ llic jiili;il>ilants w lio lia\(' siMlk'd on lli ■ said
"• iai)d w itiioii! tille or pciiiiission lo ;ickiio\\ Icdi^c llie said
"• sit'iir Le Cli;is>t'iii- (iicw i;i'aiitcc) ;is tln' sci^iiior ol" thc
'■'- said laiids and licn'aricr pav liiiii tlir ci^toiiutrij ducs.''''
•lo. Lsic Miidain<\ 'ri\U \])iil IG8;) :
(,iKc iiK'iitioii (aad in llic s;, me Iciiiis as thc lasl) of
fbrf'i'iti(n\ l'V onlinaucc of tlir saiiir datr, of llie first coii-
{•f>>i(in of lliis scii^iiiois niadc by llic iiilL'Jidaiii Talon, in
tilt' yrar KiîJ, to iIk; ialr Romain licijiirf.
o. Au^iiu'idalion of y<ui'i/lc or Pointe du. r Trvnibhs ;
27 Apiil l(!S.) : " to lia\(> and to liold tlu' saine iinio liiin
Ilis licirs and a>>ii;ns nndcr lln' sanic ri^iits of lid' and jii-
risdiclion as !ic liolds liis said Tm'I" (oT \('U\illc,~) llic wlmle
lonninif luit onc scii^niory and jiirisdictit)!!, and siihjcct to
tlic -aille cliai'iics, clauses ainl conditions as lie is now
{•liar^'ed witli towards ihe Kinii; Ibr liis said lief of Xcuville,"
■\vliicli liad heen conceded or tlie lôtli Dec. 1G58 by llio Go-
vernor M. d(! Lau/.on, to .)(!an Bourdon iindcr the castom of
y'exin- Franco /.s, ( 1 )
()o. Lussandière ; 2G Jiily 1683 :
(1) Titles ol" seig., p. 390.
101 a
Liko mention (and in tli«' saine lernis as ihe new con-
cession lA' liii'ière (la Loup) oï /orJ'eUurc and f c •union to
tfw (lonuiiity !>y ordiiumcr ol' tlic 2()lli May picfcdiiii,', ol a
lii'.Nl ((iiiccssion ol' tliis sci<j[niory niado by tiit! Intendant
Talon on tlie ^>9tli OctobtT 1G72.
2o. Tslc Verte (Giecn Island), 27ih April KIHI :
*■' 'l'Iiis is a new concession in tlie titl(> ol' wliicli we
read : '' and altlio' itappears tluit tlie said luo leai^m-s liave
heen lieretofore conceded to several private ijidividuaU
more I lia n thirty years aj4;o, wlio Iiave not sinoe tliat lime
d any work iior luîide any
a Ken possession, nor ner
rlbrni
o-
cleiirini,' lliereon, liavini,' l'or thèse reasons ac(iuired no pr
perty in llie lands, and tliis heiiii^ contrars to tlie intentions
ol' Ilis M;ijesty, as appears hy lli<; Arrêts ol' liis ("oiineil of
tlie Ith .lune 1G72 aiul 9lli Mav 1<)Î9, uitli reij-aid to ijie
l'elri'iieliment ol concessions, as
mnci
1 as IS or iiKP
bo
necessarv, we iiave re-uni
l('(l t
le wliole to tlie
Autr s do-
main, and, in consetpience ol" tlu; said re-union, moreover,
w
e <Mve, i,n'ant. and concède, &c., &c,
•> s
Ho. Frcuneuse in Acadia ; 20 Sept. 1684
Condilion.s : -2o. " at the accustoined rights and dues
aecovding to the C ustom ol" llie Prevostship and V'iscounty
ol' Paris, l)ij which the said coiintri/ is gaver ned ; "
5(). — "• Thaï lie will not suHer the said rivers 8t. John
and Rainouctou, to be embarassed so that ihe ravigation
may be t'ree.
AU tlies(^ concessions are madc by one and the sanie
acl, signed by the Governor and Intendant ; and as vve see,
some ot" Ihem mention forfeitures and re-unions to the do-
102 a
main in conformity io tlie Arrêts oi' rctrtïndinu'nt.
arrâts liavc thercl'oro bocn put in f()rc(\ (11)
Tlicse
86. IJy iho Arrêt ol' tlio Council of stato of iho 15lh
April 1G81 (1) in wliioh iIkî lonor oi"tIic lettcrs paient of thc
20th May 1G76 is n^latud, tlio King confirms Ihe concessions
made by M. th la Barre and de Mculles since tho 5tli Jan-
uary 1G82 up to tlie 17tli Sept. 1G83 inclusively, and ordcrs
tliat tlie grantces " shall cnjoy thc sanie in manncr and
" form as bct fortii in tlie deeds of concession, witliout being
" liable to be disturbed in the possession and enjoyment
" thereof for any cause or reason whatsoever, uj)on thc con-
" dition of clearing and making productive the lands con-
" cedcd to thern, within six ycars, reckoning from the date
" of the said concessions, on pain of nullity thereof, and
" subject also to the payment of tiie dues with wliich they
*' shall be charged."
(11) Moreau de St. Méry ; t. 1, p. 392.
Arrêt of retrenchraent for the French Islands of the I2th October
16S3, enregistered at Martinique tlie 2 May 1684: by which thc
King " ordains Ihat the portion of lands which shall hâve been conceded
*' and cultivated in the said French islands of America, will incontcs-
" tably remain to those inhabitants wlio will havc made the clearing,
" without having any regard to the most ancient or most récent con-
" cessions, unless that the proprictor of the most ancient shall hâve
" bcfore the end of the first month of the bcginning of the work noti-
" fied the proprietor of the oldo' (newer) concession to cease the
" clearing of the samc until it bas been othervvise ordained ; His Ma-
" jesty désires that ail the lands which shall bave been conceded before
" the last threc years, and whi^h shall iiot hâve been cultivated and
" cleared, be rc-united to his domain ; and with regard to those which
" are oniy partly cleared, and which by the too great extent of the re-
" mainder of their concessions, cannot be cultivated by thcir proprie-
•' tors, His Majesty ordains that onc half of the said extent, which
" shall hâve remained uncultivated, will be retrcnched by the portion
« situated at the greatest distance from the said clearing and re-united
(1) Ed. and Ord. t. 1, p. 251.
103 a
:h
m
I
Tins Arrêt is lollowcd by u mandate of the King order-
ing ils exécution. It confinns the n<;w concessions of landa
whicli had been rc-unitcd to his domfiin cither by a former
ordinance, or by the titlc itself of tiie new concosHion. So,
in whatcver manner ihe re-union is nmde, Ili» Majesty
gives it his sanction, becausc it accomplishes the object of
his législation on tiiat matter.
87. The concession of the augmentation of tho Seigni-
ory of Lotbinière, made by Messieurs de la Barre and de
Meulles on the Ist April IGSj (1) sets forth, among other
conditions, ihi'- oue : " shall leavo and shall cause '.-> hc
" lefl, jmt and held in good order, Ihc ncccssary road:* and
" passage ways, othcrwisc the said concession shall be null
" and ofno e^ed."
88. The 4lh .lune 1G8G, ihe King in his Council ofstato
renders an Airêl on the subject of mills. This is ihc arrêt
upon wiiich liie Seigniors chieily found their pretensions
" to his domain, to be provisionally distributed anew to individuals
" vvho shall présent themselves to cleur and cultivate tliem ; with
" regard to tliose upon which no clearancc bas been made in one year
" after the date of the said concession, Ilis Majesty desires that thcy
" be given to otbtr inliabitants by the sieurs comte de BI6nac Gover-
" nor and Lieutenant General and Begon, Intendant of Justice, Polico
" and Finance at the said Islands, jointly, upon the condition never-
" thcless that the concessions which shall bave been newly granted,
" will be cleared and vvholly made productive by the new inhabitant!)
" within the six following and consécutive years, otiierw" lid in
" default thereof and tlie said length of time elapsed, that whicli will
" remain uncleared, will be re-united to his domain ; His Majesty
" orders that the ordinances which shall he made by Hio said sieur
*' Begon, on the subject of the re-union of lands, hc e>'2outed according
" tj their ténor and form souverainement and m lasi resort, Ilis
»' Majesty giving him for that purposc ail powcr jurisdiclion and
*' authority."
(1) Titre? do Seij;., p, i^'')l,
104 a
that tho banalité of mills, in tins conntry lias lirromo a l<>i(al
hanalilé^ that is to say, existing indt'pendontly of ail conven-
tions. I will spcak of it in unother place.
89. From 1686 to 1689, inclusively (1) several conces-
sions were niade by tlie new Governor antl Intendant, iMessrs.
Denonvilh^ and île Cliainpigny. VVe again find, eiiher in
the one or tlie otlier, ail tlie stipidations of anterior conces-
sions ; l will franscribe hère tliose onlv which we caii notici;
as particular in thèse new concessi(jns.
lo. Ides aux Coudres ; 29 October 1687, " and thaï
the sauK! shall be inhabited by no other persons ihan those
belongiiig to the said S. niinary." (Scminary of Québec.)
(H)
(I) M. Duiikiiis Analysis p. 16 to fit whei-c tlio références In ihe
ooiict'S^ioiis ai'c lo bc lomr.i. Ail tiiese (onces^ions are giveii, eacii by
one only a('t signed hy the Cîovernor and Intendant.
(II) Moreaii de St. Méry, vo. 1, p. +r)3.
By lettiirs patent of the niontli of Mardi 16S7, tlie King; confirms
a roncessioii inade at St. Domingue tlic îli Dec. KJSi, by tlie Inton-
dant Begon to tlic (rovernor M. de Ciissy, " siiliject lo llie cliarge
" that lie shall not be enabled to sell nor alienate the standins: wood
<' which shall be found on the said place, until lie shall hâve chared
*' two thinls thereof, in conforinity willi the said deed of conces-
sion.
Il), p. Ifiy, Arià of the King's Council of State of tlie 22 Aiigusl
1687 which gives to the Governor and Intendant of the Islands autlio-
rity " partly to rcdiice the concessions which are of too luge an
s' extent, and which the proprietors cannot inake productive in a short
" tiine ; concède to others the parts taken away , appoint to one and
" the other the necessary tinie to clear tlici, and regiaiit to olhers
" those whicii shall not hâve been cleared witliin the prescribed tiine,
" (Icsiring that in the concessions as well by the réduction of the old, as
" in defaidt of clearing, they oblige those to wlioin they shall niake
" concessions to planta qnantity of mulberry trees, in proportion to
" the qviantity of lands conceded to them, and to cullivate tbeia uatil
'< they are in a state to feed silk-worms."
tva
105 a
i3o. Bay aud River Cape Chat ; concession en. ccnsivc
made 12 Mardi 1688.
I. Upon condition of kccping house and home.
II. " And one penny of cens payable eacli nnd cvcry
" yoar, to tho recelver of the King's domain in tliis Country,
" at Québec, —
III. " That lie sliall préserve and cause tol)(> prcscrved
" the oak timber which may bc found within the said lim-
" its.
IV. " That he shallgive immédiate notice 1o the Kino,
" of the mines, ores and minerais which inay be found
" thcrein, —
V. " And that lie sliall lca\c the necessary roads and
passages, —
VI. " The whoie under the will and plcasure of Ilis
" Majesty, and in confonnlhj ivithhis ordinances andregu-
" laitons^ front ichomhe shall he bound to obtain the conlir-
" malion of thèse })rescnts within a year, from the date of
" the same," —
3o. Rimouski ; 2J April 1GÔ8 :
V' " The said slmll préserve and cause to be
" prcscrved the oak timber lit for ship building, which may
" be found on the land which he shall hâve set aside for his
" principal manor.''^
4o. Lanoraic ; 27 April l(i88 :
Certain lieirs of Charles Sévestre set foilh iu ihcir péti-
tion that this Seigniory liad been concededto him more than
Miirty ycars, and more than twenty six sincc it bccame theirs
l\y succession ; tlialithadalwaysrciuaiiiod uninhabiled and
M
106 a
undivided among the co-heirs, having not been so far able
to corne to division : " on account of the number of co-
heirs whose résidence is distant from eacli olher, and as
some of them are indiffèrent on the mhject, that His Majes-
ty granted such concessions only in order that tliey may be
inhabited, cleared and cultivatedy^^ they had moreover learned
" that the dccd of concession whieh had been granted for the
said tract of land had been burnt at the time that the house
of the Sieur de Villeray had been destroyed by fire." They
further praycd the re-imion to the domain " in accordance
with the Arrêts of the King's Council of State" and a new
concession for their benefit ; which is donc by the title in
question.
5o. Rivière de la Magdeleine ; 28 March 1689 : This
is a new concession of this Seigniory to sieur Denis Riverin,
and in the title of which we read as follows : " Having
•' notified Charlotte La Combe, widow of Antoine Caddé,
" residing at Québec, that we were désirons, in conformity
" with the King''s intentions, that slie sliould improve and
*' settle the River de la Magdeleine the whole granted
" and conceded to the said late Antoine Caddé, ac-
*' cording to the deeds of concession dated the 30th and 31st
" May 1679, and no settlemenl having been commenced on
" the said river nor on the said conceded tract of land,
'' wherefore we declared unto her that in accordance with
the order and authority which we hâve received from
His Majesty, we were about to re-unitc the said river and
the said land> conceded to the said Caddé, to His
Majesty's domain, so that the same might be granted to
some other person who would be willingto open a settlo-
ment thereon for the good nd improvement of the
Colony, whereupon the said widow having declared unto
us her inability to make use of the said concession or to
open any settlement thereon, she has this day by act
renounced the possession of the same, wherefore we hâve
(i
II
((
107 a
" re-united and re-unite the same to His Majesty's domain,
" so thatneilher the said v ■'- w Caddé nor the heirs of her
*' husband may never elaiiw any right thereto as if the same
" had never been conceded. "
60. In Lauzon^ 14 Oetober 1689 ; concession by the
Gu\i inor and Intendant to the .Tesuit Fathers of one fourth
of a league in iront in the said Seigniory of Lauzon to
ostablish therein, a mision to the Indians of tlie Abénaquis
nation. It is therein said : " and ahhough ive niight
" hâve granted of oxir own aulhority the aforesaid fourth of a
" league, there, never having been anij work pcrformcd on
" the said concession^ nevertheless, in order to indemnify
and satisfy in sonie nianner the Seignior proprietor of
the said côte Lauzon for the curtailment of the aforesaid
Seigniory of Lauzon, we hâve conceded to liim one
fourth of a league in front unconceded. . . . and annex the
' said quarter of a league to ihe said Seigniory, . . . the whdle
subject to the same penalties and privilèges as those sub-
' ject to which he now holds the said seigniory.
ae
10
lo
t
90. In the years 1688 and 1689 (1) the King confirms
several concessions by simple acts. We remark, that in
soine of thèse acts, such as that of the Ist January 1688 for
the Seigniory of Trois Pistoles, it is said " snbject to the
" accustomed rights and dues according to the Custorn of
" Paris," while the deed of concession deelared : " subject
" to the accustomed rights and dues according to the cus-
" tom of the Prevotship and Viscounty of Paris, ivhich in
" this regard will befollowed provisionally, until il be ordained
" by His Majesty.^''
91. On the 14lh July 1690 (2) the concessions made by
Messieurs Denonville and Champigny from the 15th Nov.
(1) Duiikin's analysis, p. 49 and 53.
(2) Ed. and Ord. t. 1, p. 262.
lOS il
lObb Mp to the I5ih Oct. Itj89 are eonlirmed by an Arrêt ot
ihe Kiiii,'' jnliis Council, similar lo llie Arrêts of confirma-
tion alrcady citod, and consoquently containin^j the clause
oi clearing and inaking the same productive witliin six years.
92. From 1G90 a 1G99 (1) the Governor and Intendant
Messieurs de Frontenac and Champigny make a very hirge
number of concessions, and the King gives several act.s of
ratification. Tiiis is what \ve can remark as singular in
tliese concessions, as distinguishing thein from tlie others of
which, tiiey further more or less reproduce ihc stipulations.
lo. Miramichi, 18 April 1G90 :
We read in tins tille given by the intendant Champi-
gny " commissionfîr appointed for the exécution of llie arrêt
>■' of the King's Council, of the 17th April 1G87," " conside-
ring the said Arrôl and the commission obtained according
tiiereto the same day by whieh we are commanded
to regulatt; and set limits to a certain extent of a land for
Nicolas Denis, on tlie footing of tlie largest concessions
grantcd in tliis country, upon the conditions tlicrein seti'orth,
\\(>, in conformity \\'\\\\ the said Arrêt liave determi-
ncd tlu! concession of the said Nicolas Denis to be fifteen
ieagu(>s in fioni by lîfteen Icagues in depth.... upon the
condition tliat // shall char if, namely, one third wilhin
tliree vears, riH'koiiing from lliis dal(î, and the remainder in
tlie ihrec following years, in dt-faiill of which and the said
lime pas>ed, il \\]\\ rrmn'in fur/cited., and llie said extent of
Innd rr-vnifed lo Ilis Majesly's domain, to dispose thereof
aciordJn,'jr lo lii'^ ))leasnre ; hercby jirohibiling the said
Denis.... in aiiv uianncr lo ironble or liinder those wlio
aiv and llio'^e wlio s!];dl heroafter Ix.-, establislied, luider
aiiy possible prelext .... ihe whole in conformity with tli<î
•^iiid Arrtt of the King's Counril."
(1) J)iiiikiii">; ii!ialj>i^, j'. r)."),t. 7i>, containin;^ tlip rolerpncos to the
illcs nf conrpssioiis aiu! :ic(> ol tnlifiration.
109 a
'Jo. Sle. MarguerUe, 21 July 1001.
VVe read in tliis title : " Ilaving bcen informée! llial the
" lands wliicli liavc been conceded lo tlie sieur Boy-
" vinet. . . . iindcr and in virtuc of tlic title dced of the said
" concession bearing date tiie Ist February 1G79, liave becn
" abandoned since the decease of the said sieur lioyvinet
" which took place in the year 1G8G, and as it is//je King\s
" intention that the lands luhich hâve bcen conceded should
" be c/cared and brought under cultivation, \ve liave re-
" united to Ilis Majesty's domain the lands mentioned in
" the title-decds of the said concession," and by the same
title a new concession is made of thèse lands to sieur Jac-
ques Duboys.
By act of the IStli February 1G92, the King, avcU infor-
med, it is stated, " that the lands which liad been conceded
" on the Ist Febuary 1G79 to sieur Boyvinet hadbeenaban-
" doned since his decease which took place in llie year
" !GHG, and the grant thereof had been made in Ilis JNIajes-
" ty's nanie on the 27lh July 1G91 to the said sieur Jacques
"■ Du Bois," confuins tliis new concession. Thus it was
witli the knowledge of the manner in which the act of
re-union had been made, that the King gives his ajiproba-
tion. This manner of proceeding then suJliced for the
validily of the re-union.
i3(). Augm. of Lothinière^ 25 Mardi 1G93 :
" Which (concession) shall be divided amongst his
children by e(puU j)ortions, which shall form as many
distinct llefs, the one indépendant of the other, and wilhout
the right of primogcniture amongst them, and there shall be
one only jurisdiction which shall be indivisible, and of
which they will ail ecjually benefit, if it should happen that
ihe said départ ihis life, without having disposed of
lh(> prc'ient concession, u iihoiii whiih it wonld not Ikim-
110 a
been granted." — Conditions : 80. " He, his successors and
assigns sliall cause to be kf pt house and home by ihe inha-
bitants wliom tliey may place thereon, on condition ofpaying
cens and rentes^ otlierwise and in default thereof, they shall
vnit'i- pk no jure in possession of the lands which tiiey shall
hâve granted them."
4o. Rivière de Pocmouche, in Acadia, 17th Augusl
1693
Concession to Philippe Esnault ; il includes one league
of land in front which had already been conceded to one
Degrais '^ who," Esnault deelared in his petiDn, " has
" n'iiriMl \vith the English of Boston, and married an
" English woinan, although he was married to an Indian
" woiiiiin, and his marriagc had been solemnised in the pre-
" sence of ihc church, and who owes him about two hun-
" drcd lirres^ there having been no work on the land of the
" ,said Degrais.''^ A new concession is granted to Esnault ;
'' in conséquence of the abandonment which the said
Degrais has made thereof according to the above staternent
provided the sarne bo found true ;" this concession is rati-
fied by the King on the 15th April 1694.
00. llouville ; 18 January 1694.
VI. " Likewise to liold house and home on he domain
" which he sholl hâve reserved for himself, and to cause
" tlie same to be kept by the tenants on the concessions
" which hc shall grant them."
VII. To inhabit and cause the said concession to be
" clearcd^ as soon as the présent war shall befinished.
This last stipulation which is to be found, I believe,
for the first time in this grant, is repeated in several
olliers.
111 a
60. St. François le neuf; 1 March 1695 :
V. " He shall likewise be held to reserve and hâve
" reserved by his tenants, the oak tinnber and other timber
suitable for the construction of His Majesty vessels."
7o. Lussaudière ; 1 March 1695 :
This title makes a new deed of concession to M. du
Bourchemin of this seigniory already conceded the 29th
Qetober 1672, after having, by the same title, pronounced
the forfeiture by the first grantee, and the re-union to the
domain, this last, it is stated, having only had a few trees
eut down and having left the country the following year
to proceed to France without having since returned, having
abandoned his said lands, " which was contrary to His
" Majesty intentions set forth by the Arrêts of his Council
" of the 4th June of the year 1672 and 9th May 1679."
8. Lessard ; 8 March 1696 : (11)
Concession made upon " the condition that the chil-
" dren born of the marriages of the said Madame Fortin,
" shall equally divide the said lands among them after the
" death of the said grantees."
(11) iMoreau de St. Mery vo. 1, p. 557.
By arrêt of the 26 Sept. 1696, the King " ordains, that within six
years reckoning from the day of the date of this présent Anr/ for
ail prefixion and delay, the inhabitants of the French islaïuls ol"
America, who still hâve part of their lands uncleared, shall be held to
cultivate them in sugar cane, and to raise food and provisions for subs-
istence, or the commerce of the colony ; in default of wliirh, llis
Majesty desires that they be reuniled to his domain at the diligence of
the Attorney General of the Sovereign Council, in accordaiice witli
the ordinances which shall be made by the Governor ( rentrai of the
said Islands and by the Intendant whom he bas appointed for this pur-
pose, new concessions of the said lands to be afterwards made by them
in the acustomed manuer,"
112 a
\ I. '•'■ l'o dear and tu caune tu be cUareU^ iiiiimd'n.ildy,
tipon llie penally ol" forftîifing its possession.
it
Tliis last clause is repcatcd Verbatim in several otlier
eoncossions.
9o. Arrière fu'f in Lauzon ; 1G9S and 1G90 :
" Upon llic condition. . . . oC a silver cup of ilic \viii,^lit
oC a mark or its value in nioney, al eaeli change c»! ])os!<c.s-
sor or seignior dominant."
93. From 1699 to 1703 inclusivelv (1) wcnolic(> scvrrnl
concessions madc by thc Governor de Callières, citlier w itli
intendant Chamjiigny, or with tlie intendant de H(!avdirir-
nois, and also several distinct acis of ralificîition, ij;iven by
the Kin<^. This is wliat disfinguisjies liie provisions oi' thc
said titles from thosc of antcrior ones ;
lo. Longueuil ; 26 January 1700 :
By this titlc thc Seigniory of Longueuil is crecfcd into
a Barony : lo. " holding from us by reason of our rcgal
" right, by onc only fcalty and homage, acknowlcdgnient
" and enumcration required by the laws of our Kingdom
" and Custom of Paris followed in the said coiintri/, undcr
" the said titlc, name and dignity of Barony, —
II. — " without ncverlheless the said tenants bcing held
by reason of the contents of thèse presentSj tu any greater
dues and diities than ihose ivith which theyare now chargcd,^''
cases.
III. — " No change of ressort, nor to contravcnc royal
2o. St. Français du Lac ; 23 May 1701 :
(1) Duakin's analysis, p. 77, to. 84, coutaining références lo titles.
Ail tlicse grants appear to hâve becu iiiade, each by one aud llic saine
Act.
i
Ilc3 n
'i
riii.-s is il single do.cd of conliniiation ol' inndi caihci
'onccssions, givcii hy llie King. Tliesic lonces.sions go
baclv to llu; ytar 1G78, and wu rcad in tlie dccd : " And i
n
as inncli as llic Avidow and Iieirs or assiirns of tlic said
" latc si(Mir Crcvier miuflil b<! trouhlcd witli regard to 11
le
u
cnjoyinont ol" llic said concessions, as lliey liave not yct.
bcen conUriiied and ratified by llis Majcsty within tlio
lime wiiicli lli<y siiouid liavc been."
If
a grantee c(»nld bc trouhlcd A
or not liaving, witînn
tlie givon lime, requiicd a deed of ratification of his conces-
sion, miglit lie not be afraid of being so, and witli inncli
betler cause, for not liaving accomplislied ihe obligation of
clearing and caasing to be inhabitcd and conséquent ly of
sub-conceding.
3o. Soulangcs, 23 Octobcr 1702 .
I. — " With the réserve of six arp-*nts of land wiitcli
" will best answer for llie construction of a fort for tlic
" King's service, Avliich land, may bc taken by the said
" Governor-General, without llu; said being ablc to
" claim any indemnity, as well aslhe woodforllic construc-
" tion of the fort nndfucl for the garrison."
lo. — Conccssio7i to the Ursulines at Québec, or ncar
Québec, 1 June 1703.
This is a deed of ratification of tliis concession, givcn
by the King, " although the confirmation, it is thereiu sta-
" ted, was not made by liis Majesty within oneyear reclco-
" ning from the said 26tli day of December 1G9G, date of
" the concession." (11)
(11) iMoieau de St. Méry, t. 1, p. 711-71;").
Extract from the instructions of llie King to sieur J3eslandes, lirst
Commissaire ordo7i)iateur, performing the iluties of intendant at .St.
Domingiici, \\ 713: " Therc hus bcen littlc mcthod so far in the cou
15
114 a
94. An arrêt of thc Superior Council, dalod tlm 6th
May 1701 (1) ordcrs tlio cnre^istration in thaï Council and
:if th(.' KoyalJjirisdiction of Acadia, of an nrr»>t of llie King's
Coiint'il of sl;it(! of thf 20 Mardi 1703, " hy wliicli," it iw
stalcd, *' liis Majesty orders among otlicr lliin<,'s tliat tlitî
province of Acadia sliall reinain rc-unilcd lo liis domain
in ail it.s extent, circuinstances and dcpondencics, and
dismisses thc opposition of thc Duke of V^andosnic and
tho Sieur Lcliori^nc, on hchalf of thosc in wliosc nanics
tlicy j)rocccdc'(l, and whicli tlicy had rnade to thc Arrùts of
il.c last Fcbniary 1G82 and 9th Fcbruary 1700, as likcwisc
of tJR'ir dcniands and conclusions, as ucU as thc wSicurs
de la Tour, Doublet, de IJrevedcnt and others, and not-
withstandini^' His Maj(.'s1y, for good reasons, grants sever-
al (juanlilies of land, as well to thc said Sieur Le-
'' cessions of tlie laiitls of St. .Dominguo; tlu; (Jovernors hâve fçranteil
" tlicni to tlie iiiliiil)itants who hâve asked them, witliout examining
" wlielher they were in a situation to make tliem productive, and
*' whether il were necessary to take précautions, for the public benefit,
" or lo reserve sonie for those wlio niigiit iiercafter follow. liis Majesty
" reconunenJ» to the sieur Deslandcs lo apply iiimselfto this matter,
" in concert witli tlie said sieur Auj(er ; and after lie shall liave visitcd
" the lucalities, to cause the said inhabitants to produce the titles under
" which they possess the lands they hâve ; and in the evcnt thaï lliey
'» sliall be of opinion thaï soine of them are of loo greal an extenl,
" tiiey will reduce them to that which they can cultivale, in leaving
" thereon standingwood and other necessary commodities, in having
" boundariesplaced to avoid al! contestations with those to wliom sliall
" be aflerwards granted that which shall be laken away. If there be
" any who bave carried their résidences upon the rivers or upon the
" roads, so that they iiave deprived thc public of a passage, they shall
" cause it to be re-established, and they shall logelher prépare Procès-
'• Verbaux. They shall lake care nol to concède lands in which they
*' shall think fit to place towns or fortifications, in order that we may
«' not be coinpelled lo pay an indemnity, as bas taken place in Canada."
(1) Ed. aad Ord. t. 1, p. 132.
115 a
I
Ihe
lall
j»
I
X
■ï
" Rorpfîio as to thc said Sieur do la Tour and otlicrs, subj^pf
*' to tlic! cliurp^cs and conditions tliercin cxiircsscd, witli
" severul rednctions of concessions hcrctoron; luadc."
Oj. Several concessions were inade l)y tlic (Jovcrnor
and Int(;ndant froin 1704 to 1711 indiisivc'v, iiiul in tliis
intcrval scvoral distinct deeds of ratification arc iijivcri hy
llic Kini^, l)osidcs liis ^'(;ncrid dccd of tiie Glli July 1711. (I)
Tlu; clauses liercafter transcribed wili mako known that jti
wliicli thèse concessions may dill'er froin pr^ccdin^f oncs.
lo. .SY. Paul ; 20 Mardi 170G :
I. " wSubject to tlie condition of Icaving tlu; beacli frce
" to ail fishermen cxcept tlie portion wliich lie nmy recjiiire
'' for liis own fisliery."
I bclievc tliis is tlie first titlo \vliicli contains tliat
stipulation. It lias becn often rcpeated since tluil time.
2o, Cloridan ; 2 ATay 1707;
X. " And aftcr the said ratificntioîi and aflcr tlie con-
" chision of tlu; présent war, in defauU of holding; /lou.sc.
" and home \hercon^ the said concession sliall Ihî re-unifed
" to His Afajesty's domain ;" condition rcproduced in thc
samo terms in subséquent concessions. —
3o. " Monnoîr ; 25 IMarch 1708 :
VII. " The whole undcr the pleasnre of Tïis Majesiy
who liereby reserves to himself the riiiflit of disposinif of
the grounds wliich he may require, Avithout paying any
indemnity, sliould lie be hereafter ol)liged to ciiuse forts
" or others buildings to be erecled on the said concession,
" and the right of taking on the samc the timbcr fit for
(1) M. Dunkin's Analysis, p. Si to 90, coutaining reforeuces to tbe
titles and deed.s [Brevets^ of ratification.
116 (t
" building, lencMiig and forlirvin<;,', wliicli mny 1>'' ncrpsfinv>
" to liirn, aiso withoiit beinij[ lu'ld to pay aiiy indtMnnily
" tlicrel'or." Tliis réserve is repeated in several otluîreon-
oessions.
90. We liave now reaclied tlie conelusionof tlic i'onrtli
period of tlie liislory ol' our leudal institution. The lil'tli
couimtînecs witli tlie two Arrêts ol" Marly of tlie Glli .)uly
171 1, become celebrated in tlie discussion ot llie lawabolis-
liins,' the seigniorial tenure, Tliey wcre enre^'istered in tlie
Sovereign Council ot" (Québec the 5th Deeember 171i. (I)
licforc eoinmeneing the examinalion of the provisions
of ihcse two Arrêts, it is proper to make mention ofa corres-
pondenee \vliieh look plaee in the years 1707 and 17().S hct-
ween tlie infendant INI. Jtaudot, Sr., and the rninister M. de
Pontchartrain, at least in so far as the suggestions eonlained
in that correspondenee might hâve exercised some iniluence
npon the ./t'u (/« /'/Vy in Canada, if they liad been adopted
and i)ut in forée. (2)
In l(>tter of the lOth November 1707, M. Raudot points oui
to ilie iiiinistcr certain faefs, whieli, in his opinion, are ser-
ions abuses in the Governirient of Canada and more parti-
cularly in that wliieli relates to the concessions of lands :
" Many inhabitanls" he says " hâve workedonthe \vord of
" the seigniors, olliers on simple tickets v. iiicli did not
" express the charges of the grant. Ilence a great abuse
" lias arisen, whicli is, that th<.' inhabitants who had worked
" without a safe title, havc been subjected to very lieavy
" rents and dues, the seigniors refusing to grant tliein deeds
" cxccpt on thèse conditions, which they were obliged to
(1) Ed.andOrd., p. 3'21., t. 327.
(•i) Tliis correspondenee forins part of certain documents recently
printed, and ol)tained from tlut archives in the admiralty and colonial
departments at. l'aris, by INT. j-'arihault, at tht; tiine of his trip to Eu
ropein 1S5I p. 7. to l'i.
t*
117 (I
k)
II
I
U
■
ti-
s :
■y
of
si;
ed
:|
^y
;|
ucot'pt, b('i'aiis(,' ollierwisc lliry wonltl Ii:iv(î Io>l llicii
lîilinr : thv consrqiiriH'c ofir/iirfi /.v, Ifiat, in nlmont ail ///<•
S) ii^niorics^ tltc dues are dijj'vfvnl ; soiiic |);iy in onr ii'iii/,
ollit'rs in ;itiotli('r, iici'oriliiii,' to tlic (lilii'iciil cliiirailtrs ol
tlic scii^'iiiors Ity \\liuiii llic i^raiits \\rn' iiiiulo I
slionld tliciclort! think, iiiy Lord, iiiidcr your plcMsiiri",
tliiif lo place iliini.'s in .snnie .tort of uniformit)i iind niidci
llic iiili;d)it;iiits lliîit jnstic»' wliicli \\w scif^'niors liiivc iiot
rcndiTcd llicm liitlieito, and to prcvi-iit llic liiltcr fioiii
coniinittiiiu^ llic vi-xalions to wliicli tlic loriMcr will Iicic-
aCliT iindoiihtcdly I"' «'xposcd, il would bc lU'ccssiiiy tliat
Ilis Majcsly n/iDitld fj;irc o dvduration irforniinu;, and
errn rvi^uldlinfj; for t/ic fidiire, ail tliv ri^lils and ducs
wliicli tlie s('ii,Miiors liavo takcn and will in luliirc tako l'or
tli''iiisclv('s, and lliat Ilis IMajosty slioidd ordain tlial I/ki/
should onlji taUe for cach arpent of llu; contents of tlii^
i^iants one li<df-prnn}j of rcnt\\ and a capon for cach ar-
pent in front or ten-pmcr al tlie clioice of tlie s^raidce^ thaï
l/ie préférence [lielrail) irliich t/ie ftei,!j;nior stipalates for
hinisctf in ca.se of llie sale of tfie tands licld en roture
should !)(• siipprcsscd ; lliat ihc exclusive; riiçlit of hakin^
should also he snpprossed ; tliat in tlie places where lish
is laken, the ri;jfht of tlie seiijjnior should 1»; reduced to
ono tentli purely and simply, without any other condi-
tions ; tliat tlie exclusive riti^ht of grindini^ {hanalilr)
should b(> preserviMl to tlu; s(;iirniors on condition of llieir
buildini:; a niill on their seii^^niory ^vitllin one y(;ar, failini,'
in Avhicli, tlieir riu:ht should be forfeited, and withoiit tlie
inhabitants beiiiii^ coni])clled, when ono Avas built, to
hâve tlu'ir i^Tain i,n"ound th(;re ; otherwiso, niy Lord, lliey
will never be induced to ercct mills, froni the privation of
which tlie inhabitants suHer grcally, beini,' iinablo for
want of nioans, to avail ihcmsclves of the favor which
Mis IMajcsty lias «j^ranted them, by permittini^ thein to
rrect mills in case the seigniors should not do so within a
year." (Namely by <hc Arrêt of the 4lh .lune 1686.)
118 a
M. do Pontchartrain replies, under date of thc 13th June
1708:
" Il wonld bo very désirable to rediicc tlie seigniorial
Cl
dues throughout the wliole extent of Canada to llie saine
'' lev(d. See what couJd be done towards this end and
(C
report it to me.
((
As lo iho di
ud to th
th
Inalj
ieignior:'
" comj)iained of ought only to take place whcre it eannol
" be paid in kind, nnlcss the deed of concession say, al
" the choice of the seignior ; but / woulil be for abolisliing
" this (tues, bccausc they afford an opportunity for vexation.
" I will see what can be done in this respect, and 1 will
" inform you of it. VVith respect, to the ])rivilege of bak-
" ing {fours banaux ) ail ihat is to be doni; itj to follow and
" enlbrce the decroe rendered in the year 1G8C by which
" tliat rnatter lias been settled." (1)
On the lOth July following, M. de Pontchartrain writos
to M. J)eshaguais at Fontainebleau ;
" M. de la Touche, on leaving Versailh^s, handed mo,
'■'■ Sir, a letter froin M. Raudot coneerning the adniinistra-
" tion of justice witli which lie is entrusted in Camula,
" together with a mémorandum of the observations inad(î
'' by you on each article. I hâve sent an answer to M.
" Raudot in conforniity with tluise observations, and hâve
" told liiiu lliat I would jjrojjose to the King to
" issue a déclaration fixing the riglits of the seigniors of
" parishes in that country who hâve conceded lands to
" settlers, as "vell for the past as for the future, at one half
" penny of rente and a capon for each arpent of land in
" J'ront, or ten j)ence, at the choice of the party owing the
" saine according to your advice. I reciuest you to niakc a
" draught of ihis déclaration in concert with M. d'Agues-
(1) The arrêt docs not speak of ovejib but only of banal mills.
r 1
il
i
119 a
a
seau «5 you propose. Ilere is a leltorby wliich I request
" him to draw it up a/ /«s /e^sMre, because I believo llie Ca-
nada sliips hâve now left so lliat we cannot, sond this
diîclaration till next ycar. I return you M, Raudol's
letter, with tlie mémorandum of your observations."
In lus letter lo M. d'Aguesseau, the niinister said :
" M. Raudot, intendant in Canada, bas written to me, vSir,
" tliat the seigniors of parishes in tliat country who hâve
" granted lands to settlers hâve subjecled them to ali the;
" (hies th(;y pleased, ivhich are almost ail différent frum
each other ; that in most of tliese grants there are dues
which ought not to be tolerated, because tliey afibrd an
opportunity of vexation, and tliat it would be neeessary
" to issue a déclaration fixing tiie rents and dues of thèse
" seigniors, as well for the past as for the future. I hâve
" recpiested M. Desliaguais to see you and taiie your leisure
" to draw up this déclaration.— I send him M. llaudot's
" letter whicii will inform you of wiiat lie writes on the
" subject."
97. If I hâve franseribed this corrcspondenco, il is
beeause the Advocates who support the Attorney General's
propositions, and conséquent ly the largest pretensions that
the ccnsitaireti could themselves hâve set forth, hâve ap-
peared me to attach great importance to if, forgettiiig, it
may be, in tlieir i;eal, other^vàse laudable, to défend tiiosc;
propositions, that the seigniorial court, whalever may b(! the
latitude given to it, is not called upon to state what the laia
shonld bc, but merely what the existing law is. The corres-
poiuh-nce in (picslitm contains suggestions only, whicii
iiiight be more or less judieious, more or less demanded by
circumsiances and the situation of the eolony at the lime
whcn they were ihus made. Il would be absurd for Jud-
ges, in the ycar 185(), to express an opinion in this respect.
Suggestions of rcform, howcvcr good they niuy bc, arc not
12U tt
iej^al mli'S, hcicirc llic aiitliority oi Ihc Jf;.'isiai()i lias iii.t.T
posod lo givo tlicm k'i^al sanction. On \hv <<inlia)y, iluv
suppose a légal pri;-cxislin<if slalc, whicli ilicy liase, ;is au
«jbjecl, to niodily ; a légal state wliicli is tli(> duly of jiulge?
sempulonsly to respect, as long as no nu)(liiicali(>n Js iiiade
liy superior authorily.
Tl
le sufTo-eslions of M. Rnnddt, no mon! tlian ilu; ii
tniclions ol'tlie niinisler, M. de Pontcliartraiii to M. Deslia-
guais and to M. D'Agncsseaii, eould nol Iiave tlie ellcc-t d
l'Iiangiiig or niodilying thc cxisting laws, as nioreovcr ilic
one did not ap])rove ail tlie suggestions ol' tlie otlicr. 'J'iie
nunisler asked iVesli informât ion from tlie liilemlaiil, wliieli
lliis last gave liim in a lelter of llie IHth OctoluT 17()!S ; at
tlie same lime, hy an exeess of jjojileiiess, lie jn'ayt^d M.
13'Agiiesseau to lake eare of liis lieallli, to lal.or Ujion llie
dranglit of tlie law wliicli lie cliarged ti'iin, op.lu (tl his (cisure.
Tliis last. made such a draugiil of tlie hnv, is 1ru(> ; biii
returning polil<'ness for jK)lit(.'n(!ss, he in fact toolc liis ow n
time, as it was only in tlic year 1717 tliat lie usliered it into
llie world. Tliis dranglit even, as it lias reaelied ns, alw ays
remained in the situation of a simpl(> pvoje(!l. Il is iliere-
for«' not a law ! IIow can \ve tlien be seriously asked, wc,
wlio liave no ollier ciuty tlian tliat oi dcdarivfi; wlial thv law
is bcl\vcen seigniors and censitaires, 1o look upttn tliis pr<.»-
jected law as having sometliing of a législative eliaracter ?
It is carrying zeal too far ; we canuot go to tliat exteiit.
As regards the new informations eomimuiii'aled to tlic
minister by M. Kaudot in liis letteroftlie 18tli Oetober 170S,
1 will speak of tlicm more particularly in llie article or ccnn
d l'cntcs.
I
98. It is in 1707 thaï IM. Raudot's iceal leads lii-ii to
inake suggestions, wliieh, liad tliey been adopled, would
hâve attested, in a very perceptible nianner, to say no
inorc, how far in the thon cxisting syyteni, llie intervention
1-Jl
(l
l'i
tA iIk"! Iviui,^ iil llie c'uiK'i'îS.siuns ni coliiiiiiil lamls loiild !»<*
carried. It is 1708 lliat tlie King's iiiini>ier, ï5(-L'i)iiiijL(iy dt>
sirotis of iicting \ipon thèse sugi^eslions, cliargcs M, Jj'A-
guesseau lo prépare a draughl ol'a law coiiloriuable therelo,
at ihe saine tiiue lel'dng lum lo lakc his tiiiic. Wlial does
du; King in tlùs iuterval ? Doos lie wait, lo iiih'Vi'in', iliai
M. U'Aguesseau'.s project becoiiu; law ? Nol al ail. Wliiie
tliis last sceiiis to give liiinselt' up lo du' tiiii)yiu(iii t-l" a
peaeeable life in liis sliidy, die Iving prc)uud:.^aiL'.s tlie iw»»
fl;re'/s of Marly (if the (Jdi .Iidy 1711 (I) ; urri'fs wliidi, in
resuining llie })ast, and liaving no otlier elleci tliaii (Urlant-
tory laws^ iuiprinl aiiew iijioii die ('anadiaa l'eudal Jnsutii-
lion, but in tenus luueli more explieit dial tln' pirccdiiig
Edits and arrcls liad doiu-, tliat distinel and parlicidar clia-
racter, whieh ihe Kings ot' France w islied to gi\c i! iVoiii
il.s very origiii, and wliicli \ve etiiuiot nusunderstaiid w Inn
we study thc iirst inonuinentti ol'that Jusiiintion.
99. It is worlliy of reinark tliatllu" \\Vi) arn':; of Mark
wero preoeded by Lelters-Pafont ot" tin- King, daled di''
saine day, Gth Jidy 17 1 1, eiiregislered af (Jiiebiv' die (>di
November following, and eonsetiuently long, Ixl'oïc llic i n-
registration of thèse two flr;Y7,s', whieh only took ])la<e oii
tlie 5th Deccinber 1712 (J) ; by whicli Letlers-l'aienI, die
King confirms a grcat number oreoneessions m, aie by mes-
sieurs de Callièrcs, Talon and Cham|)igny, and Messrs. i\c
V'audreuil and Raudot, on tlie29th Oetober 1G7J, 7ih Aprd
1701, Kth Augiist 1702, 25th Mardi, Ist August, 2tidi Sep-
lember, 2lth Oetober 1708, 7di November 1709, 8di .Iiily,
Glli September and 17th Oetober 1710 : " L'iKm the eondi-
" lion ol" performing feally aud liomage at tlu; Castle St.
" Louis at Québec of whieh tliey sliall liold, and oiIk r
" ordinary dues ; of prescrving and eaiising lo be preser\ed
" die oak liinber Ht for du; eonstruetioii ol' (lis Mai<siv'>
(1) l''A. ot Oïd. \o. 1, 1». :i2l. to ;{2tj.
(•J) 11). p. :?2<.
H",
122 a
II
ic
(i
u
II
kl
kl
il
vo«is('ls, tliat they shall ^ivti notice to \lh Majesly, or to
ilic (Jovcrnors and intendants of tlio said country, ot' ail
ininrs, on-s and minerais, il' any be found witliin tlie li-
iiiits ofilic said concessions : oilioldinj^ lionse and home
and c;iii<iii:{ tliem to be kcpt by tlieir tenants, in default
of irhich fini/ .sliall be rv-iinitcd to Ilis Majestij\s domain ;
of ('/((irini:; (nul cciusin!^ to he clcared irithout delay^ tlie
s;ii(i iand-; ; ol" lcavint( tlie nee(;ssary roads for pnblic
ulilit\ ; lc!i\ inir tiu; beaclies free to ail fisiiermen, with
liir cvccpiion ol' llu)>L' whicli lliey sliall reqiiire l'or their
iiwi! lishin''' ; and in llie event ol' ilis Maiestv liereafter
n((tiiiiiiii: any part ol'tlie said lands to hâve forts, batte-
ri.'s, cMici^e i^ronnds, niai,'asines and ot lier public Avorks,
lli-^ M.'iii'>ty shail be abir to take thein as well as the
wond n(i-ess;iry l'or tlie said publie Works, without being
licld to p;i\ any ind''innity. Ilis ATajesty tlesiring tliat
ilif coiicc-'^ions co!U<iined in the présent deed be subjeet
i<> ilir condiiioiis hereinbefore mentioned, without any
fxrrpiioii, uiuliT tiic prt'tcxt tluit lliey wtire nol stipuJaled
in 1 lie saiil concessions.''''
\\<' S' (' ihat ilicse letters-patent make no distinction
bctwciii ;.Mantccs, whatever may be their tilles, when they
ordir io hold ond cause to be field fioiise and home^ to clear
and to cause to be rleared without délai/.
I(M). Il lollows froni \v!iat jirecedes that, until the
coiichi.-ion of ilii> l'oiirili pcriod of our feudal institution,
tlic alirnalion of ilir Hcf was unliniited, that is to say that
it cduld rxiciid lo ilic wliole body of the fief, with tins dif-
IcniKc ihai as rcganls nnclearcd lands, it was obligatory
iipoii ilir sciifiiior, while it was only opiional wilh respect
to iho-c lands whicli ihe seignior had cieared and mode
■producfirc ; ilius liavini^, in the latter point of view, the
cjualiiy of ihc aliénation of the Fief und(;r the 51st article
ol ihe (ustoui of l'aris. But the canadhinseignior, in thus
123 a
alienfiting liis fief, could he legally, îi^» '''<' srii^ninr in
Franco williin tlie jurisdiction ot' that cu^lnm, n'(<MV('
entrancc nioney {(hniers (rentrée^) besicles tlir cens et rctiics ^
Tliis is what \ve shall see in troatin»^ of tlie twu anu In o{
JMarlv ol" ihe Glli .luiy 1711.
101. Tlie firsi of thèse arrêts relates to t'-.e S(Mi,Miii)is,
U) tlieir ol)ligati()n to concedt; ; tlie second rrlalcr; lo tlic
censitaires, to tlieir ol)liii;ation to liold hanse and home -awA
lo put tlieir lands in a productive slate.
im
î
Tlie iirst '' ordains tliat witliin a year l'roni thc date of
" tlie j)ublication ol" tlie présent arrtt^ for ail prelixion imd
"■ delay, tlie inliabitants of New France to wlioni Ilis M;i-
"• jesty lias granted lands ni seie^niory, who liavr no doiuiiin
*' cleared and who hâve no inliabitants tliercoii, .-IkiII bi-
' lieUl to put tlie sanie in cullivation and to setilc iiiiiabii.inN
thereon, in default of whicli and the sîiid delay c\|)ii((|
His Majesly wishes that ihey be re-tinited to liis doinMin
" at the diliirenee of ihe Attorney (Jcneral of the Snpciior
'• Council of Qnei)ec and accordinif to the ordinaiiccs w hidi
shall be rendered by llie (io\ornor aiid Lieiiicn;iiit (iciic-
ral of His Majesty and tlu* Intendant of the sai^i Coiintry ;
and Ilis Majesty ordains that ail tlu^ seii^niors in the siiid
" Country of New Franc-e shall concède 'o die sciih'fs thc
" lots of land wliich tliey noy deni;ui(i of îhcm in thrir
*■' seigniories, at a jf^ronnd reni, and wilÙMUt '-x m1;ii;,>- fiom
" tlieiii any suni (■' ;iioney as a, considérai imh lor Mich con-
"■ cession ; otherwise and in default \tï ihcii soiK^ihl:', Ilis
" Majesty peniiits the said inliabitants to dcruaiul ihc >:iid
" lots of land by a formai sunnnons, and in ! ,ist' i ! Unir
'-'■ refusai, to inake application to the (j!t)veriH)r Licpiciiain.
'' (ieneral and intendant of llie said coumiy, w boni Ilis
" Majesty enjoins to concède to thc si.id iiilial)iians
'' the lands dcmanded by tlieni Ju the >aid Scii,'-
" niories, subject to the same dues as are laid upou other
]'2\ il
;ilicN ( i>iii«<|ihI lit llii" >a
i(l s
iliMlhilics, W
lii.'l
1 t.lLlc><
4iall
(I,
u
l)c jtaiW liy tlic ii»!\v st'Uliîrs iiito tlii; liiuids ol" llie roei'ivei
(A Jlis IMajcsty's (loinaiii, iii tlie city ot" Québec, witliout
ils beini^ in llio power of tlie .st'i<Tniors to claim from iIumu
any dues, o{' any kijid wliatever.'" (Il)
{{)>. ^V'^• read iii iIk- prcarnble of ihis An'êt. : —
'' His .Majesly haviiii^' al<() l)een inforined thaï tliere
iri' sonie seiirniors \\ ho refuse, uiuler
fu
dUÏ
vent prelext
erc
■ »
"• lo vnurrde lands t<> tin; iiiliabitanis u'Iio deinand llie same
in Ihc hope of heiiif^ able lo sell tlictn, al llu; same time
eliariifini,' thenilhv dues (171(1 rentes paid by tlie rstablislicd
selliers, u'hich is enllrelif conlrnrij to Ilis Majesti/s inten-
'■'■ tin'';iii'(/ to Ihc clauses of the titles of concession,^ hij
'' U'/ii h liuy art onli/ perniitted to concède snl)ject to arcnt."'
Tii/' staleiiiciil lias becii ()!)jrcl('d U) on tlie prelext tliat
h il!' Kifoncrv^ioiis ('/?//'('/■ nivi'u until lli'it tiin<', did nol
VI "■• ■ I :■'!■ pioiiiliiliiiii lo M,'il, wliieh tliis prcamiile pn;sup-
;Mi'i' , !' <' (ii<' :t«^iiin ut' tliis (jKeslioii would be an idle
•■•lie, -liU r it would jcad lo no pra' ilcal resnil. Thèse
lit,i' •< are h.» rc'!;i.>k', ih'il \\\r j)voliil)il'u)n to sell, thaï is to
-a\ (>r l.ikinu .')i(7;/r)/, dtnirrs (/'<'h//yV, oi wiiieli the preani-
!)!(■ to tlir orril mako mention, could givo oceasion to any
( I \) .>]cMv;>u (!r Si. Mrn . v. '2, p. ■l-2*<.
.b-'vn.l llir ('n\iii(il r-r S!aK< of tiir l>l1)rc. 1710, for (lio rc-
liiiioii cl" l;i(' uii-cii|iivaU'(l l:i iN iii Tiirtln KLinil [Isie do la Tortue]
nml cojisl l'i' St. Dûinin;;'!'', r< vseiiibliiii;- lliiit of ilio 2Gtli Sept. Itiytl
l'-nh ](. 10)] r\(M'iii. iji;-; il fri-auls (o tlic sellier'- Iml sIk iiiontlis ilelay
lo put t'ii'iii ■■ iîi euii ■ aii'in iii -«ui:;!!' <;uie, iiuii;;;o, and prinisiDiis ne-
cp^varv le',' lin
r('-iini'>n tu liie
-i-iiaii^o or coiniiîun'i) o
< Si
l'vrri::'!! CcMii'ii' 1)
f tlie coloiiy"' otlierwise
Il i1p' iiili;;i':i> e of t'/i> A ttorncy General of tlic
pou the ordinan-
l Li o;',iiie aiul oi iho Ca
pe; ai
H. I
ces ■\\lmli ^^ a!
>«i i«'n(lci'iM| i)
iMia"-! '^1
iX Mr'On.ii'
y "Jn; ( îoveriior of llie s->i;i Jslnnd and
'niaifi.;!. ;iiiil liv lin- c.n Dnis.^n.irr, or/fi.'»naf(ri<^' u'lii<'h
m
1-25 a
le-
« iiiiin. I will eoiiti'iit inysfll' hy rcinaïkiiii^ ilial tlu; Kiiii^'
was iiioio llian any one in a situation locxplain wlial were
liis iiiti'ntions in llic concessions of tlic sci<:;nioricH in Ca-
nada ; tliat, if tlio j)roliil)ition to scll is not ^vrilten in express
ternis in llie deedsof inlciulation, it can be reasonably pre-
sunied tliat it resnlts IVom iIkî vvliole of tla; stipulations,
froiii tlieir spirit and llieir ténor, as well as froni |)recedini^
lei,'islalion witli rei,'ard to llie oblii^ation to ch^ar and conse-
(piently to sub-concede. To exact cniranci; monetj at tlic
epocli in (piestion, was, it may bc said witliout exa^irera-
tion, ecpiivahmt in fact to a refnsal to concède, and tliere-
lore a refnsal to exécute tlie obliiijalion to cicar and rcndcr
productirc, an obli<:;ation written in formai ternis eitlier in
tlui very titles, or in tlie t'r/tV.v and «r/v.'V.s. Can it not even
be furllier said lliat tlie prohibition to sell is found in sonio
way written in tenus suHiiiently précise in two soleuin do-
cuments already cited in niniihers 42 and 11. I allude to
lli(' rtryv'/s of the Sovereii^u Couneil of ihe Gtli Au^ust and
«Sth Novenibtr KJO 1. In tlie iirst, of w liieji llie exécution,
aecordiuîT lo jts form and ténor, is ordered by tlie second,
\\v se(; tlie (Joveruor and Hisliop, \vli.) \\(re specially cliar-
t>ed to liave tlie «rriH of rctreiu-liiiieut of tlie 21tli Mardi
IOG;i executed, re<iuiriniî antl concludini^ " tliat ail preten-
(|f(l sei<^'niors be ])rolubited froiu disposinj:^ of any iinpro-
ilucfirr lands by concession, on pain qf niil/ili/.^'' TIkî word
" concession " is not liere eiiiployed lo sii^iiil'y a l'oncessjon
made sul)iect to a simple rent cliari,'»-, a mère lease à cens,
wliich would be nousens(\ but it is certainly iiieanl as au
aliénation for a luoney |)riee, in oue \V(.)i<î, a sale. And
wlien tlie arr''( of t'ie Sth No\. 1(501 deprives tlie seit^niors,
forthe benefit of tlie Kini![, of llie priée of lisheries leased by
tluun on their uncuUivated and uninhabilcd \'mu\s, ùov<. it not
carry wiih it a virtual prohibition to traflie in the said lands
at a inou(^y prici^ ? liesidcs, il', before llie Iirst <'//vv.7 of Marly,
'hère could cxisl •<ome doubts as lo this jniinf iiiidcr diseur-
126 a
*
i
sion, thoro can be none aincn the enrogistration of thisarreY.
Tho prohibition whicli it makes to tlin sois^nior to takc
entrance inoncy, joined lo the injunction ol" conccding only
at a ront charge, is therein written in terms too formai and
too précise.
103. I mnst herc change tlio ordor of dates which I
hâve so far followi'd, and cite thi; arrêt of the Council of
State of the 15th March 1732, (l)as l)cing very clos(>ly con-
nected with the arrêts of Mariy, the (lisj)ositions of which it
liist rchites. VVe afterwards then in read : " And Ilis Ma-
" jesty having l)een inforrru^l that, contrary to the exigen-
'^ cies of tiie.se arrêts,, certain Seigniors liave rescrved to
" tlicinsfsives extensive domains within iheir estâtes uliicl»
" domains, whih^ still in standing wood, they sell instead
" of Dicrelij conce(Hng them for rents, and that soine inha-
hitants, liaving ohtained grants from liie seigniors, havc.
sold tliem to others, who successively sold tliem again,
wherehy a tralfic, advers(3 to the good of thi^ colony, is
elfi.'ctcd ; and it being necce.ssary to remedy sncli perni-
eions abuses, Ilis Majesty in Council hath ordained and
dolh ordain, that, within two years from ihe date of tlie
publication of this arrêt , ail |)roprietors of land in Seig-
niory, as yet uncleared, shall be held to bring tlicm into
(îullivatioii and scttle inliabitants thereon, olhcrwise, after
tlie expiration of that tin.e, the said lands shall be re-
unit(Ml to His Alajesty's domain, ])y virtue of this arrêta
'' withont, a nocessity for any other. Ilis Majesty doth
'' mosl expressly prohibit ail seigniors and other jjroprie-
" tors from selling any wood land on pain of nullity of tlit*
"■' deeds of sale and restitution of llu; priée of the lands
'' sold, which hmds sliall, in like manner, be reunited to
'' (lis IMiijesty's domain ; and fnrther both the arrêts afore-
" said of theGtli .luly 1711 shall be put in exécution accord-
" ing to their ténor and lorm."
J
(1) i:d. audOrd. v. 1, p. 531.
127 a
104. On llin part of llio Seie^niors, it 1ms boen sa'ul tliril
ail tlu! eU't
tlu! elJt'cl wliicli tlio provision of tlie first arrêt (A Marly
wliicli inakes il ()bli<r;itory lo oonccclt! coiild liavf, \vas to
^'ivc tlu; rii,'lit to thc inhahitants to obtain concession en rolu-
r<\ siihjcct lo thc incre paymcnt of rcnt, withoiit Ix-ing coin-
pcllcd to |)!iy any ontrance nioncy, if tlicy rcfuscd tliis pjiy-
lucnt ; l)iil tliat, froiii thc. moment tlicy t,'av(! llicir consent
tlicrclo, tlic nullity of thc concession coiikl not be hail, nor
thc restitution of thc moncy paid, as ihr. arrêt proiioiinced
neither thc onc nor thc other. In support of this preieiisjoii
thev draw an aru^umcnt frotn thc fact, tliat, bv th(> arn I of
thc l.') Mardi 1732, thc penalty of thc nullity of thc coiitraci
and thc restitution of thc j)rice isatlachcd to thc sale wliicli
Sei^Miiors luadc of thcir lands ; froin which it is concluded
thaï this penalty was nof in thc arrêt of INlarly.
This may bi^ truc, in so far as thc contracl included a
c(jnccssion subjecl to rcnt charge ; thc «n*t'^ of Marly allow-
cd it lo sid)sist : but to ooncludc from this tliat thc restitu-
tion i,f \\h\ cntrancc monev could not be had, is to reasou
falsely, and to expose oneself to fall into thc absiudity ol
prctcnding that thc legislator, in onc part of lus law, per-
rnittcd to do that which hc prohibited from bcing donc iii
another part of the same law ; a prohibition which, in thc
preauible, is declarcd lo bc onc of the principal objeets of
this law.
105. Il mnst bc said, then, thc penalty of thc restitu-
tit)n of thc cntrancc money, that is to say, of the |)ricc of the
sale, is lo be found in the otrêt of 1711, although that of thc
nullity of thc grant is not lo bc found in il. Hut the al)U>e
which ihis rtn'c7had, for its objcet, lo prevent, still conii-
nuing to exist, the King went yet furthcr, in lus arrêt of thc
lôlh March 1732 ; hc maintained, not only ihe p(>nallyof thc
restitution of thc money price, but hc declarcd also thc
penalty of the nullity of the contract, both as a grant and as
l'J8 a
n Mlle, iii (ii'(laiiiiii|L; liial in Midi vnac lin-- hiiids miil .vhoiiM
bc rounilL'd to liis (loinain. The ju'nalty fcll on tlie two
parties to tlio coniract, tlie censitaire e(iually willi the sei-
gnior, wliicli, hy tlic urritoi 1711, it cxtended oiily to tin
«t'ignior.
lOG. Ik'sides lliis, tlie arrêt of 1732 includes a prov i-
sion wliicli is nol to bo foiind, in tluî arrêt ol' Marly. It
appear.s tliat tlie seijj^iiiors %vere not iIkî only persons wiio
Averc ^lilty of tlie abuse wliicli tlie Kin^' wislied to rcpress
naniely, tliat of .;cllin<,' lands before tliey were cleiired.
Tlieir censitaires liad learned to imitate tliein by selling, in
tlicir turn, before clearing tliem, tlie lands wliieli tlicy
liad received in concession, and tlie biiyers rcsold lliem, in
tlie saine way, to otiiers, williout puttinij; tlu.'in in ciilti\:i-
tjon. Tliis new abuse the Kin:,' wislied, likewise, 1o ic-
press by lus arrêt of 1732. Ile bclieved lie would siieceed
in tins by declarini^ against thèse sales of the eeiisiliiires
the penalty of nulliiy, the restitution of the priée, and llie
reunion of the lands to his domain, just in the saine way as
hc liad declared againsl tlu; sales iiiade by tlu; seigniors.
107. Froiii 17 13 1<) 171H, soine granis were îiiad(; by
the Govcrnor and the ïnl<'ndant, Alessieurs de V'audreiiil
and Eegou, and j>riîfnîs of ratification were given by llie
King to soiiKî individnai grantees. (1), (11).
(I) M. Dunkiii's analysis ; part 2, p. l,to 5.
(II) iVIorcau du St. Méry, v. 2. p. 313.
Ordinance of tlie Kiniif of tlio It) October 1713 wliicli cnacts :
" tliat the proj'rietors oflumls situate iii tlie JslanJ of La Tortue anJ
" Cote .St. Dominguc, whetlier by concessioa or contract of acquisi-
" tion, be lield to inake an tstabiishmLnt Ihereori aud to coinmcnco
" the clearing of the saine within a year from the day of the date of
" thèse présents, and to clear two tliirds of tiie Suiiic in the space ot
" iho six foliowiiig ycars ; namely one thir.l in ihe first tlireo joais,
'• M\\ tlie ijtiier tliird ni the tlncc ensuing ycars," iiiider llie ptnall)
1
]
\2i) a
Ùiicdl ihcitti coiiccs.sion.'^, ihut ol llu.* uu^intnttttiouoi iIk.
si'igniory ol" Ik-aimioiit, iiiadc on tlio lOili Apiil 1713 (l), is
<listin^'iiislii<(l Irom tlif previoiis concL-ssions l>y a ((Hidiiioii
iiltttgrthcr |)(HMiliar, and wliidi \\o nwvl lien- l'or llu; lirsi
liiiio : il is thaï " ht; sliall ron('«;d«î tlic said lands on a
'' incro rent cliar;i[<' ol' 20 sols and a ca|)on {à fiiniplr litre tir
" redevance de 20 sols et un chapon) for eacdi arpent ol' Iront
'* by 40 in dcplli, and six drnicru ol" cvh.s, witlioul power
" (o inscrl in the waid concessions ciilK-r any snni ol' nioney
" or any otiier obli<][ation tlinn lliat ol" tlic in('re rent char<i[e,
" and tliose hercinbefom mentioned, ap^recablv lo iIm" inten-
" lions ol' Ilis Majesty."
Tlie sei^'niory ol' Millc-hles, conoeded ' sieur Dii-
^\u\ on tlic 1 llli Septcmber 1G83, not liavin- i»cen cleared,
was ronnited to llic domain ol" tlic Crown, on tlic dciiiand
and ihe conclusions of tlic Altorncy (Jcncral, by an ordinanco
of tlie Governor and tlie Intendant, ISIessrs. Vaudreuil and
Jiegon, rondercd on the l**! Mardi 1711, in conronnity witit
of réunion to tlic domain ; directs tlic insertion of a clause to Ihat olVecl
in tlu; new concessions ; " wo give pennission to tlie projii ictors of" llu:
" said bnds to préserve one tliird tliereof in standing wood ; and W(î
" l'orbid tliein lo sell tlie lois wliicli are conceded to tlicin, or wliicli
" tliey sliall liavu bouglit, uniess tlierc Leone tliird tloared, uudor tlu;
" penalty of re-uiiion to our domain, of restitution of tlie price of the
'* sale, niid of a fine of one tlioasand livres .... forbidding tliein aKo
" to sell any Avood froin tlie said lands, exccpling il be w ond for ilyiiig,
" uiiless tliey liave cleared one tliiid, uiuler tlie piMuiII\ of a linc
' of o\w liiuulicd livres. ... il bciiig our wisli lliat ail tlie pcnallios ni
•' re-iinioii and linf, mentioned in and by tlieso présents, sliall not be
" rcputed, in any iii>lani;e, coiniiiinalnry p( nally \ptiuis (omm/Ud
•* foircsl ; and tliat ail tlie di>piiles and inaKers tliai inay ari<ic in «nit
" nection witli the exécution of tliese picsoiils iiiav be jnd^rd In tlic
•' iîo\cn\'^r n\u\ iUc (^iinmisxai/e-f/t(i>iiiiafrio of .mit Island <>\ î.-
' Tortue and ''été Sf. Pomiii'iic.
("!)'• Titi''! di s "«rii;. " |> i<\-
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IMAGE EVALUATION
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WEBSTER, N. Y. 14S80
(716) 872-4503
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130 a
the first arrêt of Marly : and on the 5th of the same month,
it was conceded anew to Messrs. de Langloiserie and Petit,
(1).
Besides the ordinary conditions, and particularly those
which are inserted in the gênerai patent of ratification of the
6th July 1711, this new concession contains also that of
subgranting at a fixed rate, like llie grant for Beaumont,
with this différence, nevertheless, that such rate in the sei-
gniory of Mille-Isles might be exacted on a land of 30 ar-
pents in depth, instead of 40.
The concession of the first part of the seigniory of the
Lake of Two Montains contains the spécial clauses whicli
foUow : (2)
Ist. " On the condition that they shall, at their own
" cost, make ail the necessary outlay for the change of the
" said mission (the transfer of the Indian mission from the
" Sault au Recollet to the lands of this new seigniory.)
((
2nd. " And to cause to be erectec' there, at their ex-
pense, a Church and a fort of stone for the security of the
" Indians, in conformity with the plans which shall be sent
" to us by them immediately, to be by us seen and appro-
" ved, and that the said buildings shall be completed with in
the space of two years.
((
lOth. " To concède the said lands on a mère rent
" charge of 20 sols and a capon, for every arpent of land in
" front by 40 arpents in depth, and of 6 deniers of cens,
" without that there can be inserted in the said concessions
" either sums of money or any other charge than a mert';
" rent charge, according to the intentions of K. M."
(1) Titre des Seig. ; p. 59.
(2) Titre des Seig. ; p. 337.
131 a
The patent of ratification of this concession, given by
the Kingoa tlie 27th April 1718 (1), lias this pecnliarlty that
it modifies niany of the clauses of the deed of concession,
and that it is therein said that the concession ismade valid,
" only as regards the charges clauses and conditions which
" shall be expressiy mentioned in the présent patent."
The lOth chiuse of the deed, which is the 12th in the
patent, we iind tlius modified : " to concède the said lands
which shall be in standing wood, on a mère rent charge of
20 sols and 1 capon for each arpent in front by 40 arpents
in dcpth, and of 6 deniers of cens, without that there can
be inscrted in the said concessions either sums of money
or any other charge besides a mère rent charge, H. M.
nevertheless permitting them to sell, or give on a higher
" rent charge, the lands of which there shall be at least one
" Jourth cleared.^^
u
a
(C
(i
(C
)ro-
lin
m
tws.
)ns
108. In the interval which ,embraces the preceding No.
the King by letters patent of the month of July 1714, re-
newed in favor of the Eclesiastics of the Seminary of St.
Sulpice the concession which he had already made to them
by arrêt of the 22th April 1704, of the right to leceive the
seigniorial ducs, upon the exchanges of lands in their sei-
gniories of " the island of Montréal, Côte St. Sulpice,
islands Courcelles, and dependencies," in conformity with
" his Edicts and Déclarations of the 20th March 1673
and 20th February 1674, and others given in conséquence,"
(2). This concession had been made to them by way of in-
(1) Brevets de Ratification ; p. 7.
(2) Ed. and Ord. v. 1, p. 342.
It is stated in thèse letters patent that the arrêt of 1704 had net, as
yet, received exécution, because the copies which had been sent to
New France had been lost with the vessel which carried them.
\S2 a
(.iLiiiiiity uii account oi' ilif/ir resij^inlion ni tin; ■^upiMiui' jmi'-
cJiclion (la hnxiUi jiislifc), (II)
\0'J. Accurding to the i-hronologu'al ovdi-r pursucd by
M. Dankiti in his analysis of tlie Tilles o[ tliu Seigniories,
it do(^s nul appcar thaï any concession was inade froni 1717
(o 1727. Tlie lact is explained by llie fbllowing extract of a
" mcinoirc IVoni tins King to MM. de Vandreuil
" and Begon," of thc 23 May 1719. (1) '' H. M.
'' lias seen the menioir ol" the sieur Desjord Moreau, cap
"■ tain in the forces, wlio demands a concession of land to
(11) x^loreau do St. Mery ; v. 2, p. 4.7'1'.
Ordinaiice of tlie Governor and the Commissaire Ordotmateur, ol
llie 3id Dec. 171.'), wiiicli, on the reinonstrance of the King's Attor-
ney tioneral to the .Siipcrior Council of the Cape, and in exé-
cution of the arrêt of the Ist Dec. 1710 and of the Déclaration
nf the King of the lOth October 1713 ("above p. 128,) " reunites to
" llio domain the hattcs and coraih of the said place called Limbe, lands
" abandoned, concessions which hâve not been rendercd productive,
" and of tliose which shail be more than one thousand square paces
" altliough partly cleared déclares the pretendod proprietors of
" thc said hattcs and corails and lands abandoned, deprived of their pre-
'< tentions, whethcr they bave acquired tliem by concession, acquisition
'' or otlierwise, in default of tbeir liaving maintaincd, settled, and pro-
*' vidt.d them with cattle, in conformity with the terms of the conces-
" sions, tlie pr.actice observed in tlie colony at ail times, and the arrêts
" and déclaration of the King rendered on this subject and
'' a:;nin adjudicatinç upon the said remonstrance of the Attorney Ge-
" neral, on the occasion of some proprietors of the said hattes and cwails
" having sold ofthose r«(^Mes standing wood without having wholly
" cleared them, or even the said wood, to woïkmen, contrary to the
" express prohibitions of H. M. mentioned in the said déclaration ol
*< (he King, under the penalty of a fine of one thousand livres against
■• the former, and one hundred livres against those who hâve only sold
(' the wood : we déclare the sales made of the said lots, standing wood
' and timber null and of none eflect. &c."
(1) Documents obtained in Paris ; p. XV, see ante no, 96.
m
y
le
\
133 a
" Ije.' Iu;l(l in FitI uiul Seigniory, witli (nie) ail lacan aiiil
"■ iiilcrior jurisdiction : this grâce woukl bu willingly gran-
'■' tod loliiin, but \he great nuniber of Seigniorios Iiaving
"" provcd but loo prcjudicial to tlie sctllomcnt of Canada, it
'•'• lias for many years becn determined to grant no more of
'■' lliem, whic'li H. M. lias again explained to the sieurs de
" de Vaudreuil and lîcgon, by his dispatcli of the 15tli
" June 17 IG, and his intention is not lo change any thing.
" fie does not for the future wish to grant concessions
" except en roture. In the mean timc, although he has
" ordered them to make the said concessions only of 3 ar-
" pents in front and 40 in depth, in good lands, he will
" approve of their making them larger if they think proper."
It was in the year 1717 that M. D'Agucsseau concerted
ihe project of law of wiiich mention has becn made in no.
97, and to which he gave the title of " arrêt to annul in the
'■' grants and contracts of concession made in Canada the
" clauses contrary to the Custom of Paris, and to order that
" it shall be observed thcre for the future."
No notice was taken of it, and the work of M. D'A-
gucsseau remained in the state of a mère project. Still
further (1) \ve see the King in letters patent of the month of
August, by which he established the Western Company, and
conceded to them the Province of Louisiana, giving that
Company ( art. 8. ) the right " to sell and alienate the
" lands of their concession at such cens et rentes as they
*' may judge proper, even to grant them in franc-aleu, without
'' jurisdiction or Scigniory." (11)
(I) Edits et Ord. in-8o. t. 1, p. 377.
(II) Moreau de St. Méry ; t. 2, p. 590.
Ordinance of the administrators, ofthe léth September 1717, which
on the remonstrance of the King's Attorney General to the Council of
the Cape, anJ in exécution of the arrêts of the council of state, and the
Oerlaration of llie King, of (he Ist Dec. 1710, and IG Oct. 1713 and
134 a
110. After a laps of ten years, we see the concessions
in Fief revived in Canada. The first, wliich is dated the
I8th Aiiguist 1727, (1) is that of the augmentation of the
Fief SI. Jean, adjoining the Fief of Rivière du Loup, in the
disilricl of 3 Rivers : It was given by thf; Governor, the
Marquis de Beauliarnois, and the Intendant Dupuy, to the
Religions Ursulinc Ladies of 3 Rivers, with the right of
inferior jurisdiction only " forthe cens et rentes, redevances^
" lods et ventes, quint et relief, and ail other seigniorial rights
" and dues., whate ver may be the sums they may amount to.."
Their judge, also, was to hâve cognizance of ail per-
sonal matters between " their subjects and vassals, as high
" as the sum of 50 sols, and of ail offences, the penalty for
" \vhich sliall not exceed 10 sols." The conditions pecu-
tiar to this Grant, as distinguishing it from former con-
cessions, are :
Ist. " Under the obligation that the appeals of their
ofïicers shall be immediately before the royal jurisdic-
tion, and the Lieutenant General of 3 Rivers, to whom
their judge shall be obliged to give notice in case of offen-
ces punishahle by a largcr fine.
{.(.
u
2nd. " Under the obligation to cause ail the criminals,
" who shall be found within the extent of their Fief to be
of the régulations of the 3rd Dec. 1715 [above p. 124, 128, 132,]
réunîtes to the domain several concessions which had not bcen made
productive, déclares null and of no effect ail the sales and transfers of
uncleared lands, whether made before Notariés, or privately, orders
that Uie vendons and grantees of such lands shall be sued at the ins-
tance of the Attorney General or his substitutes so that they may be
condemned in the fine of one thousand livres, mentioned in the déclara-
tion of the 16th October 1713 and the price restored to the pur-
chaser, whose lands shall be reunited, to be oonceded, if considered
reasonable, either to said purchasers or to others who présent themsel-
ves and who hâve no lands."
(1) Brevets de Eatif. p. 84-.
135 a
" conducted to the prisons of Ihe Royal jurisdiction at 3
" Rivers, in considération whereof ihcy may themselves
" hâve sergeants and prison,
9th, The usual réservation of land and wood for the
construction of forts, " without being liable to any indeni-
" nity tovvards the said Religions Ladies, nor towards the
" proprietors of the said lands necessary fo His Majesiy,
llth " And not to concède, on the part of the said Re-
ligions Ladies, the said lands, but on a simple rent charge
of 20 sols and 1 Capon for each arpent of front by 20 ar-
pents of depth, without that there can be inserted in the
" said concessions either any sums of money whatsoever,
or any other charge besides that of a simple rent charge
according to the intentions of H. M." (11)
((
((
((
((
((
The second concession, which is that of Beauharnois,
or Villechauve, was made by the King himself on the 12th
April 1729, (1) to the Governor, the Marquis of Beauharnois
and to his brother the sieur Claude de Beauliarnois de
Beaumont. It contains only the conditions inserted in the
gênerai patent of ratification of the 6th July 1711 (above
no. 99.) So it makes no mention of the rates of the rent
charges for subgrants to be made en censive.
The third of the concessions made since 1727, is thatof
Desplaines, in augmentation of that of Terrebonne, which
had beenconcededonthe23th Deceraber 1673 (above p. 175)
(11) Moreau de St. Mery, v. 3, p. 250.
Ordinance of the administrators of the 30th April 1728, which
a.nnuls concessions of which there had been made " trafic and
commerce, in contempt of the ordinance of the King and the régula-
tion on that subject" and ordains that the price of sales or transfers
shall be paid back by the grantees or vendors.
(1) 2nd vol. of " documents seigneuriaux^^ published at Québec
in 1852, p. 260.
13G a
Tlie (j}()venior ami tlie Iiitendanl, bv lelUjrs ol ilie :i2\h Jiilv
1730 (1) liad iillowed thu Scignior oi" Terrebonne, tlie sieur
Louis Lepage de St. Clair, to eontinue to rnake seltleinenfs,
lo tlie depth ol' tvvo leagues, under the King's ploasure, wlio
on the lOth April 1731 (2), gave liim a grant of tiiat doptli,
on ail the front of his Seigniory of Terrebonne, " at tiio
sarrie dues which arc attached to the said seigniory, and on
the same rents, clauses and conditions to which the same
is liable."
Finally, the fourth of thèse concessions, which werc
anterior to the arrêt of the 15th March 1732, (above no.
103,) was made, on the River Yamaska, by the Governor
and Intendant, Hocquart, to the Bisliop of Samos, Coadju-
toT of Québec. It bears the date of the 15th Ocl. 1731. (3)
That which distinguishes this from previous concessions is
the following clauses : " and that he shall cause the same
conditions to be inserted in the concessions which he shall
niake to his tenants, subject to the Customary cens et rentes
and dues for each arpent of land in front by 40 in depth."
(4) This clause is found in subséquent concessions.
III. In No. 103, I hâve given an account of the arrêt
of the Council of State of the 15 March 1732 which was
enregistered at Québec on the 4th September of the sanic
year. It was rendered in conséquence of the représenta-
tions made by Mes'^ieurs de Beauharnois and Hocquart, iii
a letter of the lOth Oetober 1730 and reilerated in anolher
Ictter of the 3rd Oetober 1731, which ihey addressed to iIk
minister, in reply to that which he had written on the pv
(1) Ib. p. UO.
(2) Breveta des Ratif., p. t.
(3) Titres des Scig. p. lôG.
(4) Tiiis concession was ve-iinilcd tu tlic doiiuiiii hy ordiiuuicc ci
lOlh May 1741, witli inany otlici icigiiioiic!? in diMiuill of flioii havin;^
bcon rkaicd.
137 a
17
nta-
iii
lier
llic
0\r
(>i
>
vioiis ;3-ltli of A|)iii. (l) 'l'Ile enucting part ul' llit; airùt ir
Itorrowocl alinost litUually i'roni tin; leller .'Jrtl Oclobcr 17.'}!.
To traiiscribo lierc the Icttcr ol" llic ministev will sul-
i'u'O h) sliow liow persistent wati the King's des^iro relative; lo
tlio ohlif^ration of Canadian Seiguiors U) clear aud, as a con-
séquence, to concède : —
" I bave receivcdthe Icttcr wbieh youwrote nie on lOth
*' October of last year, on the snbject of granting the lands
'' of Canada, and I bave given an account of it to the King.
"• llis Majesty bas learned with pain the inexécution of ihc
" arrêts of the 6tb July 1711, on tlie svibj(>ct of thèse landp,
" and tlie abuses thaï arc coinmitled in violation of the saitl
" arrêts. Hc would havc determined, for llic purpose of
putting an end to a disorder as prejudicial to the settle-
ment of the colony as to the interests of the iniiabitants
and of commerce, to issue a decrec ordering the exccu-
" tion of tbose of the Gth July 1711, and to déclare at tho
" samc time nuU and void ail grants of land in seigniory
" or in roture whieh bave not been confirined and bave not
" been improved, and to forbid your making any grants of
" land until the terrier is eonipieted and until olherwise
" ordained, but lie bas been pleased to wait until he bas
" received your answer and your opinion tbereon. Thèse
" prohibitions bave two objects ; t;;.' Ilist to iinish the work
" of tbis terrier ; the second to cllect iht -r-scrvation of tbo
" forests in order to prevent the scarcily o wood, of which
" you State tiiat the grantees of the front lands already feel
" the want, and also, to form bereaftcr a domain for His
" Majesty in the country.
" It will be only by exaniining tlie terrier that tb(î
" oxtcnt of tbcsc forests can be well and usefully ascertai-
" ned. M. Ilocquart cannot therefore pay too nnich allen-
" tion to tbis long protracted work."
(n Docuniont? obtairmd frcMii raii^.'. p. 111. IV, V, ami W'I.
IS
138 a
112. Wn seo mention of iliis arrct of 15 Mardi 1732, —
in a tleed fintcrior lo Uh cnrcijfistrution in Canada. Il is in
51 paient ot" ratification, givcn by llic Kini^ on tlu; 8lli
Aprii 1732, of lli<; conct.'ssion iuad(; to tli(' Misliop of Samos
on tho 1.5tli Ocl. 1731 (above no. 110). T\\v Otli danse of
this patent says : " under tlie oblii^alioii to maive it prodiie-
" tive, and to kecp liouse and home and to cause tlie saïuo
" to bc ki'îpt by liis tenants, witliin tlu." tiine Jiiuited l)y tlu;
" «r/'e/ of tlie council of stale of llie 15ih Mardi last, in
" Cicfaidt of wliidi it sliall bo reiinited to II. M. domain."
113. From tlie cnrei^ist ration of tlie arrêt of tlie 15th
Mardi 1732 to llie year 1710, inclusivcdy, a very i^reat niim-
ber of concessions were made ))y tlie Goviîrnor and Intendant
Messieurs de Beauliarnois and Ilocquart, and many patents
of ratification were obtained froni tlio King. TIkî clauses
of most of tiiese concessions, especially tliose giveii along
the borders of Lake Cliamplain, are almost always alike ;
they containtlie conditions inserted in the gênerai patent of
the Gth July 1711 (1). The folloAving may serve to distin-
guisli some of thèse concessions from eacli other and froin
those that preceded them :
Ist. Augmention of the seigniory of the Lake of Two
Moimtains ; 26 Sept. 1733. (2)
At the end of the usual clause, " to cause tlu; same
" conditions to be inserted in the concessions which they
" .shall make totheir tenants, " the deed addstlies<' words :
" subject to the customary ce7is et rentes and dues for
" each arpent of land in front l)y 40 arpents in de])lli. "
The patent of ratification is datcd the Ist March 1735 (3)
We read tlierein : '• TJie King on the représentation
(1) M. Dunkin's analysis ; part 2, p. S, t. 11.
(2) Titre des Seig. ;p. 171.
(3) Brevets de ratif, p. 8.
Il
1
13î) a
" N) liirri fifllic oonoi.'SMinn inudr on flic lifi Sept. l7iJ3
" ;iIm> >rilM' |)iit<-nl ofllic 27ili April 17 IH, hy wliifli
'^ lie li;is coriccdrd lo tlic siiiiH' iSciiiiiiary tlw said scii^riiory
" ("dlcd tlic LdliC <>/ Tiro Moioiliiin.s coriliniis tlic
*' s.iid (•(»n(•l's^ idii, sithjccl to tlic fliariifcs, clauses and con-
" ditiniis liciciiiallcr mcntioiicd, naiiitdy,. . . . I lo. to (^aiise,
'' llic saiii<> coiiditionM to bc insorted in tlic concessions by
*•' <\t'('(\ wliicli lliey \\ ill iiialve to llieir tenants, subjecl to
^ ilie iisiial (77/.S', miles and duos on eacli îirpent of land in
" tlie n(di,dil)onrini; seiij;niories, regard being liad lo llie
" qnalily and siliiation ot" tlie lands al tlio lime ot" tlie.se
" parlieular i-oncessions, tliat wliicli 11. M. wislies ulso to
"• i)e observée! as regards tlie Jands and liereditaments of
" llie seigniory ot' llie Lake ol" Two Monntains belonging
" to tlu; said Ecdesiastics, notwilhsianding flie Jixitif of thc
'' said cens and dues and of tlie qnantilif of land of each
*' concession iiieiitioned in ihe said patent of 1718, from
" which H. IM. lias derogated 12tli. H. M. desiring
" tliat tlie said concessions (tliat is to say, the two parts of
'^ tlie seigniory) inay be restricted and subjected to tlie
II
ibove nient ioned conditions witlioiit any exception itnder
*' prelence (liât lliey sliall not liave been stipulated, as well
" in tlic said concessions of 1733 as in tlie said patent of
" the 17tli April 1718.
2nd. St. Mary, St. Joseph, and St. François, Beauce,
on the 23rd Sept. 1736. Tliree similar concessions were
made, on the same day, toMM. Taschereau, Rigaud de Vait-
dreiiil and Flciiry delà Gorgendière ; (1) and on the offer of
the grantecs, tlieir title deeds imposed upon tliem the obligation
" to make, witliin three years, jointly, a highway for horses
and carriages. . . . to commence from the bank of the river
St. Lawrence and be continued throiigh thc lands of the
concessions belonging to the heirs Charest (seig. of Lau-
(1) Tit. des Seig. p. 178 to 181.
140 it
zuii) aiitl It) thr liciis Jolit.'t, witliiHil intt'iveplioii iintil (.j)p(j
»ite llie hh't au .SV«/iÙJ, cvi-n to ctune bridges to lu- iniul»; ut
llu; pliiofs wlu'i^; llicy shall bc consicltîri'd nccossury l'or tliw
pussiii^pi iind lli(! ;i('(;(»iii()dati()ii ctf liio inliabitanls \\ lit) would
wisli to go ami i-slablisli llieiii.'îicUi's, as wcll in llu* said
two old (•onct'ssions as in tliat granlcd by llics(> prcsi-nts,
uiid tlioso Avliii'h are and sliall be granted nboviî tlie sanu.-.
:îrd. St. Ktienne, 15tli April 17;37. (I)
" IJndcr th(! obligation by tlic said sieur Cugn<'t to
" eoniribute, l'or liis portion, to llie road wliich ihe said
'' sieurs Tascherean, Higaud de Vaudreuii and de la (ior-
" gond ière are bound to niake, by tlie terrns ol' tlieir i-on-
cessions.
•lih. KiefSt. Etienne, at ;3-Rivers, 12 Sept. 1737.
New cone(^ssion of tliis l'ief to tlie " Company of llie
forges establislied ai St. Maurice "; .']rd, nnder tlie ordinary
obligation to giv(; notice of mines, " witli tlie exception of
'^ iron min(;s, of wliich the privil(;ge lias bcen granted lo
" the said parties interesled."
Tliere liad bcen a previous concession of tins Fief; and
in the new title-decfl whicli makes express mention of tlie
arrrt of tlie 15tli Mardi 1732, it is stated that ihis iirst con-
cession Imd been reunited to tlie domain by ordinance of
Ihe 6th April, tlicn last.
.5th. St. Giles de Beaurivage ; Ist April 1738. (2)
Concession by tbe Governor and tlie Intendant to Gilles
Rageot, contaJning, on llie demand of ibis latter, tlie follow-
ing c!an.~e "• \Ve déclare that after the decease of the peti-
"• tioner and his wife, Ihe said Fief sliall be divided equal-
(1) Tit. des Seig. p. 189.
(2) Titre (les Seig. ; p. 200.
Hl a
" Iv :iliiuni< llie uniit lliii-e rliililiiii, t.ir lliose ul lliciii tli.il
"• sliiill survive, (l<'n»i,';iliiii^ tlifp'iri as fur as ncct-ssary l'roiu
" ail CllsU)^l^^ li(;rt'unlo cDiitrary, in lliat n'sprct t)nly/'
oi
K'S
low-
Ui-
ï
1 1 1. ^V(•. liavf aircfuly socn lliat at ditK'mit pcriods
\\\vm liad bt't.'n, iii virtiic ni" tlic arrrts ol" ri'trcneluncnt, ol'
tli()s(! ol' 171 1 and 17.'3:2, scvcral réunions ol' sci^uiiorics to
tlie Kini,''.s domain, in ddault ol' liieir liavini,' l'uUilIcd llii;
ohlii^'alion to clear. Twcnty woro efl'cîclcd hy a siu^do
strolu; l)y ono judi^uirnl or ordinancc rcnidercd by Ûw Go-
vcrnor and Intendant Jieauliavuois and llocHpiart, on tlie
lOth .May 1711, (1), on tlio re(iuisition ol' tlie Attorney Ge-
neral ai^ainst tlu; t<anie nuniber oi' Seigniors duly suunnon-
od, (of wlioni 17 appeared and 3 niade del'ault) " in ord(!r
" tliat it sliould be adjudiifed and ordained, that failing on
*' tlieir part, agreeably to llio terms ol" tlio arrêts ol" tlie
" King's Couneil of state of tlie Gth July 1711 and tlie 15tli
" March 17.'}2, and witliin tlie time thercin mentioned, to
" havo put into eultivation and niade productive the lands
" in Seigniories wliieli liave been conceded to tliem, and to
" hâve ])lac(,'(l, and establislied inhabitants thcreon, they
" sliall be and remain reunited to the domain of IIIb Ma-
" jestyin tliiseountry." Notwithstanding the reasons given
l)y the Défendants and their deinand of a new delay, the
reunion \vas pronouneed by the judgmcnt which déclares :
" Considering Ilis Majesty's ordinancc^ of the 6th July
" 1711 and the 15th Mardi 1732, and his orders addressed
" to lis, last year, by which lie commands us most express-
" ly to jirocced to the réunion 1o his domain of lands conceded
" of old and lalcli/, in default of the proprietors thereof ha-
"• ving fullilled the conditions explaincd in their titles."
" \Vo rondcring judgment, on the réquisition of the
*' King's Attorney General, hâve reunited and do reunile
ri) Edit and Ord. ui-8o. t. 1, p. bf>b.
142 a
" \o H. M's. domain ilio lands hereinafter mentioned, to
" wil
" Wt; liavc in conséquence declared ail llie grantees
above namcd deprived ot" ail right in and property to llie
said lands ; and nevertheless considering in some sort
tlic représentations mode bysome of tlie said Défendants,
we réserve 1o onvsolves, under tlie King's pjeasure, tlie
power to give new deeds of concession for tlic same lands
to such of the said défendants as will prove to us, within
a ytîar, tliat they hâve, in good earnest, by expenditure
and actual work, rendered productive a considérable part
of tlie said lands, or placed settlers thereon, in the course
of ihe said ycar, wliich time being passed, in vii-iue and
(éxecution of thèse présents, and without that there shall
bc occasion for any other, the said lands shall be conce-
ded to wliom and as it raay appertain." (1)
115. Between the date of the reunion of thèse 20 sei-
gniories and the 20th April 1743, (2), we notice several pa-
tents of ratification and some concessions, of which one,
uiade by the King to the Intendant liocquart on the said
day, the 20th April 1743, was " on Lake Champlain and
" opposite Fort St. Frédéric."
In the numbcr of thèse concessions is that of the 22nd
II
(i
(.<
1.1.
Cl
il
IC
II
II
(1) Al! thèse concessions, so reunited to the domain, dated froni
1731 to 1737 inchisively, and were ail sitiiated in the LJpper part of
the Hiver Cliambly and on Lake Champlain, with the exception of
two, one of wliich, made on the 15ih October 1731 to the JBisliop of
Saraos, afterwards Bishop of Québec, was on the River Yamaska, and
the other made on the 6th October 173G to the sieur d'Argenteuil,
was situated at the end of seigniory of Lanoraie. Several of the
lands so reunited were reconceded, some of them even to the first
grantees.
(2) M. Dunkiu's analysis 5 p. 25 and 26.
143 a
I -)
March 1743, (1) made by Messieurs Beauhamois and IIoc-
quart to the sieur Daniel Licnard de Beaujeu, of a sei^ni-
ory (now Lacolle) which, it was said, had been reunited to
His Majesty's domain by our Ordinance of 10 JNIay 1741,
in conformity with the arrct of the King's Council of Stale
of the 6th July 1711;" subjoct to tlie condition, 7th " to
" clear and cause to be cleared, witliout dclay iho said
" lands, and to prove to us that he has pcrlbrined wovk
" therein, between this time and the ensuing autumn, fail-
" ing which the présent concession shall be and remain null
" -end void by virtue of the said atrét of the King's Coun-
" cil of State and of our said Ordinance of tlie said lOth
" May 1741 and without that there shall be necessity for
" any other."
On the Ist May 1743, the Sieur Foucault, whose seigni-
ory was one of those reunited by the Ordinance of tlie 101 h
May 1741, having proved that he had performed work, in
clearing, which was considered sufFicient, obtained a new
grant of the seigniory, with the augmentation of a league of
front (2)
116. We perceive by the deed of concession of Livau-
dière dated the 20 Sept. 1744 (3) that it was made by the
Governor and the Intendant, in exécution of two Arrêts of
the King's Council of State, one of which is dated the 20th
April 1742 and the otiier the lOth April 1743. The first of
thèse arrêts, rendered in a contestation between the sieur
Fiugues Jacques Péan de Livaudiere and the sieur Jacques
de la Fontaine, had declared null and void a patent of the
30th April 1737, confirming a concession made to ihc latter
on the lOth October 1736, and ordered to concède to the
former the seigniory in question. The second arrêt had
(1) Titres des seig. p. 203
(2) Tit. des Seig. p. 205.
(3) Tit. des Seig. p. 208.
144 a
di!*mi!ssed tlie demande of llie Religions Ladics ol" llie (jle
neral Hospital, inade by tliem praying for delay in granting
tlie deed of concession in favor of tlie said Sieur Péan until
such time as their claim to tlie ownership of iialf the said
concession should be dccided.
117. On the ITth Jnly 1743, (1) the King rendcred a
Déclaration conccrning the concession of lands i'i the colo-
nies. But this Déclaration having relation chiclly to the
mode of proceeding in reunions to the dornain of the Crown
and to the contestations arising between the grantees, I shall
speak of it in another place, content "ng myself with quot-
insf the two first articles : — " The Governors and Lieute-
" nants General acting for us, and the Intendants of ouv
* colonies, will continue to make jointly the concessions of
lands to the inhabitants who shall be in the position to ob-
tain the same, for making them productive, and shall ex-
])edite the deeds thereof to such persons, on the ordinary
and customary clauses and conditions ; art Ist. Tlu^y
shall proceed in a like manner, to reunitc to our domain
lands which ought to be reunited thereunto, and diat, at
" the suit of our Attornies of the ordinary jurisdictions,
^' within which the said lands shall be situated," art. 2.
118. From 1743 to the end of the French dominion inr
(1) Ed. ord. in-8o. v. 1, p. :il2.
Mortau de St. j\Iéry ; v. 3, p. 71'5, 8G4.
The déclaration of tlic King of tlic 17th July 1743 " conccrning'
the concessions in the colonies" was enrcgistered in the Council of the
Cape on the 9th December following, and iu that of Lcogane on the
t24th January 1744. Tt waj not enregistered in the îSuperior Council
of (îuebec until the fith Oct. 1744 ; and that of the Ist Oct. 1747
rendered in interprétation of the first, was enrcgistered in the Couiiril
of Lcogane on the 10 Sept. 1748, and iu that of ilie Cape on tlie l-th
Nov. following. Jt had bccn enregistered in the Siipciior (Jounril o'
'iucbec "n the U*(h Fiinn of Ihc snmc }fciu.
145 a
Canada, llie Governor and ihe Intcndanl niade a greai nuni
ber of concessions in Fief, followed, for ihc most part, by
patents of ratification given by thc King. (1) Tlicso conces-
sions, of wliich tiie two last, according to M. Dunkin's ana-
lysis, are dated in 1755 and 1758, do not contain any parti-
cular clause to distinguish them from prcceding ones, to
such extent as would require notice.
119. The détails into widch I liavc entered in ordcr to
sliow thc history of our Feudal institution, may peiiiapa
appcar fastidious. Convinced, however, of ihc nccesh^ity of
giving that history, in orderlhe bettcr to cxplain llie nature
and extent of thc Jeu de Fief m Canada, tiiat is to say, of
thc right or ihe power of the seigniors to dispose of iheir
lands, a matter which forms the point of departiu'e in the
examination of the grave and im[)ortant questions which arc
submitted tous, I hâve ihought that I should not allain my
object, nor fiilfiU my duty, if I dtd not, by a minute analysis
of tlie titles of concession, of the administrative and judicial
acts of public authorily, and of the législation peculiar 1o
ihe country, makc known tins feudal institution, as well in
its origin as in its successive developements under the
Freiich Government.
120. It results from the forogoing rcmarks that the Jeu
de Jief was considcrably modified, as respects Canada. The
first modification consisted in ihis, liiat the seignior of a fief,
was from the commencement, according to my opinion^
subjected to thc obligation of dcann^ tlic lands and, con-
scquently, of disposing of them; the second consists in this
tliat in disposing of his unclearc.l lands, he had not th<>
right, at least sincc tlie first arrêt of 6 July 1711, to scdl
them, that is to say lo take cntranca money. Ile had no
right to dispose of them cxcept at a simple annual rent.
(1) M. Dunkia's analysis ; part 2. p. 26, to. 32,
19
146 a
Bnl, it will bo askcd : What are the lands the sale of
which js thns proliibited to tho soigniors ? Are they only
lands in standing wood ? Thèse words, " lands in standing
wood," which arc those of the arrêt of loth March 1732, —
onght they to receive an interprétation so vigoiirons as to
exclude from the prohibition, lands which may not be enti-
rely in standing wood, thongli not cnltivated, or notcleared,
or not rendered prodnclive ? I do not believe it. The
arrêts rind tho varions documents wdiieh T hâve cited make
use of dilferent terms to designate one and the same thing.
I tliink that ail the lands whieh are " in the condition of
being reuniled to the domain in defanlt of having been ren-
dered productive, (Déclaration of 17 .Fnly 1743) are com.
prised in tlic. [)rohibilion. They are the lands : — Ist " as
yet unclcared," («rreVofretrenchmentofthe 21st]\Tarch 1663.)
2nd. " Not eleared, not cultivated," {arrêt of relrench-
ment of 4tli .Tmic 1672.)
3rd. " Not eleared and cnltivated into arable land and
meadows," {arrêt ofre trench ment 4th June 1675.)
'Ith. " Not eleared and cnltivated (arrêt of retrench-
ment of the 9th May 1679.)
5th. " Not eleared aîid rendennl productive," (patents
of confirmation of the 29th May 1680, 15lh April 1684
and 14th July 1690, and letters pattmt of 20di May
1676.)
6th. " Not eleared, " (patent of confirmation of 6 July
1711.)
7th. " Lands which bave no domain eleared and on
which there are no settlers : not rendered productive,*" (Ist
Arrêt6.Tuly 1711.)
147 a
1
8ili, " In standing wood ; nol yfl, cloared : not renderea
productive : having no inhabitants settlud,") anût of the loth
Mardi 1732.)
î)th, Which may bo rcunitod, " in default of liaving
|)Ut in cnltivation and rendiîred produclivcî tlio lands in
seigniories \vlii(;li hâve been conccded lo ihem, and of
having plaeed and cstablished s<îttlors ihereon." (Ileciuisi-
lion ol" the Attorney General follovvetl by tlie ord, of lOth
May 1741.)
Such are tlie lands whicii, \vc arc bound to sny, in
giving to ail thèse dillerent expressions an in1erj)retati()n
fonformable to tlie spirit of the «r/V'/.v eiled, and in inaking
a jiisl application of iheni, ouglit to be alleeted by ih»' pro-
liibilion to sell, tliat is to say, the lands whieh the seigniors
oiight to concech; to the hahitanls who dcmand theiri, (and
let^us îidd, who are in a condilion to cuUivate tkeni. [Arrêt of
ihe 9th May 1G79) at a simple animal reni, " withont exact-
ing from them any simi of moiiey for sucli concessions"
(Ist Arrêt of ihe Gth .luly 1711.) P^ieli spécial case, as was
reasonable, had to be left to the deci^i()n of thi' .ludge, ac-
cording to the circunistances. \o précise nile ^vas, nor
coiild 1)(^, given, as to the exicnt and the nature of tlie
clearing whicli a lot of landought to liave, so that aseignior
could be under the obligation to concèdes it, without exact-
ing cntrance niiney. If, by analogy, the rule established
for the seigiiior, by the arrêt of the -tth .lune 1675, ought to
guide in similar cases, assuredly the lot of land whicli
a seignior had " cleared and cultivated into arable land or
meadow," would not corne under the prohibition in ques-
tion. On the otlier hand, according to the 2nd Arrêt of the
6th July 1711, it would be necessary, in following out the
same analogy, to take as a rule that " some felling of wood
eould not suffiee to constitute a clearing or a maki v g pro-
ductive, but that il would be necessary, according to the opi-
M8 a
7non expressed by tlie Governor aiul ilic fnteudanl, wlio
rcndercd tlie ordinaiicc ol" réunion of tlie lOth May 1711,
" to give proof of liaving, in good earnest, and by expen-
diture and rcal work, rcndered productive a considérable
portion" of the lot so demanded in concession. If tliis ruie
was good in one case, to savc ihe scignior from forfeituro
by reunion to the domain, of his right to the property of liis
Fief, it ought to be good, in the other case to save him equally as
regards the prohibition to sell or to take entrance money in
Kub-granting. Tlie right which a colonist might hâve, by
virtue of the Fcudal institution, to participate in the own-
ership of the soil by paying only an annual rent, would not
cntitle him to profit, without compensation, by the real and
actual Works which the Scignior might liave donc.
121. So, during the fifih pcriod of our Feudal institu-
tion, which ends with the possession of Canada by France,
the Jeu de ficf^ in my opinion, continucd to be without
limit, as it had bccn in the course of the preceding
period. It might extent to the entire body of the Fief, with
this différence already stated above no. 100, that, with
respect to the unclearcd lands, the Jeu de Fief was obligato-
ry on the scignior, but that it was only facultative as regardcd
the lands which the Seignior had cleared or made produc-
iivc ; that in the first of thèse cases, the seignior had not
the right to take entrance money, but that hc could validly
stipulate for it in the second ; secing that in this last case
the part of the 51 st article of the Custom of Paris, which
allowr^ the vassal to dispose of his fief, withjirojit, had not
nndergonc any modification in the seigniorial system of
Canada ; leaving, naturally and from necessity, to the judge
the fnll liberty to appreciate the facts and the circumstanccs
in cach particular case.
It foUows, therefore, from what has bcen said, that, in
Canada, the vnssal can, by tho Jeu de Fief eîthev by way
>
an
*
I
149 a
of sub infciidalion or by bail à cens, alienato more llian Iwo
thirils, nay (lie wholc ol' llie boily of In s fief, without that tlie
soignior dominant lias the powcr lo cxerciso against llie
portion po alicnatod b(;yond Iho two thirds, llic rights
\vhi(îh lie could cnforce undcr ihe aulhority of ihc Custom
of Paris, wlien lie had not sub-infoudated the cens. In other
words, the clfect of the laws pcculiar to Canada, on the
Feudal Institution, will only be that, as regards the Seignior
Dominant, the cens imposcd in the concession made by his
vassal, ought to bo considered as infeudated de pleno jure,
without the necessity of approbation, either express or tacit
on his part.
122. With thèse observations on the Jeu de Fief, con-
cludcs the history of the Feudal institution of Canada,
until the cession of ihe country to England in the year 17G3.
The history of tins institution, reckoning from the last epoch,
will be given, as far as the subject can permit of so doing,
in my observations on the question of the amount of the
cens et rentes ; of *he nature of the power of the Governor
and the Intendant to reunitc to the domain and to make
ncw concessions ; of the mill privilège {banalité de moulin);
of the ownership of running waters, and of the réservations
stipulated by the seigniors.
in
wav
PART SECOND.
CENS ET RENTES.
VVas ihe amounl of Seigniorial cens et rentes fixed hy
the Custom of Paris or the Jurisprudence of tlie parliamenl
of Paris ?
If not under the authority of lliat Custom, lias it cver
been fixed in Canada ?
123. Lct ns sec, firsl, as rcspcîcts Franco. Qnotations
ought losuffice. I shall mako a large numbcr, knowinglhc
necessity of drawing the public mind strongly lo tliis ini
portant point of ihe seigniorial questions. Of ail thèse qu(3s-
tions, that of the amount of the cens et rentes appoars lo
hâve had the principal part in the warm agitation whicli
preceded the passing of the law abolishing the seigniorial
tenurc.
124. Let us observe, in the first place, that there is no
texl in the Custom of Paris whicli fixes that amount, or
vvhich limits it in any way.
As to the jurisprudence of the Parliament of Paris, if
it established such amount within certain limits, of which
mention will shortly bc made, it was, only, when the due
vvas not fixed by deed or long possession, that is to say, by
an agreement, written or supposed, between the seignior
and his censitaire.
The Custom of Paris did not oblige the seignior lo
concède, that is, to alienate his fief. It merely gave him
151 a
K)
the faculty so to do, provided tliat lie retained, on the part
alienated, " samc seigniorial and domainal right," but the
Custoni indicated noilher the nature nor the amount of such
right. Again was that faculty limited to two thirds of the
fi(îf in order tliat the aliénation might be made without
paying dues to the Seignior Dominant ? (art. 51)
125. Dumoulin, who lias written on the old Custom of
Paris, defined the cens " modicum annum canon quod pres-
tatiir in recognitionem dominii diredi ;" upon which Hen-
rion de Pansey, in the article cens in his feudal dissertations
(1) observes : " When Dumoulin says that the cens is
*' a moderato payment, modicum canon, one knows well that
" he speaks according to the common acceptation^ and one
" surnly will not suppose that he was not aware that the
" cens might be more or less considérable ; indeed there
" cannot be the least doubt on that head since, before giving
" the définition \ve hâve quoted, lie had said that the pay-
" ment known in the Nivernois^ undcr the name of Borde-
" lage, is a cens of the most onerous kind."
The Word cens^ in fact, is a generic dénomination which
includes ail the dues recognitory of the direct seigniory,
ail the dues iinposed in recognitionem dominii directi. (p.
265)
" A first rent-charge (the fîrst of ail the charges with
" which the land is burthencd,) under whatever denomina-
" tion it may be dcsignated, or in whatever manner the
payment may be made, be it in money, be it in kind, so
long as it is due to the Seignior of the hereditament, is a
" véritable cens, and has ail its attributes and ail its privilèges.
" p. 206. (2)
(1) Published in 1789. " ~"
(2) The author cites : Coût. d'Auvergne, art. 1, tit. 3; The Ancien
Coutumier of France, bk. 2, tit. 6, " du champart;" Loiseau, " de la
distinction des rentes," bk 1, c, 5 ; Chopin who reports an arrêt of the
23 Feby 1577.
((
(C
(C
ce
((
152 n
Tlif bcignior, ctmlimies llcnrion cit.- Pansiey, § 3, is tlie
Judgc of ihe qualification, ol' tlie nature and ol' tlie uniount
of thc cens (1)
126. Wc rcad on tlie samu subject in thc neio IJenizait,
\'. 4, in vcrbo " cens" p. 311 ; " II" lliis juiisconsiilt (Da-
" moulin) dcfined thc cens a moderate due, it is because
" that, in the existing stale of things, llie grcate.st portion ol
" sucli dues liave become t<o moderate that they are less
" considered as forming a revenue than as a sort of mark
'' of honour and superiority. But that does not prevent
" cven Dumoulin from aclcnowledging that the cens is
" sometime, sufficicntlij large to be considered as a reve-
" nue."
(.1
u
il
u
" The author of the " Institutions au droit franrois,''''
book 2, chap, 4, observes tliat, in ancienl timcs, the C€7is
was about equal lo thc value of the profits of the licredi-
tamcnt given à cens as our ground rents {rentes foncières)
arc in the présent day; in suehmanner that the censitaires
were, in some rcs])ect, but the perpétuai tenants of thc
seignior, whose most considérable revenues consisted of
" their censives. The sols and the deniers were pure gold and
" silver money, which was of incomparably liighcr value
" than are the sous and the deniers of the présent day
" (1786.) The value of thèse monies, at the diiîcrcnt pcr-
" iods, is explained in Leblanc's historieal treatise coneern-
" ing monies, in which It is remarked that, in the course of
" the altérations which hâve been made, little by little, and
" which hâve at last rcduced them to the low priée which
" they now bear, the seignior whose censives and seigni-
" orial rents were in sous and in deniers, were wliolly
" ruined, and that, on the conirary those seigniors who had
" constituted ihcm in corn or in kind hâve lost nolhing of
" their ordinary revenue."
(I) lie cites Basnagc on thc art. 20t ui' llic Cust. nf Normaudy,
\
153 a
" Tliis ofrcnt altération in monies, we rcad in tlio same
" woik on P'rcnoh Jaw, composcd towards llie end of tlie
" livsi (•(•iitury, lias niisled inost of thc writcrs wlio hâve
" wrifton for tvvo linndnMl yi'ars on tlio subjrct o( censives ;
" tlioy liavo sL'cn tli;it ordinarih/^ tiie cens was only for one
" or (wo sols llie arpent, more or Icss ; a cirninistancp
" wliic'li lias lod tluMii to bcliovo tliat tho scii^niors liad iin-
" poscd tliis eliarfje, ratlier as a mark of lionor and superio-
" rity tlian as an ordinary revenue ; but that is only true, as
" reii^ards those censires wliieli were not created until after
" tliese deseriptions of monies were reduced to the rate at
" w'iiieli we now see lliem."
Ii7. Hervé says the same tliing. (1) After liaving dis-
cussed llie (jiiestion " if the cens is siiiiply au honorary
charife, or if it is a eharge proportioned to the actual pro-
duel of the thing accensed," lie adopts the last proposition,
and shows that iho authors who nu^ of o))inion that the
cens ought 1o be a moderate charge [redevance modique)
hâve not laken into considération thc ehaniïes which hâve
taken place in the value t)f inonies.
"n^
" 'l'Ile author (p. 96) says that it appears by the polyp-
*' tique of St. Germain " that a simple censitaire paid in
" money 4 1, 4s. 9d. and that for 4 perches of land there
" was paid 12d. Now, under Charlemagne, the denier was
" worth 6s. 6d. ofo m- money. So thisproprictor paid, in cash,
" more tlian 330 livres of the money of this day, and a
" perch of land produced nearly 20s, of the same money.
p. 109, " In the beginning of the 13th century, the
" silvcr mark, which is of fixed weight, was worth three
" livres ; to tlay it is worth about 54 livres. The actual
" numerieal livre therefore corresponds intrinsically but to
(1) " Théorie des matières féodales et censuelles," v. 5, publisbed
in 1786, § 9.
20
151 n
•'• ont- L'ighlet'ntli ot thu livre wliicli wus currunl in ihe coin
'* mencemeiit ol' tho I3th century ; and as tlio division und
*' the 8ub-division of thc livre are, at présent, the same as
they Ihen wero, tho cxisting sou and denier are, also,
" wortli only tlic I8tli part of tho sou and thu denier of th<;
" former tiine, if we consider only the vveight and the deno-
*' mination of the article, and suppose tliat tliis weight and
" this dénomination had not varied."
a
" If the mattcr be considcred inanothcr point of view,
" if it be supposed, for example, that there is, in tho présent
" day, ten times more money than there was at the begin-
" ning of the 13th century, ail things being equal in other
*' respects, it will be of ten times Icss value in bartcr ; and
" in place of the 18lh, the présent livre would not be wortli
" more than the lOtli of the 18th, that is to say, the 180th
" of what was the value of the livre in the beginning of the
" 13th century.
p. 111. " 20 sols corrcsponded in 1350 lo more
" than 40 francs of our présent money.
p. 113. " A charter of Landrecies informs us that eacli
" burgess owed to his seignior, on the 4th day after Christ-
" mas, two capons and two loaves of bread the finest in his
" housc, for a courtil ; and that if he had no loaves of
" bread, he was bound to buy two in the market, for the
" priée of two deniers. So then one denier was the priée of
" the finest loaf of bread that a burgess ordinarily had in
" his house.
a
" In 1514, an arpent of land, was rented for 8 bushclls
of wlieat in Marly-la-Ville, and the 8 bushellswere worth
" 16 sols 8 deniers. M. Dupré de Saint-Maur observes that
" in his time those same 8 bushells werc worth 12 francs,
" and to day they are worth, at least, double that amount
155 a
' Tho anoiont Cnstom ol' l'erclio, cnmpilod in lôOfi,
" ostimnto?. iho ar|)«!nt of \vli«;at Iniul at 5 sols per anmiiTi,
** tlie arpont of ryr. and mesteil land at 3 sols, 4 deniers ; iIim
*' urpt'iu of p;i turc lund al 2 solSy G deniers^ etc.
" TIk incionl Citsfom of Bourbonnois, compilcd in
** 1493, cstirnali.s 1 mUier of wliciit at 8 sols tournois ; onn
" scticr o( ryo at sols ; 1 setter of cornât I sols ; of oats at
" 3 sols ; a lien at 4 deniers ; a Inmb at 15 deniers ; 1 II), of
" wax ut 8 deniers ; a curt load of iiuy m meadow at 5 sols
" etc."
128. The cens, therefore, was not mercly honorary ; it
could constitute a revenue. It was not mcrely a duty ; it
was a debt and a duty at the same tirne.
129. In France, could tlio seignior, by the " 6a//rf cen«,"
stipulate for sucli ducs as he miglit tliink propcr ; and those
dues, however liigli ihey might be, having once been accej)-
ted by the censitaire, wcrc ihcy binding on tliis last ?
Could ho object to lus contract ?
Hère again authoritics will sufficc. Some authors hâve
adopted the System of the distinction bctwcen seigniorial
dues as ordinary dues, forming a common right, and as
extraordinary dues requiring, bcfore Ihey could be exactcd,
a spécial title, or, at least, a long possession. The quota-
tions which follow, in so far as they may relate to the ques-
tion discussed by thèse authors, namely, to whal cxtent
could ihose dues be aflected, either by prescription or by a
judicial sale, are without any bearing on the propositions
which I am just now examining. I invoke thèse authori-
tics only to prove that under the roign of the Cusiom of
Paris, it was permitted, by means of the " bail à cens,^''
which is the primitive convention bctween a seignior and a
censitaire, to fix the amount of cens c^'en/es and that this
amount governed the relations betwcen them.
156 a
130. Henrion de Panscy has aiready said that" tlie
seignior is tlie judge of the qualification, o( the nature and
of the amount of the cens. Let us again cite this aathor §
8. p. 273 :
" Therc are two descriptions of cens, Ihe onc moderato
" only of a few deniers, which is the most ordinary and
'■'■ \v]ii(!h is regarded as being of common right in the " cou-
" tûmes censuelles ;" the other more considérable, much
" more rare, and which consists of a rent in nioney, or an
" hnportant portion {j)artie notable) of the produci of llie
'' hereditairient.
" Alfhotigh thèse two descriptions of payment bear,
*' alike, tlio dénomination of cens, and although they, alike,
" recognize the dominium directum [récognitive de la di-
" recte,) yet there is a very important différence between
" thrm. As ihe first is of common right, it is not neces-
" sary that thi; Seignior cstablish it by titles ; his (jnality
" of seignior is suflicient ; but as the second inl'crs a con-
" vention which has fixed iis amount, it is reqiusit(! lliat
*' the seignior show the titk; cUied of such convention or a
" possession which présumes one.
" It wGYc vain for him to prove that the stirrounding
" liereditaments w(M'e burtheiied wnth the dues wiiich lie
" demands ; that would be insufficient ; sucli is tlie opinion
" of Dumoulin ; anc. cout.de Paris, §. 2, gl. 6. No. 6.
" In order that the Seignior should havc the right to
exact an exlraordinary charge, he must either iiave titles
or at least a long possession. (1)
§. 9, p. 275." Wlien the hereditament sold is burtlien-
" ed with the greater cens [gros cens,) for instance wilh a
(1) lie cites, on tlie iiueslion of possession, iioutaric, ch. 1, N. 41,
l'iunioulin, on llie 3r(la!t. of the C, of Paris, gl. G. No. 1 ; Dargentré,
art. 227, « Bretagne."
I
157 a
m
" droit de terrage (1) and that the contract, withonl declar-
ing this terrage, states, nevertheless, " subject to Uni charge of
" the seigniorial rights which may be due,^^ is thu purchaser
" entitled to demand an indemnity ? (on the principle that
" the vendor owes an indemnity to the purchaser for ait
" the real charges which he has not declared to him and of
" icliich he might be ignorant.) Henrionde Pansey replies
" by repeating the distinction of which he had already
" spoken : " the appellation of seigniorial due a|)pertaiiis
" 1o every species of payment establislunl in traditioneni
" fundi et in rccognitionem dominii ; this jjayinent may l)i;
" more or less heavy, may be in money, or in kind.
" In that respect, the seignior who dispos(;s oflhe laiid
has no other iaw than his own will ; ail the rights tliat he reser-
ves m recognitionem dominii, are seigniorial, and enjoy the
same privilèges.
" Nevcrtholess Ihe diflerence observable lielwoen thosc
différent payments lias caused the admission of the dis-
tinction Avhich we hâve just annoimced. Tiie seigniorial
dues are divided into two classes; the ort/t rtrtn/ dues, and the
*•' exorbitant dues. The first of thèse dénominations is
" given to that payment which is ofcominon right, to tiiai
" which the local custom admits and indicates as th^'. sign
" specially and generally récognitive of the lordship, .such
" is the cens often or twelve deniers per arpent in the (his-
'' tom of Paris. Still there is nothing in that Cnstoin to
-' prevent a seignior from imposing a terrage on the huids
" which he aliénâtes. This exanijde may be followed by
" a very great number ; the payment in question, there by
" become very common within the limits of the Castorn,
" will not constitute a common right thereof, nor will be the
(l) Terrage ; the word is usually syiionimous witli CkatnparL ; iL
nieans a certain portion of the product of the land, and espocially of
fields or arable land, which the proprietor is obliged to give to the
seignior byvirtue of the concession.
158 a
a
u
natural sign of the dominium diredum. The due wi..,
in truth, be seigniorial, but exorbitant ; no one can claim
it, but by virliie of spécial titles^ and the vendor of the here-
ditamcnt wliich is liable for it will be bound to déclare
it by namo, to the purohascr, which is not the case as
respects the ordinary cens, which it is not absolutely ne-
cessary to enunciatc in the contract, because the public
law itself notifies ail the purchasers as well as ail the
tenants that thcy cannot possess without being subject to
such cens.''"'
131. Frcminvillc, " Pratique des terriers" v. 1, 2d Ed.
p. 10. Qucst. G.
The " bail à cens,'''' says lie, is susceptible of ail sorts
of clauses : " by reason that as it is free for him who gives
" to give or not to give, it is allowed him to impose on his
" donation such charges and conditions as may seem good
" to him ; it is for the grantee to accept them, or to refuse
" them by not laking tlie hereditament, and so thegiver and
" the taker hâve the same faculty, tiic one to make the law,
" and the other to reject it : and the acceptance by the one
" of the law made by the other, secures the accomplish-
" ment of the " bail à cen.s."
Under the 7th question, the author even says that clau-
ses contrary to the Custom of the place wherein the heredita-
ments given à cens, are situa ted, can be inserted, renouncing
that Custom.
132. Ancien Denizart vo. 1, at the word " cens," p.
48, No. 27 ; " as regards ihe amount of the cens, it is regula-
trd by the titles and ihe possession."
133. Pocquct de Livonière, p. 534 :
" The cens is, oi'dinarily, a light charge which may be
joined to a large rent, for example, if it be one sol of cens
and a septier of wheat, of rent."
150 a
p. 53(i " Wlien tlie subjeel owes to his seignior
only one rent however considérable, for ail duties, without
any distinct and separate cens ; in lliat case, such rent takea
the place of cens^ witli the same privilèges as the cens^
and, like the ce»5, is not liable to j)rescription, (1)
134. Freminville, Dict. des fiefs, at the word " cens'^
p. 211 : "A seignior who gives hereditaments on a bail à
cens ouglit to measure prudently the charge of cens by the
goodness of the land and to hâve regard thereto " etc., etc.
After having remarked that there existed a law among the
Romans to that eflect (law 10, cod. de fundis patrimoniali-
bus,) he adds : " it is that which was reenacted by the
wisdom of Louis XIV, in his Edict of the month of March
1655, for the aliénation of hereditaments depending of his
domain, which should be sold by the commissioners :
upon which this prince wishes that there shall be reser-
ved a cens which may be regulated at the 20th of one
year's revenue
((
((
a
u
((
a
135. Prudhomme, " des biens en roture," book 2, " du
cens, ch. 1, p. 38 : " this charge (the cens) is ordinarily in
" money, grain, poultry or other payment in kind, accor-
" ding to the title of the seignior of whom the censive
" dépends, or in accordance with his long possession.
P. 47, ch. 3. Speaking of the prescription of the
" amount the author says : " A Seignior who, in vii'tue oj
his title, can claim 10 sols per arpent for land and who is
((
(1) He cites an arrêt of the 12th March 1667 reportée! in the
" Journal des Audiences," v. 2, c. 19, p. 541, confirtning a judgment
rendered in the Custom of Anjou, on the llth May 1665, which had
condemned Ribard to pay to the respondent " 28 years' arrears of
" ce7is et rentes foncières^^ noble, seigniorial and feudal of five
septiers of wheat, of the measure of Mirebeau, and some othcr stnall
dues, and so to continue for the future as long as he shall be proprietor
and possessor of H raisfieauz of land.
160 a
' contontcd, during 30 years, to receive four for the same,
" is obliged to snbmit to the law which he has imposcd on
*' himself, by tacilly discharging the property from the sur-
" plus of the amount which he had right to levy.
136. Pothicr, " rfit cms^^^ sect 1, art. 1, §3: "the
" amount of the cew-s is liable to prescription. For exam-
" plo, if one has paid during 30 years, 2 8ols of cens for a
" piopcrly which had been given for 4 sols of cens^ the cen-
" sitaJre shall hâve acquired the libération of the two «o/s,
" etc., etc.
137. Ferricre, Grand com ; v. 1, " </es censives,'''' p.
lOGl, no. 14 : " The cens and censives are paid as is set
" fort h in \\\c primitive and original concessions, and in the
" déclarations and acknowledgments which hâve been made,
" in money, in grain, or in poultry or other payments in
" kind."
" As respects the quantity it is paid in conformity
'■'■ liùlh the agreement that has been made.
p. 1081, no. 3. " The champart is much in use in
" some Cusloni but in the Custom of Paris there
" are few Jands given en champart, and when it is the only
" duc without the cens, it carries lods et ventes like the cens
" It is a charge, levied on the product of the lands, of
" one sheaf in 12, if not otherwise stipulated, as well in
(1) Fenière, on the article 51 of the C. of Paris p. 845, in spea-
kino- of the aliénation of the Fief, says : " It appears to me there are
" live soif|;nioiial and doinainal dues which take the place of the realty
'' and wliicli reprosent it, subject to which a part of the Fief can be
" alie-iated, naniely the cens, the f^round rent, the rent charge on a
" long lease \l' cm2')hyteose\, the champart and the fealty and homage
" or sub-infeudaiion,-" and at page 852, no. 45. .. " although in our
" custom there is no mention oi champart f it may be constituted by
•• the parties..."
}
161 a
ol"
in
)ea-
are
alty
1 be
)n a
our
by
'•'• vvheal, barley, oais, peas,beans,turnips, hemp, flax,a3iii
other products, as provided by art. 4 lit. 3 of tlie Custoriï
of Monlargis.
(4
U
" Tho champart is not of tlie samc amount every
where ; in somc places it is of the 3d sheaf, in others ol
" llic 4th, 5th, Gth and 7th ; in that respect, it inust be go-
" vcrned by the Customs of the différent -places ^ and in ac-
*' cordance luith the particular conventions.
138. Henrion de Pansey, at the article champart ^2,
p. 236, acknowledges that thèse two payments, " a ce?is,"
and " a champart,^^ may be stipulated by the same " bail à
" c<37is," by stating that every time that the seignior ex-
" presses liimself in snch a manner that we must conclude
" that his intention has been to extcnd to the champart,
*' the same charges and the same privilège as 1o the cens
*' property so called," the champart, is censuel and rcco-
" gnitive of the direct property. (1)
The same author, in the article on the aliénation of the
fief authorised by the Cnstom of Paris, says p. 386, " If
" the aliénation of the fief be efTected by" bail à cens, the'
" vassal may indifierently, impose a cens properly so called,
" a ground rent, a droit de champart, a terrage, or dispose
" of it in mortmain or in bordelage. (2) In fine, at p. 4 10,
lie says" the charges of a fief may beof two sorts, ordinary
" and extfaordinary. The ordinary charges of fiefs are
" those which the Custom itself establishes ; the extraordi-
" nary dues are rents and charges imposed on the fief, hy
"' a convention between the seignior and the vassal.
(1) lie cites Basset who says tliat wiien tlie champart is joinoil
witli the cens, or in augmentum tliereof, it is on a pur witli tlie cens
and is not liable to prescription [arrêts of the i'arl. of Grenoble, t. 'J,
liv. 6, lit. 8,]
(2) Bordelage was the naine given in the Custom of Bourbonnoi!'
and Nivernois when a proprietor gave a domain (o a husbandman for
him and bii» ; subiect to the charge of paying a certain vent and ducs.
21
162 a
139. Bourjon, tit. " des censives^^^ sec. 3, art. 14, p.
266, says ; " as regards the amount of cens, it is regulatod
" by the titles, if there be any
140. Hervé, v. 5, p. 241, in speaking of the champart
says ; " by the admission of ail the authors, when the cham-
" part is alone, it is a true cens-, and, nevertheless, it is not
" the smaller cens {le menu cens) and the symbolical and
'■'■ fictitious cens of Dumoulin. An important and consi-
dérable charge may be, thcn, a real cens, even according
to tlic authors whom I oppose. Now why could not a
charge of this nature be (îomposed of sevcral parts which
should constitute one censuel whole '• and, p. 2G0,"
as respects the amount of the champart, there is no other
gênerai rule lo foUow, but the titles and the jwssession,
etc., etc."
141. It appears to me that enough has been said to
prove, even to the most incredulous, that, in France, and
particularly under the rule of the Custom of Paris, the sei-
gnior was pcrmitted to stipulate in a " bail à cens " such
amount of cens et rentes as he deemed proper.
But when there was no title, upon what footing must
the payment be made ? That is what I now go to establish
by quotations, of which many confirm the authorities ad-
vanced in support of the first proposition, that, narnely, of
the legality of tiie amount iixed by the agreement of the
parties, at the time of the " bail û cews."
142. Henrion de Pansey, in the article " cens " p. 269 :
" If from time immémorial, the seignior has neglected to
" act, if there remain no trace of original cens, one must be
" created ; it is what is donc every day." He cites two arrêts
ofwhichoneofthe 12th Sept. 1746 which déclares the territo-
ries of Agen, Condon and Mar mande to be r *he univer-
sal dependency {sous la directe universelle) ot ihe King, Uid
(C
163 a
which ordains, thaï, " in Iho places vvlierein the taking of
cens, may hav(! been interrupted, thn same may be iip-
posed anow al thesame rates as are paid in, the ncigbou-
'' ring seigniories.'*'*
The other arrêt is of tlie 28lli Angiisl 1776; if sliall be
n()lic;<Hl immcdialely. The author ropeats ihe sanio lliing
in § 26, p. 295, and adds : " and althongii, this may ho cens
" newly imposcd, ncverthele.ss the censitaires owe tlie
" arrears of it for the 29 years antécédent tothe derriand." ( I )
143. Nouveau Denisart, v. 4, at the word " ceny," p.
347 : " The niaxini nulle terre sans seigneur, (no land
" witiiout a seignior) has a second reniariiabh' efîeci ;
" which is, that it gives occasion to establish a universal
" cens m districts in which, froni time immémorial, there
" was only a small number of hereditaments that were sub-
" ject to it, and even in places wherein there had been no
" payment of cens from time immémorial.
" It is presumed that in the apparent seignior of a
" territory is vested the domaine of ail the lands which are
" therein situated. If he has not ievied the cens, it is a
" négligence, on his part or on the part of his agents, which
" ought not to préjudice him ; the seigniories constituting
" with us a part of the public law against which prescrip-
" tion does not run
(C
" For the rest, when there is room to establish the uni-
versal cens, of which we hâve just spoken, it is only
donc by observing a very équitable tempérament. The
lands newly subjected to cens are never burthened with
other than a moderato cens, even when there may be lands
in the parish subject to a very heavy cens.
(1) Besides the arrêt of the 28th August 1776, he cites the arrêt
of Chaource of the 26th April 1755,
lt)4 a
" But the sfcit^nior is al\vay$ utijiigej lo be entilled to
'"'■ îiii v'-'irs arrears of the cens whieli havc not us yet bcen
'' paicl to liim, because tliis is not a new rij^lit whicli is
" gmnted to him, but he is givon aiithority merely to
" exorcise an anoient right. " Scveral arrêts are citcrj,
atnong other one of the Gth April 1781 u'hich in the Cnstoni
ol' Vermandois, which is a " coutume censuelh^ " granted
to the JNIonks of St, Remy, soigniors of the one half of
Terron, " a universal cens of two deniers by the acre for
" arable land and meadow, or for the quartel of wine,
" or such other lesser cens as may bo established on the
" neighbouring hcredilnments of the said Terron, saving
*' tfic right hoivcver, of tlie said Monks to demand such
" cens, or droit de terrage, as they may prove by spécial
" titles, and saving to the inhahitants of Terron, the benefit
*' arising, to each individually, from the titles of exemption
" which they may liave ; " Again the arrêt of the 28tli
Aiig. 1776 already cited, rendered on the demand of the
Sieur Le Tellier, Marquis de Courtanveaux, who elaimed
the directe universelle on the tcrritory of the town of Tonnerre,
governed by the Custom of Sens, wherein prevailed the
raaxim nulle terre sans Seigneur, which arrêt " condemns
" the inhabitants of Tonnerre to acknowledge the directe
" universelle, ofthe town liberties and territory of Tonnerre,
" in which he is maintained ; rejects the demand en cham-
" part of the Count de Tonnerre ; condemns the inhabitants
" to pay the cens at the rate of one sou per arpent ofland,
" of whatever kind the same may be, within the liberty
" and territory of Tonnerre ; the said cens carrying a fine
••' of 20 deniers tournois by tlie inhabilants and of 5 sols
by strangers ; condemns the inhabitants to pay 29 years'
arrears, preceding the 30th May 1770, the day ofthe ins-
titution of the suit - condemns the said inhabitants to pay
the said fine of cens in default of having paid the cens,
" and the fines of concealed sales, if such there be ; the
'■ w\io\g tvithout préjudice to spécial titles o/ the seignior
Itiû a
" aguinst uny of t/ic inhabilant.'i, itnd oj mu/ <>/ tht inhuhi
" tanls aguinst llie seis;mory
(In speaking of tliis arrél^ llt'iirion de Punsey, p. 209,
ul)servcs : " Asllic proprictor.s liad novor jjriid any cens, al
" least, as l'ar as any traco existcd, tlio arrêt imposes on
" every arpent of lands the most ordinary cens in the neigh-
" bouring territories.'
We furlhcr rcad in the Nouv. Denizart^ p. 351, No. 3,
" tlic directe once recognized, it cannot bc doubtcd tliat an
" ancicnt, pcaccabie and continuous possession authorises
" tlie seignior to prcscribe for iiis benefit the amount of the
" rent charge however heavy it may bc.
144. Ancien Denizart v. 1, at the word " cens^'''* p.
408, No. 27 : " As to the amount of cens^ it is regulated by
" the titles or by possession, and if there be neither titles
" or possession, the seignior may, in tiie countries subject
" to the Customs in which the maxim nulle terre sans sei-
" gneur is admitted, exact it on the footing on which it is
" paidby theneigbouring heredilaraents. The art. 35, of the
" Custom of Angoumois, which, in that respect, is conform-
" able to the common law, contains a précise provision on
" the subject : it says : " every seignior having a
" defined territory, is entitled by the common prac-
" tice to déclare and comport himself as seignior
" direct of ail the lands and hereditaments in his territory
• ... . .and by means of that directité, if he finds, within
" his limits, lands possessed without charges, he may im-
" pose cens on the same such as is imposed on the lands
" in the neighbourhood of his territory, and conformable
" and similar thereto." He cites an Airét of the 22nd
" August 1760 in favor of the Sieur Saulniers de Pierre
" Levée. (1)
(1) Prudhomme, p. 51, ch. 4.
166 a
145. Bosquet, Dict. du domaine, at the word " cens,"
V. 1, p. 388 : " if i\w propriotor does nol prove a franc-aloii
" by litlcs, cens ought to be imposod on his liereditaments,
" for the lands of the King's domain, on the footing of thaï
*' of the neighbouring lands whichpay censive.
146. The commentator of Boutaric, p. 18, No. 43,
says ; " the seignior, by gctting himself acknowledged as
" such from neighbour to neighbour, may exact ail the dues
" wJiich lie finds establishcd against the neigbouring
" tenants.
147. Prudhomme, " des biens en roture," p. 92. " The
seignior who has neither titlc nor acknowledgmenl of the
censive, nor note or register of payments, " nor possession,
" may demand the censive, on the house and the heredita-
" ments found situated and being within the iimits of his
" domain, based on the maxim nulle terre sans seigneur ;
" but to fix the censive, regard must be had to the neigh-
" bouring lands, to their si/î<a/io?i, and to the revenue which
" they produce, the whole in proportion to the value of the
" land.
148. Bourjon v. 1, " des censives" tit. 4, s. 3, art. 14,
p. 266 : " as regards the amounl of cens, it is regulated by
" the titles if any there be ; and whcre there is no title fixing
" that amount, custom, that is to say, the amount ivhich is
" the most ordinary in the same place, governs it : it is in
" this last case a sure and décisive guide.
" This is the practice of the Chatelet in such a case.
149. Ferrière, p. 1061 : " in the evenl that the seignior
" does not show his right to the cens paid to him, by valid
" titlc and by writing the cens ought to be regulated
" on the footing of the censive due by the hereditaments
" contained in the boundaries of the territory of the sei-
gniory and the fief.
i(
167 a
the
in
)
p. 1066 no. 32 : On the question of ascertaining, '• If m
" case of a resale by a seignior of a hereditament acquircd
" by himinhis censive, with déclaration in accordance with
*' the 53d article of the Custom, without declaring that it is
" in his censive^ the cens on it will be due, as was the case
" before the seignior made the acquisition of it " ; Ferrièro
says that " if the cens withwhichit wascharged isconforni-
" able to the cens for which the neighbouring heredita-
" inents are liable, in that case the purchaser onght to pay
" the same cens, although it might be considérable. . . . But
" if the hereditament was subject to a higher cens, the pur-
" chaser will be bound to pay only the cens duo by the
" other hereditaments ; because the seignior ought to blaïue
" himself/or not having stipulât ed for the cens, with which
" he wished the hereditament to be charged in his favor ;
" the more so, as having purchased it, the censive lias be-
" corne entirely extinguished.
He adds that " the Custom of Auxerre, art. 23, décides
" that the proprietor is bound to pay the censive at the rate
" paid by the other hereditaments subject to cens, and,
" when there are in the said place censives of divers
" amounts, at the rate of the lower cens.
150. Brodeau, v. 1, " des censives," p. 787. " The
extraordinary, unusual, and irregular, seigniorial rights,
which neither dépend on the nature of fiefs, nor are go-
verned by the law and gênerai rule of the custom, but by
the ancient concessions and investitures are liable to pres-
cription and are purgedby ajudicial sale, failing opposition
on the part of the seignior, who cannot claim them without
title, as are the droits de champart or terrage, hourdelagCy
village, la banalité de moulin, four, pressoir, banvin et
corvées, and other .similar dues.
il
il
p, 798. " The censive of a hereditament which il isnot
" shown, to hâve at any lime paid any thing to the seignior,
168 a
" and wliich tlie propiietor cloes nul ))rovt, by valid tilUr
'* and by vvrilin^', to be lu^ld in Franc-aleUy i.s rcgulatcd on
" tlie footing' oi" tlio censive o{ \\ie tiurruundin^ liereditainciils
" in lluj liniilH oltlie territory dI' tlie seigniury and ihc fief.
151. Pothicr, Ed- in 4, v. 5, "des Cliamparls, "p. 370:
*' Wlien tlie champart îs seigniorial, it is suflioieni l'or tlie
*' Heignior to prove tliat tlie land upon wliieli tlioy deny liis
" right o[ champart iswitliin tlie liniits of liis seigniory, and
" tliat Jill tlie lands wliicli surronnd tlie contcstcd land arc
*' subject to champart ; for as in tliose provinces, tlie maxini
" nulle terre sans seigneur, prevails, llie posscssor of tlie
" contested land not proving tliat lie liolds of anotlier
" seignior, is presuinctl to liold, for tliat land, of tlie
" seigniory witliin bounds of wliieli it is found, and subject
" to the same charges as those which ihe othcr lands of thaï
" seigniory are held. (1)
152. It is, llien, well established tliat, in Franco, tlic
seignior, in disposing of a liereditament à cens, miglit fi-v
ihc amount of the dues ; and tliat, with respect to a con-
cession already made, but tlie title of wliicli the parties
did nol produee, or for which the possesst)r had never paid
any dues to the seignior, the amount of the dues was
regulated on the footing of the most ordinary or customary
censive, vvhether of the neighbouring lands witliin the samo
limits, or of those of the neighbouring seigniories. It is
solely with a view to demonstrate the accnraey of tlios(;
Iwo propositions to the most skeptical partisans of onc of the
parties to this greal contestation, ihat I havc transcribed su
many authorities on the subject ùrawn from the Frcnch
Feudists.
)
153. Lct us novv sec if those two ruies cnuncialed in-
Ihe last number, and which prevailed in France, hâve also
(I) Hervé expresses himself in the Bauie inannei' v 5, p. 258.
iOy a
jir
lIso
)
)>i'ovaile(l iii llic Iriulal in<<titiilii>n n| (!iiiia(hi, willi ni
williout inoililicalion.
The Mur(|nis do la Rui;he, (l) b) liisoDinmissiou wliicli
l)(;ars datu tlie \2i\\ Janiiary 1598, }iad lluj po\vi;r loronccdt'
[o genlltmen and persans ofmcrit lands in fiel', siîij^iiiory ctc
'' and 1o otliLTïi ot" infcrior rank at siich dues Knd annuai
*' rcnls as hc may deetnjust. "
Tlie samc autliorily must hâve becn cxercised by lus
successors, or by those wiiose delei^ates ihey \v(;n', iintil
tlie lornialion uf tlie Company of New France in 1G27
28.
154. Under tlie govcrnmcnt of tliis Company, tlie con-
cessions ot" land could liave beenniade " subject to such char-
ges, réservations and conditions as to the associâtes might
scem good." Thèse might " even settle such persons i li loughoui
the Country as they miglil lliink proper for the ilistribution
of the lands and to regulate the conditions Ihc of." (2)
So, no limit was fixcd to the amount ol dues which
" tliis Company had the right to impose.
155. In the arrêt of retrenchment of the 21 Marcli
1GG3, (3) which directs new concessions to be made, the
amount of the ducs ihat could be exacted was not fixed :
tliere is even no mention made of cens and ducs, at leasi
those words are not to be found in that arrêt.
15G. The VVcst India Company, (4) crcated in 16G4,
had the power " to sell, or dispose by way of enfcoflVnent,
•' for such cens et rentes, and othcr scigniorial
(1) Sec my reinarks o» the Jeu de Fief, No. 7.
(2) Observations on tlic " Jeu ilo Fiel," no;. 10 aiul 1 1.
(3) Ibid. no. 37.
(*)
n.ii'.i, iio. i"5.
IC
170 a
" righfs, as may he deemed propci\ and to snch persons as
" tli<^ CoiTi))any ihink fit." Tlicir a<Tent-i(enoral, M. Le
Barroys, (1) was aiitliorised by liis commission to " dislri-
" bute llio lands, or cause ihem to bii distributcd, to indi-
*' viduals, at such cens et rentes as sholl l)e found right.''^
In virtue of llie 2()th art. of the réquisition of this agent,
(2) the Intendant liad llie riglit to make the concessions,
" snbjcct to sueh cens et rentes as shall hy him be con-
" sidered right," ;md " notldng," says JNIcssier.rs de Tracy,
Courcelles and Talon in the a})osfille granting this request,
appcars more conformable to llis Majcsty intentions."
AU that does not lend to iix tlie amount of ceiis et rentes.
Nor was there any mention made of it in the arrêts of
retrenchmcnt of the 4th June 1G72, 4th June 1675 and ofthe
9th May 1G79, (3), nor in llie letters patent ofthe 20th May
IG7() which gave authority to the Governorandthe Intendant
to make concessions conjoinlly, (4), nor in the five gêne-
rai patents of confirmation given by the King on the lOtli
May 1675, the 29tli May 1680, the 15th April 1684, the 14lh
.Tuly 1600 and Gtli July 1711. (5) In ail the concessions in
fief made previous to the two arrêts of Marly of the 6th
July 1711, and which hâve corne to our knowledge, I ha^e
not found one which makes mention of ihe amount of the
dues which a seignior might exact from his censitaire.
157. What, then, was the state of things, at the time
that thèse arrêts wcre promulgated ? The same that it was
until that period in France ; the Canadian Seignior might ,
by contract à cens, stijralate for such amount of dues as he
might think proper ; this stipulation, authorised by the Cns-
(1) Observations on tlie " Jeu de Fief," no. 48.
(2) Ibid. no. 48.
(3) Ib. nos. 50,70,81.
(4) Ib. no. 73.
(5) Ib. no. 68, 83, 86, 91, 99,
171 a
>
tom of Paris, was légal among us; llie Edict cstablishing
iht' West India Company lias t'von an express jirovision in
that respect, (art. 33), wliere it déclares that llie judges
sliall l)e lield, " to give judgment aecording to tlie laws and
" ordinanccs of tlie realm, and llie oOicers of jiistii'e bound
*' to follow and to comply witli thc Ciistoin ot" Paris, accor-
'^ ding 1(1 wliicli tlie inhabitants shall enter inîo conlra(;ls."
i
If it be objected that ihe Canadian Seignior, being
boiind to concède, was obliged to do so at a certain rate ; lliat
otlH>r\vise sucli obligation became a delusion; I answer ;
tlie obligation to clear the lands, was that wliieli was ini-
posed iipon thc seignior principally; this obligation, it is
true, carried willi it, as a conséquence, that of siib-granting,
because it was the only ineans to eflect the clearing. But
that did not go so far as to deprive iiim of ihe riglit lie had
to enter into a contract, à cens^ as advantageous to liini as
possible. If lie found colonists disposed to accept this or
that ainounl of dues, and to dcar the lands which lie so
conceded to them, he had fulfilled his obligation to clear.
Ile could, before 1711, refuse to concède; the law had
not yet given to the colonists a right of action to coinpell
him to do so ; but if, as the resuit of such l•efu^al, his fief
remained uncleared, and not rendered productive^ the
forfeiture of his right of property and the re-union, to the
domain of the Crown were therc to subjeet him to the pe-
nalty of his unjust refusai.
If the seignior had conceded without stipulation, as to
the amount of ihe dues, or if be could not show a litle
which established that amount, nor prove a sullicient pos-
session, then that amount would hâve to be regulated, as
was the practice in France, on the footing of the censivc
the inost ordinary or usual, eitlier of the neighbouring lands
in the samc enclave, or in tlioso of the neighbouring seig-
niories.
172 a
158, J havo fxriminiMl ilic titio dir.l- ol a coiis,iJevaLlt:
niinibrr i.J'graiils, en censlvc, iiind*; bcSon- tlie year 1711, ia
ihe doninin of llic Crown, nnd in 1 liai; of individiial scigniors,
and Ihe rcsult ofl liât examinalion proves tliat ihe rate ol
cens et rentes lias ncver been uniform, lliat it lias constantlv
varied, cvcn in ono and tlio same seigniory. h\ tlie domain
of tlie Crown, tliis rate varied, dnring tlie period of wliich
1 am spcaking, froni G dcnio's ol' ccnfi for a concession of2 x 2
Jeagnes, to si>c deniers of cens for eaeli arpent in suj)crficies;
;uid even wlicn l!ie dues were so dislribiitcd by tlie arpent,
it wiis establislied ;it Ihe rnte of one, tliree or six dc7ners\wï
r. rpcnl .
159. Sueh was the légal state of lliings at tlie time of
tbc promulgation of the two arrêts of Marly of llie Glh July
1711. (1) No law liad fixed the amount of îhe dues ihal a
-l'ignior eould slipulalc in a eoniracl à cens.
\ liave, in anolher plnee, given the enlire text of tlie
brst of thèse arrêts^ explaining tlie part of it whieh might
eflect tlie aliénation of the ficf. The part whieh may hâve
relation to the présent subject is ihat whieh, afler having
iinposed on ihe seigniors, in express lerms, ihc obligalion
lo concède on a rent charge., and given, on iheir refusai, to
the inhabitants the right lo apply to the Governor and the
Intendant to obtain a concession of the Jand, directs thèse
lasl to raake that concession, subject to the same dues im-
poscd on the other Ia7ids conceded in the said seigniory .,'■'■ and
'•'• whieh dues," adds ihe arrêt " shall be paid by the new
settlers into the hands of the Receiver of H. M's. domain."
Assuredly it cannot be said that ihe prcexisting state
of things, as Hir as a convenlional rate was concerncd, what-
ever that rafe might be, lias been changed by the letter of
tlint law. As regards its spirit, we shall soon see, with the
(J) Obso\ valions on llie " .Tcii do Ficf no. ]()],
173 a
)h-\\> oi ilk- iiiri>pruJence wliich provaiU'd mulcv ilie Fiviieli
(Jovernmonl, il' iî admitted of inferring sneli a (diango and of
acknowledging il, By tlio words " snbjcct to ihe sarae
"• dues imposed on ihc othcr lands concedcd in the same
"• seigniorics," the arrêt secms but lo hâve had in view to
preseribe to the Governor and the Intendant a rulc of con-
duct and décision for avoiding ail desagreement between
them, when, in the particular case providcd for by the arrêty
thèse two functionaries sliould hâve been called upon to
exercise the spécial authority which the arrêt conferred on
them. The legislator would be chargeable with giving
tliera this authority uselessly, if hc had not, at the same
time, prcscribed a binding rule, by means of which they
werc in a position to establish casily the araount of the
dues, and wliich Icft no pretext for opposingthe concessions
so demanded, whethcr by disagrcement or refusai, without
rcndering themselves, guilty of a rcprchcnsible abuse of
their authority. The provision of the arrêt appears, then,
intended to be only applicd to the single case in which the
intervention of the Governor and the Intendant could be
rendcred necessary. Now, this single case was the refusai
of the seignior to concède. Thcre could, therefore, be no
room for sucli intervention, when, willingly and freely, the
scttler had accepted the concession which lie had demanded
from the seignior, wliatcver might be the amount of the
dues contained in this concession, because lie could not
allège a refusai to concède, on the part of the seignior.
Besides, the rule of décision so prcscribed to the Go-
vernor and the Intendant was not ne w^ ; it was that which
prevailed in France for regulating the amount ot'cens et rentes,
Avhen the seignior could not invoke a^fainst his censitaire
either tido or long possession, to justify the amount which
'hc firvi dcninndcd and the second refused. It was the onl\
équitable rnlo to ft^llow in such a case ; and il was aiso the
only équitable rule lo follow, in ihe spécial i-asc provideti
174 a
for by the arrêt of 1711, the setller whoobtained a conces-
sion by the intervention of the Governor and tlie Intendant,
on the nnjiist refusai of the Seignior to niake such conces-
sion, liavjng Seigniorial dues to pay.
IGO. As to the laws posterior to Lhe Atrét of 1711, and
which relate to the concessions of land in Canada, narnely
the arrêt of the King's Couneil of State of tlie loth March
1732, the Dechuation of lhe 17th July 1743 and that of the
Ist Oet, 1747, tlicy, iu no way, touch on the question of the
amount of cens et rentes. In that respect the condition of
the Censitaire remains as it was raade by the Arrêt of
1711.
IGl. I pass now to the jurisprudence which the French
dominion has left us on tliis matter.
The pcrsons who believe firmly in the fixity of the
amour' of cens et rentes by some act or régulation of the
Sovereign authority, \vithout, nevertheless, having been
able, liiiherto, to producc such act or régulation, cite chiefly
in support of ils existence, a judgment rendered for the
seigniory of (Jaudarville, by the Intendant Hocquart, on
the 23 January 1738. (1) There arc, in fact, in this judg-
ment, some expressions, which, at the first glanée, and
withoul explanation, might tend to support the impression
which those persons entertain. The circumstances under
which the judgment was given are thèse :
The Dame Peuvret, Seignioress of the place, had made
five cîoncessions en censive eilher verbally or by letter, as
was the fréquent practice ; butshe had not fixed the amount
nor the species of tlie dues for which the grantees were to
(l) Ed. et Oïd. in So. v. 2, p. 545.
Ts'ote. The concession of Gaudarville dates from the 8th Feby.
16f)2, for the lirst portion, and lhe 15lh Nov. 1653 for the second.
(Tit. des seig. p. 383-4.)
175 a
be liable. The last demanded in their pétition, that the
seignioress should be condcmned lo grant tlieni " tilles in
*' good form, of" the lands which she had conccded to them
" and this on the fooling of the deeds of eoneession ci"
" other lands in the same seigniory." It was, as one niay
see, to invoke, ahinost litcrally, the rule prescribed by the
Arrêtai 1711.
)
The Défendant replied that she " offers and conftenls to
*' grant and pass to the said inhabilants, the PlantiH's, con-
tracta for the new lands which she had eonceded lo the m
(thus admitting the fact of the concession) to begin imine-
" diately at the end of the first concessions of th(; said
" seigniory, and subject to the cens, rentes and seignorial
" dues which it shall please us to regulate, " says the In-
" tendant."
The contestation seems to hâve turned simply npon
the point of ascertaining if the lands ought to be taken in
one or another range of the seigniory. To overcome this dif-
iiculty, a. visit of the Grand-Voyer was ordercd. After his
report, and after having " seen also," it is said, " the let-
ters of concession " of two other habitants " of 3 x 30-ar-
pents, to commence, for front, at the end of lands of the
Côte de Champigny, together with many deeds given by
the Dlle. Peuvret to the inhabitants of the 3rd range, etc.,
etc., the Intendant orders that the Plaintifls sliall be bound
" to take deeds of concession from the Dlle. Peuvret, of the
lands which hâve been eonceded to them of thirty arpents
in depth subject to the cens, rentes, ordered by H.
M. namely, one sol of cens for each arpent in front (1) and
((
il
n
li
u
((
(1) Thèse words in front (de front) are omitted 5 thcy are to be
founcl in the judgment as iuserted at p. 170 of the 2d vol. of the docu-
ments styled " documents seigneuriaux," publibhed in 1852. The
omission of words so important for the proper understanding of this
judgment, added to so many other inaccuracies wliich disfigure those
170 a
" one 60/ ol' rent Inr eacli arpeni in snpcilici'r-, uiid ntih'
" capon or twenly sols, at tlie clccfioii ol tln' saiil Dcnioi
" selle, l'or each arpent in front."
1G2. Tliis jud^mcnt of thc Intendant Hocquart is tli-:*
only document in whicli \vc tind thèse words cens et rentes
ordered by llis Majesly." If tlicre really liad exislcd an
order or régulation of the King, liniiting, in an absolulr
manner the amount of the scigniorial dues, inlenued to go-
vern, without distinction, ail the concessions en censive
made by his vassals, no contestation or diiliculty could evei
hâve arisen on that rnatter. If the words of the judgment
are proof of the existence of such régulation, disi inct from
the rule enunciated in the first arre7 of the Gih July 1711,
then, the cens et rentes could not be constitutcd otherwise
than in money and in capons, the capon valued at 20 sols
and no more ; the seigniorial dues, in that case, would hâve
bcen uniform, or, at ail events, could not hâve exceedcd that
amount or that limit, unless, indeed, the rate stipulatcd by
agreement between the parties be excepted, thereby adniit-
ting its legality. Such limiting r'îgulation existing, the In-
tendants empowercd to décide the contestations of parties
would havc had no discrétion to exercise ; they would hâve
been obliged, on the case occuring, to be governed by the
rate of the régulation. But, once again, why is not that
limiting régulation produced ? The fact is that it lias never
existed. We hâve the proof of this in the very silence, on
this question of a fixed amount, of the spécial laws of the
country which hâve been cited.
For the rest, it is easy to explain thèse expressions ol
the Intendant Hocquart, " ordered by the King^'''' and to
give thcm their true sensé, the only one in which hc could
publications, so interesling to tlic history of the colonisation of Canada,
bear tcstimony, in a niauner gieatly lo be rpgrettcil, to ihc liKle carr;
taken in thèse publication?'.
I i a
i
luive employcd iheni. He wislicd, boyond a doubt, tlius io
qualjfy Ihe words genorally uscd in this mattcr, " ordiiiary
cens et renies^ " customary cens et l'enles," or other such
words having the same scnse and wliich ihe King, in con-
l'ormily with the rule of the eommon law, has reprodueed
in his arrêt of 1711, in thèse words ; " subject to the saine
" dues imposed on the otlier lands conceded in the said
" seigniories "; expressions, whicli necessarily leave to the
judge a fact to apprcciate, since they suppose the existcnee
of ordinary dnes and extra or dinar y duus, usual dues and un-
nsual, dues amongst which, in case of contestation, the judge
was bound to chose the most ordinary and the most usual.
It is in this light that the parties to the Gaudarville suit
hâve understood their respective rights and ol)ligations ; tho
censitaires in asking the Intendant to fix tlie cens et rentes
" on the footing of the titles of concession of other lands,
of the said seigniory," and the seignioress, in oJJ'ering and
consenting to pass contract " subject to the seigniorial cens et
rentes and dues which it will please hira to regulate."
il
It is further thus, we must say, that the Intendant has
understood tlie position of the parties and his own judicial
authority. For, in granting by his judgment, rendered only
after having seen " several decds given by the Dlle. Peu-
vret to the inhabitants of the third range " the cens et rentes
enunciated in this judgment, he ouglit to be supposed,
under the circumstances, to hâve only granted tlie ordinary
or usual cens et rentes of the seigniory, that is to say, " the
same dues imposed on the other lands conceded in the said
seigniory," according to the rule recognizcd by the arrêt of
1711 ; dues which by this arré'f, the King orders expressly
lo be imposed in an analogous case. The Intendant could,
therefore, say with reason that tlie cens et rentes to which
he subjected the five censitaires of Gaudarville were really,
'' Ihe CC71S et rentes ordcred by His Alajestv "for a likc sort,
23
178 a
witlioiil his ]\(>\x\cf oonsiflfM-p(l lo linvo wisliod to hâve it im-
dorstood ili;il iIkmc cxistcd a liinilatini^- ro<ifnlation distinct
frniii iIk; rul(! ot'tijo cotuinon law rcpcatcd in tlie arrêt ol"
1711.
Tlint whicli l(\'ids me fnrtlinr to say tliat tlio Intendant
iror()iirir! diily livanled to ilic seii^iiiovess of fîandarville ihe
ordiiun-f/ uuil nisloriuiri/ COIS (t. rentes in tlie seii,nii()iy, js
tli<" lollow iiiM' i';,,;|, At tli(- rates mentioned in the jndgnienl,
tlie reii! in inoniy aud in enpons, l'or a land of 3 X 30
Udidd l)(> (witlioiit inéli!dini( the llirec sols of cens) 1 sol 3
deniers pcr nvpent in superfudes, tlie priée of tli(; capon
l)i-i-.i^ ii\<>d ;i1 20 sols. I liave seen a di^ed of concession of
the 1:]||i S<>p1. 17()S ([.a ("itièr(<, \oiary), i^iven by the Sei-
tuiorol'Caiidiirville, of a land of 3 ■^, îJO arpents adjoining
llie Rivi'i- of Cape Roug(\ Tliis concession, anterior by 30
ye;irs lo the jnduiiient of whicli wc speak, is made iipon
Ihe coiisidcraliou of " 3 //rrc.v and 2 live capons for the wholo
of the said c(Mieession, or 10 so/s in rnonc^v in dtdault of
fiirnisliin^ ihe said iwo capons, and 2 sols of cens," thaï is
to s!iy, for tliis land of (»() ar])ents in suiK-rllcies, at the rate
of J sol S deniers of rente for each arpent in superficies,
inchisive of llie- 3 sols of (,Tns. Il is the same aniounl as
thaï conlained in the jiuli^mient of tJie Intendant Iloequart.
1(!3. Let nr; now look at anotlicr judgment rendered by
the sain(^ Intendant, Iloequart, for the seigniory of Portnenf
a few years b(dbre his jiidgment for Gaudarville, namejy
on lh<i 2()lh July 1733. (l) There is no mention in it of the
cens et rentes ordercd by the King.
The Seignior, M. Charles Le Gardcur, denianded, by
his pétition, tliat ail the censitaires who had deeds of con-
cession should be bound to give Jiim a copy of ihem in
proper form, and that those among them vvho had not oon-
(l) Edils aud Ord. in 8o. v. 2, p. 531.
179 a
tracts nor letters of concession, slionUl bc hoiind 1o liikc
(leeds of concosf.ion bel'oro IVotarics, eonfoiiuably tu llif
iincienl dcods and in aceordanco witli tiic clauses o[ cor-
vées and cens et rentes tlirrcin nientioncd, toi(oilicr w iili iliat
of payini^ the lllhfish for tlic riylif. of lisliini,^ in front of
tlieir lands.
A fier liavint^ lieard tlic inhabitants, and liavint;- scvu
Iwo contracts of concession in t/iat .vr/i^/i/on/, one of w hicli
daled the ;3rd Nov. l(Jrt4, was made to ,Iean ('airhiu and
tlic otiier of tlic 23vd April \6^!'i to INfatliiirin Conieaii, tli<.«
Intendant ordcred tliat, in regard to lliosc persoiis \\\h) \\;h]
not as yel taken decds, tliey slionld 1)C boiind solo do ^\ jdiin
a certain delay, and to give copies tlien^of 1o liieir seii.'-nior,
" and lliaf, subject to the samc danses aiul conditions ;is
" tliose set fortli in llie \\vo dceds above nieniioucd, if die
" sliould not j)refer to becoiiKî iiable to llie dues of :]{) ,su/s
" and a capon for cacli arpent in front liy l<* in (le|)lli, ol"
" six deniers of cens and of the lllli iish, Avhieh they will
" he bound to adoi)t at the lime of the passing of tlie con-
"■ tracts, otlicrwise the option to li<' wUh tlie seignior."
l liave procured tlic two C(.)ntrac1s of Ca1(>lau and ( 'or-
neau, Avhicli contain, eacli, a concession of \ y, 10 arpents,
the two lands being next eacli othcr, and the two eonlraets
liaving been passed before Cenaple, Noiary. Tu res|)ecl 1o
the dues tlic two concessions arc alikc ; ihal uiade lu Cate-
lan States " subjccl to iIk; cliarg»' of iour lirrc.s and iuur
good fat capons, witli 4 deniers of cens, on the avIioIi- n\' ihe
said concession, at the rate of 20 sols antl I eapon Inr eacli
of the said 4 arpents in front. " And inoreover the 1 llh of
^' cacli Iish cauglit in front of the said concession in
'■'• the said river and two days of corvée in each
y car,
Tho second alternative prcscnfed by tliis jndgnient
gave for the ducs in moncy, one third more tlian wliat
180 a
was staied in \he Iwo contracl;* ol' ('atelan anU C'omeau,
xiiioe it gave 30 sols by 1 x 10 nrj)ents and 6 deniers of cens.
Tlic last paid at llie rate ol" one sol por arpent in superficiers,
tlie capon valued at 20 sols, vvliile undcr tlie second alter-
native of the judgment the cenisitaire wouid hâve liad to
\.z.y 1 sols 3 deniers.
Vive years later, the same Intendant granted to the
Seignioress of Gaudarville two fifths more than he liad
granted to his second neighbour, tiio seignior of Portneuf.
Can it be, tlien, that it was in the interval betwvn t!>e«e
two judgments that a royal régulation, ordering fixed cens
et rentes had been made ?
IG4. If, notwithstanding the Portneuf judgment (1733,)
tJiere are persons whose iirm belief in tîie existence of
such a limitating régulation, traces back that existence lo
an anterior date, tliey cannot fail to perceive their error, in
reading the analysis which I hâve given of several ordinan-
ces pronounced in one single case, the last of which dated
ihe 22nd Ji\.A\ 1730 by the Intendant Hocquart himself.
This analysis, although necessarily long, has neverthe-
less a particular interest, in as much as the first of thèse
ordinances is almost two years anterior to the enregistration
of the arrêts of the 6th July 1711.
This ordinance rendered by the Intendant Raudot,
on the 8th March 1710, condemns the sieur Trem-
blay, Seign'or of Eboulements, to grant to Louis Gau-
thier a deed of concession of a land of 12 i^ 40 arpents
" subject to the same clauses and conditions as those con-
tained in th^ concessions to the inhabitants of La Petite
Rivière.''^ (1) Tremblay did nothing in the matter. But on
the arrivai of the new Intendant Begon, he presented a pé-
tition to him upon which he obtained an ordinance dated
(1) «Doc. Seig."; V. 2, p. 91.
181 a
lion
;on-
'Mte
on
pe-
ted
I
>
iIk' I81I1 Apiil 1713, (I) wUhotit in/ormiiig him of Ihat mode
b}f Raudot. Tho soignior cleinancled the ro-union lo liis
domain, in (Icfault of suflicient clearing of llio one lialf of
iho land in question, eonceded by a lelter ol" his prcdeces-
sois, and prayed that Gauthier should be bonnd " to take a
*' lltle from him undcr the obligation of paying him every
" year, on the day cl' the feast of St. Rémy, 20 sols and 1
" capon or 20 sols at the choice of the said Tremblay^ for
" each arpent of land in front hy 40 in depth, and 1 sol of
" cens for the said six remaining arpents of front," that is
to say, one sol for each arpent in superficies ; wiiich, as \ve
shall immediately see, was exactly double the rent imposed
on the lands of La Petite Rivière, one of the neighbouring
seigniories. The prayer of the pétition was granted by this
ordinance of 18th April 1713.
Upon another demand instituted, no doubt, on the
pétition of Gauthier, the same Intendant Bogon rendered on
the 3rd February 1717, another ordinance, which sets fortli
that without hindrance from that of the 18th April 1713
(which he declared to hâve been given without Tremblay
having informed him of that by Raudot, of the Sth Mardi
1710), this last ordinance should be executed according to
its form and ténor, and " that the said sieur Tremblay should
be held to allow the said Gauthier to enjoy peaceably the
said 12 arpents which he had been condemned to concède
to him subject to the 3ame clauses and conditions as those
mentioned in the deeds of other concessions given to the
inhabitants of La Petite Rivière, on the condition that he
should pay him ail the arrears of rent to commence on
" the Sth March 1710."
u
Li
(.i
i.i
U
U
Another suit intervened, followed, first, by an ordinan-
ce of the Intendant Begon of the 28th June 1723, ordering
the nomination of arbitrators to regulate the depth of Gau-
(1) " Doc. Seig." V. 2, p. 40.
182 a
tliior's Innd, fifforwards by a soconù ordinanro of tho samc
Infj'iKiîint (lîitcd tlio I21I1 April 17^1 (1) ^vhi(•ll coridcinncd
îinrw tlir said Tromhlay " lo concedo to (Jauthicr 12 x
" 40 iirpi-nts in liis seiijfniory, n}wn (lu; same conditinns and
" at llir saine rates menlioned in (lie concessions made to tlie
" i)\luil)itantH of La Petite Ririrre, and as lias befii horoto-
" l'on' orden'd hy \\\r. ordinanco of M. Kaudot of tluî 8tli
Mardi 1710, and by lliaf wliicli \ve liave luadc^ in ronsc-
(|U(Mi(o on llui 3rd Fchrnary 1717 ; and being inforincd
tliat lli(! inlial)itants of La Petite Ririrre pay, accordini:;
" to tlicir deeds of concession^ fen sols current moneji of t/iis
" counlrif pcr arpent of front and t/ie lialf of a. capon^) wr.
" condcnin iIk^ said Gantliicr to pay lo tlic said TnMnblay
" llii' arrcars of rcnis of his said land in spocic, or oqniva-
'^ lents l)Ci,'inning on tlie 8tli iMarcli 1710, al tli(^ raie of (>
" ///vv.s' ciirrcnl moncy of lliis coiintry, ccpiai in ciirrency of
''■ Fran('(! lo t lirres, 10 sols, and G capons or a likc snni of
'•' 1 /irrf.s and 10 sols, and 9 deniers of c'<7i.s' ])('r arpent,
'•'• yearly ; and wo order tlic said Tremblay to exeentc a
" (U'V{\ of concession to tlic said (inn\]no.r on Ifie clauses and
" rondili(»is ahove menlioned, and iipon llic del'aull of ilie
"• said 'rreiiii)iay to nudio tlie said concession to liiiii wilhin
'•'■ u iiioiitli fiom lliis day, and tlic samc ])cing passcd, \\r.
'■'■ order lliat our présent ordinancc sliall serve tlie said
"■ (iaiitliier as a deed of concession."
15eliold, tlien, tlic Scii^nior of Ebonlcments once more
recbiced to lh(> nccessity of not l^eing able to exact froni liis
censitaire, fianthicr, liiglicr ducs tlian at the rate of lialfa,
sol pcr ai'iicnt in superficies. But lie does not lose courage .
de giv(>s no d(>ed to his tenant; lie awaits tlic arrivai of a
iiew Intendant, and tliat Intendant is M. Iloctiuart, wlio, al
a latcr date, rcndcrcd tlie ordinancc of Gaudarvillc. CJau-
lliicr was by tliis lime, dcad ; and witliout any sumrnons,
tlic Seignior obtained against lus uidow and cliiklrcn, for
(1) " Doc. iSeig." ; v. 2, p. 91.
183 a
tlio sariKi land, an Onlinanc»! IVoni tin; iicw Init'ii-
dant, rciKlcri-d, il is dt.'(lan;d, " on iIk* nrlxil |M'li-
" tioii to UM niadc l)y llit! «icur l'icrrt' 'rn'iiil)lay, ou ilu"
" .sul)jei;t ()f soino inliabilaiils ot" lii.s Sui^'iiiory ol Mhoiilr-
" iiicnls, wlioR-lusu totake IVom liiindccdsror tliccoiicc>>i()iis
'^ wliicli Ik; lias Iliade lo llicni, more inpcàalhi llic iridoiu
" (ind lir.irs oj'l/ie li'tc Louis (ianthitr wlio liold and pos-
" M'ss a land in tlie said Si.'iii;iiiory, ol' G y. 10 arpniis,
" wliicli t"()rni(,'d part ol" oni; ol \Z arpents loinicrly possrssi'd
l)y llio laie Jiouis tiautliicr, wlicrool llu; liait \vas nMiniicd
lollio domain ul' tlie said sieur Tremblay hy ordrr of M.
Mei^on dated tin; 18tli April 1713; tiie said sieur 'rreiii-
hlay j)rayinif tliat it may please ns lo ohliifc ihc ^ald
" widow and lieirs lo taUe a deed for tlio said land of (j ar-
" p(!nts, conl'orinaldy to the said ordinanee, llial is lo sav,
'•'■ at Uie rate of 20 aoLs atul a cai)o)ii)cr arpeni or of 10 ,so/s
'' ivUliout a capon^ at the clioicc oftitc said .sieur Trembla fi^
" and of one sol of cens for the said G arpents^
The i)rayer ol" the seignior was granted to him, and the
fnlendant Iloeciuart condemned ihe widow and llic heirs
Gaullii(!r in conséquence, under the })enalty of réunion lo
the domain, by an ordinanee of the 22nd Aj)ril 1730,(1)
" wliieli," adds the Intendant, " shall likewisc take place
*•*■ as respects the lands of the other settlers of the said sieur
" Tremblay who shall refuse to take decds for thein."
165. In tins way ended, after tiic death of Gauthier,
the strugglc begtni between him and his seignior. VVe see
that the lalter had acted in the matter towards the Inicti-
dant Ilocqnart as lie had towards the Intendant liogon.
He took good care to keep froni his knowledge the ord'nan-
ces of 1710, 1717 and 1724, which had rejected his preten-
sions. Ho laid before him only that of 1712 which had
ordered the reunion to his domain of the half of (Janthier'.s
(1) « Doc. Seig.» V. 2, p. 132.
184 n
land and liad granted to him a sol of reni pcr arpent m
superficies.
Gauthier was in possession ; but the amount of his
rent was not fixed by any title deed. It was a case wherein
to make application of the rule of the common law, by the
aid of which that rent ought to be settled on the footing of
the most ordinary and usual rate, in the limits of the same
Seigniory, or of the neighbouring ones. In 1710, the In-
tendant Raudot adopted the rate of La Petite Rivière ; that
is, half a sol per arpent ; at a later date we see his succes-
sors, who had the same fact to appreciate and the same rule
to apply, adopting a rate double that of the first, because
withoui doubl, its existence had been proved to them on
other land s in the same or another seigniory. There was
then nothing that was less fixed than the amount of seig-
niorial dues, at the différent periods which comprise the
ordinances above cited. Assuredly if there had existed a
régulation fixing that amount at 1 sol 8 deniers per arpent
in superficies, which is that stated in the ordinance of Gau-
darville of the 23rd January 1738, as having been ordained
by tTie King, the Intendants who rendered thèse ordinances,
and M. Hocquart himself would hâve been acquainted with
it, and would hâve acted in conformity with it ; a seignior
so persevering in his efforts to create a reserve for himself
as was the Sieur Tremblay, would not hâve failed to invo-
ke the benefit of it, in as much as such a régulation would
liave given him the right to two thirds more than what lie
dcmanded from his censitaire Gauthier.
166. The partisans of the system of a fixed rate dépend
further on that which is said in an ordinance rendered by the
Intendant Begon, a few years after the arrêts of 1711,
namely, that the Seignior of Demaure could not impose new
charges. This ordinance, which is dated the 15 Feb. 1716
(1) condemned such of the censitaires as had not yet deeds
(1) Ed. and Ord. in 8o. v. 2, p. 4-iS.
Ml coiiccbsjou "^ U) R'poit tfit; letU'is wliicii llicy iiaù lioiu
tlie lato Sieur Domaure, in orcler that thu «aid Sieur Aubcrt
rnay pass deods to thom at thc charges and condUions of
the ancient deeds, ivithout thc poiver of Increasiiig thc sanu'
by neiv cliarges.^''
If the amount and the nature of thc cens et rentes hud
i)een established in a fixcd manncr, as is prelcndod, wouki
not the Intondant; liavc said at once ; " at the raie of so
mnch " (1 sol 8 deniers as for Gandarvilic,) rathor
ihan render a jiidgrnent which did not end ihe contestation,
bccanse it ovdered a référence to thc ancient titlc deeds,
which, if they had differed, must neccssaaily hâve been con
sidered, before they could arrive at llie conclusion of the fixi-
ty of the amount of rents. What need would there hâve
been of adding thèse words : " without thc power of in-
creasing the same by new charges.'"'
Tlic tenants, ahhough only bearers of letters, wcre
already not the less grantces ; the lands helongcd to them ;
only, the amount and thc nature of the charges might not
hâve been fixcd in thèse letters. In that case, they ought,
in the absence of a written agreement, to be supposed not
to hâve taken their lands at other than the ordinary and
usual cens et rentes, ^vhich could bc none but thosc contai-
ned in the ancient deeds, without that in such a case, the
Seignior had the right to add to thcm. ISOw, by the inser-
tion of thèse words " new charges" in the ordinance ot
which we spcak, whether they comprise the cens et rentes,
or whether they sliould be understood to alludfî only le
charges properly speaking, it is évident that the new :^eig-
nior of Demaurc had attempted to subjVîct thc bearers ot
letters to paymenis more burdensoine than those Avliich were
found in thc ancient deeds, thc only ones to whieh ihe inli;i
liifanîs wcrc supposed lo hâve «:ubiiiiUed tlicniseh'et;
186 a
Tliimce thc vcry simple oxplanation of the prohibition
mado hy thc Inlcndant. and resulting from llic words
" "witliout tlu; power of incrcasing the same by new char-
ges ;" a prohibition wiiieh Avas ihus mado, only to protect
granlcfs \vlio \vc'rc aiready in possession, and who relused to
bind lhenis(îlves midcr new charges.
J(i7, Thc Intendant Ilocqiiart, himself, on tiie 15 Jan-
iiaiy 17jy (1), that is to say a few days before liis judg-
mcnt of (iaiularville, rcndered an ordinanee for tliis same
Seigniory of Demaure, then belonging to the poor of the
.Motel-Dieu of Québec. The Religions administralrixes of the
scigiiiory demanded from one Jean Desroehes one year's
cens ci rentes, at the rate of one solper each arpent in super-
ficies, and of one capon per each arpent of front by thirty
arpents in dcpth.
Desroeiies prayed for delay, " to make search for the
liilo (Jeed of lus land, according to whieh deed, he preten-
ded that lie; was not bound to pay rents so high, as those
\vhich the Religions Ladies demanded from him." The
Intendant granted him a delay of 8 days " to prodnce the
deed in question " and " whieh time being expired, and in
default of his liaving given satisfaction in the premises,"
the Intendant condemned him to pay " the year of arrears
at the rate iierein above mentioned."
This ordinanee was so made only 8 days before that of
tîaudarv'ille, ncvertheless the Intendant llocquart made no
mention in it of " tlie cens et rentes ordered by H. M.,"
even though the amonnt of the rent in money and in capons
was the same. Can it, then, be possible that the royal
ordev or régulation fixing the amonnt of the dues, should
hâve arrived in Canada in the interval of 8 days ? and tiiat
the Inttmdant iiastened to proclaim it on the first opportu-
(1) '« Doc. 8eitr."; V. 2,p. 1G8,
187 a
nity that offered l'or so doing .■' Where, tliPii, is this régu-
lation? Has it been enrogistered? VVliaf is its diite ?
What is that ol'its^enregistratjon ? M. Hocquarthas l'orgollen
to tell us.
the
168. Let us proceed to establish the jnrispriKh'nno of
period in question.
I
On the llfh Nov. 1718, Joseph Robillunl obtniiird In, m
die Seignior of La Valtrie a concession of G -< iO arptui,-.,
in continuation of a former concession, and adjoiiiiiiL; a
third belonging to hiin. Tiie original or minute oC ihe eoii-
tract was not signed by the notary (Lepailleur) nor hy ihe
parties, nor by witnesscs. In the meantime, Robilianl took
possession. In the royal jurisdiction of Montréal, on the
29th Nov. 1743, the seignior obtained a judgmenl against him
by default, whicii, from tliere being no signature !o the mi-
nute of the contract, paid no regard to it and (.ondemiii d
Robillard to take a deed of concession in due form, and lo
pay to the Seignior the quantity of '3 niinots o/)nerc/ia niable
ivheat, 6 livres in money, foroneyear's arrearsduc; ont lie 1 Ith
Nov. 1743, and so to continue frotn year to year. Kobillaid
entered an appeal ; lie produced his contract, Avhieh did not
mention for ail the concession, but ^ a minol of merclianta-
ble wheal and 6 livres 6 sols of cens et rentes. Ile lu-ockieed
at the same time, 23 acquiltances from 1718 to 17 13. Ile
contended that he was not bound to pay but at tiie rate namrd
in his contract, in the same wayas he had alway^done, yet
with tlic réduction of one fourth (1), in confornnty with the
(1) By a déclaration oi" the 5tli July 1717, explained by tliat ol the
21st Mardi 1718 and that of the 2r)st March 1730, the Kiiig had
reduced the value of card nionoy to one half the ainount am iiten on
those cards in such a inanner tliat a catd of 4 livres, nionoy of the
country, ought not to liave currency but for 2 livres of l he same
money and to be worth only 1 livre 10 sols nioncy of rrancc.
It was declared that the payments, even those of the cc?is et rentes^
î«8 a
KUii;',^ iJtïcluiulion,'; *jt 171b and 171tJ "■ in aa niucli, iie
" says, as lu* was invfsted witli a snfiicieiit tille, as well by
■ a possession oi' 25 years and bonndaries, ils by tlie sait',
'' acciiiillanees, and tlie " grosse,^'* and copy ot' tlie said
"■ contract ofeonccssion of tlie Util Nov. 1718 duty .signed
'■• i'V llu! said Lopailleur, notary."
Htîforo institut ing an appeal, Rol>illard liad, on execu-
îli.in, but aller mnking tlio neccssavy protestations, ])aid 1o
îlie baililltlie amount. of tlie judgment,lhat is to say, besides
;lie eosis, () lirrcs for one year's arrears of vent due on ihe
lltUNov. 1743, and 12 livres for 3 minois of Avlieat (the
whcat val lied at i francs), making 3 sols pcr arpent in sv-
perfides.
Tlic Snprrior Couneil, " eonsidering tlie King's de
" claratlon of ilie Gtli ^fay 1733 concerning tlie defectivi-
" documenls of notariés deeeased or wlio liave given up
" iheir olïiee, einn-gistered in tlic Couneil on tlie 2()tli Au-
" gust folloAving,'' niaintained Robillard in jiossession of tli<'
«•oncessicm niade to liini in llic eoniract of tlie lltii Nov.
1718,'' wliieh sball bc earried ont aecording to ils form
and Icnor,'' deelarod iho an'ét whieli is daled tlie 2d JNTarel;
1711, (1) ; and ihe Seignior Avas condemned, in eonsequence,
to rendor an<l pay back to Robillard llic suui of 35 lii'rcs 8
sols, \vhieh ihe laller liad paid to tlie seizing bailifl', \v]\h
*)ie déduction of 8 lirres 6 sols, namely, (> livres for the
wlicii il -v^'as liot stipiiKited tliat tliey .shouM he '• nioiinaio do France *"
(Dec), ol .'mIi July 171') or '' nioiinaic iournoi!«c on parisjs " (noc.l. (■.
'!'){\\ ~\raich ]73n). siioniil \io inadc in rionov ot'France, dcducling one
foi'.i-Hi, -wlii^ii w;i'^ tho réduction oftlif" inoney of tlie couiitry into inonoy
cf France : and tiiaf, Avlien ''^nnniiaie do Franco nii monnaie (ournoise
(pj r,nri>.is,"' liad bcen stipnlntod, tlie priymcnt «-lionld be mndo on tlie
fooiiii,": o^'tlie mo-vy n[.l'"rai)cr; 'n-i!hi>ui ony rrdiirtinn (Ed. niid (.>rd.
yn-e^o. V. I.p. 370, 3P3 and :'2j).
(1) Ed. und Ord. in-So, v. 1, j.. 217.
1«9 a
ground l'Ht, tj iols oi cens îiikI 2 liuvs lur hall a minot ol
u'Iic;).!, nialviiiî^ !i rcnt of 1 sol 4 deniers pcr arpent.
M. Hocqnart was ptill, ut Uns lime, Intendant oCjiistice
in Canada ; but il docs not aj)pear tiiat lie was présent in
tlie Coiuicil \\ lien l!ic arrêt was rendered. The all'air is
iiut llie less iiripoi'lant on tliat accoiint. The judgnient ol"
ihe Court at Montréal, v.diieh was set asidc only bce.aiise
the eontrael of concession, altliough defective from the wanl
of signature, was niaintained by ihe fl/rc'^, proves clearly
that lliere was no regidalion lirnifingtlie amount of the ceiis
et rentes at the rates set forth in the judgment of Gaudar-
villo ; in tlie iirst jiiace, because it granted a rcnt in wheat,
and fiirtlier becansf^ that, valuing the wheat at 4 francs, it
gav(! Ilie Seignit)r a rent of threc sols per arpcni in superfi-
cies. Ilad such a régulation cxisted, the court at Montréal
could not havc avoided applying it, and the Superior Coun-
cil, the first tribunal of the Colony, nay that among tho
records of whieli, by its own order, tliis régulation ouglit to
hâve bccn enregistered, would not havc kcj)t silentrespecting
a décision whieli, in violation of the régulation, would thus
liavc granted an excessive rate. We may reniark, besides,
that the concession to Robillard was postcrior to the arrêts
ofl711.
1G9. In another ordinance rendered by the Intendant
Hocquart on tlu^ 13t^' April 1745, (1) mention is made of
^evcral doeds of cou" ' sion in the island of Orléans, sctting
forth dillenMit raîes. One even, bearing date the lî)lh Mardi
1059 (Aud"uart, notavy), had been made to Jac<]ues llcr-
nier, ealled Jolin of Paris, subjeet to the charge of " 10 sols
'■'• ))('r arpent in su[)erficies, and 3 lire capons, yearly, and
" o deniers oî cens for the wliole of the said concession." Il
is truc tha!, priorto 1 lie contestation which gave occasion
l'or this ordinance, the jn-incipal of the rent had bccn redce.
(1) '• Don.
■•Cl'/.
r
1S7.
190 a
med ; but this renl must, under the circumslances, hâve ap-
peared so high, that if the limiting régulation in which per-
sons wish to believe, had really existed, we could noi })iil
be siirprised at the silence of the Intendant on that head,
since the very land which had been the objeet of that con-
cession, and ihe charges to which it was liable, were equal-
ly the objeet of the contestation carried before him.
170. There is anolher judgment of the Royal Court of
Montréal, rendered on the 25tii June 1745, (1) allowing
cens et rentes exceeding, by far, the rates enunciated in the
Ordinance ot Gaudarville.
Michel Colin dit Laliberté possessed 120 acres of land
in Isie Bouchard. The seignioress demanded from hini
cens et rentes " in conforrnity with llie ancient deeds of
" concession of the other inliabitants of the said seignior}-.."
The judgment condemned the défendant to pay " 3 livres
for two days of corvée for the last year (2) togeiher with \
livres 10 sols, one sol of cens and 6 capons for one year'.s
cens et rentes and the llth of ail the fishes, &c., &c.
The capons being valued at 30 sols each, this décision
gnve, including the corvées, cens et rentes at the rate of 2
sols 9 deniers per arpent in superficies, and 2 sols, 3 deniers
without the corvées. The judgment states that a deed of
concession for a land in the same island, made to one Jac-
ques Foisy on the 14th Dec. 1709, (Raimbault, notary) had
been produced before the judge. There is reason to believe
that it was in accordance with that deed that the priée of
the corvées and cens et rentes was fixed in this instance. I
hâve seen the minute of this deed which comprises a con-
(1) " Doc. Seig." V. 3, p. 79.
(2) Tlie seignioress demanded 40 sols for every duy of corvée. An
ordinance of the Intendant Begon of the 3rd Jvine 1714 rendered on
the pétition of ihe inhabitants of Tsle Bouchard, had allowed tiiem
to exempt themselves from the said Corvées by giving to the seignior
40 sols for every such Corvée Edits and ord. 8o. v. 2, p. 437.
191 a
cession of aboul 90 arpents in superficies, setting forth,
" 1 sol of cens and a seigniorial rent of 4 liv. 10 sols and
4| good and lawfiil capons, or 30 sols in money for eacii
capon, for the wholo of the said concession the Util
of ail the fishes and 3 days of corvée yearly or
30 sols of the country, for each day.
VVithout the corvées this concession of Foisy was al
the rate of 2J sols per arpent in superficies, and of 3^ sols
with the corvées.
How could the Court of Montréal hâve given judgmcnl
for cens et rentes, comparatively so high, if there had becn
a régulation in existence limiting them to 1 sol S deniers ?
How, in présence of such a régulation, could that court take
for the basis of its judgment a deed of concession in which
a rent charge was stipulated at a rate cxceeding tiiat of iho
régulation ? Was not this to acknowledge the validity of a
conventional rate, however high it might be ? Has not tlic
Court decided, by its judgment of the 25th June 1745, that
the défendant, by taking a land subject to cens, without a
contract in writing, was supposed to hâve subjected himsclf
to the same rate imposed upon the neighbouring lands ?
0)
(1) Tlie minute of Foisy's deed of concession is not signed eillier
by the parties or the notary. Nevertheless this deed has served as tlit*
basis of the judgment against Colin. The notary had no doubt, deU-
vered a copy o{ it in proper form (as in the case of Robillard,) in the
same way as if the minute had been signed. CoUn's concession ad-
joined that of a man named Gabriel Ladouceur whose deed of conces-
sion 1 bave examined ; it is dated the 24th January 1710 (Raiinbault,
notary) and is duly signed. This last concession is described as being
of " l.^ arpents in front by the whole breadth of the Island, subject to
the charge of 4 ^fu. and 4 fat capons of rent with 4) de?ners o{ cens
for the whole of the said concession," together witli *' the right of
tishing on payment of the llth fish."
I hâve further examined a deed of concession of the mont h of
192 a
i7l. TIk; Inlenduiil M. llocquart, ha:> Itl'l ii.-i aiiuilirr
jiidgiurnt on tliis maltcr, niado on ihe 23r(l February 171b
(1) Ibr llie Seigniory of liorthicr (district ol" Montréal).
By lettcr of tlie 3rd Nov. 1710, tlie Scigniorcss had
givcn to tlic Church ofBcrlhicr a land containing about 120
arpentïs in superficies. The fabrique demanded, at a later
date, a decd of concession in due lorm. Tlie Seignioresses
of tlio lime conscntcd lo givc it, butwilli liic provision " lliat,
" in case llie said chnrcli slionld sell or alicnatc llie said
" land, tlie posscssor ihereof sliould be lield to pay tlie rcnts
" wliercvith thc lands of thc otlier inliabitants of tlie said
'•' Seiguiovy wcrc chargcd, ihat is to say, 2 sols of cens, 1
" sol for every arpent in snpcr/cies, and lialf a minot of
" merchantabio wheat for evcry 20 arpents."
So, thc parties did not agrée eitlicr as to tlie aniount or
tlie nature of thc rent wliich ouglit to bc imposed ; tlie attor-
ncy ofthe défendants declaring " tliattliey will submitto tliat
wliich shall bc decided by tlie Intendant." It is plain that
ihere was already, al tliis time, rents in wlieut, and that Ihi;
January 1710 (llie same notary,) to Laurent Uegaimes, of 3 arpents
in front, in Isle Bouchard" froni one side to the otlier of tlie said island
containing about 00 arpents in superficies " at " 3 livres 3 fat
capons of seigniorial rent witli 4 dc7iicrs of cois the 1 1th of
every kind of fish 8cc., and 2 days of corvées'''' (priée not fixed.) J5y
valuing the capons and the corvées at 30 sols, as thoy were in Foisy's
deed of the It Dec. 1709, this concession would he, includlng the cir/-
vécs, at the rate of 3.^ sols per arpent in superficies, ai 1 of 2^ sois
without the corvées.
Another concession of tlie saine quantity of laud, in thc same ishind,
was made to Michel Desmarets, on the 2-t January 1710 (same notary>
subject to the same rents as the prcceding onc ; it only dillers froiii ii
as to the amount of cois properly so callod, which i-* 3 J'Mii rs ii> piar^
nf 4.
(1) Kd.nud Ord. in 8n, v, 2, p. :38l,
193 .i
rate of tlio dues in lliis seignioiy was not uniCorm. 'J'iio n'Ul in
wliral niiiçlil, llicrcCoR', iiot, l)c lli(! iiiosl ordindi'i/ rciit, lin*
n,su(d. 'J\) iipply tliiil nilo, lliciu was t!"'rclurt' room Inr a
cousitlcraliou ot'tli(j tacts t)y tlie Intcntlant. U\ on llu' con-
Irary, tlioru liacl existctl a rcgiilalion iixini]^ a certain and
iiniloDu raie, llicn; woiUd liavc l)ccn no dillicnlly ; M. Jlots
(|iiarl, liaving no alleniativc wculd liavc bccn oblii^n-d to
giv<! jndgiiicnt in 17-18 as lie liad adjudifcd in 173S by liis
ordinancc ol' (Jaudarvilb;. And wliat thon docs lie do in
ihis instance. Ile order^ thc Attorney ol' llie Seignioresses
of lîerlher to >j;i\i: to die cliiircli a deed ol' concession, " oii
tlie con(liti(/n only tliat in case tlie said cliurch slioiild alie-
nafe llie said land, thc ne\v posscssor sliail be boiind to pay
lo llie ])r()prietor ol" the Seigniory llie cens cl rcjitcs at l\n:
ordinary rate of [ sol of rent for cac/i, arpenl in superficies^
'3 caponsfor ail Ihe land and 2 sols of cens.'''' At tliis rate,
an
d lixini^ tlie priée of capons at 20 sols^ as liad bccn d(
)ne
by tlie ordinance of Gaudarvillc, tlie concession to tlie
cliurch was, without thc cens, at tlie rate of 1 ,s'o/ G deniers
per ar[)ent in superficies, tliat is to say, a little less tlian tlio
ratiî adjudi^u'd for thc seii^miory of Gaudarvillc. At the rate
for \.\\c lattcr, the Seii,aiior of Bcrthier would liavc reecivcd
1 sols oï cens, 4 capons, bcsides thc soi of rcnt for cach ar-
pent in suj)crlicics.
"^l'hus M. Ilocquart liimself has beforc iiis departure Iclt
us (1) a very convincini^' proof both of the non existence of
any rci^ulation liinitinir the cens et rentes, such as lus
ordinance of (raudarville iiiii,dit, at the iirst glanée, lead
one to suppose, and aiso, in default of a convcntional rate,
of the ))ers(ivcrancc in the rule of the coninion law, wliicli
directs the imposition, in siniilaf cases, of the ordinartj or
vsual ducs, a ru le recogniijed by the arriit ol 1711.
(1) 'riie ]iil(Mi(lant llo(i|u;irt arriviMl in Canada in tlic \oar 1729 ;
îind it was not iinlil 17 IS tlia', tlio King- scnd Afi- \\\<m\ to snccced
liiui. llist. ol" CaiKula l)y i\lr. ( ■'anicau v. I p. 3b>0 is. iS?.
VJ4 a
112. Taking leavc of M. Ilocquarl, I slmll tonlinne lc>
analyse some otiier decis,ions rendered us well before a»
aller the arrêts of 171 1.
VVe find in two ordinances oi' M. Bégon, of the 3rd
July and 14 Sept. 1720, (1) tho circumstances of a suit
which was contestcd a long time bctwoen the Scignioress
of Vercheres and one of lier censitaires.
By lelter of ihc 4lh July 1G85 llic seignior of Verehères
had givcn in concession to one André Berjat a lund of
3 X 30 arpents, on the condition of furnishing " 1 ^ minois
of wlieat, the seignorial dues and the day's work for the use
of the common." Nicolas Bissonet, a party to the suit, had
succeeded to Berjat. An Ordinanee of the Intendant
Raudot, of the 9tli Junc 1G86, rendered on the contestation
with Bissonet, declarcd that the latter siiould rcceive his
dced of concession " subjcct to the clauses and conditions
" rnentioned in the said letter, and, as respect the clauses
" not expressed therein, subjecl to the clauses and con-
" dilions rnentioned in the deeds of concession which havo
*' been given to the other inhabitanls. " A deed of con-
cession was made by the seignioress of Vercheres in favor
of the said Bissonet, on the 25th June 1704 (Adhémar
notary.) The censitaire says that in the year 1707 the
seignioress of Vercheres having refused to give liim an
acquittance for 5 years' rent, at the rate of 1^ minot of
wheat, per annum, pretending that the rent was 3 minois of
wheat, lie had been obliged to institute légal proceedings
before the intendant Raudot, who, by ordinanee of the 25th
Junc of the same year, had condemned the seignioress to
give him a deed, on the clauses and conditions rnentioned
in the said letter of concession.
On the 2nd July of the same year (1707) the Seigni-
oress of Vercheres, on her part, had obtained from Raudof
(1) '* Doc, Scig. '' V, 2 p. 63 & G7. " '
»
i
195 a
unollier onlinance lu llie eiïvvA that Hbsonet »lionlJ pày f(û'
llio said 3 X 30 arpents '^ 1 livres 10 sols and H minof ol
wlioat ycarly." Tlio latter said that tliis ordinanco liad not
htiv.n sorved on Iiiin ; that it had bcen rondored in his ab-
sence, and that he had not had any knowledgo ot" it, exccpl
by a judgment of thc IHth .Inly IT'O which the said lady
had obtained in thc royal jurisdiction oî' Moutn^al. By an
ordinanco ot" the Intendant lk'ii;ou of tlie 3rd July 1720,
Bissonet was ailowed to constitute himself opposant to the
exécution of that of the 2nd July 1707. Thc judgment ren-
<lercd at Montréal by INI. Raimbault liad condcnined Bisso-
net to pay the arrears of cens d rentes at the raie of 4 livres
10 sols and 1^ minot of wheat yearly.
Upon this new dcmand, intcrvcncd the ordinance of the
1 tth Scptember 1720, which setasidc Raimbault's décision,
'•' inasmnch as lie could not, nor ought he to take cogni-
xancc," it is said, " of ordinanccs rendcred by ]M. Raudot,
emuiciated therein, ••' and which dcclared that," the order of
2nd July 1707 shall bc cxecuted nccording to its fonn and
ténor, and that thc said Bissonet shall pay to t))e said sei-
gnioress of V'erciières the Seigniorial cens et rentes for the
land which he enjoys conforniably to tjie letteroftho sieur de
V'erchèrcs and to the titlc.s of concession given him by the
said seignioress, by contract passed beforc Adhemar, notary,
at Montréal on the 25 June 1701. (1)
We sec Iierc a concession of 90 arpents, thc dues for
which, sanctioncd by ordinanccs as well antcrior as pos-
tcrior to the arre7s of 6 July 1711, amounting (thc wheat
})eing valued at 4 livres a irinot,) to 2 sols 4 deniers, and
oxceeding consequently, by 2/7th, the r;itc enunciated in
the ordinance of Gaudarville. Even by valuing the Wheat
at 3 francs only, thèse dues would hâve still cxceeded that
rate, because they would hâve been equal to 2 sols per ar-
(]) The minute ol this deed could not be found.
Ifm a
l»eni. Tlioro wns, llion^lon', iio liniilini,' rci^Miliilinii, or il
llnri' \\!H siicli, il \V!is ;ill»)\v;il)lt' fn (Icroniilc Inmi il bv llx'
;ii,'r('ciiii'ri( (tf piirtios, botli witli respccl U» iIk; naliiif .uni lu
tlif iuiumnt (>r llii' VA'WH et rentes.
I7.'î. A roncrssion m ccusire li;i<l Ix'on mndc hy 'li''
Si'ii^nior ol' Hrciinrourf to ono Louis litiroso, l>y a simple
Icttcr of llic f)lli Scptcnilx'r 1700, l'ollowrd hy a ])r()('ès verbal
ol' llie boiiiidaries, (laled tlie '.'itli Kebriiary 170;î. IMieiiel
l'eiTot wlio, by contraot olcxelianife, liad aeciiiired tliis cdii-
cessidii IVoin Larose ^\ as iiiiiintained in tlie property and
enjoyinent of lliis concession, by an ordinanee rendereil altr-r
contestation, l)y lin; Intendant Raudot, llu; «dder, on tlu^ IJtli
.hm(^ 170.S ; and tlie Seii^niior ol' lie(!anconrt ua> ordered
" lo deli\er lo liiiu a decd ol' concession l'or tlie sanie
" a<'cording to iIk; lctf(;r of concession ol'tlie Oth Se|)teiiib(M'
" 1700 and tlie limils slatcd in flic said proccs-veibid, and
" snbjccl to llic otiier danses and conditions mcMitioncd in
" and by tlic said jiroccs-verbal and to tlie deeds of coii-
'■'■ c(>ssion wliicli li(! lias givenlo tlic; otlier inha'>it;ints.'"
Thcn, afier an ordinanee of delay dated tlie :22ili Keby.
I7O0, anotlicr of tlic 21tli Aui>;ust 1710 wliicli A\as rendeicd
l)y tlie Intendant llaudot, llie yonnu^er, diîclared thaï liis
fallicr's ordinanee of llie lôtli June 1708sliould lie exccnted
according to its form and ténor. (1)
Tlicre is, also, an ordinanee rendered l)y tlie Inieii-
danl .laccpics Uaiidol, tlic Hili IMarcli 1711(2) on tlie peli-
lion of llie M'idow Toupin wlio liad cxliibiteti lo
liiiii a lîoncession, in seigniory, niadc lo lier on llie 20lli
January 170G to tlie rear of tlic Seigniory of Helair. Tlie
Dame Dautenil claimcd to liave jiad a prior concession of
il, but as slie liad passccl over to Franc(i, tlie Dame Toiipin
•
I
(1) " Doc. .Soi|v." V.2, p. 3S.
(2) Ib. p. 39.
197 a
nl)(fiin<>(l hy tliis onllnanc»' pcniiission lo mnrrdp lands in
fliis iK'W Fit:!"" lo tlic inliiibiliinls wlio sliall i;t)iiic luiwiird
lor iIh» purposc <>f cslîihlisliini,' lliciiisclvrs, on tlu; s;iinr con-
(lilit)nH as \hr. iiiliiihitanls ^vllo wcrc l'sliiljlislicd on llio .saiti
St.'ii,'niory oCJ^îlair," tlic mughbouring s<'igni()ry.
Tlicso ordinancos arc not of a natnrc' to Icacli us, nor
«'vcn lo ic.'ul us flio loast in iIk^ world, lo suppose tliat prc-
viously to tlic «nv'/.s- ol" 171 1, llicrc liad Imm.'u any ordrr of
tlic Kiiii,' lixin:,' a liniit to lliu cens et rentes payahlo in Ca-
nada.
1"Î4. \Vo lind vory Import; nt information in a dccd ol'
ron(!(^ssion of llic 13tli Octoht'i ii72I, <^iven i)y llif (iovcrnor
and \\\c Intendant, Messieurs de Vaudreuil and liejj^on, to
tlie widow of tlie sieur Petit, in lus hlotinu- eounoillor r'tlie
superior oouneil of Québec, in eonformily with • n ami of
Kiuijj's eounc'il of stale, dated the 2d J.me l?"'* ^l;, and tlie
lenor of wliich i.s statcd in tliis dced.
His Majesty, it is said, liad by thi^. arrôt ordained,
'■'■ tliat llu; Keligious I^adies of the Fiotel-Dieu of Québec,
" should jU[rant to the Sieur Petit the unoleared land of
" which tliey hâve taken possession, and whieh formed
'' part of their tarant to the lat<» Ma 'in Lo IMrs, of tlu»
" 28th June 1G98, subjcrt to the usual char2;cs and nnits
" \vhieh shall be paid by the said Dame Petit in her said
'■'■ (piality tog<Mli(;r with ail the arrears tliat will bc dur <»n
'' the day of such grant ; and in case the said Religious
"• Ladies would not mahe v-h grant, when retiucstcd so to
'' do, or at least witliin «-.^i! days from the dav of the
" service of the said decree, His Majesty liad ordamed that
" the said loi of land shoald remain re-united to the King's
" domain, in like mii-ner as His Majesty has re-united the
" same, by virtue of the s?tid arrêt^ and ihat a
" grant of the same should bc made by us (the (iovernor
(1) '^ Doc. Seig." ; v. 2, p. 72.
198 a
" and Intondant) to ihe said late Petit, subjccf lo ihe same
" rents and charges as are imposed upon ihc otlier coneeded
" lands of tlie Seigniory of St. Ignace belonging to the said
" Religious Ladics, wliich rents shonld be paid in future
'' into the hands of the receiver of the King's domain in tliis
city, without that the said Religious Ladies shoukl bc
perinitted to claim any right whatever upon the said lot,
provided nevertheless that the said late sieur Petit should
" pay ail the arrears of cens et rentes that should be due up
" to the day of service of the said arrét.^''
The Religious Ladies having refused to conform to this
arrct, the Governor and the Intendant, by the deed of the
13th October 1721, coneeded to the widow Petit the land in
question, " containing," say ihey " with the one she now
possesses, 5 arpents, 4 perches, in front by 50 in depth which
is the whole of the said grant made to ihe said late Martin
Le Pirs 380 arpents of land in superficies. . . . inider
the condition of paying, (n-ery ycar, at the usual tiine, to
the domain of Ilis Majesty the same cens et rentes and dues
that she pays to the said Religious ladies for the land form-
ing part of the said con(;ession, which holds of the said
seigniory of St. Ignace, and under the ordinary clauses and
conditions, and thaï, in j)roportion to ihc nnmber of arpents,
in superficies contained in the présent grant "
I hâve secn the deed of concession of thèse 380 ar-
pents in superficies to Martin Pire dit le Portugais" subject
to " 19 livres and 8 good live capons, and 8 sols of cens for
the whole of the said concession," which, (the capon being
valucd at 20 sols as in the ordinance of Gaudarville,) even
by including the 8 sols of cens^ will not make quite 1 sol 6
deniers for the arpent in superficies. So, this would be less
than the rate cnunciated in that ordinance. The Governor
and the Intondant having to guide themsclves by the rule
of the common law, which ought to govern in such cases,
1U9 a
oould not inake a more exact apjjlication of it tlian ihul
wliich they havc inade in adopting tlic rate already existing
on tlie rest of tlie original concession.
Wliat is important to remark in tliis aflair is, tliat tlie
arrêt of ihc King attests anew the obligation under wliich
tlîc scigniors were to concède thcir uncleared and wild
lands," under the penalty of forfeiture of their rights and
reunion to the domain of the Crown, conformably to the
first arrêt of 1711, the ténor of which, as being its basis,
is set forth in this new arrêt rcndered in a case
resembling that provided for by the airêt of 1711 ; that
tliere is no mention of cens et rentes ordered by II is Majesty
otherwise tlian by the Arrêt of 1711;wlience we ought
necessarily to conclude that there existed no limiting régu-
lation distinct frt)m that same arrêt, and that scigniors and
censitaires continued to be under the authorit}'^ of the com-
monlaw rule already pointed out. (1)
175. Wc may fiirther profitably consult an ordinance of
the Intendant Begon, dated the 28th June 1721 (2) in a suit
(1) There is uothiiig to explain the motive which intluced the Sieur
Petit to appeal to the King himself. The Religious Ladies, having Ly
their refusai to concède, placed themselves in the situation provided for
hy ihe arrêt of the 6 July 1711, had there been in the niatter an
ordinance of reunion to the domain by the Governor and the Intendant
and an appeal froni that ordinance to llis Majesty by the Religious
Ladies ? Ur had there been a disagreement between the Governor
and the Intendant, or had they refused to intervene, or abstained from
so doing 1 and then a direct application of the Sieur Petit to the
King ? This is what the published documents do not enable us to esta-
blish. In the one or the other of thèse hypothetical cases, the absence ol
knowlcdge in thèse respects miglit perhaps be reasonably accounted for
by the fact that the record in the suit having been sent to France,
nas ncvcr sent back.
(2) Ed. audOrd. in So. v. "2, p. It^l.
200 a
instituted against Joseph Amiot, seignior of Vincelotto, by
four of lus censitaires who liad settled on lands of 40 ar-
pents in deptli " on tlic faitli of thc promises," thcy said,
" whicli the défendant liad given tliem in 1718, by liisletler
" under private signature, to concède the saine lo theni
" subject to the conditions of tlie conce«5»ions whieh lie liad
previously made."
((
((
Vt the hearing of the case, the Plainliffs showed lo
the Intendant that they liad, in thcir })ctiti()n oiTcred to
" take decds in confonnity with tiiat whieli François lii-
^' chard, near neighbour to the said Jean François Fournier,
" liad furnished to the Défendant, but ihat they hâve ol)ser-
" ved since, that in tliis deed (a copy of whieh they produ-
" ced) there are very onerous conditions, such as to go aiul
" bake in the 6a/ia/ oven of the said Seigniory, wlicn one
" should be constructed, whicli " they added " is not prae-
" tiea])le in tins counlry, espccially in the winler, in conse-
'' quenceofthe great cold and the dislance belween tlu;
" habitations, and other conditions contrary to ihe King's
*^ intentions; wherefore they revoke in that respect iheir
" ofl'ers, seeing that the Défendant had not even accepted
" llie saine, and that on the contrary he had per.sisted in
" requiring froni them to pass deeds with conditions still
" niorr onerous than those eontained in that of Richard ; tliat
" h(î relies upon liis having by the promises which he lias
" given to them, written and signed by his own hand agrecd
" to concède to them thc lands which they actually possess ou
" the conditions eontained in thc deed which he lias previously
" given and l'^at under pretext of tins clause he wishes to
" impose npon ihem the saine conditions that he had iin-
" posed V INIathieu Guillet, one of lus tenants, by thc letler
" whicli he had given hiin on the 21th May 1712, to conctHJc
'' lo hiin a hiiid of 1 iirpents in front, setting Ibrth that ihi'
"■ said (Juillet should liuve the enjoymenl Ihereofon the sanif
'^ conditions as the uthers and thaï the said Guillet should not
201 a
' besidea be allowed lo tell nor give Iroiii the said conces-
' sion any sort of wood, but only to take some for his own
' usp, ''^e said Défendant reserving for himself so much
' the^cnf as lie might wish to tako, on the further con-
' dition that if there still bc along the Bras St. Nicolas,
' within tho extent of the eaid concession, any place fit for
' erecting a mill thcreon, he could do so without any con-
' sideralion." The Plaintiffs added that the words, contai ■
ned in their letters, " on the conditions of the concossion.s
which lie liad prcviously made," could only mcan those
dues for wlùch alonc the Scigniors were permitted to eli-
pulale.
Richard's dccd of concession, which wasdatcdthc iîOtli
Oelober 1711, comprised a land oi 5 x 40 arpents, liable to
a charge " of one live capon and 30 sols for eacli of the
5 arpents in front, and 2 sols of cens ; " the whole ténor of
lliis deed is set forth in the ordinanco of the Intendant by
which the Défendant is condemned " to pass in favor of
each of the Plaintiffs within a month of receiving notice,
a deed of concession for the numbcr of acres of land as
well in front as in dcplh which he lias promised to con-
cède to thcm in his letters, forbidding liim to impose any
other dues on the said lands tlian those of rent charges,
and to cause to bo inserted in the said deeds, any other
conditions but those of keeping liouso and home, of pre-
Bcrving the oak trees fit for ship building, of cutting the
trees along their neighbours' boundaries {donner du
découvert) and of allowing roads which eliall bo neces-
sary, of which deeds the Plaintiffs will each at his own
cxpenco furnish a copy ; and in default of the said Défen-
dant, passing the said deeds of concession to the Plain-
tiffs within the said i)eriod of one month, and ihc said
time passed, we permit the said Plaintiffs to appcar
beforo Monsieur le Man^uis de Vaudrcuil and us to de-
mand the said concessions in Mis ISIajesfv's name nf the
26
202 a
" same rent charges and on ihe same conditions, conforma-
" bly lo the said arrêt of thc King's Council ol" slate of Gtli
" July 1711."
Tliis last portion oftlicordinance is cvidenily crroneous ;
the objcct was not to force the seignior to (;oncede, as ho
had done ihat aiready ; and the Plaintifls, by his own admis-
sion, were in possession ol' tlieirlands. What Avas aimed al
was to establish tlie charges on the concession; in which
matter tiie Intendant alone liad jurisdiction, (1)
If a case could havc occured in wliich it wonld havo
been riglit to apply a régulation fixing the nature and the
amount of the cens e< rentes, this certainly was one. An
end would thcreby hâve been put to th proceeding. i\e-
verlheless, the Intendant, Begon, who, considering the faet
rcported in the note below, cannot bo accused of partialiiy
towards tlie Seigniors, rnalvcs no mention of it. Ilis ordi-
nance is remarkable in many ways, with respect lo ihe
question of the cens et rentes. In the first j)lace, it exlends
to no other persons besides the Plaintiffs in tlie case ; il is
not, as in the case of the Seignior of Eboulements (siij)rà
no. 164), declared common to the other censitaires of V'in-
(iclotte ; again it makes a vigorous application of the ruie of
(1) The ordonnance was rendered witliout tlie Seignior liavinn
pleaded to tiie merits. After having appeared in person, lie prescnted, i/i
limine, said tlie Intendant, a pétition, " praying for the reasons iherciu
" contained, that it may please us to allow hiin forthwith to leave tlir
" Court and to send the proceedings^n question before thc natural judges
" of the parties, where the delays shall be observed, the more so as we
" liad expressed our opinion on the fact at issue in présence oi' \vitne«;-
" ses ; upon which, adds the Intendant, seeing that sincc the 9th April laht
" when the Défendant wassuniinoned, he has had tiine to prépare his do-
" fence, and to einpioy an attorney to act for hiin ; that thc conte!?ta-
*' tinn dépends inerely on the non-execution of the arrêt of llw King''s
" council of state of the Gth July 1711, the cognisance wliereof is
'' given to no judge but us, in as rauch as is H. M. has tlirected the Cjo-
203 a
fin" fommon law in similar mattcrs, already citod ; founded
ihirlly on Ihe arrrt of 1711, it avoids imposing on the Plain-
lill's certain conditions or charges wliicli llic Scignior consi-
(lercd liiuiselt'jnstilied in stipulating in other deeds of con-
cession.
In Kiclinrd's decd, wliicli was produced in llie suit, the
niimi.il ri'iii properly speaking, a ront fo which tho Inten-
dant applicd ihe word " droits," as distinct frorn other
<-harges und conditions of the concession, was fixed at " I
live capon and .'30 .sols for eaeh of thèse 5 arpents in front,
and 1 so/s of rnj.s-, making, wilhout thc cens, 1 sol 3 deniers
per arpent, in siipcirficies (tlio capon valned at 20 sots) and
I sol a ilenicrs (tlie capon valued at 30 sols ;) own in tliis
la.si case, the rate wonld havc beenl)e]o\v that adjndged bythe
ordinance of Gaudarville ; a rate of wiiieh the Seignior
V inc(l()tt<; oiight to havc had tlie benefit, if such rate was
intciuh'd to govcrn ail the concessions, and to form, as a
eonse(iuence, the common law, in the evcnt of contestation,
pn's(ril)ing a iiniit which it was not permitted topags. How
happened it, liien, that the Intendant Begon dit not, in the
'> viirnor uiul Lieutenant Governor in tliis country and us to concède
" in liis nanie the lands, in case ol' refusai by the Seigniors to concède
'• tlioin on a rent charge, and witiiout exacting any sum in money ;
'* and considering that \ve havc only said to the Défendant that we
*' will nol permit that either lie or the other Seigniors shall exact otiier
" duos than ihose of rent charges allowed by the said arrêt, in conse-
" qucnce of the orders given us to act strictly in the inatter ; we liave
'' di^missed and do dismiss the dilatory pleas oflered by the défendant,
together willi tlie renvoi demanded by him ; declaring the said cau-
' ses of récusation impertinent and inadmissible, and order in consé-
quence, tliat the parties shall plead forthwitli, and we condemn the
(hîtoiidant, to pay a fine of 50 /ivres, one half payable to the Iving
" and the other half to the l'iaintilïs ; and the said défendant having
<* witlulrawn, after having refused to plead to the inei'its, the said
" riaiutilVs havc concluded, etc., etc.
'204 a
inaltei in question, impose the rai»; namcd in tlie orciniancc
of Gaudarvillo, or tliat stijîulatcd in Richard's deed. Jiy
imposing tlic onc or llio ollier, lie would havc put an end to
llie contestation. But lio ihought tliat, in tlic absence ol'
agrcenient lietween tlie parties, tliere was only one rule to
follow, tliat ol" the common law whit;li prescribed, in siieli
case, tlio imposition of lliat rate wliicli was most ordinary
and most customary. Tlie rate ol" rent heing l'ar l'roin uni-
form in the seignior of Vincelotte, (1) it would hâve been
necessary to hâve had reconrse lo an enquête to aseertaiii
ihe fact. A conventional rate not being cxcliuled by th»'
rule of the eommon law,the Intendant, in llie exercise oi' his
discrétion, in aecordance vith the knowledge which lie had
acquircd of ihc cireumsfnnees and the relations preoxisling
belwcen the parties, belie\ed tliat lie eould not do jieller
Uian déclare, merely that tlu; seignior ought not to concède
excepting on a rent charge, and leave to the parties the
chance of agrccing among themselvcs as to the aniount and
the nature of ihis rent (;iiargc, thercby admitling the legality
.'f a conventional rate, whalcvcr it inight be.
170. An ordinaneo of the Intendant Bigot dated the
Ist .lune 1751, (2) rendered in the suit of a ecjisitaiie of tlit;
seigniory of La Pocaticre, the Sienr .1. B. DuuuMit, against
(1) ! liave verit'icd tliis absonrc ol" unltortnity by the cxainination ot
sevcral ilcods of conccs)?ioii : Ist oiic of the ilml Dctober 1097
(Ra>î,oot, notary) given to Fr-^nrois Tliibault ; 2nd that inadc to the
samc, on tho 3t)th June,, 1703, (( Jénaple, notary); 3rd that of tho
ord l\I:iy 173 l (l'agoot, notary) inadc to .T. B. Vinceloltc, son of tlic
<:el^i;nior.
A. judpnrnt of Die 20th .Tanuarj 1733, rcndorcd at tho Prévôté oi
CJuebec, condemned a tonant of tlie same seigniory, one Dnpcré who
uossessod a land of ahout 17 perches in front only, at the rate of 30
sols pcr arpent and 1 sol for tli<î cens. Mr. Terra»! fs Extraits,
p.iblishod in 1821, p. 20.
(2) " Doc. Scig. "' V. 2, p. 2 If).
205 a
tlic agent dl' lia- noignior, déchires iliat tlie PluinliH' «hall
take possession of the lancl in dispute, conformably to !i
Jettor of concession of ihe IGtli Jaly 1731 given by the
scignior to Louis Loziers, wijose riglils Dun^ont liad no-
ijuired and thaï tiie Sieur Dionne, the agent of tlic Seignior,
^^hall be hound to pass liim a title decd in good forrn, on the
phiintill" paying the cens cl rentes on tlic whole of the said
hvnd froin Ihe IGlh .luly 1731, tlic date of the letter, al the
rate paid by the othcr inliabilants of the samc range.
TIk; letter was in thcso words : —
" 1 concède to Louis Loziers a place of 4 y, 42 arpents
in the second range, jt)ining François Paradis, subjeel to
the charges, condilions and dues of the other inhabitants of
ihal range, wlu'reof lie will take a deed in proper form, and
give îi copy thereof to the seignior al lus own cx})ensc."
I havc soen ilie deed whicli Dumont look in consé-
quence of tliis ordinanee ; it is datinl the 5th June 175G,
passiMJ in ihc siiape of a new tille ( titre nouvel ) before
DioiUK!, notaiy. Il mentions '' G livres for the said 4 arpents
iu front and l sol of cens for each arpent, tlic whole making
G livres \ sols "^ ; thaï is to say, the rent is al the rate of
î) deniers only, per arpent in superficies, for a land of 4 y 40
arpents. (1)
l havc fiirther seen a decd of concession of the IG May
1701 (Cliauibellan, nolary) to André Minier dit Lagassé,of
a land of 4 y, 42 arpents in the lirsl range of the samc sei-
gniory, subjeel lo ihe charge of " 20 sols and 1 good cai)on
of llie brocd of the inonth of May, or 20 sols for each capon,
al the choiee of the .said seignior, of seigniorial rent, and 1 sol
(1) Jn t'.ie proalest iiuiiibcr of tlio ticeils of concession tliat 1 luivc
'"xaniinetl. wlicn <ho ileptli is givoii as bcinf^ ), loacjuc or 42 arpents.
1 liave reniaiLc'J lliû! (lie? rriits unre iinpnscd as on a lanfl of 40 arpents
only.
206 a
ul ffniV, the whole for each arpent in front, and 25 soh of
tttlier seigniorial ront for ihe right of boacli for the wliolc of
ihe said concession." For a concession of 4 x 40, tlie rcnt
(not including tliat for tlie beacli) would hc at tlio ralo of
12 f/cn/ers pcr arpent in superficies, that is to say, 3 deniers
more than for the land in the second range.
AU this provcs tliat the rates and nature of ihc renis
were diflerent even in the same seigniory. In Dunioiit's
concession, the Ictler and the Intcndant's ordinancc, hy
saying " on the footing of the other inhabitants of the saiiu;
/v/w^e," prove that tiie parties contracted with the fiill
knowledgc of the existence of a rate for this {fécond range
di dorent from that of the first. This rate was less, it is Iriie,
bul does not that prove that the parties, in order to li\ the
amount of fhe rent, be it more or less, rrdght take inio consi-
dération the value of the lands, their quality, their situation,
(îtc, etc.
177. We see by an ordinance of the Intendant Rigoi,
nnder date of the 7th August 175G (1), that on die 2nd Au-
gust 1754, M. Marchand, proprietor of the Seigniory of St.
François le Neuf (parisli of St. Charles, River Chanibly,)
liad, by deed passed on the said day before Duvernay,
notary, conceded to Amable Beaudry an emplacement (buil-
ding lot) of Gl \< 179 feet, subject to the charge of 30 livres
and of l)uilding a house thereon; which lot was near the
fhureh. Beaudry had builtthis house, but by an ordinance
of the same Intendant, bearing date the 27th July 1756, lie
had been condemned to demolish it, and to pay a fine of 100
livres^ seeing that he had contravened the King's ordinance
of the 6th February 1745 (2) which prohibitcd building
oulside of towns, villages and upon less land than 1[2 x
30 to 40 arpents, and there being neither village nor borougli
(1) " Doc. Seig.";v. 2, p. 217.
(2) Ed. and Ord. in-8o. v. 1, p. 585.
207 a
erected in the said parish of St. Cliarlcs. Bcaudry deman-
dcd, in conséquence, that his contract should be rescindod,
and llie aeignior adjudged to reimburse him the amounl
wliicli it had cost liim to build ihe said hou.se, by the déci-
sion of experts, and to pay him 1500 livres damages and
(!08ts. The ordinance rescinded the concession, annulled
the deed olthe 2nd August 1754, allowed the défendant to
dispose of the lot of ground, and condcinned hiiii in 200
livres only of damages in i'avor of Beaudry.
I hâve examined the minute of this deed of concession ;
" it îs made subject to cens et rentes seigniorial, foncière^
and not redeemable." And to the condition " of paying
each year on St. Martin's day, llth November, 30 livres
tournois in money.... of concession of hereditaments, of
Seigniorial grouid rent, and 3 sols o{ cens for the said em-
placement. Thj 2 renl of 30 /tVres in money ought, for the
time in which the agreement took place, to appear very
Iiigh, if not even excessive. Nevertheless, il was not the
object of any remark on the part of the Intendant. Ahhough
the contract was annulled for anothcr reason, can it be
believed that the Intendant would hâve kept silent respoc-
ting the amount of this rent if thatamount had been illégal ?
This is still one more proof that wherc the agreement bet-
ween the parties in the bail à cens had established the
amount of the dues, such a convention was not liable to
attuck.
178. François Massicot, censitaire of Batiscan posses-
sed more land than was contained in his title deed. This
gave (Kîcasion to a suit between the seigniors and him,
before the seigniorial judge, who decided the cause in favor
of the former. Massicot appealed to the royal jurisdiction
of 3 Kivers, where he oblained a judgment setting aside
tiiat of the judge of Batiscan, and maintaining the appollant
in the enjoyment and property of the surplus of tlic land on
208 a
puyment by him ot 2Q years of cens d rentes ;il ilie />/«> rata
of h is concession, without préjudice to llie current yrar, and
continuing lliese cens in pcrpeluity, and suhjcct^for the said
surplus, to ail the citarges mcntioncd in the said dced oj
concession. Tho seigniors carricd Iho oaso bolbn; the Su-
perior Council of Québec which by am't dated llie 15lli
Nov. 1756, confirmed Ihe judginent of llio Court of Tlirco
Hivers. (1)
This suit aflbrds new proof that, when iho Iribunals
wero callcd upon to iix tlio cens et rentes, ilicy Ibllowed the
rule of the coinmon law, already indicalcd, wliic^h in a si-
milar case, allowed thcm to weigh tlie circunistanees. If
therc liad been a limiting régulation, lln-y wotild liavo, at
once, applied it, rathcr than prolong the Uiigalion to aseer-
tain the ordinary or customary ducs in the bcigniory or the
neiglibouring scigniories.
179. I hâve given a statcmcnt of snch of the décisions
of the judicial authorities under the Freneh Government,
to be found in our books as may hâve aiiy i ni lue née on ilic
point under discussion. I hâve established ihal prior to the
arre7 of G th July 1711, the arnount and the natun; of ihe
cens et rentes were not uniforni, even in ihe conciîssions ù
cens made in the King's domain. Let us see if, aller that
pcriod, thcy became fixed and uniform in ihat domain ilsell
and if the rule that governed thèse concession was that
enunciated by the Intendant Ilocquart in his Ordinanee ol
Gaudarville, namely, l sol 3 deniers per arpent in superfi
des.
180. Beginning at page 242 of the volume containing
dceds of concession, wo fmd 5 of them, from 1731 to 1750,
granting en ccnsive, several lots of land situate in tin
(I) Ed. and Ord. in-8o, v. 2, p. 210.
209 a
n\xi\\ir\\i {Ih'troit) of Lnk<> Kric (1) Tliroo of llicse con-
ccssioiis wcrc! iiiadi; by tlic (iovrrnor and iIm; Inirndanl
If(U'(|iiarl hiin.sfiraiid two by tlie (Jovcrnur and llie Intendant
BiL'ot.
Ail an; niadc on tlio sanv; footiny, willi icfrard tn tlic
cens et rmics, wWu-.U arc stipulatod in nioncy and in wlieat
narncly, 1 sol of cens lor cacli arpent <>f Iront and 20 sols of
rent lor eaeli 20 arpents in superlicies, and nioreover lialf
a niinut of \\ lieat l'or every two arpents in Iront, tlic renl
thus makini( (valiiint( iIk; wli(;at at -1 J'rancs) I .soi (! deniers
per arpent in superficies.
VVe furtlier lind tliere tliree other concessions, inade in
the same place iVoni n.')! to nô.'î, l.y tlic (iovcrnor and
Intendant Bigot, caeli al dilierenl rates : tlie IJrst dated the
lOth October 1751, to iju; Abbé ]»i(iuet, inisssionary, of .', x h
arpent, for tlie considt-ration of " 5 sols of rent and (5 de-
niers i A' cens, yearly," l'or the \vliole loi of land, riiaking 1
sol 10 deniers per arj)ent ; llic second, datcd 12tli .Tune
17r)2, to Douville I)e(juindre of ilio JUvj; Island of about ^
a leai,Mie jn leni,Mli by 20 arpenis in breadtli " al tlie rate"
of 2 sols oï (wj.vand 1 lirres of rcnt, and lu-sides of 1 minot
of uii-rcliantable wlieal f(tr tlie wliole of the said conces-
sion, u;ivin<4- only aboul 2 deniers per arpt.Mit in superficies,
valuin-r die ^\ lieal at 1 francs the niinot : the .3r(l concession
diited the KJih May 17.53, to iIk; saute Dequindre, of H x GO
arpents, al tlic rate of "■ 1 sol of cens for eaeh arjx'ut in
Iront and 20 sols of rcnt for evcry 20 arpents in sujjcilicies
uiakini-- for the said H'^.GO, 8 sols of cens and 21 lirres of
rent and besides of 2 minois of merchantal)le Avhcat for
(1) Concussion of 2 x lO, to Chauvin, 10 .hinc 173i.
4 >^ 40, to J5oiili(iniino, 1 Sept. 173(i,
3 X lO, to Navarre, l May 1717.
u
<i
12 xfO, to do [iongiit'uil, 1 April 1750.
2 « 40, to lléaiune, « «
27
•2 1
II
ilii --ai'l M ;u|ii'iii cl iVoiii/' tliii' '.\\\ ' ';■.
Iiiiiu>) I aol \ ileniei'n |)«.'r aqK'iit iti Mip' iiit 1rs.
>• liC^ll ill (
Fur IVoni Ix'ini» nniforin, th<> (hu!S for ihcso coticosslniir.
vaiicd frorn 2 ilcnin\s to I nol 10 deniers jut aipiMit in super
fii'it's. Tlic anunint ol' I sol (1 deniers is tliat ol" lliu llirct
concessions (o wliicli tlic Inli'mlant IIoc(|ii!irt was liiiusfH' a
parly. Tliis ainonnt is, if is Irue, Irss hy 2 deniers ihaii tlu-
vafc citnlaincd in liis onlinanoc ol' (Jaiularville, as Ix'irii,' llii:
" cens et renies orclrrcd by H. M/' ; liut il dilii-rs in ilu'
firciiinslance lliat |):irt ol'llic rcnt is in wheaf, wliilc il oni^'lil
lo liavo b(u>n in c-apons agivcably lo tliat onlinancn ; a ncw
rrason for not. bdievin^ in any roi^'iilalion liinilini^ lin
arnonnt and llic natnro of tlu; ducs. It will pcrliaps hc said
tliaf tlio raie of diosc llirt-c (.•onccssions niadc al Del roi (
iR'iiii,' Icss tlian tlip olhcr, tlic Intendant Iloccjuarf conliniMl
liimself witliin tlie liniils announec.'d in liis ordinanc(; ot
n;3H. He if so. lint scarecly tliree years iiatl passed aftei
iliat ordinanee, wlion \vc sec tlii.s M. Ilocciuarf and tlie
Uovornor INI. do Hcauliarnois, granfinir, on tlio I. si May 17 tl,
(I) to François IMocpiicr, a concession of 5 arpents in Iront,
to llic south of F^ort St. Frédéric, al tlu; rate of 1 sol of cens-
foi cacli ar|)cnt in front, and 20 sols of ront for overy 20 ar
pcnis in snp(îrlicies, and fnrflier \\2 a minot of niercliantable
whcat for cvery 10 arpents also in superlicies," fliat is to
say, for 5 y, 40 arpents al tlic rate of 2 sols pcr ar|)ent in
superficies, tho wlieat valued al 1 francs tlic niinot ; wliicli
tnakcs one sixfli more tlian the ducs conlaincd in llic ordi
nance of Gaudarville. Anotlier similav concession of a lot
of land, sitnated in tlie same place, was madc, on tlic lôlli
Mardi 1714, by tlic same Intendant nnd tlic sarncGîorvcrnor
to tlic sieur Ilcrtcl Hcaubassin. (2)
"(iyï'itTTles Seij;. p. 21.5-2-161
(2) Tilic lies Scig. ; \). 246.
Note. — The nrrrt of tlic Supcrior Cfiiiiiril (iibovc. no, 1(>8) wlnc 1,
in tlic 'wc ol U'ibillai'l m[\\ lii'î sci^niior, liuil li\cil tlie valu-: '>f |li»=.
lill a
lil. 'l'IiiH ajhr tlii' DrtliiKiiK .' ol iln' liil«.'ii.lniu lluo-
v|(i;iit in \\ hicli lie is sm|))X).s(>(1 to Imvc naid that llu* Kiii^
li:i(l rt'<,MiliiU'»l tiic tlucH in inoiicy ami in cîipdiis, Jind, i/i
lacf, liiul lixt'il iliL'Mi al a raie rtiuivalcMit lo I sol S deniers
hy llic arpcMit in siipcilicics, wr sec lliis Inimclaiil liiiiisrll
iiialiini^ fonr'fssions, tn crusivc, in Mis iMajo.sty's iianit", ni n
iai<! now lowcr ami iiow liii^licr. Tlio cens et rentes uo\ bcing
(■ai)al)l(; ol bciiii,' an objcci ol' n^vt-nui; lor tlu; Kini,', wjiitli
ilicy n<'C('ssaiily woiild l>c loi' liis vassals, is il lo bc prcHi
MK'd tlial, il' lie lia<l liiiiihMl tlu' cens et rentes cxii^'ibic 1)\
ihvim last iVom liu.'ir ('(Misitaircs, Ikî woidd liavi' perinilictl
ilial tliosf wlio look concessions en censive in liis domain
«.V(»nlil, hy a pnru caprici", ol' iIp' (iovornor and lin; Intcn
liant luivc bccn Ircalcd l<'ss l'avorably tlian iIkî tenants ol
seiijtiiors ? That alone oiiLçlit to prove that llie King liad
uever mad<î a limitinq régulation, diirereni l'rom that which
mi^'ht arise ont ol" Ihe provisions ol" the arrêt ol' the Glh July
1711 ; and, l'iiv'her, ihis provision was niado oïdy for u easr
alt(>!/(>tli(;r peculiar. Even l'or this lust cane it may btî said
iliat the seignior liad luMiseU", in sonie sort, aiready lixed
the rate ol' the dues l'or the concession \vhi(di the (Jovernor
and Intendant oughtto givc on his refusai to do so, becaiise
iliey were lo ij^ive " subject lo ihe same dues imposcd on
llie ollier lands conceded in ihe said seigniory," [Atrct ol
171 1,) and that it was lie liiinsclf, the Seignior, wlio by pré-
viens concessions, liad aiready cslablished thèse samo dues
in his censive. There might llien be two diU'erent raies,
onc l'or the King's censive^ the oUier for that of lus vassal,
and without any limitation of the amount in eilhcr case,
wlieat at \fra)ics llie miiiot, is datcd tlic 2nd iNIarcli rif tlio sain»'
year, IT-il'. As i'ar back as tlie liltli Mardi 1GG9, an arrêt of the Sii-
peiior Couiicil liad valued the wlieat at 4 francs tlie iniiiot, Iiy ordai-
nin;;; " tlial provi^ioiially, for tlio space of 3 inontlis froiii tlio day ol'
" its iniblication, dobtors iiiiglit givo in paymcnt, as well to inorcliants
*' as to otlior creditors, !;ood and incrcliantabit! wlioat at tlio piiro oj
•' !• livres llio niinot, fnvliiddin<r llir samr lo lip nruscd. rtr."'
(Kd. and Oïd. \. 2. p. 1-7. )
212 a
Ti'hifh fimonni inii^ht l«; sf^K-timcs liic:lier, soniflinif^slower,
in tlif oiif cen.sive llian in îlir otlicr. (I) Mut llio (lis|»(isiti<tn
«)f llic arrft prcsiiiias llic ))(>'-sil)ilit\ ol n (lillrn-iicc hctwccn
tlir rîitcs oflwo vnisircs. lu tlic spécial case; to ^vlli(•ll it is
intrndcd \o apply, llicrr was réunion lo lli(> domain ol' ilir
rrown, ol tlic iand, nfuscd l)y tlic si-ii^iiior, and tiic d\ics lor
tli(^ conci'ssion ol' lliis land, tiiadc l)v tlu' (Jovcrnor and llic
Intoiidani, oiiijflit to Ix'loni,'' to [fis Majcsty : Ni'vrrtliclcss,
IlisMajrsty docs noi dir(>ct lliat, tlir concession sliall l)c
niade subject to tlic sauK^ dncs iniposcd in liis own ccn.sirrs^
l»iit subjcct to tlir ducs iinposcd in tlic seiijniorN ol' liis vas-
sal, altliough tho Iand llnis conccded sliould be .si.'vcrcd
l'roMi it.
\^2. Ont' lael vcry important, lo istablisli, in tliis mai-
icr oltlie anumnl oIiIk; cens et renies, is ilial no concession
m liel', antcrior to tln; (irnl.s ol' 1711, spccilles llic rate ol tlic
renl charité whicli tlic vassal coiild impose on liis tenants;
and lliat ot'all th(! concessions wliieli are posterior to tlicsi;
(P, In a lelter of tlic (Jlli <'rt. ll'M (p. Wlf ol" I )o(iiiiiciits"'' rc-
«eiveil iVoii) l'iaiicf) Messieurs de Jkauliariiois aiid llocquart, rtMidn-
riii"^ to tl e iniiiisters, an acrotiiit of llie ronressioiis wliicli lliey liad
made, say : " tliose wliich are cft crnsiv*: arc siluatod at hetroil, and
altnost ail settled alrcady. 'J'iie tille deedh wliich tliey hâve rocrived
coiitaiii nrarly Ihe saine clause*, with respect to thc reservaliiuis, as
(lie concessions in l'ief, and tlie char<;cs are aiso the saine, as tliose to
winch Ihe individiial seii;nior ordiiiarily suhjecis tlieir vassals, with tlio
exception of the liherty thaï is given to (lie j;rantces at J)etroit, to pay
to the receivcr cl" the domain the cens et rentes in furs, uiitil sucli
lime as money shall hc estahlished at that post.
Thus, far froin the concessions m ccyisivc nrule in tho nanie of
llii: Kin", sorviiig as a ruie for fixing the dues for those made hy parti-
cular scigniors, it was, on the contrary, thèse last that were, on this
occasion, adopied by tlir ( Joveri\or and Intendant as intended to s(!rv"
as a nile for the t'ormer ; which exdudes ail idea of the existence of a
liiiiilni^ régulation.
21.3 a
arri'ts^ find wliîcli aro vfry imincroiisf, fonr only make men-
tion (»1 u spec.ilic rate ; (;ven in that ros[)ccl, too, ilicsc lonr
c<»n(;pssions an; noi ail alike.
The flrsi, wliich bears date llio 10 April 1713 (1) istliat
ol'thc second pari (or aiii,'nientation) oC the Seii^miory <•!'
Meaiiniont, near (^iiebee. Il Mas niade hy \\w (ioveriior,
iIk; Marcpiis ol" Vaiidreuil, and IIkî Intendanl Mei^'on, to
Charles Conillard, sieur de HeaumoiU, llie son (2), "• siihicci
lo die eondition ol'concedintr " the said lands on a simple
" r(!nt charge ol" 20 soh and 1 cap(jn l'or every arpent by 10
" in deplh, and G deniers ol' cens, withont ihat lie conld
'' inserl in llie said concessions eitlier u siiiu ol' iiioney or
" any charge, but tliat ol' a siiiiph^ rcnt charge and tîiose
(1) Til, tlt's ?>(jig., p. (ii.
(•2) Jn liis pétition the grantoe allèges tlio followins ''=^'"ts : '- 'l'Iial
tlie sieur de lieaumont, liis father, lias not oiily scttleil tlio Scigniory ol
Beaumont, graiitcil to liim and of wliicli lie is in possession l'or
more tlian U) years, but tliat lie bas extended fartlier iii d..|>tli Uy ahout
one league aiid a lialf beyond tbe said concession, î/pow vhich hind in,t,
conciliai to huit, lie lias l)ccn ai much, cxpcnce (Uul coiicalnl scvcrai
/oi,s- o/7am/, belioving tliat the said depth beloiigcd to liim, and iioi
discerning tlie contrai y but witbin 'i or 3 years, wben lie received tiit-
do.nl of concession of tlie said seigniory of Ueauinont.and as it is more
just tliat tbe said sieur de lieauinont bis fatbor, or bis lamily, sbould
profit by tbe said land ratlicr tlian any otber, seeing tbe consideralilf
expcHJo tliat lie bas incurrcd in ils setlleinent and tliat lie is in posses-
sion of it, etc., etc."
Witbout any doubt, Ibc r.-ite spccillod in tbe deed of the lOlii
April 17i;i was ibat abeady adopicd by tlu; seignior as weil for tins
a;i llitî iirst concession. JOitlier tlio mention of tbe rate miglit bave beeii
Miggested by tbe petitiouer biniself, tbe better to succeed in bis daim,
and to ex(UM> llie encroacbments of bis fatbcr, or prohably it was
Iliade, only to piolect tbe tenants against any attenipts wliicb Ibe sei-
gnior miglit bave made to raisc tbe rates of thcir ccm cl rentes inuler
pretext of bis ncvv title.
214 a
" linrt'in abovo acct)nlin,<< to tlie internions wl Hi.< Maji-.stv, '
tliat is lo say, ocriain charges or réservations containcd in
tlio (itle tk'cd of tlic fiel' itsc'lC and wliich iIh- sciguior \va>
allowed or rnjoinod to stipulate in lliu ciceds \vliicli In-
^liould give to liis tenants.
In valuing tlio capon al 2()so/.s, as was done afierwards
in tlie Ordinancc of Gaudarville, a eoneession, on the terni>'
abovo speeified, would amount to only 1 hoI of roni l)y llic
arpent in superficies, that is to say, 2[r)tlis Ic^s ilian tlif
rate enuncial<'d in that Ordinancc as being the rate onh'reil
by Ilis Majesty. It follows, then, that the raie (^ontained in
the second concession of Beaumont was not a gênerai rali',
established by the King for ail the seigniories, bnl nuîrely
one j)cculiar to this seigniory.
183. The second concession in Fief making mention ol
a sjiecifie rate; of dues is that of the first portion of ihe seig-
niory of Miihî Ish's (St. Eustache, Disiriet of Montréal,)
given on the 5th Mareh 1711, (I) by the s.ime (Jovernor and
Intendant to the Sieurs de Langloiseric; and Petit, under the
obligation " to concède the said lands, subjeet lo
" the simple dues of 20 sols and 1 capon for cach arpent «)!
" land in front by 30 in dej)lh, ;ind G deniers of cens,
*' without that ihere can be inserled in the saideoneessions,
" eifhcr any sumof money or any olher charge ])esidi;s ihal
" of a sinij)le rent charge and thosc herein above, according
" to the intentions of n. M." (2) whidi would make (tlic
capon lieing valued at 20 sols ami iIk; concession beingonl}
of 30 arpcntt' in depth) a rent of 1 sol 1 r/r/nVr.s ])er arpent in
superficies, cxceeding the rate fixcd by tlic dceil ol' »(»nc(^s
sion of the second portion of Bcaunioni, Ijiit less ihan that
of the ordinancc of (jau<larville.
(1) Tit. (les Seig. p. «VO.
(2) For tlu> nicaninn \>y llu; wokIs, "tliose licrrin al'uvt .'' sop tli<'
♦'(iirgoing no.
215 a
'riic KiiiZ^'s Pillent C'ontirinini^ lliis coiicessiDn i»(' MilK'-
Islcs is dîilocl ihe ôili May 17 IG. (1) It récites almost ail tlie
iliaij^'cs i,r eoiulitiona inserfed in tlio drod ol" concession,
witli tlio exception, nevcrtlieless, ol' tlmt of tlie cens et rentes,
oi' wliieli it Miakes no mention iinder any lorni wliatevcr.
That is not ail ; tliere is a second portion (or augmen-
tation) of tlic seigniovy of Mille-Isles. Tiiis concession was
made to M. Dmnont on ihe 20January 1752, by tlic (jiover
iior M. de la Jon<piière and llie Intendant Bigot. ('2) It is
said Iherein tliat lie will cause " tlie like conditions to be
ins«^rted " (llial is to say sucli as are contained in liis own)
" in tli(.' concessions wliicli lie will mako to his tenants,
subject lo tlie cens el rentes and dues customary l)y tlie ar-
pent of land in front l)y 10 in deptii." The saine lliing is
repealed in tlie j)atcnt of ratification wliicli is of tlie date of
Isf June I7.Ï3. (;i)
Tliere are two icmarks to niakc regarding tlicstj Ivvo
concessions wliicli, I believe, forin ut présent but onc seig
niory :
Ist. Froiii ilic fact lliat tlio clause in tlie il(;ed of llic
second concession nîlaling to tlie cens et rentes is repeated
in tlie patent of conlirmation, and tliat tlie clause in tlie
dced of tlie second concession liniiting tlie amount of tliesc»
same t'eus et rentes was not so repeated in tlie patent wliicli
concerns it, miglit wc; not conclude tliat tlie King was
not désirons to give eflect to the liiniting clause of llie dced
of tlie first concession ?
2nd. IJy tlie second concession, tlie cens et rentes wen;
'o be tlie usual cens et rentes for every 10 arpenta in dcptli,
\vliil(! in îlie lirsi ilicy wero fixed for lands oiily 20 arpents
(1) IJrcvots de llutifit,, p. 10.
(2) 'l'iti.; doî Siio. ; ,,. 229.
{'\) nicvfh i: lalif, y. }'M.
216 a
in dcpth. The ncw concession docs not sl.ilc lliat it \vul
bc Uie nsual ccna cf rentes in tlie fir.st coneession ; U-l us
Mipposo tliîil fsueli was imd(;rsl(n)d, lliere would llx'n be a
diHerence of .]tli bewecn llie ducs in tlic two portions of tlie
scii^niory. Now thèse two concessions are posterior lo the
iwo cclcbratcd arrêts of tlic Gth July 1711 ; andlhc last is
vvvn posterior to the ordinance of (iaudarvilhî of the 23rd
.lanuary 1738. Would it not hâve been iawful for the seig-
nior lo liave adoplrd the rat(^ enum-iatcd in thaï ordiiuinci'
for the second portion of Milhj Ish-s, if sucli rate liad rcaily
been ordered, or aulhorised by the King ?
181. th(; third concession which makcs mention of a
lixcd rate is lliat of the iirst jjortion of ihe scigniory of tlie
l.ake of Two !SIountains, uiade to the Seniinary of Mont-
réal on the 17th Oct. 1717, (1) under the obligation
" to con(M.'d(.' the said lands at the sinij)le charge of 20 sols
" aiul 1 capon for each arpent of land in front by 10 in
'^ d(j)tli, and of Gileniei's of cens, without that there can bf
'■'■ insertcd in the saitl concession, either suins of ruoney or
'^ aiiy otticr charge besidcs a siuii)le rent charge, according
'^ lo llis JNIajesty's intentions."
This restriction on the alif.'nation of the fief, which
lh(^ scigniors of the I.akc of 'l'wo ]\b)untains uiighl inakf,
is considcrably niodilied by tli(> patent of ratifaration, which
is (laicd ihc 27lh April 1718, (2) which j)atciit mentions,
'■'■ uiidcr the oljligation to concède the said lands
'■'■ which are in standing wood, on the simple, condition oi a
*■'• relit charge of 20 sols and 1 capon for ('ach arpent of
" land in front by 10 in dcpth, aiul of <i deniers of (v/(.s',
"• wilhout that there eau be inscrti-d in tlii' said concessions
"• either aiiy suiii of money or any otlier chargf^ than that
" of a simple relit charge, llis Majesty, nev(;rthelcss, per-
(I) 'J"it. tii's t^eig. !>. 337.
(■2) Brevets de ratif. p. 7.
217 a
*' iiiillinii; lliein lo ^tll ur givt; ui u liii^lifr rcjii clmrgt\ tlif
" luiaib wlaTcul' ijiiL' lourtlu :it Ifast, slinJI Iji; t.-lfared."
\Vc- m;iy Imtc n.'iiuuk iliut tlu: laU; ul' ce/w c/ rentes of
iliis foncession i?» similur to lli:it iiicntionL'd in tln> concos-
hioii ol" tlic .second part ol lieiiuiiu)nt (valuing tlic capon as
Ibr tlîis lust s(;ii(ni()ry at 20 aoh) s^avc in iIh; (.'xccptional
'•ase nicntioned in tlic paient of tlie 27lli April 1718. Jiui
niuller did not long continue ihus, as \ve .sliall .^ee hy tlie
deed ol' concession ol" tiie .second portion ol tlie Seigniory
ol" tlie Lake, wliicli bcuis date tlie :;2Gtli September 1733 (Ij
Tlii^ concession was inatle to tlie saine Eelesiaslics, " on
" llie condition tlierein to Ueep and cause to be kepl
'■' hoii.sc and home, by llieir tenants w itliin tlie year and day,
'' in dei'ault wliereol' il sliall be reunited lo II. M. \s domain ;
" to clear and cause to be cleared incessantly tlie .saidland ;
"' to allow tlie Kiug's liigliwa) < and otliers necessary l'or
" public us(; in tlie said concession, aiul to cause tlie inser-
'' tion ol" tlu^ like condition.s in tlie concessions wliicli tln'y
" .shall niake to tlieir tenants at tlie usual cens et rentes
" anil dues pcr arpent ol' land in front by 40 in tleptli."
Tlu* paient ol' ratification wliicli js dated llie Ist Afarcli
173."3 (2), is siniilar to tl. ■ extracl above i,dvcn front the ileed,
as far as the woids " iii tlie said concession " ; il tlien suys,
'' and lo cause tii' like conditions lo be inserted in tlie con-
'• cessions by di-ed wliicli tliey sliall nuike to llieir tenants,
" sulijcct lo the u; ual <(7/.s, rentes and dues for eacli arpent
'' of lainl in the ne)i^^}h^)ur!!}^■ se.iirniories^ regard being had
'■' to the nuidihf aud situation of the hereditanicnts, at thr
•' ////tf'of llie saiil concession, ofiadi land al'Jteing thiU ichich
"• ///.s Majesl}} ivishes uiso to lu: uttserved, as respects the
" laiids and hercditaments (\f the .seigniorji of the tAilie of
■'■ Ttru Mountaiiis. (Kloitgiin:; to the s(fi(t IJr/esiasties, not-
( I ) 'l'ilirs vlt,"^ ^"^'K' !'• ' ' ' •
\£i^
(l
'■ withaliiudiiig l/te ,ftxtn^ uj Ifiu ;i(iui enta aiid ilitea uiiil ol
" tfie (fuaiitilif <)/ Itiiul u/ iKc/i lumcr.iiiion, inentioned in Un
"' no id paient uJ lllii,/roin ichUk lits Mitjcalif hiin dirogu
" ledr
'l'hc wonls of llu' piitcnt \\liic:}i arc in Itafics vviTi; noi
«.•DUtaincd \n \hc dccd uï' coiiccssiDn. 'ilu-y einbrufc tin-
Jirst as \v(-'ll as tlu- sec-ond portion oi tlic rii'ignioiy, aiid in
t'onseciui'iicf olditorated IVoni llie t\ci'd of conccs.sion ol tliai
fir.'st portion tlic (•vcopiional claiisL' limiting fo one sul {h>
for Jioaninont) thc rcnt payable by (lie crnsilaifc. If tlii^
liniitini,' rlause liad tlii- cMi'ct, as lias bccii pntcndcd, to
csiablisli a g'-ncral nitc, bindini( ih\ ail tlu; otlicr s<'iifniorii!>
îlic rcsult ninst liavi; becn tlialtlu- >;ui.'.i in \\\v. ncii^libtmrini;
.«•t'igniorit's lo tliat of ihc Laivi-, v.ould liavo iiceii rt.'durrd U-
ilif anioiint of tliis Jast. lu tiiat casi', il wiiikl, tliercfort*
liavc brcn an absiirdily lo say, as was donc in t!ic patent of
1735, lliat iIk; scipfniors of Two Moiintains, noUvitlislan<linii
ilii' liinitinif l'Iaiis; , niimdit coneode at tiic rates of "• tlie
iisiial cens, reiils ■■•mi dne>, fur eaeli arp(,'nt of laiid in tlie
neij^'liboiirini; sej<^riiories," sinee iliis uoidd liave been tlie
haine rate, as tlial tlieretofore existini^ in llieir own .seii^niory ,
•ind establislied iinder tlie inlliienee of llieirown title tieed.
'J iieri 1^ oiie la->l reinark to malu', as lo ihe spécial
tille- di iIun seiy;iiior}. Tlie eonce's>ion of 1717, containiiiii
ih" liiiiitiiii,' clause iinder revimv , iiiak(,'s no incnlion
■ >\ otlier stji^.iiories ; n ùllier does tlie pateni of ralifu-ation
of nj."), \\ liicli rr\okes tli's clau>c. If, reasonini; by indiif
Mon, oiif \v oiild coii.sider liiiii^cil inslified in niainlaininy
iliai llii- liiuil iiiy; claiiM' lia^ liad llic resnll of aHi'cliii^ ail
ihc tillic >ei<f;(;<>rie>, jm il niav be >aid, s'.eli iiiust liavi
been tlie i\in^'> inteii*' lu, ililu)iii(li iliat intention does iioi
ippeai /ll.erui.-e liiaii i.-, du lucrc iacl <if llie in>t'rli'iii ol
diis ( laU'-i' m a pari iinl ir dci d ; a>>iiiedl\ ilie --aine reason
;j)ii4 cML'Iii ti. tipi'ls, v\ idi il' ]"*- l'M''', ui du paleni <»( 173'>
àUii lu l(:;iil llv tu Ilic in<- , 1
c.l.l.
.Iii:llisiutt lliut lilit iMttJIl!,
by ;inniilluu;- ilic .■l;iu>-<' ut liimiiiiiuii ;i< ni^.'irds \\iv bt-it,'-
• liois <»r Tw <> .Mi)initi(iiis, li.'iv; n('ct'-.s!iiily Iim<I \\\c i-lil «i ni
''\(Mri|ilin!^ :ill iIh' otlicr «riufninrif- iVuiii its opcriitioii, lor
•«ilcli oiiyhl ('(|ii;i||y lu |i;i\(' hmi llic Killl,''s illli'Ilt iuii
Tlifrc is llic siinic vcmsum lu iiilrr l)\ iii(iii(ii(.iii lliis ruyal iii
!<Mili(in, in tlic une cnsc :is iii lin.' uilicr.
IH."). Iii fmc, llic lonith nn<l I:isf f'OTU'o«>«iuii, in whirli
tlu" Niiiuimt of cc/is r/ /vv'/r."-' js round nicnlinncd^ is dutcd
llic ISlh April 1727. (1) It i-^ <\ ('"ncc^sion n( \\\<- rn'1'Sinnt
.li'fin (or ils !ini:;in<'nl:ili()n), siliiiitc in tlif Disivici of Tlircf
Kivcrs. Il \v;is madr to tlio Kiditrions l'i-snlin»' I.ridios ol"
iirci-
|{
ivi'is
ii\
m\
ijrct lu llic {•oiidition nul fo
coiiccdc lli(« said Innds cNncpt on a sirnplf rcnl r))ari,'(» ol
-Ml sols and 1 capoii fov cacli arpoil in front hy twcnty ar-
Ix'Dts in (l('|)tli, and G deniers ol' <v».<î, willioni diai ilifrc
• •an 1k' inscrtcd in llic said concossions ciilicr any snni ol'
inuiii'V whatsocvcr or anv oIIkm" oliarifc but tliat oi" a siin
pl(! rcn
\ cliarur, accordinur to II. M's. int<'nlion'
■rS" 1
(•î)
Il will 1)0 scon tlial, thc rain of dnoti^ as lixpd l'or iliis
liidSt. .Iran, is double thaï whifdi liad hcrn cstahlisiicd l'or
tlic siM'ond pari of Heaninont, in tiie fîrsl plact», ;uul allrr-
\v;irds l'or thc fnst part of T'ao Monntains. Il anioiints to 2
.sv)/,s' pt'r arpont in suprriicirs, hy valnini,' tlu; rapon al 20
sols as for tlic two odi<'r sciLrniorirs and tliat of Mili<'-Isl(>s.
It, consoqnontly, cxi.-fods hy JMitlis tlii" raie of tlii:^ la.st.
I8(i. Il is furtlu-r to ho rcniarKrd tliat thèse four ron-
cessions weri! net tlic tirsl tliat hail heon tjiviMi aftcr thc en-
rcfi^istration of thc arrêt of 1711. Twoofhcrs had prcecMlod
(1) Brevets de ratif., |>. SI.
(2) h'oc no. 1-21.
(^\ Tho palrnl ni' lalilicnlinn fit'lhis ronnrssion i< niontioiicd iinder
no. 100 in M. I )unkinN analysis, païf 2, p. t'3. If dors nnt nppoa»-
•;ha« tlii» clause |iinitina tli<^ raie wa^ icpoatod in llie pntiMit.
'2-20 (i
tlniii, iicule i>ii ilir •■i i Miiirli 17 IJ, "11'- <»ii ili.' ii\ei Y.imaa
ku tu M, (le Kiiinesay, (Jovitihm- »>( .Montréal, ;iik) tlir otiier,
the augmentât inn of Belœil^ to tlic Sieur do l.onmiPtiil, tlie
Kiiiii;'s Lieutenant in ilie (.iovernment ol" Aîoiiirenl, (I) NDw,
lliere is no mention of tlie dues wliieli tlie i\vo j^'rantces
conkl impose on tlieir tenants. Tliere liad, therelore, been,
asyet, no discovery of a fixtwl ^'encrai and unilorin rate in
llio provisions of the arrcls ol" Marly.
18G (Iwiee.) But ol the lonr speeial concessions wlicreol"
we speak, wliieli of tliem iw it tliat tlu? partisans of a fixed
and gênerai rate wili l)ring forward to snpj)ort llieir préten-
dions
i >
I»' it tliat vliieli aiitlK)rises tlu^ rate tliat is liigliesl
Or will
in amonnt, or tliat wliieli eniinciates tlie lowest '
thcy déclare tliat tlie average of tlioso four concessions must
be taken ? In tliat case, it will follow tliat in granting tli<;
higliest dues, as to llic Ursulines of .'3 Hivers, or the lowest,
as to tlic Seignior of Beanmont, llie King liad not, at tlie
timc of making tliose concessions, iIk; intention toestablisli
a gênerai riile for tlie otiier seigniori(!S of Canada, by adojv
ling llie one or tlie otiier of thèse two amounls, but nierely
to makc individual exceptions, one of wliicli treated more
favorably the proprietors of tlii; fief St. .lean, and less favo-
rably the proprietor of the fief licaiimoni. In the ct)ntrary
System, \ve should be forcibly led to tliis, almost absurd,
conclusion; thaï in acknowledging tliat, untilthcyear 1713,
ilii.'rc had been no limit to llie rate of cens et rentes, things
were wliolly changed al thaï period, by the adoption of a
nniversal rate, arising from the concession of Beanmont, and
ecjuivalent lo the fixed siim of one sol per arjienl in super-
ficies; ihai matters changed el(>vcn montlis thereafter, by ihc
adoj)tion, in 171 1, of another imiversal raleof 1 sol 4 deniers
resulting from the lirsl concession of ■Nfilhi-lsles ; that either
this raie, or the mean between ihis rate and that of Beau-
( l) 'Fit. ile-s «ipijr. p. 454. and 4-5.'),
•2-21 a
iiioiil, Jiiiiht liu\r ht-cn lin- ^i.'ticral iiilc uiuil dit.' yedi 1717.
atid perlifij)'^ r\vn iititil 1707, tin; (|:itf i)( \\\v ronrr'^'<\on ol
tlif licforSt. J(!aii, Mcf'ordiiii,^ ;i>^ ilic lir-^t coiicc^^ioii oCTuo
iM()Hnl;iiiis, uliicli diitfs IVojji du- lirxt of diosc iwo ycîirs, i-j
rtipiiblr (>r ht'inii iiUcrpn'Icd ;is linvini^' li;td tlic t'Hi'i-l oitlirr
ol' îdlowitiy; dus iiitMii lo suhsisl or ot' iiiakiiu,' it to disappenr,
ami tlit'r(d»y lo n'diicc ancw fo ono ttof i\w rnic of tlic cens
of re7ih:s\ rvrn lor iIkî sfiij^nior ot" Mdl<î-Islcs ; Sinoc, tlie
concession oC 'l'wo Monntains woidd \\n\r. lirout(lit us hark
atjfîun, in tliat case, to llio stato of tlnn<i;s in 171.'}, diai
/n/Jocv;»/ State ot' wlii(di tlie Intendant, M. Ilandol, spoke :
diat, in tine tlie rate ol'dues would liave beeii irierely jnodi- '
lied anew in tlie year 1727, hy l!ie adoption of tluî rate of
2 .sols authorised l)y tlie eon(!ession ol' tlie fief St. Jean, and
tliat since this iast period, eitlier tliat rate of 2 sols, or tlie
avcrai,'e, hetween tliat rate and tlic; rate, citlicr of Hiîanmont
or of tlie first averaf,''e ahove indieated, mnst liave heon tlie
gênerai ride for ail \hr eoncessions, as well past as future.
JJoes not tlio démonstration of the lallaciousness of tlie Sys-
tem aijfainst wliieli I liave been eontendintif amount to tlie
lii^liest evi(l(}nce ! It seems to In; a mall«;r of cause.
187. Anothcr autlientic document whicli furtlier repels
tiiis System is ilie Intendant IJi^ot's ordinanec^ of iIk; 27tli
May 1758 (1), whicli appears lo liave been tlie iast rendcred
on this subject under tlitî French Government. Tliat Inten-
dant liad, by a judi^ment of tlie Htli Octolx'v 1751, enjoined
on possessors of lands, holdinî^ of tlie Kinii; in Ihe ccnsive of
Québec, to report, at tlie Otlice of the domain, ail their title
deeds, in order ihat tliey niii^ht Ix? enregistered, by exlrads.
The director afterwards presented a pétition to the Intendant
setting forth thaï in proceeding in exécution of his jugment,
lie had asscrtaincd tliat the cens il renies of tliree fonrths of
the emplacements were unknown and to he regxilaled, the
(1) '• Doc. Seig." v.2,p.
ono
♦222 a
»iritji;ml dteil-» hciiig lu«*i ; tlitit lu- li!i<l si cii. by lln^ dt'i.-Js i>;
lin- oIIkt Innrtii, lliat iill lin- confos-^ions iti ilir lowii IhkJ
bceii ijnmftMl l»y tlic (Jovcniuis :m«l Infciidiints, siiI>|ih-I li.
llie fli;iri!:<' »'l •"» ■"'"/•'* •' thniersiAcens il rt'nfrs, piiyîibl»' ycurly,
ut llic oliiff ni" tln' rcccivcr ol' llic <l(»iii:iin ; iIimI iIu; coiirc'j
sions ol' Imids in tlic />(»}//<•»*'• of (^ikIm r liad Imm-h uiadc,
snl)jfH*l tf) lli»' <'li;trt,'o (ifo/tf denier ofotia et rentes forcvcry
arpent in sii|K'rlioi<'s, and lliat il wero woll ihat tlio venu
et rentes sliould Ix' fixfd.
Tlio Inti'nd.'int, hy liis ordinancc;, flxed at \\\r. rcspoctivc
ainoiiuts ahovc nicnlioncd, tlx- said cens et rentes, pciniiltcd
llic dir('(;tor to -uc l'dr tlic rccdvcry oIiIkmii, du llial Ibolinij:,
l'or 2!) y<'ars hack, and nrdcivd llial, in riituif, tlu-y slioidil
\)C rerovi'icd f\ ry It-n ycars.
Tlif lirst rcMcclion wliirli présents itseU'to tlie inind is,
lliat if tlie Kini; liad, as is pretended, lixed llie anionnl of
llie cinset rentes, tlierc WDuld n<ii liave l)een any neeessity
lor t!i' Inlt'iidant lo do so, un this occasion ; tln" second is,
lliat tli(' concessions in the Ininlieue ol' Qnehee, heini,' tlie
luost nncicnt, tlie rate of cf/i.s' v.l rentes adopliîd in tiiese con-
cessions nuist, aecordiiii,' to tlie System of tlic " sci^niorial
(piostions," liave l)econie tli* ireneral and nnitonii rnle in tliir
ne il; h bon ri nt( scitijniories, and liavo ('xtendcd, suecessividy,
fiot.i seiifniory to sei^niory, descendinij, on tlie onc liand, as
far as Aeadic, and, on tlie ollier liand, ascendini,' as far np
as Détroit on Lak<' Eric. Tliis rate wonld liav(> liad tlie
double advantai,'e of beini^ fixed and very moderato, only
«Mie denier p(;r arpent in sup(,'r(icies. 'J'iiis woiild really
havc be(,'n tli« inodicuni eanon of wliieli J)nm()iilin speaks.
Inder this system. tlie 121tli article of tlie (^usloin of Parie,
wliich allo'.vs tli(i ccnsil;iin> to preseribe n<,'ainst liis sei£(nior
as to the nmount of Iiis cens, wonld liavr b(>en ^iinply nn
ubsurditv or nonsen«p
1^ Jt'i-'ds (*;
htWIl liiicJ
stil>ieet In
)lt' y«';irly,
K! COUCfS
en in;i(l<',
H lor «'vcry
t tlu: l'fnH
n>s|)c<'tivi'
pciiniltcMl
;il ro(ttiiii(,
<• iiiind is,
iiu)nnt of
nccessity
rcitnd is,
x'int,' tlic
llii'sc fon-
•imiiori.'il
ili' in tlu:
■cssivcly,
liaïul, !is
s lîir ii|)
llilil tlir
îitt', oiily
(1 rcîilly
11 spciiks.
of P.'irifï,
s scii^niiir
luply nt.i
II
223 a
Liiil 11 \\;r.' iml lliii^, i\fii in llit- Kiny'j liuiiiuiii. l'IlciV,'
a^i iit ilif iiKli\ iiiiial <(!igMiuiic.><, Un; mit; ot cens et reiUe.i
liuil c'onslurilly vavii'cl, bdlli us reuartlt-d tlifir uinounf and
dicir niilure. 'l'Iio rtiiiccssJDns aircady ificncd t»», nuidu ui
Doiroii and l''»»ri Si. h'n'(l('ri<', piovr ttint ; and tlie rxtrncl ol
a if^istcr dt'|)«)silt'd in du- ollicr ot tln' Provincial Kcgistrai
(I), .sfltini^' lortli " llu; KirijLç's riii;lils ami rr-servalions in llm
concessions" all'ords nc\v cvidcncc ol" it, Froiu Uiut cxlruci
u c learn tliat tlic in'dinui'j) lali- oC dic ducs in iIk; Kini^'a
censires liad incrcascil, cvcn uiulcr tlic Krcncli (ioNcrnnicnt,
lo o/ir «o/ ol fc/tà' l'or cacli arpent in Iront, and ^0 sols ol
rcnl lor cvcry 20 arpcnl^ in siipcrlicics, and lialf a minot
olnicrclianlahlc wlicallor- -ryUNDariJcnlsol' l'ronl. Tlicre
is a widc dilli-rciice l)ol ,i tJHî liumblc and inoticratc rato
ol' lin; banlieue oi (^ucbec, iinposcd af dic tiinc tlic lirst con-
cessions wcie hkhJc in tlio coUtiiy, and tliis lomparativcly
considérable! raie wliicli tlnis bccaiiie, af a latcr date, tho
tirilinary rati- in tlic King's ccnaivea. IJut tlic one, ik» moro
iliaii ilie odier, ilid nol cslablisli a gênerai nilc, binding on
liis vassals.
IMM. 'l'Ile ordinancct)!" tlic Intendant Bii:oi, ( iicd in thf
picci/ding niiuibiT, lixcs aiiodier iinporlaiU point in connec-
lii.ii witli tlic ainouiit «il' tlie dncs, ilic uicr»; cmphiccnients
ucre distingnislicd fntiii lands properly callcd. Tlicsc etn-
l>htcenienls wcn;, in gênerai, cliargedwitli niucli licavier dues,
ol'ten varying according to die places and llic eircuinstances.
\\\ lliis ordinanee, wliieli ackno\vl(Hlgi'd tlic legality i)l' tluîse
vales, altliougli dillerenl, tlic rate ol' a land in tlie banlieue
ni (Québec, woidd nol liave Ixmmi more llian one sixiictli of
ilial ol an enijibirenicnt in tlic touii, Mij)poslng tliat tlie
'Niciii ol ilii> i injilae( ment îiiiioimtcd t<t an acre. Wc liuvd
secn, al Nd. 177, tliat an euipbictinenl ol' 01 ;^ 179 leel ad-
|oining tli<^ cliurcli ol' Si. Cliarles, (Hiver (."liaiiibly,) liad
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Photographie
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503
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becli concedetl in tlie year 1754, ssubjecl lo a t-harge of il
31,'igniorial lent ul' iliirly francs be-sides 1 cens ol" 3 sols. 1
hâve examined ilie lilles ot" a great nuinber of emplace-
ments^ of less tlian one arpent, coneeded in ihe town of 3
Rivers, at difl'erent tinies, froni 1G83 to 1752, ihe seigniorial
dues of wliieli vary froni 1 denier for 50 feet of front by 7
toises in lenght, to 15 livres in inoney, willi 1 live capon,
and 2 deniers of cens for an emplacement of 40 y, 20 feet.
By an arrêt of the Superior Council, datcd the 29 May
1713 (1) in a suit between the seignior and the possessor of
emplacements m the bourg of Fargy (Beauport), explai-
ning a jjrevious arrêt of the 22rd July 1GG9, the ducs which
the seignior might exact on ihese e«y>/ace?/ie;if6' are regulated
al " 1 sol per arpent of cens and a ehicken ready io capon of
seigniorial rent, " making, thus, a rent of 20 sols for an acre
by estirnating at ihat 8um the value of the capon. The
arrêt grants, iherefore to a particular seignior 15 sols abovc
what \vas paid in the King's censive at Québec by ihe
proprietor of an emplacement of the sauie exlent ; a new
proof thaï the rate with which His Majesty \vî"s content in
his own censives was not a rule for those of his vassals.
Yel the arrêt for the bourg of Fargy was posterior, not
only to the arrêt of Marly, but also to the Beauniont con-
cession, which lixed the dues at one sol, without making a
distinction between tiie concessions of lands and those of
emplacements.
Such a distinction lias, noi the less, exisled from the
commencement of the Colony. Il was the resull of the
oommon law which, on the one hand, recognized, in ail
cases, the legalily of a conventional rate, and, on ihc othcr,
specially gave to the Seignior the right lo alicnatc, that is to
say, lo dispose of his clmred lands in such nianner as hr
might think proper. This distinction was continued to oui
(1) Ed. andOid. in 8, v. '.', p, IHI,
2'25 a
thc
rlie
1 ail
Hhcr.
is to
s hr
I OUI
d.iv. Il is luniuiUv ackno\vle(J''ed bv tlu; hiw aboliîshini' ihr
selyniorial icnure, wlien il déclares (art. 2, ul" tlie Glli
section) lliat " ihe coinmissioners, in estiiiiating llu; yearly
" value of the lods et ventes in any seigniory, shall distin-
" guisli tlicse accruing on lands held as emplacements^ or
■•' building lots, or for otlier tlian, agricultural purposcs,
'' ivhich shall form one class^ from those on lands held for
'' agricultural purj^oses, which shalt form anothcr class ;
'• and the comniissioner shall apportion the ycarly value of
'' llic lods et ventes on cach class upon thc lands bclonging
'' to that class, charging cach land with a portion ilicrcof
'* proportionate lo its value with regard to lands held as
" emplaccmenis or building lots, or for otlicr than agricul-
" tural purposcs and proportionate to its cxtcnt with regard
'' to lands held for agricultural })urposes. "
189. It is in vain that the partisans of a lixed, liniited
and uniform rate attem])t to seek su])port from the corrcs-
pondence of the Intendants witli the King's ministers ; the
resuit of that corrcspoiidence militâtes against their System.
In his letter of the lOth Nov. 1707, the Intendant llaudot
establishes " that almost in ail the seigniories the due^
were difierent, some paying in one way, sonie in another,
aecording lo the dill'erent charaeters of the seignior," and
desiring, lie says, " to put things into a kind of uniformi-
ly," he asks for a law under the form of a Déclaration by
ihe King whieh would rcgulate for the ))ast as w'cll as for
the future the ducs for concessions at 1 sol of rent for cach
arpent in extent, and one c'apon for eacli arpent of f«>nt or
•20 sols al the choice of the grant(>e. ]\I. de Ponlchartrain,
m his lelter of thc 13th .lune 1708, tinis answers liiin. " It
is grcally to bc desired that the seigniorial dues througlioiu
llie whole cxteiU of Canada could b(; reduced on tlie sauic
footing. Sec wliat ('an be doue in llie lualter, and inforii!
me of il.'' Tlicn, without waiting for a new siateiiienv
from the lulcndani, lie diieclr- M, Pc-liaguais to prc^pare jr
'0
220 a
■■(incni uitli M. (l'Ai,au!8st'aii, ilu- tirait i»l' a law lt»r lire
purpobi! ol' rcguluting, as well fur tlie pas! as l'ur the rulure,
ilic (lues of the seignior at one soit ol rent and one eapoiï
for eaeli arpeut of laiid in front, or 20 sols at the elioie(> of
ilio grant(!e," going, in lliis rslill fiirtiier than i\I. Uaudot,
;since the latter proposed ihat the rent in inoney should be
one .s'o/ for the arpent in extent, or superfieies, wliile the
tninister seenis \o désire a rent in money of only one sol
for eaeli arpent of front. M. Raudot réitérâtes his sugges-
tions uf reforni in a letter of the ISth Oetober 1708, acconi-
l»anyjng il witli a mémorial," containing, he says, the due>
'' wliieh l hâve found in several deeds of concession, ail
" dijj'ercnl, on the margin of whicli 1 liave stalcd my opi
" nion concerning the diminutions and réductions wliieh
" mighl be made thcrein, and 1 ha^e in tliat acted in con-
" ibrmity witli the firsl concessions \vhich havti been given
" in innocent limes {dans un tems innocent) a. d in which
'' people did not seek ail thosc advantagcs." Well, then,
whal was it that the King did with ail thosc suggestions ?
Did hc adopt Ihem and givc thern cflcct by a law ? No
Thrce years afterwards, he ))romulgated the itrrêi of the Gtli
July 1711, and he did not touch on the question of the
amount of dues to fix their limits, as sruggested by the In
fendant and the minister. Ile left the parties free, as they
had always theretoibre been, to lix thcm by agreement. Ile
prescribed, ncvertheless, a rule for cstablishing this amount,
but it was merely for the exceptional case in which the con-
cession should be made by the Govcrnor and the Intendant,
on an tmjust refusai of the Seignior to make it ; and, still
this rule is only that of the common law in analogous cases:.
The concession was to be made, " subject to the same dues
as those imposed on the other lands conceded in the samr
seigniories ;" and when the King prescribed this rule, h<
was well and duly informed that those dues were différent
in alniosl ail the seigniories. He acknowledgod, fherefore.
'i27 a
'ih«'ii l»"^;ilily, liowewv ilitropTit fit»-) mii^lii [>'■ ' lli- wi«;liod
llKM-ofon^ tlic oxi'.tin:,'- -iMtc o{ lliiiii,'^ lo lir coiitinnod in tlii'^
l'csppct.
Siich \v;is ihc r.:\.^v wilh llie (irr>:ts ol tli»- F\ini( ol
France subséquent, to iliai of llic (ith Jnly 1711, more purti-
:MiUirly flie orrét of tlie 15lh Mareli 1732 rendered in eonse-
(juenco oi' sugirc^stions made by Messieurs de Beauliarnois
and llocquart wlio, even they, scemed to ihink that the
^îcigniors wero bonnd to concède at tlie rate of one sol of
rent per arpent, and a capon for each arpent of front. (lietter
of tlie 3rd October 1731.) noue of tliose orrnis contain linii-
tinir rccfulations on tliai liead.
190. Sueh was the law aîid sueli ilu- jurisprudence
under the Frencli Government.
I shail add but one remark. Our printed documents
contain the détails of a large number of contestations which
took place between the seigniors and their censitaires.
But \ve do not find any of them in wliicli there was a daim
for the réduction of seigniorial rents that liad beenfixed by
a long possessior, on the plea that the rate was too high.
I.S not this fact alone enougli to prove, in a manner tlie
most incontestable, that under the French dominion, the
iegality of rates thus fixed lins never been callod in
(piestion ?
But if no demand by the censitaire for the réduction
of this rate is to bc found, there is one such, at least, on the
reverse side. An ordinance of the Intendant Raudot,
bearing date the 15th .lune 1707, (1) informs us tliat Robert
Drason liad brought a complaint before liim against the
(1) " Extraits îles Kégitres du conseil supérieur et des régitres
d'intendance," by Cugnet ; Québec, 177:"), p. 23.
I hâve verified Cugnet's oxtract by a nianuscript copy of the Ovdi-
aance.
2*28 a
Mciir HerU'l who, ho said, threalened to eji'ct liim Irom w
hfibifntioa wliicli had \wv\\ concoded 1o liim hy the s'unir de
St. Onr'i, Avlicn lio \vas sci<,niior ol' tlio Cote Si. Louis, un
dfM- tlu' prelfxt, thaï lu; had i^oi it at too low a priée and for
um) modérai!» rents, althoiiii^h ho had paid him llioso ronts
vint il then. .Hrason's doed was dated Ihe last day of .Ta-
iinary 1GS5. The Intendant declarcd Drason " proprictov
l»y hmy pos;s(»ssion of tlio liabitation, with prohibition to iho
Sieur do Hertel irom tronblinsf him in thc enjoymont of lh(^
«ame."" IS'o one Avill doubt thc justice of this décision. If
ihe stipulation of any rate whatcver is binding as a^ainst tho
eensitaire, it is equally binding as against the soignior.
That wliich may cause astonishment in this afîair is
tfio hardihood of tho scignior's pretcnsion. That préten-
tion, however, appears to havc bcen ndvanced but on one
tieeasjon.
191. 1 pass now to the English Government of Ca-
nada.
By article 37 of the capitulation of Montréal, bearing
date the 8th September 17G0, the seiguiors and censitaires
are preserved in tho entire peaceable property and posses-
sion of their property seigniorial and en roture.
Thus their vespcctive rights and obligations remained
thc samo as thoy were under the French Government.
As carlv as the 23rd December of thc same vear, Mr.
Jean Noël was received by Govcrnor Murray to do feaity and
homage to His Britannic Majesty," by reason of fiis land
and seigniory of Tilly and Bonsecours," in conformity, it is
said, with the arrêt rendered by thc Military Council of
Québec on the 12t1i Novenb^r previous. (1)
(1) Tlic tollowing is copy of tliis net of foait.y and lioinage.
"In the jear one thousand sevcn liundred and sixty, on tlie twenf j
229 a
11).3. Ainong tlio iseiji^niorial documents recenlly pu-
blishful, \v(! lind un Arrct rrlîitivc tn ibc cens et rentes ren-
dered by tlin intlil;iry couiK-il of ]Montn;al ou thc 20tli April
I7G2, Ix'twcen llie sieur Leduc, .seiirnior of Isle Perrot,
appellant iVom a judi^ment pronouneed by the Militia Court
(Chambre des Milices)of llie Parish of Pointe Claire on ihe
lolli March ))revious, and Joseph Ilunault resjîondinit.
It appears that INIr. Leduc had been condemned by lliig
.lud*j^ment to receive, for the future, tlie renis of the laud
which the respondent possessed in his seigniory, at tiie rate
of tliirty sols yearly, and half a minot of \vh(>at, " not being
able, lh(^ judgment says, to alter any thing of the clauses
rontained in the deed of concession passed beforc Mr. Lc-
paillem-, notary on the fiftli August 1718. "
" tliird Decembcr in tho forenoon, in tlii; présence and in tlie conipany
" of lloyal notariés in tho Military Court and Conncil of Québec, Jean
" Noël, dwelling in this City, in compliance witli tlie Arrêt rendercd
" hy the said Council on tho twolfth Xovcmbcr last, which ordains
" that the said Noël conformably to his olTors, shall render fealty and
" homage to Ilis Tiritannic Majcsty in thc customary inanner, and
" shall pay dues and rent charg.^s conformably to his title deeds, lias
" repaircd to the Government ITouse of Québec, and at the principal
" door and entrance of the said lîouse, whcre being, the said Nocl
'■'• liaving- knockcd at tlie do^r , thcre iinmediately came a scr-
" vant of Ilis Exccllency James ■^.Turray, Governor General of
" Québec, and the said Noël having demanded of the said servant if
" His Excellency was in his aforesaid Governinont Ifouse , the
'< said servant said that Ibs Exccllency was witiiin and (hat he would
<• go and give him notice, and His Excellency having appeared, the
" said Jean Noël, in accordance with bis duty as vassal, v.ithout sword
<•' or spur, his head uncovered, and one knee on the ground, said to him
" that he performed faith and homage on account of Lis, land and
" seigniory of Tilly and Bonsecours holden in fiiU ficf and homage of
" Ilis Britannic Majesty, which fiefs bel&ngs (o him as cldest son and
<' heir of the late Philippe Noël his father to whom it bclon^cd '>v
■'■'• means of the purchase niadc by iiim thereoffrom Dame At\""elif!ni:
230 a
'V\\v arrrt ol' tli<' C'ouncil, on tfic appeal of Mr. Leduc,
is in ihfs" wortl^i ; " 'I'Ir- partie"* luivini^ becti liojird, the
" Coutieil bcinii; convinced lliat llio clause oontaincd in tlie
said contrafi wliicli obliges tlio Icsseo to riirnisli, yearly,
liait' a rninot of wlicat and 10 .S'o/.s-, for eacli arpent, is an
error of tlie nolary, tlic ordinary rate of concessions in
tliis country being to pay one sol for cach arpent of land
in superlici(-'s and lialf a niinot of wlicat for each arpent
of front by twenty in deplh ; it is ordercd that for ihe
future tlie rents for the land in question sliall bc paid at
the rate of 54 soh in moncy and one minot and a lialf of
" wheat yearly."
" Lod'arileiu widow tle Gaspé, Demoiselle Charlotte Le(îardenr and
" Siour Aiibort de (îaspé, as well in tlicir own nanies as holJing
" powers of Altornf>y froin tlicir otlicr co-heirs by deed passed before
♦' iMtre Barolet and Panet, Royal Notariés, on the 21st August one
'• thousand seven hundred and forty eiglit, and diily cnsaishié, to
" whicli lealty and homage llis Excelloncy bas rec<iived the said Joan
** Noël who has mado oath on the lloly Evangelists to be faithlul (o
" His Britannic Majesty, to do notiiing contrary to bis interest, to
" oboy the orders that shall be given to him in his nanie, and to keep
" his vassals in the obédience wliich they owe to tlieir King, the
" présent fealty and homage received subjeot to the condition on the
*' part of ihe said Noël to furnisli bis aval et daiomhranent wilhin
" the usiial tiine and of tlie dues which lie may owc by reason of llie
'' mutation of the said fiefs and seigniories agreeably to tiie original
** t'.tle deods. Of ali Vi/iiich tiie said Jean 'So'vA has domanded Acte
'' of the undei'signed ^'otaries who bave granted him the same. Done
" nnd passed at the principal door and entrance of the Government
" the day and year aforesaid, and Ilis Excelloncy has signed, also the
" said Jean Noël together witli us the undersigned notariés.
(Signed)
(Signed)
(Signed)
J. MURUAY,
JiCAN NoKi.,
Panet
2.SI n
Tliis arrCt lias In-on involicd as bcin^ lavoiablt- lo tfie
olaims set ibrth on l)io part of tlic ccnsifaires. I do not
tliink flial ail tlie consitairon, ;uk1 cspccially lliosc of tlis
banlieue of Qael)oc, wlio pay only ono denier per arpent in
superficies, approve of tlie prineiplo of tliis arrêt. Tlu;y
wonld not with satisfaction see allrilmtcd to an error of tlie
noiary tlic claiise in their contraet which fixes tlieirdues at
tliis rate of a simple denier to raisc as a conséquence tliose
dues lo tlie OiJinary rate of concessions in tliis country,
even to that established by the arrêt. In fact this arrêt
gave more to tlic stngnior tlian was given liim by the deed
and the judgment founded on that deed.
The arrêt does not rest on the principle of the increase
of thèse obligations : and so to cause tlie triurnph of this
latter principle, it sets aside the agreementof the parties.
The arrêt having adjudged 54 sols for the rent in
money and half a ininot of wheat per arpent of front, il is
évident that the land in question contained 3x18 arpents,
Hère is the Arrêt of the 12th November 1760 mentioned in the
foregoing :'.ct of fealty and hoinagc :
" Consiilering the pétition presented to this Council by Jean Nocl
'• whcreby he shows that in conséquence of the decease of Philippe
" Noël his father, in his lifelime seignior of the ficfs of Tilly and
" Bonsecours, and that in the quality of his eldcst £■ .\ ,ie beconie.s
" seignior of the ?aid fiefs, he desired to peifonn and . nider feally
'* and homage to His Brilannic Majcsty, wherefore he prays to the
" effect that il inay please ITis Excellency to receive him to the said
" fealty and homage on tlie oflers which he makes to furnihh the aveu
" et, dénombrement of the said fiefs and seigniory of Tilly and Bon-
" secours. Ilaving heard INlonsieur de La^'ontaine, Attorney General;
'* the Council orders that the said Noël, conformably to his offers shal
" perform fealty and homage to His Brilannic Majesty in the Cus-
'' tomary manner and sliall pay the dues and rent charges in conformity
" with his tille deeds. Sigued in the Register, H. T. Craniahé.
'J;j2 a
iliui 13 lo s»uy, 54 aijjtnts in bupeilicif:». liv \uluing iIju
wheat ut ■i/rancu ilm niiiiot, thc «/rt'7 cojidcMined tlie censi-
tuire to pay eiglit iivrca and Iburlt-en aulu yvarh, wliile
uccording to hiy dcod and the judgnicnt dI" tlic Militiu
Court, he was not bound to j)ay but tliix'c livria
ten sols. Tliis dilii'nînci- ol' mon; tbau ont; bail" i;\-
plains the interest M.Leduc badin c-nu-rini,' an appual,
The seignior of Lsk; Periol was nioiv liieky bclbii; tlit; tri-
bunal ot' this niilitary oouncil ol' 17G2 thau the seignior ol'
Cote St. Louis had been, in 1707, betbre the tribunal ol' tin;
civil Intendant, M. Uaudot.
192. (bis) On the 8lh ^ovenlber 17G(), ihe INJililary
Council of Québec, on the pétition ol' Mr. de la Martinière,
had rcndered an arrêt wni^h ordered the tenant on bis seig-
niories, " to pay him, on St. Martin's day, the elcventh cl
'' the présent nionth, the year's renl wliieli will l'ail due on
" the said day, in sjxu'ie, current money, and that at the
'' domicile and j)lace lixed by their d(;eds ol' eonee^^sion
\\hich présent arrct, h is .said, \vill serve fur a.
*' rule to ail the inhabitants within this governnient, and
" which for thatpurpose shall be read and published where
" necessary at the expense of the seignior who yball hâve
" occasion for the sarne."
Asearly as thetwenty sixth of thesanie motilh, the sanic
conncil, on the ])etition of Jean Lafond, ina>ler baker and
niiller, oftlic mill of lieauport, " rendcred another tirrct
" which ordered ail the inhabitants ofthat seigniory tocarry
" for the future their grain lo the niill of the said seignioiy,
" on the condition that the said niiller should keep the >ii'u]
" mill in good repair, should make good (lour and reiider a
" faithful account ; the said inhabitants bcing jjrohibited
" from carrving their grain lo be ground at other niills
" under the penalty of jjaying the ordinary Mim l'or grin
" ding and a fine of ten shillings, which présent arrc! shall
2:13 a
" 1)0 road aiid piihlishcd ni llic co-t :iii«l cxpciix' dl ilic -nid
" niilItT."
AnoditT arri't ot ilic miih'' l'omicil, dnicd tlic llili
Miirc'li 17(11, rciidcif'd on llic priitidii ol Cliiiili-s ( Oiiillnrd,
Heiii^uior ol IJcniinioiil, condciniicd six ol liis (■(•iisit;iir<'s •'■ lo
" |);iy llicir dues l'or irniidiiiu' uliidi llii'V owi' sinci- ilic
" puliliciltion of (iiir (irrri ot' llic ililli \()\ ciiihiT l;i-t, \\c
" prohibilitii^ tliciii froin carryiiiij; ilicir coin lo bc j.rv(iiiiid
" els(^\vli(>n' t|i;in at llic tnill ol' ihr <;iid sci^niorv, iiiidcr
" tlic pcnulty ot' llie fin»' iiiciirrcd niidcr die sait! (iri'rl, t'\-
" ciising tlictn, tbr tins tiiiic otdy, iii (••Jiisidcralioii ol tlir
" bîidiu'ss ot' die tiiiK's ; and condciiiii die didfMulants te;
" die costs laxcd at teii dollars, ('\|t('iisi' ot trav(d iii(diid('{l
" and tlu'SL' présents ; reservinij; to llir said itiliahilanls llie
" rii^lit to apply lo tlie c-ouncil if iIh'N liave niattcr ot' com-
" plaint against tlie rnilier or ai^^ainst tlie seii^nior on ac-
" connt of tlie said niill, w liieli arrrl sliall be read, pn-
" blished and posted n[) at lliedc.jor ot' the Parisli Clmreli ol"
" Beauniont.'"
193. 'i'Iiiis, in tlie short tiiiie tlial «dapsed between the
capitulation ot" .Montréal and tlie cession ot' Canada to
England by tli(> Ireaty ot" Paris t)t' tlie lOlli Febniary 17G3,
there liad passée! notliing w iii^di co'uld, in llie least, atl'ect
the reciprof^al ndations ol' the ^seigniors and censitaires, or
their respective rights and obligations and consequenlly the
question of the anionnt ol" cens et rentes.
The Québec act (1774, 11 Geo. 3, cap. 83, sec. 8,) does
no more than eonlirni and gnarant(M\ on the one hand, the
exercise of thèse riglits, and on llie otlier, the j)erforniance
of thèse obligations, m lii-n afîer liaving deelared that Mis
Majesty's Canadian subjects, " may hold and enjoy their
property and j)ossessions, /oi{<7/<<'/' luith ail customs and usa-
ges relative therelo,'''' it adds, " ihat in ail niatters of eon-
troversy, relative to property and civils righls, resort shall
30
2'A'{ n
l/(; liiul lo llic laws ol Ciitiiulii, mn llic riilc; tor llu- (Ifii
sion ol' tlif Sîime ; ;ui(l ull causes tluit sliall liciualier Ijr
iiistilulccl sliall In* tlctt'rmiiit'd agrcably to llie ^^aiJ
liiws and cii.sloms of Canada, unlil llioy sliall be vaiied or
ultored by aiiy ordinances lliat sliall IVoin time to timu bf
passod" by llu' Ciovcrnorand Législative Council crcated by
tliis impérial act.
In tliis iiianiicr, tlic rcciprocal relations ot tlic seignior»
iind <;(;nsif aires reniain(îd tlic saine as tliey vven; belorc.
Neillier werc tli(;y elianged l)y tlie conslitutional act ol' 1791,
wliicli introdiu'cd tlic systcni ol' représentative governmeiu
into Canada.
191. it werc laslidions to cite doeunicnls upon docu-
iiienls, to accumulatc proofs upon jjrool's, for tlie purposc ol
eslablisliing thaï, sincc tlie cession of tlie country, tlic raie ol
cens et rentes lias continually varied, as was tlie case bcforc
iliat period and tliat in such variations many seigniora hâve
distinguishecl themselvcs! by thcir ac(iuaintance with the
niles of aritliinctical progression.
This it was that constitiited tlie précise cause of thc
fonipiainls of the censitaires and of the anti-scigniorial
agitation whicli lias terminated by the seigniorial act ol
1851.
Sincc 17(j3, the tribunals havc had to décide on a greal
number of suits betwccn the seigniors and the censitaires,
but it is only at a date comparative ly récent that the rate ol
cens et rentes was brought in question ; and, in evcry ins-
tance, the pre tensions of thc censitaires liave been, in prin-
• iple, rejectod by thc décisions of thc C'ourts of justice,
whotlier thèse pretensions had, for their object, to obtain an
icluiowlcdgmenl of the légal exisfencc of a iiniversal,
fixcd, and moderate rate, or simply lo obtain ;» déclara
lion lo thc «'n'i^ci ilu\i an agrccment whcrcbv ;• ccnsityin;
2:u:f a
e cl
ins-
irin-
iec,
n an
rsui,
ar;i
cl il';
■\\ ;is >iil»|t'tii'(l, wlii.ii liikiiio ;i lnit'iliuinu'iii, ù cfiiii, al u
hii^lici r;ilc iliMii iIm' ordinarv ni iHiiiil raie, \\a» lialilr lu l«'
Jiljiul^'fd liiill aild vnid.
195. Tlif lirsi (taiisc in wliich | liud tliat iliis (jiuislioii
(il cens et rentes not Jixed in llie di^reenient, was inadi- llu-
siil)jt;cf. ol" judicial discussion, is ihaf of Ciivillior, Plainlilt,
Stanley, curator to tlie succiîssion ol" llichard llart, dolfii-
dant, and Hurton, Proprictor ol" llic scigniory of Dcl.rrv,
opposant; dcridcd in tlie Court of Kinjj['s Hiuu'li ol' ili.
district ol' .Montréal on llic lOtli April lîSi7.
Tlic scii>;nior allci^'cd in liis oppt)sition afin de conser-
fe)\ tliat liis ati;''nl liatl, in 1811, niadtî a vcrijal conccs8ioii
lo Uicliard Hart t)!' Ivvo lots of laiid in ins scij^uiory on lin-
condition to pay, annually, llic cens et renies at llio ordiiiar\
rate of tlio concession in tlii; said seigniory, tliat is lo say,
\2 sols of cens for cacli of thèse lots, and a rcnt of 9 sols
for oacli arpent in superficies, niaking for tlic two lois. X,2 .Os
currencv. Ile (^lainied tlu; arrcars froni ISIT) to ]H2l in
clnsivcly, namcly £SS 5s Od,
In thc reasons set forth in llic contestation, tlic Plainlill
said, among ollicr tliini^çs, ihîit llic opposant liad ncvcr con-
ccdcd the lots of land ut tlic rate above mentioncd ; thaï llic
law (lid not givii him tlic riglit to niake sucli a concession,
ihc dues payal)le to tlu^ scignior in likc cases l)eing limitcd
lo one sol of cens and om- sol of nnit pcr arpent in snporli-
cies, and one capon or 20 sols per aipcnt of front ; tliat tlic
cens et rentes demanded of tlie opposant \v(>re contrary to
law and ouglil lo be reduced to the légal rate ; that tlie op-
])osant could not maintain tliat Ihe concession in (luostion.
wliich lie himself adiuittcd to hav(> been inade witliout any
spécial agvecmcnt between the parties, gave him ihc riglil
to receive, as being the ordinarv and usual raie of the scig-
iiiorv, the suni of 12 solsoï cens am] 9 .sv;/.s' of rcnt, bcoau*'
236 a
he could not exact in tlie said seigniory any ordinary rate
of cens et rentes of higlier aniount ihan tliat recognised by
the law, and wliieh i« 1 sol of cens^ one sol of rcnt and a
capon as liereinabovc set Ibrtli. Tlic Plainlill' lu^t thc suit.
(1)
(1) Tlic sumiiiary whicli I give i.s extracted from tlie notes or.Tiul-
gt lleiil, who iu pronounciiig judgment expresscd liimsell" in thèse
words : —
" The question now is, whether the seignior is cntitled to maintain
his claim.
^'' The grants of seigniories by the Crown of France to individuals
in this colony, were geuerally nuide from gratuitous motives, and fre-
quently as a reward for tl.e services of nieritorious ollicers ; aud
although good policy required tliat thèse grants bhould he subservient
to the great and bénéficiai object of tlie seiMement and improvement
of tlie colony by the concession to be inade lo the subtenants or censi-
taires ; still however, the immédiate object of the grant was the benefit of
the grantec or seignior, who according to tlie principles of the feudal
lenure, became the vassal of the Crown and the undoubted proprietor
of the estate, and it is therefore reasonablo to présume that he would
endeavoar so lo inanage and dispose thercof as would provo most bé-
néficiai for him ; and however far lus condiict in lliis respect might
infringe the conditions of the grant, or counteract ihe policy of the
Crown, yet noue but the Crown liad the right of interférence or
complaint ; the censitaire was not a purty to the grant, he liad ac-
quh'ed no bénéficiai interest in the eslate which entitled him to any
redress againsl the seignior, lience it was found necessary to confer
this right by législative authority, and for this purpose the several
déclarations and arrêts which we find recorded in the archives of the
country were made by the French King and undt-r his authority. The
arrêt of the Gth July 171 1 appears to constitute the principal autlio-
rily iipou \vhicb the PlaintilT resists the claim of the oiiposant to his
cens et rentes as d(Mnaiuled ; but this arrêt as wt'll as several others
iKiw 1 \tant, on ilic sii1j;i'cI of granting lands in Canada, bave not
luuviil'jd for ihe Kiattcr bcre in contest. Ail thèse arrêts seem level-
1 'd ao"aiust the fcile of huids by the seignior and directing that they
237 a
196. I now présent a case altogethev peculiar, reported
in tlie 3rd volume of the " Documents seigneuriaux," p. 88
to91.
The scigniorof Argenteujl, sir Joim Johnson, who had
acquired that seigniory at Sheriff's sale in the year 1807,
denianded IVom ono llutchins, lods et ventes on two lots of
land containing each 100 arpents in superficies. (1)
sliould be concedful to the censitaire iipon annual revenue, in fact the
whole bent and object of ail those arrêts was to encourage the clear-
ing of the land and setding the country, wliich could best be effected
by concessions of this kind, which were understood to be made on mo-
derato ternis and wiihin the ability of every industrinus inan to satis-
fy, while the sale of lands in large tracts and for larger sum of money,
and ail kinds of spéculations and jobbiiig, which 0|ierated inerely as a
transfer ot the lands without proinoling tlieir actual settiement and ini-
provement, are most expressly proliibited. But while the principle of
granting lands upon a redevance annuelle is f hus niaintained, we find no
arrêt or laiv now extant in the country which establishes what the rate
of tiiese redevances should be. Perliaps it was not necessary
that any sliould hâve been niude, because by prohibiting the seignior
froni sclliug his lands, as above stated it necessarily becanie his interest
to dispose of tiieni in the way pointed out by the above arrêts, that is,
by concessions à rcdevanr.cs annuelles to sucli persons who would
take thein and if we could form an opinion of the state of the country
for a century back we niay readily believe that the saine motive, a view
to his interest, would inducc the seignior to concède his lands at a lovv
rate, as iho then state of population required that the seignior should
rather hold out inducements, than exact unusual rights, in the granting
of the lands, as there was then more lands to concède than tenants who
wanted concessions. Froni this circumstance, we may account
tli.ii no suit or judgment appears in the courts prior to the conque&t by
u'hich a seignior is adjudged to grant land to a cew«'to^>e under the
penalty of the arrêt, of 1711, that is from an extravagant rate of con-
(1) lie clainied aNo the arrears of cens et refîtes ; a circumstance
of which the report of the cause niakes no mention, i hâve verified the
fact, by an examination of the rtcord.
'238 a
In liis aiiswer, Iluk-liins siiid tlml, hy cli-tx! ttt' ïjale (tl
the iird Derember ITDG (Lukin ami DelJsle, nolurics) M.
l'alrick Murray, llien seigniur ul' Argenteuil, liail granted
ihose two lotsot" lancl lo Jedcdiali Lane rcnoiincing al tlio
saine time, " ail thc rights and prelensions which ho inighl
hâve as to any mutation, or aliénation fine, under ihe do^^■
cnpûon oi lods et ventes, retrait or othenvise, and also the
toll commonly called banalité and in gênerai every oljior
riglit and pretcnsion as seignior over liis terre-tenant, except
ihe rent in the record deed reserved, namely an annual rcni
cession. Tt would theretore seem that there could be but little daiisfer
or injury likely to arise to the rights of the parties to allow the conces-
sions to be made according to the phraseology of the day, aux cens et
rentes et redeva?ices accoutumées, as the parties could agrée ; on the
one hand it was the interest of the seignior when he could not sell his
lands to grant them on an annual revenue, so as to increase the value
of his property by actual settlement of the lands, so, on the other hand,
it was the interest of the censitaire to obtain such grants in conces-
sion upon the easiest terms possible. In the deed of grant inade by
the King of France on the Glh April 1733, of tlie seigniory of DeLery,
we find inserted among the conditions of tho grant the following, " d'y
" tenir feu et lieu, et le faire tenir par ses tcnanciiM's àfaiite de quoi
" elle sera réunie au domaine de Sa Majesté, de dcscrter et faire
" déserter incessamment la dite terre, laisser les chemins du Roi et
" autres jugés nécessaires pour l'utilité publique sur la dite concession,
" et de faire insérer pareilles conditions dans les concessions qu'il fera
" à ses tenanciers aux cens et rentes et rcdccanccs accoutumées par
" arpent de terre de front sur 10 dej)rqfondeia\ <JjV.
llere we find the settlement and clearing- of llie lands, as bciiis: IIk"
principal object of this and of every other grant of tiie day, enjoined
under a penalty while the rate of coiicession seems inserted nioie as
words of course than of particularizing injunclion, nor is any penalty
nttached to the infringement of tiiis part of the grant, which was usual
whcre any particular law existed which bore on tlic point j we are tiien
called upon to say, wliat thèse words. " cens rentes et redevances ^c-
'•.oiitumrc?," niean.
239 a
ol une soi Ibr t)vt;iy 10 arpents ol laiiil, payable yoarly ou
llie Util Novcinber, at thc Manor liouse of llie seignior.
l*rice of tlie sale 1500 spanisli silver dollars. Inconséquence
ofthis renuncialion, the Défendant, who had acquiied ihe
1.VVO lots of land by deed of llie 3rd June 1813 (Lukin and
Desaulels, notariés), contended that thèse lands" were not
liable to the payment of " any lods et ventes or cens et rentes^
" or any rent whatever, witli the exception of the said rent
" charge of one sol for every 40 arpents of land."
Tliese words woiild no doubt carry the impression that there existed
sonie gênerai principle cilher established by law or generally practised
ui the coloiiy, by wliich concessions to the censitaire were legidated,
and thercfore, as a necessary conséquence, \ve should expect to find ail
the concessions of this description, at least prior to this deed of grant
by the French King, made subject to the veiy same cens, rentes et
redevances for if tliere was a Uwv to this effect it nuist be gênera! in
ils opération and bind ail the property in the country cqiially. 13ut we
see as well from the jiKlgments on record of that time and since, as
froni the generally known fact, that tlic cens, rentes et redevances of
différent seigniories were vcry frequently différent, varying according
to circuinstances and situation ; and at the présent day we may almost
say that scarcely any two seigi.iories are alike in this respect. ïhis
fact, a gênerai usage in the country, strongly militâtes against the
existence of any rule of law on this point, or if any ever was made and
did erist, that its injunctions could not hâve been of a permanent natu-
re or of gênerai extent. In the absence therefore of any positive ré-
gulation we a.e left to form that opinion which shall appear to us the
inost consistent with reason and justice. As a rule of right therefore
it cannot be presumed that what could hâve been a reasonable rate oi
concession in the year 1733 by the seignior to his censitaires could be
coasidered to be equally so nearly a century afterwards, nnless we
could présume that ail the relations and conventions in lifc between
inan and inan, had continued to be the same and that thft improve-
lucnts both in tho moral and physical world had cansed no change iti
')iir habits of lilo or in thosc iransaclions wherniii the value of moncy
15 the inodium of estimation. It' thr revenue which the seignior oblai-
ii.cil iVi.un th.> (ince'5'<i'>n \\m\f: by Inm a rcntuiy pn^<, rannot now pr'i-
240 a
u
((
The new seignior, who vpiy well understood the pro-
visions of the «rreïs of the 6th July 1711, and 15th March
1732, replied, " ihatthe deed of the 3rd Uocember 1796, was
null and void, that M. Mnrray, in his qualily of seignior,
could not dispose of, nor divest himself of, any part of the
said seigniory of Argenteuil, whichwasin standing wood
for any sum of money, l)eing bound l^y the laws of the
eountry lo grant and concède the sanio for an annual
gronnd-reut, for the ordinary and usual seigniorial rights
profits and issues ; thaï he could not by any aet, deed, or
instrument in writing cliange the lenure of the said sei-
gniory or any part or parce! thereof or abandon, give up,
quit and release his pretensions, as seignior of the said
seigniory of Argenteuil to any mutation or aliénation fine,
" under the descri])tion of lods et renies, retraits or other-
" wise, or to the toll comrnonly calhîd banalité, or to any
cure him the saine competency and tacilities in lile as at that lime,
while the means and resources. of" the censitaire arising ont of the very
larid so granted to hini lias miiltiplied tenfold, tliere can in such case bo
neither reason nor justice in coinpelling a seignior to grant his lands at the
same rate at the présent day as a century ago, when there is no mie
of law applicable to the présent case arising out ol' the facts which
hâve been proved, It appears that the général rate of concession of
lands in the seigniory of DeLery for the last twenty yeais has been
proved to be 6 pence of cens and 9 sols for every siiperficial acie of
every lot so granted and of this rate of concession tlie late Rd. llart
had a knowledge and must be considered to hâve subniitted thereto by
taking possession of the two lots of hind in question, this was binding
on him even without a deed of concession, and no more has been de-
uianded of him than was usual and customary in that seigniory.
Hervé v. 1, p. " 415. L'usage général d'une seigneurie appelée "usan-
" ce" ou " usement" de fief peut quelquefois suppléer à la coutume et
*' aux titres particuliers, et suffire pour soumettre à un droit, ou à une
" prestation qui s'exerce généralement dans l'étendue du fief, quelques
" vassaux ou censitaires qui prétendraient se soustraire à ce droit ou à
« cette prestation. Car, lorsqu'un droit quelconque est énoncé dans
241 a
'' ollier riglit or pi-t*lension as seignior as aJoresukI, conliary
" to tlie positive law of thc 1 lid," and as a subsidiary
reason, Ihe Plainlili' said that, siip))osing that ihe deedol'tiie
Srd December 179G liad been valid, the sherilV's sale on
exécution, by virttie of whieli lie liad made the purchase of
the scigniory with tiie right of cens et rentes^ lods et ventes^
retrait, etc., etc., liad hadthe eflbctto clearanddo away with
the discliarges or exemptions iVoin thèse rights on thc lands in
(piestion, mentioned in the said decd of 1796.
Tlie court of King's lîench, at Montréal, by its judg-
iiient of tlie 20th April 1818, ordered the Défendant to pay
to the seignior the cens et rentes at the rate of tliree minots
of wheat and five shillings in money for every 90 acres in
<' presque tous les titres du fief, et s'exerce sur presque tous les sujets
'' de ce fief, il doit 6tre regardé comme un droit naturel de la terre
" dont personne n'est exempt, à moins qu'il n'ait un titre précis d'ex-
" emption."
ïhis principie is applicable where tliere is no concession, wliich is
the case hère, for had there been a deed of concession it must hâve
forined the law between the parties and the rule of décision on the
question before us.
The court therefore are of opinion that in the judgment of distri-
bution to be rendered in this cause the opposant bc ranked and accor-
ding to his privilège for ''m amount of his daim as stated in lus oppo-
sition with costs."
Note. — I owe to the kindness of M. Taylor, advocate, nej)hew ol
Chief Justice lleid, and the possessor, of his rnanuscripts, the advanta-
ge of having had communication of the grounds of this judgment, — as
well as of some other whidi T luivo occasion to mention in the course
of niv observations.
Il is to be hoped tliiil îlu> colkition of décisions uluch are kumvii b
li.i\'c bocit galhered ^vilh cinn i'\' this loaino:! imii^r, n ,v sor.ii \u
U.IV(MI t(^ tl)0 pn'lilir.
31
242 a
superficies, and that since the sale by llic Shcrifl' of llie
seigniory of Argcnteuil. (1)
But tliis judgment was set aside by the court of appeals
on the 20tli January 1821, " in so far as the same relates
" to the rcnt therein rnontioned at the raie of three bushels
" of wlieat and iive shillings in money for every ninety su-
" pcriicial acres" ; and the court of appeals, deciding that
the annual rent charge of one sol for every 40 acres of land
slipuJated in the deed of the 3rd Deccmber 1796, "was and
" js l)y Jaw cens^ and as such a récognition that the said
" land was and is lield en roture of the seignior of tlie said
" seigniory of Argenteuil according to law," condemned
the appcllant to pay to the respondent one shilling for
arrears of cens, since the 21st Novembre 1807 and the IGtli
January 1813, togethcr with another sum of £4 2 G current
money for lods et ventes on lus purchase.
The judgment of the Court of appeal is right, in so far as
it maintains the rent fixed by the agreement of parties ; but
the judgment at Montréal proves, no less, that, at that day,
a rent équivalent, at least, to four sols per arpent in super-
ficies, (the wheat valued at four francs the minot) was not
considercd an illégal rate.
197i A judgment of the Court of King's Bencli for the
district of Québec, dated the lOth February 1827 (2) con-
demned William Hamilton to pay to the seignior of Fos-
sambault and Gaudarville, M. Duchesnay, the cens et rentes
of a Jand of 3 by 34 arpents whicii he possessed in the seig-
niory of Fossambault, a continuation of that of Gaudarville,
at the rate of eight sous per annum for each arpent in su-
perficies.
(1) Présent:— M. Chief Justice Monk and M. Justice ïlcid.
(2) « Doc. Seig." v. 3, p. 81 to 87.
243 a
Tlio iJêfendant, in liis plrii. of peremptory exception,
contendcd llial llic. sci^nior (toiikl not oblain \.\w. conr-liisions
ol' liis (Iciiiand , Ist. " becansc, lliat al the linio whcn lie.
accinin-d ihc said lot ol' land Irom onc John VValfsli by an
inslruinent untler private siti^nature bcarini^ datt: tiic ;Jid
day (»r Fcl^ruary 18:^5, wliich said instriimcnl was ibero-
altcr ratiJied and confirmed by the said Plaintitt' by wiit-
Icn instniincnt nndcr private signature bearing k\\\W ihr
12th day oi' Febrnary, in tht; said year, the amouut ()t'1h^•.
cutis which ihe said ddcndant was to pay 1o ihc seii^nior
within whosi' ceiisive the said land lay \vas not stipiila-
ti'd nor nientioned either by the Plaintill" or by tlie said
John VValsh to the said Défendant.
2iid. " Beeanse, the said William TTamillon lias never
relïised to pass a tille deed, déclaration and aeknowledg-
rneiit of tlu; cen.s et rentes and ollier seigniorial charges due
the seignior ofthe place in which the said land is silnate,
at the rate of one sol tournois cnrrcncy for each siipcrfi-
cial arpent which is the rate at which a great number ol'
tlic lands situate in the sanie seigniory hâve b(!en conce-
ded ; which tille and déclaration the said defendiinl lialii
ot'tcn, l)ei't)re th(; commencement of this action, oH'ered fe
tlu; seignior of whom the said land is liolden on the con-
ditions aforesaid."
3rd. " Becansc, that by the law now in force jn this
province, a seignior isbound to concède ail his lands at the
ordinary rate for which lands hâve been conceded in his
seigniory."
This last proposition bcing incontestable and based on
the rule of the common law which governs in such cases,
il is évident that it served for foundation to tht) jndgment
of the Court of Québec, regard being had to the évidence
which had bcen produced as to the rate then existing in the
o
till u
NcioiliolA (il l'"()vsaiub;iiill, Ix'iili; iIh' coiitimiatidli ol lliut k1
(jULulurvilIc, llie iiume ot' wliicli lias IxH'oinc so J'iuiioiis iti
the anti-soigniorial agitation, llianks to tlic langnago ol' tlic
Intendant Ilocquart's Ordinance of the 33rd Jamiary 17.'38.
From tlio amonnt ol'one sol eight deniers, pcr arj)ont in f<n-
perficies, mcntioucd in tliat ordinanco to the ainoimt of eigjit.
sous, adjudged by the Conrt of Québec, the dill'ere lee is
very great. Still the seigniovial rent, at ihis last rate, was
not the less eonsidered as being perfectly légal.
198, In a judgment of ihe court of King's Bencli, al
Montréal, rendered on the 18 April 1828, (1) \Ve read that
onc William Gray had in 1819 takcai possession, in good
faith, of certain lots of iand in the seigniory of St. Jacques,
under the promise of guarantee by the seignior M. James
MeCallum that lie would give hiin a title deed in j)roper
form, but without any mention of the conditions in vvhicli
the concession was to be made. The court, " considering
" that by the laws, usages and custom of this Province, and
" in order to facilitate and encourage llie settling and clcar-
" iiig of the ivaste lands held in llef and seigniory therein,
'' every subjecl of His Majesty is enlillcd lo deinand and
ohlain from every or any seignior hokling ivaste and mi-
granted lands in his seigniory a lot or concession of a
portion ofsaid ivaste or ungranfed lands, to be by every
such subject, his heirs and assigns, held and possessed
as his and their own proper estate for ever iipon the con-
dition of cultivating and improving the same and of
paying and allowing to every such seignior the reasona-
hle, usual and ordinary rents, dues, })ronts and acknow-
ledgments whicli by tlic feudal tcnure in force in this
Province arc paid, made and allowed to such seignior by
their tenants and censitaires, for ail such or similar lots
(1) «Doc. Seig." V. 3, p. 92.
Présent: — M. Chief Justice R«itl, M. Justice Foucber, M. Justice
Uûiacke*
2'i5 a
" i)n<iiid," inîiitituiiicd iliL' siiitl W'ilii.uii (irt-v in lii<' j)r(>-
pci'ly îuul cnjuyment ot tlie loirs ol' l;iii(l iti (|U«vsii(ji), on liis
l)uyinj^ fo tlie tsi'i^'iiior " llie reitHonablt usuiil (tnd ordiiKU'ij
rents, dues profits and acknowlcdgmenls.'^
199. Ilonrietto Guiclmud et al, aguiiist John Jonen,
adjudged in the court of King's Bench, IMontrcnl, on the
imii February 1831. (1)
On the 31st August 1796, (Chaboillcz, nolary), the lato
Thomas Dunn, sciignior of St. Armand, niadoto onc Brcwer
Dodge a sale and concession of a land In .standing wood ;
priée of the sale £20 currcncy, payable on the Ist March
1804, with interest ; annual rcnt one shilling, that is
24 sols. The decd contains a renuncialion on the
part of the seignior, of the seigniorial rights, similar to that
of the seignior of Argenteuil (abovc, no. 19G.)
Jones having becomc proprietor, an hypotliecary action
was instituted against him, in 1828, by the rcprcsentativcs
of M. Dunn, for the payment of the said sum of twonty
pounds, \vith interest from the Ist May 1709, and tlic arrenrs
of the rent of one shilling accrucd sinco the same daU'. Iff
pleaded to the demand a pcremptory exception, b}- which
he insisted that, according to the laws of Lower Canada,
M. Dunn, like ail othcr seigniors, was obligod to conccdr'
his lands in standing wood in his scigniory, ai au annual
rent, on a rent charge, without exact ing or recciving any
sum of money ; that the sale of such lands v.ry; cxpresslv
prohibited to tliem, under penalty of the absolute nullity of
iheir contracts, of the restitution of the price and of reunion
to the domain of the Crown, etc., etc. Ile thon prr;yed that
the deed of the 31st August l'796 should be declared null and
void, " in so far as the said deed includes a sale." At the
(l) " Doc. Seig." V. 3, p. 93 to 101. ^ "
Présents: — M. Cliief Justice Reiil. .M. Justice P)ke an<l M. .lu'--
lice Rolland.
246 a
Enqurlv^ llio Plaiutifrnnd Dcfondanl admitled lliat tlie land
in (]u<'sti()i) \\;is in standing wood {en hois debout ,) when th«
said (Iccd was passed.
'Vhc. iiidi.Mnenl, wliicli is not, motive, grantud |)ur(dy and
.siniply tlic dctnand oltlio seigniors. (1)
(1) 'llio follnwiiig notes of Chiel" Justice Rcid, explaiii the grounds
of tiie jiid2,inent ; —
" lu lliis caso it was contended on llic pari, of tlie Défendant tliat
'• tlii; (li'ud of sale made by the laie M. I>anii lo JJrewer Dodge ou
'' 31st Aiigust 119(), was null and void in law in as inuch as it was a
" sale of laïul en hois debout prohibited by the arrêts of 6th July
'' 1711 and IJlh March 1732. That the said late M. Dunn had,
'< busidus, ehanged tlie nature of the tenure of the said lot of land, by
" giviiii; up the liglds of lods et ventes, of banalité to the tenant,
'" wliiuli he could not do as thèse rights were inhérent in the seigniory
'^ and could iiot be detached from it. That the Défendant was there-
" fore exposed to liave thèse rights demanded of hini at a future day, as
" another seignior could not be bound by the aliénation of those rights
" niade by ]M. Dunn.
" On the part of the Plaintiffs it was argued that the two arrêts
" cited could not now be considercd as law in thecountry, beingmade
c' nierely for a nionientary purpose and not applicable to the présent
" state of tlie country ; but allowin;v them to be in force nothing was
'' donc hère iipon which they could take efl'ect ; that the bail à ce?is,
" like ail other contracls was susceptible of many modifications. ïhe
'' quantum o[' cens is wilhin the power of the seignior and he raay aiso,
" for valuable considération, transfer ail his personal interests to the
" tenant and he may in the same way renounce his right to the lods et
'^ ventes aiul to the right o{ banalité, although he cannot convey them
" to another. That the Défendant bas no right to complain until he
" be iroulded, and he is suÛîciently secure, as the plaintiffs would be
<' bound to indeuinify hini if he were troubled, but this question is not
" raised by the plea and the court cannot take notice of it.
" The court said that the argument had been extended to points not
247 a
200. Rolland against MoUcnr : a causo tlocitled iii llie
court of King's Uencli, Montréal, on tliu 15tli June ib 10. (2)
By decd of tlie 31st Decembcr 1832, (Roudrcan, nolary),
M. Justice Rolland, seignior of Monnoir, sold and conecdcd
to J. B. MoUeur two lands in lus seigniory, iIkî one oC 5 ;<
ints not
" before it ; thut tlie only question they liad to coiii^ider was ^vliellier
** the contract of tlie Slst August 1790, was légal or not. It was
" called a deed of sale and concession, although, striclly speakiiig, it
" ouglit to be viewed as a deed of concession only, as it conveyed to
" the censitaire ail tlie ritilit and interest of the seignior in tlio soil as
" effectually as any deed of sale could do, but it was tlio ((;iins and
" conditions of the deed tliat inust détermine its nature and validity.
" It is true tliat Ihis deed restrains tlie riglits of the seignior to a
*' trifling sum for cens witb the payment of a sum of twenty pounds
*' and interest, and g«ves up the riglit oï lads et ventes and ofl/analitc
" in favor of the cc7isitaire, yet this vvill not change the nature of the
" tenure nor alienate those seigniorial rights. The only question is as
" to the construction to be put upon the deed in question. ]f it is lo
" be considered as a sale of land eu bois debout it is illégal and void
" according to the lavvs of the country, but if, on the coiitrary, Ihis
" sum of twenty ponds stipulated to be paid by tlie censitaire, was
" the considération for whicli iM. Dunn consented to give up bis right
" to the lods et ventes and banalité it will be légal and valid, as ho
" could abstain from demanding any of his rights as seignior from his
" censitaire upon a sullïcient considération. And the court thinks that
" the latter construction ought to prevail not merely because this con-
" tract, like every other, should be so construed that it niay rather
" stand than fall, but because they are of opinion tliat the expressions
" in the deed seem to imply that this was the considération for wliich
" the money was to be paid. The court cannot hère take up tho
" question as to the future liability of the tenant to bc Iroiibled by
" another seignior and the conséquent rights of the tenant tlieri'on as
" the question lias not been raised by the pleadingsand cannot nowbe
" determined."
(2) " Doc. Seig." V. 3, p. 101 to 118.
Présent : — M. Justice Pyke and M. Justice Gale.
2is a
.'lu arpciiis, l)eltig miiiilx.'rs l;H utid 13;! iti tlii: tliinl roticct-
sion ; llie otiier lik<!\vistî olû y, 30, beiiii? tlic numlHîrs 1 IG iiiul
147 in tlie fouilli conct'M.sionoriliL' seigiiiory. Priée oltiie sait;
2,^)00 livres ancient tMirroncy paid clown ; seigniorial dues 2
nulfi {)[' cciiH 18 /tires in inoney and tlirc»! minots ol" wheat
l'or every 1)0 ar|)('nts, and no in proixtrtion. 'i'Iu; seignior
t'iaiuR'd l)y lus aclion, arrears oi' cens et rentes ainounting to
JC24 0, (^urrciKy, " \\n'. said rent ot" wheat l)eing ineluded
therein and esliuialed at liie value of wheat at tlie finies and
places at wliicli llio sanie becatne duc
.Mollenr opposed to lliis aclion llie sanic reasons tlial
liud been advanced by Jones against tlie lieir.s Dunn in the
eause reported in ihe last nuniber, alieging tliat lliese two
lands, l)('ing lands in standing wood, as lie said in a plea of
pereuipiory exception, tlie seignior was bountl to con-
cedi' to liiiu on a rent charge, without exacting any suni of
rnoney ; lliut the rate ol" the riînt charge " ought to be the
" same at wliich lands were conceded en censive in tliis
"■ country, and which is iIk; only légal rate wliieh should
" be aeknowledged in this Province, or at least, at the rate
" of those conc(;ssions en censive niade by the seigniors of
" thiî country before the year 1711, or at least at the rate of
" the concessions en censive made in the said seigniory of
" Monnoir by the predcccssors of the Plaintifl"; that the charge
" for the concessiou made to the Défendant was exorbitant,
" illégal, cxceeding the lïsual légal rate of the country,
*•' which ought to be and is 1 sol of cens and 1 franc in
'' uioney and 1 minol of wheat l'or cach 90 arpents in su-
" pcrficies and no more ; to which rate that of liis sait!
" concession ought to be reduced as well for the past as for
" the future."
Mollcur consequently demanded that so niuch of th(^
rlced as relaled fo the sale of tliir said lands should be dc-
clared null and void, that so nuicli tlicreof as relaled to the
roncessjon en censive should be niaintained, ■<\\v\ iti;it ihc
'2VJ (t
rcnt i;|i:iigt:si slioiiid i» r<*diu;ed tu llic iiriiuuiil nbovc slalcd.
He nlso, by un Incidental dcniaïul, jirayrd l'or llie restitu-
tion oC the 2500 //ï</t<',. uhicîh iic )!id paid.
Tho soif,niior st : fortli tije lollowjn^ iacts in liis nnsvvyr
to tlic Defcndant's ex(;f'l)tion and to his incidental d»--
mand :
Ist. Tlic fn-Mt of tlie two lands f'ortnin^ tlic nos. 131 h
132 was conct'dod on the 12th Mardi 1818 by Sir Jol.n
Johnson, llien scignior of INIonnoir , to John Johnson,
his son, chargofl vvith a ininot ol' vvhcat and G //-
vres in money, l'or overy 30 arpents in superficies. On the
23rd January 1832, tiiese iwo lots were sold at sherilPs
sale, in a suit instituted against the said John Johnson by
the said M. Rolhind, who liad for some ycars, becn proprie-
tor of the seigniory,an(l adjudgedtohim bythesheritr,namely
No. 131 for the snm of £5 currency and no. 132 for £4 5s,
Od. but without the reunion of thèse two lots to his domain,
he having made the necessary déclaration to avoid such
reunion, as appeared by the sheritPs deed of the 7th Fe-
bruary 1832. lie possesscd them therc fore en ro/ure unt il
the time that lie sold them to the Défendant.
2nd. Wilh respect to tlic other land forming Nos. 14<>
and 147, it had been eonccded by tho seignior Johnson, ou
the 12th June 1797, to William Radenhurst, subject to the
payment of 2^ minots of wheat and 102 sols for every 90
arpents, and so in j)roportion. On tho 19lh April 1821,
Johnson obtained a judgniont whieh, on considération of the
offers and consent of Radenhurst to abandon the said land,
reunited the samo to the domain of the seigniory and
discharged Radenhurst, who had attaclied tliat condi-
dition to his offer, from tho arn^ars of seigniorial rents for
which he had been sued and which aniounted to £G1 5s. di].
rurrcncy ; ihus, the land boeame iho property of tlir l*lniii
tifTby means of hif^ pnrohasr f)f fhr seigniory
;32
250 a
3rd. The expenses incurred by Sir John Johnson in his
action against Radenhurst amounted to £15 currency.
4tli. liu also asserted that Ihe arrcars ol" seigniorial
nglits due on no. 131, at thc time ofthc adjudication,
amounted to £20, which, with the costs of the sale, rnade
£30 ; that tlie arrcars of tlie same rights due on no. 132, al
the same date, were equai to £20, and including the cosi of
the adjudication, to £30.
5th. Ile further alleged that during his possession ol"
nos. 131 and 132, that is, from the 23rd January to tlie 31st
December 1831, he expended large sums to improve them,
both in making and repairing the roads, as well in thèse
concessions as in those in the neighbourliood, and which by
law the proprietor of thèse lots was bound to make and
repair ; that he paid divers public dues and taxes amounting
to £10, to which thèse lots were liable ; and that from thèse
<;auses the value thereof had greatly increased ; that during
the time that he and his predecessors had been in posses-
sion of lots 146 and 147, namely frojn 19tli April 1821 to
the 31st December 1832, they were deprived of the cens et
rentes to which they would hâve been entitled, if the two
lots had reraained in the possession of the first or any othor
oeiisitaire ; that they had expended large sums to make
useful improvements on thèse lots, in making and repairing
the roads in the same manner as on the two others ; tliat
the had also i)aid divers publie and other ducs to wliich
thèse lots were liable, amounting to the sum of £50 curren-
cy. &c., &c.
6th. That the two lands had not been conceded to the
Défendant at a higher raie than the usual rate, at which the
neighbouring lands had been conceded for 20 years or more
before the said concession, nor that at w-hich, gênera] ly, in
the said seigniory and the other seigniories in the district,
251 a
ilie lands Jiad been coneeded for the last 30 years and more
previdiis to llio concession made to the défendant.
Ttli. Fiually for ail thosc reasons lie liad the right to
scll tho said lands andto dispose of them as lie miglil think
right.
Oiily two witnesses were called. Tliey were proprie-
tors of lands in the same place, for which the only paid 2^
niinots of wheat and 102 .9o/s in money for every 90 arpents
in supcrticies. They deposed that in this seigniory and in
Ihe saine range, there were many lands coneeded on the
same ternis as their own but that there were a great number
coneeded at the same rates as those of the défendant Mol-
leur, one of thèse witnesses adding ; " there are a great
number who pay my rate, MoUeur's rate is the new rate ;
'■ and tlie otlier saying ; " the lands to the south of the road
oi'lhis concession are coneeded at the same rates as those
of Ihc dcfendant ; the lands to the north of tliat road are con-
eeded at the same rates as mine." They testiiied also that
ATollcur's lands were ail in standing wood, So there was
no évidence of the improvements which the Plaintitis alle-
^di}^ that had been made.
[ lost my cause (for I appeared for Molleur,) and my
client, wliose incidental demand was dismissed, was, at
th. same time, condemned to pay the arrears of cens et ren-
tes^ in conformity with the seignior's demand.
201. The same question was raised anew bcfore the
same tribunal in the case of Hamilton and others against
Michel Lamoureux, censitaire in the seigniory of de Lery,
and decided in October 1842. (1)
The défendant as actual possessor of a land of 2 ^<i 28
(1) - Doc. seig." V. 3, p. 119 to 135.
Présent ; — Mr. Justice Pyke, Rolland and Gale.
232 u
arpents, conceded on the 17th Septenibt'i- 1796 by General
l'hrislie to J. B. Bigonesse dit Bcaucaire, was sued en dé-
claration d'hypothèque for arrears of cens et rentes including
a right of corvée.
By the deed of concession this land had becn subjected
to a seigniorial annual rent of 19 livres 12 sols tournois and
1 sol tournois of cens for each arpent of front by the wlioh^
depth, and further, to a right of corvée, valued at 3 francs,
raaking £1. Is. Id. currency per annum.
The Défendant opposed to this demand exceptions si-
milar in substance to those which had been pleaded by
Molleur. Mr. Justice Day, appeared for Lamoureux who was
not more fortunate ihan I was. His client underwent the
fate of mine ; lie was condemned by a Judgment of the 2nd
February 1842. The grounds of this judgment, as given by
Mr. Justice Pyke, deserve to be read and considered, ihey
will be lound in the note at foot. (1)
(1) The second, ihird and fourth pleas are exceptions of a very
peculiar description, and the law invoked therein, would seem to be
either unknown or to be of so doubttul a description, as not to admit of
its being stated with any certainty, the object of the vvhole is not to
set aside the deed of concession itself but to reduce the rate of rent
therein stipulated to the rate at which it is alleged, by law, the land
should hâve been conceded, and at which the seignior was bound to
concède ; the law however is so variously stated in the^e exceptions,
and in a manner so contradictory the one to the otber that it is évident
that the défendant bas been groping in the dark and scarcely knowing
were to tum, in order to find soniething upon which to resist the
plaintiffs' claim for rent as stipulated ia the original deed of concession,
and it is évident by invoking laws so much at variance the one with the
other, the défendant must hâve been aware that in truth there was no
certain or précise law upon the subject, and that he had not been able
to discover any.
In the first exception it is alleged tbat, by law, Ihe seignior couidnot
253 a
202. Tlie case preseuted itself anevv, but ihis time befo-
claim a higher lent tlian that at which wild lands were first conceded
iu the seigniories of this country.
In the second, that, by law, the seignior was bound to concède, at
the same rate at which wild lands were first conceded in tl e seigniory of
De Léry, in which the land is situated.
The third is, that by law, he is bound to concède at the rate at
which wild lands werc first conceded in this provinc?, or at the rate at
which they were conceded before the year 1711, or at which they
were first conceded in the seigniory of De Lècy.
But to crown the whole, and in order that the Court should remain
in the state of darkness and uncertainty in wlùch the défendant appears,
himself, to hâve been as to w!:at the rate of rent was originally in this
country, whatit was in the seigniory of De Léry, or what it was in Canada
previous to 1711, the défendant lias not taken upon himself to state, so
that it is impossible from any thing set forth iu thèse pleas that the
Court can discover, whether the réduction claimed can be awarded or
not ; there is therefore nothing stated with ihat certainty which is rs-
sential to every pleading to enable the Court at once to say, if thèse
facts are proved the conclusions taken are correct.
But the trouble is, that the défendant found that ihe rates of rent
were so various that it negatived the idea, at once, of any fix.:d rate
established by law, and therefore he thought it most prudent to trust to
chance, and what he might be enabled to adduce in évidence and leave
the Court to say or find out what réduction of rent should be made
and thus exercice an arbitary control and power over a rent which the
censitaire had, by a solemn act, stipulated and agreed to pay ; it would
require sometbing more than what bas been citod of the law of Canada
upon the subject, to justify us in setting aside such a solemn agreement
entered into voluntarily by the censitaire, and that in accordance with
the comnion law of France and coramon sensé also, " que toujours le
cens a été proportionné au véritable produit de la chose acccnsée," (*)
the censitaire paying secundumfaadtatoyi bo7wrum, and what more r^a-
(*) Hervé. — Théorie des matières féodales et censuelles, v. '),
Irom p. 91 to 121.
254 a
re the Superior Court sitting in Québec, and vvas deoided
on the merits, on the 13th January 1852, in the same sensé
sonable ? h the censitaire alone to benefit from the increase in the value
of lands, and the seignior to be excluded from that benefit, or is it right
to suppose that in the decrease in the value ol' money that persons novv
applying for concessions should hâve them at the saine low rate as the
ancient censitaire, for if so the modem censitaire would hâve the avan-
tage, in paying much less than those for whose benefit any restriction
ol the rent was originally intendeJ,as one livre in those days was of as
much vakie to the possessor as three in thèse days. This, however, is
an équitable view of the question, but where is the law which authorises
us thus to interfère 1 We see none, the custom which now prevails of sti-
pulating higher rcnts than those which were formerly taken in the first
settlement of the country, has tacitly sanctioned it, and the Courts of
Jnstice enibrced it ; nor has there a judgment been cited in which llie
Courts of this Province, bave interfered between the seignior and cen-
sitaire to set aside the stipulated rent agreed between them. It is not
pretcnded that tlie censitaire ever clainied the land at a lower rent, he
obtained the land that he required, and it is to be presumed from bis acqui-
escence and engagement that he recognised the right to the rent stipula-
ted and that he paid no more than other applicants for land at that
period. We must therefore leave thèse rents to be regulated by the
agreement of the parties which once concluded must be binding, and
cnlorced as ail other obligations and undertakings ; we can make no arbi-
trary régulations upon the subject, and if any abuse hereafter may be
found to exist in matters regarding the feudal tenure as modified and
now existing in Canada, it is for the législature and not the Courts to
apply the remedy. Besides the same question as that raised in this
cause was so solemnly determined in in the cause of
and again recentiy in the case of Rol-
land against Molleur in which my brother, Gale, who delivered the judg-
ment of the Court particularly adverted to the différent authorities
again res^orted to in this cause and in a manner so fully and satisfacto-
rily tliat itrcnders any further observations or rather a répétition of those
of M. Justice Gale unnecessary ; we adhère to the principle of those
décisions until the superior tribunal has convinced us that we are in
error and afforded a better principle wherecn to détermine.
255 a
that it had been at Montréal against MoUeur and Lamoii-
reux. (1) The Hon. and learncd judge, Mr. Caron, who ap-
peared in this instance, as counsel for the censitaire, had no
greater success than had his two brethren at Montréal.
We notice, however, in tlie deed of concession of the
lOth September 1839, givcn to the Défendant Martel by ihc;
seignior of Bourg Louis a stipulation that was not in tho
concessions made to MoUeur and Bigoncsse. The deed
mentions that the concession is made subject to the payment
for every arpent in superficies of " one sol or one half pen-
" ny currency of seignorial and unredeemable cens et rentes
" and seven sols or three and a half pence currency of an-
" niial and constituted {constituée) rent on the footing of
" six per cent per annum redeemable at pleasure, making
" altogether eight sols or four pence currency of cens et
" rentes as well ground rent as constituted rent, for every
arpent of landin superficies.
The Défendant, who had alleged, but without proving
it, that the land was in standing wood, at the time of the
concession, considered that there was a sale pro tante in
the provision of this rente constituée redeemable at pleasure,
and demanded the nullity thereof, in conformity with the
rt/refs of Gth July 1711 and loth March 1732. He main-
tained further, " that the rate of seigniorial cens and dues
" at wliich the PlaintifF was bound to concède the said
" land was the ancientand ordinary rate at whicli the lands
" were primarily and anciently conceded in the said seig-
niory of Bourg Louis ; that such rate was not more than
one sol of seigniorial cens et rentes for each arpent in su-
perficies, which rate is mentioned and fixed by the Plaiii-
" tifl" himself in the said deed of concession thnt
u
(C
u
(1) Langlois ts. Martel.
Présent. — Mr. Chief Justice Bovvea, Mr. Justice Duval and M)-.
Justice Meredith.
L. C. Reports v. 2, j». 36.
256 a
*' consequently a rate of cens et renier exceeding one soi
" per arpent in superficies, was illégal and tiiat the excess
" ought to be reduced and diniinished."
The judgment is contained in thèse terms :
"The Court,. . .considering that ihe arrêt ofthe King of
" France bearing date 6th July 1711, invoked by the defen-
" dant as the basis of his defence, is applicable only in a
" case wherein the seignior has refused to concède to tho
" inhabitants the lands which thcy dcrnand from him, and
" that the arrêt of the King of France, datcd tho loth March
" 1732, also invoked by the défendant in support of his
" plea, directs ail tlie proprietors of lands in seigniory not
" then clcared, to make thcm productive and toestablish in-
habitants thercon, and that by the said arrêt, His Ma-
jesty most expressly prohibits ail seigniors and other pro-
prietors from sclling any lands in standing wood under
penalty of the nullity of the deeds of sale and of restitu-
tion of the price of the said lands so sold, which lands
" shall be reunited de pleno jure to the King's domain ;
considering that it is proved that the PlaintifF in this
cause, seignior of the North East of the seigniory of
Bourg Louis, now called New Guernesey, has by deed
made and passed bcfore Mtre. Panet and his coUeague,
notariés, at New Guernesey, on the 17th September in
the year 1839 conceded, not sold, to the défendant the
land therein described subject to divers cliarges, clauses
and dues therein enunciated, which concession of ihe
said land and appurtenances he has possessed from the
time of the passing of the said deed to the présent day ;
considering that the allégations contained in the peremp-
tory exception in law and established by the évidence
produced in this cause, are not sufficient in law to annul
the said deed of concession, in whole or in part, 'ismis-
f»es the pereraptory exception in law pleaded by the de-
((
(C
C(
((
u
II
u
u
(C
2Ù7 a
" rt'ijiiunt in this (-au-^f, and condetiiH llie défendant lo pay
" to iho Pluintiit" the suin of £lt;. 11. -1. eiirrency, Ibr
" eight years arrears of cens et rentes duc by llie défendant
" by llie PlaintJfTs in virtiie of tlie abovc nienlioned doed of
" concession, payable llie Ist Noveniber 1818, widi interest.
" from Ihc 28lh April 1849, and coj;Is.
203. Finally, the sanie décision was pronounced by the
same judges, on the 17th October 1853, in a suit brought by
the same seignior against one Trudel.
We read in llie collection of " Lovver Canada Reports,"
V. 3, p. J75 :
" In this cause and in tivc otlier causes instifutcd by
•' the same Plaintiff against divers censitaires of the scie-
" niory of Bourg Louis or New Guernsey, ail decided the
" same day, the facts were the same as in the case of Lan-
" glois against Martel, and the judgments in thèse causes
" were in ail respects in conlbrmily wilh the décision in
" Ihat cause of Langlois against Martel."
204. AU the judgments whieii hâve bcen clted esta-
blisli, in an incontestable nianner, that from the time that
the amount of the cens et rentes became the subject of judi-
cial investigation, the Courts liave constantly maintained
the legality of any rate whatever, when it had been freely fixed
by the agreement of the parties, or when, in the absence of
written title, it was supported by possession, founded on the
rule of the eommon law, which allowed in the iike case, to
exact" the same dues imposed on tlie othcrlands conceded
in the seigniory." There lias been, as far as I am aware,
no contrary décision rendered. If even one sueh existcd it
would W'ithout doubt hâve been cited.
ypt the authority of thèse décisions is iiot the only ati-
diority that can be invdkcd. That no less imposing, of ihc
258 a
Législature may also be produced, at. least in so far as that
Legislaturi; lias l)een ablo hy its acts to recogiiLse the validi-
ty of tlio agr(M!incnt bcîtween seigniors and censitaires con-
(îi-rning tlio amoiint of tlie cens et rentes, and the applying
of the rule of tlie eommon law in similar cases to regulate
that amount, in tlie absence of such agreement.
Ist. In 1801, chap. 11. "An act for betler regulating
the eommon belonging to the town of 3 Ri vers."
Wc learn from the preamblc that this eommon, whieh
«'ontained abont 1C8 arpents, was j)ossessed by the inha-
bitants of tliat town by virtue of two titles, the one granted
by the Governor, M. de Montmagny, on the lôtii Augusl
1648, and tlic other by the Révérend Fathers, the Jesuits, on
the 9th Jiine 1650; that both before and sinee the cession of
the country, many persons liad built houses in conséquence
of grants made to tliem on this eommon by a majority of the
inliabitants of the town.
By tlie 6tli section of this Act, the Législature gives to
the trustées the power " to ratify and confirm such grants
" of building lots on the said eommon as havc been here-
" tofore assented to, honafidc, by a majority of the inhabi-
" tants .andtopass regular and valid titles for the
" same, at the rents and on the conditions andservices in
" such grants set forth, or if no such rents, conditions and
" services are specified in such grant, th(;n at the rents and
" on such conditions and services as were customary at or
*' next before the time of making the same.
Then tho 7tli section autliorises them " to grant by
deed, to such person or ])ersons as to them niay seem
proper such lots of ground for building on the said corn
mon as sliall hâve been fixed and determined on at a ge-
*' neral meeting (of the inhabitants) and at the rent and on
" the conditions and services at such gênerai îneeting also
il
n
(l
259 a
" fixed and detennined on. hlm-h builtling lot x» concocled
" in llie course ol 12 years noi to contain more tliaii ''nJi' an
" acre french measure."
Roliold, tlien, liow more tlian 50 years ai^'o, an ad, of
onr Législature acknowledged tlu; validily ol" a eonventioniil
rate, or of tiiat whicii was tlie usage, at. or inunediately
before the lime ol" tlie concession. (1)
2nd. — 'IS^l, cliap. 17. Act 1o partition llio common
of the seigniory of Bouciicrville.
Section 13; " Nothing herein oontained sliall extend
" or be conslrued to extend to prevenl the seigniors of iJou-
" (^herville from asking, (hmianding, having uiid
" exercising ail, each and every the rights, cens et rentes,
" lods et ventes, corvées, retrait and other rights to him or
(1) At no. 188, I hâve already establishetl that the ihies for a great
number oi' c>nplacet7ie?its (buikhng lot») concède J in the townofThree
Rivers from 1G83 to 1752, varied from 1 denier for a lot of 50 feet
of front by 7 toises in length to 15 livres in money, together with a
capon and 2 deniers of ce?is for an emplacement of 40 x 20 feot.
llere follow some concessions in the town, the titles of wliich 1 hâve
examined, and which are posterior in date to those already given, but
anterior to the act of Parliament.
1774' June 22(Badeaux, notary) concession //y ihc commissione?s
for the common to S&mwd ii\\h ; n ^ 100 feet; " 12 shillings of
the Provi f "^ of cens et rentes.'''^
1784 May 9th (Badeaux, notary,) concession by the Chevalier de
Niverville to F. Dubé ; Ist 40 x 80 feet; " 12 Hvres of seigniorial
rent and 2 sols of cens ; " 2d, GO m 80 ; " 16 livres of rent and 2 sols
of cens."
1799 Apri! 16th, (Badeaux, notary,) concession by the widow de
Tonnancour to L. J. Le Proust ; 100 x 100 feet ; " 15 livres and
1 denier of cens.
2G0 a
*' tlii-rii (lue ;iii<l owiiii^ and wliicli inay beooiiu' dut*, and
" tnving by \ irlue oltho origiiiid dood ot" grunt of lluî said
■' coniiiion, or by virfue ol'llu; derds orgrant ot" the lands or
*' dwL'llings of thu said propriotors or by virtiie of the ins-
" Iriimcnt of granl of tho said siMgaiory g(Mierally, ail each
" and ovL'ry wliicli riglit and riglits whatsovor are whoUy
'* and spocially rest-rved, which réservation shall b(3 ex-
" pressly stipulated in the contracts which shall be passed
" in manner hereinbefore prescribed."
3rd. — 1823, chap. 18. Act to provide for the better
régulation of the comtnon of the seigniory of Y'arnaska.
Section 12. " No rule or order that may at any timo
" be made in virtue, of this act, shall in any wise préjudice
1799 August 17, (Tîadeaux, notary,) concession by M. df Niver-
rillo to ['ievrc Rouet ; tiU x 80 feet ; " 1(> livres 2 sols of cetis et
rentes.''''
1800. March 29tli, (Badcaux, notary.) concession by tlie same to
Nicolas (jrondin ; 40 x 80 feet ; '* 15 livres 2 sols oi cens et rentes.^*
Concessions by the trustées of the common Ter the act of the
Législature ;
1801 (Doucet, secretary) concession to Chs. Giroux ; 73 x 120
feet ; " 1 sol for every 50 feet in superficies and 2 sols of cens for the
whole, that is to say, 8 liv. 15 sols and 2 de?iiers.''^
1817 Sept. 3d (Badeaux, notary,) concession to Etienne Ranvoyzé;
42 feet by 54i in one line and 60 in the other, " 2 sols o{ cens an A
2 shillings current money for ail cens et rentes.''^
1817, Sept. 18th, (Ranvoyzé, notary,) concession to Marie Vézina;
105 1^ 120 feet ; *' 2 sols oi' cetis and 10 shillings and 7 pence car-
rent money for ail cens et reiitesp
1829, April 20th. (Leblanc, notary,) concession of no. 25, 100 feet
in deptb ; " 5 sbiliinga of rent and 2 soh of censP
261 a
'* or ali'ect sui;h reciprocul rii![lil.s aiul privilei^es a^
" llie seigniors and inliubiliuii.s ol" tlio ulbivsiiicl soigniory
" iiiuy in virtue of tlioir dcetls, titk's or (jontraets liave gnar-
" antced lo cacli oïlicr, prrvioiis to tlic i)a!:?;iing ol" tliis aot."
4th. — 1821, oliap. 30. Acl to [)arlilu)n llie coinmoti of
the sejguiory ol' V'aicnncs bot wecn tli»; co-proprictors; tliLToof.
Soct. G :" liit sliall appear lo llic commjssioner ...that
" any agrci-incnl or convention iia.s bcen liercloloie uiade,
" and entered into bciwocn the seignior.... and a tnajority
ol" tlio co-proprictors interested ia ilit.^ said coninum fixi/i^:^
or establishiiig the rights oj'thc said scignior, lu; sliall in
the partition of tho said comnion,. . . . b(; gnided wilh
respect to llio rights ol" llio said seignior by such agree-
" ment or convention ; but if there shall ha\e been no such
" agrecrnent or convention, then Ik^ shall bc gnided by ilie
" rights of tho partivs as Ihey may he madô apparent to
" /tim."
The 12t!i section of this act is similar to the 13th of tho
act for the coinmon of Boucherville.
5ih. — 1831, chap. 32. Act for tho division of thp com-
mon of the fief of Grosbois.
Section 7th, Similar to the 6th scct. of tîie act of the
common of Varennes ; and section 12, similar to the samf
section of that act and to tho 13th ol tho a^ t cS Boneherviilp.
6th. — 1833, chap. 2-1. Act for the division of the com-
rnon of Rivière du Loup. Section Ith similar to the 7t,h of
the act of Grosbois ; and scct. 9, simjlur to the 12ih of lijat
act.
205. We may fiirther mention, though it may br of
altogether a spécial character, the Act of 1823 chap. M,
" for the relief of certain censitaires or grantees Oi La Saile,
262 a
smd other» Iherein monlioned, possossing lands within tliP
limits ol' tlie township oi' Sherrington."
Tliis township luid bcen ercolcd by tlio Kiiig's Lcltois
patent ot'llie 22tli Februîiry 1809. Fioin llu; yv.nr 17(JG to
thi' year 1805, tlio seigniors ol" La Salhî and ol" tlio adjacent
.vf'ignioric.s liad, at dillorent tiincs, madu concessions of
Jands wliicdi wenî coinpriscd witliin tlic liinits ol" tliat town-
sliip. Dillicullifîs liad arisen bctwecn individnalswho won?
granices ol' lands intho township, by virtue of divers lettr'r.s
patent from the Crown, and a large nurnber ol" individuals
wlio were then in possession of the saine lands, by their
liaving becn conceded to them by the seigniors of La Salle
or of the ncighbouring seigniories, bcfore the year 1809,
eillier l)y jjiircrhase or by other tilles transferring the property
froiu the original grantees of thèse same lands. TIuî gran-
tees of the Crown had instituted suits at law which were
still pending in the Courts of justice, to the numher of
ahoutjive hundred, with the view of ejecting the pcrsons
who were in possession as censitaires of La Salle and of
other adjacent seigniories. A report by comniissioners ap-
point(;d by the Governor, iinder a .spécial commission dated
31st May 1819, had established that those persons were
possessors in good faith of the lands occupied by them
within the limits of the township, and that a large portion
of thèse lands were in a high state of cuitivation and inha-
bited by a considérable population. Upon thèse représen-
tations of the Législature, and the King having manifested
his intentions that the censitaires should be maintained in
their possession, the Covernor had made oiTers of indemnity
to the grantees of the Crown or their représentatives ; which
otîers had becn accepted under certain conditions, by the
whole of the parties interested, excepting with regard to the
law expenses incurred by them.
It was to put an end to those difficulties that the Legis-
263 a
WBYC
tlieni
)ortion
inhti-
n'csen-
ifcsted
icd in
mnity
whicli
y the
to Ihe
Légis-
lature intervened l)y pas.sin^' tlit; aot in quostlon. The first
section piTiiiits tli»i (Jovornor to annul \ho h'ttt'rs patent of
tlie 2'2th Fehruîiry lyOU, crccling tlie fownsliip, as aiso
other h'Itcrs patent hcarinj^ date tlie 29tli May ol' tlie saine
year antl 30ili Deceniber 1812, by wliich tlic Crown liad
alienated >()nie portions of the townshij), and llial " in so
far as the said letters patent relate to ihe lands oeeupieil as
aforesaid by the persoiis ehiiming thcmi us tenants of La
Salle, or of the said adjaeent sei^niories and also to
any other lands in the said township whicli the said gran-
tees or tlieir le<i;al représentatives owning the sanie inay
wish to hold in fief and seigniory.". . . .
By the 3rd section the Governor is authorised " to re-
grant to the said grantees or Iheir h'gal représentatives in
fief and seigniory, en franc aleu^ with ail seigniorial righis,
privilèges and iJrerogatives, as well th(; said lands oecu-
pied as aforesaid by the said persons claiming as lenants of
La Salle, or of the said adjaeent seigniories, save and
except the Clergy llcscrves comprised therein, as anyotl.<?r
lands within the said township, in respect of a\ liich the
said letters patent shaU hâve been revoked and annulled
in the manner herein before mentioned, with power to the
said grantees or their légal représentatives respectively,
without limitation or restriction to alienate or dispose of
such lands or any part thereof, either freely and absolu-
tely, or for such rents, réservations and acknowledgiuents,
and on sueh terins and conditions, or in such other nianuer
as they shall thinic proper, together with the right of exac-
ting, reeovering and receiving ail such cens et rentes, lods
et venteSj redevances and other seigniorial dues and rights
whatever, which shall or may hâve accrued or becojne
payable since the said 22nd F^ebruary 1809 by the said
persons claiming as tenants of La Salle under and by
virtue of the deeds of grani, titres de concession, or by vir-
2G4 Cl
lue ut' aiiy oliier light vr titlt-, by or under wliich tliey
hâve held or novv hold sueh iand^.
In fine, ihe 5lh seeliun enacts ihat tlio possessors
as tenants of La Salle or oi" any of the said adjacent
t^eigniories, belbre the said year 1809, and whosc land are
found to be widiin the lirniîs of the said lownship of Sber-
rin<non, shall froni thcnceforth be and reniain in the quiet
possession and enjoyment of tliosc paris of tlic said lands
so oceupied by iheni in respect of which tlie said letters
patents shall ha\e hccn revoked in manner aforesaid by the
samo tenure and upon tlie sanie condition aiul in the same
manner as ihey now respect ively hold the same eithcr by
vlrtue of liicir seveial (\vvlU ef concession or other titlcs
transferring propcrly, trandallfs de propriété or by i)res-
cri()tive possession aeeording to law, and ihey shall thcn-
ceforth i.)e held and deemcd '' to be the; jiist and lawful
" proprietors of sucli parts of the said lands and shall not
" thereafKîr in any manner or way l)e dispossessed of the
"• same exccpt for lawful cause."
l'hus, ail the deeds of concession madc by the seig-
nior of La Salle by encroaching on the wild lands of the
Crown, were confirraed and as a conséquence, the rate of
dues siipulalr.d in tliose deeds.
I hâve seen several of thèse deeds of concession and
among others lliat givcn to Joseph Marie Longtin dit Jé-
rôme, on the llth February 1795, (Chaboillez, Notary.)
This deed wliich contains a concession of G x 30 arpents,
mentions " 1 sol tournois moncy of France for every ar-
" pent in superficies, i a minot of wheat dry, clean, fair
" and merchantable for every 20 arpents in superficies
" and 3 sols tournois of cens for ail the said concession,"
which makes (even by valuing the wheat nt 4 francu
the minot) 3 sols by the acre in superficies.
265 a
206. In fine, il' \vc requircd lurllier prool, to cstabiish
that tiie rate of cens et rentes lias conljnually variée! and,
consequently tliis négative^ ihat llicrc lias never bcen a law
limiting that rate, distinct from the arrêt of 1711, \ve might
go and seelc tliem evcn in the acts of that branch of our lé-
gislature in which, in thèse lutter days, the question of the
seigniorial tenure has been debated with the e;reatest eacer-
ness and zeal in the interest of the censitaires.
In a Bill, " to define seigniorial dues in Lower
Canada and to facilitate the rédemption thereof , "
reprinted, as amended, in the Législative Assembly, during
the session of 1852-53, we read, scct. 5, that no seignior
shall hâve power to establish an annual rent cxceeding
" the sum of three pence and a half currcncy (that is to
say seven sols) for every acre in superficies, " upon any
uncultivated lands which shall be conccded in future. On
the other hand, in another bill submitted to the same
branch of the Législature, it was proposed to reduce the
rate of the dues and annual charges to 2 sols per arpent in
superficies, declaring null ail stipulations to the contrary ;
city, town, or village emplacements and the lots of land in
the banlieue of a town, vv^ere, nevertheless, exccpted, the
rédemption value of which were to be calculated on the
total amount of the said ducs and animal charges. This
proposition was sanctioned by the Assembly. But it disap-
peared among the numerous and important modifications
which this last bill had to undergo in the Législative
Council, before it became " the Seigniorial act of 1854,"
that is, the law abolisliing the feudal institution.
Although the dilfercnce inay be great between a rent
charge of seven sols and a rent charge of two sols, the tran
sition from the one to the other was not, on that account,less
rapid in the délibérations of llie Législative Assembly,
without however currying along wilh it anv décisive consc-
34
266 a
quence. So true it, is thaï persons who go in search of a
fixed, légal and imiversul raie of scigniorial duos do nol
sail in thc opcn seas.
FOST-SCRIPT.
207. Sincc the forcgoing was wriUen, a judgmont was
l'omiiiunicaled lo me, wliich was rcîcenlly discovered (even
since tlie " seigniorial questions" hâve been under consi-
«huation,) rendered on the 5th Fel)ruary 1G75, by M. f.
d'AilUiboLit, jffg-c-6ai7/i al Montréal. 1 ani told tlial tiiose
who niade the di^covery of this judgment regard il as deci-
diiig tlie question of llie amount of cens et rentes^ and tliat
ihey altaeii to it, at Jeast, as much importance (if not more)
as to th(; celebraled ordinancc of Gaudarville. This is
anolher orror into which their z(îal has hurried thcm : an
«n-ror which llicy musl soon hâve perccived, if they had car-
ried iheir research a few sleps farlher.
Accovding to the documents in the chus(;, one François
iVoir dit Rolland, proj)rielor of a land of 2 x 20 arpents, held
by iiim, en censive, in the sub-fief of Chailly, situate at
Bout de Plsle, in the Island of Montréal, presented to M.
d'Aillebout a pétition dated the 30th January 1675, in which
lie complained of the high rate of the rent charge which
thc seiirnior M. Gabriel de Berlhé, sieur de la Joubardière,
wished to impose on him and demanding that the lathîr
should be directed to delivcr him a deed at thc usual cens et
rentes.
Rolland allèges " tiiat the said sieur de Chailly has sul)-
" jected the land, by him granted to ihe said Plaintiff, si-
" tuate in thc said fief, to thirty sols of cens for each of the
" said forty arpents, and two capons of annual and
" perpétuai rent, contrary to ail the ordinary rent charges
" of this counlry, and especially, those of Messieurs the
seigniors of this Island, which consist oniy of 6 deniers
4i
267 a
'-'• Ibr (jvcry arpent, and two cajwns of rcnl, or :i ]nin()l of
"• ^vheat ior two arpents in ])reatli, for whick (lie mid Sieur
" de Chailly had given him a deed ivhich is among the pa-
" })ers of thts Court.
The défendant replied, " tliat lliere bchii^ no restriction
" in Jiis deed of concession of tlu; fief binding liim as
" 1o tho cens and rent cliarges wliich hc coidd exact from
" lîis vassals and tenants, and thereforc that he could dis-
" pose of them at sucli cens and rent cliarges as lie slundd
" think ])roper, especially in conséquence of the advanta-
" geous situation of the said land conceded 1o the said sieur
" RoHand."
On the 3rd Fcbruary 1G75 the judge ordercd that " ihc
" whole should be communicated to Messieurs the seii>niors
" of this Ishmd."
On the next day, the procuralor-fiscal, M. Migeon dv,
Hranssart, opposed the pretensions of the sub-vassal, saying
among other things, that thèse pretensions werc " confrary
" \.o Ûm inlenlion of the seigniors dominant of liic said
"• Ishuid, who do not consent that tiie sub-fiels shouhl draw
" such great profils, burdensome to tlieir vassaJs, seeing
thaï the said fiefs hâve been given gratis to the said par-
ticular seigniors, and contrary to the usage and Custom
of this country established by the seigniors, neighbours
" to ihis Island, or of the country, from the dues and cliar-
ges whieh they impose on their tenants
il
^ '1
Adopting the conclusions of the procurator iiseal, M.
d'Aiilebout ordered " that the sieur de Chailly siiall deli-
" ver to the said Plaint ifF a deed of concession for the lands
'■'■ by hini granted to the said Plaintiii", at the rate of eleven
" deniers of cens for every arpent., and two capons of an-
"■ 7mal rent for two arpents in hreath^ and other charges
" contained in the ordinary deeds of the said seigniors.,
268 a
" ibrbidding liim, in future, to give lands in liis fief at hig-
" lier rates tlian tliose by us above prescribed, under tlie
" penalty of forfeiting tlie benefits of his said fief, wliich
" sliall return, de jure, to tlio possession of the said seig-
" niors, to dispose thereof as to them may seem advis-
" able."
Tiie conclusions of the procurator fiscal, who invoked
the intcrost of the seigniors dominant and their intentions
in sub-infeiidating, as also the judgment of M. d'Aillebout,
lead, at first, to the presumption that the sub-infeudation
liad been madc on the condition, at least tacit, for it is not
written in the deed, that the sub-vassal should not concède
at highcr rates tlian thosc imposed by the seigniors domi-
nant, thcmselves. This explains the prohibition, relative
to the concessions to corne, contained in this judgment.
At tiij first glance, one may be induced to believc that
the judgment decrced the réduction of the cens et rentes
stipulated between the parties ; neverlheless, such is not the
case, as can be ascertained by, merely, an attentive exami-
nation of the record.
But therc is further proof, in the first place, of the
absence of agreement as to the amount of rent, and, se-
condly, that the Plaintif!" had not accepted the rate that his
seignior wished to impose on him. I hâve procured the
deed of concession of the sub-fief which is dated the 30th
July 1672 (Basset greffier), and that which the sieur Chailly
had deposited in Court concerning the land which he had
conceded. The fief containing 20 1-! 20 arpents, had been
conceded by the seigniors of Montréal to the PlaintifFand
his brother. In the second deed deposited in Court, which
bears date the 30th July 1675, (Basset, Royal notary,) the
défendant déclares as well in his own name as in that of
his brother, that he has given, granted and conceded to the
PlaintifF the quantity of 40 arpents of land making part of
269 a
the abovc meiUioned fief, sn])ject to ilie charge of paying
annually, " thirty sols tournois of rent for eacli of tlic said
40 arpents, two capons of annual, perpclual and iinredee-
mable rcnt." But the Plaintif is not a parti/ to tins dced ;
the seignior atone speaks. The rate wliicli he wished to
impose on his cen^sitaire was not acccpted by the latter :
the amount of the rate charge was not, therefore, fixed by
the agieement. Thus, there was room, in the absence of
such agreement, to fix that rate by the application of the
rule of the common law ; in accordance with which the
censitaire demanded that is seignior should pass a deed in
his favor. This is what was donc by the judgment in ques-
tion. The rate so adjudged (by valuing the capon at 20
sols) amounted to 2 sols per arpent in superficies. It was
already more than the rate adjudged sixty years later
by the Intendant Hocquart, in hisordinance of Gaudarville.
What then can resuit from this judgment, so recently dis-
covered, if it be not a proof incontestable, in addition to
many others of a continuai variation in the amount of the
seigniorial dues.
PART TimiD.
RESERVATIONS. (1)
208, The relations between the
seigniors
and their
j<:;ran1ees
à titre de cens, hâve not been well defined and
cstablished except by the arrêt of Marly. The condition of
settlement which has existed at ail peiiods, which carried
along with it the necessity of such concession for ail that
ihe seigniors could not render productive by tliemselves,
presnpposed easy terms and such as would not prevent the
attainment of the object aimed at. Tliis condition inhérent
and acknowledged, and put in exécution by the Edicls of
retrenchment, is also to be found in ahiiost ail the title deeds
of Ihe seigniors anterior to the arrêt of 1711. I regard it as
a law of public policy, inodifiying in a considérable degree,
the tenure à cens, such as it would otherwise hâve been
deduced from the jurisprudence and the practice in France,
if it can be said that, in the absence of précise interprétation,
il did not destroy that which was essentially inhérent in the
fief, such as the acknowledgment of the dominium direcfum
and the profits of mutation which llowed therefrom, we are
bound equally to say that it modified the exercise of ail the
other conventional and facultative rights. At least, it left
in the hands of the legislator still more than there existed
by the law oî fiefs in France, considering its imperfection
and insuiliciency, the power to explain how far thèse addi-
tions to the principal profils might extend, at least for the
(1) Tbc tirst part of tliis dissertation on the subject of the " lleser-
vations " (from No. 208 to 211), was prepared by my honorable
colleague Mr. Justice Morin. 1 hâve included it in my remarks in
conséquence of his absence ovving to ill health.
271 a
future. This right of the King to legislate is provided for
in most of the dccds of concession to seigniors, even as
giving far beyond a limitation of dues not essentialiy
seigniorial, and as liable to afiect those last, since the entire
tenurc and " the usual dues and rent charges " might br
changed in favor of the Crown in accordance wilh the
Custom of Paris, which ought to be followed " provisio-
nally and until it were otherwise ordered. "
209. From this position of things at Ihe period of ih».'
arrêt of 1711, I draw the following conclusions :
Ist. The Sovereign Legislator, who could do much
more, could, without violating the rights which lie had
granted, prohibit the charges, réservations and servitudes
imposed on the censitaires in diminution of ihe dominiun
utile, when such were not essentially attached lo llic
dominium directum, or specially established and acknow-
ledged as being necessary for the exercise of the other righis
of the seignior.
2nd. The legislator made this prohibition by the airél
of 1711, explained by that of 1732, with respect to the char-
ges, réservations and servitudes not comprised in the abcve
limitations, and which do not consist of dues or annual
payments.
3rd. This prohibition was of public policy, established
the tenure and could not validly be derogated from.
4th. No posterior circumstance has annulled or abolish-
ed this prohibition, nor changed the tenure in that res-
pect.
210. Thèse propositions may be supported briefly by a
few arguments.
'272 a
Ist. Il iIk- suvdcign aulliority louncl tlial tlio imposi-
hon of il rent or surcens, or a cens wliich was in ilself a
i^ourcc of i)rofif, and not simply a récognition, prcvented its
intention froin being carried ont, it could limit tliis cens to
thc smallest siun. Tliis was tlie actual praclice in France.
It was so llmt it was looked nj)on in llic same manner hère.
VVitli still greater riglit tlie sanie aiithority could fis. it arbi-
frarily and l'or ever. It was not donc so, if it be not by tlie
establishment of a forfeiture in tlie cases in whicli the seig-
nior should wish to exceed the iisual rates. But in giving
to the latter ail the profits wliich the value of his lands could
allow of, it found anolher method to regulate and simplify
the tenure and to proscribe ihe abuses which wcre com])lai-
ned of, by ordering that the concessions should be made on
a rent charge. Jt thus legalised a portion of the charges
not inhérent in the feudal systein, and prohibitcd the remain-
der. Thèse réservations, charges and servitudes, by rneans
of which the seignior continued to participate in thc domi-
nium utile, could not be called rent charges. A rent charge
is a payment {prestation,) and the censitaire could neither
owe nor give that which never belonged to him, but which
the seignior always retained in his own hands. It is because
a rent charge, properly so called, was always defincd and
had an appréciable value, that it could not retard the set-
tleinent of the country, as would concessions in which the
seignior while appearing to give the ))roperty, had, in fact.
retained a large part of it.
2nd. A distinction is mado, in cstablishing légal nul-
lities, bclween thc prohibitive forin and the simply impera-
live forra, used by the Legislator. But even in the case in
which thc latter only lias been employed, nullities may
exist, when the législation relates to public law, because
then there is question, not of defining thc nature and con-
séquences of certain contracts or of authorising certain
modes of elTccting thom, in case of omission, but of esta-
■j! I .,/ (',
iposi-
self a
cd its
ens to
rancc.
• lierc.
t arbi-
by the
î seig-
giving
could
mplify
•miilai-
adc on
;harges
cmain-
means
; domi-
cliarge
neithcr
which
iccausc
cd and
lie scl-
icli the
n fact.
ra\ nul-
[mpera-
icase in
[s may
Iccause
id con-
I certain
Lf esta-
hliSijiii.'.-. ( imU ( iliiii.'.' malld- "1 .vi.i\Lial iiikiLc?l aild alkc
ijhl; llir |)uh]ic policy, laws wliiili ail au,' lunind to rtis-
pcct.
3i'd. TIr' cslabli.-unuîiit or régulation of a tcnuro uflecl-
mg ail llie land.s ol" llic (•ountry legislated for, ail the pcrsons
wlio inhabit or sliall inliabit it ibr cver, ail thosc who shall
possess its lanJ;?, riol only uiider a gênerai title as represen
iiiig lirr>t jfjiautces, but under any litle whatever, i.s assured
ly one oi" lli'jse l'uadanienlal laws and j)art of the publie
poliey. If the ceiu had been litnited and rendered lixed
Cor ever l)y the arrêt of 171 1, this law would liave liad that
eharaeliîr, The a;iiount ha.s btîcn left in it to the private
agic(Mucnt of llte [)ailie.s, but tluî i)artitio]i of the conceded
1 ind between the seignior and the grantee haï; been prohi-
i)ited. The dislinelion was so elear, and lias been so U'ell
understi)od, that, in the eoncev.-ions of seigniories rnade
afler the arrêt of Marly, the tiile })rohibits to insert in
liie sub-concessions : " eitiier suui of nioney or iny otlier
charge, but that of a .^'iiiiple rent charge." TliesL words
'' .-^imi^le rent charge (filinple lilre de redevance) iiavc no
doubtfal rneaning, and are ado{)led by the sovereign autho-
rity in the Arnt of 17oJ, as reeajutulating the more de-
tailed législation tha! had been cointernplalcd and proposed
in the interval, lï ihey ceased to inserl lîie sanic prohibitions
in ail the posterior tilles i! is beeaiisc thoso titles were sub-
ordinate to the l:iv." ofihc couiitry wliieh was j)erfectly
known ; and in iact thèse réservations and ch:irges were
no\ iinposed under iiie aneieiit giiverunienî^ iior even for a
long tinie after.
This is not the j)lace to ex:imine into tlif- con-^cquencos
(îf fixing the rents by tmy uï those titles.
4th. The judgrnents rendered on ipjjositions afin de
(kargc or afin de cunscri'er^ inaintaining the charges, réser-
vations, and ■servitudes of this nature, whether by defuuif
274 a
or witlionl di. .et conteslîUion on tlial point, do not fii)petir
II) nu; sullicient 1o sel aside llie Icniirc ol" lands in tlic
conntry. And if tliero liiul in latler days bocn con-
It'slalion, or evcn a uniforni juri.sprndcncc, evidLMitly Ibnn-
dcd on crror, it oni,dit not toprcvail al présent, wlien a more
tlioroiigli exanunation lias sliewn it to br erroneons. Now,
Ihal error lias becn tlie sui)position, inl'erred partly froni the
elianf2;e oC oii^anisation and even of ideas conséquent on a
new domination, tliat tlie seigniors were absoliite rnasters
oi" llieir seiiifniories, in tlie saine way as i)roprietors in soo
vw^v. Tliey, no donbt, do not now (;laiin tins. 11' tliey Avere
flaimin^- it, llie lei,dslalio>i wliieli lias, al ail jieriods
rxeinpted tlic seii^niors irom lli(> diities and cliarjjfes ol'
lii<,di\vays [voirlv) willi re^pert lo um-oneeded lands, the per-
tiiiacity cNcn \vitli wiiicdi the sei^niors, as \ve see in C'ugnel,
elainied ihis exemption, would be inexplicable,
2\ \. The (-ession could not, besides, hâve haci die eliect
of inereasing the ■ roperty of seigniois, nor lo légalise, for
their beneht, thaï wliieh had before been illégal. iNeither
bas any olher law, positive or induclive, clone so.
212. I may add the folhnving observations in suppijrt
of tliose of rny learned bruther. (1)
At ihe same tiine thaï the King's Arrêt of tlu; Gth July
1711, direeling ihe seigniors to coneiîde on a lenl charge,
was jjromiilgated, Ilis INIajesly gave, on the same day, a
gênerai })alent of ratification for several concessions m fief
'uade by llu; (îovernor and Intendant. (2) This patent re-
capiliilaled ail "lie conditions and réservations whieh the
King meant lo be imposed on ihesc kinds of concessions as
wellasonthe sub-grants whieh ihe seignior oiighl to make l(/
their tenants. VVe do nol therc find any of the réservations
(1) See above \u 270 in the note.
(2) Va\. ami Ord. in-8. v. 1, p. 323,
275
a
whicli tlic soiirniors havc; l;ik(!ii iipoti liiciiistîJvrs lo stipulafe
lor flicir bc'juj/it, and wliicli are now siilnuitled (or tlu- exa-
minalion of fliis Court.
213. Tht'proof tliat surli res(>rvali()ns wcn; rcpiidiaicl
by thc Iribunals ol" iIk; coiiiitry midcr tli,- Frcm-h (iovcni-
iMcnl, cspocially sinc(! tlu; anct of Gtli .luly 1711, Is prcscn-
N'd fo us in many judgincnts and (mlinanci's of tlu; lnt(;n-
datithi.
Tlic first ordinanei! tohc cilcd, bocanso il was renden-d
on tlio occanion of a dcmand of a concession en censive is
diat of ihe Intendant Hegondafed tlio 28ili,linie I7:j|, ««iven
a^'aiust tlie scignior of Vincelotte antl founded on tlu. arrèl
of 1711. (1)
Tlie Défendant, is condemnod to pass a deed (.)i con-
eession to eacli ofllie Plaintills ; thcn llie ordiniince _^oe,s
ou lo say : " \vo prohiijit liiui froiu establishing olhcr dues
" oi' thc said lands tlian tliose of rent charités, aini iVoni
" c;i,using to be inserliid in tlie said deeds otiier conditions
" besidos those of kt^eping liousc; and home, preserving the
" oak tiuiber fit for tlie construction of vessels, ,gi\iiig the
" usual clearing along the l)onndaries of their iieighbours
" and alKnving th(; roads which sliall be necessarv."
2 M. Of theso illégal rescrvalions, that of wood ap-
pears lo hâve bcen uiost insistcd upon by the s(,'igniors. Vct,
préviens to th(; arrct of 171 1, \ve iind this jn-etension repel-
led by a judgmenl of the Intendant Raudot, bearing date
thelolhJune 1707(2) This judguient prohibits tlu; seig-
nior, iIk; sieur de Ilerlel, from troubling liis censitaire in lus
possession and from lahing or carrying Iherefrom any
wood.
(1) Ed. and Ord. in 8, v. 2, p. 461. See no. 175,
(5) Extraits de^ Cugnet p. 23.
•JTG ,r
i\j {.i',\ ili.' 7lh Juu' 171); !j ili' fuliMi.liiU H,';l;.)1i
/"iiilrr-'d nu iiriliii:ini' ■ ifi ■'. c-iii''' l'iiifii hclw'i'i-n llic sciir
niorr, (>f ('lniul)ly nu'l (!!■ Ir (•'•7i--i!:u!r<, winch (•(•nlfritnlioii
Thf pcfirinn ot" ili(> inlKilufrint-^ >i t lortli tliat tlw sinir
Jlcrtcl, srii^nior of Cii;iinl)lv, lind .'^'ivcn permission lo ISI,
i]o Nnin(^s;iy, (jovcinor ol M.oitn-al, lo hiiild ;i s:i\\-uiill on
jIh' llnroTi J^ivcr ; tli:ii fl'c v.iMcrs r;iis<'(l I»}' tlic dam ol
lliis inill partly inimdalrd iliriv land- :in<l canscd llu-ia vcry
ronsidcrabk loss MhaMlH.-sc \valcrs, owin^lo tlii'ir îîroat fall
in j)ruc('c'din<,' IVoni llir snid mill oanied down lln> saw dnst
and flic slal)s, wliic'li «ellk-don llicir liclds, injurinj>[ tlio soil,
wlicrcby, tlicy werc placcd undcr llic noocssiiy o(" removini;
lliiî saitl wood to prcMMii ilic roots oC ilu; ^rass from rotting ;
llial a con-idiM-ahlc nimibi'r of pine trocs ii;id l)c<>n carriod
away \\'ln('h lln' said sieur Ilerlel liad fnrnislu'd to llio sai<1
inill, witliout Ids paying lliem ihe i>ri('e tlitU. ^^'as due
to theni, lliey beinj,' tlic owners of tlic pines wliicli wore on
tlieir laiids. 'l'hcy aiso asked thaï llicy shonld be allowi'd
to take wood ou iho uneonccdcd huids ol' ihe seiqniory.
The seigniors (îonatairc}! en avancement iVhoirk ol' th>'
saiJ sieur de Ilcrtol, agrecd to cauiic tiie daniagcs wliieii
tlie jnliabitauls wen; sullcring hy tlie raisingof ihe \vaUM>,
lo be value J by arbitralors and to abaiulon to tliem al! thc
slabs wliieh " tho waters proceeding froiu llic said mill
would throw on tlieir lauds, as an indemnily for the damage
wliieli lliey pret*Muled to liavc becn done to them, as well
by llie said slabs as by tlie saw dusl wliieh was scattercd
over Iheir Iields ; praying tliat in regard to tlie dcmand of
payment for thc pine wood eut on ihciv lands, to dclay
judgmcnl in ihat res])ect, unlil the rcturn of M. de llaine-
say fi'om liis voyag(! to France, in considération of th(>
agreemcnts wliicli thc said sieur de Hcrtel îiad made with
m" Dor. Seigf. "' V. 2,1^ 4:').
"271 a
liiiu , aiul Ho i(. ;li'' .Irnvnid (tl ili-' inhaliiiaiiis i.i lakc wooi!
on tlic vnc<>)U'r(li(l l:»iiil-, ili'' -oiyiiior woiild iiot coiisciit N»
ilii'ir ^o (loini^.
TIk! ordinanct' dnrctcd ilmt cxpciis slioiild hc naniL'd
fo l'Sliiufiic ilif (lainajii;('s arisiiii; iVoiii tlic ovrr-llow of llw
watt-rs cau.'ïnd by ihc canal ol tln' iiilll, and l'or llic indoin-
nllv lo 1)1' |iaid to )!i(' lnlial)ilaiits accordiiii,' 1o tlic ;)/•()<•/'.<-
verbal wliicli t>lioiild l)c inad<' of ilic saiiv ; ordcrcd lliaf llm
^^lah.s wliieii liad .^allicrcd ami wliicli sliould tlicrcal'tcr pallier
upon thcir ficlds sliould Ixionp; to lliciu in lieu ol" indcmni-
ty, us wcll l'or tlic past as l'or llic luturc, l'or llie lo.ss wliich
tlicy claimod thaï llic said wood and saw dnst liad donc
tlicni ; tliat the ])inc wood which liad bien eut on tlie lands of
Ihc mid inhabilanfs, btf ordcr of the aiciir Ilcrtcl, should be
paidfor bij hini to the said inhabilants at the rate of six sols
for each trce^ saving IiI^h rccoursc a.*^ainst wlioin il might
conccrn tlic said inliabitanln bcing proliibitcHJ from
laking wood on llu; \-\u(h of lIu' said scigniory not conccdcd,
undiT penalty, icc.
21G. On the llh July 1715, (1) ordinanc(; of tlic Inten-
dant I?cgon in a suit hctwccn Josejih Ainiot, sicnr de \'in-
cclottt!, Plaintiir, against pcvcn of hiss censitaires.
By the litle decd of the seii,Miiory of (!ap St. Ignace,
conceded on the 3rd Nov. 107^ to Genc^viève de Chavigny,
widow Arniot, and mothcr of the Plaintill', it was said
" that ihe said Daine Aniiot will prcsc''"(^ the onic \\'0(m1
" which may be found on the land wliich slie shnll re
" serve as her chief manor ; that sIkî sliall cven make the
" réservation of tlie said oaKs in tli'> (>xtent of the parlicu-
" lar concessions made or fo l)e jnade lo her tenants, which
shall be fit for sliip hnilding.'"
i(
On pétition prcsiMiti'd to Messieurs de F'rontcnac and
278 a
Duchcsneau, tliis lady had obtained an ordinance of tlie
29tli Ootober 1G80 " giving permission to tlie petitioner,"
says tho Intendant inthatofthe 4tli July 1715, " to take
" wood througliout the extent of ihe scigniory, to build ihc
" liouses ior whicli slie sliall liave occasion and to cons-
" trucl barques, without tlial the said Ordinance can preju-
" dice the clause contained in M. Talon's deed of conces-
" sion, nor that the said DUe Aniiot can take froin an indi-
'' vichial inhabitant ail tlie Avood tliat shall be necessary for
" lier, nor in the places in u'iiich the inhabitants of the said
" scigniory had preserved lliem as ornaments of their con-
" cessions and for the use of their households." In his
pétition, the Plaintiffcontended that in virtuo of the ordi-
nance obtained by his motlier, lie had the power " to lako
the oak througliout the extent of his scigniory of Vincelotte
to hulld as ivell by sea as by kmd, and that with that purpo-
se lie had, about a year before, begun to eut and draw a
portion of the oak wood necessary for a ship, which lie wish-
ed to hâve buill, wliich oak wood he had drawn from a
distance of a league and a half from his house, with the
view of preserving Irees of the same wood at a nearcr dis-
lance on the land of one ol' his tenants, to make use of
tlicm as soon as hc should know, by the progress of the work,
w'iien he would hâve occasion for thein ; Init that having
l)een obliged to corne to Québec, sick, last winter, to at-
lenipt to leeover his health, the said tenants, nofwithsfand-
ing Ifie ri'spri'ations made of the said wood on their censives,
had, immediately after his de])arture, sold and caused to he
carried -away ail the oaks lliat tlicy had on their land, in
order to defraud the Plaintif!', and to profit by property which
did not belong to tliem" ; praying to the elfect that it might
please the Intendant " to jjcrmit liim to cause to said inha-
bitants who hâve fraudulcntly soUl the said oaks, to appear
before hiu^ to be condemned to such penalty as lie may
please to order ; that ail the sums to which the said sales
may amount shall be delivered to the said Plaintiff as pro-
ne
279 a
prietor of the said wood, and, to avoid expense, that the
Captain of Militia of the said locality shall read the said
pétition to the parties interestfu] ; and to seize in the hands
of the purchaser of the said oaks tlie payment agreed upon
by them."
Upon this pétition, permission was given " to seize at
the risk and péril of the said petitioner, as prayed for, in the
hands of the sieur Prat.
Three of the défendants " admit to hâve sold «ome
oaks that wcre on their lands, to the sienr Prat, for the cons-
truction of a vessel that he was getling built ; but that tiu--
said oaks did not belong to the said sieur Vinceh)1te, as he
States in his said pétition ; but to llis Majesty, who in ail
the concessions in seigniory madc by him o? ihe lands of
this country, lias reserved for himself the oak wood for shij)
building, and who lias directed the seigniors to make th.>
sanie réservation, in the concessions wliich tliey shall make
ol the lands of their seigniories, to the inhabitants of this
country, which réservation is not made witli the obj(H't that
the seigniors nunj jjrolit by it, but only in order that the oak
wood being preserved in tins colony, Jfis Majesty may
dispose of it for the construction of vessels ; that the Plain-
lirt"ouglit not to avail himself of the permission wliicli lus
mother obtained froin Messieurs de Frontenac and Duches-
n(!au to take wood on the lands conceded to h<r tenants to
erect buildings for sea and land, because that permission is
granted only on the condition that slie shall not do préjudi-
ce to the clause montioned in Talon's dced of concession,
which subjected the said Dame de Cliavigny, like ail the
other seigniors of this country, to préserve and cause to be
preserved, by their tenants, the oak wood, not for herself
but for the King ; and that even if it were a lavor that
Messieurs de B'rontenac and Duchesneau wislied to confer
to the said Dame de Chuvigny, it could not préjudice lier
2^0 a
IcnuiUSj iii as inucU an iluy iceie iiot Utard, thia lielUion
having been granted on a simple pdilion ; lluit if Messieurs
de Frontenac and Duciiesneau liad intended that the said
Dame Cliavigny should be trealed more favorably ihan olhcr
seigniors of tlie colony, in granting lier the j roperty in oak
wood, wliich Ilis Majesty lias rescrved for liimself, ihey
would liave obtained a patent from the King to confirm the
gift whieh tiie sieur de Vincelolte claims to hâve been
juade to liis molher, of t!ie said wood ; that ever since the
settleinent of this eountry the seigniors hâve sold tiic oak
wood found witiiin the bounds of their domains, and the in-
habitants such as was found on iheir concessions, when
ihey found i;ecasion to gel rltl of il, v\ilhout eilher of them
boing ciisturbcd l.y the Govcrnors and intendants, by reason
of ihe contravention niade by tfie said seigniors and inhabi-
tants to the clause of their deeds of concession forbidding
them to dispose of oak wood, wliicii apparently lias been
tolerated in f.ivor of ihose who wislied to undertake the
construction of vessels, in conséquence of the advantagc
derived by the colony therefrom, but that this toleration
having always been extended equally, as respects the seig-
niors and the inhabitanis, it is riglit that each should i)rolit
by the oak wood to be found on their lands, and in fact, no
other seignior besides the said sieur de Vincelotte lias ad-
vanced this pretcnsion against their tenants up to the présent
lime."
In this suit, tliere v. as |irodaccd a de.'d of concession
of ix 40 arpents granti-d by the said Dame Amiot î;) Pierre
Glonct on the llth Oclober l'!7.'-> (Heccfiiet notary,) l)y wliich
decd Glonet was bound 1o pri^s'^rvc standing ail the trees of
oak wood wliich were io l)e lound ou the said concession,
fit for ship building.
Mark wliat is confaincd in llie Ordinancc of t!if> Inicn-
danl Begon '>n ihisconlestatioii ; " ihe who'o bcing secn and
2SI a
'' considered, Ave iiave suspended proccx'dings m lliu suit
" ot" tho said Vincelotte uiitil hucIi tinio as it lias pleased
" Ilis jNrajesly to inl'onn us of his intentions as to tlie said
" demand, and in the mcan tiinc^ provisionally, we hâve
" grantcd main levée of the seizurc niade in the hands uf
" the said Prat. "
217. Tliere are \\vo remarks to inako on tliis Ordinancc.
Since INIadamo Amiot believed thaï tiiero was occasion
l'or a' ordinancc of the Governor and Intendant, to aulliorise
lier to lake oak wood on the lands of lier censitaires, it
was bccause she did not consider that the réservation tliat
slie had inade of it in their deeds of concession gave lier
that authority.
On the otlier hand, the Intendant Bét^on, in discharging
the seizurc, must to be supposed to hâve been of opinion
.' at the Governor Frontenac and Intendant I^uchcsneaii had
ded their powers in reiulering ihe ordinancc invoked
■t uie PlaintilK We may further remark that this last
ordinancc was anterior to the arrêt of tlic Gtli July 1711.
218. Two other ordinanccs by the Intendant Begon,
the one of the I8tli Dec. 1715, and the other of the 20lh
Mardi 1716, (1) proiiibit the inhabitants from cntting do\vn
any wood, or from tappingthe maple trocs, on the \nnds not
concedcd in the seigniory, but not on their own lands.
219. Michel Lalibcrté, an inhabitant of Isle Bouchard,
rcpresented to the Intimdant Begon, " that to extend the
clearing of his land, lie lias been obliged to eut down, last
winter, the wood on that part of his land which lie had
rendered productive, among which there being found scveral
oaks, lie had sawed and caused them to be sawn intoplanks
ratlier than hâve the said trees burnton the said lands ; that
(t) Ed. and Ord. in 8, t. 2, p. 285, 451.
OU
282 a
the sieur Desjordy, major of ihe town of Three River», and
scii^nior of I.^les Bouchard, pretending tliat lie had no right
lo make iIk- s.iidoaks into planks because otlhe réservation
of oak wood contained in his deed of concession and in
llio.se of ail tlie inhabitanis of thls colony, lias retained in
liis liands, a,s the priée of llic said Irees, thirly six minots
of wheat wiiich came to the said Laliberlc as his share of
ihe croj) of a Jand belonging lo the said sieur Desjordy,
and wliich lie had cultivated and sown last year. He de-
mandcd of the Intendant ihat it mighl please him to con-
demn the said sieur Desjordy lo render and deliver to hiin
the ;-.ai(l 3G minots of wheat, which he had retained in eon-
sidcration of the said oak trec."
'' Ilaving regard to which, says the Intendant in his
" 'iidginent of the 2î)th July 1722," (1) and considering that
■ ''i • réservation made by theseigniors, in the deeds of con-
" jtssion which they give to their tenants, is made in conse-
• cvience of the clause inserted in ail the concessions of tht*
* • igiiiories of this colony, by which Mis JNIajesty réserves
iv hiinsclf the oak wood for ship building, and obliges
Me proprit'tors of the said seigniories to préserve and
■alise to hc preserved the said oak wood by their tenants ;
'~ 'lat this clause does not confer on the seigniors the pro-
*' perty in oak wood which is lo be found in the extent of
»^ the lands which they concède ; that His Majestys inten-
" tion also is thaï the lands eonceded may be made pro-
' ductive, which can only be donc, by the inhabitants cut-
• ling donc ail the wood found thereon ; that it is for the
' public benetil that ail the wood that the inhabitants eut
'■'■ dowii tt) advance the clearing of their lands sliould be
" usefuUy employed in firewood or in planks, deals and
'' boards, rather llian be burnt on the ground, the sale of
" wood being a necessary business in this country ; that the
(1) Ed. et Ord. iii 8o. vo. ii, p. 471.
283 a
" price wliicli tlie inliabitanls rct^eive for iIk; saine places
" ihem in a position 1o advance tlieir settlenienl, and to \r,\y
" a part of llio expense wliicli tlicy luivo ineiirn^l, :i cir-
" cunistanco wliieli tends to llie setllenienl of tlie coloiiy,
" and that moreover the proprietors of seigniorics cannol
" préserve any property in the kind,s whick they hâve, cun-
" ceded suhject to seigniorud cens et rente.
" VVc forbid the sieur Dcsjordy to trouble the inh;d)i-
" tants of his seigniory in the felling and the sah' of <»;il<
'' wood whieh they eut down to eflect and advanee ihrii
" clearings, and to make any demand on tlieni on aeeoniit
" of the said wood, with the exception of those perse >ns
'■'■ wlio iiiay eiit down the said wood inerely to sell llic saiii»-
'■'■ witlioul going afterwards to work to elear the lands on
" whieh they liad eut it, in wiiich case we give hini per-
" mission to seize the said wootl and to corne afterwards
'■'■ })efore us to hâve the same confiscated, without tliat lie
" can, under any j)retext, exact any thing froni the said in-
" habitants on account of the said wood.
" And bcfore passing judgment on tlie demand of the
" said Jjaliberté, in the matter of the 3G minot <»fwiu'at, we
" order that the said sieur Dcsjordy, or liis Atlorney, sjiail
*•• apj)ear before us on the xî9th August next."
The two parties appeared by per-ons authorised to tli;u
elll'ct ; the rej)resentative of the seignior saying that the
slatement in the pétition of Laliberté is not truc, in as iiiueli
as it is not the intention of the said sieur Dcsjordy to j)revent
the inhabitants from deriving advantage from the oak wood
so far as they elear their lands, but merely to prevent tlieni
from cutting down the oak wood in the heart of the lands
conceded, and whieh tiiey do not elear, beeaiise that wlien
they hâve bared the said lands of the said oak wood, they
abandon them and that inhabitants cannot tlien be found
to settle on the said lands when the oak wood lias been rc-
284 a
moved therefrom, oonsentini^ to ext-cute tho ordinancc ol
the 29th July last and oderint;; to prove llial tlie oak wood
eut by Lalibcrté laas nol on his land onli/, but on tliosc of
otlier inhabitants and unconceded lands, and tliat tlus it is tliat
oblige? liini to retain the said 3G ininotsof wheîjtuntil sueh
time as ihe said proof has been |)rodiJced." Theso alléga-
tions were dcnied on Ijehalf of the olher pnriy who, on his
sidc, asked to addnc(i évidence aiul prayed l'or the restilu-
tion ol" liis \vheat.
By an ordinance of llie 30ih August 1722, (1) ihe In-
tendant, before rcndering judgnient on the restitution of tho
36 minots of wheat, gives permission to the parties res-
pectivcly to adchicc evidenc<.> in sni)|iort of their allégations,
before the sieur llainibault, the Kiiig's Attorney for the royal
jurisdiction of Montréal, whom lie appoints and subistitules
to hear the witnesses whom the parties shall summon befo-
re liiîu to show, respectively, namely, on ihc part of the :-;r.
Desjordy, thaï the oak wood eut by Laliberté was not on
his land only, but on those of other inhabitants and mieon-
ocded lands, and on the part of Laliberté, that ihe said oak
wood, which lie lias eut, lias ])een on his own land, sofar as
he lias advaneed his clearing and not in the rear of other
inhabitants and lands not coneeded.
220. We read in an ordinance o{' ihe Intendant Du-
puy, dated the 5tli April 1727, rendered on the coinplaint of
several seigniors, among otliers on that of the widow de
Joibert " seignioress of the /icf and seignioiy of Islet du
Portage," (2) '' considering the indispensable neeessity of
preserving the wood of every description, in every seiirnioiy,
fts wcU for the use of the i)articular seigniors on wliose
lands the said trecs and wood are, as for the préservation of
those which ought to be rcserved for the King by the titles
(1) "Doc. Soig." V. 2. P. 7'\
(2) " Poe. Sfig." r. 2, p. 101.
285 a
of each concession and l'nrtlier, in order that tlie inha-
bitants of each of thc scigniories may notk)nger give them-
selves licence and liljcriy to eut wood, ^\•it!l()ut distinction,
and elscwhcre thon on the lands conceded to theni nor cven
to do any injury to ibc tiees of thcir seigniors or neigh-
bours.
" We exprcssly forbid ail seigniors to eut or cause to
be eut any \vood beyond the bounds of tl.eir seigniories,
also ail inha])itan1s to eut any wood, nor eut or notch any
trees, and that withont jîcrmission in writing froni those of
thc said scimiiors or inhabitants to whom the said trees
bclong.
221. Ail thèse ordinances ciled by me establish that
the censitaires were ])r()prict()rs of thc wood found on thcir
lands, and that the seigniors had not the right to reserve it
for thcir own bcnefit, " not bcing able," as the Intendant
says, in the ordinancc of the 29lli July 1722, above refcrred
to, " to préserve for thernselves any proi)erty in lands which
thcy had conceded subject to scigniorial cens et rentes.'''^
222. For the rest, wlien we fini], in a dced of conces-
sion, llie veserviiti(>n of oak or ollicr woods, sueh réservation
ouglit U) be snppo^(•d lo liave been made for the benefit of
tlie King, avIio h;id iniposed on hi^ vassal the obligation to
niake the s{i]inlalion in the liiie dreds wliieli he should
give to lus tenants. Even in tliat case, the property in thes(;
woods is not the less that of tluî censitaire, ;i ; it w;is that of
the scignior before the sub-infeudatii.!i. lu fact, liie stijni-
lation of this réservation niauc by the King, in a concession
\\\Jief\ had not t!ie eilect of pi'eserNing forhim the property in
the wood which was its object ; siieli isthc o])iiiionof " three
distinguished advoeates of the Parliament of Paris," which
^■=1 to be found at pnjjfr' 2.>2 of iIip second volume of the
286 a
" documents seigneuriaux.'''' (1) " 'Plu; rlaiisf; to préserve
and (!ause to préserve by his tenants tlie oak wood fil for
tlie construction ol' His Majesty's ships (inserted in eerfain
of tlic King's patents) does not in any way préserve the pro-
perty of those woods for the King," say tliose tiiree juriscon-
sults.
The meaning of this clause, thcy add, ' 'is then rnerely
to subjcct the proprictor of oak wood to certain rulcs wiiich
ani in force in France, in order to insure to the King tliat hc
shall always, and in préférence to ail others, fmd in ihe
woods belonging to lus subjects such as lie may recjuire for
luaintaining his navy and building his sliips. It is in the
saine spirit that the 2nd article of the titlo of the ord. of
ihe woods and forests conc<,'rning building wood for the
royal houses and ships, enacts ; " If however any pièces
" sliould be wanted of such length and thickncss as not 1o
" be met at ordinary sales, in that case the grand master,
" upon statements thereof agreed upon in Our Council, and
" letters patent duly verified, may mark such trees in the
" Icast disadvantagcous places in our forests, and cause
" lliem to be eut down, and if lie should find none lliere,
" he shall cause them to be chosen and taken in the woods
" of our subjects, as well eclesiastics as others, without
" distinction of rank, and on condition of paying the l'air
" value thereof which shall be cstimated by skilled persons
(I) " Opinion of tiiree distinguished ailvocates in the parliament of
Paris as to the legality of certain clauses and conditions contained in
the titles of seigiiiories, duly registered at Québec on the 28th August
1782."
This opinion is dated the llth February 1767 and is signed by
Elie de Beaumont,
Target,
ROUCHET.
287 a
" to be agreed upon by our Attorney in the rangersliip and
" the parties, before the Grand master, wiio sliall name
" them ex qfficio in case of default or refusai."
223. Thin is what bas been practised in Canada. The
firsl proof which I find of it and which goes baek lo llit-
year 1GG4, is conlained in an Arrêt oftlie Superior Council,
of Québec bearing date the lOth July of tliat year. (1)
4(
a
a
" Upon the représentation made by the sieur Poyrior,
it says, that a quantily of wood had been taken from hi;*
concession by order of the sieur Baron Dubois Davau-
gour for the érection of casemates without his having any
comj)ensation altliough he has suffered mnch loss, praying
that something should be i^^rantcd in that respect ;
" The sieur Bourdon having been heard who declared
ihat he had seen the places from which the said wood has-
heen taken, the Council has ordered that the said sieur
Charron shall pay out of the sum of one hundred and tifly
livres which he owes as the priée of a casemate, the suin of
tifty livres tournois to the sieur Poyrier. So doing and ox-
hibiting thèse ])resents and a receipt lie will Ixî discharged
t h ère for.
224. The foUowing documents serve to support the
remarks I hâve recently made.
Ist. Ordinanceof the Intendant Ilocciuart daled the 5tlj
Oetober 1731. (2)
" Permission is given to the sieur Abbé Le Page tocut
" down in the seigniories of Berthier and Dautray two
" thousand cubic feet of oak wood in conformity with the
" frames and models which vve hâve caused lo be sent, to
(1) Ed. and Ord. in 8. v. 2, p. 18.
(2) Ed. and Ord. in 8. v. 2, p. 348.
288 a
" serve for tlie constniction ot' n sliip en Jlutte ol ">0() icj/is,
" wliich titnbcr hu sliull cause to bo takcn clown iii rafis,
" ns far as lin; river St. ('Iiarlos, Ij^forc tlic Court lioiisi; ot'
'' tliat city to ha {\\vrv rocciwd aiul exainincd in tlie cus-
" lomary manncr. TIuî présent ijcrmission i^ivcn at^Tcca-
" bly to tlic réservations made by IJis Majesty of sueh lini-
" bor for liis own use, in tlie concessions ot' laïuis and ï^eig-
" niorios of this colony.
" We comniand tlie seigniors, ca])tains and olîicers of
" ranges, cd/cs, and ail othcrs \\hose duty it i-, to assist and
" cause to be assisled tlie s;iid si- ur Le l'âge in llic said
" worlv, in considération of reas;)nai)le \vages 1o lliose
" wlioin lie sliall eiiiploy in cutting ilie said linil)er.
" Nota. A siinilar permission lias been lorwarded to
" thc sieur de lileuiy in tlie seigniory of Cliambly and in
" tlie rear of llie seigniory of Longueiiil adjoiniiig tlic said
" seigniory of Ciianibly, and for a distance of ihrei- leagiies
" along the river Sorel ou botli sides thcreof froiu tlie said
" seigniory of Cliainbly in desceuding llie said river
" Sorel."
2nd. " Ordinance of tlie Intendant Ilocquart dated tlu;
7tli February 1710 (1) " wliicb prohibits several proprietors
" of lands in the neiglibourliood of Nicolet, froni eutting
" any oak wood on llie said lands, until sueh tiine as th(^
" same sliould be visited, under penalty of the conliscatioii
" of the wood eut and a fme of ten livres for the beneiit of
" the ])oor, for every oak trec eut.'"
3rd. Ordinance of the same Intendant bearing date the
20thMarch 1740. (2) *
" Ilaving bcen informed that there is to be found in
" Isle Jésus, in the seigniories of the Lake of two Moun-
(1) Extraits de Cugnet p. 72.
(2) Ed.andOrd.inS. v. 2. p. 382.
289 a
M a kl
river
h1 tlio
•ietoi'^î
iitlinu;
as tlic.
ind in
Moun-
■' l;iin>, ol Mudaau) li'Ai^eiitL-iiil, ainl ul M. de Vaiidrcuil,
" and in l.slo ilizard, a vcry considérable (|uantily ol" oak
" true.s, lit Ibr building llu,- King'ti «hip.s ;
" We very expressly prohibit and lorbid flie pmprietoi's,
of wliatever ([iiality and condition tlicy ivny be, lo eut or
cause to be eut any oak trees, untilwe iiave coused tliern
to be inspccted and until we liavc c-iiiscd to l)(> :narked
••' and res('rv(;d sueli ot' tlie said oak trees as sliall be l'ound
" lit l'or the construction of His Majesty's sliips, und/r tlie
penalty against llie parties ollendini,', ot" tde confiscation
ol" tlio wood eut, and a line ol' ten urres for every oak
troc wliieli tliey sliall so liave nnduly eut, tliu sa'ul fine
" payable to the informers.
" We conimand ihe judges of ilie places, olficers of
" inilitia, and otiiers wlioseduty il is, toenforce our présent
" ordinance, wliieli sliall be read, j)ublislied, and posted
" iip, wlien.'ver tlicre sliall be occasion, so lliat no one can
" prétend ignorance; of if, cnjoining tlieia to inforni us or
" our substitute at Montréal of infractions her'^of."
4lli. Ordinance of the samc Intendant dated 2U July
1710 (1)
" It being neccssary to j)rovide for the niasting of
vessels wliich Ilis Majcsiy lias ordi-red to be built, and
whicli lie niay order in fuliire, we hâve observetl in the visits
which we hâve (nirselves made to llie neiglibourhood of
Lakc Chaiiiphun and elsewheiv, the dillerent j)ino woods lit
for that [)urp()se and in particiilar ihat there is in the seig-
nioiy of Sorel a plue wootl of a league in extent along the
bank of the river Ivichelieu cornniencin;'' half a lenirue abo-
ve Fort Sorel in ascending on the left side where a consi-
dérable (inanlity of lied l'ine c-f good (juality is to be found.
(1) "Doc 5
', 177
37
290 a
the said red pinc bcing of fine proportions and calculated
for makin^ masts for the Kinj,''.s ships. WV hâve eonsidored
the rendcring of the présent ordinanee to l)e for the good of
his service, whieh in insurin^ Ilis Majesty's benefit shall
aiso bc advantageouM to the Dame de Hamezay, seignioress
and proprictor of Sorel aforeyaid whom we liave heard and
to the inhabilants, j^'rantees, wliom \vc hâve aeen in the dif-
férent places that is to say :
First.
" We forbid ail persons generally whatsocvcr, whc-
" ther merchants or oliiers, to eut or cause to bo eut any
red pine trees within the extent of the said pinery here-
inabove speeified, without an express permission, and
that in writing, iinder the penalty of a fine of 50 livres
against ihi^ oHending parties, for every red pine tree eut,
and of a fine of double the aniount in case of a répéti-
tion of the offense, the said fines payable to the inform-
er,
Secondly.
((
u
i(
And in order the more to induce both the said pro-
prietors of the said seigniory and tiie inhabitants to whom
concessions hâve been made in the said place, to pré-
serve the said pinetrees, we promise to pay them when
we shall eut down the same, that is to say ;
" For every red pine tree of twenty four inches in dia-
*' meter and more at the large <;nd, stripped of the bark,
*' the sum of ihree livres ; thirty sols for those of twenty
'^ three inches and down to nineteen inches, and twenty
" sols only for thosc of eighteen inches down to fifteen in-
" ches."
5th. Ordinanee of the same Intendant dated the Ibth
July 1742. (1) ^^
~(î) " Doc. seig." V. 2, p. 183.
291 a
" If Im «rdorod tliat Noi'l Ijtinfiflois dit Tnivorsy départ
fortiiwith wilh Piorrn yXbniliam dil Dosmarcts for tlif upprr
part of \\w. River St. François, for tin; purposr o( iiispectin^
tlic tiinbnrlo ho Ibiind tliere, wlictlicr rcd piiic, oak, orotluîr
wood, proper for the construction and inasting of Ilis Ma-
jesty's shipH.
The said Travcrsy and Dnsmarots will ohsorvc attmti-
vely tlio qnalily of the tiinhcr, ils sizc and liMi^tli, if it bc
knotty ; thoy will examine iIk^ qualily of the land, the faci-
lities, fonveniences or difrieiiltios which niay be me' in
bringing the said timber tolhe walerside, vvhereofthey v di
prépare a written report.
L'ART FUI UT 11
MILI. UANAi^irV
225. On this suhjcct, ^hu Aîtorncy General put ihe ful-
luwing questions :
TuiRTY-Tiinin (iUKSTioN-. — At tht^ tiuie of the })assing of
" tho Seign'orial Act of 1.S51, " had i!ie !-:ci^Miior.s in Canada
tl)0 oxeliisive ri^'ht of bulldin:,^ Grist MilLs, and had lliey lljo
rii,dit of deinauding tlie dcinalilion of ail niills of that kind
built wi'Jiia llieir cjn.'niucs by ollier ])ersons ?
TiiiRTv-FouHTii QUKSTiON'. — I)id tlicso liglits oxlcnd to
ail peiiraiorios ? If not, to what seigniorics did lliey extend ?
Jf ihe seigniors could exercise thèse riglils againstlheir cen-
sitaires, could they also djniand the démolition ofgristrnills
l)uilt on lands the tcnuro of whieh had l)een eonimiited into
franc-aleu roturier, or into free and common eoccage, witli-
in the limits of their respective ficfs ?
Thirty-fifth qukstion, — If thc^^e rightr^ existed, did
ihey extend t;) mills of any olhev kind and 1o ail works
propolled by v/ater ? ought llu^y to be considered as inci-
dental to the right of banalité} had th; y their origin in the
Custom of Paris or in spécial laws ?
Thirtv-sixth question. — At the time of the passing of
tiie Seigniorial Act of 1854 what was the nature and the
extent of the right of banalité claimed by the seigniors in
Lower Canada ? what was its origin ? was it a feudal right
or did it Iji-loiii; to tliat ehiss of righr-i d(îsignaled as juslitiœ
{droits il" jv!ificr''i '' wn^ if reen<:tii/'-(l bv îii-' riist(>m of
293 a
Paris ? was it iiitrodnced into tliis coiintry, regulated and
dcfined by the Dccroo [ArnU) of 4tli Jnnr, 1686 ? to what
oblii^alions werc tlic scigniors, on one side, and the censi-
taires, on tiic ollicr, subjcctcd by ihis right ?
226. According to Ihc 71st article of the Custom of
Paris, " no seignior can compel his snbjects to go to the
" oven or mill whicli lie prétends banal, make corvées, if lie
" hâve not a valid title, or an old aveu et dénombrement ,
" and no title is reputed valid, if it hâve not been executed
" more than 25 years. "
The 72nd article adds ; " the wind-mill, cannot be
" banal, nor under tins pn text, can the neigliboring millers
" be prevented from looking for grain (chasser,) if there be
" not a title or a wrilten acknowh.'dgment, as above. "
227. According to Ilenrion de Pansey, (1) there were
in France, but cleven custoins " whieli by law made ban-
nalUé a seigniorial right ; so tliat under their empire,
whoever held njhf, was authorizcd to compel liis men or
subject^ to make exclusive use of his rnills, ovens and
pres:jes.
" Ail t'iicse cusioms" the autlior adds, " hâve the same
spirit, and arc expressed j)ielty mnch in llie same terms.
They however hâve some shadcs of dif}(:'rence. In the
" enstom of Angoumois, the seignior cannot enjoy tlu' right
" of banality exiept when Ik; lias an exercised jurisd'iclion.
" The customs of Tours and of Loudunois recjuire for the
" mill bannalilé, th;it the water which drives the mill
" be perpétuai. In the terms of the custom of Sole, the
" subject is not obliged to go to tlu; mill of his seignior,
" when lie is ncarer to anothcr. "
a
n
" As in thèse dillerent Provinces, it is the law which
cstablishes the bunnalités, they are called légal bannalités.
(1) t. 1/' Bannalitiis " § 2, p. Hâ.
294 a
" The other Customs, aro oilhcr silent npon the subjeot
o[ bannalité^ or spcak of il only as a possiljh? servitude.
In thèse customs, no bannalité without tille, conso(iuently
ail bnnnalités therein are convenlional.
§ 3 " Nodillicully exists, with respect to légal hannaiitcs ;
the cnstom has established tliein, and tliis title is sulH-
cient Ibr the seigniors.
" Wilh respect to the convenlional bannalUés, lu the
customs which treat of this jioint, we inust conform to
thaï which thcy ordain : in the olhers, the disposition of
the 71st article of the (^ustom of Paris is followed. Il is
thcrcfore very important to know the truc sensé of that
disj)osition.
" As tins article, addcd at ihe time oi the reform of
the cnstom in 1580, did not exist in the oldone drawn up
in 1510, to seize; its proper spirit, we nmst in the first
plac(! K'membcr tht; jiraitice hcfore this cpoch of 1580.
" In looking ovcr the written dcpositarics of our old
usages, we are led to believe that at that tinit; the
bannalilc was an ordiiiary right of ail the seigniories ,
that each seignior was authorized to compel lus censitai-
res to make exclusive use of lus ovcns, mills or presses,
this in facl results from the lOSth cliap. of the Elohlisse-
mcnls de Si. fjouis.,'''' which uiost cxpressly states that
whenevcr a scigniorpleases to liave a mill constructed in
liis castellany (cluitellenie), ail his men are obliged to hâve
their grain «rround therein.
Tins ancient law, this primitive and perhaps tmiver-
sal law, survives in the eleven customs which attach to
fief the right of bannalité.
295 a
((
" With regard to the others, opinions hâve taken ano-
" ther turn. BanmlUés liave iK't-n Iroin Wnw. to timo, with
" one accord, i.'ardcd with a Icss favorable eye, in so
" niuch that thcy carne fo bu placed in the elass of real ser-
" vitudes. But ihis change, like ail the révolutions which
" take place in tlie tuanners and usages, progressed but
" slowly ; hère are its sliades and gradations.
" In ceasing to regard bannaUtés as natural dependcn-
" cies of ail seigniories, they were not at first lowered to the
" rank of servitudes, thcy were looked upon as accidentai
" seigniorial righls. This is the character which the juris-
consults of the 14th and 15tli centuries give them. (1)....
•
" The hannalités at that time tlius blendcd with the
" seigniorial riglits, enjt)ycd the sanie favor, were ac(iuired
and preserved like them. Abcnit the IGtli (-entury opi-
*' nions changed anew ; nevcrtheless it was not at first
broadly asserted in absolufe tenus, that hannalités were
nothing else but servitudes ; it was staled they are a
species of servitudes.
" Dumoulin who saw the birth of that opinion, combat-
ted it (2)
" Nevcrtheless the new opinion took root and when in
1580 the rcform of the Custom of Paris was proceeded
with, this opinion liad st) much prevailcd ihat the reform-
" «rs of the Cusioin addcd the 71st article ; the article
*' which décides that ail bannalitcs are so many servitudes.
" This décision, as we see, introduced a new law ; but
" il could hâve no influence upon the pa«t, nor weaken tlu;
" right to the banmlités which were establislicd luider the
*' authority of ancient j)rinciples, under tiie maxini that
'' laws hâve no rétroactive cHeet.
1.1.
u
u
(1) Bouteillier " somme rurale."
(2) Pc lUviduo et indivùluo, j». 3, i.o. 269.
296 a
'* The new article addod to the Custom was thus to
'' bear a double cliaracter. At ono and ihe same timc de-
claratory as well for llie past as for the future, it was re-
quired tosaytliat with resi)ectto &rt/în«/t7t'.s' tlierctofore ex-
isting, liie riglit to it would be sudiciontly justified by
possessory acts, but tliat for iho future to establisli a ba-
nal! ty, it would rcquire, as for ail other servitudes, a for-
" mal tille bctwecn llie parties."
228. Mill banality(l) havinglhus bccome conventional
only in the Custom of Paris, il could nol exisl in Canada
but under that litle, aftcr the introduction of ihat cuslom.
Sinee that lime, lias the législation parlicular to ihe country
rnodificd the dis{)ositions of tiie Custom of Prn-is? and if
it hâve, hâve thèse modifications made the .nill banality
Icgal^ inslcad of convcnlionctl wliieh it was in ils origin ?
That Iho acts of this législation may be bélier under-
stood, as well as lhi> juris[)rudeuce which thèse acts hâve
creatcd, principally under the Frcnch dominion, it is neces-
sary lo give an analysis as complète as j)ossible of the ar-
rêts and décisions of llie courts. ]3at, previous llierelo, it
scems to me proper to make some observations upon the
two articles of ihe Cuslom of Paris above quoled, as well
as upon the righl of insi)ection whieh the public authorily
could exercise witli respect to mills.
229. The 7 Isl article in speaking of the banal mill,
docs not make any distinction beUveen a mill drivcn by
waler and a wind-mill ; il only u.<"s ihe word uiill. The
72nd article makes spécial m(^ntion of wind-mills. Although
atfu-st sight, the Iwo kinds of mills scem lo ])e placed upon
the same footing as regards llie elfccts of ihe banality, with
resj)eet to the form and llie date necessary for mill banality
(1) 1 (!o not spcak of the uvon baiiaiily. 1 belicve that the cxam-
pie of M. Aiiiiot, stigiiicir nf ViiiccloUe, has boeu follovved by biil.
very few of the olJ sci;^niora.
297 a
;jencr;illy, yct, to altaeh l\\^^ righi of baiialiiy u> a wind-niill.,
the convention rc([i!ircd 1o contain ti parlicular staterncnî,
which was not nevertliclcss aujuirud to atîach that riglit to
a wuler-mill.
Ilear Ilenrion de Pansoy on this point, §, 27, p. 227 :
" V/hcjn titio,'-', and rc-'^ilar litlcs, give to the j:oignioi-
'' tîie banaljly ci' a water-iuill, or (;i' a mill f:;cncralli/^ can
'' wc thencc concludc ihat lie lia.s also the banality in l'av(n-
" ol' a wind-mill l
Basnage, on the 210th article of Norraandy, résolves
the diilicully in this inanner: " It is a luaxiin that a wind-
" mill cannot be bannal, even in l'avor oi' the ;<eiqnior au-
" thorised by tille and by ackîiowledgment in wriling to
" hâve the banality of a water-inill, (/ the liile docs not
" makc express mention of the qualihj of the mill, and docs
" not déclare and docs not prccisely détermine that it is a
" wind-mill. The gênerai ami imlejinite expression of ba-
" nal-mill onl}/ applies iowater-mills; and the seignior hav-
" ing none ot" that kind, but only a wind-mill, the opera-
" tion of which dejjcnds upon the niost uncerîain of causes,
" the most inconstant and the most casual in ihe \vorld ;
" and as it would t)fLen liap[)en that the mill could not
" Avork for the waut of wind, it could not supply those sub-
" jcct to the banality and thèse last would su lier grievous
" inconvcniencc in conséquence."
Further, aftc^r stating tlu» contrary opinion of the Prési-
dent Bouhier, and liaving observed that " thèse two opi-
" nions could be suslained by reasons of almost cqual
" strenglh," the aulhor of " Dissertations féodal(>s," says :
" but the same problem sce-ius resob.ed by the Custom of
" Paris, and by ail those uf wîiirh it lu^in^ \\iv couuikhi
" law, by the inann''i' ra wlu» h ihi- , ar.i ■ ( u-imui (.f P,iri>
" is drawn iip-
298 a
II
u
II
ii.
" Tho 71st arliclc delermines wliat litlcs are necessary
" for llie cslablislimcnt of hanality : " no scii^nior can com-
" ]nA liis snbjeets to use llic oven or mill wliieh lie prétends
" banal, if lie liavc no titley," &e.
" If liio rel'ormors liad intended to include wind-mills
" iinder tlio général dénomination of lui 11 ; if tliey had
'' ihonght that the titles granting tlie niill banality in gêne-
rai, or of a water-iuill, also gave the same riglit in favor
of a Avind-iuill, tliis 7ist artieie, leaving notliinglo désire,
Ifft notliing to ^.ay upoii mill-banality. They neverthelcss
dévote a partieular artieie to wind-niills, an artieie added
uitli a. di^linguislied inteiit, si ee it is notliing but a répé-
tition of the preeeding : an artieie drawnupin u manner
^' whieii woiild oblige us to aeeuse the refonners of the
" eiistoni to hâve throwii thèse provisions at liazard and
" Avithoiit motives, of whieh we are not [)erniitted to sus-
" peet tliem, or else wemust aeknowledge lliat iheir inten-
" tion was to deeide that, to ereate a wind-inill banal a
'' spécial tille is ne{'(>ssary, and that to make a mill of ihal
" Ixind banal, it is not suffieienl to hâve gênerai titles of
'■'■ l)analiiy.
"Sueh is the manner in whieh the commentators on llie
'' (^iistom of Paris view the iiiatter.'''
This <li>tincti()n bet\ve(Mi the title necessary to attribute
the right of Ijauality to a wind-i.iili, and that whieh suiliecs
to givc il to a water-inill, will serve lo explain a certain
pnrt of the urn'l of llit; Snperior Council of the Ist .lui}'
1670, mention of whieh will shortly be made, a part whieh
suerns to hâve been up to this day unexplained.
^.'JO. One Word, now, as to the right of inspection
(police) reg;irding mills. In speaking of the restriction at-
taehed to the natuvul liherty of eonstnieting tliem, partieu-
larly of that whieh resuUs froin the fendai law, Henrion de
299 a
Pansey ohj^frws, ;;. If), \s. l\r> : '•'■ lin( al)nv(^ tlir aiitliority
" of tlic stvicjuiors, tliert' is an aniliiirily <>!' ;iii liiijlirr (tnjcr,
"■ to wllicli Ix'lonirs ail tlial caii iiil<:irst piihlir |K)licv, tlir
" i^cncral j^'ovcriinicnl (/</ /vo/iVr i^v-z/mf/r), and w liidi lias llif
" rit,'lit lo n'strift llic libcrty ofcacli individiial lor llic i/ood
" ol llic ^rcutcst niinibor.
" Tlif iiiills intciidi'd 1() t,'iv(' llit' firsl pn-paraiion t<> lin.-
"■ cliii-r article ol' l'ood, Jiiusl lU'crssarily l"' Mihjfci t,, ihc
"■ inspection ol' tliis suprême aiilliorily : il Iims tlien tlir rii^lii
*•• nut only tu eontrol il, but lo n^i,Milate tlie tiiiinber
" p. 210: Tliose even wlio liave tlie liberty lo >^iiiid wliere
" they lliink proper, who enjoy tlie most iiidelinile liberty
'^ lo biiild iiiills, niay be prevented l'rom doini; so by
'' those lo wlioin is counnitted iIk^ ii;nurdianship over llie
^ pnblie riiflils."
Flenrion de l'ansey Ini-tlier dévoies a partiialnr i)ara-
^rapli resp(H'tini,^ llie eontrol of tlie workiii^j- oi'uiilb., \\liieli
is llic ;21sl of his dissertation iipon banaliiy, eoiiiiiieiieinnr
witli two ordinances, om^ of A\liieii is of l;},")!! ;iiid tlie otlier
of IfoO, and eitirii( tlie articles ol' se\i'ral ciistonis wliicli
conlain reujulatioiis iipon tliis matler, and wliicli, lie sa\s,
*' i'onn tlie comnion law upon tliis siibieel,'" \N'e sliall sec
ihat this riglit of reii^iilalinif llie manai^enient of iiiiJIs bas
beon often oxerciseil in Canada.
231. ""J^ie firsl rei^ulalion seems \o liave been an ordi-
nanc(> of llie Governor, M. do Laiizoïi (1) )i\\vw in KiôJ res-
(l) 'i'iie commission of M. Laiizoïi, wliicli is of Uie ITUi January
Itîâl, givos liim tlie powor of " jiulgiiig of ail ililVorLMicos \viiiih iiiay
arise among tliein, (oflicer», ministers and subjocts of tlic js.ing) bave
delinquents punislied, and even liave tlie penalty of di'ulli iiillicltHl, if
tlie necessity liappen, tlie wliole of sov(!reio-n rioLt and williout ap-
peal ; coinmanding tlieni to do wliat lie sliall sce and know to Ite neces-
sary for our service and tlie benefit of oiir ulfairs. and to tlie care and
préservation of the said country in obédience to us \ and this witli the
300 a
j>ectin^ iiu.i rs. Tlii.s urdinancc is not Iranscribod ; but
jiicnticm is madc cl it in an arrêt of llu- Supcrior Council
ol" thc 28tli Mardi 1UG7. (I)
This arrêt i?:- as follows: " Considi^rini? tlmt wliich waa
" bocn r('prpsenl«-'d to ns byllio Altorney-Gcncral, ihat sevc-
" rai abuses arc comniittcil by ihi; millers of this oonntry,
" with respect to the grinding of gi'iiin, and to rcmcdy
saine rigiits, lionor.-i aiul prcroi^-ilivcs as prcceding govornors.
Note— -13y tho (ulict of its création, of tlie rnonth of April 1663,
tlie fSnperior Council liad tlie powcr to rcgulate " ail alTuirs of police,
public and privato, of ail tho countrv.
Tlie 21< January 1667, thc council enrogistcrcd, upon tho réquisi-
tion of the Attorney-Gencral, and " to bc foiloAvod and observcd ac-
cordinjr to Ihcir tcror end fonn" certain rcoulations'"' concernin<r " thc
administration of justice, police and maintenance of tho colony," and
prepared by the intendant Talon. This last liad not the powcr to
niake theso régulations. The first intendant to whom tliis power
secms to hâve been first granted is ?.!. Duchcsneau, vvhose commission,
bearing date the r)th .Tune 1673, statos: " to nialce with the said Sove-
rcign Council ail iho régulations which you shall deem neccssary for
the gênerai government of tlie said country, at the same time for fairs
and mariccts, the sale, purcliase, nnd delivory of ail provisions and mer-
chandise, which gênerai régulations, ynu will hâve executed by the
inferior judges who take cognizance of private cases within the estent
of their jurisdiction ; and shojild you dccm it most fit and necessary
l'or the good of our service, cither from tho difficulty or from delay to
inake the said régulations with our said Council, 'lee givo you thc
poiver and aulhority hy thcsc samc prcsctits io makc thcm alonc,
cvcn to judgc aîono with sovcreign aulhority in civil matters, and to
ordain ail which may socm just and proper, confirming at the présent
time as for the future, thc judgments, régulations and ordinances which
«-hall thus be rendered by you, as if they had cmanated from our sove-
reign courts, notwithstanding any roru^ations, prise d partie, edicts,
ordinances and othcr tliing* \n llir roptmry.
(l) l'd. and OH. in 8. r. ^. p. ^H,
301 a
"'' whieh, it \von\(\ hc iit to re-itcrato iIk; ordinanoe mado iii
** 1052 by tlio Ififc M. de Lauzon lioreloforo «;ovcrnor of lliis
" coiinlrv ; considcrin.ij; ihc said ordinance tlit; couiicil adjii-
" dieating thcivon li.-.lh ord.iinrd anddotli oi'dain tliat it sliall
" hâve ils Cnll and enliic ioirc, fjaviîiir tiin ri,i,dit of addinj:^
" to it in i'ntiur, if Ihe necessiîy sîionld liappen ; and that
" th<> damages snllered hy ilie proprielors earrying grain to
" ])•• ground atlhe inills, sliall be liad froin tlie owners of
" Ihe said mills, saving to tlio«c tlio riglit ofdedueting tlietn
" from tho wngos of their saiaried niillers, iiud tiic présent
" orrét sliall hc added to tlic foot of the said ordinance,
<' that thc M'hole togelhor, may bc read,publish('d and affix-
" cd whercvcr the same shall bc neecssary, Ihat none may
" bc ignorant of ils contents.''''
Thc ordinance and tho arrêt, whicli I havc just men-
lioncd, are the first Cai adian rcguhitions which \ve hâve
ooncerning mills. At 1er si, I liave not found any of prior
date. The word rc-ilerale whieli is inserted in tlie arrât^
would Icad me to belicve that l!ie ordinance of M. de Lau-
7.on reguhiled ihe damages wliich tlie parties carrying grain
1o be groimd had liuî ri-iil lo elaim ; of whieli damages the
proprielor of the niill was declared to bc personally respon-
sible, wilh thc reserve of his recourse against his millcr,
culpahle ofatnisc in the toit of grain. But a short time after,
a modificalion of ihis rcsponsibilily of ihe mastcr, was
madc by anollicr arrci of tho Si^pcrior Council of tlic 20th
Junc 1CG7. (1)
This rt/Tc^ is roudered on a pétition prcscntcd to the
Council " by most of ihe proprielors of inills in tins country,
" tcnding to show that llic mills of this couniry cost double
'' anrl triple those of France, as well for their construction,
'' thcirrepair and maintenance^, as for thc wagcs and board of
*' Ihe millers ; in considération of which, they said, they
(M Edits and ord. in So v. 2. j>. H!).
302 a
" inight ask tlmt thf loll Ix- |)ro|)orii(Mi<Ml \o \\\v above ox-
" ponsc's, îind conscfincntly îibovc llic (inlinîiry <»no in
" France; tlial llicv aiv nrvcitliolcss satisliod witli fhal
" whicli lias Imhmi tin» praclicc in lliis «ounlry sine»' ils
'' roninicnccnicnt conlorniahly t(i tiu^ onlinanccs and royal
" edii'ts, and tliat if lu* rontinncd licrcaCU'r as il lias IxM-n
" np totliis day, and lliat thi; Ciistoiii of Paris wliirli is llio
'•'■ nnly onn adoplcd li'*re for al! tliini^'s, lu- aiso roeeived for
^' Ihi^."
Tilt' arrrf "ordains that tho rij^ht of loll sliall, in tliis
" connlry, Itc lli(> onf*-fonrt('(;ntli ; enjoins ilic Livuîtnanl
'■' Civil \o liave tlie présent arn'l strietly «îvecnled, even
" froni tiiae to tinie to t>o frorii plac(> to place to gnage llie
'^ nieasiires and to see wliat is doing ; and niorcdver that
'^ th(! ordinance of tlie Sieur Luuzon iiave ils eireet, witli
*■' tliis luodilieation, tliat iii tlie event of malversation by tlie
^' iiiiliers, lliat tliosti wlio sliall find theniselves interesled
" sliall liavc thcir reconrse but iipon tlic lessees, if tlio niills
'' are leascd, if ollierwise, npon tlie i)roprietors tliereof ; and
" for \\\o support of tli(* présent ordinance, tlu' proprietors
'•' of grain whicli sliall Ix; la!, a to be ground, sliall be lield,
'■'■ or a party in their belialf, to liave tlie grain weiglied al
'' llie inill by tlie miller, and w lien ground,to liave tlie lloiir
" weiglit.'d, in default of whieh tlicir coniplaints sliall not
" be lieard.
In tliis arrêt and in the pétition wliicli gave risc to llio
arrêta \ve sec an acknowlcdgnient of llie riglit of the pu-
blic authorities to niake régulations witli regard to niills.
TlîU.s far, there is no modification of the 7lst and 72nd arti.
clos of the Custom of Paris. The mill banality is tlien in
the conditions of conventional banality betwcen the seig-
nior and tlu; censitaire^ subject nevertlieless to tlie interven-
tion of the authorities to regulate tlie relations wliich must
resuit therefrom. It is well to remark, again, that, in the
303 a
ordinancG and urrûls already ciiod, tlic only question relates
to proprielors ol" ruills generally, witliout distinj^aiisliing
whullier Ihey aro seigniors or not.
232. The firsl of July 1(J7."), v^\ arrûi or ordinancc of
the Siiperior Council wliieli, upoii llie case of a contesta-
tion bclween Iwo niilN'r.s, dcclarus ail luilLs, whothcr walcr
or wind, to be banal. (1)
Thero wcre two lessces of the mil! of iho soii^nidry of
Domboiii-i,', Pierre Lefel)vre dit Ladoueeur and Pierre I.a-
faye dit Mouture. A pétition \v;is prescnted to the; eouneil
by Charles Morin " the niiller of the sei<,miory of Deuiaure
" praying that sieur Lefebvre dit Ladoueeur, one of the
" lessces of the mill of tiie seigniory of Dombourg be eon-
" deinned to restore him the ih)ur he lias taken froin the said
" Morin, and in as much as ihe mill of Dombourg is not a
" banal mill and cannât tmppli/ the inhabitants thcreof with
" Jîour, the said Morin be allowed to grind for the said in-
" habitants, and that the said Ladoueeur be forbidden froni
" disturbing iiini in that respeet."
Mouture appeared for his co-lesscc. The Altorney Gê-
nerai, to whoni the ])etition had been eonanunicated by or-
der of the Couneil, takes iiis conelusions. The eouneil af-
terwards : " dismissed the demand and prétentions of the
'' said Morin ; and adjndicating upou the said conelusions,
" hatli ordaincMl and doth hereby ordain, that tlu' iiiills
" whcther theif he watcr niills or wind initls, whidi the
" seigniors hâve built, or Avill l)ui]d here:ifter in their
" sciguiories, shall be banal mills ; and ihai their te-
" uants, who shall In; b(nind by their deeds of concession
" to that ejl'ect, shall cairy their grain to sueh uiills, and
" leave il tliere at leasl forty eight hours, after which if not
'' converted into (Jour, ilicy will b«> rdlowcd to Iake il else-
(1) Kd. aud Ord. in-8. v. 2, p. 1)2.
30 I a
" wlitTc-, williuut [)a^ini; loll to llu; iiiilicr ni t:.t • vMiior
" it i;* inorcovtT exprc^sly l'orbiddcn fi> |)r()|)riet()r! h.Um,
" as uforcsaitl, to iiidiicc! tlio Uîuunts ol" aiiolluir proprictor
'* to conio lo tlieir niills, undiT a penalty ul" oni; écu (lialf a
" orown) in l'uvor of llu; stîii^'tiior, and on pain ol" conlisca-
" tion ol'llic grain and vrliiclcs containini,' llic snmc. And
*' it i.s l'urtlirr ordcrcd tliat copies of tliis rvi^ululion sliali l)e
" sent by llio Allorney Gener:il, lo ail llie jnrisdietions ol'
" tins eountry, lo be registered and to he pnblislied and
*' posted iip in tlie usiial inanner, at llie re<[iie.st ol' llie
" King's Altorneys or Userai allorneys, sij tliat noiie niay bo
" ignorant ol■it^) content.s. "
233. It lias been j)retended lliat tliis arrcl createtl a
légal mill banality in Canada, in llu; place of tlie (-onven-
tional, wliicli it liad lieretoft)re been, 1 am not of ihis opi-
nion and I see nothing in llie arn\', nor in llie conl(!s.t!itlon
wiiieli gave rise to it, wliieh can jnstily snch a prelenti'n.
It is évident tliat llie niiller of Dntunirc liad (1) .songlil iie
tenants of liis niîiglibors, and tliat llie llonr lalum in liisbags
by tlie niiller of Duinbourg, v/as tlie loll obtained at llie pré-
judice of tins last, It is eqiially evidc:it, and lliis resiills froin
llie staleinents in tlie pétition of llie former, tliat lliere was a
niill in tlie seigniory of Dotnbour:^^ and lli;il it was a wiiul-
niill. Ilence tlie reason invoked by llie niiller oï JJcmaurc for
lus justilieation, that lliis mill was not a 6r//j«/ mill ; wliieli
jnust neecssarily make us sn|)pose tliat tlie inhabitanls of
Domhourfi,^ whose grain lie had ground, liad eiilier not obli-
ged tliemsclves, by tlieir conlracts of concession, lo tlie mill
banality in favor of tlieir seignior, or tliat, if tliey liad so
obliged thernselves, llie e(»nvenlion liad not made express
mention of a wind-mill, Ifthe mill in (iiiestion had been
a water mill, Ihe miller of Demaiire liad no i)retext to pre-
lend tliat it was not a banal mill to wiiieli tlie tenants, obligiil
(1) The wonl uscd in tiie fiviu-ii lan- >\riik« i« r/j ;:>.'-f, littnaily,
hunted on liis iR'i|ilibor;,, jm' ucr^y f^r t >11.
305 a
bj/ thcir deeds of conccssioUy wcro bonnJ to carry thcir
grain.
Accord in^ to tilt! millcr of Drinaure, \\w wind iriill of
Donihourg, iii (hîl'ault ol" express ment ion in tlic dccd
ol" concession, conld not l)e repiilcd , as regards llio
ccnnitaire, as a banal inill. Tlie interprétation given te»
tlie 72nd ailiele of tlie Custoni of l'aris was in liis favor.
Undcîr thèse eireuinstanees, wliat is ilie bearing of tlie ré-
gulation proinulgated hy tlic ari'it / Does it inake coiwcn-
tional banaUly to disappear, to nuike it lvf:;al hanality in
future ? Not at ail. Tlie words who ahall haw <)hliu;c(l
theiufielves by their titles of concession which thi'n/ shall hâve,
taken of tlieir lands, ùiT from adruitting tliis interprétation,
havu an altogether dillerent meaning. Tliey recogni>e tliat
llie mill hanality then cxisted and ouglil only to exist but
under tlie tille of convcnlUmal hanality. Otiierwise thèse
words would hâve no signiiiealit)n, no cU'eet. The legisla-
tor did not wish to extend tlie application of liis new régu-
lation of gênerai inspection over luills, to other that tlioso
who liad ol)lige(l theinselvcs to hanality in favor of their
scignior hy their deeds of concession, although mention was
not inade, in tliest; coufracts, t)f wind luills, water luills
bcing in tlie case of a stipulation of hanality, coiiiprised hy
law by this stipulation. AU tlie eneci, then, of tliis new
régulation, Is to |)laee wind mills upon tlie saine footing as
a water niill, in this seuse that, withoul express lueniion,
the first will he eonsidered, like tlie last, included in tlie
convention which stipulâtes tlic iiiill hanality, whelher it hc
tor the pas! or for the fiituiv.
The right of uiill hanality then remains in the condi-
tion of conventional hanality ; only that ilie amt seeuis to
prejudge, in the négative, the ipicstion whetlier llii' conven-
tion could he legally made hy another deed tliau that of tlic
concession of the land to the cemilaire.
39
'îdO .1
2ôi. On llic illh M;iy l(i7G(l tiic biipt-rior chhiiiciI
jiiukcs gciu-ral rct^ni lut ions oï police. 'J'li(3 ;k')tli artiolo pru-
liibils ail millers '' fo faiisini; nidrc tliau om; loiirlefnth Ui
be paid l'or lin* toll ol' ^^raiii, aiid to liilciiV'n* ((7/r?.s.sr/') onc
witli llic otlicr," and rcjjrodiiccd alui()>l liitcially thr' icniain-
der nf ilu! dispositions ol'tlic (/;T(7 ol' thc 20lh J une 1007
(no. 2^1 supra) \i\)on tlie ivcouisc lo bo adoptrd in case (>f
inalvorsalion l)y millcrs, and enjoins upon iliese " io lia\<'
scales lo wci^ii.'"
235. In tliG order oi' dates, the an'ct thc most iiiij)ortant
iipon ihis r.uittor presinits ilseli', il is lliat ol" llic King's
council ol' State ol' tlie Itli .lune KiSG. (2) il is in thèse
lerms :
" Ilis Majcsiy tlie Kinir, siltini^ in conmil, liavingbecn
" infonned tliat mofit of tlie seigniorsAvlio are j)roi)rii!tors ol"
" fiefs in New France, negleet to erect tlie banal inills nc-
" cessary l'or tlie subsistcncc ol' the inhabifants ol' the said
'• country, and in order to remedy an cvil so prejudieial to ihe
" welf'are of the colony, Ilis iMajesîy being in lus couneil,
" lias ordained and doth hcreby ordain, Ihat, ail thc scig-
" niors wlio are proprictor.^ oi' fiefs within the territory o(
" New France, shall be boitnd to ercct banal inills therein
" within onc ycar aller the publication oi the présent decree
" and aller the expiration ol" this dcday, in dcTault ol' their
" liaving donc so, Ilis Majesty doth permit ail indivlduals^
'■ of whatever Cv)ndilions and rani: tliey may be, to erect
" such mills, granting to ihein in that respettl the right ol"
" banality, and prohibit any persons to dislurb them in thc
" enjoyment thcreof."
23G. This arrêt .vas enregistered at (Québec, on the
21st October 1G8G, according to an arrct ol" the Supcrior
Council ol' the samc day, whieh, al thc .«;aine tinic had or-
(1) Ed. and OrdTïn 8. v. 2 , p. ()5 , 7 1 .
(2) Ed. aud Od. in 8. v. I.p, 2'k\
8i)7 u
Jt'reil ils puMii-aiion ;it tlic^ ntM.'essary uiul ai'oa^tonied jjiu-
<;t's; but lliis jjnhlietition wns iiot luncl»', iii llie tlirec juris-
(liclioii llirn cxisiiii:,'-, lill iwciily yt'îirs alterwartls, iiamely
al Monlrcal and al 'IlircL- Hivers in .lamiary, and at Québec
in Ft'bruary 1707, in e()nse([vience ot" an urdiT expressly
)nade in an arrêt aï llie Snperior Councd of llie 20lh Dc-
cejnber 1700. (1)
Tiie (Iclay l)rt)U,i^lit lo ils pnbliealion is a proof lliat tlie
arrct of tlie conncil of stale was not picîasing to llie seig-
niors, alllio' tliey liad tai<<'n eare, by llieir deeds of conces-
sion, lo sabject llieir tenants lotlie niill l)anality, luhenerer a
■iiiill should he biiilt in Ihr'ir se ! fi:; ni or i/. Tliis is tlie ordina-
ry stipulation Avliich N\e llnd in tlie cIcmIs of concession.
Tlie Intendant Raudot a(''-o;ii:!s |nr iliis delay in tlio
following passa.'.;e of his Idtcr of ilie lOlli Novcmber
1707;
'' I slioidd tlieniore lliinl.', Mylord,. . .il would be nocea-
sary . . . tliat tiie exclu- tve ri^Iit of i^Tindini,' {Ixinalitc) sliould
b." j)n>serve(l lo ilic sei'zniois on condition of llieir buildini^ a
mill on llii'ir seiijniory \\"ill,iii on»' year, failin^ in wliieh,
llieir rii^iit v.oidd b(ï l'jrl'.'Ited and tiie inliabitanls would nol
bi- obliiji'd, wlica one v. a-; biiilt, lo lir've ilicir ivn\ i^M'ound
llicrc : ollicrwi»', ^^y'lOi■.!, thcy will lU'wr be induced to
crect niills, IVom tin i):-ivnr:ca of wliich llie inliabilanls
sud'er L;rcat!y, lieiii;.'; ui!:ii.!i', for want of incans, to avaii
tliemselves of tlie l'avor ^\•lli'.•h liis Majesty lias paanU^d
tlicni, hij pc.rniilliii,s; llinn lo crect niilb in case thc seigniors
shoull not do so lailliin a ijcar.
" Tliis wa- ^n-anleil lollicm in tlu; year K'Sf!, by a d(^ "rce
(arrêt) \vlii'-Ii was regislered in il e couneil n'î tliis country ;
but llie decrce of re^istralion not liavini^ becn sent to tlio
snbordinale jurisdiclions to he puljii,shf<I, iIk; inliabilanls
( n l'M. nii.l Ou
m >. \
1 ir-^ij().
308 a
hâve noi hillierto profited by tliis fuvor, ami it is only since
my arrivai Iruc tliat tli(! tlt-cree lias hecMi piiblif^lied : it liav-
ini,' c;»)iii(' to iny knowlcdi,'»' in tlic course ol' a law-suit re-
ci'iilly clclrniiiiied, in uliicli lliis dccrcc was prodiiecd, and
ont' of tlu' par!i(.'s was iinal)lt' to takr advanlai^i; ol" it be-
caiiH' it liad rniiaincd iinpnblislicd. Tlic <ault can only be
ultribiilcd to llif sieur dWuteuil, w liosc duty, as attorni-y-
••(•ncral to tliis council, il is to transiuil sucli decrecs to thc
...
subordinati" courts ; but il wun his interesl as a t<cigiuui\ and
also tliat of .soini; couaviltors w/io are likewiac seigniorfi, nol
to niake knoivn. Ihis decreey
i.'37. lias thc arnii of thc 4lh Junc 1G8G had thc cffecl
ol" niakini,' thc niiil banality /c^'fl/ in Canada, or lias it main-
taincd it in thc situation of convvnlional banality, al thc
sauic liuic obligini,' tlic scii^Miiors to construct luills, undcr
thc penalty of bcini^deprivcd of tlicir rii^hl to this banality .''
1 belicvc that \vc cannot do othcrwisc than to pronounco
oursclvcs in thc alliruiativc ujjon thc lirsl of ihcsc (picstions
and consccpicnlly for tht.' nc<i[alivc upon the last. in a con-
Irary way, the arrêt in my opinion, would be a non-sen«e.
In faet, if the banality continues, not\vithstandini,Mhis arrèt^
to l)c conventional, the censitaire cannot be subjcct 1o il,
but with iiis consent and thatof the scignior. it is betvveen
theui tiiat the eontractt niust lake place which sid)jects thc
lirst to the uiill banality, and nol belwecn the censitaire and
îiu Mhcr iH'ison. This agrceiueut is niade by the deed of
concession. 'J'he scignior, otdy, can givc this deed ; con-
sequcntly, Ikî only can stipulait' the banality.
In the case foreseen by the arrët^ afterthe seignior shail
hâve forfeited his right, on aecouiU of lus négligence
to construct a mil!, ail j)riv;ite iadividuals niight «)blain iIk;
permission to build on", and, in that case, the arrêt invest
hii.i with the riglit ol' banality. in the .systeni which I
combat, u})on \vh(»m will a private individual exercise his
309 a
riglit of banality? Assuredly il will only be upon those
who s/iallhace nubjcvlcd (heinsi'liws (to tlit; banality) % thn
lUIcfi of concession wfiick Ifiey shall hâve, taken for their
farms, to iiiaUc use of tlie tcrins of llie arrcl of tlio Ist July
167."). Tliost' wlio sliall not hâve so bound themselves will
coritiniie to be exempt froiii this banality.
liet us now suppose two possibli; cases, at llie time of
ihe rorfeiture |)ronounced ugainst llie seigiiior and llie érec-
tion of a uiill by a private individual wlio lias obtainod the
permission lo do so : the tirst, that of a sei-,miory altofj;(;ther
or almt)>it ail setlled, but nont^ of the inhabitants of which
has been sul)jected to the banality by his deed of conces-
sion ; Ihc second, that of a seigniory thinly settled, but ail
the inhabilants of which, or a part only havc been subjec-
ted to this banality.
In the first of thèse cases, what would avail the right of
banality that the arrtl invests a private individual wilh, who
has built the mill ? Would it be very proiitable ? lie could
not reach auy of the censitaires, they are ail exempt. It
would even be impossible that it should exist, sinee they
are no banal subjecis. Il is not the material érection of a
mill which conslitutes banality, but llie subjeetion of llu;
tenants to carry his grain lo this mill, whether it be in vir-
tue of Ihe law or of the agreement. The président liouhier
dehnes banality to be : " the right to deprive those which
" are subject to it of the right to do a certain thing, other-
" wise than in the manner which is prescribed to iliem,
" under the penalty created by law, agreements or the cus-
*' tom."
Now, in the case supposed, of which wo are spoaking,
no tenant is bound, cithcr by law or by agreemoni, or by the
custom, to carry his grain to be ground at the seignit>-
rial mill. The right of banality iherefore does not exi.sl
agaiust thcm. ^V(: should tlien bc obligcd lo say that
:uo a
Il liie private individiiul v, ht. harj con.^tiLiLted ihe îuiU, h;is
by that acquired any rii^Hit ol" b!in;di(y, it is but a banalilv
in the air, a banalify wit/iout banal subjculs ! Wluil priva-
te individnal wouKI bc soloulish as lu proscn-nlo tlic i^ci^nior
in forieituro of liis rii^lil lo havc liiinseir iuvoslod witli il ?
VV^o could not concc-ive siidi an idc;i. ])o \vo not scu tliat
this j^ystcm Icads to an absnrd cnnclnsidn ! Thaï if ivnd» r.s
worthiess the amîf of ihe Ith Jiiik^ lOSU, ahho' it was rcn-
dered in the intorcst of ail ihc inliabitanls ol" ihc c(j|o-
ny ?
Let 118 now sec what would hv ilx; elloct of the opéra-
tion of this System in llie second siipposed ease, thaï of a
tliinly seltied seii^miory, but lli<; iciiaiils t)f whieh, or a paît
only, hâve been by llieir eonlracls ol' concession, subjeeied
to the banalily. In this sei^miory, llh- ^-realest nuiiil)er of
the lands are yet lo be coneeded. The thir.l oarty avIio shall
bave erected a mill, afler the forf.-inire prononnCed ai^ainsl
the scignior, will certainly hâve ihe ri-ht of banalily over
his tenants who hâve sul)ie(>1cd llicms; i^(•s to il ; and if
there be but a small niimber who hâve .^o siibjecled lliem-
selves, he will oïdy ))(> enîitied to eM>rcise ihir. rii-'Iil ai,'ain<t
that small nnmber. lih. >. ill iliis be ihe case v.iih lli<> fnlri-
regrantees? ]]y what means cini ihcso j;,si Li- subjcclcd
by the sylem oî convenilcnal l)ap.alily .=' ( .ivow tiiat ^.> far, I
hâve not been abh; to nndci-staud in \:\v.\\ manncr îlni oiild
bo donc. The s(>iij^nior's riylit ol'!'an:.i: y <^ri!v i> lorfcilcd, he
is not prevented fioin conceding ihc jands in his sei^aiiorv.
Ile will theneonlimie lo in;ike ll:c concessions. The aurec-
ments which sha'l be lh,-i-,ir. insci.d, wil! Ix- eonlracls
which will be nuuie beUNCca luin and his Cdi.ù'lairrs, r.n(i
not belween tliesi; iast and il;;; iMrd i);uty v\ li) sliall havc
built the mill ; this Iast will i)e adlo^'.-thrr a siraiijicr N. i!uiii.
In supposing, even for an insîant, llial in swch a dccd ..f
concession, a seignior could yet sliimiale banalily, iiolwith-
•Htanding his forfei turc of that vi:,H,t, h»' his nf lil)f>r1v u. do
311 a
so or nul lu do bu; il' fie docs not do t^o, tlie censitaire is /Vec
Iroin the banality ; tlie sr-iirniur ju abslaining i'roin stipula-
liîii,^ l)anality, would llicii li.'ivc the power lo («xtcnd Ihis ex-
• 'inplion to ail l'iiliire -rantces. Ou ihe otlicr liand if thi.s
li^dii Avas stipulated, lie wonid iiot Hii|)ulale it fur ihe bene-
lit ol a lliird parly, propriotr)r()r ihis mill, |io do.'s not ropre-
scnl lliis ihird pariy, li(> li;is pic .crvc d nolliinj.r in the pro-
j)orly which lias InuMi -ivcn !-> thls last. Wiio ihen eoiikl
ask ihe execiilioii ol' ihis conlracl iii ph'adini,' a^'aiast a een-
silaire ^ Il couhl nol ::ssii!vdly 1)0 th.- srii^nior : ii(> lias no
banal mill, Ir- caîmoi vwn havo onr, l'or jiot. oiily lias ho
l'orteilcd llic ri'^hl ol' bariality, Lut lie is f)]>.o i)r( '.ibited bv
ihe ori'it, \\v a^- wcll as ail clli ■, ., i',(..M lrcn'>!i)}i>; a lliird parly
in the ciiioynicnl o!' lliis ri-lil, \\hi;/li lia- l.ccii iransfcrred
io hiiii ; il w iil jiot
Vllii''
i;;(!
:)in;)rii!(ir ol' ihc mill bc-
caiist' Ik; is a ;-;r;!ti' vr 1.) llic a-rcciiicti;. No one then
(•an ask tlic c.M'rinioii of \\ù:. îv^iccmcnl ! ImicIi is the eon-
(.'lusic>n lo whic'i \vo mitsl iicrcssai-jlv arrive.
On ihe oilicr liaïul, liow can \\(^ nMsonablv snpj)o«c
thaï a sei^-nior, whoshall h;! vr jiad !ii:s ) i'dil i>f banalilv
lorfeilcd, ean slipulalc ihc càTcistî oi' ihis same liyht ? It
seems to nii' lliai siicli proposiiion 'Aoiihj bc of the nnml)er
ol Ihose wliieh il is ^alHicicnt to mcnlion îo show liow far
Ihey can be snslai ned.
238, I aiiî, iiKMvi'on^, oi' opiiiion thi^l, by ili(> arrêt ofthe
4tli Jiine ICSO, îlic Kin,;; u:j,. d.:>;roiis of n-ranling and in
laci. .^Tanled lo the sei^aiois ol' ( anada, for iIh- malter of
mill banalily, a i^enera! liih; vhicl. lr\^c^ iht-in llie rii^hl lo
exercise this banalily, wlifllicr It havc b.-eii slipnlated or
not ; and llial ihis litlo is in lli,- samc uianner aeqnired to
the prival(« individiial who, \v ihe case providcd for by the
'//rt7, lias obiainvM.I permission !.<crci;l a mill wilh Ihe right
"l banalily altaciad lh?ivio, aad lias iji l'acl ereclcd it. More-
""cr, if, is c.inally the opinion, not only of ihc advocatc? of
312 a
the seigniors, but also of ihoso wlio havc bccn entmstcd to
support the opinions of the Attorney (îeneial. Thèse hist
in the printed analysis of their propositions, admit " that it
" be iield that, since the am!t of the 4lh June lUHO, ail
" the seigniors hâve the right of banality in virtue of tliat
" arreV*
239. The first arrêts of tlie Superior Couneil which havc;
bcen rendered upon this inatter, aftc^r tlial of ihe Conncil of
State of 1G86 ; are those of the IGth August and VMh
Septemher 1700. (l) Bolh rehite to the same seig-
niory.
It appears that M. François Berthelol, had, on the 25th
February 1702, sold to Madame de hi Vo\>'\ " îhe ishmd
and county of St. Laurent" (Isle of Orléans) Lut that he
had re-entered into possession thereof in virtu(; of an arrêt
of the 7th I3eecmber 1705, rendered bctwecn him and the
said Dame de la Forêt.
" Ile has found, he says in his new pétition, that the
" said Dame de la FortM lins abandoned a water mill bnilt
'' at the place ealli'd la Sainte Faniilli\ [o havi another one
" built in the p;uish of St. Pierrr, dnring the time of the
" seizure (.saisie réelle) of the said island at the suit of the
" sieur Duchesnay, lier brother, and in which he lias heen
" subroîT.ited ; that having re-enl<>r.Hl into possession of ih.>
" said isiand conformably ( nly to the sale which lie lias
" PMide thereof to the said Dame d" la Forêt, and tlie mill U-
'^ longing to the said Dam.- de la Forêt, he cannol iiorshould
" he of right enj.»y the said mill ; and as he is the oah/ one
" who has the . -f/l/ )f mill in the said island, that .lie one
- of the said (!a.iic de la F.--t daily makes llour, and that
" she profils l,y ;ts revenues su his préjudice, he reciuircs
" that eorsidering the said arrêt of the 7lh Decembe^wcll
(l) Ed. aud Ord. iu 8, vo. î, p. 139 and 1+'?..
:i:
{ (i
aiitl (iiily ^Igiiilh.i, it hc oniaiiifd lli.U llu: shkI .liuuc- de
la Koivt shall ciMsc uiul sînp ihc i-aid miU liota /^aindiii^'
aiul tliut tlie said Dauie dt- la I'uil'I. as v.cll as allulhcr {.ci-
?:ons 1)L' piohibiîi'd !'n»iii liaviiii; any ii;jaiii ^;iouiid at ilk-
said iiiill hure a II Cl-, uudcr aiid stibjcct lo sui-li pciudly and
iiiu; whk'ii th ; cuiut .si, ail plt asc lu ordcr.
lav
'J'he said Dame de la lù.iêt iiiadi.- delault, but aCler 1
inmjrott'^Ud dia! shc p(,T>isti'd iti lier"- act.- Dt'cviH'aiiou, ci
iivj oi' llii- jiidm', ^ /</■,',•;.■; d
M'îuiL'sl lo M. J5tr:licj',il\s
pvriif'.) ;iU(l ollicrs Mi'iidii
d:tl !i
Ivin:
A
iluMJ' V
;r a'^iM'a
l.:d
1(1 lili
S.) tliiit \]w urr< f. ol" iIk- ILdi Aii,i-iist 170(i \\a.-
dt-n.'d by (Uiaull. Il uvdaijis *' ili;ii il,e said d.'iuw' de la l
1-1 n
( ri
^■//r///
ccacA
[yladinp;^ ond .slop Ihc mill wliidi .siie lias jiad
(. iX.'Olv'(
1 in ilii; said i;daud and
couuty dl' St. J.aïa-eni
prolùbits ht!' ciui dll ai'icr pr.-^joii^ /roin liarim:^ (uiif qi
tiin
^roand (il Ihc said nidl i
•iindietl !ivre,i."' Wc h-.
Il rcaii''). liiidcr a penalty oi oui'
•e îliui dii-' (irrt.t ia niideied in
nniurniily lo t!ir ( oneîiisjon^ ^ I' die peiiiion.
l pou diis, a pétition is pie-ciiii d lo di'^ inti iid::iit! on !,<•
bail oi" ibe inbii'.MtaaN <>',' S'. Pi' rr'\ and by inin lelened lo
die vSup;Tior ('i)iiiiei! ; in wliieii pe-lilioU diey set iorth
"• lliaL lii'- iiieon\enieiU(r wiilcb tliey bave liad ;ip to liie
"• year i7dl, ol' liavin..: no laill in llie said parish iv) Iia^f
"• tlieii' i^rain i^roiiiitl, li;is oblii(ed thcin lo cirry il !o tii»^
" iiiills on Ur' ))i''i^iiuourinL'; sbores, ibr-re iiaving Lei ii in
"• die said i>laiid nodùiu^^ !m! indls \ci-y badly Ivept, iiot Jit
•'• Ui be iiseil, and be.-ides i';u' icmoveii Irom liieir residt!ii-
•• ec!s, ami lo wliieb it is nul pos^i!lll! j'or tiieni to earry tlieir
" i^raiii, bi'ing at a uie.u dislanee IVoin liiem, Ijy roads
■' wliieh it\vould lu; neeessary to niake tnrouL.h tlie woods,
•'• and still i'aillier to i^^o l>y \\ater, ail wliieh obliged liieni
•' to soUie'.t ?*li-s. de la l'orét to liavo a water nuU built in
" die saiti paiisb of Si. Pierre l()r their couveniciice, and ti>
•■ cugai(e liei' in iî, tin v ail tb!iii:-el ves oli''ivil to ^ive lier
-10
314 a
" six (lays of llioir own linif lo dii? its (oundations ,
" wliicli llicy <li(l il) llic li()|)c ol" rccciving l'roni it ail tlic
" lirlj) iiiid convciiiciicc wliicli llii'y could cxjx'cît l'roin ils
'' proxiiuity." Altcr tiiis tliu iiiliabilants niaki; iiicntioii ol'
ilic (tn'ct oï tlic IGlIi Auii^iisi, in conscHiucniMM)!' wliicli ilie
iiiiilcr, tli(!y say, " ivlïises tu ij;rind tlioir grain," and llicy
(Id " il docs nol appi-ar 1(» tliciu «'idicr just nor rcasonabl»'
h) b(; d('|)riv('d of tlic IViiits ol llu'ir labors, and ol' \\\v.
contribiilion whidi tlicy liavc inad<' towards tlio construc-
tion ol" llio said niill ; wlicnd'orc llicy rcciucst tliat in con-
S(:i|iicncc ol' tlic bad stalc ol" tlic ollicr iiiills wliicli are
in tlic said Island, :uk1 ol" llicir distance iVoiu llic said
j)arisli ol' St. Pierre, and of tlic iiiii)racticability ol' tlicir
roads, and lliat bcsides ijic said iiiill lias becn cons-
triictcd in tlic ipiality ol" lady and jiroprictor, al thaï
tiiiie, ol' tlie said island, lor tin- iililily and convcnicnce
iiI'iIkî inliabitants, il plcasi; ilic council, witlioiit liavin»;
any rci^ard to llic said arrri wliieli ordcrs tliat ilic said
mil! sliall be. sliiit, to onlain tlial tlie said luill sliall bc
o|)cn and thaï the luiller ihereol' l)(> bound lo i^riiul ihcir
"'rain as ciisloinarv."
Mrs, De i.a Foret rcfuscd lo an>\\cr the suuunons whicli
id becn scrvednpon lier byorder ol' the C'otmtdl. Upon tliis
■tition tlic arrt'l oltlic l.Jih Sept. 170G was given, wliicli
s in tliese tenus : '' llaving licard llio said sieur (iaillard,
in tlic naine and as the Attorney ol" the said sieur Hcrtlie-
lo), wlio lias asked thi; c\c(;ution of thi; said arrêt, and
wlio lias rcfiiscd to Icase the said mill, bcini^ nnwillini^
to run tlic risks w liicli tlierc iiiiirht bc, likcwisi» iIk- said
Maranda and Noi'l for ail iIk; inliabitants of llio said
jjarish, the Council ]iiiv\n^ ronsidcrcd the pétition of Ûxo.
said inliabitants of the parish of St. Pierre, in the islc
and counly of St. Laurent, and Hccing the nccessity inhich
Ihrre is of harini^ the .said mill in opération, thetwo others
irliirh are ia the saiit island nol heing in a stalc to grind
31
> (I.
t/it irrain mrvssarif for ail llic iiiliohilanls t'inrof, lins
«Ichiycd fin- (•xfîcntiori of tin- a ml ivndrrcd ii) ihis coiin-
cil on llic lOtli Aii'Misl lîisi, ;iM(l i
Il f(msc(|iicticc pi'i'iiil
U t '
tli<! s:ii(l ])am(' de l.ii Korrt lo put \\\r. said iiiill in <)|)rra-
lion, on llic condilioii thaï sIk- sliall draw hiii liaU'of tin-
lolls and tlial tlic -aUi^x liaH'sliall \)(' icmiticd to tlic said
aillard, allorncy ol' tlic said sieur hcrtliddi, fi-r liis ri^hi
ol' banality, an<! lliis, until die said sieur neriliejot lias
" ereet(!(l ailotlKir ; whicll lie sliall he lield to el
lOdsr
W i 1 1
lin
" llircf^ days IVoiii llieday oftlie service oT tlie prcM'Mt nrnl^
'■'■ il'notand indefault of so doin<,' witliin tlic s;iid lime, mid
'' tliat hc'uvj^ elapsed, tlic oll'ers wliich .Michel Miiraiida
" and Philippe So'r\ luake ol" lcasin<r the »aid niill and
Keoj)ing jt m opornlion, twcn to
answcrahle (or ih
" accidents, wliich may liappen to il, tor one liiindrcd minots
" orwlicat anmially, sliall he adjndicated upon on Mondav
" ncxt, tlic said Icase aiso sliall last only ii?iiil ilie said
" sienr llerlhclol lias had another one erected. "
210. Ifero is an arrrl of the Sii|)erior ("oiincil of the
iiOth Dccciubcr 17()G(i) wliich ordain-' tlmt a iiiill hiiili
npon an arriérc-fic/ \n the seiyjniory of Lau/on, sliall he
luit.
On the lâtli Oct. KMS, a contract of
concession !•
madc hy the siu-iir de I.anzon, scii^nior ol' the (oie of l.au
zo», to Fran(;()is liissot of 200 arpents ol' laiid, llial is to
say oi" a land ol' 5 by 10 arpents, en pure roiurc iliis laiid
liavinL' its front on tlii' river St. Lawr.nici'.
On the 2btli Oct. !(;!)« sieur (h; I5ennon de la IMartii
lie
rc, attorncy of the sieur 'l'homas Bertrand " at the timc pro-
prietor of the saidy/f/and s(;igniory of i.aiizoii,'\t,n-an!s a
tille, by whicll, '' for the reasons to hiin i,'ivcn l'y the laie
" Ktienne Charèt, fathcr of the défendant, he lias crcatcd
(1) Edits et ord. iu 8o. v. 2 p. 14-5.
U II
.■iJ;J i.l''J. u (.1 :i-.'- :.ll tiri ii't\- fltf 'ii^' -. l'd ') ,■' \'.) iiipi mi- ....
aiid lv> ;lii ; arriuc JkJ lu- l«;i\( ^ a ri^!it iif mill, iiiul iliir
l'itHir (,i)n(<'.;l'(i !n iIk (••■ h m |i|,,t l'iir <;miii' ),iny l/i- IlrCi'^'
'■ -iiiv i •! <M i', ;>/ .: i'h/ii->i'' lici^'iili/ '11(1 (i'ilfiOdi jin'i.^'dic
'- /,■"//, uii liic contiiiiv liuLiin:.'; ni ilial oi llic s;ii(l M'u-niory
:iti(l U(j<i;i c.iiMlitii.ii tliiil llii' iuliuMlarits thcrcdr >iiiill «frind
*•'• lliclr '.:;r lia :ii llic s;ii(l jiiill iii prcrciviicc io any ollicr ol
' tin; ii('i:.,lil)'>viiii: \<\i\vf^ inilild b-iiuil onc is crtclnr'' wliidi
îitlf was ratilli.'cl hy llic-aid sit ur Jk riraïul on tlie iJlli Scpl.
IGÎ)!).
The sifiir Diiplcssis, Irniti^' piin-l'ascd tlic }<( ii,'uiory
ni l,aii/.(.n by i\r>-([ o| ti:i' ! {i!i OcîoIxt KJilî», caiiscd "• two
îniils i'or tho iitilityol' tli<' inî::dut;Mils *.>[' llir said sci^ninry"
to l)(' constrncU'd, lie siat(>s in liis ])(.'tition ; but "■ as xUv
" said ChaR'! (tli»' drlrtidant) {<ni' ol' lli.' said inliabltaiits
" jinvioiisly liad a inill trcctfd iijiori his laiid ((irrifre JicJ)
'-' iriihoui any fUlc but l/iat of finljerancc nntil tlir nei senior
" (iiiiycfl t)i)p. io hc consh'ucted^ a) uiiiili mill llie inliahi-
■' taiits of llu; said scigniory rarriod ihcir wlical and olhcr
■' i,n-niii, cvcry niii;!it, to hc proiind, notwiilisiandini,' tlic jiro-
•• hiliiiiciis ^\-^i;■'l \vi ,(' liiiidc tu th'iu, Asiiicji dora liim con-
, '..! 'ral'li' itijiii^', ia a-; niiii li rc- \\u\ said f liarôt was not
'' ?nA TLi-it \\wi' aay ri'^lit (if luili irJiith i,; vot dircclh/
■■ aihidtcil hvt i(> thr sohi si }'j;):)<)yij, and tliat cor.sfvincnlly
"■ t'i-Tc can l'(; \'\\\ l.ii:i*(^ir (i)ii])lr-^<i>') wlio ;'l(']-!c lias tliis
iit
oy !iU"H,? l'c;;- in,-; 1
;i' s(M'4nii'r h:\i\ -■.:i'!\nv)n(:d llif
aid C'iavct and nfli'-r Irir-- of tlir -^liid ].■*;' î.'i ir.au; C'IiarOt
;nd f'i-soî.
iiT' lai ticv and moi:
!o lic;ir if or'.lanK'd
'(• .^an'l t'C iiniiircjiaic.'v' \v-\i\
^hul
i) lus niii!, and
l!ia1 lir I,
M' prolin"''M| !()
iiv ::ra!n lla-n in as \v
for I;iin'-f!f a." fui oMrji.s, ■.\,.>\ laa! ];•■ \k- \v\A io carry ii
c^rr.in i') l)i" jnill *■[ lii'' said .•■<Mi''niovv "
{'['.on tliis (•(•ntr'^lalion lh'' ;>rrrf of llin L'Otli Derombr-r
1700 Ma ; pidauu in <'..!., ^jiir'' roiff 'lavinij:: rM'.N'd at leng'di
•n?
a
liu' JI>)i )■ i(iun-) I liie iii'irt uf iljc CdUfuii uï .si.'iU; i»l' lh«i -Ith
JiiiK' l'isij, iiiul luriiuoncd ils 'rirci^istraliod at the Suporior
• •(tiuu'il, in!iini;iins tlic said Clinrùt '" in liis rif^lit of arrière-
">/()!■ l'oint licvy, npon lin; i-ondilions containod in ihc
" liilo lli(M-o()l" wliicii li(! lias liîid of tlui said siour de la
" Marlinirro, condcinns tlii; said Charùt to close
" tlie waliM- niill (.'rectfd iipon '.li(> .said arriv.rc-Jief^ liorcby
" proliihiliiii,' liiin to i,Mind 1,'rain tlicrcin or to suflbr any
" ,:,n'ain to bc i^'roiind, suhjfH-t lo sueli prnaltios as may Ix»
" rrasonnhh", pcriiiiiliii;.: Iiiiii ncviMili.Irss to liavc liis <i;rain
'' f^roiind wlicrcvrr h(> liiiiik> propcr."
211. A shorl tinic aller \\\v pu' ' alion, in tlio govcrn-
nicnt of Montréal, of tlie ari't'l
Il h Juno 1GH(), thc
intendant Maiidol ))i()i)oiinees, a^ainst tlie soi^ior of
'\[il/r fs/,'s.
11'; lori'.-iiur- of liic ri;,'-!ii. of hanality, by an
or-
lin;inee r.| iju; 1 Hh .lim,; 1V0';,(I)I iranscribe it in full
ifll 'lll, DCCIIIM
:i VI
Il iij)on tliis subjuct
An Ih
<)tlierwi-(' ('•!
mli i.>'i in. - ni i;ii
II,
])
uni-'.
i\
i' )■ y,[ .w
>c\'j;n\ci-v of Mille-Isles^
I 'IVri-ch. Il/Il', Iiaviiii;' eaiisod tJKî said %r.
iJj'^nr] jii()|jn'i';.M' of ilie said s(;it,'niory
roiidciiiued to biiild a
o eiillie ..'Jorc II-., !)i;it |i,. iii;,v
iriiil
sli:i.l
ai
iiiei,i, il
! 1 |-. .
(!o 11 il
iaciiT I.)
(.'•
lioiil Ihe
il ('1 I)
a;,i'
eicel oac i'ir 1 ;
•11' i)\
''a.-iil
crr
Cl l'I
M l
V 1
:|-
uni
tliai nevvTil
il (il :>;
• > \\i
consent tluU the-y
(■-, Iliar. tlit y be diseliarired
>n^ l'ii.il îlirv be poriuilted to
. aeeordini^ tt) tlie
;• .iune iG8G ; llie
!i i'an, aitlio' lie niitrlil
oi iiH>
i.a: DUDiicaîain o
f 11
le said
<'on-^ta,11'' !f;.it îi:' I .1 ji-: ;;i>
tlie said mil', ;:'!.' \f: iv/ -(•.\
o\\ from t!i" ri.','!it of ba'^nM'v
-• lua,; 'lis rii^ht, and
'lo i!-'Tn(>diatclv build
that
V bc diseliarî^-
MTof tlie sniddnliabitants
Iiavinjr deuianded adc\ eonsideriii<; ll;e said arnt of i:
(I) ]:^d. ami 'Jrù, in So. ^ . 2. p
IP
'1'/7.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
l.l
11.25
c us 1112.0
||_l£
U 111.6
Photographie
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N. Y. 14580
(716) 873-4503
»
((
((
((
318 a
" Conncil of State ofthe said 4lh June 1686, published on
" Ihe 23st Jîinuary 1700 (1); we grant acte to the inhabi-
" tants ofthe eonsent ofthe said sieur Dupré, and in con-
" quence thereof, we permit them to build a mill in suoh
" part of the said seigniory as they shall deem fit, and by
so doing they will be discharged for over from the right of
banality, and they are hereby permitted to erect it for
" their own benefit."
242. On the 29th June 1707. (2) The intendant Rau-
dot rendered a judgment, which, " by the consent of tlio
seignior of Varennes, discharges his censitaires of Trem-
" blay (3) from the right which he had over them, to carry
" their grain to the mill of the cape of Varennes to be
" ground, being more tlian two Icagues and a half from
" their dwellings, upon the condition of paying to the said
" seignior, each and every year, a minot of wheat for each two
" arpents in front, and which also exempts them, by his
" consent, to corne to plant the may-pole before liis manor-
" house."
243. The arrêt of 7th July 1710, (4) which, after having
stated at full length that of tlie Council of state of the 4th
June 1686, and mentioned its enregistration at the Superior
council conformably to the arrêt of the 21st Octobre 1686,
as well as the arrêt of the 20th December 1706, already
cited, and " of the return of the enregistrations, publica-
" tions and advertisements of the said arrêt^ made, as well
" at the Prévoté of this town (Québec) as in the royal juris-
" dictions of Three-llivers and Montréal, on the 24th and
" 25th January and 15th February 1707," ordains, upon the
(1) This is an error, the publication of the arrêt was made in 1707.
(2) Cugnet's Extraits p. 23.
(3) The fief Tremblay is separated from the seigniory of Varennes
by that of Boucherville.
(4) Ed. andOrd. in-8 v. 2, p. 157.
l(
((
i(
319 a
réquisition of M. Charles Macart, councillor, performing the
duties of the King's Attorney-General, that, at the diligence
oi' the King's Attorney General for Acadia, " the arrêt of
" the Council of state of the King of the 4th June 1686, shall
be enregistered in the said royal jurisdiction of Acadia,
estublished at Port-Royal and that it be read, published
and affixed in ail places where necessary, to be execuled
according to its ténor and form, of which the said King's
Attorney General will certify to the court within six
" months."
244. FoUowing the order of the dates of Canadian lé-
gislation, I must hère mention an arrêt of the Superior
Council of the 2nd December 1715 (1) promulgating régu-
lations relating to bakers and millers^ upon the représenta-
tion made by the Attorney General.
The 5th article déclares : " that the proprietors of mills
" shall be held, subject to an arbitrary penalty, to hâve
" scales and weights stamped and marked, to weigh the
" wheat which shall be carried there to be ground, and
" the flour which shall be made therefrom ; the local jud-
" ges are enjoined to sec to the exécution thereof and to
" hâve them at the expense of négligent proprietors ; even
" to hâve the workmen, who hâve executed them or those
" who hâve furnished them, paid in préférence to ail
" others."
6. " In case of malversation on the part of millers, the
" t omplainants shall hâve recourse against them when they
" shall be the lessees of the mill ; but if they are not les-
" sees, then recourse shall be had against the proprietors,
" without préjudice of that of the proprietors against the
" millers.
7. " Millers are prohibited to exact more than one
(1) Ed. and Ord. in 8. v. 2, p. 169.
320 a
" fourleenth for tlie toll of grain , ( mouture ) undcr
" the penalty of an arbitra ry fine ; tlic local judgos are
" enjoined to examine Ihe toll moasure of each mill and
" to havc it made exact and staniped, proliibiting ail rnillers
" to take toll with any other measure tlian tliat which shall
" hâve been so stamped.
8. " Those who shall carry or send grain tomills, shall
" be held to hâve it weighcd in tlio présence of the niiller,
" and the flour also, aller the grain shall hâve bei-n giound,
" in default of which their conî|)laim shall not be heard.
9. " That the weight of the grain niay be certain and
" to avoid contestations n[)on thissubject, rnillers are enjoin-
" ed under the pain of arbilrary fines, to Ikivo ihe weight
" of the grain, the toll dcdueted, niarked ripon a tally. and
" tohandoverto eachindividual the du.plic-atc of tlie :ud
" tally tohelp them to verify the said \veiglit Yvhc;n tlic lloiir
" shall be delivered to them ; the rnillers are hereby [)rolii-
" bited, under the same penalty, even of eorporal ])unislr
" ment whenthe necessity shoiild happ 'n, to wct the grain
" which shall be carried tothem, to make ihe liom- thereuf
*' heavier."
245. On the 15th February 1710 (1) ihe Intendant Uau-
dot makes an ordinance, which, upon the ])etitioa of the
seignior of Demaurc, condenms his censilalrcs '•' to carry
their grain to be ground at tlie mill of ilie said seigniory."
In his pétition, the seignior M. Aubert, " as récent
proprietor of the seigniory" asked an exhibilion of the tifle
deeds of those of his tenants who had them ; he asked at
the same lime " that those who possesscd lands in virtue of
letters of concession" be lield to take deeds of con-
cession.
(1) Ed. ami Ord. V. 2, p. US.
321 n
umler
àd
Thèse letlersofconceniiion^gcner.ihy, provrtd only llio fuct
oflhe concession, with the imderstanding that iheconJition'ï
would at a laler period be drawn up in an authentic title,
passed before notariés.
M. Aubert, by lus pétition, furtiier asked, ihat his censi-
taires, without distinction betwcen tliose wiio had contracta
of concession and tliose who had nonc, sliould be condemncd
" to carry their grain to be gronnd at the mill of Ihe said
seigniory."
" We condemn," says the ordinance, " the said inliabi-
" tants of the seigniory of Demaure to exhibit to the said
" sieur Aubert, the titles and deeds by virtue of which they
" hold their lands, and likewise those who hâve none, to
" exhibit the leltcrs of concession, they hâve obtained from the
" lato sieur Demaure, in ordcr that Ihe said sieur Aubert
" may give them deeds subject to the clauses and conditions
" contained in the old ones, without the right of adding new
" charges.
nt Umu-
of the
" We do further condemn the said inhabitants to carry
" their grain to the mi/'of the said seigniory to be ground^
In this judgment, to carry the grain 1o the mill of the
seigniory to be ground, were included those who had letters
of concession only, and whieh, as I bave observed, did not
contain any condition, and consequcntly, no subjection to
mill banality. Nevertheless they are, without there appear-
ing any agreement, condemncd to follow this banality.
246. On the 27lh May 171G (1) we havc an ordinance
of the Intendant Begon, which, upon the complaint of the sei-
gnioress of Champlain, that several of the inhabitants of that
seigniory, refuse to carry their grain to her mill to be ground,
altho'' they are obliged thereto by their contracts, condemn.i
(J) Ed. ami Ôrd~^-. 2,7^452".
•il
322 a
Ihn sait! inhabilants " to lakc to llie mill of tho said seif^;-
niory tlic ifr.iin iiilcndcd (ortlic c<m.wniptio7i and sustenancc
of tfn'irfdiiiili/. II) I)'' «^Tound ihcrc, on paiiiof jiaying a line
of tcii lirrrs [n tlic cliiircli oC llic parisli oi" lli»' said seig-
niory, and also U» pay \o llic dame do Cabanac llie toll l'or
siu'li irraiii as tlicy sliall caust' to hv ground at any othei
luills. (1)
2 17. Il appiMvs iliat donbtsf liad bcon raisod upon tlu'
siil)j('c't oltlic l)aiiality ol'wind-inills, as it rnay bc seen by an
arrêt rciubîrcd by iIkî SupiTior Councd on tlic 7tli Mardi
17 IS. 'IMicse doubis pcrliaps aros(! IVoni llie lad tliat lliese
mills wcrr. nol. exprossly meiitioned in llie arrêt of tlic 4th
Julie HJHG.
In tlu^ y<'ar 171 1, llie s(>ignior ol V ineelolle liad suui-
moned liis censitaire, Jean Fournier, l)el"ore llic Précoté ol"
Queb(H', j)r:iyini;" tlial lie l)e eondeiiUKMl : " to restore to hirn
" tlie loll of ail tlie ufraiii wliieh lie liad ground for Ihe
"• siistenance of kis Janiilii, :il st range niills diiring several
'^ years, in tlie i)enalty a(;eording lo liis deed, and tliat lie
" 1k> held to exhibit Uio deed in virtne of wliicli lie lield
'■'• his fariii wliereon lie resiiled in tlie said seigniory."
Tlie défendant re[)lied : " tliat lie had becn obliged to liave
'' part of his grain groiind clsewliere tliau at thc mill of the
" seigniory, beeause it was wortli notliing, tliat it made but
"• very bad lloiir, and tliat the miller wlio worked the mill
" gave lliein a very small return." On the 26tli June 1714,
the jndgment of the iVcro/t', ordains " that the said sieur
(1) Cu;;uot (p. 3()) inakes the followinj;; reinark :
" 'l'iiis iiulgiiiciit is rerulered in conséquence of several arrêts of the
'' Parliainent of Paris, whidi hâve dccidcl upon the 71st article of the
*< Custoiii, tiiat the seigniors iiaving mills cntitlcdba7ial, cannot clain»
" froiu the censitaires but the toU of grain consiimed by their family,
*' beeause the censitaires hâve the unrestricted right of having th^
" grain thei/ hâve fcn- sale gTound at other mills."
323 a
" de VinofJolIi; shull put liis inill in ordcr thaï il iiiiiy iiiuko
" gooJ lloiir, and lliul (hc said Foiirnicr .sliall ix- licld lo
'' carry liis grain tlieroto conlbnnal)]y to liis (\v,va{ ofconccs-
" sion."
On tlio Ist Mardi 1717, tho scignior api)('ales from lliis
judgnienl lo llio Siipcrior Counci) ; Fonrnicr niakcs (Icfault
notwitlistanding his boing suininoncîd Iwicc. On tlic 7tli
Marcli of tli(; following year, " llie Counoil befon; granting
" lh(' benelit of thc said delault, lias siispendod ils judg-
' ment upon tlie merits nnlil it is madc aware, il, is said, of
the intentions of Ilis Majesty^ respectin^ thc hanaUly of
uyind-mills, and nevortholcss provisionally ordainstlial tlip
" said Fournier and otlier censitaires of llic said sieur de
" Vincelotte sliall carry tlicir grain lo bc ground al llie wind-
'' wtV/ ol" his soigniory." (1)
This case liaving bcen sent before ihe King, His Ala-
jesty, on llie IGlh April 1719, addressed ihe following leller
lo ihe Siiperior Couneil, whicli, al Ihe requcsl of thc Altor-
ney-Geni'ral, caused it lo be enregislercd al ils ollice on llic.
2nd October following : (2)
" VVe liave caused lo be examined in Onr Counoil ihe
" arrêt of llie 4tli June 16SG, in relation lo the banality of
the mills in New France, and also of thc arrêt rendined
in our Superior Couneil of Québec, on the 7tli Mardi 1718,
in relation to the wind-mill built by the said sieur Joseph
Ainyolte in his scigniory of Vincelolte, wliosc riglit of
banality was disputed by Jean Fournier, an inhabitanl of
" Ihe said seigniory, by which arrêt you hâve suspended
" rendering judgment on the principal matter in issue unlil
" you should be informed of our intentions in relation to the
(1) The judgment and the arrêts upon Ihis contestation hâve not
been printed. i bave an authentic copy thereof in my possession.
(2) 2 V. « doc. seig," p. 224..
3'J4 u
•* banality o/' wiitd'initla, and you hâve, liowever, ordered
" in tlie iriL'an lime, that llu; suitl Fournier und other inha-
" bitants of tlie said sieur Amyotle shall carry llieir grain
" to be gronnd al the wind-niill of lus seigniory of Vlnce-
" lotte. We hâve al.so had explanations given us touehing
" the arlieles of tlie Cuslom of llie Prévoté and Vicomte of
" Paris, whieli troals of the banality of mills, and by the
*' advice of our dear and well beloved Uncle, ihc Duke of
" Orléans, Régent, wc scnd you this letter to inform you
" that our intention is, that you should déclare the wind-
" mill belonging to the said sieur Arnyotte, in the seigniory
*' of Vincelotte to be a bannal mill, and that nevertheless
you will permit the tenants of the said seigniory to hâve
tlieir grain ground clsewhere, when the said mill shall be
stopped in any manner and for any cause whatsoever.
We recoramend you also to prevent the said sieur
♦' Arnyotte froni molesting liis vassals in relation to this
" matler, to which you shall pay particular attention,
'■'■ without thereln making default ; for such is our pleasure."
248. The intendant Dupuy rendered a judgment on the
lOtli July 1728, in relation to the wind-mill of the seigniory
of Grondines belonging to sieur Hamelin.
'»•
Sevcral inhabitants set forth in their pétition " that as
" they are obi iged to go to the wind-mill in the said seigniory,
" it is both grievous and prejudicial to them to take their
" grain there, in as much as the mill only breaks their
" wheat, both because the mill is absolutely spoilt by the
" différent persons who havo worked it heretofore, and
" because the sieur Hamelin who now works it, not beino-
'* a rniller by trade, increases the defects in the fleur made
*' by hirn, and praying us, for the purpose of proving what
" they State in their pétition, to order that the said mill be
*' visited and examined bv mon of skill.''
325 a
The eieur Hamelin replies ihat his mill : " is in good
" order, ihat. it is tnie lie lias had no miller for some time,
" because l)is railler was a soldier, and the General has
" lakon him away, but that having hired, in his place, a
" man who is able to woriuhe mill, he, persisting in stating
" that his mill makes good fldur and is provided with
" every thing necessary for it, also requests that it sliould
" be examincd by men of skill and expérience (experts) in
" such things."
The judgment ordains that this visit of experts be made
and " that the inhabitants shall then continue to go to the
" mill as they are bound to do, under a penalty of a fine
" and of the confiscation of the grain that may be taken
" elsewhere, which grain we allow the said sieur Hamelin
" to follow and seize."
249. On the same day lOth Jnly 1728, (1) the intendant
Dupuy made another ordinance declaring the seizure of the
grain of the curé and inhabitants of Ste. Anne de la Perade
in the possession of the miller of St. Pierre les Becquets, to
be good and valid.
It appcars that on the 30th Angust 1707, the seignior
of St. Anne had got an ordinance from the intendant Rau-
dot, enjoining the curé and ail the inhabitants to carry their
grain to the mill of the said place to be ground, with ; ■:■ )hi-
bition of going elsewhere upon pain of confiscation and p; y-
ment of a fine.
He again complained that " a number of inhabitants
of his seigniory do not bring their grain to his mill, altho'
they are bound to do so by their deeds of concession." He
had caused a seizure to be made in the hands of Brisson,
miller of St. Pierre, summoning at the same time ail the in-
habitants to whom belonged the wheat at the miller's, as
(1) Ed. and Ord. v. 2, p. 497?
326 a
well as the miller, " to doclarc tho (juanlily of vvheai or
floiir lie lias belonging to the said inliabitant!!i/' Eight of
the latter appear and plcad l'or their justification, the uiill ol"
th(! said seignior is out ol" order, and the bad oonduct of his
iniller who, they stated, was a dishonest nian and well
known as such to the said sieur de la Pérade : they further
stated that the mill was insufïicient " to grind the grain
n^iuired for the maintenance of their families." They also
asked that the seignior be obliged to hâve mill-weights and
scales at his mill " that after weighing their wheat in tlu;
|)resenee of the said miller, they might weigh their flour
before him."
The seignior denied the facts sot fortli by the défendants
for their justificalion, and prayed that the seizurc be declar-
ed good and valid, and that " ail the inhabitants, who hâve
" taken their grain to any but the seigniorial inill to whieh
" they are bound to go, be condemned to pay toll in propoi-
" tio7i to the quantily uscd by their families.
" Taking into considération, it is said, the deeds of
concession of the said inhabitants, by which deeds they are
indispensably obliged to take their grain to be ground at
the said mill of the said scigniory ; an ordinancc of M.
Raudol passed in conséquence of a like difficulty, on the
30th August 1707 which obliges them so to do under pe-
nalty &c ;" the Intendant déclares the seizure good and
valid, condemns the miller of St. Pierre to hand over the
wheat and Hour seized in his hands, to those of the seig-
nior of Ste. Anne, and again proliibits the curé and ail the
other inhabitants from taking their grain to be ground else-
where than to the banal mill of the said seigniory, under
penalty of the confiscation of the grain and of such fine as
he may think proper, and of paying toll for the grain
which they shall hâve taken elsewhere to be ground. (1)
(1) The mill of Ste. Anne, was a wind-mill.
327 a
250. Onthe22nd July 1730, (l)the Intendant Hocquart
passcd an ordinance in the words Ibllowini^ :
" Upon the coniplaint madc 1o us by tlu; Dame de Ra-
" mcsay, that some of the inhabitants of her sei^niory of
" Sorel do not send, and refuse to send, their grain to her
mil), although obliged to do so by their deeds:
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" Seing the régulations upon thaï subjcct, made by the
Superior Council of this country, we prohibit the said
inhabitants from carrying their grain to be ground else-
where than at the said mill under a penalty of a fine of
ten livres to be paid to the fabrique of the parish ; we
only allovv them, in case the said mill shouldnot be work-
ing and in case their grain shall not hâve been ground
within twice tvventy four hours after being taken to the
said mill, to carry it to sucli mill as they may think pro-
per."
251. By an ordmance of the intendant Hocquart of the
22nd Nov. 1730 (2) llve inhabitants of the seigniory of Neu-
ville, summoned at the reciuest of Pierre Savarit " proprie-
" tor of the wind and water mills in the seigniory of Neu-
" ville, soie! to him with the right of banality^^ by the Abbé
de Lotbinière on the 29tli June 1720, " to explain their rea-
sons for not bringing their wheat to be ground at the mills of
the petitioner, although they are bound to do so," are con-
demned by default " to pay the said plaintif?', the toll of ail
the grain they shall hâve had ground elsewhere than at his
mills, during the last iwo years, according to the estimation
to be made by the curé (rector) and captain of militia of the
place, forbidding them and ail other inhabitants of the
said seigniory, from henceforth carrying their grain to be
ground elsewhere than to the mill of the said petitioner,
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(1) Ed. and Ord. v. 2, p. 34-0.
(2) Doc. Seig, 2d. vol. p. U2.
328 a
'* und(.'r ihc penalty ol' paying llie saine dues us ihose lliey
" would be bound to |)ay il" tlicy liud il groiind ihere, und
" also of I)aying a linc ol" tcn livres^
252. Tlie inlial)itanlH of t'v ficf (h la Durantaye liad
prcsented a pctilioii to llu: intendant Iloccinart, praying tliat
lh(; sieur d'Aulcuil, as agent of llie seigniors, be lield " to
hâve a mill built to griiid tlicir grain." Il appears tliat lliere
was aa old mill, but tliat it was in bad orcU^r. Mr. d'Au-
teuil olFercd to repair it llie following spring. lîy tlie jud-
ment df the I81I1 Kebruary 1731 (1) tlic. lutendant ordered
" thaï in confonuity witli liis ollers, tlie sieur d'Autoiiil in
" his said (piality, shall immediately repair tlie mill of lia
" Durantaye, ami in defaull on lus part, \ve do allow tlie said
'* inhabitant.s to biiild one ut tlieir own cxpense, iipon thc
" conditions stated in tlie deeice of llu' King''s Counejl of
'' State of îlu! Ith .Tune 168(3."
253. On the 29th. Sej)toinber 1732, (2) ISIessieurs de
Beauliarnois and lloequart j)a.ssed an ordinance in relation
to fanning rniUs for wlicat.
It is therein said llial on llie Ibtli Mîiy proeeding, llie
King had mado a régulation n^specling Ihe ilour sent from
Canada to tiie Isle Royale ;ind ollier iVencïli islamls in Aine-
rie;), and lo facllitate the exécution lliereof, His Maje^ly
had sent six eyliudrieal l'anning-milis, and llial '" altlio'
" thèse six fanning mills be not snilieienl to supply ail llie
" mills in wliich merchanis ordinuiily huve llieir grain
" ground for commercial purposes, it wà.i nevcrtlieless ne-
'' eessary lo prescribc tlieir usage, even from ihis year in
" the principal mills of ihc governinent of Québec."
By the lirst article, thèse fanning mills were appoinled
to be senl lo the proprietors of the mills of Saull-à-la puce,
(1) Ed. andOfil. v. 2, p. 519.
(2) Ed. and Ord. V. 2, p. 352.
329 a
Potit-TVr, Mnnuport, T'oititt; di; Fi^vy, St. \irolîis and Stc.
Fjnnillt' iii tlui ïkIc of Orlcîins " lo liavo ail tlu; wlicat iii
" ^'encrai of wliatcncr ([iiality sent to tlicsc niills passcJ
" and lanned, b^'lort; ronvritinu; tlifiii iiito llour."
TIkî 2n(| articli; j)r()liil>its ail proprictois of mi Ils and
their inillers " IVoin ^'limlini^ any wlicat wliii-li lias not
" bcon passod tliru' llic l'atinini^-niill as abuvc, luuK'r lluj
" penalty, &c.
Tlie 3rd article, as an indemnity to tlio proprirtoi- ,
granfs thcin six deniers for eacli minot brouii^lit to tlie mil!,
" iipon tlie condition, tliat tliu said propriclors and mi Mers
" sliall return to tliu proprictor of tliu wlicat, the luilin<,':<
" wliicli shall bc i^ot from it. "
And accordini,' to the fourtli article : " and in eonse-
" qnence of tlies(; si\ deniers, iIk; siiid millers sliall take
" tlieir toll merely iipon tlie clean atid fanned Avlieat aiid
" not Uf)on tlio whole (piantity of wlieat wliicli sliall li;ive
" be(!n brou,i,'lil to llieni, nor upoii a larjL^'er raie ilitm
" tluit established. "
Fivo mnv iatiniiii^ mills wenî sent tlie fol lowint^ year
for the i^overnment of Montréal, wliicli j^ave occasion for tlie
passing of aaollii'r ordiaanee, liki; tlie Jirst, and made by
the saille governor aud intendant on llie 8th Fcîbrnary 1711.
(1) Tliest! fanning inills were lo beiriven lo llie propriclors
of the mills of Lacliine, Isie Jésus, Island of St. Hélène and
Terrebonne.
251. On the 20lh Mnrch 17.'Î3 (2) a new ordinance was
passed by the intendant Hocquart, upon tlie [)elitionof Pierre
Favarit " proprietor of the wind and water banal mills '^ of
iVeuville, the same wlio liad alreadv obtained bv default
(1) Ed. andOrd. v. 2, p. 363.
(2) 2 Doc. Seign. p. 155.
42
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Ihe ordinauee of the 22nd November 1160 {supra no. 251.)
lie renews his complalnt against llie inliabitants who go
elsewliero le hâve llicir grain ground. The lalter reply in
this manner that : " his waler mills do uot at présent inake
" flour and Ihat his wind-mill is nol fittcd up in a manner
" so as to supply the wants of tlie public. " The grand-
voyer, Mr. de Boiscler, receivcs orders to ascertain the stalc
of the place; and upon his report the ordinance in question
is passed. It déclares " that the said Savarit shall b(;
" bound to i)laee in his wind-mill a miller by trade and no
" other, who shall livc in the ncighborhood of the said mill,
" so that lie may at ail tiraes take care of it, receive tho
" wheat froni the inhabitants and return tliem the fiour
" when it is ground, and also to keep in one of his mills
'• worked by water and in his wind-mill, a scale and stamp-
" ed weights of iron and not of stone of which tlio weight
" is not known, and to keep the said mills in good order so
" that they can grind when there is wind or water.
" And as to the inconvenience brought under our
" considération by the inhabitants to the efiect that when
" the wind fails for the wind-mill, or water for the other
" mill, the said Savarit wislies them to carry their grain
" from one mill to another, as often as three diiFerent times.
" We ordain that in that case the said Savarit shall be
" bound to carry the wheat at his own cost and cxpense,
" and in default of his doing so, we allow the inhabitants
" to carry their grain to be ground where they please.
" We also order the said inhabitants to carry the grain
" they may require for their own subsistance, to be ground
" at the mills of the said Savarit, as being in the place and
" stead of the seignior, and to Icave it there during twice
twenty four hours in cither of the mills, after which time
they shall be at liberty to take it away and carry it
wherc they plcasc, witliout the said Savarit or his repre-
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331 a
" sontalives having r\ny rii^ht locleraand toll ; in conformity
" lo the docrcc of tlie Superior council of this country of
" llic Ist July 1675, in relation to banal mills.
" Wc charge the said Savarit faithfally and promptly
" to serve tlie said inhabitants, in préférence to ail cilizens
" and traders, and to keep his mills provided with ail
" necessary implements, nnder the penalty of an arbilra-
" ry fine and heavier penalties if necessary. ■'
255. On the 15th Dccember 1733 (1) an ordinance is
passed by the intendant Hocquart upon the pétition of the
seignior of Beaumont wlio complained that Joseph Roy, his
censitaire, therein named, had recently built a mill npon
the seigniory of Dame de Vincennes, to which he induccs a
nimber of ihe inhabitants to go: " which,-' he said, " is
" not permitted but is even altogcther contrary to the rights
" of the petitioner, to the custom in relation to banal mills
" and to the clauses contained in the deeds of concession
" of the petilioncr's inhabitants, by which they are expressly
" obliged to carry their grain to be ground at the seigniorial
" mill."
Roy in his defencc stated that " the mill of the seigniory
" of Beaumont being unable to mako good ilour on account
" of the defective mill-stones, the seignior had allowed his
" inhabitants to take their grain elsewhero than to the said
" banal mill to be ground."
The ordinance prohibits himfrom " receivingany of the
inhabitants of the seigniory of Beaumont in the mill he
has latejy caused to be built in the seigniory of the
*' Dame de Vincennes, without the consent in writing of the
said sieur de Beaumont, under a penalty of ten livres, wc
also prohibit the said inhabitants of Beaumont, under the
(1) 2ml V. '> doc. sfiig." p. I.'jO.
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332 a
" same penalties, IVom Iakiiig their grain to be ground
" elsewhere than at the banal jniil of the said seigniory.
" \Vo coiuiiiaml the said yienr de Ik-aniiionl fo hâve his
" banal luill j)ut in <)rd(3r su as to makc good flour, and to
" hâve scales and stamped weighls therein."
256. On the lOth Maich 1734 (1) an ordinanee is {)as-
sed by the intendant; Iloequart upon the pétition of five ol
the inJKibitants oi" the fief Gentilly, represented by Frs.
Rivard dit Lavigne, one of them, for the purpose of having
it ordained that the' widow Poisson, tutrix of her son, pro-
prietor of thisyie/should '' immedialely build a grist miil
" upon the said /te/fortlie use and ad vantage of her tenants,
*•' olherwise and in defaidl thereof, that sliti be deprived, in
" her said quality, of ihe right of banality, and that the said
" Ilivard Lavigne, one of the petitioners, be allo'.ved to
'' huild a luill, whieh lie oti'ers to do at his own expense,
" and keej) tlic same in good order and condition, for liini-
"■ self, his iieirs and assigns for ever, so that it shsll suj)ply
" the wants and necessities of ail the inhabitants of tiie said
"yîe/;and in tliat case the said Rivard shali enjoy the
" rights and privilèges of a banal mill !
" We, says the intendant, with the consent of the said
" Richard Lavigne acting as aforesaid, liave granted to the
"• said widow Poisson, acting also as aforesaid, a delay of
"• two years froni the day of the signification of the jîresent
" ordinanee, to procure the means to build the banal mill,
" as re{[uired by the said inhabitants of the seigniory of
" Gentilly, after which period we shall order what may be
*' right and proper."
257. The inhabitants of the seigniory of Argentenay,
parish of St. François de Salles, in the island of Orléans,
pres(>ut a pétition to the intendant Iloequart, setting forth
(1) Ed. aad Ord. in-8, v. 2, p. 364..
333 a
that by iho ordinance of sieur André hi.s sub-delegate, they
ar»; obIi,arc'd to carry llieir grain lo llie mill of tiie said parish
to be ground ; tlial Ihey aro désirons of subrnilling to this
ordinance, as ihey liavo donc iip to tliis tirne, but thaï they
cannot do so " without snfFering a considérable loss by thc
'* bad iiour which the miller makes them every day, not
" only that \vhi(!h they consume in their family, but even
" that wliich tliey are obliged to sell is ibund to be badly
'' manufaclured, and in respect to which the hâve continuai
" repioclies, which is caused by defective mill-stones."
Upon a report of experts, showing thaï tlie said mill
vvas in good order and made good flour the complaint of
the inhabitants is dismissed by a judgnient of the 23rd
June 1736, (1) which déclares that " conformably to the
"• ordinance of the said sieur André, the said inhabitants
'■'■ shail be bound to hâve their grain ground at the mill of
" d'Argentenay under the penalties therein set forth."
258. On the 12th March 1738 (2) the same intendant
passed an ordinance, which, upon a report of experts esta-
blishing that the miller of Beaumont " is not at ail skillfui "
ordains " that a good miller shall be immediately placed
in the mill of Beaumont, other than the one at présent
" there, and until it is so donc, we allow the said inhabi-
" tants to hâve their grain ground where they please."
In the preliminary observations, it said that " as to tlie
" new demand made by the said inhabitants that the
" miller of the said mill should be bound not only to grind
" the wheat belonging to the inhabitants, but also their
" other grains, the sieur de Beaumont having agreed to the
" justice of ihe demand and consented to it, we hâve given
" acte thereof to the plaintiflfs, and in conséquence order
(1) Ed. and Ord. in-8, t. 2, p. 539.
(2) 2nd vol.,*' doc. seig." p. 173.
(I,
334 n
*' ihat their otlier grain be ground in the yaid mill as woll
" as their wheat."
259. On the 24th Jnly 1741 (I) a decrne was madc by
tho Superior Council upon a contestation bctween the Ecc-
lesiastics of the Seminaiy of Montréal and the Brethren of
tlie Hospital, (Frères Charron) with respect to a raill.
On tlie 5th Nov. 172G, the Council had made a decree
which, upon the pétition of the Seminary, permitted to hâve
the Brethren summoned " to the end that they be condera-
" ned to pull down a mill upon the land which the said
" Ecclesiastics had given them in their seigniory."
It appears that by deed of the llth February 1730, the
Brethren liad ceded to the Seminary a wind-mill with ail
its gear, and an arpent of land upon which a small house
was built for the miller. On the 12th Sept. 1740, the
Brethren obtained authority to ask the rescision of this deed
{lettres de rescision) and prayed for a judgment rescinding
the deed, stating that the Ecclesiastics had induced them to
raake this cession without the consent of the administra-
lors gênerai of the Hospital.
The Ecclesiastics consented to ihe rescision of the deed,
but they persisted in praying for the démolition of the
mill.
It appears that as far back as 1705, by protest of tho
14th February (Adhémar, notary,) the Seminary had " op-
" posed the building and construction of the mill or mills
" driven by water or by wind, which the Brethren intended
" to make, in whatever part of the Island of Montréal it
" might be."
The arrêt, by the consent of (lie parties to ihe resilia-
(1) This arrêf is pot printoH.
335 a
lion of Ihe deed of tlu; llth Febmary 173U, granlcd tlie
rescision of tlic deed and entire restitution of the property,
condemncd the Ecclesiasties to louve the possession and
enjoyment of the wind-niill in dispute lo the Brethren, and
likewise the arpent of land and the house ; " and taking into
" considération, the arrêt adds, that tlie said wind-mill has
" only been tolerated for the domestie and private use of
" hospital and commnnity of tlie said Brethren of the
Ilospital, the said Brethren are enjoined to hâve ground
at the saiJ mill the whcat belonging to them only and
which is consunied in the said hospital and commnnity ;
the said Brethren of the Hospital are prohibited from
" recciving or having ground at the said mill, iiuder any
" protext whatever, any other wlieat of any person what-
" soever, under the penalty, in tlie event of contravention,
" of a fine of two hundred livres for the first time, and of
" double that sum in case of a second ofience, the whole in
favor of the said gentlemen of the Seminary, and for the
third ofFence, of the démolition of the said wind-mill, and
this by virtue of the présent arrêt and without there being
any necessity for another."
2G0. On the 13th February 1742 (1) an ordinance is
passedby the Intendant Hocquartupon a pétition of the mis-
sionary and the inhabitants of Contrecœur, of the one
part, and the co-seigniors of the said fief^ of the other
part.
The former asked, by their pétition, that it be ordained
that the co-seigniors of Contrecœur shall, within the de-
lay to be fixed by the Intendant, build a banal mill in
the said seigniory, and that in default of so doing within
*' the said delay, it be declarcd that they hâve forfcited
" their said privilège of banality ; and that it be granted
to any of the inhabitants or others of the said seigniory
'(if EL and Ord. in-S^^'-'s, p. 562^
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" désirons of building siich mill witliin a year and a day ;
" the said sieurs de Contrecœur, fatlier and son, having
" declared they will not erect a mill in conséquence of tho
" multiplicity of joint-seigniors, who hâve the same privi-
" lege with them."
In this case the sieur de Contrecœur the younger, offer-
ed to " within such delay as it may plcase the intondant
" to fix, erect the mill in question, upon the charges,
" clauses and conditions, that he will be and remain the
" proprietor thereof, and that the right of banality, in ail
" the extent of the seigniors of Contrecœur shall belong
" thereto exclusively."
M. de Contrecœur, the father, and Mrs. widow de la
Corne by deed before notary of the 4th May 1741 had con-
sented : " that the said missionary or tenants or any other
" person be authorised to erect a banal mill, in the said
" seigniory of Contrecœur," yielding for this purpose the
right of banality in favor of the persons who should cons-
truct the mill, upon condition that the mill should be buill
and put into order to grind within one year.
M. de Fosseneuve, one of the co-seigniors, then ofiered
to build the mill, witliin two year, and M. de Contrecœur
the younger during the présent year, addingthat, if the said
Fosseneuve wished to hâve it constructed within the same
delay, he agreed to it, and further that the banality be al-
tached to it throughout the whole extent of the said seig-
niory.
The ordinance of the intendant authorises M. de Con-
trecœur the younger, " to build tlie said mill within one
" year ; unless the said sieur de Fosseneuve do, within
" fifteen days after the service upon him of our présent or-
" dinanee, make his déclaration at the office of the clerk
" of the jurisdiction of Montréal, that he consents to build
*' llie î<aid iiiill, in liiti sumc dcJay ot oiie yt.-ar, ciii ihc cu/i
" (.litiont< and wlth the saine obligations and privilèges
"■ mentioned, a.s ^\ ell in the cdiet ci" the King's Conneil ol'
"■ State, of the 4th Juno 1G8G, as in the pétition in interven-
'• îion of tiie said sieur de Contrecœur ihe younger, and in
" default hy the said î»ieur de Fosseneuve ol making his said
" déclaration, within lifteen days a.s aforesaid, lie will nol
be allowed to erect the said mill ; and by vjiliie ol' ihe
présent ordinance, llie paid sieur de Contrecœur t!ie
younger, shall be held to erect the sanii.' within one ycar,
as lie is liereby authorised lo do, on ))ain ol' ail costs,
" damages and interest, in favor of whomsoever it \ii:\y
■•' concern."
2G1. On the llth July 17 U (1), the Intendant llocquart
passes an ordinance ujjon a contestation betwecn the mlller
of Argentenay and some inhabitants of ihat seigniory, on
the sanie question as that whicli gave rise to the ordinance
of the 23rd Juno 173G {supra no. 257.)
The miller sets forth, i.i his jictition, that : " Jacques
" Asselin and several other ini)abitan1^! hâve, for several
years, refused to bring their wlieat lo be ground at the
said mill, under the ))retext that ihc Plaintitr manufactu-
res bad llour, although it is notorious that he has always
made it very good conduct, the more repre-
" hensible, he déclares, as by the régulations of police, and
" lastly by an arrct of the King's conneil of State on the
" subject of banal mills" they \vere bound to go lo his
mill.
" Seeing our ordinance of the 23rd June Ï73G. . . . wc
" order, says the intendant, that ail ihe inliabitants of
" d'Ai'iZ'entcnav aforesaid, shall beheld to hove their "frairi
" ground at the said mill under n ji'nalîy o[ (en livres de.
(1) ]::il. i:m\ '.>r<!. iii S, v. -J. p.
■.K>.>.
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338 a
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We further order the said miller to keep his said
mill always in good ordcr, and moreover to comply with
the régulations in respect to banal mills, under the pen-
alties imposed by the same.
" VVc condemn the inhabitants hereinafter named to
pay to the said miller the toUs due to him for the lime
during wiiich they hâve failed to bring their grain to be
ground at the said mill, to wit : which said re-
imbursement, the said inhabitants shall be held to make
in wheat or in money at the rate of three livres per minot,
at îhcir option."
262. By a judgment of the Juge-Bailli (inferior judge)
of the jurisdiction o{ La Rivière du Sud, the inhabitants
were condcmned to carry their grain to be ground at the
mill of that Seigniory. An appeal had been made to the
Prévoté of Québec, wiiich, on the 13th April 1742, had
oonftrmed the original judgment, and prohibited the farmers
from carrying their grain elsewhere than at the banal mill
of the Seigniory, if it be not upon the conditions mentioned in
their deeds. The inhabitants having appealed to the Su-
perior Council, the arrêt of the 12th November 1742 (1)
was given, by the Council, which dismissed their appeal,
in conséquence of a report of experts showing : " that the
" mills of the Seignior were in very good order and provi-
" ded with millers and machincry and tools necessary to
" keep it in good condition, and that they made excellent
" flour."
263. On the 12th February 1746, (2) the intendant
Hocquart passes an ordinance respecting the érection of a
second mill in the Seigniory of Lauzon, upon a pétition of
(1) Ed. and Ord. in-8. v. 2, p. 210.
(2) Ib. p. 578.
339 a
about sixty farmers, " ail gianleos of lands in îlie .«eigniory
of Lauzon, in iho rear part thoicof."
'J'h(3ro woro co-seigniors, ihc défendant M. Etienne
Charel, his brotlier, and tlic niinors Cliarly, eliildnMi ol"
their d(;ceased sistcr. The plaintiffs " mon; tlian tliree
leagues distant froni tlie river, without a rnill," ))rayed tliat
the défendant be condemned " to liave a grist miil biiilt
" upon the river d'Etchemin in the village Ste. Geneviève,
" unless he would rather cède the right o{ banality to one
" of the Plaintiffs, or to the whole of tliem, they being un-
" able, any longer to withstand the grcat fatigue endiired
((
in carrying their grain more than three leagues through
" impassable roads for the purpose of having it ground at
" Point-Levy."
The défendant replicd that in conséquence of a like
demand madc to him by the farmers two ycars ago, lie had
had the mill-stones and part of the materials and macliine-
ry necessary for the construction of the mill in (piestion
taken upon the spot (which was admitted by the plaint ifl's,)
but that he was unable to makè the building on accoimt
of the difficulties raised by the father of ihe minors Charly.
The défendant, as well for hiraself as for his absent brother,
olTered to erect the mill in the course of the following sum-
mer, for the convenience of the plaintilTs, provided that Mr.
Charly was obliged to join in the expense of the said mill
according to his rights in the seigniory ; by which means
be would be entitled to his share of the profits ; unless the
said Charly should prefer to renounce his right of banality
in the mill, which he should be obliged to décide upon
within a month.
The ordinance is conformable to the conclusions of the
défendant.
264. A judgment of the Prévoté of Québec, of the
;J 10 a
i:.'ifi Jailli, II) IT.'il, (•l'iid.'tiin-; th«' dt Inidant J(i'^"]»fi Tiiri(t'oii
lo iM(i;v )ii'! i^i'ii'i 1" I"' ,v'f(triiul !ir tli'' liîinnl rnill tA' .Monfa-
j» 'io", II])')!! tiii' stii'^niior l'uniisliiiu:: n pnicticîil i\);ul lo iji>
fii''rci.\ (I)
Uui. To tH)HcIiuk>, tlic In^^t doriiment rolfilinij; lo tlii-^
m ilti'i', (liiriiiif llie i^'n^icli (h^ininion, tlial oiir priiilcd records
liti'iiisli us, is au ordiiKiiKM; ot'llp' inlcndant liii![ol, ol" llic .i,")lli
M.iy l'/ô*/, [2) roiidnrcd in ;i suit, in relation to llie hanalily
o[ a uiill, l)ei\\(!eu Claude de l'éeaiidy, seii^ni"'' <">' C'oiili'e
t^iiMii', aiid i!i(! sicnr ISlartei, seii^nior oî fuf St. Aiiloine,
^tliiale jii >aid sei^iiiocy (,>[" Controefeuv, ns liaviui( aciiiiired
il iVom tlie co-lieivs ol' IIk; lato widovv of Jean Louis tie
Cliapt, JCs(iuire, sieur do la Corne.
Tlu! FlaintilTis llie same who, by tlie ordinanee of ihe
î.Jiii Fcbruary 1712 {supra no. 200), was oljli^ed lo ereet a
l)anal niill in llio soigniory ol" ContreciL'ur, wliicli mill )io
liad in fact constructcd. It was a wind-niill. jNîrs. do Ja
Corne iiad renounced to tlie hanality hy deed of llio 4tli iXfay
T/ 11, rnenlioncd in lliesc Iwo ordinances. She \vas tlie
rrndnr of tlio défendant. Tlic plaint i 11' complained thaï tlic
laltfu- had liad a mill crectcd, in liis absence, " iipon th(^
part and portion l)y liiin acqnired and had tlio grain ol the
fariners of tlie seignioiy of ContrecuMiv and particularly llial
nfiho vassals of tlie Plainlilî', ground every day." The
latler had summoned the sieur Martel " lo be condennied
" 1o demolish the mill wliicli lie lias unlawfully builliu the
^' said seigniory of St. Antoine, otherwise, and in default of
'' bis so doing, within fifteen days aflcr ihc notification of
*' tlic ordinanee, that the PJaintili'be aulhorisedto demolish
••' ihe said mil), at the cost and charges of the said defen-
'• (lant, and that f<^r the injury which ihe said mill lias
'•'■ eauscd to the PlaintilFby reason of tlu^ tolls rcceivcd by
(1) M. IVn-aull.'H cxtract, p. 7J.
(''-•) -ii(! V'.'!. •' rlor. «l'i ^'" n. '2\9.
341 a
" t)ir (Iffcntlfinr, that he hc cundemncil to «lurfi dauiagc^
" uikI jnferest as tlu; intendant sliall plcase to fix.
The >i('iir Maiirl prck-ndt-d ili;it "• llic inill laiilt hy tli«
jWaintid'caiHinl l.c cnusidrri'il as a l)aiial mill, acîfoidini,' \o
îlic U-nns ()[' i!i(! " !st; and 7Jnd articles ol' iIk; Cnstoni of
l'uris ; tliat hy th'* ordinancc niacie hy tluî Intendant ISI.
I loc(|iiaii, Uii tli(> l;3tli Fel)iiiavy 171J, llii; said plaintill" was
aiitliori^rd lo hitild, \\ iiliin " one year in tlie liefor Conlrc-
" eniir, a hanal itiill, aeeordin:,' to tlie tenus ol" tiie said
" ordinaïK-e whicli was a litlu in liis i'avor, hut tliat lie had
'• lu>t i!ie riglit aeqnived in vivtue of siicli titlc, for want of
"' eoiiiplianco wilh tin; terni.s of tho said ordinanee \vitliin
tlie tiiiie prer^ci'lhed, which non-coniplianci' still continues
as no mil! lias jjeen l)uill, wliieli can be considered as a
hanal mill iiiider tlie tenus of tl,o saitl arlieles of tlie
" Custoui, wliieh décide ihat a wind-uiill cannot be consi-
(K'red as a l)anal niill, willioiit a litl(^ or acknowledgment.
in wriiing, tliereforfî tlie jjlaintifPs mill cannot be looked
npon as sneh ; tliat cvcn, if tho plainliffiiad tlic riglit of
banality, he could nierely prevcnt tlie neighboving niillcr.s
" IVom enlering npon liis lands to seelc in grain to grind
'■'' (fmpt'clicrihcha'j.^crsurscsfr.rrcti), and conldnotask the
'" démolition of a mill tlial tlie defi'ndant did and could
'* huild npon liis own grotnul for liimself, and for tho inha-
"• hitants of liis seignioiy, and \vliieli is not cstablishcd for
"• tliose of tlie plaintifl"; finally lie relies npon this cssenlial
" jioint, tliat the plaintitf lias no riglit of banality, and that
" liis wind-mill cannot he considered as such, according to
" the tcrms of 71st and 72nd articles of tho Custom ; tliat
" the plaintifF cannot takc advantage of the rcnunciation
" of liis predccessors, lo wliose rights lie lias succcedcd ; that
■' the said renimciiition cannot be of any use, as the defcn-
" dant liasnot takcn advantage of it/'
The plaintifF replied "that the défendant had been careful
" not lo cite the Tlstand 72nd articles of the custom, which
342 a
" alone would bo a sufficient réfutation of lus pretcmsions ;
" tliiil by tli»i 7Ist article no seignior can oblige his tenants
" to go to iIhî banal oven or inill, unlrss lie hâve a valitl t\\lr. ;
" that tlie plainlitriias a valid one wliieli is the ordinance
" ol" M. lIocHiuart, of wliicli tlie défendant liiniself appro-
" ves by lus defence, to wliicli rnust be adtled the conijjlian-
" ce of ail the inhabitants of ihe plaintilf's seigniory who
*' hâve subinitted to it ; ihat by the renuneiation of the de-
" feniliint's predecessors to tho right of banality, the said
" dt.'fendant liad no right to build a banal inill without the
*' consent of the seignior who had that right."
After having .seen tho deed of the 'Ith May 1741, by
which M. Contrecœur the elder, and the widow of the lato
M. Jean Louis de La Corne had rcnounced " to th(! right
" which Ihey had to build llour rnills, and to the right of
banality wliicih belonged to theni withinthe bounds ofthc;
said seigniory, and having yeen the ordinance of M.
Iloccjuart of the 13th February 1742, which authoriscd the
plaintiff to build a inill in the delay of one year, the in-
tendant déclares : " the mill built by the plaintiff upon
the seigniory of Cîontrecciur, in accordance with the ordin-
ance of M. Ilocquart of the 13th February 1742, to be
" banal; we thercfore proiiibit the sieur Martel from rccei-
" ving in his mil! any wheat of the inhabitants, cither ofthe
" seigniory of Contrecœur, or of tho fief St. Antoine which
" belongs to him and even to grind the grain grown upon
" his domain, destined for the use of hisfamily and servants
" upon the said domain^ and this, in conformity to the Cus-
" tom of Paris, under pain of ail costs, damages, and inte-
" rests in favor of tlie said plaintif!', and as to the other de-
*' mands of the said seignior of Contrecœur, we dismiss
" them."
266. Since the change of dominion, the tribunals hâve
constantly maintained the seigniors in their right of mill
343 a
banality, as bcing a légal riglu of banality. Tlils Court
must thernfore déclare ils existence.
As to its extont, I am of ninion llmt fhn lawrestrained
it to Ihe quantity of ji^rain only nccessary for the mbsistence
of the family of the censitaire levant et couchant, iliat is of
the censitaire residing upon the H(Mgniory. The subj(!(;tiou
to the banality did not extend further.
The scigniors who, at the tirru; of ihe promulgation of
the Seigniorial Act of IS.'i'l, had biiill /lour rnills, could pre-
vcnt ail |)ersons from constructing them withintln; litnits of
their banality ; and if any wero to build one, they had the
right to hâve it demolished, in having it so changed that it
would not bc any longer fit for a flonr mill. This right in
sanctioned by a constant jurisprudence which we cannot
ignore. But the scigniors had not, in virtue of their bana-
lity, the right to prevent the construction of other tlian llour
mills, nor of factories of any kind.
Finally, I am of opinion that the seigniors who had no
mills at the time of the passing of the Seigniorial Act of
1854, cannot claim, by reason of their banality, any indcni-
nity, under that act.
i'ART FlFTil
WATEKS.
2C7. The righîs which thu Curmdian sciyiiiors ehiiiii
m connection with rivors art* not conthu'J lo rivci.s iiot
navigable nor lloatable, buî, as lliey, llie srignior?, insjst,
exlend in particuliir cases, lo navigable river;?.
I shall bcgin with the llrst of thèse.
2G3. The seigniors contcnd tliat thev havo the exclu-
8lvo properly in rivers that are not navigable nor iloatable.
In support of tins prctcnsion, they invokc iliree moijens
or rcasons :
Ist. Their quality of ieudal yeignior,— -ihat is lu say of
proprietor of the ficf.
2nd. The concession, whether exproL^s} or lacif. of the
river itself, resulting from their tille.
3rd. The quality of seignior hmil-Justicier.
2G9. Nearly ail the seigniories Avhieh are Iraverscd or
washed by one of thèse rivers hâve been eonecded " the
said river included " or "■ together with the rivers, etc. to
be found within the extent of the s;xid eoneest-iion, "
or as is soinetiines said " the said rivers being jti
comrrion " (mitoyenne), — betwcen the granlee and the
neighbouring seignior. There are also sonie concessions,
the titles of which, cxpressly exclude the river l)y nien-
tioning " the said river not ineludod." Thèse last cou
cessions arc very few in nunjber. Finaily lliere are soinr
345 a
that makc no mention of rivers, as boing coinprised in the
concession, or being cxcludcd IVom it.
270. Tlierc are concessions, and tliey are very nume-
rous, which give to tlie seigniors superior, mean, and in-
l'erior jtirisdiction, {haute, moyenne et basse Justice), or mean
or inferior jusrisdiction oniy.
Tlie concession of jurisdiclion [justice) cloi-s noi appear
in any way lo hâve bet;n uiade lo any otlier person bi'sidcs
tlie seignior of tiie tiel'; and, Avitli l'ew ('xceplions, \\\v. jiiris-
diction lias bccn i^rantcd in llit; orii(in:d tith; (leva ol' lli<'
seigniory. The exaaiples of sia^li grants posterior to tho
concession of the fief, are very rare. Il sonietiines occtirrcd,
however, that, when a seignior, who had not obtaiiied ihc
concession of jiirisdiction by his origiiiul litle, askcd tor ;in
augmentât ion, that is a second concessiou îidjoiniiig Ihe
first, the exercise of jurisdiction was granted to hiia l)y llie
new title, not only for ihis second concession but also for the
first.
271. Wlicïher it l)c hy virtne of the Common Law or
by virluc of thi3 conecssion, (■\prr>s or tacil, derivcd frorn
their tilles, liave the Cauadian seigniors, indepeiidenlly ^)l'
their (juality of haut-justiciers, but nierely as fondai sei-
gniors, acipiirrd any righl ovrr ihi^ rivers not navigable nor
floatable ? I ain of opinion llial in \\\v on<; as wcll as in ilie
other case, ihey hav(; ac()uired an indispulable riglit lo the
propcrty in thèse rivers, that is h» say, botli in \irl(H' of tlie
common hiw relating \o fiefs, and of a titjo of eonccssion
such as above indicated.
From \hv. double fact, that in several concessions, the
riv(!r which traverses or watiTs the Seigniory, is e.vpress/ij
included and that in others, // is not, \vc cannot, as appears
to me, infer the exclusion of thi; rivrr in thèse last conces-
sions. MucU less Gould \vc do so because concessions are
44
o46 a
to be found which exclude tlie river in express Icnns ; frorn
which we ought to conelude lliat, without sucli express
exclusion, ihe river would, according to the places and cir-
cumstances, liavo bcen comi^rised in tlie concession, ollier-
wise llie exclusion would liavc been without motive and
without objcct. I think, ihcrefore, that when mention has
been made of the river, as con^^tituting part of the conces-
sion, it has been only by way of description, mcre measure
of wise précaution to whicii recourse was had, only to point
more correctly, the extent, the amount and the limits of the
concessions.
272. The rivers wliich arc not navigable nor floatablc
belong to the private domain ; they are in commercio. Tliey
naturally make a part of the hcreditaments which they
wash, or in the midst of which they ilow. They were in-
tended to water and fertilize thèse bereditaments. Tliis
was one of the chief ineans which enabled the fcudal seig-
niors in France and their tenants to claim the projjcrty in
them, contrary to the ])retensions of the seigniors haut-jus-
ticiers, and which led llie best feudisis to award it to them,
to tlie exclusion of the latter. Thèse rivers are in the limits
oîûic fief; the Canadian seigniors may invoke the maxim
in virtue of which " every feudal seignior has, eithcr in do-
'■'- main, or as holding of liim tlie universal and private pro-
" perty within the limits of his certsu'e." (1) I ought then to
acknowledge that the grantees of fiefs in Canada hâve be-
come de j>leno jure, proprietors of the rivers in question, ex-
cepting in the cases wherein their titles contain an express
exclusion of thesse rivers.
273. Time not having permittcd my giving on this sub-
ject as I hâve on the others, an analysis of the opinions of
feudists, I must content myself with })ointing ont to those
(1) Revue critique de la jurisprudence, year 1S52 p. TSi, art
hy Mr. l!)uwanict.
of the
3-17 a
wlu) NV(-)arii \vi>h 1(.) (.'uiisuh theiii Uie li.5l ul tlieir iianies,
and the cxtrat-ts iVoin tlii.s worlo-, wliicli are lo bo found at
page G9'2, and thosc: which foUow, of the trcilise on" la
propriété dos oanx couranlcs" by Championniùre. Mo
dividcs those antliors into several categorif.s :
lo. Aniliors wlio niako a distinction botwoon small
rivers and rivnlets : Boute i lier, Loysel, lioularie, Diiparc-
Poulain, Dclalandc ;
2o. Authors who attacli tlie riglit to tho tilles and the
possession: Guy-Pape, Cliasseneux, Bacquct, Loyscau,
Choppin , Gallon, CcKpiille, Leirrand , IMarcilly, Bonliier
Bouvol, Fabert, ancien Répertoire, vo. rivière, Potliier,
Chabrol, Hervé ;
3o. Authors who assic;n tho watcr courses to ihe ri-
parian proprietors : Boerius, Domat, Boucheul, Ilévin, Ri-
card, Perrière, traité historique de la sonverainclé du Roy ;
4o. Authors who assign the property in rivers to tlie
feudal seigniors: Lebrei, Fuyot, Ifenrion de Pansey, Bas-
nage, Hervé ;
5o. Authors wlio assign the property in small rivers lo
the seigniors haïU-juslicicrs : LaRocheflavin Dcspeisses,
Bobé, Bretonnier, Laplac{>, Pelée de Clienonteau, Lapoix-
Frémiuville.
274. The rivers not navigable nor (loalable could never,
in my opinion, be clainied by tlie canadian seigniors in
tlieir quality of haut-justiciers, a quality wlii(,'h ihey invoke
as forming their third title. Recognizing tlieir right to thèse
rivers by a title which, for ail practical eflccts connecled
witli " the seigniorial act of 1851," ought to suiTiee for the
exercise of their claims, I might abstain from examining
this third reason, bascd on this quality of haut -justicier.
Neverthcless, the question having bcen proposed to us, I
348 a
shall willinf(ly oxpro«<s my (>j)inion, 1h;i1 ihis roason <loes not
îippear lo nu; lo rost on a solicl fbundation.
Wliatcver iiiiijflil liave Ihh.'II in Franco tlie prelensions
olllu'. sei^iiiors hauf-jiifificicrs to llic proporty in rivors, iiol
navii{abl(Miur (loatable as bcing an allribiilc of tlieir jiiris-
iliclidn, prt'lensions wliicli appcar to me w.ïy (liflieiilt lo ad-
iiijl. beyond thc bounds of tlioso cnstoms w liicli, very fcw
in uiiniber, attaclied siicli j)ropcrty to the (lualily ot liaul-
iufiliciers. Tho eanadian suignior.s on Avhom svudi juri.sdic-
tion lias beon conlt-rrcd, an; in a very diflerenl position; they
cannot jiistify their claiins by tliose of the french seigniors.
Thcir titles are not losl, like ihose of the hitter, in the dark-
ness of âges. We are acquainted with the whole of them :
\ve hâve had thein ail under our eyes and ail wilhoiit ex-
eej)tion sustain tlu; remark whicli I hâve already niade, ihat
whenevcr the siiperior jiirisdiction [la haiile Juslicc) \\ as
iLjivcn, it was îdways in l'avor of the grantee of \\\ii JieJ\ ihe
J'vmhil s('igniot\ wliether it was by tlu^ lit le of the fief itstdf
or by a sul)S(i{|iir'nt tille. Thus, there are two very différent
things to oonsider in the titles Avliieh conlain, at th(; sanie
time, both the concession of lh(;//(;/" j)roperly speaking, that
is to say, of the heredilaments and theirdepcndencies, \vhieh
being snsccptible of private ownership, are in conwicrcio,
and the granling of jiirisdiction which is an a])pendage of
tlio sovereign anihority. 'J'o the first of thèse, narnely, lin;
concession of the //('/ lias always been attaclied tiie conces-
sion of ihtî river, when that river was inchided in the deed
of sub-infiMidation, while on the contrary, it never was to
the second, that is to say lo the ct)nc(;ssion of jiirisdiction.
If there exist an exception lo the assertion which I makc, J
liave nt)t had the advantage of discovering it in the course
(.)f niy researches, or else I am greatly inistaken in the ap-
préciation which I liave made, in this respect, of the titles
of our seigniors.
275. Howevcr, it appears to me very reasonable to say
34ii a
that the juriscliction could not be attachod to a fief belbre
that/iV/had been croatod. \ow what was the cliief elo-
inenl in alitle of concession en fief in Lower Canada, if il
was not, in the fnvst instance, to erect under such title a
certain extenl of land, tlien to create 'a fondai seignioi\ wlio
tfiereby bccamo, in virtue of tliis title alone, proprietor of the
huid thiis made a fief and of every thing which naturally
forined a part of it as being within the bounds or enclave
of lhis/<<^'? Tlie rivers not navigable nor lloalable foiind
within those bounds ought naturally therefore to make a
part of that original concession creating the fief and
as a conséquence, made to the feudal seignior and
not to the seignior haut-justicier, a qualily which could
not exist but as a conséquence of the existence of
the former, according to tlie raanner in which the Crown
has inadc the concessions in fief in this country. The
fcudi ' seignior could in such quality alone, hâve a
directe, on ihoini rivers, and not in his quality of seignior
haut-justicier, which was not given him, so to speak, but
afterwards, and that, becausc ho was already seignior of the
fief
" It is a gênerai principle of the Customs," says Guyot,
traité des fiefs v. 5, part 2, p. 669, édition of 1751, " Ihat ail
" the land which is in lhc limits of a seigniory belongs to
" the feudal seignior, eitiicr in useful property or direct
" property ; thence the watcr which runs on this land, runs
" incontestably on the land of the feudal seignior.
" Tiiese rivers are by the customs and the authors, cal-
" led rivières de cens : the rcason is simple ; it is that, as
" the right in water^ courses which in law is called aquas
" aquarumve decursus, carrics the right to buil mills and
" to iish therein, thèse rights are conceded à cens ; now
" the jurisdiction, as jurisdiction, has no directe ; which is
" so true that if a hereditament be adjudged to a haut-jus-
3o0 a
" ticiei\ who is not, nt thtj r^ann» tlme, feuthu, ho will pay
" relief (or it, if il be a, /)>/', or cfn.s if il be rôlure ; llial does*
not exlinii^nish tlie direct or frnidal soii2[niory : ihenoe it
soems to foUow, as Co(inille and LoBrct say, that tho
right in tlio rivor is a right of domanial propcrty, tliat is to
say of l'endal scigniory.
" I liold Avitli Clioi)in, loco ciiato, and I can say, with
Coquille and Mr. Lel^ret, that llu^sc small rivers, thèse
water courses, belong in propcrty 1o the fondai soignior:
whose seigniory thcy water, if the toxts of the custom do
not givc them to tho superior or mean J»s/ia(r, like Bour-
" bonnais."
277. In conforniity \vith ihosc senliments, then, we
are bound to say that by tho concession of canadian fiefs,
the rivor was givcn to the feudal soignior and not to the
soignior haut-Justicier ; to tho propriotor of iho/jV/as making
the said river a part of the body of tho said fief and not as
being an altribute of tho jnrisdiclion Avhich had been joined
to the concession ; more ospecially wonld it be so in those
cases in which tho jnrisdiction had been granted to tho fon-
dai soignior by a liîle siil)soqnont 1o tho original oonci'ssion
of the fief s'mcc that concession, in tho systom "vvhich I
nphold, had alroady niado him propriotor of tho river.
It seoms to me only nocessary to show the distinction
which I hâve pointod ont, and wliioh rosts on tho nature
and the tonor of litles of concession in _//r/', to provo in an
évident mannor, liow ill-fonndod arc llio pretonsions of the
seigniors to the propovty in rivers not navigable nor (loatablo,
in their qnality of haut-justiciers^ whicli thoy might hâve
had in former days.
278. There is anothor point of view from \vhich we
may consider the claim of the seigniors, as derived from the
title of seigniors haut-justiciers. Is not this right of superior
:^5I a
jurisdiction, as granted in Canada, ol' ilie iiumbiT ol' tliose
riglits wliich are called facultative rights, une ol'tliosu pré-
rogatives whicli, to secure llio advantag*»s or the benefils
uetiuired, reciuiro llie )»reviors accornplislimeut ol' certain
tacts, of certain obligations ? For cxanipk", tlie care of l'ound-
lings, ihc cosl of llie administration ol' criininal justice &c.
We scarcely find anj^ instances nndcr tlie F'rencli do-
mination of the exercise ot'llie siiperior jnrisdiction conferred
on the seigniors ol" Canada. Very l'eu (^f thcîse seigniors
appear to havc exercised cvcn t!io mi'aii or inlcrior jurisdic-
tion.
Govcrnor Carleton wrole to the seerolary of State under
(hite of the \2\\\ April 1708 (2). •' Sorm; of the privilèges
"• contained in thèse grants ap])ear, al iirst, to convey dan-
" gerous powers into llie lands of the seigniors, that, upotia
" more minute cnquiry, are fonnd to be littleless ihan idéal.
" The haute, moyenne et basse Justice^ ave terms of high im-
" port, but even under the french govcrnment, were so eor-
" rected as to prove of litle signification to the proprictors ;
" for besides that tliey could aj)point no judge, without the
'' approbation of government, there Ir.y an appeal from ail
" the private to the royal jurisdictions, in cvery matter ex-
" ceeding lialf a crown ; it could not therefore be produc-
'' tive of abuse and as the kee])ing of their o\vn judges be-
(1) We see by llie edict creating a royal jurisdiction at Mont-
réal in the month of May 1G93, tliat as an indeninity for tlie loss of
their jurisdiction, the seigniors of the Island of IMontrea! were " dis-
charged for ever, froin the salaries payable to the newly created ofll-
cers and from being responsible for their mistakesand j^mes à jM^Lic,
likewise from the costs of prosecutions. furnishiiig prisons, the fjod of pri-
soncrs, tlie support of foundiings, and geniM\i!ly from ail the expenses of
justice.
(2) Doc. Sciiç, v.i. 1. or h, p. 1 1 .
352 a
" came too much burdensomc for the scanty income of the
" canadian seigniors, it was grown into so gênerai a disuse
" thaï tliere were hardly three of tliem in the whole province
*' at the time of the conquest."
279. Far from being a source of profit to the seigniors,
it seems that the establishment of a jurisdiction could not
be otherwise than burdensome in most cases. On the 12sl
November 1G64 (1), on tlie représentation of the Atlorney
General against tiie abuses commilted in the seigniorial
jurJsdietions, the Superior council had rende. cJ an arrêt
" forbidding ail inferior judges and procurators fiscal to
" take any payment or fées from the parties, under th<;
" penalty of being treated as extortioners, saving their
" riglit to receive salaries from those wlio hâve named
" them to the said situations ; forbidding them also to ex-
" ercise the same, until iheyhave prcviously taken the oath
" in such cases rcquired by the royal judges of whom their
" jurisdictions hold, and as respects the salaries of the
" clerks of the Courts, notariés and bailifi's, tliey shall be
" taxed by the royal judges in case of dispute."
" As for the seigniorial jurisdictions" says M. Garneau,
in his history of Canada, (2) " no mention was made of
" them in creating the Sovenugn council, but in the follow-
" ing year, the Council abolished the law expenses lu the
" courts ; a circumslance which was snlliciont to prevent
" their exist(înce. Later still, in 1079, Louis XIV passed an
" Edict (3) by which he ordcred that the ajjpeals from the
(1) Ed. and Ord. lu 8o v. 2, \u'22.
(2) 2e Editv. l,p. IGG.
(3) Ed. and Ord. in 8, v. 1, p. 23G-37. Tlie King's Edict respect-
ing the Ord. of 1()67.
Art. " It is also our will that an appeal shall lie from the seignior-
" lui jurisdictions, which are within the limils of Our Prévoté of
" Québec, to the said Prévoté, and that appeals iVom the said Prévoté
" shall lie beforc Owr said Council of Québec, which we prohibit
353 a
" scifi^iorial jurisdictions sliould he beforc tlie Royal Courts
" or tlie Sovcreii,m couiicil, acircumstanciî wliicli restrainot'
" anow tlieir powor. Ail tlio sci-faiories, witli but l'tnv
" exceptions, posscîs.scd tlie redoubtable riglit of siii)ei'ior,
" inoaii and inl'erlor jiirisdielion, wliicli was acquiicd by
" an express grant from the King. This was in America
" an anachronisin, at once, of tiine and place. Tlius, al-
" tliougli tlieseigniorial jiidgesandtlie olllcersortiieir courts,
" wcre obliged to obtain l'or themselves, llie sanction of the
" royal jnrisdiction, to wliicli tlicy werc obliged to make
" oath to l'ulfill tlieir duties laitldully, this wouid not liave
" hâve been cnough, if lliere liad not been added oïlicr
" shackles, which caused that scareely a seignior could he
" found who wishcd to exercise it at any j)criod : for, to
" increase the dilîiculties of the sysicm, the costs of justice
as is slated above, wcre suppressed in ICO I, by an nvrct
of the Sovereign council which i)rohibited the inferior
judges and the procurators fiscal from taking any pay-
" ment or émoluments, imder the penalty of being trealed
as extortioners, saving their recourse to get paid by thos(î
" from whom they derived their appointmcnts, that is io
" say, from the seigniors, avIio wcre known to be too poor
" to pay the expenses of a court of justice, of a prison, of
" judges &c., &c."
" from receiving any iiiunediale appeal from llie said seignioriai juris-
" diction.
Art. " And vidi respect to tlie otiier seioniorial jurisdictions wbich
" are not within tlie limils of tlie said Prévutù of (,,)iiel)ec, nnlil such
" time as we liave establislied otiier ro^al jiiri^dictions, the appeals
" from tliein shall lie iminediately belbre Oiir said Coiiiicil. "
Ibid p. 24-2. Tlio King's déclaration of the montli of .Tune KÎSO,
wlio, on the représentation mrde to liim thnt there was a l'ovai court
for the ordinary jiiri.sdiction of Thrce Kivers, diiecled that the appeals
from the seignioriai jiirisdictions within the liniits of that jiiri»dictlon,
woulJ lie before this royal court, subject to appeal to the Sovereig»
Council of Québec.
45
((
304 a
2bO. liy an arrêt ol" tlic 21lli Oct. 1707, (1) tlio SiT|jtv
rior Counoil ordorod llie enrcgiwtratiun in ils records of an
ordinance of tlie Intendant Raudot, of »lie 22nd of the sarne
rnonth, by wliich, in consequonee of tlie King's ordiTs, Ihj
had suppnîssed tlie superior jurisdiction of llie seigniory of
Sillery, belon<,'ing 1:o the Jftsuit Fatlier», as well as tliat of
the Jïef wliich they possf^ssed in the town of Thrce Rivcrs,
and ordered tliat the inhabitants of Sillery, should bring
their snits, in first resort, before the Prévoté of Québec, and
those ol the fief of Three-Rivers, before the royal jurisdic-
lion of that town.
281. Hy lUc edict of the month of Mardi 1693, (S^)
creating a royal jurisdiction at Montréal, \ve see that the
seigniors of the island of Montréal resigned the jurisdiction
belonging to tliem in that island ; and by another edict of
the month of July 1714, (3) we also see that the same seig-
niors had rnade résignation of the superior and mean juris-
diction, which belonged to them in their seigniory of the
Côte St. Sulpice and the isles Courcelles, and which was
by that edict reunited to the island of Montréal, the King
reserving to them only the inferior jurisdiction, ;^s well iu
ihat island as in St. Sulpice, for the recovery of iheir seig-
niorial rights.
282. I do nol know if the seigniory of Sillery is traver-
sed by any river not navigable not floatable, but that of St.
Sulpice is, by the river St. Esprit. Notwithstanding their
résignation of the superior jurisdiction, the seigniors of St.
Sulpice, did not the less, continue to be proprietors as feudal
seigniors of that river. Therefore, it belonged to them, by
that title, from the very moment of the concession of the
seigniory and not by the title of hoiits-justiciers.
(1) Ed. and Ord. in 8. v. 2, p. 152.
(2) Kd. ami Ord. in 8. v. 1, p. 27G.
(r^) Hd, et Ord. in 8o. vo. 1, p. 3t2.
3ô5 a
■iHli- Iii litic, lliL' !S('ii,'niori:il jini<!(li<!ti()iis, wliicli ris
^liown by Govcrnor Curhjton, ^v(■l■(! fscavrcly tîirce in nmnlx.'r
al tliu close ol' tlio Frcncli dominion, (li.sapix-arrfl altogellicr
nitli flic ncw régime. Ninciy livi; years luivc sincc; clap-
«ed. VViili ilic disappcaranco of tlie rii^lil ol' jnrisdiction,
tlie hasis of iho pretonsions of tlu; canadian hauts-justiciers
c'ould not butnceessarilydisappcar. In fact it seemsto mctlial
we may say of tliem wliat Merlin said of tlie haut-justiciers
of France : " To eilect llio cessation of tlieir daim to tho
" propcrly in rivers, it was tliercfore sulficient to destroy
" llie basis on wliicli thèse pretensions restcd ; and that
" basis was, as lias already bcen said, thoir qnality of sei-
gneurs-justiciers,
284. I shall terminate this cxamination by remarking
that, by the System wliich atlributcs thc property in thèse
rivers exclusively to the title of seignior haut-Justicier, it
will follow that the seigniors of this country, whose con-
cessions do not contain a grant of jurisdiction, will hâve no
right to die property in rivers not navigable nor (lontable
which traverse or wash iheir seigniorics.
285. Thèse rivers which, in the system thaï I havc
adopted, havc become the property of the seigniors, bcing
part of the private domain, itfollows that they may become
the object of a concession à cens, and of every other con-
tract transferring property. This is admitted by the counsel
for the seigniors. But they contend that, in that case, the
river must be expressif/ included in the concession made to
the censitaire ; that if the seignior concèdes à cens a land
with its boundarics on the river without saying any thing
more, the river ought to be supposed to be exeluded from
the concession ; that evcn if it flows through the midst of
the land, the river is equally exclnded, if it be not express-
Jy stated in the agrecment that it shall constifntc a par) oï
the concession.
356 a
In support ol" lliis protcrisiori, lin- >ci^MiiorM invoke the
following p!issiiii;<' fiom tlif l>i.s,strlolionv f'<<>(lohs. {\) '' The
" loiuls 1)1 loni( 1() tilt' public (Im- >|)C!iKs ol lli.' rporlioi' tlie
" l'nuial rri^inii'.) 'riiciv li;is imt Imth tin- Miiiillcst (loiiht
" on tiiiit point ; lln'.v oiii^'lit tlicrclorc It) l»- givrti lo liim in
" uliosc ii:iti(ls wciv roiiiid (('iiliv»! îili tlic ritfiils of tlic pu-
" l)lic, tliui is to siiy !•> tli'" ^^l'igIlior liiivl-Justicicr.'''
" Bill it \\n>* iiot llu" siiiiir witli ifîspcct to riviM's. The
" loiif' nsix^e hy wliicli tlir ii|)iirian proprielors iipproprinte
to tlicniscIvL's cvi-ry lluiii< m
tlic brd of rivi'is ihul coiild
[)(' Misccptiblc of In'iii^r |)rivul(; propcrty ouj^ht to ciiurse
" ilifin to l)c l'oii^idiîivd n^ ])roi)ri('lor,s of the tioiiy
'-' Sincf tliat lime, tlio dfvdloptnncnt oi' tiir fciidpl sys-
'^ tcni liiis Icd to llu; niHxiiii thaï it musl be prcsuincd llint
llu; |)riviit(' propeities îirc réuni
t(>d in tlu- liantls of the
feudal jsei^niors ; lliat tlu-sc latter conccded tliem ; and thaï
hiiiu but tliat wliitdi ho will show to Ixdoiig
no one can c
to him by a deed of concession or by a possession w hich
l)rcsunu's one ; whicli, in every cemuel territory, gives to
'■'■ the feudal seignior, i
ilher in domaine or en directe^ the
" uni versa
I privat(! property, as in every judieial district the
" haut-jmlicier lias the public property.
" Thvis it can Le said : the feudal seignior lias the pro-
'^ ])erty in the rivers, beea\ase tli/y were regarded as apper-
" laiuing to the class of private pi'^perties at the time of the
*' supposed reunion of thèse j)roperties in liis hands, and
" that he has not sincc induded tliem in Ihc concessions a
" cens which he has mode of différent portions of the terri-
" tory. But tlu; roads havc never been otlier than public
" property, so there is no similarity betwecn roads and
" rivers."
28G. From tliis remarie of the author, " it can bc said
"^(1) llenrion de Pansey, v. 1, des eaux, § 7, p. 659 aud 660.
357 a
" ihat tlio l'ciKlal sfit,'nior liiis not incliulcd fhe rivers in thft
*■*■ ronci'M.sioiT^ (I cens wliicli Im lius iiiiiilc ol diUfrcnt por-
" lions ol'lln» srii^Miiory," I «lo not Ix-licvr lliiil wc on^'lil lo
int'er tlial lie wislicd lo j'inincialo as a légal doctrine or
niaxiin tliat iIh' t-xclnnion of tli<! river rosidled, de fUeno
jitre^ l'rotn tlu facl tlial il liad not hecn expressly incindcd
in iIk! conce.s^^ion à cenn. Il rallier appears lo nie tliat he
only wislied to dedans a Tact tlien existiiii,', tlie statiî ol" the
possession ol" rivers, >ueli as lie saw il at llie lime lliat lie
vvrole liis disserlalions. To liis eyes tlie lael of tlie posses-
sion in tlie liands of llie feiidal seii^niors appeared U) l)e a
geiuîral lael in France, and llience lie coneliidini llial l\n:
rivers liad nol heen ineliided in llie eone(,'ssions à cens ol'llie
lerritory wliieli lliey Iraversed or waslied. liiil il does nol
lolhtw l'roni tliis llial il was liis intention lo allribute lliat
slule of lliings solely to tlie abseneeof express mention of tlie
river, as heing inekided in tlie eoneession. Judging froni
tlie manner in wliieli lie expresses himsclf, nolliing prevenis
oiir believing tliat, in liis cslimation, tlie faet tliat lie v«!rilied
iniglit he tlie resull of an express stipulation to tlie etlect of
exeluding tlie river from tlic concession, madc to tlie censi-
taires. VVe niay so miieli more easily believc il, tliat in
})aragr!ipli XI of llie sarue dissertation on waters, p. 6G1, lie
expresses liimseif, in a manner clearly to be understood, tliat
.such was, in fact, liis idca.
" In gênerai," says lie, " ail tlie hcrcditamcntsproceed
" from the seignior, such at least is the presumption of llie
" law.
" It is tlicn the seignior, who, being originally tlie
" proprielor of ail tliat whicli borders on the rivers, has dîves-
" ied hunself ofit, in order to give it to dillercnt individuals,
" and tlial, in considération of a cens generally of very mo-
" derale amonnt."
" But since, in giving the adjacent lauds, the seignior
358 a
** has reserved to hlmsel/lhe river and speclficallij the right uj
" fishins; mnst iiot therc ncccssarily bo supjiosed bolwecn
" liim and liis tenants an agrcemc-nt, at Icast tacit, tliat lie
" sliall liavc tliL' l'rec use ol'ilic banks, and that Ûw, riparian
" proprietors could do nothing tliat niiglit be prcjudicial to
" the exercise of tlie rights vvhicli lie preserved. Quis vult
*' finemvuU et médiat
This last passage oftliG dissertation, froni the point of
view of the doctrine on ihe légal eflect of contracis, sanctions
in my opinion, the principle thaï, at least in the absence of
an express exclusion, or an équivalent réservation of the
river, tliat river is, by law, snpj)osed to forni a part of the
concession given to the censitaire by the act of sub-infeuda-
tion [accensenient).
287. We read in Pothier, traité du droit de propriété,
no. 53, " With respect to the rivers not navigable, they
belong to the différent individuals who havc tilles or who
are in possession so as to call themselves proprietors, in the
limits conlained in their tUles or jwssession.
288. Souchet, in his commcntary on the Custom of
Angoumois, published in 1780(1) thus expresses himself :
" The seigniors who hâve sul)-infeudated their domains,
" loithout reserving to themselves speciallj/ the rivers tvhich
" water them, hâve tacit l y included in their accensemcnt the
" rivers and the rivulcts.''^ " For that reason, the best au-
" thors hâve strenuously maintained tliat the rivulets and
" the rivers, which are not navigable froin their source, be-
" long without distinction to the riparian proprietors of ihe
(1) Titre des fiuls, cliap. 1, art 29.
Championière wlio cites liim in his chapter des eaux courantes no.
402, says that Souchet, according to Merlin, " lias treated the ques-
tion of rivers be!'T than any other. lie adds:" reihaps it would l>e
true to say that he is the only one who truly treated it."
35'J a
" liereditariients wliicli Uil-so rivuluLs or rivers wasii witl*
" llieir wateis
" The scigniorsot' fiels wlio liave jurisdiction, and tlioso
" ^vllo liave no jurisdiction, Imve equally tlie property in
'' rivers and rivulets wliich fiow in iheir hereditaments :
" beyond llieir domains they liave no riglit of useful proper-
" ty in tlie watersof rivers uiiieli liave lel't llieir possessons.
" T'hcy havc not cven any righf. wilhin Ihc llmits of the
" hereditaments of Iheir censitaires.''''
289. If, as miglit be supposed froni the passage above
transcribed from the Dissertations féodales, the feudal seig-
niors in France, notwithstanding the concession of riparian
hereditaments, remained in possession oi" riv(;rs not naviga-
ble nor lloatable, tt) the exclusion ol" the [)roprietors of those
hereditamenls, could not ihat be explained by the fact, tliat
llie French seigniors, not being obliged lo concède, had the
power to reserve in tlieir deeds of sub-ini'eudation, the pro-
perty in rivers, thereby excluding it from the concession,
either in express tenus, or tacitly, by remaining always in
possession of those rivers ? Or might we not reasonnabjy
believe ihat, il", in the first instance, thèse rivers had passed
into the hands of the j)roprietors of the adjacent heredita-
ments, the seigniors had, at a later period, acquired the
property in tliem anew, whelher by means of prescription or
otherwise ?
•
290. Moreover, even supposing for a moment Ihat,
under the authority of the Cuistom of Paris and of its juris-
prudence, it was a rule of law tliat, in default of express
mention, the seignior was not supposed to hâve included
the river in Iiis concession à cens, could not the origin of
that rule and its justification liave been found, solely in the
fact that the French seignior was not obliged to concède.
Bcing at liberly lo concède or not lo concède, he could say
S60 a
that an extension which lie liad not expressed onght not, by
way of interprétation, to be given to his liberty, and ^vlliell
extension tlie censitaire could not hiniself liope to obtain,
because he liad not even the right to get tlie land whicli was
conceded to liini ; that in sucli cases one ouglit to per-
ceive a tacit agreement to exclude the river.
Tlie hypothesis which I hâve brought forward can hâve
no application in Canada, where the seignior was obliged
to concède. Even lor tliat reason, the rule ought to l)e dif-
férent. When a river not navigable nor iloatable, llows in
the midst of a conceded land, the whole bed of such river
is on the soil of that land ; when the river only borders the
hereditaments, tho half of its bed, that is to say, as far as
the middle of the stream, is, equally, situated on the same
soil. The waters of this river being naturally intended to
flow through the hereditanient, to serve for its improvement,
the censitaire who liad the right to demand and obtain the
concession of this same hereditamcnt, ought to be supposed,
in the absence of ail agreement to the contrary, to hâve
wished to obtain it witli ail its natural advantages and de-
pendencies, in the number of which are, in the first rank, the
waters of the river, more particularly still, when the river
flows in the midst of the territorv so conceded.
291. Thèse waters being susceptible of being private
property, the domain in them may, under the feudal régime^
like that of lands properly so called, be divided into direct
domain and useful domain, the first appertaining to the
seignior, the second to the censitaire. Now, the use of
waters and their bed, the profits which the hand of rnan can
draw from them, form part on the useful domain; it was
the whole of this useful domain that the canadian seignior
was obliged to concède, to transfer by concession à cens.
This domain ought therefore to belong wholly tothe riparian
censitaire, when the agreement does not expressly exclude
ti a cenfi.
361 a
the river, sinco lliore cnnnol he l\vo proprictors of llic samc
thing otherwiso thau iii copartnery.
292. The scigniors say lliat, if llioy an; l)<)iind to con-
cède, llial obligation does noi e\t(.'nd but to tlit; lands in
standing wuoil^ and lliat tlic small rivers wvA iIk" rivulets do
nol corne under lliat condition. To tliis, iliere are two an-
swcrs to be ni:ide. In llu; lii>t ])lace, thèse riv(!rs or rivu-
lets are, by nature, a dependency ol' llie rijjarian heredita-
ments, and ought, in coiisecpience, to inake a part oi' the
ali(!na1.ion of thèse hereditainents, evtny time that, an ex-
])re.Sis agreenient does nol exeiude ihein. Then, is it true
to say tliat, in tlie vincultivated stale of the canadian terrilo-
ry, the small rivers or rivulets wiiieh travcrsed or Avashed
ihe lands in standing wood were ihcrnselves without stand-
ing wood growing on the soil wliieli served as tlieir bed ? 1
believe that sneli an assertion will be in eoutradietion to the
faets. Hesides, I do not Kiiuw any law whieli ll\(>s the
nuinber of trees, thcir (luality, tiicir dimensions, as serviiig
for a rul(> to detcriuint^ whal part of the soil ought to be eon-
sidered in standing ivood, and wliat part ought not.
If the objection, ^vhieh I oppose al pn^senl, was ^vell
founded, and tli;il, in eoiiscqui'nee, the river, even wlien it
ijows through llie niid>t of the conceded territory, ought nol
lo be considérée} as being ineludcd in the deed (,f siib-in-
fi.'udation, tliis could only be by ri'ason of the absence of
standing wood on IIhî soil of that river. In that case, would
jiol llie objection be eciiially valid, il ap|)lie(l to e\crv olher
]iarls of the hen^litaïuents coiici'dcd, howcver suiall il niight
be, which tniglit not be in standing icood ;it the time of the
concession à cens. K\idcnlly, tlicre would be the same
reason to say that the onc ou^ht, like the ollirr, to be con-
sidered as not Ix'ing includcd in the concession.
293. Could not i,i> censitaires, by analooy^ invoke the
laws which govern the right of propertv iii the alhivion
-16
302 a
lurmcd on ihc bortlors of" a rivci' -.vliieli i.s evcn navi-
gable '' Thèse bordcrs bclonif to ihe privalc domain of
thc riparian propiietors, altliongh lli*^ river ilself, propcrly
socalled, may belong 1o llie public domain. Wliat proves
it clearly is, tliat as well in the Roman lavv as in thc French
law, thc increase of land and the alluvions formed on ihc
border of tiie rivers can only bo for thc bcnefitof thc riparian
proprictors. Could it be so, if thc bordcrs of the rivers wcre
not already a part of thc private domain ? Were it olherwiso,
that is to say, if thc bordcrs of thc rivers werc public proj)er-
ty, it would follow, in the systcm which confers on thc ri-
parian proprictor thc pro])erty in thc ulluvions, that the two
parts of which thc licreditament of this riparian proprictor
would, in future, bc composed, would not be contiguous,
but on thc conirary would be separated by ihat puhlic "pro-
pcrly conslsting often of a Une almost imaginary or imper-
ceptible. Would it not bc more natural and more confor-
mablc to reason to attribute, in that case, the propcrly in the
land formed by thc alluvion, to the King or the public, sincc
the border of the river bcing already tlieir property, and not
ihat of thc former riparian proprictor, it is the King or the
public who would bc thc proprictor of thc land to which tiic
alluvion would thus corne to be joined.
Let us remark, bcsidcs, that undcr thc feudal régime
tho scignior also profited by this alluvion, in this way that thc
directe, which lie h ad on thc riparian hcreditamcnt, extendcd
to thc incre&sc which that hcreditamcnt had derived from the
alluvion. Now hc was not, proviens tothis alluvion, proprictor
of that part of thc bed of thc navigable river in which it was
formed. There arc cases thcrefore wherein a portion of cven
the bed of a navigable river may, accordingto circumstanccs,
fall into thc private domain of the riparian proprictor, and
this lattor becomes proprictor of thc soil. It is truc that
tliis only takea place when thc soil in question ceases to bc
in thc condition of public propcrly, a condition which, as
363 a
long as it continnos, doesnot admit oi'private nj^proprialion ;
But fortliat vory reason, llic rivors not navigat)l(' nor floata-
ble, andtlu; snil on wliicli tlicy llow, being in ilic opposite
condition, tliat is, bcing always in tlic statc of privatc do-
main, tlie soil of tliGsc rivers, it would scem, conslituto na-
turally part of tliis uncovcrcd land of whicii it is only the con-
tinuation. Tlic one, like tlie otlier, ouglit to hâve a pro-
prietor, wliethcr it bo the seignior, or wiiethcr it bc the ri-
pavian censitaire. I havc alrcady shcwn that the lattcr
ought 1o be supposed to hâve become the j^roprietor of it, de
pleno jure, ])y the concession àccïis, when the river wq8 not
excluded therefrom.
294. Let us now suppose thaï îlie propcrty in rivers
not navigable nor floatable is in tlie Jiunds of the ieudal seig-
nior, to the exclusion of liis riparian censitaires, alluvions
may Ijc formed inlhese rivers, or the receding of the waters
may uncover a portion of tlieir 'hed, which adjoins the
hereditamentof a censitaire, to whom, in that case, would
belong the alluvion or the part of the soi! left uncovcred ?
Will it belong to the seignior, or to the censitaire ?
" The rights ol the riparian proprielors of water cour-
ses, not r -igable nor floatable, to the bcnefit of the al-
luvion, ar.., says David (1), governedby the same princi-
plcs as those relating to ihe riparian proprietor of tlu-
" water courses of the public domain."
Thèse rights will, thercfore, belong to the proprietor of
the riparian hereditament, yetin the systcmof the seigniors,
he was not proprietor of the soil on which iho river fiowed
before the formation of the alluvion ; it is the seignior of
theyifi/" who was so, not having, or not bcing suj)posed to
hâve, included the river inhis deed of sub-inf(nidation. Tliis
seignior will thcrefore be deprived of his proj^orly by an acf
(1) Des cours rreaux, 3c. cd. v. '2, ji. 72, no. bM.
364 a
towhkkhe is ic/iollif n stnitit^nT atid \vh\r]\,his cennilaire being
e(iiKilly a slt;iiii(rr lo il, lorbids cNcry idca [>{' a (•oiifurrcnce
ot' uill oti thcir ()ari llial llicii' coiitiacl slioiild prodiice
lliis <'drci. 'j'Iic ndaticiii bel w rcii llicni, arisinu; oi'iiriiiidly
l'roiii llial (•oiilracl, w ill ihcn'lorf bc chaii^cd ; ilic unv. \\ ill
llifi-t'lorc bf dt'privfd of his propcriy lor die bciicHt of tlie
oduT ' W lialcvcr liappcns, die aMiivioii, ; , wid bu s(.'t;n,
wid Ilot dir Icss b(d()ni;- lu dic ripariaii censitaire. Siiuîe
tlic inalk'j' hcrc oiily ndalcs lo privalc |)ro|n'rly, upoti wlial.
principli; coidd die alhivioii bi' liais assiyiicd to tlii.s cen-
aiiaire': Is it not ivasouablc to leply, tliat it cuii^dil to bc oti
du.' i)i-inci|)l»' that, bciii;^' ahcady proprictor of dir soil wliicli
pn^vious lo \\\v adiivion w as bordcrcd bv die wattrs ol' tlie
rivtM', \\v bad l)y thaf ab)iic, an establishcd rii,dit to thc pro-
jMM'ty ol' i\\v t'oiitiiiiiatioii of this saine soil ou Avliieli Ihe
waters foriuerly dowed. Now, tliis rio;lii eould not be ac-
(piired l)y liiiii bul by a concession a rtus. l'Iiis concession
in(diide(l, tliereidre, ilu; part of tlie soil of wliicli \vc speak,
in tlie saine manneras llie rest oftlie soil of liis liereditament.
Tliere was only one dilTerence :)el\ve(.'n lliese two parts of
hi.s property, in relation to tlie improvcment of tlie soil.
The one uncovered since tlie very be^inninijf of the conces-
sion had becoiiie, froin tliat moment, imj)rt)veal)le for certain
purposes ; wliile tlu- other had not so bcconie, for tlie saine
pnr|)oses, but by llic idrmation oftlie alJuvion or the retrcal
of the waters, nature havini,»- uni il then placed an obstacle
in the way of such common improvcment.
295. I shall further add one remark founded on the act
aboUsliing the Feudal tenure. Whcther tlii! land formed by
the alluvion, or uncovered by the rcceduig of tlu; waters,
oiight to bclong to the riparian proprietor, in virtue of a
rlght of accession rcsulting from the concession à cens, or
in virtue of a sinular right recognized by the common law
in such matters, nevertheh'ss this right, wliicli lias the cllect
of causing the return, so to speak, of the part to the whole,
365 a
ipeal
was acqiiired by hini hcloïc tlic pioninlii^ation of " the
t'fii^Miioiiiil Act 1)1' iWôl. ■" Il tliis aet, wliicli is silcnt on
f/iis riir/il of j)r(f/)i'rfi/^ li;is ddI caiiscd liim to losc it, by its
gnifial lîiovi.sious, llic riparian pf()|)ri('l()r niay llicn avail
liiiiiscli' of it wlicii the occasion sliall présent itsell'. l'iio
leudai seitçnior, iC lie slionld be proprietor oi" the river and
ils bed, will iiol therelbi-e liave but a reaolvable property,
(il'one may nse siicli an expression hère) ibr the benelil cl'
the riparian proprietor wilhin ihc; liniits of tiie alluvion or
of ihe retreat of the waters. Tiie case occurrinii^, lhis rii^iit
will ihen be decided, without tliat the seignior can i)retend
to any indernnity. For if lie is now, as lie contends, soh;
j)roprietor of the river, he lias nol. the riglit to advance any
claiin on ihe numey which the le;<j;islatnre lias appropriated
for aiding the censitaires Jn indcnnnifying the seigniors Ibr
the loss of their scîignioriat riglits. If the censitaire is not
]jroprietor of the river, liis hereditament is wortli so niuch
the less. The seignior, therefore, at the tinie of the valuation
which shall be inade by llie coiuinissiouers in the schedules,
will lose in the same proportion, liis right of luds et venlea
on tliis hereditament.
296. Amonq the Frcnch Feitdists, therc arc some who,
in order to confer on the seigneur haut justicier the pro-
perty in rivers, assimilate thèse to the public roads Avhich
tln.'y give to thèse seigniors. If that sinularity could be
correct as regards France, andconldfnrnish for the seigniors
a plausible argument in support of their prétentions, it would
not bc so, it secms to me, in Canathi. Ilere, on the contrary
lhis manner of reasoning by analogy from the roads to the
rivers would militate in favor of the riparian proprietor.
Oiir road law of 1796 recognises that the lands on which
thèse roads arc made, belong to the land-owners which
furnished thera, by enacting that when thèse lands become
useless as public highw^ays, they should return to thèse
proprietors. Cannot the same tliing be saidof rivers wliich,
366 a
to use tho words of a cclebrated antlior, arc " roads ihat
travcl " {chemins qui marchent) ?
297. A still strongcr argument, one cvcn décisive of
the question in favor of tiic rij)arian censitaire, is thaï wliicli
the scigniors themselves invoke for tiieir own bcncfit, againsl
tlieir suzerain^ the Crown.
They contend ihat when the concession of tli(; fief lias
been made to them luilh boundorics on the river, wilhoul
further explanation, the river is ineluded, de plcno jure, in
the concession. If in tlieir turn, they, in obédience to tho
law, extend to their property another stej) of tlio feudal
ladder, by the concession â cens, with the same boundary,
what reason is therc to exclude the river from this sub-
concession, tliat is to say, to prétend that the river ought
not to be supposed to be ineluded in it ? Where is the law
which would sanction in this manner, to the benefit of the
scigniors, and to the préjudice of their censitaires, a liko
exception to the gênerai rule of ihe assignment of property
which Ihe former makc for themselves as against their
suzerain. They cannot jiroduce it, much less in Ca-
nada, where the seignior, obliged to concède in prescrving
the tie of the feudal institution in ail ils degrees, necessari-
ly transmits to thèse grantees ail the viseful domain of that
which lie concèdes ; and that which lie so concèdes, hc is
reputcd to concède as amply as hc bas received it himself
from the Crown, on the condition of making lliîs sub-con-
cession ; a condition which gives to a ihiid party tlie right
to obtain that concession with the extension which I hâve
pointed out. Such was ihe désire, such was the object of
the feudal association cstablished in Canada.
208. From what I liave said, it is easy to asccrtain the
opinion which I hâve formed rcs})ccting ihe property in
rivers not navigable nor iloatuble, in what can conccrn the
censitaires.
367 a
lielonifiii;:^ tu ihe private domain and being in oonsG'
(incnco in conuncrcio, and rnorcover, bcing by tlieir nature
a dcpendency of tlio horoditaments wliich they traverse, or
whicli llicy wash, thèse rivers ought to bclonp^^ de pleno jure
to the riparian pvoin-ietors, within thc lirnits of lus lieredita-
ment, at least iC tlioy hâve not been excluded frorn the eon-
ccssion, either expressly or tacitly, aecording to the circum-
stances. (1)
299. lîeloni^^Inij: to the private domain, as I liave remar-
ked, llicsc ri vers may bc; th(î ol)jeet of every description of
covenant b(îtween individuals. Now every thing lliat is
susceptible of covenaul is susceptible of [U'escription. The
propcrty in thèse rivers may thevefore be further ae()iiir(.'d by
prescription, whieh is ono mode of actjuiring the property
in ihini^s, uiidcr oiu' civil hnvs. " lîy the common luw,
snys llenrion de Pansey, (2) the property in a pie(;c of wattu"
and even in a river can Ix; aequired hi) jyrcscription.'''' Jîut
this mode ofacquiring by prescription, may profit the sei-
i^nior as wcll as the censitaire. That is a (jnestion of fact
for considération ; it dépends on the titles or on llic posses-
sion ; titles and possession whieh, in every i)articular case,
ought to lead to a décision whieh is pcculiar to it, withoul
that it should bc allowed to argue from such décision to thaï
whieh ought to be rendercd in an other case, whieh would
not présent thc same éléments.
Thus, by the systcm whieh attributes to the concession
à cens, madc simply with boundary to thc river, thc effect
of including that river in the concession, the seignior might
havc re-acquired the property in thc river by prescription : in
the same way, by the contrary systcm, the censitaire might,
(1) " PFliou a riparian hereditainent lias been sold houndedhy thc
river 'jX\\\Q\\g\\u\ conséquence of an alluvion, the extent indicated is
<'ouud cnorlno^>^l/ surpassed, the vcndor can not rc over the excess."
Davicl, V. 1, p. ll'G,no. ItO.
(2) Dcscauz^. 13, p. 070.
368 a
by tho same mcans, acquire lliat propcrty to the prcjudico
of the seignior.
It oii<?lit tc) bo tlic eame wllli respect to other modes
of transferrinii; property wliicli seii^niors and censitaires, like
other individuals, niay invoke and raako availabhî ihc one
agajnst the other.
300. That tho riversof which \vo speak, are siisceptibh*
of passing into the liands of censitaires by lueans ot" con-
cession, appears to me to be beyond (jnestion. The law
abolishing the seigniorial tenure itsclf atilinowlcdges if iu
princij)le and in faef, when, in th'; lil'th and the ninetccnth
sections, it makcs ))rovision concerning ail nnconeedeti lands,
waters and water powers. (l) Is this not to déclare that
nof only llic water and the water-powers niay be the object
of a concession, like the lands tlieniselvc-s, but Ihat ihey
bave alrcady been so in iact. If by the word " uncon-
ceded " tlie législature g- "es it to b(î understood ihal llicre
are waters and water i)owers in that condition, il eciually
gives it to be understood that therc sojne, or that llierc niay
bo some, wliich arc in the opposite condition. In the sanie
(1) 'l'iieru is an tMTor iii tlie IVuiicli voisioii ot" llie bocyiul article of
the fifdi section. It says tliat in tlie valiiatioii, tlie commissioners sliall
point out " toute dilVérence entre la valeur absolue en fraiic-aleu rotu-
rier" of '' toutes terres non concédées, eaux et pou\oir,s d'eau" in the
seigniory, " et appartenant à icelle et la valeur des droits du seigneur
en icelle etc., etc." This last word icelle shouid be replaced by the
Word iccux ; and the word 7ion-concédécs in lieu of being placed im-
médiate ly aller terres shouid bave been al ter "• pouvoirs d'eau." Tin;
engiish version is tliis : " Any Jillerence between tlie absolule value in
franc-aleu roturier of " ail unconccdcd lands, waters and water
powers," in the seigniory and ajipertaining tliereto, and the value of the
seigniorial righvs tberein &.c." It is évident that this word thcrein bas
référence not to that of the seigniory, but to the words lands, tcaters
and water powers, and that the Avord Icaids does not relates inerely
to that Word, but also lo the words ivatcrs and water potiers ; that
369 a
rcjudico
r modes
ircH, like
llic ono
sc'optible
ol" con-
rhc law
<^('s it iii
nelccntli
.'dlands,
lare tliat
le objeet
lat lliey
■ imctm-
lat tliere
equally
re inay
le saïue
article of
lers sliall
lieu rotii-
lU 1
n tl
le
H
d by ttie
iceil iiii-
,-' Tlie
value iti
1 waler
ue of (lie
cln lias
tcaters
inerely
rs ; Ihat
manner, wlirn, in llic llltli section, it spoaks ijenerally of
uiieoiKu (lc(l ii'dh'rs and iratcr iioinr.s hclotiifiiii!; to a sei^-
tiiory, and wlicn, in tlic lilicrnlli, it iiiakcs nicnlidn ol a
parlicnlar waler power hclon^'inv; to tlic M'iunior, dors it iiol
suppose IJial tlii'ir liiav 1)<" sonir wliicli li;i\e ccascd to
L)elonij[ lo liini, brcausi' lie lias alimatrd iIk m - 'l'Iic le^is-
latiin,' lias l'uriiicr expresse*! il^elf in tlir saine ^eiisc, in still
inofe pi'eeist; tenus, hy iIk; louiteeiitli section wliicli lixt's
tlie period at wliicli tlic eonversit)n ol ihe scii^nioiial teniifc
into tliat oï Jranc-dleu roWricr sliall t;ike place ; \\ liieli
period is l'or cvery sciniiiory tliat ol llic piihlicalioii in tlie
Canada (îa/.(,'ttc (4' tlic iiolice ol' tlic dcposil ol' ils scliediije
{('(tda.slre). As re^^ards tlie scii,niior, it says tlial lie --IkiII
poss(\ss Ironi thaï nioinenl in franc.-itivii roturier '•• ail ilie
waler powcrs and iiinnovcal)lc ichicli noir hrlotiu; lo liini
Tlicsc j;is1 words cxclude al! idea tliat. llic scii^ndor liad iiol
llic power to alienalc, and li;id not, in lai'l, iilieiialed, ilie
vval(!r j)o\vcrs ol' liis scii^nioiy. On tlic contrary, tliey le;id
neeess: rily to tlie supposilioii thaï iherc iiii^lil liavc heeii
wnter ))ouurs wliicli now no |oii;j;cr belon^j^ to llic seii;nior,
lie haviiiijf placcd tlieiii ont of liis liands. In sliort, il' ail llic
water poivcrs eoiild never cease to l)ck)nir to tlic sci^iiior, il'
lliey eonstitnted l'or liiiii a pro|)erly whicli eould noi bc
vvliicli proves il eleaii) is llii; iiiuie exa':t traiislalioii ol' tlio saine
plu'ase lo be fouiul iii llie iiiiieleeiilli :-eeUoi. wliicli lixes llie appropria-
linu lo be iiiaile ol' tliis diflerenee belwecn the Iwo values, wheii il lias
beeii establislied. W'e ibere read : " Tlio dilVereiice between llie ab-
" soluté value iu frafic-dlea roturier of " ail unco)LCC(lcd hi.tuh,
" vatcrs and waler ^;fy«'e/\s'" lu lia; scigniories and llie value ol" llie
" scignior's righls tlbcrcin ik.c.'' Tliis sentence is renilered in iVencli
as follow ; " La dillerence entre la valeur absolue en franc aleu ro-
" turier de •' tous fonds, eaux et pouvoirs d'eau iioii-concédcs," dans
" les seigneuries, et la valeur des droits du seigneur is.c ."
It is plaiii tliat tlie provision was first wrilten in llie eiiglisli language
and tliat the french version is oïdy a translation.
47
MTO 'i
:ii:i'ti;ili'(l -r [Mf i;i |\ Ifulil t'ii- li'i' i i ■/ 1 1, I ■ : ■ >' \\ i M , I • ^ , l 'it'
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ild Im' .•! i i • 'l'I !,i r lie
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'Il iiciriii'C'l liv tli'.Mi!. I i')\\ f\ l'i', on
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v:i: •■ llioir ii.^ii, îo vu! v.ood t'or
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17(J0, or hold ur.dar
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a-(i:a oi aiu' localiaa cartili-
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In th,.' V'-alcd Kiii
'.'({oui and ils domiiiion-i
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iirsî lv.M -ce.:..!!. ,,. ;ii :•(.( ,,;■ [ -. ^ [ ,,', ,. J, ; ,,,1 i;;,; ;,,,,. ,.^.
'<■" ' •;! lo i:i ■ (V) I'.' • ,,;■ (' ,■):,- . I, , ;,;|, ,, ,: ;, , . ,,^' ,, ,
f'f);i:i!y (.;' ]'>'':\U' •'!]'• ■' 'tl :\ ■'■■■) ,' > , • ; ■ •,., .
' ;(-> I..:.
.1 ■ ■; ;is.i ;' >;■ ' . !
'' 1 *•■.'".'> ■- 11.:.! K'» Mici; ii'i- o-
' i i> ■ ■ ■■'. o: ,i^ ■'! -.^z as tv) iiiciMijinodc
: '• i>i.:v
I
"'''■-''''■"' '■■■■ 'i "■■ ;;:;:< o:- ;iac,,. )1'm ,• i:i apy Laihoar
r..: i-^l^n'^ c, va ( ..' ,)l a a !■"!■■ —■■.,■ f .)• '
( '.naiiai );,;)•■
,;.(..: ,,, r ,v|.;.
•^ '•■' I''- . . fiiaj;. I I . ai\ ( .-^ I') jrsiiccs di il,c
)■>"!)(•" liic a;i,in:,.,y ai aaaa' icani:!! i 'i,- i^r Lrcainc;- in ^aod
nrdri- sacli jiails .,| i!:a ;aaa-- - < ' : -a la,\\,vnac aiul fif
lu (|M('l)ai' as
;i!(^ vivi !■ Si. Cliaila- ia ai" c;
are nof jtrii':i;c ^'royi r';;.
.r,
oOI. Tua ;iia oi' iS,:î. ,-a;i]>. :ja, s-cl. 1, (iadaivs '• tlial
'•'■ liic pronriaiias oi' lav 1 ailus bo.iii iiiji^ (ai llia s(Miiii sida (»;
'■ îlic >^ai(; ri\-( r, l,,àM.\- îri- riiy i i' (,;aai ce, ^i;alI li/' (aili:icd
"• lo fiil îi.'id i a/a K:a .a;:;-> (/a ;ia; lie icia > (.;■ sliand.-^ daaT-
"• oi\ bein'cn) Liic c,;.' I- ,r iccli,' nun-k.-, la llir J'ron! of
•■' //•''//• rc:^y>'i'm-i' lui-i ij' tUûd catt jhru:;;. \i.) \\s:^ (a\alll.sioi]
'• of a!l (V.\\cy j.ia.-.iiia aiid ja-ovitic'! aiway.- liiat Jn. ail (/ascs;
cit" diiiiiMiily Nvl.irl: aia_\ af'M', ihc (jui
hc itUlihtltlllC'J.
(iiid puî>iic posses-
•', rJidl! (irail (/nd
372 a
In llie tliird section, not only tlic riglits of II. M. biil
;ils() tho'^r! " ot" indiviâuals in any siieh boach or strand of
ihe said river St. Lawrence" are expressly reserved.
Then, llie fourtli section says tliat " notliinj^^ in this art
" contaJncd sliall bo construcd to extend or i.;ive to tiie pro-
" ])rie1ors of tlie said river any rii^lit or title -wlialsoever to
" inelose or iml)ank l^y fenc(!s or otlierwise llie said beaclies
" or sirands, or in any manner to inipede tlie free and t)pen
" lil.)er1y of navigation and eoninieree over llie said river 1o
" ail Tlis Majesty's subjects, or to depiive any one of tl)(i
*■'■ free ns(^ of tlie ])eaches of the said river St. Lawrence, as
" l)y tiie laws herelofore ))rovided and in fore»- it is enacted
' and ordained.
Thèse provisions of the act of 1831 are repeated in ihc
aetof 183G, cliap. 55.
305. An act of 1853, elinp. 02, reiaiing lo the Jîsherit.'s
on ihe ]>abrador eoast and norlli slion' of llu; Ciulpli of Si.
Lawrence contains in substance, inres|)ect to the right of iisli-
ing '' on any and cvîny river, ereek, hari)()ur, or roadstcad,"
and of eutting wood necessary for carrying on the llsliery,
ili(^ same provisions, as the above nicntioned aets of 1807
and 182 l : " l'rovidi.'d that sneh river, creek, harbour, or road-
^ stead, be navigalile by l)oats and eraftsusiially eiiiployed in
'•'• the iisheries, and be not |irivate property, and the land rij)on
" wliicli snch wood niay be eut, be uneoneeded by the seig-
'•'■ nior, or proprietor of the seigniory witliin wliieh the sanic
"• is sitiiiited, or if eonceded, reinain^ unimproved or unoc-
*•' ciipied at tlu; tirne, when sucli wood is eut lor tlu; said
'•'• piirposes ;
'' Provided that siieh beacli he not priva/e properly
ptnsnant toa concession or tille deed therefor froni the seig-
nior or proprietor of the seigniory, to whick the saine inay
373 a
)i'iisli-
15
appertain, or be hcld by a virtue of a location ccrtiiicato
iVom llie Crown or title derived llierelrom.
SOC). ï onglit not to closi; this analysi.s of iho laws of
our législature, relative to this matter, without inakingiTK.'n-
tionoftwoof its acis l)(;aring on llu; u-^e of riviTS and ri-
vulets.
In llic session of 1855, a Bill Imving for its object" to pro-
vide for the remcdy of abuses ))r(>judicial to agrienllure," ori-
ginaled Avitli a spécial coiinriitlf.'c of the législative assem-
l)ly. It became law on the tenth August. l\ is chapter 10
of the acts of that session. The second section lias the fol-
lowing provision .
" No i)erson shall enter into or pass througli any field,
whelh(!r it be sown or unsown, nor along the banks of
any river or rivulet., nor into nor through any gavdeujcop-
piceior any property Avhatsoever, wn7/?ou/ the pennission
oi' xho proprlclor, or some person duly aulliorised by hini
to granl such permission, und(!r a penalty of not less than
five shillings nor more than thirty shillings currency, for
every such odence, and over and above the amount of idl
(himages occasioncd thercby, any law, usage or custom
" lothe contrarv nctwithstanding."
seig-
same
lîi the succeeding year, haste was made to pass
another act (chaj)ter 102) declaring that tlu; second chapter
of ihe l'ormer, " shall not be construed toprevent any j)erson
" or persons froni the full and free use of any navigahie
" rirer, rirulef, slre.ani or water course, and the banks IhcreoJ
'■'• on cllhcr side^ in that part of this province, which formerly
'^ constiliilctl j.ower Canada, jjroyîer y'or the Jîoating and
'■'• conreyance ofivood or tiniber, or for the gênerai purposes
" of navigation., but that ail such rivers, rivulets, streams
" and water courses and the banks ihereof on either side,
to such exlent as may be necessary, and in accordance
((
.s 7-1 (i
" Wiiii ;!iC i:pVS, li<;iM-,.s M,.! ( ',l-.!,,r||v ,,!' ih;,; [K!)'] of ll;|S
' (*l'Ail)(c wliicli i'iriiinly i-i))i>îiîi;W ;I |',()\\(M'(,';m;i(ln, sl!;i)l
u
I ,
De îind 1-. i.iiiin Ir^':' io l:i;' piilu;;-, rs ;',iiiv rn ] ( n^iclv, lo
" llic ;i!(irr;-.;ii(! ;ict \v.\i\ ncvrr hci'M li.'issrd nov JlKulc ]-);irt
liicrcd!'. Pr;'\-i('rd îilwiiV-, l'i;
(Il
u
•inii.ii.'j' <;n ï:.'.' b;iiiu ci ;!iiv mk
1.11 ;iii j>'r>.()Ps :■.() piissincr or
■i\ry i ividcl, sircîini or
iriiic^, ,ii;iinr- or
■M UMm;)' !lMi,('(ii;i!(';v
U'iTaiUM" llio
: (■li"s \\ i: l'r
I ■ ' ( ' \' ^ I i . i I
I '.\u\-v (!:;ni:i'rf'<lan(l
hc Jl;i;;,i'
■11' ;<:i oi;!;'i' t!,;ii,:':';(> rcMili !!):.■ Iiici-ciiuin.
- » j . V ;"o;
vv,-(>:.:!;.i:::, i ccnf-n'oc tni'i ilic sci'niii
iil:(' .'III (.
n"!i :vi:l!;a i--, foilo lictiiii!
IVi
nr.l lioî, ce /;,-,'';/n /;/;•,
;i^ ? ('i;;ii 'd
i'i:riii> m na\iiraMin
> ''i llic l'tcj.-; ad ioin-
nor lioa'al)'
Il Mil' cxcv'jilicii i -. nwrs ii(,l iiavi_-al)!o
\\i:;cn c.'volv,
1 liai tiK'T" \\\ic. in ( ;■ '.T io ;iciji;
:ra i i:
(ju ilicm l)y
in a naviir-
ahic r:\ -v. ii v, ;>.>■ ne
<-."^;.a,\' ,:iai i.L'V s!i()ii;;i : av.' an (.'\i)r('^s
concrs:-iw;)
■i;.n, auîi iiini,. r, ii \\ a.s nvvv
1 1
lO --■-
i ; M 1 \' ; ; ; i :
COIH-C--;
K'M Ol
y :-iloiliu
• > n
(iii.Jii>' i,>a
,;(! oi llu'so
r.vcr'
is iii.'.i.niai,
M) r,
''!' ^.'-i c-iaiiaciïT, V. aica ii>a::('
a;.-! !'>
. (1 Oi i M> iirr''.(M'iv m
l!;c I::M).
l!iM-r' ci
a' ih'v !;a-.-(' na:
:.;ri 1!)
>i d inio
aire
{ V \' a rac
Il (a 1 iiiL' or
n!;S'^'
<av!i I '\-,\ a*
la- r,
a ;--ais!: 1 ic js iîoin;
1 V > ; ! 7
rc (i,- t!
la.
c; rai
11"!
ir- a
coiiiprlanl aii'.!;o;i;y. laay ■:-\\\yv{.'{ die,---" v.wx'
I -, s I ^ il > • ■;i - I
Oi" riiK .vA'irui; oi' ihj; i'uwi: i Ai'i'KHUT.-:i) r ■> tue (iovKi'.
.\iji{ A\u i\) i\ i:;\oAM' îiV 'I'h;: kii;^- r oi- tm ;; rw,) ai»
lîivrs oK '1':!!: (j m ,ii;i.v
O.V 'l.:i; RKi'L^A !, Ol'" A.VV
i'\KTicr:,A' S!;icVi<);i to co.vc.'.ij:;.
;jl)0. 'l'Iic l^nl ([nc<\\i)n ',( \[.,' Alloiiii'y (dncrnl : > in
ihc iullo\viii.g l'M-iij".-^ :
'" Di:ri;i:.^ ! ',(■ jM'i.'',! i),-! ;. CiU :l!.' (■:■.— . ;,>!) (-i. liiC colii;!: v
ail;! tiiL' |);i.->;:!';; ( ; \[r' ■• o(i;:!'>.ii ',. 1 .'■.ci o.' !o.", !,"' did liicrc
rx!;.;; a I,;, l'îl (•u:iip'';v'!il lu 'Mtc::^»' ;!.(J no'At^-.-; ;!;i;1 juris-
(.llclit)!! (■' <1 (.!i !:r.' >lo\;Mii' ;■ ;;!i I i v.lciuliilli uy ilie .-;ii:|
i)('(T("(.' ui .'i^y, i7i!, l'..'i ii 'i!'" !■ I :'.)■' roilci'.- -ioM oi' sciy-
iiioriul iaïuisrii' >vx\\ ;i li-ii.M':!:'i. cn i.-N'd, ^ii! il. vxvn:i>'-
i !U)<(' pi)\\(':s, Ci' (i ;;î il ic. .;.-'( r ; .r.iii lo (k) ::-o.' "' ( 1 )
;)!('. .'i.ri"i' 'i.iviii-^' piTM-;:!,;^' i ;lii' rc-!'.iio:>, \:) l!i'' C'ruw II
cloiiiriii), oï l'iiCKjii'iitci' ;;c!.:;!i'('rir.:^ '•• ;;l li'.^li ii'.;(-nce (jfiii»'
'' Attwi'h'y Gcnoral ci' lii; 'M'pfM'icr cjiiiicii ol' Qwcljcc-, ;,!i:l
'* ii;)c)ii llio crdiiinnçLv; wii'rh >Ii:t!l l,-: li.crc!)!! initî'M'cd bv
tiii' CJu\c';'iU)r iticl IiiU'iiilaMt,"' \\iV. an'' t (..-rdci's '■' tliui uil
'•'■ llio hcii>ui()r.>> iii lii;:. .-îiivl Coiuitry (M.' X<'\v' i iMiiee shali
'■'■ c(.)iiC(>d(' 1t> llic s(>'d('vs lik; ii)Is ol' land \\ liJch ll.oy iray
*•' dciuaiid Ol' lii('':i. i.'i li.t'ir M-i'^iiior]r-<, al a -;;oi:iid rcnt, aud
'• \\'illi((iit (•,\a;:liii-,f l'r(;:ii \\iviii aiiy siim ol' inonoy ;is ;i con-
"• ï-jJdtM'atioii ibr MU-'i (.'(.nLi'>sii.;!i ; (.llii'rwix" ai"!'..! in àc;;'Ldt
'• olllici'' so doin:,'', Ilis 3.iaii.';-ly piTiuil.--- iho baid inliabilants
"• 1() drmand lin- -aid lois ( I' land Iv a muuiik'I s, ;;nd
(1)
lii' (ir/'t i> triiiixa-iliril wiili ii> nriniiil.'lr', in inv fib-or'. ali'nn
r/ !,•
I io-.
376 a
" in case of their refusai, to make application to the Gover-
" nor, T>ieutenant General and Intendant of the said coun-
Iry, wliom Ilis Majesty enjoins to concède to the said in-
' habitans the lands demanded by them in the said sciig-
' niories, subjcct to the same ducs as are laid upon othor
" lands conccded in the said seigniories, which dues sliall
" be paid by the new settlers into the hands of the rcceiver
" of His Majesty's domain, in the city of Québec, withoiit
" its being in the power ofthe seigniors to claimfrom tliciu
" any dues of any kind whatever."
311. It mnst in the iirst place l<o remarked that to rcn-
der the proceeding re(iuir('d in sut:h a case more regular, the
concession whicli, according lothe arrél^ could bc granted by
the Govcrnor and the Intcndani, shonld hav(! beenpreceded,
as I will shortly shew, ])y the re-union to His Majesty's do-
main, ofthe land which the seignior should havc tluis rc-
fused to concède, whethcr the concession and the rc-union
were rnade by spécial acts, or by une and the same decd,
by the power appointed to pronounce ui)on the contestation.
There were, tlierefore, two kinds of ïc-v\n\on proridcd for
hy the arrêt ; lo. the re-union of the whole seigniory, in
default of cultivation ; 2o. partial rc-union, owing to the re-
fusai to concède ; but both tending lo the same resuit. The
re-union in the one and in the other case, was the act of an
authority which, altho' conferred upon thèse two functionna-
ries, had not the Icss a judicial character.
As ihcre are two principal things to be considered in
in the enacting clauses of the arrêt , namely, rc-union and
concession^ let us sec what had been })rac;tiscd uj) to that
time to attain tins double olijecl, if it were possil)i(', cvcii
easy, to obtain it under the systein of concession heretoforc
adopted to réalise the views of the Sovereign upon the es-
tablishment of his new colony.
377 a
.'312. At tli(.' tirnc of tlic iirst roncession en _fîcf \h:\\ is,
dnriiiir llic ('\is||.ii,.,. ,,j' il,,, conipiiiiy of tlic liiindivd asso-
ciâtes, tlic jiKlicial aiilliority \\a> coiilidcd lo tlic (lovcriiors,
" provisioiiidly aiid iiiitil llicrc hc judijcs ol' die liii;licst aii-
lliDi'ity estahlislu'il itpon tlic spol l'or ihc adminlslralioii oi'
justice." (1)
il.
In niiiiihcr 2!) of iny ol)scr\ ations upon tlic Jeu (If fi('f\
f liavc Iliade iiiciitioii ol' llic onlinaiicc ol' Mr. de Laiizoïi
iipoii ilic siil.iect of iiiiiiicdialc en Iti val ion iipoii tlic pain ol'
Jhrfeihirc \ and in iiiiinhcr .JT, I liavc ivlaicd ihr (irnt (,lili(>
Coiiiudl of Mate oC tlic ils| Mardi l(i(i,}, ivndcicd a \r\\ davs
alti'i' tlic re>ii,.naIioii ol' llie Coinpaiiy oT New France, and
•-•an'yiiii;- willi il ihe rcvocaiimi ol' iiiiciilti\ nied coiicosiniis
\\'idiiii a certain d.lay. 'l'Iie (Ùivcikh-, llic iii>lic,p and ilie
Inlciidant are speciall\ cli;iii^vd " lo ^e,' >iricii\ loihe puiic-
'' liial cxceiiiioii ,,r ihe piv-ent *//•/■• /.;iUo lo il i vin hnie ; i,,.
'' •^•iid iinciihisalcd land-, :iiid io-raiil eoiiec>vi,,n> liieicii
'" in tli<" naine of llis \la|e>t\," 'i'iie ,/r/v/, ilniv, coiilcned
iipoii tlicni, iiolli llie power lo re-iinile and llic power lo coii-
••ede anew. IJllt c\iMl liel'nre iheir arrivai ;il (^llehee, lliev
wcrc virtiially depri\e(| ,,(' ihc li,-^; ,,1' tlic>e p(,\\ci>, li\ ihc
création ol t lie So\crei^-n Coiiiai I m ihe inoiil li ol' April ol'
llie saine year Kid.î. Tliey rcLiiiicd, imi w ji hsiii nd iicj, lliat
ol'co^el•din:,^ In l'act, ilie pi.w ei /r> r(-iini/i\ m delaiilt of
t.lie excciilioii ol ihc oldi^atidii^ ,i|' th,. wi;,,,],.,. \, ,|^^ imiin'-
diiitely aller llie cslahlishiiicnl ol llie coiiiicil, ackiiow-
ied^^fcd to licloiiu lo i||;it („,(|y a> a court ol law, not oiil\ l)\-
llie coimcil itscll' and l)v tiic i;-o\criior and mîcndani w ho
U'ere iiiciiihers tliia-cor, hiit aiso hy tlic |\iim- and liis Atlca-
ney (leiieral. It l'ollow s tliat tliis power to re-iinilc was, in
ils nature, a judiidal attrilmte. (2)
1) Cl)llUlli^^iou (if ( iov'criioi' Alei
(1)
Kilf).
niliiia^iiy, ol' (lu; iiiniiili ni" .limi
(2) 'l'iic-ic rc-Miudiis I" ihi' ( 'nnvn ilomaiii, :;a\i' iim' t.i
i|llr>ti()lis of
j)roi)eily. lu France, tiiesi; t|in;slioiis were laoïii^lit licfon; luulicul
•18
lar
378 a
:i\6. 'l'Iu; Kiiii^ Unis expresses hiiiiscir, iji ihosixilt aiti-
(.■lu ol his inslniclioiis totlic coininissioncr (iaudui?, dutcd tlio
7lli May 1GG;3 (1) ami signcil l)y lus own liand :
" Sliould any of tliosc to wlioni tlie said concession*
'■'■ weru madc, pvocecd lo clear llieni enlircly, and that be-
" lorc tlic expiration of llie six nionllis mentioncd in tiie
" said arrêt (ol'lhe 21st Mareh 1GG3), ihey sliall liave com-
" iiienced toclcar a good i)arl lliereof, Tlis Majesty's inlenlion
" is that, npon tlieir jKîtition, Ihc Socereign Council shall
" Jurant lliem a ncw delay ol" six montlis only, whicli being
" linisiicd, lie wislie^j that ail the said conccsàions be dc-
" clared nuliy
jailges generally calted " Jiulges of tlie Domain," aiul lliis in virtue of a
h^peciai power, Avliicli was grantetl now to ono tribunal, tlien lo another
according to the place and circnmstanccs. Wc road in tlic new collection
of Deniznrt, undcr the word Domaine delà Coxiromte § 10: " By the
'' troatise on domain of Lefevre de la Planche we learn that the cogni-
" zancc of matters relating to the domain, after having in its origiu
" belonged to the alone Parliament of Paris, afterwards to the Baillis
" and Sénéchaux, fmally definitivcly taken from thèse, was in 1627
" orantcd to the treasurcrs of France, with tho right of appeal to the
" high court of parliauiont
" A contestation pro?e in 17Û0 bctwecn the courts of enquêtes and
" the liigh court of parliament, in relation to the right of jurisdiction
'• in matters of domain It was docidcd, lo. that from the moment
" tlio riaht of the domain should be in contestation, whether the Attor-
'* ney (îencral, his substitutes, or e?îgagistes be parties, the suits should
" be carricd to the parliament, in whatevcr state the case might be ;
" 2o. that, when the question was confined to the receipt of uncon-
" tcsted riglits, to Icascs and their exécution, the suits should be
" brought beforc the enquêtes.
'< \V^c find in the works of D'Aguesseau, t. 7, p. 533, a mcmo-
•■ riul relative to this question.
(1) No. to of tlic obiervalioiià upoa lue Jeu de li<.f.
079 a
Il is ul.eo in lliis wriy ihat w e soc \])o (ùn-friiov and ilic
IJisliop (llie lnl(>ndiint Holx.'vt lind noi arrivt-d in Canada)
jMVSonl lo llie sov(;rci^n couiuil, on llu; Olli Au;^aist lfi(M,
Ihis rtr/V'7 of n'tr'_'n('lfnient, and a^^k tliut il he execulcd iti
ovoiy ])ai'tifndar aceordinL,' lo ils lenor and i'i.iin(l) and
(illhougJi Ihu Word rc-unioa itscH'is not ^rillcn in ihis «/•-
»Y'/, il was ncverthtdcss so well nndcistood (diat wliifdi in
fact as a malU^r of course followed iVoin t!ie cnaclmcnl ol'
tlie arrêt) tlial il was ncccssary ))Vevi(nisly lo j^rononncc
llie re-union, llial llie Covernor and llu; liislio]) in iIkj lirsl
place as^k ihe cxeculion ol' lliis anvY, " llial ail tlie lands
" which are not no\v cullivalcd and made productive bc
" declarod re-united lo llie King's domain, lo be disposcd
" of in llic nunie of Ilis ]Ma.je!:;ly by new concession &.c.,"
and lliat aflcrwards ihe Altorney (Jcnoral in liis pétition,
asks " lliat ail lands lield in a loild sUitc be re-iinilcd to llie
" King's domain Sic."
VVe hâve alrcady seen llial upon tliis demand and rc-
quesl, " tbc council, belbre decidini,' lliereupon, bad ordcred
" lliat Ihe orrét be communicalcd lo ihe symlic of llie in-
" habitants al llie diligence of llie King's Altorney General
I hâve establishcd in anollier ))lace (J) lliat daring tlie
î^horl existence of llie l'oyal governmenl re-establislied in ihe
year 1GG3, tlie Sovereign Covincil had rendeied an arrc't mak-
îng an application of t!ie arrct of retienclimenl of ihe 21 si
March 1CG3. It is thaï of llie Slli Xovember IGGl which
orders llie inliabitanls of J.auzon to |)ay, in llic hands of llie
clerk of ihe council, llie înnount of thcir lease of fishing
grounds. During ihe i.<unc period, tlie Governor and Inten-
dant wlio had relained ihe power tliercof, seem to hâve
made but two grants which I bave s]X)ken of elsewhere. (3)
(1) No. 42 of the observations up^n tlie Jeu de lief.
(2) No. 'tt of the observations upon the Jeu de fief.
(3) No. l'J of the observations upon tlie .Teu de fief.
380 a
;3I1. In iiimilM'r T)!» ol' iny ol)>ci\ niions on llic ./r»/ de
jUf\ I li;i\c ichili'd ;il Icni^flh llic tin'il ol icticiicliMH'iit ol llic
llli .liini' !()■;.'. I'"r(iin llir i'>l;il)li>l,nicnl ni' llic ANC^l liidia
(•()iri|);iny n|) U» llii--: |)('ri(»(l, ;ill llic concessions sccni to liavc
l>ccii iiiiidc l)\ llic lnlcn(l;ini, in sirlnc, donl-tlcss, ol' llic aii-
tlioiily w liicli liad hccn alrcady i^ivcu lo liini liy dic (irr( I ol
tlic l\<\ Miiicli l(i(i;}, iind wliicli li;i<l liccii coidiiincd lo liini
l)\ llic aii:ri'cMicni \\ liicli li;ul hccn nindc in l(i()G a\ itli llio
aident ol dic company. ( 1 )
;3I."). At'cordini^ lo lliis rr/'/v7 olllic lili .liuic i(i*/^, tlie
rtlniii/iiiiciil (or rc-nnion) w liicli cnn hc madi' ol' tlic onc-
iiall ol' il:.' niiclciircd land>, niiisi lie |)roiionnccd \)\ ordia-
dncts of titc iiihinhiiil \ llicsc oi(.lin;inccs iniisl lie cNccnlcd
accord iiiL;- lo l/i( ir h iior aiid J'unu, (ih.sohdr/ij aud in lasl
reaort (is iiidii;iiicids <)/' .siipcrior cou ri. s ; Mis .M;i)cs1v ^rant-
iii^ liiiii '' for Ifiis /niriiow (ill (iid/iorili/. jtiri.sdiclion <iiid
coisiiizdiicr.''''
H't
ic ;mdiorily llms confcrrcd u|)((n ihc inlcndant, il
(crins so cli;ii;iclciisl ic ol llic niirilintcs ol'
rchitcs to a i-onlcsi;iii(in liclwccn llic S
conrls, w licihcr il
0\Crc|M|l ;|||(| ;i sllh-
jccl. or ;i coiitcstiilioii hclwccji oiic |)iiv;ilc iiidividii;il and
aiioilicr, is jiol ;i jiidiciid iiiilhorily, propcilv >o c-illcd, J
lliiiik lli;il wc, thc |iid:^('s ol' dic court ol' (^iiccir> lU'iicli and
and ol'lhc Siipcrior coiiil oii^jit ;it lc:i>i i
o li;i\c soiiic doii
as to llic ;iiidioiil_\ w idi w liicli wc ;irc invcsicd. 'l'hc jnrisdic-
\'\()\\ w liicli W'c exercise evcry day, li;is iiot hccii i;r;iiilcd lo us
in le nus more cli;ir;icleristic ofllie jndicinj ;iii|||()rit\- ||i;,ii tli.-ii
w liieli Avas i^dveii lo llie itileiid;inl ol'llie n;il lire or williiu
tlie liinils spokcn of in tlie iirrif ofiiic .|t|| Jnne Kil^.
.'JKi. Hy means ol" ihis drdoij^ation ol" jnrisdietion tlie
inU>ndanl is lliereforc eivcted inio a Iribunal of altr'dnition
to llic cxc-hision even ol'tlie Sovereign conneil, l'or the deci-
(1) No 18 o!' die observations ui)on tlie Jeu de lief.
.S81 a
ml
in
tii.
r il.
a >
iil)-
.1 .
iiiil
Ile
1,1
•Il
itid
iiii
lils
ri SI
lic-
1 1(1 IIS
III 1
lial
w il
liiu
11, tlic
deoi-
pioii of corUrstiitidiis wliicli, w illioiit tliis «'vccptional altri-
hiilioii, u oiilil liavc lncn, prcscrviiii^ tlicir ronlcslcd i-\\nr-
aclrr, witliiii lli'; iiii'ixliction ofllic ordiriîiry Irihimals. TIuî
((vdinaiicfs ol ictrcncliiiicril (or rr-u/)/o/j) \vliicli Ik; is callcd
1() rcndcr in conl'orrnity willi lli(W//T'7, slioiiid tlic case occnr,
are ordiiianccs wliicli pronoiinec, lo tlic prcjudict' oi" privait^
individiials, bv ira^son ot' lliu non-o.xcfiiiion ol" tlicir obli-
<,Mti(»ns, tlio rescision ol tlicir lillc, Uu^ Jhrfcifurc ol" tlicir
riiijlits ol" pro|)crtv, and th(> rc-union ol" tlicir lands to ilic
Crown domain. Tlicsc ordinanccs arc, l'or ail pur|)Oscs,
jtallj^nicnls ; llic (irni sayssoin formai ternis. An ap|)cal
juii^lil liavc hccti liad l'rom \\\vse jttd^mcnls to anotlicr trihn-
nal ; iltlK! arrel liad not dcclared tlicm juflgments in losl
reNorl.
.'J17. On tlic llli .lune lU'i."), llie Kitii^ in liis council of
State rcmlcrs an (irrt l ol' rctrcnctlimont, likc tliat ol' tlic Itli
.lime I(i7:i, adiliiii,' tlicrcto, as rci,^ar(ls llic condition ol" llic
lands wliicli wcic lo i)c ri'-nnitcd lo ilic Crown domain, ponie
cxplanattjry words wliicli were not in tlic llrst ot" tlics(,' ar-
l'fts. Conccrnini( tlic attribution ol' jnrisdiction in tliis matter
i,dven to llic inicntlant J)iiclicsncau by tlic nc\\ arnl^ it is
tlic saiiic, and confcrrcd in tlic same ternis, as tliat \\ liicli
liad bccn i^iven to liis prcdccessor, .Mr. Talon, by tin; arrrt
ol" llie Itli .lune Hu 2 \ and n'iativc to tlic j)o\ver ol" conced-
iiiy, it is stalcd tliat tlit; intendant i<]\a\\, provi.sioitalli/^ i,'rant
concessions ol' lands.
Tlicsc two last an'f'ls liad tlnis inainlaincd tlic Inten-
dant in tlie exercise of tlic ]H)wcr to makc concessic)ns of
lands himself. lîiit l)y hMlers patent of tlic 2()tli ^[ay IGÎO,
(I) tlic (lovernor \vas called to cxereisi; tliis power jointly
witli liiiii.
31S. Anotlier onv'Y of relrcncliment, is rendcrcd b', tlie
King in liis conneil of State on llie 9lh May 1G79, in conse-
(1) No. 73 obs. on Jeu de Jicf.
3S2 a
(jnoncc of llic papier-terrier in derhtrnfion wliirli ilio Inlcii-
dant Dnclicsnrau liad iimdc in tonloniiity lotlir arrêt dltlic
«llli Juii;' 1075, llif snl)st!in<'«^ of a\ liicli is rcpnxliicc*! in llic
ncw. Tli(3 Kini,' ordors lli(> iimncdiutc nstrciu-linii'nt ol onc."
fourth of llio liinds C'on('(>dcd Ijciorc tlic ycar 1(j(i."), and nol
yet cli.'ared or cultivati'd, and llu; lolicnclinuMit of iIk;
Iwrnlictl) part of lliese lands, llioroaftcr, (•\('ry ycar. llis
Majesty furllicr ordcrs lliat llu; arrêt ol' llic Itli . Finie l()7."j
be cxcculed accordin^f lo ils ténor !>nd loiin, and enjoins die
Governor iuui Intendant '■'■ \o^vc \o\\\v ^\\'\(\ exécution oit lie
présent crrR'/, and to proeeed lo tlie disii ibulioii and ncw
concession of llic said lands, ac cordini,' to llie powcr i^dvon
lo them l)y thc Icttcrs i)atcnt of llic iiUtli May l(i70."
It ajipears lliat fliis disposition f)f tlic arrêt of llic Otli
May 1G79 was intcrprctcd as invcsling tlic (îovernor, as wcll
as Ihe Intendant, with jiidicial powcrs in niattcrs of rc-union
lo tlic Crown domain. In l'act, since llie eiirei;;lsiration of
ihat arrêt, np to thc first arrêt of iIk; (itli July 1711, wc sec
them almost ahvays acting logctlicr in tlic exercise of tliat
]")ower. (1)
319. There arc two very distinct parts in tlic cnactinenis
of thc arrêt of 1711 (see no^'. 31(J and .'Jll siij>r(>). Tlic jlrst
whieli is of ihc samc nature and l'onnded iipon thc saine
motives as the arrêt of rctrcneliment of wliich 1 havc al-
ready spoken, desires that thc rinclcared s(Mgniorie.s ■•' bc re-
" tmited to Jlis Majcsty's domain at thc diliirence of tlic At-
" torncy General of tlic Snpcjior coiinell of Qik^Iicc, andupon
" thc ordinanccs wliicli shall hc rendered tliercon l)y thc
*' Governor and lieutenant gênerai for ilis Majc^slv and the
" Intendant of the same eountry."
It is perliaps projjcr to rcmark that the words re-union
lo the domain are inscrtcîd in tliis arrêt ait ho' tlicy an; not lo
(1) !See the mentions of re-\iiiions in nos. b^ô, S!) ami 92 ofobs. on
Jeu de ficf.
383 a
\>c. loiind in iIk; |)rcc('<lin^'rtryvi/.s', iiiwliicli tlio word relrencfi'
ment only is iiscd, to ovpross nnvcrtlieles.s tlie samo tliiiig,
The ol)jt'ct and tlio opcrafioii Ix.-in^' tlio tiamo, it follows tliat
tliL'.solir.st«/vt7.v, likc tlic la><l,decrecda re-uniontothe domain.
320, Tlic ro-nnion wliicli mnst takc i)lacc by viiîmc of
llio first part ortlio arrêt of 1711, inust bc soun;ht for by die
Attorncy (ÙMicral ; it is anew fornialily wliicli was not [ircii-
cribcd hy tlic preccilin*,' arrels, but wliich do not tlie lc;>.-)
8ervo lo l)iiiiif ont in a lijrcater dci^rcc tlie judicial cliaracter
of tlie n;-niiion lo dio domain. TIii; ^Vttorni.'y (jen(,'ral liad
inlervcncd iii tlie dciiiand iiiade by llie (Jovernor and tho
liislu)[) to ilii; Sov(!reii;n coiipcil to hâve tlic arrêt ofthe 21st
^^ar('ll IGlj.'j exceuted, althoiigh no mention is made in th<;
arrct, of liirs appeavnnco.
u2l. 'l'he second paît ol' llie arrêt oi' 1711 alyo relates
(o llie re-union to \\n) Kins-'s domain, lo the préjudice of liin
vassal, not to a re-union of llii; \vIiole of liis seigniory, but
only of a veiy small pt)rlion, tliat is lo say, of a lot t)f land
wliielia l'armer lias asked in concession, and Avliieh the
seignior lias rel'uscd lo liim. Tlu'only qiiestion in that case
is of partial re-union, or, if it hc desired, of a land pro])erly
so called. lîut lliis re-union, although it be j)artial, in
none llie less of llie same nature as iIk^ iîrst ; it lias ail its
esscnlial characterislics. f.ike llie first, it miist be souglit
for; but havingfor its ])rincipal ohject to insure the exercise
of an acquired riglit lo a jirivatc individual, it can only be
asketl by that individual, who, l)y srimmons, lias demanded
from the scignior, in conlbrmity witli tiuî airct, to concède
liim a land subject to a rent charge, and lias put him en de-
meure to do so. The arrêt gives him the riglit of appealing
in that case before the; Governor and the Intendant. It is a
law suit whicli is entered inlobclween him and the seignior
on the one side, to hâve the latler incur the penalty for his
n.'fu.sal, if that refusai be unjiist, and, on tin; otlier \o obtain
384 a
tlie land, to ili(> roncf'*ision of wliicli lie lins tlius nc<iuir('(l !i
ri<^lit. liclorc tlic (irnli)i' 1711, mIiIio' tlic si'imiior wms
obliifcd to ( olU'cdc lii> ii'ild (tr itiiclmicd hiiids, llic liiw li;iil
noi y<'f ijivcii lo tlic scttirr a rii!;li1 of nctioii lo coini)!-! Iiiiii
lo l'idiil liis ()l»li<^fati()ii. liul in tliis (/r/v7, lir lliids llic iic-
ct'ssary ri'iiit'dy l'or llio uljtuiniiiif ol" liis dciiiaiid anaiiist du-
Hf'ii,'nior, lliaf isto.saya ri^lit ol' action wliicli lie i-aii i\-
c'rcis(! in lus o\\ Il iiaiiic.
'l'Ile penalty ol' rel'iisal on llie part ol" tlie seiynior lo
coiicede, is llie /'oi'frilurc ol' liis ri.'^lil of propeily in tlie land
deiiianded in concession. Tliis t'orleitiire, il' il he pioiioiiri-
ccd, docs not take place cxcept hy a |iidii;iiiciit or ordiiiaiic(>
ol réunion to tlie Crown domain, lieeaiise in micIi a case no
concession caii lie iiiade to the proseciitor in Ilis Majesty's
nanic, hcl'ore tlic land lias heeii re-iinited. Tlie iiiatter in
<|iicstion Ix'lwceii llie sctller aiid llie >eiL,Miior is a coiihii-
lious one ; tllere is collseipieil! I \ .7 .s'(/// lo décide, aild sliolild
llic evcnt liappeii, a Jildijliieiil ol re-niiion lo he reiideicd liy
a coiii|)i'tcnt tiiliiiiial, as in tlic case of a re-iinion ol ihe
\\ liole ol tlic seii;nior\
(I) Tl,
cre is iiolliiiii
to l)re\rllt lllc
trihiinal tliiiscalltd to proiioiiiice a peiially a^ain.st one ol'
llic parties, and, on tlie ollier liaiid, to déclare llie iii;|ii ol'
tlie otiier party to tlic concession ol tlie land, to adjiid^c tlic
on(; and llie otlicr l)V one ami tlic saine ordinaiice, as llie
courts ol' jnslice do every day in a petiloiy action, npon an
action l'or e\eciition (»! a litl
Tl
le jiidi;iiicnt is m ^iieli a
case dcelared to Uc e(|nivalent 'o, and to serve as a titl<' to liiin
wlio lias succecded in tlic suit, 'l'o constitiilc tlic particnlar
tribunal ol'tlie arrêt of 1711, llie le^islalor lias dclc-^atcd tlie
(iovcrnor and Intendant, 'i'in'y arc ilicrclore to pronoiincc
(I) " ('ry^^/r;^/^/^/.v .liil'iMiictieir' ; is tliiis cullcil, '* in ()|)p(i^ition lo
tiic <j:nici(ii(s or rahnitiiri/ jui-isilictioii, tli.K wliicli lal;»s |il;inr
liclwffii Iwo or moro |»!irlii's wlio coiilcsl llicir ros|t(:c.tivo prclfiiiimis,
îiinl wliicli roiicliules liy ii iu(l:;iiu'nt in lavor ol ihc oiio ami lu tiie
ilisadvaiitaj^t: of lin; ullit r" (Mt;rliii ilo|i. vciho '" jurisilictioji/')
385 a
tho judjTfiiu'nl in ([ucstion ; il is llicretort; a jiulicial autliority
wliic'h tlu.'y exorcise in virluu ol' u «piTiul ultribution ol' ju-
ristliction. ('i)
(2) M. l'ttit, " 'li'puly ot" tlie Supcrior (-'ounciK ol llic Freiicli
colonies " says, spcakiiig ol' tlie tribuuals ol" lliose colonies, in liis work
intitiilod *• Droit publir, ou Clouviruenienl tics Colonies iVan(,"ois»,'s,"
(Paris 178;l, 1. 2, p. 221):
" AU tlio inaltcrs, wliicli arc nnt >i(txially lixi-tl, an; wiiliin (lie iuris-
" diction of tlic ortliriary Pwoyal .ludges m tlic first instance, and of tlic
•* Siiperior ('ouncils Ity appeal.
" Tliere are hiit twn jiidfros o[' (Uhi/,Hf.i'iu m Un; colonies; tlii' lantl
" tribunal (t.ri/jitna/ terrier) for tho décision of certain ni;itters ela-
" tive to lands, and the adniiralty.or the attribution to tlte tributials ol
" that naine, of niatters nf a coniniert'ial nature.
" The law.s upon tin; composition, ihe juiisdiction ami authority < .
" liiis tribunal (ihe tribunal <'777f/) are the déclaration of ''>e ITlii
" July 1713 and that of ibe Isi Octnbei' 1717 for ail iIm' !■ lami-
" (the same two déclarations wliich liave Itcen enregistered lu Canada.)
" The fourth article of the déclaration of 1743, Petit adds, supposes
'' to bc airvadii cxistt/tg and con/iri/ts the attribution to the (iover-
*• nors and Jntenda nls, f:a7«J<y/,i,' (Ul otiirr jiid^cs, of ull Mntesta-
'• tions upoii tlic validity and exécution of concessions, and relative to
" the localities, extents and liniiis of concessions. The second article
*' had aiready invt sted thèse ofticers with the [lower to proceed to the
" re-unioii to the domain ol tho lands, the grantees of which shall
" not hâve cxecutcd the conditions of the concessions."
Note. — l'or New France, tliese powers had a granted to botli
by the first a/ ve^ of (ith Ju!y 1711. There existed, besides, for the
French Leeward colonies in America, arrètr, of retrenchinent of the
llthJune ItiSO, 12 October 16S3, 2'hKl August 1687, 26 Sept.
1G9(), Ist December 1710, ItJ Octobu- 1713, like those made for
Canada, and cited in iny notes ou the Jeu <ic ftcf, giving the same ju-
risdiction to the Covernor aiid Intendant. They are published in the
coMection of Moreau de St. Mery, v. 1, p. 33;'), 392, l.r)9, ')')! ; v. 2,
p.22ti and 395.
49
oS6 a
322. The second mrét of llie 6tli July 1711, is» in tlies-
■words : (1)
" The Kine; heing inforir.ed ihal il c o arc hinds conce-
•' ded to ihe inhabitants of New France which are neither
" siUtled nor eleared, and on which ihese inliabitants con-
" tent thenisclves with cutting down soine tree.«i, îliinking by
" ihis nieans, and l)y incans ol" the concessions ihcreof
*' made lo tliem by those to wliomllis jMajesly has granled
" tracts ol'lho said hinds in si Igniory, to secnre to thein-
" selves the right oi'properly thcrein, which i)revents thèse
" lands bi'ing coneeded to otherand niorc hiborious settiers,
*' who niight occiiin' tiicni and bring them into a state of
'• cultivalion, and wliicii i^ also very prejudicial to the other
" inhabitants settled in tliose seigniuries ; because, those
" wlio do not réside iipon tlieir lands nor bring tlierii into a
" state of culiivation, do not contribiite their share of labor
" to the publie Works whieh are ordered for the good of the
" country and of the said seigniories, which is (juite con-
" trary to the intentions of Ilis ]\Iajesty, who only permit-
" ted those concessions to be made with a view to the set-
" tlement of the country, and on condition that the lands
" sliould be settled and brought into a state of cultivation,
" and it being necessary to remedy such an abuse ; His
*' Majesty being in his Council, lias ordained and ordains,
" that in a ycar and a day at the furthest from the date of
" the publication of the présent dccree, the settlcrs in New
" France who do not resid(^ uj)on the lands which hâve
" been coneeded to them, shall be iield to réside thereon
" [d^y tenir feu et lieu) and to bring them into a state of
" cultivation, in default of which, and after the lapse of the
" said time, it is His Majesty's will that on the certifieates
" of the curâtes and of the captains of militia in the settle-
" ment {capitaines de la côte), to the eflect that Ihe said
" settlcrs hâve been a year without keeping hoiise and
(1) Ed. aiidOrd., in-So, v. 1, p. 326.
387 a
*' home on iheir lantls, and liave not bronglit iliem into a
" State ofcultivation, they sliall be d-clarcd to hâve Ibrlei-
ted the right of properly therein, and the same sliall
'* therenpon be re-united lo llie domain of the respective
f^eigniories, in pursuance of orders to be pronounced by
tho sieur Begon, Intendant in the said country of New
" France, wliom Ilis Majesty oommands to see to the exe-
" cntion of the présent d^cree."
.323. It is not a new jurisdiction wliieh this arrêt givcs
to the Intendant in matters of re-union to the domain of the
seigniors. This jurisdiction had often bccn exercised by
his predeeessors. ( 1) Altogethcr favorable to the seigniors, the
latter never exprcssed a doubt as to tlie judicial nature of the
power with whieh it had invested the Intendant to pronomi
ce thèse reunions to their domains. The nature of tiiis
autiiorily, the object of ils exercise, ils eiiects, 'dïc, ne\^er-
theless, the same as those granled to the Governor and the
Intendant to pronouncc the reunion, whether of the cntire,
or of a part of a seigniory, to the Crown domain.
324. To this gênerai jurisdiction of the Intendant in
matters of remiion to the domain of the seigniory, anexcep
tion was made by an arrêt of the King's Council of state of
the oth May 1716, in favor of the Ecclesiastios of the Semi-
nary of St. Sulpice, seigniors of the Island of Montréal and
of St. Sulpice : (2)
(1) Ord. of the 31 October 170S for tlie seigtiiory ol" Eertliier, o(
the 7th July 1710, 30 June 1712 for tl;c soigniorj of Si. Ours (theie
two liLsl are not piintcd, Lui are nientioiiid in ui\ ordinnnce of tlie In-
tendant Eégon of (lie 27tli .Tune 1714), of ûtli June 1707 for the Ts-
I and of Montréal (Cugnel''s Extraits p. 22) of the 22nd June 1706,
27th May 1707, 26th May 1708 and 5th July 1710 nientioned in an
arréY of the King's Council of State of the 5th May 1716, rcndered
lipon ihe pétition of the Seminary oi' St. Sulpice.
(2) Ed. and Ord. in-So, v. l,,p. 357.
388 a
" His Majesfy taking into considéra lion tliat if îhe
said Ecclesiaslics were compelled toiiave recourse to tlie
Intendant of tho said country, respecting the said uncul-
tivated or abandoned concessions, liiey would become
exposed to lenghtened proceedings, by their remoteness
froin the city of Québec, wliere tlie said Intendant résides,
whosc stay al Montréal is not long enough for the dis-
cussion of such matters, movcover in case of appeal from
liis ordinances, the pariies interested tlierein are lield to
institute theni in France. For ail whieh lîis ]Majcsty being
willingtoprovide, having heard the report aud havingtaken
every thing into consideratirni, His Majesty in council,
by the advice (jf the Duke of Orléans, Kegent, liath or-
dained and dwtli ordain, that upon the deinands of the
Ecclesiaslics of llie Serninary of St. Sulpice, for the re-
nion to their seigniory of the concessions by them made,
ihey shall proc(!ed l^efore tlie royal judges of Montréal,
and b\ apjîcal to tlie stiperior council of Québec for their
decreeinlhe prcniises. Provided,nevertheless, that the said
officers shall not Iake cognizanc'; of ordinances heretofore
rendered by the Intendant of the said country, with respect
lowhich proceedings shall obtain iiitheusnal nianner, and
according to the tenus of the ordinances in cases wherein
the proj)rietors of the said c(.)ncessions or their assigns
seek a remedy againsl tlicin. Ilis Majesty doth neverthe-
less ordain, that the said ordinances shall be put in exé-
cution nccording lo Iheir forni and ténor j)rovisionally,
until il be olherwisc ordained."
Il is perhaps puérile to remark that this arrêt acknow-
Icdges the facl that the reunions to ihc domain belonging to
fi contentions authority, an necessarily within the jurisdic-
tion of a judicial tribunal, be il an ordinary, or a par-
ticular one.
325. The abuses, which the two arrêts of 171 1 sought
'o riMuedy, continuiniî to cxist, the King thought fit to
389 a
render an other arrêt bearing date the 15th Mardi 1732, (l)
by which he prohib";: Mt only se igniors, but also a// o/Acr
proprietors, from selluig any lands which are uncultivated,
m bois debout, upon the pain of the nullity of the deeds of
sale, of the restitution of the priée and of the reunion of
thèse lands to liis domain, and orders that the two arrêts of
the 6th July 1711 be exeeuted according to tiieir ténor and
form.
326. ï hâve already stated that, under the opération of
llie difïercnt arrêts of retrenchment, it seerned to me neces-
sary, to proceed rt'gif/ar/^/, previously to pronounce the re-
union to the Crown domain, even when tho word reunion,
was nol written in the arrêt. The King's déclaration of the
17th July 1743 (2), " concerning the concessions in colo-
nies " })roves il in an incontestable manner,
It seoms notwilh''itanding that the forni of proceedin*»
in this matter liad varied in iht; différent colonies, even in
the one and the saiiu; colony, as we learn from the preamble
of this déclaration, wiiich is ihns conet.'ived :
" Wtî hâve, after the exarnpie of the Kings, our ances-
'.' tors, authorized the Governors and Intendants of our colo-
" nies in America, not only to grant aUme the lands
" which we cause to be distribuled lo such of our subjects
" as are willing to settle thereon, but also to proceed to
" re-unite to our domain such granted lands as are liable to
" reunion, by not having becn brougi t inlo cultivation ;
" and they hâve also cognizance, to the exclusion of the
" ordinary judges, of ail diflerences arising between the
" grantees or their assigns, as well wilh respect to the
'' validity and exécution of the grants, as to their situation,
" extent and limits; but we are informed that, up to this
(1) Ed. and Ord, iu-8, v. 1, p. 531. See obs. on tlie Jeu de fief
110. 103.
(2) Ib p. 572.
390 a
" lime, ihere liatli been scarcely any thing certain, eitlier
with respect to tlie forin of procei.'ding, in case ol" llie
reunion of grants, or of the trial and adjudication of suils
between the grantees or their assigns, or with respect to
the rnethod to be adopted for obtaining relief against the
ordi:i; nces rendered by the Governors and Intendants on
this matler, so that not only hâve diflerent customs been
" introduced in the several colonies, but also in one and
'• the same colony there hâve been fréquent variations in
" this respect : In order to put an end to tii-dt state of un-
" certainty, upon rnatters of such interest to the secuvity
" and tranquillity of families, we hâve resolved on establish-
" ing by express law, fixed and invariable rules to be
" observed tinoughout our colonies, both as to form of pro-
" ceeding to the reunion to our domain of the concessions
" whicli are liable to be thereunto re-unitcd, and V6 to the
" trial of issues arising therefrom, also as to the modes
" of recourse to be pursued by tliose who may deem them-
" selves aggi-'eved by the judgments wliich rnay be ren-
" dered."
The first article confirms the power of the Governorand
Intendant to make concessions jointly.
The second article states :
— " They shall in liUe mnnnor pvoceed to re-iinite to
*' our domain the lands which are liable to be re-united
" thereto, and this shall be at the diligence of dur attornies,
" in the ordinary jurisdictions within the limits of whose
" cognisance ihe said lands shall be situatcd," — and ac
" cording to the third article :"
— " They shall not grant lands that hâve once been
" conceded, although liable to re-union, U7itU a/ter their re-
" union shall hâve been adjudged^ on pain of nullity of the
*' new concessions, without ))rpjudice neverthcless to the
'391 a
*' rt'-union wliich may always be sued for agjinst the fir»f
" grantees.
— " They sliall also continue lo havc cognisancR, tothe
" exclusion of allother judges^ oî ail difl'ercnccs arisingbet-
** wecn tlie grantees and iheir assiga , as well as to ihe
" validity and exécution of the grants, as on the subject of
" tlicir situations, extent and liinits, c!r., etc., etc."
Art. 5. — " \Ve déclare to be null and of none efi'eet ail
giiiuis wliich shall not be made by the Govcrnor and In-
tendant jointly, or by the oHiccrs respect ively represen-
ting them, as also ail reunions which shall not be pro-
nounced, and ail judgments which shall not be rendercd
" in comnion b\ ihem or their représentatives. Neverthc-
less we empower eithcr of theni, in case of thedecease of
the other, or of liis absence from the colon •-, and of adefect
ofolficers capable oi rupi'' Ci. ng such as may be dead
or absent, to make the grants alone, and evcn proceed to
the reunions lo our domain, and to the adjudication of
" suits between the grantees, calling nevertheless upon such
" orticers of the superior councils or jurisdictions as lie
" shall tliinlc fit. And he shall be held to make mention
" as well on the concessions and reunions, as in the judg-
" ments upon private suits, of the necessity in which he
may hâve been so to proceed, on pain of nullity.
((
Art. G. — " In cases in which the Governors and Inten-
" dants shall be of diflerent opinions, on applications made
" to them for land, it is our ph'asnre that they do suspend
" the issuing of grants until they rcceive our orders, upon
" the statements they shall make to us of their motives ;
" and in cases of a division of opinion between them, wlie-
" thcr as to judgments of reunion, or upon différences bct-
" ween proprietors of grants, they shall call in the senior
" rnember of the superior council, or in case of absence or
342 a
' lawful impediment, two councillors next Ibllowing him
' in the order of the list, ihe wliole witliout préjudice to the
' casting vote of the (Jovernors in inatters concerning our
' service, in whicli, it is to obtain.
Art. 7. — " In mattersin wliicli it «hall happenthat local
visitations, and nominations, and reports of experts or in-
quests are ordered, tlie cnactments in tliat belialf of the
twenty-first and twenty-second titles of the ordinance of
one thousand six hundred and sixly-st^'rn, shall be ob-
served on pain of nnllity.
Art. 8. — " The parties rnay hav»; Iht >■ nnnedy by appeal
to our council fri.'n judgments rendered by the (iovernors
and Intendants upon the said private différences and upon
reunions to our dDUiain. The said a])peals niay be insti-
tuted by raere " actes," and tlu; pétitions which shall be
presented accordingly, shall togetlier wilh the paper-
writings of the parties be transmitted to tlu; Seeretary of
State f(}r the marine department, in order ihat upon liis
report thereon, in oiir conncil, \ve jnay (h» tluirein as shall
be ineet."
327. Afterward, by anolher deciaralion, madeonthe Ist
October 1747, (1) for the interprtitation of the preceeding,
and to prevent, " the many appeais that parties condt^mned,
it is said, make, for the purpose of mair 'aining themsclves
in thcir unjust possessions "iheKing ordains" that the judg-
ments which shall be rendered in conseipicnce of our décla-
ration, " by Ihe (îovernors Our Lieutenant-generals, and the
" Intendants in our colonies, or by the oflicers who repre-
" sent them in thèse malters, the cognisance of which is
" attributed to them in })reference to ail other judges, be
" provisionally executed, and notwithstanding the appeal
" thereof which may be instituted, and without préjudice
(1) Ed. and Ord. in-8, v. 1, p. 590.
'M)3 a
lluM-cio: Icavini^ iicvci-tiit'lcs.s to tlie |)ni(i(>ncc ol oui ^ai<l
'' (Jovcnior.s and Imcndants, in the ca.sii.s in wliicli tlicy sluill
" deciu propcr, not to ordcr tlu: provisional <-xecLiû.)n ol
" tlipir judgments, exccpt upon tlie condition of '^ivinir goud
'' and sufFicient sccurily by ilio party in laver ol" wlioni tln-y
" shall havc been rendcred, and our said déclaration sliall
" inorcovcr bc cxcculcd accordini^ to its icnor and l'onii."
328. Thcsc two déclarations, in prescribini,' a niorr rc
gular form for proceedin;,' in future to tlie reunions to ilir
domain, virtually conlimi tlie preceeding réunions, in li,,\v
over irregular a manner thèse niay liave been niade, sudi
as thc reunion wliieli neccs.sarily followed froni a ncw eoii
cession, made by tlie Covernor and Inteudaul, of a seii;nior\ ,
abandoned or uncleared by tlie original grantee, willioui
mention of reunion liaving been mado, or that tliis rennion
was adjudgrd in ex])ress terms by tlie tille oftlie new cou
i-ession, or by an ordinance distinct from the tille. More
over several of tlie new concessions tlius made had been
conlirmed by the King. (1)
329. I hâve secn thrcc ordinances of reunion, renden-d
aftcr the arrcl of the Gtli July 171 1
The first, whlch is of tlie Ist Mardi 1714, and wliich
lias not been publislicd, is ihat of Messrs. Vaudreuil and
liégon, pronouncing the reunion of the Seigniory of Mille-
Isles conceded lo sieur Dugué on the 24lh Septeinbcr 1G83
Mention thereof is made in the title of the new concession
of this Seigniory to MM. de Langloiserie and Petit, of thc
5tli Mardi 1711. (2)
(l)Sec Obs; iipou the " Jeu do Fief" nos. âf), 1)3, 7;'), 7o, 85, S!)
!)2 and !)!■, whoru nioiitioii is ni;uli! of n'U'fiifliiu. ■ni'- m- tinuiiou^, iii;u!r
in dilVorent ways, bcforo llic (uri/, oi" llic Gili July 1711.
(2) Sec niy muUîs ii|tMn llic Jeu dcl'ici. ii'i, l'V, and Tilics <<[ Sci,.
niorics ]i. 59.
394 a
Tlic ^<e('ond wliicli, ulso, is noi |)ul)iishc'(j, is thaï wliicli
rc-unitcs ihc iicf Sf. Klioniic, iicar Tlirec Kivcrs. It was
rcndcrcd by MM. di; Mcuiliarnois and Do la Roiivillière, on
iIh' Glli Aj)ril 17;J7, and is l'oundcd iijmn ihe arrc'ts ol" 1711
and 1732. Mention tlioroor is inade in ihc ncw litU; crran-
icd to tlic coinpany of tlic St. Maurice Forges, on tlie 12th
Septemhcr 17;}7. (1)
'Vïw iliird ordinanee is liiai wliicli re-imites twenty
seii^niories at one lime, and ol' wliieh I bave rendered an
aecoiint in niy ()l)SL'rvations iipon iIkî Jeu de Fief, no. 114.
It w as rendered by Messrs. Jieauliarnois and Ilocquarl, on
ihe lUth May 1741. {2)
.'330. The " Seii^niorial documents " l'nrnish us with
l>ul one case oï \hc partial n.'union of a Seigniory. upontlie
rd'usal ol' thc seignior to concède. It is tliat wliicii I iiave
rej)oried no. 174 of my observations, u])on tlie cens et renies,
and wliicli gave jisc to tlu- concession of tlic 13lli October
1721, inade to tlu; widow Petit in conséquence of an arrct
ofthe King's Council of slate of tlie 2nd June 1720. (3)
331. As regards tiie reunions of lands en censive to tlie
domain of the scigniors, pronounccd by tlie Intendant alonc,
ihcy !ue in great nuniber. Il is sullicient to open M.
Cugnet's coliectitm to convince one's self. Tlicrc are also
somc ordinanee- of tlie Intendants, declaring tlie reunion
of an'/m;-/i':/''*" ^^ ^li'' ^*^'^^'i''^ •^''^'i'^ dominant scignior. On
llif 3rd ()ctoi>er 1731, Messrs. Beauharnois and Iloccjuart
Write to tlie minister tliat tlu; lutcndanl (M. llocquart) in
eonlorming himself to llîc second arrct of tlie Gtli Jidy
171!,liad pronounced, sinee lie had been in Canada, llie
reunion of more tlian two liundrcd concessions to the do-
(1) Docuiiioiis Seig. p. 101.
(-,') i:a. :m(l < )nl. iii-S, v. 2, |i. f).').').
(:{) 2iul vol. •• Doc. Soi-. " ).. 72.
;^95 a
that wliicli
s. It was
villière, on
Hs ol" 1711
tilU; gran-
m tlie 12!li
tes twenty
.'ndcred an
/; no. 114.
cquarl, on
h us with
y, ujion llie
ich I liavc
is et rentes^
Ih Oetober
il' an arrêt
20. (3)
fiiue to llie
-lant alono,
opcn M.
rc arc also
ic réuni on
gnior. On
l lIoc(iuavt.
iquart) in
Cth Jtiiy
mada, tlie
to tlie do-
iiiain <>r sciîjjniors, in doravili ol' ilie £'r!intfr>< lioIdJDi: li";i)tli
nnd home (feu et lieu).
332. In the réunions lo thc Crown domain in viriii.- ol
the iirsl arrct of the Gtli July 1711, llicrc exisis an csm Miial
dillerence between the réunion ol' an mtirc »'!i,nii.)i\ , in
dclauh o/ //s /jciVii,' df«m/, and tlie partiai réunion of tins
sarne seii^niory, that is \o say, ol'a h)t ol" land wiihin il- 1|-
mits, upoji Ihe unjust rel'usal ol' the seitmior to conccdi' t,,
the settler wlio dcinands it ol' iiiin. In the (irst Cii-c, ii,nt i.s
no Hfçht acquired to a third parti/ ; this iliird |)arty i> ihc
settler who has svmmoved the seignior to concède hiin a
land M'ithin thi; limits of his fii'l', and lias i)iit hiiu ru ,/..
meure to make liim tins concession ; it is he alone, and not
the attorney gênerai, who has the riglit, in such a ca>c, to
seek the rcimion to the Crovn domain, ol' thc land !hc coi;
cession ofwhich has thus bet n rciused ; not that thc said
land may be al'terwards, acccrding to the wi'^hcs ol'thc (io-
vernor and the Intendant, conceded to lluî flrst coiikt, I»u)
Ihal, in conl'ornnty to his ac(|nired riglit, it hc conceded to
the proseeutor hirnseli'by thèse two ollicers, in exécution ol'
the jndgment of reunion wliich ihcy hâve bccii obli-^c'cl lo
render against the other jjarty in default, llie seigidor. Thc
arrêt of the King doea not content ilseil, as in ;lie first case,
to give to lliese two ollicers the power to concède ; it oïdcrs
them to make this concession to the individiial himsell' wlio
has obtained the jndgment of reunion. Tins concession
is not therefore a simple act of administration of Ilis Maics-
ty's domain, but truly and purely an act executingthis jndg-
ment, an act which is necessarily ihe fullilment of it. In
the one or the other, it is a question, it is true, of a contcn-
tious right, in the exercise of which ihe Crown iinds itself in-
terested ; but, in the first case, the Crown is so alonc ; in thc
second, on the contrary, it is a third j)arty in the first ins-
tance, and principally ; thc Crown which is not a party to
the suit, is interestcd in but a secondary dcgrec, only
39<; a
lor tlin rollrotion, for its own prf)(ii, of tli<^ rrn\9, wliuli ilic
riMinioii li;i^ llic rlït'vl ai' iii;ikiniif it !U'(|nir('. TIk' rii,'lii
l»'inu[ conlrntions, ilio Iribimnl rnlK-il \\]nm lo jiKlf^o, \vlia1
(•ver if inny hv, rnnnol l)nt. ho ;i trihniinl invcstcd witli jiidi-
rial aufliority, wcro llmt îuilhorily t-von rostrainod lo llinl
simple! objcrl ; nnd cnnscqucntly tlic nctsof that tribunal can-
not bave a difrercnt cbaractcr.
If tlic cognisanpc of sncli a rontcptalion had dcvolvod
to iho Supcrior Conncil, insload of ibo Governor and Inlon-
dant, il could not 1^(î doul)1c'd lliat tbc anlhority oxorciscd l)y
thaï court in virtue of that dévolution, would liavc bncn a
judiria! onc. Ilow can it bc rcasonably jirctendod lliat it
lias Jost tliis eharact(>r, oiily bccausc tlio King tliouj^lit lit lo
î^rant it to a particular tribunal which ho croatcd oxprcisly
to oxcrciso it ? Is it that tho nature of that authority doosi
not always remain th(> samo, whi'thor itbc exoreisod by one
tribunal rather tlian by anollier ? If ^ve could suppose the
contrary, that is lo say, that that autiiority, at the moment of
devolvini? upon the Governor and the Intendant, must havc
complet(;ly changod ils character, ceasing to bc judicial to
become purely adminiHlrative^ the cause of this chani^e
could be altributed to this sole fact that one of thèse func-
tionaries wasthe Governor of the conntry, thencc concluding,
I do not know upon what principle, that he could bo no-
tliing olse than a simple adniinistrator, that ail the authority
which lie could be called upon to exercise, whalever it
miglit bc, could havc no othor character than that of a purely
administrative authority, that this character must be su-
prême in ail its acts, although thèse acts could not havc
becn compleled except by virtue of a spécial law rolaling
to the administration of justice, and apjioinling the Gover-
nor to parlicipate in this administration. Where would this
System taice us undcr the ncw govcrnment which has fol-
lowed the cession (^f Canada? Until a very late pcriod, the
Jir^t tribunal of the province, tlie f'ourt of appeals, was al-
397 a
inost cMiliisivcly composcd ol ilic (ii.Mriiov rinJ lin- m. -in
IjtM-s ol'llie Kxin'iiii\(> ('(Hincil, ail ol w lioiii, as siicli, u cir
JiioR'ly aihninisIrutorH. NovimiIuîIcss il. was m-vcr jjrclcnd-
'mI, and I do nol bcruîvc il will (-ver ho, lliut wlicn tlic ilo-
vornor and liis councillors look tlicir placées iipon llio bondi
of llial (-'onrt, tliat tho fimctions wliich llicy lilled wcrc
adminislraiive and notjudiciat.
333. Such was the slate of lliings undcr the Frcncli Ci'o-
vcrnmont.
The sciqniors wlio prétend thaï, sinre llic cession oC
Canada \o England, lliere haf? existed no eomiietcnl trihnnal
to exercise Ihe aniliorily, devolved iipon tlu; Govcrnor an<l
tlie Inlendanl, 1o re-nnite lo iIk; domain and 1o coneedc,
uj)on tlie rel'nsal of llie seignior to make lliat concession,
found themsclves principally, if not exclusively, iipon tlie
(Mglilli section ofllie Judicalnre act of 1794 (34 Geo. 3 cliap.
()) (1) wliich had establislied the old Courts of King's IJencli
whicli sat in supcrior and inferior terms.
We read in that section :
" The said Courts of King's Bencli sliall, respectively,
" in the supcrior terms aforesaid, liave fnll powcr and jn-
" risdiction, and be compétent to hear and détermine ail
" plaints, suits and demands of what nature socver, whieli
" might hâve been heard and determined in the Courts of
" Prévoie, Justice Royale, Intendant, or Superior Council,
'■'• under the government of the province, prior to the year one
" thousand seven hundred and fifty nine, touehing rights,
" remédies and actions of a civil nature, and wliich are nol
" specially provided for ])y the laws and ordinances of tins
" province, since the said year one thousand seven hundred
" and fifty nine, and the said Courts of King's Bench sliall
" respectively be compétent to award and grant ail such reinc-
(1) ."^anctioned by llie C'ovcrnor ou Uie 3lst INlay 17!)4'.
398 a
" <ly, ns mny ho. nooossnry for f^flocluntinc; and rarrvn' •/»-
" 1(> oxccntion flio indi^'riicnt or jij(li,riMcnls fhcrcol", \v n
'' inîiy be mado in tlic pn-misos iilorosaid, ;md wliicli lo
" law and justicn sliall appcrtain. l'rovidiul alway^, and
'' it is aiso (ma(Mi'd, llial nofliini^' in llic prcsoni art shall cx-
'' tend to livrant to Ukî aloriîsaid courts ol' Kin<i;'s Mcncli, aiiy
" |)o\ver ol' a Ir^isliUivc nature, posscsscd l)y any Court
" prior lo llio coiuiui'st. . . .
33 1. Thus, as regards \ho. first j)art ol' tlie 22nd ques-
tion ol" tlie Attorney (îeni^ral, lliat hy wliich lie asks if, in
tlie malter of reunion to tlu! Crown domain, the Iribunals
creatiîd after tlie cession of tlie <;oiinlry were conipeleïil lo
exercise tlie autliority dcvolved npon tlie (Jttvernor and tlie
Intendant; tlie partisans of the négative sido ouglit, to jiisti-
fy tlieir system, (dtluT to bas(; it npon tliis eiglitli section of
tlie judicaturc act of 1791, and consecpiently niaintain tliat
iIk! Courts of King's liencli created by tliat act, were not in-
vested, or were deprived, of the judicial aiitliorily wliich
might hâve l)idong(!d, in civil iiiïitters, to any tribunal |)re-
vious to the (cession, othe;- ilian tliat of the Préroté, or of tluî
Justice Royale, or of the Intenilant, or of tlie Superior Conncil;
or eisc, tliey must prétend tliat the autliority in (juestion was
not a judicial onc, but meridy an administrative or légis-
lative autliority.
VVe cannot, for any lime, enicrtain the last of thèse pro-
positions, tliat whicli would resuit in attributing a législa-
tive character to the authority exercised by the Covernor and
intendant in matters of reunion to the Crown domain under
the frencli government. It is sutficienl to express it to pcr-
ceive its falsehood, not to speak of its absurdity.
I will not return to the otiier (jnestion, tliat of knowing,
wdiethev tliat autliority was judicial or administrative. I
ihink 1 liavc already clearly established tliat it liad the lirst
of thèse characters. Those even who support the négative
399 a
admit, in vi(;\v ol" ilir lad iliat iIktc was a Court ol" ihe In-
lemlant, thaï il was in tlif (piality nia jud^'».' tliai tliat lunc-
tionary rxurciscd ihr aiitliority, vvliicli was ^'ivcn lo hini
alonc l)y tin* second aniJl uï tlic (jtli .lidy 1711, to re-uniti-
to lli(! ddiiiain of a private sL'iiîni»>r tlic land ol'liis censitaire
in dclanlt <>f holding' '' licarth and lionic " hy lia; lattor.
TliL'y acknowlod^'t! tlicM tliat an aiilliority of tliis kind i» a
jndifial aiiiliorily, Now, liow cati tlicy at tlic sani<; tiinr
rclnsc to rcco:,Miis(; llic saine characlcr in tlic autliority
t,'rantcd hy tlic (irst arrfH ol tlic (iih .lnly I7I I, jointly to ihc
(iovernor and Intendant, sine»; iliat autliority is ol'llic sume
Ivind, lias tlie saine objcct anil produccH tlic Haine ellects.
3.35. We must llicn lall back ujxrn tlic f)rovincial wta-
tnte ol' 1794 and sc(^ if ils «iiii^litli section cxcludcs ail otiier
jiirisdiclion, than iliat wliicli was cxerciscd by tlic Tour Irencli
iribunals tlicrein namcd. Il' tliat. bc ilio case, tlio objection
wliicli is inad(% niay appear plausible ; bucause tlien ail iIkî
autliority of tlic (Courts ol' Kin^'Vs licncli would liave bcen
restrictcd to tlie attributions wliicli arc enuiiicratcd in lliis
eiglitli section. liiit is it correct to say tliat tlie autliority ol'
thèse Courts was tliiis restrietcil witliin tlic liinils tliat tliis
enumcration, considcred by ilscll, would scem lo show ? I
do nol belicve it, and tlie statule of 179 1, and tlic judicature
acts precfîdini,' it, c(iually prevcnl me Irom bidieving it. Tlie
autliority wlii(di was conlidcd to tlie court of King's Hcncli,
and wliich has dcvolvcd lo llie présent Iribunals, in civil
nialtcrs, is as j^encral, as cxtcndcd as possible; it is, at
leaat as uiucli as tliat wliich liad becn <,n-antcd to the Iribu-
nals, to wliich thèse courts succeeded in 1791, and wliich
liad administcred justice sinec the cession of the eountry.
In faet, it is not cxclusively in this cighth section, that
we must search lo lind the extent of the jurisdiction of thèse
«•ourts. 'Vhr. second section of the statule wliich créâtes
them, had already declarcd thaï thcy shall hâve " original
'.WPUKiU-iTSi
100 a
" juri«(licli«>ii '<> t;ikc roi^iii/anci! t)t, licar, irv, aiul (l(,'luriiiin(
'•'• ull cmiscfi as wcU civil as (;rimiiial, and wlieuî tliu
" King is a party, exccpt tliosc uf puiely atlniirally jurisdic-
'' lion."
" In ail civil cases" says the statute. Tliesc words, il
scems to mo, arc (,'xlcnclcd cnougli, gênerai enougli, tu in-
cludo ail suits, ail contestations, ail causes of whateverkind,
wliich, undcr the existing lavvs, niight arisc, and be earried
uccording lotlic judicial organization o(" tliosc times, 1k;A)R'
any tribunal in Canada, under tlic Frencli dominion, wlietlier
the tribunal of the superior council, or la justice royale, in
the j)rci'o/t', wliether the tribunal ol' the Intendant only or
Ikat of the (iovernor and of the Intendant. The statule,
in in(;rely exeepting the adrnirally jurisdietit)n,Lonrerr('(l, hy
that alone, upon the Courts of King's lieneli ail kinds ol n(.'-
eessary jurisdiclion, in civil matters, to givc justice to the
citizens and to rnaintain tliein in the plénitude of their rights
and in the enjoyment of thcir property, whethcr thèse rights
had becn accpiircd by them in virtuc of contraets or in vir-
tue of the laws of the State. The legislator did not désire
and eould not désire to d(;prive theui of any j)art of the on<'
or of the other. The citizens wertî thcrefore uiaintainetl in
the actions projjcr to guarantee llieni,on the one haut!, llic: i:.\
ercise of thèse same rights, and on the other, the recovery oi
that same property.
VVc must not thon take, in a restrictive sensé, the enu
ineration which, by a simple ineasure of précaution, the le
gislalure lias thought fit to nudve in the eighth section of the
statute of 1791. It lias not jjroeecded in a way torestrain
l!ie dispositions of the second section. Tliis cnuiiu'ralit»n
in an explanatory way niay liave been regardée! as an ad
of prudence, so as to prevent the raising of some possibjt
dillicidty, as for example, iu a case wliere the c(jnsciit ol
unother aulhorilv nuL'hi hâve bii-n ncccssarv for iht; nitrv
■lorininc
010 tlio
jurisdic-
vords, il
1), to in-
vorkiiul,
i carried
s, boloii'
wliotlior
oyalc^ or
t only or
statulo,
Ibriod, hy
ids oC IK.'-
ico to llu'
oir rii^lits
•^o rii^lits
or in vir-
ol dfsirt'
tlio onc
îiinud lu
, llic ox
•ovcry ol
tlio onu
1, llic lo
DU ol' llll'
L) I•o^traill
inoratioii
is an act
|)oai?>ibi«-
lui^onl ol
liio cntrv
401 a
of a suit in tlic tribunals ot' tlio old régime. This slatcmenl
of certain " plaints, suits and domand?;" is not in any way
mado in tonus oxcluding" otlior plaints, suits and domands"
which wore, as tlioso \vo aro spoaking ol', witliin tlio juris-
diotion of a tribunal dill'oront froia tliat ol' tlio yVt'yo/«?, or
justice royale., or (,f tlii; Intendant, or ot" tlio superioroouncil.
As a liirlhor prool' llial iliis cnunicraiion was noitlier
exclusive nor rostriotivo, tlio proviso wliioli is insorted in
tho saine section is in thèse (oiins; " l'rovided al\vays,and
" it is aiso enaoted, tliat notlun^ in tlie présent aci (not in
"•' thc présent sfclion) sliall l'Xlerid lo «^ranl to tlie at'oresaid
" Courts ol' Kinu'V liencli any power ol" a tegisfatire iia-
" ture', possessed !)y any Court prior lo tlu; eoncpiesl.'''
Thèse words any courir as w»- perçoive, are not rostrieled,
in tlioir si^'iiificnlion, to tlio four courts spcrially nrimod in
anotiior preeedjnt; par' oj llic ciobtli section • tlioy also rolcr
to any court., lliat is lo say, to cvcry o\\\cy court llic piris-
diction of whicli is e(|ually, by virtuo ol" thc Li;cnoral disposi-
tions of thc soeoiid scciion, (IcvoImmI iipon llic courts of
Kini}['s liciich ; tho dispositions wliioli arc dcchirccL by thc
proviso., not lo lia\c tho circci of grantint; any power of a,
législative nature, allho' attributive of ihe jiidicial aiitliority,
are not only tlioso pn.-viously containod in llic eii^htli section,
l)ut, in a ifoneral uiannor, tlioso wliioli are included in tli(^
whole body of ilio st iliilo, tlie présent art., it is slated. Ac-
oordini:^ to thc >piril and IcitiM' of tho stalutc, thon, tho inten-
tion of tho lo<rislatnre was to tarant, in civil uiaiters, to thc
courts of Kini![\s licncli tho powors of ali tho Fronch Courts,
the législative power and tho a<lmiralty jurisdiction except-
ed. Tlie jurisdiction of tho tribunal of ilie (iovernor and In-
tendant in nialt(;rs of re-imion lo the Crown domain, tliere-
fore devolved upon thèse new courts. If sucli was not the
case, the obligation to concède, imposed upon the seignior
by thc arrêt of 171 1, became illusory, sincc the riglil of civil
action which aroso from this obligation, and which the arrêt
40i> a
t;ave iti rxprcss loniis ro ;i ifiird p;irly, l'uulil not l>e cx-
'-reised.
33G. I must hère makc ifie reniuik lli;it, in llio prccect
\n^ observations», I liave s{)oken ol" tlie eiglilli section ol" tlie
statute of 179 l as if, by tlic woxà^ justice royale, it had been
intended to designate but a few particular tribunals wliieli
had been specially erealcd in Canada under that nanie, to
the exehision of other tribunals possessing tlie attributes of
justice rui/dlc, but under a différent nanie. I do not, never-
iheless, believethat the words in (juestion bear sueh a limi-
fed sensé, The statuto says : the courts. . . . ai' justice roi/alc
.... now, the judges of the tribunals ereated by the King
wcre roi/al jndges, eith(M- ordinarij or extraordinarij ; but
under the hiî^t title as well under the first, it wisaiways ihc
justice royale whieh was granlcd to tliern. Sueh was tho
power granted to the Governor and Intendant by the first «r-
rct of Marly. Altho' only a particular or cxtraordinary tri-
bunal, thèse two ollicers did not the less forni a eoiu't o{ jus-
tice royale under the authority of that arrêt. So that, in
this point of view, it ean bo said that that Court is in-
cluded in the ternis of the eighth section of the statute.
337. Let us now sec what lias been the extcnt of tho
jurisdiction exerciscd, in civil matters, by the tribunals
whieh hâve existed in ihe eountry sinee the cession, and to
whieh the statute of 179 l substituled the Courts of King's
Bcncli.
Under the tcmporary opération of an ordinance of tiie
Governor in corincil of the 17th September 17G-1, (1) we hâve
(l) The power of Clovcrnor Murray to inake this ordinance, has
been callcd in (iiicstion, evcu donied, by auUiorities ;^real}y to be rcs-
pected. This is a question wliich I ani i ut callcd -ipon to speak of
herc. 1 must thereiore absluiii froni discu^sing it, and for this reason,
and aiso bccai'sc [ am infonncd that I will soon liavc to pronouuce m/
"pini'^n ni ihc '^ourl "f nppeal:: I^it it i= siifiiciont that this ordinance
403 a
Iiad a Court, callod " Court of oommon plras," taking co-
gni.sancu ol" llio siiits of seiajniors l'or tlio rcunion to tluiir
domain o( laiuls conccded by tlieni, in defaiilt by tlic censi-
taires of holding " hcartli and lioniu" ; a jnrisdic-lion wliieli,
undor llio former governmont, bclongcd oxclusivtdy totlio In-
tendant. Tlierc arc not, neverllieles?., any dispositions in
ihis ordinance, lii\C those of tlie cigluli section of tin; statute
of 1791, wliicli niakc any spécial grant to tliat Court of the
judicial powcrs of tlie Intendant. 'J'Ik; ordinance does not
cvcn mention tlio Court of tliat ollleer, no more tlian tliat o/'
Prcvotc, o( \hc justice royale, or of the Supcrior Coimeil.
Thèse are the terms of the ordinance in wliieli thcî ju-
risdietion exereised by the Court of coimnon pU-as, had hccn
conferrud upou il: " A Court of inferior jurisdietion, or
" eouunon i)h'as, is by this présent act established, \vilh
" power and authority to décide vpon ail cases conccrniug
" propcrly^ above ihe value of ten jjounds, \vith ))ermission
*' to the parties lo appeal to the superior Court, or Court of
" King's Jîeneh, (1) v.hen the luatter at issue sliall be of
twenly pounds and upwards.'"
Surely, the same grant of jurisdietion is tobe found in-
ciuded in that given to the Courts of King's liencli, l)y the
.second .section of the statute of 1791, and if that Court of
had au exislonee, if not a k>g;il onc, at li;a^t a de fiuio oiie, ibal j inay
be iicnnitted to invoke in supji'irt of niy opinions npon tlic subject
with wliich Avo arc now occupit il, the ac(s of llie tribiinals wliit-h \\cro
in opération undor the authority ol tliat, oïdinancc.
(1) The ordinance liad established " a supcrior Court ofjniisdiction
or Court of King's IJcncli" in which the cliicf justice prcsided. 'J'his
Court had " iiowcr and autlioritv to hear nml dctcrninic ail ranses,
" criniinal and civil.'' There was an appeal froiu this Ccurl to the
(Jovcrnor and Council, uhen the nial.er in dispute (>xccedcd X300
sterling, and froni lhe(iovernor and Council In llie l\ing in CounciJ^
-when itwas of the value of XJOO 6icilin<j: or more.
404 a
rommon ploas had jurisdiction in matfors of rcimion lo the
doinriin of seigniorf, thèse Courts of King's Hencli oujj;IiI
«Miually to hâve it by virtue of the second section of the sta-
tut»-, \vhich conferred upon them a gênerai jurisdiction in
civil rnatters, even had the eighth st;clion of thestatute been
omilted, and had no mention of the Intendant been made
in that law. Notvvithstanding, undcr the contrary systern,
it would be necessary to say that the Court of conunon pleas
of 17G4, (îould noi exercise the jnrisdiction of the Intendant
in nialters of reunion to th<' doniiiin of sei<rniors, nor in any
other inatter, nor any inctre in the jurisdietion of ihe Superior
Couneil, or of ihe Pi'evoté^ or lA \\h'. jusl ire roi/idc^ hecan^^e
the ordinajxr had iiot s|)eci!illy naiiied thèse four fribiinals,
and liad not uiade to ihe new court a s|)c('ial grant of their
difFer(,'nt iiirisdiclions. For the saiiie reason, it Avould be
e(|iially necessary le concliide that, w ithoul th*^ eighth sec-
tion of t!ie statDtr of I7ÎM, ihe Courts of King's lienchwhich
\V(!re erealed by ihaf ad, couhl nol hâve excreiscd any of
tliesG saine jurisdictions, notwilhstanding the dispositions of
ihc second section, luîiking a gênerai grant of judicial au-
thority in civil mattors, witli ihe sole cNccption of the admi-
ra lly jurisdiction.
SiiH. After the revocation, decrced by ihe Québec act
(1771, 11 (ieo. .'i, chap. H3)^ of the laws which had given
existence to llie tribunais subs(!(juent to the cession of
Canada, tjic Législative Couneil crcated by that chart of
177 1, promnlgated in the year 1777 (17 (ieo 3, chap.
1) an ordinancc intituled '' an ordinance which cstabli.sh-
*' «îs (;ivil courts of judicature in the ))rovince ol' Que-
" l)ec."
This ordinance (livides the province into iwo districts,
t!i;it of Québec and that of Montréal, and establishes a
(iiurt of civil .Fnrisdiction called " court of coinmon
Itlcus^' for each of thèse districts. "The said court"
405 a
" it. js therein'*said, shall hâve full power, jurisdiction and
'• autliority to lioar and adjudge ail suits which relate lo the
*' property and righls of the subjecty Such is tlie granl ot"
jurisdiclion made to lliis courl. Is it nol made in terms as
gênerai as was the grant of jurisdiction made at a later date
tu the courts ol'King's Bench, by ihe seeond section of the
statute oi" 1791, aiidashad hcentliat ol'tiicordinanci' oi 1761?
No mention is made ol the lnt(.'ndanl or ol' his court, no
more than (jf ihe Superior Countùl, ol' thi; Prévôté or ol
the Justice Royale. This iiew tril)unal, notwitlistanding,
often exercised, as thaï whitîh previously existed imder the
same name had done, [hv jiirisdiction ol' Intendant in mat-
ters of réunion to the domain of seiijniors.
Qui'-
Durt
339. iflhcii the authorily exen-iscd hy the (jovernor
and Intendant, in matieis ol'retmion lo iht; Oown domain,
was of the same nature, had tfie same objeet, and produced
the same etli-cts, as the authority exercised by the Intendant
alone in malters of reunion to tiie domain of the seigniors ;
in one word, if thaï autliority was a judieial authority, no
other conclusion could bc drawii Irom what j)reccdes than
this; lliat is, il ilic i\v(t courts (»l Comuion pleas of 1704 and
1777 wcre invcsicd vvith one ol thesi: powers, and could
exercise it by virtuc of the gênerai attribution which had
been given totliem, tlic;, v\'cre e(|ualis mvtîsted with the other,
and could exercise il by virtuc oi ili. same gênerai attribu-
tion ; that tlic sanic authority, in tlic <.\u ca-e or the other,
passed ft( ■ . tlir court i»f common pi us tn îhe courts of
King's Bench, in(le|)endentlv of the cj;;ht!i section of the
Statute of 179 I, and from the courts of Kuig's Bench to the
now existinii: tribunals of (triginal juris^'ictiou.
310. The seigniors may also l,ave recourse to another
objection. They will aduiit, hypothe'ically, that tlic acte ol
eunion jnay \vell In; a jiidicial act, but they will say that the
act of concession which succeeds to the reunion is net ;
AOa a
and tlicn.' nol liaving bcen in Canada, arnordin^ lo ihoni,
public (j/riccrs wlio reprc'><cntt.'d, in tluH last j)()inl ol' vicw
llie Governor and Intendant, lluî first arrrt oï llu- Gth July
1711 could not be execnted since tlic cession of tlie country.
Thcy decc'ivc themsfdves. It is easy to perceive tliat even
in timt case, tlie arrêt could bc executed.
The dced of concession of a seigniory, after tlic reunion
of ail tlic rights of tlie vassal to tlie Crown domain, in de-
fault ofciiliivation, undcr the opération oCiIk; first part of
tlie arrêt, was not, it is truc, a judicial act, since it was not
inad(> to exécute, for the bcnciit of a tliiril j)arty,a judi^nuciit
V'hich this tliird jiarty sjiould hâve obtained. The reunion
look place for the bcnciit of ihc Crown only, riul the Kiiig
Avas free to concède or not to concède anew VVlien hc did
s(», it \vas an act of pure liberality on his j)art in favor of t'ie
^rantce. liut such was not the ca^e, 1 bclieve I havc alrea-
■]y shown, in the j)artial réunion which niii^dit tîiko i)lacc by
jriue of the second part of the arrêt, upon l'ic refusai of the
scignior to concède. This rcmion wa^^ made for the ad-
vantaiji^e of a third parfy who had acciuired a right lo the
concession of the land îluis r^-uniied. TIkî réunion was
for hini but a simple formali'v ; it was the concession which
was the principal objcct or rallier the sole objcct of his suit
before the (Jovernor and lulendant ; llu' concession beingthe
thing demandcd by his action; conscciucntly it was ihis
which thèse t'/o ollicers wcre oblig'îd lo adjudge to liim by
their judgmont ; it was the end of liie suit, wilhout it ihis
suit was <;ot coiicluded. If the Ciovcrnor and Intendant had
the po« (T to makc, al their discrétion, this concession to
anotîcr j)erson than \\u'. one wlu) had made iIk; demand, i'.
would hâve been a iT!t<iker> lo hav submilted the latlrr to
ail the troubles of a suit and to il.. '>osis of procccdiiigs
fïotn which lie would liave derivcd no advaningc, alilio'
hc only had the right to sue. Tha concession which could
l)c made to him, cithcr by the judgmcnt of the réunion
407 a
ilseil, or in execiUioti of tlial jiulgineiil, was llien :i judiciai
act.
Siipposing for a moment, so as to answer to tlio objoc-
litm, tlial tliis concession is iiot a jndicial act, antl tliat,
consc(|ucniIy, sucli an act could not cmanatc Ironi onr tribii-
nals. Be it so. Hut ihe ad ol" reunion \vas a jndicial act,
it must be adinitted, in lliis systcm of distinction bctwccn
tliat and thc decd of concession, tliat tlie tliird party wlio
liad summoned llie seignior to concède liim a land, had iIk;
right to proseclUe tlie reunion of tliat land before tlie tribunal
/«rrjcr of t lie Go\crnor and Intendant to a définitive judi,^-
ment, saving lus riglil to oblain tlie concession tliereof after-
wards. Tlius, tlie authority wliicli caused this réunion to
be pronounced was a judkial authority, it foUows tliat il
d(!Volved upoii tlie tribunals establislied since the cession of
the eountry ; tlial tlie riglil of a tliird party to provoke tlie re-
union, acquired by virtue of tlic arrùt of 1711, can be cxer-
cised, and tliat thèse tribunals are obliged to pronouncc a
judgment adjudicating tliis réunion.
After tins judguK al, shall this third party, in the Sys-
tem which I combat, be wilhout a reniedy, withoul
reeourse to oblain the concession \vlii<'li lie lias demanded,
and which the law gives liiiu the riglit of liaving ? Not al
ail. The law niiisl be executed, and it shali be. Under
the new governmt^nt, \\w English CJovcrnor lias replaced,
since the year 17(53, the French Governor and Intendant in
the concessions of lands of the Crown. Tliis lirsl magislrate
of the colony will llien give the concession prayed for; lie
cannot refuse without failing in his duty, without disobe-
diencc to the law.
M\. Believing that I liavo cstablishcd thaï: I now
reply to the second part of the question of the Attorncy Ge-
neral, viz : " if sucli a tribunal existcd, did it exercise lliosr
" powers, or did il refuse or omit to do so."
408 a
If, on thc one hand, I am liappy to bo able to say that,
in ail my rescarclics, 1 liavo lound no cxainple of refusai or
abstinence on tlie part of thi.s tril)nnal ; on tlie other lianci,
I niiist in tlie sanie inanner say tliat I hâve not, any more,
found up to tliis tinie any examplc of a demand in re-
union and in concession of a land, addressed to tliat tribunal
upon tlie refusai of a scignior lo concède, by an inliabitanl
who liad previously fulfiUed tli(> foruialities ])rescribe(l by
tlie arrêt of 1711, lo sunuuon tliis sei_i,niior.
Tliere liave been instances cerlainly, of wliicli I sliall
shorlly spiîak, in u liicli the conclusions soii^^lil tlie applica-
tion of tlie arrêt of i7l I, but lliey wcrc cliicfly of diflereni
kinds froiu tlial wliicli llic <iuesti»)n supposes. It is needless
to searcli lor llu: cmuscs wliicli inif^^ht ac:coiuil for tlie
absence eitlier of actions or dccisions, if micIi an action was
ever instituted, in inallcrs of réunion lo iIm* domain upon
tlie refusai of a scii^'uior lo concède. Wlioknows ? !Ui orror
in tin; pleadiui,', or pnliaps somi;timcs, anotlicr motive for
the décision ol llu- point litii;;itrd bciwccii llie jiarîies, rc-
sultini^ Irom tlu; lacis of llic case, may liavc preventcd a
judgment pronouncini; iIk; ap|ilicalion of thc nrr<U to thc
(piestion now bcfort; us. Il sulllccs lo csiablish the fact,
observin^: al ihe saiiu! lime ihat oni' of thc best rt'asons thaï
could bf! given tlierclor is that of Atlorncy ficneral Monk,
who b(M'ame shoitly aller ('hief-.Jusiice of llic Court of
Kin<('s liench for the dislricl of Montréal, .<;iven in 1794, in
a report daled ihe «7111 February (I), wliicli lie made to the
Governor, upon the occasion of a pétition of divers inhabi-
tants of tho seigniory of Longueuil, wherein ihey complai-
ned that their seignior, M. DavitI Alexandcr (irant, had
increasi'd, in an arbitrary inanner, thc rents established upon
the lands of his censitaires. ]\I. Monk, who was of opinion
that " the arrêt of the 6lh July 1711 was still in full force,"
(1) 3rd vol. Seig. Doc, p. 73.
say that,
duHal or
or liiincl,
ly more,
d in re-
t tribunal
iliabitani
rihed bv
1 I shall
: applica-
(lillereni
ncedlcss
t for llic
;lion was
lin ii|)oii
'an (MTor
lolive l'or
•;ic.s, rp-
«'iitcd a
/ to thc
lir lacl,
ons thaï
l Monk,
Court ol'
1794, in
le to the
inliabi-
■omplai-
ant, liad
led upon
opinion
1 force,"
409 a
fconcludes lii.s report by sayinc^ : " tiiey (the tenanf^) arc
" ablu to institute and carry on llieir suils to judi,'ment in
" the coinmon pleas ; etjual perhaps to meet thecosts ofthe
" Court of Appeals ; but the enornious expen;-»; atlendin^
" an appeal to Ilis Majcsty in Council, to which tho seig-
*' nior is entitled, as his rights in future niay be bound by
" the décision, deprives them ofthe po.ssil)ility uf oblaining
" justice and (U)iupeis theni to abandon their riL,'hts and
" throw theniseives upon the niercy of their aiitagonist who
" compromises Ihe action and jj^rants a new decd of con-
" cession up')n Iuh own terms." (1)
312. In tiic form of an appendix to thcsc notes, I shall
report several judgments relating to the (piestions now
before us, and rendered since the cession ofthe eountry.
I, Court of common pleas : Présent, Judi^'es Mabîmc
and Monier ; at Montréal : Clément Sabrevois De IJlcury,
Plainliir, versus J. B. Boucher de Niverville, Défendant.
The plaintid claimed from the; défendant, his seii^nior,
the value ofthe hay whicii the latter had caused to be eut
upon his land. The défendant repliée! ihat this land had
been re-united to his domain by a judgment of Justices of
the pcace, (2) in i:omformily to the ordinance of General
Burtt)n. The i)laintilt'denied the fact.
(1) Silice tlio " sei;^nioiial questions " liave been taken iiito dolibe-
ralion, ami siuce tlicse notes li;ive been writlon, I liave liad tlie advnn-
ta^eof findinï two suits bioiifrlit before tlie court ol Kiiiir's IJcntli of
Montréal, wbicli oblige nie (o correct tlie assertion wliicli l bave
just niade umler tbis nuinbor tliat ibere was no exainple ot" a ileinanil
in concession carried belore tbe tribunal, upon the refusai of tbc scig-
nior to concède, after suninions niade to bini to do so ; not baving liad
the lime to wrife tbe?e notes over again, L add al tbe t nd under the
numbers XVII and XVllI oiFrcccdoUs, nn analjsis oi thèse two cases.
(2) IJnder the judicature ordinance of the 17th Sept. IToi, a Jus-
tice of tbe peaco was ciiipcleiit lo décide - ail '-auses, or maltcr-» "'!
52
410 a
'V\\o iii(lii[ni('iit ol' tlic Court of coiiiinon plcas, wliieh isof
flic I7lli Fchniarv I7()7, condiMiins tlie (Icrciidatit topay tlie
value ol' tlic li;iy, ami |)i()liil)il.s liirn iVoiii trou 1)1 iti;< tlic plain-
till'in tlir |)().ss('ssiot) ol' liis laiid, sccin;,' tliat tliis land was
iiol lucnlioiirfj il) tlic ordinaiict; ol' (ioin'ial Hurton, ■\ni\ tliat
inorcovcr ilu; plaintill" liiid arnulioratcd it aiid put i' into
cultivalioii.
II. Mi'ldW is a jU(lL;iii(iit oltliu saiiic Conit, daled tlie
lUlli l'Y'hruary 17G.Ï, rciulcrcd in i!r' Frrticli lani,'uag(j.
" Siitiii'' licld ou Fridas 15 Kchruarv 1705.
'' (..'liristic (lalditTs / '' Tlic Court talviiiij iuto collsi-
x'iifiiiory S '* dcratiou an ortliiianct; uiade by
"• lîriiradicr Miirton, llicii (iovirnor ol'Moiitrcal, on llic 2nd ol"
April I7(J1, iipoii llic pcliiion of (JahricI Clirislic, K>(jiiirc,
liciiu naut colonel and (|uarlcr uiaf<tcr ycncral ol tlic Kiniç'-s
(irinics, and.Iolin Cainpbcll, captain of tlic J7tli rclifinicnt,
proprictor> of a scii^niory .situalcd on tlic bordcrs of tlio
Ki\cr ('liaiiil)ly, licrctolorc lH'lon<,'ini,Mo Mr. De Noan, by
w liicli it is ordcrcd to onc .1. \iU\ Parent ( and .six
ollicr Cl iisiliii'-is], lo liold licarth and lioiiic uponllic laiids
(■oi);-c(|c(l (o ihciii in llic said sc'ii^niory, uiso to r(Mid(!r llie
sailli iiro(!iicti\ • , iroiii llic day of tla; publication of tlie
said ordinaticf up lo tlic lirst day of l.)c;lobi'r tlien ncxl l'or
ail appointuicnt, in dcd'aull of wliicli and llie said diday
" cxoircd, thaï tlic rcunioii of tlic
aiu
c sliall bc dcl'initive-
" ly Miadc to tlic domain ol tlic said scii(niory, iipon thu
jiro|)fity ilic valiKMvIkicot ilii! iiot ixcoud fivc pouiids, Québec cur-
rtiicy ; ''' Isvi |ll^ti(•('^, ol' lli;' |ii';i'i: ucrc; eiiually c-oiiijieleiit to décide
aliii; diil ni.l excet'd tcii poiiiids. In tlic one
tl
le Miine caiiM!^ wlicn Un
(Il
case ()!■ tiiL' oiliT tlii.'ir dl;■■l^i'Mls wt-rr wiliioiil a|»|)cal. 1 liree justices
(d'ilii; ])i'a('e coiisliiiitcd a (.'onrt. whicii liad jiirisdiction in " ail cases
and inaltcrs of piopeity llic value wliercof was uiider JC\0 and did iiot
excocd JJ'.iO "■ ; ihc parties licing al liberly to appeal l'roin tlieir déci-
sions tn tlic Siiptirior Court, ot" Kin^'s Bciicli.
ich isot"
pay tlio
r |)li»in-
nd was
;m.1 llial
. (V into
lied llio
so
05.
to consi-
ia<It' l)y
!(• 2n(l ol
Ksi|iiin>,
icKiiii^'s
l'aiment,
rs oC il H*
m, by
ul >ix
laiuls
dcr llie
n ol' 1I1C
icxl i'or
1 dclay
inilive-
)()I1 tlic
.'l)cc rur-
décide
Il llif one
iii>tices
ail cases
iliil not
u'ir dcci-
41 1 a
" «îertificate ol ilir captain^ ol iniliiia of Moiitrral tliaf
" llic said IcnanN liavc iiol takfii adviiiita'M' (.,' ijir dt lay
*' ij^rantcd to tlicin, atid lliat thr said i.iilinari(' .'-hall lu»
" pnblislird tlirt'c coiisi-fntivc Siindays at tlir cliiireli door
" olllic l'arisli cliiiich ol' Motitrcal, on llic cniicliisioii ol
" (Jraiid Mass, lo die end ilial iiom; iiiay pictcnd ii^iKirain-t.-
" tlicnîof.
" Tlio oerlifical»' of Dccostc tlic yoiuii^cr, sri|caiil of
" militia ol' .Moritrcal, Ix'ini^ al llu- Ik.iioih nlihc said nrdi-
"• liaiu;i' by wIih-Ii Ih' tcsiilirs diat lie |>iil)lis||(.|| i|h. >:iim',
" at tlii! coiudiision of Motilrcal l'uisli (ii-nid Ma-^, on
" Slinday lIlc Htll and l.")!!! April, ar 1 Mondas die •.((oiid
" day of llic r'astcr liolydays, thr «aity third day of tlic
" montli of April of tlic said ycar I7G1.
" Tlio dt'(darations of Jean Inwood and Alcxandic
" Harron allinncd by iIumi' nndrr oatli bcfoic Mr. Mo^cs
" l'^.s(|uir(', onc of Ilis .Majesty's jusliccs ol' die l'cacc ut
'' Monlical, Ix'arini^f dat<' tlic I.')di .lanuar_\ la-l, b\ \\ lnch
" il is jnstificd tliat tlic said !,Manlccs 'lavc iiol proliicd hv
" tJK^ dtday i,'rantt'd lo tlicni by tlic oïdinan. c of ihc v;ii,|
" (Jovcrnor Hiirton and luivc nol licld licartli and lionic iip-
" on llic said lands ;
•' The |)('tition prcscntcd in tliis Court by tlic snid
" Messrs. Clirislic and ('ani) bcll, lia\in.v for its olijcct tlie
" obtaining tlic rcuidon of tlic said land-; and dic w liolo
" dtdy considcrcd, tlic Court lias dccdarcd tlic said .1. Hto.
" Panmt (and tlic six ollicr (•rnsiUtii'f's) to liavc foifcitcd tlic
" said lands Ci/iiccdcd n diciii in tlic said sci^iii(,r\-, in tlc-
" l'ault of tlieir liavini^ satislied dic conditions of ihcir con-
" tracts of conc(?ssiou and tlic ordinanc(; abovc menti -ned ;
" in conseciucncc wlicrcof ordains thaï tlic said lands be by
" tliese présent rc-uiiilcd to llic domain of the scii,Mii(.iy of
" the said Messrs. Chrisiie and Campbell who sliall dispose
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412 a
*' ofthosameas they may lliink fit. Made and given nt
" JMontrcal by us John Fraser and François Mounier, Es-
'^ quires, two of ihe judgcs of the Court of common plcas,
" sitting the Court on ihe 16th February 17G5." Signed.
" John Fraser.
III. On the same day 16th February 1765, a judgment
similar to the preceding is rendered by the same Court in
favor of " the ecclesiastics of the seminary of the Isle Jésus"
that is to say in favor of the seminary of Québec proprietor
of that seigniory.
" Having seen," it is therc said, " three ordinancos
rendered by ]\Iajor General Gage, then Governor of Mont-
réal, on tlie I2th July 17G3, upon the pétition of tiie gen-
tlemen ecclesiastics of the seminary of Québec, seigniors
and proprictors of the Isle Jésus, by which Jean Lacoste
,' (and twenty four other censitaires) residing or who ought
" to réside upon the lands conceded to them in the said
" seigniory of Isle Jésus, parish of St. Vincent de Paul,
J. 13 te Périllard (and eight other censitaires) residing
or who ought to réside upon the lands conceded to them
" in the said seigniory, in the part called Ste. Geneviève,
and one Antoine Caron (and sevcn other censitaires)
residing or who ought to réside in the said seigniory of
Isle Jésus, parish of Ste. Rose, were ordered to hold
hearth and home &c., (the remainder as in the preceding
judgment.)
((
a
a
a
((
<(
((
((
(C
C(
((
The certificate &c., &c., (the remainder as in the pve-
" ccding judgment.)
a
" Another ordinance of Brigadier gênerai Burton, bear-
ing date the 13th August 1764, by which it was ordained
" ihat a superabundant publication of the ordinances of
" Major gênerai Gage bc made, and Ihat certificates in
'' writing be made by tiic captains of tiic militia of the place
413 a
given nt
nier, Es-
3n plcas,
Signed.
udgment
Court in
e Je sus, ''^
)roprietor
dinances
of Mont-
the gen-
seigniors
i Lacoste
ho ought
the said
de Paul,
residing
l to them
meviève,
nsitaires)
gniory of
to hold
ireceding
i thc ])re-
ton, bear-
ordained
anees of
icates in
the place
•-* ihat the parties namcd in the said ordinances iiave not
" obeycd tiie said commands sincc tho first publication up
" to the said 13th August 1764.
" The certificate of the said Messrs. Ségouin, Ilétier
" and Presseau, captains of militia, who certify that the
" said superabundant advertisement bas bcen rnade, and
" that not one of the said parties prcsented himself ;
u
(C
The pétition presented to this Court &c., &c., (the
same as in thc preceding judgment.)
IV. J. Etc. Laporte dit Labonté, in his quality of tutor
to the minors Lebeau, prayed to be re-instatcd in the pos-
session of a land farm, of which the seignior Mr. de Niver-
" ville, had evicted him. The latter replicd that this farm
had been re-united to his domain by the ordinance of Mr.
Burton of the Gth March 1764, confirmed by thc justices of
the peace, by judgment of the 27th June 1765.
On the 7th March 1769, the Court of common pleas
(présent, judgcs Fraser and Mabane) renders a judgment
which condcmns the seignior to re-instale the plaintifi'in the
possession of the said farm, giving this, among other reasons
foj: its judgment :
" Having also seen that gênerai Burton, by his ordi.
c' nance of April 1764, being at the time Governor of JVfont-
" real, had only summoned the inliabitants that Mr. de Ni-
" verville declared not hold hearth and home , to fulfil
" their contracts, without which he would proceed in a
" final manner to reunite the said farm to the domain of
t' the seignior, and Messrs. the justices of the peace having
" only intended to confirm that which had been donc by Mr.
" Burton, and Mr. Burton never having definitively procee-
" ded to reunite the same, and thî3 whole duly considered,
" the Court finds that Mr. de Niverville has improperly re»
" united the said continuation of 3 « 44 arpents."
414 a
The preceding judgments establish the fact of the ex-
ercise, by the first Court ol'common pleas, ofthe jurisdiction
of tlie Intendant in matters of re-union to the domain of the
seigniors, altho' no mention was made ofthe Court of that
olficer in the ordinance of the 17th September 1764. The
judgments which foUow establish the same fact as regards
the second Court of common pleas created by the ordinance
of 1777, which like the first made no mention of the Inten-
dant's Court.
V. At Québec : Descheneau, seignior of Neuville,
against the widow and heirs Girard or Girardin, judgment
ofthe 5th Deeemher 1781, which " considering the arrêt of
" the 6th July 1711 upon the subject of lands uninhabited
" or abandoned, orders that in default by.... ofpresenting
" themselves, of holding hearlli and homt; u]K)n the said
" land and ameliorating the -ame within ilie delay of
" one year commencing from the publication of the i)resent
" ordinance, tlie Court will j)rc)eeed to the reunion of the
" said land to the domain ofthe said fîefoï iVcuville, upon
" the certificate of tlu; Jlecior [curé) and captain of militia
" ofthe parish, that the above mentioned hâve not com-
" plied with the présent ordinance, which shall be read and
" published at the church door ofthe said parish, for three
" consécutive Sundays, immediately after divine service,
" and in as much as it appears that some améliorations
" hâve been made upon the said land, the Court orders
" that at the diligence of the said sieur Descheneau, there
" be inserted an advertisement in the Québec Gazette, for
" three consécutive publications, (1) containing in an abrid-
" ged form the reunion of the said land, and notifying those
" who may hâve some claims upon it to make their written
" déclaration and to produce their titles, if any they hâve,
" at the office of the prothonotary's office of this Court, with-
t' in the said delay of one year ; in default of Avhich, the re-
(1) Published in theQuebcc Gazette of the 27th Dec. 1781. No. 851.
415 a
" union sliall be immediately declared : the Court rescrving
" to itself, at the time of the reunion, the rigiit to order that
" it be made only ujjon the condition that the said sieur
" Deschesneau shall hâve the same oHered to the last and
" highest bidder, for three consécutive Sundays, at the door
" of the church of Neuville, and that the monics arising
" therefrom sliall remain in the hands of the purchaser for
" the benefit of the said widow and heirs (iirard, whenever
" they shall présent themselves or until it be ordered by
" the Court."
VI. At Qu(!bec : The t^ame plaintiff, as seignior of St.
Michel and Livaudière, against Jacques Nicole, 5th ])e-
cember 1781, a judgment siniilar to the jireceding one, fol-
lowed by a linal judgment of reunion. A curator isnamed
" to the land abandoned," which is afterwards sokl upon
the condition of paying in cash, out of the priée of the adju-
dication, " the work and améliorations which shall be cs-
" tablished to be due and belong to Franr^ois Sirié" who
" had made a demand to that ellect.
VII. At Québec, the name plaintiJT, as seignior of St.
Michel against Thomas Lapierre ; 14th January ITSti,
similar judgment, foUowed by a final judgment of reunion
on the 31 si March 1787.
VIII. At Québec, the same plaintif!', as seignior of
Neuville, against Joseph Tellier ; similar judgment of the
24th Decembcr 1785.
IX. At Montréal, in a pétition dated tlie 7th August
1784, Simon Sanguinet, seignior of Lasalle, sets forth to the
judges of the Court of common pleas : " that there are se-
" veral farms conceded in the said seigniory to divers per-
" sons, who do not hold hearth and home accord ing to the
" clause of their contracts of concession, and many hâve
" not even worked upon them and hâve not paid their rent.s.
4H; a
" Firstly. Pierre Poissant, a farm of G x 30 arpents &c.,
'* &c., (and l'ourteen otlier censitaires) ; and in as much as
*' the proprietors of tlie said farms do not l'ulHl in any way
" tiie clauses mentioned in their contracts oi' concession :
" that which being duly considered, it may pleasc your
" honors to authorise the petitioner to re-unite to his domain
" the said farms, to dispose of the same as he may think fit,
" in observing the formalities required in such cases."
This is the final judgment rendered upon that pétition,
on Ihe first of October 1785. (1)
(C
t(
li
" Bc it known that taking into considération the or-
dinance of the 7th August 1784 rendered by us upon the
pétition prescnted by Simon Sanguinet, Esquirc, scignior
and pro})rietor of the seigniory of Lasalle, stating tliat sc-
" veral farms in the said seigniory hâve been conceded,
" namely to Pierre Poissant &c., &c.,. . . .upon the clauses,
" charges, and conditions of holding hearth and home upon
" the said farms and that the said grantees hâve not to the
" présent time fulfiUed their obligations, our said ordinance
" declaring that in default by the said grantees to hold
" hearth and home upon the said farms within the de.lay
** of one year, for ail prefixion, counting from the day of the
" publication of the said ordinance, \ve should proceed to
" the final reunion of the said lands to the domain of ihc
" said seigniory upoti the certificate of Messrs. Ihe Rectors
{curés) and captains of railitia of the Pari s h of the said
place, that the said gi'antees do not hold hearth and home
upon the said lands, likewise the certificates of François
Glind, public crier, of the 30th August tnat he has published
" the above mentioned ordinance for three consécutive Sun-
" days at the church door immediately after divine service,
" the certificates of sieur AlbertDupuis, c aptain of militia
" of the same place and that of Mr. Lalanne Noty of the twenty
(l) Présent judges John Fraser and llertel de Rouvillc.
il
((
((
(C
417 a
ents &:c.,
mue h as
any way
iccssion :
ase your
s domain
Ihink fit,
es
ti
pétition,
n tbc 01'-
upon tlic
, scii^nior
g that sc-
;onceded,
; clauses,
Dme upon
lot to the
)rdinance
3 to hold
lie dc.lay
ay of the
foceed to
in of llic
Rectors
the said
nd home
rançois
ublished
ive Sun-
service,
militia
c twenty
" eighth of tiie said month, stating that the grantces named
" in the above mentioued ordinance do not hold hearth and
" home upon the said lands, with the exception of Julien
" Vachereau and Antoine Daigneau ; considering also the
" arrêt of the King'.scouncilof State of the sixth of July 1711
" upon the subject of reunions, the whole duly considcred,
" the Court after liaving deliberated, has divested the par-
" ties above named of their righ*. of property in the said
" farms conccded to them in the said seigniory, with the
" exception of the said Julien Vachereau and Antoine Dai-
" gneau who hâve obeyed our said ordinance ; ordains that
" the said farms be and remain re-unitcd to the domain
" thcreof to be by the said Simon Sanguinet, seignior of
" the said place of Lasalle conceded to wiioin and in
" themanner he may deem fit : ordering &c."
X. At Montréal : James Cuthbert, seignior of Berthier,
plaintifF against François ^Barril, senior, and François Bar-
ril, junior. Below is the judgraent of the 27lii August 1790
which was appealed from. As the two décisions are molivéeSj
I think it important to give them at length, without, for that
raison, approving the whole of the motives. That of the
court of appeals makes known the opinion of the Chief Jus-
tice, M. Smith, upon the arrêts of 1711 and upon the extent
of the jurisdiction of the court of common pleas. The judg-
ment of the latter tribunal is in thèse terms : (1)
" The court, havingconsidereditspreparatoryjudgment
" of the 24th March 1787, the différent certificates of publi-
" cations thereof afterwards, and particularly that of Pierre
" Martin dit Pelland and Louis Vadnay, captains of militia
" bearing date the 16th October 1788, and the
" dépositions of the witnesses, the whole duly considered
" and examined, is of opinion :
(I) Présent: Judges, John Fraser, H. de Rouville, P. Panet.
53
418 a
\o. " That thc preparatory judgment and above dated
" has not divested iho défendants ol" thc larms conceded to
*' them, altho' tliey were tliereby compelled to liold hearth
and home upon tlie said farms witliin a year and a day
of the publication of the said judgiïKnit, the pain of for-
feiture being cornminatory and wliich coidd not be pro-
•' nounced until a second définitive judgment.
4;
K
u
(i
((
i(
((
(.
{(
2o. " That tho plaintifT liaving neglectcd to take
légal proceedings against thc del'endants at the
expiration of the year and a day granted to them by thc
said judgment, and having been silent for more tlian two
years, during whieh time the défendants hâve made amé-
liorations, constructed small houses and hâve maintained
the public roads at tlieir own cost and charges, it would
be unjust that the plaintif!" should hâve the benefit of their
labors, through his négligence :
3o. " That fînally the défendants having paid the agent
of the plaintif!' his seigniorial rents for the year 1787, ;:;ub-
sequent to the preparatory judgment of tins court, we must
thence conclude that the plaintif!" looked upon them as
true proprietors of the said lands and was willing to sufl'er
them, {leur donner souffrance).
" From thèse considérations the court dismisses the
•' plaintifl's demand to reunite the farms in question to the
" domain ; in so doing, maintains the défendants in the
" enjoyment and property of the said farms, upon which
" thev shall continue to hold hearth and home. And in as
much as thèse said parties are respectively in the wrong,
there having been negligv.nee on both sides, the court
orders that each party pay his own costs and that those of
the prothonotary's office be paid, each for the one half by
the plaintiff and the défendants."
(I
((
(i
a
u
Relow i? ihe judgment in appea], preccdcd by ihc rca
411) a
ton» s'n-o.n l)y ihe Chief Justice, M. Smith, (I)iind pronoun-
>'cd on 2nd April 1792, in liie Englisli language :
" Tlic appellant was i)laintiirbolow. Tiieobjectofliis
action was the re-acquisition of tlie riglit and possession of
two farnis ofhis soigniory upon tlic cliarge of a want ol' oc-
cupation and cultivation by the deleiulants as his tenants.
The question before the common pieas was whether the
plainliiï had right to such reacquisition. The sentence
" below was that he had not. If he had sucli right, it stands
entirely upon an edict of tlie French King, of Gth July 1711.
il
a
" Without the provision made by that edict, the seigniors,
" rcmcdy on the tenants, failure in cens, rents or covenants,
" was by an action against him or hy saisie censuelle.
" Neither of thèse two modes of relief was pursued and
" the reason is plain because both had results short of the
" plaintifl's views, of being not only paid for the rent in arrear
" but to hâve power to regrant the farms to other tenants.
" When France gave Canada to a company in 1628, it was for
" an exclusive commerce, or the monopoly of the trade of the
" new discovered Country. The company had no tittle to
" the soil until 1G42.
" The idea of planting the country for a dominion and
" an addition to the nationil force didnotbecome a serions
" object, till after the Cro . u was reseized, by the surrender
" of the company in 1663.
" The seigniorics were numerous by 1C72, but the actnal
" settlements being inadéquate to their extent, the Crown
took measures to compel to correspondent cultivation.There
" are divers edicts and laws for thispurpose of the compul-
(1) Présent : His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Alured Clark,
président ; the honorable William Smith, Chief-Justice, M, FinJay, M.
Bahj, M. de Longueuil,
t(
420 a
«
sory course deviseti, was a reassumption of tlie granted but
" unsettled seigniories, or a portion of them 1o tin; royal do-
t(
main
" The edicts and royal déclarations and arrêts of tlie
' conncil of state, to efTect tins annihilation of titlcs an; of
' the 4th Jnno 1672, 4th June 1675, 9th May 1679, 6th Juiie
' (July) 1711, 17th July 1743 and Ist Octobér 1747. Thèse
' laws to be just suppose the seignior in fanlt, for the non-set-
' tlement of the estate granted to him, andthat the seigniors
' had refnsed to make leases or snb-grants. On compel-
' ling the land-lord to people his estate or forfeit lus right to
' the unsettled portions, the French law-giver could not refuse
' the seignior a like rcmedy against his lessees, for the neglect
' of the settlement of the demised farmf-., and this is the
' origin of the 2nd ediet of the 6th July 1711. The conces-
' sions in désert are to be reunited to the seignior's domain.
" According to the laws of the country bcfore the conquest,
" to wit, the arrêts of 6th July 1711 and of Mardi 1732, every
" tenant not commorant upon his concession and neglecting
" to cullivate it for ayear, forfeited his lease and by the edict
" the cognisance of the defauli and the efTectuating the reu-
" nion, was commilted atfirst to Hegon, the Intendant of the
" day, and was exereised by him and his successors Dupuy,
" Hocquart and Bigot, to the time of the concpiest in 1760.
" The patents had been vacatcd before by Begon's j)redeces-
" sors Raudot, Beauharnois, De Champigny, Demeules and
" Dachesneau,^up to Talon the Intendant at issuing the edict
" of 1672. (1)
(1) List of tlie Intendants in Canada, according to the date of tlieir
appointment.
1. M. Robert 1663. He did not corne to Canada.
2. Talon, commission of the 23rd March 1665.
3. M. de Bouteroue,coni. nf the 8th April 1668.
421 a
" What was law at the conquest, is law now, in ail cases
compatible wilh the sovereignty of the conqueror and not
revoked by his authority, or the authority of pariiannent or
by the province ordinances authorized thereby.
" The Chiel" court for securing property and civil riglits
in tins province is the common j)leas ; what isthe extent of its
cognisance is the question ? The whole powers vested in the
French Intendant it certainly lias not, for lie could appoint
to oliices, make laws of polie»; and levy taxes, and repre-
sented the Sovereign in his double character of maker and
executor of the laws, To attribute to the common pleas
such an exlent of powers would therefore be absurd and the
position as untenable , tliat the common pleas might
in no case exercise those branches of his jurisdiction as a
judge that were requisite for the security of the property and
4.
M. Talon, returned to Canada in
1G7U.
5.
M. Ducliesneau, commission 5tl
1 June 1675.
G.
M. de Meulles,
1
May 1GS2.
7.
M. de Cliainpigny,
24.
Apiil 1686.
8.
M. de Jieauharnois,
1
April 1702.
9.
M. llaudot, sr.,
1
Jan. 1705.
10.
M. Ilaudotjjr.,
1
» (i
Tlie lalter was tliiis named to fulfîl the duties of his father in
" his absence, sickness or otlier legitiraate preventative, even
in his default."
11. M. Begon, commission 31st Mardi 1710.
12. M. Chazel, he was lost on the voyage coming to Canada,
[Garneau, t. 2, p. 369.]
13. M. Dupuy, commission of the 23rd !November 1725.
14.. M. Hocquart 21ih Fehruary 1731. Although M. Garneau
inakes him arrive in Canada iu 172 >, v. 2, p. 380. His
commission describes him as being already " commissary
gênerai of the marine, commander {ordonnateur') m Cana-
da."
15. M. Bigot, commission of the Ist January 1748. He was the
last Intendant.
422 a
Pivil T\p\\U of iUn snbjiM't, powrrfl trusled wliully to no oin?
court, but. |)arcnll(!(l ont îiiiionij^st tliciii ; andwith tli(! slinio to
tlie Int(!n(lîint's court wliieli g.'ivo a relief bel'ore liiiti to be
hacl in lia olher court,
" In ronnions to tho soiirniorial (lomain, tlic Inleiidiint
brid aiUliority alone, but in tlie nuinioti of scM^niorics to tli<;
royal domain, tlio (iovernor'.s co-uperation wa.s neecssary
from theyear l(i7G. (1)
" TIk; decvocs prononnccd licrc in tlio rontrovorsies rcla-
lini^totlie Cliureliesand pursonaijff; liouses of tlie Farisli of ]\Ta-
cliielie (5 November 1787,) and \ouv(dle Heauee (ô.Ianuniy
1789) i)rooerded on tlic distinction just now suj^gestcd. Tlio
Court of common plca?» ni()>;t (îortainly cannot exercise tlie
aulliorily of tlie Freneli Intendant in lei^isla'.ion, as in levios
of moncy and tlie vindications of tho magistratic antliorily,
ngainstthe claims of tlic Frencli Clcrgy, or of botli tlie (iai-
lican Crown and Chureh, against tho encroachnients of lli"
see of Romo. Tlie interposition of the common plens for
eflectuating tho ccclesiastical taxations aforo mentioncd
were therclbrc unauthorizcd by the law as it stood at that
time, and the dccrces in appeal, were virtually conlirmed
by the latc ordinanco vesting tho Govornor witli the aiithori-
ty the Intendant had exercised respecting tho assessment
of the Parishioners for Churches and presbytères or parson-
nges houses and Globes. This Court's admission tiiereforc,
and the powcr of tho common pleas, over the reunions exé-
cutable by tho Intondant, will bo in no degree répugnant to
(1) M. Garneau, car» invoke M. Cugnet's extracts p. fjl : " Onlin-
ance of M. Ilocquart, Intendant, of tlie 22nd November 1729,
Edits and Ord. in-8o. v. 2, p. 337, Ordinauce of 7th Dec. 1729, of
" Gilles Ilocquart, counsellor of the King in his Councils, Inlc7idant
" of Justice, police and finances in new France."
2nd vol. " Seig. Doc. " p. 129. Ord : of M. Ilocquart of the Uth
October 1729.
423 a
tlie udjudit niions atore iiu-ntioiicil and the déniait)! il vvoiild
I«?rivc tlio now brltisli witliout tlio rt.'iin.'dy grunted tu Jhw
Fn-ncli Hoigniors. Tlio objection llial tlio défendants bolow
^^■oro not snininoned to tlio court lias no \vei<^lil, tliat l)ciiig
curod i^y tlioir aotual uppoarancc! and tlel'ence. And llio' tlio
cotninoii pleasliad prooc^cdedAvitli rnoro rct,nilarity, il'llie par-
tic* iiad bfi'n driven to written |)lea(lini;H fora clear issue in
fict, tlie ground of exception, on lliat account, is weak, botli
parties appearing to be appriscd lliat tlic controversy tiirned
iipon tlic cn(iuiry respectini^ the «se niade of tlie farnis, and
lliere lieiny; a niutual voluntary recoiir.so to paroi oxaniina-
tionsi upon tlie main point in controversy.
" 'l'Iic validity of the sentence of the common ph^as,
inust tlierci'ore turn upon the incompetency of the plainlill'.s
proofto sustain the charge of lorfeiture, and a conséquent
right to the reunion lie claimed. If the proof was fuU, the
sentence niust be reversed and such judgment be pronoun-
ced hère a» ought to hâve been rendered below. If it fell
short of what the law made nocessary, the judgment must
be confirmed. But if this Court is left at an uncertainty, as to
the proof before the court below, we hâve no other course
in dispensing Justice than to put the lower tribunal, in a
condition to remove the doubts by a reversai of the pré-
sent sentence and u remission of llie cause.
" The Icases the défendants held by are in 17G5. The pro-
secution for non settlement in 1790, The commorancy and
cultivation are not shewn to be older than 1788. If that is
fact, the right to a reunion may hâve incurred above twenty
years before, ihe term allowed for settlement expiring in
1706.
" Had the défendants explicitly confessed in the plea-
dings that the farms continûed derelict and in désert, for that
period, the action had beenfully maintained and judgment
sliould havc passed for the plainlifl' ; but such confession
42'1 a
iliiTc isiiot, luul llicrr Immiii; no «•crliliculc o( llic parsoii o(
llic l''iri.s|i nnd Iwo cîipilMins ol' llir iiiililiii (wliicli Ity llir
l'idicl w.'is II) snilicc lo drive llic IciimiiI Io »'t)iilr:iiiiinl proof )
lo lu' toiiild iti \\\r :i|)()stillMs, tllc pl:iitltiir wlio :id«lil('*<d but
onc wilucsM caniiol «'xpccl more llinii ii rciiiis.sidii ol die
CIUINC.
" 'l'iic pi(>Nomi)l!«»n iVom die piipiTs snit iip, diat siicli a
(•(•rlilif:ilt> \\\rrc wiis ludorc lliccoiirl ludow, Jind ol' die loHi4
dcndirhou ol llit> lin'as, comptds to .sucii nMuissioii ; loras lo
die plaiiililTs icfcipis ol airrars of cens cl icnl»' li»!' 1787,
dio' dicy discliari;»" iVoni llial d<d)l dicy faiTl cxlini^tiisli llir
disliiicl rii^lil lo irstiliition lor llic dclaidl ol" si'tllciuciil loiiii-
i\vd iipoii an cxpicss l;i\\, and lliat sH|i|.orltMl hy llif i^cnc-
ral policy oT pcopliiit; die provimt» and llic juslicc ol savinij;
die landlord iVotu thc !oss ol lus s(Mi;ni»)ry diro'' llif nc^lccl
o( liis ItMianls, wJHMit'vcr llir C'rowti lliout;iil propcr lo iiifsi.sl
npoii llu' lalrh in llic scii^nioiy.
" Thcsc nMnarks madt> ini'oidonuily lo die onlinancc <»f
17.S7 will snilict' U) slit>\v die main loundalion ol die dccri'c
in apiu'al, whicli is,
" That thr parties h\ tlieir Counstd bcing Inily iKMird, il
is by tlio i'«)nsidtMalion ol" tins courl adjiuigoil lliat \hc sen-
tence btdow lu' rev(Mst>il, biil willioul costs o( appi-al to
citlit'rpavty ; andihal tlie »'ausi*aiui }>roo('rdini;s bc riMuilU'd,
lor siu'li l'urlhor pvoriH'diiii,' in tlit* t'on\nu)n pli'as, as law
and .luslice luay vrijuirc. (I)
(1) lu tlir l'ollmviniï oxtraot ol" I>is Uoporl of llie 'i7lh l'\>l)niary
ITlM, alrrady citoil, Atlonioy CJcnoral INloiik aihulos to tins case:
" Tho Chiel* Courl for socuring iho proporly ami civil riiilils of iho
'* svil'jcd is tlu' court of oonunon plcas. Tho wliolc powcrs veslcil in
" the Intoiulant are not. ccrtainly, traiisforrcil to that court ; for, tli<>
" Intoiulant coulil appoint to ortîcos. niakc laws of polico and Icvy taxes ;
" but I ain of opinion that Ihe court of commou pleas is vested xvitli
425 a
il inool")
ii-«m1 l»nl
i ol" lh<"
ni suclt :i
llic Ions;
Un !»s lo
loi- ns7,
Tuish llu'
icul lotui-
)!' s;ivini;
II) insisl
iii;in('(> of
|1h> scu-
ippca
1 lo
wmiltiHi,
as law
l'obnvavy
case
■s vestinl in
; loi-, th.-
jlovy taxes ;
IcsteJ witl>
Tlic causn wîi.s a second liiiH' lakcn lo tlic courl of ap-
|)(!als, by iIk' sci^iiior avIiosc action liad Ix'cii (lismisscd.
Tlic ind^niciil was coiiliniicd hy llic comi olappcals oiillic
îsJOlli .laniiary I7!)(). (1) 'l'Iic rcasons givcn l>y tlu; conri arc
lh(!sc : " Tliis is a pcnal action (oniidcd iipon an arrrt ol"
tlic (5tli .liily 171 I, wliicli ordaiiiM " and as tlic c,i-
" lidcalcs, prodiiciMl in évidence, ^'iveii hy llie ca|)lains ol
" inilitia l)eaiini; date llic Hîtli Ocloher I7.SH slate only llial
'^ tliey (oiind " personne tenant leii et lien " on llie place
*•' in (piestion ; and as tlie ccrlilieatiî ^iven hy the curé
'■^ bcariii;^' date the lOlh OcIoIkt 17î)(), and lilicwisc prodn-
" eed in évidence states only llial. iione of liis parisliioneis
" "■ //'<'/»./ /iwf <7 //*'»/," on iIk" prcniises, and neitlier of tli(«
'' said cerlilicates contains any avernu'nt rcsjxrclinfj; ihe cnl-
'■'■ livation olllie iands, nor stale ihal fliey arc IioI(1(mi " .sv/z/.v
"• les mrltrc en râleur'''' as l)y llie arrêt is nupiiri^d. Tliis
court is of opinion llial tlie penalty by tlic said arrêt, iti-
llictcd caniiot br. cnloreed on siicli dc(ecliv(! évidence,
and llial. tlicrclbre llic jud^ijincnl of tlic C^onrl, l)clow
"• to "^^ dcbonter le demandeur cl le condamner aux Irais"
•■' (wlialever nuisons liave heen assiiçncd lor the same) was
" \V(dl ioundcd and ourdit lo bc supporled.
XI. Al Montréal ; Court ol" Kin,i>;\s liencli. Tlie Jlon-
J. D. K. J.emoin»; de Longutmil, scdijfnior ol' Souian^M's,
against Jiasilc JJagenais ; judgment, 2()tli Fcbruary 1790 :
" The Court. .. . considcring that il is estal)lislied by
" iho déposition of witncsscs that the said défendant does
" tlioso brandies of hisjuri.sdictioii as a jmlge, wliidi lie lield for (lie
" secuiity of tlie property anil civil riglils of the subject; and lliis lias
" been lately adjudgod in tlie Provincial Court of apiieuLs, in the case
" of Culhbcrt vs liazil " (liarril).
(1) Présent :The Honorable M. Osgoodc, Cbief-.lustice, président ;
the Lord Tîùshop of Québec, Frs. Baby, John Lees, John Young,
Pierre Amabh; De Bonne.
54
420 a
i.
u
si
K.
4i
not hokl liearili and hotne upon ihc iaud describod in ihc
déclaration, ihat Ihere liave been iraprovements liereto
Ibre made thereon, but that it is not now actually made
productive and is entiroly abandoncd, orders that in de-
fault by tlie défendant or some ono for liim to makc tlie
said farm productive and to hold heartli and liome thereon
within the delay of one year to coimuence from the publi-
cation and advertisement of the présent judgment at the
church door of the place where the above mentioned land
iii situate, immediately after divine service, and upon
légal proof of such default the Court will proceed to the
final reunion of ihe said land to the domain of plaintiff'.s
seigniory."
The final judgment of reunion was pronounced on the
25th April 1797. (1)
XII. At Montréal : Court of King's Bench, Constant
Cartier, plaintift', against the Baronessde Longueuil, widow
of David Alexander Grant, and others, défendants,
According to the allégations of tho plaintiff's déclara-
tion, Mr. Grant employed as his agent or prête-nom Busby,
one of the défendants, as well as the said Louis Honoré
Joubert, to make sales of lands in his seigniory. Whena far-
mer asked him a farm in concession, lie at once passed a
deed of concession to one of thèse two individuals, and the
latter afterwards made a deed of sale to the farmer, who by
thèse means, found himself obliged to pay sums of money
to the seignior, to obtain the landhe wasdesirous of having.
The plaintiff allèges that on the 12th May 1800, Mr. Grant
had agreed to sell him a wild land {en bois debout) of 12 by
(1) Présent, the chief justice [Monk] and justices Walker and
Paiiet.
At the same time Mr. de Longueuil obtained four other judgmeuts
of reunion against Jaccjues Charlebois, Joseph Poirier dit Delog<>,
Charlotte Chaniv>cnoi'?, veiivp Prieur, et Etienno ChateK
427 a
in thc
licrcto-
made
in cle-
kc the
Lhcreon
; publi-
t at the
ed land
d upon
d to tlic
aintifV'si
l on thc
Constant
, widow
declara-
Busby,
Honoré
iienafar-
passed a
and the
who by
)f money
If having.
[iv. Grant
of 12 by
talker and
judgmeuts
iit Delog«^,
28 arpents, subjert to the oliargo of certain seigriiorial rents
consisting of " one soltouriiois, money of France, for each ar-
pent in supcrficie.s, " one half minot of nicrcliantable wheat for
" eaeh twenly arpents in superficies, and three sols tournois
" of cens for tlie said land.... and moreover for the price
" and suni of 4400 livres old ciirrency " on aceount of which
snm the plaintifl' Iiad already paid the défendant Thomas
lîusby for the seignior, 1200 livres.
With a view to évade the arrêts of 1711 and 1732, Mr.
Grant made a contrat of concession à cens of this land to his
préte-nom Busby ostensible grantee, by deed of the 30th
May 1800, before Chaboillcz, notary, and on the 13lh June
following, Busby passes a deed of sale thereof to the plain-
tif!' for the price of 4400 livres, acknowledging having al-
ready received 1200 livres on aceount. On the Glh Mardi
1802, the plaintifF pays INIr. Grant the lods et ventes upon
the purehase money, and on the Gth July 1804, lie hands 1o
Busby, for his seignior, the balance of the purehase namely
3200 livres, with interest from the l'3th October 1800.
By his conclusions Mr. Cartier prayed that it be de-
clared, lo that Mr. Grant was obliged to concède the above
mentioned farm and could not sell it upon pain of nullily o(
the deed of sale, of the restitution of the price, and of llic
reunion of the same pleno jure to His Majesty's domain ;
2o that tue said deed of the 30th May 1800 (deed of con-
cession to Busby) was a simulated act, as well as the deed
of sale of the 13!h of June by Busby to plaintiti'; 3o that
Grant and Busby wcre bouud to restore the sums of money
thus paid by tiie plaintitf, and that the said land was reunited
pleno jure lo His Majesty's domain, ujion the same condi-
tions plaeed upon the other conceded lands in the said Ba-
rony of Lougueuii - finally concluding that the défendants
be condemned jointly and severally to restitutc and pay to
the plaintifF the said sum .... upon the condition ihat the
Cl
428 a
said plaintiff pay for the future to His Majesty's Receiver Ge-
neral in this province, or such other person as His Majesty
may authorize to that effect, the same charges that are pla-
cée! upon the other conceded lands in the said barony of
Longueuil.
Cartier's action had been instituted in the month of
May 1810. On the 5th June following, Mr. Bedard, the
plaintifT's attorney, gives notice to"Stephen Sewell Esquire,
His Majesty's Solicitor General for the province of Lower
Canada " that he has brought an action against the défen-
dants," in the resuit of which the Crown is interested, and
" that on Friday the eighth day of June instant, the day of
" the return of the said action before the said Court of
King's Bench, he shall make application to the judges of
the said Court, that the Crown officers be informed that
" the said cause is pending in Court, to the end that they
" may intervene and take such conclusions as they shall
" think proper."
((
((
On the 8th June 1810, Cartier prays " that as the Crown
is interested in the resuit of this case, it may please the
" Court to order that the Crown law officers be notified that
" this case is actually pending in this Coiirt, that they may
intervene, if they think proper, and take such conclusions
as they shall deem fit ;" upon this, it is ordered " that the
plaintiff take such means as he may be advised to notify
" the Crown officers."
u
((
u
II
On the 9th October 1811, the défendants contest the ac-
tion by a demurrer, défense au fonds en droit, and a gênerai
dénégation, défense au fonds en fait. And on the 19th April
1813, after having heard the parties upon the first of thèse
pleas, the Court décides against the défendants, and orders
that the parties proceed to the proof (enquête) of the facts
mentioned in plaintiff 's déclaration. (1)
(1) Présent, Monk, diief justice, Ogden, Reid, Foucher, justices.
429 a
ver Ge-
Majesty
are pla-
rony of
lonth of
ird, the
Esquire,
■ Lower
e defen-
ted, and
e day of
Court of
udges of
ned that
bat they
hey shall
Crown
ease the
ified that
ley may
iclusions
that the
to notify
t the ac-
general
E)th April
of thèse
nd orders
the facts
ustices.
An interlocutory judgment of the 19th October 1814,
orders that uie enquête be fixed for the 2nd day of Decem-
ber then next, and permits the plaintift" to examine the de-
fendants on faits et articles.
On the Ist B^'ebruary 1815, Cartier prays that the interro-
gatories {faits et articles) served upon three défendants be
taken as acknowledged and'confessed, by reason of their
negleet in not appearing to answer the same. On their
part, the défendants prétend that they cannot be held to
answer to the interrogatories submitted to them, as thèse
are not pertinent and illégal.
On the lOth April following, the Court déclares the in-
terrogatories to be pertinent and orders that the défendants
be held to answer thereto the first day fixed for the exami-
nation of witnesses in vacation, without any further sum-
mons. (1)
An appeal is instituted by the défendants, from tliis
last décision which is reversed by a judgment of the 30th
July 1817. (2)
It is a question of the pertinence of the interrogatoires
upon Faits et Articles, which is decided hère, and not the
right of action of the plaintili'. On ihe contrary this right of
notion, which could only be bascd upon the first arrêt of
the Gtli July 1711 and that of the 15th March 1732, is ac-
knowledged in this case, expressly by the judgments of the
court of Montréal, upon the demurrer a id upon the obligation
to answer to the Interrogatories upon j ^aits et Articles and,
tacitly by the judgment of the court of appeals. Is it to be
supposed that, if the two arrêts in question, had, at that
time, ceased to be in force, eitherby désuétude or otherwise,
(1) Présent, Monk, chief justice, Ogden, Reid, Foucher, justices.
(2) Présent, Sewell, chief justice, and MM. Young,] Irwine, Mure
and Smithj
4:]0 a
ihc* Phiintill" woiilil liavti l)Pen perinitled tu go oiî willi liis
case? Tlie idca of ^ucli a thing is a shindcr ii|)(m iIm'
judges of tlie^ic two tribunnls ; bccanso jt Avonld ho. an ae-
cusation of a cnlpable ignoianeo oï tlie sliilii of \hc, law,
and a slill iiiore culpabh^ indillercnee, in llie éxecution
of tlieir duli(!S.
The ]a\v gave Cartier a right of action ; for ihe success
of his suit, hc required, eillier a coni])lete avouai of tlic facts
by tlie adverse party, or a commencement of proof in writing.
It appcars tliiit, under tlie circunstances, lliis commence-
ment of proof coiùd not be acquired by liini but by means
an examination oftlic défendants upon Faits and Arlicles.
The court of Montréal, admitting the right of action, Avas
consistent with itself, when it decided in favor of the exami-
nation upon Faits et Articles, since it was one of the means,
and even the only way, in the particular case, to assure the
plaintiifof the benefit of a principle which it sanctioned.
As much cannot be said of the court of aj)peals, which, by
sending back tlic cause to the court of original jurisdiction,
to continiie the proceedings, admitted the same principle,
the right of action, but which, at the same time, refusedlhe
application of the only efficient rcmedy. It is décisions of
this kind which may hâve given cause to think that thèse
tribunals, had rcfused or had abstained from making the ap-
plication of the arrêts in question. (1)
(1) I hâve rL'ason to believe that at the same time, there were two
other suits against the Baroness ùe Longueuil, similar to that of Cai lier
and which had the same rcsult. One of thèse suits must hâve heen
ihat of Jean Terrien. Not being ahle to fiiid ihe P.ocoicl, 1 cannot
give an analysis of them. After the judgment of the court of appoals
it was impossible to carry on thess contestations ; since the commence-
ment of proof in writing v!\\ic\\ was absolutely neces>ary, dependcd
upon the examination of the défendants upon Faiu ci Articles', an
examination which the Court of Appeals had refused.
! exami-
nai a
XJH. Al Qihibet', Ci)tnt ol' Kiiig's Bt;iieli ; cusi; o( Du
bois vs. Culdwoll, of the saniL- kind as tlie preceding onf:
(locided In 1820, meniioned p. 508 ortlie lirr^t volntiic oCtlie
'' Rcviui de législation, etc.," p. 20G of Ihe second volume
iuid reported at lenglii in llie " Lower Canada Reports" in
ilio case of Langlois vs Martel, v. 2, p. 44.
" Tins action, say.s tlie Court at Qviebec, is Ibundcd
" iipon one of the clauses of the ari'ct of Gtli July 1711, wliich
" déclares tliat ail seigniors, etc., etc. This lawmust be as-
" sirnilated to a pénal statute, sotliat the plaintift', to succeed,
" finds himsolf comprised witliin tlie leller of tlie law. The
" ai'rét requires, in the first place, lliat tlie seignior be sum-
" moned to concède at the ordinary rent in his seigniory,
" and ui)on no other considération, and the rccoursc which
" it grants can only be taken advantage of in the case of a
" refusai. As the déclaration does not allège any such
" summons nor such refusai, it is defective in an esscntial
" point and the défense en droit must be maintained." The
Court of Québec must then hâve considered the first
urrét of 1711 as being in full force.
XIV. At Montréal : case of Sir John Johnson against
John S. Hutchins, decided upon the 20th April 1818, and
in appeal, on the 20th January 1821 and analysed in number
196 ofmy observations upon Cens et rentes. The seignior
himself ackowledged that it was not permitted to sell seig-
niorial hmds in a wild state. Several other causes, which
I there cited, prove that the tribunals were far from rcgarding
ihe arrêts of 1711 and 1732, as fallen in desitetude and
having ceased to hâve the force of law ; among others, the
cases of Cuvillier against Stanley and Burton opposant ;
McCallam against Grey ; Guichaud against Jones.
XV. At Québec, Court of King's Bench : Bertrand,
pcjgnior of I?^le-Ve^te against Rouleau, curator; judgment
?)'
432 a
of the 20th April 1827, reuniting to the domain of the seig-
gnior.
XVI. At Québec; Court of Queen's Bench (1) Mrs.
M. R. Eckart, seignioress of St. Charles d'Aubin de l'Isle,
against Gaspard Veilleux ; judgment of the 21st May 1744,
reuniting to the domain of that seigniory. (2)
XVII. Hère follows an analysis of the facts and argu-
ments in the two cases mentioned in notis under the num-
ber 341.
The first is that of Lavoie, jr., plaintif!', against the Ba-
roness de Longucuil, défendant, returned in June 1818.
According to the allégations of the déclaration :
lo. The défendant was bound : " as weli by the deed
" of concession of the Barony of Longueuil, as by the law
" in force in this province, to concède to the inhabitants
" of this country, upon their demand to that effect, the
" lands ungranted and in a wild state upon a rent-
charge, and upon the same Icrms and conditions as the
other lands which hâve been granted in the said Barony,
without being cntitled to ask any sum of money for con-
sidération of such grant or concession, on pain of being
deprived of ail right of property in the lots of land of
which the grant or concession is so demanded."
a
i(
a
((
((
a
(1) Présent, the honorable Justices Panet and Bedard.
(2) Since thèse notes were written, I hâve had the opportunity of
seeing judgments of reunion to the domain of seigniors in several other
cases, among others the following :
1780, 16th March. Geneviève Sicard, veuve Duchény, " proprie-
tor of fief Carufel" against Pierre Frelan and two other censitaires.
1780, 16th March. Joseph Neveu, seignior of Dautray and La-
noraie against Nicolas Beaubien.
1780, 15th June. The Revd. Jésuit Fathers, seigniors of La-
prairie de la Magdelaine against Jérôme Chapuis dit Dauphiné and
two other censitaires.
433 a
2o. In May 1815, tliero was a certain lot of land in thc
said Barony, in a place indicatcd, ol' OU by 26 arpents in a
wild State and unconcedcd.
3o. The Plaintiir and twentv other inliabitants " beine:
" desirons ofestablishing themsflves tlicreon and luaking
" the sain(î productive, accordinn; to law," iiad, in tlie said
montli of ISlay 1815, demanded l'roui tlie agcnl ol' the défen-
dant, the said lot of land in concession, at a rent charge,
upon the snxnv. terms and conditions as the other lots of
land liad been grantcul in the Barony of J^ongueuil," the
said plainlitr specially describing the part of the lot lie was
désirons of obtaining nnder thèse conditions, naniely, 4 by
28 arpents.
But the agent refuser! to inakc tliis concession.
•lo. On the 5th Angnsf 1815, the plaintilf had procee-
ded, accompanied by two notariés, to thc uianor house of
the défendant, and had duly iK)litit!(l lier that, in the nionth
of may preceding, he had niade a demand of the concession
which interested hini, to M. Busby, and that the latter had
refused to givc it. " In conséquence \vhcreof he the plain-
" tifi' then and tlierc (to w it at the said manor honse on the
" 5tli August 1815) in tlie présence of the said notariés, in
" speaking to Charles Grant, Esquire, son of the défendant,
" in lier absence, had praycd, summoned and required the
" said défendant to concède to hirn thc said lot of land
" above described, and containing 4 by 28 arpents, at a rcni
" charge and npon tiie same terms and conditions as the
" other conceded lands in thc saitl Barony of Longuenil
" are subject to, notifying lier, that in default of lier so do-
" ing, he the plaintilf protested against lier, for ail such
" costs and damages as he miglit sulicr, and ihat he would
" taka proceedings in law, to obtain the said extent of
" land, in concession, al a rent charge, and upon ihe same
55
4'M a
"■ lerfll^. and conduions as llic ulluîr coiicccUhI laiiils m ilu
" «aicl Uuioiiy ot LongiUMiil an; siihjoît lu."
Tlu! Jefondanl. luid rolused lo miikt; him tlic concession
Ihu.s demandcd.
Tm). — TIk; plaintiir, belicvini,' in good l'aitli, lliat by
nicans oC his domand, hy hiin madc IVoni tho snid Thomas
Busby, ofllit! ,said loi ol' land in concession, ho hada veshul
right, l)y Ihc hiw, lo thc waid lotoI'Jand, liad cntered inlo
possession thcreol', in iho iiionth of May 1815, had (;lc;ared
tho front road, in confoiinity lo ihc j)roccs-vcrbal oi llie Grand
V'oyer, as well as a pari of Ihc said farm.
Glh. — In Fobruary 181G, tho défendant had ])roseciitcd
for ihe recovery of ihc land (en complainte et rCinlcgrandii) ;
and thaï by a judgment of ihc 17lh April 1817, he had bcen
condemncd lo abandon tho said lot, and lo pay lo ihe seig-
nioress, Iwo pounds currency for costs and damages.
7o. — On ihe 13tli Junc following, llie jilaintilF, in obé-
dience to tho judgmont, a copy of which had bcen notiiied
lo him, only on thc 31st IMay preceding, had abandoncd ihu
possession of thc above-mcnlioned land.
80. — The next day, namely, on tho Ht h Jnnc 1817, thc
l)lainlifFhad notiiied thc défendant, by ihc ministry of Mire.
Doncet, and two witncsses, that in obédience lo tho judg-
mont, he had abandoncd ihe said lot, and ihal he was ready
to pay thc amount of llie condcmnalion money laid against
him, as well in principal as costs, if thc défendant wonld
inform him ihc amount Ihereof, which neverlheless she had
refused to do.
9o. On thc 7lh April 1818, he had paid defendant's at-
torncy £10 on account of thc judgment and had always
bcen ready lo poy ihc balance.
icls in tli(
onccssion
, lliiil by
I Thomua
II il vcst(;d
tered iiito
(1 cliitired
tlic (jimiid
)roseciitcd
'cgrande) ;
! had bccn
3 tlic seig-
cs.
ff, in obc-
n nolilicd
Idoncd llic
1817, tlio
of Mire.
thc judg-
:as ready
Id against
Int wonld
she had
lanl'8 at-
alwavs
'
435 a
lOo. — Fnrllicr, on tlic 1 lili day of Jiinc 1HI7, llic jdnin
ùflliad in iIk; prcsonco ol' llio notary Doiici-t and two wit
ncsses, " piaycd, iv((uin'd, suiniiioncd and notiliod anovv,
tin; said delendanl, to coiiccde to Iiiiii at a vcnt-cliargc, and
" upon tlio .xamo tcnns and conditions as lliose iipon wliicli
" llio otlicr concoded land.s in tlic said liarony of iiongucuil
" an; granted, tlie said lot of land wliit-li lie liad demanded
" in concession, thc said liiili day of Angust 1815, by noti-
" fying lier, that in driaiilt of lier su doing Ik; wonld tako
" sucli légal proceedingstoobtain it, as autliorized by law,"
wliicli tlie défendant had again refused.
llo. — In conséquence of tlie laets aljovcî mentioned tlie
plaintiffalleged tlial he was well founded iu suing tlie do
fendant and in demanding lliat she be condenmed to con-
cède thc said k)t of land to hini, upon tlie penalty iinposed
by law, and morcover, to pay hiin cClOU for his d;unages.
12o. Conclusion. That tlie défendant be condemned
to concède to the plaint ill", tlie said lot of land, " at a rent-
" charge upon thc saine terms and conditions <as the olher
" coneeded lands in thc said Barony of Longui'uil an; grar-
" ted and to exécute in favor of the j)laintift"a good title of
" the concession thereof and before a notary, witliin the de-
" lay of iifteen days, and on d(3fault of lier soconeeding the
" said lot of land to the said Plaintilï as above mentioned
" and in a propcr fonn, and before notary witliin the said
" delay, the judginent to be rendered by liic Court, be held
" as a ffood deed of concession of the said lot of land to the
" plaintif}", upon the condition, that the plaintiff pay to His
" Majesty's receiver gênerai, in tliis province, the saine rights
" and dues as are ])aid ])y the grantees of the olher lands
" coneeded in the said lîarony of Longueuil ; to the cxclu-
" sion of the défendant, lier heirs and assigns, who shall
" havc no claim of any kind whatsoever upon the same,
" and fmally, that the défendant do pay thc said sum of £100
" to thc plaintiir as damages. . . .
436 a
Mr. Jamos Stnnrt (1) plciulini,' lor tlu' (U'frndîint filcd ;i
pirîi fo iIk; jiirisdiction exception ihidinaloire^ in tlicMr
Word» :
" 'Plie said dcli'iulanl lor iwcvplion (h clinafoire to iIkî
" jurisdii'tioti ol tliis Court, sailli tliat tiiis (Joiirl caiinol aiid
" ()iiu;lit Ilot to lalvc t'ojijilizaiicL' of ilir luattcrs tlic siihjcef.
'■'■ ot llici said aeliori of llu; said .loscpli Lavoic, in as iimcli
'' as tliat in Ilot ol' lia' coi^ni/ancc iior of tlic jiirisdictioii ol'
" tliis Court and tliaf. it cantiot nnidcr any judgnient on lliat,
'' hcliall'."
On the lOth Ai)ril 1820, (2) " the Court aftcr liaving
'' licard tlx; parties, by llicir attorncys, iipon tlic exception
'•'• déclinotoire ol" llic di-fcndant, to tlio jurisdiction of tliis
" Court, dismisses the said (.-xccption witli rosts." (3)
(1) Sir .lames Stuiirl. aflt-iwards cliior justice oC tlie Court of King's
Beiicli, aiul wlio (lied iii llie yoar IS;")iJ.
(2) Présent, justices lleiil and ]''oiiclipr.
(3) Tlie foUowinii^ arc tliu grounds of tliu décision, as
given by Mr. justice Reid.
Tlie Defendiint ploaded to tlie .lurisdiction ol" the Court tliat the
deinand in question was not williin lluiir co^nizance.
Under tliis plea Mr. Stuart for the défendant contended tliat the arrêt
of 1711 on which the action was founded liad hucorne a dead lelter and
could not now be executed as the olVicers who were authorized to do
so under the French (ioveriimcnt no Ioniser oxist. 'l'Iiat the question
hère involves two points, i'irst a juJicial authoritj to asccrtain the de-
tault or refusai of the seignior and the sutlicieucy or insulliciency of lus
reasons for such refusai, and secondly, au executive power on the part
of the Crown to make tlie grant domanded upon such default of the
seignior; on Ihis account the above arrêt united the judicial and executive
power of the Orown liy authori/ing the " Couvtrneur Lieutenant Cié-
néral et l'Intendant du dit pays" to hear, détermine and niake ail such
graiils, erecting for this purpose a spécial .Turisdiction over ail such
niatters, out of tl.e usual ;;n<l coininon course of pioceeding before the
courts of ordinary iuris.in lion. l'hat tliis court however far as it may
uiiint filcd !i
rc, ili tli«;s«'
aloire to tlio
l tiinnol iind
^ \\\V Slll)j('Ct.
, iii as iiiiu'li
irisdiclioii ol'
lueiit on lluil
al'UT liiiving
lie exception
tîtion of tins
ts." (ti)
Jourt of King's
décision, as
Court that the
tliat the arrêt
cload letter and
ithorized to do
;it tlie question
("itain tlie de-
IlicitMicy of lils
ver on the part
default of the
and executive
lieutenant Gé-
inake ail such
over ail such
iff before the
far as it may
^137 a
Ou iK; 5tli Jïine 18 jl), Mr. Seweli a|)|)eared for tlic dn-
conceivr itself l'ompiMeiit to tieterimm: upon llie validity of lliu extiiM»'
to 1)6 olfered by the défendant iii this cau^e, yet certainly are ve>ted
with iiii jiovver to niaUe a ^rant tu the pfiintilV in the luune of thu
( rown, whicli is llit' principio ohjecl of the roniudy sou^-Jil lor hy the
plauitilV in this notion.
lîedanl. for ihi' plainlilY, cDiitended tlmt this court rossesved nll the
authority at least the Juiiiciil iiuthority, which were postesscd hy the
( lovernor and Intendant, under the l'rench ( iovennnent. 15y tlir 2d
sec. of the .hidicalure AcI, ail iiowers in rerrard of detemuning and
adjud^inp upon civil rii;hls, is vested in the Jud^es of the Court of
King's JJencli. 'Chat tho ohject deinanded hy thii présent action is a
civil rij^ht to which the l'IaintilTis entitled by tlie laws of the Countiy
and it would he a faiUire of .Instice if there exislcd no ineans to enforce
this r'\<r\\t ; that before ihe existence of the (irr<f/. of 171 1 tin- habitants
liad a riglit to apply to lus ■Maji'sty''s Courts in Canada, to obtain a
concession froni the scignior in case he sliould \vrongfuHy wiihhdid
it, because the seignior held his lands' froin the Crown, upon lli's ex-
press condition of inaking concessions and grant^^ to tlie censilairc,
The oliject ofthis action is not to obtain a grant froin the Crown,
nor froiu the Court in tlic nanii' of the (.'rowii, but to divcst the de-
fendant of lier riglil over the lot of laud in rpiestioi; and that the saine
be held by the plainiilV aceumitablt! lo the Crown for ail the rights
and profits that may becoine due thercon, and tins the court lias the
power to adjudge under the Judieatiire Act.
By the ('ourt;tlie first point to be considered is wlietherthe power
giveii by the King hy the arri'L of 1711 was judieial or «as merely
an authority einanating i"ioin the 8overcign as the seigneur S7(zcrain.
The words of this ar>-rl would iinpiy the latter iiieaning and construc-
tion, as it is thereby ilirecled that on the refusai of the scignior to grant
lands to tho tenants, they would apply to tlu; " (Jouvcrneur et Lieute-
nant Général et P Intendant du dit pays, auxquels Sa Majesté ordonne
(le concéd' r aux dits habitants les terres par eux demandées" and
which ^eems to coiiteniplate no course of judicial proceoding but con-
tains the mandate ot the Soveieign to liis servants to exécute bis
will in this respect. JJut if we consider tho more explicit and clcar
tenns and dispositions of the " Déclaration di, lloi concernant les con-
438 a
rendant, in llie place of Mr. Stnarl ; and on tlic 12lli oftho
cessions dans les colonies," of tlie 17 July 17i3, we tliere fuul a similar
autliority vesled In llic "(Touverneur, et Lioutenant-dénéral et l'Inten-
dant, but licrc tliey arc to proceed as judges under ceitain forms, to
hear tlio contestation bcfore iheni, and to adjudgo tlicreon, and Irom
llieir judgmcnt an appeal was given to thc îSuperior Council.
Tlio Jui'isdiclion liere given was tlierefore a Jurii^dictioii rxtraordi-
iiaire, as being for a particular purpose and distingiiislied fioin tliat
attributed to tlie ordinary Courts of the Country. Tliis .lurisdiction
■\vas erocted by Sovereign autliority and was exercised by cfliciers
named and appointed by tbe Crown ; it was tlierefore a part of the
Justice Iloyale wliich prevailcd in the country and as sucli ihis Court
is vested witli the authority it exercised, under the Judicalurc Act
3-ith Geo. m. ch. 1 sec. 8, by which it is enacted " Thut the Courts
" of King's Bench shall respectively in the superior ternis aforcsaid
" hâve full power and .lurisdiction and be compétent to hear and deler-
*' mine ail plaints, suits and demands of what nature soever which
" niight hâve been lieard and delermined in the courts of Préi-olc,
" Justice Royale, Intc7idant, or Superior Council under the tioverii-
" ment of the Province, prier to the year 1759, touching rights, remc-
" dies and actions of a civil nature, and which are not specially provided
" for by the laws and ordinances of this province since the year 1759."
We hâve tlierefore only to bc satisfied that the court erocted by the
King of France in this Province under the Déclaration of I2lh July
1743, could be considered as forniing a part of the " Justice Royale,^''
to be convinced that the Courts of King's Eench under this Statutc
can hold and exercisie the Jurisdiction attributed to the Spécial Court.
AU justice émanâtes from the Sovereign and it is his right and liis
duty lo administer it to his subjects, but as he cannot do this in person
he bas delegated his authority in this respect to certain pcrsoiis and di-
vided it among them in such manner as to answcr this purposû. (1)
This division ofjudicial authority was made into three branches ;
Ist the Ecclesiastical ; 2d the Seigneurial, and 3rd the Royale.
(1) Pigeau, 85.
Fer. Die. vo. Justice and Jurisiliclion.
Actes de notoriété p. '-228, note.
139 n
121 h ofthc
liiul a sirnilar
•al et rintcii-
taiii forms, to
ion, and irom
cil,
)ii rxtraordi-
ed iVoin tliat
•liirisdiction
by cfliciers
part of the
:li tliis Court
Jicature Act
l tho Courts
lis albrcsaid
ir and deter-
ocver Aviiicli
of Prévôté,
the Govern-
igiits, renic-
Ily provided
car 17r)9."
cfeil by the
12th July
e Royale^''
lis Statute
cial Court.
:,ht and his
Is in person
)ns and di-
ù. (1)
[branches ;
viole.
Maïuo inouth, lie liles, io. a dcniuiTcr {dàj'cnse en druil,) ïii).
1 . " Ecclûsiastiquc, consiste dans le pouvoir de viiidor par la voie
" judiciaire, les différends (purs personnels) entre Ecclésiasticpie*. (I)
2. " La Seigneuriale : la justice exercée par les seigneurs émane
" aussi du lloi, qui la leur a concédée, ou tacitement en gardant le
" silence sur l'arrogation qu'ils s'en sont faite, ou expressément par
" une concession. (2) Tliis is subdivided into Haute et Moyc7inc et
" Basac.
3. " Eoyale, outre que la justice royale est supérieure aux deux
" autres que Ton vient de voir, elle est infiniment plus étendue, en ce
" que les llois ont réservé à leurs oflîciers la connaissance de nombre
« d'aiïaires. (3)
" Les juges royaux sont des oflîciers en titre pourvus par le Roi pour
" rendre la justice à ses sujets dans l'étendue de leur ressort (t). . . .
" En un mot, tous les tribunaux établis par le Roi sont composés de
*' juges royaux.
This jurisdiction royale is dividedinto m-dinaire and extraordhiairc
(5).
The j •irisdiction rmjale ordinai'*-e took cognisance of ail kiiuls
of inatters, excepting such as a particular jurisdiction established, sucli
as " les ju^es des seigneurs, les Prévôts et Châtelains, les baillifs et
" yénécbaux, les Présidiaiix &,c. (0)
The Jurisdictinn Royale extraordinaire vvas of a more spécial and
limited nature ; the Judges thereof " ne peuvent juger que certaines
" matières et connaitre de certains crimes, pour lesquels ils ont une at-
" tribution spéciale. Tels sont les prévôts des maréchaux, les lieute-
" nants criminels de robe courte, les juges des élections, des greniers à
(1) Couchot, Praticien Univ : 1 vol. p. 8 and seq.
(2) Pigeau, 84..
(3) Pigeau 86.
(4) Pv-ép. vo. Jugi.'s, p. 588.
(5) Denisart ; vo. Juges, nos. 7 et S. Rép. vo. Juges, p. T"»^!*,
(_o) Dcnizard \o. .'ugos ir et 10,
?!■
440 a
a gênerai dénégation [défense en fait) 3o. an exception, al-
leging tliat at the lime of tlie action, and for thirly years
previously, the lot of'land in (jnestion was not the j:»roperty
of the défendant, biii ihat of divers censitaires of tlic Marony
of Longueuil to whoi i it had been heretofore legally conee-
ded bythe seignior; lo. another exception, alleging ihat at
the time of the action, and for more than four years pre-
viously, the said lot of land was not the property of the de-
fondant, but ihat of di\er>^ censitaires of the Marony, to
whom it had been then promised in conces^sion, and to
whom it had since been, to wit on tlie 24lh July 1817, le-
gally conceded ; 5o. fuially a ihird exception, alleging that
at the time of the diflereiit pretended flamands niade by the
plaintiif to the défendant t) concède to hini the said lot of
land, and even for a long time bcfore, there were no more
unconceded lands left in the Tîarony, than were reciuircd for
lier privale domain and for lier own propcr use, and that
she could not be compelled to foncede to him any part
thereof.
To one of thèse exceptions, the plaintilTreplied that the
said lot of land was in a wild state, and formed part of the
unconceded lands, on the 5th August 1815, the day upon
'* sel, des monnoies, les intendants des provinces, les bureaux de finan-
" ces, les eaux et forêts, les amirautés, les tables de inarbre, les con-
*' seils, les chambres des comptes, la cour des aides et des monnoies.
From the above authorities it is évident that the Jurisdiction attribu-
ted to the " Gouverneu" et Lieutenant-Général et l'Intendant" was of
E.oyal appointment and of tirât description called Justice Royale ex-
traordinaire from the Jimited and spécial authority granted to them,
and that ihis Jurisdiction being a part of the Justice Royale refe.-red lo
by the above Stalute, the judges of the Courts of King-'s Bench hâve
noVï' the right to exercise ihe same.
The Plea to the Jurisdiction in this case must therefore be dismissed
with costs.
ception, al-
'hirty years
hc ])ropt'rty
the lîarony
i;ally conce-
fini^ iliat at
yeuis pre-
ot' tlic de-
liarony, to
ion, and to
ily 1817, lo-
lleging thaï
iiade by the
; said lot of
^re no more
reqnircd for
^e, and that
n any part
ied that the
part ol" the
• day upon
uix de finan-
[bre, les cou-
iioniioies.
ttion attribu-
laiit" was of
I liai/ aie ex-
(ted to tliein,
referred to
iBench hâve
te dismisse d
141 a
tvhich tho demand to concède it !>) liinri vrafj; made îo the ûù
fendant, also on the 19!h A])ril ISIT, ihc; date of the judg-
nient rendercd against him ii|)on l'.ie (jeriiand of ;he scig-
nioress to rccover Iho possession of tlic ])roperly, nnd on the
14th Jnne 1817, lln' day upon v/hich ne hadagain tli>manded
the concession of ihe sai(] lot iVoin lh(^ clef::idant, denying
that it had been conoeded l)efove the foaiUn^nth day of Jiine
1817, and that the défendant could no! ]io\v be perinilled Io
allège, in contradiction Io the iudgment of ihe lOiii Aoril
1817, that tiie said lot of land was ooin'.'ded beion: ihat
day.
The answer Io the second exception is, in substance;.
that any concession of ihe said lot of îaud made by the dé-
fendant slnce th(î Mth .Tune 1817, vras nul!, tluit his acliou
was not the less well foundc.'d, liaving t)y his sumnioiis of
the 5di August 1815 and lltli .Jiuie 1817 acquired a riglit h»
th(! concession of the said loi ; that ihe pretended deeds of
concession of the 24th July 1817 weve null and should be
so declared by the Court, becausc thcy liad been passed by
collusion, and witli the sole view îo defraud the })laintiJi'
and the inhabitants who had denianded deeds of concession
ofthe lands described in thèse prctended deeds, of theJr
just righls.
In conclusion the plaintidsaid that the défendant was
debarred from pleading his last exceplion, Io. bceause the
défendant prétend ing, Iw lier first exceptions, that she had
conceded the said lot of lan;!, could not be allowed to plead
that she had the right to retain the sanie as ))art oï lier do-
rnain, Co. becausc she could not undcr the j^rclext of rc-
taining the said lot ofland as being part of lier domain, re-
fuse to concède to ihe idaintiil u})on the demand made to
lier, 3o. becausc finally she had, independently of the said
lot of land, considérable domains and of a much larger e.x-
lent than she had a right, by hiw, to reserve for herself, and
56
442 a
that moreover the said lot of land had been set out for con-
ceding.
Upon j)laintifF's motion of the 19th February 1821, the
cause is fixed for enquête, for tho 5th Mardi following.
VVe fincl, in the regislers of the Conrt, an intcvlocutory
dated the next day, namoly ihe 2()th F<>bruary 1821, rendered
by consent qf parties, wliirh ordcrs lha1, ]>y Uvo surveyors
who arc narried, "itshiill be proceedcd t.o view, visit and
" raeasure on ail sides thi- cxlcnl of ihc loi of land dcniand-
" ed in concession by ihe plainlijl' i'roni the défendant and
" described in liic said déclarai ion. . . . fo asccriain al wiiat
" distance from tlic Kiver i\,i(dieli(,>n is ihe line which bounds
" the said quanlily of laïul denianded in concession on the
sonth ^ves1, by mcasiiririi^- tliis di>tan(;c, as well upon ihe
seignioriul linc as npon ;v paralicl lini; and drawn at
twenty eighl arpcnl> to llic norliicasl of llie sarne, and by
" making the relevé of ihe sinnosities of ihe said river be-
" tween thèse Iwo parajlels. . . . lo look for and eslablish
where is situat(!d ihe said plac.'c called le petit détroit de
St. Jean and what ifs siiuatioa is reJatively to the
point calJed pointe à la Midc, moreover to establish if
any part of the said extent of land denianded in concession
was conccded before the Uh of August 1815, what part
" was thus coneeded, if any hâve been conceded, and to
" whorn, and mentioning the deeds of concession, jwocès
•' verbaux of bornage, and other tilles which may be brought
" before tliem, the situation of the old concessions, the
" rhonib lines which tliey niust take and the namesofthe
" old grantees and their assigns up to tiiis day. ..."
The sickness of one of the surveyors at first delayed
the exécution of this interlocutory judgment, and afterwards
occasioned the appointment of anolher. Finally, on the 6tli
February 1822, by consent of parties, the action is discon-
tinued without costs.
)ut for con-
yr 1821, the
>\ving.
itcrlocntoiy
1, icndered
surveyors
, visit and
1(1 dcinaiid-
endant and
xin al what
licli bounds
ision on the
;11 n})()n tho
1 drawn at
me, and by
id river be-
' eslablish
7 dctroil de
ely \o the
stabli.sh if
concession
what part
ed, and to
m, procès
|be brought
vions, ihe
lues oi' tlie
U delayed
dterwards
^n the Gth
lis discon-
443 a
XVlll, This is the second action inentionod in the
note under nunibcr 341.
It was an action bronght by Jérôme Trenibhiy, one of
the twenty one inhabitanls (.{' whom mention is made in
llie preeeding cause, againsl ihe JJaroness ol' Lcngueiiil and
JSIr. lienjamin Flohnes, belbre ihe Court of King'^ lieneh, at
Montréal, at the superior term lield in the nionth of June
1S24.
The grounds, nrged by the plaintifi' in his déclara-
tion, were, in substance, the same as those invoked by La-
voie ; and lurllier, tliat tlie défendant Holmes, he alleged,
notwithstanding his laiowledge of ail the facts and cspccial-
ly of the demande inade by tlie plaintif!' from the défendant,
of his right aeciuired in consecu'.enee of the refusai of the
défendant to conccHle, and of iheforfeiture which this refusai
caused lier " had asked the said lot of land and about two
" hundred and twenty four arpent"-' more land, in superiieies
" joining therelo from the défendant, in concession, promising
" and ob.iging himself to pay, or giving to understand that
" he would pay to llie défendant, or to other persons tbr the
" défendant, a sum of about Iwo hundred pounds currcmcy,
" for, and in considération of, or iipon the occasion of the
" said land above described and of the 221 arj)ents of land
" in superficies."" 'l'Iiat to the préjudice of plaintifï's riglits,
the défendant had, by the interposition of Ûui lionorable
Charles William Grant, lier son and ag(.'nt, made tlie afore-
said concession to the said Benjamin Holmes, at a seigniorial
rent charge, by deed passed befon; Doucet and colleague,
notariés, on the 31th ,lidy 1817 ; and altlio' it ap))earcd, by
that deed, that the concession 1o Holmes was made at a
seigniorial rent simply, he the plaint iff was ready to prove
" that the said deed of the 24th July 1817 had been passed
" and signed by the said Charles William Grant, agent of
" the said défendant, only under the verbal or written pro-
4U a
" mise of tlie said Benjamin lioime.'*, tlie défendant, or of
" some olhcr person cm U-lialt' of the said défendant, to
" ]);iy to tlie jsaid défendant or other persoiis on behalf of tlie
•' said défendant, a i^ma exeeedin.L,' X150, enrrency, tliat
" tlie said Jîenjaiiiin lloliiu.'.s had promised and obliged
" liim.self to ])ay lor^ and in considération, or upon tlie oc-
*' casion. ..."
In conelusion Trembl.iy prayed tliat tlie deed of tlie
2 4th Jnly 1817 be declared niiU, and tliat llie défendant be
condriuned lo make liini tlie concetf.sion demandée].
Mrs. de Longueuil had filed a démarrer and a gênerai
The défendant Holmes Ii:id done the same
dénégation,
thing.
Aiter the hearing of the parties upon law, whieh took
})lace on the 9tli February'1825, the Court, composed of Chief
justice Reid and justices Foucher and Pyke, rendercd judg-
mcnt on the lOtli April 1825, dismissing the demurrer.
The plainlifl'iinmediately inscribed upon the rolc (Tcn-
quùle ; lie afterwards obtained ^Jcrmission to examine the dé-
fendants xi\)onfc'Jls et articles.
On the IGth May 1825, Holmes appcars in person, and
objeets " to the pertineney of the interrogatorics upon /«/7s et
or/ic/es proposcd to hini by tl'.o plaintifl'" ; and on the 18tli
he flics his objections in writing. He says, among other
things, that scvcral of the inlerrogatories tend to compromise
his eharacter, to tuuch hi.s réputation, and to hâve liim look-
cd Tipon as guilly of the fraudaient acts set fortli inplaintifPs
déclaration.
On the 20th Jane 1825, adjudging upon a motion made
to that cfl'ect, by the plain*ili", the Court, composed of the
same judges, déclares the interr». calories upon faits et arti-
idant, or of
fendant, lu
lîhaU'of llie
•rency, that
:id obliged
oon tlio oc-
ccd of tlie
îfendant be
cd.
d a gênerai
1 Ihe sarao
which took
sed of Chief
dered jiidg-
airrcr.
e rolc (Tcn-
line tlie dc-
erson, and
confit il s et
\n llie IStli
liong otlier
pm])romise
liini look-
2:)lainlifl''s
Ition made
[sed of tho
lits et arti-
415 a
des to he porllnont and admissible, and orders lliat llitî said
licnjainin îlolmes answer tliereto in llie manncr lu; is re-
quired to do, on t!ie Htli Au'nist folIoNvin-j:,
Holmiîs inslitutos an ajjpoal iVom tliis judgnient \vliicli
on ihe 20tli Jaauaiy 182G is rever.vcd, and lin; Court dc-
ckn-cs llio Util lolli lith 15tli IGlii and Ibili inleiTogatorics
to be inadniis><ibl(', and sends back tlie cansc; to tlie Court
of original jtn-is(liflio!i, ihal fiirllicr proreeding may be lliere-
in liad aceordinc; to law and justice.
After a commencement of ]n-onf, tlie Court, npon iIkî
motion of INfr. Bedard, attorney of tliiî ]jlaintiir, on tlie l;3lli
October IHlii p(;rmits hiin to di.sconUnue thc action, Ihc par-
tic-i dcclaring Huit thcyhavc scitleil.
ADDENDA.
■\otes, p. 15 nnd IG.
Louis nel)ert " liead of llic first faniily uliicli luis inliabited since
the ycur 1600 iip to tliis tirne." Tliere is an erroi- of date ; but tliis
error esists iii the priiitod litle of tlie conce^hion. It lias siiice been
veiified, by an enamination of tlio register, tliat tlie said ilébert says,
in bis pétition" that he is liead of tlio first family " wliicli bas inbabiled
" since ibe year 160(5" and not 1600. Hébert could iiot be in i.^uK-
boc, before Chaiiiplain laid tlie Ibiindation of the town in IGOS. In
liis pétition he undoubtcdly s|)oaks without distinction of L'Acadie as
of Canada. It appears that lie proceeded to L'Acadie in KiOii and
did not coine to Québec until 1617 or 1C18. A\'e read the following
with respect to bim in the " Notes npon tli2 registers of Notre Dame
of Québec by .T. lî. A. Ferhuid, ptre." Québec lS5f, p. G.
" Ile (Cbamplain) retunied to France, thc year following (160!))
" to procure succours whicL he broughtwith hiin in 1610; and in 1612,
" he was nained the Kin/s Lieutenant (leneral and commandant for
" the new colony. 'J'iic settlement of Québec was tben composed of
<• but a fcw houscs ; und the fcw inhabitant? tu be found rcmained
?'-
446 a
" deprived of religious assistance. It was only in 1615 that four of
" the Recollet fathers arrived, charged to attend to the spiritual wants
" ot* the small colony, and to commence the iaborious task of" the mis-
" sions to the Indians. Two years later, Louis IR-bert brought his
" familj. In a pétition, addressed to the Duke of Ventadour, Hébert
" sets forth that he is the head of the first French family which lias set-
" tled in this country, since the commencement of tho ccntury, which
" he has brought with ail his means and property which he had in
" Paris, having left his relations and fricnds to give a beginning to a
" Christian colony and settlemcnt."
" Several Canadian families can justly daim this enterprising
" man amonj;; their anccstors ; berause the numerous poitority of his son
" Guillaume Hébert, and of his daughter (luillemette, wife of Guillau-
" mn Couillard allied itscif with a good numbor of families who
" came, at a later date, to settle iu Ihc country. Loris Hébert ap-
" pears to hâve been boni in Pari:) whci : he had married Marie
" llollet. In 1600, he passed to L'Acadie ; and Lescarbot speaks of
" him in the following ternis, liv. IV : (1^ " Poutrincourt caused a
" pièce of land to be cultivated to sow wheat with the help of our apo-
" thecary, Louis Hébert, a man Avho, besides the expérience he has in
" his profession, takes great pleasure in the cultivation of the ground."
" Having arrived in Québec in 16J7, he at once begun to cause the
" land to be cleared upon which are the Cathedral, the Seminary and
'' that part of the Upper-Town, which extends from Sainte Famille as
" far as the Hotel-Dieu ; he built a house and a mill, near that part of
" St. Joseph Street, where the St. François et St. Flavien Streets
" meet. Thèse buildings seem to hâve been the first which were
" erected upon the lot of land occupied as the Upper-Town. Louis
" Hébert died, from the elTects of a fall, sincerely regretted by ail the
" members of the growing colony, in the month of January of the year
" 1627.»
(1) Ed. of 1609, liv. 2, ch. 44-, p. 602-3.
ERRATA.
5 that four of
spiritual wants
ask ol" the mis-
ert brouglit his
tadour, Hébert
' which lias set-
century, which
icii he hud in
jeginniiig to a
is enterprising
tonty of his son
riïe of Guillau-
f familles who
is ilebert ap-
inarried Marie
arbot speaks of
ourt caused a
elp of our apo-
ence he has in
f the ground."
i to cause Ihe
Seminary and
nte Famille as
' that part of
avien Streets
which were
own. Louis
ted by ail the
■y of the year
Page 15, line 4, (ofnote,) in ju ol>e, read : ./îc/.
18, line 22, in lieu oîseem, read : deem.
26, line 17, in lieu o{ fulfill, rcud : fuljil.
29, line 10, in lieu of imposscd, read : imposed.
30, line 8, in lieu o( several, read : afeiv.
35, line 10, in lieu of tiltle, read : title.
41, line 3, in lie a oi' themsclve, read : themselves.
46, line 1, (of note,) in lieu of analyse, read : analysis.
47, line 7, in lieu of setlcd, read : scttled.
53, line 2, (of note,) in lieu of ivould hâve, read :
had.
64, line 14, in lieu oH sejourn, read : sojourn.
82, line 13, in lieu oï arràble, read : arable.
100, line 28, in lieu of or, read : on.
119, line 24, in lieu of appeared me, read : appeared
to me.
120, line 4, in lieu of luhich is, read : ivhich it is.
121, line 2, in lieu of it is 1708, read : it is in 1708.
149, line 10, in lieu of to bo, read : to be.
151, line 2, in lieu o( same, read : S07ne.
161, line 16, in lieu oi properiy, read : properly.
171, line 21, in lieu of compell, read : compcl.
183, liric 32, iii lieu of 1712, read ; 17 13.
1S8, linu 5, in lien oï duty, read : duly.
217, linn 29, in liou of of cach land of, read : of cacU
land.
221, Une 21, in lieu oï cause, rend: course.
250, Uni; 2G, in liou of thc had, read : thcjj hml.
2G9, linc! 11, i;i lien of <« seignior, rrad : Iiîs aeignloj'
uOO, lino '1, inH:îM outras, road : lias.
301, lin;' 35, in lien of nclghboi's, j)ropcrit;, read
neigh'ooi'''s property.
308, linc 32, in licii o[ im^cst, read : învests.
309, line 20, in lien o( tiie^% read : ihere.
" linc 23,, in lieu oi tenants, read : tenant.
323, linc 5, in lieu of appcalcs, read : vppcals.
333, linc 10, in lieu of reproches, read : reproachcs.
3-lG, linc 32, .1. lien oS pointing ont, read: pointing
ont.
347, line 18, in lieu oî Fuyot, read : Guyot.
351, line IG, in lieu oilands, read : hands.
395, linc 11, after thc words " no riijht acquired lo a
tliird parly " add llie following :
the King or his dclcgalcs arc frce to concède anew or
not to concède thc seigniory ihus re-unitcd to Ilis IMajesly's
domain : it is the attorney gênerai and not a private indi-
vidual, who lias the right to seck tins rc-union. In the
second case, on the contraiy, thcre is a right acquired to a
third parly ;
, read : of cacU
rsc.
cy h(i(l.
Iiis aeignior
opcrli/y read
;sts.
)ianL
ocals.
cproachcs.
ul : poinling
t.
cquired to a
do anew or
s Majosly's
)rivate indi-
on. la tlie
cquired to a
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